JP2011212088A - Heated toilet seat device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heated toilet seat device, in which even if a toilet seat having a cushion part is rapidly heated, the sitting surface thereof is prevented from being excessively heated, thereby achieving both comfort and energy saving.SOLUTION: The heated toilet seat device includes: a toilet seat having a heat generating part, and an elastic cushion part provided between the heat generating part and the sitting surface; and a control section for controlling the power distribution for the heat generating part to heat up. The device is characterized in that when raising the temperature of the toilet seat, the control section is configured to control, according to the heating history of the heat generating part from before a predetermined time, the amount of input power for the heat generating part to heat up.

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 resin such as PP (polypropylene). Therefore, when the user sits on the toilet seat, a hard sitting comfort is given. Also, if you sit on a cold toilet seat when the temperature is low, such as in winter, you will feel a chill. Therefore, there is a toilet seat device including a toilet seat having an elastic layer at least in part and a toilet seat heater disposed in the toilet seat (Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to provide a toilet seat device that is comfortable and free of temperature spots and has high energy efficiency. However, since the heat resistance of the elastic layer is large, it takes time until the heat of the toilet seat heater is transmitted to the seating surface.

  In addition, the control unit calculates the energization limit time for the heating element at which the temperature of the seating part becomes an appropriate temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means at the start of energization to the heating element, and generates heat until the energization limit time is reached Heating that controls the heating element based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means so that the body is energized, and then the amount of electricity to the heating element is reduced and the temperature of the seating part is maintained at an appropriate temperature. There is a toilet seat (Patent Document 2). If the toilet seat is heated rapidly, the temperature of the seating portion reaches an appropriate temperature in about 10 seconds, for example. Therefore, if the amount of current supplied to the heating element is controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, overshoot may occur. is there. On the other hand, according to the heating toilet seat described in Patent Document 2, since the heating element is energized until the calculated energization limit time is reached at the start of temperature increase, the temperature increase rate is fast, and the response speed of the temperature detection means Even if it is late, the temperature can be raised and maintained at a suitable temperature accurately and comfortably, and the toilet seat can be heated safely.

  By the way, in order to reduce power consumption when not in use and save energy, rapid heating is required even in a toilet seat having an elastic layer. However, when rapid heating is performed in a toilet seat having an elastic body layer, the thermal resistance of the elastic body layer is large, so that the problem of overshoot becomes significant and the temperature of the seating surface rises excessively.

JP 2007-97937 A Japanese Patent No. 4148295

  The present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and even if the toilet seat having the cushion portion is rapidly heated, the temperature of the seating surface does not excessively increase, and both comfort and energy saving can be achieved. An object of the present invention is to provide a heated toilet seat device.

  A first aspect of the invention is a toilet seat having a heat generating portion, a resilient cushion portion provided between the heat generating portion and a seating surface, and a control portion for controlling energization for heating the heat generating portion. The control unit controls an input power amount for heating the heating unit based on a heating history of the heating unit from a predetermined time before raising the temperature of the toilet seat. Heating toilet seat device.

  According to this heating toilet seat device, when the temperature of the toilet seat is raised, the control unit controls the input power amount for heating the heat generating unit based on the heating history of the heat generating unit from a predetermined time ago. Therefore, even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the seating surface from rising excessively. That is, the control unit can keep the seating surface at a comfortable temperature even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time. In addition, energy can be saved without wasting power.

  According to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the heating history of the heat generating portion is calculated based on an input power amount input to heat the heat generating portion. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the controller determines the input power amount based on the calculated calorific value.

  According to this heating toilet seat device, the control unit calculates the heat generation amount of the heat generation unit from a predetermined time before based on the input power amount input to heat the heat generation unit, and inputs based on the calculated heat generation amount Determine the amount of power. Therefore, it does not require large-scale facilities. Thereby, a heating toilet seat apparatus can be reduced in size.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the control unit generates the heat when the control unit attempts to input the power exceeding a predetermined input power amount to heat the heat generation unit. The heating toilet seat device is characterized in that the input power amount is controlled based on a heating history of a section.

