JP2004285764A - Urinal device having automatic cleaning function - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a urinal device having an automatic cleaning function, which discharges flushing water upon detection of urine flow in a manner varying the amount of the flushing water depending on a urine amount, wherein the urinal device prevents occurrence of a bad smell or attachment of urinary calculus thereto, due to urine components remaining in a trap or a drain pipe, to thereby maintain a urinal in a hygienic state and save water. <P>SOLUTION: The urinal device having the automatic cleaning function has a sensor section for detecting urine flow of the user. The sensor section is comprised of a control section for outputting an output signal upon detection of the urine flow of the user, and if the output signal is output over a period of time in excess of a preset period, the control section flushes the urinal depending on an output period. If the control section determines a plurality of times that the output signal is not output over a period of time in excess of the preset period and therefore determines that the urinal is not cleaned, the urinal device carries out cleaning operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a urinal device with an automatic flushing function for detecting urine flow excreted from the human body and controlling flush water.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a device that detects the presence of a person in front of a urinal using infrared rays or the like and opens a flush valve when the person is gone to perform cleaning. However, infrared detectors tend to catch the eye of the person there, giving the user of the urinal a monitored impression. Further, a plastic window that allows infrared rays to pass through is required, which is not preferable because mischief or dirt may cause detection failure. For this reason, in recent years, microwaves are transmitted from the inside of the device, and the microwaves detect a signal reflected from the human body (Doppler signal), and after the high frequency and the low frequency of the detection signal continue for a predetermined time or more, The flush valve is opened to perform cleaning (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In addition, a microwave is transmitted, a signal (Doppler signal) reflected from the human body is detected from the microwave, and a power spectrum of the detected signal is obtained. There is also a method of determining whether the toilet is approaching or leaving the toilet (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
Furthermore, as a means to prevent the generation of offensive odor due to the urine component remaining in the urinal trap and the adhesion of urinary stones in the drainpipe, data on the frequency of use indicates that the There are also methods such as calculating the time and varying the amount of cleaning water according to the time, or performing cleaning after a certain period of time from the end user. (For example, see Patent Document 3)
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 63-145973 (page 4-9, FIG. 2)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-9-80150 (page 3-7, FIG. 2)
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A No. 13-3434 (page 2, FIG. 3)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the detection of a user in an automatic flush type urinal, it is important to accurately detect whether or not there is a person in the area immediately in front of the urinal, but only when a person passes in front of the urinal. In some cases, this is mistaken for a user and wasteful washing water is flown.
In an automatic flush type urinal that detects urine flow and performs flush control, flushing is performed when a signal equal to or greater than a certain threshold value is obtained, and the flushing time is varied according to the time at which the signal is obtained. If it is not possible to obtain a signal above the threshold, i.e. if only a small amount of urine has been excreted, washing will be possible. If a small amount of urination is performed several times because no such operation is performed, or if no user who leads to cleaning for a long time after a small amount of urination is performed, the urine remaining in the trap section An unpleasant odor was generated due to the components, and the product was unsanitary.
[0007]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose a urinal having an automatic flushing function that can keep a toilet sanitary even when urination is small and that can obtain a water-saving effect.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem is provided with a sensor unit for detecting a urine flow of a user, and the sensor unit outputs an output signal by detecting a urine flow of the user, When the output signal is output for a certain period of time or longer, in a urinal with an automatic cleaning function including a control unit that performs cleaning in accordance with the output time, the control unit may not output the signal for a certain period of time or not. When it is determined that the cleaning is performed a plurality of times, the cleaning is performed.
[0009]
According to the above configuration, when the output signal for detecting the urine flow is not output for a certain period of time or more, it is determined that the urine volume is small, and it is determined that the urine volume to be cleaned is small and “unwashed” in terms of the water saving effect. It is a control flow. However, even if the amount of urine is small, the number of "unwashed" times increases, so that the amount of urine components remaining in the trap section increases. Although it was unsanitary, such as the adhesion of urine stones, washing was performed multiple times when it was judged to be “unwashed”, and the washing water periodically flowed into the toilet bowl and the drain pipe, resulting in the generation of odor due to urine. To prevent urine stones from adhering to the drainage pipe.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the urinal with an automatic cleaning function according to the first aspect, when performing the cleaning, the control unit determines the amount of flush water based on the number of times that it is determined that the flush is not performed.
