Flush toilet and water level detection device

Abstract

To provide technology for improving the accuracy of water level detection.SOLUTION: A water closet includes the toilet bowl device having a bowl, and a water level detection device for detecting a water level in the bowl. The water level detection device may have a first portion arranged inside the toilet bowl device, and a second portion arranged outside the toilet bowl device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a flush toilet and a water level detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses a capacitance sensor to prevent toilet overflow. In Patent Document 1, the system detects toilet overflow by detecting the capacitance between two conductive plates attached to the outer surface of the outer wall of the toilet bowl body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-525690 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a water level detection device that detects the water level, the accuracy of water level detection can be reduced because the device is located outside the toilet body. This specification provides a technology that can improve the accuracy of water level detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The flush toilet disclosed in this specification includes a toilet apparatus having a bowl and a water level detection device for detecting the water level in the bowl. The water level detection device may have a first portion disposed inside the toilet apparatus and a second portion disposed outside the toilet apparatus.

[0006] The water level detection device disclosed in this specification may include a first part positioned inside a toilet device having a bowl and a second part positioned outside the toilet device, and may detect the water level in the bowl.

[0007] Details and further improvements of the technology disclosed in this specification are described in the following "Description of Embodiments of the Invention." [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a side view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows a rear perspective view of a flush toilet according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet device of the embodiment taken at the center in the left-right direction. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 shows an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed line V in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 shows an enlarged view similar to FIG. 5 of the end face of the second detecting tube of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 shows an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed line VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 shows an enlarged view similar to FIG. 8 of the end face of the second detecting tube of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a water level detection device. [Figure 11] 10 shows a graph of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. [Figure 12] 1 shows a flowchart of a process executed by a control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) (Outline of the configuration of the flush toilet 100: Figures 1 and 2) The flush toilet 100 is a so-called wall-hung toilet that is fixed to a wall 9. The flush toilet 100 comprises a toilet apparatus 6, a tank 2, and a water level detection device 10. The toilet apparatus 6 comprises a toilet body 6m and a flush pipe 4. The toilet body 6m is made of ceramic. The toilet body 6m comprises a bowl 6b that receives waste. The tank 2 stores flush water for flushing the bowl 6b. The toilet apparatus 6 comprises a flush button (not shown) electrically connected to the tank 2. When the flush button is operated by a user, a motor drive device built into the tank 2 opens a flapper valve (not shown) located on the bottom of the tank 2, and flush water in the tank 2 is supplied to the bowl 6b via the flush pipe 4. As a result, the flush water washes away waste in the bowl 6b. In the toilet apparatus 6, flush water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b by operating a lever located on the toilet apparatus 6, in addition to operating the flush button. The flush button may be located on a remote controller electrically connected either wired or wirelessly to the tank 2. The flush water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b without any operation by the user. For example, when the sensor no longer detects the user, the flush water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b.

[0010] Hereinafter, the direction in which the tank 2 and toilet device 6 are lined up will be referred to as the front-to-rear direction. In the front-to-rear direction, the side on which the toilet device 6 is arranged relative to the tank 2 will be referred to as the front side in the front-to-rear direction, and the side on which the tank 2 is arranged relative to the wall 9 will be referred to as the rear side in the front-to-rear direction. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction will be referred to as the left-to-right direction. In the left-to-right direction, the back side of the paper in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the right side, and the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the left side. In other words, the left and right directions correspond to the left and right as seen by a user facing the flush toilet 100. The vertical direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction will be referred to as the up-down direction. In the up-down direction, the side on which the tank 2 is arranged relative to the flush pipe 4 will be referred to as the upper side, and the side on which the flush pipe 4 is arranged relative to the tank 2 will be referred to as the lower side.

[0011] The toilet device 6 further comprises 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. The functional unit 6f automatically opens the toilet lid 6c when a user approaches the flush toilet 100. The functional unit 6f may have functions such as private cleaning, warm air drying, and deodorizing. The drain pipe 8 connects the bowl 6b to a sewer pipe (not shown). Flush water in the bowl 6b is drained into the sewer pipe via the drain pipe 8. The toilet seat 6s and the toilet lid 6c are not shown in Figure 2.

[0012] The tank 2, flush pipe 4, and water level detection device 10 are separated by a wall 9 from the space in which the flush toilet 100 is placed. A user cannot see the part of the water level detection device 10 that is placed on the outside (i.e., the back side) of the toilet apparatus 6. This improves the design of the flush toilet 100. It prevents a user from accidentally damaging or soiling the tank 2, flush pipe 4, and water level detection device 10 when cleaning, etc. An inspection hatch (not shown) that can be opened and closed is provided in the wall 9, and workers can perform maintenance on the tank 2, flush pipe 4, and water level detection device 10 through the inspection hatch in the wall 9.

[0013] The flush pipe 4 extends downward from the underside of the tank 2, bends, and extends forward to connect with the toilet body 6m. Flush water stored in the tank 2 is supplied to the toilet body 6m via the flush pipe 4. A water supply pipe 3s is connected to the upper 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 located at the end of the water supply pipe 3s opposite the tank 2. As shown in Figure 2, the water supply solenoid valve 3 is connected to a clean water pipe 5 via a filter-equipped stop valve 3f. Water is pumped from a water source (not shown) to the clean water pipe 5. The water supply solenoid valve 3 takes in clean water via the filter-equipped stop valve 3f, preventing the intrusion of foreign matter. 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 located inside the tank 2. The ball tap is equipped with a float ball (not shown) that displaces up and down depending on the level of flush water in the tank 2. When the level of flush water in the tank 2 rises to a predetermined level, the float ball rises, closing the ball tap. This stops the supply of clean water into the tank 2. Flush water in the tank 2 is supplied to the toilet device 6, and when the water level in the tank 2 drops, the float ball drops and the ball tap opens. As a result, clean water is supplied into the tank 2 from the water supply pipe 3s.