  According to this heating toilet seat device, the control unit controls the input power amount on the basis of the heating history of the heat generating unit when attempting to input power exceeding a predetermined input power amount to heat the heat generating unit. . That is, the control unit detects that rapid heating is to be performed, and controls the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit. Therefore, it is possible to reliably recognize the temperature raising operation and execute energization control based on the heating history of the heat generating portion.

  According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, a heating coil that is energized to generate a magnetic field, and a conductor that generates heat by an eddy current induced by the magnetic field generated from the heating coil. The heating toilet seat device is characterized in that the heat generating part is the conductor.

  According to this heating toilet seat device, it is provided with an induction heating means having a heating coil that is energized to generate a magnetic field, and a conductor that generates heat due to an eddy current induced by the magnetic field generated from the heating coil. It is a conductor. Therefore, the heating toilet seat device can quickly bring the seating surface to an appropriate temperature by rapidly heating the seating surface of the toilet seat by the induction heating means. Therefore, when the user is not using the toilet seat, it is not necessary to keep the toilet seat warm, and energy saving can be achieved. Further, when the toilet seat is to be heated rapidly, the control unit controls the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit from a predetermined time before. Therefore, even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the seating surface from rising excessively.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, even if the toilet seat which has a cushion part is heated rapidly, the temperature of a seating surface does not rise excessively, and the heating toilet seat apparatus which can make comfort and energy saving compatible is provided.

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 block diagram which illustrates the principal part structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning the specific example whose heat-emitting part is a heater. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the cross section of the toilet seat concerning this example. It is a block diagram which illustrates the principal part structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning the specific example whose heat-emitting part is a heating plate of an induction heating means. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the cross section of the toilet seat concerning this example. It is a graph which illustrates the relationship between the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat of this embodiment, and the input electric energy at the time of rapid heating. It is a graph which illustrates the relationship between the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat of a comparative example, and the input electric energy at the time of rapid heating. It is a graph which illustrates the relationship between the input electric energy in the past predetermined time, and the determined input electric energy. It is a flowchart showing the specific example of operation | movement of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the other specific example of operation | movement of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the further another specific example of operation | movement of the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning this embodiment.

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 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 incorporates a heat generating part that can warm the toilet seat 200. The heat generating part is, for example, a heater or a heating plate (conductor) of induction heating means. Here, these details will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the case where the heat generating portion is a heater will be described as an example.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of a heating toilet seat device according to a specific example in which the heat generating unit is a heater.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the toilet seat according to this example.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane AA shown in FIG.

  The toilet seat 200 of this specific example incorporates a heater (heat generating part) 210. The heater 210 can heat the toilet seat 200 by generating heat when energized. That is, the heater 210 generates heat transferred to the surface (sitting surface) of the toilet seat. Note that the installation form and the number of installations of the heaters 210 are not limited to the installation form and the number of installations of the heaters 210 shown in FIG.

  As the heater 210, a so-called “tubing heater”, “seeds heater”, “halogen heater”, “carbon heater”, or the like can be used. Further, the heater 210 may have any shape such as a wire shape, a sheet shape, or a mesh shape.

