JP2004160152A

JP2004160152A - Toilet seat device

Info

Publication number: JP2004160152A
Application number: JP2003057230A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hajime Mase; 元間▲瀬▼; Osamu Akiyoshi; 修秋吉; Eiji Kitamoto; 英二北本
Original assignee: Toto Ltd
Current assignee: Toto Ltd
Priority date: 2002-08-29
Filing date: 2003-03-04
Publication date: 2004-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-04
Also published as: JP4270909B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sitting sensor capable of sufficiently presenting stable performance by normally detecting sitting by means of the sitting sensor when the sitting sensor for a stool seat device is located on a front face of a case cover and even when clothing is closely contacted on a sensor window, waterdrops or urine is stuck on the sensor window, or a human body sits forwards in a toilet seat. <P>SOLUTION: In a toilet seat device 1 which is equipped with a toilet lid 2, a toilet seat 3 and a case cover 7 for supporting opening/closing of the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3 and has a sitting sensor 4 for detecting that the human body sits on the toilet seat 3, standing walls 3-a, 3-b approximately vertical to the toilet seat 3 are provided on the left and right sides of a rear end of the toilet seat 3 and in a detection area 4-a of the sitting sensor 4 located on the front face of the case cover 7 opposed to the rear end of the toilet seat 3 in the closed state, the sitting sensor 4 is arranged from a gap of the standing walls 3-a, 3-b on the left and right sides of the rear end of the toilet seat 3 in the lateral direction or from a gap between a rear end of the toilet lid 2 and the rear end of the toilet seat 3 in the vertical direction to a top end of the toilet seat 3 in the closed state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、便座に人体が着座したことを検知する着座検知手段と、着座検知手段の信号に基づいてトイレ環境（洗浄装置、便座温度等）を制御する便座装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の技術を、図１２および図１３を用いて説明する。
従来、便座装置１として、特許文献１に示されている図１２や、特許文献２に示されている図１３のように、着座センサ４を備え、その検知信号によって洗浄装置、便座温度等のトイレ環境を作動可能にしたことを特徴としたものが知られている。この装置は、便ふた２が開状態であり便座３が閉状態において便座３に人体が着座しているかどうかを検知するもので、着座センサ４から投光される赤外線が人体や衣類などによって反射し、その反射光を受光して三角測量方式により検知対象物までの距離を測定することによって、便座３上に人体が着座しているかどうかを判別するものである。着座していると判断した場合にのみ洗浄装置、便座温度等のトイレ環境を作動可能としていた。
これにより、例えばトイレの掃除時やタオルの交換時など、用足し以外の目的でトイレに入室した時に、気付かずに洗浄装置や便座温度の調節スイッチを押してしまった場合でも、着座センサ４が便座３上に人体が着座していない限り洗浄装置や便座温度の制御は働かず、心外な誤動作を防止することが出来た。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−３０９９７０号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００２−１９４７９４号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、上記した従来の便座装置１において、三角測量方式の着座センサ４には検知出来る最近接距離が存在し、それよりも近い対象物は検知出来ない。その為、例えば図１２のように着座センサ４がケースカバー７の前面にある場合には、人体が着座する際に衣類がセンサ窓５に密着してしまい、着座センサ４と衣類との距離が近すぎて着座センサ４が人体の着座を検知出来ず、着座しているにも関わらず洗浄装置、便座温度等のトイレ環境を作動させることが出来ないという場合がある。
【０００５】
この例ではケースカバー７に袖があるので、袖に着座センサ４を配置することで衣類がセンサ窓５に密着する恐れは回避出来るかも知れないが、特に最近は便座装置１のコンパクト化が注目されており、例えば図１３ように袖無しタイプのスッキリしたデザインをもつ便座装置１の場合には着座センサ４およびセンサ窓５をケースカバー７前面に配置することを余儀なくされ、衣類がセンサ窓５に密着することで着座センサ４が着座を検知出来ないという恐れがあった。
【０００６】
そこで本発明では、便座装置において上記課題を解決すること、つまり、着座センサをケースカバー前面に配置した場合でも常に正常に着座を検知し、性能を十分に発揮出来る着座センサを提供するものである。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段及びその作用・効果】
請求項１記載の発明における便座装置は、便ふた、便座、及び該便ふたと該便座の開閉を支持するケースカバーを備え、該便座に人体が着座することを検知する着座検知手段を有する便座装置において、該便座後端の左右に該便座とは略垂直な立壁をそれぞれ設け、閉状態にある該便座後端とは対向した該ケースカバーに配置した光電式着座検知手段の検知領域を該便座後端左右の該立壁の間から閉状態にある該便座先端の方向に向けて配置したことを特徴とする。
これにより、人体が着座する際に、臀部および衣類が立壁よりも前方に押さえられる為、衣類が左右の立壁の間から後方に侵入しにくくなるので、ケースカバーに配置した検知窓（センサ窓）に衣類が全面的に密着してしまうようなことは殆どない。よって、着座センサが正常に人体の着座を検知することで、意図したトイレ環境の操作を作動させることが出来る。
【０００８】
請求項２、３記載の発明における便座装置は、該光電式着座検知手段の前方にあって該ケースカバーの前面に、好ましくは、面一、あるいは内部に凹まして配置している検知窓と該立壁前面の距離を、該光電式着座検知手段の検知出来る最近接距離以上としたことを特徴とする。これにより、着座した人体あるいは衣類と着座センサの距離が検知出来る最近接距離以上となるので、確実に人体の着座を検知することが出来る。また、面一の場合は、デザイン性、清掃性の観点で有効であり、凹ませた場合は、立壁の便座前後方向の厚みを稼げない場合などに有効に適用できる。
【０００９】
請求項４記載の発明における便座装置は、該光電式着座検知手段を該ケースカバーの略左右中心に配置したことを特徴とする。これにより、着座した人体と着座センサの距離が最短となる為、便座先端近傍まで対象物を検知することが出来るので、便座に浅座りした場合でもより確実に着座を検知することが出来る。
【００１０】
請求項５記載の発明における便座装置は、該光電式着座検知手段の検知領域が、該便ふたおよび該便座が閉状態にあるとき、あるいは該便ふたが開状態で該便座が閉状態にあるとき、あるいは該便ふたおよび該便座が開状態にあるときの状態においても、該便ふた、該便座に対して干渉を回避するように該着座検知手段を配置したことを特徴とする。これにより、着座センサを投光し続けても、便ふたおよび便座の位置によらず着座センサは人体の着座時のみ検知することになるので、例えば便蓋開閉検知センサや便座開閉検知センサを取りつけて便ふたが開状態、便座が閉状態であるときにのみ着座センサを投光して着座の有無を判定させる等ということをする必要が無く、制御が簡潔となり、またコストを低減することが出来る。
【００１１】
請求項６記載の発明における便座装置は、該光電式着座検知手段の検知領域を、該便ふたの後端と該便座の後端の間から、閉状態にある該便座先端の方向に向けて配置したことを特徴とする。これにより、立壁による左右方向のみならず上下方向でも便ふた後端と便座後端によって衣類の侵入出来る面積を狭めることで、より衣類を浸入しにくくすることが出来る。
【００１２】
請求項７記載の発明における便座装置は、該光電式着座検知手段は赤外線を投光して検知物までの距離を測定する光量測距式センサであることを特徴とする。これにより、便座装置に対して人体がどの程度近づいているのかを認識することで、人体が着座しているのかどうか、トイレ使用の意思を判断することが出来る。
【００１３】
請求項８記載の発明における便座装置は、該着座検知手段と該検知窓とを一体構成として該ケースカバーに取り付けたことを特徴とする。これにより、着座センサとセンサ窓の取り付けにおける寸法バラツキを小さくすることで、着座センサの検知領域のバラツキを抑え、安定した性能を確保することが出来る。
【００１４】
請求項９記載の発明における便座装置は、該検知窓と該ケースカバーとは、何れか一方に設けたリブと他方に設けた溝とを、パッキンを介して嵌合させたことを特徴とする。これにより、便座装置を掃除する際の水や小水の飛び散りにより発生した水がセンサ窓とケースカバーの間から浸入することを防ぎ、着座センサの腐食などによる故障を防ぐことが出来る。
【００１５】
請求項１０記載の発明における便座装置において、前記光量測距式センサは、投光レンズから該検知窓までの投光空間と受光レンズから該検知窓までの受光空間とを、遮光材からなる遮光板によって隔てられていることを特徴とする。これにより、投光された赤外線が、投光空間から受光空間に漏れず、また、センサ窓に付着した水滴やごみによって乱反射して受光空間に到達することも防ぐことが出来るので、着座センサの誤検知を防ぐことが出来る。より好ましくは、検知窓を可視光遮断材で設けることで、誤検知防止の信頼性を向上できる。また、遮光板及び検知窓を二色成形で成形し、遮光板部分を検知窓内に位置させて置くことで、検知窓の厚み内を透過する不要な赤外線も遮光できる。
【００１６】
