Urinal device

Abstract

To suppress urine splash outside a urinal device and dirt spilled on a floor surface by guiding urine flow to a target position for urination.SOLUTION: A urinal device according to the embodiment has a urinal body, a detection device, a light irradiation device, and a control device. The urinal body has a bowl surface for receiving urine and a drain port provided on the bottom of the bowl surface. The detection device detects a user accessing the urinal body. The light irradiation device indicates a target position by irradiating light on the bowl surface. The control device controls irradiation of the light from the light irradiation device based on detection by the detection device. The control device controls the light irradiation device so as to change the state of the irradiated light based on the detection by the detection device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a urinal system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a urinal device is known in which a light irradiation device is provided on a spreader and a light target mark is projected from the light irradiation device onto the bowl surface to guide the position at which urine should be directed, thereby preventing urine splashing and dripping (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6796269 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, depending on the design of the urinal device, the display position of the light target mark may be difficult to see from a user standing at the urination position due to the design and shape of the urinal device, and the display of the light target mark may not be recognized by the user. Also, there are cases where the user does not notice the intention of the light target mark by simply shining light. For this reason, there is a problem that it is not possible to induce urine to land on the light target mark, and it is not possible to completely prevent urine splashing outside the urinal or dripping onto the floor.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a urinal device that can suppress urine splashing outside the urinal and dripping onto the floor by encouraging urine flow to the area where urination should be performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A urinal device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a urinal device equipped with a function for indicating a target position onto which a user should urinate, and comprises a urinal body having a bowl surface for receiving urine and a drain outlet provided at the bottom of the bowl surface, a detection device for detecting a user approaching the urinal body, a light irradiation device for indicating the target position by irradiating light onto the bowl surface, and a control device for controlling the irradiation of light from the light irradiation device based on detection by the detection device, and the control device controls the light irradiation device to change the state of the irradiated light based on detection by the detection device.

[0007] By emitting light and controlling the change in the state of the light, the user can be made aware of the light and be encouraged to urinate in the appropriate position. This can reduce urine splashing outside the urinal and dripping onto the floor. Furthermore, reducing dripping can also prevent floor stains from preventing subsequent users from approaching the urinal.

[0008] In addition, the detection device detects a change in the speed of the user approaching the urinal body, or a change in the distance from the user approaching the urinal body to the urinal body, and when the detection device detects that the user has stopped approaching, the control device stops the control to change the state of the light and controls the light irradiation device to irradiate light onto a reference target position where the user should direct their urine.

[0009] By ending control of the change in the light state as soon as the user's approach is completed, the approaching user is allowed to recognize the light while the user who has stopped approaching is allowed to recognize the reference target position, thereby preventing urine from landing in the wrong position, i.e., in a position where urine splashing is likely to occur or where there is a risk of urine dripping onto the floor.

[0010] The light irradiation device further includes an irradiation position changer for changing the irradiation position of the light.

[0011] By changing the position of the light, it is possible to shine the light in a position that is easily noticeable to the user. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the presence of the light before urinating, and allows the user to more reliably recognize the light.

[0012] Furthermore, the control device controls the light emitting device so that, when the user approaches, the light emitting position is positioned above a reference target position that is a reference against which the user should direct urine.

[0013] By shining light onto a position that is easily recognizable by the user as a change in the light state when the user approaches, the user can more reliably recognize the light.

[0014] Moreover, the control device controls the light irradiation device to start emitting light based on the detection by the detection device.

[0015] By starting to emit light from a state in which light is not being emitted, it is possible to more reliably make the user aware of the light. Also, by suppressing light emission when no user is present, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0016] In addition, the detection device detects the direction in which the user approaches the urinal body, and when the control device detects a user approaching from one left-right side of the urinal body by the detection device, it controls the light irradiation device so that the light irradiation position is located on the other left-right side of the urinal body on the bowl surface.

