JP4056926B2 - Charge collection device for paid toilets - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a charge collection device for pay toilets such as public toilets and building toilets.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, many public toilets and the like can be freely used free of charge. However, the maintenance costs for toilets, such as toilet cleaning costs, water usage fees, lighting electricity usage fees, toilet repair costs, etc., are substantial and are incurred for these toilet owners and managers. Is a big burden. In such a situation, some attempts have been made to charge public toilets and building toilets. In this case, if a manager is assigned to collect the toilet usage fee, the labor cost is high, so a paid toilet that can collect the usage fee unattended has been proposed. For example, a private toilet (see Patent Document 1) with a door opening / closing device that can open the door by inserting coins, and a fee collection device and an automatic unlocking device are provided at the entrance door. There is known a private toilet (see Patent Document 2) in which an automatic unlocking device is activated when the door is inserted and the door is opened to allow entry.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-87653 (Claim 1, paragraph 0009)
[0004]
[Patent Document 2]
Utility Model Registration No. 3043963 (paragraphs 0007 to 0010)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional pay toilet system can be applied to a private toilet with a door, but cannot be applied to a men's urinal toilet that is not a private room.
[0006]
Further, in the above prior art, it is necessary to provide a door opening / closing device or an automatic unlocking device for controlling the opening / closing of the door in conjunction with the insertion of coins. There was a problem that the cost also increased.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such a technical background, and can be applied not only to a private toilet, but also to a non-private men's urinal toilet, and is excellent in versatility and relatively simple. An object of the present invention is to provide a charge collection device for a pay toilet that can be reduced in cost with a simple configuration.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object includes a detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a user, a charge collection means for collecting a toilet usage fee, and a notification means, and the notification means when the presence of a person is detected by the detection sensor. This is achieved by a charge collection device for a pay toilet, wherein the notification by the notification means is stopped when the fee collection means collects a usage fee.
[0009]
When the user is located in front of the toilet or in the toilet of the private room, the detection sensor detects this and starts notification by the notification means. The user pays the prescribed usage fee because the user is urged to pay the toilet usage fee by voice guidance or warning sound. When the fee collection means collects the paid usage fee, the notification by the notification means stops, so that after the payment, the user can use it in a calm state without being heard by voice guidance or an alarm sound. When the user does not pay the prescribed usage fee, the notification means further performs notification and the user feels a feeling of mental oppression, thereby improving the payment rate of the usage fee. . Further, since a relatively simple configuration is sufficient, it is possible to reduce the size and manufacture a low cost product.
[0010]
After the presence of the user is detected by the detection sensor, when the detection sensor detects that the user has left, the notification is stopped when the notification is performed by the notification means. It is preferable. In this case, the notification by the notification means is not continued even after the user leaves without paying the usage fee, and it is possible to prevent the noise caused by the continuation of the meaningless notification and to continue the notification. Energy (electric energy, etc.) can be prevented.
[0011]
It is preferable that the informing means informs the user by voice that the toilet is a pay toilet. This can strongly encourage the user to pay for the toilet fee.
[0012]
Alternatively, it is preferable that the notification means notifies the user of an alarm sound. The warning sound gives the user a feeling of mental oppression and can strongly encourage the payment of the toilet fee.
[0013]
The notification means preferably notifies continuously. As a result, the user can be more strongly urged to pay the toilet usage fee.
[0014]
Preferably, the fee collection means collects a toilet usage fee in cash. Since cash is the most versatile means of payment, there is no inconvenience to the user.
[0015]
When the cash is a coin, there is an advantage that expensive bills are not stored in the fee collection means, so that it is difficult to be stolen. Among them, the cash is particularly preferably a 10 yen coin.
[0016]
Moreover, it is preferable that the charge collection device for a pay toilet according to the present invention is configured as a box type provided with an openable front door. Since the front door that can be opened is provided, the collected usage fee can be easily collected, and since it is a box type, it fits well with the general design of the toilet and is easy to install Become.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A charge collection device (1) for a pay toilet according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In these drawings, (2) is a detection sensor, (3) is a fee collection means, (4) is a notification means, and (5) is a case. The fee collection means (3) includes a coin slot (20), a coin slot (30), a checker (31), a swing arm for counting (32), and a coin storage box (33).
[0018]
The case (5) has a box shape, and includes a case body (11) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape whose front is open, and a front door (10) attached to an open surface of the body (11). As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the front door (10) is attached to the case body (11) through hinges at the upper and lower ends of the right end and can be opened to the front side (the front side of the drawing). Has been made. As shown in FIG. 1 (b), a key hole (23) is provided in the left side wall (11a) of the case body (11), and the key hole (23) is locked with the front door (10) closed. By inserting and locking, the front door (10) is fixed to the case body (11) in a locked state. When collecting the collected usage fee, the coin can be easily collected by inserting the key into the keyhole (23), unlocking it, and opening the front door (10).
