Toilet seat device and toilet device provided with the same

Abstract

To provide a toilet seat device capable of easily cleaning a drying device for drying a toilet seat, and a toilet device provided with the toilet seat device. A toilet seat device (1) is installed on a toilet main body (2) having a toilet bowl (20). The toilet seat device (1) is provided with a toilet seat (3), a toilet cover (4) capable of switching between a closed posture covering the toilet seat (3) and an open posture exposing the toilet seat (3), and a drying device (5) provided on the toilet cover (4). The drying device (5) is provided with a protruding portion (50) protruding from the toilet cover (4) in a manner of being located inside an opening (30) in the center of the toilet seat (3) when the toilet cover (4) is in the closed posture. An air supply port (500) facing the opening of the toilet seat (3) and allowing air to pass through is provided on the protruding portion (50). The toilet device (100) is provided with the toilet main body (2) and the toilet seat device (1) installed on the toilet main body (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a toilet seat device and a toilet device having the same. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a toilet seat device having a drying device for drying the toilet seat and a toilet device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an automatic toilet seat cleaning device. In the automatic toilet seat cleaning device described in Patent Document 1, a cleaning nozzle that moves circumferentially along the contour of the toilet seat is provided on the cover (or lid) covering the toilet seat. Water is sprayed onto the toilet seat from the cleaning nozzle, and then air is blown onto the toilet seat from the cleaning nozzle to dry the toilet seat.

[0003] In the automatic toilet seat cleaning device described in Patent Document 1, a long pipe connected to the cleaning nozzle extends from the center of the toilet seat to its outer periphery. This long pipe protrudes from the toilet seat. Therefore, the drying device, which includes the long pipe and the cleaning nozzle, is prone to getting dirty. As a result, cleaning the drying device becomes troublesome.

[0004] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-246898 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a toilet seat device that allows for easy cleaning of the drying device for the toilet seat, and a toilet device having the toilet seat device.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a toilet seat device mounted on a toilet body having a commode. The toilet seat device includes: a toilet seat with a central opening; a toilet lid switchable between a closed position covering the toilet seat and an open position exposing the toilet seat; and a drying device disposed on the toilet lid, which blows air onto the toilet seat to dry it. The drying device includes a protrusion extending from the toilet lid such that it is located inside the opening when the toilet lid is in the closed position, and the protrusion has an air outlet facing the opening of the toilet seat and allowing the air to pass through.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a toilet device comprising: a toilet body having a commode bowl; and a toilet seat device mounted on the toilet body. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional side view schematically showing the toilet seat device of Embodiment 1 according to this disclosure, and is a diagram showing the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat when it is dry.

[0009] Figure 2This is a partial cross-sectional side view of the toilet seat device according to Embodiment 1, and a diagram showing the lower surface of the toilet seat when it is dry.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional front view that schematically shows the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 1 when it is dry.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 1 when it is dry.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the protrusion of the toilet seat and the drying device in the toilet seat device of Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram that schematically shows the internal structure of the drying device according to Embodiment 1, and a diagram showing the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat when it is drying.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram that schematically shows the internal structure of the drying device according to Embodiment 1, and a diagram showing the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat during drying.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional side view that schematically shows the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure when it is dry.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional side view that schematically shows the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 2 when it is dry.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional front view that schematically shows the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 2 when it is dry.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional front view that schematically shows the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 2 when it is dry. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (Implementation Method 1) 1. summary Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional side view schematically showing the toilet seat device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, and a diagram showing the upper surface of the toilet seat 3 in its dry state. Figure 1As shown, the toilet seat device 1 of Embodiment 1 is mounted on a toilet body 2 having a commode 20. The toilet seat device 1 includes: a toilet seat 3 having an opening 30 in the center; a toilet lid 4 that can switch between a closed position covering the toilet seat 3 and an open position exposing the toilet seat 3; and a drying device 5 provided on the toilet lid 4 and blowing air onto the toilet seat 3 to dry the toilet seat 3. The drying device 5 includes a protrusion 50 that protrudes from the toilet lid 4 in such a way that it is located inside the opening 30 when the toilet lid 4 is in the closed position. The protrusion 50 is provided with an air outlet 500 facing the opening of the toilet seat 3 and allowing air to pass through.

[0020] The toilet device 100 includes: a toilet body 2 having a toilet bowl 20, and a toilet seat device 1 installed on the toilet body 2.

