Toilet seat device

Abstract

To provide a toilet seat device capable of accurately measuring the blood flow state of a seated user.SOLUTION: A toilet seat device according to an embodiment includes a toilet seat, a sensor, and a contact pressure reduction part. The toilet seat has a seating surface on which a user sits. The sensor is configured to measure the blood flow state at a measurement site of the user when the user is seated on the toilet seat. The contact pressure reduction part reduces the contact pressure to the measurement site of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in a toilet seat device, a technology has been proposed in which a load sensor and a body fat sensor are provided on the seating surface of the toilet seat, and the weight and body fat percentage of a seated user are measured based on the output of each sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-225101 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, some sensors installed on toilet seats can measure, for example, the blood flow condition of a user. However, if such a sensor is installed directly on the surface of the seating surface, the user's weight is applied to the seating surface, which may deteriorate the blood flow condition at the measurement site of the user, resulting in a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the blood flow condition. Thus, the conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of accurately measuring the blood flow condition of a seated user.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the embodiment is to provide a toilet seat device that can accurately measure the blood flow state of a seated user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A toilet seat device in one embodiment includes a toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits, a sensor capable of measuring the blood flow state at a measurement site of the user when the user is seated on the toilet seat, and a contact pressure reduction unit that reduces the contact pressure of the user at the measurement site.

[0007] In this way, by providing the contact pressure reducing section in the toilet seat device, it is possible to reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user and the sensor, for example. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site from deteriorating, and as a result, it is possible to accurately measure the blood flow condition of the seated user.

[0008] The contact pressure reducing portion includes an opening formed in the seating surface of the toilet seat, and the sensor is provided inside the opening and positioned below the seating surface of the toilet seat.

[0009] In this way, by providing the sensor in the opening which is the contact pressure reducing portion, the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user and the sensor can be reduced. More specifically, for example, the contact pressure generated between the user and the sensor window of the sensor can be reduced. Therefore, even with a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site from deteriorating, and it is possible to accurately measure the blood flow condition of a seated user.

[0010] The contact pressure reducing portion includes an opening formed in the inclined portion of the toilet seat, and the sensor is provided inside the opening.

[0011] In this way, since the sensor is provided at the opening of the inclined portion, which is the contact pressure reducing portion, it is possible to reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user and the sensor. In detail, the pressure generated between the user's measurement site and the sensor can be reduced to a load in the normal direction of the inclined surface, compared to the user's vertical load. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site from deteriorating, and to more accurately measure the blood flow condition of a seated user.

[0012] In addition, the contact pressure reduction portion includes an arm to which the sensor is attached, and the arm is configured so that the measurement area measured by the sensor is an area other than the area of ​​the user that comes into contact with the toilet seat when seated.

[0013] In this way, because the sensor is attached to an arm different from the toilet seat, the measurement site is less likely to be pressed by sitting, and it is possible to reduce, for example, the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user and the sensor. As a result, it is possible to prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site from deteriorating, and it is possible to accurately measure the blood flow condition of a seated user.

[0014] In addition, the contact pressure reduction portion is formed on the seating surface of the toilet seat and includes an opening with the sensor provided inside, and the opening is formed in a region between a first support portion that is provided on the underside of the toilet seat and supports the toilet seat, and a second support portion that is provided on the underside of the toilet seat rearward of the first support portion and supports the toilet seat, when viewed from above.

[0015] In this way, the opening where the sensor is provided is formed in the region between the first support part and the second support part when viewed from above, so that the load from the user is less likely to act on the opening, which reduces the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user and the sensor, thereby enabling the blood flow state of the seated user to be measured more accurately.

[0016] Moreover, the opening is formed in a region on the first support portion side of the region between the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0017] In this way, the opening where the sensor is provided is formed in the area between the first support part and the second support part when viewed from above, so that the load from the user is less likely to act on the opening, which makes it possible to further reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user and the sensor, and therefore to more accurately measure the blood flow state of the seated user. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the blood flow state of a seated user can be measured with high accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet apparatus equipped with a toilet seat apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the toilet seat. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the opening. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a toilet seat apparatus according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the toilet seat according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the toilet seat according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of the toilet seat according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a top view of a toilet seat apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a top view of a toilet seat apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] 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.