[0014] (Internal structure of the toilet device 6: Figures 3 and 4) The internal structure of the toilet apparatus 6 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet apparatus 6 cut at the centre in the left-right direction of the toilet apparatus 6. The toilet seat 6s, toilet lid 6c and drain pipe 8 are not shown in Figure 3. 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 flush pipe 4. Flush water in the tank 2 is supplied to the rim water passage 20 via the flush pipe 4.

[0015] 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 at the upper end of the bowl 6b, rear 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. Flush water in the tank 2 flows from the flush pipe 4 into the rim water passage 20. In the rim water passage 20, the flush water flows forward from the rear water passage 21, branches into each of the water passages 22, 24, and is sent into the bowl 6b. The flush water flows in a swirling manner along the inner surface of the bowl 6b. As a result, the inner surface of the bowl 6b is cleaned.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3 , a through-hole 32 is provided in the upper wall located above the rear water passage 21. The through-hole 32 connects the rim water passage 20 and the storage space 30 above the rear water passage 21. An air vent (not shown) is provided in the part of the toilet body 6m that defines the upper end of the storage space 30. If a drainage abnormality occurs and flush water in the bowl 6b is not discharged normally, the flush water level in the rim water passage 20 rises. If the flush water level exceeds the through-hole 32, the flush water pushes the air in the storage space 30 through the through-hole 32. The air in the storage space 30 is released out of the storage space 30 by opening the air vent valve. As a result, flush water flows into the storage space 30. The flush water in the storage space 30 is temporarily stored. If a drainage abnormality occurs in the bowl 6b, flush water can be prevented from overflowing from the bowl 6b by temporarily storing flush water in the storage space 30. When flush water in bowl 6b is being discharged normally, even if the flush water level reaches through-hole 32, the flush water does not flow into storage space 30 because storage space 30 is a sealed space and contains air. Even if a small amount of flush water flows into storage space 30, the flush water will flow out of storage space 30 via through-hole 32 as the flush water level drops. Therefore, flush water does not accumulate in storage space 30.

[0017] (Configuration of water level detection device 10: Figures 2 and 10) The configuration of the water level detection device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 10. As shown in Figure 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 rear of the tank 2. The actual box is covered from the rear with a cover. The cover is not shown in Figures 2 and 10.

[0018] The control device 40 controls the flush toilet 100. The control device 40 is equipped with a hardware processor such as a CPU (abbreviation for Central Processing Unit), RAM (abbreviation for Random Access Memory), and ROM (abbreviation for Read Only Memory). When the control device 40 receives operation of the flush button, it opens a flapper valve (not shown) located on the bottom of the tank 2. This causes flush water in the tank 2 to be supplied to the toilet body 6m via the flush pipe 4.

[0019] 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 of the second detection pipe 14 is disposed in the rim water passage 20. The second detection pipe 14 passes through the flush pipe 4 and extends to the rear of the toilet apparatus 6. The end of the second detection pipe 14 opposite 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 out of copper, it is possible to inhibit 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 that is less susceptible to the growth of mold and bacteria, such as silver.

[0020] The first detection pipe 13 connects the three-way joint 17 and the pressure sensor 11. An air tank 15 is disposed 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. The pressure sensor 11 is a high-precision micro-pressure sensor, so it sensitively detects even slight pressure fluctuations caused by turbulence in the flush water flow. The air tank 15 can smooth out disturbances in the pressure waveform caused by turbulence in the flush water flow. In pressure sensor 11, which is capable of detecting minute pressure fluctuations, the air tank 15 suppresses disturbances in the detected pressure, thereby preventing false detections by the pressure sensor 11. Furthermore, by disposing the air tank 15 upstream of the three-way joint 17, flush water can be prevented from flowing into the air tank 15.

[0021] The three-way joint 17 is connected to the purge pipe 12. The purge pipe 12 is connected to a pump 50 via an air solenoid valve 52.

[0022] The pressure sensor 11 is a sensor that detects the pressure inside the first detection tube 13. The pressure sensor 11 is a so-called strain gauge type pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 11 has a strain gauge resistor (not shown) inside. The displacement of the strain gauge resistor changes depending on the magnitude of the pressure inside the first detection tube 13. As a result, the resistance value of the strain gauge resistor changes. The pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure inside the first detection tube 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 or a semiconductor diaphragm type, or may further be at least one of a quartz pressure sensor and a capacitance bridge type sensor.

[0023] First detection pipe 13 is connected to bowl 6b via second detection pipe 14. When the water level in bowl 6b rises, the tip of second detection pipe 14 is blocked, causing the pressure inside second detection pipe 14 to rise. As the pressure inside second detection pipe 14 rises, the pressure inside first detection pipe 13 also rises. For this reason, the detection value of pressure sensor 11 fluctuates according to the water level in bowl 6b.

[0024] As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 10 , the control device 40 is communicatively 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 communicatively connected to a management terminal 60. The management terminal 60 is a terminal operated by the manager of the flush toilet 100, and is located, for example, at the management company of the building in which the flush toilet 100 is installed. The control device 40 transmits the usage status, drainage status, etc. of the flush toilet 100 to the management terminal 60. The manager of the flush toilet 100 uses the management terminal 60 to remotely operate the flush toilet 100. In a modified example, the management terminal 60 may be a mobile terminal, PC, etc. owned by at least one of the user of the flush toilet 100 and the cleaning company.

