JP2014167224A - Toilet apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toilet apparatus capable of achieving a long life span of a light source device, an increase in excitation efficiency, or suppression of an influence on the human body.SOLUTION: A toilet apparatus includes a light source device that can apply ultraviolet rays to a photocatalytic film-formed bowl part of a toilet bowl, and human body detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the human body within a toilet room. The light source device irradiates the bowl part with the ultraviolet rays with a maximum wavelength of 360 nm or less, when the human body detection means detects the absence of the human body within the toilet room.

Description

  Aspects of the invention generally relate to toilet devices.

  In order to keep the toilet more clean, there is a toilet in which a photocatalyst layer containing, for example, crystalline titanium oxide and silica is formed on the toilet surface (Patent Document 1). The toilet surface on which the photocatalyst layer is formed has hydrophilicity when the surface of the photocatalyst layer is excited by receiving the energy of ultraviolet rays. Thereby, it can reduce that dirt adheres to the toilet bowl surface.

  However, toilets are generally installed indoors. Therefore, sunlight cannot be used for ultraviolet irradiation. Therefore, in order to irradiate the toilet with the photocatalyst layer formed on the toilet surface, it is necessary to provide a light source device capable of irradiating the toilet. Therefore, there is a toilet sterilizer in which a germicidal lamp that emits ultraviolet rays is provided on the inner surface of the toilet lid (Patent Document 2).

  For example, a structure in which a photocatalyst layer or a photocatalyst film is formed on a wall surface of a house is known. In this structure, sunlight is used to make the wall of the house hydrophilic. Sunlight can be irradiated for a relatively long time. Moreover, there is almost no need to consider the life of sunlight. For this reason, there is almost no concept such as excitation efficiency (change in contact angle per hour).

  On the other hand, the light source device that irradiates the toilet having the photocatalyst layer with ultraviolet rays is artificially manufactured. Therefore, the lifetime of the light source device is finite. Further, it is known that ultraviolet rays have an effect on the human body such as sunburn. Therefore, when a toilet is used, it is necessary to stop the irradiation of ultraviolet rays. According to this, ultraviolet rays cannot be irradiated for a long time like sunlight. Therefore, there is room for improvement in that it is necessary to irradiate ultraviolet rays while considering the lifetime of the light source device, the excitation efficiency, and the influence on the human body.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-78665 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-304990

  The present invention has been made on the basis of recognition of such a problem, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet device that can realize a longer life of a light source device, an improvement in excitation efficiency, or a suppression of an influence on a human body. To do.

  1st invention is provided with the light source device which can irradiate a bowl part which is a bowl part of a toilet bowl in which a photocatalyst film was formed, and a human body detection means which detects the existence of a human body in a toilet room, The light source device is a toilet device that irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 360 nm or less when the human body detecting unit detects that no human body is present in the toilet room. .

  According to this toilet device, it is possible to suppress the influence of the ultraviolet rays on the human body and to irradiate the bowl portion with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength with a relatively high excitation efficiency. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays can be made relatively short. Thereby, the lifetime improvement of a light source device is realizable. In addition, a clean toilet device can be provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light source device capable of irradiating ultraviolet light onto a bowl portion of a toilet bowl on which a photocatalyst film is formed, and a toilet lid provided to be openable and closable. A toilet lid opening / closing detection means for detecting an opening / closing state of the toilet lid to be covered, and the light source device is 360 nm or less when the toilet lid opening / closing detection means detects that the toilet lid is in a closed state. The toilet apparatus is characterized by irradiating the bowl portion with ultraviolet light having a maximum in wavelength.

  According to this toilet apparatus, since the toilet lid covers the bowl part, it is possible to suppress the influence on the human body due to ultraviolet rays and to irradiate the bowl part with ultraviolet rays at an earlier stage after the toilet apparatus is used. it can. Therefore, the photocatalytic film can exhibit photocatalytic activity at an earlier stage after the toilet apparatus is used, and the excited state of the photocatalytic film can be maintained. In addition, a clean toilet device can be provided.

  A third invention is the toilet device according to the first or second invention, wherein the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet light having a maximum in a wavelength of 280 nm or more and 360 nm or less.

