Door opening / closing operation unit for toilet, automatic door system for toilet, and operation guide method

Abstract

To provide a door opening / closing operation unit for a toilet having a non-contact operation part such as a non-contact sensor which can be used by a user with ease, an automatic door system for the toilet, and an operation guide method.SOLUTION: A door opening / closing operation unit for the toilet comprises: one non-contact operation part that serves both for opening and for closing a door; a lighting part, and a sound generation part. When the non-contact operation part is in a state that receives either an opening or a closing operation, the lighting part is lighted or blinked. When a non-contact operation receivable by the non-contact operation part, of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, is detected, the lighting state of the lighted or blinking lighting part is changed, and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generation part to notify that the non-contact operation for opening / closing has been detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet door opening and closing operation unit, an automatic toilet door system, and an operation guidance method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A toilet door opening / closing switch and an automatic toilet door system are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In detail, Patent Document 1 discloses a door opening / closing switch for a multi-function toilet, in which a tactile symbol is formed on the surface of a push button, allowing a visually impaired person to easily identify whether the push button is for opening or closing by touching the tactile symbol with their finger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-100095 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the toilet door opening / closing switch described in Patent Document 1 does not meet the demand for avoiding touching the button with fingers from a hygienic standpoint. In detail, all conventional multi-purpose toilet door opening and closing operations use push button switches, and from a hygienic point of view, the best that can be done is to apply an antibacterial coating to the surface of the push button switches, etc. If hygienic considerations are taken into account, there is an option to use a non-contact sensor (switch) instead of a push button switch, but a non-contact sensor has the disadvantage that it is difficult to tell that it has been operated. Furthermore, the door operating unit of a multi-function toilet has buttons that are in a state where they can accept operation and buttons that are in a state where they cannot accept operation, depending on the usage status of the toilet, etc., so for example, when the door does not move even when the hand is brought close to the non-contact operating unit, it is difficult to distinguish whether the operation is not being accepted in the first place, whether the operation was not accepted because the hand was not close enough, or whether it is because the door was simply taking a long time to actually move after the operation was accepted, which can cause anxiety for the user.As a result, non-contact sensors have never actually been used in the operating unit of a multi-function toilet. In consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances and the recent infection situation of the new coronavirus, the present invention aims to provide a toilet door opening and closing operation unit, a door opening and closing operation unit, an automatic toilet door system, an automatic door system, and an operation guidance method that are equipped with a non-contact operation unit such as a non-contact sensor and can be used safely by users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The toilet door opening / closing operation unit of the present invention has a single non-contact operation unit that can be used for both opening and closing, a lighting unit, and a sound generating unit, and when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either an opening or closing operation, it turns on or blinks the lighting unit, and when it detects a non-contact operation that the non-contact operation unit can accept, out of the non-contact operations for opening or closing, it changes the lighting state of the lighting unit that is lit or blinking, and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation for opening or closing has been detected. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet door opening / closing operation unit, a door opening / closing operation unit, an automatic door system for a toilet, an automatic door system, and an operation guidance method that adopt non-contact operation from a hygienic standpoint to increase safety and convenience for users, and that can be used easily and safely. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic plan view of a toilet equipped with an automatic door system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an overview of an automatic toilet door system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a main part of a toilet door opening / closing operation unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the automatic toilet door system of the embodiment 1. (a) is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system of the embodiment 1. (b) is a diagram for explaining a modified example. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic toilet door system of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the automatic toilet door system of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a toilet door opening / closing operation unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) of Example 2. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of an outdoor operation unit, and (c) and (d) are diagrams showing an example of an indoor operation unit. [Figure 8] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the automatic toilet door system of the embodiment 2. (a) is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system. (b) is a diagram for explaining a modified example. [Figure 9] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a toilet door opening / closing operation unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) of Example 3. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of an outdoor operation unit, and (c) and (d) are diagrams showing an example of an indoor operation unit. [Figure 10] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the automatic toilet door system of the embodiment 3. (a) is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system. (b) is a diagram for explaining a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch) of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an office in a building in which the door opening / closing switch of the fourth embodiment is used. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An outline of an embodiment of an automatic toilet door system of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. Example 1 In the toilet 21, a sliding door 22 is arranged in an opening 21a so as to be able to be opened and closed freely, and a drive unit 23 equipped with a motor (not shown), a door position detector that detects the position of the door by the output of a hall element of the motor or an encoder, etc., a power transmission mechanism such as a timing belt, and a drive controller 24 that drives the drive operation of the drive unit 23 by an appropriate output signal are arranged within the upper part of the opening 21a. An electric lock 25 is connected to the drive controller 24 via an electric lock controller 26, and the door 22 is locked or unlocked in a timely manner in response to the opening and closing of the door 22. The toilet 21 is equipped with a toilet bowl 21b and a washstand 21c, an emergency call switch 34 near the toilet bowl 21b, and other equipment such as room lights and a ventilation fan (not shown) are appropriately installed. Although detailed explanations are omitted, the turning on and off of the room lights and the operation and stopping of the ventilation fan are controlled in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door, improving convenience for users and realizing energy conservation.

[0009] In addition, a toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (also referred to as exterior operation unit 1) is disposed on the exterior side of the toilet 21, and a toilet interior door opening / closing switch (also referred to as interior operation unit 2) is disposed on the interior side. The toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2) have approximately the same appearance, are collectively referred to as toilet door opening / closing switches, and each includes a non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, a non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and a status display unit. Note that since the contents displayed on the status display unit differ between the exterior operation unit 1 and the interior operation unit 2, the status display unit of the exterior operation unit will be referred to as 5A, and the status display unit of the interior operation unit will be referred to as 5B, as necessary.

[0010] The toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2) are connected to the drive controller 24 via an operation guide controller 27 that controls their operation, and are linked to the opening and closing operation of the door 22. That is, when an open signal or a close signal is transmitted by non-contact operation of the opening non-contact operation unit 3 and the closing non-contact operation unit 4 of the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2), the drive controller 24 controls the drive device 23 to open or close the door 22.

[0011] Inside both non-contact operation units 3, 4, non-contact operation detection units (non-contact sensors) 6a, 6b for opening and closing are disposed.

