Toilet device and toilet seat device

Abstract

The operation structure is as follows: when there is a cleaning instruction, if the toilet cover (20) is open, the toilet cover driving unit (22) starts to close the toilet cover (20) before the toilet cleaning unit (13) starts cleaning; when the control unit (5) receives the cleaning instruction, if the toilet cover (20) is open, it starts a timer for a specified time, and when it detects that the toilet cover (20) is closed before the specified time, the toilet cleaning unit (13) starts cleaning at the specified time. On the other hand, when it does not detect that the toilet cover (20) is closed after the specified time, the toilet cleaning unit (13) starts cleaning at the specified time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet device including a toilet lid and a toilet lid driving unit, and a toilet seat device including the toilet lid and the toilet lid driving unit that is attached to a toilet body for use. Background Art

[0002] Recently, from the perspective of preventing the spread of pollutants contained in excrement when cleaning the toilet (potty), it is recommended to clean the potty with the toilet lid closed after excretion to prevent droplets of pollutants contained in urine and feces excreted into the potty from flying to the outside of the toilet.

[0003] In order to reliably perform toilet bowl cleaning with the toilet lid closed, a toilet device has been proposed in which, when a cleaning instruction is given, the toilet lid is first electrically closed by a toilet lid driving unit and then the toilet bowl is cleaned (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-158142 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, although such an electrically operated lid will close in response to a flush instruction, it may not operate from the beginning or in the middle due to various reasons. In this case, if the lid is closed first and then flushed, the subsequent flushing of the toilet bowl will naturally not be carried out at any time.

[0009] For example, if there is an obstruction in front of the raised toilet lid, or if the toilet lid drive unit or the toilet lid malfunctions, the toilet lid may not be fully closed. An example of an obstruction is the user manually stopping the toilet lid from closing after receiving a flush instruction via a button operation, etc., in order to check the flow of excrement. If the toilet lid closing action is stopped by an obstruction (e.g., a human hand), it is inappropriate to wait until the toilet bowl is flushed.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a toilet apparatus and a toilet seat apparatus that flush the toilet bowl even when the closing operation of the toilet lid executed by a flushing instruction is not properly executed.

[0011] Means used to solve problems

[0012] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the toilet apparatus of the present invention comprises a toilet bowl, a toilet washing unit that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl and washes the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening and closing detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is opened or closed, a toilet lid driving unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a washing instruction unit that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet washing unit, a timer unit, and a control unit. The toilet apparatus is characterized in that, when a washing instruction is issued by the washing instruction unit, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts closing the toilet lid before washing by the toilet washing unit, and if the toilet lid is closed, washing by the toilet washing unit is performed. When the control unit receives the washing instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a predetermined time. If the toilet lid is detected to be closed before the predetermined time has elapsed, the timer starts washing by the toilet washing unit at the predetermined time. If the toilet lid is not detected to be closed after the predetermined time has elapsed, the timer starts washing by the toilet washing unit at the predetermined time.

[0013] Another toilet device of the present invention comprises a toilet bowl, a toilet washing section that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl and washes the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening and closing detection section that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving section that opens and closes the toilet lid, a washing instruction unit that outputs a washing instruction to the above-mentioned toilet washing section, a timing section, and a control section. It is characterized in that, when a washing instruction is given by the above-mentioned washing instruction unit, if the above-mentioned toilet lid is open, the above-mentioned toilet lid driving section starts closing the above-mentioned toilet lid before washing by the above-mentioned toilet washing section, and on the other hand, if the above-mentioned toilet lid is closed, washing by the above-mentioned toilet washing section is performed; and when the above-mentioned control section receives the above-mentioned washing instruction, if the above-mentioned toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a specified time, and causes the above-mentioned toilet washing section to start washing when the specified time has elapsed.

[0014] Furthermore, a toilet seat device according to the present invention comprises a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening and closing detection unit for detecting opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening and closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit for receiving a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body, a timer unit, and a toilet seat side control unit. The toilet seat device is mounted on the toilet bowl body and is characterized in that, when a cleaning instruction is given by the toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts closing the toilet lid before outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body, and, on the other hand, outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body if the toilet lid is closed; and, when receiving the cleaning instruction, the toilet seat side control unit starts a timer for a predetermined time if the toilet lid is open, and, if the toilet lid is detected to be closed before the predetermined time has elapsed, outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body at the predetermined timing. On the other hand, if the toilet lid is not detected to be closed after the predetermined time has elapsed, outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body at the predetermined timing.

