JP7652018B2 - Flush toilet equipment - Google Patents

Description

The disclosed embodiment relates to a flush toilet device.

Conventionally, there is known a structure in a flush toilet system that allows a toilet flushing operation to be performed by mechanically operating an electromagnetic valve or the like during a power outage. In a flush toilet system, a toilet flushing operation during a power outage generally involves using one or two operating parts to accumulate a certain amount of flush water in the bowl section, and then discharging the accumulated flush water to flush the toilet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-165452 A

However, in conventional flush toilet devices, a larger volume of flush water is required to be stored in the bowl than during normal use, and so when flushing the toilet during a power outage, the user is unable to judge how much flush water to store, which can result in an excess or shortage of flush water, making it impossible to flush the toilet properly. Furthermore, because operations are performed in the dark during a power outage, it is difficult for the user to judge how much flush water to store, and there may be, for example, too little flush water to flush waste, or too much flush water, resulting in water being wasted. There is also the possibility, for example, of too much flush water causing the flush water to overflow from the bowl.

There is also technology that measures the operation time required to fill the bowl with flushing water, and predicts and notifies the user of the amount of water that will accumulate in the bowl from the operation time (water supply time). However, even in this case, the amount of water supplied may not be constant during a disaster such as a power outage, which can result in an excess or shortage of flushing water, making it impossible to flush the toilet properly.

One aspect of the embodiment aims to provide a flush toilet device that can perform proper toilet flushing even during a power outage.

The flush toilet device according to one embodiment is a flush toilet device with a power failure response function that enables toilet flushing operation during a power failure, and is equipped with a toilet body having a bowl section that receives waste and a drain trap pipe extending from the bottom of the bowl section, a drain socket that is provided downstream of the drain trap pipe and connects the drain trap pipe and the drain pipe, a valve body that is provided in the drain socket and moves between an open position and a closed position to open and close the flow path of the drain socket, a valve body operation unit that moves the valve body to the closed position in response to a user's operation when the power failure response function is executed, a water supply device that supplies flush water to the bowl section when the valve body is in the closed position by the valve body operation unit, a transmission means that transmits the user's operating force for moving the valve body to the valve body via the valve body operation unit, and a display means that displays an indicator showing the position of the predetermined water level of the flush water supplied by the water supply device and accumulated in the bowl section that is required for toilet flushing.

With this configuration, when flushing the toilet during a power outage, the user can easily recognize the position of the flush water accumulated in the bowl section at the specified water level required for flushing the toilet, so the amount of flush water required for flushing the toilet can be stored in the bowl section, preventing operational errors such as flush water overflowing from the bowl section. In other words, it is possible to prevent excess or deficiency of flush water during toilet flushing operations during a power outage, thereby enabling proper toilet flushing to be performed even during a power outage.

In addition, in the above flush toilet device, the display means starts displaying when the transmission means starts to be operated.

This configuration reduces unnecessary power consumption and allows the display means to be used for a long time even during a power outage.

In addition, in the above flush toilet device, the display means ends the display when the operation of the transmission means ends.

With this configuration, when the user finishes operating the transmission means, the operation of the display means also ends, which reduces unnecessary power consumption. This allows the display means to be used for a long time even during a power outage.

Moreover, in the above flush toilet apparatus, the display means is a light emitting unit that emits light,
The index is a target mark that is displayed by the light irradiated from the light irradiating unit.

With this configuration, since toilet flushing operations are performed in the dark during a power outage, the target mark made by the light emitted from the light emitting unit is easily visible to the user, allowing the user to easily recognize the position of the specified water level required for toilet flushing.

In addition, in the above flush toilet device, the indicator is displayed at the rear of the bowl portion.

This configuration makes it easy for the user to see the indicator. In addition, the display means can be provided, for example, on a sanitary washing device installed at the rear of the bowl portion.

The flush toilet device also includes a power supply unit that supplies power to the display means, and the power supply unit generates the power required to operate the display means using the flow of flush water.

With this configuration, the device is self-powered, generating electricity using the flow of flush water for flushing the toilet, so it can supply power to the display means semi-permanently even during a power outage.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, proper toilet flushing can be performed even during a power outage.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the entire flush toilet apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a time chart showing the operation of each part during a toilet flushing operation during a power outage. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation procedure of the transmission means during a power outage. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detection means and a notification means. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for detection control and notification control in a toilet flushing operation during a power outage. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a power supply unit. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the display means (part 1) in a flush toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display means (part 2) in a flush toilet apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure for display control during a toilet flush operation during a power outage. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a power supply unit.

