JP2006305097A - Heated toilet seat - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly energy-saving type heated toilet seat dispensing with constant energization of a heater for heating a toilet seat by raising the temperature of the toilet seat to an appropriate temperature in a short period of time from when the user enters a toilet till sitting on the toilet seat. <P>SOLUTION: This heated toilet seat is provided with the toilet seat 22 formed with a hollow part in its inside by fixing a lower frame body 27 to an upper frame body 26 having a radiation heat absorbing layer 38, a temperature detecting means 33 detecting the inside temperature of the upper frame body 26, a radiation type heating body 30 provided in the hollow part 28, a notification means 41, and a human body detecting means 25. The radiation type heating body 30 is energized by a signal of the human body detecting means 25, and the notification means 41 is actuated at least when the temperature of the upper frame body 26 reaches the appropriate temperature, so that the user can recognize the heating state of the toilet set such that the toilet seat reaches the appropriate temperature. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet seat having a heating function.

  In this type of conventional heated toilet seat, a planar heater is embedded in the toilet seat or attached to the back of the toilet seat (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 6 shows a conventional heating toilet seat described in the publication. As shown in FIG. 6, the sectional shape of the toilet seat body 1 is bulged upward, and the top surface is gently inclined toward the inner and outer peripheral edges, and further on the back surface. In this case, a piece 2 made of synthetic resin or rubber is provided with a predetermined interval.

  Further, a flexible surface heating element 3 in which a conductive material is covered with an insulating sheet from both sides is attached to the upper surface of the toilet seat body 1 or is embedded in the toilet seat body 1 while being exposed on the surface of the toilet seat body 1. Was provided. The surface heating element 3 is configured by forming printed wiring in a predetermined pattern and sticking a synthetic resin sheet on the surface.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes an insulating resin layer made of a synthetic resin such as polyamide or polyester, which is coated on the toilet seat body 1 so as to cover the surface heating element 3 provided on the upper surface of the toilet seat body 1.

Since the insulating resin layer 4 is formed in a thin film shape, by energizing the surface heating element 3 provided on the upper surface of the toilet seat body 1, the main part of the human body can be immediately heated to an appropriate temperature without heating the toilet seat body 1. It can be warmed up, and it is not necessary to keep the toilet seat warm by always energizing the heater, which is very energy saving.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No.59-194897

  However, the conventional heated toilet seat has a problem that it takes a considerable time until the surface of the seating section reaches an appropriate temperature because heat is transmitted through the insulating resin layer.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and makes it possible for the user to sit on the surface of the seating portion in an extremely fast time and to recognize that the temperature of the toilet seat is appropriate. The purpose is to provide a heated toilet seat.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the heating toilet seat of the present invention includes a toilet seat in which a hollow portion is formed by combining a lower frame body and an upper frame body provided with a radiant heat absorption layer, and the upper frame body. Temperature detecting means for detecting the inner surface temperature of the radiant heating element provided in the cavity, a notification means and a human body detecting means, energizing the radiation heating element by a signal of the human body detecting means, When the upper frame body temperature of the toilet seat that contacts the human body reaches an appropriate temperature by the temperature detection means, the notification means enables the user to instantaneously heat the seating surface by notifying the user that the toilet seat has reached the appropriate temperature. At the same time, the user can recognize the temperature condition of the seating surface.

  The heated toilet seat according to the present invention can raise the seating portion of the toilet seat to an appropriate temperature within a few seconds after the user enters the toilet and sits on the toilet seat, and the user has the appropriate temperature of the toilet seat. It is possible to provide a heated toilet seat with a sense of security that can be recognized and seated.

  The first invention is a toilet seat in which a hollow portion is formed by combining a lower frame body and an upper frame body provided with a radiant heat absorption layer, and temperature detecting means for detecting an inner surface temperature of the upper frame body, A radiation type heating element provided in the hollow portion, a notification means, and a human body detection means are provided, and the radiation type heating element is energized by a signal of the human body detection means, and at least the temperature of the upper frame body has reached an appropriate temperature. In this case, by operating the notification means, the operation of the notification means allows the user to recognize the warming state of the toilet seat, such as reaching the appropriate temperature of the toilet seat.

  In the second invention, in particular, the upper frame body of the first invention is formed of a high heat conductive material, and a radiant heat absorption layer is provided on the inner surface of the upper frame body. Because the radiant heat generated in the radiant heat absorption layer can be quickly transferred to the toilet seat surface after using a general metal material, even if the user energizes the radiant heating element after entering the toilet, the toilet seat The seating portion of the toilet seat can be heated to an appropriate temperature within a few seconds until the user sits on the toilet seat.