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1 (a), a coin slot (20) is provided at the uppermost position of the front door (10), and a detection sensor (2) is located at a position diagonally to the right of the slot (20). A return lever (22) is provided at a position diagonally to the left of the insertion port (20). Furthermore, a coin return opening (21) is provided at a position slightly below the center in the up-down direction of the front door (10), and a number of sound holes (24) are provided immediately below the return opening (21). ... are drilled. These sound passage holes (24) are holes for passing the sound from the notification means (4) to the front side (user side). In addition, the said detection sensor (2) detects the presence or absence of a user with an infrared sensor.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, a coin insertion part (30) is arranged at a position corresponding to the coin insertion slot (20) on the inner surface of the front door (10), and is detected at a position directly below the coin insertion part (30). A money dispenser (coin sorter, coin sorter) (31) is arranged, and a swing arm for counting (32) is swingably attached to the left side of a position immediately below the checker (31). In addition, a coin return unit (36) is disposed on the right side of the position immediately below the checker (31). A coin storage box (33) having an open upper surface is disposed under the counting swing arm (32). Furthermore, a notification means (4) is attached to the lower right position on the inner surface of the front door (10), and a control section (control section) (34) is disposed at the upper left position.
[0021]
The notification means (4) comprises a speaker and is notified by the notification means (4) when voice information recorded in the control section (34) is required. The checker (31) is a device for selecting whether or not it is a proper coin, and since its structure and selection mechanism are conventionally known, description thereof is omitted here. (35) is a dry battery, and supplies electric power to the control unit (34), the detection sensor (2), and the like. (37) is a return lever interlocking arm.
[0022]
When the detection sensor (2) detects the presence of the user, the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit (34), and the control unit (34) notifies the notification means (4) of the voice information based on the detection signal. Instruct the start of. Further, when the counting swing arm (32) swings downward due to the passage of coins, the number of times is counted by the control unit (34), and when this count reaches a specified number, the control unit (34). Instructs the notification means (4) to stop the notification of voice information. The count is reset (returned to 0) when the notification by the notification means (4) is stopped.
[0023]
In addition, when the detection sensor (2) detects that the user has left after the detection sensor (2) detects the presence of the user, the notification by the notification means (4) is being performed. In some cases (that is, when the user leaves without paying the usage fee), the notification by the notification means (4) is stopped by an instruction from the control unit (34).
[0024]
The charge collection device (1) for a pay toilet according to the present invention can be applied to various types of toilets such as a private toilet and a non-private men's urinal toilet. The case where it is installed (see FIG. 3) will be described as an example.
[0025]
When the user stands in front of the urinal (50), the detection sensor (2) detects the presence of the user, whereby the notification means (4) starts to notify the voice information. For example, “This toilet is a pay toilet. Please insert 20 yen into the coin slot in front of you.” If the user inserts two 10-yen coins into the coin slot (20) accordingly, these coins pass through the coin slot (30) and whether they are 10 coins in the checker (31). If it is confirmed that the coin is a 10-yen coin, the coin is dropped from the checker (31) to the coin storage box (33). At this time, the coin comes into contact with the count swing arm (32), swings it downward, and falls into the coin storage box (33), so that the number of swings is counted in the control section (34). When the count reaches the specified number (twice in the present embodiment), the voice of “Thank you” is played according to the instruction from the control section (34), and then the voice by the notification means (4) is sent. Information reporting is stopped. When the toilet usage fee is paid in this way, the user can finish his / her work in a calm state without being asked for voice guidance. In addition, when it is determined that the dropped coin is not a 10-yen coin in the checker (31), the coin is dropped into the coin return part (36), and the user collects the coin from the coin return port (21). it can. In addition, when a coin with a clearly large diameter, such as a 500-yen coin, is erroneously inserted into the coin insertion slot (20), the interlock arm (37) prevents movement into the checker (31). In this case, if the return lever (22) is pushed down, the interlocking arm (37) is pushed down in conjunction with this, and the erroneously inserted 500 yen coin or the like is dropped (returned) to the coin return section (36). It is made like that.
[0026]
On the other hand, if the user does not pay the prescribed usage fee, the notification of the voice information by the notification means (4) is continuously repeated, so that the user feels a feeling of mental pressure. Payment of the usage fee is prompted, and the payment rate of the usage fee can be improved by such a method. A plurality of notifications by the notification means (4) are preferably performed at a louder volume than that of the first notification, and in particular, the notification volume is increased step by step as the number of notification repetitions increases. Particularly preferred.
