Toilet seat device

Abstract

To properly determine clogging of a toilet bowl.SOLUTION: A toilet seat device installed in a toilet bowl comprises: a water level detection part which detects a water level in the toilet bowl; a selector valve which can switch a supply destination so as to discharge washing water supplied from a water supply part into at least the toilet bowl as discarded water; a control part which controls the selector valve; a determination part which can execute clogging determination processing in the time of washing of determining a clogging state of the toilet bowl on the basis of the water level detected by the water level detection part when toilet bowl washing is performed, and clogging determination processing in the time of non-washing of determining the clogging state of the toilet bowl on the basis of the water level detected by the water level detection part when the discarded water is discharged by switching the selector valve by the control part; and a notification part which notifies a user of the determination result when at least the determination part determines that there is clogging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toilet seat device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it has been proposed to determine whether or not clogging has occurred in a toilet based on the detection result of the water level in a flushing toilet. For example, in Patent Document 1, it is described that if the water level when a predetermined time has elapsed after toilet flushing is performed by a user's operation does not exceed a predetermined water level (normal water level), it is determined that no clogging has occurred, and if it exceeds the predetermined water level, it is determined that clogging has occurred.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1 described above, clogging determination is performed after toilet flushing. Therefore, for example, it is impossible to detect a state where clogging has occurred because a foreign object has been dropped into the toilet before toilet flushing. For this reason, when toilet flushing is performed in that state, the foreign object may be pushed in, or the flushing water may overflow from the toilet due to clogging. Further, in Patent Document 1, since it is determined that no clogging has occurred if the water level drops below the predetermined water level, and it is difficult to detect a slight change in the water level because a relatively large amount of flushing water flows during toilet flushing, it is impossible to detect a state where the water level gradually drops although there is some clogging. In such a state where there is some clogging, dirt or toilet paper is likely to be caught when the flushing water flows, and if use is continued, complete clogging may occur.

[0005] The primary purpose of this disclosure is to enable more accurate detection of toilet blockages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure employs the following means to achieve the primary objectives described above.

[0007] The toilet seat device of this disclosure is A toilet seat device installed on a toilet bowl, A water level detection unit for detecting the water level inside the toilet bowl, A switching valve that can switch the supply destination so that the flushing water supplied from the water supply unit is discharged as wastewater into at least the toilet bowl, A control unit that controls the switching valve, A determination unit capable of performing a clog determination process during flushing, which determines the state of blockage in the toilet bowl based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit when the toilet bowl is flushed, and a clog determination process during non-flushing, which determines the state of blockage in the toilet bowl based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit when the control unit switches the switching valve and wastewater is discharged, A notification unit that notifies the determination result when at least the determination unit determines that there is a blockage, The gist of it is that it is equipped with the following features.

[0008] The toilet seat device of this disclosure is capable of performing a clog detection process during flushing, which determines the state of blockage based on the water level when the toilet is flushed, and a clog detection process during non-flushing, which determines the state of blockage based on the water level when the wastewater is discharged. If a clog is detected, the device notifies the user of the detection result. Therefore, it is possible to detect a clog in the toilet not only when the toilet is flushed, but also before the toilet is flushed by the non-flushing clog detection process. Furthermore, because the clog is detected by discharging the wastewater, it is possible to detect a clog while preventing the flushing water from overflowing from the toilet bowl, and making it easier to detect even slight changes in the water level inside the toilet bowl. Consequently, it is possible to more appropriately detect and notify the user of a toilet clog, which allows for decisions regarding the need for maintenance or whether to prohibit toilet flushing.

[0009] The toilet seat device of this disclosure may include a usage detection unit that detects when the user uses the toilet seat device, and the determination unit may execute the non-flushing blockage determination process if the usage detection unit does not detect the use of the toilet seat device for a predetermined period of time after the toilet has been flushed. In this way, a blockage in the toilet can be appropriately determined between the time the toilet is flushed and the time the toilet seat device is used again.

