Toilet equipment

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of actualizing appropriate drive of a heat exchanger.SOLUTION: The toilet device includes the instantaneous type heat exchanger, an on-off valve for opening / closing a flow path for water flowing in the heat exchanger, a temperature sensor provided on the downstream side of the heat exchanger, and a control device for acquiring a detection temperature detected by the temperature sensor to control the heat exchanger. The control part drives the heat exchanger in the state of opening the on-off valve to calculate a variation in the detection temperature in the middle of drive of the heat exchanger, stops the drive of the heat exchanger to calculate the drop amount of the detection temperature in the middle of stopping the drive of the heat exchanger when the variation is not higher than a first value during a first time after starting the drive of the heat exchanger, and performs determination control to determine that it is possible to drive the heat exchanger when the drop amount is not lower than a second value within a second time after stopping the drive of the heat exchanger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention generally relate to toilet systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, toilet devices have been equipped with instantaneous heat exchangers. The toilet devices perform a warm water flushing operation by discharging flushing water heated by the heat exchanger toward the buttocks and other body parts. However, if the heat exchanger is operated without water or water flow inside, excessive heating may occur. For example, even if the on-off valve that opens and closes the water flow path through the heat exchanger is open, a malfunction may prevent water from flowing into the heat exchanger. If the heat exchanger is operated without water flowing into it, dry heating may occur. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-253735 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of the above problem, and has an object to provide a toilet apparatus that can appropriately drive a heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first invention is a toilet device comprising an instantaneous heat exchanger, an on-off valve that opens and closes the flow path of water flowing through the heat exchanger, a temperature sensor provided downstream of the heat exchanger, and a control unit that acquires the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the heat exchanger, wherein the control unit performs judgment control to drive the heat exchanger with the on-off valve open and calculate the amount of change in the detected temperature while the heat exchanger is being driven, and if the amount of change does not become equal to or greater than a first value within a first hour from when the heat exchanger is started to be driven, stop the drive of the heat exchanger and calculate the amount of decrease in the detected temperature while the heat exchanger is stopped, and if the amount of decrease becomes equal to or greater than a second value within a second hour from when the heat exchanger is stopped to determine that the heat exchanger can be driven.

[0006] This toilet device can more appropriately operate the heat exchanger based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor installed downstream of the heat exchanger. For example, it can determine that the heat exchanger can be operated when there is water or water flow in the heat exchanger. By calculating the amount of decrease in the detected temperature while the heat exchanger is not operating, it can determine that the heat exchanger can be operated when, for example, the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger is decreasing.

[0007] A second invention is the toilet apparatus according to the first invention, characterized in that the second value is equal to or less than the first value.

[0008] According to this toilet apparatus, since the second value is equal to or less than the first value, it becomes easier to detect a decrease in the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger.

[0009] A third invention is the first invention, further comprising: a toilet seat; a seating detection sensor that detects whether a user is sitting on the toilet seat; and a nozzle that discharges water flowing out from the heat exchanger. The toilet device further includes: when the seating detection sensor detects that a user is seated, the control unit starts the judgment control and allows water to flow through the nozzle and the heat exchanger.

[0010] With this toilet device, if there is water flow in the heat exchanger during the judgment control, when the user sits down, the judgment control and water disposal can be carried out in parallel. This allows water to be immediately discharged from the nozzle during the warm water flushing operation, for example, thereby further improving usability.

[0011] A fourth invention is a toilet device in accordance with the first invention, further comprising a nozzle for ejecting water flowing out from the heat exchanger, and when the amount of descent does not become equal to or greater than the second value within the second time period from when the operation of the heat exchanger is stopped in the judgment control, the control unit drives the nozzle when instructed to eject water from the nozzle.

[0012] According to this toilet device, by activating the nozzle, it is possible to notify the user that there is a problem with the water supply.

[0013] A fifth invention is a toilet device according to the first invention, further comprising a nozzle that ejects water flowing out of the heat exchanger, wherein the control unit is capable of performing warm water flushing control in which the heat exchanger is driven at a first output to eject water heated by the heat exchanger from the nozzle toward the user's private parts, and wherein in the judgment control, the control unit drives the heat exchanger at a second output that is smaller than the first output.

[0014] According to this toilet device, by reducing the output of the heat exchanger in the judgment control, even if there is no water in the heat exchanger, damage to the heat exchanger caused by empty heating in the judgment control can be suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet apparatus capable of appropriately driving a heat exchanger is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet apparatus and a sanitary washing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a graph illustrating the output of the heat exchanger in the judgment control, and FIGS. 4(b) to 4(e) are graphs illustrating the temperatures detected by the temperature sensor in the judgment control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet apparatus and a sanitary washing apparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the toilet device 2 includes a Western-style seated toilet bowl 4 (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, simply referred to as "toilet bowl") and a sanitary washing device 10. The sanitary washing device 10 is attached to the top of the toilet bowl 4. The sanitary washing device 10 may be attached integrally to the toilet bowl 4, or may be attached detachably to the toilet bowl 4.