[0025] (Detailed structure of the second detector tube 14: Figures 3 to 9) As shown in Figure 3, the second detection pipe 14 passes through the outer wall of the flush pipe 4 via a joint 16 and extends forward. The second detection pipe 14 has an internal portion 14b that is positioned inside the toilet apparatus 6, and an external portion 14a that is positioned outside the toilet apparatus 6. The internal portion 14b of the second detection pipe 14 passes inside the flush pipe 4 and is positioned in the rim water passage 20 of the toilet body 6m.

[0026] By passing the second detection pipe 14 through the flush pipe 4 connected to the back of the toilet body 6m, each component of the water level detection device 10, including the external device portion 14a (i.e., the control device 40, pump 50, air solenoid valve 52, pressure sensor 11, purge pipe 12, first detection pipe 13, air tank 15, joint 16, and three-way joint 17), can be positioned so that it is inaccessible to the user. As a result, it is possible to prevent the components of the water level detection device 10 from coming into contact with the user. In particular, it is possible to prevent at least one of displacement and damage to the second detection pipe 14 from occurring. It is possible to make each component of the water level detection device 10 less visible to the user. As a result, it is possible to improve the design of the flush toilet 100.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the internal device section 14b bends to the left (i.e., downward in the plane of FIG. 4) at the rear water passage 21 and extends down the left water passage 22. The tip section 14c of the internal device section 14b is located within the left water passage 22. An opening is provided in the end face 18 of the tip section 14c, which connects the internal device section 14b to the left water passage 22. The second detection pipe 14 connects the left water passage 22 to the pressure sensor 11 (see FIG. 1) via the first detection pipe 13. If a drainage abnormality occurs and the flush water level rises to the left water passage 22, the opening in the end face 18 of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked by the flush water. As a result, the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 rises. The pressure in the second detection pipe 14 is detected by the pressure sensor 11 via the first detection pipe 13.

[0028] The higher the flush water level in bowl 6b, the greater the amount of flush water located above end surface 18. The higher the flush water level in bowl 6b, the greater the pressure in second detection pipe 14 and first detection pipe 13. In other words, the flush water level in bowl 6b is correlated with the pressure in second detection pipe 14 and first detection pipe 13. For this reason, water level detection device 10 can detect the water level in bowl 6b using the pressure in second detection pipe 14 and first detection pipe 13.

[0029] The water level detection device 10 has the second detection pipe 14 disposed in the left water passage 22 that supplies flush water to the bowl 6b, and determines the flush water level in the bowl 6b using the pressure in the second detection pipe 14. Therefore, there is no need to reserve a separate space within the toilet apparatus 6 for disposing the second detection pipe 14. As a result, the water level in the bowl 6b can be detected without making major changes to the structure of the toilet apparatus 6, for example, by disposing the second detection pipe 14 in the left water passage 22 of an existing toilet apparatus 6. The water level detection device 10 can be installed in a general-purpose toilet apparatus 6.

[0030] Since foreign matter such as dirt is present in the bowl 6b and trap section along with the flush water, the detected water level is affected by the foreign matter. As a result, the detected water level becomes unstable. In this embodiment, by locating the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 in the rim water passage 20, the detected water level can be prevented from being affected by the foreign matter.

[0031] Turbulence occurs in the flush water in the rim water passage 20 in the rear water passage 21 before it branches, which receives the flush water flowing in from the flush pipe 4. The turbulence of the flush water is suppressed as it flows from the rear water passage 21 towards the left and right side water passages 22, 23. By positioning the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 in the left water passage 22 after it branches, it is possible to suppress the pressure on the second detection pipe 14 caused by the flow of flush water. This makes it possible to properly detect the level of flush water in the bowl 6b.

[0032] Because the internal device portion 14b is disposed within the rim water passage 20, it is covered by the outer wall of the toilet body 6m that defines the rim water passage 20. This prevents dirt from adhering to the internal device portion 14b. For example, when cleaning the bowl 6b, it is possible to prevent the tip portion 14c from coming into contact with a cleaning tool, which can cause at least one of displacement and damage to the tip portion 14c.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7 , the water passages 22 and 24 branch off and extend to the left and right sides of the upper edge of the bowl 6b. The second detector pipe 14 includes a leg 19. The leg 19 extends from the lower end of the second detector pipe 14 toward the bottom surface 28 of the left water passage 22. The lower end of the leg 19 abuts against the bottom surface 28. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8 , the end surface 18 of the second detector pipe 14 is positioned above and spaced apart from the bottom surface 28. Flush water may remain on the bottom surface 28 of the left water passage 22. When the flush water remaining on the bottom surface 28 flows into the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detector pipe 14, even if the opening is not completely blocked, a water film may form due to the surface tension between the surface of the flowing flush water and the inner surface of the second detector pipe 14. When the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detector pipe 14 is covered by the water film, the pressure inside the second detector pipe 14 increases. By positioning the end face 18 of the second detection pipe 14 above and away from the bottom face 28, it is possible to prevent cleaning water remaining on the bottom face 28 from flowing into the second detection pipe 14 through the opening of the end face 18 of the second detection pipe 14.

