JP2008264057A - Toilet seat device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toilet seat device capable of accurately measuring the time of energizing a toilet seat and making it possible to comfortably and safely sit on the toilet seat. <P>SOLUTION: By providing control means 90 for controlling energizing to heating means 450 for heating the toilet seat 400 with a toilet seat energizing time measuring means constituted of a plurality of different measurement sources, the probability that all the measurement sources simultaneously get off an allowable range becomes substantially lower than that in the case of one measurement source. Thus, the accuracy of measurement can be improved by performing the averaging processing and comparing processing, etc., of measured values, and the temperature of the toilet seat 400 can be accurately controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to energization control of heating means in a toilet seat apparatus.

  In the field of toilet seat devices for cleaning the local part of the human body, in order to avoid discomfort to the human body, for example, the temperature of the heating device for adjusting the cleaning water used for cleaning to an appropriate temperature and the temperature of the contact portion with the human body Devices having various functions have been devised, such as a toilet seat device for adjusting the temperature to an appropriate temperature. Especially, according to the toilet seat apparatus shown above, even when the temperature is low such as in winter, the user can sit on the toilet seat without feeling uncomfortable (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The toilet seat device described in Patent Document 1 includes a heat source that warms the toilet seat, a human body detection unit, and a control unit that controls the heat source and the human body detection unit.

In such a configuration, the control means supplies power to the heat source that warms the toilet seat for a certain period of time at a plurality of energization rates when a human body is detected by the human body detection means, and then has a constant energization rate higher than the plurality of energization ratios The toilet seat temperature is controlled to reach the seatable temperature within a predetermined time. Thereby, the temperature of the toilet seat rises, and the user can comfortably sit on the toilet seat.
JP 2007-007018 A

  However, in the conventional toilet seat apparatus as described above, in order for the user to sit comfortably on the toilet seat, it is necessary to accurately measure the energization time of each energization rate and switch the power to the energization rate of the next step There is.

  If the time measurement is shifted, the temperature of the toilet seat exceeds the predetermined value or does not reach the predetermined value. In particular, if the time of energization at maximum power is not accurately measured, the temperature of the toilet seat will rise excessively, the user will get burned, the safety device such as a thermostat will stop, and the toilet seat will not warm up was there.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat device that can accurately measure the energization time to the toilet seat and can comfortably and safely sit on the toilet seat.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the toilet seat device of the present invention includes a toilet seat energization time measuring unit including a plurality of different measurement sources in a control unit that controls energization of a heating unit that warms the toilet seat. .

  Accordingly, since there are a plurality of measurement sources, the probability that all the measurement sources are simultaneously shifted out of the allowable range is significantly lower than that in the case of one measurement source. Therefore, by performing measurement value averaging processing, comparison processing, and the like, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of measurement, and the temperature control of the toilet seat can be performed accurately.

  According to the present invention, by having a plurality of measurement sources, the energization time to the toilet seat can be accurately measured, and the toilet seat can be heated comfortably and safely.

  A toilet seat device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes heating means for warming the toilet seat and control means for controlling energization to the heating means, and the control means includes toilet seat energization time measuring means comprising a plurality of different measurement sources. Is.

  In this toilet seat apparatus, since there are a plurality of measurement sources, the probability that all the measurement sources are simultaneously shifted out of the allowable range is significantly lower than that in the case of one measurement source. Therefore, by performing measurement value averaging processing, comparison processing, and the like, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of measurement, and the temperature control of the toilet seat can be performed accurately.

  In particular, according to the second invention, in the first invention, when at least one of the measurement values of the toilet seat energization time measuring means exceeds a specified time, the process proceeds to the next energization pattern.

  As a result, since the one with the shortest energization time is used from multiple measurement sources, the energization time is longer than the specified time and the temperature of the toilet seat is prevented from exceeding the temperature set by the user. Can do. Thus, the user can safely and comfortably sit on the toilet seat.

  In particular, the third invention measures the time of energization with the maximum power in the first or second invention, and reduces the energization power to the heating means when at least one of the measured values exceeds the specified time. is there.

  As a result, when energizing at the maximum power, the specified time is limited so as not to be exceeded, and if it is exceeded, the energization rate is lowered to prevent overheating of the toilet seat temperature. Furthermore, since the one with the shortest energization time is used from a plurality of measurement sources, it is possible to more reliably prevent the temperature of the toilet seat from being excessively increased.

  In the fourth invention, in particular, in the first or second invention, the energization time is measured at the maximum power, and when at least one of the measured values exceeds the specified time, the energization power to the heating means is cut off. is there.

  As a result, when the specified time is exceeded, the energized power to the toilet seat is quickly cut off, and more than one measuring source with the shortest energizing time is used. Therefore, a safer and more comfortable toilet seat can be provided.

  In particular, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the measurement source of the toilet seat energizing time measuring means includes an oscillator that defines an execution speed of a microcomputer program, an AC voltage cycle, It is a thing.

  In the above-described configuration, the variation of the oscillator mainly occurs in the component manufacturing process, and the variation in the period of the AC voltage is mainly due to the power supply situation. By using sources with completely different factors of variation in this way, it is possible to greatly reduce the probability that two measurement sources will vary outside the allowable range at the same time, so it is possible to further improve measurement accuracy. Thus, the temperature control of the toilet seat can be performed more accurately.

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

(Embodiment 1)
<1> Appearance of toilet seat device and toilet device including the same FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a sanitary washing device and a toilet device including the same according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The toilet apparatus 1000 is installed in a toilet room.

  In the toilet apparatus 1000, the sanitary washing apparatus 100 is attached to the toilet bowl 700. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a main body 200, a remote operation device 300, a toilet seat 400 and a lid 500. Each component of the sanitary washing device 100 excluding the lid 500 constitutes a toilet seat device 110 described later.

  A toilet seat 400 and a lid 500 are attached to the main body 200 so as to be openable and closable. The main body 200 is provided with a cleaning water supply mechanism (not shown) and a control unit 90 (FIG. 3) described later.

  In FIG. 1, a seating sensor 610 provided in the upper front portion of the main body 200 is shown. The seating sensor 610 is, for example, a reflective infrared sensor. In this case, the seating sensor 610 detects the presence of a user on the toilet seat 400 by detecting infrared rays reflected from the human body.

  Further, FIG. 1 shows a state in which the toilet nozzle 40 provided at the lower front portion of the main body 200 protrudes inside the toilet 700. The toilet nozzle 40 is connected to the above-described washing water supply mechanism.

  The washing water supply mechanism is connected to a water pipe (not shown). Accordingly, the cleaning water supply mechanism supplies the cleaning water supplied from the water pipe to the toilet nozzle 40. Thereby, washing water is ejected from the toilet nozzle 40 to a wide area on the inner surface of the toilet 700 (toilet bowl pre-washing). Alternatively, washing water is ejected from the toilet nozzle 40 to the back side of the inner surface of the toilet 700 (toilet rear cleaning).

  The cleaning water supply mechanism is connected to a nozzle unit (not shown). Accordingly, the cleaning water supply mechanism supplies the cleaning water supplied from the water pipe to the nozzle portion. Thereby, washing water is ejected from the nozzle portion to the user's local area.

  The remote operation device 300 is provided with a plurality of switches. The remote control device 300 is attached to a place where a user sitting on the toilet seat 400 can operate, for example.

