CN116113352A

CN116113352A - Toilet device and toilet seat device

Info

Publication number: CN116113352A
Application number: CN202180057698.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 冈野正纪; 斋藤隆久; 濑户口广志; 福永奈央
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-05
Filing date: 2021-07-20
Publication date: 2023-05-12
Also published as: WO2022030256A1

Abstract

When there is a cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means, the control unit (5) prohibits the sequential operation in the open state of the toilet lid (20) when there is a cleaning instruction by the timer, and enables the toilet cleaning unit (13) to perform the cleaning operation of the toilet bowl (12) regardless of the open/close state of the toilet lid (20), by allowing the sequential operation in the open state of the toilet lid (20) to start the closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit (22) when the toilet lid (20) is being opened and performing the cleaning operation by the toilet cleaning unit (13) after the toilet lid (20) is closed.

Description

Toilet device and toilet seat device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a toilet device having a toilet cover and a toilet cover driving unit, and a toilet seat device having a toilet cover and a toilet cover driving unit, which is used by being attached to a toilet body.

Background

Recently, from the viewpoint of preventing the diffusion of pollutants contained in excrement during toilet cleaning, it is recommended to clean a toilet bowl in a state where a toilet lid is closed after the excrement is discharged so as not to scatter droplets containing pollutants contained in excrement discharged to the toilet bowl (bowl) to the outside of the toilet bowl.

In order to reliably perform such toilet bowl cleaning in the toilet lid closed state, there is proposed a toilet bowl device in which, when a cleaning instruction is given, the toilet lid is first closed by an electric motor by the toilet lid driving unit, and then the toilet bowl is cleaned (for example, refer to patent document 1).

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 07-158142

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, as toilet cleaning in the toilet apparatus, there are timer cleaning which is automatically performed periodically or aperiodically irrespective of the timing of defecation/urination, in addition to cleaning performed at the timing of operating the cleaning operation section at the time of defecation/urination and at the timing of leaving the toilet seat. The timer washing includes, for example, automatic cleaning (washing) performed at a predetermined timing, such as when toilet washing is not performed for 6 hours.

Therefore, if the toilet apparatus performs a sequential operation consisting of a closing operation of the toilet lid and a subsequent cleaning of the toilet bowl when a cleaning instruction is given, such a sequential operation is performed even in the case of a timed cleaning.

However, there is a case where the timing of such timer flushing is overlapped with the timing of the user using the toilet, and there is a possibility that a problem may occur due to this. For example, when the timing of urination in the standing position coincides with the timer washing timing, the user cannot urinate because the toilet lid is closed by the sequential action of the timer washing. Particularly, when the timer is set to time for washing during urination, urination is hindered by the toilet lid that is operated, and there is a possibility that the user may fly the urine toward the toilet lid or the floor by panic-opening.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet device and a toilet seat device capable of suppressing the interference of automatic cleaning with use by a user based on timer setting.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, a toilet apparatus according to the present invention includes a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl and washes the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit that detects opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens/closes the toilet lid, a washing instruction means that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a timer unit, and a control unit that, when the toilet lid is opened in response to the washing instruction by the washing instruction means, permits a sequential operation of starting a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit and a washing operation by the toilet bowl washing unit after the toilet lid is closed, wherein the washing instruction by the washing instruction means includes a washing instruction set by a timer, and wherein the control unit prohibits the sequential operation in an opened state of the toilet lid when the washing instruction is set by the timer, and causes the toilet bowl washing unit to perform a washing operation of the toilet bowl regardless of the opened state of the toilet lid.

Another toilet apparatus according to the present invention includes a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl and washes the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit that detects opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens/closes the toilet lid, a washing instruction means that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a timer unit, and a control unit that, when the toilet lid is opened, permits a sequential operation of starting a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit and a washing operation by the toilet bowl washing unit after the toilet lid is closed, wherein the washing instruction by the washing instruction means includes a washing instruction set by a timer, and wherein the control unit prohibits the sequential operation in an opened state of the toilet lid when the washing instruction set by the timer is present, cancels the washing instruction, and changes the setting of the timer.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a toilet seat device attached to a toilet main body, comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl washing instruction means for outputting a washing instruction to the toilet main body, and a toilet seat side control unit, wherein when there is a washing instruction by the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet main body, when the toilet lid is opened, a sequential process of starting a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit and outputting a washing instruction to the toilet main body after the toilet lid is closed is allowed, and a washing instruction by the toilet main body includes a washing instruction set by a timer, and when there is a washing instruction set by the timer, the toilet seat side control unit prohibits the sequential process in an opened state of the toilet lid and outputs a washing instruction to the toilet main body regardless of the opened state of the toilet lid.

Another toilet seat device according to the present invention is a toilet seat device mounted on a toilet body, comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl washing instruction means for outputting a washing instruction to the toilet body, and a toilet seat side control unit, wherein when the toilet lid is opened, a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit is allowed to be started and a washing instruction is outputted to the toilet body after the toilet lid is closed, the washing instruction by the toilet body includes a washing instruction set by a timer, and the toilet seat side control unit prohibits the sequential processing in an opened state of the toilet lid when the washing instruction set by the timer is provided, cancels the washing instruction, and changes the setting of the timer.

In order to achieve the above object, another toilet apparatus according to the present invention includes a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl and washes the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit that detects opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens/closes the toilet lid, a washing instruction means that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a trouble detection means that detects a person or an object in the vicinity of the toilet bowl, a timer unit, and a control unit that, when there is a washing instruction by the washing instruction means, allows a sequential operation of starting a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit and performing a washing operation by the toilet bowl washing unit after detecting a closed state of the toilet lid when there is a washing instruction by the washing instruction means, wherein the washing instruction by the washing instruction means includes a washing instruction set by a timer, and the control unit prohibits the sequential operation when there is a washing instruction set by the timer unit and a person or an object is detected by the trouble detection means.

Further, another toilet seat device according to the present invention is a toilet seat device mounted on a toilet body, comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl washing instruction means for outputting a washing instruction to the toilet body, a trouble detection means for detecting a person or an object in the vicinity of the toilet body, and a toilet seat side control unit, wherein when there is a washing instruction by the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet body, when the toilet lid is opened, a sequential process of starting a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit and outputting a washing instruction to the toilet body after detecting a closed state of the toilet lid is allowed, the washing instruction including a washing instruction set by a timer, and the toilet seat side control unit prohibits the sequential process when the person or the object is detected by the trouble detection means at a timing of the washing instruction set by the timer.

In order to achieve the above object, another toilet apparatus according to the present invention includes a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl and washes the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit that detects opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens/closes the toilet lid, a washing instruction means that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a timer unit, an informing unit, and a control unit, wherein when the toilet lid is opened in response to the washing instruction by the washing instruction means, a sequential operation that starts a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit and performs a washing operation by the toilet bowl washing unit after detecting a closed state of the toilet lid is permitted, the washing instruction by the washing instruction means includes a washing instruction set by a timer, and the control unit, when the toilet lid is opened, causes the informing unit to inform the execution of the sequential operation set by the timer before executing the sequential operation.

Further, another toilet seat device according to the present invention is a toilet seat device which is attached to a toilet seat body, and includes a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit that detects opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens/closes the toilet lid, a toilet bowl washing instruction means that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet seat body, a toilet seat side notification unit, and a toilet seat side control unit that, when there is a washing instruction by the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet seat body, allows a sequential process of starting a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid drive unit and outputting a washing instruction to the toilet seat body after detecting a closed state of the toilet lid, wherein the washing instruction by the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet seat body includes a washing instruction set by a timer, and wherein the toilet seat side notification unit, when there is a washing instruction set by the timer, causes the toilet seat side notification unit or the toilet seat body to execute the sequential process set by the timer before executing the sequential process when the toilet lid is opened.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The toilet device and the toilet seat device according to the present invention have the above-described configurations, respectively, and thus can suppress the interference of the automatic cleaning by the timer setting with the use of the user.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 (a) is a schematic side view schematically showing the inside of the toilet apparatus, and fig. 2 (b) is a schematic side view schematically showing the inside of the toilet apparatus of another example.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing basic operations of one embodiment of the toilet device according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing basic operations of another embodiment of the toilet apparatus.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing basic operations of the toilet device according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of the operations in the flowchart of fig. 5 in detail.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of basic operation of the toilet device according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of basic operation of the toilet apparatus.

