JP7470595B2 - toilet - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to toilets.

Toilets are known that have a germicidal lamp on the toilet seat cover that emits light to sterilize the toilet seat (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-28622

Because some of the water in the toilet bowl can splash onto the floor, there was a demand for a toilet that could disinfect not only the toilet seat but also the floor.

This disclosure was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a toilet that can sterilize the toilet seat and floor surface.

To achieve the above object, a toilet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a toilet bowl, a toilet seat rotatably disposed above the toilet bowl, a toilet seat cover rotatably disposed above the toilet seat, and a germicidal lamp attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover, and when the toilet seat cover is in a position that covers the upper side of the toilet seat, the germicidal lamp illuminates the toilet seat and also illuminates the floor surface on which the toilet bowl is placed.

In a preferred embodiment of the toilet, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the toilet seat cover is located outside the outer periphery of the toilet seat in a planar view when the toilet seat cover is in a position covering the upper side of the toilet seat, and the germicidal lamp includes a first germicidal lamp and a second germicidal lamp, the first germicidal lamp overlaps the toilet seat in a planar view when the toilet seat cover is in a position covering the upper side of the toilet seat, and the second germicidal lamp overlaps the floor surface in a planar view when the toilet seat cover is in a position covering the upper side of the toilet seat.

In a preferred embodiment of the toilet, the germicidal lamp includes a third germicidal lamp, which overlaps with a puddle in the toilet bowl in a plan view when the toilet seat cover is in a position that covers the upper side of the toilet seat.

In a preferred embodiment of the toilet, the germicidal lamp is detachably attached to the toilet seat cover.

In a preferred embodiment of the toilet, the light emitted from the germicidal lamp is ultraviolet light, the peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light is between 210 nm and 280 nm, and the toilet bowl has an outer surface that is more likely to reflect ultraviolet light than the floor surface.

The toilet disclosed herein makes it possible to sterilize the toilet seat and floor.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a main configuration of a toilet according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of each component when the toilet shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a first germicidal lamp and a third germicidal lamp that are detachably provided on a toilet seat cover. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a second germicidal lamp that is detachably provided on the toilet seat cover. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a germicidal lamp according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a main configuration of the toilet according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a specific configuration example of the sterilization unit shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a sterilization unit according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a sterilization unit according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a form of an attachment that can be attached to and detached from a toilet seat cover.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of a toilet 1 equipped with a germicidal lamp 20 according to the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the following embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the following embodiment include those that are replaceable and easy for a person skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described below may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. In the following embodiment, the components necessary to illustrate an embodiment of a toilet 1 equipped with a germicidal lamp 20 according to the present disclosure are described, and other components are omitted.

First Embodiment
1 is a diagram showing an example of the main configuration of a toilet 1 according to a first embodiment. The toilet 1 includes a toilet bowl 2, a toilet seat 3, a toilet seat cover 11, and a germicidal lamp 20.

The toilet bowl 2 is a toilet bowl installed on the floor surface 4. The toilet bowl 2 is a so-called Western-style flush toilet bowl. In the following description, one of two directions along the floor surface 4 that are perpendicular to each other is referred to as the first direction X, and the other is referred to as the second direction Y. The direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as the third direction Z. The toilet bowl 2 stands in the third direction Z relative to the floor surface 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet bowl 2 has an outer shape in which the side in contact with the toilet seat 3 is larger than the side on the floor surface 4. The toilet bowl 2 also has a bowl-shaped structure that can store water, etc. inside. The toilet bowl 2 forms a puddle inside by storing water, etc. Note that what is stored inside the toilet bowl 2 is not limited to water, and may be, for example, water mixed with a disinfectant.

The toilet bowl 2 is connected to a tank that stores and supplies water to be poured into the toilet bowl 2. The toilet bowl 2 also has an outlet that discharges water that was previously stored as new water is poured into the toilet bowl 2 from the tank.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship of each component when the toilet 1 shown in Figure 1 is viewed from above. As shown in Figure 2, the toilet bowl 2 has a first rotation support part 2a and a second rotation support part 2b at the top. The first rotation support part 2a rotatably supports the toilet seat 3. The second rotation support part 2b rotatably supports the toilet seat cover 11.