[0021] In the toilet seat assembly 1 and the toilet bowl assembly 100, the drying device 5 has a protrusion 50 that protrudes from the toilet lid 4 such that it is located inside the opening 30 of the toilet seat 3 when the toilet lid 4 is in the closed position. An air outlet 500 is provided in the protrusion 50. Therefore, in the toilet seat assembly 1 and the toilet bowl assembly 100, the drying device 5 is compactly arranged and can be easily cleaned.

[0022] 2. Detailed Explanation The toilet seat device 1 of Embodiment 1 and the toilet device 100 having the toilet seat device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional side view of the toilet seat device 1 according to Embodiment 1, and a diagram showing the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat 3 when it is dry. Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional front view that schematically shows the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 1 when it is dry. Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional front view showing the lower surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device according to Embodiment 1 when it is dry. Hereinafter, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are specified, and the various elements of the toilet seat device 1 and the toilet bowl device 100 are described in detail. The toilet seat device 1 and the toilet bowl device 100 are described based on the state of the toilet lid 4 being closed as shown in the figure.

[0023] 2-1. Toilet unit 100 The toilet device 100 includes: a toilet body 2 having a toilet bowl 20, and a toilet seat device 1 mounted on the toilet body 2. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The upper part of the toilet body 2 is only roughly shown in the diagram.

[0024] (Toilet body 2) like Figure 1 As shown, the toilet body 2 includes: a toilet bowl 20 for receiving excrement, a circular edge 21 extending horizontally from the upper end of the toilet bowl 20, and a skirt 22 extending downward from the outer periphery of the edge 21 and surrounding the toilet bowl 20. A drain trap is connected to the bottom of the toilet bowl 20. The toilet bowl 20 is connected to a drain pipe via the drain trap.

[0025] The toilet body 2 is made of resin or ceramic. If the toilet body 2 is made of resin, it also has a frame that supports the lower edge 21. The frame is, for example, made of metal.

[0026] The upper surface of edge 21 forms the upper end surface of toilet body 2. The toilet seat 3 of toilet seat device 1 is placed on the upper surface of edge 21.

[0027] 2-2. Toilet seat unit 1 The toilet seat device 1 is mounted on the toilet body 2, which has a toilet bowl 20. The toilet seat device 1 includes: a toilet seat 3, a toilet lid 4, and a drying device 5 for blowing air onto the toilet seat 3 to dry the toilet seat 3.

[0028] (Toilet Seat 3) Figure 5 This is a plan view schematically showing the positional relationship between the toilet seat and the protruding drying device of the toilet seat device in Embodiment 1. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, the toilet seat 3 has an opening 30 in the center, which is circular in the plan view. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the toilet seat 3 has an upper surface 31 for the user to sit on, and a lower surface 32 facing the opposite side of the upper surface 31. A plurality of rubber legs (not shown) are provided on a portion of the lower surface 32.

[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, the toilet seat 3 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis 33 extending in the left-right direction through the rear end of the toilet seat 3. The toilet seat assembly 1 also includes an opening and closing device 7, which causes the toilet seat 3 to rotate around the rotation axis 33 to open and close the toilet seat 3. The opening and closing device 7 is disposed in a functional section 8 located at the rear of the toilet seat assembly 1. In addition to the opening and closing device 7, the functional section 8 is also equipped with various electrical devices such as a partial cleaning device, a deodorizing device, and a toilet seat heating device.

[0030] The toilet seat 3 is rotatable between a reclining position (lower surface 32 along the upper surface of the toilet body 2) and an upright position (upright relative to the upper surface of the toilet body 2). When the toilet seat 3 is in the reclining position, the legs of the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 are in contact with the upper surface of the toilet body 2. Therefore, a gap is formed between the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 and the upper surface of the toilet body 2 when the toilet seat 3 is in the reclining position.

[0031] (Toilet cover 4) The toilet seat 4 can switch (i.e. move) between a closed position covering the toilet seat 3 and an open position exposing the toilet seat 3.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the toilet seat 4 has: a toilet seat body 40 that covers the toilet seat 3 from above when the toilet seat 4 is in a closed position, and a peripheral wall portion 41 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the toilet seat body 40 and covers the toilet seat 3 from the side when the toilet seat 4 is in a closed position. The peripheral wall portion 41 protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the toilet seat body 40 when the toilet seat 40 is in a closed position. In other words, the peripheral wall portion 41 protrudes horizontally from the outer periphery of the toilet seat body 40 when the toilet seat body 40 is in an open position. The toilet seat body 40 has a surface 400 opposite to the toilet seat 3. The peripheral wall portion 41 has a surface 410 opposite to the toilet seat 3. The surface 400 is continuous with the surface 410 via a curved surface 401.

