Remote controller and toilet system

Abstract

To reduce erroneous detection of non-contact operation when detecting non-contact operation such as user's hand hold-up operation using a pyroelectric sensor.SOLUTION: A remote controller is provided in a toilet room for controlling a toilet device, and includes a communication part, a casing, a pyroelectric sensor, and a control part. The communication part controls the toilet device. The casing includes an opening. The pyroelectric sensor is provided inside the casing, and detects an infrared ray made incident through the opening. The control part controls the communication part to transmit a signal on the basis of a result of the detection by the pyroelectric sensor. A detection range of the pyroelectric sensor is a range in an upper direction above a horizontal surface passing through the lowest position of a light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor in a state that the casing is attached to the vertical surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remote control device and a toilet system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In wet spaces such as toilet rooms, washrooms, and kitchens, remote control devices that remotely control wet equipment such as toilet devices and automatic faucets are often installed.

[0003] Remote control devices for bathroom appliances may be equipped with a human body detection sensor such as an infrared sensor. Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet device that detects the presence or absence of a user in a toilet space using a pyroelectric infrared sensor (hereinafter referred to as a "pyroelectric sensor"). A pyroelectric sensor is a sensor that detects a heat source moving within a detection range such as a toilet room and converts it into an electric signal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-143628 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, the use of pyroelectric sensors to detect non-contact operations by users, such as hand-waving, has been considered. In such cases, the pyroelectric sensor may erroneously detect a non-contact operation even when the user is not performing the non-contact operation. For example, if a toilet device equipped with a heated toilet seat is installed in a toilet room, the pyroelectric sensor may erroneously detect the movement of the heat source caused by the opening and closing of the heated toilet seat as a non-contact operation by the user.

[0006] One aspect of the embodiment aims to reduce erroneous detection of a non-contact operation, such as a hand-waving action by a user, when the non-contact operation is detected using a pyroelectric sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A remote control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a remote control device that is installed in a toilet room and controls a toilet device, and comprises a communication unit that transmits a signal to control the toilet device, a casing with an opening, a pyroelectric sensor installed inside the casing that detects infrared rays entering through the opening, and a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit the signal based on the detection result of the pyroelectric sensor, and when the casing is attached to a vertical surface, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor is a range upward from a horizontal plane passing through the lowest position of the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor.

[0008] With this configuration, the toilet device, which is generally located below the remote control device, can be excluded from the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor. Therefore, even if the toilet device is equipped with a heated toilet seat, for example, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection of non-contact operations by the user due to the heated toilet seat.

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned remote control device, the toilet device further includes a toilet seat or a toilet lid, and the detection range is above the horizontal plane and does not overlap with the range through which the toilet seat or the toilet lid passes when the toilet seat or the toilet lid is opened or closed.

[0010] With this configuration, the area through which the toilet seat or toilet lid of the toilet device passes when it is opened or closed can be excluded from the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor, thereby reducing false detections by the pyroelectric sensor caused by the opening and closing of a heated toilet seat or a toilet lid heated by the heated toilet seat.

[0011] In the above remote control device, when the casing is attached to the vertical surface, the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal surface.

[0012] With this configuration, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor can be set to a range above a horizontal plane passing through the lowest position of the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned remote control device, when the toilet device is installed in the toilet room with one side facing the vertical plane, and the remote control device attached to the vertical plane is viewed in a direction parallel to the vertical plane and the horizontal plane, the central axis of the detection range falls within an area partitioned by a virtual vertical line passing through the other side of the toilet device in the toilet room and the vertical plane.

[0014] With this configuration, even if a user is standing in the toilet room, it is possible to prevent the human body (especially the head) from overlapping with the central axis of the sensitive detection range, thereby reducing false detections by the pyroelectric sensor due to user actions other than hand-waving (for example, movement of the head when the user walks).

[0015] In the above remote control device, the remote control device includes a restriction portion that restricts the detection range by blocking the infrared rays that are incident on the pyroelectric sensor through the opening.

[0016] According to this configuration, by adding a configuration for physically blocking infrared rays in addition to tilting the pyroelectric sensor, the detection range can be more precisely regulated, and thus erroneous detection by the pyroelectric sensor can be more reliably reduced.

[0017] In addition, in the above-mentioned remote control device, if the detection range when it is assumed that the incidence of infrared rays is not blocked by the casing and the regulating unit is defined as the basic detection range, and the central axis of the basic detection range is defined as the basic central axis, the regulating unit regulates the range of the detection range other than the basic central axis.