  The toilet seat 200 includes a temperature sensor 271 that can detect the temperature in the vicinity of the heater 210. The temperature sensor 271 is provided in the vicinity of the heater 210. Note that the temperature sensor 271 only needs to be disposed near the heater 210 as viewed relatively. That is, when viewed from the temperature sensor 271, the heater 210 may be disposed closer to the seating surface. Alternatively, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 271 may be arranged so as to be closer to the temperature of the heater 210 than the temperature of the seating surface.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heating toilet seat function unit 400 stores the control unit 410 that controls energization for heating the heater 210 based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor 271, and the past heating history of the heater 210. Storage unit 415. Then, when the temperature of the toilet seat 200 is raised, the control unit 410 can control the input power amount for heating the heater 210 based on the past heating history of the heater 210 stored in the storage unit 415. This will be described in detail later.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the toilet seat 200 is adjacent to the base material 230, the cushion portion 240 having elasticity (cushioning property), the surface portion 250 covering the upper surface and the side surface of the cushion portion 240, and the heater 210. The heat conductor 260 is provided, and the heat insulating material 220 is provided in the base member 230 so as to be separated from the heater 210. The base material 230 has an upper plate 231 and a bottom plate 233. However, the base material 230 may be integrally formed. Further, the surface of the surface portion 250 functions as a seating surface. 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.

  The base material 230 is made of a resin such as PP (polypropylene). Examples of the heat conductor 260 include an aluminum sheet and a carbon sheet. The cushion part 240 is formed of a material softer than the base material 230, and when the user sits on the toilet seat 200, the cushion part 240 is deformed according to the weight and disperses the weight. Since the cushion part 240 is provided on the base material 230 and has cushioning properties, the sitting comfort when the user sits on the toilet seat 200 can be improved. Moreover, the heat insulating material 220 can suppress the heat radiation under the toilet seat 200.

Next, a case where the heat generating portion is a heating plate of induction heating means will be described as an example.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of a heated toilet seat device according to a specific example in which the heat generating unit is a heating plate of induction heating means.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the toilet seat according to this example.
5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane AA shown in FIG.

  The toilet seat 200 of this specific example incorporates induction heating means 280. The induction heating means 280 has a heating coil 281 that is energized to generate a magnetic field, and a heating plate (heating unit) 283 that generates heat due to an eddy current induced by the magnetic field generated from the heating coil 281. The heating plate 283 is attached to the lower surface of the upper plate 231. On the other hand, the heating coil 281 is attached to the lower surface of the heating plate 283. The heating plate 283 can rapidly heat the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 by heat generated by the heating plate 283 itself.

  In addition, the installation form and the number of installation of the heating coil 281 and the heating plate 283 are not limited to this. For example, the heating plate 283 may be attached to the upper surface of the upper plate 231, may be provided in the upper plate 231, or may be provided in the cushion portion 240. Further, the heating coil 281 is not limited to being built in the toilet seat 200, and may be built in the toilet lid 300, for example.

  The toilet seat 200 includes a temperature sensor 271 that can detect the temperature in the vicinity of the heating plate 283. The temperature sensor 271 is provided in the vicinity of the heating plate 283. The temperature sensor 271 only needs to be disposed near the heating plate 283 as viewed relatively. That is, it is only necessary that the heating plate 283 is disposed closer to the seating surface when viewed from the temperature sensor 271. Alternatively, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 271 may be arranged so as to be closer to the temperature of the heating plate 283 than the temperature of the seating surface.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the heating toilet seat function unit 400 displays the heating history of the heater 210 and the control unit 410 that controls energization for heating the heating plate 283 based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor 271. And a storage unit 415 for storing. Then, when the temperature of the toilet seat 200 is raised, the control unit 410 can control the input power amount for heating the heating coil 281 based on the past heating history of the heating plate 283 stored in the storage unit 415. it can. This will be described in detail later.

  The heating plate 283 is made of a conductor. As the conductor, for example, a metal such as a ferromagnetic material such as iron or stainless steel or a paramagnetic material such as aluminum can be used. In order to make it difficult to emit a magnetic field to the outside of the toilet seat 200, it is more preferable to use a ferromagnetic material such as iron or stainless steel having a large electric resistance for the heating plate 283.

