JP2010022751A - Toilet seat heating device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toilet seat heating device which allows a user sitting thereon to feel less difference in temperature between the time when the user has just sat down on the seat and the time when the user has kept sitting for a while, or to continue sitting thereon comfortably without being too much conscious of the heat. <P>SOLUTION: This toilet seat heating device includes: a toilet seat section including a base material, an elastic cushion section provided on the base material, and a heater disposed inside or under the cushion section; a seat sensor which detects the presence of a user sitting thereon; and a control section which reduces a heating temperature by the heater after its detection by the seat sensor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a heating toilet seat device, and more specifically, to a heating toilet seat device capable of heating a toilet seat provided in a toilet bowl.

  In general, the seat surface of the toilet seat is made of a non-elastic resin such as PP (polypropylene). Therefore, when the user sits on the toilet seat, a hard sitting comfort is given. On the other hand, if you sit on a cold toilet seat when the temperature is low, such as in winter, you will feel cold. Therefore, there is a sitting / heating device (heating toilet seat device) in which a heating element is sandwiched between a base material having compression deformability or elasticity (cushioning property) in order to improve sitting comfort (Patent Document 1).

  However, in the toilet seat having cushioning properties, when the heating element (heater) is disposed inside or below the cushion portion, when the user sits on the toilet seat, the distance between the seat surface of the toilet seat and the heater changes. . When the distance between the seat surface of the toilet seat and the heater changes, the user may feel “warm” when he / she sits on the toilet seat but may feel “hot” as time passes.

On the other hand, when it is detected that the user is seated on the toilet seat for the purpose of energy saving of the device or reduction of discomfort caused by feeling that the seat surface is "hot", the heating of the heater is stopped or the heating amount is reduced. There is a heated toilet seat device (Patent Documents 2 to 5). However, Patent Documents 2 to 5 do not disclose a toilet seat having cushioning properties, and also disclose that the distance between the seat surface and the heater changes before and after the user sits on the toilet seat. Not.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-210231 JP 2008-12346 A JP 2000-225077 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-113011 JP-A-10-75917

  The present invention has been made on the basis of recognition of such a problem, and can reduce the temperature difference felt between the moment of sitting and after the passage of time, or can keep sitting comfortably without feeling heat. An object of the present invention is to provide a heated toilet seat device.

  1st invention is a toilet seat part which has a base material, the cushion part provided on the said base material which has elasticity, and the heater provided in the inside or the said cushion part, and the said toilet seat part It is a heating toilet seat apparatus provided with the seating sensor which detects seating of the said user, and the control part which reduces the heating of the said heater according to the detection of the said seating by the said seating sensor. According to this heating toilet seat device, when the user is seated on the toilet seat portion, the cushion portion is compressed and deformed, and when the distance between the cushion portion or the upper surface of the surface portion and the heater becomes small, the control portion heats the heater. Stop or make the heating amount weak. Therefore, even after the user has been seated on the toilet seat and time has elapsed, the user can continue to sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater. In addition, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference that is felt between the moment when the user sits on the toilet seat and after the time has elapsed.

Moreover, 2nd invention is a toilet seat part which has a base material, the cushion part provided on the said base material which has elasticity, and the heater provided in the inside or the said cushion part, and the said toilet seat In response to the detection by the human body detection sensor, the human body detection sensor that detects the user sitting in front of the toilet seat, the seat sensor that detects the seat of the user on the part, A heating toilet seat device comprising: a controller that further reduces heating of the heater in response to detection of the seating by the seating sensor.
According to this heating toilet seat device, once the user is in front of the toilet seat, the heating amount of the heater is once reduced, and then the heating amount of the heater is further reduced when the user is seated on the toilet seat. Therefore, the user can sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater from the time of sitting on the toilet seat. Moreover, the temperature difference felt between the moment when the user sits on the toilet seat and after the time has elapsed can be reduced.

