JP4509810B2 - Toilet seat device and toilet device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet seat device and a toilet device, and more particularly to a toilet seat device and a toilet device including a low tank attached to a flush toilet and a human body detection sensor.

  In recent years, flush toilet seats have been improved in functionality such as automatic opening and closing of toilet lids and toilet seats and automatic supply of flush water to toilets. In order to realize these automatic functions, a human body detection sensor for detecting the presence and state of the user is necessary.

For example, in the case of the toilet bowl cleaning device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a first human body detection sensor is provided above the low tank, and further, a second human body detection sensor is provided at a position exposed when the toilet seat is opened. Yes. When the toilet is used while a man is standing, the toilet is automatically cleaned by the second human body detection sensor.
JP 2002-339430 A

  However, in the case of this toilet bowl cleaning device, the first human body detection sensor provided above the low tank reliably secures the human body in a state in which the toilet lid is opened, for example, because infrared rays for detection interfere with the toilet lid. It was difficult to detect. For this purpose, two human body detection sensors are mounted. However, if two human body detection sensors are installed, there is room for improvement in that the cost increases and the human body detection control flow becomes complicated.

  The present invention provides a toilet seat device capable of detecting the presence of a user by a single human body detection sensor regardless of whether the toilet lid or the toilet seat is opened or closed, and a toilet device including the toilet seat device.

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention,
A toilet seat device attached to a toilet,
A case with a built-in low tank,
A case lid provided on the case;
At least a part thereof is provided on the side of the front surface of the case so as to protrude above the upper end of the case, and a light projecting unit that emits detection infrared rays for detecting a user, and a reflected wave of the detection infrared rays. A human body detection sensor unit having a light receiving unit to detect,
A toilet seat attached to the lower side of the front surface of the case so as to be rotatable;
A toilet lid attached so as to be rotatable under the front surface of the case;
With
The case lid has a curved surface from the front surface to the upper surface,
At least the upper part of the human body detection sensor unit has a curved portion continuous with the curved surface,
In the state in which the toilet seat and the toilet lid are fully open, the infrared rays for detection are not substantially interfered by the toilet seat and the toilet lid, and a remote control light receiving portion is provided in the curved portion substantially upward. A toilet seat device is provided.

  According to the above configuration, the presence of the user can be detected by one human body detection sensor regardless of whether the toilet lid or the toilet seat is opened or closed. Further, the cost is reduced, control is easy, and malfunction can be prevented. Furthermore, the black window of the human body detection sensor becomes one, and a toilet seat device that has a clean appearance and a good appearance can be provided.

  Here, the case lid has a curved surface from the front surface to the upper surface, and at least the upper part of the human body detection sensor unit has a curved portion continuous with the curved surface, If the remote control light receiving unit is provided toward the remote controller, it is possible to reliably detect reflected infrared rays of the remote control reflected and propagated by the ceiling of the toilet room. By using at least the upper part of the human body detection sensor unit as a curved portion, accumulation of dust and dirt can be suppressed, and signals from the remote controller can be stably received over a long period of time. Furthermore, when the light receiving unit for signals from the remote controller and the human body detection sensor are combined into a single human body detection sensor unit, the appearance is neat and looks good, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the light projecting unit is provided below the remote control light receiving unit, and the emission direction of the detection infrared light and the detection range of the remote control light receiving unit do not substantially overlap, It is possible to prevent erroneous detection and malfunction due to interference. That is, the infrared rays for detection and the reflected waves emitted from the light projecting unit are less likely to enter the remote control light receiving unit. Similarly, infrared rays and their reflected waves transmitted from the remote controller are less likely to enter the light receiving portion of the human body detection sensor. As a result, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the human body detection sensor and the remote control light receiving unit, and to prevent malfunction due to these erroneous detections.

  Further, if the infrared rays for detection are emitted while being inclined in the horizontal direction toward the center line of the toilet bowl, all users approaching the toilet bowl can be reliably detected.

Further, if the light receiving unit is provided under the light projecting unit, the horizontal width of the human body detection sensor unit can be reduced by arranging the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit in the vertical direction, and the appearance Can be neat and clean.
Further, if a heating element is provided in a space in the case below the human body detection sensor unit, and the human body detection sensor unit is heated by the heat released from the heating element, it rises from below. The human body detection sensor unit is appropriately heated by the heat that is generated, and condensation can be prevented.

  Further, an engagement recess is provided on the front surface of the case lid, and the case lid is engaged by engaging the protruding portion of the human body detection sensor unit protruding upward from the upper end of the case with the engagement recess. If it is possible to position the case, it is possible to easily install the case lid while preventing displacement and backlash. As a result, the human body detection sensor unit is integrated with the case lid, and a toilet seat device that has a clean appearance and a good appearance can be reliably assembled.