Fig. 9 (a) is a basic block diagram of a toilet device and a toilet seat device used therein according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 9 (b) is a schematic side view schematically showing the inside of the toilet device.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The toilet apparatuses 1 and 3 described below basically clean the toilet bowl 12 in a closed state of the toilet lid 20 from the viewpoint of preventing the diffusion of the pollutant contained in the excrement. Therefore, when the

toilet lid

20, 40 is in the opening process, the toilet lid driving unit 22, 42 is allowed to start the closing operation of the

toilet lid

20, 40 and to perform the sequential operation of the cleaning operation by the toilet cleaning unit 13 after the closing state of the

toilet lid

20, 40 is detected. Here, the washing instruction by the washing instruction means includes a washing instruction set by a timer.

In the first embodiment, when a washing instruction is given by the timer, the control unit 5 prohibits the above-described sequential operations (the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 and the subsequent washing) in the opened state of the toilet lid 20, and causes the toilet washing unit 13 to perform the washing operation of the toilet bowl 12 regardless of the opened state of the toilet lid 20. In another aspect of the present embodiment, the control unit 5 has the following structure: when a cleaning instruction based on the timer setting is given, the above-described sequential operation in the opened state of the toilet lid 20 is prohibited, the cleaning instruction is canceled, and the timer setting is changed.

In the second embodiment, the control unit 5 has the following structure: when the obstacle detection unit 28 detects a person or an object at the timing of the washing instruction set by the timer, the sequential operation is prohibited.

In the third embodiment, in the case of a cleaning instruction set by a timer, the control unit 5 causes the notification unit 7 or the toilet side notification unit 37 to notify the execution of the sequential operation set by the timer before the sequential operation is executed.

First, common items of the toilet apparatus 1 according to the first to third embodiments will be described below. The toilet apparatus 1 is a single apparatus, but the basic configuration of the apparatus is substantially the same, and an outline thereof will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2, which are common drawings given the same reference numerals.

The toilet device 1 includes a toilet bowl 12, a toilet bowl cleaning unit 13 that supplies cleaning water to the toilet bowl 12 and cleans the inside of the toilet bowl 12, a toilet lid 20, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 21 that detects opening/closing of the toilet lid 20, and a toilet lid driving unit 22 that opens/closes the toilet lid 20. The toilet apparatus 1 further includes a cleaning instruction means for outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet cleaning unit 13, an obstacle detection means 28 for detecting a person or object in the vicinity of the toilet bowl 12, a timer 6, and a control unit 5. Here, the washing instruction means includes means for performing washing operation by a user and means for automatically performing washing operation by a user, which will be described in detail later.

When there is a washing instruction by the washing instruction means, the toilet apparatus 1 allows the toilet lid driving unit 22 to start the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 and to perform the sequential operation of the washing operation of the toilet washing unit 13 after the closing state of the toilet lid 20 is detected, when the toilet lid 20 is being opened.

Next, the detailed structure, structure and basic operation of the toilet device 1 will be described.

Fig. 1 is a basic block diagram of the toilet apparatus 1. Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are schematic side views schematically showing the inside of the toilet device 1 in two modes (structures) different from each other, and any mode may be adopted.

The toilet device 1 is a sitting western-style toilet device fixed to a floor, a wall, or the like in a toilet space. The main body 10 of the toilet device 1 has a toilet bowl 12 which is opened upward and is built in so as to be surrounded by a skirt 11, and is provided with a toilet seat 24 and a toilet cover 20 which are respectively rotatably operated so as to be capable of closing an opening surface of the toilet bowl 12.

A toilet cleaning portion 13 is disposed in the inner space of the skirt portion 11, and the toilet cleaning portion 13 discharges sewage in the toilet bowl 12 and supplies cleaning water into the toilet bowl 12 from a water supply port 14 to clean the inside of the toilet bowl 12. The toilet bowl washing unit 13 has a water supply mechanism and a water discharge mechanism.

The water supply mechanism comprises: a water supply port 14; a washing water supply passage 15 for supplying washing water supplied from a tap water pipe (not shown) into the toilet bowl 12 through the water supply port 14; and a water supply valve 16 disposed in the middle of the washing water supply path 15 to supply or shut off the water supply to the toilet bowl 12.

The water discharge mechanism shown in fig. 2 (a) has a tubular curved return water bend (trap) 17 connected to extend rearward from the bottom of the toilet bowl 12, and the return water bend 17 extends further downward and is connected to a water discharge port 18. Such a drainage mechanism includes a siphon type, a jet siphon type, a vortex siphon type, and the like, and is a mechanism that forms a drainage state or a water seal state by a siphon action.

Further, as the drainage mechanism, a structure having a movable return water bend 17A as shown in fig. 2 (b) may be used. The return water bent pipe 17A is rotated in the arrow direction by a driving unit (not shown) to form a drainage state or a water seal state. The return water bent pipe 17A in the illustration is positioned in a water seal state, and a rotation operation is performed in a water discharge state so that the open end of the return water bent pipe 17A faces the water discharge port 18. The return water elbow 17A is surrounded by a return water elbow housing (not shown) so that sewage and odor do not leak to the outside.

Further, a drain mechanism other than the siphon type or the movable type, for example, a flush type drain mechanism may be applied to the toilet device 1.

In the drawings, the toilet apparatus 1 is illustrated as a flush tank-free type having no flush tank (low water tank) and a direct connection type water pipe, but a flush tank may be used.

As described above, the toilet device 1 further includes the toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 21 and the toilet lid driving unit 22, and further includes the toilet lid operation unit 23 that receives an instruction to open/close the toilet lid driving unit 22 from the user, as shown in fig. 1. The toilet device 1 further includes: a toilet seat 24, a toilet seat opening and closing detection part 25 for detecting the opening and closing of the toilet seat 24, a toilet seat driving part 26 for opening and closing the toilet seat 24, and a toilet seat operating part 27 for receiving an opening and closing instruction to the toilet seat driving part 26.

The toilet device 1 further includes a seating detection unit 28a and a human body detection unit 28b. These seating detection portions 28a and human body detection portions 28b constitute the obstacle detection means 28. The obstacle detection unit 28 is a unit that detects a person or object that prevents the closing operation of the toilet lid 20. The obstacle detection means 28 includes, for example, various means for detecting a man (person) who is urinating in a standing posture, urine (things) being discharged, a user (person) who is checking feces in the toilet bowl 12 in an opened state of the toilet lid 20, a cleaning tool (things) placed in the toilet bowl 12, and the like.

Therefore, the obstacle detecting unit 28 is not limited to the seating detecting unit 28a and the human body detecting unit 28b, and may include detecting units attached to other various portions. Examples of the sensor constituting the detection unit of the obstacle detection unit 28 include a pyroelectric sensor, a wireless sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a load sensor.

The seating detection unit 28a detects a seating/unseating state of the toilet seat 24, and uses, for example, a load sensor incorporated in the toilet seat 24 to detect seating/unseating, an infrared sensor to detect seating/unseating from the vicinity of the rotation shaft portion of the toilet seat 24, or the like. The human body detecting unit 28b detects the presence or absence of a person in the toilet, and is constituted by a pyroelectric sensor that detects heat generated by a person, for example.

The toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 21 and the toilet seat opening/closing detection unit 25 are preferably configured to detect the open/closed state based on the opening angle.

The toilet cover driving unit 22 and the toilet seat driving unit 26 are each constituted by a motor or the like. The toilet lid driving unit 22 opens and closes (stands up and falls down) the toilet lid 20 by electric power in the case where an instruction is given from the toilet lid operating unit 23, and the toilet seat driving unit 26 opens and closes (stands up and falls down) the toilet seat 24 by electric power in the case where an instruction is given from the toilet seat operating unit 27.