[0033] The main body 40 of the toilet seat is semi-elliptical in plan view. The peripheral wall 41 is semi-elliptical in ring shape in plan view.

[0034] The toilet seat 4 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction through the rear end of the toilet seat 4. Preferably, the rotation axis of the toilet seat 4 is on the same straight line as the rotation axis 33 of the toilet seat 3. The toilet seat 4 is opened and closed by an opening and closing device 7 (see reference 7) that rotates the toilet seat 3. Figure 5 Rotate.

[0035] The toilet seat 4 can rotate between a closed position (the seat body 40 is positioned along the upper surface of the toilet body 2) and an open position (the seat body 40 is upright relative to the upper surface of the toilet body 2). When the toilet seat 4 is in the closed position, the seat body 40 is in contact with the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3, and the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 41 is in contact with the upper surface of the toilet body 2. A washer may also be provided at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 41.

[0036] A drying device 5 is provided in the center of the plan view of the toilet seat body 40. Figure 6 This is a diagram that schematically shows the internal structure of the drying device according to Embodiment 1, and a diagram showing the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat when it is drying.

[0037] like Figure 6As shown, a receiving space S1 for accommodating a portion of the drying device 5 is formed on the inner side of the central portion of the toilet lid body 40. The central portion of the toilet lid body 40 bulges upwards compared to its surrounding portions. In this way, the receiving space S1 is enlarged.

[0038] At least one suction port 402 opening into the external space of the toilet seat 4 is provided on the upper surface of the central portion of the toilet seat body 40. The at least one suction port 402 may also include multiple suction ports 402. The receiving space S1 communicates with the external space of the toilet seat 4 via the suction ports 402.

[0039] (Drying device 5) like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a drying device 5 is provided on the toilet lid 4 and blows air onto the toilet seat 3 to dry the toilet seat 3. The drying device 5 has a protrusion 50 that protrudes from the toilet lid 4 in such a way that it is located inside the opening 30 of the toilet seat 3 when the toilet lid 4 is in a closed position. An air outlet 500 is provided on the protrusion 50 to face the opening of the toilet seat 3 and to allow air to pass through.

[0040] Figure 7 This diagram schematically illustrates the internal structure of the drying apparatus in Embodiment 1, and also shows the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat during drying. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the drying device 5 includes: a fan section 51 for supplying air, a housing 52 constituting the outer shell of the protrusion 50, and a rotating device 53 for rotating the housing 52 in the circumferential direction along the edge of the opening 30 of the toilet seat 3. An air outlet 500 is provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 52.

[0041] The drying device 5 also includes a lifting device 54, which positions the housing 52 on the upper surface of the toilet seat 3 in the opening direction of the air outlet 500 (see reference). Figure 6 The lower surface of the toilet seat 3 is located below the opening direction of the air outlet 500 (refer to...). Figure 7 The air vent 500 moves up and down between the two air outlets. The drying device 5 also has a heating device 55 that heats the air directed toward the air outlet 500. The drying device 5 also has a support frame 56.

[0042] The support frame 56 is mounted within the receiving space S1 in the central part of the toilet seat body 40 in a manner that allows it to slide freely in the vertical direction. The support frame 56 does not rotate. Figure 7 As shown, on the wall surrounding the receiving space S1 in the toilet cover body 40, there is a guide portion 42 that guides the sliding movement of the support frame 56 and extends in the vertical direction as a protrusion (i.e., longitudinal rib).

[0043] like Figure 7As shown, the support frame 56 includes: a cylindrical outer cylinder portion 560 constituting the outer shell of the support frame 56; a bottomed cylindrical inner cylinder portion 561 located inside the outer cylinder portion 560; and a connecting portion 562 connecting the upper end of the outer cylinder portion 560 and the upper end of the inner cylinder portion 561. A locking portion 563 for rotatably mounting the housing 52 is provided at the lower end of the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 560. An elongated groove (not shown) for accommodating the guide portion 42 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 560.

[0044] The fan unit 51 is a centrifugal blower that draws in air from the inlet 402 of the toilet seat 4 and delivers it to the outlet 500. The motor 510 of the centrifugal blower is fixed to the bottom of the inner cylinder 561 of the support frame 56 and moves vertically integrally with the support frame 56. Therefore, the power supply wiring 511 connected to the motor 510 is less prone to damage. The fan unit 51 (i.e., the centrifugal blower) rotates its blades via the motor 510. In this way, air is drawn in from the inlet 402 of the toilet seat 4 and delivered to the outlet 500.