Below, we will explain in detail the embodiments of the flush toilet device disclosed in this application with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

First Embodiment
First, the overall structure of a flush toilet apparatus 1 pertaining to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the entire flush toilet apparatus 1 pertaining to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flush toilet device 1 has a power outage response function that allows the user to manually perform the toilet flushing operation even during a power outage, and includes a toilet body 10, a water supply device 20, a drain socket 30, a valve body 41, a valve body operation unit 42, a first transmission means 51, and a second transmission means 52.

The toilet body 10 comprises a bowl portion 11, a skirt portion 12, and a drain trap pipe 13. The bowl portion 11 is a portion formed in a concave shape on the upper surface of the toilet body 10 to receive waste. The skirt portion 12 covers at least the outside of the front region of the bowl portion 11, and forms the external appearance of the toilet body 10. The drain trap pipe 13 is a pipe that is connected to the bottom of the bowl portion 11 and extends from the bottom of the bowl portion 11.

The bowl portion 11 is provided with a rim outlet 111 that discharges cleaning water at a rim formed on the upper edge of the bowl portion 11 to form a swirling flow of cleaning water inside the bowl portion 11, and a jet outlet 1112 that discharges cleaning water toward the drain trap pipe 13.

The drain trap pipe 13 has an ascending passage that extends upward from an inlet located at the connection with the bowl portion 11, and a descending passage that extends downward from the end of the ascending passage and is connected to the drain socket 30 described below. In addition, cleaning water (reservoir water) is stored in the ascending passage of the drain trap pipe 13 from the bowl portion 11 to form a water seal state.

The water supply device 20 is provided, for example, at the rear of the toilet body 10. The water supply device 20 is connected, for example, to an external power source (not shown), and when there is no power outage, flush water is supplied to the bowl portion 11 by driving components such as the solenoid valve 203 using external power supplied from the external power source.

The water supply device 20 is provided with a constant flow valve 202, an on-off valve (hereinafter referred to as an electromagnetic valve) 203, and a vacuum breaker 204 for rim water discharge on a water supply line 201. On the water supply line 201, a tank 205, a switching valve 206 for switching between supplying water to the tank 205 that stores flushing water and discharging water from the rim, a pressure pump 207, a vacuum breaker 208 for jet water discharge, and a drain plug 209 are provided.

The water supply device 20 also includes a control unit 200 that controls the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve 203, the switching operation of the changeover valve 206, and the pressurizing operation of the pressure pump 207.

The constant flow valve 202 throttles the flushing water that flows in through the stopcock 210, strainer 211, and branch fitting 212 to a predetermined flow rate or less. For example, the constant flow valve 202 limits the flow rate of flushing water to 16 liters/minute or less. The flushing water that passes through the constant flow valve 202 flows into the solenoid valve 203, and the flushing water that passes through the solenoid valve 203 is supplied to the rim outlet 114 or tank 205 by the switching valve 206.

The solenoid valve 203 is a diaphragm-type solenoid valve that opens and closes under the control of the control unit 200. The water supply passage 201 is provided with a diaphragm 213 and a pressure chamber 214 adjacent to the diaphragm 213. The solenoid valve 203 operates the diaphragm 213 by changing the pressure in the pressure chamber 214, thereby controlling the flow of cleaning water in the water supply passage 201.

Specifically, when an open signal is input from the control unit 200, the solenoid valve 203 opens, the pressure in the pressure chamber 214 drops, the diaphragm 213 opens the water supply line 201, and the supplied cleaning water flows into the switching valve 206. On the other hand, when a close signal is input from the control unit 200, the solenoid valve 203 closes, the pressure in the pressure chamber 214 rises, the diaphragm 213 closes the water supply line 201, and the supply of cleaning water to the switching valve 206 stops.

The switching valve 206 is switched by a control signal from the control unit 200. The switching valve 206 discharges the cleaning water that has flowed in through the solenoid valve 203 from the rim water outlet 111 or causes it to flow into the tank 205.

The rim discharge vacuum breaker 204 is located midway through the rim side water supply passage 215 that guides flushing water that has passed through the switching valve 206 to the rim discharge port 111, and prevents flushing water from flowing back from the rim discharge port 111. The rim discharge vacuum breaker 204 is also located above the upper end surface of the bowl section 11, reliably preventing backflow. Flushing water that overflows from the atmospheric opening of the rim discharge vacuum breaker 204 flows through the return pipe 216 and into the tank 205 via the float check valve 217.

The tank 205 stores the cleaning water that is discharged from the jet water outlet 112. The tank 205 has an internal volume of, for example, about 2.5 liters.