[0034] (Purge process: Figure 10) When flush water is supplied to bowl 6b, the flush water passes through left water passage 22 while mixing with air in the flush water passage. The large pressure changes that occur when flush water is supplied to bowl 6b can cause flush water to enter the inner circumferential surface of tip portion 14c, creating multiple layers of water and air. As a result, flush water that has entered second detection pipe 14 can form a water film 72 that blocks second detection pipe 14. If second detection pipe 14 is blocked by water film 72, pressure may not be transmitted even though the water level in bowl 6b has reached second detection pipe 14. In this case, control device 40 cannot accurately detect the flush water level in bowl 6b using the pressure value detected by pressure sensor 11.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10 , the purge pipe 12 is connected to the second detection pipe 14 via a three-way joint 17. The purge pipe 12 is connected to the pump 50 via an air solenoid valve 52 and an air pipe 54. The control device 40 operates the pump 50 and simultaneously opens the air solenoid valve 52. This causes air 70 to be pumped into the second detection pipe 14 via the purge pipe 12 and the three-way joint 17. The air 70 pushes a water film 72 and an air layer inside the second detection pipe 14 into the left water passage 22. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the control device 40 simultaneously stops the operation of the pump 50 and closes the air solenoid valve 52. This prevents the formation of the water film 72 inside the second detection pipe 14. As a result, the water film 72 and the air layer inside the second detection pipe 14 are prevented from affecting the detected pressure. Note that the air solenoid valve 52 may be replaced with a check valve.

[0036] (Pressure changes during cleaning: Figure 11) With reference to Figure 11, the changes in pressure inside the first and second detection pipes 13 and 14 during the flush period Tc will be described. The flush period Tc is the period from when the flush button operation is accepted at timing T1, when flush water is supplied, until the supply of flush water ends. The flush period Tc includes the time required for the flush water to be drained after the supply of flush water ends and for the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 to sufficiently stabilize. The flush period Tc is, for example, about 20 seconds, and is set in advance by the manufacturer of the flush toilet 100 according to the capacity of the tank 2, bowl 6b, etc.

[0037] (Normal pressure change) First, we will use the solid waveform W1 to explain the pressure (hereinafter referred to as the detected pressure) inside the first detection pipe 13 and the second detection pipe 14 when the toilet body 6m can discharge flushing water normally (hereinafter referred to as the normal state).

[0038] In the period before operation of the flush button is accepted at timing T1, flush water does not pass through left water passage 22. For this reason, the detected pressure is maintained at a value that is close to atmospheric pressure Ap.

[0039] When the control device 40 receives operation of the flush 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 pressurizes air into the second detection pipe 14. As a result, the detected pressure rises instantaneously, as shown by pressure peak P1.

[0040] After that, at timing T5, the flapper valve (not shown) of tank 2 is opened, and the supply of flush water to bowl 6b begins. This causes the flush water level in tank 2 to drop. As a result, the float of the ball tap drops, the ball tap opens, and new clean water is supplied to tank 2 from water supply pipe 3s (see Figure 1). As a result, the new clean water supplied to tank 2 is also supplied to bowl 6b as flush water. This allows a large amount of flush water to wash away dirt in bowl 6b.

[0041] When flush water begins to be supplied to bowl 6b, it flows into left water passage 22. At that time, the flush water blocks the opening in end face 18 of second detection pipe 14. As a result, the detected pressure rises. While flush water is being supplied, the volume and pressure of the flush water are high immediately after the supply of flush water begins, and then the volume and pressure of the flush water gradually decrease.

[0042] After the supply of flush water begins at time T5, the control device 40 operates the pump 50 again at time T7. The pump 50 pressurizes air into the second detection pipe 14. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump 50 started operating, the pump 50 is stopped. As a result of this operation, the detected pressure rises again momentarily, as shown by pressure peak P2.

[0043] Flush water then continues to flow into bowl 6b until time T9. As a result, the detected pressure repeatedly rises and falls until time T9. When a predetermined amount of flush water in tank 2 flows into bowl 6b, the float connected to the flapper valve drops, along with the flush water level in tank 2. This causes the flapper valve to close at time T9. This stops the supply of flush water from tank 2 to bowl 6b. As a result, the detected pressure gradually drops, repeatedly rising and falling.

[0044] After the flapper valve closes, the flush water remaining in the flush pipe 4 and rim water passage 20 is sent into the bowl 6b. The detected pressure gradually stabilizes and is maintained at atmospheric pressure Ap, and flushing ends at time T10. The control device 40 operates the pump 50 again at time T10, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, stops operation of the pump 50. This causes the detected pressure to rise momentarily, as shown by pressure peak P3. Thus, during the flushing period Tc, the detected pressure under normal conditions changes at each timing, as shown by waveform W1, and is ultimately maintained at atmospheric pressure Ap.

[0045] (Pressure change when drainage abnormality occurs) Using the thin dashed waveform W2 and the thick dashed waveform W3, we will explain the change in detected pressure when a drainage abnormality occurs in the toilet device 6. Below, we will explain the drainage abnormality that occurs in the toilet device 6 by dividing it into two stages: a first drainage abnormality indicated by the waveform W2, and a second drainage abnormality indicated by the waveform W3.

[0046] The circumstances when a first drainage abnormality occurs differ from those when a second drainage abnormality occurs. When a first drainage abnormality occurs, the water level in bowl 6b is at a normal level, but foreign matter clogs the drainage path within bowl 6b and the drainage path downstream of bowl 6b, narrowing the drainage path compared to normal, causing the water level to rise. The drainage path downstream of bowl 6b includes drain pipe 8 and, for example, a drain pipe (not shown) within the building in which flush toilet 100 is installed. When a second drainage abnormality occurs, the water level in bowl 6b has already risen above the normal water level, causing the detected pressure to rise even if a smaller amount of flush water is supplied to bowl 6b than when the first drainage abnormality occurred. When a second drainage abnormality occurs, similar to when the first drainage abnormality occurs, foreign matter clogs the drainage path within bowl 6b and the drainage path downstream of bowl 6b, narrowing the drainage path compared to normal, causing the water level to rise.

