JP2011182955A - Toilet seat device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toilet seat device enhancing an energy saving performance while keeping comfortability when a user uses a toilet seat. <P>SOLUTION: The toilet seat device includes: a toilet seat 400 including a seating surface and a toilet seat heater 450 heating the seating surface; a plurality of detection parts (600, 800) detecting a user who approaches to the toilet seat 400 in different detection areas; and a control part 90 controlling a current to the toilet seat heater 450. The control part 90 controls a launch of temperature to raise to target set temperature, according to detection operations of a plurality of detection parts, by switching the temperature sequentially to higher target temperature with the approach of the user to the toilet seat 400 and by sequentially raising the temperature of the seating surface. Since the toilet seat device can early start a temperature rasing operation by detecting the approach of the user in advance, the toilet seat device can keep the toilet seat heater with a lower power drive in a standby state and has an excellent power saving performance of an operation state including a non-use state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet seat device that controls the temperature of a toilet seat.

  A conventional general toilet seat device is a constantly heated toilet seat device, and a medium-power heater with an output of about 50 W is disposed on the back side of a resin toilet seat having a thickness of about 3 mm to prepare for use in advance. The temperature is constantly kept at a set temperature of about 40 ° C. to 40 ° C. so that it can be used comfortably at any time. However, since the non-use time is generally longer than the use time, energy is wasted in the non-use time zone, which is uneconomical.

  On the other hand, there is an instant heating type toilet seat device, in which the frame of the toilet seat is made of a metal material such as aluminum having good thermal conductivity, and a high-power heater is provided on the back side of the toilet seat. . When not in use, the heater is driven with low power to maintain the temperature of the toilet seat at a predetermined standby temperature. The human body detection sensor detects entry of the user and the heater is driven with high power. The toilet seat is heated up momentarily. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In the instant heating type toilet seat device, the temperature of the seating surface can be increased at a rate of temperature increase of about 2 K (Kelvin) per second using a 1200 W high-power heater. This is a temperature increase rate about 30 times that of a normally heated toilet seat device. As a result, the temperature of the toilet seat is instantaneously increased within a few seconds from when the user enters the toilet room until the user is seated on the toilet seat, and control is performed so as to maintain a set temperature in the range of 34 ° C to 40 ° C. The seated user can obtain a comfortable warm sensation.

  FIG. 10 is a graph showing a temperature rise characteristic when the temperature is raised from the standby temperature of the toilet seat to the set temperature in the toilet seat device of Patent Document 1. In the same figure, the temperature rise characteristic when the room temperature is 15 ° C. and the standby temperature is 18 ° C. is shown by curve a, and the temperature rise when the room temperature is lowered to 10 ° C. and the standby temperature is maintained at 18 ° C. The characteristic is shown by the curve c, and when the room temperature is lowered by 5 ° C., the temperature rise time from the standby temperature until reaching the cooling sensation limit temperature may be increased by 1 second from 5.5 seconds to 6.5 seconds. It is shown. In order to correct this delay, the temperature characteristic when the standby temperature is changed to 20 ° C. is shown by a curve d, and the temperature rise time is maintained at 5.5 seconds by changing the standby temperature to 20 ° C. I have to.

JP 2009-050436 A

  In the toilet seat device of Patent Document 1, the seating operation time required from the detection of the user by the human body detection sensor to the seating on the toilet seat is verified in advance, and the minimum time for this seating operation is 5.5 seconds. The result is obtained. It has also been experimentally obtained that the cool sensation limit temperature at which the user does not feel cold when sitting on the toilet seat is 29 ° C. Accordingly, if the rate of temperature rise to the cool sensation limit temperature (29 ° C.) can be increased within the shortest time (5.5 seconds) of the sitting operation, the standby temperature when not in use can be lowered.

As a means for increasing the heating rate for raising the temperature of the toilet seat, there is a method for increasing the power of the toilet seat heater. However, if this method is adopted, it is necessary to ensure the safe operation of the toilet seat heater and ensure the reliability of the toilet seat heater. It was difficult to improve.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat device that improves energy saving while maintaining comfort when a user uses a toilet seat.

