Liquid film device, liquid film forming method, control device, device for wet area, toilet bowl device, and washstand device

Abstract

A liquid film device according to the present invention may comprise: a body having a surface; a plurality of discharge ports arranged side by side spaced apart from each other from which liquid is discharged onto the surface; a formation part that forms the liquid film on the surface by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports; and a maintenance part that maintains the formed liquid film over a prescribed period of time by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports over the prescribed period of time.

Description

Liquid film device, liquid film forming method, control device, plumbing device, toilet device, and washbasin device

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a liquid film device, a liquid film forming method, a control device, and a plumbing device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flush toilet with a bowl portion. The flush toilet includes a water passage extending along the upper end of a peripheral wall surrounding the bowl portion, and an overflow port located at the upper end of the bowl portion and communicating with the inside of the water passage. Flush water supplied to the water passage overflows from the overflow port, forming a water film flow that cleans the surface of the upper end portion.

[0003] JP 2009-7922 A

[0004] In the above-mentioned techniques, the formation of the water film flow and the treatment thereafter are not considered, taking into account the state of the water film flow after its formation.

[0005] The present specification provides a technique that can perform the formation of a liquid film and subsequent processing while taking into consideration the state of the liquid film after formation.

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a liquid film device, which may include a main body having a surface, a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging a liquid onto the surface, a forming unit that forms the liquid film on the surface by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports, and a maintaining unit that maintains the formed liquid film for a predetermined period by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports for the predetermined period.

[0007] Another technique disclosed in this specification relates to a liquid film forming method, which may include forming a liquid film on a surface of a main body by discharging liquid from a plurality of discharge ports onto the surface, and maintaining the formed liquid film for the predetermined period by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports over a period of time.

[0008] Another technique disclosed in this specification relates to a control device for controlling a liquid film device, the liquid film device including a main body having a surface and a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging a liquid onto the surface, the control device controlling liquid supplied to the plurality of discharge ports to discharge the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports to form the liquid film on the surface, and discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports for a predetermined period of time to maintain the formed liquid film for the predetermined period of time.

[0009] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a liquid film device, which includes a main body having a surface, a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging a liquid onto the surface, and a control device that controls the liquid supplied to the plurality of discharge ports, and the control device may form the liquid film on the surface by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports for a predetermined period of time, thereby maintaining the formed liquid film for the predetermined period of time.

[0010] Another technique disclosed in this specification relates to a plumbing device. The plumbing device may include the liquid membrane device described above and an outlet for discharging the liquid.

[0011] 10 shows a perspective view of a toilet apparatus of a first embodiment; FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of section II-II in FIG. 1; FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of section III-III in FIG. 1; FIG. 23 shows an enlarged view of area AR1 in FIG. 2 of a modified example; FIG. 24 shows a structural block diagram of a control system of a toilet apparatus of a first embodiment; FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of liquid film treatment of a first embodiment; FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a toilet apparatus of a second embodiment; FIG. 15 shows an enlarged bottom view of the upper edge of the main body in area IX in FIG. 8; FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a washbasin of a third embodiment; FIG. 17 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of area AR2 in section XI-XI in FIG. 10; FIG. 18 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of section XII-XII in FIG. 10; FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of liquid film treatment of a fourth embodiment; FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of manual stop treatment of a first embodiment.

[0012] (First embodiment) (Configuration of toilet device) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a user uses a toilet device 10 while standing and facing the toilet device 10. The toilet device 10 includes a main body 12, a water discharge mechanism 20, a control device 100, a valve device 104, a sensor unit 108, and an operating device 110. The main body 12 is made of ceramic, for example. The main body 12 includes a toilet bowl 16 having a surface 14, and an outlet 18 (see Figure 2). The surface 14 faces a user during use. The surface 14 is hit by urine discharged by the user. The surface 14 is hydrophilic. The toilet bowl 16 forms a recess at the lower end of the main body 12. The outlet 18 is located at the lower end of the toilet bowl 16. The outlet 18 discharges liquid flowing over the surface 14 to the outside of the toilet bowl 16. The outlet 18 communicates with the toilet bowl 16 and a drain pipe. A trap section 19 is disposed below the outlet 18. The trap section 19 prevents the outlet 18 from communicating with external piping by storing a predetermined amount of water.

[0013] The water discharge mechanism 20 discharges water downward from the upper edge of the main body 12. Specifically, the water discharge mechanism 20 discharges water substantially directly downward. The water discharged from the water discharge mechanism 20 flows over the surface 14 and is discharged from the outlet 18 outside the toilet bowl 16. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the water discharge mechanism 20 includes a plurality of outlets 22, a supply unit 25, and a storage unit 28 (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 3 , only one of the plurality of outlets 22 is indicated by a reference numeral. The supply unit 25 is disposed at the upper end of the surface 14. The supply unit 25 is curved along the shape of the main body 12. The supply unit 25 extends from one end to the other end of the main body 12. The supply unit 25 may extend over a range of more than half of the length from one end to the other end of the main body 12. The supply unit 25 defines a water passage 24 extending along the main body 12. The water passage 24 is formed by a cavity located inside the supply portion 25. The water passage 24 extends from near one end of the upper edge of the main body 12 to near the other end. The supply portion 25, i.e., the portion that defines the multiple discharge ports 22, may be made of the same material as the main body 12. The supply portion 25 may also be made of a material different from that of the main body 12, such as a resin material.

[0014] A plurality of discharge ports 22 are arranged on the lower end surface 21 of the supply portion 25. The plurality of discharge ports 22 are arranged at equal intervals along the upper edge of the main body 12. The discharge ports 22 are arranged in a region from near one end to near the other end of the upper edge of the main body 12.