  According to this toilet apparatus, even if the human body detection means or the toilet lid opening / closing detection means detects erroneously, the influence on the human body due to ultraviolet rays can be more reliably suppressed.

  A fourth invention is the toilet device according to the first or second invention, wherein the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less.

  According to this toilet device, discoloration or deterioration of the resin can be suppressed. That is, a toilet seat, a toilet lid, etc. are generally formed of resin such as polypropylene (PP). The resin material may be discolored or deteriorated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. On the other hand, according to this toilet apparatus, the bowl part is irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less. Therefore, discoloration or deterioration of the resin can be suppressed.

  It is also possible to apply a coating that suppresses discoloration or deterioration of the resin to the resin member. However, in consideration of the moldability, cost, and practicality of the resin member, it is more desirable that the bowl portion be irradiated with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less.

  A fifth invention is the toilet device according to the fourth invention, wherein the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet rays having an intensity of 750 microwatts / square centimeter or less.

  According to this toilet apparatus, the light source device has a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less and has an intensity of 750 microwatts / square centimeter or less due to a synergistic effect of the sterilizing action of ultraviolet rays and the antibacterial action of the photocatalyst. Radiation can sterilize the surface of the bowl.

  In a sixth aspect based on any one of the first, third, and fourth aspects, the light source device detects that the human body detecting means detects the presence of a human body in the toilet room, and then the toilet. When it is detected that no human body is present in the room, the toilet apparatus is characterized in that the bowl portion is irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  According to this toilet device, the light source device irradiates the bowl part with ultraviolet rays each time the toilet device is used. Thereby, a photocatalyst film | membrane expresses photocatalytic activity and can maintain the hydrophilic property of the surface of a bowl part. In addition, a clean toilet device can be provided.

  A seventh invention is the invention according to any one of the first and third to sixth inventions, wherein the human body detecting means is present in the toilet room while the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet rays. When the light is detected, the light applied to the bowl portion is changed to light having a longer wavelength than the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays being irradiated.

  According to this toilet apparatus, it is possible to irradiate the bowl part with ultraviolet rays for a relatively long time in a toilet room with a relatively high frequency of use such as a public facility. Therefore, the excited state of the photocatalytic film can be maintained and a clean toilet device can be maintained.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the aspect of this invention, the toilet apparatus which can implement | achieve the lifetime improvement of a light source device, the improvement of excitation efficiency, or suppression of the influence on a human body is provided.

It is typical sectional drawing showing the toilet apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram showing the principal part structure of the toilet apparatus concerning this embodiment. It is a typical sectional view which illustrates an example of a photocatalyst layer. It is a graph which illustrates an example of the light absorption characteristic of the photocatalyst layer of this embodiment. It is a graph which illustrates an example of the spectrum of a cold cathode tube. It is a graph showing the wavelength characteristic of an ultraviolet germicidal action. It is a timing chart figure which illustrates the example of operation of the toilet device concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart figure which illustrates the other specific example of operation of the toilet device concerning this embodiment. It is a timing chart figure which illustrates the other specific example of operation of the toilet device concerning this embodiment. It is a typical perspective view explaining the examination method which this inventor examined about the decomposition | disassembly effect | action of a photocatalyst layer. It is a graph showing the examination result which this inventor examined about the decomposition | disassembly effect | action of a photocatalyst layer. It is a typical top view explaining the examination method which this inventor examined about the hydrophilic effect | action of a photocatalyst layer. It is a graph showing the examination result which this inventor examined about the hydrophilic effect | action of a photocatalyst layer.

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 sectional view showing a toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the toilet apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the photocatalyst layer.

  The toilet apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a Western-style seat toilet (hereinafter simply referred to as “toilet” for convenience of explanation) 800 and a sanitary washing device 100 provided thereon. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a casing 400, a toilet seat 200, and a toilet lid 300. The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are pivotally supported with respect to the casing 400 so as to be freely opened and closed. However, the casing 400 is not necessarily provided. For example, the toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 may be pivotally supported with respect to the toilet bowl 800 so as to be freely opened and closed.