  The entrance detection sensor 600 is attached to an entrance of a toilet room or the like. The entrance detection sensor 600 is, for example, a reflective infrared sensor. In this case, the entrance detection sensor 600 detects that the user has entered the toilet room when detecting infrared rays reflected from the human body.

  The control unit 90 (FIG. 3) of the main body 200 controls the operation of each part of the sanitary washing device 100 based on signals transmitted from the remote operation device 300, the room entry detection sensor 600 and the seating sensor 610.

<2> Configuration of Remote Operation Device FIG. 2 is a front view of the remote operation device 300 of FIG. The remote operation device 300 has a structure in which a controller lid 302 is provided at the bottom of the controller main body 301 so as to be freely opened and closed.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a drying switch 320, strength adjustment switches 322 and 323, and position adjustment switches 325 and 326 are provided on the top of the controller main body 301 with the controller lid 302 closed. The controller lid 302 is provided with a stop switch 311, a butt switch 312 and a bidet switch 313.

  The above switches are operated by the user. Thereby, a predetermined signal corresponding to each switch is wirelessly transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the main body 200 of FIG. The control unit 90 (FIG. 3) of the main body 200 controls the operation of each component of the main body 200 (FIG. 1) and the toilet seat 400 (FIG. 1) based on the received signal.

  For example, when the user operates the buttocks switch 312 or the bidet switch 313, cleaning water is ejected from a nozzle unit (not shown) to the user's local area. Further, when the user operates the stop switch 311, the ejection of cleaning water from the nozzle portion to the user's local area is stopped.

  When the user operates the drying switch 320, hot air is ejected from a drying unit (not shown) provided in the main body 200 at a local part of the user. Further, when the user operates the strength adjustment switches 322 and 323, the flow rate, pressure, and the like of the cleaning water sprayed to the local area of the user are adjusted.

  Furthermore, when the user operates the position adjustment switches 325 and 326, the position of the buttocks or the bidet nozzle (not shown) is adjusted. Thereby, the ejection position of the washing water to the user's local area is adjusted.

  FIG. 2B shows a front view of the remote operation device 300 in a state where the controller lid 302 is opened. As shown in FIG. 2B, in addition to the stop switch 311, the butt switch 312, and the bidet switch 313, an automatic opening / closing switch 331, a water temperature adjustment is provided below the controller body 301 covered by the controller lid 302. A switch 332, a toilet seat temperature adjustment switch 333, a sterilization switch 335, and a toilet flushing switch 336 are provided.

  Even when these switches are operated, a predetermined signal corresponding to each switch is wirelessly transmitted from the remote operation device 300 to the main body 200. Thereby, the control part 90 of the main-body part 200 controls operation | movement of each structure part of the main-body part 200 and the toilet seat part 400 based on the received signal.

  The automatic opening / closing switch 331 is constituted by a knob. When the user operates the knob of the automatic opening / closing switch 331, the opening / closing operation of the lid 500 (FIG. 1) is set. That is, when the knob of the automatic opening / closing switch 331 is in the ON position, the lid 500 is opened / closed in response to the user entering the toilet room.

  When the user operates the water temperature adjustment switch 332, the temperature of the cleaning water ejected from the nozzle unit 20 to the user's local part is adjusted. When the user operates the toilet seat temperature adjustment switch 333, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is adjusted.

  Further, when the user operates the sterilization switch 335, the cleaning water containing silver ions flows into the cleaning water supply mechanism of the main body 200, and the sterilization operation is performed.

  Similar to the automatic opening / closing switch 331, the toilet flushing switch 336 is constituted by a knob. When the user operates the knob of the toilet flushing switch 336, the operation of the toilet pre-washing and the toilet rear washing by the toilet nozzle 40 is set.

  In other words, when the knob of the toilet flushing switch 336 is in the ON position, flush water is ejected from the toilet nozzle 40 to a wide area inside the toilet 700 according to the user entering the toilet room. In addition, washing water is jetted from the toilet nozzle 40 to the back side of the inner surface of the toilet 700 while the user is seated on the toilet seat 400.

<3> Toilet Seat Device (3-a) Configuration of Toilet Seat Device FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the toilet seat device 110. As described above, the toilet seat device 110 includes the main body 200, the remote control device 300, the toilet seat 400, and the entrance detection sensor 600.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 200 includes a control unit 90, a temperature measurement unit 401, a heater driving unit 402, a toilet seat temperature adjustment lamp RA <b> 1, and a seating sensor 610.

  The toilet seat 400 includes a toilet seat heater 450 and a thermistor 401a.

  The control unit 90 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a determination unit that determines the user's entrance and the temperature of the toilet seat 400, a timer unit having a timer function, a storage unit that stores various information, and a heater driving unit 402. Including an energization rate switching circuit for controlling the operation.

  The temperature measuring unit 401 of the main body 200 is connected to the thermistor 401 a of the toilet seat 400. Thereby, the temperature measurement part 401 measures the temperature of the toilet seat part 400 based on the signal output from the thermistor 401a. Hereinafter, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 measured by the temperature measuring unit 401 through the thermistor 401a is referred to as a measured temperature value.

  Further, the heater driving unit 402 of the main body 200 is connected to the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat 400. As a result, the heater driving unit 402 drives the toilet seat heater 450.

  In the present embodiment, toilet seat device 110 operates as follows. At the time of initial setting, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is adjusted to about 18 ° C., for example, by the control unit 90 controlling the heater driving unit 402. The temperature at this time is referred to as a standby temperature. Here, when the user operates the toilet seat temperature adjustment switch 333 of the remote control device 300, the toilet seat set temperature is transmitted to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 stores the toilet seat set temperature received from the remote operation device 300 in the storage unit.

  When the user enters the toilet room, the entry detection sensor 600 detects the entry of the user. As a result, a user entry detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 90.

  Next, the operation during normal use will be described. The determination unit of the control unit 90 detects the user's entry into the toilet room based on the entry detection signal from the entry detection sensor 600. Therefore, the determination unit selects a specific heater control pattern related to driving of the toilet seat heater 450 based on the measured temperature value of the toilet seat unit 400 and the toilet seat set temperature stored in the storage unit.

  The energization rate switching circuit controls the operation of the heater driving unit 402 based on the selected heater control pattern and time information obtained by the time measuring unit.

  Accordingly, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven by the heater driving unit 402, and the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is instantaneously increased to the toilet seat set temperature.

(3-b) First Example of Toilet Seat Part FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet seat part 400. FIG. 5A is a plan view of the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat 400 of the first example, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a region C72 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the toilet seat 400 of the first example. 7 is a C73-C73 cross-sectional view of the toilet seat 400 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the toilet seat 400 includes a substantially elliptical upper toilet seat casing 410 formed mainly of aluminum, a substantially horseshoe-shaped toilet seat heater 450, and a substantially elliptical lower toilet seat casing 420 formed of synthetic resin. Prepare.

  Hereinafter, the front side viewed from the seated user is defined as the front portion of the toilet seat 400, and the rear side viewed from the seated user is defined as the rear of the toilet seat 400.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6, the toilet seat heater 450 is formed in a substantially horseshoe shape in which a part of the front portion is cut off. The toilet seat heater 450 may have a substantially oval shape. The toilet seat heater 450 includes metal foils 451 and 453 made of, for example, aluminum and a linear heater 460.

