JP2009101045A - Toilet seat apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toilet seat apparatus which can raise the temperature of a toilet seat before a user sits down and is full of energy saving characteristics. <P>SOLUTION: The toilet seat apparatus is provided with a body 200, a toilet seat 400, a toilet lid 500, a toilet lid position detector 531 for detecting the rotating position of the toilet lid 500, a toilet seat heater 450, and a control part 90. By controlling energizing to the toilet seat heater 450 corresponding to the change of the open/closed state of the toilet lid 500, the change of the open/closed state of the toilet lid 500 is detected, energizing to the toilet seat heater 450 is controlled, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is appropriately switched to a set temperature or a standby temperature lower than the set temperature, and thus power waste is suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to energization control of a toilet seat heater of a toilet seat device.

  In the field of sanitary washing devices for washing the local part of the human body, in order to avoid discomfort to the human body, for example, a heating device for adjusting washing water used for washing to an appropriate temperature or a contact portion with the human body. Devices having various functions such as a toilet seat device for adjusting the temperature to an appropriate temperature have been devised. 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. Further, if the toilet seat is in a position where the human body does not sit, if power supply to the toilet seat is stopped, energy saving can be achieved (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In the sanitary washing device described in Patent Document 1, when the toilet seat is in a state where the human body does not sit (when the toilet seat is in an open state), the toilet seat is not energized, and the toilet seat moves to the closed state. Since energization of the toilet seat is started and the temperature of the toilet seat casing rises, power consumption applied to the heated toilet seat can be suppressed.
JP 2003-310485 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, when the toilet seat is in the open state, power supply to the toilet seat is completely stopped, and the toilet seat cannot be kept warm. Furthermore, since energization of the toilet seat is started for the first time when the toilet seat is closed, the temperature of the toilet seat cannot be sufficiently raised during the time until the toilet seat is closed and the human body is seated on the toilet seat.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat device that can sufficiently raise the temperature of the toilet seat and is energy-saving before the user can sit on the toilet seat.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, a toilet seat device of the present invention includes a main body, a toilet seat and a toilet lid pivotally supported on the main body, a toilet lid position detection device that detects a rotational position of the toilet lid, a toilet seat heater, And a control unit for controlling energization of the toilet seat heater in accordance with a change in the open / closed state of the toilet lid.

  This detects a change in the open / closed state of the toilet lid, that is, whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and controls the energization of the toilet seat heater to set the toilet seat temperature to the set temperature or set temperature. By switching to a lower standby temperature in a timely manner, useless electric power can be suppressed, and a toilet seat device rich in energy saving can be provided.

  According to the present invention, when the user is seated, the toilet seat temperature is warmed to an appropriate temperature when the user is seated, and it is possible to reduce the comfort of the toilet seat device so that the user does not feel uncomfortable. Become.

A first invention includes a main body installed on an upper surface of a toilet, a toilet seat and a toilet lid pivotally supported on the main body, a toilet lid position detecting device for detecting a rotational position of the toilet lid, and rotation of the toilet seat A toilet seat position detecting device that detects a position; a toilet seat heater installed in the toilet seat; and a control unit that controls energization of the toilet seat heater; By controlling the energization, it detects the change in the open / closed state of the toilet lid, that is, whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and controls the energization of the toilet seat heater to make the temperature of the toilet seat comfortable. By switching to a set temperature at which the user can sit down or a standby temperature lower than the set temperature, wasteful power can be suppressed, and a toilet seat device with high energy savings can be provided.

  In the second invention, particularly in the first invention, when the toilet seat and the toilet lid are both closed, and when the toilet lid starts to shift to the open state, the control unit moves to the toilet seat heater that raises the temperature of the toilet seat. When the toilet lid starts to open by raising the toilet seat to a set temperature, the energization rate of the toilet seat heater is increased to raise the toilet seat temperature in a short time, and the user can The toilet seat can be raised to a set temperature at which it can be comfortably seated before being seated on the toilet seat, so that the user can comfortably use the toilet seat and can provide a toilet seat device that is highly energy efficient.