The toilet seat 3 is a toilet seat that is rotatably provided above the toilet bowl 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat 3 has, for example, an approximately O-shaped shape in plan view (when viewed from the third direction Z), but is not limited to this. Note that "approximately" here is synonymous with "substantially." Therefore, "approximately O-shaped" indicates that the shape of the toilet seat 3 is not limited to a strict O-shape. The toilet seat 3 may have, for example, an approximately C-shaped or approximately U-shaped shape with a circular arc notch on the opposite side of the first pivot support portion 2a.

The toilet seat cover 11 is a toilet seat cover that is rotatably provided above the toilet seat 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the toilet 1 is viewed from above with the toilet seat cover 11 covering the upper side of the toilet bowl 2 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the toilet seat cover 11 does not overlap with the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet seat 3, but overlaps with a portion of the floor surface 4. Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 2, in a plan view, the outer periphery of the toilet seat cover 11 is located outside the outer periphery of the toilet bowl 2 and the outer periphery of the toilet seat 3.

The germicidal lamp 20 is attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover 11 and irradiates the underside of the toilet seat cover 11 with germicidal UV light. The underside of the toilet seat cover 11 refers to the surface facing the toilet seat 3 when the toilet seat cover 11 covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet bowl 2 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3. Figures 1 and 2, as well as Figure 3, which will be described later, show the state in which the toilet seat cover 11 covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet bowl 2 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3.

The UV light emitted by the germicidal lamp 20 is, for example, ultraviolet light. In the first embodiment, the ultraviolet light emitted by the germicidal lamp 20 is, for example, ultraviolet light in a wavelength band called UVC (wavelength less than 280 nm) among near ultraviolet light. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the germicidal lamp 20 can be appropriately selected. For example, by using the ultraviolet light emitted by the germicidal lamp 20, it is possible to effectively inactivate Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is believed to be the cause of COVID-19 (COVID-19). The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light is preferably between 210 nm and 280 nm. Alternatively, it is more preferable that the peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light is between 240 nm and 280 nm. The reason for this is that the shorter the wavelength of ultraviolet light, the more easily it is absorbed by proteins, making it more difficult for it to reach the cell nucleus. Therefore, while the shorter the wavelength of ultraviolet light, the safer it can be handled, it is known that its bactericidal power decreases. It is preferable to appropriately select a peak wavelength that is effective against a specific virus, such as COVID-19.

The germicidal lamps 20 are positioned so that a portion of the UV light is irradiated onto the toilet seat 3 while the toilet seat cover 11 covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet bowl 2 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3, and another portion of the UV light is irradiated onto the floor surface 4 on which the toilet bowl 2 is placed. Specifically, the germicidal lamps 20 include, for example, a first germicidal lamp 21, a second germicidal lamp 22, and a third germicidal lamp 23.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2. The first germicidal lamp 21 is disposed above the toilet bowl 2. The first germicidal lamp 21 overlaps with the toilet bowl 2 in a plan view. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second germicidal lamp 22 is disposed above the floor surface 4. The second germicidal lamp 22 overlaps with the floor surface 4 in a plan view. The third germicidal lamp 23 is disposed above the puddle of water in the toilet bowl 2. The third germicidal lamp 23 overlaps with the puddle of water in the toilet bowl 2 in a plan view.

The first germicidal lamp 21 is a germicidal lamp having an approximately U-shaped shape in which the first pivot support part 2a side is divided into two in a plan view, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The first germicidal lamp 21 is arranged so that the curve of the approximately U-shaped shape traces the circular arc of the toilet seat 3 in a plan view. The specific shape of the first germicidal lamp 21 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a germicidal lamp having an approximately O-shaped shape in a plan view. The UV light irradiated from the first germicidal lamp 21 is mainly irradiated to the toilet seat 3 below the first germicidal lamp 21 to sterilize the toilet seat 3. In addition, when the toilet seat 3 has an approximately C-shaped or approximately U-shaped shape in a plan view, the first germicidal lamp 21 is an approximately C-shaped or approximately U-shaped germicidal lamp arranged to overlap the approximately C-shaped or approximately U-shaped shape of the toilet seat 3 in a plan view, but is not limited to this. For example, even if the germicidal lamp 21 in this case is an approximately O-shaped germicidal lamp in a plan view, the toilet seat 3 can be sterilized without any problems.