[0045] The housing 52 is shaped like a frustum of a cone. An air inlet 500 is provided on a circumferential portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 52. The housing 52 has one air inlet 500. A cylindrical locking portion 520 is provided on the housing 52, which locks against a locking portion 563 of the support frame 56. The cylindrical locking portion 520 is an internal gear with teeth arranged on its inner peripheral surface.

[0046] The rotating device 53 includes a motor 530 and a gear 531 mounted on the front end of the rotating shaft of the motor 530. The rotating device 53 is disposed between the outer cylinder portion 560 and the inner cylinder portion 561 of the support frame 56, and is fixed to the inner cylinder portion 561.

[0047] The rotating device 53 is configured such that gear 531 meshes with the locking portion 520 of the internal gear constituting the housing 52. The housing 52 rotates about its central axis L1 as the motor 530 of the rotating device 53 rotates.

[0048] The lifting device 54 includes: a flexible rack 540 for lifting the housing 52, a gear 541 for winding the flexible rack 540, and an electric motor 542 for rotating the gear 541. The lifting device 54 is located in the receiving space S1 in the center of the toilet cover body 40.

[0049] One end of the flexible rack 540 along its length is fixed to a portion of the support frame 56 (specifically, the outer cylinder 560 in Embodiment 1). The remaining portion of the flexible rack 540 along its length is arranged to be wound around and engaged with the gear 541. By rotating the motor 542 in one direction, as... Figure 7As shown, increasing the protruding length of the flexible rack 540 from the gear 541 lowers the support frame 56. This is achieved by rotating the motor 542 in the opposite direction, as... Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion length of the flexible rack 540 from the gear 541 is reduced, causing the support frame 56 to rise. The housing 52, which has the air outlet 500, rises and falls integrally with the support frame 56 as the support frame 56 rises and falls.

[0050] Heating device 55 heats the air drawn in from intake 402 and directed toward air outlet 500. Heating device 55 is disposed in the receiving space S1 of toilet seat body 40, opposite to intake 402. Heating device 55 is, for example, a heating wire. The air drawn in from intake 402 is heated to, for example, 30 to 50 degrees Celsius through heat exchange with the heating wire.

[0051] 2-3. Other The toilet seat device 1 preferably also includes a toilet seat cleaning device (not shown) that sprays cleaning water onto the toilet seat 3. The toilet seat cleaning device is configured to spray cleaning water onto the upper surface 31 and lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 when the toilet lid 4 is in a closed position. The toilet seat cleaning device may also be configured to spray cleaning water onto the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the toilet seat 3.

[0052] 2-4. Operation of the toilet seat mechanism The toilet seat device 1 and toilet device 100 of Embodiment 1 operate as follows, for example.

[0053] If the user finishes using the toilet device 100 and the toilet seat 4 moves to the closed position and a predetermined time has elapsed, cleaning water is sprayed from the toilet seat cleaning device onto the upper surface 31 and lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3.

[0054] If the toilet seat cleaning device stops spraying cleaning water, the fan 51 of the drying device 5 is activated. In this way, air outside the toilet seat 4 is drawn into the receiving space S1 inside the toilet seat 4 through the suction port 402. The air drawn into the receiving space S1 is heated by the heating device 55 and then ejected from the air outlet 500 through the fan 51.

[0055] Drying device 5 firstly as follows Figure 1 As shown, with the housing 52 positioned above the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3 in the opening direction of the air outlet 500, heated air is ejected from the air outlet 500. As a result, the cleaning water remaining on the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3 is dried (i.e., evaporated) and removed by the heated air. At this time, the heated air moves along the surface 400 of the toilet seat body 40, the curved surface 401, and the surface 410 of the peripheral wall portion 41. Consequently, the cleaning water remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the toilet seat 3 is also dried and removed.

[0056] After air is ejected toward the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3 for a predetermined period of time, such as Figure 7 As shown, the motor 542 of the lifting device 54 drives the gear 541 to rotate. This causes the flexible rack 540 to extend, and the support frame 56 and housing 52 to descend as a single unit. Consequently, the housing 52 moves to a position below the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 in the opening direction of the air outlet 500, and heated air is ejected from the air outlet 500 onto the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3. As a result, the cleaning water remaining on the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 is dried (i.e., evaporated) and removed by the heated air. At the same time, the cleaning water remaining on the upper surface of the toilet body 2, opposite the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3, is also dried (i.e., evaporated) and removed by the heated air.