[0011]
According to the above configuration, since the output signal to be output by detecting the urine flow is not output for a certain period of time or more, it is determined to be “unwashed”. Therefore, the number of times of determination of “unwashed” and the urine volume are in a proportional relationship. It is presumed. Therefore, by determining the amount of washing water from the number of times of “unwashed”, only the minimum amount of washing water required to drain the urine remaining in the trap section is required, preventing the generation of offensive odor and the adhesion of urine stones in the drain pipe. Not only does this prevent water pollution, but also saves water.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the urinal having the automatic cleaning function according to the first aspect, when performing the cleaning, the control unit determines the amount of cleaning water based on the total output time of the output signal when it is determined that cleaning is not performed. It is characterized by the following.
[0013]
According to the above configuration, since the output signal output by detecting the urine flow is not output for a certain period of time or more, the output signal is determined to be “unwashed”. Therefore, the time of the output signal output when determined to be “unwashed” However, it is the time when urinating. That is, since the time of the output signal output is estimated to be proportional to the amount of urine, the amount of urine remaining in the trap unit is determined by determining the amount of washing water from the total output time of the output signal when not washed. It is sufficient to flush only the minimum required amount of washing water to prevent the generation of offensive odor due to urine, not only to prevent urine stones from adhering to the drain pipe, but also to obtain a water saving effect.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the urinal having an automatic cleaning function according to any one of the first to third aspects, the sensor unit is a unit for detecting a urine flow excreted from a human body into the urinal, and transmits the transmitted signal. It is a Doppler sensor using a radio wave of a predetermined frequency as a wave.
[0015]
According to the above configuration, the sensor unit detects the urine flow of the user and outputs an output signal.By using a Doppler sensor using radio waves, the characteristic that radio waves pass through pottery and non-contact Since the urine flow can be detected, the durability and reliability of the sensor unit can be maintained, and it is possible to easily attach the sensor unit to an existing urinal.
[0016]
As described above, according to the number of times that the output signal is not output for a certain period of time or longer and is determined to be “unwashed”, the washing is performed even when the washing is not performed, so that the urine remaining in the trap unit is periodically flushed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of offensive odor, to prevent urine stones from adhering to the drainage pipe, and to obtain a water-saving effect.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018]
A control section for performing flushing of a urinal device with an automatic flushing function, which is a gist of the present invention, will be described in detail by taking a Doppler sensor whose transmission wave uses a radio wave of a predetermined frequency as an example as a sensor section.
The control unit outputs a signal by detecting the urine flow of the user, and performs the washing in accordance with the output time when the output signal is output for a predetermined time or more, as shown in FIG. As described above, the washing time is determined according to the output time, that is, the time at which the urine flow is detected.
For example, according to FIG. 1, if the urine flow detection time is less than t1, the washing water amount is L1, and if the urine flow detection time is t1 or more and t2 or less, the washing water amount is L2. There is a data table having a one-to-one correlation between them, and the control unit determines the amount of washing water based on the data table.
As shown in FIG. 2, the detection time of the urine flow is determined by the output signal 21 output from the Doppler sensor, which is a sensor unit, at an amplitude value equal to or greater than a certain threshold 22 and output for a certain time or longer 23. to decide. An output signal 21 from the Doppler sensor is output as a signal to an operating object, so that a certain threshold value 22 is provided in order not to judge a noise component or a sporadic movement of the human body as a urine flow. It is desirable that the urine flow is determined when an amplitude greater than or equal to the threshold appears and continues for a certain period of time or longer. Also, the output frequency band of the Doppler sensor due to the movement of the human body is about 70 Hz, and the output frequency band of the Doppler sensor due to urine flow is about 150 Hz, so the frequency band of about 150 Hz is passed, and the frequency band of about 70 Hz is passed. By configuring a filter for removal, it is possible to extract only a urine flow detection signal, thereby preventing erroneous detection.