[0015] Discharge port 22 extends from water passage 24 through supply portion 25 to lower end surface 21. Discharge port 22 extends downward from lower end surface 24a of water passage 24, slanting toward front surface 14. In a modified example, as shown in Fig. 5, the end of discharge port 22 on the water passage 24 side may be positioned above lower end surface 24a by a protrusion 26 that protrudes upward from lower end surface 24a of water passage 24.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , the water passage 24 is connected to a water supply source, such as a drinking water pipe, via a valve device 104. A reservoir 28 is disposed between the valve device 104 and the water passage 24. The reservoir 28 defines a storage space for storing an additive. The storage space of the reservoir 28 is connected to the water passage 24. The additive stored in the reservoir 28 is added to the water flowing from the supply source to the water passage 24. The additive includes a surfactant. The valve device 104 is controlled by a control device 100. The valve device 104 is switchable between an open state, which connects the supply source and the water passage 24, and a closed state, which blocks the connection between the supply source and the water passage 24.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 6, the control device 100 controls the valve device 104 in accordance with a computer program. The control device 100 includes a CPU 101 and a memory 102. In the control device 100, the CPU 101 executes processing in accordance with a computer program stored in the memory 102. The memory 102 is composed of a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc. The memory 102 stores various computer programs. The memory 102 stores information and data necessary for the CPU 101 to execute processing, and information and data generated while the CPU 101 is executing processing.

[0018] The control device 100 is communicatively connected to the valve device 104, the sensor unit 108, and the operating device 110 via a communication interface 103 (hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F"). The communication I / F 103 includes at least one of a cable port and a signal transceiver used for at least one of wired and wireless communication.

[0019] The operating device 110 is attached to a wall surface around the main body 12. The operating device 110 has a button that is operated by a user. The user can switch the valve device 104 between an open state and a closed state by operating the button on the operating device 110. When the user operates the button for switching the valve device 104, the operating device 110 transmits a signal to the control device 100 for switching between the open state and the closed state in accordance with the user's operation. When the control device 100 receives the signal, it supplies the valve device 104 with a request to switch between the open state and the closed state. The valve device 104 switches between the open state and the closed state in response to the request from the control device 100.

[0020] The sensor unit 108 includes human presence sensors arranged around the main body 12 and on one side of the main body 12. The sensor unit 108 detects a user standing in front of the main body 12. When the sensor unit 108 detects a user, it transmits a signal indicating that the user has been detected to the control device 100. When the previously detected user is no longer detected, the sensor unit 108 transmits a signal indicating that the user is no longer detected to the control device 100.

[0021] (Liquid Film Processing) The liquid film processing executed by the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 . The control device 100 executes the liquid film processing while the power is on. In the liquid film processing, in S12, the control device 100 determines whether or not the user will use the toilet device 10. When a signal indicating that a user has been detected is received from the sensor unit 108, it is determined that the user will use the toilet device 10 (YES in S12), and the process proceeds to S13. In S13, the control device 100 determines whether the water supply stop flag stored in the memory 102 is off. The water supply stop flag is maintained on for a predetermined period when the user stops water discharge by operating the operating device 110 in the manual stop processing described below. If the water supply stop flag is off (YES in S13), the process proceeds to S14. If the water supply stop flag is on (NO in S13), i.e., if it has been within a predetermined period since water discharge was stopped by the user, the process returns to S12. If a signal indicating that a user has been detected is not received from the sensor unit 108, it is determined that the user will not be using the toilet device 10 (NO in S12), and the process proceeds to S22.

[0022] In S14, the control device 100 discharges water from the plurality of outlets 22. Specifically, the control device 100 supplies a request to the valve device 104 to switch the valve device 104 from a closed state to an open state. This causes water to flow from the supply source into the water passage 24. The water flowing into the water passage 24 contains the additive stored in the reservoir 28.

[0023] When water flows into the water passage 24, the water in the water passage 24 is discharged from the plurality of outlets 22. In the modified example shown in Figure 5, when water flows into the water passage 24, the water level in the water passage 24 rises. When the water level in the water passage 24 rises to exceed the protruding portion 26, this configuration makes it possible to suppress variations in the timing of water discharge from the plurality of outlets 22.

[0024] Water ejected from the multiple outlets 22 flows downward on the surface of the main body 12. More specifically, each outlet 22 ejects water substantially directly downward without spreading left and right. The outlets 22 are not configured to spread water ejected left and right, and the water does not have a pressure that causes the water to spread beyond the hole diameter of the outlets 22. The surface 14 of the main body 12 is hydrophilic. When the surface 14 is "hydrophilic," it means that the surface 14 is hydrophilic to the extent that water ejected from two adjacent outlets 22 among the multiple outlets 22 spreads out and joins each other on the surface 14. If water ejected from two adjacent outlets 22 among the multiple outlets 22 flows downward without joining each other, the surface 14 is not hydrophilic.

[0025] When the contact angle of water ejected from the plurality of ejection ports 22 when it comes into contact with the surface 14 is less than 90 degrees, it can be said to be "hydrophilic."

[0026] When water is discharged from the multiple outlets 22, the water discharged from adjacent outlets 22 joins together, causing the water discharged from the multiple outlets 22 to form a water film on the surface 14. In other words, the water discharge mechanism 20 discharges water from the multiple outlets 22 at a flow rate sufficient to form a water film. After a specific period of time has passed since the multiple outlets 22 began discharging water, a water film is formed over the entire area in which the multiple outlets 22 are arranged, i.e., from near one end of the upper edge of the main body 12 to near the other end. As a result, a water film is formed over substantially the entire surface 14. The water film is continuously formed from the position where the water discharged from the multiple outlets 22 joins together to form the water film all the way to the exhaust port 18. The control device 100 continues to discharge water from the multiple outlets 22, thereby maintaining a water film over substantially the entire surface 14. The control device 100 may adjust the flow rate of water discharged from the multiple discharge ports 22 by adjusting the opening degree of the valve device 104 in order to maintain the water film.