[0010] The toilet seat device of this disclosure may include a usage detection unit that detects when the user uses the toilet seat device, and the determination unit may execute the non-flushing blockage determination process when the usage detection unit changes from a state in which it does not detect the use of the toilet seat device to a state in which it detects use. In this way, a blockage in the toilet bowl can be appropriately determined before the toilet seat device is used.

[0011] In the toilet seat device of this disclosure, the switching valve is configured to adjust the amount of wastewater, and the determination unit may determine the degree of toilet blockage in the non-flushing blockage determination process based on the amount of wastewater discharged into the toilet bowl and the water level detected by the water level detection unit when that amount of wastewater is discharged. In this way, not only is it possible to determine whether or not the toilet bowl is blocked, but the degree of blockage can also be determined appropriately with a simple process.

[0012] In the toilet seat device of this disclosure, the determination unit may determine that there is a blockage in the blockage determination process during flushing if the water level detected by the water level detection unit exceeds a predetermined water level, and in the blockage determination process during non-flushing if the water level detected by the water level detection unit is below the predetermined water level but is higher than the water level before the discharge of wastewater. In this way, a blockage in the toilet bowl can be appropriately determined in accordance with the change in water level in each blockage determination process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1]It is an external perspective view of the toilet 1 to which the cleaning toilet seat device 10 is attached. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the toilet 1 and the cleaning toilet seat device 10. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functions of the toilet 1 and the cleaning toilet seat device 10. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of a clogging determination process routine. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of a clogging determination process during cleaning. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the water level in the clogging determination process during cleaning. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the water level in the clogging determination process during cleaning. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing an example of a clogging determination process when not cleaning. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the water level in the clogging determination process when not cleaning. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the water level in the clogging determination process when not cleaning. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the clogging determination process when not cleaning in a modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the toilet 1 to which the cleaning toilet seat device 10 is attached. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toilet bowl main body 1 and the cleaning toilet seat device 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of the toilet bowl main body 1 and the cleaning toilet seat device 10. The toilet bowl main body 1 is a Western-style toilet bowl, and the cleaning toilet seat device 10 is installed on its upper surface. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and FIG. 3, the toilet bowl main body 1 includes a toilet bowl 2 and a water tank 4 for storing cleaning water for performing toilet bowl cleaning (cleaning inside the toilet bowl 2). The cleaning water supplied from the water supply unit 5 is stored in the water tank 4 of the toilet bowl main body 1. Further, when toilet bowl cleaning is performed, the drain valve 4a of the water tank 4 is opened to supply cleaning water to the toilet bowl 2, and the cleaning water in the toilet bowl 2 is discharged from the drain part 7.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the washing toilet seat device 10 includes a toilet seat device main body 11 installed behind the toilet 1, a toilet seat 12 rotatably supported by the toilet seat device main body 11, a toilet lid 13 rotatably supported by the toilet seat device main body 11, and an operation panel 14 operated by a user. Further, the washing toilet seat device 10 includes a switching valve 22 for switching the supply destination of the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 5, a local washing device 24 having one or more washing nozzles 25 for buttocks washing or bidet washing, etc., and a control device 30 for controlling the entire washing toilet seat device 10. Although not shown, the washing toilet seat device 10 includes a heat exchanger for heating the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 5, a deodorizing device for deodorizing the odor around the toilet 1 and in the toilet bowl 2, etc.

[0016] The operation panel 14 includes a plurality of operation parts 14a for performing various operations and a display part 14b such as a liquid crystal screen for displaying various information. As the operation part 14a, for example, there are provided a buttocks washing switch for instructing buttocks washing, a bidet washing switch for instructing bidet washing, a stop switch for instructing the stop of washing, a water temperature adjustment switch for adjusting the temperature of the washing water, a water pressure adjustment switch for adjusting the force of the washing water, a large washing switch for instructing large washing of the toilet 1 (toilet bowl 2), a small washing switch for instructing small washing of the toilet 1, a clogging determination switch for causing a clogging determination operation in the toilet 1 (toilet bowl 2), etc. Further, the display part 14b can display various information such as the usage status and usage history of the toilet 1 and the washing toilet seat device 10, and the presence or absence of abnormalities.