The third invention is a toilet seat having a base, a cushion provided on the base and having elasticity, and a heater provided inside or below the cushion, and the toilet seat A seating sensor for detecting the seating of the user in the section, an entrance detection sensor for detecting the entrance of the user into the toilet room, and heating of the heater in response to detection of the entrance by the entrance detection sensor. A heating toilet seat device comprising: a control unit that lowers and further reduces heating of the heater in response to detection of the seating by the seating sensor.
According to this heating toilet seat device, once the user enters the toilet room, the heating amount of the heater is once reduced, and then the heating amount of the heater is further reduced when the user is seated on the toilet seat. Therefore, the user can sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater from the time when the user is seated on the toilet seat. Moreover, the temperature difference felt between the moment when the user sits on the toilet seat and after the time has elapsed can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet seat portion including a base material, a resilient cushion portion provided on the base material, and a heater provided inside or below the cushion portion, and a toilet seat portion. A heating toilet seat device comprising: a human body detection sensor that detects a human body of a user existing on a human body; and a control unit that reduces heating of the heater in response to the detection by the human body detection sensor. It is.
According to this heating toilet seat device, when the user is on the toilet seat section, the control section stops heating the heater or weakens the heating amount. For this reason, if the temperature of the toilet seat cools in about a few seconds when the heating of the heater decreases, and the user feels cold when sitting, the human body detection sensor detects the human body above the toilet seat. By reducing the heating of the heater, the toilet seat is kept warm until just before the user sits on the toilet seat. Therefore, the user can sit comfortably without feeling cold when sitting. Furthermore, the user can sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater from the time when the user is seated on the toilet seat. Moreover, the temperature difference felt between the moment when the user sits on the toilet seat and after the time has elapsed can be reduced.

  According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating toilet seat device that can reduce a temperature difference felt between the moment of sitting and after a lapse of time, or that can continue to sit comfortably without feeling heat.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a toilet apparatus including a heated toilet seat apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

  The toilet device shown in FIG. 1 includes a Western-style seat toilet (hereinafter simply referred to as “toilet” for convenience of explanation) 800 and a heated toilet seat device 100 provided thereon. The heating toilet seat device 100 includes a heating toilet seat function unit 400, a toilet seat unit 200, and a toilet lid 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are pivotally supported by the heating toilet seat function unit 400 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  The toilet seat 200 has a heater 240 inside as will be described in detail later. The toilet seat 200 can be warmed by the heater 240. The toilet seat 200 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes one heater 240, but is not limited thereto, and may include two or more heaters 240.

  The heating toilet seat function unit 400 includes a control unit 410 that controls the heating amount of the heater 240 based on a detection signal from a temperature sensor (not shown). In addition, the heating toilet seat function unit 400 includes a seating sensor 420 that detects the seating of the user on the toilet seat 200, a first human body detection sensor 430 that detects a user in front of the toilet seat 200, and the toilet seat 200. A second human body detection sensor 440 that detects the user's human body existing above the room, and an entrance detection sensor 450 that detects the user's entry into the toilet room.

  As the seating sensor 420, the first human body detection sensor 430, the second human body detection sensor 440, and the room entry detection sensor 450, for example, an infrared projection sensor such as a pyroelectric sensor or a distance measurement sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor Alternatively, a microwave sensor such as a Doppler sensor can be used. The pyroelectric sensor is more suitable for the entrance detection sensor 450 in that it can quickly detect the approach of the user. The distance measuring sensor is more suitable for the first human body detection sensor 430 that detects whether or not the user is in the toilet room.

  In the toilet apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, a recessed portion 442 is formed on the upper surface of the heating toilet seat function unit 400, and an entrance detection sensor 450 is provided so as to be partially embedded in the recessed portion 442. In the state where the toilet lid 300 is closed, the entrance detection sensor 450 detects the entrance of the user through the transmission window 310 provided in the vicinity of the base.

  Moreover, the heating toilet seat function part 400 may add the function part as a sanitary washing apparatus. That is, the heated toilet seat function unit 400 may appropriately include a sanitary washing function unit having a water discharge nozzle (not shown) that ejects water toward a “butt” of a user sitting on the toilet seat unit 200. In the present specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water.