  Further, the toilet seat 200 of this specific example incorporates the magnetic path stabilizing means 290 as shown in FIG. The magnetic path stabilizing means 290 is called, for example, a ferrite core, and can stabilize the magnetic path in a space other than the heating plate 283 and increase the heat generation efficiency of the heating plate 283. Further, the magnetic path stabilizing means 290 can stabilize the magnetic path in a space other than the heating plate 283 and adjust the temperature distribution of the heating plate 283. Furthermore, the magnetic path stabilizing means 290 can suppress leakage of the magnetic field to the lower side of the toilet seat 200, that is, the bottom plate 233 side. The other structure is the same as that of the specific example mentioned above regarding FIG. 2 and FIG.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the heating toilet seat function unit 400 includes a seating detection sensor 420 that detects a user sitting on the toilet seat 200, a human body detection sensor 430 that detects a user in front of the toilet seat 200, and a toilet It includes a room entry detection sensor 440 that detects entry of a user into the room, a toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 that detects opening / closing of the toilet lid 300, and a room temperature detection means 470 that detects the room temperature of the toilet room.

  The seating detection sensor 420 can detect a human body existing above the toilet seat 200 immediately before the user is seated on the toilet seat 200 or a user seated on the toilet seat 200. That is, the seating detection sensor 420 can detect not only a user seated on the toilet seat 200 but also a user existing above the toilet seat 200. As such a seating detection sensor 420, for example, an infrared light projecting / receiving sensor or the like can be used.

  In addition, the human body detection sensor 430 can detect a user in front of the toilet bowl 800, that is, a user present in a position spaced forward from the toilet seat 200. That is, the human body detection sensor 430 can detect a user who enters the toilet room and approaches the toilet seat 200. As such a human body detection sensor 430, for example, an infrared light projecting / receiving type distance measuring sensor or the like can be used. The output of the distance measuring sensor changes based on the position of the detected object, that is, the position of the user in front of the toilet seat 200. Therefore, the distance measuring sensor can detect the distance to the user in front of the toilet seat 200, that is, the position of the user.

  Further, the entrance detection sensor 440 can detect a user immediately after opening a toilet room door or entering a toilet room and a user existing in front of the door. That is, the entrance detection sensor 440 can detect not only the user who entered the toilet room, but also the user before entering the toilet room, that is, the user existing in front of the door outside the toilet room. As such a room entry detection sensor 440, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor such as a Doppler sensor, or the like can be used. When using a sensor that uses the microwave Doppler effect or a sensor that detects the object to be detected based on the amplitude (intensity) of the microwave transmitted and reflected, the user's The presence can be detected. That is, the user before entering the toilet room can be detected.

  As the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460, for example, a Hall IC or a micro switch can be used. Therefore, the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 is not limited to being built in the heating toilet seat function unit 400, and may be provided outside the hinge portion of the toilet lid 300 or the heating toilet seat function unit 400. That is, the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 only needs to detect the opening / closing of the toilet lid 300. The same applies to the seating detection sensor 420 and the entrance detection sensor 440, and the seating detection sensor 420 and the entrance detection hand 440 are not limited to being built in the heating toilet seat function unit 400.

  In the toilet apparatus shown in FIG. 1, a recessed portion 451 is formed on the upper surface of the heating toilet seat function unit 400, and an entrance detection sensor 440 is provided so as to be partially embedded in the recessed portion 451. When the toilet lid 300 is closed, the room entry detection sensor 440 detects the user's room entry through the transmission window 310 provided near the base.

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

  Furthermore, the heated toilet seat function unit 400 has 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 200. Various mechanisms such as these may be provided as appropriate. At this time, an exhaust port 453 from the deodorizing unit and an exhaust port 455 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. 6 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat according to the present embodiment and the input power amount during rapid heating.
FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat of the comparative example and the input power amount during rapid heating.
FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the amount of input power in the past predetermined time and the determined amount of input power.

