JP2023140949A - Flush type toilet bowl - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology that suppresses a situation in which washing water overflows from a toilet bowl.SOLUTION: A flush type toilet bowl disclosed in the present specification may comprise: a toilet bowl device; a tank that stores washing water supplied to the toilet bowl device; and a suppression device that, when a predetermined amount of washing water including the washing water stored in the tank is supplied to the toilet bowl device, suppresses the amount of washing water supplied to the toilet bowl device before the predetermined amount of washing water is supplied to the toilet bowl device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a flush toilet bowl.

Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet device that determines whether a toilet bowl is clogged based on the water level in the toilet bowl. Prohibit supply of flush water to the toilet bowl if the toilet bowl is clogged.

JP2020-66890A

If flush water is supplied to the toilet bowl even though the toilet bowl is either overflowing or clogged, there is a possibility that the flush water will overflow from the toilet bowl. This specification provides a technique for suppressing flush water from overflowing from a toilet bowl.

The flush toilet disclosed herein includes a toilet device, a tank for storing flush water supplied to the toilet device, and a predetermined amount of flush water including the flush water stored in the tank. The toilet device may further include a suppressing device that suppresses the amount of flush water supplied to the toilet device before the predetermined amount of water is supplied to the toilet device.

Details and further improvements of the technology disclosed in this specification will be explained in the following "Detailed Description of the Invention".

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the flush toilet of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a rear perspective view of the flush toilet of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a sectional view at the center in the left-right direction of the toilet device of the first embodiment. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a cross section at the center in the left-right direction of the cleaning tube of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the flapper valve of the first embodiment. A block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a water level detection device is shown. A graph of pressure detected by the pressure sensor of the first embodiment is shown. 5 shows a flowchart of processing executed by the control device of the first embodiment. The side view of the cleaning pipe of 2nd Embodiment is shown. The side view of the flush toilet bowl of 3rd Embodiment is shown. The side view of the flush toilet bowl of 4th Embodiment is shown. 1 is a front view showing the internal configuration of a tank of a flush toilet according to a first embodiment; FIG.

(First embodiment)
(Summary of configuration of flush toilet 100)
As shown in FIG. 1, the flush toilet 100 is a so-called wall-mounted flush toilet fixed to a wall 9. The flush toilet 100 includes a toilet device 6, a tank 2, a cleaning pipe 4, and a water level detection device 10. The toilet device 6 includes a toilet main body 6m. The toilet bowl body is 6m long and is made of ceramic. The toilet main body 6m includes a bowl 6b for receiving waste. The tank 2 stores cleaning water for cleaning the bowl 6b. The toilet device 6 includes a flush button (not shown) that is electrically connected to the tank 2 . As shown in FIG. 13, when the user operates the cleaning button, a motor drive device 508 built into the tank 2 opens the flapper valve 504 disposed at the bottom of the tank 2, causing the cleaning water inside the tank 2 to be opened. is supplied to the bowl 6b via the cleaning pipe 4. As a result, the cleaning water washes away the dirt in the bowl 6b. In the toilet device 6, the flush water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b by operating a lever disposed on the toilet device 6, in addition to operating the flush button. The cleaning button may be placed on a remote controller that is electrically connected to the tank 2 either by wire or wirelessly. The cleaning water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b without any operation by the user. For example, when the user is not detected by the sensor, the cleaning water in the tank 2 may be supplied to the bowl 6b. An overflow pipe 502 is arranged in the tank 2 to prevent overflow.

Hereinafter, the direction in which the tank 2 and the toilet device 6 are lined up will be referred to as the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the side on which the toilet device 6 is arranged with respect to the tank 2 is referred to as the front side in the front-rear direction, and the side on which the tank 2 is arranged with respect to the wall 9 is referred to as the rear side in the front-rear direction. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction is referred to as the left-right direction. In the left-right direction, the back side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the right side, and the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the left side. In other words, the left and right directions correspond to the left and right directions as seen from the user who is directly facing the flush toilet bowl 100. The vertical direction orthogonal to the front-back direction is referred to as the up-down direction. In the vertical direction, the side on which the tank 2 is disposed with respect to the cleaning pipe 4 is referred to as the upper side, and the side on which the cleaning pipe 4 is disposed with respect to the tank 2 is referred to as the lower side.

The toilet device 6 further includes a toilet seat 6s, a toilet lid 6c, a functional section 6f, and a drain pipe 8. The toilet seat 6s and the toilet lid 6c are each connected to the toilet main body 6m so as to be openable and closable. The functional unit 6f automatically opens the toilet lid 6c when the user approaches the flush toilet 100. The functional section 6f may have functions such as private part cleaning, hot air drying, and deodorizing functions, for example. The drain pipe 8 communicates the bowl 6b with a sewer pipe (not shown). The wash water in the bowl 6b is discharged to the sewer pipe via the drain pipe 8. In FIG. 2, illustration of the toilet seat 6s and the toilet lid 6c is omitted.

The tank 2, the cleaning pipe 4, and the water level detection device 10 are separated by a wall 9 from the space in which the flush toilet 100 is arranged. The user cannot visually recognize the portion of the water level detection device 10 that is disposed outside the toilet device 6 (that is, on the back side). Therefore, the design of the flush toilet bowl 100 can be improved. It is possible to prevent the user from accidentally damaging or staining the tank 2, cleaning pipe 4, and water level detection device 10 during cleaning or the like. The wall 9 is provided with an inspection port (not shown) that can be opened and closed, and an operator performs maintenance on the tank 2, the cleaning pipe 4, and the water level detection device 10 through the inspection port in the wall 9.

The cleaning pipe 4 extends downward from the lower surface of the tank 2, bends, extends forward, and is connected to the toilet main body 6m. The cleaning water stored in the tank 2 is supplied to the toilet main body 6m via the cleaning pipe 4. A water supply pipe 3s is connected to the upper rear side of the tank 2. The water supply pipe 3s extends downward from the tank 2, is bent, and extends upward. A water supply electromagnetic valve 3 is arranged at the end of the water supply pipe 3s opposite to the tank 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the water supply electromagnetic valve 3 is connected to the water pipe 5 via a filter-equipped water stop valve 3f. Water is pumped into the water pipe 5 from a water source (not shown). The water supply electromagnetic valve 3 can prevent foreign matter from getting mixed in by taking in clean water via the filter-equipped water stop valve 3f. The water supply solenoid valve 3 is always open except when an abnormality occurs in the toilet device 6.

(Internal structure of toilet device 6)
The internal structure of the toilet device 6 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the toilet device 6 cut at the center of the toilet device 6 in the left-right direction. In FIG. 3, illustration of the toilet seat 6s, toilet lid 6c, and drain pipe 8 is omitted. A rim passageway 20 and a storage space 30 are provided in the toilet main body 6m. The rim water passage 20 is a space that communicates with the cleaning pipe 4. The cleaning water in the tank 2 is supplied to the rim water passage 20 via the cleaning pipe 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rim water passage 20 includes a rear water passage 21, a left water passage 22, and a right water passage 24. The rear water passage 21 is located at the rear of the bowl 6b at the upper end of the bowl 6b. The rim passageway 20 extends forward from the rear passageway 21 and branches into a left side passageway 22 and a right side passageway 24 along the upper edge of the bowl 6b. The cleaning water in the tank 2 flows into the rim passageway 20 from the cleaning pipe 4. In the rim water passage 20, the cleaning water flows forward from the rear water passage 21, is divided into water passages 22 and 24, and is sent into the bowl 6b. The cleaning water swirls and flows along the inner surface of the bowl 6b. As a result, the inner surface of the bowl 6b is cleaned.

As shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 32 is provided in the upper wall disposed above the rear water passage 21. As shown in FIG. The through hole 32 connects the rim water passage 20 and the storage space 30 above the rear water passage 21 . An air vent (not shown) is arranged in a portion of the toilet main body 6m that defines the upper end of the storage space 30. When a drainage abnormality occurs and the wash water in the bowl 6b is not drained normally, the water level of the wash water in the rim passageway 20 rises. When the water level of the wash water exceeds the through hole 32, the wash water pushes the air in the storage space 30 through the through hole 32. The air in the storage space 30 is released to the outside of the storage space 30 by opening the air vent valve. As a result, wash water flows into the storage space 30. The cleaning water in the storage space 30 is temporarily stored. When a drainage abnormality occurs in the bowl 6b, by temporarily storing the wash water in the storage space 30, it is possible to prevent the wash water from overflowing from the bowl 6b. In a situation where the wash water in the bowl 6b is normally drained, even if the water level of the wash water reaches the through hole 32, the storage space 30 is a sealed space and there is air, so the wash water will not flow into the storage space 30. does not flow into the Even if the wash water slightly flows into the storage space 30, the wash water flows out from the storage space 30 through the through hole 32 as the water level of the wash water decreases. Therefore, cleaning water is not stored in the storage space 30.

(Configuration of water level detection device 10)
The configuration of the water level detection device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the water level detection device 10 includes a control device 40, a pump 50, an air solenoid valve 52, a pressure sensor 11, a purge pipe 12, a first detection pipe 13, and a second detection pipe. 14, an air tank 15, a joint 16, a three-way joint 17, and a suppressor 200. The control device 40, the pump 50, the air solenoid valve 52, and the pressure sensor 11 are housed in a box installed on the back side of the tank 2. The actual box is covered with a cover from the rear. In FIGS. 2 and 7, illustration of the cover is omitted.

The control device 40 controls the flush toilet 100. The control device 40 includes a CPU (abbreviation for Central Processing Unit), a RAM (abbreviation for Random Access Memory), a ROM (abbreviation for Read Only Memory), etc., which are hardware processors. When the control device 40 receives an operation of the cleaning button, it opens a flapper valve 504 (not shown) arranged on the bottom surface of the tank 2. Thereby, the cleaning water in the tank 2 is supplied to the toilet main body 6m via the cleaning pipe 4.

The first detection tube 13 and the second detection tube 14 each have a hollow tubular shape. The first detection tube 13 is made of resin. The second detection tube 14 is made of copper. The second detection tube 14 has a distal end portion disposed in the rim passageway 20 . The second detection tube 14 extends through the flushing tube 4 to the rear of the toilet device 6 . The end of the second detection tube 14 opposite to the rim water passage 20 is connected to the first detection tube 13 via a three-way joint 17 . By making the second detection tube 14 arranged in the rim water passage 20 made of copper, it is possible to suppress the growth of mold and bacteria in the second detection tube 14. The second detection tube 14 may be made of a material other than copper, such as silver, in which mold and bacteria are difficult to grow.

The first detection tube 13 connects the three-way joint 17 and the pressure sensor 11. An air tank 15 is arranged in the first detection tube 13 between the pressure sensor 11 and the three-way joint 17. A cross section of the air tank 15 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first detection tube 13 is larger than a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first detection tube 13 . Since the pressure sensor 11 is a highly accurate micro-pressure sensor, it sensitively detects slight pressure fluctuations due to disturbances in the washing water flow. The air tank 15 can smooth out disturbances in the pressure waveform caused by disturbances in the cleaning water flow. In the pressure sensor 11 capable of detecting minute pressure fluctuations, the air tank 15 suppresses disturbances in the detected pressure, thereby preventing the pressure sensor 11 from making false detections. Furthermore, by arranging the air tank 15 on the upstream side of the three-way joint 17, it is possible to suppress the washing water from flowing into the air tank 15.

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

The pressure sensor 11 is a sensor that detects the pressure within the first detection tube 13. The pressure sensor 11 is a so-called strain gauge type pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 11 includes a strain gauge resistor (not shown) inside. The displacement of the strain gauge resistance changes depending on the magnitude of the pressure within the first detection tube 13. As a result, the resistance value of the strain gauge resistor changes. The pressure sensor 11 detects the pressure within the first detection tube 13 based on the resistance value. The pressure sensor 11 is not limited to a strain gauge type, but may be a metal gauge type in a modified example. In further variations, the pressure sensor 11 may be of a semiconductor gauge type or a semiconductor diaphragm type, and further may be at least one of a crystal pressure sensor and a capacitive bridge type sensor. .

The first detection tube 13 communicates with the bowl 6b via the second detection tube 14. When the water level in the bowl 6b rises, the tip of the second detection tube 14 is closed, and the pressure inside the second detection tube 14 increases. As the pressure in the second detection tube 14 increases, the pressure in the first detection tube 13 also increases. Therefore, the detected value of the pressure sensor 11 varies depending on the water level in the bowl 6b.

As shown by the broken line in FIG. 7, the control device 40 is communicably connected to the water supply solenoid valve 3, the pressure sensor 11, the pump 50, and the air solenoid valve 52. The control device 40 controls the water supply solenoid valve 3, the pressure sensor 11, the pump 50, and the air solenoid valve 52. The control device 40 is communicably connected to the management terminal 60. The management terminal 60 is a terminal operated by the administrator of the flush toilet 100, and is placed, for example, in a management company of a building where the flush toilet 100 is installed. The control device 40 transmits the usage status of the flush toilet 100, the drainage status, etc. to the management terminal 60. The administrator of the flush toilet 100 remotely operates the flush toilet 100 using the management terminal 60. In a modification, the management terminal 60 may be a mobile terminal, a PC, or the like owned by at least one of the user of the flush toilet 100 and the cleaning company.

(Detailed structure of second detection tube 14)
As shown in FIG. 3, the second detection tube 14 penetrates the outer wall of the cleaning tube 4 via the joint 16 and extends forward. The second detection tube 14 includes an internal device portion 14b located inside the toilet device 6 and an external device portion 14a located outside the toilet device 6. The device internal portion 14b of the second detection tube 14 passes inside the cleaning tube 4 and is disposed in the rim water passage 20 of the toilet main body 6m.

By passing the second detection pipe 14 through the cleaning pipe 4 connected to the back of the toilet main body 6m, each member of the water level detection device 10 (i.e., the control device 40, the pump 50, the air electromagnetic The valve 52, the pressure sensor 11, the purge pipe 12, the first detection pipe 13, the air tank 15, the joint 16, and the three-way joint 17) can be arranged so that they cannot be accessed by the user. As a result, each member of the water level detection device 10 can be prevented from coming into contact with the user. In particular, it is possible to suppress at least one of displacement and damage to the second detection tube 14 from occurring. Each member of the water level detection device 10 can be made difficult to be visually recognized by the user. As a result, the design of the flush toilet 100 can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 4, the device internal portion 14b is bent to the left at the rear water passage 21 (that is, downward in the paper of FIG. 4) and extends in the left water passage 22. The distal end portion 14c of the device internal portion 14b is located within the left water passage 22. The end surface 18 of the tip portion 14c is provided with an opening through which the device internal portion 14b and the left side water passage 22 communicate with each other. The second detection tube 14 communicates the left water passage 22 and the pressure sensor 11 via the first detection tube 13 . When a drainage abnormality occurs and the water level of the wash water rises to the left water passage 22, the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detection tube 14 is blocked by the wash water. As a result, the pressure within the second detection tube 14 increases. The pressure in the second detection tube 14 is detected by the pressure sensor 11 via the first detection tube 13.

