Flush toilet

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing a rapid temperature change of a toilet bowl when warm washing water is supplied.SOLUTION: A flush type toilet bowl may include: a toilet bowl main body having a toilet bowl; a supply unit for supplying washing water at a specific temperature to a surface of the toilet bowl; and a heating unit for heating the surface of the toilet bowl to a temperature higher than a surface temperature of the surface of the toilet bowl and lower than the specific temperature before the washing water at the specific temperature is supplied to the toilet bowl.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a technology for cleaning a toilet bowl using warm water.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for cleaning a toilet device by supplying warm washing water to the bowl portion of the toilet device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when the temperature of the toilet bowl is low due to a low ambient temperature and high - temperature washing water is supplied to the toilet bowl in a situation where the difference between the temperature of the toilet bowl and the temperature of the washing water is large, a rapid temperature change may occur in the toilet bowl. As a result, the toilet bowl may be damaged.

[0005] This specification provides a technology for suppressing a rapid temperature change of the toilet bowl when washing water is supplied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a water - washing type toilet. The water - washing type toilet may include a toilet body having a toilet bowl, a supply unit that supplies washing water at a specific temperature to the surface of the toilet bowl, and a heating unit that heats the surface of the toilet bowl to a temperature higher than the surface temperature of the toilet bowl surface and lower than the specific temperature before the washing water at the specific temperature is supplied to the toilet bowl.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Washlet Toilet) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the washlet toilet 10 includes a toilet body 18, a toilet seat device 16, an operation device 40, a control unit 50, a temperature sensor 100, a water temperature sensor 102, and a tank (not shown). The toilet body 18 is made of ceramics. The toilet body 18 includes a toilet bowl 32 for receiving the user's excrement and urine, and a rim 30 disposed along the upper edge of the toilet bowl 32. The rim 30 is formed hollow. The rim 30 has an opening that is open toward the toilet bowl 32. The tank is disposed behind the toilet body 18. The tank stores water supplied from an external water pipe. When the toilet body 18 is to be cleaned, the tank supplies water to the toilet body 18. The water supplied from the tank passes through the back surface portion of the toilet body 18 and flows into the rim 30. The water that has flowed into the rim 30 flows through a water passage provided in the hollow portion of the rim 30 and is supplied to the toilet bowl 32 from the opening of the rim 30. The accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32 passes through a pipe provided in the toilet body 18 and is discharged to the outside of the toilet body 18.

[0009] The toilet seat device 16 includes a toilet lid 12, a toilet seat 14, a functional unit 20, and a cover 29. The toilet lid 12 and the toilet seat 14 are rotatably arranged on the toilet body 18. The toilet seat 14 is arranged on the rim 30 at the upper end of the toilet body 18. The toilet lid 12 is arranged above the toilet seat 14. The toilet lid 12 covers the toilet bowl 32 from above the toilet seat 14. A functional unit 20 is arranged behind the toilet seat 14. The functional unit 20 is a device for providing a user with additional functions other than the normal flushing function of supplying water in the tank to the toilet bowl 32 without heating the water to wash feces and urine. The functional unit 20 can execute additional functions such as a heating function for heating the toilet seat 14, a shower function for washing the user's buttocks, a drying function for drying the moisture attached to the user, and a deodorizing function. The functional unit 20 may be capable of executing at least one of the additional functions. The functional unit 20 has various configurations for executing the additional functions. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the functional unit 20 includes a nozzle 22, a water storage tank 23, a heater 24, a detergent storage tank 25, a blower 26, and an actuator 28.

[0010] The nozzle 22 injects water upward toward the user. The nozzle 22 is arranged by the actuator 28 so as to be expandable and contractible in the front-rear direction. The water storage tank 23 communicates with the rim 30. The water storage tank 23 communicates with a water pipe. The water storage tank 23 (An example of the "supply unit") stores the water supplied from the water pipe. The water storage tank 23 has an on-off valve for opening and closing the opening on the rim 30 side. The blower 26 has a motor and a fan for sending air toward the toilet body 18. The blower 26 may further send air toward the human body in addition to the toilet body 18. The heater 24 (An example of the "heating unit") heats the water in the water storage tank 23, the water injected from the nozzle 22, the air blown by the blower 26, and the toilet seat 14. The detergent storage tank 25 stores the detergent supplied by the user. The functional unit 20 is covered with a resin cover 29.