[0017] The switching valve 22 is configured as a rotary disc valve driven by, for example, a stepping motor, and is capable of selectively switching the supply destination while adjusting the flow rate of the washing water supplied from the water supply unit 5. The switching valve 22 is connected to supply channels, for example, a washing nozzle 25 for posterior washing and a washing nozzle 25 for bidet washing, as supply destinations. In this embodiment, before posterior washing or bidet washing, the washing water (cold water) can be discharged to the toilet bowl 2 as waste water while the washing nozzle 25 is located inside the washing toilet seat device 10, so that the cold water remaining in the supply channel from the heat exchanger to the washing nozzle 25 is not ejected from the washing nozzle 25. Since the switching valve 22 is configured to adjust the flow rate (discharge rate) of washing water to each supply channel, the flow rate of the waste water can also be adjusted. Furthermore, even at the maximum flow rate, the waste water flow rate per unit time is less than that of toilet flushing (large flush or small flush). Furthermore, the wastewater is not limited to water used to drain cold water, as long as it is discharged into the toilet bowl 2. It may also be water that is sprayed for cleaning from a nozzle cleaning device that cleans the surface of the cleaning nozzle 25 and then discharged into the toilet bowl 2.

[0018] Furthermore, the bidet toilet seat device 10 includes a human body detection sensor 15 that detects a person (user) in the toilet room, a seating detection sensor 16 that detects when a user sits on the toilet seat 12, and a water level detection sensor 17 that detects the water level W in the toilet bowl 1 (toilet bowl 2). The human body detection sensor 15 and the seating detection sensor 16 are configured as, for example, infrared sensors. The water level detection sensor 17 is configured as, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, and is configured to detect the water level W by transmitting ultrasonic waves toward the water surface in the toilet bowl 1 and receiving the reflected waves of ultrasonic waves reflected from the water surface. Note that the water level detection sensor 17 is not limited to ultrasonic waves, but may also transmit and receive radio waves, etc.

[0019] The control device 30 is configured as a microprocessor equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, timer, input / output ports, etc. The functional blocks of the control device 30 include a control unit 32 that controls the operation of each part, and a blockage detection unit 34 that determines whether there is a blockage in the toilet bowl 1 (toilet bowl 2). The control unit 32 receives input such as operation signals from the operation unit 14a of the operation panel 14, detection signals from the human body detection sensor 15, and detection signals from the seating detection sensor 16. The control unit 32 also outputs drive signals to the water supply valve (not shown) of the water supply unit 5, the drain valve 4a of the water tank 4, the switching valve 22, the local cleaning device 24, etc., and display signals to the display unit 14b of the operation panel 14 via output ports. The blockage detection unit 34 receives input such as detection signals from the water level detection sensor 17. The control unit 32 and the blockage detection unit 34 can also exchange information with each other. The blockage detection unit 34, for example, receives information regarding the usage status of the toilet bowl 1 and the bidet toilet seat device 10 from the control unit 32, and outputs the results of the blockage detection process to the control unit 32.

[0020] Next, the processing of the bidet toilet seat device 10 configured in this way, in particular the processing of determining the blockage state of the toilet bowl 1 (toilet bowl 2), will be explained. Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example of a blockage determination processing routine. This processing is performed by the functions of the control unit 32 and the blockage determination unit 34 of the control device 30. In the blockage determination processing routine, the control device 30 first determines whether or not a user has been detected based on the detection signal from the human body detection sensor 15 (S100), and whether or not seating has been detected based on the detection signal from the seating detection sensor 16 (S110).