[0027]
When the user leaves without paying the prescribed usage fee, this is detected by the detection sensor (2), and the notification of the notification means (4) is stopped by an instruction from the control unit (34). Thus, useless notification is not performed when the user is absent regardless of whether the user has paid or not paid.
[0028]
In the above embodiment, the change function is not provided, but it may be configured so that change can be made (for example, change is made with a 10 yen coin when a 100 yen coin is inserted). Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the usage fee of a toilet is collected with the coin, of course, you may comprise so that a usage fee can be collected not only with a coin but with a banknote.
[0029]
In the above embodiment, the fee collection means (3) collects the toilet usage fee with cash. However, the fee collection means (3) is not particularly limited to such a form, and collects with a prepaid card, for example. A form may be adopted. Alternatively, a form of collection using the user's mobile phone (for example, a method of deducting toilet use charges from the user's bank account determined in advance based on the recorded user's mobile phone number, etc.) ) Can also be adopted.
[0030]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the alerting | reporting means (4) shall notify a user by voice that it is a pay toilet, it is not specifically limited to such a form, For example, an alarm sound ( Siren, buzzer, chime, etc.) may be notified to the user. In this case, for example, an explanatory note that “the warning sound is stopped when the toilet fee is paid” may be posted in a place where the user can see.
[0031]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although an infrared sensor is used as a detection sensor (2), it is not limited to this in particular, What kind of thing will be used if it can detect the presence or absence of a user? But you can use it.
[0032]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although each structural member is attached in the case (5) or the case (5), it is not specifically limited to such a structure, For example, a detection sensor (2) is a case. It may be arranged separately from (5).
[0033]
Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the charge collection apparatus (1) is comprised separately from the urinal (50), you may be comprised integrally with this urinal (50).
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the user is located in front of the toilet or in the private toilet, the detection sensor detects this and starts the notification by the notification means. Since the user is prompted to pay the toilet fee, the user pays the prescribed fee. When the fee collection means collects the paid usage fee, the notification by the notification means stops, so that after the payment, the user can use it in a calm state without hearing voice guidance or an alarm sound. When the user does not pay the prescribed usage fee, the notification means further performs notification and the user feels a feeling of mental oppression, thereby improving the payment rate of the usage fee. . Further, since a relatively simple configuration is sufficient, downsizing is possible and the cost is low. This bill collection device can be applied to various types of toilets such as a private toilet and a non-private men's urinal toilet, and is excellent in versatility.
[0035]
According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to prevent the noise caused by continuing notification when there is no user, and to prevent waste of energy (electric energy, etc.) for continuing such unnecessary notification. it can.
[0036]
According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to strongly urge the user to pay the toilet usage fee.
[0037]
According to the invention of claim 4, since the user feels a feeling of mental pressure by the alarm sound, it is possible to urge the user to pay for the toilet fee.
[0038]
According to the invention of claim 5, the user can be more strongly urged to pay the toilet usage fee.
[0039]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the usage fee is collected by cash, which is the most versatile payment means, there is no inconvenience to the user.
[0040]
According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is relatively difficult to become a theft object and is convenient for crime prevention.
[0041]
According to the invention of claim 8, since the front door that can be opened is provided, the collected usage fee can be easily collected, and since it is of a box type, there is no sense of incongruity with the general design of the toilet. Fits and is easy to install.
[Brief description of the drawings]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a bill collection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a left side view.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of the bill collection device shown with a rear wall removed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the charge collection device is arranged in a toilet.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Charge collection apparatus 2 ... Detection sensor 3 ... Charge collection means 4 ... Notification means 10 ... Front door

Claims (8)

A detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of the user,
Toll collection means for collecting toilet usage fees;
An informing means,
When the presence of the user is detected by the detection sensor, the notification by the notification unit is started, while the notification by the notification unit is stopped when the fee collection unit collects the usage fee. A charge collection device for pay toilets. 2. When the detection sensor detects that the user has left after the presence of the user is detected by the detection sensor, the notification is stopped when the notification is performed. Charge collection device for pay toilets as described in 1. The charge collection device for a pay toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification means notifies the user by voice that the toilet is a pay toilet. The charge collection device for a pay toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification means notifies the user of an alarm sound. The charge collection device for a pay toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification means notifies continuously. The charge collection device for a pay toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fee collection means collects a toilet usage fee with cash. The charge collection device for a pay toilet according to claim 6, wherein the cash is a coin. The charge collection device for a pay toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device is configured in a box shape provided with a front door that can be opened.

Images