EP4124697A1

EP4124697A1 - Toilet device

Info

Publication number: EP4124697A1
Application number: EP22186651.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sawa Shonosuke; Hatta Ikko; Ide Mizuki; Kaneko Ryohei
Original assignee: Toto Ltd
Current assignee: Toto Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-30
Filing date: 2022-07-25
Publication date: 2023-02-01
Also published as: JP2023020018A; CN115680086A

Abstract

An object is to provide a toilet device (500) capable of more reliably detecting a failure of a temperature sensor.A toilet device (500) includes: a nozzle (30) that discharges water toward a private part of a human body; a flow path (40) connecting a water supply source (WS) and the nozzle (30); an instantaneous heat exchanger (50) that is provided in the flow path (40) and warms water supplied from the water supply source (WS); a first temperature sensor (60) that is provided downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger (50) in the flow path (40) and detects a temperature of water; a second temperature sensor (65) that is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor (60) in the flow path (40) and detects a temperature of water; and a control unit (70) that determines whether the first temperature sensor (60) or the second temperature sensor (65) has failed, characterized in that when a difference between a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (60) and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (65) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the control unit (70) determines that the first temperature sensor (60) or the second temperature sensor (65) has failed.

Description

Technical Field

An aspect of the present invention relates generally to a toilet device.

Background Art

There is a toilet device that discharges heated water (hot water) from a nozzle toward a private part of a human body. Such a toilet device is required to prevent high-temperature water from being discharged toward a human body. In the sanitary cleaning device of Patent Literature 1, a temperature sensor is provided downstream of an instantaneous heat exchanger, and when a high temperature is detected by a temperature sensor, heating of water is stopped or supply of water to a nozzle is stopped, thereby preventing high-temperature water from being discharged toward a human body.
However, when the toilet device is used for a long period of time (for example, 5 to 10 years), the temperature sensor may fail due to aging deterioration or the like, and accurate temperature measurement may not be possible, and it may not be possible to prevent high-temperature water from being discharged toward the human body. Therefore, in the toilet device, it is required to more reliably detect a failure of the temperature sensor.

Citation List

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2019-132005 A

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

An aspect of the present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet device capable of more reliably detecting a failure of a temperature sensor.

Solution to Problem

A first invention is a toilet device including: a nozzle that discharges water toward a private part of a human body; a flow path connecting a water supply source and the nozzle; an instantaneous heat exchanger that is provided in the flow path and warms water supplied from the water supply source; a first temperature sensor that is provided downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger in the flow path and detects a temperature of water; a second temperature sensor that is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor in the flow path and detects a temperature of water; and a control unit that determines whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed, characterized in that when a difference between a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed.
According to this toilet device, when the difference between the first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed, whereby the failure of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor can be more reliably detected.
A second invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the first invention, the control unit corrects the first temperature or the second temperature based on a correction value set according to a length of a flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
Since the second temperature sensor is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature is likely to be lower than the first temperature. According to this toilet device, by correcting the first temperature or the second temperature, it is possible to correct the temperature lost while flowing from the first temperature sensor to the second temperature sensor. In addition, by setting the correction value according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, it is possible to more accurately correct the temperature lost while flowing from the first temperature sensor to the second temperature sensor. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect a failure of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
A third invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the first or second invention, when a difference between the first temperature at a first time and the second temperature at a second time, which is a predetermined time after the first time, is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed.
Since the second temperature sensor is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor, there is a time difference until the water passing through the first temperature sensor reaches the second temperature sensor. According to this toilet device, by comparing the first temperature at the first time and the second temperature at the second time, which is a predetermined time after the first time, it is possible to detect a change in temperature in consideration of a time difference. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect a failure of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
A fourth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in the third invention, the predetermined time is set based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
According to this toilet device, by setting the time difference (predetermined time) between the first time and the second time based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, it is possible to more reliably detect a change in temperature in consideration of the time difference. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect a failure of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
A fifth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the control unit prohibits discharge of water from the nozzle when determining that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed.
According to this toilet device, when it is determined that the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed, discharge of water from the nozzle is prohibited, so that discharge of high-temperature water toward the human body can be more reliably prevented.
A sixth invention is a toilet device further including, in any one of the first to fifth inventions: an electromagnetic valve that is provided in the flow path and controls supply of water from the water supply source to the nozzle; and a human body detection sensor that detects a human body, characterized in that when a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor, the control unit opens the electromagnetic valve and operates the instantaneous heat exchanger, and determines whether there is a failure in the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor while the instantaneous heat exchanger is operating.
According to this toilet device, when the human body detection sensor detects a human body, it is determined whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed, so that it is possible to determine whether the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor has failed before the user uses the nozzle. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent high-temperature water from being discharged toward the human body.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the aspect of the present invention, a toilet device capable of more reliably detecting a failure of a temperature sensor is provided.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the toilet device according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a toilet device according to a modification of the embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a toilet device according to a modification of the embodiment; and
FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment.