[0027] In S16, the control device 100 determines whether the user has finished using the toilet. Specifically, when the control device 100 receives a signal from the sensor unit 108 indicating that the user has not been detected, the control device 100 determines that the user has finished using the toilet (YES in S16) and proceeds to S18. In S18, the control device 100 determines whether a first duration has elapsed since determining that the user has finished using the toilet. The first duration is pre-stored in the control device 100. The first duration is a period during which the water film continues to be maintained after the user has finished using the toilet. The first duration may be a predetermined period determined in advance by the manufacturer of the toilet device 10. The first duration may also be variable. For example, the first duration may be a period until a predetermined percentage of the water stored in the trap unit 19 of the toilet device 10 is replaced. The predetermined percentage may be, for example, 70% or more, preferably 80% or more, and even more preferably 90%. In this case, the control device 100 may acquire a detection value from a detection unit that detects the amount of water discharged from the trap unit 19. The first duration may be a period of time until the concentration of urine contained in water stored in the trap portion 19 of the toilet apparatus 10 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be equal to or less than 30%, preferably equal to or less than 20%, and more preferably equal to or less than 10%. In this case, the control device 100 may acquire a detection value from a detection unit that detects the concentration of urine in the trap portion 19.

[0028] If it is determined in S18 that the first duration period has elapsed (YES in S18), in S20 the control device 100 switches the valve device 104 from an open state to a closed state, stops water discharge from the multiple outlets 22, and returns to S12.

[0029] In the liquid film process, when a user is detected, water is discharged from the multiple discharge ports 22 to form a water film on the surface 14. This allows the water film to be generated at the timing when the user actually uses the device, thereby reducing the amount of water used.

[0030] The valve device 104 remains open until a first duration has elapsed after use by the user. As a result, a water film is maintained throughout use by the user. The water film prevents the user's urine from splashing from the main body 12. Furthermore, the water film prevents foreign matter, such as urine, from adhering to the surface 14. This allows the foreign matter to flow along the water film and be discharged without coming into contact with the surface 14. This prevents urine from adhering to the surface. This improves the cleanability of the toilet device 10. The water film prevents the user's urine from adhering to and remaining on the surface 14. The water film is maintained for the first duration after use by the user. This eliminates the need for the toilet device 10 to include a component for discharging flushing water to clean the surface 14, other than the water discharge mechanism 20. The water film is formed over substantially the entire surface 14. The water film continues to the outlet 18. The water film is maintained for the first duration after use by the user. This reduces the frequency of cleaning the toilet device 10.

[0031] A surfactant is added to the water ejected from the plurality of outlets 22. The surfactant can improve the hydrophilicity of the surface 14 with respect to the water ejected from the plurality of outlets 22. The water ejected from the plurality of outlets 22 spreads and flows easily over the surface 14. The water ejected from the plurality of outlets 22 can easily form a uniform water film on the surface 14.

[0032] Once the water film is formed, it is maintained at a constant thickness over the entire surface. Once the water film is formed, it is maintained at a constant thickness over the entire surface until the water discharge is stopped. While the water film is maintained, it is maintained in a continuous state without interruption over almost the entire surface.

[0033] In S22, the control device 100 determines whether a maintenance period has elapsed since the previous water discharge. Specifically, the control device 100 stores the timing at which water discharge was most recently stopped in S20. The maintenance period is stored in the control device 100 in advance. If the toilet device 10 is not used by the user for the maintenance period, water is discharged from the water discharge mechanism 20 to maintain and protect the toilet device 10.

[0034] If the control device 100 determines that the maintenance period has not elapsed since the stored stop timing (NO in S22), the process returns to S12. If the control device 100 determines that the maintenance period has elapsed since the stored stop timing (YES in S22), the control device 100 starts discharging water in S24, as in S14. In S24, the control device 100 switches the valve device 104 to an open state at the same opening degree as in S14, thereby discharging water in the same state as in S14. In a modified example, in S24, the control device 100 may discharge water in a state different from S14. For example, the control device 100 may switch the valve device 104 to an open state at a different opening degree than in S14. In S26, the control device 100 determines whether the user will use the toilet device 10, as in S12. If the control device 100 determines that the user will use the toilet device 10 (YES in S26), the control device 100 determines whether the user has finished using the toilet device 10, as in S16, in S28. If it is determined that the user's use has ended (YES in S28), the control device 100 determines in S30 whether a second duration has elapsed since water discharge began in S24. The second duration is pre-stored in the control device 100. The second duration may be the same as or different from the first duration.

[0035] If the control device 100 determines that the second duration has elapsed (YES in S30), it proceeds to S20. If it determines in S26 that the user will not use the toilet device 10 (NO in S26), the control device 100 determines in S32 whether a third duration has elapsed since water discharge began in S24. The third duration is a period during which water is discharged for maintenance. If it determines that the third duration has elapsed (YES in S32), it proceeds to S20. If it determines that the third duration has not elapsed (NO in S32), it returns to S26.

[0036] In the liquid film treatment, if there is no water discharge from the water discharge mechanism 20 over a maintenance period, water is discharged from the multiple discharge ports 22 even if the user is not using them. This allows the toilet apparatus 10 to be automatically maintained and preserved.