[0057] After air is ejected toward the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 for a predetermined period of time, such as Figure 6 As shown, the motor 542 of the lifting device 54 drives the gear 541 to rotate in the opposite direction. As a result, the flexible rack 540 is wound around the gear 541, and the support frame 56 and the housing 52 rise as a whole. Consequently, the housing 52 moves to an upper position where the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3 is located in the opening direction of the air outlet 500.

[0058] As described above, in the toilet seat device 1 and toilet device 100 of Embodiment 1, the moisture on the upper surface 31 and lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 can be removed by heated air ejected from the drying device 5.

[0059] 2-5. Effects In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 1, the air drying device 5 that blows air to the toilet seat 3 is provided in the center of the toilet cover 4, so the air drying device 5 can be compactly arranged and the air drying device 5 can be easily cleaned.

[0060] In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 1, since the drying device 5 is provided on the toilet cover 4 such that the housing 52 of the drying device 5 is located inside the opening 30 in the center of the toilet seat 3 when the toilet cover 4 is in the closed position, the space inside the opening 30 of the toilet seat 3 can be effectively utilized.

[0061] In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 1, the lifting device 54 includes a flexible rack 540 that can deform to wrap around the gear 541. Therefore, compared with the case where the lifting device 54 includes a rod-shaped rack that meshes with the gear 541, the placement space of the lifting device 54 in the toilet seat 4 can be suppressed.

[0062] In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 1, the housing 52 with the air outlet 500 can be raised and lowered by the lifting device 54, so that the heated air can be properly directed to the upper surface 31 and the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3, and it can be easily dried.

[0063] In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 1, an air outlet 500 is provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 52, and the housing 52 is rotatably mounted, thus suppressing the size of the fan section 51 required to ensure the airflow from the air outlet 500.

[0064] In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 1, the housing 52 protruding from the toilet cover 4 is truncated cone-shaped, so the outer surface of the housing 52 can be easily cleaned.

[0065] In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 1, air from outside the toilet cover 4 can be drawn in from the suction port 402 provided on the toilet cover 4 and blown toward the toilet seat 3. Therefore, compared with the case of using the air inside the toilet bowl 20, there is less moisture in the air, and it is easier to dry the cleaning water remaining on the toilet seat 3.

[0066] In the toilet device 100 of Embodiment 1, since the toilet seat device 1 described above is provided, it can perform the same effect as described above.

[0067] (Implementation Method 2) Explanation as follows Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The toilet seat device 1 and toilet device 100 of Embodiment 2 are shown. Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional side view that schematically shows the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 2 when it is dry. Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional side view that schematically shows the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 2 when it is dry. Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional front view that schematically shows the state of the upper surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 2 when it is dry. Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional front view that schematically shows the state of the lower surface of the toilet seat of the toilet seat device of Embodiment 2 when it is dry. Hereinafter, for the toilet seat device 1 and the toilet device 100 of Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings for configurations that are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions will be omitted for configurations that are different.

[0068] The toilet seat device 1 in Embodiment 2 further includes a control device 6 for controlling the opening and closing of the toilet seat 3. The control device 6 is configured to move the toilet seat 3 to a position where the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3 is in a dry position relative to the opening direction of the air outlet 500 (see reference). Figure 8 , Figure 10 ), or the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 is located in the dry position of the lower surface of the air outlet 500 in the opening direction (refer to Figure 9 , Figure 11 Either of the parties in ).

[0069] The control device 6 is, for example, a microcomputer whose main component is a microprocessor. The control device 6 is located in the functional section 8 at the rear of the toilet seat assembly 1 (see reference 8). Figure 5 The control device 6 controls the opening and closing device 7 (see reference) that causes the toilet seat 3 to rotate around the rotation axis 33. Figure 5 It can move the toilet seat 3 to either the upper surface dry position or the lower surface dry position.

[0070] The drying apparatus 5 of Embodiment 2 does not have a lifting device 54 for raising and lowering the housing 52. The housing 52 is configured to rotate. The housing 52 does not move in the up and down direction. The upper surface of the toilet cover body 40 of Embodiment 2 is configured to be substantially flat. The central portion of the toilet cover body 40 does not bulge upward.

[0071] In embodiment 2, the position where the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 is folded down along the upper end surface of the toilet body 2 is the upper surface dry position. The position where the toilet seat 3 is slightly raised above the folded position is the lower surface dry position. The lower surface dry position is the position between the folded position and the upright position. When the toilet seat 3 is in the lower surface dry position, the toilet seat 3 can be in contact with the toilet lid body 40, or it can be located away from the toilet lid body 40.

