JP2008012346A - Heated toilet seat - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heated toilet seat, achieving very energy-saving heating of a toilet seat by reducing the standby power during non-working for keeping the warmth of the toilet seat and achieving comfortable temperature control with good accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: This heated toilet seat includes: a toilet seat 22 provided with a cavity part 27 formed in the interior; a heating unit 29 provided in the cavity part 27; a seating part of the toilet seat 22; a temperature detecting means 44 provided to detect the temperature of the seating part; a control part 50 for controlling the heating unit 29 according to a signal of the temperature detecting means 44; and a human body detecting means 25, whereby immediately before using the toilet seat, the temperature of the seating part of the toilet seat 22 is elevated at high speed, and elevated/kept agreeably to a moderate temperature, and heating of the heating unit 29 is not performed anytime except the above operation to save energy. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  Conventional heating toilet seats of this type include the following (see Patent Document 1).

  In the heating toilet seat, the sectional shape of the toilet seat body bulges upward, and the top surface is gently inclined toward the inner and outer peripheral edges. Alternatively, rubber pieces were provided at the required intervals. And on the upper surface of the toilet seat body, a flexible surface heating element in which a conductive material is covered with an insulating sheet from both sides is attached or embedded in the toilet seat body while being exposed on the surface of the toilet seat body. It was. This surface heating element is configured by forming printed wiring in a predetermined pattern and attaching a synthetic resin sheet to the surface. Further, an insulating resin layer made of a synthetic resin such as polyamide or polyester was deposited on the toilet seat body 1 so as to cover the surface heating element provided on the upper surface of the toilet seat body.

Since this heating toilet seat has an insulating resin layer formed in a thin film shape, by energizing the surface heating element provided on the upper surface of the toilet seat body, the main part of the human body can be immediately heated to an appropriate temperature without heating the toilet seat body. 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, in the conventional heated toilet seat, heat is transmitted through the insulating resin layer and heat is also transferred to the toilet seat body, so that it takes a considerable time until the surface of the seating section reaches an appropriate temperature. It was. In addition, the heat transfer to the toilet seat body is prevented, the thinner the insulating resin layer and the smaller the heat capacity, the faster the temperature rise by the surface heating element, and the more difficult the temperature control is.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a toilet seat having a seating portion, a heating element provided in the toilet seat, a control unit that controls the heating element, and a human body detection that detects that a user has entered the toilet. And a seating detecting means for detecting that a user is seated on the toilet seat, and when the human body is detected by the human body detecting means, the control unit starts up the temperature of the heating element, and When seating is detected by the detection means, heating of the heating element is stopped or the heating amount is reduced.

  According to the above invention, after the user enters the toilet, the heating element is driven to rise in temperature, and when seated, heating is stopped or the amount of heating is reduced, so there is no need to warm in advance, and the toilet seat is only used during use. Heating is extremely energy saving.

  Only when the toilet seat is used, the temperature can be raised and maintained accurately and comfortably to the appropriate temperature, and the toilet seat can be safely heated to save energy.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a toilet seat having a seating portion, a heating element provided in the toilet seat, a control unit that controls the heating element, a human body detection unit that detects that a user has entered the toilet, and a user in the toilet seat A seating detecting means for detecting that the seating is detected, and the control unit activates the heating of the heating element when the human body is detected by the human body detecting means, and detects the seating by the seating detecting means, The heating of the heating element is stopped or the amount of heating is reduced.

  The toilet seat does not need to be warmed up at all times, and after the user enters the toilet, the seating portion of the toilet seat is heated up to an appropriate temperature within a few seconds until the user sits on the toilet seat. Thus, when the user is seated on the toilet seat, the urging to the heating element is cut off or limited to a low output, so that the toilet seat is heated only immediately before seating on the toilet seat, which is very energy saving. In addition, even if a safety device breaks down, the toilet seat temperature does not rise during use, and it is safe without fear of causing burns.

  In addition, the control unit is provided with a timer, provided with temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the seating part, and based on the detection signal of the temperature detection means when the human body detection means detects the human body, the energization time during which the seating part is at an appropriate temperature The heating element may be energized until the energization time elapses, and then the heating element may be controlled based on the temperature of the seating portion detected by the temperature detecting means.