[0015] Another toilet seat device of the present invention comprises a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening and closing detection unit for detecting the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit for opening and closing the toilet lid, a toilet bowl cleaning indication unit for receiving a cleaning instruction for the toilet bowl body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit. The toilet seat device is installed on the toilet bowl body and is characterized in that, when there is a cleaning instruction given by the toilet bowl cleaning indication unit, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts closing the toilet lid before outputting the cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body, and on the other hand, if the toilet lid is closed, a cleaning instruction is output to the toilet bowl body; when the toilet seat side control unit receives the cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a specified time and outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body after the specified time has passed.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] Since the toilet apparatus and the toilet seat apparatus of the present invention are each configured as described above, the toilet bowl is flushed even when the closing operation of the toilet lid in response to the flushing instruction is not properly performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a basic block diagram of a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 (a) is a schematic side view schematically showing the interior of the toilet device, Figure 2 (b) is a schematic side view schematically showing the interior of another example of a toilet device.

[0020] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 Flowchart of the basic operation of one form of toilet device.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the basic operation of another embodiment of the toilet device.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the basic operation of yet another embodiment of the toilet device.

[0023] Figure 6 (a) is a basic block diagram of a toilet device and a toilet seat device used therein according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (b) is a schematic side view schematically showing the interior of the toilet device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The toilet devices 1 and 3 described below, in principle, clean the toilet bowl 12 with the toilet lid 20 closed to prevent the spread of pollutants contained in excrement. Therefore, if the toilet lid 20 or 40 is not closed when a cleaning instruction is issued, it is normal practice to automatically and electrically close the toilet lid 20 or 40 before cleaning in order to return it to the closed state.

[0025] First, the outline of the toilet device 1 of this embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 The device of the illustrated structure can alternatively execute Figures 3 to 5 Basic movements in multiple forms.

[0026] This toilet device 1 includes a toilet bowl 12, a toilet washing unit 13 that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl 12 and cleans the inside of the toilet bowl 12, a toilet lid 20, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 21 that detects whether the toilet lid 20 is opened or closed, and a toilet lid driving unit 22 that opens and closes the toilet lid 20. Furthermore, this toilet device 1 includes a washing instruction unit that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet washing unit 13, a timer unit 6, and a control unit 5. The washing instruction unit may be a unit that responds to a washing operation by the user or a unit that automatically responds to a user's actions; details of this will be described later.

[0027] The toilet apparatus 1 is configured such that, when a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning instruction unit, if the toilet lid 20 is open, the toilet lid driving unit 22 starts closing the toilet lid 20 before cleaning by the toilet cleaning unit 13. On the other hand, if the toilet lid 20 is closed, cleaning by the toilet cleaning unit 13 is performed.

[0028] There are multiple forms of basic movements.

[0029] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, upon receiving a flushing instruction, the control unit 5 starts a timer for a predetermined time if the toilet lid 20 is open. If the toilet lid 20 is detected to be closed before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 5 causes the toilet flushing unit 13 to start flushing at that timing. Furthermore, if the toilet lid 20 is not detected to be closed after the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 5 causes the toilet flushing unit 13 to start flushing at that timing (when the predetermined time has elapsed).

[0030] In addition, Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, when the control unit 5 receives a flushing instruction, if the toilet lid 20 is open, it starts a timer for a predetermined time, and starts flushing of the toilet flushing unit 13 when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0031] By performing any one of the above actions, even if the closing action of the toilet lid 20 is not completed for some reason (the toilet lid 20 is not closed) when there is a cleaning instruction, the toilet bowl 12 can be cleaned without any problem thereafter.

[0032] Next, the detailed structure, construction, and basic operation of the toilet apparatus 1 will be described.

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 1 is an explanatory diagram of the toilet device 1. As described above, Figure 3 、 Figure 4 This is an illustration of an action form. Figure 5 This is an illustration of another action form. Figure 2 (a) and (b) are schematic side views schematically showing the interior of the toilet apparatus 1 in two forms having different cleaning methods (structures), and any form may be used.

[0034] The toilet apparatus 1 is a sit-down, Western-style toilet apparatus that is fixed to the floor or wall within the restroom space. The toilet apparatus 1 comprises a main body 10 surrounded by a skirt 11, housing an upwardly open toilet bowl 12. Above the toilet bowl 12 are a toilet seat 24 and a toilet lid 20, which are arranged to rotate coaxially with respect to the opening of the toilet bowl 12 and can be freely raised and lowered.

[0035] A toilet flushing unit 13 is disposed in the interior of the skirt 11. The toilet flushing unit 13 drains dirty water from the toilet bowl 12 and supplies flushing water from a water supply port 14 into the toilet bowl 12 to flush the inside of the toilet bowl 12. The toilet flushing unit 13 includes a water supply mechanism and a drainage mechanism.

[0036] The water supply mechanism includes: a water supply port 14; a cleaning water supply passage 15, which supplies cleaning water supplied from a tap water pipe (not shown) into the toilet bowl 12 through the water supply port 14; and a water supply valve 16, which is arranged in the middle of the cleaning water supply passage 15 to supply or cut off the water supply to the toilet bowl 12.