[0018] The sanitary washing device 10 has a main body 12, a toilet seat 14, and a toilet lid 16. The toilet lid 16 is provided as needed for the sanitary washing device 10 and can be omitted. The toilet seat 14 and the toilet lid 16 are rotatably supported on a shaft relative to the main body 12.

[0019] The toilet 4 has a bowl portion 4a. The bowl portion 4a is concave and recessed downward. The toilet 4 receives excrement such as urine and feces from the user in the bowl portion 4a.

[0020] The main body 12 of the sanitary washing device 10 is attached to the toilet 4 at a position rearward of the bowl 4a. The main body 12 has a casing 20. The toilet seat 14 and the toilet lid 16 are rotatably supported in the casing 20.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the sanitary washing device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the sanitary washing device 10 has a washing water supply unit 30, a seating detection sensor 31, a human body detection sensor 32, a nozzle 34, and a control unit 42.

[0022] The seating detection sensor 31 can detect a human body above the toilet seat 14 just before the user sits on the toilet seat 14, or a user sitting on the toilet seat 14. The seating detection sensor 31 may detect not only a user sitting on the toilet seat 14, but also a user above the toilet seat 14. For example, an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor can be used as such a seating detection sensor 31. The seating detection sensor 31 may also be a switch that turns on / off depending on the weight of a user sitting on it. In response to detecting that a user is sitting on the toilet seat, the seating detection sensor 31 outputs a signal indicating the detection of the user sitting to the control unit 42.

[0023] The human body detection sensor 32 is, for example, a pyroelectric sensor that uses an infrared signal, and detects a person entering a room (toilet room) in which the toilet device 2 is installed. The human body detection sensor 32 is connected to the control unit 42. The human body detection sensor 32 inputs the detection result to the control unit 42. The human body detection sensor 32 may be, for example, a microwave sensor such as a Doppler sensor. The human body detection sensor 32 may be capable of detecting a user before they enter the toilet room.

[0024] The cleaning water supply unit 30 includes, for example, an on-off valve 50, a heat exchanger 51, and a temperature sensor 52. The cleaning water supply unit 30 may further include a vacuum breaker (VB) 53 and a flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 (flow path switching unit).

[0025] The on-off valve 50 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve that can be opened and closed. The on-off valve 50 switches between supplying and stopping flush water supplied from a water supply source. The on-off valve 50 is a water supply valve that opens and closes the flow path 21 of water flowing to the heat exchanger 51, and controls the supply of water to the heat exchanger 51. In other words, when the on-off valve 50 is opened, the flow path 21 of water flowing to the heat exchanger 51 is opened, and water is supplied to the heat exchanger 51. When the on-off valve 50 is closed, the flow path 21 is closed, and the supply of water to the heat exchanger 51 is stopped.

[0026] After the on-off valve 50 changes from an open state to a closed state, water may remain in the heat exchanger 51 or in a portion of the flow path 21 downstream of the heat exchanger 51. When the on-off valve 50 is closed, water may be drained to discharge the water remaining downstream of the on-off valve 50. In other words, when the on-off valve 50 is closed, there may or may not be water in the heat exchanger 51 or in the flow path downstream of the heat exchanger 51.

[0027] For example, heat exchanger 51 is provided downstream of on-off valve 50. Heat exchanger 51 is an instantaneous heating (instantaneous) heat exchanger that uses, for example, a ceramic heater. An instantaneous heat exchanger generates hot water by heating water while it is flowing inside. In an instantaneous heat exchanger, a heating element (heater) generates heat, which heats the water flowing in the flow path around the heating element. Heat exchanger 51 uses the heater to heat wash water supplied from a water supply source, for example, to a specified temperature. Heat exchanger 51 converts wash water supplied from the water supply source into hot water at a set temperature. Hereinafter, in this specification, the term "water" is intended to include water (cold water) supplied from the water supply source and hot water heated by heat exchanger 51.

[0028] For example, the vacuum breaker 53 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 51. When there is no water flow in the flow path, the vacuum breaker 53 takes in air into the flow path, thereby promoting drainage of the portion downstream of the vacuum breaker 53. The vacuum breaker 53 promotes drainage of the nozzle 34, for example.