[0017] This prevents the side of the urinal device from blocking the space between the user and the light irradiation position, making the light irradiation position invisible to the user, and also allows the light to be irradiated directly in front of the approaching user. This also allows the user approaching the urinal device to quickly become aware of the light. This allows the user to more reliably become aware of the light. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment, by encouraging the flow of urine to the location where urination should be performed, it is possible to prevent urine from splashing outside the urinal or dripping onto the floor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a urinal apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the urinal apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the urinal apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the light irradiation device and the display device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion H shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main body of the light irradiation device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the control timing of the light irradiation device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the light target mark is displayed above the reference target position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the light target mark is displayed at the reference target position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps until the user reaches the approach stop state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing the control timing of the light irradiation device according to the modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of how a light target mark according to a modified example is displayed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps until a user reaches an approach stop state according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a urinal device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0021] <Configuration of urinal equipment> First, the configuration of a urinal device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a urinal device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a urinal device according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view of a urinal device according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3.

[0022] In the following, to clarify the positional relationships, mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is defined as the vertically upward direction. In the following, the direction along the X-axis is defined as the "front-rear direction," and the direction along the Y-axis is defined as the "left-right direction."

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, a urinal device 1 according to the embodiment includes a urinal body 2, a water discharge device 3, a detection device 4, a light irradiation device 5, a display device 6, and a control device .

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the urinal body 2 is a wall-hung urinal that is attached to a wall W for use, and is made of, for example, ceramic. The urinal body 2 has a shape that narrows in width from the rear end face (back surface) that abuts against the wall W towards the front end, and a bowl surface 21 for receiving urine is formed on the inside.

[0025] The bowl surface 21 includes a front portion 21a extending generally parallel to the wall surface W, and side portions 21b extending from both the left and right sides of the front portion 21a toward the front end of the urinal body 2. The side portions 21b are formed in a generally triangular shape that narrows from top to bottom (see FIG. 2). The upper portion of the bowl surface 21 is generally flat, and is curved downward to protrude toward the front end. The front portion 21a of the bowl surface 21 is located on the vertical wall side of the bowl surface 21, and is curved to smoothly connect with the side portions 21b on both sides.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, a drain outlet 22 is provided at the bottom of the bowl surface 21, which discharges urine and flushing water received by the bowl surface 21 to the outside of the urinal body 2. A drain pipe 23 communicating with the drain outlet 22 is provided in the urinal body 2, and the drain pipe 23 is connected to drain piping (not shown) located outside. A strainer 24 with multiple openings formed therein is placed on the drain outlet 22.

[0027] The water discharge device 3 discharges flushing water onto the bowl surface 21. The water discharge device 3 includes a spreader 31 provided on the upper part of the bowl surface 21, a water outlet 32 ​​(see FIG. 4) provided on the lower part of the spreader 31, a water supply pipe 33 that guides flushing water supplied from a water supply source to the water outlet 32, and an electromagnetic valve (not shown) that opens and closes the water supply pipe 33. The water outlet 32 ​​is a thin opening that extends along the mounting surface of the spreader 31 and is configured to spread downward in a fan shape. As a result, as shown by the arrow F in FIG. 2, flushing water discharged from the water discharge device 3 flows so as to spread downward along the front part 21a of the bowl surface 21, and a part of it is placed on the water guide shelf 21c provided on the side part 21b of the bowl surface 21, and is guided to the front end of the urinal body 2. The electromagnetic valve of the water discharge device 3 is electrically connected to the control device 7 and opens and closes based on commands from the control device 7.

[0028] The detection device 4 is, for example, an infrared sensor, and detects a user using infrared rays. The detection device 4 is, for example, built into the spreader 31, and emits infrared rays forward. The detection device 4 detects a user by receiving the infrared rays reflected from the user. Furthermore, the detection device 4 detects a change in the speed of the user approaching the urinal body 2, or a change in the distance from the user approaching the urinal body 2 to the urinal body 2, based on the received infrared rays. The detection device 4 is electrically connected to the control device 7, and outputs the detection result to the control device 7. The detection device 4 may be a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc.