[0037] The control device 100 executes a manual stop process in parallel with the liquid film process. In S502, the control device 100 determines whether water is being discharged. Specifically, if the valve device 104 is in the open state, the control device 100 determines that water is being discharged (YES in S502) and proceeds to S504. If the valve device 104 is in the closed state, the control device 100 determines that water is not being discharged (NO in S502) and returns to S502. In S504, the control device 100 monitors whether a switching signal for switching the valve device 104 between the open state and the closed state is received from the operating device 110. If a switching signal is not received from the operating device 110 (NO in S504), the process returns to S502. If a switching signal is received from the operating device 110 (YES in S504), the control device 100 stops water discharge in S506. Specifically, the control device 100 switches the valve device 104 between an open state and a closed state. In S508, the control device 100 switches the water discharge stop flag stored in the memory 102 from OFF to ON. In S510, the control device 100 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the water discharge stop flag was switched ON. If the predetermined period of time has elapsed since the water discharge stop flag was switched ON, in S512, the control device 100 switches the water discharge stop flag from ON to OFF and returns to S502. In this configuration, the user can switch the valve device 104 between an open state and a closed state by operating the operating device 110. By keeping the water discharge stop flag ON for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to prevent a determination of YES in S12 from being made after water discharge has stopped, and water discharge from being started. Furthermore, when a signal for switching from the closed state to the open state is received from the operating device 110, the control device 100 switches from the closed state to the open state regardless of the liquid film process. In this case, the control device 100 maintains the open state until a signal to switch from the open state to the closed state is received from the operating device 110. This allows the water film to be maintained on the surface 14.

[0038] (Correspondence) The toilet device 10 is an example of a "water-related device." The main body 12, the water discharge mechanism 20, the valve device 104, and the control device 100 are an example of a "liquid membrane device." The water discharge mechanism 20, the valve device 104, and the control device 100 are an example of a "forming section" and a "maintenance section." The period from S14 to S20 is an example of a "first period." The outlet 18 is an example of an "outflow section." The control device 100 is an example of an "identifying section" and an "instruction acquiring section." The first duration period is an example of a "second period."

[0039] Second Embodiment (Configuration of Toilet Device) Differences between a toilet device 310 of this embodiment and the toilet device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The toilet device 310 is used by a user either in a standing position or while sitting on a toilet seat (not shown). The toilet device 310 includes a main body 312, a water discharge mechanism 320, the control device 100 shown in Figure 6, the valve device 104, the sensor unit 108, and the operating device 110. The main body 312 is made of ceramic, for example. The main body 312 includes a toilet bowl 316 having a surface 314 and an outlet (not shown). Excrement discharged by the user may fly onto the surface 314. The surface 314 is hydrophilic. The toilet bowl 316 forms a recess. A water reservoir 318 is disposed at the bottom of the toilet bowl 316. Water is stored in the water reservoir 318. A discharge port (not shown) is disposed at the lower end of the water reservoir 318 .

[0040] The water discharge mechanism 320 discharges water downward from the upper edge of the main body 312. Specifically, the water discharge mechanism 320 discharges water substantially directly downward. The water discharged from the water discharge mechanism 320 flows along the surface 314 and into the water reservoir 318. The water discharge mechanism 320 includes a plurality of discharge ports 322, a supply unit 325, and a reservoir (not shown). In FIG. 9 , a reference numeral is attached to one of the plurality of discharge ports 322. The supply unit 325 is disposed on the upper edge of the main body 312. The supply unit 325 has an annular shape that follows the upper edge of the main body 312. The supply unit 325 goes around the upper edge of the main body 312. The supply unit 325 defines a water passage (not shown) that extends along the upper edge of the main body 312. The water passage, like the water passage 24, is formed by a cavity located inside the supply portion 325. The water passage goes around inside the main body 312.

[0041] A plurality of outlets 322 are arranged on the lower end surface 321 of the supply portion 325. The outlets 322 are arranged at equal intervals along the upper edge of the main body 312. The outlets 322 go around the upper edge of the main body 312. The outlets 322 have a configuration similar to that of the outlets 22. When water is discharged from the plurality of outlets 322, the water is discharged from each outlet 322 substantially directly downward, without spreading to the left or right. The water discharged from the outlets 322 is not configured to flow along the circumferential direction of the toilet bowl 316, and the water does not have a pressure that would cause it to spread far beyond the hole diameter of the outlets 322. A protrusion similar to the protrusion 26 may be arranged at the end of the outlet 322 on the water passage side.

[0042] The sensor unit 108 has a seating sensor. The seating sensor detects whether a user is sitting on the toilet seat or leaving the seat. The seating sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor. When the sensor unit 108 detects that a user is sitting, it transmits a signal to the control device 100 indicating that the user has been detected. When the sensor unit 108 detects that a user has left the seat, it transmits a signal to the control device 100 indicating that the user has not been detected.

[0043] The liquid film treatment is the same as that shown in Fig. 7. In the liquid film treatment, a water film is continuously formed up to the water reservoir 318. With this configuration, the toilet apparatus 210 can achieve the same effects as the toilet apparatus 10.

[0044] In a modified example, when the control device 100 determines in S16 that the user has finished using the toilet (YES in S16), it may proceed to S20, i.e., stop water discharge, without executing the process of S18. In this case, the toilet device 310 may discharge flush water stored in a flush tank (not shown) into the toilet bowl 316. Specifically, foreign matter adhering to the toilet bowl 316 may be removed and discharged by discharging flush water into the toilet bowl 316 from a rim discharge port that is arranged separately from the water discharge mechanism 320.

[0045] (Correspondence) The toilet device 310 is an example of a "water-related device." The main body 312, the water discharge mechanism 320, the valve device 104, and the control device 100 are an example of a "liquid membrane device." The water discharge mechanism 320, the valve device 104, and the control device 100 are an example of a "forming section" and a "maintenance section." The water storage section 318 is an example of an "outflow section."