請求項１１記載の発明における便座装置は、該着座検知手段の検知領域の一部に干渉するように該検知窓の一部に遮光部分を設けたことを特徴とする。これにより、着座センサの検知領域を狭めることで、検知領域と便ふたおよび便座の干渉を回避することが出来る。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明の具体的な実施例を、図１乃至図１１に基づいて詳細に説明する。
【００１８】
図１に示すような左右に袖の無いスッキリしたデザインの便座装置１において、便ふた２が開状態で便座３が閉状態における着座センサ４の投光状態について図２を用いて説明する。
【００１９】
図２のように便ふた２が開状態、便座３が閉状態において、便座３後端の左右に立壁３−ａ、３−ｂを便座３に略垂直に設けており、その間から着座センサ４が赤外線を投光している。また、開状態にある便ふた２後端の下部と閉状態にある便座３後端の上部の間から着座センサ４の赤外線を投光して、人体の着座の有無を検知する。この時、人体の着座を検知すると同時または後に便座装置１の洗浄、脱臭、乾燥などの機能の制御を可能とし、さらに人体が用便を終えて離座することで、着座センサ４が非検知となると同時または後に便座装置１の前記機能の制御を不能とする。
【００２０】
尚、着座センサ４は、その検知領域４−ａが、便ふた２および便座３が閉状態にあるとき、あるいは便ふた２が開状態で便座３が閉状態にあるとき、あるいは便ふた２たおよび便座３が開状態にあるときの何れの状態においても、便ふた２、便座３に干渉しないよう、図１１のように配置している。
【００２１】
次に、センサ組品６の配置と構成に関して、図１、図３を用いて説明する。
センサ組品６は図１の便座装置１におけるケースカバー７の前面に配置している。センサ組品６の水平中心の断面図を図３に示す。着座センサ４はセンサ窓５と一体である取り付け部１９へのスナップフィット固定による一体で構成しており、そのセンサ組品６をケースカバー７の前面に取り付ける。
【００２２】
次に、着座センサ４の構成について、図４を用いて説明する。着座センサ４は図４のように発光素子８、ＰＳＤ（位置検出）素子９、回路基板１０及びそれらを覆う外郭ケース１１で構成されており、発光素子８及びＰＳＤ素子９の前面には投光レンズ１２―ａおよび受光レンズ１２−ｂが配置されている。また着座センサ４はセンサ窓５から奥まって配置しており、その空間には発光素子８からの光が直接ＰＳＤ素子９に入らないように遮光板１３が設けられている。発光素子８より投光された赤外線が検知対象物で反射した光をＰＳＤ素子９が検知し、着座センサ４と検知対象物の距離を測定する。
着座センサ４の検知出来る最近接距離２２について図７を用いて説明する。
発光素子８と投光レンズ１２−ａにより照射された光は検知対象物にあたり受光レンズ１２−ｂによりＰＳＤ素子９に受光がスポットされる。ＰＳＤ素子９にスポットされる位置は三角測距の原理により検知対象物との距離と比例関係となる。この時、レンズ１２とＰＳＤ素子９の位置関係によりＰＳＤ素子９にスポットができる最近接距離２２と最遠距離２３が存在する。
【００２３】
このようにして、トイレを使用する意思のある人体に対して、着座センサ４の検知信号に連動して便座上に人が着座しているかどうかを判別するものである。着座していると判断した場合にのみ洗浄装置、便座温度等のトイレ環境を作動可能とすることで、トイレの掃除時やタオルの交換時など、用足し以外の目的でトイレに入室した時に、気付かずに洗浄装置や便座温度の調節スイッチを押してしまった場合でも、着座センサが便座上に人体が着座していない限り洗浄装置や便座温度の制御は働かず、心外な誤動作を防止することが出来る。
【００２４】
ここで第一に、着座センサ４としては検知対象物との距離を検知することの可能な反射型の光電測距センサを用いている。例えば光電光量式センサや焦電センサでは、着座センサ４と人体の距離が不安定であり、例えばトイレ清掃時やタオル、トイレットペーパーの交換等、用足し以外の目的でトイレに入室した際にも検知してしまう等の不都合が考えられる。一方で、センサとして光電測距式のセンサを用いることで、着座センサ４と人体の距離をセンサで把握し、用足しに必要であると設定した人体までの距離以内である場合のみ、着座の意思があると判断して洗浄装置、便座温度等のトイレ環境を作動可能とすることが出来る。
【００２５】
ここで第二に、センサ組品６を、左右方向では便座３後端の左右の立壁３−ａ、３−ｂの間に、上下方向では開状態にある便ふた２の後端と閉状態にある便座３の後端の間に囲われて配置し、また前後方向では便座３後端の左右の立壁３−ａ、３−ｂの前面よりも着座センサ４の検知し得る最近接距離以上後方に配置している。この時、立壁３−ａ、３−ｂの前面とセンサ窓５の距離は、着座センサ４の検知し得る最近接距離分のみならず、衣類の浸入し得る想定距離分も考慮して設定するとよい。
これにより、人が着座する際に、図６のように検知対象者２０の臀部あるいは衣類２１が立壁３−ａ、３−ｂおよび開状態にある便ふた２の後端と閉状態にある便座３の後端によって前方に押さえられる為、検知対象者２０の臀部あるいは衣類２１がそれらによって囲われたすき間から後方に侵入しにくくなる。万一検知対象者２０の臀部あるいは衣類２１が浸入したとしても、センサ窓５までの距離は着座センサ４の検知し得る最近接距離以上離れている為、確実に着座センサ４が着座を検知するので、意図したトイレ環境の操作を作動させることが出来る。
【００２６】
この時、外観のレイアウト上、センサ窓５から検知対象者２０の臀部あるいは衣類２１までの距離を着座センサ４の検知し得る最近接距離以上に確保出来ない場合がある。その時には、例えば図８のようにセンサ窓５に凹み部２４を設け、センサ窓５と検知対象者２０の臀部あるいは衣類２１の距離を着座センサ４の検知し得る最近接距離以上確保してもよい。
【００２７】
ここで第三に、本実施例の好ましい形態では、着座センサ４をケースカバー７の略左右中心に配置することが望ましい。これにより、着座した人体と着座センサ４の距離が最短となる為、便座３先端近傍まで対象物を検知することが出来るので、便座３に浅座りした場合でもより確実に着座を検知することが出来る。
【００２８】
ここで第四に、着座センサ４の配置としては、その検知領域４−ａが、便ふた２および便座３が閉状態にあるとき、あるいは便ふた２が開状態で便座３が閉状態にあるとき、あるいは便ふた２たおよび便座３が開状態にあるときの何れのそれぞれの状態において、便ふた２、便座３に干渉しないように設定している。これにより、着座センサ４を投光し続けても、便ふた２および便座３の位置によらず着座センサ４は人体の着座時のみ検知することになるので、例えば便蓋開閉検知センサや便座開閉検知センサを取り付けて便ふた２が開状態、便座３が閉状態であるときにのみ着座センサ４を投光して着座の有無を判定させる等ということをする必要が無く、制御が簡潔となり、またコストを低減することが出来る。
【００２９】
ここで第五に、着座センサ４とセンサ窓５とを一体構成とし、センサ組品６としてケースカバー７に取り付けている。これにより、着座センサ４とセンサ窓５の取り付けにおける寸法バラツキを抑え、着座センサ４の性能バラツキも小さくなり、安定した性能を確保することが出来る。尚、着座センサ４とセンサ窓５を一体とする手段としては、例えばセンサ窓５と一体とした取り付け部１９の何れか一方に設けられた弾性変形可能な凸部とその他方に設けられた凹部（穴、溝など）の嵌合によるスナップフィット固定が好ましい。これにより別の締結部材を用いることもなく簡潔に着座センサ４とセンサ窓５を一体とすることが出来る。
この時、取り付け部１９にスナップフィット穴２５を設けることになるが、図９（ａ）のように穴があいたままでは、例えばケースカバー７の内部の結露水が上方からセンサ組品６に落下してきた場合、結露水がスナップフィット穴２５から浸入して着座センサ４内部に到達し、着座センサ４を腐食させる等の性能を害する可能性がある。そこで、例えば、図９（ｂ）のように、スナップフィット穴２５を内スライドで取り付け部１９を貫通させずに抜くことが望ましい。これにより、センサ組品６の外周からの水の浸入を防ぐことが出来る。また、金型構成上内スライドが困難な場合には、例えば、図９（ｃ）のように、スナップフィット穴２５の少なくとも上部に水伝いリブ２６を設けるとよい。これにより、センサ組品６の上方から水が側面を伝って落ちてきても水伝いリブ２６によってガイドされたスナップフィット穴２５に水が浸入することがなく、着座センサ４の腐食などによる故障を防ぐことが出来る。あるいはスナップフィット穴２５に防滴シールを貼る等の工夫をして、水滴の浸入を防いでもよい。
【００３０】
ここで第六に、センサ窓５とケースカバー７の合わせ代には、図３のように、センサ窓５にシールリブ１４を、ケースカバー７にシール溝１５を設け、センサ窓５のシールリブ１４とケースカバー７のシール溝１５を、パッキン１６を介して嵌合させている。これにより、便座装置１を掃除する際の水や小水の飛び散りにより発生した水がセンサ窓５とケースカバー７の間から浸入することを防ぐことが出来、着座センサ４の腐食などによる故障を防ぐことが出来る。
尚、シールリブとシール溝はどちらに形成しても良いが、金型構成上等の理由でセンサ窓５にシールリブ１４を設けることが困難な場合がある。その時には、図１０（ａ）のようにケースカバー７にシールリブ１４を設けて水の浸入を防いでもよい。さらに、ケースカバー７にもシールリブ１４を設けることが出来ない場合には、図１０（ｂ）のようにパッキン１６をシール溝１５の深さよりも厚くしてつぶし代を設けても同様の効果が得られる。
【００３１】
ここで第七に、センサ窓５は可視光遮断材であり、遮光板１３および取り付け部１９は遮光材を用いた二色成形であるとしている。これにより、投光空間１７、受光空間１８および外部において、赤外線の漏れ光の行き来が無くなる為、着座センサ４の誤検知を防ぐことが出来る。また、センサ窓５と取り付け部１９が一体となることでガタツキが少なくなり、着座センサの性能を確保することが出来る。
さらに遮光板１３は図３のようにセンサ窓５の内部にまで貫通させている。これにより、投光された赤外線がセンサ窓５に付着した水滴やごみによってセンサ窓５内を乱反射して受光空間１８に到達することも無くなるので、着座センサの誤検知を防ぐことが出来る。
【００３２】
ここで第八に、図５のように着座センサ４の検知領域４−ａの一部に干渉するようにセンサ窓５の裏面の一部に遮光部分を設けてもよい。例えば便ふた２が開状態で便座３が閉状態にある場合など、便ふた２と便座３が所要の位置にある場合に収納上着座センサ４の検知領域４−ａの一部が便ふた２乃至便座３に干渉してしまい、着座センサ４を配置出来ない場合がある。そのような場合には、検知領域４−ａが便ふた２及び便座３と干渉しないよう、センサ窓５の一部に遮光部分を設けて着座センサ４の検知領域４−ａを狭めることで、検知領域４−ａと便ふた２及び便座３との干渉を回避することが出来る。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の便座装置の斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の便座装置における便ふたが開状態で便座が閉状態であるときの（ａ）斜視図と（ｂ）正面図である。
【図３】本発明の便座装置におけるセンサ組品の断面図である。
【図４】本発明の便座装置におけるセンサ組品の模式図の断面図である。
【図５】本発明のセンサ組品において、センサ窓に遮光材を配置した時の検知領域と遮光材によって遮光される領域を示した模式図の断面図である。
【図６】本発明の便座装置において衣服が立壁に遮られている図である。
【図７】光量測距式センサにおいて最近接距離が発生する原理を説明した図である。
【図８】本発明のセンサ組品において、センサ窓を凹ませた時の（ａ）正面図と（ｂ）断面図である。
【図９】本発明のセンサ組品において、センサ組品の上方から落下してくる水の着座センサへの浸入を防止する対策を説明する図である。
【図１０】本発明のセンサ組品とケースカバーの嵌合の一形態を示した図である。
【図１１】本発明のセンサ組品におけるセンサの検知領域を示す図である。
【図１２】従来の便座装置の外観図である。
【図１３】従来の便座装置の外観図である。
【符号の説明】
１…便座装置
２…便ふた
３…便座
４…着座センサ
５…センサ窓
６…センサ組品
７…ケースカバー
８…発光素子
９…ＰＳＤ素子
１０…回路基板