[0037] Figure 2 The drainage mechanism shown in (a) has a cylindrical curved water return bend 17 connected so as to extend rearward from the bottom of the toilet bowl 12. The water return bend 17 further extends downward and is connected to a drain outlet 18. Such drainage mechanisms include siphon type, jet siphon type, vortex siphon type, etc., which form a drainage state or a water seal state through siphon action.

[0038] In addition, as a drainage mechanism, it can also have Figure 2 (b) shows the structure of a movable return bend 17A. This return bend 17A is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a drive unit (not shown) to establish a draining state or a water-sealing state. The return bend 17A shown in the figure is in the water-sealing state. In the draining state, it rotates so that the open end of the return bend 17A faces the drain outlet 18. Furthermore, the return bend 17A is surrounded by a return bend housing (not shown) to prevent wastewater and odors from leaking to the outside.

[0039] In addition, a drainage mechanism other than the siphon type or the movable type, for example, a flush type drainage mechanism may be applied to the toilet apparatus 1 .

[0040] In the example shown, the toilet apparatus 1 is a tankless type that does not include a flush tank (low tank) and is directly connected to a water pipe. However, a configuration including a flush tank may be employed.

[0041] In addition, as described above, the toilet device 1 is also Figure 1 As shown, the toilet apparatus 1 includes a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 21 and a toilet lid driving unit 22, and further includes a toilet lid operating unit 23 that receives an opening / closing instruction from the user to the toilet lid driving unit 22. Furthermore, the toilet apparatus 1 includes a toilet seat 24, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 25 that detects the opening / closing of the toilet seat 24, a toilet seat driving unit 26 that opens / closes the toilet seat 24, and a toilet seat operating unit 27 that receives an opening / closing instruction to the toilet seat driving unit 26, and further includes a seat occupancy detection unit 28.

[0042] The seating detector 28 may be, for example, a load sensor built into the toilet seat 24 that detects seating / leaving, or an infrared sensor that detects seating / leaving from near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 24. The lid opening / closing detector 21 and the seat opening / closing detector 25 use a structure that detects the opening / closing state based on the opening angle.

[0043] The toilet lid drive unit 22 and the toilet seat drive unit 26 are each composed of a motor, etc. The toilet lid drive unit 22 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet lid 20 in response to an instruction from the toilet lid operation unit 23, and the toilet seat drive unit 26 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet seat 24 in response to an instruction from the toilet seat operation unit 27.

[0044] In this specification, the state in which the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are erected in a substantially vertical position is referred to as an open state, and the state in which they are laid down in a substantially horizontal position and substantially parallel to the opening surface of the toilet bowl 12 is referred to as a closed state.

[0045] In this toilet apparatus 1, if both the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are in the open state when an instruction to close the toilet lid 20 is given by the toilet lid operating unit 23, etc., the toilet seat 24 closes first, and after it is completely closed (stops in the closed state), the toilet lid 20 closes in conjunction with the closing of the toilet seat 24. Furthermore, if both the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 are in the closed state when an instruction to open the toilet seat 24 is given by the toilet seat operating unit 27, etc., the toilet lid 20 opens first, and after it is completely opened (stops in the open state), the toilet seat 24 opens in conjunction with the opening of the toilet lid 20.

[0046] The toilet apparatus 1 may be configured to further include various functional devices such as a deodorizing device for deodorizing the inside of the toilet bowl 12, a heating device for heating the toilet seat 24, and a local cleaning device for cleaning the local area.

[0047] Furthermore, the toilet apparatus 1 includes a flushing operation unit 29. The flushing operation unit 29 includes a feces flushing button 29a and a urine flushing button 29b for outputting a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing unit 13 via the control unit 5 described later.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure a cleaning operation unit 29 on both the main operating unit (not shown) and the remote control (not shown). These are also provided with operation switches and buttons for performing various operations and settings. A remote control that uses infrared communication is suitable. Of course, the remote control is provided with a transmitter (not shown), and the main unit 10 is provided with a receiver (not shown).

[0049] The operation of the washing operation unit 29 functions as a washing instruction means, and further, the change in state from sitting to standing detected by the seating detection unit 28 also functions as a washing instruction means. That is, when a person stands up from the toilet seat 24 while sitting, automatic washing is performed instead of operating the washing button.

[0050] Alternatively, instead of providing both the defecation flushing button 29a and the urination flushing button 29b, a single flushing button may be used to output a flushing instruction. In other words, in this case, the flushing water volume supplied to the toilet bowl 12 is not differentiated into a large volume for defecation and a small volume for urination, but is simply a large volume for defecation.