  The linear heater 460 is disposed in a meandering manner in accordance with the shape of the upper toilet seat casing 410 in the region from the seat center portion SE3 to the seat one end portion SE1 and in the region from the seat center portion SE3 to the seat other end portion SE2. .

  Specifically, the linear heater 460 is formed to have U-shaped portions of about six rows on the left and right. These U-shaped parts are arranged in parallel substantially along the direction of the thigh of the seated user. The interval between the linear heaters 460 in each U-shaped portion is about 5 mm.

  The heater start end portion 460 a and the heater end portion 460 b of the linear heater 460 are respectively connected to lead wires 470 drawn from one side of the rear portion of the toilet seat 400.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a plurality of bent portions CU serving as thermal stress buffering portions are provided in the path of the meandering linear heater 460.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the distance ds1 between the linear heaters 460 in the region G1 along the outer side of the upper toilet seat casing 410 and the distance ds3 between the linear heaters 460 in the region G3 along the inner side are It is set to be smaller than the distance ds2 between the linear heaters 460 in the central region G2 of the toilet seat casing 410. Thereby, in the area | region G1 along the outer side edge of the upper toilet seat casing 410, and the area | region G3 along the inner side edge, the linear heaters 460 are arranged densely compared with the area | region G2 of a center part.

(3-c) Second Example of Toilet Seat Part FIG. 8 (a) is a plan view of the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat part 400 of the second example, and FIG. 8 (b) is a region C77 in FIG. 8 (a). FIG. 9 is a plan view of the toilet seat 400 of the second example.

  As shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 9, the linear heater 460 has an upper toilet seat casing in the region from the seat center portion SE3 to the seat one end portion SE1 and in the region from the seat center portion SE3 to the seat other end portion SE2. It is arranged in a meandering shape that meanders in the left-right direction according to the shape of 410. In this example, the linear heater 460 is disposed so that the meandering bent portion is positioned in the vicinity of the outer side and the inner side of the upper toilet seat casing 410.

Specifically, the linear heater 460 extends from one side of the rear portion of the toilet seat heater 450 to the vicinity of the seat one end portion SE1 while moving to the left and right, thereby forming the first series A meandering shape of FIG. Is done. Further, the linear heater 460 meanders from the vicinity of the sheet one end part SE1 to the left and right while extending to the vicinity of the sheet other end part SE2 through the vicinity of the sheet center part SE3, thereby forming the second series B meandering shape. Is done. Further, the linear heater 460 extends from the vicinity of the seat other end portion SE2 to the one side of the rear portion of the toilet seat heater 450 through the vicinity of the seat center portion SE3, thereby forming a first series A meandering shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first series A meandering linear heater 460 and the second series B meandering linear heater 460 are arranged substantially in parallel. The first series A and second series B meandering linear heaters 460 are continuous from the heater start end 460a to the heater end end 460b.

  The heater start end portion 460 a and the heater end portion 460 b of the linear heater 460 are respectively connected to lead wires 470 drawn from one side of the rear portion of the toilet seat 400.

  In this example, the linear heater 460 has a meandering shape in which a bent portion is positioned in the vicinity of the inner side of the toilet seat heater 450 and in the vicinity of the outer side. Thereby, the space | interval between bending parts is short. Therefore, since the length change resulting from thermal expansion and thermal contraction is small, even if the linear heater 460 expands and contracts, the strain due to expansion and contraction is absorbed and buffered at the bending portion. As a result, the stress resulting from the thermal expansion and contraction of the linear heater 460 is reduced, and damage due to long-term use can be suppressed.

  In addition, since the thermal expansion and contraction of the linear heater 460 is small, the adhesion to the metal foils 451 and 453 can be maintained satisfactorily for a long time. Thereby, heating of the toilet seat heater 450 can be performed efficiently and reliably.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.8 (b), the length La of a bending part, Lb, and the space | interval S between bending parts can be adjusted arbitrarily. Thereby, the heating distribution of the toilet seat heater 450 can be adjusted.

  For example, the lengths La and Lb of the bent portions and the spacing S between the bent portions are adjusted so that the heating density in the vicinity of the outer side and the inner side of the toilet seat heater 450 is higher than the heating density in the central portion of the toilet seat heater 450. To do. Thereby, the uniform heating temperature can be maintained in the entire region of the toilet seat heater 450.

  In this example, the current direction in the first series A meandering linear heater 460 is opposite to the current direction in the first series B meandering linear heater 460. Thereby, the electromagnetic waves generated from the linear heaters 460 cancel each other. As a result, generation of noise is prevented.

(3-d) Third Example of Toilet Seat Part FIG. 10 (a) is a plan view of the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat part 400 of the third example, and FIG. 10 (b) is a part of FIG. 10 (a). FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, temperature measuring portions 450T in which the linear heaters 460 meander at high density are formed on both sides of the rear portion of the toilet seat heater 450, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10B, the one thermometer 450T is provided with a return thermostat 450Q using bimetal or the like. The other temperature detecting section 450T is provided with a non-returnable thermostat 450Q using a thermal fuse or the like.

For example, when the toilet seat heater 450 reaches an unexpected abnormal temperature, the energization is temporarily stopped by opening the return thermostat 450Q. The return thermostat 45
When the toilet seat heater 450 reaches a dangerous temperature due to a failure or the like of 0Q, the non-returnable thermostat 450Q is opened, thereby interrupting the supply of power.

  Here, it is desirable that the operating temperature setting of the thermostat 450Q or the thermal fuse for preventing overheating is set lower than the temperature at which it is actually desired to shut off. The toilet seat having the configuration described in the present embodiment has a high rate of temperature increase. Therefore, depending on the operating speed of the safety device (for example, the thermostat 450Q or the thermal fuse), the toilet seat surface may be at a temperature higher than the preset temperature at the timing when the energization is actually stopped. Because there is. Of the human skin, the skin of the buttocks and thighs that are not normally exposed are more sensitive than the skin of other parts. Thereby, a higher safety design as described above becomes important.

(3-e) Fourth Example of Toilet Seat Part FIG. 11 is a plan view of the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat part 400 of the fourth example.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a linear heater 460 arranged in a region from the sheet center portion SE3 to the left sheet one end portion SE1, and a linear shape arranged in a region from the sheet center portion SE3 to the other sheet end portion SE2. The heater 460 is separated from each other.

  The heater start end portion 460a and the heater end portion 460b of the one linear heater 460 are connected to lead wires 470 drawn from one side of the rear portion of the toilet seat 400, respectively. The heater start end portion 460 c and the heater end portion 460 d of the other linear heater 460 are respectively connected to lead wires 470 drawn from the other side of the rear portion of the toilet seat 400.

(3-f) Example of Toilet Seat Heater Structure FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the toilet seat heater 450 attached to the upper toilet seat casing 410.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the upper toilet seat casing 410 is formed of an aluminum plate 413 having a thickness of 1 mm, for example. An alumite layer 412 and a surface decorative layer 411 are formed on the upper surface of the aluminum plate 413. The upper surface of the surface decorative layer 411 becomes the seating surface 410U. A coating film 414 is formed on the lower surface of the aluminum plate 413. The coating film 414 is a polyester powder coating film having a film thickness of 40 μm and heat resistance of 150 ° C., for example.