[0029] The water that has passed through the heat exchanger 51 is sent to the nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 has a water discharge portion 35. The water discharge portion 35 has, for example, a plurality of water discharge holes 35a, 35b, and 35c. The water sent to the nozzle 34 is discharged upward from the water discharge holes of the water discharge portion 35. The water discharged from the water discharge portion 35 is used for washing the private parts of a user seated on the toilet seat 14.

[0030] The flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 is provided between the vacuum breaker 53 and the nozzle 34. The flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 switches the destination of the water supplied from upstream to one of the water discharge ports. The flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 also changes the water discharge flow rate of the water discharged from each water discharge port.

[0031] The temperature sensor 52 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 51. The temperature sensor 52 is located upstream of the vacuum breaker 53 and the flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55. The temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the fluid (water or air) in the portion of the flow path 21 downstream of the heat exchanger 51. For example, the temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the fluid heated by the heat exchanger 51 and flowing out from the heat exchanger 51. The temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the fluid flowing from the heat exchanger 51 to the flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 and the nozzle 34. The temperature sensor 52 is, for example, an outlet water temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the water immediately after flowing out from the heat exchanger 51. The temperature sensor 52 can be, for example, a thermistor.

[0032] The nozzle 34 may be provided with a nozzle motor 36. The nozzle motor 36 drives the nozzle 34. The nozzle 34 receives driving force from the nozzle motor 36 and can advance into the bowl portion 4a of the toilet 4 or retreat into the casing 20.

[0033] The control unit 42 controls the operation of each of the cleaning water supply unit 30, the human body detection sensor 32, and the nozzle 34. The control unit 42 controls the operation of each unit in accordance with, for example, operation instructions input from the operation unit 44. The control unit 42 may be, for example, a control circuit (such as a microcomputer) including a CPU. The operation unit 44 may be a so-called remote control. The operation unit 44 may be provided in the main body unit 12, or may be provided separately from the main body unit 12. Communication between the control unit 42 and the operation unit 44 may be wired or wireless.

[0034] The control unit 42 sends command signals to each part of the cleaning water supply unit 30 (the on-off valve 50, the heat exchanger 51, the flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55, and the nozzle motor 36) and controls the operation of each part of the cleaning water supply unit 30. For example, the control unit 42 controls the on-off valve 50 to control the supply of cleaning water. For example, the control unit 42 controls the nozzle motor 36 to move the nozzle 34 forward and backward.

[0035] The control unit 42 can also control the driving of the heat exchanger 51. That is, the control unit 42 controls the supply of driving power for generating heat to the heat exchanger 51. As a result, the heater of the heat exchanger 51 is energized and generates heat.

[0036] The control unit 42 is connected to the temperature sensor 52 and acquires the detected temperature (detection result) detected by the temperature sensor 52. The temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 50 to 100 milliseconds) and outputs the detection result to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 acquires the detected temperature detected at predetermined time intervals. In other words, the control unit 42 can acquire the detected temperature that changes from moment to moment. The control unit 42 controls the heat exchanger 51 based on the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52.

[0037] For example, while seated on the toilet seat, the user inputs a warm water flushing operation to the operation unit 44 to cause the toilet device to perform a warm water flushing operation. The control unit 42 receives a signal from the operation unit 44 instructing the implementation of warm water flushing control. The warm water flushing control opens the on-off valve 50, drives the heat exchanger 51, and causes the nozzle 34 to discharge warm water heated by the heat exchanger 51. The warm water flushing control also controls the flow adjustment / flow path switching valve 55 to switch the flow rate and flow path of the discharged water, and drives the nozzle motor 36 to advance the nozzle 34 into the bowl portion 4a. In this way, with the nozzle 34 advanced into the bowl portion 4a, the warm water flushing operation is performed in which warm water is discharged toward the user from the water discharge hole of the water discharge unit 35. In the warm water flushing control, the control unit 42 drives the heat exchanger 51 at, for example, a first output (e.g., 1200 watts).