The toilet bowl 800 has a bowl portion 801. In the state where the toilet lid 300 is closed, the bowl portion 801 is covered with the toilet lid 300. A photocatalyst layer (also referred to as “photocatalyst film”) 803 is formed on the surface of the bowl portion 801.
In the present specification, “photocatalyst” refers to a substance that promotes at least one of an oxidizing action and a reducing action when irradiated with light. As a result, it is possible to obtain a decomposing action for decomposing organic substances such as bacteria, bacteria and odorous substances, a hydrophilic action that easily wets the surface with water, and an antibacterial action that suppresses the growth of bacteria or stops the activity of bacteria. it can. The bowl portion 801 in which the photocatalyst layer 803 is formed can suppress the adhesion of dirt, decompose the dirt, and easily remove the adhered water scale, thereby reducing the cleaning burden of the toilet 800 and maintaining a clean toilet 800 can do.

  Specifically, when the surface of the bowl portion 801 on which the photocatalyst layer 803 is formed is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, active oxygen is generated on the surface of the bowl portion 801 due to the ultraviolet rays and water or oxygen in the air. The active oxygen decomposes dirt, germs, bacteria, odorous substances and the like attached to the surface of the bowl portion 801. The active oxygen also decomposes volatile organic compounds (VOC) and the like. Therefore, antibacterial, antifouling, and deodorization of the surface of the bowl portion 801 can be performed by the decomposition action of the photocatalyst.

  Further, when the surface of the bowl portion 801 on which the photocatalyst layer 803 is formed is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, a hydrophilic group (—OH) due to bonding with surrounding water appears on the surface. Thereby, the surface of the bowl part 801 becomes familiar with water and becomes easy to get wet (hydrophilic action). That is, water droplets are not formed on the surface of the bowl portion 801, and water spreads on the surface. Then, by making the surface of the bowl portion 801 hydrophilic in advance, the dirt adheres to the surface of the water wet and spread on the surface of the bowl portion 801. Further, the cleaning water used for cleaning the bowl portion 801 enters between the surface of the bowl portion 801 and the dirt attached to the surface, and floats away the dirt. Therefore, the surface of the bowl portion 801 can be prevented from being soiled or fogged by the hydrophilic action of the photocatalyst.

  According to these, the antibacterial effect, antifouling and deodorizing of the bowl portion 801 can be effectively performed by the synergistic effect of the irradiation of ultraviolet rays and the decomposition action, hydrophilic action and antibacterial action of the photocatalyst. As such a “photocatalyst” material, for example, a metal oxide can be used. Examples of such an oxide include titanium oxide (TiOx), zinc oxide (ZnOx), tin oxide (SnOx), and zirconium oxide (ZrOx). Among these, in particular, titanium oxide is active as a photocatalyst, and is excellent in terms of stability and safety.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the photocatalytic layer 803 includes a barrier layer 803a and a functional layer 803b. For example, a TiO ₂ / ZrO ₂ -based catalyst fired film is used as the photocatalyst layer 803. For example, the mixing ratio of TiO ₂ and ZrO ₂ in the barrier layer 803a is different from the mixing ratio of TiO ₂ and ZrO ₂ in the functional layer 803b. However, the photocatalyst layer 803 shown in FIG. 3 is an example. The photocatalyst layer 803 of the present embodiment is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet lid 300 includes a light source device 310. The light source device 310 is provided inside the toilet lid 300. However, the installation form of the light source device 310 is not limited to this. For example, the light source device 310 may be provided inside the casing 400 or may be attached to the surface of the casing 400. The light source device 310 can irradiate the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays. For example, a cold cathode tube or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is used as the light source device 310.

  As shown in FIG. 2, for example, inside the casing 400, a control unit 410, an entrance detection sensor (human body detection means) 402, a human body detection sensor (human body detection means) 403, and a seating detection sensor (human body detection means). ) 404, a toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 405, and a toilet lid opening / closing drive device 420 are provided. The control unit 410 transmits a control signal based on a detection signal transmitted from, for example, the room entry detection sensor 402, the human body detection sensor 403, or the seating detection sensor 404, and controls the operation of the toilet lid opening / closing drive device 420 or the light source device 310. be able to.