[0051] The toilet apparatus 1 includes a control unit 5. This control unit 5 controls the aforementioned controlled objects (such as the water supply valve 16 of the toilet flushing unit 13, the toilet lid driver 22, and the toilet seat driver 26). Furthermore, it receives output signals from the flushing operation unit 29, the toilet lid opening / closing detector 21, the toilet seat opening / closing detector 25, and the seat occupancy detector 28. This control unit 5 is comprised of a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and various programs. The toilet apparatus 1 also includes a timer unit 6 and a power supply unit (not shown).

[0052] The toilet device 1 also includes a notification unit 7 such as a speaker that notifies of abnormalities or states of the device and provides guidance by sound or sound synthesis. The notification unit 7 may also include a display such as an LED instead of or in addition to sound output.

[0053] Then, based on Figures 3 to 5 The flowchart of FIG. 1 illustrates the basic operation of the toilet device 1. These operations are all performed by the control unit 5 when a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning instruction unit.

[0054] The toilet device 1 only needs to execute the cleaning instruction when Figures 3 to 5 The action structure of one of the actions can be used, or a certain action can be performed by changing the setting of the toilet device 1. In addition, when a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning operation unit 29 during seating, the toilet device 1 does not accept the cleaning instruction.

[0055] In the following description of the operation, the detection of the open and closed status of the toilet lid 20 and the open and closed status of the toilet seat 24 are performed by the respective detection units, but the description of the operation of these detection units is omitted. Furthermore, the opening and closing operation of the toilet lid 20 and the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat 24 are performed by the respective drive units, but the description of the operation of these drive units is omitted.

[0056] First, follow the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S113 to Figure 3 In addition, in the following description, Figures 3 to 5 For the action steps, the part described as "step Sxxx" is abbreviated to only the mark "Sxxx".

[0057] When a cleaning instruction is received from the cleaning instruction unit, the notification unit 7 first notifies the user of the cleaning instruction by, for example, an electronic beep sound (S100). Next, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is determined. If the toilet lid 20 is closed, the toilet bowl 12 is immediately cleaned (No in S101, S111).

[0058] Although Figure 3 Although not shown, the toilet lid 20 can be opened after the cleaning of S111 is completed. After a certain period of time from the open state, the toilet lid 20 in the open state is closed and closed to become a standby state (the toilet lid 20 is closed).

[0059] The opening action of the toilet lid 20 after cleaning is performed to allow the user to check the residual waste in the toilet bowl 12 after cleaning. In other words, the user does not need to manually open the toilet lid 20 to check the inside of the toilet bowl 12 after cleaning.

[0060] In addition, also can replace the delay of above-mentioned certain hour, and no longer detect the people's timing by the human sensor and get back to standby mode.Certainly, because the user can make the lid 20 close action by the lid operating unit 23, so also can not get back to standby mode automatically.

[0061] Furthermore, when a flushing instruction is received, if the toilet lid 20 is open, a timer for a predetermined time is started (Yes in S101, S102). This timer is used to forcibly start flushing with a time limit if the toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20 are not closed within the predetermined time during the subsequent closing operation.

[0062] Furthermore, the toilet apparatus 1 also electrically opens and closes the toilet seat 24. Therefore, when the toilet lid 20 is instructed to close based on a flush instruction, the toilet seat 24 must also be closed if it is open. Therefore, the predetermined time is preferably set to a time that takes into account the time required to close both the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20.

[0063] After the timer starts, the state of the toilet seat 24 is determined. If the toilet seat 24 is open, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 begins (Yes in S103, S104). If the toilet seat 24 is not closed until the timer expires, the notification unit 7 notifies the timer of the expiration of the time and the cleaning process begins (No in S105, S106, Yes in S105, S112, S113).

[0064] Since the report at this time is a warning-level report used for forced cleaning, it is preferably a report that can be clearly heard, such as an electronic sound "beep, beep, beep". It is preferred to start cleaning after the sound ends to prevent the sound from being covered by the subsequent cleaning sound.

[0065] Next, if the toilet seat 24 is closed before the timer expires, or if the toilet seat 24 is closed during the cleaning instruction timer, the toilet lid 20 is closed (Yes in S106, No in S103, S107). If the toilet lid 20 is not closed until the timer expires, the timer expires, and cleaning is started (No in S108, S109, Yes in S108, S112, S113).

[0066] If the lid 20 is closed before the timer expires, a different electronic "beep" sound, such as one from when the flushing instruction was given, is used to notify that the lid 20 is closed, and the bowl 12 is flushed (Yes in S109, S110, S111). Alternatively, the flushing process may be notified instead of the lid 20 being closed. In this case, the notification is also made when the lid 20 is closed after the flushing instruction (No in S101).