[0018] With this configuration, it is possible to limit the detection range without compromising the sensitivity of the pyroelectric sensor.

[0019] In the above remote control device, when the casing is attached to the vertical surface, a cross section of the detection range cut along a surface parallel to the vertical surface has a larger horizontal dimension than a vertical dimension.

[0020] According to this configuration, erroneous detection of a non-contact movement by a user can be reduced by detecting the face of the human body.

[0021] In addition, in the above-mentioned remote control device, when the casing is attached to the vertical surface, the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor is positioned horizontally, and when the remote control device is viewed in a plan view, the opening overlaps with at least a portion of the light receiving surface.

[0022] With this configuration, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor can be set to the range above the remote control device, which reduces false detections of the pyroelectric sensor caused by user actions other than hand-waving (for example, movement of the head when the user walks).

[0023] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned remote control device, the opening and the pyroelectric sensor are positioned at a distance from each other, and when the casing is attached to the vertical surface, if the detection range is assumed to be a basic detection range when it is assumed that the casing does not block the incidence of infrared rays, the area of ​​a cross section of the detection range cut by a plane parallel to the surface on which the opening is located is smaller than the area of ​​a cross section of the basic detection range cut by the parallel plane.

[0024] According to such a configuration, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor can be set to a desired detection range, and erroneous detection by the pyroelectric sensor can be reduced.

[0025] Furthermore, in the above remote control device, the casing may have an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, a rear surface which is a mounting surface for mounting to the vertical surface and connects the upper surface and the lower surface, a first front surface which is continuous with the upper surface and opposite the rear surface, a second front surface which is continuous with the lower surface and opposite the rear surface, and an inclined surface which connects the first front surface and the second front surface and slopes upward from the second front surface to the first front surface, and the opening may be located on the inclined surface.

[0026] With this configuration, dust adhering to the opening moves along the inclined surface, making it difficult for dust to accumulate at the opening, thereby reducing the reflection of infrared rays by accumulated dust.

[0027] A toilet system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above remote control device and a toilet device provided in the toilet room.

[0028] With this configuration, the toilet device, which is generally located below the remote control device, can be excluded from the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor. Therefore, even if the toilet device is equipped with a heated toilet seat, for example, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection of non-contact operations by the user due to the heated toilet seat. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present disclosure, when a pyroelectric sensor is used to detect a non-contact operation such as a wave of a hand by a user, erroneous detection of the non-contact operation can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an external configuration of a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the remote control device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the toilet system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of setting the detection range of a pyroelectric sensor. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of setting the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the toilet system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a toilet system according to a first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a toilet system according to a second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a toilet system according to a third modified example. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a hand-waving action performed on a remote control device. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example in which a hand-waving action is performed from a position farther away from the remote control device than in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a remote control device according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a remote control device according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of setting the detection range of a pyroelectric sensor according to the fifth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out a remote control device and a toilet system according to the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. In addition, each embodiment can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause a contradiction in the processing contents. In addition, the same parts in each of the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0032] In addition, in the embodiments described below, expressions such as "constant", "orthogonal", "vertical" and "parallel" may be used, but these expressions do not necessarily mean "constant", "orthogonal", "vertical" and "parallel" strictly. In other words, each of the above expressions allows for deviations due to, for example, manufacturing accuracy and installation accuracy.

[0033] In addition, in the drawings referred to below, for ease of understanding, an orthogonal coordinate system may be shown in which the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are defined as being orthogonal to each other, and the Z-axis positive direction is the vertically upward direction. Also, the direction of rotation about the vertical axis may be referred to as the θ direction.

[0034] <1. External appearance of the toilet system> First, the external configuration of a toilet system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the external configuration of the toilet system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet system 1 includes a toilet device 2 and a remote control device 3.

[0036] The toilet device 2 includes a toilet bowl 5, a water supply unit 6, and a toilet seat unit 7. The toilet bowl 5 is a Western-style toilet bowl, and is placed, for example, against the back wall of the toilet room R. Note that although a floor-standing toilet bowl 5 is shown here, the toilet bowl 5 may also be a wall-hung type.

[0037] The water supply unit 6 comprises a water passage 61 that supplies flushing water to the toilet bowl 5, and a first main body case 62 arranged to cover part of the water passage 61, and has the function of switching between supplying and stopping water to the toilet bowl 5. The toilet seat unit 7 comprises a second main body case 71 installed on the top of the toilet bowl 5, and a toilet seat 72 and a toilet lid 73 (see FIG. 5) that are pivotally supported on the second main body case 71 so as to be able to open and close freely, and has functions such as automatically opening and closing the toilet seat 72 and the toilet lid 73 (see FIG. 5) and heating the toilet seat 72.