[0046] (Third Embodiment) (Configuration of Washbasin Apparatus) With reference to Figures 10 to 12, differences between a washbasin apparatus 410 of this embodiment and the toilet apparatus 10 will be described. The washbasin apparatus 410 is used by a user for hand washing, etc. The washbasin apparatus 410 includes a main body 412, a water discharge mechanism 420, a faucet unit 430, the control device 100 shown in Figure 6, the valve device 104, the sensor unit 108, and the operating device 110. The main body 412 is made of ceramic, for example. The main body 412 includes a bowl portion 416 having a surface 414 and an outlet 418. The bowl portion 416 forms a recess. The surface 414 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the recess of the bowl portion 416. The surface 414 is hydrophilic. The outlet 418 is located at the lower end of the bowl portion 416. The outlet 418 discharges liquid flowing on the surface 414 out of the bowl portion 416. The outlet 418 connects the bowl portion 416 to a drain pipe.

[0047] A faucet unit 430 is disposed at the rear side of the main body 412. A water supply source is connected to the faucet unit 430. When a handle 432 is operated by a user, the faucet unit 430 discharges water from a discharge port 434.

[0048] The water discharge mechanism 420 is disposed on the front side of the main body 412. The water discharge mechanism 420 is disposed opposite the faucet unit 430 across the bowl unit 416. The water discharge mechanism 420 discharges water downward from the upper edge of the main body 412. The water discharged from the water discharge mechanism 420 flows along the surface 414 and is discharged from the bowl unit 416 through the outlet 418. The water discharge mechanism 420 includes multiple outlets 422, a supply unit 425, and a storage unit (not shown). In FIG. 11 , only one of the multiple outlets 422 is labeled with a reference symbol. The supply unit 425 is disposed on the upper edge of the main body 412. The supply unit 425 extends linearly along the upper edge of the main body 412 on the front side. The supply unit 425 extends from one end to the other end of the upper edge of the main body 412. The supply unit 425 defines a water passage 424 that extends along the upper edge of the main body 412. The water passage 424 is formed by a cavity located inside the supply unit 425. The water passage 424 extends from near one end of the upper edge of the main body 412 to near the other end. The water passage 424 extends downward along the surface 414 of the upper end of the main body 412. In a modified example, the water discharge mechanism 420 may be disposed on the rear side of the main body 412. In a modified example, the water discharge mechanism 420 may be disposed on either the left or right side of the main body 412 that is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0049] A plurality of discharge ports 422 are arranged on the lower end surface 421 of the supply portion 425. The plurality of discharge ports 422 are arranged at equal intervals along the upper edge of the main body 412. The discharge ports 422 are arranged in a region from near one end to near the other end of the upper edge of the main body 412.

[0050] The outlet 422 extends from the water passage 424 through the supply portion 425 to the lower end surface 421. The outlet 422 extends downward. The outlet 422 extends downward from the lower end surface 424a of the water passage 424.

[0051] The sensor unit 108 is disposed around the main body 412. The liquid film treatment is the same as that shown in Fig. 7. The water discharge mechanism 420 forms a water film on the front side of the surface 414 of the main body 412. With this configuration, the washbasin apparatus 410 can achieve the same effects as the toilet apparatus 10.

[0052] (Correspondence) The washbasin device 410 is an example of a "water-related device." The main body 412, the water discharge mechanism 420, the valve device 104, and the control device 100 are an example of a "liquid membrane device." The water discharge mechanism 420, the valve device 104, and the control device 100 are an example of a "forming section" and a "maintenance section." The outlet 418 is an example of an "outflow section."

[0053] (Fourth Embodiment) In this embodiment, the liquid film process executed by the control device 100 is different from that in the first embodiment. The opening degree of the valve device 104 can be adjusted by the control device 100. Processes identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. As shown in FIG. 13 , in the liquid film process, in S400, the control device 100 opens the valve device 104 at a first opening degree, thereby transitioning from a closed state to an open state (hereinafter referred to as the "first open state"). After the process in S400 is completed, in S401, the control device 100 determines whether a film formation period has elapsed since the start of water discharge. The film formation period is stored in the control device 100 in advance. The film formation period is the period from the start of water discharge from the water discharge mechanism 20 until a water film is formed over substantially the entire surface 14.

[0054] If it is determined that the film formation period has elapsed (YES in S401), in S402, the control device 100 opens the valve device 104 at a second opening degree that is smaller than the first opening degree, thereby transitioning from the first open state to an open state different from the first open state (hereinafter referred to as the "second open state"). In the second open state, the flow rate of water discharged from the water discharge mechanism 20, i.e., the amount of water discharged per unit time, is smaller than in the first open state.

[0055] When the process of S402 is completed, the process proceeds to S16. If the determination in S16 is YES, in S403, the control device 100 opens the valve device 104 at a third opening degree that is greater than the first and second opening degrees, thereby transitioning from the second open state to an open state different from the second open state (hereinafter referred to as the "third open state").

[0056] In the third open state, the flow rate of water discharged from the water discharge mechanism 20, i.e., the amount of water discharged per unit time, is greater than in the first open state and the second open state. After the process of S403 is completed, the process proceeds to S18.

[0057] According to this configuration, in the first open state, from the start of water discharge until the water film is formed, the flow rate from the water discharge mechanism 20 is higher than in the second open state, during which the water film is maintained after it has been formed. This allows the water film to be formed earlier. By reducing the flow rate from the water discharge mechanism 20 in the second open state, the amount of water used can be reduced. In the third open state, after the user has finished using the device, the flow rate from the water discharge mechanism 20 is higher than in the first and second open states. This allows the user to clean the surface 14 after use.