[0029] The light irradiation device 5 is built into the spreader 31. The light irradiation device 5 includes a light emitting diode such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and displays a light target mark M on the bowl surface 21 by irradiating the bowl surface with light emitted by the light emitting diode. The light target mark M is an image indicating a target position where the user should urinate. Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which the light target mark M is circular, the shape of the light target mark M is not limited to a circular shape. In addition, the irradiation position, color, size, illuminance, blinking, and the like of the light target mark M are not limited. The light irradiation device 5 is electrically connected to the control device 7, and emits light based on a command from the control device 7.

[0030] The display device 6 is built into the spreader 31, similar to the light irradiation device 5. The display device 6 is equipped with a light emitting diode such as an LED, and notifies the user of the state of the urinal body 2 by irradiating light emitted by the light emitting diode through the spreader 31 toward the front of the spreader 31. The display device 6 is electrically connected to the control device 7, and emits light based on commands from the control device 7.

[0031] The control device 7 is configured to include, for example, a microprocessor, a memory, an interface circuit, and a program for operating these, etc. The control device 7 is electrically connected to the water discharge device 3, the detection device 4, the light irradiation device 5, and the display device 6, and controls the water discharge device 3, the light irradiation device 5, and the display device 6 based on the detection result of the detection device 4.

[0032] <Specific Configurations of the Light Irradiation Device and the Display Device> Next, specific configurations of the light irradiation device 5 and the display device 6 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the light irradiation device 5 and the display device 6. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a part H shown in Fig. 4.

[0033] 5, the light irradiation device 5 and the display device 6 are built into the spreader 31. The display device 6 is disposed on the upper part of the spreader 31, and the light irradiation device 5 is disposed below the display device 6.

[0034] The display device 6 includes a circuit board 61, a light emitting diode 62 provided on the circuit board 61, and a holder 63 for holding the circuit board 61. The light emitting diode 62 emits light to the front of the spreader 31 through a window 311a (see FIG. 6) provided on the front panel 311 (see FIG. 6) of the spreader 31. The holder 63 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the circuit board 61, and extends toward the front panel 311 of the spreader 31 to form a partitioned space between the holder 63 and the front panel 311. A potting material is filled in this space. This can improve the waterproofness of the circuit board 61 of the display device 6.

[0035] The light irradiation device 5 includes a main body 51 and an irradiation position changer 52 for changing the irradiation position of the light. The main body 51 includes a light emitting diode as a light source, a lens for magnifying the light emitted by the light emitting diode and projecting the light at a predetermined position, etc. The specific configuration of the main body 51 will be described later.

[0036] The irradiation position changing unit 52 has a first irradiation position changing unit 52a that rotates the main body unit 51 about an axis in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), and a second irradiation position changing unit 52b (see FIG. 6) that rotates the main body unit 51 about an axis in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). That is, the irradiation position changing unit 52 is configured to rotate the main body unit 51 about two axes.

[0037] The light irradiation device 5 has a rotation shaft 51a on the side of the main body 51, and two protrusions 51b on both sides of the main body 51. The rotation shaft 51a is supported by a support 632 integrally formed with the holder 63 of the display device 6. The protrusions 51b are housed in recesses 633 integrally formed with the holder 63 of the display device 6.

[0038] The first irradiation position changer 52a is disposed to the side of the rotation shaft 51a of the main body 51. The first irradiation position changer 52a is, for example, a stepping motor, and the rotation shaft 51a of the main body 51 is connected to a shaft (not shown) of the stepping motor. When the stepping motor rotates based on a command from the control device 7, the main body 51 rotates about the rotation shaft 51a such that the convex portion 51b moves forward or backward. This makes it possible to adjust the irradiation position of the light irradiation device 5 in the front-rear direction, i.e., the display position of the light target mark M in the vertical direction.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, the second irradiation position changer 52b is disposed behind the main body 51. The second irradiation position changer 52b is, for example, a stepping motor, and a connecting portion 51c of the main body 51 is connected to a shaft 52c of the stepping motor. When the stepping motor rotates based on a command from the control device 7, the main body 51 rotates about the connecting portion 51c such that the convex portion 51b (see Fig. 5) moves leftward or rightward. This makes it possible to adjust the irradiation position of the light irradiation device 5 in the left-right direction, i.e., the display position of the light target mark M in the left-right direction.