[0011] The functional unit 20 is controlled by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 has a CPU and a memory. The control unit 50 controls the functional unit 20 by having the CPU execute processing according to a computer program stored in the memory in advance. The control unit 50 is arranged adjacent to the functional unit 20. The control unit 50 is covered by the cover 29. The position of the control unit 50 is not particularly limited. For example, the control unit 50 may be arranged around the tank.

[0012] The control unit 50 is further communicably connected to the temperature sensor 100 and the water temperature sensor 102. The temperature sensor 100 is arranged in the toilet space where the washlet toilet 10 is arranged. The temperature sensor 100 detects the air temperature in the toilet space. The control unit 50 acquires a signal representing the air temperature in the toilet space from the temperature sensor 100. The water temperature sensor 102 is arranged in the tank. The water temperature sensor 102 detects the temperature of the water stored in the tank. The control unit 50 acquires a signal representing the temperature of the water stored in the tank from the water temperature sensor 102.

[0013] The control unit 50 is further communicably connected to the operating device 40. The operating device 40 is attached to the wall of the toilet space. The operating device 40 includes a plurality of buttons 42 and a display unit 44 (An example of the "output unit") and. The plurality of buttons 42 includes buttons for causing the washlet toilet 10 to execute a washing function and additional functions. The user can cause the washlet toilet 10 to execute various functions by operating the operating device 40.

[0014] (High-temperature washing process) The plurality of buttons 42 includes a button corresponding to the high-temperature washing function. When the button corresponding to the high-temperature washing function is operated by the user, the control unit 50 receives a signal corresponding to the operation from the operating device 40 and executes the high-temperature washing process. As shown in FIG. 3, in the high-temperature washing process, at S12, the control unit 50 acquires the temperature of the water stored in the tank (hereinafter referred to as "water temperature TW") from the water temperature sensor 102. The water stored in the tank is supplied to the toilet bowl 32 when the washlet toilet 10 is used. The water temperature TW of the water stored in the tank(An example of the "second temperature") is likely to approximate the surface temperature of the toilet bowl 32. In S16, the control unit 50 determines the temperature of the washing water used for high-temperature cleaning (hereinafter referred to as "water temperature TH") (Examples of the "specific temperature" and the "first temperature") . Specifically, the control unit 50 reads out the water temperature TH stored in the memory of the control unit 50 in advance by the manufacturer of the water flushing toilet 10 or the like.

[0015] In S18, the control unit 50 determines whether the water temperature TW is equal to or higher than a predetermined water temperature T1. The water temperature T1 is stored in the memory of the control unit 50 in advance by the manufacturer of the water flushing toilet 10 or the like. The same applies to the water temperatures T2 and T3. When it is determined that the water temperature TW is lower than the predetermined water temperature T1 (NO in S18), in S20, the control unit 50 causes the heater 24 to heat the water stored in the water storage tank 23 to the water temperature T1. In S22, the control unit 50 causes the water storage tank 23 to supply the water heated to the water temperature T1 to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 over a predetermined period. Specifically, the control unit 50 opens the on-off valve of the water storage tank 23. As a result, the water stored in the water storage tank 23 passes through the water passage of the rim 30 and is supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32.

[0016] The surface of the toilet bowl 32 is heated by the water at the water temperature T1 and its temperature rises. The water stored in the water storage tank 23 and supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 can be called a heat medium for heating the surface of the toilet bowl 32. In the following description and drawings, in order to distinguish from the washing water supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 for cleaning the inside of the toilet bowl 32, the water stored in the water storage tank 23 and supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 is referred to as a "heat medium". The predetermined period may be a period during which the surface temperature of the toilet bowl 32 approximates the temperature T1 by supplying the heat medium at the temperature T1, and may be, for example, 1 minute. When the process of S22 ends, the process proceeds to S26.

[0017] In S18, when it is determined that the water temperature TW is equal to or higher than a predetermined water temperature T1 (YES in S18), in S24, the control unit 50 determines whether the water temperature TW is equal to or higher than a predetermined water temperature T2. The water temperature T2 is higher than the water temperature T1. When it is determined that the water temperature TW is lower than the predetermined water temperature T2 (NO in S24), the process proceeds to S26. When it is determined that the water temperature TW is equal to or higher than the predetermined water temperature T2 (YES in S24), the process proceeds to S30.

[0018] In S26, the control unit 50 causes the heater 24 to heat the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 to the water temperature T2. In S28, the control unit 50 supplies the heat medium at the water temperature T2 to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 in the same manner as in S22. The surface of the toilet bowl 32 is further heated by the heat medium at the water temperature T2 and the temperature rises. When the process of S28 ends, the process proceeds to S32.