[0072] In embodiment 2, the control device 6 is configured to move the toilet seat 3 to any one of the following positions: upper surface dry position (i.e., reclined position), lower surface dry position, or upright position. The upper surface dry position and the reclined position may not be the same position.

[0073] The toilet seat device 1 and toilet bowl device 100 of Embodiment 2 operate as follows, for example. The cleaning of the toilet seat 3 with cleaning water and the drying of the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1, so the description is omitted.

[0074] After air is continuously sprayed toward the upper surface 31 of the toilet seat 3 for a predetermined time, the control device 6 controls the rotation device of the toilet seat 3, causing the toilet seat 3 to move to a position where the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 is in the opening direction of the air outlet 500 and is in a dry position. As a result, the heated air sprayed from the air outlet 500 is blown toward the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3, and the cleaning water remaining on the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 is dried (i.e. evaporated) and removed by the heated air.

[0075] After air is continuously ejected toward the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 for a predetermined time, the control device 6 controls the rotation device of the toilet seat 3 to move the toilet seat 3 to the reclining position (i.e., the upper surface is dry).

[0076] In the toilet seat device 1 of Embodiment 2, in addition to the same effects as in Embodiment 1, the following effects can also be achieved.

[0077] In the toilet seat device 1 of embodiment 2, since the drying device 5 does not have a lifting device 54, the drying device 5 can be made compact. Furthermore, the toilet cover 4 equipped with the drying device 5 can be made lighter, and the toilet cover body 40 can be made thinner.

[0078] In the toilet seat device 1 of Embodiment 2, by simply changing the control method for opening and closing the toilet seat 3, air from the air outlet 500 can be directed to the upper surface 31 and lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3 respectively. As a result, there is no need to install a separate dedicated lifting mechanism, and the toilet seat device 1 can be easily installed compactly.

[0079] (Modified example) Hereinafter, variations of the toilet seat device 1 and toilet device 100 of embodiments 1 and 2 described above will be described. The variations shown below can be appropriately combined.

[0080] The drying device 5 may also be without the rotating device 53. In this case, for example, a plurality of air outlets 500 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart in a manner that spans the entire circumferential length of the outer peripheral surface of the housing 52.

[0081] The surface 400 of the toilet seat body 40 facing the toilet seat 3 and the surface 410 of the peripheral wall 41 facing the toilet seat 3 can also be continuous in an angled manner.

[0082] The housing 52 of the drying device 5 of the toilet seat device 1 in Embodiment 1 may also be configured to be non-liftable. The drying device 5 may also be configured to dry only the upper surface 31 of the upper surface 31 and the lower surface 32 of the toilet seat 3.

[0083] The lifting device 54 is not limited to the structure described above, but may also be other existing and known lifting mechanisms.

[0084] The drying device 5 can also use the airflow from the air outlet 500 to move and drop the cleaning water adhering to the surfaces of the toilet seat 3 (i.e., the upper surface 31 and the lower surface 32).

[0085] The fan section 51 is not limited to a centrifugal blower; it can also be a centrifugal fan or an axial fan.

[0086] Alternatively, the suction port 402 may not be provided on the toilet cover body 40, or the suction port may be provided on the shell 52.

[0087] (Summarize) The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a toilet seat device (1) which has the following configuration.

[0088] That is, the toilet seat device (1) of the first aspect is a toilet seat device (1) installed on a toilet body (2) having a commode (20). The toilet seat device (1) includes: a toilet seat (3) having an opening (30) in the center, and a toilet cover (4) that can switch between a closed position covering the toilet seat (3) and an open position exposing the toilet seat (3). The toilet seat device (1) also includes a drying device (5) provided on the toilet cover (4) and blowing air onto the toilet seat (3) to dry the toilet seat (3). The drying device (5) includes a protrusion (50) that protrudes from the toilet cover (4) in such a way that it is located inside the opening (30) when the toilet cover (4) is in the closed position, and an air outlet (500) is provided on the protrusion (50) facing the opening of the toilet seat (3) and allowing the air to pass through.

[0089] In the toilet seat device (1) of the first aspect, the drying device (5) has a protrusion (50) that protrudes from the toilet cover (4) in such a way that it is located inside the opening (30) of the toilet seat (3) when the toilet cover (4) is in a closed position, and an air outlet (500) is provided in the protrusion (50). Therefore, in the toilet seat device (1) of the first aspect, the drying device (5) can be compactly arranged, and the drying device (5) can be easily cleaned.

[0090] The second aspect of the toilet seat device (1) includes the following additional components in addition to the first aspect.