In the present specification, the state in which either the toilet lid 20 or the toilet seat 24 is substantially vertically erected is referred to as an open state, and the state in which it falls substantially horizontally and is substantially parallel to the opening surface of the toilet bowl 12 is referred to as a closed state. The closed state of the toilet lid 20 may include not only a closed state but also a state in which the opening of the toilet bowl 12 is substantially closed immediately before the toilet lid 20 is closed. For example, the closed state may be determined in a state in which the angle between the toilet cover 20 and the opening surface of the toilet bowl 12 is less than 5 degrees. Instead of defining the closed state of the toilet lid 20 by using such an angle range, it may be defined by a predetermined time range after the start of the closing operation.

In the toilet apparatus 1, if the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are both in the open state when the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is instructed by the toilet lid operation unit 23 or the like, the toilet seat 24 is first closed, and after the closing (stop in the closed state), the toilet lid 20 is closed so as to be interlocked with the closing operation of the toilet seat 24. The closing operation of the toilet lid 20 may be started at a timing when the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state immediately before closing, as in the closed state of the toilet lid 20.

When the instruction of the opening operation of the toilet seat 24 is given by the toilet seat operation unit 27 or the like, if both the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 are in the closed state, the toilet lid 20 is opened first. The toilet seat 24 performs an opening operation at the timing of an open state after or immediately before the toilet lid 20 is opened (stopped in the open state), so as to be interlocked with the opening operation of the toilet lid 20.

The toilet device 1 may be configured to include various functional devices such as a deodorizing device for deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl 12, a heating device for heating the toilet seat 24, and a local cleaning device for cleaning a local area.

The toilet device 1 further includes a cleaning operation unit 29. The washing operation unit 29 includes a stool washing button 29a and a urine washing button 29b, which output washing instructions to the toilet washing unit 13 via the control unit 5 described later.

Further, the cleaning operation unit 29 is preferably disposed in both the main body operation unit (not shown) and the remote controller (not shown). These are also provided with operation switches, operation buttons, and the like, which enable various operations, settings, and the like. As the remote controller, an infrared communication remote controller is suitably used. Of course, the remote controller is provided with a transmitting portion (not shown), and the main body 10 is provided with a receiving portion (not shown).

The operation of the cleaning operation unit 29 functions as a cleaning instruction means, and the trigger of the state change from sitting to unseating detected by the sitting detection unit 28a also functions as a cleaning instruction means. That is, when a person stands up from the toilet seat 24 while sitting, toilet cleaning is performed instead of the operation of the cleaning button.

Further, instead of providing both the stool washing button 29a and the urine washing button 29b, a configuration may be adopted in which washing instructions are output by 1 washing button. That is, as the amount of the cleaning water to the bedpan 12 in this case, there is no distinction between a large volume for the stool and a small volume for the urine, but only a large volume for the stool.

The toilet device 1 further includes a timer washing setting unit 8. The timer washing setting unit 8 is an operation setting unit for setting timer washing such as a periodic toilet washing or an automatic cleaning function, which is executed irrespective of urination and defecation of the user. The timer washing is a function of automatically washing the toilet bowl 12 when not in use for a long period of time, for example, 6 hours, or at a fixed time, and is performed by cooperation of the control unit 5, the timer unit 6, and the toilet washing unit 13.

For example, automatic cleaning is performed at night timings of less use, that is, at 24-hour intervals or at 6-hour intervals in a home-free state, or the like. The timer washing includes a case where the timer is not used until 6 hours have elapsed after the last use, and a case where the timer washing is performed at a timing when 6 hours have elapsed.

The timer washing setting section 8 is used for various settings related to such timer washing timing. When the timer washing timing is set, the toilet washing unit 13 starts washing when the timer washing timing is reached or when a predetermined time elapses. Such a washing instruction based on the timer setting is also included as a washing instruction based on the washing instruction unit.

The toilet apparatus 1 controls the above-described control objects (the water supply valve 16 of the toilet bowl washing unit 13, the toilet lid driving unit 22, the toilet seat driving unit 26, and the like), and includes a control unit 5 that receives output signals of the washing operation unit 29, the toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 21, the toilet seat opening/closing detection unit 25, the seating detection unit 28a, and the like. The control unit 5 includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU and various programs. The toilet device 1 further includes a timer unit 6 for counting time by timer washing or the like, and a power supply unit (not shown).

The toilet device 1 further includes a notification unit 7 including a speaker or the like, and the notification unit 7 notifies of an abnormality or a state of the device by sound or sound synthesis. The notification unit 7 may be configured to have a display such as an LED instead of or in addition to the audio output.

Next, basic operations of the toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in fig. 3 and 4. The operations shown in these flowcharts are operations performed by the control unit 5 when there is a cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means.

When there is a washing instruction by the washing instruction means, the toilet apparatus 1 allows the toilet lid 20 to be closed by the toilet lid driving unit 22 if the toilet lid 20 is being opened, and performs the sequential operation of the washing operation by the toilet washing unit 13 after the toilet lid 20 is closed.

There are various forms of basic actions.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 3, when a cleaning instruction is given by a timer, the control unit 5 prohibits the above-described sequential operation in the open state of the toilet lid 20, and causes the toilet cleaning unit 13 to perform the cleaning operation of the toilet bowl 12 regardless of the open state of the toilet lid 20.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4, when a cleaning instruction is given by the timer, the control unit 5 prohibits the above-described sequential operation in the open state of the toilet lid 20, cancels the cleaning instruction, and changes the timer setting.

By performing any of the above operations, even when the user performs the cleaning based on the timer setting at the use timing, the use by the user is hardly hindered, and the occurrence of a trouble is less likely to occur.

In the following description of the operation, the detection of the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 and the detection of the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 are performed by the respective detection units, but the description of the operation of these detection units is omitted. The opening and closing operation of the toilet cover 20 and the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat 24 are performed by the respective driving units, but the description of the operation of these driving units is omitted.

First, the operation of fig. 3 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in steps S100 to S111. In the following description, for the operation steps of fig. 3 and 4, only the portion described as "step s×" will be simply referred to by the reference numeral "s×". The same applies to the flowcharts of fig. 5 and 6 corresponding to the second embodiment and the flowcharts of fig. 7 and 8 corresponding to the third embodiment.

When a washing instruction by the washing instruction means is received, first, the notification unit 7 notifies the same by, for example, an electronic sound "beep" or the like (S100, S101). Then, it is determined whether or not the flushing instruction is an instruction set by a timer, and if the flushing instruction is not a timer flushing, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the flushing instruction is a closed state, the flushing of the toilet bowl 12 is immediately performed thereafter (N, S of N, S103 of S102). In addition, when sitting, the toilet bowl 12 is also cleaned (Y, S109 of S104).

Although not shown in fig. 3, the toilet lid 20 may be opened after the end of washing, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after the toilet lid 20 is opened, the toilet lid 20 in the opened state may be closed, and the toilet lid 20 may be closed and put in a standby state (the state in which the toilet lid 20 is closed).

The opening operation of the toilet lid 20 after washing is performed to confirm the residual dirt in the toilet bowl 12 after washing by the user. That is, the user does not need to manually open the toilet lid 20 after washing in order to confirm the inside of the toilet bowl 12.

Instead of the above-described delay of a certain time, the system may return to the standby state at a timing when the person is no longer detected by the person sensor. Of course, the user can close the toilet lid 20 by the toilet lid operation unit 23, and thus the user may not return to the standby state automatically.

If the sitting toilet seat 24 is not in the closed state, then, if the sitting toilet seat 24 (not in the sitting state) is in the open state again, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is performed, and after the sitting toilet seat 24 is closed, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed (N, S to S107 of S104). If the toilet lid 20 is closed, the closing of the toilet lid 20 is notified by an electronic sound "beep" or the like different from the cleaning instruction, and the cleaning of the toilet bowl 12 is performed (S108, S109). In addition, the cleaning may be performed without notifying the closing of the toilet cover 20. That is, in this case, the user is notified when the toilet lid 20 is closed (N in S103) after the washing instruction.