  The control unit 410 of the heating toilet seat device 100 according to the present embodiment can determine the input power amount for heating the heating unit based on the usage status of the heating toilet seat device 100. Alternatively, the input power amount set in advance according to the usage status of the heating toilet seat device 100 is stored in the storage unit 415 as a table, and the control unit 410 determines the input power amount by referring to the table. Can do. Then, heat based on the input power amount determined by the control unit 410 is generated in the heat generating units such as the heater 210 and the heating plate 283. That is, the heat generation amount based on the input power amount determined by the control unit 410 is transmitted from the heat generation unit such as the heater 210 and the heating plate 283 toward the seating surface. The controller 410 can control the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 with higher accuracy by determining the input power amount with reference to the room temperature of the toilet room detected by the room temperature detecting means 470.

For example, when the toilet lid 300 is opened by the user, the control unit 410 can determine the input power amount based on the opening of the toilet lid 300. More specifically, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects that the toilet lid 300 is opened, the control unit 410 can determine the input power amount based on the detection result of the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460. .
On the other hand, for example, when the toilet lid 300 is closed by the user, the control unit 410 can determine another input electric energy based on the closure of the toilet lid 300. More specifically, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects that the toilet lid 300 is closed, the control unit 410 determines another input power amount based on the detection result of the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460. Can do.

  In addition, when the control unit 410 according to the present embodiment determines that it is necessary to input an amount of electric power that is higher than the input electric energy (predetermined input electric energy) based on the usage status of the heating toilet seat device 100, Rapid heating in which an amount of electric power higher than the amount of input electric power based on the usage state is input can be performed. The case where the amount of electric power higher than the amount of electric power input based on the use situation is required is, for example, when the temperature of the seating surface is expected to decrease by opening the toilet lid 300 when the temperature is low, such as in winter. This is the case when the temperature of the seating surface is expected to decrease due to the opening of the toilet lid 300 having high heat insulation. Control unit 410 may execute rapid heating by changing the set temperature (target temperature). The determination of the necessity of performing rapid heating will be described in detail later.

  Here, the toilet seat 200 of this embodiment has the cushion part 240 as mentioned above regarding FIG. 3 and FIG. The thermal resistance of the cushion part 240 is larger than the thermal resistance of the base material 230 formed of a resin such as PP, for example. Therefore, the time until the heat generation amount of the heat generating portion is transmitted to the seating surface is longer than the time when the cushion portion 240 is not provided. That is, the heat generated in the heat generating part is not easily transmitted to the seating surface and is likely to accumulate in the cushion part 240. Therefore, in the case where it is necessary to input an amount of electric power higher than the amount of input electric power based on the usage status of the heating toilet seat device 100, if the control unit 410 performs rapid heating, the temperature of the seating surface may increase excessively. There is.

Further description will be given with reference to the comparative example shown in FIG.
For example, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects that the toilet lid 300 is opened, the control unit 410 determines that it is necessary to input an amount of electric power that is higher than the input electric energy based on the usage status, and performs rapid heating. Execute (timing t1).

  Subsequently, when the set time has elapsed, the control unit 410 stops the rapid heating (timing t2). Subsequently, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects that the toilet lid 300 is closed, the control unit 410 inputs the amount of electric power based on the use situation (situation where the toilet lid 300 is closed) (timing t3). That is, in this situation (situation where the toilet lid 300 is closed), the control unit 410 determines that it is not necessary to perform rapid heating, and determines the input power amount based on the usage situation of the heating toilet seat device 100.