[0091] That is, in the toilet seat device (1) of the second aspect, the drying device (5) includes: a fan part (51) for supplying the air, and a housing (52) constituting the outer shell of the protrusion (50). The drying device (5) also includes a rotating device (53) for rotating the housing (52) in the circumferential direction along the edge of the opening (30) of the toilet seat (3). An air outlet (500) is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the housing (52).

[0092] In the toilet seat device (1) of the second aspect, by rotating the housing (52) by the rotating device (53), the direction of the opening of the air outlet (500) can be changed, and air can be sprayed onto the toilet seat (3) in the entire circumference to dry it. In the toilet seat device (1) of the second aspect, the air outlet (500) is provided on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the housing (52). Therefore, in the toilet seat device (1) of the second aspect, the size of the fan section (51) required to ensure that the air volume sprayed from the air outlet (500) is a certain amount can be suppressed, and the miniaturization of the drying device (5) can be easily realized.

[0093] The third aspect of the toilet seat device (1) includes the following additional components in addition to the components of the second aspect.

[0094] That is, in the toilet seat device (1) of the third aspect, the toilet cover (4) has a toilet cover body (40) that covers the toilet seat (3) from above when the toilet cover (4) is in a closed position. The toilet cover (4) also has a peripheral wall portion (41) that protrudes from the outer periphery of the toilet cover body (40) and covers the toilet seat (3) from the side when the toilet cover (4) is in a closed position. The surface (400) of the toilet cover body (40) opposite to the toilet seat (3) is continuous with the surface (410) of the peripheral wall portion (41) opposite to the toilet seat (3) via a curved surface (401).

[0095] In the toilet seat device (1) of the third aspect, the air blown from the air outlet (500) of the drying device (5) toward the upper surface (31) of the toilet seat (3) easily flows sequentially along the surface (400) of the toilet cover body (40), the curved surface (401) and the surface (410) of the peripheral wall (41). Therefore, in the toilet seat device (1) of the third aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the toilet seat (3) is also easily dried by the air that dries the upper surface (31) of the toilet seat (3).

[0096] The fourth aspect of the toilet seat device (1) includes the following additional components in addition to the second or third aspect.

[0097] That is, in the toilet seat device (1) of the fourth aspect, the drying device (5) also has a lifting device (54) for raising and lowering the housing (52). The lifting device (54) raises and lowers the housing (52) between an upper position where the air outlet (500) faces the upper surface (31) of the toilet seat (3) and a lower position where the air outlet (500) faces the lower surface (32) of the toilet seat (3).

[0098] According to the toilet seat device (1) of the fourth aspect, by raising and lowering the housing (52) by the lifting device (54), the air outlet (500) can be directed to the upper surface (31) and the lower surface (32) of the toilet seat (3) respectively. Therefore, in the toilet seat device (1) of the fourth aspect, it is easy to direct the air from the air outlet (500) to the upper surface (31) and the lower surface (32) of the toilet seat (3) respectively, and it is easy to dry the upper surface (31) and the lower surface (32) efficiently.

[0099] The fifth aspect of the toilet seat device (1) includes the following additional components in addition to the components of the fourth aspect.

[0100] That is, in the fifth aspect of the toilet seat device (1), the lifting device (54) includes: a flexible rack (540) for lifting the housing (52), a gear (541) for winding the flexible rack (540), and an electric motor (542) for rotating the gear (541).

[0101] According to the fifth aspect of the toilet seat device (1), the housing (52) is raised and lowered by a deformable flexible rack (540) wound around the gear (541), so the lifting device (54) can be easily and compactly arranged.

[0102] The sixth aspect of the toilet seat device (1) includes, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth aspects, the following configuration.

[0103] That is, in the toilet seat device (1) of the sixth aspect, the drying device (5) is also equipped with a heating device (55) for heating the air facing the air outlet (500).

[0104] According to the toilet seat device (1) of the sixth aspect, air heated by the heating device (55) can be blown out from the air outlet (500), so that the toilet seat (3) can be dried efficiently.

[0105] The seventh aspect of the toilet seat device (1) includes, in addition to the configuration of any one of the second to sixth aspects, the following configuration.

[0106] That is, in the toilet seat device (1) of the seventh aspect, the toilet cover (4) is provided with an intake port (402) that opens into the external space of the toilet cover (4). The fan unit (51) is a centrifugal blower that sends the air drawn in from the intake port (402) to the air outlet (500).

[0107] In the toilet seat device (1) of the seventh aspect, relatively dry air from the external space of the toilet lid (4) can be drawn in and sent toward the toilet seat (3), thus making it easy to dry the toilet seat (3).

