Abnormal detection device and water-washing toilet

Abstract

To provide technology for detecting the occurrence of drainage abnormality during a washing period when a water level in a bowl can be changed.SOLUTION: An abnormality detection device includes a detection part for detecting a water level in the bowl in a toilet bowl device, and a control device. The control device may detect that the water level exceeds a first reference water level at a first timing included in a washing period from receiving an instruction to supply washing water to finishing the supply of the washing water, and detect that the water level exceeds a second reference water level different from the first reference water level at a second timing different from the first timing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to an abnormality detection device and a water-washing toilet bowl.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an abnormality detection device that detects the occurrence of drainage abnormality in a toilet bowl. The abnormality detection device compares the difference between the water level in the bowl of the toilet bowl during the supply of washing water and the water level in the bowl after the supply with a threshold value, and detects that a drainage abnormality has occurred when the difference is less than the threshold value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When washing water is supplied to the bowl in a state where a drainage abnormality has occurred, the washing water may overflow. Therefore, in a situation where washing water is supplied to the bowl, it is preferable to detect a drainage abnormality. In this specification, a technology capable of detecting the occurrence of a drainage abnormality in a situation where washing water is supplied to the bowl is provided.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The abnormality detection device disclosed by this specification includes a detection unit that detects the water level of the bowl of the toilet device, and a control device. The control device may detect that the water level exceeds a first reference water level at a first timing included in a washing period from when a supply instruction of washing water is received until the supply of the washing water ends, and may detect that the water level exceeds a second reference water level different from the first reference water level at a second timing different from the first timing.

[0006] Details and further improvements of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described in the following "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention".

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

[0008] (First Embodiment) (Schematic of the Configuration of the Flushing Toilet 100: FIGS. 1 and 2) The flush toilet 100 is a so-called wall-mounted toilet fixed to the wall 9. The flush toilet 100 includes a toilet device 6, a tank 2, and a water level detection device 10. The toilet device 6 includes a toilet body 6m and a cleaning pipe 4. The toilet body 6m is made of pottery. The toilet body 6m includes a bowl 6b for receiving dirt. The tank 2 stores cleaning water for cleaning the bowl 6b. The toilet device 6 includes a cleaning button (not shown) electrically connected to the tank 2. When the cleaning button is operated by the user, a flapper valve (not shown) disposed on the bottom surface of the tank 2 is opened by a motor drive device incorporated inside the tank 2, and the cleaning water in the tank 2 is supplied to the bowl 6b through the cleaning pipe 4. As a result, the cleaning water washes away the dirt in the bowl 6b. In the toilet device 6, the cleaning water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b by operating a lever disposed on the toilet device 6 in addition to the operation of the cleaning button. The cleaning button may be disposed on a remote controller that is electrically connected to the tank 2 either by wire or wirelessly. Even without an operation by the user, the cleaning water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b. For example, when the user becomes undetected by a sensor, the cleaning water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b.

[0009] Hereinafter, the direction in which the tank 2 and the toilet device 6 are arranged side by side is referred to as the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the side on which the toilet device 6 is arranged with respect to the tank 2 is referred to as the front side in the front-rear direction, and the side on which the tank 2 is arranged with respect to the wall 9 is referred to as the rear side in the front-rear direction. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the back side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is referred to as the right side, and the front direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is referred to as the left side. That is, the respective left and right directions coincide with the left and right as viewed from the user facing the flush toilet 100. The vertical direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is referred to as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the side on which the tank 2 is arranged with respect to the cleaning pipe 4 is referred to as the upper side, and the side on which the cleaning pipe 4 is arranged with respect to the tank 2 is referred to as the lower side.

[0010] The toilet device 6 further includes a toilet seat 6s, a toilet lid 6c, a functional unit 6f, and a drain pipe 8. The toilet seat 6s and the toilet lid 6c are each connected to the toilet body 6m in an openable and closable manner. When the user approaches the flush toilet 100, the functional unit 6f automatically opens the toilet lid 6c. The functional unit 6f may have functions such as local cleaning, warm air drying, deodorizing function, etc. The drain pipe 8 communicates the bowl 6b with a sewer pipe (not shown). The cleaning water in the bowl 6b is discharged into the sewer pipe through the drain pipe 8. In FIG. 2, the toilet seat 6s and the toilet lid 6c are not shown.

[0011] The tank 2, the cleaning pipe 4, and the water level detection device 10 are separated from the space where the flush toilet 100 is arranged by a wall 9. The user cannot visually recognize the portion of the water level detection device 10 arranged outside (i.e., the back side) of the toilet device 6. Therefore, the design property of the flush toilet 100 can be improved. It is possible to prevent the user from accidentally damaging and soiling the tank 2, the cleaning pipe 4, and the water level detection device 10 during cleaning or the like. An openable inspection port (not shown) is provided in the wall 9, and an operator performs maintenance on the tank 2, the cleaning pipe 4, and the water level detection device 10 through the inspection port of the wall 9.

[0012] The flushing pipe 4 extends downward from the lower surface of the tank 2, bends and extends forward to be connected to the toilet body 6m. The flushing water stored in the tank 2 is supplied to the toilet body 6m through the flushing pipe 4. A water supply pipe 3s is connected to the upper part of the back surface of the tank 2. The water supply pipe 3s extends downward from the tank 2, bends and extends upward. A water supply solenoid valve 3 is arranged at the end of the water supply pipe 3s on the side opposite to the tank 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the water supply solenoid valve 3 is connected to the water supply pipe 5 through a check valve 3f with a filter. Water is pumped from a water source (not shown) into the water supply pipe 5. The water supply solenoid valve 3 can prevent foreign matters from mixing in by taking in the make-up water through the check valve 3f with a filter. The water supply solenoid valve 3 is always open except when an abnormality occurs in the toilet device 6. A ball tap (not shown) is arranged in the tank 2. The ball tap is provided with a floating ball (not shown) that is displaced in the vertical direction according to the water level of the flushing water in the tank 2. When the water level of the flushing water in the tank 2 rises to a predetermined water level, the floating ball rises, thereby closing the ball tap. As a result, the supply of make-up water into the tank 2 is stopped. When the flushing water in the tank 2 is supplied to the toilet device 6 and the water level in the tank 2 drops, the floating ball drops and the ball tap is opened. As a result, the make-up water is supplied from the water supply pipe 3s into the tank 2.