[0012] As the non-contact operation detection units (non-contact sensors) 6a, 6b for opening and closing, in detail, non-contact operation switches such as those using a near-infrared distance-limited reflection method, a microwave method (microwave Doppler radar), a laser light TOF (Time of Flight) distance measurement method, etc. can be used. For example, the laser beam TOF distance measurement method measures distance based on the time it takes for an emitted photon to be reflected, and can perform accurate distance measurement that is not affected by the surface characteristics of the target object.

[0013] Furthermore, the toilet exterior door open / close switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door open / close switch (interior operation unit 2) each include a lighting unit, a sound generating unit, etc. Operation guidance controller 27 controls the lighting unit to light, blink, change the lighting color, or turn off, or to generate a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit, depending on the usage status of the toilet, a state in which operation is accepted, a state in which operation is not accepted, detection of non-contact operation, etc. In detail, the operation guide controller 27, for example, lights or blinks the illuminated portion of a non-contact operation unit that is in a state where it can accept an operation, and turns off the illuminated portion of a non-contact operation unit that cannot accept an operation. Furthermore, when the non-contact operation unit, which is in a state where it can accept an operation, detects a non-contact operation, the operation guide controller 27 changes the lighting state of the lighting unit and controls the sound generation unit to generate a predetermined sound. That is, depending on the usage status of the toilet, there are non-contact operation units that are in a state where they can accept an operation (a state where they can accept an operation) and non-contact operation units that cannot accept an operation. The operation guidance controller 27 controls the non-contact operation unit so that the lighting section corresponding to the non-contact operation unit is turned off when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it cannot accept operations (a state where operation cannot be accepted), thereby notifying the user that the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it cannot accept operations. In addition, when a non-contact operation unit is in a state in which it can accept operation (a state in which it can accept operation), the operation guidance controller 27 controls the lighting unit corresponding to the non-contact operation unit to light up or blink, thereby notifying the user that the non-contact operation unit is in a state in which it can accept operation. In addition, when a non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting state of the lighting unit corresponding to the non-contact operation unit and controls the sound generating unit to generate a predetermined sound, thereby notifying the user that a non-contact operation on the non-contact operation unit has been detected. Examples of changing the lighting mode (changing the lighting state) of the lighting unit when a non-contact operation is detected include changing the lighting color of the lighting unit, changing from continuous lighting to blinking, changing from blinking to continuous lighting, and changing from continuous lighting to blinking and changing the lighting color at the same time. For example, by using R (red light), G (green light), and B (blue light) light-emitting units for the lighting unit, making the lighting color of the opening lighting unit blue and the lighting color of the closing lighting unit red, and changing both the opening lighting unit and the closing lighting unit to green when a non-contact operation is detected, it becomes easier to intuitively recognize whether the possible non-contact operation is an opening operation or a closing operation, and it becomes easier for the user to recognize the change in the lighting mode (in this case, the change in the lighting color) that indicates that a non-contact operation has been accepted. Note that the selection of colors is not limited to this and may be changed to any color, but it is preferable that at least the detection of a non-contact operation is recognized by many users by changing the lighting mode of each lighting unit. As described above, a toilet door opening and closing operation unit can be provided that can reliably notify a user whether or not the non-contact operation unit is in a state to accept operation, and whether or not a non-contact operation has been detected for a non-contact operation unit that is capable of accepting operation. It is also preferable that when a non-contact operation is detected, a detection sound is generated at the same time as the lighting mode of the lighting portion is changed. In addition, the operator can intuitively know that a non-contact operation has been detected both visually and audibly, allowing the operator to operate the device comfortably and with peace of mind. In addition, visually impaired people can confirm that non-contact operation has been detected by a detection sound, while hearing impaired people can confirm that non-contact operation has been detected by a change in lighting mode. The toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2) may be arranged with each non-contact operation unit horizontally as shown in Figure 1, or vertically as shown in Figure 2.

[0014] 2, the voice guidance device 28 is composed of a speaker 29, a memory unit (ROM) 30 in which desired guidance messages are recorded in advance and registered as files (voice data), and a voice controller 31 that appropriately selects a predetermined message from the memory unit 30 and outputs it to the speaker 29. The voice controller 31 is connected to an operation guidance controller 27 that controls the lighting state of the lighting units corresponding to the non-contact operation unit for opening 3 and the non-contact operation unit for closing 4, and causes the speaker 29 to issue a guidance message to the user in response to the operation of each of the non-contact operation units, such as the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2).

[0015] In addition, an outdoor proximity sensor 32 that detects a user without contact is provided inside or around the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) outside the toilet 21, and the proximity sensor 32 is connected to the voice controller 31 via the operation guide controller 27. As a result, when the proximity sensor 32 detects a user approaching the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1), the voice controller 31 issues a predetermined voice message from the speaker 29. The outdoor proximity sensor 32 may be a capacitance type sensor, but an optical sensor for activation that is used in normal automatic doors and can detect the position of a pedestrian by dividing the detection area may also be used. This makes it possible to distinguish between when a pedestrian approaches the door 22 and when they approach the toilet outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1), allowing a more optimal voice message to be issued. Also, an indoor proximity sensor 33 that detects users without contact may be placed inside or around the indoor door open / close switch (indoor operation unit 2) inside the toilet 21. This allows the voice message to be issued to users in the toilet at a more optimal timing.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, speakers 29A and 29B may be disposed inside or near the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2), but one speaker may also be attached inside the blind above the opening 21a of the toilet 21 so that the guidance message can be heard both inside and outside the toilet. The memory unit 30 also stores pre-recorded guidance messages in multiple languages ​​for each type of voice, based on the open / closed state of the door 22, the operation status of the non-contact operation unit of the toilet door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2), the purpose of the guidance, etc., and these messages are registered as files.

[0017] Guidance messages are registered in the memory unit 30 in multiple languages ​​depending on the situation, and the voice controller 31 cooperates with the operation guidance controller 27 to select from the memory unit 30 a guidance message according to the open / closed state of the door 22, the operation status of the non-contact operation unit of the toilet door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2) and the emergency call switch 34, the detection status of the proximity sensors 32, 33, etc., and causes the selected guidance message to be spoken from the speakers (29A, 29B).