  In addition, if it is further provided with a seating sensor that is provided below the case and detects a user sitting on the toilet seat, it can be used by combining detection information by the human body detection sensor and detection information by the seating sensor. Thus, it is possible to reliably determine a person's state and usage, and to reliably execute an optimum one of various automatic operations.

  In addition, if the apparatus further includes an opening / closing device that opens and closes at least one of the toilet lid and the toilet seat with a motor, and operates the opening / closing device based on a signal from the human body detection sensor unit, the state and use of the user Depending on the method, the open / close state of the toilet lid and toilet seat can be controlled to the most suitable state, and an easy-to-use toilet can be provided.

  In addition, if it further comprises an automatic washing device that supplies water stored in the low tank to the toilet, and the automatic washing device is operated based on a signal from the human body detection sensor unit, Depending on the method of use, it is possible to flow wash water with an optimal amount of water, which is easy to use and at the same time provides a high water-saving effect.

On the other hand, according to the other one aspect | mode of this invention, the toilet apparatus provided with the toilet bowl and one of the said toilet seat apparatuses attached to the said toilet bowl is provided.
According to the above configuration, the presence of the user can be detected by one human body detection sensor regardless of whether the toilet lid or the toilet seat is opened or closed. Further, the cost is reduced, control is easy, and malfunction can be prevented. In addition, the black window of the human body detection sensor becomes one, and the toilet device can be provided with a clean appearance and good appearance.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the toilet seat apparatus and toilet apparatus which can detect presence of a user with one human body detection sensor irrespective of the opening / closing state of a toilet lid or a toilet seat can be provided. Further, the cost is reduced, control is easy, and malfunction can be prevented. Furthermore, the black window of the human body detection sensor becomes one, and a toilet seat device and a toilet device that have a clean appearance and a good appearance can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Drawing 1 is a mimetic diagram which illustrates the appearance of the toilet device concerning an embodiment of the invention.

  That is, the toilet device of this embodiment includes a flush toilet 300 and a toilet seat device 200 installed at the upper rear side thereof. The toilet seat device 200 includes a case 210 in which a low tank is built, a case lid 220 provided on the upper portion thereof, and a human body detection sensor unit 230 provided on an upper side of the case 210.

  Below the front surface of the case 210 (the surface facing the user), a toilet lid 400 is rotatably attached, and below that, a toilet seat (see FIG. 4) is rotatably attached. Further, a local hot water cleaning device (not shown) (popular name “Washlet” or the like) may be built in the case 210.

  In addition, a remote controller 500 is installed on the wall surface of the toilet room and the user operates the remote controller 500 to perform the opening / closing operation of the toilet lid 400, the flushing operation of the toilet 300, the local cleaning operation by the local hot water cleaning device, and the like. It can also be executable.

  The case lid 220 of the toilet seat apparatus 200 has a curved surface 220A extending from the front surface (the surface facing the user) to the upper surface. As will be described in detail later, in the present invention, the case lid 220 may be provided with a hand washing spout and a hand washing bowl. Also in that case, a curved surface 220 </ b> A is provided on the front surface of the case lid 220.

  The human body detection sensor unit 230 is provided so as to protrude upward from the upper end of the case 210, and the front surface thereof has a curved portion that forms a curved surface that is continuous with the curved surface 220 </ b> A of the case lid 220. . On the other hand, a display unit 212 is provided below the human body detection sensor unit 230. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the display unit 212 is provided with an indicator lamp 214 such as one or a plurality of LEDs, and can appropriately display the operation state and the setting state of the toilet seat apparatus 200.

  This toilet seat apparatus can flow wash water from the built-in low tank to the flush toilet 300. Further, the user can be detected by the human body detection sensor unit 230, and the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat can be automatically opened and closed. Furthermore, it is also possible to detect a user by the human body detection sensor unit 230 and automatically flow an appropriate amount of washing water to the toilet bowl 300 at an optimal timing.

  According to the present embodiment, the human body detection sensor unit 230 is provided so as to protrude from the upper end of the side part of the case 210, so that the toilet lid 400 can be opened or closed. The user in front can be detected continuously and reliably.

3 and 4 are conceptual diagrams for explaining the operation of detecting the user standing in front of the toilet 300. FIG.
That is, as shown in these drawings, the detection infrared ray 700 is emitted from the human body detection sensor unit 230. As shown in FIG. 3, when the user 900 stands in front of the toilet bowl 300 with the toilet lid 400 closed, the infrared ray for detection 700 is reflected by the user 900, and the reflected light is detected by the human body detection sensor. The user 900 can be detected by being detected by the unit 230.

  In addition, even when the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 are opened as shown in FIG. 4, the infrared ray for detection 700 is irradiated without being blocked by the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420, and the reflected light from the user 900 is also reflected. Detected by the human body detection sensor unit 230 without being blocked by the toilet lid 400 or the toilet seat 420. This is because the human body detection sensor unit 230 is installed not on the center above the case 210 but on the side.