[0019] In S30, the control unit 50 determines whether the water temperature TW is equal to or higher than a predetermined water temperature T3. The water temperature T3 is higher than the water temperature T2. When it is determined that the water temperature TW is lower than the predetermined water temperature T3 (NO in S30), the process proceeds to S32. When it is determined that the water temperature TW is equal to or higher than the predetermined water temperature T3 (YES in S30), the process proceeds to S36.

[0020] In S32, the control unit 50 causes the heater 24 to heat the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 to the water temperature T3. In S34, the control unit 50 supplies the heat medium at the water temperature T3 to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 in the same manner as in S22. The surface of the toilet bowl 32 is further heated by the heat medium at the water temperature T3 and the temperature rises. When the process of S34 ends, the process proceeds to S36.

[0021] In S36, the control unit 50 causes the heater 24 to heat the water stored in the water storage tank 23 to the water temperature TH. In S38, the control unit 50 causes the water at the water temperature TH stored in the water storage tank 23 to be supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32, in the same manner as in S22. In S39, while the supply of the water at the water temperature TH continues, the control unit 50 causes the detergent stored in the detergent storage tank 25 to be supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32. Specifically, the control unit 50 opens the discharge valve arranged at the discharge port of the detergent storage tank 25. Thereby, the water stored in the detergent storage tank 25 passes through the inside of the rim 30 from the discharge port of the detergent storage tank 25 and is supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32. The control unit 50 continues the processes of S38 and S39 for a predetermined period of 3 minutes or more and proceeds to S40.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, in S40, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 44 to display prohibition information indicating that the use of the flush toilet 10 is prohibited. Thereby, the user can be prevented from using the flush toilet 10. Immediately after the supply of the high-temperature washing water at the water temperature TH, it is possible to prevent the supply of relatively low-temperature washing water to the surface of the toilet bowl 32.

[0023] In S42, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the water temperature TW acquired in S12 is less than the water temperature T3. If the water temperature TW is less than the water temperature T3 (YES in S42), in S44, the control unit 50 adjusts the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 to the water temperature T3. Specifically, when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the water temperature T3, the control unit 50 heats it with a heater. When the temperature of the heat medium is higher than the water temperature T3, the control unit 50 supplies water from the water supply pipe to the water storage tank 23 to cool the heat medium. In S46, the control unit 50 causes the heat medium at the water temperature T3 to be supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32, in the same manner as in S22, and proceeds to S48. If the water temperature TW is greater than or equal to the water temperature T3 (NO in S42), the process proceeds to S60. In S48, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the water temperature TW acquired in S12 is less than the water temperature T2. If it is determined that the water temperature TW is less than the water temperature T2 (YES in S48), the process proceeds to S50. If it is determined that the water temperature TW is greater than or equal to the water temperature T2 (NO in S48), the process proceeds to S60.

[0024] In S50, the control unit 50 adjusts the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 to the water temperature T2 in the same manner as in S44. In S52, the control unit 50 causes the heat medium at the water temperature T2 to be supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 in the same manner as in S22, and proceeds to S55. In S54, the control unit 50 determines whether the water temperature TW acquired in S12 is less than the water temperature T1. If it is determined that the water temperature TW is less than the water temperature T1 (YES in S54), the process proceeds to S56. If it is determined that the water temperature TW is equal to or higher than the water temperature T1 (NO in S54), the process proceeds to S60.

[0025] In S56, the control unit 50 adjusts the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 to the water temperature T1 in the same manner as in S44. In S58, the control unit 50 causes the heat medium at the water temperature T1 to be supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 in the same manner as in S22, and proceeds to S60. In S60, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 44 to display available information indicating that the use of the washlet toilet 10 is possible. Thereby, the surface temperature of the toilet bowl 32 can be approximated to the washing water in the tank. A rapid temperature change of the toilet bowl 32 can be suppressed.

[0026] In the high-temperature washing process, washing water at a high water temperature TH is supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32. The water temperature TH is, for example, 80°C. The surface tension of water decreases as the temperature increases. Accordingly, when the high-temperature washing water and the detergent are supplied together, the wettability of the detergent is improved, and an improvement in washing performance can be expected.

[0027] By supplying the high-temperature washing water, the toilet bowl 32 can be sterilized. By continuing the supply of the high-temperature washing water for 3 minutes or more, high sterilization performance can be expected.