１１…外郭ケース
１２…レンズ
１３…遮光板
１４…シールリブ
１５…シール溝
１６…パッキン
１７…投光空間
１８…受光空間
１９…取り付け部
２０…検知対象者
２１…衣類
２２…最近接距離
２３…最遠距離
２４…凹み部
２５…スナップフィット穴
２６…水伝いリブ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seating detection unit that detects that a human body is seated on a toilet seat, and a toilet seat device that controls a toilet environment (cleaning device, toilet seat temperature, etc.) based on a signal from the seating detection unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional technique will be described with reference to FIGS.
Conventionally, as the toilet seat device 1, as shown in FIG. 12 shown in Patent Document 1 and FIG. 13 shown in Patent Document 2, a seating sensor 4 is provided, and a cleaning device, a toilet seat temperature, etc. What is characterized by making the toilet environment operable is known. This device detects whether or not a human body is seated on the toilet seat 3 when the toilet lid 2 is open and the toilet seat 3 is closed. The infrared light emitted from the seat sensor 4 is reflected by the human body or clothing. Then, the reflected light is received and the distance to the detection object is measured by a triangulation method to determine whether or not a human body is seated on the toilet seat 3. Only when it is determined that the user is seated, the toilet environment such as the cleaning device and the toilet seat temperature can be operated.
Thus, even when the cleaning device or toilet seat temperature adjustment switch is pressed without notice when entering the toilet for purposes other than adding toilets, for example, when cleaning the toilet or changing towels, the seating sensor 4 is operated. Unless the human body is seated on the top, the cleaning device and toilet seat temperature control did not work, and unexpected malfunctions could be prevented.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-309970 A [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-194794
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional toilet seat apparatus 1 described above, the triangulation type seating sensor 4 has a closest distance that can be detected, and an object closer than that cannot be detected. Therefore, for example, when the seating sensor 4 is on the front surface of the case cover 7 as shown in FIG. 12, when the human body is seated, the clothing is in close contact with the sensor window 5, and the distance between the seating sensor 4 and the clothing is increased. In some cases, the seating sensor 4 cannot detect the seating of the human body because it is too close, and the toilet environment such as the cleaning device and the toilet seat temperature cannot be operated despite being seated.
[0005]
In this example, since the case cover 7 has a sleeve, it may be possible to avoid the possibility that clothing is brought into close contact with the sensor window 5 by arranging the seating sensor 4 on the sleeve. For example, in the case of the toilet seat device 1 having a clean design of a sleeveless type as shown in FIG. 13, the seating sensor 4 and the sensor window 5 are forced to be arranged on the front surface of the case cover 7, so There is a fear that the seating sensor 4 cannot detect the seating due to the close contact.
[0006]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a seating sensor that solves the above-described problems in a toilet seat device, that is, that can always detect seating normally even when the seating sensor is disposed on the front surface of the case cover, and can fully exhibit its performance. .
[0007]
[Means for solving the problems and their functions and effects]
The toilet seat device according to claim 1 includes a toilet lid, a toilet seat, and a case cover that supports opening and closing of the toilet lid and the toilet seat, and has a seat detection means for detecting that a human body is seated on the toilet seat. In the apparatus, standing walls perpendicular to the toilet seat are provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the toilet seat, respectively, and the detection areas of the photoelectric seating detection means disposed on the case cover facing the rear end of the toilet seat in the closed state are The toilet seat rear end is arranged from the left and right standing walls toward the front end of the toilet seat in a closed state.
As a result, when the human body is seated, the buttock and the clothing are pressed forward from the standing wall, so that it is difficult for the clothing to enter the rear from between the left and right standing walls, so the detection window (sensor window) disposed on the case cover There is almost no possibility that the clothing will adhere to the entire surface. Therefore, the intended operation of the toilet environment can be activated by the seating sensor normally detecting the seating of the human body.
[0008]
The toilet seat device according to the second and third aspects of the present invention includes a detection window disposed in front of the photoelectric seating detection means and on the front surface of the case cover, preferably flush with the inside or the interior thereof. The distance of the front surface of the standing wall is equal to or greater than the closest distance that can be detected by the photoelectric seating detection means. As a result, since the distance between the seated human body or the clothing and the seating sensor is equal to or greater than the closest distance, the seating of the human body can be reliably detected. In addition, in the case of being flush, it is effective in terms of design and cleaning properties, and in the case of being recessed, it can be applied effectively when the thickness of the standing wall in the front-rear direction of the toilet seat cannot be obtained.