[0038] The remote control device 3 is a device that controls the toilet device 2, and is installed on a wall surface of the toilet room R. The wall surface of the toilet room R is an example of a vertical surface. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 3 is placed on the wall surface W on the left side as seen by a user sitting on the toilet seat 72. In other words, the toilet device 2 is installed so that one side surface faces the wall surface W. The distance between the one side surface of the toilet device 2 and the wall surface W is, for example, 200 mm. Note that the distance between the one side surface of the toilet device 2 and the wall surface W may be greater than 200 mm.

[0039] The remote control device 3 according to the embodiment includes a solar cell 32 and a power storage unit 33 that is charged with power generated by the solar cell 32 (see FIG. 5 described later), and is driven by the power stored in the power storage unit 33. Therefore, unlike conventional remote control devices that are driven by commercial power sources or dry batteries, the remote control device 3 according to the embodiment does not require power supply construction or battery replacement.

[0040] The remote control device 3 includes a pyroelectric sensor, and detects a non-contact operation by the user, such as a hand-waving action, based on the detection result of the pyroelectric sensor.

[0041] Specifically, when a user performs a non-contact operation (here, a hand-waving action) on the remote control device 3, the pyroelectric sensor detects a temperature change due to heat (infrared rays) emitted by the user and converts it into an electric signal, thereby detecting the user's hand-waving action. In this way, the user can operate the remote control device 3 without touching it. Furthermore, by using the pyroelectric sensor, the power consumption of the remote control device 3 can be reduced.

[0042] <2. Configuration of remote control device> Next, the configuration of the remote control device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote control device 3 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of the toilet system 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the remote control device 3 in a state where it is attached to a wall surface W of a toilet room R. Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the pyroelectric sensor 34 in a casing 39, and configurations other than the casing 39 and the pyroelectric sensor 34 are omitted as appropriate.

[0043] 2, the remote control device 3 has a rectangular parallelepiped casing 39, a pyroelectric sensor 34, and a substrate 38. A rear surface 391 of the casing 39 serves as a mounting surface to a wall surface W. On the rear surface 391 of the casing 39, for example, a mounting portion (not shown) is provided.

[0044] An opening 39a is provided on a front surface 392 of the casing 39, which is the surface opposite to the back surface 391 of the casing 39. The opening 39a is covered by a resin cover 40. The cover 40 may be transparent, semi-transparent, or white. The cover 40 transmits infrared rays. On the other hand, the casing 39 blocks infrared rays. A light receiving portion 33a of the solar cell 32 (see FIG. 5) is provided on the upper surface of the casing 39.

[0045] Pyroelectric sensor 34 is provided inside casing 39 and detects infrared rays incident through opening 39a. Specifically, for example, when a user performs a non-contact operation on remote control device 3, a state in which infrared rays are not incident on light receiving surface 34a of pyroelectric sensor 34 changes to a state in which infrared rays are incident, causing a temperature change (here, a temperature rise) in the pyroelectric element in pyroelectric sensor 34. When such a temperature change occurs, a surface charge is generated due to the pyroelectric effect. Pyroelectric sensor 34 extracts the surface charge as an electric signal and transmits it to control unit 37 (see FIG. 5).

[0046] The detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 refers to a range in which the output of the pyroelectric sensor 34 changes due to a change in infrared rays radiated by a heat source (e.g., a human body) when such a heat source is present, in other words, a range in which the pyroelectric sensor 34 can detect a temperature change. The detection range A1 is a range in which the light receiving surface 34a of the pyroelectric sensor 34 can receive infrared rays through the opening 39a, in other words, the range outside the remote control device 3 that the light receiving surface 34a (light receiving element) of the pyroelectric sensor 34 can see through the opening 39a (sensor field of view) is the detection range A1. The central axis S1 is an axis passing through the center of the detection range A1.

[0047] The pyroelectric sensor 34 is held by a substrate 38. The substrate 38 has an amplifier such as a transistor. The substrate 38 is provided in the casing 39 in parallel with the front surface 392.

[0048] 3, the toilet device 2 in the toilet room R is often placed below the remote control device 3. For this reason, if the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 of the remote control device 3 covers the entire range of the toilet room R, the pyroelectric sensor 34 may erroneously detect a non-contact operation even when the user is not performing a non-contact operation. For example, if the toilet seat unit 7 has a function of heating the toilet seat 72, the pyroelectric sensor 34 may erroneously detect the movement of the heat source due to a temperature change in the toilet seat 72 as a non-contact operation by the user.