[0028] In the high-temperature cleaning process, before supplying high-temperature cleaning water, a heat medium at at least one temperature T1 to T3 between the water temperature TW in the tank and the water temperature TH of the high-temperature cleaning water is supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32. It is possible to avoid a situation where high-temperature cleaning water is supplied to the surface of the relatively low-temperature toilet bowl 32. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of cracks in the toilet body 18 due to a rapid temperature change of the toilet bowl 32. Fig. 5 shows the time change of the surface temperature TS of the toilet bowl 32 together with the temperature TM of the heat medium and the cleaning water. The surface temperature TS rises following the temperature TM of the heat medium. By gradually increasing the temperature TM of the heat medium like the temperatures T1 to T3, the temperature gradient of the surface temperature TS of the toilet bowl 32 with respect to time can be made gentler than the temperature gradient of the surface temperature TE of the toilet bowl 32 with respect to time when supplying high-temperature cleaning water without supplying the heat medium. In Fig. 5, for ease of understanding, the surface temperature TS is shown as rising linearly and matching the temperature of the heat medium TM. The actual change in the surface temperature TS fluctuates depending on the ambient temperature etc. and may not match the temperature TM of the heat medium. However, the time change of the surface temperature TS is gentler than the time change of the surface temperature TE in the comparative example. Similarly, after supplying the high-temperature cleaning water, by gradually decreasing the temperature TM of the heat medium like the temperatures T3 to T1, the temperature gradient with respect to time of the surface temperature TS of the toilet bowl 32 can be made gentler.

[0029] In the high-temperature cleaning process, when the water temperature TW is higher than any of the water temperatures T1, T2, and T3, a heat medium with a water temperature lower than the water temperature TW is not supplied. It is possible to avoid a situation where the temperature of the toilet bowl 32 decreases due to the heat medium. By suppressing the number of times the heat medium is supplied, the high-temperature cleaning process can be shortened. In a modified example, the control unit 50 may supply the heat medium at the water temperatures T1, T2, and T3 in order. In this case, it is not necessary to acquire the water temperature TW. The same applies after supplying the cleaning water at the water temperature TH. In a modified example, after supplying the cleaning water at the water temperature TH, a heat medium at a water temperature other than T1, T2, and T3 may be supplied. The number of times the heat medium is supplied after supplying the cleaning water at the water temperature TH may be less than the number of times the heat medium is supplied before supplying the cleaning water at the water temperature TH.

[0030] (Second Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in the second embodiment, the flushing toilet 10 includes, in addition to each component of the flushing toilet 10, a temperature sensor 258 and a drainage mechanism 240. The temperature sensor 258 detects the temperature of the back surface of the toilet bowl 32 and supplies it to the control unit 50. The drainage mechanism 240 includes a drainage pump 242 (An example of the "water level adjustment unit") and a drain pipe 244. The drain pipe 244 communicates the bottom of the toilet bowl 32 with the drain pipe outside the toilet main body 18. The control unit 50 can drive the drainage pump 242 to discharge the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32. In the second embodiment, the flushing toilet 10 may not include the water jetting unit 250 shown in FIG. 6.

[0031] In the second embodiment, the content of the high-temperature cleaning process is different from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, after the process of S12, in S214, the control unit 50 drives the drainage pump 242 to discharge the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32. The control unit 50 lowers the water level of the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32. The control unit 50 executes the processes of S16 and S18. If NO in S18, S20 and S22 shown in FIG. 3 are executed, and if YES in S18, S24 is executed. After the process of S22, in S222, the control unit 50 acquires the temperature TB of the toilet bowl 32 from the temperature sensor 258. In S223, the control unit 50 determines whether the temperature TB acquired in S222 has reached the temperature T1. The state where the temperature TB has reached the temperature T1 may be a state where the temperature TB is equal to the temperature T1. The state where the temperature TB has reached the temperature T1 may be a state within a predetermined range from the temperature T1, for example, the temperature TB is (T1 - 5)°C or higher and (T1 + 5)°C or higher. The same applies to the state where the temperature TB has reached the temperature T2 and the temperature T3.

[0032] The control unit 50 continues to supply the heat medium until the temperature TB reaches the temperature T1. When the temperature TB reaches the temperature T1 (YES in S223), the control unit 50 proceeds to S26. Even if the answer in S24 is NO, it also proceeds to S26. If the answer in S24 is YES, it proceeds to S30. When the processes of S26 and S28 shown in FIG. 3 are executed, the heat medium at the temperature T2 is supplied to the toilet bowl 32 in S28. In S228, the control unit 50 acquires the temperature TB in the same manner as in S222. In S229, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the temperature TB acquired in S228 has reached the temperature T2, in the same manner as in S223. The control unit 50 continues to supply the heat medium until the temperature TB reaches the temperature T2.