[0021] If the control device 30 determines in S100 that it has detected a user, but determines in S110 that it has not detected a seat, it returns to S100. Also, if the control device 30 determines in S100 that it has detected a user and in S110 that it has detected a seat, it executes a blockage detection process for when the toilet is not being flushed (S120). Then, it determines whether or not the toilet has been flushed based on the operation signal from the operation unit 14a (S130), and if it determines that the toilet has been flushed, it executes a blockage detection process for when the toilet is being flushed (S140), starts measuring the time T after use (S150), and returns to S100. In S130, for example, it may be determined whether or not a full flush was performed as the toilet flush. If it is determined that a full flush was performed, it proceeds to S140, and if it is determined that a small flush was performed, it returns to S100. However, it may also be configured to proceed to S140 even if a small flush was performed.

[0022] Furthermore, if the control device 30 determines in S100 that it has not detected a user, it determines in S150 whether the time after use T, which was started to be measured, has exceeded a predetermined time Tref, that is, whether a predetermined time Tref has elapsed since the toilet 1 was used (after flushing) (S160). If the control device 30 determines that the time after use T has not exceeded the predetermined time Tref, it returns to S100. On the other hand, if the control device 30 determines that the time after use T has exceeded the predetermined time Tref, that is, that a predetermined time Tref has elapsed since the toilet 1 was used, it executes the non-flushing blockage detection process (S170), ends (resets) the measurement of the time after use T (S180), and returns to S100. Although omitted in Figure 4, if the blockage detection switch on the operation panel 14 (operation unit 14a) is operated, the non-flushing blockage detection process should be executed in the same way as in S120 and S170. The following describes the details of the clogging detection process during cleaning in S140 and the clogging detection process during non-cleaning in S120 and S170.

[0023] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a blockage detection process during flushing. In this blockage detection process, the control device 30 waits for the detection waiting time after flushing the toilet to elapse (S200). Here, since the water level W of the toilet bowl 2 fluctuates greatly when flushing the toilet, it is necessary to prevent misjudgment of blockage based on the water level W. Therefore, in this embodiment, the time required for the water level to stabilize after flushing the toilet (for example, a few seconds or about 10 seconds) is predetermined as the detection waiting time, and the presence or absence of a blockage is determined after waiting for that detection waiting time to elapse.

[0024] When the control device 30 determines in S200 that the waiting time for determination has elapsed, it determines whether the water level (detected water level) W exceeds a predetermined water level based on the detection signal from the water level detection sensor 17 (S210). If the control device 30 determines that the water level W does not exceed the predetermined water level, i.e., that the water level W is below the predetermined water level, it determines that there is no blockage (S220) and terminates this process. On the other hand, if the control device 30 determines in S210 that the water level W exceeds the predetermined water level, it determines that there is a blockage (S230), notifies that there is a blockage, prohibits the operation of flushing the toilet bowl, and instructs maintenance of the toilet bowl 1 (removal of foreign objects) to remove the foreign objects causing the blockage (S240), and terminates this process.

[0025] In S240, the control device 30 outputs a display signal to the display unit 14b of the operation panel 14 to display a message indicating a blockage. The control device 30 also outputs a display signal to the display unit 14b of the operation panel 14 to display a message instructing the user to prohibit toilet flushing and to perform maintenance. Furthermore, the control device 30 may not only display a message prohibiting toilet flushing, but may also ensure that toilet flushing is completely prohibited by not sending a drive signal to the drain valve 4a of the water tank 4, even if a toilet flushing operation instruction is given on the operation unit 14a. In other words, the toilet flushing operation instruction may be disabled. However, even in this case, if an operation to release the disablement is performed, such as pressing and holding the toilet flushing switch on the operation unit 14a, a drive signal may be sent to the drain valve 4a to perform toilet flushing.