[0049] Therefore, in the toilet system 1 according to the embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, when the casing 39 (see Fig. 2) is attached to the wall surface W, the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 is set to a range above the horizontal plane H that passes through the lowest position of the light receiving surface 34a (see Fig. 2) of the pyroelectric sensor 34. With this configuration, the toilet device 2 can be excluded from the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 34, and even if the toilet seat unit 7 has a function of heating the toilet seat 72, for example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the movement of the heat source due to a change in temperature of the toilet seat 72 will be mistakenly detected as a non-contact operation by the user.

[0050] Next, a setting example of the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 will be described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. Figures 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams for explaining a setting example of the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34.

[0051] 4A, the pyroelectric sensor 34 itself may be inclined with respect to the casing 39 (i.e., with respect to the wall surface W) to set the detection range A1 in a range above the horizontal plane H. Specifically, with the casing 39 attached to the wall surface W, the light receiving surface 34a of the pyroelectric sensor 34 may be inclined upward with respect to the horizontal plane H. The inclination angle of the light receiving surface 34a of the pyroelectric sensor 34 with respect to the horizontal plane H may be, for example, 60°. This allows the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 to be set in a range above the horizontal plane H, as described above.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 4B, the detection range A1 may be set to a range above the horizontal plane H by blocking infrared rays incident on the pyroelectric sensor 34, in other words, by blocking a part of the path of infrared rays incident on the pyroelectric sensor 34. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B, the remote control device 3 may include a restricting unit 50 that restricts the detection range A1. The restricting unit 50 is, for example, a seal member that blocks infrared rays, and is attached to the cover 40. Specifically, the restricting unit 50 as a seal member is attached to a range below the center of the cover 40. This allows the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 to be set to a range above the horizontal plane H as described above. Also, by adding a configuration that physically blocks infrared rays in addition to the inclination of the pyroelectric sensor 34, the detection range A1 can be set more finely.

[0053] 4B , the original detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 34, i.e., the detection range when the incidence of infrared rays is not blocked by the casing 39 or the regulating unit 50, is defined as a basic detection range A0, and the central axis of the basic detection range A0 is defined as a basic central axis S0. The direction in which the basic central axis S0 extends is the maximum sensitivity direction of the pyroelectric sensor 34. The regulating unit 50 regulates the range of the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 other than the basic central axis S0. With this configuration, it is possible to regulate the detection range A1 without impairing the sensitivity of the pyroelectric sensor 34.

[0054] It should be noted that the restricting portion 50 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the restricting portion 50 may be a shield provided between the pyroelectric sensor 34 and the opening 39a, or may be a seal member attached to the pyroelectric sensor 34 itself.

[0055] Furthermore, the detection range A1 may be set by applying both the above-mentioned method of tilting the pyroelectric sensor 34 and the method of blocking infrared rays incident on the pyroelectric sensor 34 by the restriction portion 50.

[0056] In addition, the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 may be defined by adjusting the position and range of the opening 39a relative to the pyroelectric sensor 34.

[0057] <3. Functional configuration of the toilet system> Next, the functional configuration of the entire toilet system 1 including the above-mentioned remote control device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the toilet system 1. Note that Fig. 5 shows components necessary for explaining the features of the embodiment as functional blocks, and omits descriptions of general components. In other words, each component shown in Fig. 5 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure.

[0058] First, a description will be given of the configuration of the remote control device 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the remote control device 3 includes a communication unit 31, a solar cell 32, a power storage unit 33, a pyroelectric sensor 34, a storage unit 36, and a control unit 37, which are housed in a casing 39 (see Fig. 2).

[0059] The communication unit 31 transmits a signal to control the toilet device 2. Specifically, the communication unit 31 converts an electric signal input from the control unit 37 into radio waves and radiates the signal from an antenna (not shown) into the toilet room R. Note that the communication unit 31 may radiate infrared rays as a signal instead of radio waves.

[0060] The solar cell 32 generates power by utilizing light such as lighting (not shown) or external light. The power storage unit 33 is a storage battery such as a lithium ion capacitor, and stores the power generated by the solar cell 32. The power stored in the power storage unit 33 is supplied to the communication unit 31, the storage unit 36, the control unit 37, etc., which operate using the power supplied from the power storage unit 33.

[0061] The storage unit 36 ​​is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory.

[0062] The control unit 37 is connected to the communication unit 31, the power storage unit 33, the pyroelectric sensor 34, and the storage unit 36, and controls the operation of the remote control device 3. The control unit 37 includes, for example, a microcomputer, and reads out and executes a program (not shown) stored in the storage unit 36 ​​by using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like.