  Furthermore, the heating toilet seat function unit 400 includes a “warm air drying function”, a “deodorizing unit”, and an “indoor heating unit” for blowing and drying hot air toward the “butt” of the user sitting on the toilet seat unit 200. And various other mechanisms may be provided as appropriate. At this time, an exhaust port 462 from the deodorizing unit and an exhaust port 464 from the indoor heating unit are appropriately provided on the side surface of the heating toilet seat function unit 400. However, in the present invention, the sanitary washing function unit and other additional function units are not necessarily provided.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the toilet seat portion of the heating toilet seat device.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the toilet seat in a state where a user is seated on the toilet seat.
The toilet seat 200 according to the present embodiment is provided below the base 210, the cushion 220 having elasticity (cushioning), the surface 230 covering the upper surface and side surfaces of the cushion 220, and the cushion 220. The heater 240 and a heat conductor 250 provided adjacent to the heater 240 are provided. In the specification of the present application, “elasticity (cushioning property)” refers to the property of undergoing compressive deformation upon receiving a load or changing the thickness upon receiving a load.

  Examples of the heat conductor 250 include an aluminum sheet and a carbon sheet. In the present invention, the surface portion 230 is not necessarily provided, and the cushion portion 220 may be exposed. Further, the heater 240 may be provided inside the cushion portion 220.

  When the user 600 sits on the toilet seat 200, as shown in FIG. 3, the distance between the upper surface of the cushion 220 or the surface 230 and the heater 240 changes. That is, when comparing the user 600 before sitting on the toilet seat 200 and after sitting, the distance between the upper surface of the cushion part 220 or the surface part 230 and the heater 240 is smaller after sitting. This is because the cushion part 220 has cushioning properties, and the cushion part 220 is compressed and deformed when the user 600 sits on the toilet seat part 200.

  When the distance between the upper surface of the cushion part 220 or the surface part 230 and the heater 240 becomes small, the user 600 feels “warm” when sitting on the toilet seat part 200 but feels “hot” when time passes. It can happen. This is because, when the distance between the upper surface of the cushion part 220 or the surface part 230 and the heater 240 becomes small, the heat transfer coefficient between the heater 240 and the user (human body) 600 becomes large, and the thermal resistance becomes small. It is.

  Therefore, in the heated toilet seat device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user 600 is seated on the toilet seat 200, the controller 410 reduces the heating of the heater 240. Here, “reducing” means that the heating of the heater 240 is stopped or the heating amount is set to be weak. More specifically, when the seating sensor 420 detects the user 600 seated on the toilet seat 200, the controller 410 stops heating the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weak in response to this detection. In the present specification, “weak” means that the degree of heating is such that the user does not feel cold on the toilet seat 200, or even if the user feels warm on the toilet seat 200, it does not feel uncomfortable. The degree of the amount of heating shall be said.

  Alternatively, in the heating toilet seat device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user 600 exists in front of the toilet seat 200, the control unit 410 reduces the heating amount of the heater 240, and when the user 600 is seated on the toilet seat 200, The controller 410 further reduces the heating of the heater 240. That is, the control unit 410 stops heating the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weaker. More specifically, when the first human body detection sensor 430 detects the user 600 existing in front of the toilet seat 200, the control unit 410 reduces the heating amount of the heater 240 in response to this detection. Subsequently, when the seating sensor 420 detects the user 600 seated on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 410 stops heating the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weak in response to this detection.

  Alternatively, in the heated toilet seat device 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user 600 enters the toilet room, the control unit 410 reduces the heating amount of the heater 240, and when the user 600 is seated on the toilet seat unit 200, the control unit 410. Further reduces the heating of the heater 240. That is, the heating of the heater 240 is stopped or the heating amount is set to be weaker. More specifically, when the entrance detection sensor 450 detects the user 600 entering the toilet room, the control unit 410 reduces the heating amount of the heater 240 in response to this detection. Subsequently, when the seating sensor 420 detects the user 600 seated on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 410 stops heating the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weak in response to this detection.

  Alternatively, in the heated toilet seat device 100 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 410 reduces the heating of the heater 240 when the user 600 tries to sit on the toilet seat unit 200. That is, heating of the heater 240 is stopped instantaneously or the heating amount is set to be weak instantaneously. More specifically, when the second human body detection sensor 440 detects the user 600 existing on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 410 stops the heating of the heater 240 instantaneously or the amount of heating in response to this detection. Is set to weak instantaneously.

  Thus, in the heated toilet seat apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, based on the detection result of at least one of the seating sensor 420, the first human body detection sensor 430, the second human body detection sensor 440, and the room entry detection sensor 450. The control unit 410 stops the heating of the heater 240, sets the heating amount to be weak, or reduces the heating amount. Therefore, the heated toilet seat device 100 according to the present embodiment can reduce the temperature difference felt between the moment when the user sits on the toilet seat 200 and after the time has elapsed.