[0038] For example, when a user sits on the toilet seat 14, the seating detection sensor 31 detects that the user is seated. The control unit 42 acquires a detection result from the seating detection sensor 31 indicating that the user has sat. In this case, the control unit 42 may perform hot water preparation control. The hot water preparation control drives the heat exchanger 51 with the on-off valve 50 open, and controls the flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 to allow water to pass through the nozzle 34 to the heat exchanger 51. As a result, hot water heated by the heat exchanger 51 flows into the downstream portion of the heat exchanger 51 and the nozzle 34. In other words, for example, water (e.g., cold water) remaining in the downstream portion of the heat exchanger 51 and the nozzle 34 is discharged into the bowl portion 4a (discarded) and replaced with hot water heated by the heat exchanger 51. In the hot water preparation control, the flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 is controlled so that the nozzle 34 does not discharge water toward the user. In this way, the hot water preparatory operation is performed, in which water is allowed to flow through the heat exchanger 51 and the nozzle 34, the water in the flow path is discarded, and hot water is introduced into the flow path (for example, the remaining water is replaced with hot water). The hot water preparatory operation prevents cold water from being discharged toward the user during the hot water washing operation. In this example, the hot water preparatory operation is triggered by the seating detection sensor 31 detecting a user sitting, but the trigger for the hot water preparatory operation may be any signal that can perform the hot water preparatory operation before the hot water washing operation. For example, the trigger for the hot water preparatory operation may be the detection of a user by the human body detection sensor 32.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment. For example, the control unit 42 drives the heat exchanger and performs the determination control shown in Fig. 3. The determination control determines whether or not to drive the heat exchanger 51 after the determination control (permission or prohibition). The determination control detects, for example, the presence or absence of water or water flow in the heat exchanger 51, and determines that the heat exchanger 51 can be driven if water or water flow is present, and determines that the heat exchanger 51 cannot be driven if water or water flow is absent.

[0040] FIG. 4(a) is a graph illustrating the output of the heat exchanger in the judgment control, and FIGS. 4(b) to 4(e) are graphs illustrating the detected temperature of the temperature sensor in the judgment control. In FIGS. 4(a) to 4(e), the horizontal axis represents time. The change in the detected temperature may be, for example, as shown in any of FIGS. 4(b) to 4(e). Note that these are for the purpose of schematic or conceptual explanation and are not necessarily identical to the actual situation.

[0041] 3, the control unit 42 opens the on-off valve 50 (step S101). The control unit 42 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52 (step S102). The control unit 42 starts drive control for driving the heat exchanger 51 (step S103). As a result, the heat exchanger 51 is turned on and generates heat.

[0042] The control unit 42 drives the heat exchanger 51 at the second output (100 watts in this example) for a maximum of a first time period from when the drive of the heat exchanger 51 is started in step S103. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the heat exchanger 51 starts to be driven at the second output at time tm1. The heat exchanger 51 is driven, for example, from time tm1 to time tm2, which is one time later.

[0043] 3, after step S103, the control unit 42 calculates the amount of change (Δt) in the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52 (step S104). That is, the control unit 42 performs control to drive the heat exchanger 51 while the on-off valve 50 is open, and calculates the amount of change (Δt) in the detected temperature while the heat exchanger 51 is being driven.

[0044] The amount of change in the detected temperature (Δt) is the amount of change from the detected temperature when the heat exchanger 51 starts to be driven, while the heat exchanger 51 is being driven. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(b) and other figures, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52 is TH0 at time tm1 when the heat exchanger 51 starts to be driven. The amount of change in the detected temperature (Δt) is the absolute value of the difference between the most recent detected temperature and the detected temperature (TH0) when control to drive the heat exchanger 51 started. The most recent detected temperature is the most recent detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52, i.e., the current detected temperature. The control unit 42 calculates the amount of change (Δt) in the detected temperature for a maximum first time period from when the heat exchanger 51 starts to be driven in step S103.

[0045] The detected temperature (TH0) when control to drive the heat exchanger 51 is started is not limited to the temperature detected strictly at the same time as the start of drive control, but may be a temperature detected before or after the start of drive control, as long as it is a temperature detected at a timing that can be considered to be the temperature when drive control is substantially started. In this example, the detected temperature acquired in step S102 of Fig. 3 is set as the detected temperature (TH0) when control to drive the heat exchanger 51 is started. The detected temperature (TH0) when control to drive the heat exchanger 51 is started may be a detected temperature detected simultaneously with or immediately after the drive of the heat exchanger 51.

[0046] For example, when there is water or a water flow in the heat exchanger 51 and hot water is generated by the heat exchanger 51, the detected temperature rises from the temperature at the time when the operation of the heat exchanger 51 starts. Also, for example, when there is a water flow in the heat exchanger 51, the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger 51 (inlet water temperature) is not necessarily constant and may change (rise or fall) over time.

[0047] The detected temperature detected by temperature sensor 52 downstream of heat exchanger 51 is affected by the heat added by heat exchanger 51 and the inlet water temperature. For example, if there is water flow in heat exchanger 51 and the inlet water temperature rises, the detected temperature may rise from the temperature when heat exchanger 51 started to operate. For example, if there is water flow in heat exchanger 51 and the inlet water temperature falls, the detected temperature may fall from the temperature when heat exchanger 51 started to operate.

