Toilet seat device

Abstract

To improve comfort of a user by making a toilet seat temperature into an appropriate temperature for each piece of health information of the user.SOLUTION: A toilet seat device according to an embodiment includes a toilet seat, a control part, and a health information acquisition part. The toilet seat includes a heater. The control part controls output of the heater. The health information acquisition part acquires health information of a user. The control part controls output of the heater on the basis of the health information acquired by the health information acquisition part. The health information is a stress state of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet seat apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a biometric information management system has been disclosed in a toilet seat device that measures blood flow information of a toilet user sitting on the toilet seat, and calculates and outputs health information based on the measurement results (for example, by displaying it on a display terminal) (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-68396 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned conventional technology does not use the health information output based on the measurement results of blood flow information to control the heater output of the heated toilet seat, etc. In the conventional heated toilet seat, when the toilet seat temperature is set to a predetermined temperature, the user may feel uncomfortable depending on the user's health condition.

[0005] One aspect of the embodiment has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a toilet seat device that can improve the comfort of the user by adjusting the toilet seat temperature to an appropriate temperature depending on the user's health condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A toilet seat device in one embodiment includes a toilet seat equipped with a heater, a control unit that controls the output of the heater, and a health information acquisition unit that acquires health information of a user, and the control unit controls the output of the heater based on the health information acquired by the health information acquisition unit.

[0007] The toilet seat device can control the toilet seat temperature based on the health information of the user. Therefore, the toilet seat device can improve the comfort of the user by setting the toilet seat temperature to an appropriate temperature for each of the health information of the user.

[0008] The health information also includes the user's stress state.

[0009] The toilet seat device can control the toilet seat temperature according to the user's stress level, thereby improving the comfort of the user.

[0010] The health information also includes the user's blood flow volume.

[0011] The toilet seat device can prevent the user from feeling cold or having swelling by increasing the toilet seat temperature when it detects a deterioration in the user's blood flow.

[0012] The toilet seat apparatus further includes an environmental temperature acquisition unit that acquires an environmental temperature, and the control unit controls the output of the heater based on the health information and the environmental temperature acquired by the environmental temperature acquisition unit.

[0013] The toilet seat apparatus can control the output of the heater by taking into account not only the health information of the user but also the environmental temperature, and therefore the toilet seat apparatus can provide a more optimal toilet seat temperature.

[0014] In addition, when the health information meets a condition indicating a predetermined health state, the control unit controls the heater to reduce its output when the environmental temperature is higher than a first predetermined temperature, and controls the heater to increase its output when the environmental temperature is lower than a second predetermined temperature, the second predetermined temperature being lower than or equal to the first predetermined temperature.

[0015] The toilet seat device can reduce the discomfort felt by the user due to the hotness of the toilet seat in the summer when the toilet seat is likely to become hot, and can also reduce the discomfort felt by the user due to the coldness of the toilet seat in the winter when the toilet seat is likely to become cold. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet seat temperature is set to an appropriate temperature for each user's health information, thereby improving the comfort of the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system in which a toilet seat device, a remote control, and an external terminal are connected. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the blood circulation state measuring sensor. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a health information calculation process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the toilet seat device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the toilet seat device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the toilet seat device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a toilet seat 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.

[0019] <Configuration of the toilet seat device> The configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a toilet seat. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system to which a toilet seat device, a remote control, and an external terminal are connected. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a blood circulation state measuring sensor. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a health information calculation process.

[0020] Hereinafter, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left side," and "right side" refer to the directions as seen by a user sitting on the toilet seat 20 with their back to the open toilet lid 14.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a toilet seat device 10 according to an embodiment includes a toilet seat 20, a main body 12, and a toilet lid 14. The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14 are each supported on the main body 12 so as to be rotatable.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the toilet seat 20 is provided with a health information acquisition unit 40 that acquires health information of the user. The health information acquisition unit 40 is composed of a blood circulation state measurement sensor 41 and a health information calculation unit 42. The blood circulation state measurement sensor 41 in the present application is a sensor using laser light (laser sensor) and is a sensor that measures a physical quantity that reflects the blood flow information of the user. The blood circulation state measurement sensor 41 may be an optical sensor other than a laser sensor, for example, a sensor that measures the blood circulation state such as pulse from the reflected light of hemoglobin using visible light or near infrared rays. The blood circulation state measurement sensor 41 may also be a sensor other than an optical sensor, for example, a sensor using a piezoelectric element that measures the vibration of the pulse using the piezoelectric element. The health information calculation unit 42 is specifically, for example, a microprocessor, and calculates the health information of the user based on the measurement result of the blood circulation state measurement sensor 41. The toilet seat 20 is also provided with an electrostatic sensor 50 that is a seating sensor. Furthermore, the toilet seat 20 is provided with a temperature thermistor 65 that measures the temperature of the toilet seat 20.