[0013] (Internal Structure of Toilet Device 6: FIGS. 3 and 4) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the internal structure of the toilet device 6 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet device 6 cut at the center in the left-right direction of the toilet device 6. In FIG. 3, the illustration of the toilet seat 6s, the toilet lid 6c and the drain pipe 8 is omitted. The toilet body 6m is provided with a rim water passage 20 and a storage space 30. The rim water passage 20 is a space that communicates with the flushing pipe 4. The flushing water in the tank 2 is supplied to the rim water passage 20 through the flushing pipe 4.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 4, the rim water passage 20 includes a rear water passage 21, a left water passage 22, and a right water passage 24. The rear water passage 21 is located behind the bowl 6b at the upper end of the bowl 6b. The rim water passage 20 extends forward from the rear water passage 21 and branches into the left water passage 22 and the right water passage 24 along the upper edge of the bowl 6b. The washing water in the tank 2 flows into the rim water passage 20 from the washing pipe 4. In the rim water passage 20, the washing water flows forward from the rear water passage 21, is split into each water passage 22, 24, and is sent into the bowl 6b. The washing water swirls and flows along the inner surface of the bowl 6b. As a result, the inner surface of the bowl 6b is washed.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 32 is provided in the upper wall disposed above the rear water passage 21. The through hole 32 communicates the rim water passage 20 and the storage space 30 above the rear water passage 21. An air vent (not shown) is disposed at a portion defining the upper end of the storage space 30 of the toilet body 6m. When a drainage abnormality occurs and the washing water in the bowl 6b is not discharged normally, the water level of the washing water in the rim water passage 20 rises. When the water level of the washing water exceeds the through hole 32, the washing water pushes the air in the storage space 30 through the through hole 32. The air in the storage space 30 is discharged outside the storage space 30 when the air vent valve opens. As a result, the washing water flows into the storage space 30. The washing water in the storage space 30 is temporarily stored. When a drainage abnormality occurs in the bowl 6b, it is possible to prevent the washing water from overflowing from the bowl 6b by temporarily storing the washing water in the storage space 30. In a situation where the washing water in the bowl 6b is discharged normally, even when the water level of the washing water reaches the through hole 32, since the storage space 30 is a sealed space and there is air, the washing water does not flow into the storage space 30. Even if a small amount of washing water flows into the storage space 30, the washing water flows out of the storage space 30 through the through hole 32 in accordance with the decrease in the water level of the washing water. Therefore, the washing water is not stored in the storage space 30.

[0016] (Configuration of the water level detection device 10: FIGS. 2 and 10) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10, the configuration of the water level detection device 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the water level detection device 10 includes a control device 40, a pump 50, an air solenoid valve 52, a pressure sensor 11, a purge pipe 12, a first detection pipe 13, a second detection pipe 14, an air tank 15, a joint 16, and a three-way joint 17. The control device 40, the pump 50, the air solenoid valve 52, and the pressure sensor 11 are housed in a box installed on the back surface of the tank 2. The actual box is covered with a cover from the rear side. In FIGS. 2 and 10, the illustration of the cover is omitted.

[0017] The control device 40 controls the flushing toilet 100. The control device 40 includes a CPU (abbreviation of Central Processing Unit), a RAM (abbreviation of Random Access Memory), a ROM (abbreviation of Read Only Memory), etc., which are hardware processors. When the control device 40 receives an operation of the flushing button, it opens a flapper valve (not shown) disposed on the bottom surface of the tank 2. Thereby, the flushing water in the tank 2 is supplied to the toilet body 6m through the flushing pipe 4.

[0018] The first detection pipe 13 and the second detection pipe 14 each have a hollow tubular shape. The first detection pipe 13 is made of resin. The second detection pipe 14 is made of copper. The tip portion of the second detection pipe 14 is disposed in the rim water passage 20. The second detection pipe 14 penetrates the flushing pipe 4 and extends to the rear of the toilet device 6. The end of the second detection pipe 14 on the side opposite to the rim water passage 20 is connected to the first detection pipe 13 via a three-way joint 17. By making the second detection pipe 14 disposed in the rim water passage 20 of copper, it is possible to suppress the growth of mold and bacteria in the second detection pipe 14. The second detection pipe 14 may be made of a material other than copper, such as silver, in which mold and bacteria are difficult to grow.

[0019] The first detection pipe 13 connects the three-way joint 17 and the pressure sensor 11. An air tank 15 is arranged in the first detection pipe 13 between the pressure sensor 11 and the three-way joint 17. The cross-section of the air tank 15 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first detection pipe 13 is larger than the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first detection pipe 13. Since the pressure sensor 11 is a high-precision micro-pressure sensor, it will sensitively detect even slight pressure fluctuations caused by the disturbance of the cleaning water flow. The air tank 15 can smooth the disturbance of the pressure waveform caused by the disturbance of the cleaning water flow. In the pressure sensor 11 capable of detecting minute pressure fluctuations, by suppressing the disturbance of the detected pressure by the air tank 15, it is possible to prevent the pressure sensor 11 from making false detections. Furthermore, by arranging the air tank 15 on the upstream side of the three-way joint 17, it is possible to suppress the inflow of cleaning water into the air tank 15.

[0020] A purge pipe 12 is connected to the three-way joint 17. The purge pipe 12 is connected to the pump 50 via an air solenoid valve 52.

[0021] The pressure sensor 11 is a sensor that detects the pressure in the first detection pipe 13. The pressure sensor 11 is a so-called strain gauge type pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 11 includes a strain gauge resistor (not shown) inside. According to the magnitude of the pressure in the first detection pipe 13, the displacement of the strain gauge resistor changes. As a result, the resistance value of the strain gauge resistor changes. The pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure in the first detection pipe 13 based on the resistance value. The pressure sensor 11 is not limited to the strain gauge type, and in a modified example, it may be a metal gauge type. In a further modified example, the pressure sensor 11 may be a semiconductor gauge type, a semiconductor diaphragm type, or even at least one of a crystal type pressure sensor and a capacitance bridge type sensor.

[0022] The first detection pipe 13 communicates with the bowl 6b via the second detection pipe 14. When the water level in the bowl 6b rises, the tip of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked, and the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 increases. As the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 increases, the pressure in the first detection pipe 13 also increases. Therefore, the detected value of the pressure sensor 11 varies according to the water level in the bowl 6b.