[0067] In principle, this toilet device 1 starts flushing when the toilet lid 20 is closed. However, flushing is performed exceptionally when the timer expires (Yes in S105, Yes in S108). Possible reasons for the timer expiring before the toilet seat 24 is fully closed include, for example, a malfunction of the toilet seat driver 26 or the toilet seat 24, or manually stopping the toilet seat 24 during the closing operation. Furthermore, possible reasons for the timer expiring before the toilet lid 20 is fully closed include, for example, a malfunction of the toilet lid driver 22 or the toilet lid 20, or manually stopping the toilet lid 20 during the closing operation.

[0068] In such a case, when the timer expires, the flushing instruction is prioritized and flushing is forced to proceed regardless of the state of the toilet lid 20 (toilet seat 24). The movement of the toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20 may be stopped at the user's request, but in order to encourage the user to release the restriction on the toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20, it is preferable to notify the user (S112) when the toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20 are not closed properly (timer expired) as described above.

[0069] In addition, as an action form for cleaning before the toilet lid 20 is closed, Figure 4 As shown in the flowchart (S200 to S214), the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 may be individually monitored by timers.

[0070] When a cleaning instruction is received, the first step is to report the situation by, for example, an electronic sound "beep beep" (S200). Then, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is determined. If it is closed, the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned immediately thereafter (No in S201, S212). Figure 3Similarly, the lid 20 can be opened after the cleaning of S212 is completed, and after a certain period of time from the open state, the lid 20 in the open state can be closed and closed to become the standby state (the state where the lid 20 is closed).

[0071] Furthermore, if the toilet lid 20 is open when the flushing instruction is received, the state of the toilet seat 24 is determined. If the toilet seat 24 is open, a timer (timer #1) is started for a predetermined time (Yes in S201, Yes in S202, and S203). This timer monitors the closing of the toilet seat 24 and is used to forcibly start flushing if the toilet seat 24 is not closed.

[0072] After the timer starts, the toilet seat 24 starts closing (S204). If the toilet seat 24 is not closed until the timer #1 time is up, the time is reported to be up and the cleaning starts (S205, S206 No, S205 Yes, S213, S214). Figure 3 In principle, the toilet device 1 starts cleaning when the lid 20 is closed, but exceptionally, when such a time has come, cleaning is performed before the lid 20 (toilet seat 24) is closed.

[0073] Next, if the toilet seat 24 is closed before the timer expires, or if the toilet seat 24 is closed during the cleaning instruction, a timer (timer #2) for a predetermined time is started and the toilet lid 20 begins to close (Yes in S206, No in S202, S207, S208). If the toilet lid 20 is not closed until the timer #2 expires, the timer 20 is notified that the timer has expired and cleaning begins (S209, No in S210, Yes in S209, S213, S214).

[0074] If the lid 20 is closed before the timer expires, a different electronic "beep" sound, such as one from when the flushing instruction was given, is used to notify that the lid 20 is closed, and the bowl 12 is flushed (Yes in S210, S211, S212). Alternatively, instead of notifying that the lid 20 is closed, the flushing process may be notified. In this case, the notification is also made when the lid 20 is closed after the flushing instruction (No in S201).

[0075] In this way, the toilet device 1 and Figure 3 Likewise, in principle, cleaning is started with the lid 20 being in a closed state. However, as an exception, when such a time has come (Yes in S205, Yes in S209), cleaning is performed before the lid 20 is closed.

[0076] so, Figure 4During the toilet seat 24 and lid 20 closing operation, each closing operation is monitored individually by a timer. Therefore, by monitoring the closing operation at different time intervals when only the lid 20 is open and when both the seat 24 and lid 20 are open, the closing operation can be monitored at more appropriate times, allowing for more appropriate cleaning timing. For example, if only the lid 20 is open (such as immediately after defecation), the closing operation is monitored by one timer (timer #2). However, if both the seat 24 and lid 20 are open, the closing operation is monitored by both timers (timer #1 + timer #2).

[0077] As above, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this configuration, even if the toilet lid 20 (and therefore the toilet seat 24) is not detected as closed at the time the timer expires, cleaning can be performed at the time the timer expires. Therefore, even if the toilet lid 20 is not closed due to a malfunction of the toilet seat 24 or lid 20, or if the toilet seat 24 or lid 20 stops mid-close due to the user's hand, cleaning will not be performed without the toilet lid 20 closing due to the reason for the toilet lid not closing, and forced cleaning will not occur. This prevents the toilet lid 20 from continuing without cleaning for an extended period of time.

[0078] In addition, although pollutants may be scattered due to the forced cleaning when the toilet lid 20 is opened, if the user is present, the user can close the toilet lid 20 by hand as soon as cleaning begins, which is almost no problem.

[0079] Furthermore, if it is detected that the toilet lid 20 is closed before the time is up, cleaning is performed at the detection timing, so that it is possible to avoid the cleaning being delayed longer than necessary due to the timer.

[0080] Next, according to the flow chart (S300~S314), Figure 5 The following describes the action.