[0040] Here, if the spreader 31 is thick in the front-rear direction, for example, the user's field of vision may be blocked by the spreader 31, making it difficult for the user to properly recognize the optical target mark M. For this reason, it is desirable to form the spreader 31 as thin as possible.

[0041] Furthermore, since the light emitted from the light irradiation device 5 is irradiated onto the curved portion of the bowl surface 21, there is a risk that the shape of the optical target mark M will become distorted if light is simply irradiated.

[0042] Therefore, in the light irradiation device 5 according to the embodiment, measures are taken to reduce the thickness of the spreader 31 and to display the light target mark M in a desired shape. This will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the main body 51 of the light irradiation device 5.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the main body 51 of the light irradiation device 5 includes a circuit board 501 having a light-emitting diode 511, a first lens 502, an aperture material 503, a case main body 504, a mask material 505, a second lens 506, a third lens 507, a sealing material 508, a protective material 509, and a cap 510.

[0044] Circuit board 501, first lens 502, diaphragm member 503, mask member 505, second lens 506, and third lens 507 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in case body 504. Furthermore, sealant 508 and protective member 509 are attached in this order to the lower opening of case body 504. Then, cap 510 is attached to the lower part of case body 504 to which sealant 508 and protective member 509 have been attached.

[0045] The first lens 502 functions as a condenser lens that converges the light emitted by the light emitting diode 511 so that the light travels in a straight line. By disposing the first lens 502 in the vicinity of the light emitting diode 511, which is a light source, the efficiency of using the light emitted by the light emitting diode 511 can be improved.

[0046] The diaphragm member 503 is a plate-shaped member, and has an opening 531 that partially blocks the light that has passed through the first lens 502 .

[0047] The shape of the opening 531 provided in the diaphragm member 503 is determined according to the shape of the optical target mark M and the shape of the display surface on which the optical target mark M is displayed. For example, when the shape of the optical target mark M to be displayed on the bowl surface 21 is a perfect circle, since the display surface on which the optical target mark M is displayed is curved (see FIG. 4), if the shape of the opening 531 is a perfect circle, the shape of the optical target mark M displayed on the display surface will extend into a vertically long ellipse. Therefore, the opening 531 of the diaphragm member 503 is formed into a horizontally long ellipse. This allows the optical target mark M in a perfect circle to be displayed on the display surface.

[0048] In this way, the light irradiation device 5 adjusts the shape of the light passing through the first lens 502 by the diaphragm member 503 so that the shape of the optical target mark M displayed on the curved display surface is a desired shape. Specifically, when the desired shape of the optical target mark M is a perfect circle, the shape of the opening 531 of the diaphragm member 503 is made to be a horizontally long ellipse, so that the curved display surface is irradiated with light having a horizontally long ellipse shape. This makes it possible to suppress distortion of the shape of the optical target mark M even when the optical target mark M is displayed on a curved display surface.

[0049] Case body 504 is a cylindrical member with both upper and lower ends open. Specifically, case body 504 is formed in a flattened rectangular tube shape with a small thickness in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0050] 6, light guide 541 expanding in diameter from top to bottom is formed inside case body 504, and an upper space and a lower space of case body 504 communicate with each other via light guide 541. Circuit board 501, first lens 502, and diaphragm member 503 are housed in the upper space of case body 504, and mask member 505, second lens 506, and third lens 507 are housed in the lower space. An opening on the upper end side of light guide 541 is larger than opening 531 of diaphragm member 503.

[0051] The upper space of the case body 504 is filled with a potting material. This can improve the waterproofing of the circuit board 61 of the display device 6. The potting material used in the light irradiation device 5 and the potting material used in the display device 6 are preferably opaque, for example, black. By using an opaque potting material, it is possible to suitably prevent the light irradiated from the light irradiation device 5 and the display device 6 from leaking from unintended places.