  In order to solve the conventional problems, a toilet seat device according to the present invention includes a toilet seat having a seating surface and a toilet seat heater for heating the seating surface, and a plurality of detection areas for detecting a user approaching the toilet seat. A detection unit, and a control unit that controls energization of the toilet seat heater, wherein the control unit sequentially increases the target temperature as the user approaches the toilet seat according to the detection operation of the plurality of detection units. In this case, the temperature of the seating surface is controlled to follow the target temperature so as to rise toward the set temperature as the final target.

  As a result, it is detected in advance that the user is approaching the toilet, and the standby temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat is increased stepwise according to the degree of access by the user. Can be shortened. Therefore, the seating surface can be sufficiently warmed up until the user is seated on the toilet seat, and the user can use it comfortably. In addition, it is possible to wait for the toilet seat heater to be heated by lower power driving, and the toilet seat temperature when not in use can be lowered to reduce power consumption.

  The toilet seat device of the present invention detects in advance that the user is approaching the toilet and raises the standby temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat in a stepwise manner according to the degree of approach of the user. Therefore, the toilet seat heater can be made to stand by with lower power drive, and the energy saving performance can be provided.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the state which installed the toilet seat apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention on the toilet bowl. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a toilet seat according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The bottom view which shows the state which attached the toilet seat heater to the upper toilet seat casing of the toilet seat in Embodiment 1 of this invention Plan view of toilet seat heater according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention Schematic diagram showing the configuration of the drive system of the toilet seat device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the toilet seat apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention with a user's approach. Time chart showing an example of driving the toilet seat heater and a change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat in Embodiment 1 of the present invention The schematic diagram which showed arrangement | positioning of the detection part in Embodiment 1 of this invention Time chart showing a driving example of the toilet seat heater and a change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat when the second detection unit in the first embodiment of the present invention is not detected Graph showing temperature rise characteristics of a conventional toilet seat device

  The first invention includes a toilet seat having a seating surface and a toilet seat heater for heating the seating surface, a plurality of detection units having different detection areas for detecting a user approaching the toilet seat, and energizing the toilet seat heater. A control unit that controls, the control unit sequentially switches to a higher target temperature as the user approaches the toilet seat according to the detection operation of the plurality of detection units, and the temperature of the seating surface is set to the target Control is performed so as to follow the temperature and start up toward the set temperature as the final target.

  As a result, it is detected in advance that the user is approaching the toilet, and the standby temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat is increased stepwise according to the degree of access by the user. Can be shortened. Therefore, the seating surface can be sufficiently warmed up until the user is seated on the toilet seat, and the user can use it comfortably. In addition, it is possible to wait for the toilet seat heater to be heated by lower power driving, and the toilet seat temperature when not in use can be lowered to reduce power consumption.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a toilet seat having a seating surface and a toilet seat heater that heats the seating surface, a first detection unit that detects that a user has approached the toilet seat, and the user further on the toilet seat. A second detection unit that detects approach, a timer unit that operates for a predetermined time according to a detection operation of the first detection unit, a temperature measurement unit that detects a temperature of a seating surface of the toilet seat, and the temperature A control unit that controls energization of the toilet seat heater so that the temperature detected by the measurement unit follows the target temperature, and the control unit determines the temperature of the seating surface according to the output of the timer unit. When an operation of increasing the temperature toward a standby temperature that is lower than the target temperature is started and the second detection unit detects the user, the temperature of the seating surface is set toward the set temperature that is the final target temperature. It controls to raise the temperature.

  Thereby, when the first detection unit detects in advance that the user is approaching the toilet, the temperature of the toilet seat is raised to the standby temperature in advance, and the user who approaches the toilet further is detected by the second detection unit. As the seating surface of the toilet seat is raised to the set temperature, which is the final target temperature, the power consumption can be reduced by lowering the toilet seat temperature when not in use, until the user is seated on the toilet seat. The seating surface can be warmed up and the toilet seat can be used comfortably.

  In addition, it is not necessary to supply power to the toilet seat heater until the first detection unit detects the user, so power supply to the toilet seat heater is stopped to reduce power consumption when not in use and Power consumption including time can be extremely reduced, and power can be saved.