[0009]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the toilet seat device is characterized in that the photoelectric seating detection means is arranged at substantially the center of the case cover. Thereby, since the distance between the seated human body and the seating sensor is the shortest, the object can be detected up to the vicinity of the front end of the toilet seat, so that the seating can be detected more reliably even when sitting on the toilet seat.
[0010]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet seat device, the detection area of the photoelectric seating detecting means is when the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in a closed state, or when the toilet lid is in an open state and the toilet seat is in a closed state. The seating detection means is arranged to avoid interference with the toilet lid and the toilet seat even when the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in the open state. As a result, even if the seating sensor continues to be illuminated, the seating sensor detects only when the human body is seated regardless of the position of the toilet lid and toilet seat. Therefore, it is not necessary to illuminate the seating sensor only when the toilet lid is in the open state and the toilet seat is in the closed state. I can do it.
[0011]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the toilet seat device, the detection area of the photoelectric seating detection means is directed from the rear end of the toilet lid and the rear end of the toilet seat toward the front end of the toilet seat in the closed state. It is arranged. Thereby, it is possible to make it more difficult for the clothes to enter by narrowing the area through which the clothes can enter by the rear end of the toilet lid and the rear end of the toilet seat not only in the horizontal direction by the standing wall but also in the vertical direction.
[0012]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet seat device, wherein the photoelectric seating detection means is a light amount ranging sensor that measures the distance to the detected object by projecting infrared rays. Accordingly, by recognizing how close the human body is to the toilet seat device, it is possible to determine whether or not the human body is seated and the intention to use the toilet.
[0013]
The toilet seat device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the seating detection means and the detection window are integrally formed on the case cover. Thereby, by reducing the dimensional variation in the attachment of the seating sensor and the sensor window, the variation in the detection region of the seating sensor can be suppressed and stable performance can be ensured.
[0014]
The toilet seat device according to the invention of claim 9 is characterized in that the detection window and the case cover are fitted with a rib provided on one side and a groove provided on the other side through packing. . Thereby, it is possible to prevent the water generated when the toilet seat device is cleaned and the water generated by the scattering of small water from entering between the sensor window and the case cover, and to prevent the seating sensor from being damaged due to corrosion.
[0015]
11. The toilet seat device according to claim 10, wherein the light amount ranging sensor is configured to shield light projecting space from a light projecting lens to the detection window and light receiving space from the light receiving lens to the detection window using a light shielding material. It is characterized by being separated by a plate. As a result, the projected infrared light does not leak from the light projecting space to the light receiving space, and it is also possible to prevent the reflected light from being diffusely reflected by water droplets or dust adhering to the sensor window and reaching the light receiving space. False detection can be prevented. More preferably, the reliability of prevention of false detection can be improved by providing the detection window with a visible light blocking material. Further, by forming the light-shielding plate and the detection window by two-color molding and placing the light-shielding plate portion in the detection window, unnecessary infrared light transmitted through the thickness of the detection window can also be shielded.
[0016]
The toilet seat device according to an eleventh aspect is characterized in that a light shielding portion is provided in a part of the detection window so as to interfere with a part of a detection region of the seating detection means. Thereby, by narrowing the detection area of the seating sensor, it is possible to avoid interference between the detection area, the toilet lid and the toilet seat.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0018]