The second germicidal lamp 22 is a germicidal lamp having an approximately U-shaped shape in plan view, split into two on the first pivot support part 2a side, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The approximately U-shaped arc drawn by the second germicidal lamp 22 in plan view is larger than the outer periphery of the toilet seat 3 in plan view. The second germicidal lamp 22 is positioned so that the approximately U-shaped arc traces the outside of the toilet seat 3 in plan view. The UV light irradiated from the second germicidal lamp 22 is irradiated mainly to the floor surface 4 below the second germicidal lamp 22 to sterilize the floor surface 4.

The third germicidal lamp 23 is a germicidal lamp having a roughly O-shaped shape in a plan view, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The third germicidal lamp 23 is disposed inside the toilet seat 3 in a plan view. Note that the specific shape of the third germicidal lamp 23 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a plate-shaped light-emitting body having a circular, elliptical or polygonal outer edge in a plan view, with one or more light sources that irradiate UV light disposed inside the outer edge. The UV light irradiated from the third germicidal lamp 23 is irradiated mainly to the inside of the toilet bowl 2 below the third germicidal lamp 23 to sterilize the inside of the toilet bowl 2.

The toilet bowl 2 has an outer peripheral surface 2c that reflects ultraviolet rays more easily than the floor surface 4. That is, the ultraviolet reflectance of the outer peripheral surface 2c of the toilet bowl 2 exposed to the outside is higher than that of the upper surface of the floor surface 4. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface 2c is covered with a mirror-like reflective surface made of, for example, aluminum. The reflective surface may be a light reflector used in so-called lighting fixtures, etc., but may also be a reflector adjusted to more effectively reflect light of the wavelength used as the light UV irradiated by the germicidal lamp 20. Aluminum reflects 80% or more of the irradiated ultraviolet rays. As a result, a portion of the light UV irradiated from the second germicidal lamp 22 toward the outer peripheral surface 2c is reflected by the outer peripheral surface 2c as reflected light RUV1 while sterilizing the outer peripheral surface 2c, and is guided to the floor surface 4 side. Therefore, the sterilization of the floor surface 4 is more effectively performed. On the other hand, materials commonly used as floor materials for washrooms, such as melamine resin material and hard cement (grassal), are used for the floor surface 4. Therefore, the degree to which reflected UV light RUV2 is generated by the floor surface 4 is suppressed compared to the degree to which reflected light RUV1 is generated by the outer peripheral surface 2c.

In the toilet seat cover 11 of the example shown in FIG. 3, when viewed from above, the toilet seat cover 11 covers the toilet bowl 2, the toilet seat 3, and part of the floor surface 4. The edge portion 11a protrudes from the plate surface of the toilet seat cover 11 toward the floor surface 4 and is formed along the outer periphery of the toilet seat cover 11. This makes it easier to limit the radiation of the UV light irradiated from the second germicidal lamp 22 to the lower side of the toilet seat cover 11.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, if the toilet 1 is partially surrounded by a wall 5, the UV light is reflected by the wall 5, which not only allows the floor surface 4 to be sterilized more effectively, but also sterilizes the wall 5.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a cover 50 may be attached to the underside of the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23. The cover 50 is, for example, a translucent plate-like member, and may be further processed to diffuse UV light. The processing may be, for example, a processing to make the surface of the cover 50 facing the toilet seat 3 wavy, but is not limited to this, and may be any processing that further enhances the diffusion of light. The outer peripheral edge of the cover 50 is attached to the inner wall surface of the edge portion 11a. The cover 50 is, for example, quartz glass, but is not limited to this, and may be formed using other translucent materials.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a collision prevention unit 30 is attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover 11. The collision prevention unit 30 is interposed between the toilet seat cover 11 and the toilet seat 3 so that the first germicidal lamp 21 does not come into contact with the toilet seat 3 when the toilet seat cover 11 covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet bowl 2 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the collision prevention unit 30 is attached to the underside of the cover 50 so as to overlap with the toilet seat 3 in a plan view when the toilet seat cover 11 covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet bowl 2 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3. Note that, if there is no cover 50, the collision prevention unit 30 is attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover 11. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the number of collision prevention units 30 is two, but there may be three or more, or there may be one. The collision prevention unit 30 can also function as a sensor that detects that the toilet seat cover 11 is closed. This function can be realized, for example, by providing the collision prevention unit 30 with a configuration for detecting pressure of a piezoelectric element or the like and detecting the electric potential generated by the piezoelectric element.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat cover 11 is provided with a handle 40. The handle 40 is provided so as to extend outward from the outer periphery of the toilet seat cover 11. It is desirable that the handle 40 is provided in a position that is easy to grasp with the right hand of a user of the toilet 1. Note that the specific location of the handle 40 is not limited to the example in FIG. 2, and it may be on either the left or right side of the toilet seat cover 11.