  The control unit 410 stops the heating of the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weak, or triggers for lowering the heating amount (trigger) are the seating sensor 420, the first human body detection sensor 430, and the second human body detection. It may not be based directly on a detection signal from at least one of the sensor 440 and the room entry detection sensor 450. That is, the control unit 410 stops the heating of the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weak, or triggers to reduce the heating amount (trigger) are the seating sensor 420, the first human body detection sensor 430, and the second human body detection. It may be based indirectly on a detection signal from at least one of the sensor 440 and the room entry detection sensor 450.

  For example, the operation is started based on a detection signal from at least one of the seating sensor 420, the first human body detection sensor 430, the second human body detection sensor 440, and the entrance detection sensor 450. ”Or“ opening operation of the toilet lid 300 ”that starts the operation based on the detection signal from the room entry detection sensor 450, the control unit 410 stops the heating of the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weak. The heating amount may be reduced.

  That is, the controller 410 may decrease the heating of the heater 240 by directly using a “sanitizing water operation of the sanitary washing device”, an “opening operation of the toilet seat 300”, or the like as a direct trigger. In such a case, detection by the seating sensor 420, the entrance detection sensor 450, or the like is a direct trigger for “the wastewater operation of the sanitary washing device”, “the opening operation of the toilet lid 300”, and the like. It can be said that this is an indirect trigger for the decrease in heating of the heater 240. As described above, even if the sensor is indirectly based on the detection signal from at least one of the seating sensor 420, the first human body detection sensor 430, the second human body detection sensor 440, and the entrance detection sensor 450, the present invention. It is included in the range.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a toilet seat portion according to a modified example of the embodiment.
The base material 212 of the toilet seat 202 according to this modification does not have a hollow shape like the base material 210 shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, the base material 212 extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and the vicinity of both ends includes an upper surface portion 212 a extending in a substantially vertical direction, and a portion of the upper surface portion 212 a extending in a substantially horizontal direction. And a support part 212b to support. A heat insulating material 260 is provided between the upper surface portion 212a and the support portion 212b.

  The heater 240 is provided inside the upper surface portion 212 a of the base material 212. Similar to the heater 240, the heat conductor 250 is provided inside the upper surface portion 212 a of the base material 212 and adjacent to the heater 240. In addition, in the toilet seat part 202 concerning this modification, although the heater 240 is provided under the cushion part 220, as above-mentioned, you may be provided in the inside of the cushion part 220. FIG. Further, similarly to the toilet seat 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, the surface 230 may not necessarily be provided, and the cushion 220 may be exposed. About another structure, it is the same as that of the structure of the toilet seat part 200 represented to FIG.

  2 and 3, when the user 600 is seated on the toilet seat 202, the toilet seat 202 according to the present modification example includes the upper surface of the cushion 220 or the surface 230, the heater 240, and the like. The distance of, becomes smaller. And since the heat insulating material 260 is provided, the heat radiation under the toilet seat 202 is suppressed, and the heat from the heater 240 is more efficiently transmitted to the upper surface of the cushion part 220 or the surface part 230. Therefore, the user may feel hotter after the time has elapsed after sitting on the toilet seat 202.

  In contrast, in the heating toilet seat device 100 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 410 can stop the heating of the heater 240, set the heating amount to be weak, or reduce the heating amount. it can. According to this, the temperature difference felt between the moment when the user sits on the toilet seat 202 and after the time has elapsed can be reduced.

Next, a specific example of the configuration and operation of the heating toilet seat device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a heating toilet seat device according to a specific example of this embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the detection area of the seating sensor according to this example.
FIG. 7 is a time chart illustrating the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to this example.

  In the heating toilet seat device according to this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat unit 200 includes a heater 240 and a temperature sensor 290 therein. The temperature sensor 290 can detect the temperature near the upper surface of the cushion part 220 or the surface part 230. The heated toilet seat function unit 400 includes a control unit 410 and a seating sensor 420. The control unit 410 feedback-controls the heating amount of the heater 240 based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 290 while controlling the heating amount of the heater 240 so as to substantially match the set temperature appropriately set by the user or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the detection area of the seating sensor 420 is on the toilet seat 200 and in the vicinity of the installation position of the seating sensor 420. That is, the seating sensor 420 detects, for example, a user's buttocks or back while sitting on the toilet seat 200. Thereby, the seating sensor 420 can detect the seating of the user on the toilet seat 200.