[0063] The control unit 37 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit a signal based on the detection result of the pyroelectric sensor 34. Specifically, the control unit 37 determines that a non-contact operation has been performed by the user when there is a temperature change (for example, a temperature increase) of the heat source within the detection range A1 based on the detection result of the pyroelectric sensor 34. Thereafter, the control unit 37 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit a signal to the toilet device 2.

[0064] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the toilet device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0065] The communication unit 21 receives a signal transmitted from the remote control device 3. Specifically, the communication unit 21 receives radio waves as a signal via an antenna (not shown), converts the received radio waves into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the control unit 22.

[0066] Functional unit 23 operates under the control of control unit 22. Functional unit 23 includes at least solenoid valve 231. Solenoid valve 231 is, for example, an EFV (Electric Flush Valve), and opens and closes water passage 61 (see FIG. 2). Solenoid valve 231 is built into first main body case 62 of water supply unit 6.

[0067] The control unit 22 is connected to the communication unit 21 and the function unit 23, and controls the operation of the toilet device 2. Specifically, when a control signal from the remote control device 3 is received by the communication unit 21, the control unit 22 controls the solenoid valve 231 to perform an operation of opening the water passage 61, i.e., a toilet flushing operation.

[0068] As described above, the remote control device 3 according to the embodiment is a remote control device provided in the toilet room R for controlling the toilet device 2, and includes a communication unit 31, a casing 39, a pyroelectric sensor 34, and a control unit 37. The communication unit 31 controls the toilet device 2. The casing 39 includes an opening 39a. The pyroelectric sensor 34 is provided inside the casing 39 and detects infrared rays incident through the opening 39a. The control unit 37 controls the communication unit 31 to transmit a signal based on the detection result of the pyroelectric sensor 34. In a state where the casing 39 is attached to a wall surface W (an example of a vertical surface), the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 is a range above a horizontal plane H that passes through the lowest position of the light receiving surface 34a of the pyroelectric sensor 34.

[0069] Therefore, according to the remote control device 3 according to the embodiment, when a non-contact operation such as a user's hand wave is detected using the pyroelectric sensor 34, erroneous detection of the non-contact operation can be reduced.

[0070] <4. First modified example> In the above-described embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, an example has been described in which the detection range A1 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 of the remote control device 3 is a range above the horizontal plane H passing through the lowest position of the light receiving surface 34a of the pyroelectric sensor 34, but the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 34 is not limited to this range. Below, modified examples of the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 34 will be described.

[0071] First, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 34 according to the first modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the toilet system 1 according to the first modified example.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, in the toilet system 1 of the first modified example, the detection range A2 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 may be a range above the horizontal plane H and not overlapping with the range through which the toilet seat 72 or the toilet lid 73 passes when the toilet seat 72 or the toilet lid 73 is opened or closed.

[0073] With this configuration, the area through which the toilet seat 72 or toilet lid 73 of the toilet device 2 passes when it is opened or closed can be excluded from the detection area of ​​the pyroelectric sensor 34. Therefore, even if the toilet seat unit 7 has a function to automatically open and close the toilet seat 72 and toilet lid 73 and a function to heat the toilet seat 72, it is possible to reduce false detections by the pyroelectric sensor 34 due to the opening and closing of the heated toilet seat 72 or the toilet lid 73 that has been heated by contact with the toilet seat 72.

[0074] As an example, assume that the distance between one side of the toilet device 2 and the wall surface W is 200 mm, the distance between the tip of the toilet device 2 (tip of the toilet bowl) and the center of the remote control device 3 in a side view is 10 mm, the distance from the floor surface of the toilet room R to the center of the remote control device 3 is 850 mm, and the distance from the floor surface of the toilet room R to the tip of the toilet lid 73 in the open state is 1200 mm. In this case, the detection range A2 may be set at an angle of 60° or more with respect to the horizontal plane H. This makes it possible to preferably avoid the range through which the toilet lid 73 or the toilet seat 72 passes. Therefore, it is possible to preferably reduce false detections of the pyroelectric sensor 34 caused by the opening and closing of the toilet lid 73 or the toilet seat 72.

[0075] <5. Second modified example> Next, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 34 according to the second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of the toilet system 1 according to the second modified example. In Fig. 7, the toilet device 2 is provided such that one side surface faces the wall surface W.