[0021] (First embodiment) A toilet seat device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet device equipped with the toilet seat device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 onwards are all schematic diagrams.

[0022] For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 and other figures show a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system in which mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are defined, and the positive Z-axis direction is the vertically upward direction. In the following explanation, the positive X-axis direction may be referred to as the "left", the negative X-axis direction as the "right", the positive Y-axis direction as the "rear", and the negative Y-axis direction as the "front". In other words, the directions as seen by a user sitting on the toilet seat 30 described later may be referred to as the "left", "right", "rear", and "front". For this reason, in the following explanation, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-rear direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the flush toilet device 1 comprises a flush toilet 10 and a toilet seat device 20. The flush toilet 10 comprises a bowl portion 11. The bowl portion 11 is formed in a bowl shape capable of receiving waste. The bowl portion 11 is flushed by discharging flush water, and the flush water that has cleaned the bowl portion 11 is discharged through a drainage pipe (not shown). The flush toilet 10 is made of ceramic, for example. However, the flush toilet 10 is not limited to being made of ceramic, and could be made of resin, for example, or a combination of ceramic and resin.

[0024] The toilet seat device 20 is attached to the top of the flush toilet 10, and comprises a toilet seat 30, a toilet lid 36, a functional unit 38, and a sensor 40. The toilet seat device 20 may be attached to the flush toilet 10 in a detachable manner, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the flush toilet 10.

[0025] The toilet seat 30 is formed in an annular shape with an opening in the center, and is positioned along the rim portion 12 in a position that overlaps with the opening of the flush toilet 10. The toilet seat 30 has a seating surface 31 on which a user sits. The seating surface 31 supports the buttocks, thighs, etc. of the user when seated.

[0026] The toilet lid 36 is attached to the toilet seat 30 so as to be openable and closable. The functional part 38 houses, for example, a nozzle device and sprays wash water from the nozzle device onto the user's body to wash the private parts. The toilet seat device 20 may be configured without the toilet lid 36 or functional part 38 described above.

[0027] The sensor 40 is a sensor capable of measuring the state of blood flow of a user seated on the toilet seat 30. An optical biosensor can be used as the sensor 40. Here, a measurement system including the sensor 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement system.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement system 100 includes the above-mentioned sensor 40, a control device 70, and a display device 80. The sensor 40 irradiates, for example, infrared light, visible light, or a laser to a user seated on the toilet seat 30. In detail, the sensor 40 irradiates infrared light or the like toward a measurement site on the user's buttocks or thighs when the user is seated on the toilet seat 30. The sensor 40 reflects the irradiated light on the user's blood vessels (blood flow) and receives the reflected light (scattered light). The sensor 40 outputs a signal related to the irradiated light or reflected light, such as the frequency of the irradiated light or reflected light, to the control device 70.

[0029] The control device 70 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, and a communication unit 73. The control device 70 is housed in, for example, the functional unit 38 (see FIG. 1) of the toilet seat device 20, but is not limited to this.

[0030] The control unit 71 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 72 using a random access memory (RAM) as a working area. The control unit 71 can also be realized by hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The storage unit 72 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory.

[0031] The control unit 71 measures the blood flow state, such as the pulse rate, pulse variability, and blood flow rate of the user, based on the signal output from the sensor 40. For example, the control unit 71 performs a process of detecting a change in the flow rate of red blood cells flowing through a blood vessel using infrared rays. The control unit 71 performs a process of detecting a frequency at which a Doppler shift occurs due to red blood cells flowing through a blood vessel. That is, the control unit 71 performs a process of analyzing signals related to the irradiated light and reflected light to measure the blood flow state. Note that the blood flow state to be measured is not limited to the above-mentioned pulse rate, pulse variability, blood flow rate, etc. of the user, and may be any state related to the user's blood flow.

[0032] The communication unit 73 transmits and receives information to and from the display device 80. The control device 70 and the display device 80 may be connected by wireless communication or by wired communication. The control unit 71 outputs information indicating the measured blood flow state to the display device 80 via the communication unit 73.