In this way, the above operation is performed when the cleaning instruction is issued by the cleaning operation unit 29 or the automatic cleaning instruction is based on the detection of the change in the state of being unseated from the sitting position. That is, in the toilet apparatus 1, on the premise that the lid 20 is cleaned in the closed state, if the toilet lid 20 is being opened when a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning instruction means, the toilet lid 20 is closed and the cleaning operation by the toilet cleaning unit 13 is performed in sequence after the toilet lid 20 is closed. Of course, if the toilet seat 24 is in the process of opening, the closing action of the toilet seat 24 is performed before the closing action of the toilet cover 20.

On the other hand, when the cleaning instruction is an instruction based on the timer setting, the above-described sequential operation is prohibited. That is, regardless of the open/close state of the toilet lid 20, the timer washing is notified by an electronic sound such as "beep, beep—", and the washing operation of the toilet bowl 12 is performed instead of the sequential operation (Y, S, S111 of S102).

In this way, when the timer washing is performed, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 is not performed, and thus, the user can be prevented from being obstructed by the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20. For example, even when the timing of urination in the standing position coincides with the timer washing timing, the user can urinate without being confused by the toilet bowl 12 with the toilet seat 24 or the toilet cover 20 being stationary. Therefore, the urine is prevented from scattering to the toilet seat 24, the toilet cover 20, the floor, and the like.

Next, the operation of fig. 4 will be described with reference to flowcharts (S200 to S215).

When a washing instruction by the washing instruction means is received, it is first determined whether or not the washing instruction is an instruction based on a timer setting, and if the washing instruction is not a timer washing, the reception of the washing instruction is notified by an electronic sound such as "beep" (N, S, 202) of S201.

Then, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the toilet lid is in the closed state, the toilet bowl 12 is immediately cleaned (N, S209 of S203). In addition, when sitting, the toilet bowl 12 is also cleaned (Y, S209 of S204).

Although not shown in fig. 4, the toilet lid 20 may be opened after the end of washing, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after the toilet lid 20 is opened, the toilet lid 20 in the opened state may be closed, and the toilet lid 20 may be closed and put in a standby state (the state in which the toilet lid 20 is closed).

If the sitting toilet seat 24 is not in the closed state, then, if the sitting toilet seat 24 (not in the sitting state) is in the open state again, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is performed, and after the sitting toilet seat 24 is closed, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed (N, S to S207 of S204). If the toilet lid 20 is closed, the closing of the toilet lid 20 is notified by an electronic sound "beep" or the like different from the cleaning instruction, and the cleaning of the toilet bowl 12 is performed (S208, S209). In addition, the cleaning may be performed without notifying the closing of the toilet cover 20. That is, in this case, the user is notified when the toilet lid 20 is closed (N in S203) after the cleaning instruction.

On the other hand, if the washing instruction is an instruction based on the timer setting and the toilet lid 20 is in the open state, the above-described sequential operation is prohibited. That is, the timer flushing is canceled, and the flushing timing is changed to be delayed by, for example, 2 or 30 minutes (Y, S or S212 of Y, S or S201). Then, the case where the washing instruction is canceled and the washing is deferred is informed by an electronic sound of "beep, beep", or the like (S213). In the operation flow of fig. 4, the cancel timer cleaning itself is only logic for not converting the cleaning, and is not a special process for performing the cancel cleaning, and therefore the cancel cleaning is indicated by a broken line (S211).

If the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, the timer washing is notified by an electronic sound such as "beep, beep-etc., and the washing operation of the toilet bowl 12 is performed (N, S, S215 of S210). In this case, since the lid 20 is closed when the cleaning instruction is given, there is no sequential operation.

In this way, since the timer washing is canceled if the toilet cover 20 is in the process of opening, it is possible to prevent the user from being obstructed by the closing action of the toilet cover 20. For example, even when the timing of urination in the standing position coincides with the timer washing, the toilet bowl 12 is not washed, so that the user can perform normal urination.

In addition, if only the coincidence of urination and timer washing in standing position by a man is considered, cancellation of execution of timer washing is not only conditioned so that the lid 20 is in the opening process, but also so that both the lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are in the opening process.

The toilet device 1 is configured to operate as follows: the toilet seat 24, which is not detected to be sitting, is automatically closed on condition that the toilet lid 20 is opened for 20 minutes. Therefore, even in the case where the timer washing is delayed in the state where the toilet lid 20 is being opened, there is a high possibility that the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state at the delayed timing, and thus the timer washing at this time is easily performed at the delayed timing.

In addition, if the toilet lid 20 is closed in the non-seating state for 20 minutes, the time for closing the toilet lid 20 becomes long. Therefore, in the case of fig. 3, the possibility of closing the toilet lid 20 is high, except when urination is performed in the standing position of the man, and the timer washing in the state where the toilet lid 20 is being opened can be reduced.

Next, basic operations of the toilet device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in fig. 5 and 6. The operations shown in these flowcharts are operations performed by the control unit 5 when there is a cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means.

In the toilet apparatus 1, the flushing instruction by the flushing instruction means includes a flushing instruction set by a timer. The control unit 5 has the following structure: when the obstacle detection unit 28 detects a person or an object at the timing of the washing instruction set by the timer, the sequential operation is prohibited.

The operations of fig. 5 and 6 will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in steps S300 to S313 (see fig. 5) and steps S400 to S408 (see fig. 6).

When a washing instruction by the washing instruction means is received, it is first determined whether or not the washing instruction is an instruction for timer washing (S300, S301). If the timer washing is not performed, the notification unit 7 notifies the user of a washing instruction other than the timer washing by the washing operation unit 29 or the like, for example, by "beep" of an electronic sound (N, S of S301). Then, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, the toilet bowl 12 is immediately cleaned (N, S309 of S303). In addition, when the toilet lid 20 is in the open state and the toilet seat 24 is sitting, the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned (Y, S309 of Y, S304 of S303).

Although not shown in fig. 5, the toilet lid 20 may be opened after the end of washing, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after the toilet lid 20 is opened, the toilet lid 20 in the opened state may be closed, and the toilet lid 20 may be closed and put in a standby state (the state in which the toilet lid 20 is closed).

Instead of the above-described delay of a predetermined time, the human body detection unit 28b may return to the standby state at a timing when no human body is detected any more. Of course, the user can close the toilet lid 20 by the toilet lid operation unit 23, and thus the user may not return to the standby state automatically.

On the other hand, if the toilet lid 20 is in the open state and the toilet seat 24 is not in the sitting state, the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 is discriminated (N, S of Y, S304 of S303). If the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, then, if the toilet seat 24 is in the opened state again, the closing operation is performed, and after the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed (S305 to S307).

If the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, the toilet lid 20 is notified of the closed state by an electronic sound or the like different from the time of the washing instruction, and the washing of the toilet bowl 12 is performed (S307 to S309). The notification may be performed at the timing of bringing the lid 20 into the closed state immediately before closing, or at the timing of completely closing the lid 20. In addition, the execution of the cleaning may be notified. In the case of notifying the execution of the washing, the washing instruction is also notified when the toilet lid 20 is closed (N of S303).

In this way, the above operation is performed when the cleaning instruction is issued by the cleaning operation unit 29 or the automatic cleaning instruction is based on the detection of the change in the state of being unseated from the sitting position. That is, in the toilet apparatus 1, in order to clean the lid 20 in the closed state, if the toilet lid 20 is being opened in response to the cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means, the toilet lid 20 is closed and the cleaning operation by the toilet cleaning unit 13 is sequentially performed after the toilet lid 20 is closed. Of course, if the toilet seat 24 is in the process of opening, the closing action of the toilet seat 24 is performed before the closing action of the toilet cover 20.

On the other hand, when the cleaning instruction is an instruction based on the timer setting, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the toilet lid is in the close state, the timer cleaning is notified by an electronic sound such as "beep, beep- (Y, S) of Y, S310 of S300, S301. Next, a cleaning operation of the bedpan 12 is performed (S312). In this case, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 may be determined in place of the open/close state of the toilet lid 20.

When the toilet lid 20 is in the open state (not in the closed state), the toilet lid-open timer cleaning process is executed (N, S313 of S310). The timer cleaning process when the toilet lid is opened in S313 is described in detail in S400 to S408 in the flowchart of fig. 6.