  Further, even if the first detection unit erroneously detects and operates the timer unit, if the second detection unit does not operate, the toilet seat heater is not driven at high power, so that power consumption due to malfunction of the first detection unit Can be reduced.

  In addition, even if the first detection unit causes a detection error that does not detect the user, the toilet seat heater is driven with high power in accordance with the detection operation of the second detection unit to raise the temperature of the toilet seat. By the time the user sits on the toilet seat, the temperature can be raised to a temperature close to the set temperature without reaching the set temperature, and when the user sits on the toilet seat, the user does not have to feel bad because the toilet seat is cold.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet seat having a seating surface and a toilet seat heater for heating the seating surface, a first detection unit for detecting that a user has approached the toilet seat, and a user further approaching the toilet seat A second detection unit that detects the occurrence of the failure, a timer unit that operates for a predetermined time according to the detection operation of the first detection unit, a temperature measurement unit that detects the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat, and the operation measurement A control unit that controls energization of the toilet seat heater so that the detected temperature of the unit follows the target temperature, and the control unit sets the temperature of the seating surface according to the output of the timer unit. When the second detection unit detects the user, the temperature of the seating surface is changed to the second standby temperature when the temperature is increased from the standby temperature to a second standby temperature higher than the first standby temperature. Increase the temperature toward the set temperature, which is the higher final target temperature And it controls the current supply to the toilet seat heater.

As a result, when the environment temperature when not in use in a cold region is lowered, the temperature measurement unit detects the operation so that the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat is maintained at least at the first standby temperature. Since the toilet seat heater is energized and the first detection unit detects the approach of the user in advance and maintains the temperature of the toilet seat up to the second standby temperature in advance, according to the detection operation of the second detection unit The temperature raising time for raising the temperature from the second standby temperature to the set temperature can be shortened, and the user can comfortably use the toilet seat that is sufficiently warmed up until the user is seated. That is, even when the ambient temperature is lowered, the toilet seat temperature when the user is seated is guaranteed.

  Further, when the environmental temperature when not in use is higher than the first standby temperature, the toilet seat heater is not energized, so that power consumption when not in use can be reduced and power saving can be achieved.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the second detection unit of the plurality of detection units according to one of the first to third aspects of the invention detects a human body that detects a user who has entered a room in which a toilet seat is installed. The first detection unit of the plurality of detection units is a pre-entry detection unit that detects the user before the user enters from outside the room.

  As a result, before entering the room from the outside where the toilet is installed, the detection unit detects the temperature before raising the toilet seat to the standby temperature, and the human body detection unit detects that the user has entered the room. Since the seating surface of the toilet seat is heated to the set temperature, the toilet seat temperature when not in use can be lowered to reduce power consumption, and the seating surface can be sufficiently warmed before the user is seated on the toilet seat. It can be used comfortably.

  In addition, even if the detection unit before entering the room detects that the timer unit is activated, the toilet seat heater is not driven at high power unless the human body detection unit is operated. Can be small.

  In the fifth aspect of the invention, the control target value of the first standby temperature is determined according to the time interval from the detection operation of the pre-entry detection unit of the fourth invention to the detection operation of the human body detection unit.

  Accordingly, the first standby temperature is determined based on the time interval between the detection by the pre-entry detection unit and the detection by the human body detection unit in actual use without being particularly conscious of the installation location of the pre-entry detection unit. Therefore, even when the ambient temperature decreases, the temperature of the toilet seat at the time when the pre-entry detection unit detects the user in advance and starts raising the toilet seat to the second standby temperature in advance is detected by the pre-entry detection unit. Since the first standby temperature is maintained at the temperature determined from the time interval from the operation to the detection operation of the human body detection unit, the seating surface of the toilet seat can be detected by detecting the user who is closer to the toilet with the human body detection unit. As the temperature rises to the set temperature, the toilet seat temperature when not in use can be lowered in accordance with the user's approach to the room where the toilet seat is installed to reduce power consumption, and before the user sits on the toilet seat, Since the seating surface can be sufficiently warmed, it can be used comfortably. That is, even when the ambient temperature is lowered, the toilet seat temperature when the user is seated is guaranteed.