[0033] The display device 80 displays information indicating the measured blood flow state. This allows the user to confirm (understand) their own blood flow state. Note that the display device 80 may be the display section of a remote control that outputs operation instructions for the toilet seat device 20 and flush instructions for the flush toilet 10, or it may be the display section of a mobile terminal used by the user, but these are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0034] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1, the sensor 40 according to the first embodiment is provided on the seating surface 31 of the toilet seat 30. However, if the sensor 40 is configured to be directly provided on the surface of the seating surface 31, there is a risk that the measurement accuracy of the blood flow condition will decrease. In detail, the user's weight is applied to the seating surface 31. Therefore, the measurement site of the user will come into contact with the sensor 40 and be compressed, which will deteriorate the blood flow condition at the measurement site, and as a result, there is a risk that the measurement accuracy of the blood flow condition will decrease.

[0035] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the measurement site of the user is configured so as not to come into contact with and be compressed by the sensor 40, so that the state of the user's blood flow can be measured with high accuracy.

[0036] Specifically, the toilet seat device 20 according to the first embodiment is provided with a contact pressure reducing unit 50 that reduces the contact pressure on the measurement site of the user. Note that the contact pressure means, for example, the pressure generated between the user and the sensor 40, in other words, the pressure generated between the measurement site of the user and a member in contact with the measurement site, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] The contact pressure reducing portion 50 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a top view of the toilet seat 30. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4 etc., user A seated on the seating surface 31 of the toilet seat 30 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the measurement site of user A is indicated by the symbol "A1".

[0038] 3 and 4, the contact pressure reducing portion 50 includes an opening 51a formed in the seating surface 31 of the toilet seat 30. For example, the opening 51a is formed by providing a hole in the seating surface 31.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, the sensor 40 includes a main body 41 and a protruding portion 42. A sensor board (not shown) and the like are housed inside the main body 41. The protruding portion 42 is formed to protrude upward from the main body 41. A sensor window 42a that transmits irradiated light and reflected light is provided at the top of the protruding portion 42. That is, the sensor 40 irradiates the irradiated light to the user through the sensor window 42a and receives the reflected light reflected by the user's blood vessels through the sensor window 42a.

[0040] The sensor 40 is provided inside the opening 51a. The sensor 40 is located below the seating surface 31 of the toilet seat 30. More specifically, the sensor 40 is provided such that a sensor window 42a provided at the upper part of the sensor 40 is located a distance B below the seating surface 31 of the toilet seat 30. The distance B can be set to any value.

[0041] In this embodiment, the opening 51a is a cylindrical hole with a constant cross-sectional area formed in the seating surface 31, but is not limited to this. Another example of the opening 51a will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, showing another example of the opening 51a. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening 51a may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the seating surface 31. In this case, the opening 51a can be physically restricted so that the sensor 40 is located below the seating surface 31.

[0042] 3 and 4, as described above, the toilet seat device 20 according to the first embodiment is provided with a contact pressure reducing section 50 that reduces the contact pressure on the measurement site A1 of the user A. This contact pressure reducing section 50 makes it possible to reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40, for example. This makes it possible to prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and as a result, it is possible to accurately measure the blood flow condition of the seated user A.

[0043] Specifically, the contact pressure reducing portion 50 according to the first embodiment is an opening 51a formed in the seating surface 31 of the toilet seat 30. The sensor 40 is provided inside the opening 51a and is located below the seating surface 31.

[0044] By arranging the sensor 40 in this way, it is possible to reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40, specifically, the contact pressure generated between the user A and the sensor window 42a of the sensor 40. Therefore, even with a simple configuration, it is possible to prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and it is possible to accurately measure the blood flow condition of the seated user A.

[0045] Next, the position of the opening 51a where the sensor 40 is provided will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In order to reduce the contact pressure on the measurement site A1 described above, the position of the opening 51a is preferably a position where the load from the seated user A is unlikely to act. An example of a position where the load is unlikely to act is a position away from a portion of the toilet seat 30 that supports the load of the user A, and a position that is likely to deform when the user sits down to release the load. On the other hand, since the sensor 40 is provided in the opening 51a, it is preferable that the opening 51a is as close to the user A as possible.

[0046] Therefore, the opening 51a according to this embodiment is located away from the portion supporting the toilet seat 30, close to the user A, and at a position where the load from the user A is unlikely to act on it.