In the toilet seat device 1 having a neat design without sleeves on the left and right as shown in FIG. 1, the light projection state of the seating sensor 4 when the toilet lid 2 is in the open state and the toilet seat 3 is in the closed state will be described with reference to FIG.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, when the toilet lid 2 is open and the toilet seat 3 is closed, standing walls 3-a and 3-b are provided on the right and left of the rear end of the toilet seat 3 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the toilet seat 3. Is projecting infrared rays. In addition, infrared rays from the seating sensor 4 are projected from between the lower part of the rear end of the toilet lid 2 in the open state and the upper part of the rear end of the toilet seat 3 in the closed state, thereby detecting the presence or absence of seating on the human body. At this time, it is possible to control functions such as washing, deodorization, and drying of the toilet seat device 1 at the same time or later when the seating of the human body is detected, and the seating sensor 4 is not detected when the human body finishes the stool and leaves. At the same time or later, the function of the toilet seat device 1 cannot be controlled.
[0020]
The seating sensor 4 has a detection area 4-a when the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3 are in the closed state, or when the toilet lid 2 is in the open state and the toilet seat 3 is in the closed state, or In any state when the toilet seat 3 is in the open state, the toilet seat 2 is disposed as shown in FIG. 11 so as not to interfere with the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3.
[0021]
Next, the arrangement and configuration of the sensor assembly 6 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The sensor assembly 6 is disposed on the front surface of the case cover 7 in the toilet seat device 1 of FIG. A cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly 6 at the horizontal center is shown in FIG. The seating sensor 4 is integrally formed by fixing a snap fit to a mounting portion 19 that is integral with the sensor window 5, and the sensor assembly 6 is attached to the front surface of the case cover 7.
[0022]
Next, the configuration of the seating sensor 4 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the seating sensor 4 includes a light emitting element 8, a PSD (position detection) element 9, a circuit board 10, and an outer case 11 that covers the light emitting element 8, a light projection on the front surface of the light emitting element 8 and the PSD element 9. A lens 12-a and a light receiving lens 12-b are arranged. The seating sensor 4 is disposed behind the sensor window 5, and a light shielding plate 13 is provided in the space so that light from the light emitting element 8 does not directly enter the PSD element 9. The PSD element 9 detects the light reflected by the detection object from the infrared light projected from the light emitting element 8, and measures the distance between the seating sensor 4 and the detection object.
The closest distance 22 that can be detected by the seating sensor 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
The light irradiated by the light emitting element 8 and the light projecting lens 12-a hits the detection target, and the received light is spotted on the PSD element 9 by the light receiving lens 12-b. The position spotted on the PSD element 9 is proportional to the distance to the object to be detected by the principle of triangulation. At this time, there is a closest distance 22 and a farthest distance 23 at which a spot can be formed on the PSD element 9 due to the positional relationship between the lens 12 and the PSD element 9.
[0023]
In this way, it is determined whether or not a person is seated on the toilet seat in conjunction with the detection signal of the seating sensor 4 for a human body that intends to use the toilet. Only when it is determined that the user is seated, the toilet environment, such as the cleaning device and toilet seat temperature, can be activated so that the user can notice when entering the toilet for purposes other than adding toilets, such as when cleaning the toilet or changing towels. Even if the cleaning device or toilet seat temperature adjustment switch is pressed without any adjustment, the cleaning device or toilet seat temperature control will not work unless the human body is seated on the toilet seat, preventing unexpected malfunctions. I can do it.
[0024]
Here, first, as the seating sensor 4, a reflective photoelectric distance measuring sensor capable of detecting the distance to the detection target is used. For example, in the photoelectric light quantity sensor and pyroelectric sensor, the distance between the seating sensor 4 and the human body is unstable, and it is also detected when entering the toilet for purposes other than adding toilets, such as when cleaning the toilet or changing towels or toilet paper. Inconveniences such as this are considered. On the other hand, by using a photoelectric distance measuring sensor as the sensor, the distance between the seating sensor 4 and the human body is grasped by the sensor, and the intention of sitting is only when it is within the distance to the human body that is set as necessary for addition. The toilet environment such as the cleaning device and the toilet seat temperature can be made operable.
[0025]