[0033] When the temperature TB reaches the temperature T2 (YES in S229), the control unit 50 proceeds to S32. If the answer in S30 is NO, it proceeds to S32. If the answer in S30 is YES, it proceeds to S36. When the processes of S32 and S34 shown in FIG. 3 are executed, the heat medium at the temperature T3 is supplied to the toilet bowl 32 in S34. In S234, the control unit 50 acquires the temperature TB in the same manner as in S222. In S235, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the temperature TB acquired in S234 has reached the temperature T3, in the same manner as in S223. The control unit 50 continues to supply the heat medium until the temperature TB reaches the temperature T3.

[0034] When the temperature TB reaches the temperature T3 (YES in S234), the control unit 50 stops the supply of the heat medium and proceeds to S36. The control unit 50 executes the processes of S36 to S60 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to end the high-temperature cleaning process. In a modified example, the control unit 50 may raise the water level of the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32 by supplying the water in the tank to the toilet bowl 32.

[0035] In the high-temperature cleaning process of the present embodiment, in S214, before the supply of the heat medium, the water accumulated in the toilet bowl 32 is discharged. It is possible to avoid the heat energy of the heat medium being taken away by the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32. Thereby, the toilet bowl 32 can be efficiently heated.

[0036] In the high-temperature cleaning process of this embodiment, the temperature sensor 258 detects the temperature of the toilet bowl 32, and changes the temperature of the heat medium according to the temperature of the toilet bowl 32. Thereby, the temperature of the toilet bowl 32 can be appropriately increased. In a modified example, in the processes of S42 to S58, that is, in the process of decreasing the temperature of the toilet bowl 32, while the heat medium is being supplied in S46, S52, and S58, the temperature TB of the toilet bowl 32 is obtained from the temperature sensor 258. When it is determined that the temperature TB has reached the temperature of the heat medium, the process may proceed.

[0037] (Third Embodiment) Differences from the first embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the content of the high-temperature cleaning process is different. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, after the process of S12, in S314, the control unit 50 obtains the air temperature TT in the toilet space detected by the temperature sensor 100. In S315, the control unit 50 identifies the lower temperature TL of the water temperature TW obtained in S12 and the air temperature TT obtained in S314. After the process of S16, in S316, the control unit 50 calculates the temperature difference DT by subtracting the lower temperature TL of the water temperature TW and the air temperature TT identified in S315 from the water temperature TH.

[0038] In S318, the control unit 50 determines the number of times NS of supplying the heat medium. The number of times NS varies depending on the temperature difference DT. The larger the temperature difference DT, the more times NS is determined to be. Specifically, when the temperature difference DT calculated in S316 is less than or equal to the temperature difference DT1, the control unit 50 determines that the number of times NS = 1. When the temperature difference DT calculated in S316 is such that DT1 < DT ≤ DT2, the control unit 50 determines that the number of times NS = 2. The control unit 50 determines that the number of times NS = 3 when DT2 < DT ≤ DT3, the number of times NS = 4 when DT3 < DT ≤ DT4, and the number of times NS = 5 when DT4 < DT ≤ DT5. For example, DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4, and DT5 may be 20°C, 40°C, 60°C, and 80°C, respectively.

[0039] In S320, the control unit 50 determines the rising temperature TX of the heat medium in one supply of the heat medium. Specifically, the control unit 50 calculates the temperature TX = temperature difference DT / number of times NS. In S322, similar to S20, the control unit 50 heats the heat medium stored in the water storage tank 23 to raise the temperature by TX. In S324, similar to S22, the control unit 50 supplies the heat medium to the surface of the toilet bowl 32. When the supply of the heat medium is completed, in S326, the control unit 50 determines whether the processes of S322 and S324 have been executed over the number of times NS determined in S318. If the processes of S322 and S324 have not been executed over the number of times (NO in S326), it returns to S322. The process from S316 to S326 is an example of a configuration in which "when the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the heating unit supplies the heat medium to the surface of the toilet bowl while increasing the temperature of the heat medium over m times (m is an integer of 2 or more), and when the temperature difference is less than the predetermined value, the heating unit supplies the heat medium to the surface of the toilet bowl over n times (n is an integer of 1 or more and less than m)".