The timer washing process at the time of opening the toilet lid is a process based on the presence or absence of a person or an object existing near the toilet bowl 12 by the obstacle detection unit 28, and is a process of performing timer washing if no person or object is detected and canceling timer washing if a person or object is detected. In this example, the timer washing is canceled when the detection of the person or the object continues for a certain period of time.

Specifically, first, counting for measuring a time for a certain time is started (S400, S401). If a person or object is continuously detected until the predetermined time elapses, the timer washing is not performed (Y, S408 of Y, S of N, S and Y, S of S402). I.e. the timer cleaning is cancelled.

On the other hand, when there is no person or object that has become an obstacle from the beginning, or when the state of detecting the person or object changes from the state of detecting the person or object to the state of not detecting the person or object for a certain period of time, it is determined that the timer cleaning is enabled (N of N, S403 of S402).

Next, the timer washing is notified to start, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed, and if the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, the timer washing is notified to that effect, and washing is performed (N, S to S407 of S403). That is, in this case, the toilet cleaning sequence is performed after closing the toilet lid 20. If the toilet seat 24 is in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is naturally performed before the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is started.

In this way, at the timing of the washing instruction of the timer washing, even if the toilet lid 20 is opened, if there is no obstacle affecting the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 or the obstacle disappears for a certain time, the timer washing is performed thereafter. For example, the timer washing is performed in a case where the toilet lid 20 is placed in an open state, a case where there is a temporary obstacle caused by a person or an object, or the like. At this time, since the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is first performed based on the sequential operation, scattering of the droplets containing the pollutants in the toilet bowl 12 to the surroundings is suppressed.

Of course, when a person or thing is detected for a certain time, the timer washing is canceled as described above, and the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is not performed, so that it is possible to avoid obstruction of the toilet lid 20 by urination and the like in the standing position of the man. Further, for example, it is possible to avoid the user from suddenly performing the cleaning operation of cleaning and closing the toilet lid 20 by the timer at the timing when the user confirms the own feces in the state of opening the toilet lid 20.

As described above, the operation of fig. 6 continues the prohibition state of the sequential operation when the state of the person or the object is continuously detected during the period from the timing when the cleaning instruction is set by the timer to the lapse of the predetermined time. On the other hand, when the state of the detected person or object changes from the state of the detected person or object to the state of the detected person or object, the sequence operation is executed until a predetermined time elapses from the timing of the washing instruction set by the timer.

In this way, the timer washing is prohibited (sequential operation) when the state of the person or object is detected for a certain time, but the timer washing may be prohibited immediately if the state of the person or object is detected at the timing of the washing instruction.

In the operation of fig. 6, when the detection of the person or the object by the obstacle detecting unit 28 continues for a certain period of time, the timer washing is canceled, but the timer washing may be performed with a predetermined time offset after the cancellation.

The predetermined time is preferably a time for which a man urinates or confirms the feces in the toilet bowl 12, but may be sufficiently longer than this time, for example, about 5 to 10 minutes. In the case of such long-time monitoring, the cleaning may be canceled and an abnormality may be notified if no person or object is detected within the time. Thus, it is also possible to inform the outside of the toilet that the cleaning tool is placed in the toilet bowl 12 in a state where the cleaning tool cannot be moved in the toilet.

Further, when it is determined that the timer washing is possible (after N in S403 in fig. 6), it may be checked whether the washing has just been performed, and if it is detected that the washing has just been performed, the timer washing is not performed. For example, in the case of timer washing, when a man stands for urination and the washing is completed within the predetermined time period, the timer washing may not be performed since the washing of the urination and the timer washing are continuous. Further, the presence or absence of the cleaning may be determined by the presence or absence of the water flow and software.

In the present embodiment, the seating detection unit 28a and the human body detection unit 28b are both obstacle detection means 28 for closing the toilet lid 20, but it may be determined that the seated person has plugged the opening of the toilet bowl 12, and the toilet lid 20 is not closed, and the toilet is cleaned. That is, as in the case of a cleaning instruction based on an operation other than timer cleaning (the operation on the N side of S304 in fig. 5), when the user is sitting on the toilet seat 24, timer cleaning may be performed without operating the toilet lid 20 when the timer cleaning timing is reached.

Next, basic operations of the toilet device 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in fig. 7 and 8. The operations shown in these flowcharts are operations performed by the control unit 5 when there is a cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means.

In the case of a flushing instruction based on the timer setting, the present toilet apparatus 1 causes the notification unit 7 or the toilet seat side notification unit 37 to notify that the sequential operation based on the timer setting is performed before the sequential operation is performed.

First, the operation of fig. 7 will be described in accordance with the flowcharts shown in steps S500 to S516.

When a washing instruction by the washing instruction means is received, first, it is determined whether or not the washing instruction is an instruction set by a timer (timer washing), and if the washing instruction is not timer washing, the notification unit 7 notifies that the washing instruction is received (S500, N, S of S501). The notification by the notification unit 7 is performed by, for example, "beep" of an electronic sound, or the like. Then, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the toilet lid is in the closed state, the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned (N, S509 of S503). Further, even if the toilet cover 20 is in the open state, if the toilet seat 24 is sitting, the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned (Y, S509 of Y, S504 of S503).

Although not shown in fig. 7, the toilet lid 20 may be opened after the end of washing, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after the toilet lid 20 is opened, the toilet lid 20 in the opened state may be closed, and the toilet lid 20 may be closed and put in a standby state (the state in which the toilet lid 20 is closed).

If the toilet lid 20 is in the open state and the toilet seat 24 is not in the sitting state, the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 is determined (N, S505 of Y, S504 of S503). If the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, then, if the toilet seat 24 is in the opened state again, the closing operation is performed, and after the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, the closing operation of the toilet cover 20 is performed (S506, S507). If the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, the notification unit 7 notifies the same by an electronic sound "beep" or the like different from the notification in S502, and then the cleaning is performed (S508, S509). The notification may be performed at a timing when the lid 20 is substantially closed immediately before closing, or at a timing when the lid 20 is completely closed. The case of performing the cleaning may be notified by the notification unit 7. That is, in this case, the notification unit 7 notifies the user of the closing of the toilet lid 20 (N in S503) after the cleaning instruction.

In this way, the above operation is performed when the cleaning instruction is issued by the cleaning operation unit 29 or the automatic cleaning instruction is based on the detection of the change in the state of being unseated from the sitting position. That is, in principle, the toilet apparatus 1 performs cleaning in a state where the toilet lid 20 is closed, and performs closing operation of the toilet lid 20 if the toilet lid 20 is in the process of opening when there is a cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means. Then, after detecting the closed state of the toilet lid 20, the toilet cleaning unit 13 performs a sequence of cleaning operations. Of course, if the toilet seat 24 is in the process of opening, the closing action of the toilet seat 24 is performed before the closing action of the toilet cover 20.

On the other hand, when the washing instruction is an instruction set based on the timer, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, washing is immediately performed (N, S of Y, S510 of S501). When the flushing instruction is an instruction based on the timer setting and the toilet lid 20 is in the process of opening, the notification unit 7 notifies the execution of the sequential operation based on the timer setting before the execution of the sequential operation (Y, S511 of Y, S510 of S501).

The notification is performed by the notification unit 7 by an electronic sound such as "beep" or the like. After the notification by the notification unit 7, the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 is determined after a predetermined time elapses, and if the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, then the closing operation is performed if the toilet seat 24 is in the open state again, and after the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed (S512 to S515). And, if the toilet cover 20 is in a closed state, washing is performed (S516). The predetermined time set after the notification by the notification unit 7 may be delayed by several seconds to about 10 seconds.

In this way, if the washing instruction is an instruction based on the timer setting, a delay of a predetermined time is set after the notification by the notification unit 7. The person in use can know that the time is the timer washing time by the notification of the notification unit 7, and can easily avoid contact with the toilet lid 20 in advance during the period before the toilet lid 20 starts the closing operation. Even when the timing of urination in the standing position coincides with the timer washing, the notification unit 7 notifies the man of the timing before the sequential operation is performed. Therefore, the man who wants to urinate in the standing posture can avoid scattering of urine to the surroundings due to the toilet cover 20 to be closed. Further, since the cleaning is performed after the toilet lid 20 is closed, the scattering of the spray containing the pollutant or the like around the main body 10 can be suppressed.