  If the pre-entry detection unit is installed so that the time interval from the detection operation of the pre-entry detection unit to the detection operation of the human body detection unit is long, the first standby power is sufficiently low, so the power consumption is sufficiently reduced. be able to.

  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)
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the appearance of the toilet seat device according to the present embodiment in a state where it is installed on a toilet bowl.

<1> Configuration of Toilet Seat Device As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat device 100 includes a toilet seat body 200, a toilet lid 300, a toilet seat 400, a remote controller 500, a first detection unit 800, Second
The detection part 600 is comprised.

  The toilet seat body 200 has a toilet lid 300 and a toilet seat 400 attached to each other through an toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism (not shown) so as to be electrically opened and closed. The toilet seat body 200 includes a washing water supply mechanism (not shown), a heat exchanger (not shown), a washing nozzle 201 and the like, a drying unit (not shown), a toilet seat temperature control lamp RA1, and A control unit 90 and the like are incorporated.

  A seating sensor 202 is installed on the front surface of the toilet seat body 200. The seating sensor 202 is a reflective infrared sensor, and detects the presence of a user on the toilet seat 400 by detecting infrared light reflected from the human body.

  Further, the washing water supply mechanism and the heat exchanger are connected to the washing nozzle 201, the washing water supplied from the water pipe (not shown) is heated by the heat exchanger, and the heated washing water is washed with the washing nozzle. It supplies to 201. The washing mechanism is not an essential component of the toilet seat device, and may be a toilet seat device that does not include these components.

  The cleaning nozzle 201 is provided with a butt cleaning nozzle part (not shown) for cleaning the butt and a bidet nozzle part (not shown) for cleaning a female part, and the cleaning water is directed toward the user's local part. And the user's local area is washed with washing water.

  The remote controller 500 has a plurality of operation switches, and is attached to a place such as a wall surface of a toilet room that can be operated by a user seated on the toilet seat 400. Then, when the user operates the operation switch of the remote controller 500, each function of the toilet seat apparatus 100 can be operated.

  The control unit 90 controls the operation of each unit of the toilet seat device 100 based on signals transmitted from the remote controller 500, the first detection unit 800, the second detection unit 600, and the seating sensor 202. .

  The 1st detection part 800 and the 2nd detection part 600 are comprised, for example by a reflection type infrared sensor, and detect the infrared rays reflected from the human body, and detect a user's approach. These have different detection areas, and the second detection unit 600 sets the detection area closer to the toilet 700 (toilet seat body 200) than the detection area of the first detection unit 800. Thereby, it can detect in steps according to the approach degree to which a human body approaches a toilet bowl.

<2> Configuration of Toilet Seat 400 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet seat 400.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat 400 includes an annular upper toilet seat casing 410 having a substantially elliptical shape as a seating surface, and a toilet seat heater 450 that is a substantially horseshoe-shaped toilet seat heater adhered to the back surface of the upper toilet seat casing 410. A substantially elliptical annular lower toilet seat casing 420 formed of a synthetic resin is used as a main component.

  Upper toilet seat casing 410 is formed by pressing an aluminum plate having a thickness of about 1 mm by pressing or the like, and a coating film containing polyester powder having electrical insulation and heat resistance is formed on the front and back surfaces.

The lower toilet seat casing 420 is a molded product using a resin material, and is composed of a main body portion 421 whose planar shape is substantially the same shape as the upper toilet seat casing 410, and arm portions 422 that project obliquely upward to the rear of both sides of the main body portion 421. Has been. Upper toilet seat casing 410 and lower toilet seat casing 4
20 is coupled at the inner periphery and the outer periphery, and a watertight means is applied to the joint.

  The toilet seat 400 having the toilet seat heater 450 adhered to the back surface of the upper toilet seat casing 410 and the lower toilet seat casing 420 coupled thereto includes an arm portion 422 at the rear portion as shown in FIG. By being coupled to the toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism, it is pivotally supported.