In this embodiment, the tip (lower end) of the tank side water supply line 218 is connected to a float check valve 217 to prevent backflow from the tank 205 to the tank side water supply line 218. An upper end float switch 219 and a lower end float switch 220 are arranged inside the tank 205, so that the water level inside the tank 205 can be detected. The upper end float switch 219 switches on when the water level inside the tank 205 reaches a predetermined upper water level, and the control unit 200 detects this and closes the solenoid valve 203. On the other hand, the lower end float switch 220 switches on when the water level inside the tank 205 drops to a predetermined lower water level, and the control unit 200 detects this and stops the pressure pump 207.

The pressurizing pump 207 pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the tank 205 and discharges the pressurized cleaning water from the jet water outlet 112. The pressurizing pump 207 is connected by a pump-side water supply line 21 extending from the tank 205 and pressurizes the cleaning water stored in the tank 205. The pressurizing pump 207, for example, pressurizes the cleaning water inside the tank 205 and discharges the cleaning water from the jet water outlet 112 at a flow rate of up to approximately 120 liters/minute.

The drain plug 209 is located near the bottom end of the tank 205, below the pressure pump 207. Therefore, by opening the drain plug 209, cleaning water can be drained from inside the tank 205 and the pressure pump 207 during maintenance, etc. In addition, a water receiving tray 222 is located below the pressure pump 207. The water receiving tray 222 collects condensed water droplets and leaked water.

Meanwhile, the outlet of the pressure pump 207 is connected to the Z outlet 112 at the bottom of the bowl section 11 via the Z-side water supply passage 223. The middle of the Z-side water supply passage 223 is formed in an upwardly convex shape, and the Z-side water supply passage apex 223a, which is the highest part of the convex part, is the highest part of the flush water pipe leading from the tank 205 to the Z outlet 112. In addition, the downstream side of the Z-side water supply passage apex 223a of the Z-side water supply passage 223 is set at the same height as the Z outlet 112.

The Z-side water supply passage 223 is connected at one end to an overflow flow path 224 having an overflow port 224a. The overflow port 224a is provided above the upper end float switch 219. When the water level inside the tank 205 becomes higher than the upper end float switch 219, the cleaning water inside the tank 205 flows from the overflow port 224a into the overflow flow path 224, is pressurized by the pressure pump 207, and is discharged from the Z-side water outlet 112 via the flapper valve 225.

The Z-discharge vacuum breaker 208 is located midway along the tank-side water supply line 218, which guides the cleaning water that has passed through the switching valve 206 to the tank 205, and prevents the cleaning water from flowing back from the tank 205. The cleaning water that overflows from the atmospheric opening of the Z-discharge vacuum breaker 208 flows through the return pipe 216 and into the tank 205 via the float-type check valve 217.

The water supply device 20 also includes a switching unit 226. The switching unit 226 is provided in a flow path 227 that is connected to the pressure chamber 214. The flow path 227 is a flow path that allows water to flow out from inside the pressure chamber 214 to release the pressure in the pressure chamber 214, and is also called a pilot flow path.

When the user operates the toilet flush switch (not shown), the control unit 200 sequentially operates the solenoid valve 203, the switching valve 206, and the pressure pump 207, sequentially starting the discharge of water from the rim spout 111 and the jet spout 112 to flush the bowl section 11. After flushing is complete, the control unit 200 opens the solenoid valve 203 and switches the switching valve 206 to the tank 205 side to supply flush water to the tank 205. When the water level inside the tank 205 rises and the upper end float switch 219 detects the specified water storage level, the control unit 200 closes the solenoid valve 203 to stop the water supply.

The control unit 200 is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing a program stored in a memory unit (not shown) using a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a working area. The memory unit is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory.

A power outage detection unit (not shown) may also be connected to the control unit 200. The power outage detection unit detects a power outage, for example, by monitoring the power signal. The power outage detection unit detects a power outage, for example, when the power signal is interrupted for a period of time longer than the duration of a so-called momentary power outage (also called a momentary interruption or momentary interruption), in which the power signal is interrupted for just an instant even under normal circumstances.

The drain socket 30 is provided downstream of the drain trap pipe 13. The drain socket 30 connects the drain trap pipe 13 to the drain pipe 100. The drain pipe 100 is an equipment pipe arranged outside the toilet body 10.

The drain socket 30 is, for example, of a floor drain type, and includes a socket body 31 and a packing 32. The packing 32 is provided at the upper end of the socket body 31, and is formed of, for example, a resilient material such as rubber. The packing 32 has a through hole that penetrates in the vertical direction, and the downstream end of the drain trap pipe 13 is connected to the through hole.