  The third invention is particularly transparent to the material of the upper frame by forming the upper frame of the first invention from a material having radiation energy permeability and providing a radiant heat absorption layer on the outer surface of the upper frame. Radiant heating element can be used after the user enters the toilet because the radiation heat absorbing layer on the toilet seat surface can generate radiation heat after using injection molding material that can be molded into complex shapes such as polypropylene and polycarbonate. Even if current is supplied to the toilet seat, the seating portion of the toilet seat can be heated to an appropriate temperature within a few seconds until it is seated on the toilet seat.

  In particular, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the notification means according to any one of the first to third aspects of the invention may be provided by distinguishing between the arrival of the appropriate temperature of the toilet seat and the arrival of the appropriate temperature, before sitting on the toilet seat, The user can recognize the heating situation of the toilet seat visually and audibly.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a heated toilet seat with a hot water washing function in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a main body 21 is attached to a toilet bowl 20, and a toilet seat 22 and a toilet lid 23 are rotatably provided on the main body 21.

  The sleeve portion 24 of the main body 21 is provided with an infrared transmitting portion, and an infrared sensor 25 for detecting the presence or absence of a human body in the toilet space is provided inside the sleeve portion 24.

  In addition, the main body 21 is provided with an LED 41 as a notification means.

  FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view of the toilet seat 22 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the toilet seat 22 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The toilet seat 22 has a structure having a cavity portion 28 by bonding and fixing the inner and outer peripheral edges of a metal upper frame body 26 and a lower frame body 27 having high thermal conductivity represented by aluminum or the like. It has become.

  Inside the cavity 28, a radiation reflecting plate 29 having a mirror finished aluminum plate and a lamp heater 30 which is a radiation type heating element are provided facing the seating portion of the toilet seat 22. The end portion of the radiation reflecting plate 29 has an upward bent portion over the entire circumference, and since the heat radiation from the lamp heater 30 is deflected by the bent portion, the outer peripheral edge portion that is separated from the lamp heater 30. In addition, it acts to increase the radiation density of the inner peripheral edge, and the radiation distribution to the upper frame 26 is made uniform.

  A thermostat 31 and a thermal fuse 32 that are electrically connected in series with the lamp heater 30 are provided in the vicinity of the lamp heater 30 and act to prevent an excessive temperature rise in the event of an unsafe situation.

  Further, a thermistor 33 is disposed on the inner surface of the upper frame body 26. Based on a signal from the thermistor 33, a controller (for controlling energization to the lamp heater 30 so that the temperature of the warming surface becomes a predetermined temperature) (Not shown) is provided on the main body 21.

  Further, the lamp heater 30 is configured by sealing a gas 36 mainly containing argon and nitrogen through the tungsten filament 35 inside the quartz tube 34, and acts to prevent the tungsten filament 35 from being consumed. Yes.

  By further adding a halogen gas into the gas 36, the halogen cycle reaction of forming tungsten halide with the heat generation of the tungsten filament 35 is repeated, thereby acting to further prevent the tungsten filament 35 from being consumed.

  By this action, the tungsten filament 35 having a small heat capacity can be used as a heat source, and the radiation energy can be raised very steeply.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the upper frame body 26 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The upper frame body 26 is formed on the inner surface of an upper frame body 37 formed of a metal material such as aluminum with carbon. A radiant heat absorption layer 38 containing a large amount of black is applied, and a surface decorative layer 39 is applied to the outer surface of the upper frame body 37 in consideration of surface hardness, chemical resistance, gloss, and the like.

  The upper frame body 37 is formed of a metal material with an average thickness of 1.2 mm, thereby improving thermal conductivity and at the same time functioning as a structural rectangular body of the toilet seat due to its rigidity.

  Further, the thickness of the radiant heat absorption layer 38 coated on the inner surface is 0.1 mm, and the radiant heat is completely absorbed. At the same time, the heat capacity is very small, so that the temperature is instantaneously increased.

  Further, the thickness of the surface decorative layer 39 to be painted on the outer surface is 0.2 mm, and since this layer also has a very small heat capacity, the temperature is instantly raised by heat conducted through the upper frame body 37.

  With the above configuration, when the user enters the toilet, the infrared sensor 25 detects this, and the lamp heater 30 is energized by the signal. As a result, the input energy is instantaneously converted into radiant energy and radiated in the direction of the upper frame body 37 through the quartz tube 34 and the radiation reflector 29.