[0047] (Pressure change during the first drainage abnormality) As can be seen by comparing waveforms W1 and W2, between timings T1 and T7, the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality is approximately the same as the detected pressure during normal operation described above. During the first drainage abnormality, the amount of flush water passing through the left water passage 22 when flush water is supplied is the same as during normal operation. However, during the first drainage abnormality, the amount of flush water discharged per unit time is lower than during normal operation, so the water level in the bowl 6b does not drop as much as during normal operation. As shown in waveform W2, the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality is higher than the detected pressure during normal operation from timing T7 onwards. Even when the flapper valve is closed at timing T9, the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 is blocked by the water in the bowl 6b, so the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality does not drop to atmospheric pressure Ap. The amount of flush water supplied to the bowl 6b during one flush is smaller than the capacity of the bowl 6b. For this reason, during the first drainage abnormality, the supply of flush water ends before the flush water overflows from the bowl 6b. From timing T10 onwards, the detected pressure during the first drainage abnormality is maintained at a pressure slightly lower than the detected pressure that rose when flush water was supplied at timing T5.

[0048] (Pressure change during the second drainage abnormality) During a second drainage abnormality, the water level in bowl 6b has risen to the vicinity of rim water passage 20 (for example, during a first drainage abnormality), and further flush water is supplied to bowl 6b. During a second drainage abnormality, when flush water is supplied to bowl 6b, the water level in bowl 6b continues to rise. For this reason, as shown in waveform W3, the detected pressure during a second drainage abnormality is higher than the detected pressure during a first drainage abnormality. During a second drainage abnormality, the bowl 6b cannot accommodate the amount of flush water supplied to it during one flush, and flush water may overflow from the bowl 6b. The detected pressure during a second drainage abnormality is maintained at a value higher than the detected pressure during a first drainage abnormality.

[0049] The control device 40 detects the flush water level in the bowl 6b by comparing the detected pressure received from the pressure sensor 11 with a reference pressure. The control device 40 determines the flush water level in the bowl 6b using the detected pressure received from the pressure sensor 11. As described above, the detected pressure changes depending on the flush water level in the bowl 6b. The control device 40 stores reference pressures Th1, Th2, Th3, and Th4 in advance. The control device 40 executes an abnormality detection process to detect the occurrence of a drainage abnormality in the toilet device 6 by selectively using each reference pressure Th1-Th4 depending on the timing of pressure detection. In FIG. 11, the reference pressures Th1-Th4 that the control device 40 uses as a comparison target for the detected pressure at each timing are indicated by bold lines. Note that the reference pressures Th1-Th4 are values ​​for distinguishing between normal and abnormal conditions, and therefore values ​​obtained by learning control that corrects for variations in the shape and construction of the toilet may be stored.

[0050] (Normal-time abnormality detection process executed by the control device 40) When the flush toilet 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 abnormality detection process and a flush abnormality detection process. In the normal abnormality detection process, the control device 40 detects that the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 exceeds the reference pressure Th2 immediately after receiving a flush button operation by the user and before flushing begins. In the normal abnormality detection process, the control device 40 detects that the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 exceeds the reference pressure Th2 for a predetermined period of time after flush water is supplied. When flush water is being drained normally, the water level in the bowl 6b does not reach the second detection pipe 14, and the opening in the end face 18 is not blocked. The detected pressure is close to atmospheric pressure Ap. In a situation where a drainage abnormality has occurred, if water is supplied into bowl 6b from somewhere other than tank 2, for example by supplying flush water directly to bowl 6b from a bucket, the water level in bowl 6b may reach second detection pipe 14. In this case, the detected pressure will rise. Reference pressure Th2 is set to a value that, by comparing it with the detected pressure, makes it possible to detect a state in which the opening of second detection pipe 14 is blocked by water in bowl 6b. This makes it possible to detect a drainage abnormality in a situation in which water is being supplied to bowl 6b from somewhere other than tank 2.

[0051] (Washing abnormality detection process executed by the control device 40: FIG. 12) In the cleaning abnormality detection process, the control device 40 executes the abnormality detection process using each of the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 during the cleaning period Tc. When the control device 40 receives a signal indicating that the cleaning button operation has been accepted (timing T1 in FIG. 11), the control device 40 starts the process in FIG. 12.

[0052] 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).

[0053] Through the processes of S2 to S4, control device 40 detects the water level in bowl 6b after pumping air 70 (see FIG. 10) into second detection pipe 14 using pump 50. Pressure sensor 11 can detect the detected pressure while suppressing the formation of water film 72 on the inner surface of second detection pipe 14. As a result, the detected pressure of pressure sensor 11 can be used to appropriately determine whether the opening of tip portion 14c of second detection pipe 14 is blocked by water in bowl 6b.

[0054] As shown in Figure 11, reference pressure Th2 is a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure Ap. Reference pressure Th2 is set to a value that, by comparing with the detected pressure, makes it possible to detect a state in which the opening of second detection pipe 14 is blocked by flush water in bowl 6b. Reference pressure Th2 is a pressure lower than reference pressure Th3. At the timing when reference pressure Th2 is used, operation of the flush button is accepted and flush water is about to be supplied from tank 2.