[0048] 3, when the amount of change (Δt) in the detected temperature becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (first value) during a predetermined time (first time) from the start of control to drive the heat exchanger 51 (step S104: Yes), the control unit 42 determines that driving of the heat exchanger 51 is possible (step S105). That is, the control unit 42 does not prohibit driving of the heat exchanger 51.

[0049] In this example, the first value is 1° C. That is, in this example, if the detected temperature has changed by ±1° C. or more from time tm1, the control unit 42 determines that the heat exchanger 41 can be driven.

[0050] For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 4(b), the detected temperature may rise from time tm1 when the heat exchanger 51 starts to operate, and the amount of change (Δt) in the detected temperature may become equal to or greater than a first value from time tm1 to time tm2, one hour later. In this case, it is considered that hot water has been generated by operating the heat exchanger 51, or that there is a water flow within the heat exchanger 51, causing the inlet water temperature to rise. In other words, it can be detected that there is water or a water flow within the heat exchanger 51.

[0051] For example, as shown in the example of Figure 4(c), the detected temperature may start to drop from time tm1 when the heat exchanger starts to operate, and the amount of change (Δt) in the detected temperature may become equal to or greater than the first value between time tm1 and time tm2, one hour after time tm1. In this case, it is considered that there is a water flow in heat exchanger 51, causing the inlet water temperature to drop. In other words, it can be detected that there is water or a water flow in heat exchanger 51.

[0052] The first value is a positive value, for example, not less than 0.5°C and not more than 30°C. The first time period is, for example, not less than 0.5 seconds and not more than 20 seconds. In this example, the first time period is 3 seconds, and the determination control detects the presence or absence of water flow in the heat exchanger 51. By lengthening the first time period, it is possible to detect, for example, the presence or absence of water in the heat exchanger 51. Note that the first time period and the first value are not limited to those described above, and may be set appropriately so as to be able to detect the presence or absence of water or water flow in the heat exchanger 51.

[0053] If the amount of change (Δt) becomes equal to or greater than the first value during the first period from time tm1, the control unit 42 may terminate the determination control even before the first period has elapsed from time tm1. Furthermore, if the control unit 42 determines that the heat exchanger 41 can be driven (step S105), the control unit 42 may continue to keep the heat exchanger 41 in the on state even after the amount of change (Δt) becomes equal to or greater than the first value (for example, after time tm2).

[0054] For example, if there is no water or water flow in heat exchanger 51 to transfer heat, the change in detected temperature (Δt) during the first time period will not be equal to or greater than the first value. Alternatively, even if water is flowing into heat exchanger 51 but the inlet water temperature is decreasing, the change in detected temperature (Δt) during the first time period may not be equal to or greater than the first value. That is, because the temperature increase due to heating by heat exchanger 51 and the decrease in inlet water temperature are close, there may be cases where the change in the temperature detected by the downstream temperature sensor is small even when heat is applied by heat exchanger 51. For example, there may be cases where the temperature increase due to heat exchanger 51 and the decrease in inlet water temperature are balanced.

[0055] In this way, if the amount of change (Δt) does not become equal to or greater than the first value during the first period from time tm1, it is assumed that there is no water or water flow in heat exchanger 51, or that the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger has dropped. In particular, if an inlet water temperature sensor is not provided, it is difficult to detect a drop in the inlet water temperature.

[0056] Therefore, the control unit 42 executes, for example, steps S106 to S108 shown in Fig. 3. That is, if the amount of change (Δt) in the detected temperature does not become equal to or greater than the first value during the first time period from when control to drive the heat exchanger 51 is started (step S104: No), the control unit 42 acquires the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52 (step S106).

[0057] Then, the control unit 42 performs drive stop control to stop the drive of the heat exchanger 51 (step S107). That is, the control unit 42 switches the heat exchanger 51 from an ON state in which drive power for heat generation is supplied to the heat exchanger 51 to an OFF state in which the supply of drive power is stopped.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 4(d) or 4(e), if the change in detected temperature (Δt) between time tm1 and time tm2 is less than a first value, the control unit 42 switches the heat exchanger 51 from an on state to an off state at time tm2.

[0059] 3, after step S107, the control unit 42 calculates the amount of decrease in the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52. That is, the control unit 42 performs control to stop the operation of the heat exchanger 51, and calculates the amount of decrease (Δtoff) in the detected temperature while the operation of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped.