The higher the level of the wash water in the bowl 6b, the more the amount of wash water located above the end surface 18 increases. The higher the level of the wash water in the bowl 6b, the higher the pressure in the second detection tube 14 and the first detection tube 13. That is, the water level of the wash water in the bowl 6b has a correlation with the pressure in the second detection tube 14 and the first detection tube 13. Therefore, the water level detection device 10 can detect the water level in the bowl 6b using the pressure inside the second detection tube 14 and the first detection tube 13.

The water level detection device 10 has a second detection pipe 14 disposed in the left side passageway 22 that supplies wash water to the bowl 6b, and uses the pressure inside the second detection pipe 14 to detect the water level of the wash water in the bowl 6b. Identify. Therefore, there is no need to secure a separate space within the toilet device 6 for arranging the second detection tube 14. As a result, the water level in the bowl 6b can be detected without significantly changing the structure of the toilet device 6, for example, by arranging the second detection pipe 14 in the left water passage 22 of the existing toilet device 6. . The water level detection device 10 can be installed in a general-purpose toilet device 6.

Since foreign matter such as dirt is present in the bowl 6b and the trap section together with the cleaning water, the detected water level is affected by the foreign matter. As a result, the detected water level becomes unstable. In this embodiment, by arranging the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 in the rim passageway 20, it is possible to suppress the detection water level from being influenced by foreign matter.

In the wash water of the rim water passage 20, turbulence occurs in the rear water passage 21 before the branch that receives the washing water flowing in from the washing pipe 4. Turbulent flow of wash water is suppressed from the rear water passage 21 toward the left and right water passages 22 and 24. By arranging the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 in the left side water passage 22 after branching, the pressure in the second detection tube 14 due to the flow of cleaning water can be suppressed. Thereby, the water level of the wash water in the bowl 6b can be appropriately detected.

Since the device internal portion 14b is disposed within the rim water passage 20, it is covered by the outer wall of the toilet main body 6m that defines the rim water passage 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the device internal portion 14b. For example, when cleaning the bowl 6b, the distal end portion 14c can be prevented from coming into contact with a cleaning tool, thereby preventing at least one of displacement and damage to the distal end portion 14c.

(Purge process)
When the wash water is supplied to the bowl 6b, the wash water passes through the left water passage 22 while being mixed with the air in the wash water channel. The inner circumferential surface of the tip portion 14c is affected by a large pressure change that occurs when cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b, and cleaning water may enter the inner peripheral surface of the bowl 6b, creating a plurality of layers of water and air. As shown in FIG. 7, the cleaning water that has entered the second detection tube 14 may form a water film 72 that blocks the second detection tube 14. When the second detection tube 14 is blocked by the water film 72, pressure may not be transmitted even though the water level in the bowl 6b has reached the second detection tube 14. In this case, the control device 40 cannot accurately detect the water level of the wash water in the bowl 6b using the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 11.

The purge pipe 12 is connected to the second detection pipe 14 via a three-way joint 17 . Purge pipe 12 is connected to pump 50 via an air solenoid valve 52 and air pipe 54 . In the purge process, the controller 40 operates the pump 50 and simultaneously opens the air solenoid valve 52. From this, air 70 is forced to be sent to the second detection pipe 14 via the purge pipe 12 and the three-way joint 17. The air 70 pushes out the water film 72 and the air layer inside the second detection tube 14 to the left water passage 22 . After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control device 40 stops the operation of the pump 50 and closes the air solenoid valve 52 at the same time. Thereby, formation of the water film 72 inside the second detection tube 14 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the water film 72 and air layer within the second detection tube 14 from affecting the detected pressure. Note that the air solenoid valve 52 may be replaced with a check valve.

(Configuration of suppressor 200)
As shown in FIG. 5, a suppression device 200 is disposed in the washing pipe 4 to suppress the amount of washing water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b. In FIG. 5, the second detection tube 14 is not shown. In the drawings other than FIG. 5, the suppression device 200 disposed in the cleaning pipe 4 is omitted. Suppression device 200 is controlled by control device 40 . Suppression device 200 includes a casing 202, a flapper valve 204, and a motor 206. The casing 202 is arranged at an intermediate position of the cleaning pipe 4. Casing 202 defines a space that communicates with cleaning pipe 4 . Casing 202 houses flapper valve 204 and motor 206.

The flapper valve 204 is rotatably arranged within the casing 202 with respect to the cleaning pipe 4 and the casing 202. The flapper valve 204 is arranged upstream of the second detection tube 14. The flapper valve 204 is rotatably arranged with respect to the cleaning tube 4 between an open state 204u in which the cleaning tube 4 is opened and a closed state 204d in which the cleaning tube 4 is closed. A washer 204a is attached to the flapper valve 204. In the closed state 204d, the washer 204a comes into contact with the cleaning tube 4, thereby closing the cleaning tube 4. In the closed state 204d, the supply of cleaning water from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b is stopped. Normally, flapper valve 204 is maintained in an open state.

Flapper valve 204 is rotated by motor 206. Motor 206 is controlled by control device 40 .

As shown in FIG. 6, a through hole 204c is arranged at the center of the flapper valve 204. The through hole 204c passes through the flapper valve 204.

(Pressure change during cleaning: Figure 8)
With reference to FIG. 8, changes in the pressure within the first detection tube 13 and the second detection tube 14 during the cleaning period Tc will be described. The cleaning period Tc is a period from when the operation of the cleaning button is accepted at timing T1 to when the cleaning water is supplied until the supply of the cleaning water ends. The cleaning period Tc includes the time required for the cleaning water to be drained and for the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 to become sufficiently stable after the supply of the cleaning water is finished. The cleaning period Tc is, for example, about 20 seconds, and is preset by the manufacturer of the flush toilet 100 depending on the capacity of the tank 2, the bowl 6b, and the like.

(Pressure change under normal conditions)
First, the pressure inside the first detection tube 13 and the second detection tube 14 (hereinafter referred to as detection pressure) when the toilet main body 6m can normally discharge flush water (hereinafter sometimes referred to as normal state). ) will be explained using the solid line waveform W1.

In the period before the operation of the cleaning button is accepted at timing T1, the cleaning water does not pass through the left water passage 22. Therefore, the detected pressure is maintained at a value that approximates the atmospheric pressure Ap.

When the control device 40 receives the operation of the cleaning button at timing T1, it operates the pump 50 at timing T2, and stops the pump 50 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The activated pump 50 pumps air into the second detection tube 14 . As a result, the detected pressure increases instantaneously, as shown by pressure peak P1.

Thereafter, at timing T5, the flapper valve 504 of the tank 2 is opened, and supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is started. As a result, the level of the cleaning water in the tank 2 is lowered. As a result, clean water is newly supplied to the tank 2 from the water supply pipe 3s (see FIG. 1). The clean water newly supplied to the tank 2 is also supplied to the bowl 6b as washing water. Thereby, the large amount of washing water can wash away the dirt in the bowl 6b.

When the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is started, the cleaning water flows into the left water passage 22. At this time, the cleaning water closes the opening of the end surface 18 of the second detection tube 14. As a result, the detected pressure increases. While the wash water is being supplied, the amount and pressure of the wash water are high immediately after the start of the supply of the wash water, and thereafter the amount and pressure of the wash water gradually decrease.