[0055] If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S4), proceed to S54. In this case, the control device 40 does not supply flush water to the bowl 6b. That is, if the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2, the control device 40 does not open the flapper valve even if it receives operation of the flush button from the user. That is, the control device 40 does not start flushing if the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2. This makes it possible to prevent flush water from being supplied to bowl 6b in which a drainage abnormality has occurred and the flush water level has already risen. It is possible to prevent flush water from overflowing from bowl 6b.

[0056] If 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 cleaning the bowl 6b (timing T5).

[0057] Next, in S20, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th4 (between timings T4 and T6). If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th4 (YES in S20), the control device 40 proceeds to S52.

[0058] 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). This stops the supply of clean water from the clean water pipe 5 to the tank 2. During flushing, in addition to the flush water originally stored in the tank 2, the clean water supplied from the clean water pipe 5 is also supplied as flush water to the bowl 6b via the tank 2. If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th4 immediately after flush water is supplied (YES in S20), the water supply to the tank 2 is stopped, thereby making it possible to reduce the amount of flush water supplied to the bowl 6b when a drainage abnormality occurs. As a result, overflow from the top end of the bowl 6b is prevented when a drainage abnormality occurs, and even if flush water overflows from the top end of the bowl 6b, the amount of overflowing flush water can be reduced. When the processing of S52 ends, the process proceeds to S54.

[0059] If the detected pressure does not exceed the clogging reference pressure Th4 (NO in S20), the control device 40 operates the pump 50 in S22 (timing T7 in FIG. 11), and stops the operation of the pump 50 after a predetermined time has elapsed. While the pump 50 is operating, the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 rises regardless of the water level. While the pump 50 is operating, the control device 40 does not compare the detected pressure with the reference pressure. This prevents the water level in the bowl 6b from being mistakenly determined to have risen.

[0060] Between times T5 and T7, immediately after flush water passes through the left water passage 22, the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 is temporarily blocked by flush water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b. Immediately after flush water supply begins (time T5), the pressure of the flush water flowing through the rim water passage 20 is high. In this case, the detected pressure temporarily rises regardless of whether a drainage abnormality has occurred. As shown in FIG. 11, the detected pressure immediately after flush water supply begins (time T5) may be higher than the reference pressure Th3. If the detected pressure is compared with the reference pressure Th3 immediately after flush water supply begins, the control device 40 may execute the process of S52 even though the flush water level in the bowl 6b has not risen due to the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. As a result, the amount of flush water supplied is reduced. Immediately after flush water supply begins (between times T4 and T6), the control device 40 compares the detected pressure with a reference pressure Th4, which is higher than the reference pressure Th3. This allows the control device 40 to prevent a reduction in the amount of flush water supplied due to a temporary rise in pressure that occurs immediately after the start of flush water supply. On the other hand, immediately after the start of flush water supply, the amount of water supplied to bowl 6b is the largest during flush water supply. For this reason, if a drainage abnormality occurs, the water level in bowl 6b will rise significantly. Immediately after flush water supply starts, by using reference pressure Th4, it is possible to detect a state in which the water level in bowl 6b rises significantly due to a drainage abnormality.

[0061] In S30, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (between times T8 and T10). If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), the control device 40 proceeds to S52. This reduces the amount of flush water supplied. Between times T8 and T10, the supply of flush water from the tank 2 continues. The opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 is temporarily blocked by the flush 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 flush period Tc.

[0062] Between times T8 and T10, time has passed since the start of flush water supply, and the amount and pressure of flush water supplied are lower than immediately after flush water supply began. For this reason, between times T8 and T10, the pressure in second detection pipe 14 does not increase compared to immediately after flush water supply began (between times T4 and T6). By setting reference pressure Th3 used between times T8 and T10 lower than reference pressure Th4 used between times T4 and T6, it is possible to detect earlier a state in which the water level in bowl 6b rises significantly due to a drainage abnormality while time has passed since flush water supply began.

[0063] Control device 40 uses the detected pressure received from pressure sensor 11 to detect the water level in bowl 6b while flush water is being supplied to bowl 6b. If a drainage abnormality occurs while flush water is being supplied, and flush water continues to be supplied to bowl 6b without the supply rate being reduced, there is a possibility that the flush water will overflow from the top of bowl 6b. By detecting the water level in bowl 6b while flush water is being supplied, control device 40 can detect the occurrence of a drainage abnormality while flush water is being supplied and prevent the flush water from overflowing.

[0064] If 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 from time T9, when the flapper valve is closed, to time T10, during which flush water supplied from the tank 2 is sent to the bowl 6b and until flush water stops flowing within the rim water passage 20. The drainage period is set in advance 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 again executes the processing of S30. That is, the control device 40 repeatedly detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 until the drainage period has elapsed (between times T8 and T10).

[0065] When the drainage period has elapsed (YES in S32), in S34, the control device 40 operates the pump 50 (timing T10) and stops the operation of the pump 50 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The control device 40 does not compare the detected pressure with the reference pressure while the pump 50 is operating. 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 the 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. It is also possible to have a specification in which the predetermined period Ta is not set and the pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 until cleaning is started.

[0066] The control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds reference pressure Th3 while flush water is being supplied (between times T8 and T10), and detects that the detected pressure exceeds reference pressure Th2, which is lower than reference pressure Th3, during the predetermined period Ta (between times T11 and T12). During the predetermined period Ta, the control device 40 uses reference pressure Th2, which is lower than reference pressure Th3, to detect the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. The control device 40 can accurately detect the occurrence of a drainage abnormality in the toilet device 6, even if the water level in the bowl 6b changes due to the supply of flush water.

[0067] If 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 flushing. Specifically, even if the control device 40 receives operation of the flush button, it does not open the flapper valve. Even if the control device 40 receives operation of the flush button, flush water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b.