[0023] As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 10, the control device 40 is communicably connected to the water supply solenoid valve 3, the pressure sensor 11, the pump 50, and the air solenoid valve 52. The control device 40 controls the water supply solenoid valve 3, the pressure sensor 11, the pump 50, and the air solenoid valve 52. The control device 40 is communicably connected to the management terminal 60. The management terminal 60 is a terminal operated by the administrator of the water-washing toilet 100 and is arranged, for example, in a management company of the building where the water-washing toilet 100 is installed. The control device 40 transmits the usage status, drainage status, etc. of the water-washing toilet 100 to the management terminal 60. The administrator of the water-washing toilet 100 remotely operates the water-washing toilet 100 using the management terminal 60. In a modified example, the management terminal 60 may be a mobile terminal, a PC, etc. owned by at least one of the user and the cleaning contractor of the water-washing toilet 100.

[0024] (Detailed structure of the second detection pipe 14: Figs. 3 to 9) As shown in Fig. 3, the second detection pipe 14 penetrates the outer wall of the cleaning pipe 4 via the joint 16 and extends forward. The second detection pipe 14 includes an in-device portion 14b disposed inside the toilet device 6 and an out-device portion 14a disposed outside the toilet device 6. The in-device portion 14b of the second detection pipe 14 passes through the inside of the cleaning pipe 4 and is disposed in the rim water passage 20 of the toilet body 6m.

[0025] By passing the second detection pipe 14 through the cleaning pipe 4 connected to the back surface of the toilet body 6m, each member of the water level detection device 10 including the external part 14a (that is, the control device 40, the pump 50, the air solenoid valve 52, the pressure sensor 11, the purge pipe 12, the first detection pipe 13, the air tank 15, the joint 16, the three-way joint 17) can be arranged in a place where the user cannot access. As a result, it is possible to prevent each member of the water level detection device 10 from coming into contact with the user. In particular, it is possible to suppress at least one of displacement and damage of the second detection pipe 14 from occurring. Each member of the water level detection device 10 can be made difficult for the user to visually recognize. As a result, the design property of the flush toilet 100 can be improved.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the internal part 14b of the device bends leftward (that is, downward in the drawing of FIG. 4) in the rear water passage 21 and extends the left water passage 22. The tip portion 14c of the internal part 14b of the device is located in the left water passage 22. An opening through which the internal part 14b of the device communicates with the left water passage 22 is provided in the end surface 18 of the tip portion 14c. The second detection pipe 14 communicates the left water passage 22 with the pressure sensor 11 (see FIG. 1) via the first detection pipe 13. When drainage abnormality occurs and the water level of the cleaning water rises to the left water passage 22, the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked by the cleaning water. As a result, the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 rises. The pressure of the second detection pipe 14 is detected by the pressure sensor 11 via the first detection pipe 13.

[0027] The higher the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b, the more the amount of cleaning water located above the end surface 18 increases. The higher the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b, the higher the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 and the first detection pipe 13 rises. That is, the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b has a correlation with the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 and the first detection pipe 13. For this reason, the water level detection device 10 can detect the water level of the bowl 6b by using the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 and the first detection pipe 13.

[0028] The water level detection device 10 arranges the second detection pipe 14 in the left water passage 22 that supplies cleaning water to the bowl 6b, and uses the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 to identify the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure a separate space in the toilet device 6 for arranging the second detection pipe 14. As a result, without significantly changing the structure of the toilet device 6, for example, by arranging the second detection pipe 14 in the left water passage 22 of the existing toilet device 6, the water level of the bowl 6b can be detected. The water level detection device 10 can be installed in a general-purpose toilet device 6.

[0029] In the bowl 6b and the trap part, since there are foreign matters such as dirt together with the cleaning water, the detected water level is affected by the foreign matters. As a result, the detected water level becomes unstable. In the present embodiment, by arranging the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 in the rim water passage 20, it is possible to suppress the detected water level from being affected by the foreign matters.

[0030] In the cleaning water of the rim water passage 20, a turbulent flow occurs in the rear water passage 21 before the branch that receives the cleaning water flowing in from the cleaning pipe 4. The turbulent flow of the cleaning water is suppressed from the rear water passage 21 toward the left and right water passages 22 and 23. By arranging the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 in the left water passage 22 after the branch, the pressure of the second detection pipe 14 due to the flow of the cleaning water can be suppressed. Thereby, the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b can be appropriately detected.

[0031] Since the inner part 14b of the device is arranged in the rim water passage 20, it is covered by the outer wall of the toilet body 6m that defines the rim water passage 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dirt from adhering to the inner part 14b of the device. For example, when cleaning the bowl 6b or the like, it is possible to suppress at least one of displacement and damage of the tip portion 14c from occurring due to the tip portion 14c coming into contact with a cleaning tool.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, each water passage 22, 24 branches and extends to the left and right sides of the upper end edge of the bowl 6b. The second detection tube 14 includes a leg portion 19. The leg portion 19 extends from the lower end of the second detection tube 14 toward the bottom surface 28 of the left water passage 22. The lower end of the leg portion 19 abuts against the bottom surface 28. As a result, as particularly shown in FIG. 8, the end surface 18 of the second detection tube 14 is disposed above and separated from the bottom surface 28. There may be cleaning water remaining on the bottom surface 28 of the left water passage 22. When the cleaning water remaining on the bottom surface 28 flows into the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detection tube 14, even if the opening is not completely blocked, a water film may be generated due to the surface tension between the water surface of the flowing-in cleaning water and the inner peripheral surface of the second detection tube 14. When the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detection tube 14 is covered by the water film, the pressure inside the second detection tube 14 increases. By disposing the end surface 18 of the second detection tube 14 above and separated from the bottom surface 28, it is possible to suppress the cleaning water remaining on the bottom surface 28 from flowing into the second detection tube 14 through the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detection tube 14.