  Subsequently, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects again that the toilet lid 300 is opened, the control unit 410 determines that it is necessary to input an amount of electric power higher than the input electric energy based on the use state, and the control unit 410 quickly Heating is performed again (timing t4). At this time, similarly to the rapid heating at the timings t1 to t2, the control unit 410 performs the rapid heating based on the input power amount of the rapid heating performed when the toilet lid 300 is opened. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 may rise excessively. This is because, as described above, the heat generated in the heat generating portion is not easily transmitted to the seating surface and is likely to accumulate in the cushion portion 240. The operations after timing t5 are the same as those described above with respect to timings t1 to t4.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, when the temperature of the toilet seat 200 is raised, the control unit 410 can control the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit from a predetermined time ago. The heating history of the heat generating portion is, for example, the heat generation amount of the heat generating portion from a predetermined time before calculated based on the input power amount input to heat the heat generating portion. The control unit 410 calculates the heat generation amount of the heat generating unit within a predetermined time from the input power amount within a predetermined time, and determines the input power amount to the heater 210 and the heating coil 281 based on the calculated heat generation amount. And control part 410 controls input electric energy based on the heating history of a heat generating part, when it is going to input electric energy higher than input electric energy based on a use situation.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the input power amount in the past predetermined time is higher, the control unit 410 determines a lower input power amount, and the determined input power amount Is put into the heater 210 and the heating coil 281. Note that the control unit 410 is not limited to determining the input power amount to the heater 210 and the heating coil 281 based on the heat generation amount of the heat generating unit calculated from the input power amount within a predetermined time in the past. The amount of power input to the heater 210 and the heating coil 281 may be determined directly based on the amount of power input in the past predetermined time.

Further description will be given with reference to the specific example shown in FIG.
For example, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects that the toilet lid 300 is opened, the control unit 410 determines that it is necessary to input an amount of electric power that is higher than the input electric energy based on the usage status, and performs rapid heating. Attempt to execute (timing t11). At this time, the control unit 410 controls the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit from a predetermined time ago.

  When the input of the input power amount controlled by the control unit 410 is completed, the control unit 410 stops the rapid heating (timing t12). Subsequently, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects that the toilet lid 300 is closed, the control unit 410 inputs an amount of electric power based on a use situation (a situation where the toilet lid 300 is closed) (timing t13). That is, in this situation (situation where the toilet lid 300 is closed), the control unit 410 determines that it is not necessary to perform rapid heating, and determines the input power amount based on the usage situation of the heating toilet seat device 100.

  Subsequently, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 460 detects again that the toilet lid 300 is opened, the control unit 410 determines that it is necessary to input an amount of electric power higher than the input electric energy based on the use state, and the control unit 410 quickly Heating is attempted again (timing t14). At this time, the control unit 410 controls the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit from a predetermined time ago.

  More specifically, the control unit 410 performed rapid heating with a larger input power amount at timings t11 to t12. Therefore, the input power amount within the past predetermined time is higher. Therefore, the control unit 410 determines the input power amount to be input at the timing t14 to a lower input power amount based on, for example, the graph shown in FIG. The control unit 410 is not limited to determining the input power amount to be input based on the graph shown in FIG. 8, and for example, determines based on the arithmetic expression stored in the storage unit 415. May be. The operation after timing t15 is the same as the operation described above with respect to timings t11 to t14.

  According to this, since the control unit 410 controls the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit, the temperature of the seating surface can be increased even if the toilet seat 200 is heated a plurality of times in a shorter time. Can be prevented from rising excessively. That is, the control unit 410 can keep the seating surface at a comfortable temperature even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time. In addition, energy can be saved without wasting power.

  Moreover, since the control part 410 calculates the emitted-heat amount of the heat-emitting part in the predetermined time from the input electric power amount in the predetermined time, a large installation is not required. Therefore, the heating toilet seat device 100 can be reduced in size. Furthermore, the control unit 410 detects that rapid heating is to be performed, and controls the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit. Based on the energization control, it can be executed.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following specific example, a case where the heat generating portion is the heater 210 will be described as an example.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to the present embodiment.

  First, when a rapid heating command is input to the control unit 410 (step S101), the control unit 410 determines whether the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 is set (step S103). When the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 is set (step S103: Y), the control unit 410 uses the temperature sensor 271 and the room temperature detection means 470 to determine the temperature of the heater 210 and the room temperature of the toilet room (outside air temperature). Are respectively measured (step S107). On the other hand, when the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 is not set (step S103: N), the control unit 410 does not control the amount of electric power supplied to the heater 210 and sets the heater 210 to off (step). S105).