[0068] If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), the control device 40 reduces the amount of flush water supplied to the bowl 6b by stopping the water supply to the tank 2 in S52. Furthermore, if the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), flush water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b even if the flush button is operated for a predetermined period of time. If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3, the flush water level in the bowl 6b is high, and there is a high possibility that the flush water will overflow from the top of the bowl 6b. The control device 40 executes processing to change the amount of flush water supplied when a second drainage abnormality occurs, which makes it even more likely that the flush water will overflow from the top of the bowl 6b. This makes it possible to prevent flush water from overflowing from the top of the bowl 6b when a second drainage abnormality occurs. After stopping the water supply to the tank 2 in S52, the control device 40 closes the flapper valve of the tank 2 (i.e., the supply of flush water in the tank 2 to the bowl 6b is stopped), and then reopens the water supply solenoid valve 3 after a predetermined time has elapsed. In a modified example, the controller 40 may execute processing to change the amount of flush water supplied by forcibly closing the flapper valve during flushing.

[0069] If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), the supply of flush water from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b has already ended, and the process of reducing the amount of flush water supplied to the bowl 6b is not executed. If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), flush water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b even if the flush button is operated for a predetermined period of time.

[0070] Next, in S56, the control device 40 notifies the management terminal 60 (see FIG. 10) of the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. This allows the manager of the flush toilet 100 to be aware of the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. In S60, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure falls below the reference pressure Th1. If the detected pressure is not below the reference pressure Th1 (NO in S60), the control device 40 repeats the processing of S60 until the detected pressure falls below the reference pressure Th1. As shown in FIG. 11, the reference pressure Th1 is a pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure Ap. By comparing the detected pressure with the reference pressure Th1, the control device 40 can detect a state in which the opening of the second detection pipe 14 is exposed to the flush water. By comparing the detected pressure with the reference pressure Th1, the control device 40 can detect that the flush water level in the bowl 6b is below the second detection pipe 14, i.e., that the drainage abnormality has been resolved.

[0071] For example, if the level of flush water in the bowl 6b drops and the detected pressure falls below reference pressure Th1 (YES in S60) due to at least one of the following: a drainage abnormality caused by a clogged toilet paper is resolved naturally in a relatively short time; or the drainage abnormality is resolved by a manager; then, in S62, the control device 40 cancels the prohibition of flushing in S54. By detecting the elimination of the drainage abnormality in the processing of S60 and canceling the prohibition of flushing in the processing of S62, the control device 40 can avoid continuing the prohibition of flushing for a drainage abnormality that has already been resolved. Thereafter, in S64, the control device 40 notifies the management terminal 60 that the drainage abnormality has been resolved, and ends the flush abnormality detection processing. This allows the manager of the flush toilet 100 to recognize that the drainage abnormality has been resolved.

[0072] In water level detection device 10, the water level in bowl 6b is detected by pressure sensor 11. Pressure sensor 11 has higher accuracy in detecting the water level in bowl 6b while flush water is being supplied than other sensors such as a float sensor, capacitance sensor, or ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, water level detection device 10 can detect the water level in bowl 6b more accurately than configurations that detect the water level with other sensors.

[0073] (Effects of this embodiment) If dust or other foreign matter adheres to the opening of the end face 18 of the internal device portion 14b from the outside, the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 may not match the pressure in the left water passage 22. In this case, even if the pressure in the second detection pipe 14 is detected by the pressure sensor 11, the pressure in the left water passage 22 cannot be accurately determined. In the flush toilet 100 described above, by locating the internal device portion 14b of the second detection pipe within the left water passage 22 of the toilet apparatus 6, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the internal device portion 14b. In other words, the accuracy of water level detection can be improved compared to a configuration in which the internal device portion 14b is located outside the toilet apparatus 6. By locating the external device portion 14a and the components of the water level detection device 10, which have little effect on pressure detection accuracy, outside the toilet apparatus 6, the space occupied by the water level detection device 10 within the toilet apparatus 6 can be reduced, thereby reducing the size of the toilet apparatus 6.

[0074] As described above, water level detection device 10 detects the occurrence of a drainage abnormality by comparing the detected pressure at each of multiple times during flush period Tc with multiple reference pressures Th1 to Th4. Therefore, water level detection device 10 can detect the occurrence of a drainage abnormality even during flush period Tc, when flush water is being supplied and the water level in the bowl may change.

[0075] (Second embodiment; Figure 6) As shown in FIG. 5, the end face 18 of the tip portion 14c of the second sensing pipe 14 in the first embodiment is formed perpendicular to the direction in which the tip portion 14c extends. This improves the manufacturing efficiency of the second sensing pipe 14. As shown in FIG. 6, the end face 18 in the second embodiment is formed at an angle with respect to the direction in which the tip portion 14c extends. The internal portion 14b is positioned so that the end face 18 is approximately perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The end face 18 is positioned parallel to the opening 26 of the left water passage 22 located on the bowl 6b side. With this configuration, a rise in the water level in the bowl 6b can be detected more accurately from the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 11, compared to a configuration in which the end face 18 is positioned at an angle with respect to the opening 26.

[0076] (Third embodiment; Figure 9) As shown in Figure 9, end face 18 of second sensing pipe 14 abuts against bottom surface 28 of left water passage 22. Second sensing pipe 14 does not have legs 19. As a result, when the flush water level reaches bottom surface 28 of left water passage 22, the flush water begins to block the opening in end face 18 of second sensing pipe 14. When the flush water level is low, the opening in end face 18 is likely to be blocked by the flush water. This allows control device 40 to detect the water level in bowl 6b at a relatively early stage after the flush water level starts to rise.