Although not shown in fig. 7, the instruction for cleaning is based on the instruction set by the timer, and even if the toilet lid 20 is in the open state, if the toilet seat 24 is sitting, cleaning may be performed after notification by the notification unit 7. Even if the instruction for cleaning is based on the instruction set by the timer, if the toilet seat 24 is sitting, the lid 20 is regarded as being in the closed state, and cleaning may be performed without notification by the notification unit 7.

Although not shown in fig. 7, when the toilet lid 20 is in the open state in the presence of the cleaning instruction set by the timer, the operation structure may be such that the toilet lid 20 is monitored for a change to the closed state during a delay of a predetermined time after the notification by the notification unit 7. In this case, if the lid 20 is in the closed state during the delay, the cleaning is started immediately. If the toilet lid 20 is still in the open state after the delay, the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 is discriminated, and if the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, then if the toilet seat 24 is in the open state again, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is performed and the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, and then the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed. And, if the toilet cover 20 is in a closed state, washing is performed.

Next, the operation of fig. 8 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in steps S600 to S615.

When a washing instruction by the washing instruction means is received, first, it is determined whether or not the washing instruction is an instruction set by a timer (timer washing), and if not, the notification unit 7 notifies the instruction (N, S of S600, S601). The notification by the notification unit 7 is a sequence notification to be notified when the sequence operation is performed, and the sequence notification is performed by, for example, "beep" of an electronic sound or the like. Then, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the toilet lid is in the closed state, the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned (N, S609 of S603). In addition, even if the toilet cover 20 is in the open state, if the toilet seat 24 is sitting, the cleaning of the toilet bowl 12 is performed (Y, S609 of Y, S604 of S603).

Although not shown in fig. 8, the toilet lid 20 may be opened after the end of washing, and after a predetermined time has elapsed after the toilet lid 20 is opened, the toilet lid 20 in the opened state may be closed, and the toilet lid 20 may be closed and put in a standby state (the state in which the toilet lid 20 is closed).

If the toilet lid 20 is in the open state and the toilet seat 24 is not in the sitting state, the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 is determined (N, S605 of Y, S604 of S603). If the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, then, if the toilet seat 24 is in the opened state again, the closing operation is performed, and after the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, the closing operation of the toilet cover 20 is performed (S606, S607).

If the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, the notification unit 7 notifies that the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state (sequential notification) by an electronic sound such as "beep" by performing sequential operations, and thereafter, the cleaning is performed (S608, S609). The notification may be performed at a timing when the lid 20 is in a substantially closed state immediately before closing, or at a timing when the lid 20 is completely closed. In addition, the execution of the cleaning may be notified (sequentially notified). That is, in this case, the user is notified of the closing of the toilet lid 20 (N in S603) after the cleaning instruction.

In this way, the above operation is performed when the cleaning instruction is issued by the cleaning operation unit 29 or the automatic cleaning instruction is based on the detection of the change in the state of being unseated from the sitting position. That is, in the toilet apparatus 1, it is assumed that the toilet lid 20 is cleaned in the closed state, and if the toilet lid 20 is being opened when a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning instruction means, the toilet lid 20 is closed. Then, after detecting the closed state of the toilet lid 20, the sequence of the cleaning operations by the toilet cleaning unit 13 is executed. Of course, if the toilet seat 24 is in the process of opening, the closing action of the toilet seat 24 is performed before the closing action of the toilet cover 20.

On the other hand, when the washing instruction is an instruction set based on the timer, the open/close state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, washing is immediately performed (N, S615 of Y, S610 of S601). When the cleaning instruction is an instruction based on the timer setting and the toilet lid 20 is in the opening process, the notification unit 7 notifies (alerts) that the sequential operation based on the timer setting is performed before the sequential operation is performed (Y, S of Y, S610 of S601).

The alarm is performed by the notifying unit 7 by notifying different electronic sounds such as "beep, beep-out" and the like in order of the output mode of sound or the output time of sound. After the alarm given by the notification unit 7, the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 is determined, and if the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, then the closing operation is performed if the toilet seat 24 is in the open state again, and after the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed (S612 to S614). And, if the toilet cover 20 is in a closed state, washing is performed (S615).

In this way, if the cleaning instruction is an instruction based on the timer setting, notification (alarm) of a different form from the sequential notification is performed in the notification section 7. By the alarm different from the sequential notification, since the person in use is notified in advance of the start of the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 by the timer washing, contact with the toilet lid 20 can be easily avoided.

In addition, even when the timing of urination in the standing position coincides with the timer washing, the notification unit 7 gives an alarm before the sequential operation is executed. Therefore, the man who wants to urinate in the standing posture can avoid scattering of urine to the surroundings due to the toilet cover 20 to be closed. Further, since the cleaning is performed after the toilet lid 20 is closed, the scattering of the spray containing the pollutant or the like around the main body 10 can be suppressed.

In addition, notification (alarm) different from the sequential notification by the notification section 7 is preferably performed between several seconds to about 10 seconds instead of the delay before the closing operation of the lid 20. If the alarm time is several seconds to about 10 seconds, a person in use can easily avoid contact with the toilet cover 20 in advance.

Although not shown in fig. 8, even if the instruction for cleaning is based on the instruction set by the timer and the toilet lid 20 is in the open state, if the toilet seat 24 is sitting, the cleaning may be performed after the notification (alarm) by the notification unit 7. Even if the instruction for cleaning is based on the instruction set by the timer, if the toilet seat 24 is sitting, the toilet lid 20 may be regarded as being in the closed state, and the cleaning may be performed without notification (alarm) by the notification unit 7.

Although not shown in fig. 8, when the toilet lid 20 is in the open state in the presence of the cleaning instruction set by the timer, a delay of a predetermined time may be set after the alarm by the notification unit 7. In addition, the operation structure may be configured to monitor the change of the toilet lid 20 to the closed state during the delay. In this case, if the lid 20 is in the closed state during the delay, the cleaning is started immediately. If the toilet lid 20 is still in the open state after the delay, the open/close state of the toilet seat 24 is discriminated, and if the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, then if the toilet seat 24 is in the open state again, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is performed and the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, and then the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed. And, if the toilet cover 20 is in a closed state, washing is performed.

In this mode of operation, since a delay is provided after an alarm, a person in use can easily avoid contact with the toilet cover 20 in advance. In this mode of operation, since a delay is provided after the alarm, the alarm time may be from several seconds to about 10 seconds instead of the delay.

The alarm shown in fig. 8 is an electronic sound of a different system from the sequential notification, but is not limited to this. The alarm may also be, for example, "start timer purge". "such speech synthesis". The alarm may be a light output instead of an audio output, and may be an alarm such as an LED that lights up or blinks, or a message displayed on a display. Further, the alert may be a combination of speech synthesis or light output as described above, except for an electronic sound of the same or different form as the sequential notification. The alarm may be an alarm in which the sound level or volume is changed without changing the output mode or the output time of the sound from an electronic sound such as "beep" or "beep" which is sequentially notified. In addition, these alarms are sufficient as long as the person in the toilet space is aware of it and need not be communicated to the person outside the toilet space.

The operation examples of fig. 7 and 8 are merely examples, and may be different from these examples. For example, the washing instruction may be an instruction based on a timer setting, and the toilet lid 20 may be in an open state, and after the closing operation of the toilet lid 20, the notification or alarm by the notification unit 7 may be executed after detecting that the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state. In the above description, when it is determined that both the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is first performed after the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is performed and the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, but the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 may be performed in conjunction with the closing operation of the toilet seat 24.

The toilet apparatus 1 is not limited to the above, and may be other operation modes. Further, the toilet seat 24 and the toilet cover 20 may be replaced as a unit. In particular, the toilet device 3 having the toilet seat device 30 mounted (or replaced) therein is shown in fig. 9. The toilet seat device 30 and the toilet device 3 may be devices corresponding to the respective operations of the toilet device 1 of the first to third embodiments.