  In addition, the toilet lid position detection device that detects the position of the toilet lid can detect the position of the toilet lid linearly and change the energization rate of the toilet seat, so the toilet lid can be closed during the transition to the open state. It is possible to suppress wasteful power even when the power is applied.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, in particular, in the first aspect, when both the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in a closed state, and both the toilet lid and the toilet seat start to enter an open state, the control unit raises the temperature of the toilet seat. If the toilet seat and the toilet lid are switched from the closed state to the open state almost simultaneously by not starting the energization control of the toilet seat heater, it is determined that the toilet seat is in a small-use or maintenance state for men and the toilet seat is lifted. Since it is not heated, useless energization to the toilet seat heater can be suppressed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, when the toilet seat is in a closed state and the toilet lid is in an open state, and the transition to the toilet lid is started, the control unit When the user finishes using the toilet seat and closes the toilet lid, it is determined that the user cannot sit on the toilet seat by controlling the energization of the toilet seat heater so that the temperature of the toilet is maintained at a standby temperature lower than the set temperature. In addition, the temperature of the toilet seat can be lowered to a standby temperature with a small amount of energization to suppress power consumption.

  In the fifth invention, particularly in the first or third invention, when both the toilet seat and the toilet lid are in an open state, and the transition to the closed state of the toilet seat and the toilet lid is started almost simultaneously, the temperature of the toilet seat is set. By controlling the energization of the toilet seat heater so that it is kept at a standby temperature lower than the temperature, it is determined that the use of the toilet seat has been completed when the toilet seat and the toilet lid are started to move to the closed state almost simultaneously. By keeping the temperature at a standby temperature with a small energization amount, wasteful power can be suppressed.

  The sixth invention is the invention according to the first or third invention, wherein both the toilet seat and the toilet lid are in an open state and only the toilet seat starts to be closed, and then the toilet seat reaches the toilet surface. During this period, the temperature of the toilet seat is raised to a temperature at which it does not feel cold, so that the user can increase the temperature to a temperature at which the toilet seat does not feel cold in a short time until the toilet seat reaches the toilet surface. By heating, it is possible to provide a comfortable and easy-to-use toilet seat device.

  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, Sanitary Washing Device, and Toilet Device FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a toilet seat device, a sanitary washing device, and a toilet device including the toilet seat device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sanitary washing device 100. FIG. 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 toilet lid 500.

  A toilet seat 400 and a toilet lid 500 are attached to the main body 200 through a toilet seat pivot 430 and a toilet lid pivot 530 which will be described later. The main body 200 is provided with a cleaning water supply mechanism (not shown) and a drying unit for drying the washed local part, and a control unit 90 for controlling each function in the main body 200 and the toilet seat 400 is built in. .

  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 the nozzle unit 20. Accordingly, the cleaning water supply mechanism supplies the cleaning water supplied from the water pipe to the nozzle unit 20. Thereby, washing water is ejected from the nozzle part 20 to a user's local part.

  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 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.

  The toilet seat device is configured by excluding the toilet nozzle 40, the nozzle unit 20, and the components of the cleaning water supply mechanism from the components of the sanitary washing device 100.

<2> Configuration of Remote Operation Device FIG. 3 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. 3, a drying switch 320, strength adjustment switches 322 and 323, and position adjustment switches 325 and 326 are provided in the upper part of the controller main body 301, and a stop switch 311 and a buttock are provided on the front surface of the controller lid 302. A switch 312 and a bidet switch 313 are provided. In addition, a setting switch (not shown) for each function that is used infrequently is installed inside the controller lid 302 that is opened.

  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 of the main body 200 controls the operation of each component of the main body 200 and the toilet seat 400 based on the received signal.

  For example, when the user operates the buttocks switch 312 or the bidet switch 313, cleaning water is jetted from the nozzle unit 20 to the user's local area. Further, when the user operates the stop switch 311, the ejection of the washing water from the nozzle unit 20 to the user's local part is stopped.

  When the user operates the drying switch 320, hot air is ejected from a drying unit, which will be described later, to the user's local area. Further, when the user operates the strength adjustment switches 322 and 323, the flow rate, pressure, and the like of the cleaning water ejected to the user's local area are adjusted.

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

<3> Configuration of Toilet Seat Pivot and Toilet Lid Pivot As shown in FIG. 2, a toilet seat 400 and a toilet lid 500 are pivotally supported at the front portion of the main body 200. A toilet seat position detecting device 431 that detects the open / closed state of the toilet seat 400 is installed in the toilet seat pivot 430 that supports the toilet seat 400. The toilet seat position detection device 431 employs a general volume switch. The output is small when the toilet seat 400 is closed, and the output is large when the toilet seat 400 is open and standing. When the output changes from small to large, it is rotating from closed to open. When the output is changing from large to small, it is rotated from open to closed. It can be detected.