[0018] Next, the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) of the present invention will be described as an example with reference to Fig. 3. The toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2) also has the same structure, and both are collectively referred to as the toilet door opening / closing switch. In Fig. 3(a), the non-contact operation unit for opening 3 and the non-contact operation unit for closing 4 are disposed with the outdoor status display unit 5A in between. A thin frame is disposed around the outer periphery of the toilet indoor door open / close switch so as to completely surround it, and the two non-contact operation units 3, 4 are disposed above and below the frame.

[0019] An opening operation display unit 8a is formed near the center of the opening non-contact operation unit 3, and a closing operation display unit 8b is formed near the center of the closing non-contact operation unit 4. The symbols on the opening operation display unit 8a and the closing operation display unit 8b for distinguishing between opening and closing are not limited to these, and may be, for example, a combination of two whole arrows with shafts, or a symbol combining two isosceles triangles or the like that is commonly used for elevator door opening / closing switches.

[0020] The non-contact operation unit for opening 3 and the non-contact operation unit for closing 4 are each formed with a relatively large circular lighting portion. The opening lighting section 7a is formed around the opening operation display section 8a so as to surround the opening operation display section 8a of the opening non-contact operation section 3. The closing lighting portion 7b is formed around the closing operation display portion 8b so as to surround the closing operation display portion 8b of the closing non-contact operation portion 4.

[0021] In FIG. 3, both lighting portions 7a, 7b are formed in a circular shape, but this is not limited to this and they may be formed in an elliptical, oval, rounded rectangle, or other shape to match the shapes of the non-contact operation portions 3, 4 and the operation display portions 8a, 8b.

[0022] The non-contact operation units 3 and 4 for opening and closing are provided above and below the indoor and outdoor toilet door opening and closing switches 1 and 2, respectively. The lighting units are formed in a circular shape, and when a non-contact operation is accepted, the lighting color of the lighting unit for opening is blue, and the lighting color of the lighting unit for closing is red. When a non-contact operation is detected, the lighting color is controlled to change to green, for example. The printed color of the arrowhead-shaped symbols 8a, 8b (operation display unit) indicating opening and closing printed on the inner surface of the circular lighting parts 7a, 7b provided on the non-contact operation units 3, 4 for opening and closing may be made similar to the lighting color of the lighting parts 7a, 7b. For example, if the lighting color of the lighting part 7a when accepting non-contact operation is blue, the printing color of the symbol indicating "open" is also blue or a blue-based color, making it easier for users to imagine that the door will open when they bring their hand close to the non-contact operation unit 3 having the lighting part 7a that glows blue, making it easier to use. Similarly, if the lighting part 7b when accepting non-contact operation is red, the printing color of the symbol indicating "close" is also red or a red-based color, making it easier for users to imagine that the door will close when they bring their hand close to the non-contact operation unit 4 having the lighting part 7b that glows red, making it easier to use. The circular opening and closing lighting parts 7a, 7b light up (emit) LEDs or the like (not shown) arranged inside the non-contact operation parts 3, 4, and transmit the light from the LEDs to light up. The surface parts of the non-contact operation parts 3, 4 are composed of lighting parts that transmit light and non-lighting parts that do not transmit light, but the method of realizing this is not limited. For example, the entire part may be made of a light-transmitting resin, and only the non-lighting parts may be painted or printed to prevent light from passing through, or the non-lighting parts may be made of a non-light-transmitting resin, and a light-transmitting resin may be attached to the lighting parts.

[0023] The arrowhead-shaped symbols 8a, 8b (operation display unit) may not be formed by printing or the like, but may be configured to transmit light from an internal LED or the like, similar to the circular lighting unit, and used as the lighting unit. In this way, by providing lighting sections of different shapes on the non-contact operation unit for opening 3 and the non-contact operation unit for closing 4, and lighting only the lighting section of the non-contact operation unit that can be operated depending on the situation, the shapes of the lighting sections that allow easy and intuitive visual identification of whether they are for opening or closing are displayed with high contrast, making it even easier for people with low vision (people with socially impaired vision) to operate them.

[0024] Next, the status display units of the toilet exterior door open / close switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door open / close switch (interior operation unit 2) will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are diagrams for explaining the display of the toilet exterior door open / close switch (exterior operation unit 1). FIG. 3(a) shows a state in which the toilet is in use and the door is closed. The characters "in use" are lit on the exterior status display unit 5A to indicate that the toilet is in use, and since the non-contact operation units 3 and 4 for opening and closing cannot be operated at this time, the lighted units 7a and 7b on both non-contact operation units 3 and 4 are both off. FIG. 3(b) shows a state in which the toilet door is closed but is vacant and usable. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening can be operated to open the door, so the lighted unit 7a on the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening is lit, while the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing cannot be operated, so the lighted unit 7b for closing on the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing is off. In this way, with the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) of the present invention, when the toilet is vacant and available for use, the word "in use" on the status display unit 5A is turned off, and the user can operate the lit non-contact opening operation unit 3 to open the door and use the toilet.

[0025] 3(c) and 3(d) are diagrams for explaining the display of the toilet indoor door open / close switch (indoor operation unit 2). In FIG. 3(c), the electric lock 25 of the door 22 is in a locked state, and the characters "locked" are lit on the status display unit 5B, indicating that the door 22 is locked. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening can be operated to unlock the electric lock 25 and open the door 22, so the lighted part 7a on the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening is lit, while the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing cannot be operated, so the lighted part 7b for closing on the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing is off. FIG. 3(d) shows the state before the toilet user enters the toilet and closes the door. Since the door is in an open state, the characters "locked" on the status display unit 5B are off, indicating that the toilet is not locked. At this time, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening cannot be operated to open the door (the door is already open), so the lighted part 7a on the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening is off. Meanwhile, the door can be closed and locked by operating the non-contact closing operation unit 4, so the closing lighting section 7b on the non-contact closing operation unit 4 is lit. In this way, with the toilet indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) of the present invention, the closing lighting section 7b on the non-contact closing operation unit 4 is lit before the door is closed, so the user can close and lock the door by operating the lit non-contact closing operation unit 4 without hesitation, and when the door is locked, the words "locked" are lit on the indoor status display 5B, so the user can use the toilet with peace of mind.