  Calculate the energization time of the heating element based on the temperature of the seating part when the human body is detected, and count the energization control with the timer to raise the temperature of the seating part actually touched by the user's skin, so the heating rate is fast, Even if the response speed of the temperature detecting means is slow, the temperature can be raised and maintained to an appropriate temperature safely and comfortably with high accuracy. Inexpensive temperature detecting means can also be used.

  Moreover, you may provide a toilet seat position detection means. The control unit stops energization of the heating element when the toilet seat is in an upright state or in an upright state by a signal from the toilet seat position detecting means.

  This can reduce wasteful heating of the toilet seat and further save energy.

  Moreover, you may provide the room temperature detection means to detect room temperature. The control unit controls the heating element by calculating the signal of the room temperature detecting means and the signal of the temperature detecting means.

  When a human body is detected, the amount of urging or urging time to the heating element is calculated from room temperature, and heating is performed with the calculated urging time, so that heating to an appropriate temperature can be performed more accurately and safely.

  In addition, a hollow portion is provided inside the toilet seat, an air supply port provided in the toilet seat, an exhaust port provided in the front portion of the toilet seat, and the air supply port and the exhaust port communicated with each other. It is good also as a thing provided with the ventilation path.

  And by cooling the inside of the toilet seat by the air flow passing through the ventilation path, it is possible to prevent the temperature rise of the components provided in the hollow portion and to improve the reliability, and from the exhaust port provided in the front portion of the toilet seat By blowing warm air, the user's feet can be heated to improve comfort.

  Further, a hollow portion may be provided inside the toilet seat, and the hollow portion may have a sealed structure.

  And since the inside of the toilet seat has a sealed structure, it is possible to prevent intrusion of water, urine, detergent, etc., and to prevent the deterioration of the components provided in the cavity and the generation of a strange odor from the inside of the toilet seat.

  Further, the toilet seat may have a hollow portion therein, partially provided with a pressure release port, and all the openings except the pressure release port may have a waterproof structure.

  In addition, it prevents the intrusion of water, urine, detergent, etc., prevents the deterioration of the components provided in the cavity and the generation of a strange odor from the inside of the toilet seat, while allowing the pressure rise due to the temperature rise inside the toilet seat to escape from the pressure release port Deterioration due to repeated stress of the member can be prevented.

  Moreover, you may provide the some temperature rise prevention structure. And it is possible to prevent overheating in the event of an unsafe situation and improve safety.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heated toilet seat with a hot water cleaning function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway plan view of the toilet seat according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the upper part of the toilet seat case. 1 to 3, a main body 21 is attached to a toilet 20, and a toilet seat 22 and a toilet lid 23 are rotatably provided on the main body 21.

  The sleeve 21 of the main body 21 is provided with an infrared ray transmitting portion 24, and an infrared sensor 25 (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of a human body in the toilet space is provided inside the sleeve portion.

  The toilet seat 22 forms a case 26 by welding and joining two upper and lower members made of synthetic resin at the inner and outer peripheral edges thereof, and a sealed cavity that can prevent intrusion of water or the like inside the case 26 27.

  Inside the hollow portion 27, a radiation reflecting plate 28 having a mirror finished aluminum plate and a lamp heater 29 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 28 has an upward bent portion over the entire circumference, and the bent portion deflects the heat radiation from the lamp heater 29, so that the outer peripheral edge portion away from the lamp heater 29 and It acts to increase the radiation density at the inner peripheral edge, and the radiation distribution to the upper part of the case 26 is made uniform. A thermostat 30 and a thermal fuse 31 that are electrically connected in series with the lamp heater 29 are provided in the vicinity of the lamp heater 29, and act to prevent overheating in the event of an unsafe situation.

  The lamp heater 29 is configured by penetrating a filament 33 made of tungsten inside a glass tube 32 and enclosing a halogen gas 34, and repeats a halogen cycle reaction for forming tungsten halide as the filament 33 generates heat. This acts to prevent the filament 33 from being consumed. By this action, the filament 33 having a very small heat capacity can be used as a heat source, and the radiation energy can be caused to rise very steeply. The lamp heater 29 is fixed to the radiation reflecting plate 28 by a lamp heater fixture 36 having a rubber bush 35 which is an elastic material, and the radiation reflecting plate 28 is fixed to the case 26 by rubber feet 37. Reference numeral 38 denotes a seating detection means composed of a micro switch 40 provided in the leg rubber 39 of the toilet seat 22, and detects the seating of the user when the switch is turned on by applying a load to the toilet seat 22. .