<3> Configuration of Toilet Seat Heater FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the toilet seat heater 450 attached to the upper toilet seat casing 410, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the toilet seat heater 450.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a toilet seat heater 450 is adhesively fixed to almost the entire back surface of the upper toilet seat casing 410, and a thermostat 461 and a temperature fuse 462 are provided on a part of the toilet seat heater 450 as an overheat prevention device. And are installed. A thermistor 401a is attached to the surface of the side portion, and the thermistor 401a is connected to a temperature measurement unit for feedback control of energization to the toilet seat heater 450 based on the temperature of the toilet seat casing 410.

  An earth wire 480 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the upper toilet seat casing 410 in order to prevent an electric shock in the event of an electric leakage.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the toilet seat heater 450 is formed in a substantially horseshoe shape in which a part of the front portion is cut out in a sheet shape. The toilet seat heater 450 is configured by arranging the heater wires 453 in a meandering manner with the heater wires 453 sandwiched between two metal foils 451 and 452 made of aluminum.

  A part of the toilet seat heater 450 is formed with a high density portion in which the heater wire 460 meanders at a high density, and a resettable thermostat 461 using a bimetal is provided in the high density portion. The thermostat 461 functions to prevent overheating, and stops the energization of the toilet seat heater 450 when the toilet seat heater 450 reaches an unexpected abnormal temperature.

  Further, as a backup function of the thermostat 461, the temperature fuse 462 is closely attached and fixed to the toilet seat heater 450, and the non-recoverable temperature fuse 462 is blown when the resettable thermostat 462 does not operate when the abnormal temperature rises. As a result, the power supply to the toilet seat heater 450 is completely cut off.

<4> Configuration of Drive System of Toilet Seat Heater FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the drive system of the toilet seat device 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat body 200 includes a control unit 90, a temperature measurement unit 401, a heater drive unit 402, a toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism 490, a toilet seat temperature adjustment lamp RA <b> 1, and a seating sensor 202. The toilet seat 400 includes a toilet seat heater 450 and a thermistor 401a.

  The control unit 90 includes a microcomputer as a main component, a determination unit 620 for determining a user's entry and the temperature of the toilet seat 400, a timer unit 403 having a timekeeping function and a timer function, and a storage unit for storing various information 404 and an energization rate switching circuit 406 for controlling the operation of the heater driving unit 402.

The temperature measuring unit 401 is connected to a thermistor 401 a installed in the upper toilet seat casing 410 of the toilet seat 400. Thereby, the temperature measurement part 401 measures the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 400 based on the signal output from the thermistor 401a. Hereinafter, the thermistor 401
The temperature of the toilet seat 400 measured by the temperature measuring unit 401 through a is referred to as a measured temperature value.

  Further, when the user operates the toilet seat temperature adjustment switch of the remote controller 500, the set temperature of the toilet seat 400 is transmitted to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 stores the set temperature received from the remote controller 500 in the storage unit 404.

  The heater driving unit 402 is provided in the toilet seat body 200 and is connected to the toilet seat heater 450 in the toilet seat 400, and is configured to drive the toilet seat heater 450.

  FIG. 6 shows the operation of the toilet seat device according to the present embodiment together with the user who approaches the toilet seat device. FIG. 6A shows that when the user approaches the toilet seat device 100 and enters the detection area 800a of the first detection unit 800, the first detection unit 800 detects the approach of the user and sends the detection signal to the toilet seat body. It transmits toward the control part 90 in 200. As a result, the control unit 90 starts control to drive the toilet seat heater 450 to rise in temperature.

  6B shows that when the user further approaches the toilet seat device 100 and enters the detection area 600a of the second detection unit 600, the second detection unit 600 indicates that the user has further approached the toilet seat device 100. And a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 90 in the toilet seat body 200. Thereby, the control unit 90 controls the temperature of the toilet seat 400 to be further raised toward the set temperature and to open the toilet lid 300. As a result, the user can comfortably sit on the warm toilet seat 400.

  FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the detection operation of the first detection unit 800 and the second detection unit 600 and the temperature change of the toilet seat. In FIG. 7, time T0 corresponds to the operation of FIG. 6A, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven in accordance with the detection operation of the first detection unit 800, and the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is the standby temperature (first claim). 2) (equivalent to a standby temperature of 2). The toilet seat heater 450 is energized at 600 W for a short time before 1200 W is energized. This is performed in order to suppress inrush current when the toilet seat heater 450 is energized.