[0026] Next, the operation of the automatic toilet door system and the voice guidance method will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. In the initial state, the door is closed. The control of the operation guide controller 27 will be described below. The drive controller 24 controls the drive device 23 of the door 22 and the drive of the electric lock 25 by the electric lock controller 26 as appropriate. In FIG. 4(a), first, it is determined whether the toilet 21 is in use (STEP 1), and if the toilet 21 is in use, the operation guide controller 27 turns off the opening light 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1, turns off the outdoor closing light 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1, turns off the indoor closing light 7b of the indoor operation unit 2, turns on the opening light 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, lights up the characters "in use" on the outdoor status display unit 5A of the outdoor operation unit 1, and lights up the characters "locked" on the indoor status display unit 5B of the indoor operation unit 2 (STEP 2). In other words, the non-contact operation units with their lighting units turned off do not accept operations, and only the non-contact operation units with their lighting units turned on accept operations. For example, in STEP 2, when the toilet is in use, the outdoor non-contact operation units for opening and closing do not accept operations. Then, it is determined whether or not a user approaches the vicinity of the toilet exterior door open / close switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the exterior proximity sensor 32 is turned ON (STEP 3A), and if the proximity sensor is ON, a message is issued to inform the user that the toilet is in use, for example, voice (1) "The toilet is in use" (STEP 4). In an automatic door system for a toilet, for example, a visually impaired person can be notified that the toilet is in use before they search for and operate the opening non-contact operation unit 3, greatly reducing the burden on them. In the above example, a voice message is issued when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects the approach of a user while the toilet is in use. However, a voice message informing the user that the toilet is in use may be repeatedly issued at a predetermined time interval when the toilet is in use, regardless of the outdoor proximity sensor 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(b), when the toilet is in use and a non-contact operation is detected by the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for opening of the outdoor operation unit 1 (STEP 3B), a voice message informing the user that the toilet is in use may be issued (STEP 4). In addition to issuing a voice message, in STEP 4, the operation guidance controller 27 may also control the outdoor status display unit 5A of the outdoor operation unit 1 to flash the display "in use" for a predetermined period of time. This visually emphasizes that the toilet is in use, making it easier for the user to understand that the toilet is in use even if the user is hearing impaired and cannot hear the voice message. In addition, in places where people other than toilet users pass by near the toilet exterior door open / close switch, a voice message informing the user that the toilet is in use may be issued when the detection continues for a predetermined period of time after the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects a user. This makes it possible to notify only those who really want to use the toilet that the toilet is in use, thereby suppressing unnecessary voice output.

[0027] Furthermore, if the result of determining in STEP 1 whether the toilet 21 is in use is that the toilet 21 is vacant, the opening lighting section 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 is turned on and the closing lighting section 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 is turned off (STEP 5). In STEP 5, the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening with the lighting portion 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 lit will accept operation, but the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing with the lighting portion 7b turned off will not accept operation. This makes it less likely that an erroneous operation by the user will occur, and even if the user erroneously brings their hand close to the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing with the lighting portion 7b turned off, no problem will occur because the operation will not be accepted. In STEP 5, since the door is closed, the indoor operating unit 2 may turn on the opening light 7a and turn off the closing light 7b, or since the toilet is not in use and there is no one in the toilet, both the opening and closing lights may be turned off to save energy. Then, it is determined whether the user approaches the vicinity of the toilet exterior door open / close switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the exterior proximity sensor 32 is turned ON (STEP 6), and if the proximity sensor 32 is turned ON, a guidance message to encourage the user to operate the non-contact opening operation unit 3 of the exterior operation unit 1 is issued, for example, voice (2) "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button on the upper side and the door will open" (STEP 7). In the example of the voice (2) above, the automatic toilet door system of the present invention can inform the user of the characteristics (illuminated), position and direction (upper side) of the button to be operated, thereby reducing the burden on visually impaired people, including those with low vision. The types of non-contact sensors that may be arranged inside the non-contact operating unit include, for example, a system that detects the movement of a person's hand (changes in the distance between the non-contact sensor and the hand) and a system that detects the position of the hand (distance between the non-contact sensor and the hand). When using a non-contact sensor that detects hand movements, it is preferable to select a voice message for operation instructions that matches the characteristics of the non-contact sensor, such as a message that uses expressions that make it easy to visualize the hand movements, for example, "Place your hand near the illuminated button on the top and the door will open." When using a non-contact sensor that detects the hand position, it is preferable to select a voice message that uses expressions that make it easy to visualize the resting position of the hand, for example, "Place your hand near the illuminated button on the top and the door will open." It is also possible to repeatedly voice the operation guidance message (voice (2)) of STEP 7 saying "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button and the door will open" at a specified interval without providing the outdoor proximity sensor 32. When the voice (2) which is the guidance message encouraging the operation of the opening non-contact operation unit 3 is voiced (STEP 7) and the opening non-contact operation detection unit 6a of the outdoor operation unit 1 detects the non-contact operation and turns ON (STEP 8), the lighting mode of the opening lighting unit 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 is changed (changing the lighting color, blinking, changing the blinking interval, or a combination thereof, etc.), and the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 9A generates a detection sound (STEP 9). In addition, if the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for opening of the outdoor operation unit 1 cannot detect a non-contact operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 8 after the operation guidance message (audio (2)) has been spoken in STEP 7, the operation guidance message is spoken again since it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method. Then, as a guidance message to call attention, for example, voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful" is issued by the voice guidance device 28 (STEP 10), and the door 22 opens (STEP 11).