The basic configuration of the toilet device 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 9 (a) and 9 (b). In the present embodiment, the movable return pipe 17A is illustrated in fig. 9 (b), but the present invention can be applied to a toilet body having a siphon return pipe 17 (see fig. 2 (a)) or other structures.

Specifically, the toilet apparatus 3 includes a toilet bowl 12, a toilet bowl cleaning unit 13 that supplies cleaning water to the toilet bowl 12 and cleans the inside of the toilet bowl 12, a toilet seat apparatus 30, and a cleaning operation unit 29 that outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl cleaning unit 13. The toilet apparatus 3 further includes a control unit 5, a timer unit 6, a notification unit 7, and a timer washing setting unit 8.

The toilet seat device 30 and the toilet body of the toilet seat device 3 (the portion excluding the toilet seat device 30) are detachably separated. The toilet seat device 30 includes: the toilet lid 40, the toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 41, the toilet lid driving unit 42, the toilet lid operation unit 43, the toilet seat 44, the toilet seat opening/closing detection unit 45, the toilet seat driving unit 46, the toilet seat operation unit 47, the obstacle detection means 48, the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49, the toilet seat side control unit 35, and the notification unit 37. The obstacle detection unit 48 includes a seating detection unit 48a and a human body detection unit 48b, similar to the obstacle detection unit of fig. 1. Further, the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet body can transmit and receive signals therebetween.

The toilet apparatus 3 (toilet main body) other than the toilet seat apparatus 30 has a structure substantially similar to that of fig. 1, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The toilet lid 40, the toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 41, the toilet lid driving unit 42, the toilet lid operation unit 43, the toilet seat 44, the toilet seat opening/closing detection unit 45, the toilet seat driving unit 46, the toilet seat operation unit 47, the seating detection unit 48a, and the human body detection unit 48b of the toilet seat device 30 are also substantially the same as those of fig. 1.

The toilet seat device 30 of fig. 9 is configured to be able to output a cleaning instruction of the toilet bowl 12 from the toilet seat device 30 side to the toilet cleaning unit 13. Specifically, when a cleaning instruction is given from the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49, the toilet seat device 30 receives the instruction and notifies the toilet body of the cleaning instruction, and the toilet bowl 12 can be cleaned by controlling the toilet bowl cleaning unit 13 by the toilet body side control unit 5. The toilet seat side control unit 35 may be configured to directly control the toilet cleaning unit 13.

As shown in fig. 9, the toilet device 3 includes not only the toilet bowl washing operation portion 49 on the toilet seat device 30 side but also the washing operation portion 29 on the main body side. That is, fig. 9 shows a configuration in which both the cleaning operation unit 29 and the bowl cleaning operation unit 49 can perform a cleaning instruction. Further, the cleaning operation unit 29 may be not provided on the main body side, and the cleaning instruction may be given only by the bowl cleaning operation unit 49. The bedpan cleaning operation section 49 preferably has a stool cleaning button and a urine cleaning button.

The operation of the bedpan cleaning operation section 49 functions as a bedpan cleaning instruction means, and the state change from sitting to unseating detected by the sitting detection section 48a also functions as a bedpan cleaning instruction means. That is, when standing up from the toilet seat 44 while sitting, automatic cleaning is performed instead of the operation of the cleaning button.

In addition, the toilet main body cleaning instruction includes a cleaning instruction set by a timer, as in the toilet apparatus 1 shown in fig. 1, and the toilet seat apparatus 30 receives a cleaning instruction set by a timer in addition to a toilet bowl cleaning instruction means or a cleaning operation unit 29 of the toilet main body.

As described above, the toilet seat device 30 includes the toilet seat 44, the toilet lid 40, the toilet lid opening/closing detection unit 41 for detecting the opening/closing of the toilet lid 40, and the toilet lid driving unit 42 for opening/closing the toilet lid 40. The toilet seat device 30 is a device attached to the toilet body, and includes a toilet bowl cleaning instruction means for receiving a cleaning instruction for the toilet body, and a toilet seat side control unit 35. When there is a washing instruction by the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet main body, the toilet lid driving unit 22 is allowed to start the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 when the toilet lid 20 is being opened, and the toilet main body is outputted with the washing instruction after the closing state of the toilet lid 20 is detected.

When the toilet main body receives the cleaning instruction, the toilet main body starts cleaning the toilet bowl 12. That is, the sequential processing of the toilet seat device 30 executes sequential operations of the toilet seat device 3 (cooperation of the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet body) (operations equivalent to those of the toilet seat device 1 of fig. 1).

The toilet apparatuses 3 (toilet seat apparatuses 30) corresponding to the operations of the toilet apparatuses 1 according to the first to third embodiments will be described below.

As the toilet device 3 according to the first embodiment, operations of fig. 3, 4, and the like can be performed in the same manner as the toilet device 1 of fig. 1 when a cleaning instruction is given. In short, when there is an instruction to wash the toilet bowl 12 from the toilet bowl washing instruction means (the toilet bowl washing operation section 49) or the toilet main body, the toilet bowl washing section 13 basically washes the toilet bowl 12 with the toilet lid 40 closed. However, as an exception, when a washing instruction set by a timer is received from the toilet body, the operations of fig. 3 and 4 are executed.

When there is a washing instruction set by the timer, the toilet seat side control unit 35 prohibits the above-described sequential processing in the open state of the toilet lid 20, and outputs a washing instruction to the toilet body regardless of the open state of the toilet lid 20. That is, this operation corresponds to the operation shown in fig. 3.

When a washing instruction set by a timer is given, the toilet seat side control unit 35 may prohibit the above-described sequential processing in the open state of the toilet lid 20 and perform an operation of outputting a predetermined washing cancellation instruction to the toilet body. This action corresponds to the action shown in fig. 4. In addition, the toilet main body may perform a setting change of the delay timer washing in accordance with the cancel instruction.

As the toilet device 3 according to the second embodiment, the operations of fig. 5 and 6 can be performed in the same manner as the toilet device 1 of fig. 1 when a cleaning instruction is given. In short, when there is an instruction to wash the toilet bowl 12 from the toilet bowl washing instruction means (the toilet bowl washing operation section 49) or the toilet main body, the toilet bowl washing section 13 basically washes the toilet bowl 12 with the toilet lid 40 closed. However, as an exception, when a washing instruction set by a timer is received from the toilet body, the operations of fig. 5 and 6 are executed.

The toilet seat side control unit 35 is configured to prohibit the sequential processing when the obstacle detection unit 48 detects a person or an object at the timing when the washing instruction is given by the timer. Note that, in the prohibition of the sequential processing, similar to fig. 4, the detection of the person or the object may be continued for a predetermined period of time.

As the toilet device 3 according to the third embodiment, operations of fig. 7, 8, and the like can be performed in the same manner as the toilet device 1 of fig. 1 when a cleaning instruction is given. In short, when there is an instruction to wash the toilet bowl 12 from the toilet bowl washing instruction means (the toilet bowl washing operation section 49) or the toilet main body, the toilet bowl washing section 13 basically performs washing of the toilet bowl 12 after detecting the closed state of the toilet lid 40. When a washing instruction set by a timer is received from the toilet body, the operations of fig. 7 and 8 are executed.

The washing instruction by the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet body includes a washing instruction set by a timer. When there is a cleaning instruction set by a timer, the toilet seat side control unit 35 notifies the toilet seat side notification unit 37 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet body of executing the sequential processing set by the timer before executing the sequential processing when the toilet lid 40 is in the process of opening.

When there is a washing instruction set by the timer, the toilet lid 40 may be closed by the toilet lid driving unit 42 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the notification by the toilet seat side notification unit 37 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet main body when the toilet lid 40 is being opened. That is, this operation corresponds to the operation shown in fig. 7.

The toilet seat side notification unit 37 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet body may perform the sequential notification when the sequential processing is executed, and the notification before the sequential processing when the flushing instruction is given by the timer may be a notification of a different form from the sequential notification. That is, this operation corresponds to the operation shown in fig. 8.