[0033] (Purge process: FIG. 10) When supplying cleaning water to the bowl 6b, the cleaning water passes through the left water passage 22 while being mixed with the air in the cleaning water passage. The inner peripheral surface of the tip portion 14c is affected by a large pressure change that occurs when supplying cleaning water to the bowl 6b, and the cleaning water may enter and generate a plurality of layers of water and air. As a result, the cleaning water that has entered the second detection tube 14 may form a water film 72 that blocks the second detection tube 14. When the second detection tube 14 is blocked by the water film 72, even though the water level of the bowl 6b has reached the second detection tube 14, the pressure may not be transmitted. In this case, the control device 40 cannot accurately detect the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b using the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 11.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 10, a purge pipe 12 is connected to the second detection pipe 14 via a three-way joint 17. The purge pipe 12 is connected to a pump 50 via an air solenoid valve 52 and an air pipe 54. The control device 40 operates the pump 50 and at the same time opens the air solenoid valve 52. Thus, air 70 is pumped into the second detection pipe 14 via the purge pipe 12 and the three-way joint 17. The air 70 pushes out the water film 72 and the air layer in the second detection pipe 14 into the left water passage 22. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 40 stops the operation of the pump 50 and at the same time closes the air solenoid valve 52. As a result, formation of the water film 72 in the second detection pipe 14 can be suppressed. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the water film 72 and the air layer in the second detection pipe 14 from affecting the detection pressure. Note that the air solenoid valve 52 may be replaced with a check valve.

[0035] (Pressure change during cleaning: FIG. 11) With reference to FIG. 11, the pressure changes in the first detection pipe 13 and the second detection pipe 14 during the cleaning period Tc will be described. The cleaning period Tc is the period from when the operation of the cleaning button is accepted at timing T1 until the cleaning water is supplied and the supply of the cleaning water ends. The cleaning period Tc includes the time required for the cleaning water to be drained and the detection pressure by the pressure sensor 11 to become sufficiently stable after the supply of the cleaning water ends. The cleaning period Tc is, for example, about 20 seconds, and is preset by the manufacturer of the water-washing toilet bowl 100 or the like according to the capacity of the tank 2, the bowl 6b, etc.

[0036] (Pressure change during normal operation) First, the pressure (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the detection pressure) in the first detection pipe 13 and the second detection pipe 14 when the toilet body 6m can normally discharge the cleaning water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the normal state) will be described using the solid line waveform W1.

[0037] Before the operation of the cleaning button is accepted at timing T1, the cleaning water does not pass through the left water passage 22. Therefore, the detection pressure is maintained at a value approximated to the atmospheric pressure Ap.

[0038] When the control device 40 receives the operation of the cleaning button at timing T1, it activates the pump 50 at timing T2 and stops the pump 50 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The activated pump 50 pumps air into the second detection pipe 14. As a result, as shown by the pressure peak P1, the detected pressure instantaneously increases.

[0039] Thereafter, at timing T5, the flapper valve (not shown) of the tank 2 is opened, and the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is started. As a result, the water level of the cleaning water in the tank 2 drops. As a result, the floating ball of the ball tap descends, the ball tap opens, and new water is supplied from the water supply pipe 3s (see FIG. 1) to the tank 2. As a result, the newly supplied water to the tank 2 is also supplied to the bowl 6b as cleaning water. Thereby, the dirt in the bowl 6b can be washed away by a large amount of cleaning water.

[0040] When the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is started, the cleaning water flows into the left water passage 22. At that time, the cleaning water blocks the opening of the end face 18 of the second detection pipe 14. As a result, the detected pressure increases. While the cleaning water is being supplied, the amount and pressure of the cleaning water are high immediately after the start of the supply of the cleaning water, and then the amount and pressure of the cleaning water gradually decrease.

[0041] After the supply of cleaning water is started at timing T5, the control device 40 activates the pump 50 again at timing T7. The pump 50 pumps air into the second detection pipe 14. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 50 was activated, the pump 50 is stopped. As a result, as shown by the pressure peak P2, the detected pressure instantaneously increases again.

[0042] Thereafter, the washing water continues to flow into the bowl 6b until timing T9. As a result, the detection pressure repeats rising and falling until timing T9. When a predetermined amount of the washing water in the tank 2 flows into the bowl 6b, the float connected to the flapper valve descends along with the water level of the washing water in the tank 2. Thereby, the flapper valve is closed at timing T9. As a result, the supply of the washing water from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b is stopped. As a result, the detection pressure gradually decreases while repeating rising and falling.

[0043] After the flapper valve is closed, when the washing water remaining in the washing pipe 4 and the rim water passage 20 is sent into the bowl 6b, the detection pressure gradually stabilizes and is held at the atmospheric pressure Ap, and the washing is completed at timing T10. The control device 40 operates the pump 50 again at timing T10, and stops the operation of the pump 50 after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, as shown by the pressure peak P3, the detection pressure instantaneously rises. Thus, during the washing period Tc, the normal detection pressure changes at each timing as shown by the waveform W1 and is finally held at the atmospheric pressure Ap.

[0044] (Pressure change when drainage abnormality occurs) Using the thin broken line waveform W2 and the thick broken line waveform W3, the change in the detection pressure when a drainage abnormality occurs in the toilet device 6 will be described. Hereinafter, the drainage abnormality occurring in the toilet device 6 will be described in two stages: the first drainage abnormality shown by the waveform W2 and the second drainage abnormality shown by the waveform W3.

[0045] When the first drainage abnormality occurs and when the second drainage abnormality occurs, the situation is different at the time of the abnormality. When the first drainage abnormality occurs, with the water level in the bowl 6b being normal, foreign matter is clogging the drainage path in the bowl 6b and the drainage path on the downstream side of the bowl 6b. Due to the narrowing of the drainage path compared to normal, the water level has risen. The drainage path on the downstream side of the bowl 6b includes the drain pipe 8 and, for example, the drain pipe (not shown) in the building where the flush toilet 100 is arranged. When the second drainage abnormality occurs, the water level in the bowl 6b has already risen above the normal water level. Even when a smaller amount of flushing water is supplied to the bowl 6b than when the first drainage abnormality occurs, the detected pressure is in a rising state. When the second drainage abnormality occurs, as in the case of the first drainage abnormality, foreign matter is clogging the drainage path in the bowl 6b and the drainage path on the downstream side of the bowl 6b. Due to the narrowing of the drainage path compared to normal, the water level has risen.

[0046] (Pressure change during the first drainage abnormality) As can be understood by comparing the waveforms W1 and W2, during the times T1 to T7, the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality is substantially the same as the detected pressure during normal times described above. During the first drainage abnormality, when supplying flushing water, the amount of flushing water passing through the left water passage 22 is the same as during normal times. However, during the first drainage abnormality, since the drainage volume per unit time is lower than during normal times, the water level in the bowl 6b does not drop as much as during normal times. As shown in the waveform W2, the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality is greater than the detected pressure during normal times after the timing T7. Even when the flapper valve is closed at the timing T9, since the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked by the water in the bowl 6b, the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality does not drop to the atmospheric pressure Ap. The amount of flushing water supplied to the bowl 6b during one flushing is smaller than the capacity of the bowl 6b. Therefore, during the first drainage abnormality, the supply of flushing water ends before the flushing water overflows from the bowl 6b. After the timing T10, the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality is maintained at a pressure slightly lower than the detected pressure that rose during the supply of flushing water at the timing T5.