After the supply of cleaning water is started at timing T5, the control device 40 operates the pump 50 again at timing T7. The pump 50 pumps air into the second detection tube 14 . After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the pump 50 started operating, the pump 50 is stopped. As a result of this activation, the detected pressure rises instantaneously again, as shown by pressure peak P2.

Thereafter, the cleaning water continues to flow into the bowl 6b until timing T9. As a result, the detected pressure repeatedly rises and falls until timing T9. When a predetermined amount of cleaning water in the tank 2 flows into the bowl 6b, the float connected to the flapper valve 504 lowers together with the level of the cleaning water in the tank 2. As a result, the flapper valve 504 is closed at timing T9. As a result, the supply of cleaning water from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b is stopped. As a result, the detected pressure gradually decreases while repeatedly rising and falling.

After the flapper valve 504 is closed, when the cleaning water remaining in the cleaning pipe 4 and the rim passageway 20 is sent into the bowl 6b, the detected pressure gradually stabilizes and is maintained at atmospheric pressure Ap, and at timing T10. The cleaning ends. The control device 40 operates the pump 50 again at timing T10, and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, stops the operation of the pump 50. As a result, the detected pressure increases instantaneously, as shown by pressure peak P3. In this way, during the cleaning period Tc, the detected pressure during normal operation changes at each timing, as shown by the waveform W1, and is finally maintained at the atmospheric pressure Ap.

(Pressure change when drainage abnormality occurs)
Using the thin broken line waveform W2 and the thick broken line waveform W3, a change in the detected pressure when a drainage abnormality occurs due to clogging in the toilet device 6 will be explained. In the following, the drainage abnormality that occurs in the toilet device 6 will be explained in two stages: a first drainage abnormality indicated by the waveform W2, and a second drainage abnormality indicated by the waveform W3.

The situation at the time of occurrence of the abnormality is different between when the first drainage abnormality occurs and when the second drainage abnormality occurs. When the first drainage abnormality occurred, the water level in the bowl 6b was at a normal water level, but the drainage path inside the bowl 6b and the drainage path downstream of the bowl 6b were clogged with foreign matter, and compared to normal times. The water level is rising due to the narrowing of drainage routes. The drainage path downstream of the bowl 6b includes a drain pipe 8 and, for example, a drain pipe (not shown) in a building in which the flush toilet 100 is disposed. When the second drainage abnormality occurs, the water level in the bowl 6b has already risen above the normal water level, and even if a smaller amount of cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b than when the first drainage abnormality occurs, This is a state in which the detected pressure increases. When the second drainage abnormality occurs, similar to when the first drainage abnormality occurs, the drainage path inside the bowl 6b and the drainage path downstream of the bowl 6b are clogged with foreign matter, and the drainage path is different from normal. Due to the narrowing, the water level is rising.

(Pressure change during first drainage abnormality)
As can be understood by comparing the waveforms W1 and W2, between timings T1 to T7, the detected pressure at the time of the first drainage abnormality is approximately the same as the detected pressure at the normal time described above. During the first drainage abnormality, when supplying the wash water, the amount of wash water passing through the left water passage 22 is the same as during normal times. However, in the first drainage abnormality, the amount of drainage per unit time is lower than in the normal state, so the water level in the bowl 6b does not decrease as much as in the normal state. As shown in the waveform W2, the detected pressure at the time of the first drainage abnormality is higher than the detected pressure at the normal time after timing T7. Even if the flapper valve 504 is closed at timing T9, the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 is blocked by the water in the bowl 6b, so the detected pressure at the time of the first drainage abnormality is equal to the atmospheric pressure Ap. does not decrease to The amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b during one cleaning is smaller than the capacity of the bowl 6b. Therefore, at the time of the first drainage abnormality, the supply of the wash water ends before the wash water overflows from the bowl 6b. After timing T10, the detected pressure at the time of the first drainage abnormality is maintained at a slightly lower pressure than the detected pressure that increased when cleaning water was supplied at timing T5.

(Pressure change during 2nd drainage abnormality)
The second drainage abnormality is a state in which the water level in the bowl 6b has risen to the vicinity of the rim passageway 20 (for example, during the first drainage abnormality), and wash water is further supplied to the bowl 6b. During the second drainage abnormality, when cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b, the water level in the bowl 6b continues to rise. Therefore, as shown by waveform W3, the detected pressure at the time of the second drainage abnormality is higher than the detected pressure at the time of the first drainage abnormality. In the second drainage abnormality, the amount of washing water supplied to the bowl 6b during one washing cannot be received, and the washing water may overflow from the bowl 6b. The detected pressure at the time of the second drainage abnormality is maintained at a higher value than the detected pressure at the time of the first drainage abnormality. During the second drainage abnormality, the opening of the end surface 18 may already be closed between timing T1 and timing T5 before the cleaning water is supplied. In this case, in the waveform W3, the pressure becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure Ap between timing T1 and timing T5.

The control device 40 detects the water level of the wash water in the bowl 6b by comparing the detected pressure received from the pressure sensor 11 with a reference pressure. The control device 40 uses the detected pressure received from the pressure sensor 11 to identify the water level of the wash water in the bowl 6b. As described above, the detected pressure changes depending on the level of the wash water in the bowl 6b. The control device 40 stores reference pressures Th1, Th2, Th3, and Th4 in advance. The control device 40 executes an abnormality detection process for detecting the occurrence of a drainage abnormality in the toilet device 6 by appropriately using each of the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 according to the timing of pressure detection. In FIG. 8, each reference pressure Th1 to Th4 used by the control device 40 as a comparison target for the detected pressure at each timing is indicated by a broken line. Note that each of the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 is a value for distinguishing between normal and abnormal times, so values obtained by learning control to correct for variations in the shape of the toilet bowl and variations in construction status may be stored. .

(Normal abnormality detection process executed by control device 40)
When the flush toilet 100 is installed, the water level detection device 10 is activated. When the water level detection device 10 is activated, the control device 40 executes an abnormality detection process. The abnormality detection process includes a normal abnormality detection process and a cleaning abnormality detection process. In the normal abnormality detection process, the control device 40 detects that the pressure in the second detection tube 14 exceeds the reference pressure Th2 immediately after receiving the user's operation of the cleaning button and before starting cleaning. There is. In the normal abnormality detection process, the control device 40 detects that the pressure in the second detection tube 14 exceeds the reference pressure Th2 for a predetermined period after the cleaning water is supplied. When the wash water is drained normally, the water level in the bowl 6b does not reach the second detection tube 14, and the opening in the end face 18 is not blocked. The detected pressure is close to atmospheric pressure Ap. In a situation where a drainage abnormality has occurred, if water is supplied into the bowl 6b from a source other than the tank 2, for example, by supplying washing water directly to the bowl 6b using a bucket, the water level in the bowl 6b will be lower than the second detection tube 14. It may have reached that point. In this case, the detected pressure increases. The reference pressure Th2 is set to a value that allows a state in which the opening of the second detection tube 14 is blocked by water in the bowl 6b to be detected by comparing it with the detected pressure. Thereby, in a situation where water is supplied to the bowl 6b from a source other than the tank 2, an abnormality in drainage can be detected.

(Abnormality detection process during cleaning executed by control device 40)
In the cleaning abnormality detection process, the control device 40 executes the abnormality detection process using each of the reference pressures Th1 to Th4 during the cleaning period Tc. When the control device 40 receives the operation of the cleaning button (timing T1 in FIG. 8), the control device 40 detects an abnormality during cleaning as shown in FIG. 9 due to receiving a signal indicating that the operation of the cleaning button has been accepted. Start processing.