  That is, even if the human body detection sensor unit 230 is installed above the case 210, if the human body detection sensor unit 230 is installed in the center of the case 210, it receives these interferences when the toilet lid 400 or the toilet seat 420 is opened, and the detection infrared ray 700 or The reflected light is blocked. In order to avoid this problem, the mounting position of the human body detection sensor unit 230 must be further increased. For this purpose, the height of the case 210 needs to be increased.

  However, when the height of the case 210 is increased, a feeling of pressure is generated, the appearance is poor, and a limited toilet space is narrowed. Further, when the case 210 is made high, when a hand-washing bowl is provided on the case lid 220, there is a problem that the hand-washing height becomes high and the usability is deteriorated.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the human body detection sensor unit 230 is provided so as to protrude above the case and at the side instead of the center, thereby reducing the height of the case 210 and reducing the height of the case 210. With this sensor, the user 900 can be reliably and stably detected regardless of whether the toilet lid 400 or the toilet seat 420 is opened or closed. For this reason, unlike the toilet bowl cleaning apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is not necessary to provide a plurality of human body detection sensors and use them separately. When switching and using a plurality of sensors, not only the cost increases, but also the control becomes complicated and the possibility of malfunctioning increases.

  On the other hand, according to this embodiment, the user 900 can be continuously and reliably detected by one human body detection sensor unit 230, the cost is reduced, the control is easy, and the malfunction can be prevented. In addition, the black window constituting the filter of the human body detection sensor is also one, and the appearance is neat and looks good.

1 to 4 show a specific example in which the human body detection sensor unit 230 is arranged on the left side of the case 210, it may be arranged on the right side as opposed to this.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, a seating sensor 240 may be provided below the front surface of the case 210. The seating sensor 240 detects the user 900 sitting on the toilet seat 420, for example, to automatically operate a deodorizing device (not shown) or to form a trigger signal that permits the operation of the local hot water cleaning device. Can be used.

5 and 6 are conceptual diagrams for more specifically explaining the detection direction of the human body detection sensor unit 230 in the present embodiment.
That is, the inventor examined the size of the toilet room, the arrangement of the toilet bowl, the movement of the user in the toilet room, and the like. That is, if the detection sensitivity is too low, even if the user approaches the toilet, a predetermined automatic operation is not executed, and usability is poor. On the other hand, if a far human body is detected, false detection and unnecessary automatic operation increase.

  As a result of examination from these viewpoints, it has been found that it is preferable to detect the presence of the user when the user approaches a range within 300 millimeters from the front end of the toilet 300.

  For this purpose, when the case 200 is the current standard size, the detection infrared ray 700 emitted from the human body detection sensor unit 230 is inclined about 11 degrees in the horizontal direction toward the center line C of the toilet bowl 300. It is better to radiate the film with almost no tilt in the vertical direction. Further, as will be described in detail later, the beam divergence angle of the infrared ray for detection 700 is preferably relatively narrow, about 4 degrees. In this way, the user 900 in front of the toilet bowl 300 can be detected reliably and stably.

  Under this detection condition, when the user 900 stands at a position Y2 at a distance of about 300 to 100 millimeters from the front end Y1 of the front of the toilet 300, the infrared ray for detection 700 is positioned at the position corresponding to the head of an average three-year-old child. Is irradiated. In general, it is from 3 years old that a seated toilet can be used alone, and according to the detection conditions illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, all those who approach the toilet 300 from such infants to adults. Can be detected reliably.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably detect the user with one human body detection sensor as described above, and based on this detection information, automatic opening / closing operation of the toilet lid 400 and automatic cleaning of the toilet 300 are performed. The action can be executed.
7 and 8 are schematic views illustrating an automatic opening / closing operation of the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat.
That is, FIG. 7 shows a case where the user 900 sits on the toilet bowl 300 and uses it.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the user 900 first approaches the toilet bowl 300, detection is performed in the detection range of the infrared ray 700 for detection (for example, within about 300 millimeters from the front end of the toilet bowl 300). The lid 400 automatically opens in the direction indicated by the arrow A (automatic opening operation). Even when the toilet lid 400 is opened, the detection of the user is stably continued by the human body detection sensor unit 230 as described above with reference to FIGS.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the user 900 sits on the toilet seat 420, it is detected that the user 900 is seated by the detection infrared ray 720 from the seating sensor 240 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the user 900 is also detected by the detection infrared ray 700 from the human body detection sensor unit 230. Thus, if the state where the user 900 is seated on the toilet seat 420 is detected, a predetermined operation can be started. For example, the deodorizing apparatus can be operated by detecting the seating. Further, when continuous seating is detected for a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds), “automatic closing mode (operation mode in which the toilet lid 400 automatically closes when the user 900 leaves the toilet 300)” is permitted. You may do it.