[0058] In a modified example, the control device 100 may transition between two of the first and third open states. For example, the control device 100 may not transition from the second open state to the third open state. In a modified example, the flow rate from the water discharge mechanism 20 when transitioning from the first open state to the third open state may not have the magnitude relationship of the fifth embodiment. For example, the flow rate from the water discharge mechanism 20 in the third state may be less than the flow rate from the water discharge mechanism 20 in the first state.

[0059] Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, the liquid film process executed by the control device 100 is different from that in the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the sensor unit 108 includes a door sensor that detects when a door located at the entrance to the space in which the toilet device 10 is located is opened. The door sensor is, for example, a magnetic sensor. When the sensor unit 108 detects that the door is opened, it transmits a signal indicating that the door has been opened to the control device 100.

[0060] In the liquid film treatment, in S12, the control device 100 determines whether it is possible to predict that the user will use the toilet device 10, instead of determining whether the user will use the toilet device 10. Specifically, if the control device 100 receives a signal from the sensor unit 108 indicating that the door has been opened, it determines that it is possible to predict that the user will use the toilet device 10 (YES in S12) and proceeds to S14. If the control device 100 does not receive a signal from the sensor unit 108 indicating that the door has been opened, it determines that it is impossible to predict that the user will use the toilet device 10 (NO in S12) and proceeds to S22.

[0061] In S26, the same process as in S12 is executed. In a modified example, the process of at least one of S12 and S26 may be the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0062] With this configuration, the water discharge mechanism 20 can begin forming a water film before the user faces the toilet apparatus 10. This allows the water film to be completed early when the user uses the toilet apparatus 10. This makes it possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the toilet apparatus 10.

[0063] (Correspondence) The control device 100 is an example of a "prediction unit."

[0064] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0065] A first aspect relates to a liquid film device, which may include a main body having a surface, a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging a liquid onto the surface, a forming unit that forms the liquid film on the surface by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports, and a maintaining unit that maintains the formed liquid film for a first period by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports for the first period.

[0066] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the forming section may form the liquid film by causing the liquid discharged from the plurality of discharge ports to join on the surface.

[0067] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the forming unit may eject the liquid from the plurality of ejection ports at a flow rate such that the liquid ejected from each of the adjacent ejection ports merges on the surface.

[0068] A fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the surface is hydrophilic, and the forming portion utilizes the hydrophilicity of the surface to cause the liquid ejected from adjacent ones of the plurality of ejection ports to merge on the surface.

[0069] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first and fourth aspects, the maintaining section may be arranged on either side of the surface from the plurality of outlets, and may maintain the liquid film continuous to an outflow section that causes the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

[0070] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first and fifth aspects, the liquid may contain water and an additive.

[0071] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the additive may include a substance that makes it easier for the liquid to spread on the surface.

[0072] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first and seventh aspects, at least one of the plurality of outlets may face downward relative to the horizontal direction.

[0073] A ninth aspect is any one of the first and eighth aspects, wherein the main body is used in a state in which foreign matter is scattered toward the surface, and the maintaining unit maintains the liquid film for preventing the foreign matter from adhering to the surface over the first period.

[0074] In a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, at least one of the formation unit and the maintenance unit may change the flow rate per unit time of the liquid ejected from the multiple ejection outlets while the liquid film is formed on the surface and the formed liquid film is maintained over the first period.

[0075] In an eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the flow rate per unit time of the liquid ejected from the plurality of outlets by the forming unit may be greater than the flow rate per unit time of the liquid ejected from the plurality of outlets by the maintaining unit.

[0076] A twelfth aspect is any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts that a user will use the main body, and when it is predicted that the user will use the main body, the formation unit may eject the liquid from the multiple ejection ports to form the liquid film on the surface.

[0077] A thirteenth aspect is any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising an identification unit that identifies that a user will use the main body, and when it is identified that the user will use the main body, the formation unit may eject the liquid from the multiple outlets to form the liquid film on the surface.

[0078] In a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the maintenance unit may maintain the liquid film for a second period from when it is determined that the user will use the main body to when it is no longer determined that the user will use the main body.

[0079] A fifteenth aspect is any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further comprising an instruction acquisition unit that acquires instructions from a user indicating at least one of starting ejection and stopping ejection, and when the acquired instruction indicates starting ejection, the formation unit starts ejecting the liquid from the multiple ejection ports, and when the acquired instruction indicates stopping ejection, at least one of the formation unit and the maintenance unit stops ejecting the liquid from the multiple ejection ports.

[0080] A sixteenth aspect relates to a liquid film forming method, which may include forming a liquid film on a surface of a main body by discharging liquid from a plurality of discharge ports onto the surface, and maintaining the formed liquid film over a first period by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports over the first period.

[0081] In a seventeenth aspect, in the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to specify that a user will use the main body, and when it is specified that the user will use the main body, the liquid film may be formed on the surface.

[0082] An eighteenth aspect relates to a control device for controlling a liquid film device, the liquid film device including a main body having a surface and a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging a liquid onto the surface, the control device controlling liquid supplied to the plurality of discharge ports to discharge the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports to form the liquid film on the surface, and discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports over a first period to maintain the formed liquid film over the first period.

[0083] A nineteenth aspect relates to a liquid film device, comprising: a main body having a surface; a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging a liquid onto the surface; and a control device controlling the liquid supplied to the plurality of discharge ports, wherein the control device may form the liquid film on the surface by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports, and maintain the formed liquid film for the first period by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports over the first period.

[0084] In a twentieth aspect, in the nineteenth aspect, when a user is specified to use the main body, the liquid may be ejected from the plurality of ejection ports to form the liquid film on the surface.