[0047] Specifically, the toilet seat 30 comprises a first support portion 32a and a second support portion 32b. The first and second support portions 32a and 32b are provided on the underside of the toilet seat 30, in other words, on the surface opposite to the seating surface 31. The first and second support portions 32a and 32b abut against the rim portion 12 (see FIG. 1) of the flush toilet 10 and support the toilet seat 30. The first support portion 32a is provided in multiple portions (two portions) on the front side of the toilet seat 30 when viewed from above. The second support portion 32b is provided on the rear side of the toilet seat 30 when viewed from above, more specifically, in multiple portions (two portions) on the rear side of the first support portion 32a. The positions and numbers of the first and second support portions 32a and 32b are merely examples and are not limited. The first and second support portions 32a and 32b may be integral with the toilet seat 30 or may be separate.

[0048] In this way, the first and second support parts 32a, 32b support the toilet seat 30, and therefore the positions of the first and second support parts 32a, 32b are the points on the toilet seat 30 that support the weight of the user A. In addition, when the user A sits down, the area of ​​the toilet seat 30 between the first support part 32a and the second support part 32b flexes and deforms downward, becoming a position that easily releases the weight.

[0049] The opening 51a is formed in the region C between the first support portion 32a and the second support portion 32b in a top view. Specifically, when the region C is divided into a region Ca on the first support portion 32a side and a region Cb on the second support portion 32b side, the opening 51a is formed in the region Ca on the first support portion 32a side. That is, when comparing the region Ca and the region Cb, the region Ca away from the vicinity of the buttocks, which is the center of gravity of the user A, is a position where the load from the user A is less likely to act, so the opening 51a according to this embodiment is formed in the region Ca on the first support portion 32a side.

[0050] In this way, the opening 51a in which the sensor 40 is provided is formed in the region C between the first support portion 32a and the second support portion 32b in a top view, so that the load from the user A is less likely to act on the opening 51a. In detail, the opening 51a is formed in the region Ca on the first support portion 32a side of the region C between the first support portion 32a and the second support portion 32b, so that the load from the user A is less likely to act on the opening 51a. This reduces the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40, and therefore the blood flow state of the seated user A can be measured more accurately.

[0051] As described above, the toilet seat device 20 according to the first embodiment includes the toilet seat 30, the sensor 40, and the contact pressure reduction unit 50. The toilet seat 30 has a seating surface 31 on which the user A sits. The sensor 40 is configured to be able to measure the blood flow state at the measurement site A1 of the user A when the user A is seated on the toilet seat 30. The contact pressure reduction unit 50 reduces the contact pressure of the user A at the measurement site A1. This makes it possible to accurately measure the blood flow state of the seated user A.

[0052] (Modification of the first embodiment) Next, a toilet seat device 20 according to a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 4, showing a toilet seat device 20 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Note that, hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, in the modified example of the first embodiment, an inclined surface 51b is formed at the upper part of the opening 51a. The inclined surface 51b is formed along the circumferential direction at the upper part of the opening 51a. The inclined surface 51b is formed so as to be inclined downward from the seating surface 31. In other words, the upper part of the opening 51a is configured so as to have a smaller diameter downward. In other words, the upper part of the opening 51a is configured so as to have a larger diameter upward. That is, by providing the inclined surface 51b, the opening 51a is formed so as to have a shape that is smoothly recessed from the seating surface 31.

[0054] Thus, in the modified example of the first embodiment, the opening 51a, which is the contact pressure reducing portion 50, is formed into a smoothly recessed shape with an inclined surface 51b at the top. This makes it possible to further reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40, for example. This makes it possible to further prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and as a result, it is possible to more accurately measure the blood flow condition of the seated user A.

[0055] Second embodiment Next, a toilet seat device 20 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a top view of the toilet seat 30 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7.

[0056] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the toilet seat apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment, the toilet seat 30 includes a first inclined portion 33. The first inclined portion 33 is formed near the front of the toilet seat 30, in other words, it is formed at the front end of the toilet seat 30. More specifically, the first inclined portion 33 is formed at a position on the toilet seat 30 that corresponds to between the legs of a user A. The first inclined portion 33 is one example of an inclined portion.

[0057] 8, the first inclined portion 33 has a mountain shape protruding upward from the seating surface 31 in a front view. The first inclined portion 33 has an inclined surface 33a. The inclination angle α1 of the inclined surface 33a of the first inclined portion 33 with respect to the horizontal direction (left-right direction (X-axis direction)) is set to be, for example, preferably 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50°.