In S2, the control device 40 operates the pump 50 (timing T2 in FIG. 8), and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, stops the operation of the pump 50. Next, in S4, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (between timings T3 and T4).

Through the processes from S2 to S4, the control device 40 detects the water level in the bowl 6b after the pump 50 pumps the air 70 (see FIG. 7) to the second detection tube 14. The pressure sensor 11 can detect the detected pressure while suppressing the formation of the water film 72 on the inner surface of the second detection tube 14. As a result, using the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 is blocked by water in the bowl 6b.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reference pressure Th2 is higher than the atmospheric pressure Ap. The reference pressure Th2 is set to a value that allows a state in which the opening of the second detection tube 14 is blocked by the cleaning water in the bowl 6b to be detected by comparing it with the detected pressure. The reference pressure Th2 is a pressure lower than the reference pressure Th3. At the timing when the reference pressure Th2 is used, the operation of the cleaning button is accepted and cleaning water is about to be supplied from the tank 2.

If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S4), the process advances to S54. In this case, the control device 40 does not supply cleaning water to the bowl 6b. In other words, when the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2, the control device 40 does not open the flapper valve 504 even though the user operates the cleaning button. That is, the control device 40 does not start cleaning when the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2. This can prevent washing water from being supplied to the bowl 6b where a drainage abnormality has occurred and the water level of the washing water has already risen. It is possible to prevent washing water from overflowing from the bowl 6b.

If the detected pressure does not exceed the reference pressure Th2 (NO in S4), the control device 40 proceeds to S10. In S10, the control device 40 opens the flapper valve 504 of the tank 2 and starts cleaning the bowl 6b (timing T5).

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

In S52, the control device 40 suppresses the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b. Specifically, the control device 40 causes the motor 206 of the suppressor 200 to move the flapper valve 204 from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d. As a result, the cleaning pipe 4 is closed and water supply from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b is stopped. If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th4 immediately after supplying the cleaning water (YES in S20), the water supply to the bowl 6b is stopped, thereby reducing the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b when a drainage abnormality occurs. be able to. As a result, it is possible to prevent overflowing from the upper end of the bowl 6b when a drainage abnormality occurs. When the process of S52 is completed, the process advances to S54.

The amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the determination of YES in S20 until the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is stopped is from the water level corresponding to the reference pressure Th4 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. The washing water is stopped so that the volume becomes equal to or less than the volume of 6b. In other words, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b from the time when the determination is YES in S20 until the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52, and the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52. The total amount of cleaning water present later on the side of the bowl 6b than the flapper valve 204 is less than or equal to the volume of the bowl 6b from the water level corresponding to the reference pressure Th4 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. Thereby, it is possible to prevent overflowing from the upper end of the bowl 6b when a drainage abnormality occurs.

In the modified example, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the determination of YES in S20 until the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is stopped is from the water level corresponding to the reference pressure Th4 to the level of the bowl 6b. The washing water may be stopped so that the volume becomes less than or equal to the total volume of the bowl 6b up to the upper end and the volume of the storage space 30, that is, the volume of the space other than the bowl 6b that can store the washing water. . In other words, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b from the time when the determination is YES in S20 until the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52, and the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52. The total amount of cleaning water that will be present on the side of the bowl 6b from the flapper valve 204 later is the volume of the bowl 6b from the water level corresponding to the reference pressure Th4 to the upper end of the bowl 6b, and the volume of the storage space 30. In other words, it may be the total volume of the space other than the bowl 6b that can store the cleaning water.

If the detected pressure is clogged and does not exceed the reference pressure Th4 (NO in S20), the control device 40 operates the pump 50 in S22 (timing T7 in FIG. 8), and after a predetermined time elapses, stops the operation of the pump 50. do. While the pump 50 is in operation, the pressure within the second detection tube 14 increases regardless of the water level. While the pump 50 is in operation, the controller 40 does not compare the detected pressure with the reference pressure. It is possible to prevent an erroneous determination that the water level in the bowl 6b has risen.

At timings T5 to T7 immediately after the cleaning water passes through the left side passageway 22, the opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 is temporarily blocked by the cleaning water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b. . Immediately after the start of the supply of cleaning water (timing T5), the pressure of the cleaning water flowing through the rim passageway 20 is high. In this case, the detected pressure temporarily increases regardless of whether a drainage abnormality has occurred. As shown in FIG. 8, the detected pressure immediately after the start of supply of cleaning water (timing T5) may be higher than the reference pressure Th3. If the detected pressure is compared with the reference pressure Th3 immediately after the start of the supply of cleaning water, the control device 40 will detect that the level of cleaning water in the bowl 6b has not risen due to the occurrence of a drainage abnormality. Regardless, the process of S52 may be executed. As a result, the amount of cleaning water supplied will be reduced. The control device 40 compares the detected pressure with a reference pressure Th4 higher than the reference pressure Th3 immediately after the start of supply of cleaning water (between timings T4 and T6). Thereby, the control device 40 can prevent the supply amount of cleaning water from being reduced due to a temporary increase in pressure that occurs immediately after the supply of cleaning water is started. On the other hand, immediately after the start of the supply of wash water, the amount of water supplied to the bowl 6b is the largest during the supply of wash water. Therefore, if a drainage abnormality occurs, the water level in the bowl 6b will rise significantly. Immediately after the supply of cleaning water is started, by using the reference pressure Th4, it is possible to detect a state in which the water level in the bowl 6b increases significantly due to drainage abnormality.

In S30, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (between timings T8 and T10). If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), the control device 40 proceeds to S52. This reduces the amount of cleaning water supplied. Between timings T8 and T10, the supply of cleaning water from the tank 2 is continued. The opening of the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 is temporarily blocked by the cleaning water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b. By setting the reference pressure Th3 to a higher pressure than the reference pressure Th2, the control device 40 can detect the occurrence of drainage abnormality even during the cleaning period Tc.

Between timings T8 and T10, time has elapsed since the start of supply of cleansing water, and the supply amount and pressure of cleansing water are lower than immediately after the start of supply of cleansing water. Therefore, the pressure in the second detection tube 14 does not increase between timings T8 and T10 compared to immediately after the start of supply of cleaning water (between timings T4 and T6). By setting the reference pressure Th3 used between timings T8 and T10 lower than the reference pressure Th4 used between timings T4 and T6, drainage abnormalities can be detected while time has elapsed from the start of supply of cleaning water. Accordingly, a state in which the water level in the bowl 6b increases significantly can be detected earlier.

The control device 40 uses the detected pressure received from the pressure sensor 11 to detect the water level in the bowl 6b while the wash water is being supplied to the bowl 6b. If a drainage abnormality occurs during the supply of cleaning water, if the supply amount is not continuously reduced and the cleaning water is supplied to the bowl 6b, there is a possibility that the cleaning water will overflow from the upper end of the bowl 6b. . By detecting the water level in the bowl 6b while the wash water is being supplied, the control device 40 can detect the occurrence of a drainage abnormality during the supply of the wash water, and can prevent the wash water from overflowing. .

If the detected pressure does not exceed the clogging reference pressure Th3 (NO in S30), the control device 40 detects in S32 that the drainage period has elapsed. The draining period is a period between timing T9 and timing T10 when the flapper valve 504 is closed, and the cleaning water supplied from the tank 2 is sent to the bowl 6b, and no cleaning water flows into the rim passageway 20. This is the period until. The drainage period is preset according to the capacity of the tank 2, the size of the bowl 6b, etc. If the drainage period has not elapsed (NO in S32), the control device 40 executes the process in S30 again. That is, the control device 40 repeatedly detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 until the drainage period has elapsed (between timings T8 and T10).