Description of Embodiment

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a toilet device 500 includes a western seat toilet bowl (hereinafter, for convenience of description, it is simply referred to as a "toilet bowl") 200 and a sanitary cleaning device 100 provided thereabove. The toilet bowl 200 may be a "floor-mounted type" toilet bowl which is installed on a floor surface of a toilet room, or may be a "wall-mounted type" toilet bowl which is installed on a wall surface or a lining of a toilet room. The sanitary cleaning device 100 includes a casing 10, a toilet seat 20, and a toilet lid (not illustrated). The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid are openably and closably supported by the casing 10.
Inside the casing 10, a body cleaning function unit that realizes cleaning of a private part of a human body such as "buttocks" of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20, and the like are incorporated. When a user operates an operation unit 300 (see FIG. 2) such as a remote controller, for example, a nozzle 30 can be advanced into a bowl 201 of the toilet bowl 200 to discharge water. In FIG. 1, a state in which the nozzle 30 advances from the casing 10 into the bowl 201 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and a state in which the nozzle 30 retreats from the bowl 201 and is housed in the casing 10 is indicated by a solid line.
A water discharge port 31 is provided at the tip of the nozzle 30. The nozzle 30 discharges water from the water discharge port 31 toward a private part of a human body to clean the private part of the human body. A plurality of water discharge ports 31 may be provided. For example, as the water discharge ports 31, a bidet cleaning water discharge port 31a, a buttock cleaning water discharge port 31b, and the like are provided. The nozzle 30 can spray water from the bidet cleaning water discharge port 31a provided at a distal end thereof to clean a woman's private part seated on the toilet seat 20. The nozzle 30 can spray water from the buttock cleaning water discharge port 31b provided at the distal end thereof to clean the "buttocks" of the user sitting on the toilet seat 20.
In the present specification, the term "water" includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.
The toilet device 500 may be one in which a sheet-type sanitary cleaning device 100 is mounted on the toilet bowl 200, or one in which a functional unit of the sanitary cleaning device 100 is mounted inside the toilet bowl 200. Hereinafter, a case where the sheet-type sanitary cleaning device 100 is mounted on the toilet bowl 200 will be described as an example.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the toilet device according to the embodiment.
In FIG. 2, configurations of a water passage system and an electric system are illustrated together.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the toilet device 500 (sanitary cleaning device 100) has a flow path 40. The flow path 40 is disposed inside the casing 10 and connects a water supply source WS such as water supply or a water storage tank and the nozzle 30. The flow path 40 supplies water supplied from the water supply source WS to the nozzle 30.
The flow path 40 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 45, an instantaneous heat exchanger 50, a first temperature sensor 60, and a second temperature sensor 65. The flow path 40 may be provided with a pressure adjusting valve, a check valve, a flow rate sensor, a vacuum breaker, an electrolytic bath unit, a flow rate adjusting unit, a flow path switching unit, and the like as necessary. The pressure adjusting valve and the check valve are provided, for example, between the electromagnetic valve 45 and the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. The flow rate sensor, the vacuum breaker, the electrolytic bath unit, the flow rate adjusting unit, and the flow path switching unit are provided, for example, between the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 and the nozzle 30.
The electromagnetic valve 45 is provided on the upstream side of the flow path 40. The electromagnetic valve 45 controls the supply of water from the water supply source WS to the downstream, that is, the supply of water from the water supply source WS to the nozzle 30. The electromagnetic valve 45 is, for example, an openable and closable solenoid valve. The electromagnetic valve 45 is electrically connected to a control unit 70 provided inside the casing 10. The electromagnetic valve 45 opens and closes the flow path 40 based on a command from the control unit 70. By opening the electromagnetic valve 45, the water supplied from the water supply source WS flows to the downstream side. By closing the electromagnetic valve 45, water supply to the downstream side is stopped.
The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 is provided downstream of the electromagnetic valve 45. The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 has a heater, and heats water supplied via the electromagnetic valve 45 to raise the temperature to a prescribed temperature. That is, the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 generates hot water.
As the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, for example, a ceramic heater or the like is used. The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 does not include, for example, a hot water storage tank that stores hot water. The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 heats the water passing through the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 while discharging the water from the nozzle 30 in a state where the electromagnetic valve 45 is opened, for example. The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 can raise the temperature of water to a prescribed temperature in a short time as compared with a hot water storage heat exchanger using a hot water storage tank.
The instantaneous heat exchanger 50 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 raises the temperature of water to the temperature set by the operation unit 300, for example, by operating the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 (that is, by turning on the heater) in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 300 by the user.
The first temperature sensor 60 is provided downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. The first temperature sensor 60 detects the temperature of the water flowing downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. The first temperature sensor 60 is, for example, a thermistor. The first temperature sensor 60 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The first temperature sensor 60 outputs a detection result (information regarding temperature) to the control unit 70. Hereinafter, a detection result (that is, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 60) in the first temperature sensor 60 is referred to as a first temperature T1.
The second temperature sensor 65 is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor 60. The second temperature sensor 65 detects the temperature of water flowing downstream of the first temperature sensor 60. The second temperature sensor 65 is, for example, a thermistor. The second temperature sensor 65 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The second temperature sensor 65 outputs a detection result (information regarding temperature) to the control unit 70. Hereinafter, a detection result (that is, the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor 65) in the second temperature sensor 65 is referred to as a second temperature T2.