[0058] The contact pressure reducing portion 50 includes an opening 51c formed in the first inclined portion 33 of the toilet seat 30. For example, the opening 51c is formed by providing a hole in the first inclined portion 33. The sensor 40 is provided inside the opening 51c. The sensor 40 is located below the inclined surface 33a of the first inclined portion 33, in other words, the sensor window 42a is located below the inclined surface 33a. In the above, the sensor 40 is located below the inclined surface 33a of the first inclined portion 33, but this is not limited to this. That is, the sensor 40 may be provided such that the sensor window 42a is in the same plane as the inclined surface 33a.

[0059] In this way, in the second embodiment, the sensor 40 is provided at the opening 51c of the first inclined portion 33, which is the contact pressure reducing portion 50, so that it is possible to reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40, for example. In detail, the pressure generated between the measurement site A1 of the user A and the sensor 40 can be reduced to a load F1 in the normal direction of the inclined surface 33a, compared to a load F in the vertical direction of the user A. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the blood flow state at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and it is possible to more accurately measure the blood flow state of the seated user A.

[0060] Third embodiment Next, a toilet seat device 20 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a top view of the toilet seat 30 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 9.

[0061] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the toilet seat device 20 according to the third embodiment, the toilet seat 30 includes a second inclined portion 34. The second inclined portion 34 is formed near the left-right side of the toilet seat 30, in other words, formed on the left and right ends of the toilet seat 30. More specifically, the second inclined portion 34 is formed in a position on the toilet seat 30 that corresponds to the outer side of the buttocks or thighs of the user A. The second inclined portion 34 is one example of an inclined portion.

[0062] 10, the second inclined portion 34 is shaped to be inclined upward from the seating surface 31 toward the lateral end (here, the left end) in a front view. The second inclined portion 34 has an inclined surface 34a. The inclination angle α2 of the inclined surface 34a of the second inclined portion 34 with respect to the horizontal direction (left-right direction (X-axis direction)) is set to be, for example, preferably 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50°.

[0063] The contact pressure reducing portion 50 includes an opening 51d formed in the second inclined portion 34 of the toilet seat 30. For example, the opening 51d is formed by providing a hole in the second inclined portion 34. The sensor 40 is provided inside the opening 51d. The sensor 40 is located below the inclined surface 34a of the second inclined portion 34, in other words, the sensor window 42a is located below the inclined surface 34a. Note that, although the sensor 40 is located below the inclined surface 34a of the second inclined portion 34 in the above description, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the sensor 40 may be provided such that the sensor window 42a is in the same plane as the inclined surface 34a, for example.

[0064] In this way, in the third embodiment, the sensor 40 is provided at the opening 51d of the second inclined portion 34, which is the contact pressure reducing portion 50, so that it is possible to reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40, for example. In detail, the pressure generated between the measurement site A1 of the user A and the sensor 40 can be reduced from a load F in the vertical direction of the user A to a load F2 in the normal direction of the inclined surface 34a. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the blood flow state at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and it is possible to more accurately measure the blood flow state of the seated user A.

[0065] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a toilet seat device 20 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is a top view of a toilet seat 30 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11.

[0066] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the toilet seat apparatus 20 according to the fourth embodiment, the toilet seat 30 includes a third inclined portion 35. The third inclined portion 35 is formed near the rear of the toilet seat 30, in other words, it is formed at the rear end of the toilet seat 30. More specifically, the third inclined portion 35 is formed at a position on the toilet seat 30 that corresponds to the rear of the buttocks of a user A. The third inclined portion 35 is one example of an inclined portion.

[0067] 12, the third inclined portion 35 is shaped to be inclined upward from the seating surface 31 toward the rear end in a side view. The third inclined portion 35 has an inclined surface 35a. The inclination angle α3 of the inclined surface 35a of the third inclined portion 35 with respect to the horizontal direction (front-rear direction (Y-axis direction)) is set to be, for example, preferably 30° to 60°, and more preferably 40° to 50°.