  When the user 900 stands up from the toilet seat 420 after using the toilet bowl 300, it is outside the detection range by the detection infrared ray 720 of the seating sensor 240. At this time, for example, the air volume of the deodorizing device may be temporarily increased. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the user 900 leaves the toilet bowl 300, it is out of the detection range by the infrared ray 700 for detection from the human body detection sensor unit 230 (for example, about 300 millimeters from the front end of the toilet bowl 300). It becomes. As described above, when both the human body detection sensor unit 230 and the seating sensor 240 are not detected and a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses, the toilet lid 400 is moved in the direction of arrow B as shown in FIG. Automatically closes.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the presence of the user 900 and the seating state are reliably and stably detected by one human body detection sensor unit 230 and one seating sensor 240, and various automatic operations are performed. The operation can be executed reliably.

  For example, when the user 900 closes the toilet lid 400 manually or with the remote controller 500 (see FIG. 1), the human body detection sensor unit 230 thereafter continuously for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). If not detected, the auto-opening operation may not be executed. If it does in this way, the toilet lid 400 can be maintained in a closed state by the intention of the user 900.

  Further, even when the “automatic close mode” is not permitted in the state shown in FIG. 7B, both the human body detection sensor unit 230 and the seating sensor 240 are continuously in a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). In the meantime, in the non-detection state, the toilet lid 400 may be automatically closed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the human body detection sensor unit 230 detects the user 900, not only the toilet lid 400 but also the toilet seat 420 may be automatically opened simultaneously. In this case, when the user 900 sits down on the toilet seat 420, the toilet seat 420 may be lowered manually or by the remote controller 500. In the “automatic opening operation”, whether only the toilet lid 400 is opened or whether the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 are opened can be changed by, for example, the remote controller 500.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a case where the toilet seat 420 is used in a state where a man is standing.
Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the user 900 first approaches the toilet 300, the detection is performed in the detection range of the infrared ray 700 for detection, and the toilet lid 400 is automatically detected in the direction indicated by the arrow A. Open to (auto open operation). At this time, the toilet seat 420 may be opened at the same time as described above.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the user 900 raises the toilet seat 420 in the direction of arrow B manually or by the remote controller 500 as necessary. Even when the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 are opened as described above, the human body detection sensor unit 230 can reliably detect the user 900. In this case, the user 900 is out of the detection range from the detection infrared ray 720 of the seating sensor 240.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the user 900 continues standing in front of the toilet bowl 300 and continuously detects the human body detection sensor unit 230 for a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds), the “automatic closing mode” May be permitted.

  After the user 900 uses the toilet bowl 300, as shown in FIG. 8D, when the user 900 leaves the toilet bowl 300, it is out of the detection range by the detection infrared ray 700 from the human body detection sensor unit 230 (for example, the front end of the toilet bowl 300). To about 300 millimeters). As described above, when both the human body detection sensor unit 230 and the seating sensor 240 are not detected and a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses, the toilet lid 400 is moved in the direction of arrow C as shown in FIG. Automatically closes.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the single human body detection sensor unit 230 can reliably and stably detect the small-use operation of the male user 900 and reliably execute various automatic operations. Can do.

Next, automatic cleaning of the toilet bowl 300 will be described.
9 and 10 are schematic views illustrating an automatic cleaning operation of the toilet 300. FIG.
That is, FIG. 9 shows a case where the user 900 sits on the toilet bowl 300 and uses it.
Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the user 900 first approaches the toilet 300, detection is performed in the detection range of the infrared ray 700 for detection (for example, within about 300 millimeters from the front end of the toilet 300). . Here, the toilet lid 400 may be automatically opened as described above with reference to FIGS.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the user 900 sits on the toilet seat 420, it is detected that the user is seated by the infrared ray 720 for detection from the seating sensor 240 (see FIG. 4). At this time, the user 900 is also detected by the detection infrared ray 700 from the human body detection sensor unit 230. When seating is detected, the deodorizing device may be operated. Then, when continuous seating is detected for a predetermined time, an "automatic cleaning mode (an operation mode in which cleaning water is automatically supplied to the toilet 300 when the user 900 leaves the toilet 300)" is permitted. Good.

  When the user 900 stands up from the toilet seat 420 after using the toilet bowl 300, it is outside the detection range by the detection infrared ray 720 of the seating sensor 240. At this time, for example, the air volume of the deodorizing device may be temporarily increased. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the user 900 leaves the toilet bowl 300, it is out of the detection range by the infrared ray 700 for detection from the human body detection sensor unit 230 (for example, about 300 millimeters from the front end of the toilet bowl 300). It becomes.

  At this time, for example, when the seating sensor 240 is not detected and a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses, or when both the human body detection sensor unit 230 and the seating sensor 240 are not detected and the predetermined time elapses, FIG. As shown in (d), the washing water B is automatically supplied from the low tank in the case 210 to the toilet bowl 300 and washed with water. At this time, if the seating time detected by the seating sensor 240 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), “large washing (a large amount of running water)” is executed. (The amount of running water is small) "may be executed. For example, 8 liters can be flowed as “large cleaning” and 6 liters as “small cleaning”. By switching the amount of running water in this way, water can be saved.