[0060] The amount of decrease in the detected temperature (Δtoff) is the amount of decrease from the temperature when the heat exchanger 51 is stopped while the heat exchanger 51 is in the off state. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(d) and other figures, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 52 is TH1 at time tm2 when the heat exchanger is stopped. When the most recent detected temperature is lower than the detected temperature (TH1) when control is performed to stop the operation of the heat exchanger 51, the amount of decrease in the detected temperature (Δtoff) is the absolute value of the difference between the most recent detected temperature and the detected temperature (TH1) when control is performed to stop the operation of the heat exchanger 51. For example, the control unit 42 calculates the amount of decrease (Δtoff) in the detected temperature for a maximum second time period from when the driving of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped in step S107.

[0061] The detected temperature (TH1) when control to stop the drive of the heat exchanger 51 is performed is not limited to a temperature detected strictly at the same time as the drive is stopped, and may be a temperature detected before or after the drive stop control, as long as it is a temperature detected at a timing that can be considered to be when control to stop the drive of the heat exchanger 51 is performed. In this example, the detected temperature acquired in step S106 in Fig. 3 is set as the detected temperature (TH1) when control to stop the drive of the heat exchanger 51 is performed. The detected temperature (TH1) when control to stop the drive of the heat exchanger 51 is performed may be a temperature detected simultaneously with or immediately after the drive of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped.

[0062] For example, when there is a water flow in the heat exchanger 51 and the inlet water temperature is decreasing, the detected temperature decreases from the temperature (TH1) when the driving of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped.

[0063] 3, when the amount of decrease (Δtoff) in the detected temperature becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (second value) within a predetermined time (second time) from when control to stop the operation of the heat exchanger 51 was performed (step S108: Yes), the control unit 42 determines that the operation of the heat exchanger 51 is possible (step S105). In this case, the control unit 42 may start the operation of the heat exchanger 51 again.

[0064] In this example, the second value is 1° C. That is, in this example, when the detected temperature drops by 1° C. or more from time tm2, the control unit 42 determines that the heat exchanger 41 can be driven.

[0065] For example, as shown in the example of Figure 4(d), the detected temperature may start to decrease from time tm2 when the operation of heat exchanger 51 is stopped, and the amount of decrease in the detected temperature (Δtoff) may become equal to or greater than the second value between time tm2 and time tm3, two hours later. In this case, it is considered that there is a water flow in heat exchanger 51, causing the inlet water temperature to decrease. In other words, it is possible to detect that there is a water flow in heat exchanger 51.

[0066] On the other hand, when there is no water or water flow in the heat exchanger 51, the detected temperature does not drop from the temperature (TH1) when the operation of the heat exchanger 51 was stopped, or the amount of drop is small. As shown in Fig. 3, if the amount of drop (Δtoff) in the detected temperature does not become equal to or greater than the second value within a second hour from when control to stop the operation of the heat exchanger 51 was performed (step S108: No), the control unit 42 prohibits the operation of the heat exchanger 51. That is, for example, even if the user inputs a warm water cleaning operation to the operation unit 44 to discharge warm water from the nozzle, the control unit 42 does not drive the heat exchanger 51.

[0067] For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 4(e), there may be a case where the detected temperature does not decrease from time tm2 when the operation of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped, and the amount of decrease (Δtoff) of the detected temperature does not become equal to or greater than the second value by time tm3, which is the second hour after time tm2. In this case, it is considered that there is no water or water flow in the heat exchanger 51. That is, it can be detected that there is no water or water flow in the heat exchanger 51. For example, if there is no water in the heat exchanger 51, the detected temperature of the temperature sensor may rise due to natural convection of air after the operation of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped, as shown in FIG. 4(e). Therefore, in step S108, the control unit 42 determines the amount of decrease, rather than the amount of change, in the detected temperature.

[0068] In this way, by calculating the amount of decrease in the detected temperature while the heat exchanger 51 is not operating, it is possible to determine that the heat exchanger 51 can be operated if the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger 51 is decreasing.

[0069] The second value is a positive value, for example, between 0.5°C and 30°C. The second time is, for example, between 0.5 seconds and 20 seconds. In this example, the second time is 3 seconds. The second time and the second value are not limited to the above and may be determined as appropriate so as to detect the presence or absence of water or water flow in the heat exchanger 51.

[0070] If the amount of decrease (Δtoff) becomes equal to or greater than the second value during the second period from time tm2, the control unit 42 may terminate the determination control even before the second period has elapsed from time tm2. Furthermore, if the control unit 42 determines that the heat exchanger 41 can be driven (step S105), it may start driving the heat exchanger 41 again after the amount of decrease (Δtoff) becomes equal to or greater than the second value (for example, before or after time tm3).