[0076] 7, when the toilet device 2 and the remote control device 3 are viewed in a direction parallel to the wall surface W and the horizontal plane H, the central axis S3 of the detection range A3 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 falls within an area defined by an imaginary vertical line L passing through the other side surface of the toilet device 2 in the toilet room R and the wall surface W. In this case, for example, by tilting the light receiving surface 34a of the pyroelectric sensor 34 upward with respect to the horizontal plane H, the central axis S3 can be placed within the area defined by the vertical line L and the wall surface W.

[0077] With this configuration, even if a user is standing in the toilet room R, it is possible to prevent the human body (especially the head) from overlapping with the central axis S3 of the sensitive detection range A2. This makes it possible to reduce false detections by the pyroelectric sensor 34 due to user actions other than hand-waving actions (for example, movement of the head when the user walks).

[0078] <6.Third modified example> Next, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 34 according to the third modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the toilet system 1 according to the third modified example.

[0079] 8, in a state where the casing 39 is attached to a wall surface W, a cross section C of the detection range A4 of the pyroelectric sensor 34 cut along a plane parallel to the wall surface W may have a dimension D1 in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) larger than a dimension D2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the dimension D2 is smaller than the dimension of the face region of the human body in the vertical direction.

[0080] According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce false detections of the pyroelectric sensor 34 caused by user actions other than hand-waving actions. In particular, it is possible to reduce false detections of the pyroelectric sensor 34 caused by detecting movement of the user's face area.

[0081] <7. Fourth modified example> As described above, the pyroelectric sensor 34 detects the movement of the heat source in the detection range A1 and outputs a signal to the control unit 37. Without being limited to this, the pyroelectric sensor 34 may further output a signal to the control unit 37 according to the occupancy rate of the heat source in the detection range A1.

[0082] Here, the occupancy rate will be described with reference to Figs. 9A and 9B. Fig. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a hand-waving action on the remote control device 3. Fig. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a hand-waving action from a position farther away from the remote control device 3 than that shown in Fig. 9A. The occupancy rate may be the ratio of the volume of the heat source (here, the hand) in the detection range A1. The occupancy rate may also be the ratio of the area of ​​the heat source in a cross section of the detection range A1 cut by a plane parallel to the light receiving surface 34a of the pyroelectric sensor 34. As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the closer the distance between the remote control device 3 and the hand, the higher the occupancy rate of the hand in the detection range A1. In this case, the pyroelectric sensor 34 may transmit a signal to the control unit 37 if the occupancy rate of the hand in the detection range A1 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The control unit 37 may perform such a determination based on the occupancy rate.

[0083] <8. Fifth Variation> Next, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 44 according to the fifth modified example will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 12. Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the remote control device 4 according to the fifth modified example. Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the remote control device 4 according to the fifth modified example. Fig. 12 is a schematic view for explaining an example of setting the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 44 according to the fifth modified example. For ease of understanding, the illustration of the cover 60 is omitted in Fig. 11.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the remote control device 4 according to the fifth modified example has a casing 49, a pyroelectric sensor 44, and a substrate .

[0085] The casing 49 has an upper surface 491, a lower surface 492, a rear surface 493, a first front surface 494, a second front surface 495, a first side surface 496, a second side surface 497, and an inclined surface 498.

[0086] In a state in which the casing 49 is attached to the wall surface W, the upper surface 491 may be a horizontal surface. For example, a light receiving portion 43a of the solar cell 32 (see FIG. 5) is provided on the upper surface 491. The lower surface 492 is located on the opposite side to the upper surface 491. The back surface 493 is a mounting surface to the wall surface W, and connects the upper surface 491 and the lower surface 492.

[0087] The first front surface 494 is an upper part of the front surface of the casing 49, continues to the upper surface 491, and is located on the opposite side of the rear surface 493. The second front surface 495 is a lower part of the front surface of the casing 49, continues to the lower surface 492, and is located on the opposite side of the rear surface 493. The first front surface 494 and the second front surface 495 are positioned with a shift in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the surface located closer to the rear surface 493 is the first front surface 494, and the surface farther away from the rear surface 493 is the second front surface 495. In other words, the thickness of the upper part of the casing 49, that is, the dimension in the X-axis direction, is smaller than the thickness of the lower part. The inclined surface 498 connects the lower part of the first front surface 494 and the upper part of the second front surface 495. The inclined surface 498 inclines upward as it moves from the second front surface 495 to the first front surface 494.

[0088] An opening 49a is provided in the inclined surface 498. The opening 49a is covered by a resin cover 60. The cover 60 may be transparent, semi-transparent, or white. The cover 60 transmits infrared rays. On the other hand, the casing 49 blocks infrared rays.