  The toilet seat pivot support 430 is provided with a toilet seat damper 432 that adjusts the opening and closing speed of the toilet seat 400. The toilet seat damper 432 adjusts the time required for opening and closing by applying a biasing force to the opening and closing of the toilet seat 400 by frictional resistance, and prevents the toilet seat 400 from rotating suddenly in the closing operation, and is caused by an impact. Damage to the toilet seat 400 can be prevented. The biasing force of the toilet seat damper 432 can be adjusted, and the opening / closing speed of the toilet seat 400 can be changed by adjusting the biasing force.

  Similarly, a toilet lid position detecting device 531 for detecting the open / closed state of the toilet lid portion 500 is installed on the toilet lid pivot portion 530 that pivotally supports the toilet lid portion 500. The toilet lid position detection device 531 employs a general volume switch. The output is small when the toilet lid portion 500 is closed, and the output is large when the toilet lid portion 500 is open and standing. When the output changes from small to large, it is rotating from closed to open. When the output is changing from large to small, it is rotated from open to closed. It can be detected.

  In addition, like the toilet seat pivot 430, the toilet lid pivot 530 is provided with a toilet lid damper 532 and has the same function as the toilet seat pivot 430.

  When the user enters the toilet room and opens the toilet lid 500, the toilet lid position detection device 531 causes the controller 90 to recognize that the toilet lid 500 has been opened and to control the heater drive unit 402 to The part 400 is instantly warmed to the target temperature. The target temperature at this time is 38 degrees, but it can be 29 degrees or more which the user does not feel cold.

  Further, by adjusting the torque of the toilet lid damper 532 provided on the shaft of the toilet lid portion 500, the speed at which the toilet lid portion 500 is opened can be adjusted, and the time until the toilet lid portion 500 is completely opened can be adjusted. is there.

  Further, for example, when a man urinates, the toilet seat 400 is also opened. When the toilet seat 400 is opened, the controller 90 controls the heater driving unit 402 by the toilet seat position detecting device 431 to stop energization of the toilet seat 400.

  Further, when the toilet lid 500 and the toilet seat 400 are opened simultaneously, the toilet seat 400 is not energized.

  In addition, when only the toilet seat 400 is closed after the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 500 are simultaneously opened, the control unit 90 controls the heater driving unit 402 in the toilet seat position detecting device 431, and the toilet seat 400. Is instantaneously warmed up to the target temperature.

  Further, when the toilet lid 500 and the toilet seat 400 are closed at the same time, the toilet seat 400 is kept at the standby temperature.

<4> Toilet Seat Device (4-1) Configuration of Toilet Seat Device FIG. 4 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, the toilet lid 500, and the entrance detection sensor 600.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 200 includes a control unit 90, a temperature measurement unit 401, a heater drive unit 402, a toilet seat position detection device 431, a toilet lid position detection device 531, a toilet seat temperature adjustment lamp RA1, and a seating sensor 610. .

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

  The control unit 90 is formed 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.

(4-2) Configuration of Toilet Seat Part FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet seat part 400. 6A is a plan view of the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat 400, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a region C72 in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 shows the first
It is a top view of the toilet seat part 400 of the example of. 8 is a C73-C73 cross-sectional view of the toilet seat 400 of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, 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. 6A and 7, 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. 6B, 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. 8, 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.

(4-3) Structure of Toilet Seat Heater FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the toilet seat heater 450 attached to the upper toilet seat casing 410.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the upper toilet seat casing 410 is formed of, for example, an aluminum plate 413 having a thickness of 1 mm. 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 45 made of, for example, aluminum is provided on the lower surface of the coating film 414 via an adhesive layer 452a.
1 is stuck. 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 resin layers (enamel layer 463b and insulating coating layer 462) of the linear heater 460 are as thin as about 0.12 mm. 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 in a state where 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.

(4-4) 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.

  Further, the inner region G3 and the outer region G1 of the seating surface 410U in FIG. 8 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.

(4-5) Energization sequence of toilet seat heater The drive control of the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat 400 is performed by changing the electric power for driving the toilet seat heater 450 into three.