[0040] If the processes of S322 and S324 have been executed over the number of times NS (YES in S326), the processes of S36, S38, S39, and S40 shown in FIG. 3 are executed. In S340, the control unit 50 adjusts the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 to the temperature (TH - TX) by the same process as S44. In S342, similar to S22, the control unit 50 supplies the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 to the surface of the toilet bowl 32. In S344, the control unit 50 determines whether the processes of S340 and S342 have been executed over the number of times determined in S316. If the processes of S340 and S342 have not been executed over the number of times (NO in S344), it returns to S340. In S340, the control unit 50 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to the temperature obtained by subtracting TX from the temperature of the previous heat medium. For example, in the second execution of the process of S340, the heat medium is adjusted to the temperature (TH - 2TX).

[0041] If the processes of S340 and S342 have been executed over the number of times NS (YES in S344), the control unit 50 executes the process of S60 to end the high-temperature cleaning process.

[0042] (Fourth Embodiment) Differences from the third embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 258 is provided. In the high-temperature cleaning process, when the heat medium is supplied to the surface of the toilet bowl 32 at S324, the control unit 50 acquires the temperature TB in the same manner as in S223, and determines whether the acquired temperature TB has reached the temperature of the heat medium for which the supply was started at S324. The control unit 50 continues to supply the heat medium until the temperature TB reaches the temperature of the heat medium. When the temperature TB reaches the temperature of the heat medium, the process proceeds to S326.

[0043] (Fifth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, the nozzle 22 injects the heat medium downward. The high-temperature cleaning process of the fifth embodiment is the same as any of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0044] (Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, the blower 26 blows warm air heated by the heater 24 toward the surface of the toilet bowl 32. (An example of the "air blowing unit") The high-temperature cleaning process of the sixth embodiment is the same as any of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0045] (Seventh Embodiment) In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the functional unit 20 includes a water jetting unit 250. The water jetting unit 250 includes a pipe 254 communicating with the water storage tank 23 and a pump 252. The control unit 50 pumps the heat medium in the water storage tank 23 through the pipe 254 by driving the pump 252. The heat medium is ejected from the water jet port 256 toward the surface of the toilet bowl 32. The high-temperature cleaning process of the seventh embodiment is the same as any of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0046] Specific embodiments have been described in detail. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples exemplified above. Modification examples of the above-described embodiments are listed below.

[0047] (1) The flushing toilet 10 may be provided with at least one of a speaker and a wireless communication device. In the high-temperature cleaning process, the control unit 50 may cause the speaker to output a voice representing at least one of prohibited information and usable information. In the high-temperature cleaning process, the control unit 50 may transmit at least one of prohibited information and usable information to a portable terminal, a PC, etc. that is communicably connected to the flushing toilet 10 via the wireless communication device. The portable terminal or the like that has received the information may display the received information on the display unit of the portable terminal or the like, or may output a voice representing the received information from the speaker of the portable terminal or the like. In this case, the flushing toilet 10 may not be provided with the display unit 44.

[0048] (2) The flushing toilet 10 may be provided with a toilet bowl heater that directly heats the toilet bowl 32. The toilet bowl heater may be disposed on the back surface of the toilet bowl 32. In the high-temperature cleaning process, the control unit 50 may supply a heat medium and cause the toilet bowl heater to heat the toilet bowl 32. Instead of supplying a heat medium, the control unit 50 may cause the toilet bowl heater to heat the toilet bowl 32.

[0049] (3) Warm water may be supplied to the flushing toilet 10 from outside the flushing toilet 10. The flushing toilet 10 may adjust the temperature of the heat medium by using at least one of the heater 24 and the low-temperature water supplied from outside the flushing toilet 10. When warm water having a water temperature higher than the water temperature TH is supplied from the outside, the flushing toilet 10 may not be provided with a heater for heating the heat medium.

[0050] (4) The water temperature TH of the washing water may not be stored in advance. The control unit 50 may determine the water temperature TH of the washing water by using any one of the water temperature TW in the tank, the surface temperature of the toilet bowl 32, and the air temperature TT in the toilet space. For example, the control unit 50 may calculate the water temperature TH by adding a predetermined temperature, for example, 40°C, to the water temperature TW. In the flushing toilet 10, the user may be able to set the water temperature TH.