[0023] The toilet seat 20 has an O-shaped opening 20a formed in the center. The opening of the toilet seat 20 is not limited to an O-shape, and may be a U-shape or the like. The outer edge of the toilet seat 20 is curved to fit the outer shape of the toilet bowl 4. The toilet seat 20 is generally made of an opaque resin material (e.g., polypropylene), and has a seating surface 21 on which a user sits, and a bottom surface 25 on the opposite side to the seating surface 21.

[0024] The seating surface 21 is the surface exposed upward when the toilet seat 20 is placed on the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4, and is the surface on which the user sits. The bottom surface 25 is the surface that faces the upper surface 4b of the toilet bowl 4 when the toilet seat 20 is lowered. The toilet seat 20 is also made of a thick portion 22 that is formed thick over almost the entirety, and a thin portion 23 that is thinner than the thick portion 22 is formed locally at a position corresponding to the blood circulation state measuring sensor 41. Alternatively, the toilet seat 20 may be configured such that a through hole is formed locally at a position corresponding to the blood circulation state measuring sensor 41, through which the light emitting / receiving window of the blood circulation state measuring sensor 41 is exposed from the toilet seat 20.

[0025] A heater wire 30 (an example of a heater) for heating or keeping warm the seating surface 21 and a heat insulating material 32 are provided inside the toilet seat 20. The heater wire 30 is controlled by a toilet seat heating unit 12b (see FIG. 3) provided inside the main body 12, and is laid out inside the toilet seat 20 so as not to interfere with the blood circulation state measuring sensor 41, the health information calculating unit 42, the electrostatic sensor 50, and the temperature thermistor 65. The heat insulating material 32 is disposed below the heater wire 30, the blood circulation state measuring sensor 41, the health information calculating unit 42, the electrostatic sensor 50, and the temperature thermistor 65.

[0026] The thin-walled portion 23 has a thickness that allows the transmission of the irradiated light irradiated from the blood circulation state measuring sensor 41 and the reflected light reflected from a user seated on the seating surface 21. The thickness of the thin-walled portion 23 is set according to the intensity of the irradiated light and reflected light from the blood circulation state measuring sensor 41, the durability of the toilet seat 20, and the like, and is, for example, about 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0027] The thin-walled portion 23 is formed on the left side forward of the center of the length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20 in the front-to-rear direction, and is positioned forward and left of the center of gravity of a user seated on the toilet seat 20. As a result, the thin-walled portion 23 faces (abuts against) the back side of the left thigh of a user seated on the toilet seat 20.

[0028] The thin-walled portion 23 is formed as small as possible within the range where the blood circulation status measurement sensor 41 can detect blood flow information of a user sitting on the toilet seat 20, and is, for example, circular with a diameter of 12 mm or less (preferably, 8 mm or less).

[0029] The blood circulation condition measuring sensor 41 is disposed inside the toilet seat 20 on the rear side of the thin portion 23. As shown in Fig. 4, the blood circulation condition measuring sensor 41 is a reflective sensor that, for example, irradiates infrared light toward the rear side of the user's left thigh and detects reflected light (scattered light that has undergone a Doppler shift due to red blood cells) reflected in accordance with the state of blood flow in the blood vessels under the skin.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the health information calculation unit 42 is disposed in the vicinity of the front end of the toilet seat 20 (relatively close to the blood circulation state measurement sensor 41), and processes the output signal of the blood circulation state measurement sensor 41 to convert it into a signal that is relatively resistant to noise. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the blood circulation state measurement sensor 41 generates an output signal (DLS raw waveform) by performing photoelectric conversion using a photodiode. The health information calculation unit 42 performs Fourier transform or the like on the output signal of the blood circulation state measurement sensor 41 to calculate the pulse wave, blood circulation, and frequency waveform. Then, based on the calculated pulse wave, blood circulation, and frequency waveform, the health information calculation unit 42 calculates health information (specifically, for example, blood circulation state (heart rate, pulse rate, pulse fluctuation, blood flow rate, etc.) and stress state, etc.) of the user seated on the toilet seat 20, and transmits a signal corresponding to the calculation result to the communication unit 75 via the control unit 70 described later.