Secondly, the sensor assembly 6 is closed between the left and right upright walls 3-a and 3-b at the rear end of the toilet seat 3 in the left-right direction and the rear end of the toilet lid 2 being open in the vertical direction. It is disposed between the rear ends of the toilet seat 3 in the front and back, and in the front-rear direction, is more than the closest distance that the seating sensor 4 can detect than the front surfaces of the left and right standing walls 3-a and 3-b at the rear end of the toilet seat 3. Arranged at the rear. At this time, the distance between the front surfaces of the standing walls 3-a and 3-b and the sensor window 5 is set in consideration of not only the closest distance that can be detected by the seating sensor 4 but also the estimated distance that clothing can enter. Good.
Thereby, when a person sits down, as shown in FIG. 6, the buttocks or clothing 21 of the person to be detected 20 stands on the standing walls 3-a, 3-b and the rear end of the toilet lid 2 in the open state and the toilet seat in the closed state. 3 is pushed forward by the rear end of 3, it is difficult for the buttocks of the detection subject 20 or the clothing 21 to enter backward from the gap surrounded by them. Even if the buttocks or clothing 21 of the person 20 to be detected enters, the distance to the sensor window 5 is more than the closest distance that the seating sensor 4 can detect, so the seating sensor 4 reliably detects the seating. Therefore, the operation of the intended toilet environment can be activated.
[0026]
At this time, there is a case where the distance from the sensor window 5 to the buttocks of the person 20 to be detected or the clothing 21 cannot be secured more than the closest distance that can be detected by the seating sensor 4 due to the layout of the appearance. At that time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a recess 24 is provided in the sensor window 5, and the distance between the sensor window 5 and the buttocks of the person 20 to be detected or the clothing 21 is secured more than the closest distance that the seating sensor 4 can detect. Good.
[0027]
Thirdly, in the preferred embodiment of the present embodiment, it is desirable to arrange the seating sensor 4 at the substantially left-right center of the case cover 7. As a result, since the distance between the seated human body and the seating sensor 4 is the shortest, the object can be detected up to the vicinity of the tip of the toilet seat 3, so that even when sitting on the toilet seat 3, seating can be detected more reliably. I can do it.
[0028]
Fourthly, the seating sensor 4 is arranged such that the detection area 4-a is when the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3 are in the closed state, or when the toilet lid 2 is in the open state and the toilet seat 3 is in the closed state. Or in any state when the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3 are in the open state, the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3 are set so as not to interfere with each other. As a result, even if the seating sensor 4 is continuously projected, the seating sensor 4 detects only when the human body is seated regardless of the positions of the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3. It is not necessary to illuminate the seating sensor 4 to determine the presence / absence of seating only when the detection lid is attached and the toilet lid 2 is in the open state and the toilet seat 3 is in the closed state. Further, the cost can be reduced.
[0029]
Fifthly, the seating sensor 4 and the sensor window 5 are integrally configured and attached to the case cover 7 as a sensor assembly 6. Thereby, the dimensional variation in attachment of the seating sensor 4 and the sensor window 5 is suppressed, the performance variation of the seating sensor 4 is also reduced, and stable performance can be ensured. As a means for integrating the seating sensor 4 and the sensor window 5, for example, an elastically deformable convex portion provided at one of the mounting portions 19 integrated with the sensor window 5 and a concave portion provided at the other side are provided. Snap-fit fixing by fitting (holes, grooves, etc.) is preferable. Thus, the seating sensor 4 and the sensor window 5 can be simply integrated without using another fastening member.
At this time, the snap fit hole 25 is provided in the attachment portion 19. However, if the hole remains as shown in FIG. 9A, for example, condensed water inside the case cover 7 falls on the sensor assembly 6 from above. In such a case, condensed water may enter from the snap fit hole 25 and reach the inside of the seating sensor 4, which may impair the performance of corroding the seating sensor 4. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, it is desirable to pull out the snap-fit hole 25 with the inner slide without penetrating the attachment portion 19. Thereby, the infiltration of water from the outer periphery of the sensor assembly 6 can be prevented. Further, when the inner slide is difficult due to the mold configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 9C, a water transfer rib 26 may be provided at least at the upper part of the snap fit hole 25. Thereby, even if water falls from the upper side of the sensor assembly 6 along the side surface, the water does not enter the snap fit hole 25 guided by the water carrying rib 26, and the seating sensor 4 is not damaged due to corrosion or the like. Can be prevented. Or you may devise, such as sticking a drip-proof seal to snap fit hole 25, and may prevent permeation of a water drop.
