JP2003082741A - Urinal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system having a rigid structure, capable of surely detecting the completion of urination, and capable of automatically washing with a proper amount of water in a urinal. SOLUTION: This urinal comprises a washing water feed valve installed in a feed water flow passage, a urine density detection means for detecting the urine density of residual water in a trap, and a control part for controlling the washing water feed valve based on an output from the urine density detection means. The urine density detection means is sealingly disposed in the trap, and judges the completion of use of the urinal by using a variation rate of output from the density detection means. After judging the completion of the use, the urine density detection means opens the washing water feed valve and controls an opening time based on the output from the density detection means obtained when the use of the urine is completed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a urinal, and more particularly to a urinal having a function of automatically cleaning when a user finishes using the urinal.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to automate the cleaning of the toilet body after adding it, a human body detection sensor such as an infrared sensor is installed in the toilet bowl, and when a user is detected for a certain period of time,
After that, there is a device which detects that the user has left and flows a fixed amount of washing water. However, in such an automatic washing system based on human body detection, a certain amount of washing water was flown regardless of whether or not there was excess use and the amount of urine, so that there was much waste.

Therefore, as a solution to the above problem,
The device proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-135585 is for detecting urine and flowing wash water. According to this device, the wash water flows only when there is urination.
Waste can be reduced.

[0004]

However, since the above-mentioned device starts cleaning as soon as urine is detected, in addition to the time during which urination continues, from the end of urination to the flushing of the toilet bowl. During that time, the water is kept flowing, and a lot of water will be consumed.

As a method for detecting urine, there has been proposed a structure in which a pair of electrodes is arranged in a path through which urine flows.
In this configuration, the electrode itself will eventually be invaded by urine, detergent and the like. Since the urinal is troublesome to install and is preferably used as long as possible, this configuration is not realistic.

[0006]

Means for Solving the Problems and Actions / Effects In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention according to claim 1 relates to a flush water supply valve provided in a water supply flow path, and a reservoir water in a trap. In a urinal provided with a urine concentration detecting means for detecting the urine concentration and a control part for controlling the wash water supply valve based on the output of the urine concentration detecting means, the urine concentration detecting means is watertight in the trap. The control unit determines the end of use of the urinal from the rate of change in the output of the concentration detection means, and when the end of use is determined, the flush water supply valve is opened, and the opening time is the concentration at the end of use. It is characterized in that it is provided with control based on the output of the detection means.

According to the above construction, there is no fear that the member for detecting the concentration will be invaded by urine, components in the tap water, detergent and the like.
Further, since the cleaning is started from the end of use, the dirt accompanying urination can be washed away with a small amount of water. further,
Since the time for supplying the wash water can be set according to the urine concentration, it is possible to achieve water saving as a result of washing with an amount sufficient and necessary to keep the urinal hygienic.

As the urine concentration detecting means in claim 1,
The present invention according to claim 2 is directed to an ultrasonic vibrator installed toward the accumulated water in the trap through a corrosion protection material, ultrasonic vibrating means for driving the ultrasonic vibrator with a single pulse, ultrasonic vibration. Detection means for detecting the electrical output from the child, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the accumulated water in the trap that is covered with a corrosion protection material, and vibrating by the vibrating means before detecting by the detecting means And a calculation means for calculating the urine concentration in the trap based on the time until and the output of the temperature detection means.

The ultrasonic propagation velocity V in the solution is determined by the concentration and temperature of the liquid. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic wave oscillator propagate through the liquid in the trap, and are reflected by the other wall surface of the trap portion before returning to the ultrasonic wave oscillator again. Based on the reflection time and the liquid temperature in the trap, a table for deriving the concentration was obtained in advance as shown in Fig. 4, and the reflection time and temperature were applied to this table to determine the urine concentration. It is possible to accurately request.

As the urine concentration detecting means in claim 1,
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the voltage is induced by a drive coil that applies a voltage to the conductive fluid of the trapped water in the trap, and a magnetic field generated by a current in the conductive fluid that is installed at a distance from the drive coil. It consists of the receiving coil,
The driving coil and the receiving coil are separated from the accumulated water in the trap by a corrosion protection material.