[0051] (6) In the high-temperature cleaning process, it may be possible to switch between a plurality of cleaning modes. The operation device 40 may be provided with buttons for allowing the user to select one cleaning mode to be executed from among the plurality of cleaning modes. In the high-temperature cleaning process, the control unit 50 may change the water temperature TH, the supply time of the cleaning water, the temperature of the heat medium, etc. according to the cleaning mode to be executed. For example, if the cleaning mode to be executed is a mode that prioritizes disinfection, the water temperature TH may be adjusted to 60°C or higher, and if it is a mode that prioritizes cleaning, the water temperature TH may be adjusted within the range of 40°C to 60°C.

[0052] (7) The water temperature TH may be changed according to the ambient temperature such as the temperature in the toilet space.

[0053] (8) The control unit 50 may supply the heat medium to the toilet bowl 32 while continuously raising its temperature.

[0054] (9) In the high-temperature cleaning process, the control unit 50 may execute the number of times of increasing the temperature of the heat medium not limited to 3 times, but 1 time or more.

[0055] (10) In the high-temperature cleaning process of the flush toilet 10, a detergent may be mixed before the cleaning water is supplied to the toilet bowl 32. In other words, the cleaning water may contain the detergent.

[0056] (11) In any one of the first embodiment, the third to seventh embodiments, the flush toilet 10 may be provided with a drainage mechanism 240 as in the second embodiment. In the high-temperature cleaning process, as in the second embodiment, the control unit 50 may lower the water level of the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32 by discharging the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32 before supplying the heat medium. The control unit 50 may leave a part of the accumulated water in the toilet bowl 32 in the toilet bowl 32.

[0057] (12) The trigger for starting the high-temperature cleaning process is not limited to the operation of the button corresponding to the high-temperature cleaning function. For example, the control unit 50 may execute the high-temperature cleaning process at a preset timing such as every week or every month. For example, the flush toilet 10 may be provided with a button corresponding to the high-temperature cleaning function on the toilet seat device 16, or may be provided with a wireless communication device. The user may execute the warm cleaning process by operating a mobile terminal or the like connected to the flush toilet 10 via the wireless communication device.

[0058] (13) In the high-temperature cleaning process, when the control unit 50 supplies the cleaning water to the toilet bowl 32, it may repeat the supply and stop by supplying the cleaning water for a certain period, then stopping for a certain period, and further supplying for a certain period.

[0059] (14) In at least one of the third and fourth embodiments, in S315, instead of or together with the air temperature TT in the toilet space, at least one of the temperature TB on the back side of the toilet bowl 32 and the temperature on the front side of the toilet bowl 32, and the water temperature TW, the lowest temperature TL may be specified. The temperature on the front side of the toilet bowl 32 may be detected using, for example, an infrared temperature sensor attached to the back surface of the toilet seat 14.

[0060] (15) In the second embodiment, instead of or together with the temperature on the back surface of the toilet bowl 32, the temperature on the front side of the toilet bowl 32 may be detected. The temperature on the front side of the toilet bowl 32 may be detected using an infrared temperature sensor attached to at least one of the back surface of the toilet seat 14, the back surface of the toilet lid 12, and the toilet space. In the high-temperature cleaning process, in S223, the control unit 50 may determine whether the temperature on the front side of the toilet bowl 32 has reached a predetermined temperature instead of the temperature on the back surface of the toilet bowl 32. The processes of S229 and S235 may be the same.

[0061] (16) In at least one of the third and fourth embodiments, similar to the above-described modification (15), the temperature on the surface side of the toilet bowl 32 may be detected. In the high-temperature cleaning process, after the heat medium is supplied in S324, before the process of S326 is executed, it may be determined whether the temperature on the surface side of the toilet bowl 32 has reached a predetermined temperature TP. If the temperature on the surface side of the toilet bowl 32 has reached the predetermined temperature TP, the process may proceed to S326. If the temperature on the surface side of the toilet bowl 32 has not reached the predetermined temperature TP, the process may return to S324. The predetermined temperature TP may be determined according to the temperature supplied in S324.

[0062] (17) In each of the above embodiments, in the high-temperature cleaning process, after the prohibited information is displayed on the display unit 44 in S40, it may not be necessary to supply the heat medium for cooling the toilet bowl 32. In this modification, after the water with the water temperature TH is supplied to the toilet bowl 32 in S38, the user may be prohibited from supplying the low-temperature cleaning water to the toilet bowl 32 for a specific period. For example, even if the operation device 40 is operated by the user, the control unit 50 may not supply the cleaning water in the tank to the toilet bowl 32. The specific period may be stored in the control unit 50 in advance. The specific period may be determined by the control unit 50 using at least one of the ambient temperature, the cleaning water temperature in the tank, and the water temperature TH. The control unit 50 may determine the specific period using at least one of the ambient temperature, the cleaning water temperature in the tank, and the water temperature TH and an algorithm stored in the control unit 50 in advance. After the process of S38, the control unit 50 may repeatedly detect the temperature of at least one of the front and back surfaces of the toilet bowl 32, and if the detected temperature drops to a predetermined temperature, the prohibition of supplying the low-temperature cleaning water may be released.