[0028] In Fig. 5, after the door is opened (STEP 11), a guidance message to encourage the person to move into the toilet is issued, for example, voice (4) "The door is open. Please enter through the door on the front right" (STEP 12). The automatic toilet door system of the present invention can inform the position and direction of the open door 22 in the example of voice (4), thereby reducing the burden on visually impaired people. Then, in STEP 13, the operation guidance controller 27 turns on the closing lighting section 7b of the indoor operation unit 2 while turning off the opening lighting section 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, turns off the opening lighting section 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1, and turns on the closing lighting section 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 (STEP 13). The user then moves into the toilet, and when the user approaches the toilet indoor door open / close switch (indoor operation unit 2), it is determined whether the indoor proximity sensor 33 has been turned ON (STEP 14), and if the proximity sensor 33 is ON, a guidance message urging the user to operate the non-contact closing operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2 is issued by the voice guidance device 28 (STEP 15), such as voice (5) "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button on the bottom to close the door" or "Hold your hand over the illuminated button on the bottom to close the door." Similar to voice (2), these guidance messages can reduce the burden on visually impaired people and people with low vision. Then, when the non-contact closing operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2 detects a non-contact operation (STEP 16), the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the closing lighting unit 7b of the indoor operation unit 2 and causes the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B to generate a detection sound (STEP 17). In addition, if the non-contact closing operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2 does not detect a non-contact operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 16 after the operation guidance message (voice (5)) has been spoken in STEP 15, it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method, so the process returns to STEP 15 and the operation guidance message is spoken again. Then, the voice guidance device 28 issues a guidance message to call attention, for example, voice (6) "The door is closing. Please be careful" (STEP 18), and then the drive controller 24 closes the door 22 using the drive device 23 (STEP 19). When the closing operation of the door 22 is completed, the electric lock 25 is locked, and the voice guidance device 28 issues a guidance message to inform the driver that the door 22 is locked, for example, voice (7) "The door is locked" (STEP 20). Then the operation guidance controller 27 controls to turn off the closing lighting section 7b of the indoor operation unit 2, turn on the opening lighting section 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, turn off the closing lighting section 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 while keeping the opening lighting section 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 off, turn on the words "Locked" on the indoor status display section 5B of the indoor operation unit 2 and turn on the words "In Use" on the outdoor status display section 5A of the outdoor operation unit 1 (STEP 21), and the toilet becomes in use (STEP 22). The indoor proximity sensor 33 may be omitted. In that case, the operation guidance voice (5) may be emitted after a predetermined time has elapsed from STEP 13, specifically, the time from when the door is opened until the user moves to the indoor operation unit 2 (for example, about 5 to 10 seconds).

[0029] Next, as shown in FIG. 6, while the toilet is in use (STEP 22), it is determined whether or not the user has finished using the toilet and approached the toilet indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 2) and indoor proximity sensor 33 has been turned ON (STEP 23). If proximity sensor 33 is turned ON, voice guidance device 28 issues, for example, voice (2) “Bring your hand close to the illuminated button on the upper side and the door will open” or “Hold your hand over the illuminated button on the upper side and the door will open” (STEP 24). Instead of installing the indoor proximity sensor 33, the voice (2) of the operation guide encouraging non-contact operation may be emitted after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a signal related to the flushing operation of the toilet bowl 21b or the use of the toilet sink 21c. Also, without relying on the indoor proximity sensor 33, the voice (2) of the operation guide encouraging non-contact operation may be repeatedly emitted at a predetermined time interval. When a non-contact operation is detected by the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening of the toilet indoor door open / close switch (indoor operation unit 2) (STEP 25), the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the lighting unit 7a for opening of the indoor operation unit 2, and causes the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B of the indoor operation unit 2 to generate a detection sound (STEP 26). Then, the voice guidance device 28 issues a warning message such as voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful" (STEP 27), and the door 22 opens (STEP 28).

[0030] After the door 22 is opened (STEP 28), a guidance message urging the user to move outside the restroom is output by the voice guidance device 28 (STEP 29), for example, a voice (8) "The door is open. Please exit through the door on your right and close it." In the example of the voice (8), the automatic restroom door system can inform the user of the position and direction of the open door 22, thereby reducing the burden on the visually impaired.

[0031] Then, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening lighting section 7a of the indoor operation unit 2, turns on the closing lighting section 7b of the indoor operation unit 2, and turns on the closing lighting section 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 while keeping the opening lighting section 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 in the off state (STEP 30). After STEP 30, the operation guide controller 27 waits for a predetermined time (STEP 31), and when the user goes outside the toilet, the voice guidance device 28 issues a guidance message such as voice (5) "Bring your hand close to the lower illuminated button to close the door," or "Hold your hand over the lower illuminated button to close the door," encouraging the user to operate the closing non-contact operation section 4 of the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1) (STEP 32). This guidance message may be spoken when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects a user who has gone outside, but since a user who has gone outside may forget to close the toilet outdoor door open / close switch (outdoor operation unit 1), it is preferable to wait a predetermined time after speaking voice (8) shown in Fig. 6 and then speak voice (5) shown in Fig. 6. Note that instead of voice (5), the voice guidance device 28 may speak a guidance message that more strongly encourages operation, such as "Please bring your hand close to the lower illuminated button to close the door" or "Please hold your hand over the lower illuminated button to close the door."

[0032] Then, the operation guidance controller 27 determines whether or not a non-contact operation has been detected by the contactless closing operation detection unit 6a of the outdoor operation unit 1 (STEP 33). If not, the operation guidance controller 27 proceeds to the processing of STEP 32. If a non-contact operation is detected, the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the closing lighting unit 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1, generates a detection sound by the outdoor contactless operation detection sound generating unit 9A (STEP 34), and issues a warning guidance message, for example, voice (6) "The door is closing. Please be careful." by the voice guidance device 28 (STEP 35). Then, the door 22 closes (STEP 36). The closing lighting unit 7b of the outdoor operation unit 1 is turned off, the opening lighting unit 7a of the outdoor operation unit 1 is turned on, and while the opening lighting unit 7a of the indoor operation unit 2 is left turned off, the closing lighting unit of the indoor operation unit 2 is turned off (STEP 37). Toilet 21 will be vacant (STEP 38).

[0033] In the above description, the voice guidance device has been described as generating a guidance message in one language, but this is not limited thereto, and guidance messages in two or more languages ​​may be output in sequence. The number of languages ​​to be output may be changed depending on the type of guidance message. The number of times the guidance message is repeated and the time interval for repeating the message may be changed depending on the type of message.