As shown in FIG. 16, when two toroidal coils (T1, T2) are placed in a conductive liquid, a circuit (L) equivalently interlinking with each of T1 and T2 is formed.
When the AC voltage Vin is applied to the coil T1, a current I proportional to the electric conductivity of the stored water flows in the circuit L, and thereby a voltage Vout proportional to I is generated in T2. Therefore, the conductivity of the liquid can be accurately known by measuring Vout. Since urine has conductivity, the urine concentration of the accumulated water in the trap can be calculated using the above principle. Since the above action is due to electromagnetic induction, T
1, T2 can be covered with a member having high corrosion resistance such as resin. Further, T1 and T2 do not necessarily have to be placed in the reservoir as shown in FIG. 16, and it is sufficient that the trapped water in the trap forms a circuit interlinking with T1 and T2.

Further, the present invention according to claim 4 is the urinal according to claim 3, further comprising a conduit for guiding the accumulated water in the trap, and the drive coil on the outer periphery of the conduit, and
It is characterized in that a receiving coil is provided.

If the coil is arranged in the trapped water in the trap, there is a risk of obstructing the flow of the washing water, but with the above configuration, the washing water flows smoothly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the urinals according to the first to fourth aspects, after the rate of change of the output of the urine concentration detecting means is continuously lower than a predetermined threshold value for a predetermined time, It is characterized by including a control unit for opening the wash water supply valve.

Although urination may occur again after being interrupted once, the above-mentioned configuration makes it possible to supply flush water a plurality of times for one urination, confused by a short interruption of urination. There is no danger of wasting water.

The present invention according to claim 6 is the urinal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a human body detecting means for detecting a user of the urinal, wherein the rate of change in the output of the urine concentration detecting means is: It is characterized by including a control unit that opens the wash water supply valve below a predetermined threshold value and after the output of the human body detection means becomes the non-human body detection.

Although urination may occur again after having been interrupted once, with the above-mentioned configuration, since the wash water is supplied after the user leaves after urination, 2 times for one urination. There is no risk of wasting water by supplying washing water more than once.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the urinal according to the first to sixth aspects, urinary stone prevention is performed by injecting a urine stone preventing liquid for preventing the formation of urine in the drain pipe into the drain pipe. It is characterized by having a liquid supply means.

Here, the urolith-preventing liquid may be any one as long as it can suppress the formation of urolith, and for example, hypochlorous acid or the like is preferable. The urine stone prevention liquid may be added to the drain pipe periodically or according to the amount of urine.

In order to save water according to the present invention,
Although the toilet bowl itself is sufficiently washed, the urine concentration in the drain pipe becomes higher than in the past, and the amount of urine stones formed in the drain pipe increases, which may increase the labor for removing the urine stones. However, according to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the formation of urinary stones in the drain pipe while saving water, so that the labor for maintenance of the drain pipe does not increase.

The present invention according to claim 8 is the urinal according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the urine conductivity calculating means estimates and calculates the conductivity of urine based on the output of the urine detecting means. An external output means for outputting the conductivity to the outside is provided.

Since the urine discharged to the urinal is diluted by the accumulated water in the trap, the true urine conductivity is unknown in the above construction, but the urination duration, that is, the urine concentration is changed. The relationship between the time and the concentration in the trap at the end of urination is determined in advance by an experiment, and a conversion table for deriving the urine conductivity from the concentration in the trap at the end of urination and the concentration in the trap at the end of urination is prepared. Urine conductivity can be estimated and calculated.

The urine conductivity is effective as an index showing a health condition, but it can be obtained without any trouble. In particular, the main component of the electrolyte in urine is sodium chloride that has been excessively ingested, which can be useful for managing the diet of a person who needs to refrain from ingesting salt such as kidney disease.

The present invention according to claim 9 is the urinal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is provided with an instruction means for arbitrarily supplying flush water.