  Instead of the aluminum plate 413, one or more of a copper plate, a stainless steel plate, an aluminum plated steel plate, and a zinc aluminum plated steel plate may be used.

  A metal foil 451 made of, for example, aluminum is attached to the lower surface of the coating film 414 via an adhesive layer 452a. The film thickness of the metal foil 451 is, for example, 50 μm.

  The linear heater 460 includes a heating wire 463a having a circular cross section, an enamel layer 463b, and an insulating coating layer 462. The outer peripheral surface of the heating wire 463a having a circular cross section is sequentially covered with the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462. The enamel wire 463 is constituted by the heating wire 463a and the enamel layer 463b.

  The heating wire 463a has a diameter of 0.16 to 0.25 mm, for example, and is made of copper or a copper alloy. In this example, a high tensile strength heater wire made of 4% Ag—Cu alloy having a diameter of 0.176 mm is used as the heating wire 463a. The resistance value is 0.833 Ω / m.

The enamel layer 463b is made of, for example, polyesterimide (PEI) having heat resistance of 180 to 300 ° C. The film thickness of the enamel layer 463b is 20 μm or less, and is 12 to 13 μm in this example. Such an enameled wire 463 sufficiently secures an electrical withstand voltage performance of 1 minute or more at 1000 V, which is an electrical equipment technical standard, even if the enamel layer 463b has a very thin film thickness of about 0.01 to 0.02 mm. be able to. Alternatively, polyimide (PI) or polyamideimide (PAI) may be used as the material for the enamel layer 463b.

  The insulating coating layer 462 is made of a fluororesin such as a perfluoroalkoxy mixture (hereinafter referred to as PFA) having heat resistance of 260 ° C., for example. The thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 is, for example, 0.1 to 0.15 mm. The insulating coating layer 462 made of PFA can be formed by extrusion. In this case, even if the thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 is as thin as 0.05 to 0.1 mm, it is possible to ensure electrical withstand voltage performance that can withstand lightning surge.

  Note that polyimide (PI) or polyamideimide (PAI) may be used as the material of the insulating coating layer 462.

The outer diameter of the linear heater 460 is, for example, 0.46 to 0.50 mm. The power density of the linear heater 460 is, for example, 0.95 W / cm ² .

  The linear heater 460 is attached to the metal foil 451 so as to be covered with an adhesive layer 452b and a metal foil 453 made of, for example, aluminum. The film thickness of the metal foil 453 is, for example, 50 μm.

  In this manner, a double insulation structure can be ensured by forming the insulating coating layer 462 on the single enamel wire 463.

  Further, sufficient insulation can be obtained even if the insulating coating layer 462 is relatively thin. Therefore, the thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 can be reduced. In the above example, the thickness of the resin layer (enamel layer 463b and insulating coating layer 462) of the linear heater 460 is about 0.12 mm and is extremely thin. In this case, heat conduction from the heating wire 463a to the metal foil 451 and the toilet seat casing 410 can be performed very agile.

  Incidentally, in the conventional toilet seat device, the thickness of the covering tube made of silicone rubber, vinyl chloride or the like of the linear heater is about 1 mm, which is about 10 times that of the above example. The heat conduction rate of such a coated tube was extremely slow, and the temperature raising rate of the toilet seat could not be increased.

  In the conventional toilet seat device, when a large electric power is supplied to the heater wire in order to forcibly increase the temperature raising rate of the toilet seat, the coated tube is melted and burnt out as in the case where the temperature of the heater wire is increased in the heat insulating state. Therefore, raising the temperature of the toilet seat by such a method has not been practical.

  On the other hand, when the enameled wire 463 having excellent heat resistance as in this example is used as a heater wire, the temperature of the toilet seat can be raised in a sufficiently short time, and electrical insulation and safety can be ensured. Therefore, the structure of this example can be effectively used for various toilet seat devices.

  In the structure of this example, the resin layer composed of the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462 can be formed with a thin thickness of about 0.1 to 0.4 mm. Thus, the temperature of the toilet seat can be rapidly raised while the absolute temperature of the heating wire 463a and the resin layer is maintained at a low temperature. As a result, a relatively inexpensive insulating material can be used instead of an expensive heat-resistant insulating material.

In this example, in order to efficiently transfer the heat of the linear heater 460 to the toilet seat casing 410, the linear heater 460 is sandwiched between aluminum foils 451 and 452. Here, in the linear heater 460 of this example, since the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462 can be thinned, the outer diameter of the linear heater 460 can be reduced (about φ0.2 to φ0.4). In this case, when the aluminum foil 451 and the aluminum foil 452 are bonded together, the air layer between the aluminum foil 451 and the aluminum foil 452 can be reduced, and wrinkles of the aluminum foils 451 and 452 can be reduced. it can. Thereby, the local high heat of the enamel wire 463 is suppressed, and the disconnection of the enamel wire 463 and the damage to the electrical insulating layer (enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462) are prevented. As a result, the service life of the toilet seat device 110 can be extended.

  Further, since the enamel wire 463 can be made thin, the weight of the toilet seat heater 450 can be reduced, and the toilet seat opening / closing torque can be reduced. Thereby, the electric opening / closing unit for opening and closing the toilet seat can be downsized, and the toilet seat device 110 can be downsized.

(3-g) Another Example of Toilet Seat Heater Structure FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the structure of the toilet seat heater 450 attached to the upper toilet seat casing 410.

  In the example of FIG. 13, a plurality of enamel wires 463 are twisted and covered with an insulating coating layer 462. Each enamel wire 463 is constituted by, for example, a heating wire 463a having a diameter of 0.1 mm and an enamel layer 463b having a thickness of 10 μm.

  Thus, a double insulation structure can be ensured by forming the insulation coating layer 462 so as to surround the bundle of the plurality of enamel wires 463.

  In the example of FIG. 13, seven enamel wires 463 are twisted together, but the number of enamel wires 463 is not limited to seven. For example, two heating wires 463a (hereinafter referred to as a single heating wire 463a) that are not covered with the two enamel wires 463 and the enamel layer 463b may be twisted together.

  In this configuration, for example, when one enamel layer 463b of the two enamel wires 463 is broken down due to local high heat or the like, the heating wire 463a of the enamel wire 463 and the single heating wire 463a described above Are electrically connected. Therefore, according to this configuration, the dielectric breakdown of the enamel layer 463b can be detected by using the single heating wire 463a as the dielectric breakdown detection line. Thereby, when the enamel layer 463b of any one of the two enamel wires 463 is broken down, the energization to all the heating wires 463a can be cut off.

  That is, even if the enamel layer 463b of any enamel wire 463 is broken down by local high heat or the like by making at least one of the plurality of stranded wires non-insulated wires without the enamel layer 463b, Dielectric breakdown can be detected quickly. Thereby, it is possible to safely cut off the power supply to the heating wire 463a.

  In the above description, the case where a plurality of enamel wires 463 are twisted together has been described. However, a plurality of enamel wires 463 may be simply bundled.

  Further, the direction of the current flowing through the predetermined number of the heating lines 463a among the plurality of heating lines 463a may be reversed from the direction of the current flowing through the remaining heating lines 463a. In this case, the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in one direction and the magnetic field generated by the current flowing in the other direction cancel each other. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of a leakage magnetic field and generation | occurrence | production of noise can be suppressed.