In this way, the toilet body 10 has a drainage channel formed by the drain trap pipe 13 that connects the bowl portion 11 and the drainage pipe 100. The toilet body 10 rim-spouts flushing water from the rim spout 111 using direct water pressure. The toilet body 10 also uses the siphon effect generated by discharging flushing water from the jet spout 112 (jet spouting) to draw waste from inside the bowl portion 11 into the drainage channel and discharge the waste into the drainage pipe 100.

The valve body 41 is, for example, a flapper valve, and is provided inside the drain socket 30. The valve body 41 moves between an "open position" and a "closed position" inside the drain socket 30 to open and close the flow path of the drain socket 30, which is part of the drainage channel.

When the power outage response function is being executed (i.e., when the user operates the toilet to flush during a power outage), the valve body operation unit 42 moves the valve body 41 to the closed position in response to the user's operation. The valve body operation unit 42 has a rotating shaft (not shown) and supports the valve body 41 so that it can rotate (swing) by the rotating shaft. The second transmission means 52, which will be described later, is connected to the rotating shaft.

The first transmission means 51 transmits the manual operating force of the user. The first transmission means 51 includes a first operating unit 511 and a first wire 512. The first transmission means 51 is connected to the switching unit 226 via the first wire 512, which is a transmission unit that transmits the manual operating force of the user. The first operating unit 511 is, for example, a ring-shaped member that accepts manual operation by the user when flushing the toilet during a power outage.

The first wire 512 may be, for example, a release wire. Although not shown, specifically, the first wire 512 includes an outer tube and an inner wire inserted inside the outer tube. One end of the inner wire of the first wire 512 is connected to the switching unit 226, and the other end is connected to the first operating unit 511.

The second transmission means 52 transmits the manual operating force of the user to the valve body via the valve body operation unit 42. The second transmission means 52 includes a second operation unit 521 and a second wire 522. The second transmission means 52 is connected to the valve body 41 via the second wire 522, which is a transmission unit that transmits the manual operating force of the user. The second operation unit 521 is, for example, a ring-shaped member that accepts manual operation by the user when flushing the toilet during a power outage.

The second wire 522 may be, for example, a release wire, as in the first wire 512. In this case, the second wire 522, like the first wire 512, includes an outer tube and an inner wire inserted inside the outer tube. The second wire 522 connects the valve body 41 and the second operating unit 521, and transmits the operation of the second operating unit 521 to the valve body 41.

For example, when the user manually operates (pulls) the second transmission means 52, such as by pulling the second operating part 521 (and the second wire 522), the inner wire of the second wire 522 moves, causing the valve body 41 to swing.

When the second operating part 521 is not operated, the valve body 41 is normally maintained in an open state. Therefore, the valve body 41 does not change the flow path cross-sectional area of the drain socket 30 under normal conditions.

On the other hand, when the user pulls the second operating part 521, the valve body 41 rotates with the movement of the inner wire to the closed state, i.e., the cross-sectional area of the flow passage of the drain socket 30 is narrowed.

The valve body 41 does not need to completely close the flow path of the drain socket 30. In other words, as long as the flush water supplied from the rim water outlet 111 (and the Z outlet 112) can raise the water level inside the bowl portion 11 above the initial water level, some gap may exist between the valve body 41 and the flow path of the drain socket 30.

The first transmission means 51 and the second transmission means 52 are disposed inside a decorative panel (not shown) provided at the rear of the toilet body 10, and are not visible from the outside. By removing the decorative panel, the user can manually operate the first transmission means 51 and the second transmission means 52.

Next, the operation of each part during the toilet flushing operation during a power outage will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a time chart showing the operation of each part during the toilet flushing operation during a power outage.

As shown in Figure 2, during a power outage, when the flush toilet device 1 (see Figure 1) is in standby mode, flush water is stored in the bowl portion 11 (see Figure 1), and the valve body 41 (see Figure 1) of the drain socket 30 is in an open state. When the user pulls the first transmission means 51 (see Figure 1), water supply to the bowl portion 11 begins.

When the user pulls the second transmission means 52 (see Figure 1), the valve body 41 closes, the water level inside the bowl portion 11 rises, and the toilet flush begins.

When the user stops pulling on the second transmission means 52, for example by releasing the pulling force, the flush toilet device 1 opens the valve body 41. At this time, water continues to be supplied to the bowl portion 11, so flush water is replenished (refilled) to the bowl portion 11. Then, when the user ends the operation of the first transmission means 51, the flush toilet device 1 stops supplying water to the bowl portion 11 and ends the toilet flush.