With the above construction, it becomes possible to flush the cleaning water when cleaning the urinal. In addition, even if the urine concentration detecting means fails, a person can operate the indicating means to flush the wash water.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of a urinal according to the present invention. A functional unit 11 including a flush water supply valve, a control unit, and the like is housed above the inside of the urinal 10. A trap portion 12 is formed below the ball portion to prevent odors, insects and the like from entering from the sewer pipe. The trap unit 12 is provided with a concentration detection unit 13 that detects the concentration of urine in the accumulated water of the trap unit 12. The cleaning water is discharged from the cleaning water discharge port 14, rinses the inner wall surface 15 of the ball portion, and flows out from the discharge port 16 to the sewer pipe via the trap portion 12. Further, outside the urinal 10, a washing switch 17 for arbitrarily flowing washing water is provided.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the urinal 10.
An ultrasonic transducer 22 and a thermistor 23 are installed in the trap portion 12 at positions in contact with the accumulated water 21. The ultrasonic oscillator 22 and the thermistor 23 are each covered with a corrosion-resistant resin. Moreover, in order to keep watertightness, it is attached using packing. The control unit 24 includes a microcomputer 25,
A pulse circuit 26 for exciting the ultrasonic transducer 22 and a switching means 2 for switching the connection destination with the ultrasonic transducer 22.
7, an amplification unit 28 that amplifies the signal generated by the ultrasonic transducer 22, and a detection unit 29 that envelope-detects the amplified signal. The functional unit 11 is provided with a wash water supply valve 30 and an electrolytic water supply valve 33 that open and close in response to an instruction from the microcomputer 25. In the electrolyzed water generating unit 32, electrolyzed water that prevents the formation of urine stones in the drain pipe is generated, and the electrolyzed water supply valve 3
When 3 is opened, electrolyzed water will flow out from the wash water outlet 14. Further, a check valve 31 is provided on the upstream side so that the electrolyzed water generated by the electrolyzed water generating unit 32 does not flow back into the clean water. The microcomputer 25 has at least 1
The electrolyzed water is supplied once a day, and further, it is supplied at a high frequency according to the frequency of use.

The microcomputer 25 detects the urine concentration of the accumulated water 21 every one second. Specifically, description will be made based on the timing chart of FIG. When the microcomputer 25 connects the switching means 27 to the pulse circuit 26 side, the pulse circuit 26
When is driven, the ultrasonic transducer 22 is excited in a single shot. The microcomputer 25 switches the switching means 27 to the amplification section 28 side immediately after driving the pulse circuit 26. On the other hand, the pressure wave generated in the stored water 21 by the exciting force of the ultrasonic transducer 22 propagates in the stored water and is reflected by the facing surface in the pottery. This reflected wave is detected by the ultrasonic transducer 22 and a voltage is generated. Since the switching means 27 has already been switched to the amplifying section 28 side, the voltage generated by the ultrasonic transducer 22 is amplified by the amplifying section 28 and then envelope-detected by the detecting section 29. The microcomputer 25 measures the time T from the driving of the pulse circuit 26 until the output of the detection unit 29 is received, and is used when calculating the urine concentration.

It has been known that the urine concentration P, the liquid temperature t, and the sound velocity V have the relationship shown in FIG. The liquid temperature of the accumulated water 21 is measured by the thermistor 23. The speed of sound V is proportional to the reciprocal of the time T in FIG. This relationship is expressed by the following equation. Urine concentration P = (proportional constant) / (time T) + (constant) Here, (constant) is determined by the liquid temperature t, and a conversion table from the liquid temperature t to the (constant) is stored in the microcomputer 25 in advance. Set it. Further, the conversion table from the liquid temperature t to the (constant) and the proportional constant are determined based on the experimental data. Therefore, this relational expression
The urine concentration of the accumulated water 21 can be obtained by presetting the above.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the urine concentration of the accumulated water 21 during urination. The microcomputer 25 calculates the urine concentration after measuring the time T, detects urination and controls the opening / closing of the wash water supply valve 30 in the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the calculated density is compared with the threshold A (S6
1) If it is below the threshold A (N in S61), the process ends.
If it exceeds the threshold A (Y in S61), the difference from the previous density is compared with the threshold B (S62). If it falls below the threshold B (Y in S62), 1 is added to the counter (S6).
3). On the other hand, if the threshold value B is exceeded (N in S62), the counter is cleared (S64) and the process ends. After the counter is incremented by 1 in S63, if the counter exceeds 5 (Y in S65), the time for opening the wash water supply valve 30 is calculated (S66), and the wash water supply valve 30 is opened ( S67). If the counter does not exceed 5 (N in S65), the process ends. By the above processing, the wash water can be supplied after the urine is detected (Y in S61) and the change in the urine concentration after that is small 6 times (Y in S65).

An example of the calculation of the opening time of the wash water supply valve 30 in S66 will be described below. Water accumulated after washing 2
The relationship between the opening time of the wash water supply valve 30 and the urine concentration necessary for ensuring the hygiene of No. 1 is obtained in advance as shown in FIG. Therefore, by setting this conversion formula in the microcomputer 25, proper washing according to the urine concentration can be performed.

Further, the microcomputer 25 uses the cleaning switch 17
Immediately when is pressed, the flush water supply valve 30
Open up.