Next, FIG. 10 shows a case where the toilet seat 420 is used while a man is standing.
Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the user 900 first approaches the toilet bowl 300, detection is performed in the detection range of the detection infrared ray 700. At this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 8A, the toilet lid 400 (or the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420) may be automatically opened in the direction indicated by the arrow A.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, the user 900 raises the toilet seat 420 in the direction of arrow B manually or by the remote controller 500 as necessary. At this time, the user 900 is detected by the human body detection sensor unit 230, but is outside the detection range from the seating sensor 240.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, when the user 900 continues standing in front of the toilet bowl 300 and continuously detects the human body detection sensor unit 230 for a predetermined time (for example, 6 seconds), the “automatic cleaning mode” May be permitted.

  After the user 900 uses the toilet bowl 300, as shown in FIG. 10D, when the user 900 leaves the toilet bowl 300, it is out of the detection range by the infrared ray 700 for detection from the human body detection sensor unit 230. Thus, when the human body detection sensor unit 230 is not detected and a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses, as shown in FIG. 10E, the washing water C is automatically supplied from the low tank in the case 210 to the toilet 300. Supplied and washed with water. At this time, “small cleaning” in which the amount of flowing water is relatively small is executed. The amount of water flow for “small cleaning” for boys can be, for example, about 4.5 liters.

Note that in any of the cases described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in order to prevent unnecessary automatic cleaning, when automatic cleaning is performed by the above-described process, or when the user 900 operates the remote controller 500 or the like to perform cleaning. May be set not to perform automatic cleaning for a predetermined time thereafter (for example, 60 seconds).
As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when sitting on the toilet seat 420 by the single human body detection sensor unit 230, the small-use operation of the male user 900 is reliably and stably detected, The cleaning operation can be performed reliably.

In particular, when the male user 900 is used in a standing state, in the toilet bowl cleaning device described in Patent Document 1, when the toilet lid is closed, the toilet lid is detected by the first human body detection sensor. Is detected by the second human body detection sensor. However, when a plurality of sensors are switched and used in this way, there is a possibility that a blank time may occur in detection by these sensors depending on the timing of opening the toilet lid and toilet seat, the posture of the user, and the like. That is, there is a possibility that a moment when the user is not detected by any of the sensors occurs and the subsequent automatic operation is hindered.
On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the user 900 can be detected continuously and stably by the single human body detection sensor unit 230, and a predetermined automatic operation can be surely executed. In addition, the state of the user 900 is detected by the human body detection sensor unit 230 and the seating sensor 240, and the amount of water for washing and washing is determined by “large washing (8 liters)” for men and women and “small washing (6 liters)” for women. When switching to “small washing (4.5 liters)” for men, the water-saving effect with high efficiency can be obtained without deteriorating the washing effect.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the human body detection sensor unit 230 can also incorporate a light receiving unit for signals from the remote controller 500.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a route of a signal from remote controller 500.
That is, a control signal by infrared rays is transmitted from the remote controller 500. As indicated by the arrow T, this control signal is normally transmitted upward, that is, toward the ceiling of the toilet room. The toilet seat device 200 receives the reflected wave as indicated by the arrow R. The reason why infrared rays are not directly transmitted from the remote controller 500 to the toilet seat device 200 is that the user often blocks the infrared rays and may interfere with the human body detection sensor.

  As indicated by the arrow R, it is desirable that the light receiving unit is directed upward in order to reliably receive infrared rays reflected by the ceiling of the toilet room. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the curved surface 220A is provided on the front surface of the case lid 220, and at least the upper portion of the human body detection sensor unit 230 is formed as a curved portion integrally continuous with the curved surface 220A. By incorporating the light receiving element for the remote control upward, the reflected infrared ray propagating from above can be reliably detected.

  Moreover, accumulation | storage of dust, scale, etc. can be suppressed by making at least the upper part of the human body detection sensor unit 230 into a curved part. That is, if the upper part of the human body detection sensor unit 230 is a horizontal plane, dust, water, and the like are likely to accumulate, which may reduce the transmittance of the light receiving window and reduce the light receiving sensitivity over time. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the upper part of the human body detection sensor unit 230 is a curved portion, so that accumulation of dust and scale is suppressed, and a signal from the remote controller 500 is stably output over a long period of time. Can receive.

  In addition, when the light receiving unit of the signal from the remote controller and the human body detection sensor are combined into one human body detection sensor unit 230, the appearance is clean and looks good, and the cost can be reduced.

Hereinafter, the internal structure of the human body detection sensor unit 230 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to specific examples.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the human body detection sensor unit 230 viewed from an oblique front.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the human body detection sensor unit 230 viewed obliquely from the rear.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the filter case 231 of the human body detection sensor unit 230 is removed.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the human body detection sensor unit 230.
16 and 17 are assembly diagrams of the human body detection sensor unit 230. FIG.