  Subsequently, control unit 410 determines whether or not the rapid heating condition is satisfied (step S109). That is, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to input an amount of power higher than the amount of input power based on the usage status of the heating toilet seat device 100 (step S109).

Here, the rapid heating condition will be described.
When the user needs to raise the temperature of the seating surface by changing the set temperature of the seating surface, the control unit 410 determines that the rapid heating condition is satisfied.
In addition, when it is predicted that the temperature of the seating surface is lowered by opening the toilet lid 300, the control unit 410 determines that the rapid heating condition is satisfied. For example, when the temperature is low such as in winter.
In addition, when it is predicted that the user may be seated on the toilet seat 200 by the entrance detection sensor 440 detecting the entrance of the user into the toilet room, the control unit 410 changes the rapid heating condition. Judgment is satisfied.
If seating detection sensor 420 no longer detects the user seated on toilet seat 200, control unit 410 determines that the rapid heating condition is satisfied. This is because the amount of heat released from the seating surface increases when the user leaves the toilet seat 200.
In addition, when the seating surface needs to be heated by turning on the power of the heating toilet seat device 100, the control unit 410 determines that the rapid heating condition is satisfied. This is because the temperature of the seating surface is often lower than the set temperature before the heating toilet seat device 100 is turned on.

  When the control unit 410 determines that the rapid heating condition is satisfied (step S109: Y), an input power amount that is equal to or greater than a threshold value (input power amount based on usage status) is input within a predetermined past time. It is determined whether or not (step S113). That is, the operation in step S113 corresponds to an operation in which control unit 410 determines whether or not rapid heating has been performed within a past predetermined time. On the other hand, when control unit 410 determines that the rapid heating condition is not satisfied (step S109: N), it does not execute rapid heating and inputs the input power amount based on the usage status of heating toilet seat device 100. (Step S111).

  When the input power amount equal to or greater than the threshold is input within the past predetermined time (step S113: Y), the control unit 410 further increases the input power amount during rapid heating based on the input power amount within the predetermined time. A low input power amount is determined (step S117). At this time, when the controller 410 determines the input power amount at the time of rapid heating with reference to the outside air temperature measured in step S107, the control unit 410 can predict a more accurate input power amount, and the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 Can be controlled with higher accuracy.

  On the other hand, when the input power amount equal to or higher than the threshold is not input within the past predetermined time (step S113: N), the control unit 410 determines the input power amount at the time of rapid heating to a lower input power amount. Instead, rapid heating is performed based on the preset input power amount (step S115).

  According to this specific example, when the rapid heating is executed within the past predetermined time, the control unit 410 determines the input power amount during the rapid heating to a lower input power amount. Therefore, even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the seating surface from rising excessively. That is, the control unit 410 can keep the seating surface at a comfortable temperature even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another specific example of the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to the present embodiment.
The operations in steps S201 to S211 are the same as the operations in steps S101 to S111 of the specific example described above with reference to FIG.

  When it is determined that the rapid heating condition is satisfied (step S209: Y), the control unit 410 determines whether or not the total input power amount in the past predetermined time is equal to or greater than a certain amount (step S213). That is, in the specific example described above with reference to FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the input power amount equal to or greater than the threshold value has been input within the past predetermined time. On the other hand, in this specific example, the input power amount equal to or less than the threshold value is also included. Then, it is determined whether or not the total input power amount in the past predetermined time is equal to or larger than a certain amount (step S213). Note that the predetermined time in step S213 is, for example, about 5 minutes.

If the total input power amount in the past predetermined time is equal to or greater than a certain amount (step S213: Y), the control unit 410 further increases the input power amount during rapid heating based on the input power amount in the predetermined time. A low input power amount is determined (step S217). At this time, when the controller 410 determines the input power amount during rapid heating with reference to the outside air temperature measured in step S207, the control unit 410 can predict a more accurate input power amount, and the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 Can be controlled with higher accuracy.
The operation in step S215 is the same as the operation in step S115 of the specific example described above with reference to FIG.