  The entrance detection sensor 402 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 trying to enter the toilet room. That is, the entrance detection sensor 402 can detect not only the user who entered the toilet room, but also the user before entering the toilet room, that is, the user present in front of the door outside the toilet room. As such a room entry detection sensor 402, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor such as a Doppler sensor, or the like can be used. When using a sensor that utilizes 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.

  The human body detection sensor 403 can detect a user in front of the toilet bowl 800, that is, a user present at a position spaced forward from the toilet seat 200. That is, the human body detection sensor 403 can detect a user who enters the toilet room and approaches the toilet seat 200. As such a human body detection sensor 403, for example, an infrared light projecting / receiving distance measuring sensor or the like can be used.

  The seating detection sensor 404 can detect a human body existing above the toilet seat 200 immediately before the user sits on the toilet seat 200 or a user seated on the toilet seat 200. In other words, the seating detection sensor 404 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 404, for example, an infrared light emitting / receiving distance measuring sensor or the like can be used.

The toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 405 can detect the opening / closing state of the toilet lid 300. As the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 405, for example, a combination of a Hall IC and a magnet, a micro switch, or the like is used.
The toilet lid opening / closing drive device 420 can open and close the toilet lid 300 based on a signal transmitted from the control unit 410.

FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating an example of the light absorption characteristics of the photocatalyst layer of this embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating an example of the spectrum of a cold cathode tube.
The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 4 represents the wavelength (nanometer: nm). 4 represents the light absorption characteristic (arbitrary unit: au).
The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 represents the wavelength (nm) of light emitted from the cold cathode tube. The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 represents the intensity (au) of light emitted from the cold cathode fluorescent lamp.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the photocatalytic layer 803 of this embodiment has a characteristic of absorbing more ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of about 388 nm or less, and cannot absorb most of ultraviolet rays having a wavelength longer than about 388 nm. For this reason, most of the light energy of ultraviolet rays having a wavelength longer than about 388 nm is wasted. That is, the photocatalyst layer 803 of this embodiment is excited when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of about 388 nm or less, and exhibits photocatalytic activity. The photocatalyst layer 803 of the present embodiment has relatively high excitation efficiency (absorption characteristics) for ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more compared to ultraviolet light having a relatively short wavelength.

  For this reason, when the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength, the excitation efficiency of the bowl portion 801 becomes relatively high. According to this, the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst layer 803 can be efficiently expressed, and a decomposition action, a hydrophilic action and an antibacterial action can be obtained. Therefore, in consideration of the decomposition action, the hydrophilic action, and the antibacterial action, it is more desirable that the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength.

  On the other hand, it is known that ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength affect the human body and cause discoloration or deterioration of the resin. Therefore, it is more desirable that the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays having a relatively long wavelength in consideration of the influence on the human body and the discoloration or deterioration of the resin.

  Therefore, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the light source device 310 of the present embodiment emits ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 360 nm or less. Then, the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 360 nm or less by a signal transmitted by the control unit 410 based on the detection signal transmitted from the human body detection means.

  According to this, it is possible to suppress the influence of the ultraviolet rays on the human body, and it is possible to irradiate the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength with relatively high excitation efficiency. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays can be made relatively short. Thereby, the lifetime improvement of the light source device 310 is realizable. In addition, a clean toilet device can be provided.

Or the light source device 310 of this embodiment irradiates the bowl part 801 with the ultraviolet-ray which has maximum in the wavelength of 280 nm or more and 360 nm or less.
According to this, even when the human body detecting means detects erroneously, the human body is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays of 280 nm or less, which is the wavelength of UV-C, which is said to be easily tanned. The influence on the human body by ultraviolet rays can be more reliably suppressed.