[0019]
If the amplitude does not continue for a certain period of time despite the appearance of the amplitude equal to or greater than the threshold value 22, the urination time is short, that is, the urination volume is small, so that it is determined to be “unwashed” and the toilet bowl is not so dirty. Toilet flushing is not performed by not flushing waste water.
[0020]
However, if it is determined that the urination volume is small and then the urine of the next user is detected and the washing operation is performed after a short time, there is no problem, but the time until the next user urinates is long. If it is determined that the urination volume is low for a plurality of persons consecutively, urine components remain in the urinal trap portion without flowing for a long time.
Under such circumstances, the urine component may generate a bad smell, and since the washing water is not allowed to flow for a long time, urine stones may adhere to the drainage pipe, causing a hygienic problem.
[0021]
Therefore, FIG. 3 shows a control flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the above problem can be solved by performing the cleaning control as shown in the flowchart.
That is, when a signal (hereinafter, a urine flow detection signal) equal to or more than a certain threshold is output from the Doppler sensor serving as a sensor unit, urine flow detection is started S31. (It is assumed that the initial unwashed count n is reset to 0.) When the urine flow detection signal is output for a certain period of time or more, it is determined that there is a urine flow S32, and the urine flow detection time is reached. The corresponding washing control S33 is performed, and the unwashed number counter value n is reset to 0 to prepare for the next user's urine flow detection. If it is determined that there is no urine flow because the urine flow detection signal is not output for a certain period of time or longer (S32), the counter value n of the number of unwashed times is counted up S35 (n ← n + 1). Here, if the unwashed number counter value n is smaller than the predetermined set value k, the process proceeds to step S36 to prepare for detecting the urine flow of the next user, but if the unwashed number counter value n is larger than the predetermined set value k. In S36, it is determined that the urine component has accumulated in the trap section, and the washing water control S33 is performed, and the unwashed number counter value n is reset to 0 to prepare for the detection of the urine flow of the next user.
[0022]
Here, the method of determining the predetermined set value k is that if the urinal device is frequently used, the next user may appear in a relatively short time even if it is determined to be “unwashed”. In the case of a urinal device that is infrequently used, when it is determined that the urine device is “unwashed”, it is unlikely that the next user will appear in a short time. It is desirable that k is larger than a predetermined setting value k that is not frequently used.
Further, in a place where the frequency of use is low, for example, even though the predetermined set value k is set to a small value, it takes a long time until the next user appears after judging “not cleaned”, Even if the place is frequently used, if the toilet is closed during the night hours, the end user is not cleaned, and entering the long unused time zone may cause odors. Since there is a risk of occurrence, not only the number of times that it is judged as “unwashed” but also the washing control should be performed if the washing operation is not performed for a certain period of time after the initial judgment of “unwashed”. In addition, it is possible to prevent the generation of offensive odor and the adhesion of urite to the drain pipe.
[0023]
Next, FIG. 4 is a relationship diagram showing the relationship between the number of times of “unwashed” determined according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the amount of washing water, and FIG. 5 shows the washing water control according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 3 shows a control flow chart of FIG.
The reason for judging "unwashed" is that no signal is output for a certain period of time even though there is a urine flow, and it seems that there is a certain proportional relationship between the number of times of judgment and the urine volume. Therefore, by providing the control unit with the number of times of unwashing as shown in FIG. 4, ie, the amount of washing water corresponding to the predetermined set value k, as a data table, it becomes possible to flow the amount of washing water according to the number of times of unwashing. It is possible to wash without leaving the urine component remaining in the water.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the predetermined set values are k1 and k2, the cleaning water amount is L1, and when the predetermined set values are k3 and k4, the cleaning water amount is L2. To have. Even in the case where the predetermined set value k is changed by a dip switch or the like according to the installation location, the change is facilitated by having a data table of the amount of cleaning water according to the value of k in the controller.
[0024]
The washing water control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The flow up to the count of the number of unwashed times n after the start of the urine flow detection and the flow up to the control of the wash water based on the count value n of the number of unwashed times are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG. 3. After entering the control routine, the control method is different.
After entering the washing water control routine, first, the unwashed number counter value n is compared with the predetermined set value k in step S52. If the unwashed number counter value is smaller than the predetermined set value k, it is determined that the washing is normal. Then, the time when the urine flow is detected, that is, the washing water amount according to the urine amount is determined, and the flow is S501 for washing.