In FIG. 4, the case 26 has a radiant heat absorption layer 42 containing a large amount of carbon black formed on the upper surface of a case body 41 formed by injection molding using a transparent polypropylene resin material, and further a lamp heater 29 thereon. The surface decorative layer 43 which is a light blocking layer considering the surface hardness, chemical resistance, gloss and the like is formed while shielding all visible light emitted from the surface. The case main body 41 is formed of a transparent polypropylene resin material with an average thickness of 2.5 mm, so that the radiant heat transmittance is set to 70% or more, and at the same time, functions as a structural rectangular body of the toilet seat. The formed radiant heat absorption layer 42 has a thickness of 0.1 mm and the surface decorative layer 43 has a thickness of 0.2 mm. These layers completely absorb the radiant heat transmitted through the case body 41 and have a very high heat capacity. Therefore, the temperature rises instantaneously and at the same time, the visible radiation is completely shielded.

  Since the thermistor 44 is fitted into the recess provided on the inner surface of the case 26 and is in thermal contact with the radiant heat absorption layer 42, the temperature of the radiant heat absorption layer 42 can be directly detected. Further, an electrode 46 is formed on the pivot shaft 45 of the toilet seat 22 and constitutes a toilet seat position detecting means 47 together with a bearing portion (not shown) of the main body 21, and the toilet seat is in an upright state or used in a seated state. It detects whether it is in the horizontal use position. The body 21 is provided with a room temperature thermistor 48 as a room temperature detection means and a control section 50 having a timer section 49 that counts an elapsed time from the start of temperature rise by energizing the lamp heater 29 of the toilet seat 22. . Signals from the infrared sensor 25, the seating detection means 40, the thermistor 44, the toilet seat position detection means 47, and the room temperature thermistor 48 are transmitted to the control unit 50, and the temperature of the seating part, which is a warming surface, is determined based on these signals. Energization to the lamp heater 29 is controlled so as to reach a predetermined temperature.

  With the above configuration, when the user enters the toilet, the infrared sensor 25 detects this and a signal is sent to the control unit 50. At this time, when it is confirmed by the signal from the toilet seat position detecting means 47 that the toilet seat 22 is in a substantially horizontal use position, the control unit 50 starts energizing the lamp heater 29. By this energization, the input energy is instantaneously converted into radiant energy and radiated from the filament 33 toward the case body 41 through the glass tube 32 and the radiation reflector 28. Further, the radiant energy is partially absorbed or reflected inside the case body 41, but most of it is transmitted and contributes to the temperature rise of the radiant heat absorption layer 42 and the surface decorative layer 43. As described above, since the warming surface of the seating portion of the toilet seat 22 can be heated almost instantaneously, energy is saved without energizing the heater at all times. Moreover, since the surface decorative layer 43 blocks visible light and prevents leakage of light to the outside of the toilet seat 22, anxiety given to the user can be prevented.

  Then, the control unit 50 calculates the temperature difference between them and the respective temperatures based on the signals of the thermistor 44 and the room temperature thermistor 48 at the start of energization, and sets an optimum value of the energization limit time set and stored in advance. When the elapsed time counted by the timer unit 49 reaches the energization limit time, the energization amount is reduced or reduced to zero, and then the energization amount is set based on the signal from the thermistor 44 so that the seating portion of the toilet seat 22 has an appropriate temperature. Control. As a result, the thermistor 44 detects the temperature of the seating portion that is actually touched by the user, so that the temperature of the thermistor 44 is accurately raised and maintained to an appropriate temperature and is comfortable. Since the amount of radiant energy input is controlled in accordance with the amount of load, it can be heated to an appropriate temperature with higher accuracy and safety. In addition, since the energizing time control is prioritized to reduce the energization amount and reduce the temperature increase rate after the energization limit time, the toilet seat can be heated safely even if the response speed of the temperature detection means is slow. In addition, an inexpensive temperature detecting means can be used.