  For example, when the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised with a first temperature gradient, the heater driving unit 402 drives the toilet seat heater 450 with about 1200 W of electric 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. 10 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. 10 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 and the time when the toilet seat heater 450 is driven. 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 is lower than 18 ° C., which is the standby temperature, such as in winter, the control unit 90 adjusts the temperature of the toilet seat 400 to 18 ° C. The control unit 90 performs low power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 so that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 becomes constant at 18 ° C. during the standby period D1 until the temperature of the toilet seat 400 becomes necessary. Do.

  When the user starts the opening operation of the toilet lid portion 500 and the toilet lid position detection device 531 detects the opening operation, the control unit 90 performs 600 W driving during the inrush current reduction period D2. 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.

  Here, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased. The toilet seat heater 450 is driven at 1200 W until the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.). 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 increase period D3, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased to a predetermined 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 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 the controller 90 detects that the user has left the toilet seat 400 by the seating sensor 290 and the toilet lid position detection device 531 has closed the toilet lid 500 at time t8, the controller 90 turns off the toilet seat heater 450 during the stop period D9. Stop driving. 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, when the user leaves the toilet seat 400 at time t8 and the toilet lid position detection device 531 detects that the toilet lid 500 is closed, the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped. As described above, the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 may be stopped after elapse 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.

<5> Operation Sequence of Toilet Seat Device When the user enters the toilet room, the human body detection sensor 600 detects the human body, and the controller 90 causes the toilet nozzle 40 to discharge water on the toilet surface called toilet pre-cleaning for a predetermined time. By performing, the operation | movement which prevents that a stool adheres to the toilet bowl surface is performed.

(5-1) When Sitting on a Toilet Seat When Using a Toilet Room, the user sits on the toilet seat and opens the toilet lid 500 of the toilet seat device 110 and sits on the toilet seat 400.

  When the opening operation of the toilet lid portion 500 is started, the toilet lid position detection device 531 detects the start of the opening operation, and the control unit 90 starts driving the toilet seat heater 450 via the heater driving unit 402, 4-4) Temperature increase of the toilet seat 400 is started by the energization pattern described in the operation of the toilet seat heater. At the same time, the control unit 90 blinks the toilet seat temperature adjustment lamp RA1 to notify that the toilet seat unit 500 is being heated.

  When the temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches a limit temperature (about 29 ° C.) at which it does not feel cold even when seated, the toilet seat temperature control lamp lights continuously, indicating that the toilet seat 500 has reached a seatable temperature. Inform.

  When the user is seated on the toilet seat 400, the seat sensor 610 detects the seating, and while the user is seated, the toilet seat heater 450 is turned on by the energization pattern described in (4-4) Operation of the toilet seat heater. To drive. Further, while the user is seated, a cleaning function such as the nozzle portion 20 of the sanitary cleaning device can be used.

  When the user leaves the toilet seat 400 and closes the toilet lid 500, when the toilet lid position detection device 531 detects that the toilet lid 500 is closed, the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped. Thereby, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 decreases.

  When the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 drops to 18 ° C., the controller 90 starts the low power drive of the toilet seat heater 450 again, and maintains the low power drive so that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is constant at 18 ° C. To do.

(5-2) When using the toilet lid and toilet seat both open (for boys' small use)
When cleaning a boy's small or toilet seat device or toilet bowl, the user opens the toilet lid 500 and the toilet seat 400 simultaneously after entering the toilet room.

  When the opening operation of the toilet lid 500 and the toilet seat 400 is started, the toilet lid position detection device 531 and the toilet seat position detection device 431 detect the start of the opening operation. In this case, the control unit 90 determines that the use is for boys' small use or the use for cleaning the toilet seat device or the toilet, and does not perform the control for raising the temperature of the toilet seat 500, and maintains the standby temperature.

  On the other hand, when the toilet lid 500 and the toilet seat 400 are once opened and then only the toilet seat 400 is closed again, it is determined that the toilet seat 400 is used by being seated on the toilet seat 400, and the toilet lid position detection device 531 performs the closing operation. When the start is detected, the control unit 90 starts driving the toilet seat heater 450 via the heater driving unit 402, and starts to raise the temperature of the toilet seat 400 according to the energization pattern described in (4-4) Operation of the toilet seat heater. To do. At the same time, the control unit 90 blinks the toilet seat temperature adjustment lamp RA1 to notify that the toilet seat unit 500 is being heated.