The nozzle 30 is provided downstream of the second temperature sensor 65. The nozzle 30 discharges the water heated by the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 toward the private part of the human body in a state of advancing forward from the casing 10.
The toilet device 500 (sanitary cleaning device 100) includes a nozzle drive unit 35 for moving the nozzle 30 forward and backward. The nozzle drive unit 35 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The nozzle drive unit 35 moves the nozzle 30 forward and backward based on a command from the control unit 70.
The toilet device 500 (sanitary cleaning device 100) includes a human body detection sensor 80 that detects a human body. The human body detection sensor 80 is, for example, at least one of a seating detection sensor that detects seating of a user on the toilet seat 20, a room entry detection sensor that detects entry of the user into the toilet room, and an approach detection sensor that detects approach of the user to the toilet device 500. The human body detection sensor 80 is electrically connected to the control unit 70. The human body detection sensor 80 outputs a detection result (information regarding human body detection) to the control unit 70.
The control unit 70 includes a control circuit such as a microcomputer. The control unit 70 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 70 may include, for example, a comparator. The control unit 70 controls operations of the electromagnetic valve 45, the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, the nozzle drive unit 35, and the like based on a signal from the operation unit 300 and a detection result from the human body detection sensor 80.
The control unit 70 controls the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 based on the detection result (first temperature T1) in the first temperature sensor 60. For example, the control unit 70 turns on the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 when the first temperature T1 is lower than a set value set in the operation unit 300 or the like, and turns off the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 when the first temperature T1 is higher than the set value. For example, the control unit 70 may lower the output of the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 when the first temperature T1 is higher than the set value, and may increase the output of the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 when the first temperature T1 is lower than the set value. As a result, water heated to a temperature close to the set value set in the operation unit 300 or the like can be discharged from the nozzle 30.
The control unit 70 controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve 45 based on the detection result (second temperature T2) in the second temperature sensor 65. For example, when the second temperature T2 is higher than a predetermined specified value, the control unit 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 45. The control unit 70 may control the operation of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 based on the detection result (second temperature T2) in the second temperature sensor 65. For example, when the second temperature T2 is higher than a predetermined specified value, the control unit 70 may turn off the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. The specified value is set to 65°C or lower (for example, 53°C). As a result, even if water is heated to an excessively high temperature due to a failure of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 or the like, high-temperature water can be prevented from being discharged from the nozzle 30.
The control unit 70 can also execute a failure diagnosis mode for determining whether the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed. Hereinafter, the failure diagnosis mode will be described. The failure diagnosis mode is executed, for example, when the user uses the toilet device 500. The failure diagnosis mode is executed, for example, before private part cleaning is performed.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit 70 determines whether or not seating of a user has been detected (step S101). The control unit 70 repeats step S101 until the seating of the user is detected (step S101: No).
When the seating of the user is detected (step S101: Yes), the control unit 70 starts the failure diagnosis mode (step S102). When starting the failure diagnosis mode, the control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 45 and turns on the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. In the failure diagnosis mode, the control unit 70 causes the water discharged from the nozzle 30 to be discharged from the nozzle 30 in a state where the water is not splashed on the user. In the failure diagnosis mode, for example, the nozzle 30 discharges water while being housed in the casing 10.
Next, the control unit 70 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the failure diagnosis mode (step S103). The control unit 70 repeats step S103 until a predetermined time elapses (step S103: No). The predetermined time is, for example, 0.1 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less.
When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S103: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 that is a detection result in the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature T2 that is a detection result in the second temperature sensor 65 (step S104).
Next, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (step S105). When the temperature difference is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (step S105: Yes), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed (step S106). The predetermined value is, for example, 2°C or more and 15°C or less.
When it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed, the control unit 70 prohibits discharge of water from the nozzle 30 (step S107). Then, the control unit 70 ends the failure diagnosis mode (step S108). When ending the failure diagnosis mode, the control unit 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 45 and turns off the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50.
On the other hand, when the temperature difference is less than the predetermined value (step S105: No), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 do not fail (step S109). In this case, the control unit 70 ends the failure diagnosis mode without prohibiting discharge of water from the nozzle 30 (without performing step S107) (step S108).
When it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 do not fail, the control unit 70 enters a standby state in which an operation input for starting private part cleaning can be received. In the standby state, when an operation input for starting private part cleaning is made from the operation unit 300 or the like, the control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 45 and turns on the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 to discharge hot water from the nozzle 30.
On the other hand, in a state where discharge of water from the nozzle 30 is prohibited (prohibited state), the control unit 70 does not receive an operation input for starting private part cleaning. That is, the control unit 70 does not open the electromagnetic valve 45 even when an operation input for starting private part cleaning is made from the operation unit 300 or the like in the prohibited state. This makes it possible to prohibit discharge of water from the nozzle 30.