[0081] When receiving the cleaning instruction, first, for example, the situation is reported by electronic sound "beep" etc. (S300). Then, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is judged. If it is closed, the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned immediately thereafter (No in S301, S312).

[0082] and Figure 3 Similarly, the lid 20 can be opened after cleaning is completed, and after a certain period of time, the lid 20 in the open state is closed and closed to become a standby state (the lid 20 is closed).

[0083] In addition, if the lid 20 is in the open state when receiving the cleaning instruction, a timer of a prescribed time is started (Yes in S301, S302). This timer is used to force the lid 20 to start cleaning when it is not closed within the prescribed time in the closing action of the lid 20 thereafter.

[0084] After the timer starts, the state of the toilet seat 24 is determined. If the toilet seat 24 is open, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is started (S303, S304). If the toilet seat 24 is not closed until the timer expires, the time is reported to be up and cleaning is started (S305, No in S306, Yes in S305, S313, S314).

[0085] Next, if the toilet seat 24 is closed before the timer expires, or if the toilet seat 24 is closed during the cleaning instruction timer, the toilet lid 20 is closed (Yes in S306, No in S303, S307). Furthermore, if the toilet lid 20 is not closed until the timer expires, the timer expires, and cleaning is started (No in S308, S309, Yes in S308, S313, S314).

[0086] If the lid 20 is closed before the time is up, the time is waited for, and an electronic sound "beep" different from that during the cleaning instruction is used to notify that the lid 20 is closed, and the cleaning of the toilet bowl 12 is performed (Yes in S310, S311, S312). Alternatively, the notification may be made immediately after the lid 20 is closed, rather than after the time is up.

[0087] In this way, Figure 3 Similarly, in principle, cleaning is started on the condition that the cover 20 is in the closed state, but cleaning may be performed exceptionally when such a time has come (Yes in S305, Yes in S308).

[0088] Figure 5 Even if the closing action of the toilet lid 20 is completed within the prescribed time, cleaning is not performed before the time is up, and cleaning is started at the timing when the time is up (S310, S311, S312). Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The action form is different. That is, Figure 5 In the action form, as long as it is not a cleaning instruction when the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, cleaning is started only when the timer time is up (S301: No, S312).

[0089] In this way, as long as the timer is started, cleaning will not start regardless of the time being reached, so the cleaning start timing can be given with a simpler process. Figure 5The processing logic described above can be programmed more simply by forcibly starting cleaning through interruption processing based on timeout.

[0090] In addition, in the case of such an action form of cleaning when the time is up, Figure 4 Similarly to the embodiment shown, a structure using two timers may also be employed.

[0091] Figures 3 to 5 The shown action form does not accept the cleaning instruction when the cleaning operation unit 29 gives a cleaning instruction while the user is seated, but may also be an action form for cleaning while the user is seated. In this case, the closing action of the toilet lid 20 is not performed.

[0092] As a case of washing while sitting, the same action as when the toilet lid 20 is closed can also be performed ( Figure 1 The same action as S101 (No, S111) can be performed, but it can also be an action to clean after a specified time. That is, in this case, the toilet lid 20 that is closing hits the body of the seated person and the closing action of the toilet lid 20 is stopped, and the cleaning is started when the timer time is up (same as Figure 1 The same applies to S108, S112, and S113).

[0093] As long as the above instructions can be implemented Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The action form and Figure 5 It is sufficient to select one of the action forms, for example, it is also possible to enable setting one of them using a setting operation unit (not shown).

[0094] in addition, Figures 3 to 5 Each action can be applied to urination, but can also be applied to situations other than urination. For example, if the urination cleaning button 29b is operated and the toilet seat 24 is open, it can be determined that the man is urinating in a standing position, and the cleaning action can be performed without closing the toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20.

[0095] In addition, the toilet device 1 shown above has an action structure in which the closing action of the toilet lid 20 is started after the closing action of the toilet seat 24 is completed, but it can also be an action structure in which the actions are performed simultaneously, or the closing action of the toilet lid 20 is performed slightly later than the closing action of the toilet seat 24.

[0096] In addition, the toilet device 1 is not limited to the above structure, and may also be a structure in which the toilet seat 24 and the toilet cover 20 can be replaced as a whole. Figure 6 The toilet device 3 is shown with the toilet seat device 30 installed (or replaced). Figure 6(a) and (b) of the present invention will now be described the basic structure of the toilet device 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 (b) shows a movable water return bend 17A, but it can also be applied to a toilet body having a siphon water return bend 17 (see Figure 2 (a)) structure or other structure.

[0097] Specifically, the toilet device 3 includes a toilet bowl 12, a toilet cleaning unit 13 that supplies cleaning water to the toilet bowl 12 and cleans the inside of the toilet bowl 12, a toilet seat device 30, a cleaning operation unit 29 that outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet cleaning unit 13, a control unit 5, a timing unit 6 and a reporting unit 7.