Another embodiment of the urinal according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline thereof. Urinal 4
A flush water supply valve 41 and the like are housed above the inside of 0. A trap portion 42 is formed below the ball portion to prevent odors, insects and the like from entering from the sewer pipe. The trap section 42 is provided with a conductivity detecting means 43 for detecting the urine conductivity of the accumulated water in the trap section 42. The cleaning water is discharged from the cleaning water discharge port 44, rinses the inner wall surface 45 of the ball portion, and flows out from the discharge port 46 to the sewer pipe via the trap portion 42. Also, urinal 40
On the front side of the urinal 40, a human body detection sensor 47 for detecting the presence or absence of a user and a conductivity display section 48 for displaying the conductivity of urine are provided with the front of the urinal 40 as a detection area.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the trap portion 42. The toroidal coil 51 is arranged so as to be immersed in the accumulated water 50. The toroidal coil 51 is covered with a corrosion resistant resin. Moreover, in order to keep watertightness, it is attached using packing.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of this urinal.
The drive toroidal coil 51-a and the reception toroidal coil 51-b are placed in a stack. The microcomputer 60 intermittently drives the constant voltage oscillator 61 to reduce the power consumption and applies an AC constant voltage to the drive toroidal coil 51-a. Since the voltage corresponding to the conductivity of the accumulated water in the trap portion is generated in the reception toroidal coil 51-b and detected by the voltage detection circuit 62, the microcomputer 60 calculates the urine conductivity based on this and calculates the conductivity. It is displayed on the rate display unit 48.
The relationship between the detected voltage and the conductivity is as shown in FIG. Further, the microcomputer 60 includes a voltage detection circuit 62
And the output of the human body detection sensor 47 to the wash water supply valve 41.
Used to control the opening and closing of.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the urine conductivity of the stored water 50 during urination. The microcomputer 60 periodically measures and calculates the electrical conductivity, detects the urination by executing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 each time, and controls the opening / closing of the wash water supply valve 41. First, the calculated conductivity is compared with the threshold value A (S131), and if it is lower than the threshold value A (N in S131), the process ends. If it exceeds the threshold A (Y in S131), the difference from the previous conductivity is compared with the threshold B (S132), and if it falls below the threshold B (Y in S132), the timer is started (S133). ), 1 is added to the counter (S134). On the other hand, when the threshold value B is exceeded (N in S132), the counter is cleared (S
135) Finish. After the counter is incremented by 1 in S133, if the counter does not exceed 5 (N in S136), the process ends. When the counter exceeds 5 (S1
If the human body is not detected from the output of the human body detection sensor 47 (Y in S137), the electrical conductivity of urine is estimated and calculated and displayed on the electrical conductivity display unit 48 (S138). The time for opening 41 is calculated (S139), and the wash water supply valve 41 is opened (S140). In the case of human body detection (N in S136), the process ends. By the above processing, after urine is detected (Y in S131), the change in the urine concentration after that is small for six consecutive times (Y in S135), and after the human body is not detected (S136). Y) Wash water can be supplied.

An example of a method of estimating and calculating in order to display the conductivity of urine in S138 will be described below. Voltage detection circuit 6
Since the detected voltage at 2 and the conductivity of the stored water 50 have the relationship shown in FIG. 11, the conductivity can be obtained by recording this relational expression in the microcomputer 60. Furthermore, since the value of the timer is substantially equal to the urination time, it can be estimated that the conductivity of the original urine is calculated by the following formula by assuming that the value is proportional to the urination amount. Raw urine conductivity = (proportional multiplier) × <conductivity of accumulated water> ÷ (timer value) Here, the proportional constant is determined based on experimental data.

An example of calculation of the opening time of the wash water supply valve 41 in S139 will be described below. FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the opening time of the wash water supply valve 41 required for ensuring the sanitation of the accumulated water 50 after washing and the conductivity in advance. Therefore, by setting this conversion formula in the microcomputer 60, appropriate cleaning according to the conductivity can be performed.

Another structural example of the conductivity detecting means 43 will be described below with reference to the sectional view of FIG. A bypass pipe 71 is provided in the trap portion and is filled with accumulated water 72 in the trap portion. A drive toroidal coil 73-a and a reception toroidal coil 73 are provided on the outer circumference of the bypass pipe 71.
-B is installed. Drive toroidal coil 73-
a and the receiving toroidal coil 73-b are respectively shown in FIG.
The conductivity of the accumulated water 72 can be measured in the same manner by using the controller connected to the controller. Even in this structure, since the sensor portion does not touch the accumulated water, there is no fear of corrosion.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of a urinal according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the urinal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining concentration measurement by ultrasonic waves according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between urine concentration, liquid temperature, and sound velocity.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the urine concentration of accumulated water when urinating in the urinal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a urination detection and wash water supply valve processing procedure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a urinal according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the flush water supply valve is required to be opened in order to ensure hygiene of accumulated water;
It is a figure which shows the relationship with a urine concentration.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of a urinal according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a trap portion.