That is, the human body detection sensor unit 230 includes a human body detection sensor 232 and a remote control light receiving element 238 in the filter case 231. The filter case 231 has an optical characteristic of transmitting infrared light and blocking visible light. The human body detection sensor 232 has a structure in which a light projecting unit 233 and a light receiving unit 235 are arranged vertically. The light projecting unit 233 incorporates an infrared light emitting element, and the detection infrared light 700 converged through the light projecting lens 234 is emitted. As illustrated in FIG. 15, for example, when the spreading angle of the infrared ray for detection 700 is relatively narrow, for example, about 4 degrees, erroneous detection can be prevented. On the other hand, the light receiving unit 235 includes a light receiving element, and detects a reflected wave of the detection infrared ray 700.
Thus, by arranging the light projecting unit 233 and the light receiving unit 235 in the vertical direction, the horizontal width of the human body detection sensor unit 230 can be made slim, and the appearance can be made clean and attractive. Furthermore, the infrared ray for detection 700 is not obstructed by the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 in the vertical arrangement in the present embodiment, rather than arranging the light projecting part and the light receiving part in the horizontal direction. Can be detected.
The human body detection sensor 232 is held by the sensor holder 237 and accommodated in the filter case 231.

  On the other hand, a remote control light receiving element 238 is held by the holder 239 and accommodated in the filter case 231 above it. The remote control light receiving element 238 includes a silicon photodiode or the like. As shown in FIG. 15, the light receiving unit of the remote control light receiving element 238 has a detection angle range of 60 degrees, for example, obliquely upward. In this manner, the direction of the detection infrared ray 700 emitted from the human body detection sensor 232 and the detection angle range of the remote control light receiving element 238 are directed in different directions, thereby preventing erroneous detection and malfunction due to signal interference. be able to. That is, the detection infrared ray 700 emitted from the human body detection sensor 232 and the reflected wave R2 thereof are not easily incident on the remote control light receiving element 238. Similarly, the infrared ray transmitted from the remote controller 500 and its reflected wave R <b> 1 are not easily incident on the light receiving unit 235 of the human body detection sensor 232.

  As a result, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the human body detection sensor 232 and the remote control light receiving element 238 and to prevent malfunction due to these erroneous detections.

Next, assembly of the toilet seat device of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 18 is a process diagram illustrating an assembly process of the toilet seat device according to the present embodiment.
That is, first, as shown in FIG. 18, the mounting bolts 303 are spirally fixed to the lower surface of the case 210, and these mounting bolts 303 are passed through the mounting holes 300 </ b> H provided at the rear of the toilet bowl 300.
Next, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the case 210 is fixed on the toilet bowl 300 by screwing a mounting nut 305 to the mounting bolt 303 protruding to the rear rear side of the toilet bowl 300. In this state, the case lid 220 is not yet installed on the case 210, and the human body detection sensor unit 230 protrudes from the upper end of the case 210.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18D, the case lid 220 is attached. In the figure, the case lid 220 is illustrated with a hand-washing spout 222 and a hand-washing bowl 224. However, a case lid 220 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be used instead.

The case lid 220 is provided with an engaging recess 226 on the side portion on the near side thereof. By engaging the engaging recess 226 with the human body detection sensor unit 230 protruding from the case 210, the case lid 220 can be reliably and easily positioned. That is, the case lid 220 can be easily installed while preventing misalignment or backlash. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18E, the curved surface of the human body detection sensor unit 230 is integrated with the curved surface 220A of the case lid 220, so that the toilet seat device having a clean appearance and a good appearance can be reliably assembled. it can.
When the spout 222 and the hand-washing 224 are provided on the case lid 220, the water splashed by the hand is scattered around, so that the water easily adheres to the filter case 231 of the human body detection sensor unit 230. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the surface of the filter case 231 is a curved surface inclined at 45 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. The adhering water easily flows toward the case 210, and there is an advantage that the adhering water hardly remains on the surface of the filter case 231.

Next, the internal structure of the toilet seat device of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the toilet seat device of this embodiment.

  That is, the upper opening of the case 210 is shielded by the inner lid 252, and the low tank unit 254 is provided therebelow. A dewproof layer 256 is provided around the low tank unit 254 to prevent condensation. A branch valve unit 258 is provided below the low tank unit 254 via a connecting pipe 257. The branch valve unit 258 is supplied with water from the outside through a water supply unit 259. Further, a valve drain part 260 is connected to the branch valve unit 258 so that remaining water can be removed during maintenance or the like.

  A mounting substrate 270 is provided at the lower end of the case 210, and a deodorizing unit 272, an auxiliary operation unit 274, and a deodorizing air outlet 275 are provided on the upper left side. The auxiliary operation unit 274 is provided with a switch for performing washing with water and washing with local hot water. Further, the deodorizing outlet 275 is provided to suck out the air in the toilet 300 and deodorize it with a catalyst, and then discharge it outside the toilet.