  In the toilet apparatus shown in FIG. 6, a low tank is provided after the heated toilet seat function unit 400, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the cleaning mechanism of the toilet bowl 800 does not use the low tank “direct water pressure type”. It may be. This is the same for the specific examples described later with reference to FIGS. 9, 12, and 15 and the modifications described later with reference to FIGS.

  And in the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning this example, when a user sits on the toilet seat part 200, the control part 410 will stop the heating of the heater 240, or will set a heating amount to weak. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the user who has been seated on the toilet seat 200 by the seating sensor 420 from the state where the heating toilet seat is in the warming standby state (seat sensor: OFF, heater: ON). When detected (seat sensor: ON), in response to this detection, the controller 410 stops heating the heater 240 (heater: OFF). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the seating sensor 420 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200 from the state where the heating toilet seat is in the warming standby state (seat sensor: OFF, heater: ON) (seat In response to this detection, the control unit 410 sets the heating amount of the heater 240 to a weak holding output (heater: weak holding output).

  Subsequently, when the user finishes the stool and leaves the toilet seat 200, and the seating sensor 420 does not detect the user seated on the toilet seat 200 (seat sensor: OFF), the control unit 410 performs heating. The toilet seat device is again put into a warming standby state (seat sensor: OFF, heater: ON).

  According to this specific example, when the user is seated on the toilet seat part 200, the cushion part 220 is compressed and deformed, and the distance between the upper surface of the cushion part 220 or the surface part 230 and the heater 240 becomes small. 410 can stop the heating of the heater 240 or set the heating amount to a weak holding output. Therefore, even after the user has sat on the toilet seat 200 and time has elapsed, the user can continue to sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a heating toilet seat device according to another specific example of the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the detection area of the seating sensor according to this example.
FIG. 10 is a time chart illustrating the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to this example.

  In the heating toilet seat device according to this example, the toilet seat unit 200 includes a heater 240 and a temperature sensor 290 in the interior thereof, as in the example shown in FIG. The heated toilet seat function unit 400 includes a control unit 410, a seating sensor 420, and a first human body detection sensor 430. The controller 410 controls the heating amount of the heater 240 as described above with reference to FIG.

  The detection area of the first human body detection sensor 430 is the front of the toilet seat 200 as shown in FIG. That is, the first human body detection sensor 430 can detect a user who has entered the toilet room and has moved in front of the toilet seat 200, or a user standing in front of the toilet seat 200. On the other hand, the detection area of the seating sensor 420 is the same as the detection area of the seating sensor 420 shown in FIG.

  And in the heating toilet seat device concerning this example, if user 600 exists in front of toilet seat part 200, control part 410 will reduce the amount of heating of heater 240, and if user 600 sits on toilet seat part 200, control will be carried out. Part 410 further reduces the heating of heater 240. That is, the control unit 410 stops heating the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weaker.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the toilet seat device is in a high temperature standby state (first human body detection sensor: OFF, seating sensor: OFF, heater: high temperature holding output). When the first human body detection sensor 430 detects the user 600 existing in front of the toilet seat 200 from the state (first human body detection sensor: ON), the controller 410 heats the heater 240 in response to this detection. Reduce the amount (heater: low temperature holding output). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the seating sensor 420 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200 (seat sensor: ON), the controller 410 heats the heater 240 in response to this detection. Is stopped (heater: OFF). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the seating sensor 420 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200 (seat sensor: ON), the controller 410 heats the heater 240 in response to this detection. Is set to weak holding output (heater: weak holding output).

  Subsequently, when the user finishes the stool and leaves the toilet seat 200, and the seating sensor 420 does not detect the user seated on the toilet seat 200 (seat sensor: OFF), the control unit 410 is heated. The heating amount of 240 is increased (heater: low temperature holding output). Subsequently, when the user disappears from the front of the toilet seat 200 and the first human body detection sensor 430 does not detect the user 600 existing in front of the toilet seat 200 (first human body detection sensor: OFF). Then, the control unit 410 puts the heating toilet seat device into a high temperature standby state again (first human body detection sensor: OFF, seating sensor: OFF, heater: high temperature holding output).