[0034] As described above, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a non-contact operation unit for opening (non-contact operation unit for opening 3), a non-contact operation unit for closing (non-contact operation unit for closing 4), and a sound generating unit (outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A, indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B), and each of the non-contact operation units for opening and closing (non-contact operation unit for opening 3, non-contact operation unit for closing 4) has a lighting unit (opening lighting unit 7a, closing lighting unit 7b), and among the non-contact operation units for opening and closing, the lighting unit of the non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept an operation is turned on or blinks, and the lighting unit of the non-contact operation unit that is in a state not to accept an operation is turned off. When the non-contact operation unit that is in a state to accept an operation detects a non-contact operation, the lighting state of the lighting unit is changed and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 lights or blinks the illuminated parts of the non-contact operation parts for opening and closing that are in a state to accept operation, and turns off the illuminated parts of the non-contact operation parts that are in a state not to accept operation. When a non-contact operation part that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, it changes the illumination state of the illuminated parts and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating part to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, it is possible to provide a toilet door opening and closing operation unit that employs non-contact operation from a hygienic standpoint, thereby enhancing safety and convenience for the user, and that can be used easily and safely. In addition, by turning off the lighted part of the non-contact operation part that does not accept operation, it is possible to realize an operation that is easy for the user to understand. Furthermore, it is possible to notify the user along with the operation guidance message by the voice generating part according to the situation of the toilet and the opening and closing operation unit. In particular, by notifying the user that the toilet door opening and closing operation unit can be operated by non-contact operation by voice such as "move your hand close to the button" or "hold your hand over the button", and at the same time notifying the user of the position and state of the button (non-contact operation part) that can be operated by non-contact operation by voice such as "upper side" or "illuminated", and by using the voice guidance message to encourage the non-contact operation in combination, it is possible to provide a toilet door opening and closing operation unit that is easier for the user to use. In other words, when the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation, the detection can be notified visually and audibly, so that anyone can immediately tell that the non-contact operation was successful. It is even better when combined with a guide message encouraging non-contact operation.

[0035] In addition, in the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) of Example 1 of the present invention, the first lighting color of the lighting unit (opening lighting unit 7a) of the non-contact operation unit for opening (non-contact operation unit for opening 3) when in a state to accept operation is different from the second lighting color of the lighting unit (closing lighting unit 7b) of the non-contact operation unit for closing (non-contact operation unit for closing 4) when in a state to accept operation. For example, when the operation is accepted, the opening lighting section 7a can be lit in a specified color such as blue, and the closing lighting section 7b can be lit in a specified color such as red, making it easy to distinguish whether the door is open or closed, and enabling intuitive operation. Furthermore, by making the color of the operation display unit and the lighting color of the lighting unit the same color or similar colors, such as by printing the opening operation display unit 8a in blue and the closing operation display unit 8b in red, it is possible to make it even easier to distinguish between open and closed states. Alternatively, most of the non-contact operation unit other than the illuminated part may be white, and the opening and closing operation display units may be black, or most of the non-contact operation unit other than the illuminated part may be black, and the operation display unit may be white. In this way, by increasing the contrast between the operation display unit and the surrounding area, it is possible to make the operation display unit easier to see for visually impaired people. The operation display unit may be illuminated, which makes it easier for the visually impaired to distinguish between the open and closed states.

[0036] In addition, in the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to Example 1 of the present invention, when the non-contact operation unit for opening or closing that is in a state to accept operation detects a non-contact operation, the lighting color of each lighting unit of the non-contact operation unit for opening or closing changes to a third lighting color different from the first and second lighting colors. In detail, when a non-contact operation unit for opening or closing that is in a state of accepting an operation detects a non-contact operation, the operation guide controller 27 changes the lighting color of each lighting unit of the non-contact operation unit for opening or closing to a third lighting color different from the first and second lighting colors. The change in lighting color is an example of a change in lighting state. That is, for example, the color may be changed from blue for opening and red for closing before the non-contact operation is detected to green when the non-contact operation is detected. In this way, the use of the three primary colors (RGB) makes it easy to recognize the color change.

[0037] In addition, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to the first embodiment of the present invention (continuously) lights the lighting part (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) that is in a state of accepting an operation, and when the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) detects a non-contact operation, blinks the lighting part (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4). In detail, the operation guide controller 27 (continuously) lights the lighting part (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) that is in a state of accepting an operation, and when the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4) detects a non-contact operation, blinks the lighting part (7a or 7b) of the non-contact operation unit (3 or 4). Since the opening and closing lighting sections (7a, 7b) do not light up at the same time, the lighting color may be the same, and when a non-contact operation is detected, the lighting may be switched between (continuous) lighting and blinking. Conversely, the lighting may be made to blink in a state where a non-contact operation is accepted, and turned on (continuously) when a non-contact operation is detected. In addition, the lighting state may be changed by a combination of a change in lighting color and switching between lighting and blinking.

[0038] In addition, in Example 1, in the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)), the sound generated from the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A when the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening detects a non-contact operation is different from the sound generated from the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B when the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing detects a non-contact operation. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 controls so that the sound generated from the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A when the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening detects a non-contact operation is different from the sound generated from the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B when the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing detects a non-contact operation. Specifically, although they are both composed of multiple short sounds, it is good to make the elements that make up the rhythm, melody, and other sound patterns, such as the pitch (frequency), length, order, and tone of each sound, different for the opening and closing parts. The sound is composed of multiple short sounds that differ in pitch (frequency), duration, sequence, tone, etc., and it is advisable to make the difference between the detection sounds for the non-contact operation of opening and closing easy to distinguish between them in a short period of time by differences in sound patterns such as rhythm and melody. In particular, when a non-contact operation for closing is detected, it is necessary to be careful not to collide with the closing door, so it is good to have a sound pattern that calls attention. Even better, it should be composed of multiple short sounds mainly below 3 kHz so that it is easy for elderly people to hear. It is preferable that the total length of the sound generated from the non-contact operation detection sound generating unit is 2 seconds or less. If it is longer than this, it may be difficult to understand that the sound is a notification that a non-contact operation has been detected. In addition, after the predetermined sound is generated, the voice guidance device 28 may issue a warning message such as "The doors are closing. Please be careful" to make the device easier to understand.