The materials used for the collision prevention unit 30 and the handle 40 are preferably ones that are highly durable in terms of weather resistance, including against the effects of ultraviolet rays, such as ethylene propylene rubber or ethylene propylene rubber containing a sulfur compound or diene monomer. The specific materials for the collision prevention unit 30 and the handle 40 are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate. It is also preferable that the handle 40 has an antibacterial surface treatment, for example, using silver zeolite.

The germicidal lamp 20 is detachably attached to the toilet seat cover 11. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23, which are detachably attached to the toilet seat cover 11. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the second germicidal lamp 22, which is detachably attached to the toilet seat cover 11.

The first germicidal lamp 21 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the control circuit 24 by a conductive wire 21a. The conductive wire 21a is one of the branched wirings connected to the control circuit 24. The third germicidal lamp 23 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to the control circuit 24 by a conductive wire 23a. The conductive wire 23a is the other of the branched wirings connected to the control circuit 24. The control circuit 24 is connected to an external power source via the conductive wire 24a. The control circuit 24 supplies power from the external power source to the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23 to turn on the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23.

The second germicidal lamp 22 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to the control circuit 25 by a conductive wire 22a. The control circuit 25 is connected to an external power source via a conductive wire 25a. The control circuit 25 supplies power from the external power source to the second germicidal lamp 22 to turn on the second germicidal lamp 22.

The second germicidal lamp 22 shown in FIG. 5 is provided within a frame 26. The frame 26 is a substantially U-shaped frame having a translucent member arranged to surround the outside of the substantially U-shaped second germicidal lamp 22. The frame 26 has a translucent member that transmits ultraviolet light well, such as quartz glass, but is not limited to this and may be formed using other translucent members. The control circuit 25 shown in FIG. 5 is provided outside the frame 26, but may be provided inside the control circuit 25.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first germicidal lamp 21 and the second germicidal lamp 22 are electrically independent and are provided so as to be individually detachable from the toilet seat cover 11. The specific method of attachment and detachment is arbitrary, but for example, adhesive tape may be used or a fitting type may be used. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23 share the control circuit 24, but the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23 may be individually connected to a control circuit such as the control circuit 24. In this case, the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23 are individually attached to a toilet seat cover such as the toilet seat cover 11.

The specific contents of the control of the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23 by the control circuit 24 and the control of the second germicidal lamp 22 by the control circuit 25 are arbitrary. As an example, the control circuit 24 and the control circuit 25 may include an angle sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation angle of the toilet seat cover 11. When the angle sensor detects that the toilet seat cover 11 is in a position that covers the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet seat 3 (see FIG. 1), the control circuit 24 turns on the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23, and the control circuit 25 turns on the second germicidal lamp 22. When the angle sensor detects that the toilet seat cover 11 is not in a position that covers the toilet bowl 2 and the toilet seat 3, the control circuit 24 turns off the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23, and the control circuit 25 turns off the second germicidal lamp 22. This reduces the possibility that UV light will enter the eyes of the user of the toilet 1.

The toilet 1 may be equipped with an illuminance sensor that detects visible light and is connected to the control circuit 24 and the control circuit 25. The illuminance sensor is attached, for example, to the inside of the toilet bowl 2. When the illuminance inside the toilet bowl 2 detected by the illuminance sensor falls below a threshold, the control circuit 24 turns on the first sterilizing lamp 21 and the third sterilizing lamp 23, and the control circuit 25 turns on the second sterilizing lamp 22. When the illuminance inside the toilet bowl 2 detected by the illuminance sensor is equal to or higher than the threshold, the control circuit 24 turns off the first sterilizing lamp 21 and the third sterilizing lamp 23, and the control circuit 25 turns off the second sterilizing lamp 22. This reduces the possibility that UV light will enter the eyes of a user of the toilet 1.