[0026] Here, Figures 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of water levels in the blockage detection process during flushing. In Figure 6, a relatively large foreign object has completely blocked the drain section 7 (drain channel), causing a complete blockage. As a result, the water level W remains elevated even after the judgment waiting time has elapsed following toilet flushing. Therefore, it is determined that the water level W exceeds the predetermined water level, and a blockage (complete blockage) is detected. In Figure 7, a smaller foreign object is blocking part of the drain section 7, but not completely blocking it, resulting in a partial blockage. Therefore, although the water level W temporarily rises during toilet flushing (shown by a dotted line in Figure 7), over time, water drains through the gaps in the foreign object, and the water level W drops to the same level as before toilet flushing (before use) (see Figure 2). Therefore, it is determined that the water level W does not exceed the predetermined water level, and no blockage is detected. Thus, even if a partial blockage occurs, it may not be properly detected during the blockage detection process during flushing, resulting in a determination that there is no blockage.

[0027] Next, the blockage detection process in S120 and S170 when not cleaning will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the blockage detection process when not cleaning. In this blockage detection process, the control device 30 switches the switching valve 22 to discharge wastewater and discharges wastewater into the toilet bowl 2 for a predetermined discharge time (for example, several seconds to tens of seconds) (S300), and determines whether the water level W has risen based on the detection signal from the water level detection sensor 17 (S310). In S300 and S310, while discharging a predetermined amount of wastewater (a constant amount) for blockage detection, it is determined whether the water level W has risen compared to before the wastewater was discharged. The predetermined amount of wastewater for blockage detection is determined in advance through experiments, etc., so that it is greater than the amount of water that is drained through the gaps of foreign matter due to partial blockage as described above. Furthermore, if the non-cleaning blockage detection process in S120 and S170 (Figure 8) is performed after the cleaning blockage detection process in S140 (Figure 5) has determined that there is no blockage, the non-cleaning blockage detection process will determine that there is a blockage based on the fact that the water level W has risen due to the wastewater, even though the water level W is below a predetermined level.

[0028] If the control device 30 determines in S310 that the water level W has not risen, it determines that there is no blockage (S320) and terminates this process. On the other hand, if the control device 30 determines in S310 that the water level W has risen, it determines that there is a blockage (S330), notifies the system of the blockage, and instructs the system to prohibit toilet flushing and perform maintenance (S340), and terminates this process. The process in S340 can be performed in the same way as the process in S240.

[0029] Here, Figures 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the water level during the blockage detection process when not flushing. Figure 9 shows a state where, although the blockage detection process performed after flushing determined that there was no blockage, a foreign object subsequently fell into the toilet bowl 1 (toilet bowl 2) and caused a blockage. This foreign object is blocking the entrance to the drain section 7 (drain channel). Therefore, when wastewater is discharged during the blockage detection process when not flushing, the water level W rises above the level before discharge, allowing the blockage to be detected. In this way, in this embodiment, a blockage that occurs after the blockage detection process during flushing can be appropriately detected, thus preventing the toilet from being flushed without noticing the blockage and causing water to overflow from the toilet bowl 1.

[0030] Furthermore, Figure 10 shows the same partial blockage state as in Figure 7. As mentioned above, this partial blockage state was not properly detected during the blockage detection process during flushing and was determined to be no blockage. However, in the blockage detection process during non-flushing, the water level W rises while the wastewater is discharged to determine if a blockage exists. Therefore, if the water level W rises above the water level W before the wastewater is discharged (shown by a dotted line in Figure 10), the rise can be detected and a blockage can be determined. Thus, in this embodiment, even a partial blockage that cannot be properly detected during (or after) toilet flushing can be properly detected by the blockage detection process during non-flushing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the toilet from being used in a partially blocked state and causing a complete blockage.