  In addition, a nozzle unit 278 is provided substantially at the center in front of the mounting substrate 270. The nozzle unit 278 extends into the toilet bowl 300 and is used to wash the user's buttocks and the like by ejecting hot water from the tip thereof. A heat exchange unit 280 and a room warming unit 282 are provided on the right rear side of the nozzle unit 278. These have the role of heating the toilet room by blowing warm air from the opening on the left side of the case 210.

  On the other hand, a controller mounting base 284 is provided on the left side of the nozzle unit 278 (the human body detection sensor unit side), and a controller 286 is mounted thereon. The controller 286 includes a power source and control circuit for the AC unit and the DC unit, a heat sink for heat dissipation, and the like.

  As described above, the toilet seat device of the present embodiment incorporates various electrical components, a drive unit, a heater, and the like. In this embodiment, the controller 286 having a heat generating member such as a heat sink is disposed on the lower left side of the case 210, and the human body detection sensor unit 230 is disposed on the upper left side of the case 210. The human body detection sensor unit 230 can be heated appropriately by heat to prevent condensation.

  In the case of the specific example shown in FIG. 19, a plate-like cover 288 whose top and bottom are opened is attached to the front surface of the heat sink for heat dissipation. By passing a signal line (not shown) or the like outside the cover 288, disconnection due to heat of the heat sink can be prevented. Then, the waste heat released from the heat sink rises in the case 210 as indicated by an arrow H through the opening on the cover 288, and the human body detection sensor unit 230 can be appropriately heated. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and erroneous detections due to condensation of the human body detection sensor and the remote control light receiving element incorporated in the human body detection sensor unit 230.

  Next, in the present embodiment, a toilet seat device in which the toilet lid 400 or the toilet seat 420 is automatically opened in a fully open state will be described. That is, in the present embodiment, by providing the human body detection sensor unit 230 above the side portion of the case 210, even when the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 are in a fully opened state, the user can be detected without being blocked by them. . However, for example, when the user manually opens the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420, they may be left without being fully opened. At this time, if the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 are stopped in a substantially vertical state, they may interfere with the detection range of the human body detection sensor unit 230.

  Therefore, it is preferable to set an “open end region” for the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 and forcibly open the toilet lid 400 and the toilet seat 420 in a fully open state by a force of a motor or the like. As a specific configuration thereof, for example, a configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-93351 by the applicant of the present application can be used.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the toilet seat / toilet lid automatic opening / closing device based on this configuration.
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the open state of the toilet seat 420.

  In the automatic opening / closing apparatus shown in FIG. 20, the drive motor 404 is rotated by a signal from the control unit 403, and the toilet seat 420 (and / or the toilet lid 400) rotates in the opening direction or the closing direction via the transmission unit 405. Moved.

Here, as shown in FIG. 21, an “open end region” is set closer to the closed side than the fully open position A of the toilet seat 420. In the toilet seat 420 as shown in FIG. 21, the center of gravity of the toilet seat 420 is closer to the closing side than the center of rotation even at the fully open position A, so the toilet seat 420 is urged to the closing side. When the toilet seat 420 is manually rotated to the fully open position A and then released, the toilet seat 420 is biased in the closing direction by its own weight, so it closes by the backlash of the automatic opening / closing gear and the backlash of the hinge. It rotates to the side and stops at the position B by the detent torque of the drive motor 404.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow in this example.
When the toilet seat 420 is manually rotated to the open end region in a state where the drive motor 404 is not rotating, that is, in a standby state, the control unit 403 transmits a signal from the angle detection unit 406 according to the control flow illustrated in FIG. After a certain time has elapsed since reaching the open end region, the drive motor 404 is driven at a low speed in the opening direction for a certain time. Since the driving torque at this time may be smaller than when the opening operation is performed from the fully closed position, the control unit 403 controls the current value to the driving motor 404 to be smaller than that of the normal opening operation.
The automatic opening / closing device controlled in this way rotates the toilet seat 420 to the fully open position after absorbing the backlash of the gear and the backlash of the hinge portion. Therefore, the toilet seat 1420 can be held in the same fully open position as when the electric opening operation is performed. As a result, the possibility of interference with the detection infrared ray 700 emitted from the human body detection sensor unit 230 is eliminated. Further, it is possible to prevent the toilet seat 420 from falling in an unnecessary closing direction due to looseness or the like. In addition, since the toilet seat 420 is in close contact with the toilet lid 400, the appearance can be improved and the user's anxiety can be eliminated. In addition, since it is driven after a certain period of time after reaching the open end region, the user is unlikely to touch the toilet seat 420, and even if the user touches the toilet seat 420, the driving torque is small and the speed is low. Because it is driven by, there will be no injuries between your hands.
The embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples.
That is, even if a person skilled in the art has changed the design of the toilet seat device and the elements constituting the toilet device of the present invention, the design is included in the scope of the present invention as long as it has the gist of the present invention.