The operation procedure of the transmission means (second transmission means) 52 during a power outage will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation procedure of the transmission means (second transmission means) 52 during a power outage. Note that FIG. 3 shows the release of the pull as the user releases the second operating unit 521 from a state in which the user is gripping the second operating unit 521 with his/her fingers, but in actual operation, the pull is released by loosening the pulling force while still gripping the second operating unit 521 with his/her fingers.

As described above, the user opens and closes the valve body 41 by operating the second transmission means 52. By operating the second transmission means 52, the user raises the water level inside the bowl portion 11, then discharges the cleaning water W that has accumulated in the bowl portion 11, and discharges waste together with the cleaning water W.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the cleaning water W is supplied by first operating the first transmission means 51 (see FIG. 1), the user pulls the second wire 522 via the second operating part 521 held by the fingers, moving the valve body 41 from the open position to the closed position. This causes the water level inside the bowl part 11 (the surface of the cleaning water W) to rise.

When the water level inside the bowl portion 11 reaches the specified water level WL required for flushing the toilet, the user releases the tension on the second wire 522 to move the valve body 41 to the open position. This causes waste matter to be discharged together with flushing water W from inside the bowl portion 11 via the drain trap pipe 13 and drain socket 30.

Here, manual toilet flushing requires a larger amount of flush water W to be stored in the bowl portion 11 than is stored during normal use, and so the user may not be able to determine how much flush water should be stored when flushing the toilet during a power outage. For this reason, in this embodiment, the detection means 60 and notification means 70 notify the user when the specified water level WL required for toilet flushing is reached, thereby preventing excess or shortage of flush water W.

Next, the detection means 60 and the notification means 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the detection means 60 and the notification means 70.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flush toilet device 1 (1A) according to the first embodiment comprises a detection means 60 and a notification means. The detection means 60 detects at least one of the water level of flush water accumulated in the bowl portion 11 (a predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing) or an indicator related to the water level (predetermined water level WL). Note that "an indicator related to the water level" is, for example, the presence or absence of flush water in the inner surface area of the bowl portion 11, the pressure of flush water accumulated inside the bowl portion 11, etc.

As the detection means 60, for example, a radio wave sensor, a capacitance sensor, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, or a water level detection sensor such as an ultrasonic distance sensor is used.

The radio wave sensor emits radio waves and detects the reflected waves. The strength of the reflected waves changes depending on the presence or absence of cleaning water at the position where the radio waves are emitted. When a radio wave sensor is used as the detection means 60, the detection means 60 is positioned so that the radio waves are emitted to a specified area on the inner surface of the bowl portion 11.

The capacitance sensor detects the capacitance between the capacitance sensor and a specified area facing the capacitance sensor. The capacitance changes depending on the presence or absence of cleaning water in the specified area. When a capacitance sensor is used as the detection means 60, the detection means 60 is positioned so as to face a specified area on the inner surface of the bowl portion 11.

In this way, by using a radio wave sensor or a capacitance sensor as the detection means 60, it is possible to detect whether the water level inside the bowl portion 11 is higher than a predetermined area (predetermined water level WL). Note that the capacitance sensor can directly detect the water level by arranging multiple sensors consecutively at different heights.

The pressure sensor detects the pressure of the cleaning water accumulated inside the bowl portion 11. Since the pressure is proportional to the amount of cleaning water inside the bowl portion 11, the water level can be indirectly detected by using a pressure sensor as the detection means 60.

An ultrasonic distance sensor emits ultrasonic waves and receives the reflected waves. When ultrasonic waves are emitted vertically to the water surface, the time from when the ultrasonic waves are emitted until the peak of the reflected waves is detected varies depending on the height of the water surface.

The optical distance sensor shines light (e.g., infrared light) on the target and focuses the reflected light on the light receiving element. In this case, the image position of the light receiving element changes depending on the height of the water surface. In this way, by using an ultrasonic distance sensor or an optical distance sensor as the detection means 60, the water level inside the bowl section can be directly detected.

For example, if the detection means 60 is a capacitance sensor, it is positioned slightly below the predetermined water level WL required for flushing the toilet in the bowl portion 11. Specifically, the user can check the notification means 70 and set the water level to 1 to 3 seconds before the predetermined water level WL is reached, taking into consideration the timing of the end operation of the second transmission means 52.

The predetermined water level WL detected by the detection means 60 may be set slightly below the water level required for toilet flushing. In this way, by setting the predetermined water level WL below the water level required for toilet flushing, it is possible to prevent excessive accumulation of flush water W in the bowl portion 11 due to the time lag between when it is detected by the detection means 60 and when the user operates the second transmission means 52 (see Figure 3).