Or the light source device 310 of this embodiment irradiates the bowl part 801 with the ultraviolet-ray which has maximum in the wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less.
According to this, discoloration or deterioration of the resin can be suppressed.
That is, the toilet seat 200, the toilet lid 300, and the casing 400 are generally formed of a resin such as polypropylene (PP). The resin material may be discolored or deteriorated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays. For example, it is known that polypropylene may be deteriorated when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of 310 nm or less (Non-Patent Document—Plastics—Vol. 55, No. 5-Practical strength and durability of plastics 8). Or non-patent literature-Accelerated Exposure Test Handbook-Japan Weathering Test Center, etc.).
On the other hand, the light source device 310 of the present embodiment irradiates the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays having a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less. Therefore, discoloration or deterioration of the toilet seat 200, the toilet lid 300, and the casing 400 can be suppressed.

Note that it is also possible to apply a coating that suppresses discoloration or deterioration of the resin to the toilet seat 200, the toilet lid 300, and the casing 400. However, in consideration of the moldability, cost, and practicality of the toilet seat 200, the toilet lid 300, and the casing 400, it is more desirable that the bowl portion 801 is irradiated with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less.
Details of the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays will be described later.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the wavelength characteristics of the ultraviolet germicidal action.
The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 6 represents the wavelength (nm) of ultraviolet rays. The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 6 represents the bactericidal power relative value. The graph shown in FIG. 6 is internationally recognized as a standard (non-patent document).

Generally, when irradiating ultraviolet rays having a predetermined wavelength, a bactericidal effect is obtained. That is, ultraviolet sterilization is generally known. According to the knowledge obtained by the present inventor, the irradiation energy of ultraviolet rays necessary for killing 99.9% (%) of E. coli present on the plate is 90 microwatts / minute / square centimeter (μW · min / cm). ² ) (Non-Patent Document-Journal of the Illuminating Society of Japan: Vol. 36, No. 3, paper "Disinfection of water with germicidal lamps" Toshiharu Kawabata, Tsuneo Harada). According to this, when the light source device 310 irradiates ultraviolet rays for 60 minutes, the necessary ultraviolet intensity is expressed by the following equation.

(90 μW · min / cm ² ) / 60 min = 1.5 μW / cm ²

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the wavelength indicating the maximum value of the bactericidal action is 253.7 nm. According to the wavelength characteristics shown in FIG. 6, the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 310 nm is about 0.002 times the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 253.7 nm. Then, when the light source device 310 emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 310 nm, the intensity of the ultraviolet light necessary for killing 99.9% of E. coli existing on the flat plate is expressed by the following equation.

(1.5 μW / cm ² ) /0.002=750 μW / cm ²

That is, when the light source device 310 emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 310 nm and an intensity of 750 μW / cm ² or more, 99.9% of E. coli existing on the flat plate can be killed.

As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the photocatalyst layer 803 is formed on the surface of the bowl portion 801 of the present embodiment. When the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength, the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalytic layer 803 can be efficiently expressed and an antibacterial action can be obtained. Accordingly, when the light source device 310 emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 310 nm, the light source device 310 emits ultraviolet light having an intensity of 750 μW / cm ² or less due to the synergistic effect of the ultraviolet germicidal action and the antibacterial action of the photocatalyst. The surface of the part 801 can be sterilized.

In addition, as shown in the above formula, when irradiating ultraviolet rays having a wavelength longer than 310 nm, the intensity capable of killing 99.9% of E. coli by ultraviolet rays alone is higher than 750 μW / cm ^2. growing. In the present embodiment, due to the synergistic effect of the ultraviolet germicidal action and the antibacterial action of the photocatalyst, ultraviolet light having an intensity of 750 μW / cm ² or less is applied even when irradiating ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm to 360 nm. By irradiating, the surface of the bowl part 801 can be sterilized.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the toilet apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the toilet apparatus according to this embodiment.

  For example, when the user enters the toilet room, the entrance detection sensor 402 detects a human body entering the toilet room and transmits a signal to the control unit 410 (timing t1). Thereafter, when the user ends the excretion action and leaves the toilet room, the room entry detection sensor 402 detects that no human body is present in the toilet room, and transmits a signal to the control unit 410 (timing t2).