When the drainage period has elapsed (YES in S32), in S34, the control device 40 operates the pump 50 (timing T10), and after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, stops the operation of the pump 50. The control device 40 does not compare the detected pressure with the reference pressure while the pump 50 is operating. Next, in S40, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (between timings T11 and T12). If the detected pressure does not exceed the reference pressure Th2 (NO in S40), in S42, the control device 40 detects that the predetermined period Ta (see FIG. 8) has elapsed. If the predetermined period Ta has not elapsed (NO in S42), the control device 40 executes the process in S40 again. That is, the control device 40 repeatedly detects that the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 until the predetermined period Ta has elapsed (between timings T11 and T12). When the predetermined period Ta has elapsed (YES in S42), the control device 40 ends the cleaning abnormality detection process. Note that the predetermined period Ta may not be provided, and a specification may be adopted in which it is detected that the reference pressure Th2 is exceeded until the cleaning is started.

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

If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), the control device 40 proceeds to S54. In S54, the control device 40 prohibits cleaning. Specifically, the control device 40 does not open the flapper valve 504 even if it receives the operation of the cleaning button. Even if the operation of the cleaning button is accepted, the cleaning water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b.

When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), the control device 40 reduces the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b by suppressing the water supply to the bowl 6b in S52. The amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the determination of YES in S30 until the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is stopped is from the water level corresponding to the reference pressure Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. The washing water is stopped so that the volume becomes equal to or less than the volume of 6b. In other words, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b from the time when YES is determined in S30 until the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52 and the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52. The amount of washing water present later on the side of the bowl 6b than the flapper valve 204 is less than or equal to the volume of the bowl 6b from the water level corresponding to the reference pressure Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. Thereby, it is possible to prevent overflowing from the upper end of the bowl 6b when a drainage abnormality occurs.

In the modified example, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the determination of YES in S30 until the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is stopped increases from the water level of the bowl 6b corresponding to the reference pressure Th3. The washing water may be stopped so that the volume becomes less than or equal to the total volume of the bowl 6b up to the upper end and the volume of the storage space 30, that is, the volume of the space other than the bowl 6b that can store the washing water. . In other words, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b from the time when the determination is YES in S20 until the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52, and the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b after the flapper valve 204 is moved from the open state 204u to the closed state 204d in S52. Later, the amount of cleaning water present on the side of the bowl 6b from the flapper valve 204 is determined by the volume of the bowl 6b from the water level corresponding to the reference pressure Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b, and the volume of the storage space 30, that is, other than the bowl 6b. It may be the total volume of the space in which cleaning water can be stored.

Further, when the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3 (YES in S30), the cleaning water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b even if the operation of the cleaning button is accepted during a predetermined period. When the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th3, the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b is high, and there is a high possibility that the cleaning water will overflow from the upper end of the bowl 6b. The control device 40 executes a process of changing the supply amount of washing water when a second drainage abnormality occurs, in which the possibility of overflowing from the upper end of the bowl 6b is higher. Thereby, it is possible to suppress overflow of the wash water from the upper end of the bowl 6b when the second drainage abnormality occurs. After stopping the water supply to the tank 2 in S52, the control device 40 closes the flapper valve 504 of the tank 2 (that is, the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b in the tank 2 is stopped) and waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse. After that, the water supply solenoid valve 3 is opened again. In addition, in a modification, the control device 40 may perform a process of changing the supply amount of washing water by forcibly closing the flapper valve 504 during washing.

If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), the supply of cleaning water from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b has already ended, and the process to reduce the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b is executed. Not done. If the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure Th2 (YES in S40), the cleaning water in the tank 2 is not supplied to the bowl 6b even if the cleaning button is operated during a predetermined period.

Next, in S56, the control device 40 notifies the management terminal 60 (see FIG. 7) of the occurrence of drainage abnormality. Thereby, the administrator of the flush toilet 100 can be made aware of the occurrence of drainage abnormality. In S60, the control device 40 detects that the detected pressure is lower than the reference pressure Th1. If the detected pressure is not lower than the reference pressure Th1 (NO in S60), the control device 40 repeats the process of S60 until the detected pressure becomes lower than the reference pressure Th1. As shown in FIG. 8, the reference pressure Th1 is a pressure slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure Ap. The reference pressure Th1 is set to a value that allows detection of the state in which the opening of the second detection tube 14 is exposed to the wash water by comparing it with the detected pressure. By comparing the detected pressure with the reference pressure Th1, the control device 40 determines that the water level of the cleaning water in the bowl 6b is located below the second detection pipe 14, that is, the drainage abnormality has been resolved. can be detected.

For example, the water level of the flushing water in the bowl 6b may decrease due to at least one of the following: a drainage abnormality caused by a clogged toilet paper is resolved naturally in a relatively short period of time, or a drainage abnormality is resolved by the administrator. If the detected pressure is lower than the reference pressure Th1 (YES in S60), in S62, the control device 40 cancels the prohibition of cleaning in S54. The control device 40 moves the flapper valve 204 from the closed state 204d to the open state 204u. A through hole 204c is arranged in the flapper valve 204. Thereby, even if wash water is present on the upstream side of the flapper valve 204, the flapper valve 204 can be moved. The control device 40 detects that the drainage abnormality has been resolved in the process of S60, and cancels the prohibition of cleaning in the process of S62, thereby avoiding the continuation of prohibition of cleaning for the drainage abnormality that has already been resolved. be able to. Thereafter, in S64, the control device 40 notifies the management terminal 60 that the drainage abnormality has been resolved, and ends the cleaning abnormality detection process. This allows the administrator of the flush toilet 100 to recognize that the drainage abnormality has been resolved.

In the water level detection device 10, the pressure sensor 11 detects the water level in the bowl 6b. The pressure sensor 11 has a higher accuracy in detecting the water level in the bowl 6b while cleaning water is being supplied than other sensors such as a float sensor, a capacitance sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, the water level detection device 10 can detect the water level of the bowl 6b more accurately than a configuration in which the water level is detected using other sensors.

(Second embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 10, the water level detection device 10 of this embodiment includes a suppression device 300 instead of the suppression device 200. The suppression device 300 is arranged in the cleaning tube 4 . Suppression device 300 is controlled by control device 40 . Suppression device 300 includes a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is movable between an open state in which the cleaning pipe 4 is opened and a closed state in which the cleaning pipe 4 is closed. Normally, the solenoid valve is maintained in an open state.

In S52, the control device 40 switches the solenoid valve of the suppression device 300 from the open state in which the cleaning pipe 4 is opened to the closed state in which the cleaning pipe 4 is closed. According to this configuration, it is possible to shorten the period from when the determination is YES in one of S20 and S30 until the suppression device 300 closes the cleaning pipe 4 in S52. In S62, the control device 40 switches from the closed state in which the cleaning pipe 4 is closed to the open state in which the cleaning pipe 4 is opened.

The amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b from when the solenoid valve is moved from the open state to the closed state in S52 after it is determined YES in at least one of S20 and S30, and when the solenoid valve is moved to the closed state. The total amount of cleaning water present later on the side of the bowl 6b than the suppressor 300 is less than or equal to the volume of the bowl 6b from the water level corresponding to at least one of the reference pressures Th4 and Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. be. In the modified example, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b from the time when YES is determined in at least one of S20 and S30 until the solenoid valve is moved from the open state to the closed state in S52, and the closed state The amount of cleaning water present on the side of the bowl 6b from the suppressor 300 after being moved to the bowl 6b from the water level corresponding to at least one of the reference pressures TTh4 and Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. and the volume of the storage space 30, that is, the volume of the space other than the bowl 6b that can store the wash water.

In a modification, the water level detection device 10 may include both the suppression device 200 and the suppression device 300. Even if one of the suppression device 200 and the suppression device 300 is unable to close the cleaning pipe 4 due to a failure or the like, the cleaning tube 4 is blocked by the other of the suppression device 200 and the suppression device 300, and the bowl 6b is closed. The supply of wash water to the machine can be stopped.

(Third embodiment)
In the flush toilet bowl 100 of the present embodiment, the control device 40 selectively supplies the bowl 6b with one of two types of water amounts, V1 and V2, of flush water. The flush toilet 100 may include an operation section for the user to select between a large flush and a small flush. As shown in FIG. 13, when the user selects deep cleaning, the control device 40 opens a flapper valve 504 disposed at the bottom of the tank 2 by a motor drive device 510 built into the tank 2. , tank 2 is opened. Thereby, the cleaning water in the tank 2 is supplied to the bowl 6b. When the water level in tank 2 falls, flapper valve 504 is closed. As a result, a large cleaning is performed in which the amount of cleaning water V1 is supplied to the bowl 6b.

When the user selects a small wash, the control device 40 opens the flapper valve 504 to supply part of the wash water stored in the tank 2 to the bowl 6b. As a result, a small wash is performed in which the bowl 6b is supplied with washing water in an amount V2 smaller than the amount V1. The period during which the flapper valve 504 is open is longer in the large wash than in the small wash.

In S52, the control device 40 supplies the motor drive device 510 with a water amount V2 of washing water when the user has selected large washing, that is, when washing water with a water amount V1 should be supplied to the bowl 6b. During the period in which the flapper valve 504 is open for this purpose, the flapper valve 504 is closed.

According to this configuration, it is not necessary to arrange a suppressor in the cleaning pipe 4.

In a modified example, in S52, if the determination is YES in at least one of S20 and S30, the control device 40 may cause the motor drive device 510 to immediately close the flapper valve 504.

After determining YES in at least one of S20 and S30, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b until the flapper valve 504 is moved from the open state to the closed state in S52, and the amount of washing water supplied to the bowl 6b when the flapper valve 504 is moved from the open state to the closed state in S52. the amount of cleaning water present on the side of the bowl 6b from the tank 2 after be. In the modified example, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b from the time when the determination is YES in at least one of S20 and S30 until the flapper valve 504 is moved from the open state to the closed state in S52, and the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b, The total amount of cleaning water present on the side of the bowl 6b from the tank 2 after being moved to the bowl 6b from the water level corresponding to at least one of the reference pressures TTh4 and Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. and the volume of the storage space 30, that is, the volume of the space other than the bowl 6b that can store the wash water.

In the modified example, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b reaches the reference pressure Th3 after the determination is YES in at least one of S20 and S30 until the supply of cleaning water to the bowl 6b is stopped. Washing is performed so that the volume is less than or equal to the total volume of the bowl 6b from the corresponding water level to the upper end of the bowl 6b and the volume of the storage space 30, that is, the volume of the space other than the bowl 6b that can store cleaning water. Water may be turned off.

(Fourth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 11, the water level detection device 10 of this embodiment includes a suppression device 400. The suppression device 400 includes a branch pipe 404 that communicates the cleaning pipe 4 and the drain pipe 8, a pump 402 disposed in the branch pipe 404, and a solenoid valve 406. The electromagnetic valve 406 is movable between an open state in which the branch pipe 404 is opened and a closed state in which the branch pipe 404 is closed. Suppression device 400 is controlled by control device 40 . Normally, the solenoid valve 406 is kept closed and the pump 402 is stopped.

In S52, the control device 40 moves the solenoid valve 406 from the closed state to the open state and drives the pump 402. Thereby, the amount of cleaning water supplied from the cleaning pipe 4 to the bowl 6b can be reduced.

After determining YES in at least one of S20 and S30, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b until the solenoid valve 406 is moved from the closed state to the open state in S52 and the pump 402 is driven; After driving the pump 402, the total amount of cleaning water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b is from the water level corresponding to at least one of the reference pressures Th4 and Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. The volume is less than or equal to . In the modified example, after the determination is YES in at least one of S20 and S30, the solenoid valve 406 is moved from the closed state to the open state in S52, and the cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b is changed until the pump 402 is driven. and the amount of cleaning water supplied from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b after driving the pump 402, from the water level corresponding to at least one of the reference pressures TTh4 and Th3 to the upper end of the bowl 6b. The total volume may be the volume of the bowl 6b up to and including the volume of the storage space 30, that is, the volume of the space other than the bowl 6b that can store the wash water.

In the water level detection device 10 of this embodiment, at least one of the suppression device 200 and the control device 300 may be disposed in the cleaning pipe 4 on the downstream side of the communication position of the branch pipe 404. The suppression device 400 may have both a structure for stopping the water supply from the tank 2 to the bowl 6b and a structure for causing the wash water flowing through the water supply pipe 4 to flow into the branch pipe 404.

(Fifth embodiment)
In this embodiment, in S52, the control device 40 closes the water supply solenoid valve 3 (see FIG. 7). The supply of clean water from the water pipe 5 to the tank 2 is stopped. During cleaning, in addition to the cleaning water originally stored in the tank 2, clean water supplied from the water pipe 5 is also supplied to the bowl 6b via the tank 2 as cleaning water. If YES in S20 and YES in S30, the amount of cleaning water supplied to the bowl 6b can be reduced by stopping the water supply to the tank 2.

In a modification, as shown in FIG. 12, the water supply to the tank 2 may be suppressed by arranging a suppression device 400 on the water supply pipe 3s.

Above, specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The techniques described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(Modification 1) The distal end portion 14c of the device internal portion 14b of the second detection tube 14 does not need to be disposed in the left water passage 22. For example, the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 may be placed within the cleaning tube 4 or may be placed in the bowl 6b.

(Modification 2) The tip portion 14c may be arranged in at least one of the rear water passage 21 and the right water passage 24. In another modification, the rim passageway 20 may further branch downward in addition to the left side passageway 22 and the right side passageway 24. In this modification, the tip portion 14c may be arranged in a water passage branching downward. The rim passageway 20 does not have to branch.

(Modification 3) The device internal portion 14b of the second detection tube 14 is fixed to the outer wall of the toilet main body 6m located above the left water passage 22 by penetrating the outer wall, and is disposed in the left water passage 22. may be done. In yet another modification, the device internal portion 14b is fixed to the outer wall located above the rear water passage 21 by passing through the outer wall and penetrating the storage space 30 and disposed in the rear water passage 21. may be done.

(Modification 4) The toilet main body 6m may not include the storage space 30.

(Modification 5) The device internal portion 14b of the second detection tube 14 passes through the outer wall of the toilet main body 6m located on the left side of the left side water passage 22, and is fixed to the outer wall and connected to the left side water passage 22. may be placed.