[0071] For example, if a heat exchanger is operated without water or water flowing inside it, excessive heating may occur. For example, even if the on-off valve is open, water may not flow into the heat exchanger due to a malfunction. For example, if a heat exchanger is operated without water flowing into it, dry heating may occur.

[0072] In contrast, according to the embodiment, the heat exchanger 51 can be driven more appropriately based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 52 provided downstream of the heat exchanger 51. For example, when there is water or a water flow in the heat exchanger 51, it can be determined that the heat exchanger 51 can be driven. Furthermore, when there is no water or a water flow in the heat exchanger 51, it can be determined that the heat exchanger 51 cannot be driven, and the heat exchanger 51 can be prevented from being driven thereafter. This makes it possible to prevent the heat exchanger 51 from being excessively heated. For example, it can prevent high-temperature wash water from being discharged in the warm water wash operation.

[0073] For example, conventional toilet devices may be equipped with a flow rate sensor and an inlet water temperature sensor. The flow rate sensor detects the flow rate of water flowing through the heat exchanger. The inlet water temperature sensor is installed upstream of the heat exchanger and detects the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, in such conventional toilet devices, the presence or absence of water flow inside the heat exchanger is detected based on the detection result of the flow rate sensor.

[0074] In contrast, the toilet device according to the embodiment can determine whether or not to operate the heat exchanger 51 based on the presence or absence of water or water flow inside the heat exchanger 51, without using a flow rate sensor or inlet water temperature sensor. Because there is no need to provide a flow rate sensor or inlet water temperature sensor, manufacturing costs can be reduced. For example, an inexpensive toilet device can be provided.

[0075] In addition, in the judgment control, if the change in the detected temperature (Δt) during the first time period does not become equal to or greater than the first value due to a decrease in the inlet water temperature, the decrease in the detected temperature (Δtoff) while the operation of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped may become equal to or greater than the first value.

[0076] For example, the second value may be equal to or less than the first value. This makes it easier to detect a drop in the temperature of the water flowing into the heat exchanger when the change in the detected temperature during the first time period does not become equal to or greater than the first value in the determination control. For example, this improves the accuracy of the determination.

[0077] The output of heat exchanger 51 in the determination control may be smaller than the output of heat exchanger 51 in normal operation (e.g., hot water cleaning operation). For example, as described above, the control unit can perform hot water cleaning control in which heat exchanger 51 is driven at a first output (e.g., 1200 watts) and water heated by heat exchanger 51 is ejected from nozzle 43 toward the user's private parts. In the determination control, control unit 42 drives heat exchanger 51 at a second output (e.g., 100 watts) smaller than the first output. By reducing the output of heat exchanger 51 in the determination control, damage to heat exchanger 51 caused by dry-heating in the determination control can be suppressed even if there is no water in heat exchanger 51.

[0078] As described above, if step S108 in the determination control is No, it is considered that there is no water or water flow in the heat exchanger 51. In this case, even if the operation of the heat exchanger 51 is stopped, the user may not notice that there is a problem with the water supply.

[0079] Therefore, in the determination control, if the amount of decrease (Δtoff) does not become equal to or greater than the second value during the second time period from when the drive of heat exchanger 51 was stopped (step S108: No), when the user inputs a cleaning operation to cause nozzle 34 to discharge water, control unit 42 drives the nozzle. For example, it moves nozzle 34 forward and backward relative to bowl portion 4a. In this way, by driving nozzle 34 even when the drive of heat exchanger 51 is stopped, it is possible to notify the user that a problem has occurred in the water supply due to some factor.

[0080] 3 is executed when the user sits on the toilet seat. This allows the heat exchanger 51 to be driven appropriately when the user inputs a warm water flushing operation into the operation unit 44 after sitting on the toilet. For example, this makes it possible to prevent the toilet from running dry.

[0081] For example, when the seating detection sensor 31 detects that a user is seated, the control unit 42 starts the judgment control. Furthermore, the control unit 42 controls the flow regulation / flow path switching valve 55 to allow water to pass through the water discharge hole of the nozzle 34 and the heat exchanger 51 during the judgment control. As a result, if there is a water flow in the heat exchanger 51 during the judgment control, the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 51 is discharged from the nozzle 34. In other words, the judgment control and the water disposal in preparation for hot water can be carried out simultaneously in parallel.

[0082] It is also conceivable to perform the determination control when performing the warm water flushing operation. However, in this case, if the heat exchanger is stopped or the heat exchanger output is low during the determination control, there is a possibility that the water will not be sufficiently heated during the determination control. Therefore, if water is discharged toward the user during the determination control, unheated water may be discharged toward the user. It is also conceivable to perform the determination control and water disposal in parallel immediately before discharging water toward the user during the warm water flushing operation, but in this case, the timing of discharging water toward the user will be delayed.