[0047] (Pressure change during the second drainage abnormality) In the case of the second drainage abnormality, the water level in the bowl 6b has risen to the vicinity of the rim water passage 20 (for example, in the case of the first drainage abnormality), and further cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b. In the case of the second drainage abnormality, when cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b, the water level of the bowl 6b continues to rise. For this reason, as shown by the waveform W3, the detection pressure in the case of the second drainage abnormality becomes higher than the detection pressure in the case of the first drainage abnormality. In the case of the second drainage abnormality, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b during one cleaning cannot be received, and the cleaning water may overflow from the bowl 6b. The detection pressure in the case of the second drainage abnormality is held at a value higher than the detection pressure in the case of the first drainage abnormality.

[0048] The control device 40 detects the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b by comparing the detection pressure received from the pressure sensor 11 with the reference pressure. The control device 40 specifies the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b using the detection pressure received from the pressure sensor 11. As described above, the detection pressure changes according to the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b. The control device 40 stores the reference pressures Th1, Th2, Th3, and Th4 in advance. The control device 40 executes an abnormality detection process for detecting the occurrence of a drainage abnormality in the toilet device 6 by properly using each of the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 according to the timing of detecting the pressure. In FIG. 11, at each timing, the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 used by the control device 40 as comparison targets for the detection pressure are shown by thick lines. Note that since each of the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 is a value for discriminating between normal and abnormal states, values obtained by learning control for correcting variations in the shape of the toilet bowl and construction states may be stored.

[0049] (Normal-time abnormality detection process executed by the control device 40) When the water-washing type toilet bowl 100 is installed, the water level detection device 10 is activated. When the water level detection device 10 is activated, the control device 40 executes an abnormality detection process. The abnormality detection process includes a normal-time abnormality detection process and a washing-time abnormality detection process. In the normal-time abnormality detection process, the control device 40 detects that the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 exceeds the reference pressure Th2 in the situation immediately after receiving the operation of the washing button by the user and before starting the washing. In the normal-time abnormality detection process, the control device 40 detects that the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 exceeds the reference pressure Th2 over a predetermined period after the supply of the washing water. When the washing water is normally drained, the water level in the bowl 6b does not reach the second detection pipe 14, and the opening of the end face 18 is not blocked. The detected pressure approximates the atmospheric pressure Ap. In a situation where a drainage abnormality has occurred, for example, when water is supplied into the bowl 6b from outside the tank 2 such that the washing water is directly supplied to the bowl 6b by a bucket, there is a possibility that the water level in the bowl 6b has reached the second detection pipe 14. In this case, the detected pressure rises. The reference pressure Th2 is set to a value that can detect the state in which the opening of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked by the water in the bowl 6b by comparing with the detected pressure. Thereby, in a situation where water is supplied to the bowl 6b from outside the tank 2, an abnormality in drainage can be detected.

[0050] (Washing-time abnormality detection process executed by the control device 40: Figure 12) In the washing-time abnormality detection process, the control device 40 executes an abnormality detection process using each of the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 by the control device 40 during the washing period Tc. When the control device 40 receives the operation of the washing button (timing T1 in FIG. 11), the control device 40 starts the process of FIG. 12 due to receiving a signal indicating that the operation of the washing button has been received.

[0051] In S2, the control device 40 operates the pump 50 (timing T2 in FIG. 9), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, stops the operation of the pump 50. Next, in S4, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (between timings T3 and T4).

[0052] By the processes from S2 to S4, the control device 40 detects the water level in the bowl 6b after pumping air 70 (see FIG. 10) into the second detection pipe 14 by the pump 50. The pressure sensor 11 can detect the detected pressure while suppressing the formation of the water film 72 on the inner surface of the second detection pipe 14. As a result, using the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 11, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked by the water in the bowl 6b.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 11, the reference pressure Th2 is a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure Ap. The reference pressure Th2 is set to a value that can detect a state in which the opening of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked by the cleaning water in the bowl 6b by comparing with the detected pressure. The reference pressure Th2 is a pressure lower than the reference pressure Th3. At the timing when the reference pressure Th2 is used, the operation of the cleaning button is accepted and the cleaning water is about to be supplied from the tank 2.

[0054] When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S4), the process proceeds to S54. In this case, the control device 40 does not supply the cleaning water to the bowl 6b. That is, when the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2, the control device 40 does not open the flapper valve even though it has accepted the operation of the cleaning button from the user. That is, when the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2, the control device 40 does not start the cleaning. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of drainage abnormality and the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b where the water level of the cleaning water has already risen. It is possible to prevent the cleaning water from overflowing from the bowl 6b.

[0055] When the detected pressure does not exceed the reference pressure Th2 (NO in S4), the control device 40 proceeds to S10. In S10, the control device 40 opens the flapper valve of the tank 2 and starts the cleaning of the bowl 6b (timing T5).

[0056] Next, in S20, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th4 (between timings T4 and T6). When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th4 (YES in S20), the control device 40 proceeds to S52.

[0057] In S52, the control device 40 stops the water supply to the tank 2. Specifically, the control device 40 closes the water supply solenoid valve 3 (see FIG. 10). Thereby, the water supply from the water supply pipe 5 to the tank 2 is stopped. During cleaning, in addition to the cleaning water originally stored in the tank 2, the water supplied from the water supply pipe 5 is also supplied as cleaning water to the bowl 6b via the tank 2. When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th4 immediately after the cleaning water supply (YES in S20), by stopping the water supply to the tank 2, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b when a drainage abnormality occurs. As a result, when a drainage abnormality occurs, it is possible to prevent the water from overflowing from the upper end of the bowl 6b, and even if the cleaning water overflows from the upper end of the bowl 6b, the amount of the overflowing cleaning water can be reduced. When the process of S52 ends, the process proceeds to S54.

[0058] When the detected pressure does not exceed the clogging reference pressure Th4 (NO in S20), the control device 40 operates the pump 50 in S22 (at timing T7 in FIG. 11), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, stops the operation of the pump 50. During the operation of the pump 50, the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 increases regardless of the water level. During the operation of the pump 50, the control device 40 does not compare the detected pressure with the reference pressure. It is possible to prevent the water level in the bowl 6b from being erroneously determined to have risen.