[0031] 2, the electrostatic sensor 50 is formed on the right side forward of the center of the front-rear length of the opening 20a of the toilet seat 20, and is located forward and to the right of the center of gravity of a user seated on the toilet seat 20. This allows the electrostatic sensor 50 to detect the seated state when it faces the back side of the right thigh of a user seated on the toilet seat 20.

[0032] 3, control unit 70 and communication unit 75 are provided inside main body unit 12. The above-mentioned health information calculation unit 42 may be provided inside main body unit 12 instead of inside toilet seat 20. When health information calculation unit 42 is provided inside main body unit 12, it may be provided separately from control unit 70, or may be provided as an integrated part of control unit 70.

[0033] Furthermore, the health information calculation unit 42 and the control unit 70 may be provided (constructed) not inside the main body unit 12, but inside an external device or an external network (e.g., in the cloud) that communicates via the communication unit 75.

[0034] The main body 12 is located behind the bowl portion 4a of the toilet 4 and is attached to the top surface 4b of the toilet 4 (see FIG. 1). An entry detection sensor 60 that detects a user entering or leaving the toilet room is built into the main body 12. The entry detection sensor 60 may be, for example, a pyroelectric sensor or a microwave sensor such as a Doppler sensor. The detection signals of these entry detection sensors 24 are sent to the control unit 70.

[0035] Also built into the main body 12 are an opening / closing unit 12a that controls the opening and closing of the toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 14, a toilet seat heating unit 12b that controls the temperature of the toilet seat 20, a cleaning unit 12c that cleans the human private parts, and a deodorizing unit 12d that reduces odorous components. Each of the units 12a to 12d is generally controlled by a control unit 70. The control unit 70 in this embodiment is also connected to each of the electrostatic sensor 50 and the temperature thermistor 65.

[0036] The control unit 70 of this embodiment is connected to a communication unit 75 for outputting the health information of the user calculated by the health information calculation unit 42. The communication unit 75 transmits the calculated health information of the user to, for example, a remote control 80 in the toilet room or a mobile terminal 85 of the user. The user seated on the toilet seat 20 can check various types of health information (vital signs such as heart rate) on a display unit 80a of the remote control 80 or a display unit 85a of the mobile terminal 85.

[0037] <Specific Operation of Toilet Seat Device: First Operation Example> Next, a specific operation of the toilet seat device 10 described above will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a processing procedure of the toilet seat device 10.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, in step S101, the control unit 7 causes the toilet seat 20 to be on standby by keeping the toilet seat 20 warm using the heater wire 30 so that the toilet seat 20 reaches a predetermined standby temperature.

[0039] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the entry detection sensor 60 detects the entry of a user into the toilet room (Step S102). This process is repeated until the entry detection sensor 60 detects the entry of a user into the toilet room (Step S102, No).

[0040] In step S102, when it is determined that the entry detection sensor 60 has detected the entry of a user into the toilet room (step S102, Yes), the control unit 7 increases the temperature of the toilet seat 20 by the heater wire 30 (step S103).

[0041] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the electrostatic sensor 50 detects the user sitting down (step S104). This process is repeated until the electrostatic sensor 50 detects the user sitting down (step S104, No).

[0042] In step S104, when it is determined that electrostatic sensor 50 has detected that the user is seated (Yes in step S104), control unit 7 acquires health information of the user from health information acquisition unit 40 (step S105).