As described above, when the difference between the first temperature T1 detected by the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature T2 detected by the second temperature sensor 65 is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed, whereby the failure of the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 can be more reliably detected. When the toilet device is used for a long period of time (for example, 5 to 10 years), aging deterioration (aging drift) in which a detected temperature becomes lower than an actual temperature may occur in the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65. According to the embodiment, it is possible to detect such a failure due to aging deterioration of the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65.
When it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed, discharge of water from the nozzle 30 is prohibited, so that discharge of high-temperature water toward the human body can be more reliably prevented.
When the human body detection sensor detects a human body, it is determined whether the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed, so that it is possible to determine whether the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed before the user uses the nozzle 30. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent high-temperature water from being discharged toward the human body.
In this example, the control unit 70 starts the failure diagnosis mode by using detection of the seating of the user by the seating detection sensor as a trigger, but the trigger for starting the failure diagnosis mode is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 70 may start the failure diagnosis mode by using detection of entry of the user into the toilet room by the entry detection sensor as a trigger, or may start the failure diagnosis mode by using detection of approach of the user to the toilet device 500 by the approach detection sensor as a trigger. In addition, the control unit 70 may start the failure diagnosis mode by using, as a trigger, an operation input using the nozzle 30 (that is, starting private part cleaning) in the operation unit 300 or the like. In this case, the control unit 70 executes the failure diagnosis mode before starting the private part cleaning, and starts the private part cleaning only when it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 do not fail.
As described above, the control unit 70 may periodically execute the failure diagnosis mode in addition to executing the failure diagnosis mode when the user uses the toilet device 500. More specifically, for example, the control unit 70 may execute the failure diagnosis mode every time a predetermined time elapses. For example, the control unit 70 may execute the failure diagnosis mode every time a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) elapses from the previous failure diagnosis mode.
Further, when determining that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed, the control unit 70 may prohibit the operation (that is, turning on the heater) of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 without prohibiting the discharge of water from the nozzle 30.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a toilet device according to a modification of the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, in this example, after acquiring the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2, the control unit 70 corrects the first temperature T1 before determining whether or not the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The other configurations are the same as those of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3.
More specifically, when the seating of the user is detected (step S201: Yes), the control unit 70 starts the failure diagnosis mode (step S202). When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the failure diagnosis mode (step S203: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 (step S204). Steps S201 to S204 are the same as steps S101 to S104.
When acquiring the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2, the control unit 70 corrects the first temperature T1 based on a correction value set according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 (step S205). The correction value is set to a large value when the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is long, and is set to a small value when the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is short. That is, a correction value V1 when the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is L1 is larger than a correction value V2 when the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 is L2 shorter than L1. For example, the control unit 70 corrects the first temperature T1 by subtracting the correction value from the first temperature T1.
When the temperature difference between the corrected first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (step S206: Yes), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed (step S207). When it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed, the control unit 70 prohibits discharge of water from the nozzle 30 (step S208), and ends the failure diagnosis mode (step S209). On the other hand, when the temperature difference between the corrected first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is less than the predetermined value (step S206: No), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 do not fail (step S210), and ends the failure diagnosis mode (step S209) without prohibiting the discharge of water from the nozzle 30 (without performing step S208). Steps S206 to S210 are the same as steps S105 to S109.
In step S205, the control unit 70 may correct the second temperature T2 based on, for example, a correction value set according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65. In this case, for example, the control unit 70 corrects the second temperature T2 by adding a correction value to the second temperature T2. In this case, in step S206, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the corrected second temperature T2 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.
Since the second temperature sensor 65 is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor 60, the second temperature T2 is likely to be lower than the first temperature T1. By correcting the first temperature T1 or the second temperature T2, it is possible to correct the temperature lost while flowing from the first temperature sensor 60 to the second temperature sensor 65. In addition, by setting the correction value according to the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65, it is possible to more accurately correct the temperature lost while flowing from the first temperature sensor 60 to the second temperature sensor 65. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect a failure of the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a toilet device according to a modification of the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, in this example, after acquiring the first temperature T1, the control unit 70 acquires the second temperature T2 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The other configurations are the same as those of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3.