Next, when the unwashed number counter value n is larger than the predetermined set value k, it is determined that cleaning is performed for the purpose of removing urine components accumulated in the trap portion although the urine volume is small, and the set predetermined set value is set. The values of k are confirmed in steps S53 to S55, the washing water amount is determined in accordance with the k value, and the washing is performed in steps S56 to S59.
With the above configuration, by flowing only the minimum necessary amount of washing water for flowing the amount of urine remaining in the trap portion, it is possible to not only suppress the generation of offensive odor and adhesion of urine stones, but also to contribute to a water saving effect. This is preferable since the performance of the urinal having an automatic cleaning function for determining the amount of flush water according to the amount of urine is not reduced.
[0025]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the data table in which the number of times determined as “uncleaned” and the amount of cleaning water are used is described. However, similar to the first embodiment, it is determined that the cleaning is not performed. By associating the relationship with the elapsed time, a similar effect can be obtained in a urinal device that is infrequently used or a urinal device that closes at midnight, which is preferable.
[0026]
Next, FIG. 6 shows an output signal waveform diagram according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of control water control according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an output waveform diagram 61a-61d when it is determined that "unwashed" because an output signal for a certain period of time or more has not been obtained despite the output of a urine flow detection signal. Even if it is determined to be "unwashed", it does not mean that urination is not performed at all, and it is determined that "unwashed" because the urine volume is small. However, the urine output of each person is X1, X2, X3,. . . Even if the amount is small, the “unwashed” occurs continuously for a plurality of people, and the urine volume becomes X = x1 + x2 + x3 +... + Xn, which is equal to or larger than that when urinating normally. It is possible that there is.
In this state, since the number of unwashed times n has become larger than the predetermined set value k, rinsing is sufficient to flush only a small amount of flushing water even though there are many urine components remaining in the trap portion. There is no, or conversely, even though the amount of urine remaining in the trap part is small, flushing water more than necessary is performed, and washing water control according to urine volume is performed to obtain water saving effect Nevertheless, there is a risk that wasteful flushing water may be flushed out, or regular cleaning may be contrary to the intention of keeping the urinal device and the inside of the drain pipe sanitary.
[0027]
Therefore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, even if a plurality of users who have determined that the amount of urination is small and “unwashed” have visited continuously, according to the total amount of urine (X = X1 + X2 + X3 +... + Xn). In order to determine the minimum required amount of washing water, it is possible to flush all the urine components remaining in the trap section, not only to keep the urinal and drainage pipe sanitary, but also to prevent the water saving effect without impairing the water saving effect It is possible.
[0028]
Next, control of cleaning water according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
After entering the cleaning water control routine, first, the unwashed number counter value n is compared with a predetermined set value k in step S72. If the unwashed number counter value is smaller than the predetermined set value k, it is determined that the washing is normal. Then, the time at which the urine flow is detected, that is, the amount of washing water according to the amount of urine is determined S702, and washing S701 is performed.
Next, when the unwashed number counter value n is larger than the predetermined set value k, it is determined that washing is performed for the purpose of removing urine components accumulated in the trap portion although the urine volume is small, and the unwashed counter value n times The urine amount X assumed to be accumulated in the trap portion is confirmed S73 to S75, the washing water amount is determined in accordance with the X value in steps S76 to S79, and the washing S701 is performed.
With the above configuration, not only the generation of odor and adhesion of urine stones can be suppressed, but also the contribution of a water saving effect by flowing only a minimum amount of washing water necessary for flowing the amount of urine accumulated in the trap portion. This is preferable because the performance of the urinal with an automatic cleaning function for determining the amount of flush water according to the amount of urine is not reduced.
[0029]
Furthermore, as in the second embodiment, also in this embodiment, the effect of keeping the urinal sanitary improved by taking into account the elapsed time from the determination of “not washed”. Needless to say.
[0030]
As described above, in the present embodiment, a Doppler sensor using a radio wave of a predetermined frequency as a propagation wave transmitted as a sensor unit for detecting a urine flow has been described. It is not limited to a Doppler sensor using radio waves.