[0043] Next, the control unit 7 judges whether the user's health condition is good (step S106). Specifically, for example, the health information calculation unit 42 calculates the stress state based on the fluctuation of the user's heart rate. For example, the stress state is calculated as a high stress state when the fluctuation of the heart rate is smaller than a predetermined fluctuation set in advance. Specifically, for example, the stress state is calculated by heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, and when the value of LF / HF (Low Frequency / High Frequency ratio, i.e., the ratio of parasympathetic nerves to sympathetic nerves), which is one of the HRV analysis methods, is larger than a predetermined LF / HF value set in advance, the stress state is calculated as a high stress state. The control unit 7 judges whether the stress is high based on the calculated stress state, and judges the health state to be good when it is judged that the stress is not high. In this way, the control unit 7 judges whether the health information corresponds to a condition indicating a predetermined health state (in this embodiment, a high stress state). Although LF / HF is shown as a method for analyzing heart rate fluctuations, other methods such as the SDNN method (standard deviation of NN intervals, i.e., the standard deviation of heart rate intervals), the RMSSD method (root Mean Square of Successive Differences, i.e., the root mean square of the difference between the values ​​of two heart rate intervals), and the Lorenz plot analysis method (plotting the nth heart rate interval and the n+1th heart rate interval and analyzing the distribution of the plotted points) may also be used.

[0044] Furthermore, the determination of whether the user's health condition is good may be performed as follows. Specifically, for example, the health information calculation unit 42 calculates the blood circulation condition based on the blood flow rate of the user. The blood circulation condition of the lower limbs is calculated as poor when the blood flow rate of the user is equal to or less than a predetermined value set in advance. The control unit 7 may be configured to determine that the health condition is good when it is determined that the calculated blood circulation condition is not poor.

[0045] In step S106, when it is determined that the user is in good health (Yes in step S106), the control unit 7 ends the process while keeping the toilet seat 20 warm by the heater wire 30 (step S107).

[0046] In step S106, if it is determined that the health condition is not good (step S106, No), the control unit 7 changes the temperature of the toilet seat 20 (step S108). Specifically, the control unit 7 controls the heater wire 30 to raise the toilet seat temperature, for example, immediately after starting to heat the toilet seat 20 or when the blood circulation in the lower limbs is deteriorating. After that, the control unit 7 again acquires the health information of the user from the health information acquisition unit 40 (step S105).

[0047] In the above-described first operation example, the toilet seat device 10 includes a toilet seat 20 equipped with a heater wire 30, a control unit 70 that controls the output of the heater wire 30, and a health information acquisition unit 40 that acquires health information of the user, and the control unit 70 controls the output of the heater wire 30 based on the health information acquired by the health information acquisition unit 40. According to this toilet seat device 10, the temperature of the toilet seat 20 can be controlled based on the health information. Therefore, the toilet seat device 10 can improve the comfort of the user by setting the toilet seat temperature to an appropriate temperature for each of the user's health information.

[0048] The health information is the stress state of the user. According to the toilet seat device 10, the output of the heater wire 30 can be controlled according to the stress state of the user, so that the toilet seat temperature can be prevented from being uncomfortable for the user.

[0049] The health information is the blood flow rate of the user. According to the toilet seat device 10, when the toilet seat device 10 detects a deterioration in the blood flow of the user, the toilet seat device 10 increases the toilet seat temperature, thereby preventing the user from feeling cold or having swelling.

[0050] <Specific Operation of Toilet Seat Device: Second Operation Example> A second operation example of the above-mentioned toilet seat device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. In the following, the same components as those in the above-mentioned first operation example will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are flow charts showing an example of the procedure of the processing of the toilet seat device 10.

[0051] In step S106, if it is determined that the health condition is not good (step S106, No), the control unit 7 determines whether or not the environmental temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature (step S109). Specifically, the control unit 7 measures the temperature of the toilet seat 20 by the temperature thermistor 65 as, for example, the environmental temperature. The control unit 7 determines whether or not the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is higher than the first predetermined temperature. For example, the first predetermined temperature is set to the upper limit temperature within the range assumed as the user's normal body temperature.

[0052] In step S109, if it is determined that the environmental temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature (step S109, Yes), the control unit 7 reduces the output of the heater wire 30 (step S110). As a result, if the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is higher than the user's normal body temperature, the toilet seat temperature is reduced. After that, the control unit 7 again acquires the user's health information from the health information acquisition unit 40 (step S105).