[0068] The contact pressure reducing portion 50 includes an opening 51e formed in the third inclined portion 35 of the toilet seat 30. For example, the opening 51e is formed by providing a hole in the third inclined portion 35. The sensor 40 is provided inside the opening 51e. The sensor 40 is located below the inclined surface 35a of the third inclined portion 35, in other words, the sensor window 42a is located below the inclined surface 35a. In the above, the sensor 40 is located below the inclined surface 35a of the third inclined portion 35, but this is not limited to this. That is, the sensor 40 may be provided such that the sensor window 42a is in the same plane as the inclined surface 35a.

[0069] In this way, in the fourth embodiment, the sensor 40 is provided at the opening 51e of the third inclined portion 35, which is the contact pressure reducing portion 50, so that it is possible to reduce the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40, for example. In detail, it is possible to reduce the pressure generated between the measurement site A1 of the user A and the sensor 40 to a load F3 in the normal direction of the inclined surface 35a, compared to a load F in the vertical direction of the user A. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the blood flow state at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and it is possible to more accurately measure the blood flow state of the seated user A.

[0070] Fifth embodiment Next, a toilet seat device 20 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is a top view of the toilet seat device 20 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13.

[0071] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the toilet seat apparatus 20 according to the fifth embodiment includes a first arm 52a. The first arm 52a is provided on the side of the toilet seat 30, and functions as a contact pressure reduction unit 50. For example, the first arm 52a is provided at a position corresponding to the outer side (here, the left side) of the buttocks or thigh of the user A. The first arm 52a is one example of an arm.

[0072] The position of the first arm 52a shown in Fig. 13 etc. is a measurement position where the blood flow state is measured. The first arm 52a may be of a movable type that moves relative to the toilet seat 30, or of a fixed type that does not move. If the first arm 52a is of a movable type, the first arm 52a may be configured to automatically move to the measurement position when, for example, the user A is detected to be seated.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 14, an opening 52a2 is formed in the surface 52a1 of the first arm 52a on the user A side. For example, the opening 52a2 is formed by providing a hole in the first arm 52a. The sensor 40 is provided inside the opening 52a2. The sensor 40 is located so as to be recessed from the surface 52a1 of the first arm 52a on the user A side, in other words, the sensor window 42a is provided at a position recessed from the surface 52a1 of the user A side. Note that, in the above, the sensor 40 is located so as to be recessed from the surface 52a1 of the first arm 52a on the user A side, but this is not limited thereto. That is, the sensor 40 may be provided so that the sensor window 42a is in the same plane as the surface 52a1 of the user A side.

[0074] In this manner, in the fifth embodiment, the sensor 40 is attached to the first arm 52a. The first arm 52a according to the fifth embodiment is configured so that the measurement site A1 measured by the sensor 40 is a site A3 other than the site A2 that contacts the toilet seat 30 when the user A is seated, as shown in Fig. 14 .

[0075] In this way, since the sensor 40 is attached to the first arm 52a different from the toilet seat 30, the measurement site A1 is less likely to be compressed by sitting, and it is possible to reduce, for example, the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40. As a result, it is possible to prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and it is possible to accurately measure the blood flow condition of the user A who is seated.

[0076] Sixth embodiment Next, a toilet seat device 20 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 is a top view of the toilet seat device 20 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in Fig. 15.

[0077] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the toilet seat apparatus 20 according to the sixth embodiment includes a second arm 52b. The second arm 52b is provided on the side of the toilet seat 30, and functions as a contact pressure reduction unit 50. For example, the second arm 52b is provided at a position corresponding to the outer side (here, the left side) of the buttocks or thighs of the user A, and above the buttocks or thighs. The second arm 52b is one example of an arm.

[0078] Specifically, the second arm 52b is formed so as to have an inverted L shape or a substantially inverted L shape when viewed from the front. More specifically, the second arm 52b includes a side wall portion 52b1 standing upward from near the side of the toilet seat 30, and an upper wall portion 52b2 extending from the upper end of the side wall portion 52b1 toward the user A side.