[0059] At timings T5 to T7 immediately after passing through the left water passage 22 of the washing water, the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 is temporarily blocked by the washing water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b. Immediately after the start of the supply of the washing water (timing T5), the pressure of the washing water flowing through the rim water passage 20 is high. In this case, regardless of whether or not there is a drainage abnormality, the detection pressure temporarily increases. As shown in FIG. 11, the detection pressure immediately after the start of the supply of the washing water (timing T5) may be higher than the reference pressure Th3. If the detection pressure is compared with the reference pressure Th3 immediately after the start of the supply of the washing water, the control device 40 may execute the process of S52 even though the water level of the washing water in the bowl 6b has not risen due to the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. As a result, the supply amount of the washing water is reduced. The control device 40 compares the detection pressure with a reference pressure Th4 that is higher than the reference pressure Th3 immediately after the start of the supply of the washing water (between timings T4 and T6). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the control device 40 from reducing the supply amount of the washing water due to a temporary increase in pressure that occurs immediately after the start of the supply of the washing water. On the other hand, immediately after the start of the supply of the washing water, the amount of water supplied to the bowl 6b is the largest during the supply of the washing water. For this reason, if a drainage abnormality occurs, the water level in the bowl 6b rises significantly. Immediately after the start of the supply of the washing water, by using the reference pressure Th4, it is possible to detect a state in which the water level in the bowl 6b rises significantly due to a drainage abnormality.

[0060] In S30, the control device 40 detects that the detection pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (between timings T8 and T10). When the detection pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), the control device 40 proceeds to S52. As a result, the supply amount of the washing water is reduced. Between timings T8 and T10, the supply of the washing water from the tank 2 is continued. The opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 is temporarily blocked by the washing water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b. By setting the reference pressure Th3 to a pressure higher than the reference pressure Th2, the control device 40 can detect the occurrence of a drainage abnormality even during the washing period Tc.

[0061] Between timings T8 and T10, after a certain amount of time has passed since the start of the supply of cleaning water, the supply amount and pressure of the cleaning water have decreased compared to immediately after the start of the supply of cleaning water. Therefore, between timings T8 and T10, the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 does not increase compared to immediately after the start of the supply of cleaning water (between timings T4 and T6). By setting the reference pressure Th3 used between timings T8 and T10 to be lower than the reference pressure Th4 used between timings T4 and T6, it is possible to detect earlier a state in which the water level in the bowl 6b has risen significantly due to abnormal drainage while time has passed since the start of the supply of cleaning water.

[0062] The control device 40 detects the water level in the bowl 6b while cleaning water is being supplied to the bowl 6b using the detected pressure received from the pressure sensor 11. If abnormal drainage occurs during the supply of cleaning water and the supply amount is not continuously reduced and cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b, there is a possibility that the cleaning water will overflow from the upper end of the bowl 6b. The control device 40 can detect the occurrence of abnormal drainage during the supply of cleaning water by detecting the water level in the bowl 6b and suppress a situation where the cleaning water overflows.

[0063] When the detected pressure does not exceed the clogging reference pressure Th3 (NO in S30), the control device 40 detects in S32 that the drainage period has elapsed. The drainage period is the period between timing T9 when the flapper valve is closed and timing T10, and is the period until the cleaning water supplied from the tank 2 is sent to the bowl 6b and the cleaning water stops flowing in the rim water passage 20. The drainage period is preset according to the capacity of the tank 2, the size of the bowl 6b, etc. If the drainage period has not elapsed (NO in S32), the control device 40 executes the process of S30 again. That is, the control device 40 repeatedly detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 until the drainage period has elapsed (between timings T8 and T10).

[0064] When the drainage period has elapsed (YES in S32), in S34, the control device 40 operates the pump 50 (at timing T10), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, stops the operation of the pump 50. The control device 40 does not compare the detected pressure with the reference pressure during the operation of the pump 50. Next, in S40, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (between timings T11 and T12). If the detected pressure does not exceed the reference pressure Th2 (NO in S40), in S42, the control device 40 detects that a predetermined period Ta (see FIG. 11) has elapsed. If the predetermined period Ta has not elapsed (NO in S42), the control device 40 executes the process of S40 again. That is, the control device 40 repeatedly detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 until the predetermined period Ta has elapsed (between timings T11 and T12). When the predetermined period Ta has elapsed (YES in S42), the control device 40 ends the process of FIG. 12. Note that it is also possible to adopt a specification in which the detection of exceeding the reference pressure Th2 is performed until cleaning is started without providing the predetermined period Ta.

[0065] During the supply of the cleaning water (between timings T8 and T10), the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3, and during the predetermined period Ta (between timings T11 and T12), the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 which is lower than the reference pressure Th3. During the predetermined period Ta, the occurrence of drainage abnormality is detected using the reference pressure Th2 which is lower than the reference pressure Th3. Even if the water level in the bowl 6b changes due to the supply of the cleaning water, the control device 40 can accurately detect the occurrence of drainage abnormality in the toilet device 6.

[0066] When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), the control device 40 proceeds to S54. In S54, the control device 40 prohibits cleaning. Specifically, even if the control device 40 receives an operation of the cleaning button, it does not open the flapper valve. Even if the operation of the cleaning button is received, the cleaning water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b.

[0067] When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), the control device 40 reduces the supply amount of the cleaning water to the bowl 6b by stopping the water supply to the tank 2 at S52. Further, when the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), even if an operation of the cleaning button is received within a predetermined period, the cleaning water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b. When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3, the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b is high, and there is a high possibility that the cleaning water will overflow from the upper end of the bowl 6b. When a second drainage abnormality, in which there is an even higher possibility of overflow from the upper end of the bowl 6b, occurs, the control device 40 executes a process of changing the supply amount of the cleaning water. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the cleaning water from overflowing from the upper end of the bowl 6b when the second drainage abnormality occurs. After stopping the water supply to the tank 2 at S52, the control device 40 closes the flapper valve of the tank 2 (that is, the supply of the cleaning water in the tank 2 to the bowl 6b is stopped), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, opens the water supply solenoid valve 3 again. In a modification, the control device 40 may execute a process of changing the supply amount of the cleaning water by forcibly closing the flapper valve during cleaning.