[0098] The toilet seat device 30 is a separate unit that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the toilet apparatus 3 (excluding the toilet seat device 30). The toilet seat device 30 includes a toilet lid 40, a toilet lid opening / closing detector 41, a toilet lid drive 42, a toilet lid operator 43, a toilet seat 44, a toilet seat opening / closing detector 45, a toilet seat drive 46, a toilet seat operator 47, a seat occupancy detector 48, a toilet bowl washing operator 49, a toilet seat-side control unit 35, a timer 36, and a notification unit 37. Furthermore, electrical signals can be transmitted and received between the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet main body.

[0099] The structure of the toilet device 3 (toilet main body) other than the toilet seat device 30 is the same as that of the toilet device 3 (toilet main body). Figure 1 The structure of the toilet seat device 30 is substantially the same, so detailed description is omitted. In addition, the toilet lid 40, toilet lid opening and closing detection unit 41, toilet lid driving unit 42, toilet lid operation unit 43, toilet seat 44, toilet seat opening and closing detection unit 45, toilet seat driving unit 46, toilet seat operation unit 47, and sitting detection unit 48 provided by the toilet seat device 30 are also the same. Figure 1 The structure is roughly the same, so its description is omitted.

[0100] Figure 6 The toilet seat device 30 is configured to output a flushing instruction for the toilet bowl 12 to the toilet bowl cleaning unit 13 from the toilet seat device 30. Specifically, when a flushing instruction is issued from the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49, the toilet seat side control unit 35 receives the instruction and controls the toilet bowl 12 via the toilet body side control unit 5. Alternatively, the toilet seat side control unit 35 may directly control the toilet bowl 13.

[0101] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the toilet device 3 may also be configured to include not only the toilet bowl washing operation unit 49 on the toilet seat device 30 side, but also the washing operation unit 29 on the toilet body side. Figure 6The structure is configured so that a cleaning instruction can be issued using either the cleaning operation unit 29 or the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49. Alternatively, a structure is also possible in which the cleaning operation unit 29 is not provided on the toilet body side and a cleaning instruction can be issued only using the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49. In addition, the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49 also preferably has a cleaning button for defecation and a cleaning button for urine.

[0102] While operation of the toilet bowl flushing operation unit 49 functions as a toilet bowl flushing instruction unit, the change in state from sitting to standing detected by the seating detection unit 48 also functions as a toilet bowl flushing instruction unit. That is, when a person stands up from the toilet seat 44 while sitting, automatic flushing is performed instead of operating the flush button.

[0103] The toilet device 3 is also Figure 1 The toilet device 1 can also be Figures 3 to 5 In short, when a cleaning instruction is issued from the toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit (toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49), the toilet bowl 12 is cleaned in principle with the toilet lid 40 closed. When a cleaning instruction is issued, the toilet lid 40 is closed when it is open. However, when the timer has expired, cleaning is performed even if the toilet lid 40 is not closed.

[0104] As described above, the toilet seat device 30 includes a toilet seat 44, a toilet lid 40, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 41 that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid 40, and a toilet lid driving unit 42 that opens and closes the toilet lid 40. Furthermore, the toilet seat device 30 is a device attached to the toilet bowl body and includes a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit that receives cleaning instructions for the toilet bowl body, a timer unit 36, and a toilet seat-side control unit 35. Furthermore, when a cleaning instruction is issued by the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49, if the toilet lid 40 is open, the toilet lid driving unit 42 begins closing the toilet lid 40 before outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body. Furthermore, if the toilet lid 40 is closed, the toilet seat device 30 outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body.

[0105] When the toilet seat side control unit 35 receives a cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid 40 is open, it starts a timer for a specified time. If it detects that the toilet lid 40 is closed before the specified time, it outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet body at that time. In addition, if the toilet seat side control unit 35 does not detect that the toilet lid 40 is closed before the specified time, it outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet body at that time. That is, this action corresponds to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The action shown.

[0106] Furthermore, the toilet seat side control unit 35 may also be configured to start a timer for a predetermined time when a cleaning instruction is received and, if the toilet lid 40 is open, output a cleaning instruction to the toilet body when the predetermined time has elapsed. Figure 5 The action shown.

[0107] In addition, the toilet seat device 30 is preferably configured to perform the same action as the action based on the cleaning instruction given by the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49 when a cleaning instruction given by the cleaning operation unit 29 of the toilet body is accepted instead of the cleaning instruction given by the toilet bowl cleaning operation unit 49.

[0108] The timer processing of the toilet device 3 can be performed by the timer unit 36 ​​of the toilet seat device 30, but the timer unit 6 of the toilet body can also be used. In addition, various notifications can be performed by the notification unit 37 of the toilet seat device 30, but the notification unit 7 of the toilet body can also be used.