[0089] The pyroelectric sensor 44 is provided inside the casing 49. Specifically, the pyroelectric sensor 44 is provided on the bottom surface inside the casing 49. As shown in FIG. 12, when the casing 49 is attached to the wall surface W, the light receiving surface 44a of the pyroelectric sensor 44 is arranged horizontally. Here, the detection range when it is assumed that the casing 49 does not block the incidence of infrared rays is defined as a base detection range B0, and the central axis of the base detection range B0 is defined as a base central axis S2. The direction in which the base central axis S2 extends is the maximum sensitivity direction of the pyroelectric sensor 44. When the light receiving surface 44a of the pyroelectric sensor 44 is arranged horizontally, the base central axis S2 is oriented vertically.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 11, when the remote control device 4 is viewed from above, the opening 49a may overlap at least a part of the light receiving surface 44a.

[0091] According to such a configuration, the detection range B1 of the pyroelectric sensor 44 can be set to a range in the upper direction of the remote control device 4. Therefore, it is possible to reduce erroneous detection by the pyroelectric sensor 44 due to user actions other than the hand-waving action (for example, movement of the head when the user walks).

[0092] 12, the opening 49a and the pyroelectric sensor 44 may be disposed apart from each other. With the casing 49 attached to the wall surface W, the area of ​​a cross section E1 (see FIG. 11) obtained by cutting the detection range B1 of the pyroelectric sensor 44 along a plane parallel to the inclined surface 498 may be smaller than the area of ​​a cross section E2 (see FIG. 11) obtained by cutting the base detection range B0 along a plane parallel to the inclined surface 498.

[0093] By disposing the opening 49a and the pyroelectric sensor 44 apart in this manner, the detection range B1 of the pyroelectric sensor 44 can be set to a desired detection range, and erroneous detection by the pyroelectric sensor 44 can be reduced.

[0094] As described above, opening 49a may be located on inclined surface 498 of casing 49. If opening 49a were provided on a horizontal surface, dust would accumulate at opening 49a, and the accumulated dust would reflect infrared rays, making it difficult for pyroelectric sensor 44 to detect infrared rays. On the other hand, in remote control device 4 according to the fifth modification, opening 49a is provided on inclined surface 498, so that dust adhering to opening 49a moves along inclined surface 498, making it difficult for dust to accumulate at opening 49a. This can reduce the reflection of infrared rays by accumulated dust.

[0095] Furthermore, by providing opening 49a on inclined surface 498, it becomes difficult for a user to place luggage on inclined surface 498, so that it is possible to reduce the blocking of opening 49a by luggage. Furthermore, inclined surface 498 inclines downward from first front surface 494 to second front surface 495, so that the space on the second front surface 495 side closer to the user is wider than the space on the first front surface 494 side, making it easy for the user to place his / her hand over opening 49a.

[0096] 11 and 12, the opening 49a may have a shape extending along the wall surface W in a plan view. Specifically, in a plan view, the width of the opening 49a in a direction parallel to the wall surface W may be larger than the width of the opening 49a in a direction perpendicular to the wall surface W. This allows the detection range B1 of the pyroelectric sensor 44 to expand along the wall surface W. On the other hand, the detection range B1 is less likely to expand in the direction from the remote control device 4 toward the toilet device 2 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the detection range B1 can be expanded while reducing erroneous detection by the pyroelectric sensor 44.

[0097] The opening 49a may be, for example, a trapezoid in a plan view. Specifically, of two sides extending along the wall W, the side closer to the wall W may be longer than the side farther from the wall W. In other words, the opening 49a may be a trapezoid whose width narrows as it moves away from the wall W. This allows the detection range B1 on the wall W side to be set wider than the detection range B1 on the toilet device 2 (see FIG. 3) side. Therefore, the detection range B1 can be widened while reducing erroneous detection by the pyroelectric sensor 44.

[0098] The opening 49a may be formed so that the opening area decreases from the front surface (specifically, the inclined surface 498) of the casing 49 to the back surface (specifically, the surface opposite to the inclined surface 498). In this case, the four side surfaces 49a1 to 49a4 (see FIG. 11) of the opening 49a connecting the front surface and the back surface of the casing 49 are inclined surfaces. Here, when comparing the inclination angles of two side surfaces 49a1 and 49a2, each including two sides extending along the wall surface W of the opening 49a, among the four side surfaces 49a1 to 49a4, and the other two side surfaces 49a3 and 49a4, the inclination angles of the side surfaces 49a3 and 49a4 may be larger than the inclination angles of the side surfaces 49a1 and 49a2. The inclination angle here is an inclination angle based on the vertical direction (0 degrees).