[0068] When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), the supply of the cleaning water from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b has already ended, and the process of reducing the supply amount of the cleaning water to the bowl 6b is not executed. When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), even if an operation of the cleaning button is received within a predetermined period, the cleaning water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b.

[0069] Next, at S56, the control device 40 notifies the management terminal 60 (see FIG. 10) of the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. This enables the administrator of the water-washing toilet 100 to recognize the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. At S60, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure is lower than the reference pressure Th1. If the detected pressure is not lower than the reference pressure Th1 (NO at S60), the control device 40 repeats the process of S60 until the detected pressure becomes lower than the reference pressure Th1. As shown in FIG. 11, the reference pressure Th1 is a pressure slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure Ap. The reference pressure Th1 is set to a value that can detect the state in which the opening of the second detection pipe 14 is exposed from the washing water by comparing it with the detected pressure. By comparing the detected pressure with the reference pressure Th1, the control device 40 can detect that the water level of the washing water in the bowl 6b is located below the second detection pipe 14, that is, the drainage abnormality has been resolved.

[0070] For example, when the drainage abnormality caused by the clogging of the toilet paper naturally resolves in a relatively short time and / or when the drainage abnormality is resolved by the administrator, the water level of the washing water in the bowl 6b drops, and when the detected pressure is lower than the reference pressure Th1 (YES at S60), at S62, the control device 40 releases the prohibition of washing in S54. By detecting the resolution of the drainage abnormality in the process of S60 and releasing the prohibition of washing in the process of S62, the control device 40 can avoid the continuous prohibition of washing for the drainage abnormality that has already been resolved. Thereafter, at S64, the control device 40 notifies the management terminal 60 of the resolution of the drainage abnormality and ends the abnormal detection process during washing. This enables the administrator of the water-washing toilet 100 to recognize that the drainage abnormality has been resolved.

[0071] In the water level detection device 10, the water level of the bowl 6b is detected by the pressure sensor 11. Compared with other sensors such as a float sensor, a capacitance sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor, the pressure sensor 11 has higher detection accuracy of the water level of the bowl 6b while the washing water is being supplied. Therefore, the water level detection device 10 can accurately detect the water level of the bowl 6b compared with a configuration in which the water level is detected by other sensors.

[0072] If foreign matter such as dust adheres to the opening of the end face 18 of the internal part 14b of the device from the outside, a situation may occur where the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 does not match the pressure in the left water passage 22. In this case, even if the pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure in the second detection pipe 14, the pressure in the left water passage 22 cannot be accurately grasped. In the above-described flushing toilet 100, by disposing the internal part 14b of the second detection pipe in the left water passage 22 of the toilet device 6, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of foreign matter to the internal part 14b. That is, the accuracy of water level detection can be improved as compared with the configuration in which the internal part 14b of the device is disposed outside the toilet device 6. By disposing each member of the external part 14a of the device and the water level detection device 10, which has little influence on the detection accuracy of the pressure, outside the toilet device 6, the space occupied by the water level detection device 10 in the toilet device 6 can be reduced, and thus the size of the toilet device 6 can be reduced.

[0073] (Effect of this embodiment) As described above, in the water level detection device 10, the occurrence of drainage abnormality is detected by comparing the detected pressure at each of a plurality of timings during the flushing period Tc with a plurality of reference pressures Th1 to Th4. Therefore, according to the water level detection device 10, even during the flushing period Tc in which the washing water is supplied and the water level in the bowl can change, the occurrence of drainage abnormality can be detected.

[0074] (Second Embodiment; FIG. 6) As shown in Fig. 5, the end face 18 of the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 of the first embodiment is formed perpendicular to the extending direction of the tip portion 14c. Thereby, the manufacturing efficiency of the second detection tube 14 can be improved. As shown in Fig. 6, the end face 18 of the second embodiment is formed to be inclined with respect to the extending direction of the tip portion 14c. The in-device portion 14b is arranged such that the end face 18 is substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The end face 18 is arranged parallel to the opening 26 located on the bowl 6b side of the left water passage 22. According to this configuration, compared with the configuration in which the end face 18 is arranged inclined with respect to the opening 26, the rise in the water level of the bowl 6b can be accurately detected by the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 11.

[0075] (Third Embodiment; Fig. 9) As shown in Fig. 9, the end face 18 of the second detection tube 14 is in contact with the bottom face 28 of the left water passage 22. The second detection tube 14 does not include the leg portion 19. As a result, when the water level of the washing water reaches the bottom face 28 of the left water passage 22, the opening of the end face 18 of the second detection tube 14 begins to be blocked by the washing water. At a stage where the water level of the washing water is low, the opening of the end face 18 is easily blocked by the washing water. Thereby, the control device 40 can detect the water level of the bowl 6b at a relatively early stage after the start of the rise in the water level of the washing water. (Corresponding Relationship) The water level detection device 10 is an example of an "abnormality detection device". When the control device 40 receives a signal in response to an operation of a cleaning button, it is an example of a "supply instruction". The first detection pipe 13 and the second detection pipe 14 are examples of "communication pipes". The pressure sensor 11 is an example of a "detection unit". The timing included between timings T8 to T10 is an example of a "first timing". The timing included between timings T11 to T12 is an example of a "second timing". The water level of the bowl 6b corresponding to the reference pressure Th3 is an example of a "first reference water level". The water level of the bowl 6b corresponding to the reference pressure Th2 is an example of a "second reference water level". The processes of S52, S54, and S56 are examples of "suppression processes", respectively. The processes of S52, S54, and S56 are examples of a "first suppression process". The processes of S54 and S56 are examples of a "second suppression process". The process of S52 is an example of a "supply amount change process". The timing included between timings T4 to T6 is an example of a "third timing". The water level of the bowl 6b corresponding to the reference pressure Th4 is an example of a "third reference water level". The timing included between timings T3 to T4 is an example of a "fourth timing". The water level of the bowl 6b corresponding to the reference pressure Th2 is an example of a "fourth reference water level".

[0076] As described above, specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail, but 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.

[0077] (Modification Example 1) The control device 40 may always compare the detected pressure and the reference pressure during the cleaning period Tc. In that case, the control device 40 may compare the detected pressure and a threshold waveform obtained by offsetting the waveform W1 by a predetermined threshold value during the cleaning period Tc. In another modification example, the threshold value for offsetting the waveform W1 may be changed according to the timing.