[0052] The mask material 505 is a thin plate-like (sheet-like) member, and is sandwiched between the lower end of the light guide 541 and the second lens 506. An opening 551 larger than the opening 531 of the diaphragm member 503 is formed in the center of the mask material 505. The opening 551 of the mask material 505 is smaller than the opening on the upper end side of the light guide 541. According to the light irradiation device 5 according to the embodiment, by providing the mask material 505 and the light guide 541, unnecessary light such as flare can be reduced. In addition, the opening on the upper end side of the light guide 541 is made equal to the light entrance side of the second lens 506, so that light from outside the lens is suppressed. Therefore, the outline of the optical target mark M can be made clear.

[0053] The mask material 505 may be a painted material instead of a separate material as in this embodiment. Also, a lens support material that is difficult for light to transmit may be used instead.

[0054] The second lens 506 and the third lens 507 are provided to display the optical target mark M at an appropriate position and with an appropriate size. The third lens 507 is disposed with its distance from the second lens 506 adjusted so that the optical target mark M is focused at the position where it is displayed.

[0055] Here, if the case body 504 is formed to match the size of the third lens 507, the front-rear width of the case body 504 increases, and the front-rear width of the spreader 31 that houses the case body 504 increases, that is, there is a risk of the thickness of the spreader 31 increasing. Therefore, in the light irradiation device 5 according to the embodiment, instead of forming the case body 504 to match the size of the third lens 507, the front end 571a and the rear end 571b of the third lens 507 are cut to match the front-rear width of the lower space of the case body 504.

[0056] Thus, the light irradiation device 5 according to the embodiment includes the third lens 507 that expands the light that has passed through the diaphragm member 503, and the third lens 507 has a shape in which both ends in the thickness direction of the case body 504 are cut out. The brightness of the light target mark M is attenuated by cutting the ends (front end 571a and rear end 571b) of the third lens 507, but in this embodiment, the irradiation light is horizontally elongated due to the shape of the opening 531 of the diaphragm member 503, and the light is configured to be expanded and irradiated, so that the influence on the brightness of the light that passes through the cut ends is small. By adopting such a shape, the thickness of the spreader 31 can be suppressed. Note that, here, both ends in the thickness direction of the case body 504 are cut out, but the third lens 507 may have a shape in which one end of both ends in the thickness direction of the case body 504 is cut out.

[0057] The light passing through the diaphragm member 503 is expanded at a predetermined spread angle by the second lens 506 and the third lens 507. Specifically, the light passing through the diaphragm member 503 is expanded so as to be larger than the front-rear width of the case body 504. In this way, according to the light irradiation device 5 according to the embodiment, it is possible to form the case body 504 thin and prevent the size of the optical target mark M from becoming small.

[0058] Here, an example is shown in which the light passing through the diaphragm member 503 is magnified using two lenses, the second lens 506 and the third lens 507. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, if the brightness of the optical target mark M can be sufficiently ensured, it is also possible to adjust the size of the optical target mark M with one lens.

[0059] Sealing material 508 is a frame-shaped member that is arranged at the lower end of case body 504 and on the outer periphery of the upper surface of protective material 509 described later, thereby preventing water, dust, etc. from entering the lower space of case body 504.

[0060] Protective material 509 is a plate-shaped transparent member, and is attached to the lower opening of case body 504 via sealing material 508, thereby closing the lower space of case body 504. By providing protective material 509, third lens 507 can be protected.

[0061] Cap 510 is attached to case body 504 so as to cover the lower end of case body 504. Sealing material 508 and protective material 509 are fixed to case body 504 by being pressed against the lower end of case body 504 by cap 510.

[0062] 6, the lower end of the light irradiation device 5 is located above the opening for light irradiation provided at the bottom of the spreader 31. This makes it possible to prevent the protective material 509 of the main body 51 from being soiled or damaged by touching the protective material 509 when the user cleans the spreader 31, for example.