[0077] (Correspondence) The internal device portion 14b is an example of a "first portion," and each component of the water level detection device 10 (e.g., the pressure sensor 11, etc.) including the external device portion 14a is an example of a "second portion." The first detection pipe 13 and the second detection pipe 14 are examples of a "communicating pipe."

[0078] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0079] (Variation 1) The tip portion 14c of the in-apparatus portion 14b of the second detection pipe 14 does not have to be positioned in the left water passage 22. For example, the tip portion 14c of the second detection pipe 14 may be positioned inside the cleaning pipe 4 or in the bowl 6b.

[0080] (Variation 2) The tip portion 14c may be located in at least one of the rear water passage 21 and the right water passage 24. In another variation, the rim water passage 20 may further branch downward in addition to the left water passage 22 and the right water passage 24. In this variation, the tip portion 14c may be located in the water passage that branches downward. The rim water passage 20 does not have to branch.

[0081] (Variation 3) The internal device portion 14b of the second detection pipe 14 may be fixed to the outer wall of the toilet body 6m located above the left water passage 22 by penetrating the outer wall, and may be positioned in the left water passage 22. In yet another variation, the internal device portion 14b may be fixed to the outer wall located above the rear water passage 21 by penetrating the outer wall, and may be positioned in the rear water passage 21 by penetrating the storage space 30.

[0082] (Modification 4) The toilet body 6m does not have to include the storage space 30.

[0083] (Variant 5) The internal device portion 14b of the second detection pipe 14 may be fixed to the outer wall of the toilet body 6m located to the left of the left water passage 22 by penetrating the outer wall, and positioned in the left water passage 22.

[0084] (Variation 6) The water level detection device 10 does not have to detect the water level using pressure. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using a float placed inside the toilet apparatus 6. In this case, the float may be placed inside the toilet apparatus 6, and the components of the water level detection device 10 other than the float, such as the control device, may be placed outside the toilet apparatus 6. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using the capacitance of an electrode pair placed inside the toilet apparatus 6. In this case, the electrode pair may be placed inside the toilet apparatus 6, and the components of the water level detection device 10 other than the electrode pair, such as the control device, may be placed outside the toilet apparatus 6. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver placed inside the toilet apparatus 6. In this case, the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver may be placed inside the toilet apparatus 6, and the components of the water level detection device 10 other than the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver, such as the control device, may be placed outside the toilet apparatus 6.

[0085] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings may 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 illustrated in this specification or drawings may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives alone is technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 2: Tank, 3: Water supply solenoid valve, 4: Flush 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: External part of device, 14b: Internal part of device, 14c: Tip part, 18: End face, 19: Leg, 20: Rim water passage, 21: Rear water passage, 22: Left water passage, 24: Right water passage, 26: Opening, 28: Bottom, 30: Storage space, 32: Through hole, 40: Control device, 50: Pump, 52: Air solenoid valve, 60: Management terminal, 70: Air, 72: Water film, 100: Flush toilet, Ta: Predetermined period, Tc: Flush period, Th1, Th2, Th3, Th4: Reference pressure

Claims

1. a toilet device having a bowl, a rim water passage for sending flush water to the bowl for flushing the bowl, and a flush pipe for supplying the flush water to the rim water passage; a water level detection device for detecting the water level of the bowl; The water level detection device is a first portion disposed in the rim channel of the toilet apparatus; a second portion disposed outside the toilet apparatus; extending inside the irrigation tube; Flush toilet.

2. 2. The flush toilet of claim 1, wherein the first portion is disposed in a portion of the rim channel that extends along an upper edge of the bowl.

3. The rim water passage branches into multiple paths at the upper edge, The flush toilet according to claim 2, wherein the first portion is located downstream of a position at the upper edge of the rim water passage where it branches into multiple passages.

4. The flush toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the water level detection device is fixed from the rear side of the rim water passage.

5. The toilet apparatus includes a storage space disposed inside an outer wall of the toilet apparatus and above the rim water passage; The storage space is The rim water passage is connected to the rim water passage above the rim water passage, 5. A flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein when the water level rises, the flush water that exceeds the communicating part between the storage space and the rim water passage is stored.

6. 6. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the water level detection device is fixed to one of the left and right sides, the top surface side, and the bottom surface side of the toilet device.

7. the first portion has a communication pipe whose tip is open inside the toilet device; 7. The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the second portion has a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the communicating pipe.

8. a first portion disposed in the rim water passage of a toilet apparatus having a bowl, a rim water passage for delivering flush water to the bowl for flushing the bowl, and a flush pipe for supplying the flush water to the rim water passage, the first portion extending inside the flush pipe; a second portion disposed outside the toilet apparatus; detecting the water level in the bowl; Water level detection device.

9. The water level detection device according to claim 8 , wherein the first portion is disposed in a portion of the rim water passage that extends along an upper edge of the bowl.

10. The rim water passage branches into multiple paths at the upper edge, The water level detection device according to claim 9 , wherein the first portion is arranged downstream of a position at the upper edge of the rim water passage where the rim water passage branches into multiple passages.

11. the first portion has a communication pipe whose tip is open within the rim water passage; The water level detection device according to claim 8 , wherein the second portion has a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the communicating pipe.

12. a first portion disposed in the rim water passage of a toilet apparatus having a bowl and a rim water passage for delivering flush water to the bowl; a second part disposed outside the toilet device, the first portion has a communication pipe whose tip is open within the rim water passage; the second portion has a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the communication pipe, detecting the water level in the bowl; Water level detection device.

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