  At the same time or when a predetermined time elapses, the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl unit 801 with the ultraviolet light having the wavelength described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410 (timing t3). Based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410, the light source device 310 stops the irradiation of the ultraviolet ray to the bowl unit 801 after a predetermined time (for example, about 1 hour) has elapsed since the ultraviolet ray was applied to the bowl unit 801. (Timing t4). Subsequently, operations at timings t5 to t8 are the same as those described above with respect to timings t1 to t4.

  According to this specific example, every time the toilet device 10 is used, the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with the ultraviolet light having the wavelength described above. Thereby, the photocatalyst layer 803 exhibits photocatalytic activity, and the hydrophilicity of the surface of the bowl part 801 can be maintained. In addition, a clean toilet device can be provided.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart illustrating another specific example of the operation of the toilet apparatus according to this embodiment.
The operations at timings t11 to t13 are the same as the operations at timings t1 to t3 in the specific example described above with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, for example, when the user enters the toilet room while the light source device 310 is irradiating ultraviolet light, the light irradiated to the bowl unit 801 is based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410 and the wavelength of the ultraviolet light being irradiated. Is changed to light having a longer wavelength (timing t14). For example, when the user enters a toilet room while the light source device 310 is irradiating ultraviolet light, for example, the control unit 410 stops the irradiation of ultraviolet light from the light source device 310 and is irradiating from another light source different from the light source device 310. The bowl 801 is irradiated with light having a wavelength longer than the wavelength of the ultraviolet light.

  Subsequently, for example, when the user leaves the toilet room while the light source device 310 is irradiating ultraviolet light, the light irradiated to the bowl unit 801 is based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410 and the wavelength of the ultraviolet light being irradiated. It is changed to ultraviolet light having a shorter wavelength (timing t15). Subsequently, the light source device 310, based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410, when a predetermined time (for example, about 1 hour) elapses after irradiating the bowl unit 801 with ultraviolet rays, Irradiation is stopped (timing t16).

  According to this specific example, the bowl portion 801 can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays for a relatively long time in a toilet room with a relatively high frequency of use, such as a public facility. Therefore, the excited state of the photocatalyst layer 803 can be maintained, and a clean toilet device can be maintained.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating yet another specific example of the operation of the toilet apparatus according to this embodiment.

  For example, when the user enters the toilet room, the entrance detection sensor 402 detects a human body entering the toilet room and transmits a signal to the control unit 410 (timing t21). Then, the toilet lid opening / closing drive device 420 opens the toilet lid 300 based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410. Thereby, the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 405 detects that the toilet lid 300 is opened (timing t21).

  Subsequently, when the user approaches the toilet bowl 800 and stands in front of the toilet bowl 800, the human body detection sensor 403 detects a human body in front of the toilet bowl 800 and transmits a signal to the control unit 410 (timing t22). Subsequently, when the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, the seating detection sensor 404 detects the user seated on the toilet seat 200 (timing t23).

  Note that the user may perform urination while standing in front of the toilet bowl 800. In this case, the seating detection sensor 404 does not detect a human body. Hereinafter, in the specific example illustrated in FIG. 9, a case where the user is seated on the toilet seat 200 is described as an example.

  Subsequently, after finishing the excretion action, the user leaves the toilet seat 200 and leaves the front of the toilet bowl 800. Then, the seating detection sensor 404 detects that the user is not seated on the toilet seat 200 and transmits a signal to the control unit 410 (timing t24). The human body detection sensor 403 detects that the user is not in front of the toilet 800 and transmits a signal to the control unit 410 (timing t25).

  At the same time or when a predetermined time has elapsed, the toilet lid opening / closing drive device 420 closes the toilet lid 300 based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410. Accordingly, the toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor 405 detects that the toilet lid 300 is closed (timing t26). Further, the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl unit 801 with the ultraviolet light having the wavelength described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410 (timing t26).

  When the user leaves the toilet room, the entrance detection sensor 402 detects that no human body is present in the toilet room and transmits a signal to the control unit 410 (timing t27). Based on the signal transmitted from the control unit 410, the light source device 310 stops the irradiation of the ultraviolet ray to the bowl unit 801 after a predetermined time (for example, about 1 hour) has elapsed since the ultraviolet ray was applied to the bowl unit 801. (Timing t28).