[0063] The specific examples of the present disclosure have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in at least one of this specification and the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technology illustrated in at least one of this specification and the drawings can achieve multiple purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of those purposes itself has technical utility.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0064] 10: Water-washing toilet, 12: Toilet lid, 14: Toilet seat, 16: Toilet seat device, 18: Toilet body, 20: Function unit, 22: Nozzle, 23: Water storage tank, 24: Heater, 25: Detergent storage tank, 26: Blower, 30: Rim, 32: Toilet bowl, 40: Operating device, 42: Button, 44: Display unit, 50: Control unit, 100: Temperature sensor, 102: Water temperature sensor, 240: Drainage mechanism, 250: Water jetting unit

Claims

1. A toilet body having a toilet bowl; A supply unit that supplies flushing water at a specific temperature to the surface of the toilet bowl; a heating unit that heats the surface of the toilet bowl to a temperature higher than the surface temperature of the toilet bowl surface and lower than the specific temperature before the flush water at the specific temperature is supplied to the toilet bowl.

2. 2. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit heats the toilet bowl surface by supplying water at a plurality of temperatures between the surface temperature and the specific temperature to the toilet bowl surface so that the temperature gradually increases.

3. The supply unit supplies the flush water to the surface of the toilet bowl from the upper edge of the toilet body, 3. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit heats the toilet bowl surface by supplying water from the supply unit to the toilet bowl surface at a temperature between the surface temperature and the specific temperature.

4. 4. A flush toilet bowl as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating section is provided with a nozzle that ejects water onto the toilet bowl surface, and the toilet bowl surface is heated by ejecting water from the nozzle onto the toilet bowl surface at a temperature between the surface temperature and the specific temperature.

5. 5. The flush toilet bowl according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit includes an air blowing unit that blows air onto the surface of the toilet bowl, and the toilet bowl surface is heated by blowing air having a temperature between the surface temperature and the specific temperature from the air blowing unit.

6. A toilet body having a toilet bowl; a supply unit that supplies flush water at a first temperature to a surface of the toilet bowl; A heating unit that heats the surface of the toilet bowl; A control unit that controls the supply unit and the heating unit, The control unit is causing the heating unit to supply a heat medium having a temperature higher than the second temperature to the toilet bowl surface so as to heat the toilet bowl surface to a temperature between the first temperature and a second temperature related to a temperature of the toilet bowl surface; a flush toilet configured to cause the supply unit to supply the flush water at the first temperature to the surface of the toilet bowl after the heat medium has been supplied.

7. The flush toilet further includes a water level adjustment unit that lowers the water level of the water in the toilet bowl, The control unit is The water level adjustment unit lowers the water level of the pooled water, The flush toilet according to claim 6, wherein the heating unit supplies the heat medium to the surface of the toilet bowl after the water level has been lowered.

8. 8. The flush toilet bowl according to claim 6, wherein the control unit supplies the flush water at the first temperature to the toilet bowl surface, and then causes the heating unit to supply a heat medium at a temperature lower than the first temperature to the toilet bowl surface so as to cool the toilet bowl surface to a temperature between the first temperature and the second temperature.

9. The flush toilet further includes an output unit that outputs information, 9. The flush toilet bowl according to claim 6, wherein the control unit causes the output unit to output information for prohibiting use of the flush toilet bowl for a predetermined period of time after the flush water at the first temperature is supplied to the toilet bowl surface.

10. the control unit, when a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, causes the heating unit to supply the heat medium to the toilet bowl surface m times (an integer of 2≦m) while increasing the temperature of the heat medium; 10. The flush toilet bowl according to claim 6, wherein the control unit causes the heating unit to supply the heat medium to the toilet bowl surface n times (where 1≦n<m is an integer) when the temperature difference is less than the predetermined value.

11. The flush toilet according to claim 6 , wherein the supply section supplies a detergent to the surface of the toilet bowl when supplying the flush water at the first temperature.

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