  For example, the case 210, the case lid 220, the human body detection sensor unit 230, and various elements incorporated therein are appropriately modified in design by those skilled in the art as long as they include the gist of the present invention. Is included.

It is a mimetic diagram illustrating the appearance of the toilet device concerning an embodiment of the invention. 11 is a front view illustrating a specific example of display unit 212. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement which detects the user who stands in front of the toilet bowl. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the operation | movement which detects the user who stands in front of the toilet bowl. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating more specifically the detection direction of the human body detection sensor unit 230 in this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating more specifically the detection direction of the human body detection sensor unit 230 in this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the toilet lid 400 and the automatic opening / closing operation | movement of a toilet seat. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the toilet lid 400 and the automatic opening / closing operation | movement of a toilet seat. FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an automatic cleaning operation of the toilet bowl 300. FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an automatic cleaning operation of the toilet bowl 300. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the path | route of the signal from the remote control. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the human body detection sensor unit 230 from the diagonal front. It is the schematic diagram which looked at the human body detection sensor unit 230 from diagonally backward. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the filter case 231 of the human body detection sensor unit 230 is removed. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a human body detection sensor unit 230. FIG. 4 is an assembly diagram of the human body detection sensor unit 230. FIG. 4 is an assembly diagram of the human body detection sensor unit 230. FIG. It is process drawing showing the assembly process of the toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which illustrates the internal structure of the toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a block diagram of a toilet seat and toilet lid automatic opening and closing device. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the open state of the toilet seat. It is a flowchart which illustrates the flow of control of a toilet seat and a toilet lid automatic opening / closing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

200 Toilet seat device 210 Case 220 Case lid 220A Curved surface 222 Spout 224 Hand-washing bowl 226 Engaging recess 230 Human body detection sensor unit 231 Filter body 232 Human body detection sensor 233 Projection unit 234 Projection lens 235 Light reception unit 237 Sensor holder 238 Remote control light reception element 239 Holder 240 Seat sensor 252 Inner lid 254 Low tank unit 256 Dew proof layer 257 Connecting pipe 258 Branch valve unit 259 Water supply part 260 Valve drain part 270 Mounting substrate 272 Deodorization unit 274 Auxiliary operation part 275 Deodorization outlet 278 Nozzle unit 280 Heat exchange Unit 282 Warm-warming unit 284 Controller mount 286 Controller 288 Cover 300 Toilet bowl 300 Flush toilet bowl 300H Hole 303 Bolt 305 Nut 400 Toilet lid 403 Part 404 driving motor 405 transmitting means 406 angle detecting means 420 seat 500 remote 700,720 sensing infrared 900 user

Claims (10)

A toilet seat device attached to a toilet,
A case with a built-in low tank,
A case lid provided on the case;
At least a part thereof is provided on the side of the front surface of the case so as to protrude above the upper end of the case, and a light projecting unit that emits detection infrared rays for detecting a user, and a reflected wave of the detection infrared rays. A human body detection sensor unit having a light receiving unit to detect,
A toilet seat attached to the lower side of the front surface of the case so as to be rotatable;
A toilet lid attached so as to be rotatable under the front surface of the case;
With
The case lid has a curved surface from the front surface to the upper surface,
At least the upper part of the human body detection sensor unit has a curved portion continuous with the curved surface,
In the state in which the toilet seat and the toilet lid are fully open, the infrared rays for detection are not substantially interfered by the toilet seat and the toilet lid, and a remote control light receiving portion is provided in the curved portion substantially upward. A toilet seat device. The light projecting unit is provided below the remote control light receiving unit,
Wherein the emission direction of the detection infrared, and the detection range of the remote sensor, but the toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the substantially non-overlapping. It said detection infrared rays, toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is emitted to be inclined horizontally towards the center line of the toilet bowl. The light receiving unit, toilet seat apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that provided below the light projecting unit. The space heating element in the case of the lower human body sensor unit is provided by the heat radiated from the heating element, according to claim 1-4, characterized in that said human body detecting sensor unit is warmed The toilet seat apparatus as described in any one of these. An engagement recess is provided on the front surface of the case lid,
The case lid can be positioned by engaging the protruding portion of the human body detection sensor unit protruding upward from the upper end of the case with the engaging recess. The toilet seat device according to any one of 5 . The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a seating sensor that is provided below the case and detects a user sitting on the toilet seat. An opening / closing device that opens and closes at least one of the toilet lid and the toilet seat with a motor;
The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the switchgear is operated based on a signal from the human body detection sensor unit. An automatic cleaning device for supplying water stored in the low tank to the toilet;
The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the automatic cleaning device is operated based on a signal from the human body detection sensor unit. Toilet bowl,
The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , attached to the toilet,
A toilet apparatus characterized by comprising:

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