  According to this specific example, the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with the ultraviolet light having the wavelength described above with the toilet lid 300 closed. For example, the light source device 310 irradiates ultraviolet rays with the toilet lid 300 closed even when the user is in a toilet room. According to this, since the toilet lid 300 covers the bowl portion 801, the influence on the human body due to ultraviolet rays is suppressed, and the bowl portion 801 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays at an earlier stage after the toilet apparatus 10 is used. be able to. Therefore, the photocatalytic layer 803 can exhibit photocatalytic activity at an earlier stage after the toilet apparatus 10 is used, and the photocatalytic layer 803 can be maintained in an excited state. In addition, a clean toilet device can be provided.

Next, the result of the study of the wavelength of ultraviolet rays by the present inventor will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a study method in which the inventor examined the decomposition action of the photocatalyst layer.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing the result of examination conducted by the inventor on the decomposition action of the photocatalyst layer.
The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 11 represents ultraviolet irradiation time (au). The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 11 represents the measured value (au) of the light reflection intensity.

  The present inventor prepared the tile 501 and the ink 503 in examining the decomposition action of the photocatalyst layer. A photocatalytic layer 803 is formed on the surface of the tile 501. That is, the property of the surface of the tile 501 of this examination is the same as the property of the surface of the bowl part 801 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the inventor applied ink 503 to the surface of the tile 501.

  Subsequently, the inventor irradiates the region including the portion where the ink 503 is applied with ultraviolet rays from the light source device 310. In this study, an LED was used as the light source device 310. The inventor irradiates the light source device 310 with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 340 nm or less and ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 365 nm or less.

The intensity of ultraviolet rays emitted from the light source device 310 is about 300 microwatts / square centimeter (μW / cm ² ) for both ultraviolet rays having a maximum at a wavelength of 340 nm or less and ultraviolet rays having a maximum at a wavelength of 365 nm or less. About the intensity | strength of an ultraviolet-ray, it measured using the optical intensity sensor which can measure the value of about 100% with respect to a wavelength of about 300-410 nm. Specifically, in this study, the intensity of ultraviolet rays was measured using a UV meter of “C9256-01-H9958 manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics”.

  The irradiation time of ultraviolet rays is, for example, about 100 to 300 seconds. “Initial” on the horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 11 exemplifies a state before irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10, the inventor measured the intensity of the reflected light by using the light intensity sensor 513 by irradiating the portion where the ink 503 was applied with infrared rays from the infrared light emitting device 511. The measurement result of the light reflection intensity is as shown in FIG. The value of “360 nm” in the graph shown in FIG. 11 indicates, for example, the absorption characteristics of the photocatalyst layer shown in FIG. 4, ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 340 nm or less, and ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 365 nm or less. This is the value interpolated using. The value of “non-irradiation” in the graph shown in FIG. 11 is a value when the region including the portion where the ink 503 is applied is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

  The intensity of light reflected by the tile 501 to which the ink 503 is not applied is higher than the intensity of light reflected by the tile 501 to which the ink 503 is applied. Therefore, when the ink 503 is further decomposed, the intensity of the light reflected at the portion where the ink 503 is applied becomes higher.

  According to the graph shown in FIG. 11, the reflection intensity when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength is higher than the reflection intensity when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength. That is, the amount of ink decomposed when irradiated with relatively short wavelength ultraviolet light is larger than the amount of ink decomposed when irradiated with relatively long wavelength ultraviolet light. Therefore, considering the decomposition action, it is more desirable that the light source device 310 irradiates the bowl portion 801 with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view for explaining a study method in which the inventors have studied the hydrophilic action of the photocatalyst layer.
FIG. 13 is a graph showing the result of examination conducted by the inventor on the hydrophilic action of the photocatalyst layer.
The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 13 represents the ultraviolet irradiation time (au). The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 13 represents the contact angle (°).

  The present inventor prepared a tile 501 and water 505 in examining the hydrophilic action of the photocatalyst layer. A photocatalytic layer 803 is formed on the surface of the tile 501. That is, the property of the surface of the tile 501 of this examination is the same as the property of the surface of the bowl part 801 of this embodiment.