[0031] As described above, the toilet seat bidet device 10 performs a clogging detection process during flushing, which determines the state of blockage in the toilet bowl 1 based on the water level W detected when the toilet bowl is flushed, and a clogging detection process during non-flushing, which determines the state of blockage in the toilet bowl 1 based on the water level W detected when the wastewater is discharged. If a blockage is detected, the device notifies the user accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to determine if the toilet bowl 1 is blocked not only when the toilet bowl is flushed, but also before the toilet bowl is flushed. Furthermore, since the amount of wastewater is less than the amount of flushing water used when the toilet bowl is flushed, it is possible to prevent water from overflowing from the toilet bowl 1 even if there is a blockage, while making it easier to detect slight changes in the water level W and appropriately determine if the blockage is present. Thus, it is possible to more appropriately determine and notify the user of a blockage in the toilet bowl 1.

[0032] Furthermore, since the clog detection process for non-flushing is executed when the time T after use, which is measured after the toilet has been flushed, exceeds a predetermined time Tref, it is possible to appropriately determine if the toilet bowl 1 is clogged between the time the toilet is flushed and the time the bidet toilet seat device 10 is used again.

[0033] Furthermore, when the human body detection sensor 15 detects a user and the seating detection sensor 16 detects that the user is seated, the system performs a blockage detection process when the toilet is not being flushed. This allows for proper detection of blockage in the toilet bowl 1 when the bidet toilet seat device 10 is in use.

[0034] Furthermore, in the clog detection process during flushing, a clog is detected if the water level W exceeds a predetermined level, and in the clog detection process during non-flushing, a clog is detected if the water level W rises above the level before the wastewater is discharged, even if it is below the predetermined level. Therefore, a clog in the toilet bowl 1 can be appropriately detected according to the change in water level W in each clog detection process.

[0035] In the embodiment described above, the non-cleaning blockage detection process in S120 is executed when a user is detected in S100 and the user is seated in S110 as shown in Figure 4, and the non-cleaning blockage detection process in S170 is executed when the time T after use exceeds a predetermined time Tref in S160. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. That is, it is not limited to executing both the non-cleaning blockage detection processes in S120 and S170, but it is also possible to execute only one of the non-cleaning blockage detection processes. If the non-cleaning blockage detection process in S120 is not executed, the processes in S100 to S120 may be omitted. Also, if the non-cleaning blockage detection process in S170 is not executed, the processes in S150 to S180 may be omitted. Furthermore, the non-cleaning blockage detection process in S120 is not limited to being executed when a user is detected in S100 and the user is seated in S110, but may also be executed when a user is detected in S100.

[0036] In this embodiment, the process in S240 when a blockage is detected during the flushing blockage detection process in Figure 5 and the process in S340 when a blockage is detected during the non-flushing blockage detection process in Figure 8 are the same, but the system is not limited to this. In the processes of S240 and S340, it is sufficient to at least notify that a blockage exists, and the presence or absence of prohibiting toilet flushing may differ. For example, if a blockage is detected during the flushing blockage detection process, toilet flushing may be prohibited and maintenance may be instructed, while if a blockage is detected during the non-flushing blockage detection process, toilet flushing may not be prohibited and maintenance may be instructed. Alternatively, in either detection process, if a blockage is detected, the system may notify that a blockage exists without prohibiting toilet flushing, and the user may decide whether or not to prohibit toilet flushing.

[0037] In this embodiment, the blockage detection process in S120 and S170 in Figure 4 is the same process (Figure 8), but it is not limited to this and may be different processes. For example, if a blockage is detected in the blockage detection process in S170, toilet flushing may be prohibited and maintenance may be instructed, while if a blockage is detected in the blockage detection process in S120, toilet flushing may not be prohibited and maintenance may be instructed. Since the blockage detection process in S120 is performed when using toilet 1 (immediately before use), by instructing maintenance without prohibiting toilet flushing, it is possible to prevent inconvenience caused by prohibiting toilet flushing immediately before use, while appropriately notifying the user of a blockage in toilet 1 and prompting maintenance or caution.