It is desirable that conductive wires such as conductive wire 21a, conductive wire 22a, conductive wire 23a, conductive wire 24a, and conductive wire 25a, as well as control circuits such as control circuit 24 and control circuit 25, are coated or covered to suppress deterioration due to UV light. As a specific form of coating or covering, coating or covering of electrical circuits that is generally performed as a measure against UV light can be adopted.

The specific form of the germicidal lamp 20 is not limited to the form described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Below, modified examples of the germicidal lamp 20 are described with reference to Fig. 6.

(Modification)
6 is a schematic diagram showing a germicidal lamp 27 of a modified example of the first embodiment. The germicidal lamp 27 has a planar light-emitting part instead of the first germicidal lamp 21, the second germicidal lamp 22, and the third germicidal lamp 23 described above, as shown in FIG. 6. The planar light-emitting part of the germicidal lamp 27 overlaps with the inside of the inner periphery of the toilet seat 3 of the toilet bowl 2, the upper surface of the toilet seat 3, and the floor surface 4 in a plan view. That is, the germicidal lamp 27 irradiates a part of the UV light onto the toilet bowl 2, irradiates a part of the UV light onto the toilet seat 3, and irradiates another part of the UV light onto the floor surface 4 on which the toilet bowl 2 is placed. As a result, the germicidal lamp 27 has the functions of the first germicidal lamp 21, the second germicidal lamp 22, and the third germicidal lamp 23 described above.

More specifically, the surface-shaped light-emitting portion of the germicidal lamp 27 is formed by arranging multiple straight-tube germicidal lamps along the second direction Y in the first direction X. The surface-shaped light-emitting portion may be formed by arranging multiple straight-tube germicidal lamps along the first direction X in the second direction Y. The surface-shaped light-emitting portion may also be formed by arranging multiple ring-shaped or approximately U-shaped germicidal lamps with different diameters from the inside to the outside of the underside of the toilet seat cover 11. The germicidal lamp 27 may be provided detachably, similar to the first germicidal lamp 21, the second germicidal lamp 22, and the third germicidal lamp 23 for the germicidal lamp 20 described above. The lighting of the germicidal lamp 27 may be controlled by a control circuit similar to the control circuit 24 or the control circuit 25 described above.

As described above, the toilet 1 of the first embodiment comprises a toilet bowl 2, a toilet seat 3 rotatably provided above the toilet bowl 2, a toilet seat cover 11 rotatably provided above the toilet seat, and a germicidal lamp 20 attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover. When the toilet seat cover 11 is in a position that covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet seat 3, the germicidal lamp 20 is positioned to illuminate the toilet seat 3 and also illuminate the floor surface 4 on which the toilet bowl 2 is placed. This makes it possible to sterilize not only the toilet seat but also the floor surface.

In addition, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the toilet seat cover 11 is outside the outer periphery of the toilet seat 3 when the toilet seat cover 11 is in a position that covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet seat 3. In addition, the germicidal lamp 20 includes a first germicidal lamp 21 and a second germicidal lamp 22. The first germicidal lamp 21 overlaps with the toilet seat 3 in a planar view when the toilet seat cover 11 is in a position that covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet seat 3. The second germicidal lamp 22 overlaps with the floor surface 4 in a planar view when the toilet seat cover 11 is in a position that covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet seat 3. This makes it possible to more reliably sterilize the toilet seat 3 with UV light from the first germicidal lamp 21 and sterilize the floor surface 4 with UV light from the second germicidal lamp 22.

The germicidal lamp 20 also includes a third germicidal lamp 23. The third germicidal lamp 23 overlaps with the puddle of water on the toilet bowl 2 in a plan view when the toilet seat cover 11 is in a position that covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet seat 3. This allows further sterilization of the inside of the toilet bowl 2.

In addition, by making the germicidal lamp 20 detachable from the toilet seat cover 11, the germicidal lamp 20 can be more easily attached to an existing toilet seat cover 11 that does not have a germicidal lamp 20 attached.

The light emitted from the germicidal lamp 20 is ultraviolet light. The peak wavelength of ultraviolet light is between 210 nm and 280 nm. The toilet 2 has an outer peripheral surface 2c that reflects ultraviolet light more easily than the floor surface 4. This allows the floor surface 4 to be sterilized more effectively.

In particular, the germicidal lamp 20 can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, which is believed to be the cause of COVID-19, thereby further reducing the possibility of COVID-19 being transmitted between users of the toilet 1.