(Modification 6) The water level detection device 10 does not need to detect the water level using pressure. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using a float placed inside the toilet device 6. In this case, the float may be placed inside the toilet device 6, and the components of the water level detection device 10 other than the float, such as the control device, may be placed outside the toilet device 6. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using the capacitance of a pair of electrodes arranged inside the toilet device 6. In this case, the electrode pair may be placed inside the toilet device 6, and the components of the water level detection device 10 other than the electrode pair, such as the control device, may be placed outside the toilet device 6. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level using an ultrasonic transceiver placed inside the toilet device 6. In this case, the ultrasonic transceiver may be arranged inside the toilet device 6, and the components of the water level detection device 10 other than the ultrasonic transceiver, such as the control device, may be arranged outside the toilet device 6. The water level detection device 10 may detect the water level by measuring the weight of the toilet main body 6m. In this case, a weight sensor may be placed below the toilet main body 6m.

(Modification 7) The control device 40 may perform purge processing as appropriate. For example, the control device 40 may periodically perform a purge process regardless of whether washing water is supplied. The control device 40 may perform the purge process for a longer period of time at a predetermined timing (for example, 59 seconds after the start of the supply of cleaning water) than at other timings. The control device 40 may perform the purge process more times at the above-described predetermined timing than at other timings. At the above-mentioned predetermined timing, the supply of washing water may be finished and the water level may be stable.

(Modification 8) The water level detection device 10 may detect pressure while performing purge at the timing of water level detection.

(Modification 9) The water level detection device 10 may be able to acquire information indicating that the blockage has been cleared. For example, the control device 40 may be electrically connected to a jam release button operated by the user when the jam is cleared by the user. The control device 40 may perform purge processing and water level detection when the user operates the clogging release button.

(Modification 10) The cleaning pipe 4 that supplies cleaning water to the toilet main body 6m may extend from the outside of the toilet main body 6m into one of the left water passage 22 and the right water passage 24. In this case, the second detection pipe 14 may extend outside the cleaning pipe 4 into one of the left water flow channel 22 and the right water flow channel 24.

(Modification 11) The second detection tube 14 may be bent downward so that the tip portion 14c faces downward. For example, the tip portion 14c may be bent by 5° or more with respect to the portion connected to the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14. Thereby, formation of a water film on the tip portion 14c can be suppressed.

(Modification 12)
The inner diameter of the tip portion 14c of the second detection tube 14 may be larger than the inner diameter of other portions of the second detection tube 14. Thereby, formation of a water film on the tip portion 14c can be suppressed.

(Modification 13)
A support member that supports the second detection tube 14 may be fixed to the rim passageway 20. The second detection tube 14 may be attached to the toilet main body 6m during construction.

(Modification 14)
The opening and closing speed of the flapper valve 504 may be reduced. By suppressing pressure fluctuations within the rim passageway 20, formation of a water film within the second detection tube 14 can be suppressed.

(Modification 15)
The control device 40 may execute the cleaning abnormality detection process using the reference pressure Th2 without using at least one of the reference pressures Th1, Th3, and Th4. In this case, in the cleaning abnormality detection process of FIG. 9, the control device 40 executes at least one process of S4, S20, and S60 in which an unused standard pressure is used among the standard pressures Th1, Th3, and Th4. You don't have to. The control device 40 may use the reference pressure Th2 to execute at least one process of S4, S20, and S60 in which an unused reference pressure among the reference pressures Th1, Th3, and Th4 is used.

(Modification 16)
The water level detection device 10 may include an outside air pressure sensor that detects the air pressure outside the toilet device 6, which is outside the bowl 6b. The pressure sensor 11 and the outside air pressure sensor may be capable of detecting absolute pressure. The control device 40 may detect the water level using the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 and the outside air pressure sensor. According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the water level is not properly detected due to fluctuations in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 due to external factors such as atmospheric pressure and temperature. The pressure sensor 11 and the outside air pressure sensor may be housed in one package.

(Modification 17)
The control device 40 detects the pressure in a situation where no abnormality has occurred in the water level at at least one of regular and irregular timings, and takes into account the operating environment of the flush toilet 100 and changes over time, and determines the standard. At least one reference pressure of pressures Th1, Th2, Th3, and Th4 may be adjusted.

(Modification 18)
The suppression device may have a configuration in which at least two of the first to fifth embodiments described above are combined.

The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims as filed. The techniques illustrated in this specification or the drawings can simultaneously achieve multiple objectives, and achieving one of the objectives has technical utility in itself.

2: Tank, 3: Water supply solenoid valve, 3s: Water supply pipe, 4: Cleaning pipe, 6: Toilet device, 6b: Bowl, 6m: Toilet body, 8: Drain pipe, 10: Water level detection device, 11: Pressure sensor, 12: purge pipe, 13: first detection tube, 14: second detection tube, 14c: tip portion, 20: rim water passage, 40: control device, 100: flush toilet, 200, 300, 400: suppressor, 204: Flapper valve, 204c: Through hole, 206: Motor

Claims (10)

a toilet device;
a tank for storing flush water supplied to the toilet device;
When a predetermined amount of wash water including the wash water stored in the tank is supplied to the toilet device, the predetermined amount of water is supplied to the toilet device before the predetermined amount of water is supplied to the toilet device. A flush toilet, comprising: a suppression device that suppresses the amount of flushing water. The flush toilet further includes a flush pipe communicating the toilet device and the tank,
The flush toilet according to claim 1, wherein the suppression device includes a valve device that opens and closes the flush pipe. The valve device includes:
a first valve body within the cleaning pipe that switches between a closed state for blocking the cleaning pipe and an open state for opening the cleaning pipe;
The flush toilet according to claim 2, further comprising a first motor that switches the first valve body between the closed state and the open state. The flush toilet according to claim 3, wherein the first valve body includes a through hole penetrating in the direction in which the flush water of the flush pipe flows. The suppression device includes:
In the washing state, selectively performs a large washing step in which the predetermined amount of the washing water is supplied to the toilet device, and a small washing step in which the washing water in an amount smaller than the predetermined amount is supplied to the toilet device. is practicable and
5. The amount of flushing water supplied to the toilet device is suppressed by performing the small flushing step in a situation where the large flushing step is to be performed. Flush toilet. The flush toilet further includes a flush pipe communicating the toilet device and the tank,
The suppression device includes:
a branch pipe communicating with the cleaning pipe;
The flush toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a pump that causes the wash water flowing through the wash pipe to flow into the branch pipe. The suppression device includes:
a closed position in which the flushing water discharge port disposed in the tank is closed in a storage state in which the flushing water is stored in the tank; and a closed position in which the flushing water discharge port disposed in the tank is closed in a flushing state in which the flushing water is supplied from the tank to the toilet device. a second valve body movable to an open position for opening the valve;
a second motor that moves the second valve body between the closed position and the open position,
7. According to any one of claims 1 to 6, the second motor is configured to cause the second valve body to move from the open position to the closed position before the predetermined amount of water is supplied to the toilet device. Flush toilet as described. The flush toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the suppression device further includes a stop device that stops the supply of the flush water to the tank from a water supply pipe that supplies flush water to the tank. . The flush toilet further includes a detection device that detects the water level in the bowl of the toilet device,
The suppression device includes:
When the water level detected by the detection device exceeds a predetermined water level, the flushing is performed by stopping the flushing water supplied to the toilet device before the predetermined amount of water is supplied to the toilet device. The flush toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which suppresses the amount of water. The suppression device controls the amount of water supplied to the toilet device between when it is detected that the water level exceeds the predetermined water level and when the suppression device stops the flush water being supplied to the toilet device. The flush toilet according to claim 9, wherein the flushing water is stopped so that the amount of flushing water is equal to or less than the volume of the bowl from the predetermined water level to the upper end of the bowl.

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