FIG. 10 is a functional configuration diagram of the urinal.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the detected voltage in the receiving coil and the conductivity.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of changes in urine conductivity of accumulated water during urination.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for detecting urination and performing opening / closing control of the wash water supply valve.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the relationship between the opening time of the wash water supply valve necessary for ensuring the sanitation of the accumulated water after washing and the conductivity.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a trap portion for explaining another structural example of the conductivity detecting means.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the principle of conductivity measurement using electromagnetic induction.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Urinal, 11 ... Functional part, 12 ... Trap part, 13
... concentration detecting means, 14 ... cleaning water discharge port, 15 ... ball portion inner wall surface, 16 ... discharge port, 17 ... cleaning switch, 21 ... accumulated water, 22 ... ultrasonic transducer, 23 ... thermistor, 24 ... control unit, 25 ... microcomputer, 26 ... pulse circuit, 27 ... switching means, 28 ... amplification section, 29 ... detection section, 30 ... wash water supply valve, 31 ... check valve, 32 ... electrolyzed water generating section, 33 ... electrolyzed water supply valve, 40 ... Urinal, 41 ... Wash water supply valve, 42
... trap part, 43 ... concentration detecting means, 44 ... wash water discharge port, 45 ... ball part inner wall surface, 46 ... discharge port, 47 ... human body detection sensor, 50 ... accumulated water, 51-a ... drive toroidal coil 51-b ... Reception toroidal coil, 60 ... Microcomputer, 61 ... Constant voltage oscillator, 62 ... Voltage detection circuit, 71 ...
Bypass pipe, 72 ... accumulated water, 73-a ... drive toroidal coil, 73-b ... reception toroidal coil,

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G01N 29/18 G01N 29/18

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A wash water supply valve provided in a water supply channel,
In a urinal equipped with a urine concentration detecting means for detecting the urine concentration in the accumulated water in the trap and a control part for controlling the wash water supply valve based on the output of the urine concentration detecting means, the urine concentration detecting means is a trap. The inside is arranged in a watertight manner, the control unit determines the end of use of the urinal from the rate of change of the output of the concentration detection means, and when the end of use is determined, the flush water supply valve is opened and the opening time is Is controlled based on the output of the concentration detecting means at the end of use. 2. The urinal according to claim 1, wherein the urine concentration detecting means is an ultrasonic oscillator installed toward the accumulated water in the trap through a corrosion protection material, and the ultrasonic oscillator is driven by a single pulse. Ultrasonic vibrating means, a detecting means for detecting an electrical output from the ultrasonic vibrator, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the accumulated water in the trap covered with a corrosion protection material, and the ultrasonic vibrating means. A urinal, comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the urine concentration in the trap based on the time from the vibration by the vibration unit until the detection by the detection unit and the output of the temperature detection unit. 3. The urinal according to claim 1, wherein the urine concentration detecting means is a drive coil for applying a voltage to the conductive fluid of the trapped water in the trap, and the urine concentration detection means is installed at a distance from the drive coil in the conductive fluid. A urinal, characterized in that it comprises a receiving coil in which a voltage is induced by a magnetic field generated by the current, and the driving coil and the receiving coil are separated from the water in the trap by a corrosion protection material. 4. The urinal according to claim 3, further comprising a pipe line through which the trapped water is introduced, and the drive coil and the receiving coil are provided on the outer periphery of the pipe line. Toilet bowl. 5. The urinal according to claim 1, wherein the flush water supply valve is opened after the rate of change of the output of the urine concentration detecting means has continuously fallen below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time. A urinal characterized by having a control unit for controlling the urinal. 6. The urinal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a human body detecting means for detecting a user of the urinal, wherein the rate of change in the output of the urine concentration detecting means is below a predetermined threshold value. Further, the urinal is provided with a control unit for opening the flush water supply valve after the output of the human body detecting means has not detected the human body. 7. The urinal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a urine stone preventing liquid supply means for introducing a urine stone preventing liquid for preventing formation of urine stones in the drain pipe into the drain pipe. Characterize things. 8. The urinal according to claim 3 or 4, wherein urine conductivity calculating means for estimating and calculating the conductivity of urine based on the output of the urine concentration detecting means, and the calculated conductivity are output to the outside. It is characterized in that it is provided with an external output means. 9. The urinal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an instruction means for supplying cleaning water arbitrarily.