  About the heating toilet seat comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  With the above configuration, when the user enters the toilet and approaches the heated toilet seat, the infrared sensor 25 detects the human body, and energization of the lamp heater 30 is started by the signal. As a result, the input energy is instantaneously converted into radiant energy, and is transmitted through the quartz tube 34 in all directions inside the toilet seat. The upper frame body 26 is irradiated with radiation energy directly and through the radiation reflector 29.

  The radiant energy that has reached the upper frame body 26 is absorbed by the radiant heat absorption layer 38 and converted into thermal energy. The metal upper frame body 26 is heated in a short time by the heat energy, and when the upper frame body 26 reaches a predetermined temperature, the thermistor 33 detects and controls the energization to the lamp heater 30 to control the upper frame body 26. Is maintained at a constant temperature.

  The LED 41 provided in the main body 21 is turned on when the toilet seat reaches an appropriate temperature by energization of the lamp heater 30 controlled by a temperature signal from the thermistor 33, and blinks while the lamp heater 30 is energized until reaching the appropriate temperature. Thus, the user can visually recognize the heated state of the toilet seat.

  As described above, since the heating toilet seat according to the present embodiment can detect the human body and heat the upper frame body serving as the seating portion almost instantaneously, it is not necessary to preheat the toilet seat beforehand, It is automatically energized, and since the warming state of the toilet seat can be recognized in advance, an energy saving effect and a comfortable and easy-to-use heated toilet seat can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the time between reaching the optimum temperature and reaching the optimum temperature is distinguished by lighting and blinking of the LEDs, but the distinction is effective even when using different color LEDs or hearing sound. Will not change.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the upper frame body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the upper frame body 42 shown in FIG. 4 has a radiant heat absorption layer 38 on the upper surface of the upper frame body 43 formed by injection molding using a transparent polypropylene resin material. This is a configuration in which the surface decorative layer 39 is further coated thereon.

  In addition, the thing of the same code | symbol as Claim 1 has the same structure, and it abbreviate | omits description again.

  By adopting the upper frame body 42 having the above-described configuration, the radiation energy applied to the upper frame body 42 is partially absorbed or reflected inside the upper frame body 43, but most of it is transmitted and the radiant heat absorption layer 38. And it contributes to the temperature rise of the surface decorative layer 39. Since the radiant heat absorption layer 38 and the surface decorative layer 39 have extremely small heat capacities, they are heated in a very short time and can be seated in a short time, providing a more energy-saving effect and a comfortable and user-friendly heating toilet seat. Is something that can be done.

  As described above, since the heating toilet seat according to the present invention can raise the temperature of a predetermined location to an appropriate temperature in a short time, it can also be applied to various heating appliances.

The perspective view of the heating toilet seat in Embodiment 1 of this invention The partially cutaway plan view of the heating toilet seat according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Sectional drawing of the principal part of the heating toilet seat in Embodiment 1 of this invention Sectional drawing of the principal part of the upper frame of the heating toilet seat in Embodiment 1 of this invention Sectional drawing of the principal part of the upper frame of the heating toilet seat in Embodiment 2 of this invention Cross section of the main part of a conventional heated toilet seat

Explanation of symbols

21 Body 22 Toilet seat 25 Infrared sensor (human body detection means)
26, 42 Upper frame body 27 Lower frame body 28 Cavity part 29 Radiation reflector 30 Lamp heater (radiation type heating element)
33 Thermistor (temperature detection means)
34 Quartz tube 36 Gas 38 Radiant heat absorption layer 41 LED (notification means)

Claims (4)

A toilet seat in which a hollow portion is formed by combining a lower frame body and an upper frame body provided with a radiant heat absorption layer, temperature detecting means for detecting an inner surface temperature of the upper frame body, and provided in the hollow portion A radiation heating element, a notification means, and a human body detection means are provided. The radiation heating element is energized by a signal from the human body detection means, and the notification means is provided when at least the temperature of the upper frame body reaches an appropriate temperature. Heated toilet seat to operate. The heating toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame is formed of a high heat conductive material, and a radiant heat absorption layer is provided on an inner surface of the upper frame. The heating toilet seat according to claim 1, wherein the upper frame is formed of a material having radiation energy permeability, and a radiant heat absorption layer is provided on an outer surface of the upper frame. The heating toilet seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the informing means distinguishes between the time when the appropriate temperature of the toilet seat is reached and the time when the appropriate temperature is reached.

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