Below, a second embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in the first direction X-third direction Z showing a main configuration example of the toilet of the second embodiment. The toilet seat cover 110 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is partially different in shape from the toilet seat cover 11 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. Specifically, the inner peripheral wall surface of the edge portion 110a of the toilet seat cover 110 is arranged so as to trace the outer peripheral edge of the toilet seat 3. The inner peripheral wall surface of the edge portion 110a and the toilet seat 3 may be in contact with each other, or may be opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the third direction Z with a small gap therebetween so as not to be in contact with each other. Note that the toilet seat cover 110 is provided rotatably with respect to the toilet bowl 2 by the second rotation support portion 2b, similar to the toilet seat cover 11.

In addition, an inclined surface 110b is formed on the outer peripheral edge side of the edge portion 110a of the toilet seat cover 110. The inclined surface 110b is inclined with respect to the XY plane (a plane perpendicular to the third direction Z). Specifically, the inclined surface 110b is the surface of the edge portion 110a on the side facing the floor surface 4. The inner end (toilet seat 3 side) of the inclined surface 110b is positioned lower than the outer end (opposite the toilet seat 3) of the inclined surface 110b. In other words, the inclined surface 110b is an inclined surface that is inclined so that the inner end is positioned lower than the outer end. The inclined surface 110b is also approximately U-shaped in plan view, similar to the frame body 26 shown in FIG. 5.

In the second embodiment, instead of the second germicidal lamp 22 in the first embodiment, a germicidal unit 22A is attached to the toilet seat cover 110. The germicidal unit 22A is attached to the lower side of the inclined surface 110b.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a specific configuration example of the sterilization unit 22A shown in Figure 7. In the sterilization unit 22A, for example as shown in Figure 8, multiple sterilization lamps 29 are lined up on the inside. The frame of the sterilization unit 22A, which covers the outside of the multiple sterilization lamps 29, is made of a translucent material that transmits ultraviolet light well, such as quartz glass, like the frame 26 described above. The frame of the sterilization unit 22A is not limited to this, and may be formed using other translucent materials.

In addition, in the sterilization unit 22A, the surface (upper surface 221) attached to the inclined surface 110b is an inclined surface that is inclined so that the inner end is located lower than the outer end, similar to the inclined surface 110b. The sterilization unit 22A also has a lower surface 222 facing the upper surface 221. The upper surface 221 and the lower surface 222 are parallel to each other as shown in, for example, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, but they do not have to be parallel. The upper surface 221 contacts the inclined surface 110b when the sterilization unit 22A is attached to the inclined surface 110b. The lower surface 222 faces the floor surface 4. The sterilization light irradiated from the multiple sterilization lamps 29 of the sterilization unit 22A is irradiated to the floor surface 4 from the lower surface 222. The sterilization light irradiated by each of the multiple sterilization lamps 29 of the sterilization unit 22A is the same as the UV light irradiated by the above-mentioned sterilization lamp 20.

The sterilization unit 22A is substantially U-shaped in plan view, similar to the frame 26 shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, the upper surface 221 and the lower surface 222 of the sterilization unit 22A are substantially U-shaped, and the multiple sterilization lamps 29 of the sterilization unit 22A are arranged in a substantially U-shaped manner in plan view. The diameter of the curved portion of the U-shape drawn by one end 223 of the sterilization unit 22A is different from the diameter of the curved portion of the U-shape drawn by the other end 224. Specifically, for example, the diameter of the outer circumferential side 261 of the frame 26 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the diameter of the one end 223, and the diameter of the inner circumferential side 262 of the frame 26 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the diameter of the one end 224. Therefore, the diameter of the curved portion of the U-shape of the sterilization lamp 29 located relatively closer to the one end 223 among the multiple sterilization lamps 29 is different from the diameter of the curved portion of the sterilization lamp 29 located relatively closer to the other end 224 among the multiple sterilization lamps 29.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a toilet 200 having a different shape from the toilet 2 in the first embodiment is used, but the specific shape of the toilet is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the same toilet 2 as in the first embodiment may be used in the second embodiment. Also, the toilet 200 may be used in the first embodiment.