  According to this specific example, when a user in front of the toilet seat 200 is detected, the heating amount of the heater 240 is once reduced, and then the heating amount of the heater 240 is further increased when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200. Reduce. Therefore, the user can sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater 240 from the time of sitting on the toilet seat 200.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a heating toilet seat device according to still another specific example of the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the detection area of the seating sensor according to this example.
FIG. 13 is a time chart illustrating the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to this example.

  In the heating toilet seat device according to this example, the toilet seat unit 200 includes a heater 240 and a temperature sensor 290 in the interior thereof, as in the example shown in FIG. The heated toilet seat function unit 400 includes a control unit 410, a seating sensor 420, and a room entry detection sensor 450. The controller 410 controls the heating amount of the heater 240 as described above with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the detection area of the entrance detection sensor 450 is up to a position spaced forward from the toilet seat 200. That is, the room entry detection sensor 450 detects farther than the first human body detection sensor 430 shown in FIG. 9, for example, near the door of the toilet room. Therefore, the entrance detection sensor 450 can detect the user entering the toilet room. On the other hand, the detection area of the seating sensor 420 is the same as the detection area of the seating sensor 420 shown in FIG.

  In the heated toilet seat device according to this specific example, when the user 600 enters the toilet room, the control unit 410 reduces the heating amount of the heater 240, and when the user 600 sits on the toilet seat unit 200, the control unit 410 The heating of the heater 240 is further reduced. That is, the heating of the heater 240 is stopped or the heating amount is set to be weaker.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the toilet seat device is in a high temperature standby state (entrance detection sensor: OFF, seating sensor: OFF, heater: high temperature holding output), When the entrance detection sensor 450 detects the user 600 entering the toilet room (entrance detection sensor: ON), the control unit 410 reduces the heating amount of the heater 240 (heater: low temperature holding output) in response to the detection. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the seating sensor 420 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200 (seat sensor: ON), the controller 410 heats the heater 240 in response to this detection. Is stopped (heater: OFF). Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, when the seating sensor 420 detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200 (sitting sensor: ON), the controller 410 heats the heater 240 in response to this detection. Is set to weak holding output (heater: weak holding output).

  Subsequently, when the user finishes the stool and leaves the toilet seat 200, and the seating sensor 420 does not detect the user seated on the toilet seat 200 (seat sensor: OFF), the control unit 410 is heated. The heating amount of 240 is increased (heater: low temperature holding output). Subsequently, when the user has left the toilet room and the entrance detection sensor 450 does not detect the user 600 who has entered the toilet room (entrance detection sensor: OFF), the control unit 410 waits for the heating toilet seat device again at a high temperature. (Entering detection sensor: OFF, seating sensor: OFF, heater: high temperature holding output).

  According to this example, when a user who enters the toilet room is detected, the heating amount of the heater 240 is once reduced, and then the heating amount of the heater 240 is further reduced when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200. . Therefore, the user can sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater 240 from the time when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram illustrating the configuration of a heating toilet seat device according to still another specific example of the present embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the detection area of the seating sensor according to this example.
FIG. 16 is a time chart illustrating the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to this example.

  In the heating toilet seat device according to this example, the toilet seat unit 200 includes a heater 240 and a temperature sensor 290 in the interior thereof, as in the example shown in FIG. Heating toilet seat function unit 400 includes control unit 410 and second human body detection sensor 440. The controller 410 controls the heating amount of the heater 240 as described above with reference to FIG.

  The detection area of the second human body detection sensor 440 is on the toilet seat 200 as shown in FIG. This detection area is slightly above the detection area of the seating sensor 420. Further, this detection area is behind the detection area of the first human body detection sensor 430. Therefore, the second human body detection sensor 440 does not detect a user standing in front of the toilet seat 200, but can detect a user who is going to sit on the toilet seat 200.