[0039] The toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to the first embodiment of the present invention stops the power supply to the non-contact operation units (3, 4) when no operation is being accepted. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 performs control to stop the power supply to the non-contact operation unit 3 when the non-contact operation unit 3 of the outdoor operation unit 1 is not accepting any operation. Also, in detail, the operation guidance controller 27 performs control to stop the power supply to the non-contact operation unit 4 when the non-contact operation unit 4 of the indoor operation unit 2 is not accepting any operation. In other words, a non-contact operation unit that does not accept operation does not light up the lighting unit either, so that the power supply can be stopped, achieving significant energy savings.

[0040] The toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes a status display unit disposed between the non-contact operation unit 3 for opening and the non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and when installed outside the toilet, the status display unit is turned on when the toilet is in use, indicating that the toilet is in use, and when the non-contact operation unit, which is not in a state to accept operation, detects a non-contact operation, the status display unit is made to flash for a predetermined period of time. In detail, when the outdoor operation unit 1 is installed outside the toilet, the operation guide controller 27 controls the status display unit to be turned on when the toilet is in use, indicating that the toilet is in use, and when the non-contact operation unit, which is not in a state to accept operation, detects a non-contact operation, to make the status display unit flash for a predetermined period of time. In other words, it is possible to reliably notify people outside the toilet that the outdoor operating unit is in a state where it cannot accept operations. In detail, a voice guide may announce "In use", or a predetermined pattern of buzzer sound may be emitted from the sound emitting unit to remind the hearing impaired that no operation is being accepted; however, in order to make the system easier to understand for the hearing impaired, an operation unit that does not accept non-contact operation may be made capable of detecting non-contact operation, and when a non-contact operation is detected, a message such as "In use" may be highlighted by flashing, etc., thereby visually informing people outside the toilet that the toilet is in use.

[0041] Moreover, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2)) according to the first embodiment of the present invention causes the sound generating unit to emit a voice message for operation guidance to encourage non-contact operation and a voice message for calling attention when opening and closing the door. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 causes the sound generating unit to emit a voice message for operation guidance to encourage non-contact operation and a voice message for calling attention when opening and closing the door.

[0042] Moreover, the automatic door system for a toilet according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a door 22 arranged at the entrance of the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2) arranged respectively outside and inside the toilet to operate the opening and closing of the door 22, and a drive controller 24 that controls a drive device 23 based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units to open and close the door, and also locks or unlocks the door in response to the opening and closing of the door 22. Preferably, the automatic door system for a toilet includes an operation guide controller 27. The door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2) has a non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, a non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and sound generating units (outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A, indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B). Each of the non-contact operation units 3, 4 for opening and closing has a lighting unit (opening lighting unit 7a, closing lighting unit 7b). The operation guide controller 27 lights or blinks the lighting parts of the non-contact operation parts that are in a state of accepting operation, out of the non-contact operation parts 3, 4 for opening and closing, and turns off the lighting parts of the non-contact operation parts that are in a state of not accepting operation. When the non-contact operation parts 3, 4 that are in a state of accepting operation detect a non-contact operation, it changes the lighting state of the lighting parts and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating part to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, it is possible to provide an automatic toilet door system that employs non-contact operation from a hygienic standpoint, thereby increasing safety and convenience for users and allowing them to use it easily and safely.

[0043] In addition, in the operation guidance method for the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 1, indoor operation unit 2) of Example 1 of the present invention, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit has a non-contact operation unit 3 for opening, a non-contact operation unit 4 for closing, and sound generating units (outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A, indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B), and each of the non-contact operation units for opening and closing (3, 4) has a lighting unit (opening lighting unit 7a, closing lighting unit 7b). In the operation guidance method of the first embodiment, the operation guidance controller 27 lights or blinks the lighting parts of the non-contact operation parts (3, 4) for opening and closing that are in a state where they can accept an operation, and turns off the lighting parts of the non-contact operation parts that cannot accept an operation. When the operation guidance controller 27 detects a non-contact operation by a non-contact operation part that can accept an operation, it changes the lighting state of the lighting parts and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating part to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, it is possible to provide an operation guidance method for a toilet door opening and closing operation unit that employs non-contact operation from a hygienic standpoint, thereby increasing safety and convenience for users and allowing them to use the unit easily and safely.

[0044] Example 2 Next, a toilet automatic door system employing a toilet door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the outdoor operation unit 11 has a non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing, a lighting unit 14 for opening (also used as an operation display unit for opening), a lighting unit 15 for closing (also used as an operation display unit for closing), an outdoor status display unit 16A, a non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18, etc. As shown in Figures 7(c) and 7(d), the indoor operation unit 12 has a non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing, a lighting unit 14 for opening (also used as an operation display unit for opening), a lighting unit 15 for closing (also used as an operation display unit for closing), an indoor status display unit 16B, a non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18, etc. The differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 (second embodiment) which corresponds to FIG. 3 (first embodiment).

[0045] In detail, the two non-contact detection units for opening and closing in the outdoor operation unit 1 of Example 1 are combined into a single non-contact operation detection unit for both opening and closing (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening and closing) in the outdoor operation unit 11 of Example 2.

[0046] In the second embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the opening lighting section 14 of the outdoor operation section 11 also serves as the opening operation display section. The closing lighting section 15 of the outdoor operation section 11 also serves as the closing operation display section. The opening lighting section 14 of the indoor operation section 12 also serves as an opening operation display section. The closing lighting section 15 of the indoor operation section 12 also serves as a closing operation display section.

[0047] An outdoor condition display section 16A of the outdoor operation section 11 of the second embodiment corresponds to the outdoor condition display section 5A of the outdoor operation section 1 of the first embodiment. The indoor condition display section 16B of the indoor operation section 12 of the second embodiment corresponds to the indoor condition display section 5B of the indoor operation section 2 of the first embodiment.