The outer peripheral surface 200a of the toilet bowl 200, like the outer peripheral surface 2c of the toilet bowl 200, is more likely to reflect ultraviolet rays than the floor surface 4. The specific processing aspect of the outer peripheral surface 200a is the same as that of the outer peripheral surface 2c. The vertical cross section of the outer peripheral surface 200a and the toilet bowl 200 has a shape that widens from the floor surface 4 side (lower side) to the opposite side (upper side). In other words, the toilet bowl 200 has an outer shape in which the side in contact with the toilet seat 3 is larger than the floor surface 4 side. The toilet bowl 200 has a bowl-shaped structure that can store water, etc. inside. The toilet bowl 200 has the functional characteristics of a so-called Western-style flush toilet, like the toilet bowl 2.

The outer peripheral surface 200a has a shape that widens from the floor surface 4 side (lower side) to the opposite side (upper side). This allows the sterilizing light irradiated from the sterilization unit 22A toward the floor surface 4 side, of the light irradiated to the outer peripheral surface 200a, to be more effectively reflected toward the floor surface 4 side.

In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23 are attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover 110, inside the edge portion 110a. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a cover 50 may be attached to the underside of the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23.

In the second embodiment, the collision prevention unit 30 is attached to the inner wall surface of the edge portion 110a. The collision prevention unit 30 in the second embodiment is interposed between the cover 50 and the toilet seat 3 so that the cover 50 does not come into contact with the toilet seat 3 when the toilet seat cover 110 covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet bowl 2 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3. Therefore, in this case, the first germicidal lamp 21 located above the cover 50 also does not come into contact with the toilet seat 3.

Note that FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the toilet seat cover 110 covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet bowl 200 and the upper side of the toilet seat 3. Note that in the second embodiment, a second germicidal lamp 22 may be provided below the inclined surface 110b.

(Modification)
A modification of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(First Modification)
9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the sterilization unit 22B of the first modified example of the second embodiment. The shape of the lower surface of the sterilization unit 22B is different from that of the sterilization unit 22A. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the lower surface of the sterilization unit 22B attached to the inclined surface 110b describes a circular arc that bulges downward. The multiple sterilization lamps 29 provided inside the sterilization unit 22B are arranged along the circular arc. The circular arc allows the irradiation of light from the sterilization lamps 29 to be spread over a wider range. Except for the points noted above, the sterilization unit 22B is similar to the sterilization unit 22A.

(Second Modification)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the sterilization unit 22C of the second modified example of the second embodiment. The shape of the lower surface of the sterilization unit 22C is different from that of the sterilization unit 22A and the sterilization unit 22B. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the lower surface of the sterilization unit 22C attached to the inclined surface 110b describes multiple arcs that bulge downward. The multiple sterilization lamps 29 provided inside the sterilization unit 22C are arranged along the multiple arcs. The multiple arcs can spread the irradiation of light from the sterilization lamps 29 over a wider range. Note that FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the number of arcs is two, but the number of arcs may be three or more. Except for the above points, the sterilization unit 22C is similar to the sterilization unit 22A.

(Third Modification)
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the form of the attachment 110A that can be attached to and detached from the toilet seat cover. The toilet 1 of the third modified example is provided with the attachment 110A. The attachment 110A is a member of the toilet seat cover 110 described with reference to FIG. 7, in which the first germicidal lamp 21, the third germicidal lamp 23, the collision prevention part 30, the cover 50, and the connection part with the toilet bowl 2 via the second pivot support part 2b are omitted. As a result, by attaching the attachment 110A to an existing toilet seat cover 15 that does not have a germicidal lamp 20, the sterilization unit 22A can be added later, and the floor surface 4 can be sterilized. In FIG. 11, an adhesive tape 60 for attachment is provided on the underside of the attachment 110A. The attachment 110A is attached to the upper side of the existing toilet seat cover 15 via the adhesive tape 60. The attachment 110A may be attached to the toilet seat cover 15 by adhesive or by fitting. Furthermore, by attaching the first germicidal lamp 21 and the third germicidal lamp 23 described above with reference to FIG. 4 to the underside of the toilet seat cover 15, the inside of the toilet seat 3 and the toilet bowl 2 can be sterilized.

The first or second modified example may be combined with the third modified example. That is, the sterilization unit 22A in the third modified example may be the sterilization unit 22B in the first modified example or the sterilization unit 22C in the second modified example.