  When the temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches a limit temperature (about 29 ° C.) at which it does not feel cold even when seated, the toilet seat temperature control lamp lights continuously, indicating that the toilet seat 500 has reached a seatable temperature. Inform.

  At this time, it is desirable that the toilet seat 400 reaches the limit temperature while the toilet seat 400 reaches the upper surface of the toilet 700 after the toilet seat 400 starts the closing operation. For this purpose, the biasing force of the toilet seat damper 432 is adjusted. By adjusting the rotation speed of the toilet seat 400, it is possible to avoid feeling cold even if the toilet seat 400 is seated immediately after reaching the toilet 700.

  When the user is seated on the toilet seat 400, the seat sensor 610 detects the seating, and while the user is seated, the toilet seat heater 450 is turned on by the energization pattern described in (4-4) Operation of the toilet seat heater. To drive. Further, while the user is seated, a cleaning function such as the nozzle portion 20 of the sanitary cleaning device can be used.

  When the user leaves the toilet seat 400 and closes the toilet lid 500, when the toilet lid position detection device 531 detects that the toilet lid 500 is closed, the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped. Thereby, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 decreases.

  When the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 drops to 18 ° C., the controller 90 starts the low power drive of the toilet seat heater 450 again, and maintains the low power drive so that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is constant at 18 ° C. To do.

  When the toilet lid 500 and the toilet seat 400 are once opened and then the toilet lid 500 and the toilet seat 400 are closed at the same time, the control unit 90 maintains the standby temperature.

  Since the present invention can improve the energy saving of the toilet seat device by detecting the turning operation of the toilet lid and controlling the energization of the toilet seat heater, the seat heater of the chair in which the seat surface rotates Etc.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the toilet seat apparatus, sanitary washing apparatus, and toilet apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention Sectional drawing of the toilet seat apparatus, sanitary washing apparatus, and toilet apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention Front view of remote control unit Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the toilet seat device Disassembled perspective view of toilet seat (A) is a top view of the toilet seat heater of a toilet seat part, (b) is an enlarged view of C72 area | region of (a). Top view of toilet seat C73-C73 sectional view of the toilet seat Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the toilet seat heater attached to an upper toilet seat casing Time chart showing toilet seat heater drive and toilet seat surface temperature change

Explanation of symbols

90 Control part 110 Toilet seat device 200 Main body part 400 Toilet seat part (toilet seat)
431 Toilet seat position detection device 500 Toilet lid (toilet lid)
531 Toilet lid position detection device 700 Toilet bowl

Claims (6)

A main body installed on the upper surface of the toilet bowl, a toilet seat and a toilet lid pivotally supported on the main body, a toilet lid position detecting device for detecting the rotational position of the toilet lid, and a toilet seat position for detecting the rotational position of the toilet seat A detection device; a toilet seat heater installed in the toilet seat; and a control unit that controls energization of the toilet seat heater, and controls energization of the toilet seat heater according to a change in an open / closed state of the toilet lid. Toilet seat device. When both the toilet seat and the toilet lid are closed, and the toilet lid starts to shift to the open state, the control unit starts energization control to the toilet seat heater that raises the temperature of the toilet seat, and brings the toilet seat to a set temperature. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature is raised. When both the toilet lid and the toilet seat are closed, and when both the toilet lid and the toilet seat start to open, the control unit does not start energization control to the toilet seat heater that raises the temperature of the toilet seat. The toilet seat device according to claim 1. When the toilet seat is in a closed state and the toilet lid is in an open state and the transition to the closed state is started, the control unit is configured to maintain the temperature of the toilet seat at a standby temperature lower than a set temperature. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein energization control is performed on the toilet seat device. When both the toilet seat and the toilet lid are in the open state, and the transition to the closed state of the toilet seat and the toilet lid is started almost simultaneously, the energization control to the toilet seat heater is performed so as to maintain the temperature of the toilet seat at a standby temperature lower than a set temperature. The toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein Both the toilet seat and the toilet lid are in an open state, and only the toilet seat is closed and the transition between the toilet seat and the toilet seat reaches the toilet surface. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature is raised to a temperature that is not present.