More specifically, when the seating of the user is detected (step S301: Yes), the control unit 70 starts the failure diagnosis mode (step S302). When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the failure diagnosis mode (step S303: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 (step S304). Steps S201 to S203 are the same as steps S101 to S103.
Next, the control unit 70 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition of the first temperature T1 (step S305). The control unit 70 repeats step S305 until a predetermined time elapses (step S305: No). The predetermined time is set based on, for example, the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65. The predetermined time is, for example, 0.1 seconds or more and 0.5 seconds or less.
When the predetermined time has elapsed (step S305: Yes), the control unit 70 acquires the second temperature T2 (step S306). When acquiring the second temperature T2, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (step S307). When the temperature difference is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (step S307: Yes), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed (step S308). When it is determined that the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed, the control unit 70 prohibits discharge of water from the nozzle 30 (step S309), and ends the failure diagnosis mode (step S310). On the other hand, when the temperature difference is less than the predetermined value (step S307: No), the control unit 70 determines that the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65 do not fail (step S311), and ends the failure diagnosis mode (step S310) without prohibiting the discharge of water from the nozzle 30 (without performing step S309). Steps S307 to S311 are the same as steps S105 to S109.
Since the second temperature sensor 65 is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor 60, there is a time difference until the water passing through the first temperature sensor 60 reaches the second temperature sensor 65. By comparing the first temperature T1 at a first time and the second temperature T2 at a second time, which is a predetermined time after the first time, it is possible to detect a change in temperature in consideration of a time difference. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect a failure of the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65.
In addition, by setting the time difference (predetermined time) between the first time and the second time based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65, it is possible to more reliably detect a change in temperature in consideration of the time difference. As a result, it is possible to more reliably detect a failure of the first temperature sensor 60 and the second temperature sensor 65.
Note that after acquiring the second temperature T2, the control unit 70 may correct the first temperature T1 or the second temperature T2 before determining whether or not the temperature difference between the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (that is, between step S306 and step S307). The correction can be performed, for example, in a similar manner to step S205 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the seating detection sensor detects seating of the user at a time t0, the control unit 70 starts the failure diagnosis mode, opens the electromagnetic valve 45, and turns on the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50. At the time t0, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are, for example, room temperature. In FIG. 6, the first temperature T1 is indicated by a solid line, and the second temperature T2 is indicated by a broken line.
At a time t1, the first temperature T1 reaches the set temperature. On the other hand, at the time t1, the second temperature T2 has not reached the set temperature. At a time t2, the second temperature T2 reaches the set temperature.
At the time t2, the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2, and determines whether the first temperature sensor 60 or the second temperature sensor 65 has failed. After determining the failure, the control unit 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 45 and turns off the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, and ends the failure diagnosis mode. The failure diagnosis mode is performed, for example, in a state where the nozzle 30 is housed in the casing 10.
When an operation input for starting private part cleaning is made on the operation unit 300 or the like at a time t3, the control unit 70 opens the electromagnetic valve 45, turns on the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50, and advances the nozzle 30 to discharge water.
At a time t4, when an operation input for stopping private part cleaning is made on the operation unit 300 or the like, the control unit 70 closes the electromagnetic valve 45, turns off the heater of the instantaneous heat exchanger 50 to stop discharging water, and retracts the nozzle 30 to be housed in the casing 10.
In this example, the control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 at the time t2 and determines the failure, but the timing of acquiring the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 and determining the failure is not limited thereto. The control unit 70 acquires the first temperature T1 simultaneously with the time t1 or after the time t1. The control unit 70 acquires the second temperature T2 simultaneously with the time t2 or after the time t2.
For example, the control unit 70 may acquire the first temperature T1 at the time t1, acquire the second temperature T2 at the time t2, and determine the failure at the time t2. For example, the control unit 70 may acquire the first temperature T1 after the time t1, acquire the second temperature T2 after the time t2, and determine the failure after the time t2. In addition, for example, the control unit 70 may acquire the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 after the time t2 and determine the failure after the time t2.
The predetermined time in step S103 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 is set to, for example, a time longer than the time from the time t0 to the time t2. The same applies to the predetermined time in step S203 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4.
The predetermined time in step S303 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 is set to, for example, a time longer than the time from the time t0 to the time t1. The predetermined time in step S305 of the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 is set to, for example, a time longer than the time from the time t1 to the time t2.
As described above, according to the embodiment, a toilet device capable of more reliably detecting a failure of a temperature sensor is provided.
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Regarding the above-described embodiment, those to which design changes are appropriately made by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, and the like of each element included in the toilet device 500 are not limited to those exemplified, and can be appropriately changed.
In addition, each element included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as far as technically possible, and a combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it has the features of the present invention.