[0030]
Sixthly, as shown in FIG. 3, the sensor window 5 and the case cover 7 are provided with a seal rib 14 and a seal groove 15 in the case cover 7 as shown in FIG. The seal groove 15 of the case cover 7 is fitted through the packing 16. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the water generated when the toilet seat device 1 is cleaned or the water generated by the scattering of small water from entering between the sensor window 5 and the case cover 7, and the seating sensor 4 may be damaged due to corrosion. Can be prevented.
The seal rib and the seal groove may be formed in either direction, but it may be difficult to provide the seal rib 14 on the sensor window 5 for reasons such as mold configuration. At that time, as shown in FIG. 10A, a seal rib 14 may be provided on the case cover 7 to prevent water from entering. Further, if the seal rib 14 cannot be provided on the case cover 7 as well, the same effect can be obtained by providing a crush margin by making the packing 16 thicker than the depth of the seal groove 15 as shown in FIG. can get.
[0031]
Seventhly, the sensor window 5 is a visible light blocking material, and the light shielding plate 13 and the mounting portion 19 are two-color molded using a light shielding material. Thereby, since the leakage light of infrared rays is eliminated in the light projecting space 17, the light receiving space 18, and the outside, erroneous detection of the seating sensor 4 can be prevented. Further, since the sensor window 5 and the attachment portion 19 are integrated, the backlash is reduced, and the performance of the seating sensor can be ensured.
Further, the light shielding plate 13 penetrates into the sensor window 5 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the projected infrared rays are not diffusely reflected in the sensor window 5 due to water droplets or dust adhering to the sensor window 5 and reach the light receiving space 18, thereby preventing erroneous detection of the seating sensor.
[0032]
Eighth, a light shielding portion may be provided on a part of the back surface of the sensor window 5 so as to interfere with a part of the detection region 4-a of the seating sensor 4 as shown in FIG. For example, when the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3 are in a required position, such as when the toilet lid 2 is in an open state and the toilet seat 3 is in a closed state, a part of the detection region 4-a of the storage upper seat sensor 4 is Or it may interfere with the toilet seat 3 and the seating sensor 4 may not be arranged. In such a case, by providing a light-shielding portion in a part of the sensor window 5 so that the detection area 4-a does not interfere with the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3, the detection area 4-a of the seating sensor 4 is narrowed. Interference between the detection area 4-a, the toilet lid 2 and the toilet seat 3 can be avoided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet seat device of the present invention.
2A is a perspective view and FIG. 2B is a front view when the toilet lid is in an open state and the toilet seat is in a closed state in the toilet seat device of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly in the toilet seat device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram of a sensor assembly in the toilet seat device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a schematic diagram showing a detection region and a region shielded by the light shielding material when the light shielding material is arranged in the sensor window in the sensor assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view in which clothes are blocked by a standing wall in the toilet seat device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the principle that the closest distance is generated in the light amount ranging type sensor.
8A is a front view and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view when the sensor window is recessed in the sensor assembly of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining measures for preventing water falling from the upper side of the sensor assembly from entering the seating sensor in the sensor assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view showing one form of fitting of the sensor assembly and the case cover of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sensor detection area in the sensor assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an external view of a conventional toilet seat device.
FIG. 13 is an external view of a conventional toilet seat device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Toilet seat apparatus 2 ... Toilet lid 3 ... Toilet seat 4 ... Seating sensor 5 ... Sensor window 6 ... Sensor assembly 7 ... Case cover 8 ... Light emitting element 9 ... PSD element 10 ... Circuit board 11 ... Outer case 12 ... Lens 13 ... Light shielding Plate 14 ... Seal rib 15 ... Seal groove 16 ... Packing 17 ... Light projecting space 18 ... Light receiving space 19 ... Mounting portion 20 ... Detection subject 21 ... Clothing 22 ... Nearest distance 23 ... Farthest distance 24 ... Recessed portion 25 ... Snap fit Hole 26 ... Ridge rib