[0038] In this embodiment, during the non-cleaning blockage detection process, a fixed amount of wastewater was discharged as a predetermined amount of water for blockage detection, but this is not limited to this. As described above, the switching valve 22 is configured to allow adjustment of the water volume, so the amount of wastewater may be adjusted. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the non-cleaning blockage detection process.

[0039] In the modified blockage detection process, the control device 30 switches the switching valve 22 to discharge wastewater at a first water flow rate Q1 and discharges the wastewater for a predetermined discharge time (S400), and determines whether the water level W has risen (S410). If the control device 30 determines in S410 that the water level W has not risen, it switches the switching valve 22 to discharge wastewater at a second water flow rate Q2 which is greater than the first water flow rate Q1 and discharges the wastewater for a predetermined discharge time (S420), and determines whether the water level W has risen (S430). If the control device 30 determines in S430 that the water level W has not risen, it switches the switching valve 22 to discharge wastewater at a third water flow rate Q3 which is greater than the second water flow rate Q2 and discharges the wastewater for a predetermined discharge time (S440), and determines whether the water level W has risen (S450). In this modified version, the amount of wastewater (flow rate, discharge volume) is changed to increase sequentially from the first amount Q1, to the second amount Q2, and to the third amount Q3. During the discharge of each amount of wastewater over a predetermined discharge time, it is determined whether or not the water level W has risen.

[0040] When the control device 30 determines in S410 that the water level W has risen, it determines that there is a blockage of a large degree because the water level rise is detected with the smallest first water volume Q1 (S460), notifies the user of this fact, and instructs them to prohibit toilet flushing and perform maintenance (S470), and then terminates this process. For example, in the case of a complete blockage as described above, the blockage degree is determined to be large. When the blockage degree is determined to be large in this way, there is a high possibility that the flushing water will overflow if the toilet is flushed, so prohibiting toilet flushing and instructing maintenance promotes the rapid resolution of the blockage (removal of foreign matter). On the other hand, when the control device 30 determines in S430 that the water level W has risen, it determines that there is a blockage of a medium degree because the water level rise is detected with the intermediate second water volume Q2 (S480), notifies the user of this fact, and instructs them to perform maintenance (S490), and then terminates this process. For example, a partial blockage caused by a relatively large foreign object may be classified as a moderate blockage. In such cases, the likelihood of the toilet flushing water overflowing immediately is lower compared to a severe blockage, but if left untreated, the blockage may worsen and cause an overflow. Therefore, while toilet flushing is not immediately prohibited, maintenance is instructed to inform the user that the blockage needs to be cleared.

[0041] Furthermore, when the control device 30 determines in S450 that the water level W has risen, it determines that there is a blockage with a minor blockage (S500) because the water level rise is determined to be at the third water volume Q3, which is the most common. The control device then notifies the user of the presence of a minor blockage (S510) and terminates this process. For example, a minor blockage is determined in the case of a partial blockage caused by a relatively small foreign object. When the blockage is determined to be minor in this way, there is little need to immediately prohibit toilet flushing or perform maintenance, but there is a possibility that the blockage may not be resolved and could worsen. For this reason, the control device notifies the user that there is at least a blockage to draw their attention. Furthermore, when the control device 30 determines in S450 that the water level W has not risen, it determines that there is no blockage (S520) and terminates this process. In this way, by changing the amount of wastewater, the degree of blockage in the toilet bowl 1 can be appropriately determined with a relatively simple process. While not particularly limited, for example, the third water volume Q3 can be the same amount as the wastewater in S300 in Figure 8. Furthermore, the third water volume Q3 can be approximately twice the amount of the first water volume Q1, and the second water volume Q2 can be approximately the average of the first water volume Q1 and the third water volume Q3.