The detection means 60 also starts detecting the water level inside the bowl portion 11 based on the user starting to operate the second transmission means 52. The detection means 60 also ends detecting the water level inside the bowl portion 11 based on the user finishing operating the second transmission means 52.

The notification means 70 notifies the user or those around the user of the timing of the end of operation of the second transmission means 52 based on the detection by the detection means 60. The notification means 70 notifies by at least one of sound and light. The notification means 70 is a buzzer or the like when notifying by sound, and an LED lamp or the like when notifying by light. Such a buzzer or LED lamp may be provided, for example, in a sanitary washing device (not shown) that is installed at the rear of the toilet body 10 and washes the user's private parts.

The notification means 70 also ends the notification when the user starts operating the second transmission means 52.

Next, the processing procedures for detection control and notification control during toilet flushing operation during power outage will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedures for detection control and notification control during toilet flushing operation during power outage.

5, after the user operates the first transmission means 51 to start the supply of water to the bowl portion 11, the operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user is detected (step S101). In the process of step S101, for example, when the second transmission means 52 is pulled, the power of the detection means 60 is turned on, which detects the start of operation of the second transmission means 52.

When the start of operation of the second transmission means 52 by the user is detected, the detection means 60 starts operation (step S102). The detection means 60 detects the water level inside the bowl portion 11 (step S103). In other words, the detection means 60 detects the predetermined water level WL.

When the detection means 60 detects the predetermined water level WL, the notification means 70 notifies the user that the water level inside the bowl portion 11 has reached the predetermined water level WL (step S104). In this case, the notification means 70 notifies the user by sounding a buzzer, turning on an LED lamp, etc.

When the user finishes operating the second transmission means 52, this is detected (step S105). In the process of step S105, for example, when the pulling operation of the second transmission means 52 is released, the power supply of the detection means 60 is turned off, which is regarded as the detection of the end of the operation of the second transmission means 52.

Then, when it detects that the user has finished operating the second transmission means 52, the detection means 60 ends its operation (step S106).

Furthermore, in the case of a power outage, the flush toilet device 1A may use a battery or the like to supply power to the detection means 60 and notification means 70, but it may also be equipped with a self-generating power supply unit 80 (see FIG. 6) that supplies power to at least one of the detection means 60 and notification means 70 without using a battery. Additionally, power can also be supplied by utilizing the temperature difference heat that utilizes the temperature difference between the flush water W and the space in which the flush toilet device 1A is installed.

Next, the power supply unit 80 in the flush toilet device 1A will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the power supply unit 80.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flush toilet device 1A (see FIG. 4) includes a power supply unit 80. As described above, the power supply unit 80 supplies power to at least one of the detection means 60 and the notification means 70. The power supply unit 80 generates power by utilizing the flow of flush water W used to flush the toilet. The power supply unit 80 has, for example, an impeller, and generates power when the impeller rotates due to the flow of flush water W.

As shown in FIG. 6, the power supply unit 80 is disposed, for example, inside the rim water conduit 14 for directing the cleaning water W into the bowl portion 11 (see FIG. 4). This allows the flow of the cleaning water W to be utilized efficiently.

According to the first embodiment described above, during toilet flushing operation during a power outage, the user can easily recognize the timing of the end of operation of the second transmission means 52 operated by the user, so the amount of flush water W required for toilet flushing can be stored in the bowl portion 11, preventing operational errors such as flush water overflowing from the bowl portion 11. In other words, it is possible to prevent excess or deficiency of flush water W during toilet flushing operation during a power outage, thereby enabling appropriate toilet flushing to be performed even during a power outage.

In addition, by having the detection means 60 start detection based on the start of operation of the second transmission means 52, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the detection means 60. For example, if the detection means 60 were constantly operating, there is a possibility that the detection means 60 may malfunction during normal toilet flushing operations or when the toilet is in use, but since detection begins when the user operates the second transmission means 52, the detection means 60 will only operate when necessary. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the detection means 60. In addition, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of power, and the detection means 60 can be used for a long time even during a power outage.

In addition, the detection means 60 ends detection when the operation of the second transmission means 52 ends, thereby reducing unnecessary consumption of power. This allows the detection means 60 to be used for a long time even during a power outage.

In addition, by having the notification means 70 notify by sound or light, the user can recognize the timing to end operation of the second transmission means 52 regardless of the user's condition or the time of a disaster that causes a power outage. For example, when the notification is by light, it is easy for the user to recognize in the dark during a power outage, and when the notification is by sound, it is easy for a visually impaired user to recognize.