[0085] A twenty-first aspect relates to a plumbing device. The plumbing device may include the liquid membrane device according to any one of the first to fourteenth and nineteenth to twentieth aspects, and an outflow section disposed across the surface from the plurality of discharge ports, and configured to cause the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

[0086] A twenty-second aspect relates to a toilet apparatus, comprising: a liquid membrane device according to any one of the first to fourteenth and nineteenth to twentieth aspects; and an outflow section disposed across the surface from the plurality of discharge ports, the outflow section causing the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface, and the toilet apparatus may be used by a user facing the toilet apparatus in a standing position.

[0087] A twenty-third aspect relates to a toilet apparatus. The toilet apparatus may include a toilet seat, a liquid membrane device according to any one of the first to fourteenth and nineteenth to twentieth aspects, and an outflow section disposed across the surface from the plurality of discharge ports, and configured to cause the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

[0088] A twenty-fourth aspect relates to a washbasin apparatus. The washbasin apparatus may include a main body having a bowl portion, a liquid membrane device according to any one of the first to fourteenth and nineteenth to twentieth aspects, and an outflow portion disposed across the surface from the plurality of discharge ports and configured to cause the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

[0089] 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.

[0090] (1) The water discharge mechanism 20, 220, 320, 420 may form a liquid film on a main body other than the toilet bowl device 10, 210, 310 and the washbasin device 410. For example, the main body may be a mirror, a partition board, or the like placed in a bathroom. If the main body is flat like a mirror, multiple outlets may be arranged in a straight line along the upper edge of the main body, as in the water discharge mechanism 220. Water discharged from the water discharge mechanism 220 may flow from the upper edge to the lower edge of the main body and fall from the lower edge onto the bathroom floor or the like. In this variant, the lower edge of the main body may be an example of an "exhaust portion." The water film may be formed continuously from the upper edge to the lower edge of the main body. The main body may be made of an inorganic material such as glass, a metal material, or a resin material. A "water-related device" is a device used in facilities that use water, such as a bathroom, toilet, or kitchen, and may include a kitchen sink, a bathtub, a bathroom wall, etc.

[0091] (2) The shape of the main body 12, 212, 312, 412 is not particularly limited.

[0092] (3) The outlet 22 does not have to extend parallel to the vertical direction. The outlet 22 may extend at least downward from the horizontal direction, that is, in a direction that includes a downward vector component relative to the horizontal direction. The same may be true for the outlets 222, 322, and 422.

[0093] (4) There are no particular limitations on the shape of the discharge port 22. The discharge port 22 may have at least one of a circular shape, a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, and a slit shape (i.e., a shape in which the width of the discharge port 22 is very small).

[0094] (5) The hydrophilicity of surface 14 may be non-uniform across surface 14. For example, the hydrophilicity of the area surrounding the point where water ejected from the multiple ejection ports 22 lands may be higher than the hydrophilicity of other areas. This configuration allows water immediately after ejection to spread across surface 14, promoting the formation of a water film. The same may be true for surfaces 214, 314, and 414.

[0095] (6) The water discharge mechanism 20 may vary the timing of water discharge between one or more of the plurality of outlets 22 (hereinafter referred to as the “first outlet group”) and another one or more of the outlets 22 (hereinafter referred to as the “second outlet group”). The water discharge mechanism 20 may include two or more water passages that communicate with the first outlet group and the second outlet group, respectively. The water supply source may be connected to each of the two or more water passages via a valve device. The control device 100 may individually switch each of the two or more water passages between an open state and a closed state by controlling the respective valve devices of the two or more water passages. For example, in the water discharge mechanism 20, the control device 100 may first discharge water from the first outlet group located near the center of the plurality of outlets 22, and then discharge water from the second outlet groups located on both sides of the first outlet group. Depending on the user's use, the timing at which foreign objects fly may vary depending on their position within surface 14. In water discharge mechanism 20, the timing of water discharge may be determined so that a water film is formed at the location where the foreign object will fly, in accordance with the timing at which the foreign object will fly. The same may be true for water discharge mechanisms 220, 320, and 420.

[0096] (7) The plurality of outlets 22 may be arranged along a portion of the upper edge of the main body 12. The same may be true for the plurality of outlets 222, 322, 422.

[0097] (8) The liquid discharged from the water discharge mechanism 20 may be a liquid other than water. The same applies to the water discharge mechanisms 220, 320, and 420.

[0098] (9) The toilet apparatus 10 does not have to be equipped with the sensor unit 108. In this case, the valve device 104 may be maintained in an open state. The toilet apparatus 10 does not have to be equipped with the valve device 104 and the control device 100. In this case, water may be constantly discharged from the multiple discharge ports 22. In this configuration, the water discharge mechanism 20 is an example of a "forming unit" and a "maintenance unit." The same may be true for the toilet apparatuses 210, 310 and the washbasin apparatus 410.

[0099] (10) In the first embodiment, the water of the water discharge mechanism 20 does not need to contain an additive. The surface 14 does not need to be hydrophilic. Either the water may contain an additive or the surface 14 may be hydrophilic. This also applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0100] (11) In the first embodiment, the toilet apparatus 10 may be provided with a notification unit that notifies the user that the toilet apparatus 10 is ready to be used while water is being discharged from the water discharge mechanism 20. For example, the notification unit may be a light-emitting device such as an LED, a display device that displays a character string such as "Ready to Use," or the like. This can prevent the user from avoiding using the toilet apparatus 10 because a water film has formed. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0101] (12) In the first embodiment, the toilet apparatus 10 may be provided with a water discharge unit for discharging flushing water to clean the surface 14, in addition to the water discharge mechanism 20. For example, the toilet apparatus 10 may be provided with a spreader. The spreader may cause the water discharged onto the surface 14 to spread left and right and downward by the spreader. When it is determined that the user has finished using the toilet, foreign matter adhering to the toilet bowl may be removed and discharged by discharging flushing water from the water discharge unit.