(3-h) Still Another Example of Toilet Seat Heater Structure FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing still another example of the structure of the toilet seat heater 450 attached to the upper toilet seat casing 410.

  In the example of FIG. 14, a heat resistant insulating layer 455 is formed between the metal foil 451 and the adhesive layer 452b. Further, a heat resistant insulating layer 456 is formed between the adhesive layer 452b and the metal foil 453. The heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a heat resistance of 150 ° C. and a film thickness of 12 to 25 μm. Similarly, the heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is made of PET having a heat resistance of 150 ° C. and a film thickness of 12 to 25 μm, for example.

  In this manner, a triple insulation structure can be secured by forming the insulating coating layer 462 on the single enamel wire 463 and forming the heat resistant insulating layers 455 and 456.

  In the toilet seat heater 450 of FIG. 14, a bundle of a plurality of enamel wires 463 may be used instead of the single enamel wire 463.

(3-i) Exothermic Wire Covering Thickness FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a measurement result of the relationship between the exothermic wire 463a covering thickness and the temperature rise of each part of the toilet seat 400. In FIG. 15, the horizontal axis represents the coating thickness of the heating wire 463a, and the vertical axis represents the temperature rise value [K] 6 seconds after the start of energization.

  For the measurement, a toilet seat heater 450 having the structure of FIG. 14 was used. The coating thickness of the heating wire 463a is the thickness between the heating wire 463a and the aluminum plate 413. In this example, the total thickness of the enamel layer 463b, the heat-resistant insulating layer 455, the adhesive layer 452a, and the coating film 414 It is.

  Here, the temperature rise of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400, which is about 10K in 6 seconds, was regarded as the practical temperature rise performance, and the temperature rise of about 13K in 6 seconds was taken as the target temperature rise performance.

  In FIG. 15, circles are temperature rise values of the seating surface 410 U of the toilet seat 400, triangles are temperature rise values of the metal foil 451 made of aluminum, and square marks are temperature rise values of the insulating coating layer 462. .

  From the results of FIG. 15, it can be seen that practical heating performance can be obtained when the coating thickness of the heating wire 463a is 0.4 mm or less. It can also be seen that the target temperature rise performance is obtained when the coating thickness of the heating wire 463a is 0.2 mm or less. Therefore, the coating thickness of the heating wire 463a is preferably 0.4 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or less.

(3-j) Material for Insulating Coating Layer Next, an AC voltage of 100 V was applied to three types of toilet seat heaters 450 having the structure shown in FIG. 14 to measure the temperature of the heating wire 463a.

  In the first toilet seat heater 450, PFA having a film thickness of 100 μm and a heat resistant temperature of 260 ° C. is used as the material of the insulating coating layer 462, and PET having a film thickness of 25 μm and a heat resistant temperature of 150 ° C. is used as the material of the heat resistant insulating layers 455 and 456, respectively. It was. In the second toilet seat heater 450, a PI winding coating having a film thickness of 35 to 40 μm and a heat resistant temperature of 350 ° C. is used as the material of the insulating coating layer 462, and a film thickness of 25 μm and a heat resistant temperature of 150 ° C. are used as the material of the heat resistant insulating layers 455 and 456, respectively. PET was used. In the third toilet seat heater 450, a PI winding coating having a film thickness of 35 to 40 μm and a heat resistant temperature of 350 ° C. is used as the material for the insulating coating layer 462, and a film thickness of 3 to 6 μm and a heat resistant temperature are used as the material for the heat resistant insulating layers 455 and 456, respectively. A 90 ° C. acrylic resin was used.

  For the first toilet seat heater 450, the temperature of the heating wire 463a was 162.3 ° C., which is lower than the heat resistance temperature 260 ° C. of the insulating coating layer 462 made of PFA. For the second toilet seat heater 450, the temperature of the heating wire 463a was 155.4 ° C., which is lower than the heat resistance temperature 350 ° C. of the insulating coating layer 462 made of PI. For the third toilet seat heater 450, the temperature of the heating wire 463a was 125.7 ° C., which is lower than the heat resistance temperature 350 ° C. of the insulating coating layer 462 made of PI.

  From these results, it was found that not only PFA but also other resins such as PI can be used as the material of the insulating coating layer 462.

(3-k) Method for Connecting Linear Heater 460 and Lead Wire 470 FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a method for connecting the linear heater 460 and the lead wire 470. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a connection portion between the linear heater 460 and the lead wire 470. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a heat caulking method.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the core wire of the lead wire 470 is connected to the terminal 471. The terminal 471 is bent into a U shape, and the bent tip of the linear heater 460 is inserted into the U-shaped bent portion of the terminal 471.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 18, the U-shaped bent portion of the terminal 471 is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes EL1, EL2. A current is supplied from the transformer TS to the terminal 471 and the linear heater 460 through the electrodes EL1 and EL2 while pressing the U-shaped bent portion of the terminal 471 with the pair of electrodes EL1 and EL2. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 17, the insulating coating layer 462 and the enamel layer 463b of the linear heater 460 are melted. As a result, the heating wire 463a of the linear heater 460 contacts the terminal 471 at the contact point 463C.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a heat-resistant sheet 480 made of a polyimide thin film having a thickness of, for example, 12 μm is wound around the connection portion 475 between the terminal 471 of the lead wire 470 and the linear heater 460 two or three times. Further, the connecting portion 475 between the terminal 471 of the lead wire 470 and the linear heater 460 is covered with a silicone resin and is sandwiched between the metal foils 451 and 453 of FIGS.

  Thus, the heat of the heating wire 463a of the linear heater 460 is conducted to the metal foils 451 and 453 and the terminal 471 of the lead wire 470. Thereby, local overheating and disconnection of the heating wire 463a are prevented, and the heat uniformity of the toilet seat heater 450 is ensured.

  Further, the connecting portion 475 between the heating wire 463a of the linear heater 460 and the terminal 471 of the lead wire 470 has a double insulation structure of the heat-resistant sheet 480 and silicone resin. In this case, the heat of the connecting portion 475 is conducted to the metal foils 451 and 453 of the toilet seat heater 450 through the heat-resistant sheet 480 and the silicone resin. Thereby, local overheating and disconnection of the heating wire 463a are prevented while ensuring sufficient insulation.

  Furthermore, since the heating wire 463a of the linear heater 460 and the terminal 471 of the lead wire 470 are connected by thermal caulking, a thin and reliable electrical connection is realized. Further, since the heating wire 463a is prevented from floating, local overheating and disconnection of the heating wire 463a are prevented.

In order to ensure the safety of the toilet seat 400, the toilet seat device 110 includes two safety circuits. One safety circuit is connected between one lead wire 470 of the toilet seat heater 450 and the toilet seat heater breakdown detection circuit inside the printed circuit board 230, and the other safety circuit is connected to both lead wires of the toilet seat heater 450. It is connected between 470 and the toilet seat heater disconnection detection circuit. Both safety circuits are used to prevent electric shock of the user when an abnormality occurs in the toilet seat heater 402.