  Next, time T1 corresponds to the operation in FIG. 6B, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven in accordance with the detection operation of the second detection unit 600, and the temperature of the toilet seat 400 further increases toward the set temperature. Is done. The cooling sensation limit temperature is set to 29 ° C. When the cooling sensation limit temperature is set as a boundary (time T2), the power supplied to the toilet seat heater 450 is reduced to 600 W and the rate of temperature rise is slowed to approach the set temperature To stabilize the temperature change. This is to prevent overshoot of the toilet seat temperature, and also to improve the comfort when the user is seated by eliminating the temperature error that occurs when the followability of temperature control is insufficient. It shows that the user is seated on the toilet seat 400 at time T3 and the seating sensor 202 detects the seated user.

  In the present embodiment, after the temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches the set temperature, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven with low power at a low energization rate, and the temperature control is performed so that the temperature of the toilet seat 400 maintains the set temperature. .

  In this way, the approach of the user to the toilet bowl is detected step by step by a plurality of detection units, and the temperature of the seating surface is increased step by step as the user approaches, so that the user can move to the toilet seat. The seating surface can be sufficiently warmed up before sitting. Therefore, the user can not only comfortably use the toilet seat device, but also can reduce power consumption by lowering the toilet seat temperature when not in use.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the first and second detection units (800, 600) in the second embodiment.

  The second detection unit 600, which is a human body detection sensor, is provided at a position close to the toilet seat 400. Specifically, the second detection unit 600 is attached to the wall surface of the toilet room 710 and the user enters the room where the toilet seat 400 is installed. Detect that.

  On the other hand, the first detection unit 800 is provided at a position away from the toilet seat 400. The first detection unit 800 has a detection area different from that of the second detection unit 600, and is provided so as to detect a user approaching the toilet seat 400 earlier than the second detection unit 600. Specifically, the first detection unit 800 is installed in a corridor 720 leading to the toilet room 710. The toilet seat device 100 may be provided in the toilet bowl 700 installed in the bathroom, and the first detection unit 800 may be installed at a position in the bathroom away from the toilet seat device 100.

  In the present embodiment, the toilet seat device 100 operates as follows. At the time of initial setting, the toilet seat heater 450 is not energized when the first detection unit 800 does not perform the detection operation. Therefore, the toilet seat 400 has substantially the same temperature as the room temperature of the toilet room 710.

  When the user approaches the toilet room 710 via the corridor 720, the first detection unit 800 detects the user, and the control unit 90 drives the heater driving unit 402 according to the detection output, and the toilet seat The heater 450 is energized and controlled so that the minimum temperature of the toilet seat 400 is maintained at about 18 ° C. This temperature is referred to as a second standby temperature. Therefore, when the room temperature is 18 ° C. or lower, the toilet seat heater 450 is energized to control the temperature. When the room temperature is 18 ° C. or higher, or when the measured temperature value of the toilet seat 400 is 18 ° C. or higher using the toilet seat device 100 immediately before, the control unit 90 does not energize the toilet seat heater 450, so the toilet seat 400 It becomes the same temperature as room temperature.

  When the user enters the toilet room 710, the second detection unit 600, which is a human body detection sensor, detects the user. Upon receiving the detection signal from the second detection unit 600, the control unit 90 drives the heater driving unit 402 to energize the toilet seat heater 450. The toilet seat heater 450 is driven with extremely high power of about 1200 W, and the seating surface of the toilet seat 400 is moved in a short time of about 5 to 10 seconds from when the user enters the toilet room 710 until the user sits on the toilet seat 400. Warm to an appropriate temperature of about 40 ° C. After the toilet seat 400 reaches an appropriate temperature, the controller 90 reduces the energization to the toilet seat heater 450 to a low power of about 50 W, and drives the toilet seat heater 450 at a low power so as to maintain the appropriate temperature.