  In the heating toilet seat device according to this specific example, when the user 600 tries to sit on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 410 stops the heating of the heater 240 instantaneously or sets the heating amount to be weak instantaneously. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16A, the second human body detection sensor 440 is moved from the state where the heating toilet seat device is in a warming standby state (second human body detection sensor: OFF, heater: ON). When a user existing on the unit 200 is detected (second human body detection sensor: ON), the control unit 410 stops heating the heater 240 (heater: OFF) in response to this detection. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16B, the second human body detection sensor 440 is placed on the toilet seat 200 from the state where the heating toilet seat device is in the warming standby state (second human body detection sensor: OFF, heater: ON). Is detected (second human body detection sensor: ON), the control unit 410 sets the heating amount of the heater 240 to a weak holding output in response to this detection (heater: weak holding output).

  Subsequently, when the user completes the toilet and leaves the toilet seat 200, the second human body detection sensor 440 detects that the user existing on the toilet seat 200 is not detected (second human body detection). The sensor 410 turns the heating toilet seat device back to the warming standby state (second human body detection sensor: OFF, heater: ON).

  According to this specific example, when a user on the toilet seat 200 is detected, the controller 410 can stop the heating of the heater 240 or set the heating amount to a weak holding output. For this reason, when the heating of the heater 240 decreases, the temperature of the toilet seat 200 cools in about several seconds, and when the user feels cold when sitting, the second human body detection sensor 440 causes the upper portion of the toilet seat 200 to move upward. By lowering the heating of the heater 240 according to the detection of the human body, the toilet seat 200 is kept warm until just before sitting on the toilet seat 200. Therefore, the user can sit comfortably without feeling cold when sitting. Furthermore, it is possible to sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater 240 from the time when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200.

  The heating toilet seat device according to the present embodiment has been described above by taking as an example the case where an optical sensor such as an infrared projection sensor is used as the seating sensor 420. However, the seating sensor is not limited to this, and may be a sensor other than an optical sensor such as a load reaction sensor or a contact reaction sensor. Hereinafter, a modification in which the seating sensor is a sensor other than the optical sensor will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view illustrating a toilet apparatus including a seating sensor according to a modified example of the embodiment.
In this modified example, a seating sensor of a load reaction type sensor is provided at a position below the toilet seat 200 and in contact with the toilet 800 when the toilet seat 200 is in a substantially horizontal use position. The seating sensor of the load responsive sensor according to this modification is configured such that the switch is turned “ON” by the load applied to the toilet seat 200 when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, so that Detect seating. Examples of such load-responsive sensors include pressure sensors and touch switches.

  Then, when the seating sensor of the load responsive sensor detects a user seated on the toilet seat 200, the control unit 410 controls the heater 240 to perform the operation described above with reference to FIGS. 7, 10, and 13. . According to this modification, it is possible to reliably detect that the user is seated on the toilet seat 200. Therefore, when the cushion part 220 is compressed and deformed and the distance between the upper surface of the cushion part 220 or the surface part 230 and the heater 240 becomes small, the control part 410 stops the heating of the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to a weak holding output. Can be set. Therefore, even after the user has sat on the toilet seat 200 and time has elapsed, the user can continue to sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view illustrating a toilet apparatus including a seating sensor according to another modification example of the embodiment.
In this modification, a seating sensor of a load reaction type sensor or a contact reaction type sensor is provided at a portion (shaft support portion) in which the toilet seat 200 is pivotally supported by the heating toilet seat function unit 400 so as to be openable and closable. The seating sensor of the load responsive sensor of this modification can react to a load in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. For this reason, the seating sensor detects the user's seating on the toilet seat portion 200 when the switch is turned “ON” by the load applied to the shaft support portion when the user sits on the toilet seat portion 200.

  On the other hand, the seating sensor of the contact reaction type sensor according to this modification can react when a certain object contacts a sensor head (not shown). Therefore, this seating sensor detects that the user has been seated on the toilet seat part 200 by vibrations to the shaft support part transmitted when the user is seated on the toilet seat part 200. An example of such a contact reaction type sensor is a capacitance sensor.

  When the seating sensor of the load reaction sensor or the contact reaction sensor provided on the shaft support detects the user seated on the toilet seat 200, the controller 410 described above with reference to FIGS. 7, 10, and 13 The heater 240 is controlled to perform the operation. According to the present modification, it is possible to reliably detect that the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, as in the modification described above with reference to FIG. Therefore, the same effect as that of the modification described above with reference to FIG. 17 can be obtained.