[0079] The position of the second arm 52b shown in Fig. 14 etc. is a measurement position where the blood flow state is measured. The second arm 52b is movable relative to the toilet seat 30 (see arrow E). The second arm 52b may be configured so that, for example, when it is detected that the user A is seated, the second arm 52b automatically moves to the measurement position.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 16, an opening 52b4 is formed in the surface 52b3 on the user A side of the second arm 52b (specifically, the lower surface of the upper wall portion 52b2). For example, a hole is provided in the second arm 52b to form the opening 52b4. The sensor 40 is provided inside the opening 52b4. The sensor 40 is located so as to be recessed from the surface 52b3 on the user A side of the second arm 52b, in other words, the sensor window 42a is provided at a position recessed from the surface 52b3 on the user A side. Note that, in the above, the sensor 40 is located so as to be recessed from the surface 52b3 on the user A side of the second arm 52b, but is not limited thereto. That is, the sensor 40 may be provided so that the sensor window 42a is in the same plane as the surface 52b3 on the user A side.

[0081] In this manner, in the sixth embodiment, the sensor 40 is attached to the second arm 52b. The second arm 52b according to the sixth embodiment is configured so that the measurement site A1 measured by the sensor 40 is a site A4 other than the site A2 that contacts the toilet seat 30 when the user A is seated, as shown in Fig. 16 .

[0082] In this way, since the sensor 40 is attached to the second arm 52b different from the toilet seat 30, the measurement site A1 is less likely to be compressed by sitting, and it is possible to reduce, for example, the pressure (contact pressure) generated between the user A and the sensor 40. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the blood flow condition at the measurement site A1 from deteriorating, and it is possible to accurately measure the blood flow condition of the user A who is seated.

[0083] The above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. For example, when there are multiple sensors 40, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined.

[0084] <Additional Notes> (1) A toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits; a sensor capable of measuring a blood flow state at a measurement site of the user while the user is seated on the toilet seat; a contact pressure reducing unit that reduces the contact pressure of the user against the measurement site; A toilet seat device comprising: (2) The contact pressure reducing portion is an opening formed in the seating surface of the toilet seat; The sensor includes: A toilet seat is provided inside the opening and is located below the seating surface of the toilet seat. A toilet seat device as described in (1). (3) The contact pressure reducing portion is an opening formed in a sloped portion of the toilet seat; The sensor includes: Provided inside the opening, A toilet seat device as described in (1) or (2). (4) The contact pressure reducing portion is an arm having the sensor attached thereto; The arm is The measurement site measured by the sensor is configured to be a site other than the site of the user that comes into contact with the toilet seat when sitting on the toilet. A toilet seat device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) The contact pressure reducing portion is an opening formed on the seating surface of the toilet seat and having the sensor provided therein; The opening is When viewed from above, the seat cushion is formed in an area between a first support portion that is provided on the underside of the toilet seat and supports the toilet seat, and a second support portion that is provided on the underside of the toilet seat rearward of the first support portion and supports the toilet seat. A toilet seat device according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The opening is The insulating layer is formed in a region between the first support portion and the second support portion on the first support portion side. (5) A toilet seat device as described in (5).

[0085] 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]

[0086] 20 Toilet seat device 30 Toilet Seat 40 Sensors 50 Contact pressure reduction section

Claims

1. A toilet seat having a seating surface on which a user sits; a sensor capable of measuring a blood flow state at a measurement site of the user while the user is seated on the toilet seat; a contact pressure reducing unit that reduces the contact pressure of the user against the measurement site; A toilet seat device comprising:

2. The contact pressure reducing portion is an opening formed in the seating surface of the toilet seat; The sensor includes: A toilet seat is provided inside the opening and is located below the seating surface of the toilet seat.

2. A toilet seat apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

3. The contact pressure reducing portion is an opening formed in a sloped portion of the toilet seat; The sensor includes: Provided inside the opening, 2. A toilet seat apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

4. The contact pressure reducing portion is an arm having the sensor attached thereto; The arm is The measurement site measured by the sensor is configured to be a site other than the site of the user that comes into contact with the toilet seat when sitting on the toilet.

2. A toilet seat apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

5. The contact pressure reducing portion is an opening formed on the seating surface of the toilet seat and having the sensor provided therein; The opening is When viewed from above, the seat cushion is formed in an area between a first support portion that is provided on the underside of the toilet seat and supports the toilet seat, and a second support portion that is provided on the underside of the toilet seat rearward of the first support portion and supports the toilet seat.

2. A toilet seat apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

6. The opening is The insulating layer is formed in a region between the first support portion and the second support portion on the first support portion side.

6. A toilet seat arrangement as claimed in claim 5.

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