[0031]
For example, an embodiment in which a pressure element is used as a sensor unit for detecting a urine flow of a urinal device with an automatic cleaning function according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 8 is an installation example in which a pressure element is attached to a urinal as a sensor unit, and FIG. 9 is a waveform diagram of an output signal by the pressure element.
As shown in FIG. 8, a pressure element 82 used as a sensor unit is installed in the urinal 81 ball surface, and the urine flow due to urination impinges on the pressure element 82 attached to the urinal surface, so that the pressure or vibration causes the urine flow. A signal is obtained. The signal waveform output from the pressure element 82 is a waveform 91 as shown in FIG. 9. Like the Doppler sensor using radio waves, even when no pressure is applied, that is, when the urine flow is not detected, the signal waveform is slightly increased. Assuming that there is an amplitude and that a sudden signal due to noise is obtained, an output signal of a certain threshold or more is output for a certain time or longer, and it is determined that urine flow is detected, and an output signal of a certain threshold or more is determined. Even if is obtained, if the output signal is not continued for a certain period of time or more, the urine volume is small, so that it is determined to be "not washed".
The method relating to the washing water control is the same as when the above-mentioned Doppler sensor is used, and when measuring the urine amount, it can be calculated by measuring the time during which a signal equal to or higher than a certain threshold is obtained. is there.
[0032]
Further, an embodiment in which a urine flow is detected by a change in capacitance as a sensor unit for detecting a urine flow of the urinal device with an automatic cleaning function according to the present invention will be described.
As a method of detecting the urine flow of the capacitance type, an electrode for measuring the capacitance is installed in a urinal trap, and the initial capacitance is measured. Thereafter, urination is performed to increase the amount of urine in the trap, and the capacitance changes accordingly. This capacitance is provided with a threshold value for the change, and when there is a change equal to or more than the threshold value, it is determined that the urine flow is detected. It is possible to do.
According to the above-described configuration based on the capacitance method, when “unwashed” is performed when the urine flow is not more than the threshold value for determining the urine flow due to the change in the capacitance, the cleaning control is performed by changing the capacitance to the threshold value or more. By setting the flow, a control flow in which washing is performed only when a substantially determined amount of urine is detected can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a relationship between a urine flow detection time and a flush water amount in a urinal device with an automatic flush function according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a urine flow detection output waveform diagram when a Doppler sensor using radio waves is used as a sensor unit in the urinal device with an automatic cleaning function of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a cleaning flow according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between a predetermined set value and a cleaning water amount according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow of cleaning water control according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an output waveform diagram of a urine flow according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control flow of cleaning water control according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows an embodiment using a pressure sensor as a sensor unit for detecting urine flow in the urinal device with an automatic cleaning function of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a urine flow detection signal when a pressure sensor is used as a sensor unit for detecting urine flow in the urinal device with an automatic cleaning function of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
21: urine flow detection signal, 22: threshold value, 23: urine flow signal detection time, 61a to 61d: urine flow detection signal, 62a to 62d: threshold value, 81: urinal device, 82: pressure sensor, 91: urine flow detection Signal, 92: threshold, 93: urine flow signal detection time

Claims (4)

A sensor unit for detecting the urine flow of the user is provided, and the sensor unit outputs an output signal by detecting the urine flow of the user, and the output signal is output for a predetermined time or more, so that the output time is increased. In a urinal having an automatic cleaning function including a control unit that performs cleaning according to the control unit, the control unit performs cleaning when the output signal is not output for a predetermined period of time or more and is determined to be uncleaned a plurality of times. Urinal device with automatic cleaning function. 2. The urinal device with an automatic cleaning function according to claim 1, wherein when performing the cleaning, the control unit determines the amount of flush water according to the number of times that the control unit determines that the water is not cleaned. 2. The urinal according to claim 1, wherein, when performing the washing, the control unit determines the amount of washing water based on a total output time of an output signal when it is determined that the washing is not performed. With urinal device. 4. The urinal according to claim 1, wherein said sensor unit is a means for detecting urine flow excreted from a human body into the urinal, and uses a radio wave of a predetermined frequency as a transmission wave to be transmitted. A urinal device with an automatic cleaning function, characterized by being a Doppler sensor.

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