Claims

A toilet seat device comprising a toilet lid, a toilet seat, and a case cover that supports opening and closing of the toilet lid and the toilet seat, and has seating detection means for detecting that a human body is seated on the toilet seat. A standing wall substantially perpendicular to the toilet seat is provided, and the detection area of the photoelectric seating detection means disposed on the case cover facing the toilet seat rear end in the closed state is closed from between the standing walls on the left and right sides of the toilet seat rear end A toilet seat device, wherein the toilet seat device is disposed toward the distal end of the toilet seat in a state.

2. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein a distance between a detection window disposed in front of the photoelectric cover detection means and in front of the case cover and the front surface of the standing wall can be detected by the photoelectric detection detection means. A toilet seat device characterized by having a contact distance or more.

3. The toilet seat device according to claim 2, wherein the detection window is disposed so as to be recessed inside the surface of the case cover.

The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the photoelectric seating detection means is arranged at a substantially horizontal center of the case cover.

The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection area of the photoelectric seating detection means is when the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in a closed state, or when the toilet lid is in an open state. The photoelectric seating detection so as to avoid interference with the toilet lid and the toilet seat when the toilet seat is in the closed state or when the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in the open state. A toilet seat device comprising means.

6. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the detection area of the photoelectric seating detection means is arranged from between the rear end of the toilet lid and the rear end of the toilet seat toward the front end of the toilet seat in a closed state. A toilet seat device.

7. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the photoelectric seating detection means is a light quantity ranging type sensor that measures the distance to the detected object by projecting infrared rays.

8. The toilet seat device according to claim 7, wherein the photoelectric seating detection means and the detection window are attached to the case cover as an integral structure.

9. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the detection window and the case cover are configured such that a rib provided on one of the detection window and a groove provided on the other is fitted via a packing. .

10. The toilet seat device according to claim 7, wherein the light amount ranging sensor includes a light projecting space from a light projecting lens to the detection window and a light receiving space from the light receiving lens to the detection window. Are separated by a light shielding plate made of a light shielding material.

11. The toilet seat device according to claim 10, wherein a light shielding portion is provided in a part of the detection window so as to interfere with a part of a detection region of the seating detection means.