  The toilet seat heater dielectric breakdown detection circuit detects that a current flows between the toilet seat heater 450 and the metal foil 451 when the insulating coating layer 462 is melted when the toilet seat heater 450 abnormally generates heat. The toilet seat heater disconnection detection circuit detects that the voltage waveform generated at both ends of the toilet seat heater 450 is not generated when the toilet seat heater 450 is disconnected. The heater driving unit 402 energizes the toilet seat heater 450 only when both of the two safety circuits detect a normal state.

(3-1) Operation of Toilet Seat Heater Next, the operation of the toilet seat heater 450 will be described. When a constant voltage is applied between the heater start end portion 460a and the heater end portion 460b of the toilet seat heater 450, a current flows through the internal heating line 463a, and the heating line 463a generates heat. At this time, the generated heat is conducted from the heating wire 463a to the seating surface 410U of the upper toilet seat casing 410 through the enamel layer 463b and the metal foils 451 and 453.

  In the linear heater 460, since the insulating coating layer 462 is formed of PFA having a heat resistance of about 260 ° C., even if the thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 is as thin as 0.1 to 0.15 mm, for example, the heating wire 463a It is possible to prevent the enamel layer 463b from being destroyed even at a rapid temperature rise to 100 to 150 ° C. Therefore, the temperature of the seating surface 410U can be raised rapidly by rapidly advancing the heat conduction from the linear heater 460 to the seating surface 410U.

  In this case, it takes a short time of 5 to 6 seconds from the start of energization to the linear heater 460, for example, until the user enters the toilet room and sits on the seating surface 410U. It takes less than 7-8 seconds. Therefore, even if the energization detection sensor 600 detects that the user has entered the toilet room and at the same time the energization of the linear heater 460 is started, the seating surface 410U has a sufficiently optimum temperature until the user is seated. Can be reached.

  Further, the inner region G3 and the outer region G1 of the seating surface 410U in FIG. 7 have higher heat dissipation than the central region G2. In the present embodiment, the linear heaters 460 are arranged more densely in the inner region G3 and the outer region G1 than in the central region G2. Therefore, the temperature unevenness and the cold feeling are not felt at the moment when the user is seated on the seating surface 410U.

  On the other hand, the linear heater 460 is as long as about 10 m in total length, and rapidly expands as the heating wire 463a rapidly rises. As a result, the linear heater 460 expands in the length direction. In addition, when the energization is stopped, the temperature of the heating wire 463a is decreased and returns to the original length due to contraction. That is, thermal stress strain due to thermal expansion and contraction is repeatedly formed on the heating wire 463a.

  When the adhesion between the linear heater 460 and the metal foils 451 and 453 is weak, or when a gap is formed between the linear heater 460 and the seating surface 410U, the entire thermal stress strain is at the most easily moved portion of them. concentrate. As a result, a relatively strong bending / extending motion occurs in the linear heater 460, and damage to the linear heater 460 such as breakage of the heating wire 463a occurs due to accumulation of stress fatigue.

In this example, since a plurality of bent portions are formed as thermal stress buffering portions in the linear heater 460, these bent portions finely disperse the entire thermal stress strain, and the bent portion exhibits thermal stress strain. Also acts to absorb. Therefore, the thermal stress at the bent portion is extremely small, and as a result, only slight bending and stretching occur. As a result, the heating wire 463a is not broken, and the life and durability of the linear heater 460 are improved.

  In addition, in the inner region G3 and the outer region G1 of the seating surface 410U with relatively large heat dissipation, the interval between the linear heaters 460 may be increased and the number of bent portions may be reduced as compared with the central region G2. .

  As described above, the overall length of the linear heater 460 is as long as approximately 10 m, and a bent portion is formed in the linear heater 460. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain and fix the arrangement of the linear heaters 460 when the linear heaters 460 are mounted on the seating surface 410U. A unitized toilet seat heater 450 is configured by closely attaching the linear heater 460 to the metal foils 451 and 453 in a state where the linear heater 460 is sandwiched between the metal foils 451 and 453. Therefore, the linear heater 460 can be bonded to the seating surface 410U in a state where the arrangement of the linear heaters 460 is firmly maintained.

  Further, since the linear heater 460 is sandwiched between the metal foils 451 and 453, the metal foils 451 and 453 perform heat distribution evenly. Thereby, it can prevent that the linear heater 460 heats up. In addition, the seating surface 410U is soaked and the toilet seat heater 450 is prevented from being damaged.

(3-m) Energization Sequence of Toilet Seat Device The drive control of the toilet seat heater 450 is performed by changing the power for driving the toilet seat heater 450 to three.

  For example, when the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised with a first temperature gradient, the heater driving unit 402 in FIG. 3 drives the toilet seat heater 450 with about 1200 W of power (1200 W drive).

  As described above, the resistance value of the toilet seat heater 450 is 0.833 Ω / m, and the total length is 10 m. Therefore, the resistance value of the toilet seat heater 450 is 8.33Ω. When AC 100 V is applied to the toilet seat heater 450 having this resistance value, power of (100 V × 100 V) ÷ 8.33Ω = 1200 W is generated. That is, 1200 W of electric power is generated by passing a current through the toilet seat heater 450 over the entire period of the AC power supply.

  When the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised at a second temperature gradient that is slightly gentler than the first temperature gradient, the heater driving unit 402 drives the toilet seat heater 450 with about 600 W of power (600 W drive). Further, when the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is kept constant, the heater driving unit 402 drives the toilet seat heater 450 with about 50 W of power (low power driving). Note that low power driving refers to driving the toilet seat heater 450 with sufficiently low power (for example, power in the range of 0 W to 50 W) compared to 1200 W driving and 600 W driving.

  Switching between 1200 W driving, 600 W driving, and low power driving is performed by the energization rate switching circuit of the control unit 90 controlling energization from the heater driving unit 402 to the toilet seat heater 450.

  An AC current is supplied to the heater driving unit 402 from a power supply circuit (not shown). Therefore, the heater drive unit 402 causes the alternating current supplied based on the energization control signal provided from the energization rate switching circuit to flow through the toilet seat heater 450.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a driving example of the toilet seat heater 450 and a change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400.

  FIG. 19 shows a graph showing the relationship between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 and the time, and a graph showing the relationship between the energization rate when driving the toilet seat heater 450 and the time. The horizontal axis of these two graphs is a common time axis.

  In this example, it is assumed that the user turns on the heating function in advance and sets the toilet seat set temperature high (38 ° C.).

  When the room temperature such as in winter is lower than the standby temperature of 18 ° C., the control unit 90 (FIG. 3) adjusts the temperature of the toilet seat 400 to 18 ° C. As described above, the controller 90 controls the toilet seat heater 450 so that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is constant at 18 ° C. during the waiting period D1 until the user's entrance is detected by the entrance detection sensor 600. Perform low power drive. The low-power drive control of the toilet seat heater 450 for adjusting the standby temperature is performed based on the measured temperature value of the toilet seat 400 by the temperature measuring unit 401 detected by the thermistor 401a.

  Next, the control part 90 performs 600W drive during the inrush current reduction period D2, when a user's entrance is detected by the entrance detection sensor 600 at the time t1. This 600 W drive is performed in order to sufficiently reduce the inrush current. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised with a slightly gentle second temperature gradient.

  Thereafter, the control unit 90 starts 1200W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 at time t2 after the rush current reduction period D2 has elapsed, and continues 1200W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 during the first temperature rising period D3. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is increased with the first temperature gradient described above.