[0053] In step S109, when it is determined that the environmental temperature is not higher than the first predetermined temperature (step S109, No), the control unit 7 determines whether or not the environmental temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature (step S111). Specifically, the control unit 7 determines whether or not the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is lower than the second predetermined temperature. The second predetermined temperature is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature. For example, the second predetermined temperature is set to the lower limit temperature of the range assumed to be the user's normal body temperature.

[0054] In step S111, if it is determined that the environmental temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature (Yes in step S111), the control unit 7 increases the output of the toilet seat 20 heater (step S112). As a result, if the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is lower than the user's normal body temperature, the toilet seat temperature increases. After that, the control unit 7 again acquires the user's health information from the health information acquisition unit 40 (step S105).

[0055] In step S111, when it is determined that the environmental temperature is not higher than the second predetermined temperature (step S111, No), the control unit 7 again acquires the health information of the user from the health information acquisition unit 40 (step S105). As a result, if the body temperature of the user is approximately the same as the temperature of the toilet seat 20, the toilet seat temperature is not changed. The temperatures set as the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature are not particularly limited. For example, the first predetermined temperature and the second predetermined temperature may be the same temperature, or may be set to an intermediate temperature within a range expected as the user's normal body temperature.

[0056] In the above-described second operation example, the toilet seat device 10 includes a temperature thermistor 65 that acquires the toilet seat temperature, and the control unit 70 controls the output of the heater wire 30 based on the health information and the toilet seat temperature acquired by the temperature thermistor 65. According to this toilet seat device 10, it is possible to control the output of the heater wire 30 by taking into consideration not only the health information but also the toilet seat temperature. Therefore, the toilet seat device 10 can provide a more optimal toilet seat temperature.

[0057] Furthermore, when the health information satisfies the conditions indicating a predetermined health state, the control unit 70 performs control to reduce the output of the heater wire 30 when the toilet seat temperature is higher than a first predetermined temperature, and to increase the output of the heater wire 30 when the toilet seat temperature is lower than a second predetermined temperature. According to the toilet seat device 10, it is possible to reduce the discomfort of the user caused by the heat of the toilet seat 20 in the summer when the toilet seat 20 is likely to heat up. Also, the toilet seat device 10 is possible to reduce the discomfort of the user caused by the coldness of the toilet seat 20 in the winter when the toilet seat 20 is likely to cool down.

[0058] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, 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.

[0059] <Additional Notes> (1) A toilet seat equipped with a heater; A control unit for controlling an output of the heater; A health information acquisition unit that acquires health information of a user, The control unit controls an output of the heater based on the health information acquired by the health information acquisition unit. (2) The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the health information is a stress state of a user. (3) The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the health information is a blood flow volume of the user. (4) An environmental temperature acquisition unit for acquiring an environmental temperature, The toilet seat apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit controls an output of the heater based on the health information and the environmental temperature acquired by the environmental temperature acquisition unit. (5) When the health information satisfies a condition indicating a predetermined health condition, the control unit: A toilet seat device as described in (4), wherein when the environmental temperature is higher than a first predetermined temperature, the output of the heater is reduced, and when the environmental temperature is lower than a second predetermined temperature, the output of the heater is increased, and the second predetermined temperature is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 4. Toilet 20 Toilet Seat 30 Heater wire (heater) 40 Health Information Acquisition Department 41 Blood Circulation Status Measurement Sensor 42 Health Information Calculation Department 65 Temperature thermistor (ambient temperature acquisition part) 70 Control section

Claims

1. A toilet seat equipped with a heater; A control unit for controlling an output of the heater; A health information acquisition unit that acquires health information of a user, The control unit controls an output of the heater based on the health information acquired by the health information acquisition unit.

2. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the health information is a stress state of the user.

3. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the health information is a blood flow volume of the user.

4. An environmental temperature acquisition unit for acquiring an environmental temperature, 4. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls an output of the heater based on the health information and the environmental temperature acquired by the environmental temperature acquisition unit.

5. When the health information satisfies a condition indicating a predetermined health condition, the control unit: When the environmental temperature is higher than a first predetermined temperature, the output of the heater is reduced, and when the environmental temperature is lower than a second predetermined temperature, the output of the heater is increased. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second predetermined temperature is equal to or lower than the first predetermined temperature.

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