[0083] In contrast, in the embodiment, as described above, if there is a water flow in the heat exchanger during the determination control, the determination control and water disposal can be performed in parallel when the user sits down. This allows water to be immediately discharged from the nozzle during the warm water washing operation, for example, thereby further improving usability. However, in the embodiment, the determination control may be performed before or after warm water preparation (water disposal).

[0084] Embodiments may include the following features. (Configuration 1) An instantaneous heat exchanger, an on-off valve that opens and closes a flow path of water flowing through the heat exchanger; a temperature sensor provided downstream of the heat exchanger; a control unit that acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the heat exchanger; Equipped with The control unit driving the heat exchanger with the on-off valve open and calculating the amount of change in the detected temperature during the operation of the heat exchanger; If the amount of change does not become equal to or greater than a first value during a first time period from when the operation of the heat exchanger is started, the operation of the heat exchanger is stopped and an amount of decrease in the detected temperature during the stoppage of the operation of the heat exchanger is calculated; A toilet device characterized by performing judgment control to determine that the heat exchanger can be operated if the amount of descent becomes equal to or greater than a second value within two hours from when the operation of the heat exchanger is stopped. (Configuration 2) 2. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein the second value is less than or equal to the first value. (Configuration 3) Toilet seat and a seating detection sensor that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat; a nozzle for discharging water flowing out from the heat exchanger; Furthermore, The toilet device according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit starts the judgment control when the seating detection sensor detects that a user is seated, and allows water to flow through the nozzle and the heat exchanger. (Configuration 4) Further provided is a nozzle for discharging water flowing out from the heat exchanger, The toilet device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the judgment control, if the amount of descent does not become equal to or greater than the second value during the second time period from when the operation of the heat exchanger is stopped, the control unit drives the nozzle when it receives an instruction to eject water from the nozzle. (Configuration 5) Further provided is a nozzle for discharging water flowing out from the heat exchanger, the control unit is capable of performing warm water washing control to drive the heat exchanger at a first output and discharge water heated by the heat exchanger through the nozzle toward private parts of a user, 5. The toilet apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein in the determination control, the control unit drives the heat exchanger at a second output that is smaller than the first output.

[0085] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they retain the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 2: Toilet equipment 4: Western-style toilet seat 4a: Bowl section 10: Sanitary cleaning device 12: Main body 14: Toilet seat 16: Toilet lid 20: Casing 21: Flow path 30: Cleaning water supply unit 31: Seating detection sensor 32: Human body detection sensor 34: Nozzle 35: Water outlet 35a, 35b, 35c: Water outlet 36: Nozzle motor 41:Heat exchanger 42: Control unit 43: Nozzle 44:Operation unit 50: On-off valve 51:Heat exchanger 52: Temperature sensor 53: Vacuum breaker 55: Flow regulation / flow path switching valve

Claims

1. An instantaneous heat exchanger, an on-off valve that opens and closes a flow path of water flowing through the heat exchanger; a temperature sensor provided downstream of the heat exchanger; a control unit that acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and controls the heat exchanger; Equipped with The control unit driving the heat exchanger with the on-off valve open and calculating the amount of change in the detected temperature during the operation of the heat exchanger; If the amount of change does not become equal to or greater than a first value during a first time period from when the operation of the heat exchanger is started, the operation of the heat exchanger is stopped and an amount of decrease in the detected temperature during the stoppage of the operation of the heat exchanger is calculated; A toilet device characterized by performing judgment control to determine that the heat exchanger can be operated if the amount of descent becomes equal to or greater than a second value within a second hour from when the operation of the heat exchanger is stopped.

2. 2. The toilet device of claim 1, wherein the second value is less than or equal to the first value.

3. Toilet seat and a seating detection sensor that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat; a nozzle for discharging water flowing out from the heat exchanger; Furthermore, The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit starts the judgment control when the seating detection sensor detects that a user is seated, and allows water to flow through the nozzle and the heat exchanger.

4. Further provided is a nozzle for discharging water flowing out from the heat exchanger, The toilet device described in claim 1, characterized in that if the amount of descent does not become equal to or greater than the second value within the second time period from when the operation of the heat exchanger is stopped in the judgment control, the control unit drives the nozzle when it receives an instruction to eject water from the nozzle.

5. Further provided is a nozzle for discharging water flowing out from the heat exchanger, the control unit is capable of performing warm water washing control to drive the heat exchanger at a first output and discharge water heated by the heat exchanger through the nozzle toward private parts of a user, 2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the determination control, the control unit drives the heat exchanger at a second output that is smaller than the first output.

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