  Next, when the environmental condition is used in winter or when the room temperature of the toilet room 710 is lowered to below freezing as in the case of using in a cold region, the first detection unit 800 does not detect the user. When the toilet seat device 100 is not used, the control unit 90 detects the temperature measurement unit 401 based on a predetermined temperature value (for example, 5 ° C.) lower than the second standby temperature (for example, 18 ° C.). The heater drive unit 402 is driven by comparing the temperatures, the toilet seat heater 450 is energized, and the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is controlled so as not to be lower than the first standby temperature (for example, 8 ° C.).

  The first standby temperature is determined based on the time interval from the operation of the first detection unit 800 to the detection operation of the second detection unit 600. That is, regardless of the position of the first detection unit 800 that is installed in consideration of the approach to the first toilet seat (the flow line of the user), the detection operation of the second detection unit 600 is performed according to the time interval. At the time, the first standby temperature is automatically set so as to reach the second standby temperature.

For example, when the temperature increase rate of the toilet seat is 2K (Kelvin) per second and the measured time interval is 5 seconds at the shortest, the temperature is further lower than 18 ° C. when there is no detection operation of the first detection unit 800. The toilet seat is controlled to be kept at a temperature of about 8 ° C. (that is, a temperature obtained by subtracting 10 K (Kelvin) of the temperature rise in 5 seconds). The toilet seat is not energized unless the temperature around the toilet seat (in this embodiment, the temperature of the temperature measuring unit that detects the temperature of the seating surface) is lower than 8 ° C. Therefore, by providing and controlling the first detection unit 800, the toilet seat device greatly reduces power when there is no user approaching the toilet seat.

  Next, the operation during use will be described. When the user approaches the toilet room 710 and enters the detection area of the first detection unit 800, the first detection unit 800 performs a detection operation and a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 90.

  The determination unit 620 detects that the user has approached the toilet room 710 with the first detection unit 800 and based on the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement unit 401 and the toilet seat set temperature stored in the storage unit 404. A specific control pattern related to the driving of the heater 450 is executed.

  Here, the timer unit 403 starts measurement according to the detection signal of the first detection unit 800, measures the time until the detection operation of the second detection unit 600, and stores the measured time in the storage unit 404. Based on the time interval from the detection operation of the first detection unit to the detection operation of the second detection unit 600, the first standby temperature is set to reach the second standby temperature at the time of the detection operation of the second detection unit 600. It is controlled.

  Subsequently, when the user enters the toilet room 710 and enters the detection area of the second detection unit 600, the second detection unit 600 performs a detection operation and a signal is transmitted to the control unit 90.

  The determination unit 620 of the control unit 90 detects that the user has entered the toilet room 710 based on the entry detection signal from the second detection unit 600. The control unit 90 drives the toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism 490 to open the valve lid 300, and the determination unit 620 determines the toilet seat heater based on the measured temperature value of the toilet seat 400 and the set temperature stored in the storage unit 404. A specific heater control pattern for driving 450 is selected.

  The energization rate switching circuit 406 controls the heater drive unit 402 to drive based on the selected heater control pattern and the time information obtained by the timer unit 403, and controls the toilet seat heater 450 to energize with the output of the heater drive unit 402. The temperature of the toilet seat 400 is instantaneously raised to the set temperature.

  As described above, in the determination of the first standby temperature, it is determined based on the time interval stored in the storage unit 404, so that it is not used in accordance with the user's approach to the room where the toilet seat 400 is installed. The toilet seat temperature can be lowered to reduce power consumption, and the seating surface 410 of the toilet seat 400 can be sufficiently warmed up until the user is seated on the toilet seat 400, so that it can be used comfortably. Even if the ambient temperature decreases, the toilet seat temperature when the user is seated on the toilet seat 400 is guaranteed.