  According to this specific example, when the total input power amount in the past predetermined time is a certain amount or more, the control unit 410 determines the input power amount at the time of rapid heating to a lower input power amount. Therefore, even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time, it is possible to more reliably prevent the temperature of the seating surface from rising excessively. That is, the control unit 410 can keep the seating surface with high accuracy at a comfortable temperature even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another specific example of the operation of the heating toilet seat device according to the present embodiment.
The operations in steps S301 to S311 are the same as the operations in steps S101 to S111 of the specific example described above with reference to FIG.

When it is determined that the rapid heating condition is satisfied (step S309: Y), the control unit 410 determines whether or not a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the previous rapid heating was performed (step S313). When the predetermined time or more has not elapsed since the previous execution of the rapid heating (step S313: N), the control unit 410 determines the input power during the current rapid heating based on the input power amount during the previous rapid heating. The amount is determined to be a lower input power amount (step S317). At this time, when the controller 410 determines the input power amount during rapid heating with reference to the outside air temperature measured in step S307, it can predict a more accurate input power amount, and the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat 200 Can be controlled with higher accuracy.
The operation in step S315 is the same as the operation in step S115 of the specific example described above with reference to FIG.

  According to this specific example, when the predetermined time or more has not elapsed since the previous execution of the rapid heating, the control unit 410 determines the input power amount during the current rapid heating to a lower input power amount. Therefore, even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the seating surface from rising excessively. That is, the control unit 410 can keep the seating surface at a comfortable temperature even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the temperature of the toilet seat 200 is raised, the control unit 410 controls the input power amount based on the heating history of the heat generating unit from a predetermined time ago. Therefore, even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the seating surface from rising excessively. That is, the control unit 410 can keep the seating surface at a comfortable temperature even if the temperature raising operation of the toilet seat 200 is performed a plurality of times in a shorter time. In addition, energy can be saved without wasting power.

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, dimensions, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the toilet seat 200 and the like, the installation form of the heater 210, the heating coil 281 and the heating plate 283 are not limited to those illustrated, and may be changed as appropriate. it can.
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.

  100 Heating Toilet Seat Device, 200 Toilet Seat, 210 Heater, 220 Heat Insulating Material, 230 Base Material, 231 Top Plate, 233 Bottom Plate, 240 Cushion Part, 250 Surface Part, 260 Thermal Conductor, 271 Temperature Sensor, 280 Induction Heating Means, 281 Heating Coil, 283 heating plate, 290 magnetic path stabilizing means, 300 toilet lid, 310 transmission window, 400 heating toilet seat function unit, 410 control unit, 415 storage unit, 420 seating detection sensor, 430 human body detection sensor, 440 entrance detection sensor, 451 Recessed portion, 453 exhaust port, 455 discharge port, 460 toilet lid open / close detection sensor, 470 room temperature detection means, 800 toilet

Claims (4)

A toilet seat having a heat generating portion, and a resilient cushion portion provided between the heat generating portion and the seating surface;
A control unit for controlling energization for heating the heat generating unit;
With
When the temperature of the toilet seat is increased, the control unit controls an input power amount for heating the heating unit based on a heating history of the heating unit from a predetermined time ago. . The heating history of the heat generating unit is a heat generation amount of the heat generating unit from the predetermined time before calculated based on an input power amount input to heat the heat generating unit,
The heating toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the input power amount based on the calculated calorific value.   The control unit controls the input power amount based on a heating history of the heat generating unit when the power is to be supplied exceeding a predetermined input power amount to heat the heat generating unit. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 1 or 2. An induction heating means having a heating coil that is energized to generate a magnetic field, and a conductor that generates heat by an eddy current induced by the magnetic field generated from the heating coil;
The heating toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat generating portion is the conductor.