[0102] (13) In the liquid film processing, if it is determined in S12 that the user will not use the toilet apparatus 10 (NO in S12), it is not necessary to proceed to S22. In this case, it is possible to proceed to S14 after it is determined in S12 that the user will use the toilet apparatus 10.

[0103] (14) In the liquid film processing, if it is determined that the maintenance period has elapsed since the stored stop timing (YES in S22), the control device 100 may notify at least one of the user and the administrator that the maintenance period has elapsed. This allows at least one of the user and the administrator to perform maintenance in response to the notification.

[0104] The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0105] 10, 210, 310: toilet device, 12, 212, 312, 412: main body, 14, 214, 314, 414: surface, 20, 220, 320, 420: water discharge mechanism, 100: control device, 108: sensor unit, 110: operating device

Claims

1. A liquid film device comprising: a body having a surface; a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging a liquid onto the surface; a forming unit that forms a liquid film on the surface by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports; and a maintaining unit that maintains the formed liquid film for a first period by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports for the first period.

2. The liquid film device according to claim 1, wherein the forming section forms the liquid film by causing the liquid discharged from the plurality of discharge ports to merge on the surface.

3. The liquid film device according to claim 2, wherein the forming section ejects the liquid from the plurality of ejection ports at a flow rate such that the liquid ejected from each of the adjacent ejection ports joins on the surface.

4. The liquid film device according to claim 3, wherein the surface is hydrophilic, and the forming section utilizes the hydrophilicity of the surface to cause the liquid ejected from each of the plurality of ejection ports, each adjacent to the other, to merge on the surface.

5. A liquid film device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the maintaining section is arranged across the surface from the plurality of discharge ports, and maintains the liquid film continuous to an outflow section that causes the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

6. A liquid membrane device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid comprises water and an additive.

7. The liquid membrane device of claim 6, wherein the additive comprises a substance that makes the liquid more likely to spread on the surface.

8. The liquid membrane device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of outlets faces downward relative to the horizontal direction.

9. A liquid film device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main body is used in a state in which foreign matter is scattered toward the surface, and the maintaining unit maintains the liquid film for suppressing the adhesion of the foreign matter to the surface over the first period.

10. A liquid film device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the forming unit and the maintaining unit changes the flow rate per unit time of the liquid discharged from the plurality of discharge ports while the liquid film is formed on the surface and the formed liquid film is maintained over the first period.

11. A liquid film device as described in claim 10, wherein the flow rate per unit time of the liquid ejected from the plurality of outlets by the forming section is greater than the flow rate per unit time of the liquid ejected from the plurality of outlets by the maintaining section.

12. A liquid film device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a prediction unit that predicts that a user will use the main body, and wherein the formation unit ejects the liquid from the multiple ejection ports to form the liquid film on the surface when it is predicted that the user will use the main body.

13. A liquid film device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an identification unit that identifies that a user will use the main body, and when it is identified that the user will use the main body, the formation unit ejects the liquid from the multiple ejection ports to form the liquid film on the surface.

14. The liquid membrane device according to claim 13, wherein the maintenance unit maintains the liquid membrane for a second period from when it is determined that the user will use the main body to when it is no longer determined that the user will use the main body.

15. A liquid film device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an instruction acquisition unit that acquires instructions from a user indicating at least one of starting ejection and stopping ejection, wherein if the acquired instruction indicates starting ejection, the formation unit starts ejecting the liquid from the multiple ejection ports, and if the acquired instruction indicates stopping ejection, at least one of the formation unit and the maintenance unit stops ejecting the liquid from the multiple ejection ports.

16. A liquid film forming method comprising: ejecting liquid onto a surface of a main body from a plurality of ejection ports to form a liquid film on the surface; and maintaining the formed liquid film for a first period by ejecting the liquid from the plurality of ejection ports for the first period.

17. The liquid film forming method according to claim 16, further comprising: identifying that a user will use the main body; and forming the liquid film on the surface when it is identified that the user will use the main body.

18. A control device for controlling a liquid film device, the liquid film device comprising: a body having a surface; and a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging liquid onto the surface; the control device controls the liquid supplied to the plurality of discharge ports, thereby discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports and forming the liquid film on the surface; and discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports over a first period, thereby maintaining the formed liquid film over the first period.

19. A liquid film device comprising: a body having a surface; a plurality of discharge ports arranged at intervals from one another and discharging liquid onto the surface; and a control device that controls the liquid supplied to the plurality of discharge ports, wherein the control device forms the liquid film on the surface by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports, and maintains the formed liquid film for the first period by discharging the liquid from the plurality of discharge ports over the first period.

20. The liquid film device according to claim 19, wherein when it is determined that a user will use the main body, the liquid is ejected from the plurality of ejection ports to form the liquid film on the surface.

21. A plumbing device comprising: a liquid membrane device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claims 19 to 20; and an outflow section arranged on either side of the surface from the plurality of discharge ports, which causes the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

22. A toilet device comprising: a liquid membrane device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and claims 19 to 20; and an outflow section arranged on either side of the surface from the plurality of discharge ports, for causing the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface, wherein the toilet device is used by a user in a standing position facing the toilet device.

23. A toilet device comprising: a toilet seat; a liquid membrane device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and claims 19 to 20; and an outflow section arranged on either side of the surface from the plurality of discharge ports, which causes the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

24. A washbasin device comprising: a main body having a bowl portion; a liquid membrane device as described in any one of claims 1 to 14 and claims 19 to 20; and an outflow portion arranged on either side of the surface from the plurality of outlets, which causes the liquid flowing on the surface to flow out of the surface.

Images