Reference Signs List

10: casing
20: toilet seat
30: nozzle
31: water discharge port
31a: bidet cleaning water discharge port
31b: buttock cleaning water discharge port
35: nozzle drive unit
40: flow path
45: electromagnetic valve
50: instantaneous heat exchanger
60: first temperature sensor
65: second temperature sensor
70: control unit
80: human body detection sensor
100: sanitary cleaning device
200: toilet bowl
201: bowl
300: operation unit
500: toilet device
WS: water supply source

Claims

A toilet device (500) comprising:
a nozzle (30) that discharges water toward a private part of a human body;

a flow path (40) connecting a water supply source (WS) and the nozzle (30);

an instantaneous heat exchanger (50) that is provided in the flow path (40) and warms water supplied from the water supply source (WS);

a first temperature sensor (60) that is provided downstream of the instantaneous heat exchanger (50) in the flow path (40) and detects a temperature of water;

a second temperature sensor (65) that is provided downstream of the first temperature sensor (60) in the flow path (40) and detects a temperature of water; and

a control unit (70) that determines whether the first temperature sensor (60) or the second temperature sensor (65) has failed, characterized in that

when a difference between a first temperature detected by the first temperature sensor (60) and a second temperature detected by the second temperature sensor (65) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the control unit (70) determines that the first temperature sensor (60) or the second temperature sensor (65) has failed.
The toilet device (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (70) corrects the first temperature or the second temperature based on a correction value set according to a length of a flow path between the first temperature sensor (60) and the second temperature sensor (65).
The toilet device (500) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when a difference between the first temperature at a first time and the second temperature at a second time, which is a predetermined time after the first time, is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the control unit (70) determines that the first temperature sensor (60) or the second temperature sensor (65) has failed.
The toilet device (500) according to claim 3, characterized in that the predetermined time is set based on the length of the flow path between the first temperature sensor (60) and the second temperature sensor (65).
The toilet device (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit (70) prohibits discharge of water from the nozzle (30) when determining that the first temperature sensor (60) or the second temperature sensor (65) has failed.
The toilet device (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:
an electromagnetic valve (45) that is provided in the flow path (40) and controls supply of water from the water supply source (WS) to the nozzle (30); and

a human body detection sensor (80) that detects a human body, characterized in that

when a human body is detected by the human body detection sensor (80), the control unit (70) opens the electromagnetic valve (45) and operates the instantaneous heat exchanger (50), and determines whether the first temperature sensor (60) or the second temperature sensor (65) has failed while the instantaneous heat exchanger (50) is operating.