[0063] <Specific operation of the urinal device> Next, specific operations of the above-mentioned urinal device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. Fig. 8 is a timing chart showing the control timing of the light irradiation device 5. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of how the light target mark M is displayed above the reference target position Ts. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how the light target mark M is displayed at the reference target position Ts.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 8, at time t0, the control device 7 is in a standby state before a user approaches the urinal body 2. At this time, the user is located outside the detection range of the detection device 4, and the detection device 4 is in a non-detection state in which it does not detect the user, and the control device 7 determines that the user is not approaching (no approach determination). The control device 7 also sets the light irradiation device 5 to an off state in which it is not lit.

[0065] At time t1, the user moves toward the urinal body 2 and enters the detection range of the detection device 4. At this time, the detection device 4 is in a detection state where it has detected the user. After that, when the control device 7 detects the approaching movement of the user based on the approach speed or approach distance of the user, it determines that the user is in an approaching state (approaching determination). In other words, the control device 7 determines that the approaching state of the user has started. In addition, when the control device 7 determines that the approaching state of the user has started, it changes the state of the light from the light irradiation device 5. The state of the light means the irradiation position, color, size, illuminance, blinking, shape of the image, etc. The approaching movement of the user is detected, for example, by whether or not the approaching speed of the user is at or above a predetermined speed for a predetermined time, or whether or not the approaching distance of the user is at or below a predetermined distance.

[0066] For example, at time t2, the user is closer to the urinal body 2 than at time t1. The control device 7 determines that the user is approaching based on the user's approach speed or the user's approach distance. At this time, the control device 7 turns the light irradiation device 5 to the ON state, which is a lighting state. In this way, the control device 7 controls the light irradiation device to start emitting light based on the detection by the detection device 4. In addition, the control device 7 turns the first irradiation position changer 52a to the ON state, thereby rotating the main body part 51 (see FIG. 5) in a direction in which the convex part 51b (see FIG. 5) moves backward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the light target mark M is displayed above the reference target position Ts on the bowl surface 21 where urine should be applied.

[0067] In this way, by displaying the optical target mark M at a height that is easily noticeable to the user, it is possible to make the user easily recognize the optical target mark M. Also, by starting to display the optical target mark M from a state in which the optical target mark M is not displayed, it is possible to make the user easily pay attention to the optical target mark M. Also, by determining the approaching state of the user, it is possible to make the user who is approaching recognize the optical target mark M. Note that, for example, when the detection device 4 enters a detection state in which it has detected the user, the control device 7 may display the optical target mark M.

[0068] For example, the control device 7 may display the optical target mark M in a conspicuous color so that the user can more easily recognize the optical target mark M, or may display the optical target mark M by varying the size or illuminance of the optical target mark M. The control device 7 may also display the optical target mark M by blinking it, or may display the optical target mark M while moving its position. The control device 7 may also change the shape (pattern) or size of the optical target mark M according to the approach distance of the user, and may, for example, display the optical target mark M in a large size so that it returns to its original size as the approach distance decreases. The control device 7 may also display the optical target mark M in advance from the time of the standby state, and change the state of the light at the time of approach. For example, the control device 7 may display the optical target mark M at the reference target position Ts in advance from the time of the standby state, and move the optical target mark M above the reference target position Ts after the user is detected. In this way, by changing the state of the light during the approach time, the user can recognize the light target mark M in advance from the time of approach, and can be guided to urinate at the position where the light target mark M is displayed.

[0069] At time t3, the control device 7 determines that the user has reached the proximity area and is in an approach stop state based on a change in the approach speed or the approach distance of the user. That is, the control device 7 determines that the approach state of the user has ended (no approach determination). The approach stop state is, for example, a state in which the user stops at the urination position (proximity area) to urinate. At this time, the control device 7 turns off the first irradiation position changer 52a to rotate the main body 51 (see FIG. 5) in a direction in which the convex portion 51b (see FIG. 5) moves forward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the light target mark M is displayed at the reference target position Ts on the bowl surface 21 where urine should be applied. At this time, the reference target position Ts and the target position T indicated by the urinal device 1 are located at the same place. In this way, when the user is in an approach stop state, the position of the light target mark M is moved, so that urination can be induced to the reference target position Ts.