  On the other hand, when the toilet seat 22 is in a standing state, or when a male user holds the toilet seat 22 in a standing state for small use after entering the room, the control unit 50 uses the signal from the toilet seat position detecting means 47 to The power supply to the lamp heater 29 is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the wasteful heating of the toilet seat 22 and to save energy, and it is possible to prevent gravity from being applied in the length direction, which is the tension direction of the filament 33, thereby preventing disconnection.

Next, when the user is seated for defecation, the energization amount to the lamp heater 29 is reduced to zero or the toilet seat temperature does not rise excessively by a signal from the seating detection means 38. This
Even if the thermistor 44 or the like breaks down, the toilet seat temperature does not rise excessively during use, and it is safe without fear of causing burns. In addition, since the toilet seat is heated only immediately before sitting on the toilet seat, it is very energy saving.

  Further, the heating toilet seat of the present invention can form a case 26 by welding and joining two upper and lower members made of synthetic resin at the inner and outer peripheral edges thereof, and can prevent the inside of the toilet seat 22 from entering water or the like. Since it has a sealed structure, it is possible to prevent intrusion of water, urine, detergent, etc., and prevent deterioration of components such as the lamp heater 29 provided in the cavity 27 and generation of a strange odor from the inside of the toilet seat. Even if the user opens and closes the toilet seat 22 in a standing state and a substantially horizontal state according to the purpose, in addition to the impact damping effect of the lamp heater fixture 36 having the rubber bush 35 which is an elastic material, the rubber feet 37 Due to the effect, the impact to the lamp heater 29 is absorbed, and the durability of the glass tube and filament can be prevented and the durability can be improved.

  Here, the seating detection means 38 has been described as being constituted by the micro switch 40 in the leg rubber 39, but it may be provided at the hinge portion of the toilet seat 22 provided so as to be rotatable, and there are various places and configurations. Can be considered.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heated toilet seat with a hot water washing function according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway plan view of the toilet seat, and the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. Therefore, detailed description is omitted. In the figure, the main body 21 is provided with a blower 51, and an air flow sent from the blower 51 is introduced from an air supply port 52 provided at the rear part of the toilet seat 22, and the toilet seat 22 is divided into left and right. An air passage 54 is provided in the toilet seat 22 to allow the air supply port 52 and the exhaust port 53 to communicate with each other so that the air can be blown out from the exhaust port 53 provided in the front portion of the air bag 22.

  With the above configuration, when the blower 51 is operated, an air flow is introduced from the air supply port 52 and passes through the ventilation path 54. This air flow cools the inside of the toilet seat 22 and can prevent the temperature of the components provided in the cavity 27 from increasing, thereby improving the reliability. Furthermore, by blowing out the warm air warmed in the ventilation path 54 from the exhaust port 53 provided in the front part of the toilet seat 22, the user's feet can be heated and the comfort can be improved.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the front part of the toilet seat of the heating toilet seat according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. In the figure, the case 26 is formed by welding and joining two upper and lower members made of synthetic resin at the joint portions 55 of the inner and outer peripheral edges thereof, thereby opening the cavity portion 27 and the atmosphere. The joint portion 55 that can be a part has a waterproof structure so that water, urine, detergent, and the like can be prevented from entering the toilet seat 22. The pressure release port 56 is provided so as to be inclined downward from the inside of the toilet seat 22 toward the inner peripheral edge.

  With the above configuration, all the openings that communicate the cavity 27 and the atmosphere are sealed as a waterproof structure except for the pressure release port 56, and the pressure release port 56 is inclined downward regardless of the position of the toilet seat 22. Therefore, it is difficult for water to enter. As a result, the deterioration of the components provided in the cavity 27 and the generation of a strange odor from the inside of the toilet seat can be prevented, and the stress increase due to the temperature rise inside the toilet seat 22 is relieved from the pressure release port 56, thereby causing repeated stress. Deterioration due to addition to the case 26 which is a structural member can also be prevented.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the heating toilet seat of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

In other words, it is not necessary to keep the heater energized at all times and to warm the toilet seat up to an appropriate temperature within a few seconds after the user enters the toilet and sits on the toilet seat. This is very energy saving and is controlled by the temperature of the radiant heat absorption layer in the seating area where the user's skin actually touches, so that the temperature can be raised and maintained at a suitable temperature accurately and comfortably even if the heating rate is fast. Can be made.