In addition, by having the notification means 70 end the notification based on the end of operation of the second transmission means 52, it is possible to prevent the cleaning water W from overflowing from the bowl portion 11. For example, if the notification time is short and the user does not notice the notification, there is a risk that the cleaning water W will overflow from the bowl portion 11, but by continuing the notification until the user has finished operating the second transmission means 52, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a risk.

In addition, by arranging the detection means 60 below the predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing in the bowl portion 11, it is possible to prevent excessive accumulation of flush water W in the bowl portion 11. Since there is a time lag between when the user receives a notification from the notification means 70 and when they finish operating the second transmission means 52, for example, if the detection means 60 is arranged at the predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing, there is a possibility that excessive flush water W will accumulate in the bowl portion 11. However, by arranging the detection means 60 below the predetermined water level WL, it is possible to prevent excessive accumulation of flush water W in the bowl portion 11, even if there is a time lag between when the user receives a notification from the notification means 70 and when they finish operating the second transmission means 52, and the toilet can be flushed without any problems.

In addition, the power supply unit 80 capable of supplying power to the detection means 60 and the notification means 70 is a self-powered type that generates power by utilizing the flow of flush water W for flushing the toilet, so that power can be supplied semi-permanently to the detection means 60 and the notification means 70 even during a power outage.

Second Embodiment
Next, a flush toilet apparatus 1 (1B) pertaining to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the display means 90 in a flush toilet apparatus 1 (1B) pertaining to the second embodiment. Note that Fig. 7 shows a first example of the display means 90 (display means 90a), and Fig. 8 shows a second example of the display means 90 (display means 90b).

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a display means 90, which will be described later. Note that the second embodiment does not include the detection means 60 and notification means 70 as in the first embodiment. In the following description, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 7, the flush toilet device 1 (1B) according to the second embodiment is equipped with a display means 90a according to the first example. The display means 90a displays an indicator 91 that indicates the position of the flush water W stored in the bowl portion 11 at the predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing. As the display means 90a, for example, a light emitting unit that emits light having an LED light source or the like is used.

The display means 90a is provided, for example, on a sanitary washing device (not shown) installed at the rear of the bowl portion 11.

The display means 90a also starts displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the user starting to operate the second transmission means 52. The display means 90a also ends displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the user ending to operate the second transmission means 52.

The indicator 91 displayed on the display means 90a is a target mark displayed by light irradiated from the display means (light irradiating section) 90a. The indicator (target mark) 91 is displayed at the rear inside the bowl section 11.

As shown in FIG. 8, the flush toilet device 1 (1B) according to the second embodiment may be equipped with a display means 90b according to the second example. Like the display means 90a described above, the display means 90b displays an indicator 91 indicating the position of the flush water W stored in the bowl portion 11 at the predetermined water level WL required for toilet flushing. As with the display means 90a described above, the display means 90b may be a light emitting unit that emits light having, for example, an LED light source.

The display means 90b is provided, for example, at the rear of the bowl portion 11, on the back side of the bowl portion 11. The display means (light emitting unit) 90b emits light to display an indicator 91 on the surface side of the interior of the bowl portion 11 through the ceramic wall that forms the bowl portion 11.

The display means 90b also starts displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the user starting to operate the second transmission means 52. The display means 90b also ends displaying the predetermined water level WL based on the user ending to operate the second transmission means 52.

The indicator 91 displayed on the display means 90b is a target mark displayed by light irradiated from the display means (light irradiating section) 90b, similar to the case of the display means 90a. The indicator (target mark) 91 is displayed at the rear inside the bowl section 11.

Next, the display control processing procedure for toilet flushing operation during a power outage will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the display control processing procedure for toilet flushing operation during a power outage.

9, after the user operates the first transmission means 51 to start the supply of water to the bowl portion 11, the user starts to operate the second transmission means 52, which is detected (step S201). Note that in the process of step S201, for example, when the second transmission means 52 is pulled, the power of the display means 90 is turned on, which is regarded as the start of operation of the second transmission means 52 being detected.

When it is detected that the user has started to operate the second transmission means 52, power is supplied to the display means 90, and the display means 90 displays an index (target mark) 91 (step S202).

When the user's operation of the second transmission means 52 is completed, this is detected (step S203). Note that in the process of step S203, for example, when the pulling operation of the second transmission means 52 is released, the power supply of the display means 90 is turned off, which is regarded as the end of the operation of the second transmission means 52.

Then, when it is detected that the user has finished operating the second transmission means 52, the power supply to the display means 90 is stopped, and the display means 90 hides the indicator (target mark) 91, i.e., erases the indicator (target mark) 91 (step S204).