[0070] At time t4, the user finishes urination and starts moving away from the urinal body 2. The control device 7 turns off the light irradiation device 5 based on the detection of the user's moving away by the detection device 4. The control device 7 also opens the solenoid valve of the water discharger 3 to start discharging cleaning water from the water discharger 3 onto the bowl surface 21. When a preset time has elapsed since the water discharger 3 started discharging cleaning water onto the bowl surface 21, the control device 7 closes the solenoid valve of the water discharger 3 to stop discharging cleaning water from the water discharger 3 onto the bowl surface 21.

[0071] At time t5, the user leaves the detection range of the detection device 4. The user is now outside the detection range of the detection device 4, the detection device 4 is in a non-detection state in which it is not detecting the user, and the control device 7 returns to the standby state.

[0072] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a series of processing steps until the user reaches the approach stop state. As shown in Fig. 11, the control device 7 judges whether or not the user is approaching (step S101). This processing is repeated until it is judged that the user is approaching (step S101, No).

[0073] In step S101, when it is determined that a user is approaching (step S101, Yes), the control device 7 starts irradiating the bowl surface 21 with light from the light irradiating device 5 and changes the irradiation position so that the light is irradiated above the reference target position Ts (step S102). As a result, the light target mark M is displayed above the reference target position Ts.

[0074] Next, the control device 7 judges whether or not the user has entered the approach stop state (step S103). The control device 7 repeats the process of step S103 until it is judged that the user has entered the approach stop state.

[0075] In step S103, when it is determined that the user has entered the approach stop state (step S103, Yes), the control device 7 changes the irradiation position so that light is irradiated to the position of the reference target position Ts (step S104). As a result, the light target mark M is displayed at the reference target position Ts.

[0076] <Modification> Next, a modified example will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. In the following, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described. Fig. 12 is a timing chart showing the control timing of the light irradiation device 5 according to the modified example. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the light target mark M according to the modified example is displayed. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a series of processing procedures until the user reaches the approach stop state according to the modified example.

[0077] The detection device 4a (see FIG. 13) has, for example, multiple infrared sensors, and is configured to be able to detect the direction in which the user U is approaching based on the approach speed or approach distance of the user U detected by each sensor. The detection device 4a is also configured to be able to detect that the user U is approaching from one of the left and right sides of the urinal body 2 based on the direction in which the user U is approaching. For example, when the user U approaches from a direction at a predetermined angle or more with respect to the front direction of the urinal body 2, the detection device 4a can detect that the user U is approaching from one of the left and right sides of the urinal body 2.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, for example, at time t2, the user U is closer to the urinal body 2 than at time t1. The control device 7 determines that the user is approaching based on the approach speed or approach distance of the user U. At this time, the detection device 4a detects the direction in which the user U approaches. As shown in FIG. 13, for example, when the user U approaches the urinal body 2 from the left side, the detection device 4a detects that the user U is approaching from the left side of the urinal body 2. At this time, the control device 7 turns on the light irradiation device 5. In addition, the control device 7 turns on the first irradiation position changer 52a to rotate the main body 51 (see FIG. 5) in a direction in which the convex portion 51b (see FIG. 5) moves backward, and turns on the second irradiation position changer 52b to rotate the main body 51 in a direction in which the convex portion 51b moves rightward. As a result, the light target mark M is displayed above and to the right of the reference target position Ts on the bowl surface 21 where the urine should be applied.

[0079] In this way, the optical target mark M can be displayed in a more easily visible position by displaying the optical target mark M diagonally to the approaching user U. This makes it possible to make the user U recognize the optical target mark M more reliably.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 14, if it is determined in step S101 that a user U is approaching (step S101, Yes), the control device 7 determines whether or not the detection device 4a has detected the approach of the user U from one side in the left-right direction (step S201).