[0099] With this configuration, it is possible to expand the detection range B1 of the pyroelectric sensor 44 along the wall surface W, while suppressing the expansion of the detection range B1 in the direction from the remote control device 4 toward the toilet device 2 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, it is possible to expand the detection range B1 while reducing false detections of the pyroelectric sensor 44.

[0100] Although an example in which opening 49a is provided on inclined surface 498 has been shown here, the surface on which opening 49a is provided is not limited to this. For example, opening 49a may be provided on a horizontal surface.

[0101] <9. Other Modifications> In the above embodiment, the solar cell 32 has been described as an example of a power device, but the power device provided in the remote control device 3 is not limited to the solar cell 32 and may be, for example, a dry cell. Furthermore, the remote control device 3 may be powered by a commercial power source supplied to, for example, an ordinary home.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a so-called flush valve type toilet device has been described as an example, but a tank type toilet device having a water storage tank may also be used.

[0103] Furthermore, the toilet 5 in the above-described embodiment may have a warm water flushing function unit. In this case, the warm water flushing function unit may receive a control signal from the remote control device 3 and execute the toilet flushing operation.

[0104] Furthermore, the remote control device 3 in the above-described embodiment may be provided with a lens, which can efficiently collect infrared rays emitted by a heat source within the detection range.

[0105] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Toilet System 2 Toilet equipment 3 Remote control device 21 Communications Department 22 Control section 31 Communications Department 34 Pyroelectric Sensor 36 Memory section 37 Control Unit 38 Substrate 39 Casing 39a opening 72 Toilet seat 73 Toilet lid

Claims

1. A remote control device that is provided in a toilet room and controls a toilet device, A communication unit that transmits a signal to control the toilet device; a casing having an opening; a pyroelectric sensor provided inside the casing and configured to detect infrared rays incident through the opening; a control unit that controls the communication unit to transmit the signal based on a detection result of the pyroelectric sensor; Equipped with When the casing is attached to a vertical surface, the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor is a range above a horizontal plane passing through the lowest position of the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor. A remote control device comprising:

2. The toilet apparatus further comprises a toilet seat or a toilet cover; The detection range is above the horizontal plane and does not overlap with the range through which the toilet seat or the toilet lid passes when the toilet seat or the toilet lid is opened or closed.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1 .

3. When the casing is attached to the vertical surface, the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal surface.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1 .

4. When the toilet device is installed in the toilet room so that one side surface faces the vertical plane, and the remote control device is attached to the vertical plane, the central axis of the detection range is within an area defined by an imaginary vertical line passing through the other side surface of the toilet device in the toilet room and the vertical plane, 4. The remote control device according to claim 3.

5. The remote control device is A restricting portion restricts the detection range by blocking the infrared ray incident on the pyroelectric sensor through the opening.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1 .

6. The detection range when it is assumed that the incidence of infrared rays is not blocked by the casing and the regulating portion is defined as a basic detection range, and the central axis of the basic detection range is defined as a basic central axis. The regulating portion regulates a range of the detection range other than the basic central axis.

6. The remote control device according to claim 5,

7. When the casing is attached to the vertical surface, a cross section of the detection range cut along a surface parallel to the vertical surface has a larger horizontal dimension than a vertical dimension.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1 .

8. When the casing is attached to the vertical surface, the light receiving surface of the pyroelectric sensor is disposed horizontally; When the remote control device is viewed from above, the opening overlaps with at least a part of the light receiving surface.

2. The remote control device according to claim 1 .

9. The opening and the pyroelectric sensor are disposed apart from each other, When the casing is attached to the vertical surface, and it is assumed that the casing does not block the incidence of infrared rays, the detection range is defined as a basic detection range, and the area of ​​a cross section of the detection range cut by a plane parallel to the surface on which the opening is located is smaller than the area of ​​a cross section of the basic detection range cut by the parallel plane.

9. The remote control device according to claim 8.

10. the casing has an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, a rear surface that is a mounting surface for the vertical surface and connects the upper surface and the lower surface, a first front surface that is continuous with the upper surface and opposite to the rear surface, a second front surface that is continuous with the lower surface and opposite to the rear surface, and an inclined surface that connects the first front surface and the second front surface and inclines upward from the second front surface toward the first front surface, The opening is located on the inclined surface.

9. The remote control device according to claim 8.

11. A remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; A toilet device provided in the toilet room; A toilet system comprising:

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