Furthermore, in the flush toilet device 1B, power may be supplied to the display means 90 using a battery or the like during a power outage, but as in the first embodiment above, a self-generating power supply unit 80 (see FIG. 10) may be provided that supplies power to the display means 90 without using a battery.

Next, the power supply unit 80 in the flush toilet device 1B will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the power supply unit 80.

As shown in FIG. 10, the flush toilet device 1B (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) includes a power supply unit 80. As described above, the power supply unit 80 supplies power to the display means 90. The power supply unit 80 generates power by utilizing the flow of flush water W used to flush the toilet. The power supply unit 80 has, for example, an impeller, and generates power when the impeller rotates due to the flow of flush water W.

According to the second embodiment described above, during toilet flushing operation during a power outage, the user can easily recognize the position of the predetermined water level WL of the flush water W accumulated in the bowl portion 11 that is required for toilet flushing, so the amount of flush water W required for toilet flushing can be stored in the bowl portion 11, preventing operational errors such as flush water overflowing from the bowl portion 11. In other words, it is possible to prevent excess or deficiency of flush water W during toilet flushing operation during a power outage, thereby enabling appropriate toilet flushing to be performed even during a power outage.

In addition, by having the display means 90 start displaying when the second transmission means 52 is operated, unnecessary consumption of power can be reduced, and the display means 90 can be used for a long time even during a power outage.

In addition, by having the display means 90 end the display based on the end of the operation of the second transmission means 52, the operation of the display means 90 also ends when the user ends the operation of the second transmission means 52, which reduces unnecessary consumption of power. This allows the display means 90 to be used for a long time even during a power outage.

In addition, because the display means 90 is a light-emitting unit, the toilet flushing operation is performed in the dark during a power outage, and the target mark 91 made of light emitted from the light-emitting unit is easy for the user to see, so the user can easily recognize the position of the specified water level WL required for toilet flushing.

In addition, the target mark 91 displayed by the display means 90 is displayed at the rear of the bowl portion 11, making it easy for the user to see the target mark 91. In addition, the display means 90 can be provided, for example, in a sanitary washing device (not shown) that is installed at the rear of the bowl portion 11.

In addition, the power supply unit 80 capable of supplying power to the display means 90 is a self-powered type that generates power by utilizing the flow of flush water W for flushing the toilet, so that power can be supplied to the display means 90 semi-permanently even during a power outage.

In the second embodiment, the light irradiation unit is used as the display means 90, and a target mark formed by light irradiated from the light irradiation unit is used as the indicator 91. However, other configurations are also possible, for example, in which a mark is provided in advance by changing the shape or painting the inside of the bowl portion 11, and this is used as the display means 90 (and the indicator 91).

The first and second embodiments may also be combined. That is, the flush toilet device 1 may include the detection means 60, notification means 70, and display means 90. When the first and second embodiments are combined, the power supply unit 80 supplies power to at least one of the detection means 60, notification means 70, and display means 90.

Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Flush toilet device 10 Toilet body 11 Bowl portion 13 Drain trap pipe 20 Water supply device 30 Drain socket 41 Valve body 42 Valve body operating portion 52 Transmission means (second transmission means)
90 Display means (light irradiation part)
91 Indicator (target mark)
80 Power supply unit 100 Drainage pipe W Cleaning water WL Predetermined water level

Claims (5)

A flush toilet device having a power outage response function that enables toilet flushing operation during a power outage,
a toilet body having a bowl portion for receiving waste and a drain trap pipe extending from the bottom of the bowl portion;
A drain socket provided downstream of the drain trap pipe and connecting the drain trap pipe and a drain pipe;
a valve body provided in the drain socket and movable between an open position and a closed position to open and close a flow path of the drain socket;
A valve body operation unit that moves the valve body to the closed position in response to a user's operation when the power outage response function is executed;
a water supply device that supplies flush water to the bowl portion when the valve body is in the closed position by the valve body operation portion;
a transmission means for transmitting an operating force of the user for moving the valve body to the valve body via the valve body operation unit;
a display means for displaying an indicator showing a position of a predetermined water level required for flushing the toilet, the water level being supplied by the water supply device and accumulated in the bowl portion ;
A flush toilet apparatus in which the display means begins displaying information based on start of operation of the transmission means . The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the display means ends the display when operation of the transmission means ends. the display means is a light emitting unit that emits light,
The flush toilet apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the indicator is a target mark displayed by light emitted from the light emitting section. The flush toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the indicator is displayed on the rear of the bowl portion. a power supply unit for supplying power to the display means;
The flush toilet apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the power supply unit generates the electricity required for the operation of the display means using the flow of flush water.

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