  In addition, when the temperature rise is started, the timer part passes a certain amount of time and then the urging to the radiant heating element can be limited to reduce the temperature rise rate, so even if the response speed of the temperature detection means is slow, the toilet seat can be safely Can be heated, and an inexpensive temperature detecting means can be used.

  Further, by calculating the urging amount or urging time to the radiation-type heating element from the room temperature and the toilet seat initial temperature at the time of temperature rising start-up, it can be heated to an appropriate temperature more accurately and safely.

  In addition, when the user is seated on the toilet seat, the urging of the radiant heating element is cut off or restricted to a low output by the signal of the seating detection means. It is safe without overheating and without worrying about burns. Further, since the toilet seat is heated only immediately before sitting on the toilet seat, it is very energy saving.

  In addition, since the radiant heating element is not energized when it is not in a substantially horizontal state, it is possible to reduce the wasteful heating of the toilet seat when used for boys' small use, and to further save energy. it can. Further, in the case of using a lamp heater provided with a filament in a glass tube as a radiant heating element, it is possible to prevent the filament that is generating heat from being broken due to gravity in the tension direction.

  Further, since leakage of light to the outside is prevented, anxiety given to the user can be eliminated.

  In addition, by cooling the interior of the toilet seat with the air flow passing through the ventilation path, it is possible to prevent the temperature rise of the components provided in the hollow portion and to improve the reliability, and from the exhaust port provided in the front portion of the toilet seat By blowing warm air, the user's feet can be heated to improve comfort.

  Further, since the inside of the toilet seat has a sealed structure, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of water, urine, detergent, etc., and to prevent the deterioration of the components provided in the cavity and the generation of a strange odor from inside the toilet seat.

  In addition, it prevents the intrusion of water, urine, detergent, etc., prevents the deterioration of the components provided in the cavity and the generation of a strange odor from the inside of the toilet seat, while allowing the pressure rise due to the temperature rise inside the toilet seat to escape from the pressure release port Deterioration due to repeated stress of the member can be prevented.

  Further, even if an impact is applied to the toilet seat when the toilet seat is opened or closed or the toilet lid is opened or closed, the impact to the lamp heater is absorbed by the damping effect of the elastic material, so that the glass tube 32 and the filament 33 are prevented from being damaged and the durability is improved. be able to.

Schematic configuration diagram of a heating toilet seat in the first embodiment of the present invention The perspective view of the heating toilet seat of the same Example Partial cutaway plan view of the heated toilet seat of the same embodiment Sectional drawing of the principal part of the case upper part of the heating toilet seat of the Example The perspective view of the heating toilet seat in Embodiment 2 of this invention Partial cutaway plan view of the heated toilet seat of the same embodiment Sectional drawing of the principal part of the front part of the heating toilet seat in Embodiment 3 of this invention

Explanation of symbols

22 Toilet seat 27 Cavity 29 Lamp heater (radiant heating element)
32 Glass tube 33 Filament 35 Rubber bush (elastic body)
36 Lamp heater fixture 40 Seating detection means 41 Case body (radiant heat permeable material)
42 Radiation heat absorption layer 43 Surface decorative layer (light blocking layer)
44 thermistor (temperature detection means)
47 Toilet seat position detection means 48 Room temperature thermistor (room temperature detection means)
49 Timer unit 50 Control unit 52 Air supply port 53 Air exhaust port 54 Ventilation path 55 Joint (opening)
56 Pressure release port

Claims (1)

A toilet seat having a seating section, a heating element provided in the toilet seat, a control unit for controlling the heating element, a human body detection means for detecting that a user has entered the toilet, and a user seated on the toilet seat Seating detecting means for detecting this, and when the human body is detected by the human body detecting means, the controller starts energizing the heating element, and when the seating detecting means detects the sitting, A heated toilet seat that stops heating or reduces the amount of heating.

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