  Since the first temperature gradient is a very rapid rise, it cannot be handled by the control based on the temperature detection of the thermistor 401a installed in the toilet seat 400, so the first temperature increase period D3 is a time set based on experiments in advance. Is stored in the control unit 90, and the first temperature increase period D3 that has been set is accurately measured and driven by time control for energizing the toilet seat heater 450. In particular, it is necessary to accurately control the energization time at a level of less than a second, and details will be described in (3-n) energization time measurement means of the toilet seat device described later.

  Here, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased. The 1200 W drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is performed until the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.) set in advance. Of course, the predetermined temperature may be a temperature set as the heating temperature. However, the predetermined temperature is not a temperature sufficiently increased to the heating temperature, and even when the predetermined temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, when the user is seated. It may be the lowest limit temperature (limit temperature) that does not cause an unpleasant feeling of being cold. This limit temperature has been found to be about 29 ° C. by subject experiments conducted by the inventors.

  Thus, in the first temperature rising period D3, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased to the limit temperature by 1200 W driving. Thus, the user can sit on the toilet seat 400 without feeling that the toilet seat 400 is cold.

  In addition, as described above, when the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased, an overshoot occurs in the temperature change. However, in this example, when the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches a predetermined temperature, the 1200 W drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is switched to the 600 W drive. Therefore, even when the change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 overshoots, the surface temperature does not exceed the toilet seat set temperature. As a result, the user is prevented from feeling the toilet seat 400 hot when seated.

  Subsequently, the control unit 90 starts 600W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 at time t3 after the elapse of the first temperature rising period D3, and continues 600 W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 during the second temperature rising period D4. To do. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised with the second temperature gradient described above.

  The 600 W drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is performed until the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches the toilet seat set temperature (38 ° C.).

  The driving of the toilet seat heater 450 in the second temperature raising period D4 is also performed by time control for energizing a preset time similarly to the first temperature raising period D3.

  The second temperature gradient is gentler than the first temperature gradient. This prevents a large overshoot from occurring in the change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400. The controller 90 starts low-power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 at time t4 after the elapse of the second temperature rising period D4, and continues low-power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 during the first maintenance period D5. Thereby, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is constant at the toilet seat set temperature.

  When the seating sensor 290 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 400 at time t5, the controller 90 reduces the energization rate of the low-power drive, and the surface of the toilet seat 400 during the first seating period D6. The low-power drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is continued so that the temperature maintains the toilet seat set temperature. In this example, the first seating period D6 is set to about 10 minutes.

  In addition, the control unit 90 further reduces the energization rate of the low power drive at time t6 after the first seating period D6 has elapsed, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 during the second seating period D7 is the toilet seat set temperature. The low-power drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is continued so that the temperature is lowered to a slightly lower temperature (36 ° C.). In this example, the second seating period D7 is set to about 2 minutes.

  At time t7 after the elapse of the second seating period D7, the control unit 90 further decreases the energization rate of the low power drive, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is lower than the toilet seat set temperature during the second maintenance period D8. The low-power drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is continued so as to be constant at a slightly low temperature (36 ° C.). In the following description, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 that is maintained constant in the second maintenance period D8, that is, a temperature slightly lower than the toilet seat set temperature is referred to as a maintenance temperature.

  Thus, in this example, after the user is seated on the toilet seat 400, the controller 90 gradually reduces the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400. This prevents the user from getting burned at low temperatures.

  When it is detected by the seating sensor 290 that the user has left the toilet seat 400 at time t8, the controller 90 stops driving the toilet seat heater 450 during the stop period D9. Thereby, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 decreases.

  The controller 90 starts the low-power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 again at time t9 when the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches 18 ° C., and waits for the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 to be constant at 18 ° C. The low power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is maintained during D10.

  Thus, when the temperature gradient becomes gradually gentle, the overshoot caused by the temperature change of the toilet seat 400 can be sufficiently reduced.

In this example, after the user sits on the toilet seat 400, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is gradually decreased by adjusting the power used to drive the toilet seat heater 450. The user may stop when sitting on the toilet seat 400. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the user from getting burned at a low temperature.

  As described above, in this example, it has been described that the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped when it is detected that the user has left the toilet seat 400 at time t8, but the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped. May be performed after a lapse of a certain time (for example, 1 minute) from time t8 when it is detected that the user has left the toilet seat 400. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 does not decrease even when the user once again leaves the toilet seat 400 and again feels comfortable and sits on the toilet seat 400 again. As a result, the user can comfortably sit on the toilet seat 400.

  The energization state of the toilet seat heater 450 during 1200 W drive, 600 W drive, and low power drive will be described together with the energization control signal of the energization rate switching circuit.

  In the following description, the energization rate refers to the ratio of the time during which an alternating current is passed through the toilet seat heater 450 for one cycle of the alternating current.

  20A is a waveform diagram of a current flowing through the toilet seat heater 450 during 1200 W drive, and FIG. 20B is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal provided from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit 402 during 1200 W drive.

  As shown in FIG. 20B, the energization control signal at the time of 1200 W driving is always logic “1”. When the energization control signal is logic “1”, the heater drive unit 402 causes an alternating current supplied from the power supply circuit to flow through the toilet seat heater 450 (FIG. 20A, bold line portion). Thereby, an alternating current flows through the toilet seat heater 450 over the entire period. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven with about 1200 W of power.

  FIG. 21A is a waveform diagram of a current flowing through the toilet seat heater 450 when driven at 600 W, and FIG. 21B is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal supplied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit 402 when driven at 600 W.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, the energization control signal at the time of 600 W driving is composed of pulses having the same cycle as the alternating current supplied to the heater driving unit 402. The duty ratio of the pulse is set to 50%.

  When the energization control signal is logic “1”, the heater drive unit 402 causes an alternating current supplied from the power supply circuit to flow through the toilet seat heater 450 (FIG. 21A, bold line portion). Thereby, an alternating current flows through the toilet seat heater 450 during a half cycle. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven with about 600 W of electric power.

  FIG. 22A is a waveform diagram of a current flowing through the toilet seat heater 450 during low power driving, and FIG. 22B is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal supplied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater driving unit 402 during low power driving. .

  As shown in FIG. 22B, the energization control signal at the time of low power driving is composed of pulses having the same cycle as the AC current supplied to the heater driving unit 402. The duty ratio of the pulse is set to be smaller than 50% (for example, about several percent).

  When the energization control signal is logic “1”, the heater drive unit 402 causes an alternating current supplied from the power supply circuit to flow through the toilet seat heater 450 (FIG. 22A, bold line portion). In each cycle, an alternating current flows through the toilet seat heater 450 for a period corresponding to the pulse width. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven with electric power of about 50 W, for example.

  In addition to the above, when the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is lowered, or when the heating function of the toilet seat device 110 is turned off, the energization rate switching circuit does not give an energization control signal to the heater drive unit 402 (energization control). Set the signal to logic "0"). Thereby, the heater driving unit 402 does not drive the toilet seat heater 450.

  Here, generally, when the current supplied to the electronic device has a harmonic component, noise is generated. In this example, when 1200 W drive or 600 W drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is performed as described above, the current supplied to the toilet seat heater 450 changes so as to draw a sine curve. However, the generation of noise is sufficiently reduced.