  On the other hand, a false detection can be considered as a problem when the first detection unit 800 is provided outside the toilet room 710. In the present invention, this problem is solved by providing a timer unit 403 that operates for a predetermined time according to the detection operation of the first detection unit 800, and the first detection unit 800 erroneously detects the timer unit 403. Even if the second detection unit 600 does not operate, the temperature does not rise to the set temperature, and if the second detection unit 600 does not operate within a certain period of time (for example, 1 minute), a malfunction occurs. Since the determination and the detection of the first detection unit 800 are invalidated, the power consumption at the time of malfunction can be reduced, and the malfunction of the first detection unit 800 can be allowed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven by the detection operation of the first detector 800, and the toilet seat temperature rises to the second standby temperature. Thereafter, when the detection operation of the second detection unit 600 is not performed, it is determined that there is an erroneous detection at time T4, and the maintenance of the second standby temperature is stopped. Although the time setting of the timer unit 403 in this embodiment is 1 minute from the time point T0 to the time point T4, the operating time of the timer unit 403 is set with a margin for the time difference from the time point T0 to the time point T1 that is normally detected. You may do it.

  In the present embodiment, the first detection unit 800 and the second detection unit 600 are infrared sensors. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first detection unit 800 and the second detection unit 600 may be operated by a remote controller operated by the user. However, when the lighting switch is turned on in conjunction with the lighting switch provided in the hallway 720 or the like, the user may be determined to enter the room and operate. A method of transmitting from a mobile phone is also conceivable.

  In addition, the toilet seat device that reacts to the first detection unit is not limited to one, and may be configured to correspond to a plurality of toilet seat devices. In this case, a large energy saving effect can be expected in a toilet room equipped with a plurality of toilet seat devices such as public facilities.

  As described above, the toilet seat device according to the present invention can reduce power consumption during standby, and thus can be applied to other uses such as heating equipment.

90 Control unit (control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Toilet seat apparatus 200 Toilet seat main body 202 Seating sensor (sitting detection part)
400 Toilet seat 403 Timer part (Timer part)
404 Storage unit (storage means)
411 Seating surface 450 Toilet seat heater 600 Second detection unit (human body detection unit)
800 1st detection part (pre-entry detection part)

Claims (5)

A toilet seat having a seating surface and a toilet seat heater for heating the seating surface; a plurality of detection units having different detection areas for detecting a user approaching the toilet seat; and a control unit for controlling energization to the toilet seat heater; With
The control unit sequentially switches to a higher target temperature as the user approaches the toilet seat according to the detection operation of the plurality of detection units, and causes the temperature of the seating surface to follow the target temperature to be a final target. A toilet seat device that is controlled to start up at a set temperature. A toilet seat having a seating surface and a toilet seat heater for heating the seating surface, a first detection unit for detecting that the user has approached the toilet seat, and detecting that the user has further approached the toilet seat A second detection unit, a timer unit that operates for a predetermined time according to the detection operation of the first detection unit, a temperature measurement unit that detects the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat, and a detection temperature of the temperature measurement unit A controller that controls energization of the toilet seat heater so as to follow the target temperature,
The control unit starts an operation of raising the temperature of the seating surface toward a standby temperature that is a target temperature lower than a final target temperature according to an output of the timer unit, and the second detection unit When the person is detected, a toilet seat device that controls the temperature of the seating surface to be raised toward the set temperature that is the final target temperature. A toilet seat having a seating surface and a toilet seat heater that heats the seating surface, a first detection unit that detects that the user has approached the toilet seat, and a first that detects that the user has further approached the toilet seat 2 detection units, a timer unit that operates for a predetermined time according to the detection operation of the first detection unit, a temperature measurement unit that detects the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat, and the detected temperature of the operation measurement unit A controller that controls energization of the toilet seat heater so as to follow the target temperature,
The control unit raises the temperature of the seating surface from a first standby temperature toward a second standby temperature higher than the first standby temperature in accordance with an output of the timer unit, and the second detection When the section detects the user, the toilet seat device controls the energization of the toilet seat heater so as to raise the temperature of the seating surface toward a set temperature that is a final target temperature higher than the second standby temperature. . The 2nd detection part among a plurality of detection parts is a human body detection part which detects the user who entered the room where the toilet seat was installed,
The first detection unit among the plurality of detection units is a pre-entry detection unit that detects the user before the user enters from outside the room. The toilet seat device according to item. The toilet seat device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines a control target value of the first standby temperature according to a time interval from the detection operation of the pre-entry detection unit to the detection operation of the human body detection unit.