  17 and 18, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the trigger (trigger) by which the control unit 410 stops heating the heater 240 or sets the heating amount to be weak is as follows. It may be based indirectly on a detection signal from a seating sensor of a load responsive sensor or a contact responsive sensor. That is, for example, the control unit 410 stops heating the heater 240 in response to a “sanitizing operation of the sanitary washing device” that starts the operation based on the detection signal of the seating sensor of the load reaction sensor or the contact reaction sensor. Alternatively, the heating amount may be set weak.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user sits on the toilet seat 200, the user in front of the toilet seat 200, the user entering the toilet room, or the user on the toilet seat 200. When at least one of the sensors detects this, the control unit 410 can decrease the heating of the heater 240, stop the heating of the heater 240, or set the heating amount to be weaker. Therefore, the temperature difference felt between the moment when the user sits on the toilet seat 200 and after the time has elapsed can be reduced. Further, the user can continue to sit comfortably without feeling the heat of the heater.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the heating toilet seat device 100 and the toilet device, the installation form of the heating toilet seat function unit 400, the toilet seat unit 200, and the toilet lid 300 are limited to those illustrated. It can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the seating sensor 420, the first human body detection sensor 430, the second human body detection sensor 440, and the room entry detection sensor 450 are not necessarily integrated with the heating toilet seat device 100. It may be provided as a sensor unit.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

It is a perspective schematic diagram which illustrates the toilet apparatus provided with the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the cross section of the toilet seat part of a heating toilet seat apparatus. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the cross section of the toilet seat part of the state which the user seated on the toilet seat part. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which illustrates the toilet seat part concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning the specific example of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the detection area | region of the seating sensor concerning this example. It is a time chart which illustrates operation of the heating toilet seat device concerning this example. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning the other specific example of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the detection area | region of the seating sensor concerning this example. It is a time chart which illustrates operation of the heating toilet seat device concerning this example. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning the other specific example of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the detection area | region of the seating sensor concerning this example. It is a time chart which illustrates operation of the heating toilet seat device concerning this example. It is a block diagram which illustrates the structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning the other specific example of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the detection area | region of the seating sensor concerning this example. It is a time chart which illustrates operation of the heating toilet seat device concerning this example. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the toilet apparatus provided with the seating sensor concerning the modification of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the toilet apparatus provided with the seating sensor concerning the other modification of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Heating toilet seat apparatus, 200, 202 Toilet seat part, 210, 212 Base material, 212a Upper surface part, 212b Support part, 220 Cushion part, 230 Surface part, 240 Heater, 250 Thermal conductor, 260 Thermal insulation, 290 Temperature sensor, 300 Toilet lid, 310 transmission window, 400 heating toilet seat function unit, 410 control unit, 420 seating sensor, 430 first human body detection sensor, 440 second human body detection sensor, 442 recessed portion, 450 entry detection sensor, 462 exhaust port , 464 outlet, 600 users, 800 toilet

Claims (4)

A toilet seat having a base material, a cushion portion provided on the base material and having elasticity, and a heater provided inside or below the cushion portion;
A seating sensor for detecting the seating of the user on the toilet seat;
A control unit that reduces heating of the heater in response to detection of the seating by the seating sensor;
A heating toilet seat device comprising: A toilet seat having a base material, a cushion portion provided on the base material and having elasticity, and a heater provided inside or below the cushion portion;
A seating sensor for detecting the seating of the user on the toilet seat;
A human body detection sensor for detecting a user in front of the toilet seat,
A controller that reduces heating of the heater in response to the detection by the human body detection sensor, and further reduces heating of the heater in response to detection of the seating by the seating sensor;
A heating toilet seat device comprising: A toilet seat having a base material, a cushion portion provided on the base material and having elasticity, and a heater provided inside or below the cushion portion;
A seating sensor for detecting the seating of the user on the toilet seat;
An entrance detection sensor for detecting a user entering the toilet room;
A controller that reduces heating of the heater in response to detection of the entrance by the entrance detection sensor, and further reduces heating of the heater in response to detection of the seating by the seating sensor;
A heating toilet seat device comprising: A toilet seat having a base material, a cushion portion provided on the base material and having elasticity, and a heater provided inside or below the cushion portion;
A human body detection sensor for detecting the human body of the user present on the toilet seat,
In response to the detection by the human body detection sensor, a controller that reduces the heating of the heater;
A heating toilet seat device comprising:

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