  Further, when the toilet seat heater 450 is driven at low power, the current supplied to the toilet seat heater 450 has a harmonic component, but the magnitude of the current is much smaller than that at the time of 1200 W driving and 600 W driving, so Occurrence is sufficiently reduced.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, toilet seat heater 450 is driven by electric power of 1200 W, 600 W, and about 50 W, but toilet seat heater 450 may be driven by other electric power.

  For example, when an alternating current is passed through the toilet seat heater 450 for a period of half a cycle, the timing for flowing the alternating current is set at intervals of a predetermined cycle such as two cycles or three cycles. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 can be driven with power of a magnitude different from 1200 W, 600 W, and about 50 W while sufficiently preventing the generation of noise.

In this example, the control unit 90 supplies current to the toilet seat heater 450 when the energization control signal is logic “1”, and supplies current to the toilet seat heater 450 when the energization control signal is logic “0”. Although it is stopped, the supply of current to the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped when the energization control signal is logic “1”, and the current is supplied to the toilet seat heater 450 when the energization control signal is logic “0”. Good.
(3-n) Energizing time measuring means of toilet seat device
As described above, in the toilet seat device 110 according to the present embodiment, since most of the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is controlled by a preset time, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 exceeds a predetermined value when the time measurement is shifted. There are inconveniences such as danger or feeling uncomfortable because the predetermined value is not reached. Therefore, the control unit 90 measures the time during which the toilet seat heater 450 is turned on with two measurement sources so that the time measurement does not deviate.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an energization sequence of the toilet seat heater 450 by the control unit 90.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the control unit 90 compares the measured value of the first measuring unit with the specified time (step S1). Here, the specified time refers to the inrush current reduction period D2, the first temperature increase period D3, the second temperature increase period D4, etc. in the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 in FIG.

  For example, in the case of performing 600W driving during the inrush current reduction period, if the measurement value of the first measuring unit exceeds the specified time (inrush current reduction period D2), the next energization pattern (1200W driving of the toilet seat heater 450) (Step S3).

  If the measured value of the first measuring means does not exceed the specified time, the measured value of the second measuring means is compared with the specified time (step S2). If the measured value of the second measuring means exceeds the specified time, the process proceeds to the next energization pattern (toilet seat heater 450 1200 W drive) (step S3).

  If the measured value of the second measuring means does not exceed the specified time, the current energization pattern (600 W driving during the inrush current reduction period) is continued (step S4).

  As described above, when at least one of the measurement values exceeds the specified time, the process shifts to the next energization pattern, so that the accuracy of time measurement can be improved. Therefore, the reliability of the temperature control of the toilet seat is improved.

  As an example of a measurement source for measuring the driving time of the toilet seat heater 450, one is an oscillator that defines an effective speed of a program of the control unit 90, and the other is a cycle of an AC voltage. By using such two different measurement sources, the energization time can be accurately measured even when one of the time measurements varies in the longer direction.

  In particular, since the time during which 1200 W is energized in the toilet seat is accurately measured, excessive rise can be prevented more reliably. This further improves the safety of the device.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as a safety device, the time during which the toilet seat heater 450 is energized at 1200 W is measured, and if the predetermined time is exceeded, the energization to the heater is forcibly cut off or restricted, thereby ensuring more safety. The sex is secured.

(3-o) Effects on Toilet Seat Device In the toilet seat device 110 of the present embodiment, the toilet seat portion 400 can be heated in a short time by driving the high-capacity toilet seat heater 450, and the toilet seat heater 450 Safety can be ensured by performing the drive by time control.

  In addition, the controller 90 measures the driving time of the toilet seat heater 450 with two measurement sources, thereby improving the reliability of the temperature control of the toilet seat.

  In particular, since the time during which 1200 W is energized to the toilet seat is accurately measured, excessive temperature rise is more reliably prevented. This further improves the safety of the toilet seat device.

  Further, as a safety device, the time during which the toilet seat heater 450 is energized at 1200 W is measured, and when the predetermined time is exceeded, the energization to the heater is forcibly interrupted or restricted, thereby ensuring safety.

  Since the toilet seat apparatus of the present invention can safely raise the temperature of the toilet seat in a short time with a high-capacity heating means, it can be used for other heating appliances that are intermittently used for a short time.

1 is an external perspective view showing a toilet seat device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a toilet device including the same. Front view of the remote control device of FIG. Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the toilet seat device Disassembled perspective view of toilet seat (A) The top view (b) of the toilet seat heater of the toilet seat part of a 1st example is an enlarged plan view of the area | region of (a). The top view of the toilet seat part of the 1st example C73-C73 sectional drawing of the toilet seat part of FIG. (A) The top view (b) of the toilet seat heater of the toilet seat part of a 2nd example is an enlarged plan view of the area | region of (a). Plan view of toilet seat part of second example (A) The top view (b) of the toilet seat heater of the toilet seat part of a 3rd example is a partial expanded sectional view of (a) The top view of the toilet seat heater of the toilet seat part of the 4th example Sectional drawing which shows an example of the structure of the toilet seat heater attached to an upper toilet seat casing Sectional drawing which shows the other example of the structure of the toilet seat heater attached to an upper toilet seat casing Sectional drawing which shows the further another example of the structure of the toilet seat heater attached to an upper toilet seat casing A graph showing the measurement results of the relationship between the coating thickness of the heating wire and the temperature rise of each part of the toilet seat Schematic diagram showing how to connect the linear heater and lead wire Sectional view of the connection between the linear heater and the lead wire Schematic diagram showing thermal caulking method Example of toilet seat heater drive and change in surface temperature of toilet seat (A) Waveform diagram of the current flowing through the toilet seat heater during 1200 W drive (b) Waveform diagram of the energization control signal given from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit during 1200 W drive (A) Waveform diagram of current flowing through the toilet seat heater during 600 W drive (b) Waveform diagram of an energization control signal supplied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit during 600 W drive (A) Waveform diagram of the current flowing through the toilet seat heater during low power driving (b) Waveform diagram of the energization control signal given from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater driving unit during low power driving Flow chart of toilet seat energization sequence by control unit

Explanation of symbols

90 Control unit (control means)
110 Toilet seat device 400 Toilet seat part (toilet seat)
450 Toilet seat heater (heating means)
D2 Inrush current reduction period (specified time)
D3 First temperature increase period (specified time)
D4 Second temperature rise period (specified time)

Claims (5)

A toilet seat device comprising heating means for warming the toilet seat and control means for controlling energization to the heating means, wherein the control means comprises toilet seat energization time measuring means comprising a plurality of different measurement sources. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein when at least one of the measurement values of the toilet seat energization time measuring unit exceeds a specified time, the toilet seat device shifts to the next energization pattern. The toilet seat energizing time measuring means measures the time of energizing at maximum power, and reduces the energizing power to the heating means when at least one of the measured values exceeds a specified time. Toilet seat device. 3. The toilet seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the toilet seat energizing time measuring means measures a time for energizing at maximum power and interrupts energization to the heating means when at least one of the measured values exceeds a specified time. apparatus. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a measurement source of the toilet seat energization time measuring means includes an oscillator that defines an execution speed of a program of a microcomputer and a period of an alternating voltage. .