  Subsequently, the inventor irradiates the surface of the tile 501 with ultraviolet rays from the light source device 310. In this study, an LED was used as the light source device 310. The inventor irradiates the light source device 310 with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 340 nm or less and ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 365 nm or less.

The intensity of ultraviolet light emitted from the light source device 310 is about 100 μW / cm ² for both ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 340 nm or less and ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 365 nm or less. In this examination, the intensity of ultraviolet rays was measured using a UV meter of “C9256-01-H9958 made by Hamamatsu Photonics”.
The irradiation time of ultraviolet rays is about 100 to 400 minutes, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the inventor dropped water 505 on the surface of the tile 501. The inventor measured the contact angle θ of the water 505 on the surface of the tile 501. In the present specification, the “contact angle” means an angle formed by a solid surface and a liquid surface at an interface between a predetermined solid surface (the surface of the tile 501 in the present study) and the liquid surface (the surface of the water 505 in the present study). And the angle measured on the liquid side. Further, the contact angle θ was measured using a contact angle meter “Kyowa Interface Chemical Co., Ltd., automatic contact angle meter DM-500”.

  The measurement result of the contact angle θ is as shown in FIG. The value of “360 nm” in the graph shown in FIG. 13 indicates, for example, the absorption characteristics of the photocatalyst layer shown in FIG. 4, ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 340 nm or less, and ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 365 nm or less. This is the value interpolated using.

  The contact angle θ when the solid surface has higher hydrophilicity is smaller than the contact angle θ when the solid surface has lower hydrophilicity. Therefore, when the surface of the tile 501 has higher hydrophilicity, the contact angle θ of the water 505 on the surface of the tile 501 becomes smaller.

  According to the graph shown in FIG. 13, the contact angle θ when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength is smaller than the contact angle θ when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a relatively long wavelength. That is, the hydrophilicity when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a relatively short wavelength is higher than the hydrophilicity when irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a relatively long wavelength. As a result of the study by the present inventors, it has been found that a water film can be formed on the solid surface when the contact angle θ of water on the solid surface is 30 degrees or less. Therefore, it is more preferable that the light source device 310 of the present embodiment emits ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 360 nm or less.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the toilet lid 300 and the toilet bowl 800 are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Toilet device, 100 Sanitary washing device, 200 Toilet seat, 300 Toilet lid, 310 Light source device, 400 Casing, 402 Entrance detection sensor, 403 Human body detection sensor, 404 Seating detection sensor, 405 Toilet lid opening / closing detection sensor, 410 Control unit, 420 Toilet lid opening / closing drive device, 501 tile, 503 ink, 505 water, 511 infrared light emitting device, 513 light intensity sensor, 800 toilet bowl, 801 bowl, 803 photocatalyst layer, 803a barrier layer, 803b functional layer

Claims (7)

A light source device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays onto a bowl portion of a toilet bowl on which a photocatalytic film is formed;
Human body detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a human body in the toilet room;
With
The light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 360 nm or less when the human body detecting means detects that no human body is present in the toilet room. A light source device capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays onto a bowl portion of a toilet bowl on which a photocatalytic film is formed;
A toilet lid open / close detection means for detecting an open / closed state of a toilet lid that is a toilet lid that is freely opened and closed and covers the bowl portion in a closed state;
With
The light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet light having a maximum at a wavelength of 360 nm or less when the toilet lid opening / closing detection means detects that the toilet lid is in a closed state. apparatus.   The toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet rays having a maximum at a wavelength of 280 nm or more and 360 nm or less.   The toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet rays having a maximum at a wavelength of 310 nm or more and 360 nm or less.   The toilet apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet light having an intensity of 750 microwatts / square centimeter or less.   The light source device detects that a human body is present in the toilet room and then detects that no human body is present in the toilet room, and then irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet rays. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4. When the human body detecting means detects that a human body exists in the toilet room while the light source device irradiates the bowl portion with ultraviolet rays,
The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, wherein the light applied to the bowl portion is changed to light having a longer wavelength than the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays being irradiated.

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