The notification of the timing of the washing instruction in the operation of the toilet apparatus 3, the notification of the closing timing of the toilet lid 40, the notification of the sequential operation of the washing by the timer, and the like described above may be performed by either the notification unit 37 of the toilet apparatus 30 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet main body.

Note that, the notification (alarm) or the like may be performed by one of the toilet seat side notification unit 37 of the toilet seat device 30 and the notification unit 7 of the toilet main body, which is different from the notification of the order at the time of execution of the order process or the notification of the order based on the timer washing. Although not shown in fig. 9, the toilet seat device 30 may also include a timer unit. In this case, the measurement of various times can be performed by either the timer unit of the toilet seat device 30 or the timer unit 6 of the toilet body.

The toilet seat device 30 is not limited to the device shown in fig. 9. The toilet seat device 30 may be provided with a local cleaning device, or may be provided with a toilet seat operation unit (not shown) that can perform various operations or settings (e.g., a local cleaning device).

Description of the reference numerals

1. 3 toilet device

5 control part

6 timing part

7 informing part

8 timer cleaning setting part

12 bed pan

13 toilet bowl cleaning part

20 toilet lid

21 toilet lid opening and closing detecting part

22 toilet cover driving part

23 toilet lid operating part

24 toilet seat

25 toilet seat opening and closing detection part

26 toilet seat driving part

27 toilet seat operating part

28 obstacle detection unit

28a seating detection part

28b human body detecting part

29 cleaning operation part

30 toilet seat device

35 toilet seat side control part

37 notifying part

40 toilet lid

41 toilet lid open/close detecting part

42 toilet cover driving part

43 toilet lid operating part

44 toilet seat

45 toilet seat opening and closing detection part

46 toilet seat driving part

47 toilet seat operating part

48 obstacle detection unit

48a seating detection part

48b human body detecting part

49 toilet bowl cleaning operation part

Claims

1. A toilet device comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit for supplying washing water to the toilet bowl and washing the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a washing instruction means for outputting a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a timer unit, and a control unit,

when there is a washing instruction based on the washing instruction unit, when the toilet lid is opened, a sequential operation is allowed, wherein the sequential operation is to start a closing operation of the toilet lid based on the toilet lid driving unit and to perform a washing operation by the toilet washing unit after the toilet lid is closed,

the washing indication based on the washing indication unit includes a washing indication set based on a timer,

when a washing instruction set by the timer is given, the control unit prohibits the sequential operation in the open state of the toilet lid, and causes the toilet washing unit to perform the washing operation of the toilet bowl regardless of the open state of the toilet lid.

2. A toilet device comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit for supplying washing water to the toilet bowl and washing the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a washing instruction means for outputting a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a timer unit, and a control unit,

when there is a cleaning instruction set by the timer, the control unit prohibits the sequential operation in the open state of the toilet lid, cancels the cleaning instruction, and changes the setting of the timer.

3. A toilet seat device mounted on the toilet body, comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit for outputting cleaning instructions to the toilet body, and a toilet seat side control unit,

When there is a washing instruction based on the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet main body, when the toilet lid is opened, a sequential process is allowed, in which a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving section is started and a washing instruction is outputted to the toilet main body after the toilet lid is closed,

the washing instruction based on the toilet body includes a washing instruction set based on a timer,

when there is a washing instruction set based on the timer, the toilet seat side control unit prohibits the sequential processing in the open state of the toilet lid, and outputs a washing instruction to the toilet body regardless of the open state of the toilet lid.

4. A toilet seat device mounted on the toilet body, comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit for outputting cleaning instructions to the toilet body, and a toilet seat side control unit,

when there is a washing instruction set based on the timer, the toilet seat side control unit prohibits the sequential processing in the open state of the toilet lid, cancels the washing instruction, and changes the setting of the timer.

5. A toilet device comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit for supplying washing water to the toilet bowl and washing the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a washing instruction means for outputting a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a trouble detection means for detecting a person or object in the vicinity of the toilet bowl, a timer unit, and a control unit,

when there is a washing instruction based on the washing instruction means, when the toilet lid is opened, a sequential operation is allowed, wherein the sequential operation is performed by the toilet washing unit after a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit is started and a closing state of the toilet lid is detected,

When the obstacle detection means detects a person or an object at a timing of a cleaning instruction set based on the timer, the control unit prohibits the sequential operation.

6. The toilet device according to claim 5, wherein,

the control unit continues the prohibition state of the sequential operation when the state of the person or object is detected to be continued in a period from the timing of the washing instruction set by the timer to the lapse of a predetermined time, and executes the sequential operation when the state of the person or object is detected to be changed from the state of the person or object to the state of the object not detected in a period from the timing of the washing instruction set by the timer to the lapse of a predetermined time.

7. The toilet device according to claim 6, wherein,

when a cleaning instruction other than the timer cleaning is given during the period until the predetermined time elapses, the control unit cancels the timer cleaning.

8. A toilet seat device mounted on the toilet body, comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit for outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet body, a obstacle detection unit for detecting a person or an object in the vicinity of the toilet body, and a toilet seat side control unit,

When there is a washing instruction based on the toilet bowl washing instruction means or the toilet main body, when the toilet lid is opened, a sequential process of starting a closing operation of the toilet lid based on the toilet lid driving section and outputting a washing instruction to the toilet main body after detecting a closing state of the toilet lid is allowed,

the cleansing indication includes a cleansing indication set based on a timer,

the toilet side control unit prohibits the sequential processing when the obstacle detection unit detects a person or an object at a timing of a washing instruction set based on the timer.

9. The toilet seat device according to claim 8, wherein,

the toilet side control unit continues the prohibited state of the sequential operation when the state of the person or object is detected to be continued during a period from the timing of the washing instruction set by the timer to the lapse of a predetermined time, and executes the sequential operation when the state of the person or object is detected to be changed from the state of the person or object to the state of the object not detected during the period from the timing of the washing instruction set by the timer to the lapse of a predetermined time.

10. The toilet seat device according to claim 9, wherein,

when a cleaning instruction other than the timer cleaning is given during the time period until the fixed time period has elapsed, the toilet seat side control unit cancels the timer cleaning.

11. A toilet device comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing unit for supplying washing water to the toilet bowl and washing the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a washing instruction means for outputting a washing instruction to the toilet bowl washing unit, a timer unit, an informing unit, and a control unit,

when there is a washing instruction based on the washing instruction means, when the toilet lid is opened, a sequential operation is allowed, wherein the sequential operation is performed by the toilet washing section after a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving section is started and a closing state of the toilet lid is detected,

when there is a washing instruction set based on the timer, the control unit causes the notifying unit to notify the execution of the sequential operation set based on the timer before the sequential operation is executed when the toilet lid is opened.

12. The toilet device according to claim 11, wherein,

when there is a cleaning instruction set by the timer, the notification unit notifies the user when the toilet lid is opened, and then starts the closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit after a predetermined time elapses.

13. The toilet device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein,

the notifying section performs sequential notification when the sequential actions are performed,

the notification before the sequential operation when the cleaning instruction is set based on the timer is a notification of a different form from the sequential notification.

14. A toilet seat device mounted on the toilet body, comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid opening/closing detection unit for detecting opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening/closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit for outputting cleaning instructions to the toilet body, a toilet seat side informing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit,

The washing instruction based on the bedpan washing instruction unit or the toilet main body includes a washing instruction set based on a timer,

when there is a washing instruction set by the timer, the toilet seat side control unit causes the toilet seat side notification unit or the notification unit of the toilet main body to notify the execution of the sequential process set by the timer before the sequential process is executed when the toilet lid is opened.

15. The toilet seat according to claim 14, wherein,

when there is a washing instruction set by the timer, when the toilet lid is opened, the closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit is started after a predetermined time elapses after the notification by the toilet seat side notification unit or the notification unit of the toilet main body.

16. The toilet seat according to claim 14 or 15, wherein,

the notification unit on the toilet seat side or the notification unit of the toilet body sequentially notifies the user when the sequential processing is executed,

the notification before the sequential processing when there is a cleaning instruction set based on the timer is a notification of a different form from the sequential notification.