[0078] (Modification Example 2) During the timings T11 to T12 included in the predetermined period Ta, the control device 40 may not compare the detected pressure with the reference pressure Th2. In that case, the timings included during the timings T4 to T6 are an example of the "first timing", and the timings included during the timings T8 to T10 are an example of the "second timing".

[0079] (Modification Example 3) In the cleaning-time abnormality detection process, the control device 40 may not execute at least one of the processes of S52, S54, and S56.

[0080] (Modification Example 4) When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 at S40, the control device 40 may execute the process of S52. When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 at S30, the control device 40 may not execute the process of S52. In another modification example, instead of stopping the water supply to the tank 2 by closing the water supply solenoid valve 3 in S52 to change the supply amount of the cleaning water to the bowl 6b, for example, the control device 40 may change the supply amount of the cleaning water to the bowl 6b by forcibly closing the flapper valve during cleaning. In this modification example, closing the flapper valve is an example of the "supply amount change process".

[0081] (Modification Example 5) The water level detection device 10 may not detect the water level using pressure. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using a float disposed inside the toilet device 6. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using the capacitance of an electrode pair disposed inside the toilet device 6. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver disposed inside the toilet device 6.

[0082] (Modification Example 6) In the cleaning-time abnormality detection process, the control device 40 may not execute the process of S20. In this modification example, the "third timing" and the "third reference water level" can be omitted. In another modification example, instead of the timing included between timings T4 to T6, the control device 40 may detect that the detected pressure exceeds a reference pressure higher than the pressure peaks P1 to P3 at a timing corresponding to the purge. In this modification example, the purge timing is an example of the "third timing" respectively. The water level of the bowl 6b corresponding to the reference pressure higher than the pressure peaks P1 to P3 is an example of the "third reference water level".

[0083] (Modification Example 7) In the cleaning-time abnormality detection process, the control device 40 may not execute the process of S4.

[0084] (Modification Example 8) When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 in S4, after stopping the water supply to the tank 2 by the process of S52, the control device 40 may supply cleaning water to the bowl 6b.

[0085] (Modification Example 9) When supplying cleaning water to the bowl 6b by a lever, the control device 40 may start the cleaning-time abnormality detection process due to receiving a signal indicating that the operation of the lever has been received. In this modification example, the signal indicating that the operation of the lever has been received is an example of the "supply instruction".

[0086] (Modification Example 10) When supplying cleaning water to the bowl 6b by a remote controller, the control device 40 may start the cleaning-time abnormality detection process due to receiving a signal indicating that the operation of the remote controller has been received. In this modification example, the signal indicating that the operation of the remote controller has been received is an example of the "supply instruction".

[0087] (Modification Example 11) When the cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b by the sensor that detects the user, the control device 40 may start the abnormal detection process during cleaning due to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating that the user has become undetected. In this modification example, the signal indicating that the user has become undetected is an example of a "supply instruction". In another modification example, when the cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b at predetermined time intervals, the control device 40 may start the abnormal detection process during cleaning due to receiving a periodic signal received at predetermined time intervals. In this modification example, the periodic signal is an example of a "supply instruction".

[0088] The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives by itself has technical utility.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0089] 2: Tank, 3: Water supply solenoid valve, 4: Cleaning pipe, 6: Toilet device, 6b: Bowl, 6m: Toilet body, 10: Water level detection device, 11: Pressure sensor, 12: Purge pipe, 13: First detection pipe, 14: Second detection pipe, 14a: Outer part of the device, 14b: Inner part of the device, 14c: Tip part, 18: End face, 19: Leg part, 20: Rim water passage, 21: Rear water passage, 22: Left water passage, 24: Right water passage, 26: Opening, 28: Bottom surface, 30: Storage space, 32: Through hole, 40: Control device, 50: Pump, 52: Air solenoid valve, 60: Management terminal, 70: Air, 72: Water film, 100: Washlet toilet, Ta: Predetermined period, Tc: Cleaning period, Th1, Th2, Th3, Th4: Reference pressure

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects the water level in the bowl of the toilet device, and a control device, wherein the control device detects that the water level exceeds a first reference water level at a first timing included in a cleaning period from when a supply instruction for cleaning water is received until the supply of the cleaning water ends, detects that the water level exceeds a second reference water level different from the first reference water level at a second timing different from the first timing and not included in the cleaning period, and executes a second suppression process including prohibiting the start of the supply of the cleaning water when the water level exceeds the second reference water level. An abnormality detection device.

2. The abnormality detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second reference water level is lower than the first reference water level.

3. The control device further executes a first suppression process that is different from the second suppression process and suppresses the cleaning water from overflowing from the bowl when the water level exceeds the first reference water level. The abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. The abnormality detection device according to claim 3, wherein the first suppression process includes a supply amount change process of changing the supply amount of the cleaning water to the bowl.

5. The detection unit includes a communication pipe communicating with the bowl, and detects the water level using the pressure in the communication pipe. The abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control device further detects that the water level exceeds a third reference water level higher than both the first reference water level and the second reference water level at a third timing included in the cleaning period and different from both the first timing and the second timing. The abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The abnormality detection device according to claim 6, wherein the third timing is the timing immediately after the start of the supply of the cleaning water.

8. The control device further detects that the water level exceeds a fourth reference water level at a fourth timing included between when the supply instruction is received and when the supply of the cleaning water is started. The abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The abnormality detection device according to claim 8, wherein the control device does not start the supply of the cleaning water when the water level exceeds the fourth reference water level.

10. A flushing toilet comprising the abnormality detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and the toilet device.

11. A detection unit that detects the water level in the bowl of the toilet device, and a control device, wherein the control device detects that the water level exceeds a first reference water level at a first timing included in a flushing period from when a supply instruction of flushing water is received until the supply of the flushing water ends, detects that the water level exceeds a second reference water level different from the first reference water level at a second timing different from the first timing, and detects that the water level exceeds a third reference water level higher than both the first reference water level and the second reference water level at a third timing included in the flushing period and different from both the first timing and the second timing. An abnormality detection device.

12. A detection unit that detects the water level in the bowl of the toilet device, and a control device, wherein the control device detects that the water level exceeds a first reference water level at a first timing included in a flushing period from when a supply instruction of flushing water is received until the supply of the flushing water ends, detects that the water level exceeds a second reference water level different from the first reference water level at a second timing different from the first timing, and detects that the water level exceeds a fourth reference water level at a fourth timing included between when the supply instruction is received and when the supply of the flushing water starts. An abnormality detection device.

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