[0109] In addition, the toilet seat device 30 is not limited to Figure 6 As the toilet seat device 30, for example, it may be a structure including a local washing device, or it may be a structure including a toilet seat operating portion (not shown) capable of performing various operations (for example, a local washing device) and settings.

[0110] Description of labels

[0111] 1.3 Western-style toilet device

[0112] 5. Control Unit

[0113] 6. Timing Department

[0114] 7 Reporting Department

[0115] 12 porta potties

[0116] 13 Toilet Cleaning Department

[0117] 20 lids

[0118] 21 Toilet lid opening and closing detection unit

[0119] 22 Toilet lid drive unit

[0120] 23 Toilet cover operation part

[0121] 24 toilet seats

[0122] 25 Toilet seat opening and closing detection unit

[0123] 26 Toilet seat drive unit

[0124] 27Toilet seat operation part

[0125] 28 Seating Detection Unit

[0126] 29 Cleaning operation department

[0127] 30 toilet seat device

[0128] 35 Toilet seat side control unit

[0129] 36 Timing Department

[0130] 37 Report Department

[0131] 40 lids

[0132] 41 Toilet lid opening and closing detection unit

[0133] 42 Toilet lid drive unit

[0134] 43 Toilet cover operation part

[0135] 44 toilet seat

[0136] 45 Toilet seat opening and closing detection unit

[0137] 46 Toilet seat drive unit

[0138] 47Toilet Seat Operation Department

[0139] 48 Seating Detection Unit

[0140] 49 Bedpan Cleaning Operation Department

Claims

1. A toilet device comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet washing unit that supplies washing water to the toilet bowl and washes the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening and closing detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is opened or closed, a toilet lid driving unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a washing instruction unit that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet washing unit, a timer unit, and a control unit, wherein: When a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning instruction unit, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts closing the toilet lid before the toilet cleaning unit performs cleaning. On the other hand, if the toilet lid is closed, the toilet cleaning unit performs cleaning. When the control unit receives the cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a specified time. If it detects that the toilet lid is closed before the specified time has passed, the toilet cleaning unit starts cleaning when the toilet lid is detected to be closed. On the other hand, if it does not detect that the toilet lid is closed when the specified time has passed, the toilet cleaning unit starts cleaning when the specified time has passed.

2. A toilet device comprising a toilet bowl, a toilet cleaning unit that supplies cleaning water to the toilet bowl and cleans the inside of the toilet bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening and closing detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is opened or closed, a toilet lid driving unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a cleaning instruction unit that outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet cleaning unit, a timer unit, and a control unit, wherein: When a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning instruction unit, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts closing the toilet lid before the toilet cleaning unit performs cleaning. On the other hand, if the toilet lid is closed, the toilet cleaning unit performs cleaning. When the control unit receives the flushing instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a predetermined time, and starts flushing of the toilet flushing unit when the predetermined time has elapsed.

3. A toilet seat device comprising a toilet seat, a toilet cover, a toilet cover opening and closing detection unit for detecting opening and closing of the toilet cover, a toilet cover driving unit for opening and closing the toilet cover, a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit for receiving a cleaning instruction for a toilet bowl body, a timer unit, and a toilet seat side control unit, wherein the toilet seat device is mounted on the toilet bowl body, and characterized in that: The toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit is configured such that, when a cleaning instruction is issued by the toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts closing the toilet lid before outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body; on the other hand, if the toilet lid is closed, a cleaning instruction is output to the toilet bowl body; When the toilet seat side control unit receives the cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a specified time. When it detects that the toilet lid is closed before the specified time has passed, it outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet body at the time when the toilet lid is detected to be closed. On the other hand, when the toilet lid is not detected to be closed when the specified time has passed, it outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet body at the time when the specified time has passed.

4. A toilet seat device comprising a toilet seat, a toilet cover, a toilet cover opening and closing detection unit for detecting opening and closing of the toilet cover, a toilet cover driving unit for opening and closing the toilet cover, a toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit for receiving a cleaning instruction for a toilet bowl body, a timer unit, and a toilet seat side control unit, wherein the toilet seat device is mounted on the toilet bowl body, and is characterized in that: The toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit is configured such that, when a cleaning instruction is issued by the toilet bowl cleaning instruction unit, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts closing the toilet lid before outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet bowl body; on the other hand, if the toilet lid is closed, a cleaning instruction is output to the toilet bowl body; When the toilet seat-side control unit receives the flushing instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a predetermined time, and outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet body when the predetermined time has elapsed.

5. The toilet seat device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The toilet seat-side control unit also performs the same operation as the operation performed when the flushing instruction is given by the toilet bowl flushing instruction unit when the flushing instruction is received from the toilet bowl body.

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