[0042] Furthermore, since the determination process in the modified example Figure 11 takes more time than the determination process in Figure 8, the determination process in Figure 8 may be executed at S120 in Figure 4 (when the user uses the device), and the determination process in Figure 11 may be executed at S170 in Figure 4 (when the time T after use exceeds a predetermined time Tref).

[0043] The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the present disclosure described in the section on the main elements of the embodiment and the means for solving the problems will be explained. The washing toilet seat device 10 of the embodiment corresponds to the "toilet seat device" of the present disclosure, the water level detection sensor 17 corresponds to the "water level detection unit", the switching valve 22 corresponds to the "switching valve", the control unit 32 corresponds to the "control unit", and the blockage detection unit 34 corresponds to the "determination unit". The human body detection sensor 15 and the seating detection sensor 16 correspond to the "use detection unit".

[0044] This specification also discloses the technical concept of changing "the toilet seat device described in claim 1 or 2" in the original claim 4 to "the toilet seat device described in any one of claims 1 to 3," and the technical concept of changing "the toilet seat device described in claim 1 or 2" in the original claim 5 to "the toilet seat device described in any one of claims 1 to 4."

[0045] Furthermore, the correspondence between the main elements of the embodiments and the main elements of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems is merely an example to specifically explain the form in which the embodiments implement the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems, and does not limit the elements of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems. In other words, the interpretation of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems should be based on the description in that section, and the embodiments are merely one specific example of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems.

[0046] The above describes the forms for implementing this disclosure, but this disclosure is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and it is of course possible to implement it in various forms without departing from the gist of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0047] This disclosure can be used in industries such as the manufacturing of toilet seat devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1 Toilet bowl, 2 Toilet bowl, 4 Water tank, 5 Water supply unit, 7 Drainage unit, 10 Washlet toilet seat device, 11 Toilet seat device body, 12 Toilet seat, 13 Toilet lid, 14 Operation panel, 14a Operation unit, 14b Display unit, 15 Human body detection sensor, 16 Seating detection sensor, 17 Water level detection sensor, 22 Switching valve, 24 Local cleaning device, 25 Washing nozzle, 30 Control device, 32 Control unit, 34 Clogging detection unit.

Claims

1. A toilet seat device installed on a toilet bowl, A water level detection unit for detecting the water level inside the toilet bowl, A switching valve that can switch the supply destination so that the flushing water supplied from the water supply unit is discharged as wastewater into at least the toilet bowl, A control unit that controls the switching valve, A determination unit capable of performing a clog determination process during flushing, which determines the state of blockage in the toilet bowl based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit when the toilet bowl is flushed, and a clog determination process during non-flushing, which determines the state of blockage in the toilet bowl based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit when the control unit switches the switching valve and wastewater is discharged, A notification unit that notifies the determination result when at least the determination unit determines that there is a blockage, A toilet seat device equipped with a toilet seat.

2. It includes a usage detection unit that detects the use of the toilet seat device by the user, The determination unit executes the non-cleaning blockage determination process if the toilet seat device is not detected to be used by the usage detection unit for a predetermined period of time after the toilet bowl has been flushed. The toilet seat device according to claim 1.

3. It includes a usage detection unit that detects the use of the toilet seat device by the user, The determination unit executes the non-cleaning blockage determination process when the state changes from one in which the toilet seat device is not detected to one in which it is used, as detected by the usage detection unit. The toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned switching valve is configured to allow adjustment of the amount of wastewater being discarded. In the non-flushing blockage determination process, the determination unit determines the degree of blockage in the toilet bowl based on the amount of wastewater discharged into the toilet bowl and the water level detected by the water level detection unit when that amount of wastewater was discharged. The toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The determination unit determines, in the clogging determination process during cleaning, that there is a clogging if the water level detected by the water level detection unit exceeds a predetermined water level, and in the clogging determination process during non-cleaning, that there is a clogging if the water level detected by the water level detection unit is below the predetermined water level but is higher than the water level before the discharge of wastewater. The toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 2.

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