The germicidal lamps such as the first germicidal lamp 21, the second germicidal lamp 22, the third germicidal lamp 23, and the germicidal lamp 29 described above are, for example, fluorescent light sources in which the inside of the tube is not coated with a fluorescent material and the tube is made of a translucent material that transmits ultraviolet light well, such as quartz glass, but are not limited to this and the specific form can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the light source provided in the germicidal lamp 20 to emit a germicidal component is not limited to a germicidal lamp and may be replaced with a light-emitting module that emits germicidal light such as the above-mentioned UV light. The light-emitting module has a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED). The light-emitting element emits germicidal light such as the above-mentioned UV light.

The second germicidal lamp 22, the frame 26, the inclined surface 110b, the germicidal unit 22A, the germicidal unit 22B, and the germicidal unit 22C are, for example, substantially U-shaped in plan view. However, this shape corresponds to the case where the outer edge of the toilet seat cover (e.g., the toilet seat cover 11 or the toilet seat cover 110) of the present disclosure is substantially U-shaped, and is not limited to a substantially U-shaped shape. For example, if the outer edge of the toilet seat cover of the present disclosure is polygonal, the second germicidal lamp 22, the frame 26, the inclined surface 110b, the germicidal unit 22A, the germicidal unit 22B, and the germicidal unit 22C may be polygonal in plan view corresponding to the outer edge of the toilet seat cover. In addition, the substantially U-shaped single-tube germicidal lamp for realizing the above-mentioned substantially U-shaped shape may be replaced with a configuration in which multiple straight tube germicidal lamps or the above-mentioned light-emitting modules are arranged in a substantially U-shaped shape.

In addition, the UV light is not limited to ultraviolet light, but is preferably a wavelength of light that is safer in consideration of the effects on humans when exposed, and that is sufficiently effective in terms of sterilization performance.

Reference Signs List 1 Toilet 2, 200 Toilet bowl 2c, 200a Outer periphery 3 Toilet seat 4 Floor surface 11, 110 Toilet seat cover 11a, 110a Edge portion 20, 27, 29 Germicidal lamp 21 First sterilizing lamp 22 Second sterilizing lamp 23 Third sterilizing lamp 22A, 22B, 22C Sterilizing unit

Claims (5)

A toilet bowl and
A toilet seat rotatably provided above the toilet bowl;
A toilet seat cover rotatably provided above the toilet seat;
A germicidal lamp attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover;
Equipped with
When the toilet seat cover is in a position that covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet seat, the germicidal lamp irradiates the toilet seat and also irradiates a floor surface on which the toilet is placed ;
At least a part of the outer periphery of the toilet seat cover is located outside the outer periphery of the toilet seat in a plan view when the toilet seat cover is in a position to cover the upper side of the toilet seat;
The germicidal lamp includes a first germicidal lamp and a second germicidal lamp,
the first germicidal lamp overlaps with the toilet seat in a plan view when the toilet seat cover is in a position that covers and conceals an upper side of the toilet seat;
The second germicidal lamp overlaps with the floor surface in a plan view when the toilet seat cover is in a position that covers the upper side of the toilet seat.
toilet. The germicidal lamp includes a third germicidal lamp,
The toilet according to claim 1 , wherein the third germicidal lamp overlaps with a puddle of water in the toilet bowl in a plan view when the toilet seat cover is in a position that covers an upper side of the toilet seat. The light emitted from the germicidal lamp is ultraviolet light,
The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light is in the range of 210 nm to 280 nm,
The toilet according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the toilet bowl has an outer peripheral surface that is more likely to reflect ultraviolet light than the floor surface. A toilet bowl and
A toilet seat rotatably provided above the toilet bowl;
A toilet seat cover rotatably provided above the toilet seat;
A germicidal lamp attached to the underside of the toilet seat cover;
Equipped with
When the toilet seat cover is in a position that covers and conceals the upper side of the toilet seat, the germicidal lamp irradiates the toilet seat and also irradiates a floor surface on which the toilet is placed;
The light emitted from the germicidal lamp is ultraviolet light,
The peak wavelength of the ultraviolet light is included in the range of 210 nm to 280 nm,
The toilet bowl has an outer peripheral surface that is more likely to reflect ultraviolet rays than the floor surface.
toilet. The toilet according to claim 1 , wherein the germicidal lamp is detachably provided on the toilet seat cover.

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