[0081] Next, in step S201, if the detection device 4a detects the approach of the user U from one side in the left-right direction (step S201, Yes), the control device 7 starts emitting light from the light emitting device 5 to the bowl surface 21 and changes the irradiation position so that the light is irradiated above the reference target position Ts and on the other side in the left-right direction of the urinal body 2 (step S202). As a result, the light target mark M is displayed at a position above the reference target position Ts and on the other side in the left-right direction of the urinal body 2.

[0082] Furthermore, in step S201, if the detection device 4a does not detect the approach of the user U from one side in the left-right direction (step S201, No), the control device 7 starts irradiating light from the light irradiating device 5 to the bowl surface 21 and changes the irradiation position so that the light is irradiated above the reference target position Ts (step S203). As a result, the light target mark M is displayed above the reference target position Ts.

[0083] In the above, in this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the irradiation position variation unit 52 has both the first irradiation position variation unit 52a and the second irradiation position variation unit 52b, but the configuration may also have only the first irradiation position variation unit 52a or only the second irradiation position variation unit 52b.

[0084] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0085] <Additional Notes> (1) A urinal device having a function of indicating a target position where a user should urinate, A urinal body having a bowl surface for receiving urine and a drain hole provided at the bottom of the bowl surface; A detection device that detects a user approaching the urinal body; a light irradiation device that irradiates light onto the bowl surface to indicate the target position; a control device that controls the irradiation of light from the light irradiation device based on the detection by the detection device, The control device controls the light emitting device so as to change the state of the irradiated light based on the detection by the detection device. (2) the detection device detects a change in speed of a user approaching the urinal body, or a change in distance from the user approaching the urinal body to the urinal body, The control device, when the detection device detects that the user has stopped approaching, stops the control that changes the state of the light and controls the light irradiation device to irradiate light onto a reference target position where the user should urinate. (3) The urinal apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the light irradiation device includes an irradiation position changer for changing the irradiation position of the light. (4) The control device controls the light irradiation device so that, when a user approaches, the light irradiation position is located above a reference target position against which the user should direct their urine. (5) The urinal apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control device controls the light emitting device to start emitting light based on the detection by the detection device. (6) The detection device detects a direction in which a user approaches the urinal body, The control device is a urinal device described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein when the detection device detects the approach of a user from one left-right side of the urinal body, the control device controls the light irradiation device so that the light irradiation position is located on the other left-right side of the urinal body on the bowl surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 urinal device 2 Urinal body 3. Water discharge device 4. Detection Device 4a Detection device 5 Light irradiation device 6 Display device 7 Control Device 21 Bowl surface 31 Spreader 52 Irradiation position change part 52a first irradiation position change unit 52b second irradiation position change unit M Optical target mark T target position Ts Reference target position U user

Claims

1. A urinal device having a function of indicating a target position where a user should urinate, A urinal body having a bowl surface for receiving urine and a drain hole provided at the bottom of the bowl surface; A detection device that detects a user approaching the urinal body; a light irradiation device that irradiates light onto the bowl surface to indicate the target position; a control device that controls the irradiation of light from the light irradiation device based on the detection by the detection device, The control device controls the light emitting device so as to change the state of the irradiated light based on the detection by the detection device.

2. the detection device detects a change in speed of a user approaching the urinal body, or a change in distance from the user approaching the urinal body to the urinal body, The urinal device according to claim 1, wherein the control device, when the detection device detects that the user has stopped approaching, stops the control of changing the state of the light and controls the light irradiation device to irradiate light onto a reference target position where the user should urinate.

3. The urinal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the light irradiation device comprises an irradiation position changer for changing a position where the light is irradiated.

4. 2. The urinal device according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the light irradiation device so that, when a user approaches, the light irradiation position is located above a reference target position that is a reference against which the user should direct urine.

5. The urinal apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control device controls the light emitting device to start emitting light based on the detection by the detection device.

6. The detection device detects a direction in which a user approaches the urinal body, A urinal device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device controls the light irradiation device so that the light irradiation position is located on the other left-right side of the urinal body on the bowl surface when the detection device detects the approach of a user from one left-right side of the urinal body.

Images