[0108] The eighth aspect of the toilet seat device (1) includes, in addition to any one of the components of the first to third, sixth and seventh aspects, the following components.

[0109] That is, the toilet seat device (1) in the eighth aspect also includes a control device (6) for controlling the opening and closing of the toilet seat (3). The control device (6) is configured to move the toilet seat (3) to either the upper surface (31) of the toilet seat (3) facing the air outlet (500) in a dry position, or the lower surface (32) of the toilet seat (3) facing the air outlet (500) in a dry position.

[0110] In the toilet seat device (1) of the eighth aspect, the position of the toilet seat (3) can be adjusted by the control device (6) that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat (3), and the upper surface (31) and lower surface (32) of the toilet seat (3) can be dried separately. In addition, in the toilet seat device (1) of the eighth aspect, since the drying device (5) does not need to have a lifting device (54) for raising and lowering the housing (52), the drying device (5) can be made compact.

[0111] The ninth aspect of the toilet device (100) includes: a toilet body (2) having a toilet bowl (20) and a toilet seat device (1) of any one of the first to eighth aspects mounted on the toilet body (2).

[0112] In the toilet device (100) of the ninth aspect, since the toilet seat device (1) described above is provided, the drying device (5) can be installed compactly and the drying device (5) can be easily cleaned.

[0113] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Appropriate design changes can be made within the scope of the intent of this disclosure.

[0114] Marker description 1 Toilet seat device 2 toilet body 20 bedpan 21 Edge 22 Skirt 3 toilet seat 30 Opening 31 Upper surface 32 Lower surface 33 Rotation axis 4. Toilet lid 40 Toilet seat body 400 sides 401 Curved Surface 402 suction port 41. Perimeter of the wall 410 sides 42 Guiding Department 5. Drying device 50 Protrusion 500 air outlet 51 Fan Section 52. Housing 520 Stuck Part 53 Rotating device 530 electric motor 531 Gear 54 Lifting device 540 Flexible Gear Rack 541 Gear 542 Electric Motor 55 Heating device 56 Support Frame 560 outer cylinder 561 inner cylinder 562 Connecting part 563 Locking Part 6. Control device 7. Opening and closing device 8 Functional Departments 100 toilet fixtures L1 central axis S1 containment space.

Claims

1. A toilet seat device, mounted on a toilet body having a commode bowl, comprising: The toilet seat has an opening in the center; The toilet seat lid can switch between a closed position covering the toilet seat and an open position exposing the toilet seat; and A drying device, disposed on the toilet seat, blows air onto the toilet seat to dry it. The drying device includes a protrusion that protrudes from the toilet lid in such a way that it is located inside the opening when the toilet lid is in the closed position, and The protrusion is provided with an air outlet that faces the opening of the toilet seat and allows air to pass through.

2. The toilet seat device as described in claim 1, The drying apparatus includes: The fan section delivers the air. The housing, the outer shell constituting the protrusion; and A rotating device causes the housing to rotate circumferentially along the edge of the opening of the toilet seat. The air outlet is located on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

3. The toilet seat device as described in claim 2, The toilet seat has the following features: The toilet seat body covers the toilet seat from above when the toilet seat is in the closed position; and The peripheral wall portion protrudes from the outer periphery of the toilet seat body and covers the toilet seat from the side when the toilet seat is in the closed position. The surface of the toilet seat body opposite to the toilet seat is continuous with the surface of the peripheral wall portion opposite to the toilet seat via a curved surface.

4. The toilet seat device as described in claim 2 or 3, The drying device also includes: The lifting device allows the housing to move up and down between an upper position where the air outlet faces the upper surface of the toilet seat and a lower position where the air outlet faces the lower surface of the toilet seat.

5. The toilet seat device as described in claim 4, The lifting device includes: A flexible rack allows the housing to rise and fall; Gears, for winding the flexible rack; and An electric motor causes the gear to rotate.

6. The toilet seat device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, The drying device also includes: A heating device heats the air directed toward the air outlet.

7. The toilet seat device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, The toilet seat is provided with a suction port that opens into the external space of the toilet seat, and The fan unit is a centrifugal blower that draws in the air from the intake port and sends it to the exhaust port.

8. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The control device controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat. The control device is configured to move the toilet seat to either a dry position where the upper surface of the toilet seat is opposite the air outlet, or a dry position where the lower surface of the toilet seat is opposite the air outlet.

9. A toilet device comprising: The toilet body includes a chamber pot; and A toilet seat device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, which is mounted on the toilet body.

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