[0048] An opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 17 of the outdoor operation unit 11 of the second embodiment corresponds to both the opening and closing non-contact operation detection units 6a, 6b of the first embodiment. An opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 17 of the indoor operating unit 12 of the second embodiment corresponds to both the opening and closing non-contact operation detection units 6a, 6b of the first embodiment.

[0049] A non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18 of the outdoor operation unit 11 of the second embodiment corresponds to the outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9A of the first embodiment. The non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18 of the indoor operation unit 12 of the second embodiment corresponds to the indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B of the first embodiment.

[0050] Next, the status display units of the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 1) and the toilet interior door opening / closing switch (interior operation unit 2) will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams explaining the display of the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 11). Fig. 7(a) shows the toilet in use, with the characters "in use" lit (illuminating) on ​​the exterior status display unit 16A to indicate that the toilet is in use, and since the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13 cannot be operated at this time, the opening lighting unit 14 and the closing lighting unit 15 of the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13 are both off (non-illuminating). 7(b) shows the toilet is vacant and usable, with the characters "in use" turned off on the outdoor status display unit 16A to indicate vacant, and the door can be opened by operating the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13 at this time, so the opening lighting unit 14 (combined opening operation display unit) is turned on, while the closing lighting unit 15 (combined closing operation display unit) is turned off. In other words, in the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 11) of Example 2, when the toilet is vacant and usable, the characters "in use" on the outdoor status display unit 16A are turned off (non-illuminating), and the user can operate the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13 to open the door and use the toilet.

[0051] 7(c) and 7(d) are diagrams for explaining the display of the toilet room door open / close switch (room operation unit 12). In Fig. 7(c), the electric lock 25 of the door 22 is in a locked state, and the characters "locked" are lit (light-emitting) on ​​the room state display unit 16B to indicate that the door 22 is locked, and at this time, the open / close non-contact operation unit 13 can be operated to unlock the electric lock 25 and open the door 22, so the open lighting unit 14 (combined open operation display unit) is lit, while the close lighting unit 15 (combined close operation display unit) is in an unlit state. Figure 7(d) shows the state before a toilet user enters the toilet and closes the door. Because the door is open and unlocked, the "locked" characters on the indoor status display unit 16B are off, indicating that the toilet is unlocked. At this time, the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13 of the indoor operation unit 12 cannot be operated to open the door, so the opening lighting unit 14 (combined opening operation display unit) is off. On the other hand, the closing lighting unit 15 (combined closing operation display unit) can be operated to close and lock the door, so the closing lighting unit 15 (combined closing operation display unit) is on. In this way, with the toilet indoor door opening / closing switch (indoor operation unit 12) of the present invention, the closing lighting unit 15 of the non-contact opening / closing operation unit 13 lights up before the door is closed, so the user can operate the lit non-contact opening / closing operation unit 13 without hesitation to close and lock the door. When the door is locked, the words "locked" light up on the indoor status display unit 16B, so the user can use the toilet with peace of mind. In addition, when the door is locked, a voice is heard to confirm the locking, saying "The door is locked," so visually impaired people and people with low vision can also use the toilet with peace of mind.

[0052] 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and detailed description of the same configurations and operations as the first embodiment will be omitted. Specifically, STEP 3B and STEP 8 of Example 1 shown in Figure 4, "Whether or not a non-contact operation has been detected by the non-contact operation detection unit 6a for opening of the outdoor operation unit 1," are changed to STEP 43B and STEP 48 of Example 2 shown in Figure 8, "Whether or not a non-contact operation has been detected by the non-contact operation unit 13 for opening / closing of the outdoor operation unit 11." 4. Moreover, STEPs 41, 42, 43A, 44 to 47, and 49 to 51 in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 are substantially the same as STEPs 1, 2, 3A, 4 to 7, and 9 to 11 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0053] In Figure 8 (a), first it is determined whether the toilet 21 is in use (STEP 41), and if the toilet 21 is in use, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening lighting unit 14 of the outdoor operation unit 11, turns off the outdoor closing lighting unit 15 of the outdoor operation unit 11, turns off the indoor closing lighting unit 15 of the indoor operation unit 12, turns on the opening lighting unit 14 of the indoor operation unit 12, lights up the words "In Use" on the outdoor status display unit 16A of the outdoor operation unit 11, and lights up the words "Locked" on the indoor status display unit 16B of the indoor operation unit 12 (STEP 42). Then, it is determined whether or not a user has approached the vicinity of the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 11) and the exterior proximity sensor 32 has been turned ON (STEP 43A). If the proximity sensor is turned ON, a guidance message is issued to inform the user that the toilet is in use, for example, voice (1) "The toilet is in use" (STEP 44). In the above example, when the toilet is in use, a voice message is issued when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects the approach of a user. However, regardless of the outdoor proximity sensor 32, as shown in Figure 8 (b), when the toilet is in use, a voice message (1) notifying that the toilet is in use may be issued (STEP 44) when a non-contact operation is detected by the opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 17 of the outdoor operation unit 11 (STEP 43B). In addition, the outdoor proximity sensor 32 may not be provided, and when the toilet is in use, the opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 17 of the outdoor operation unit 11 may also be set to a state in which it does not detect non-contact operation, so that when the toilet is in use, a guidance message informing the user that the toilet is in use is repeatedly spoken at a predetermined time interval. Also, in STEP 44, the operation guide controller 27 may perform control to cause the outdoor condition display section 16A of the outdoor operation section 11 to flash the display of "in use" for a predetermined period of time.

[0054] Furthermore, if the result of determining in STEP 41 whether the toilet 21 is in use is that the toilet 21 is vacant, the opening lighting unit 14 of the outdoor operation unit 11 is turned on and the closing lighting unit 15 of the outdoor operation unit 11 is turned off (STEP 45). In STEP 45, the opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 17 of the outdoor operation unit 11 is capable of accepting a non-contact operation for opening. In STEP 45, since the door is closed, the operation guidance controller 27 may turn on the opening lighting unit 14 of the indoor operation unit 12 and turn off the closing lighting unit 15, or since the toilet is not in use and there is no one in the toilet, both the opening lighting unit 14 and the closing lighting unit 15 may be turned off to save energy. Then, the outdoor proximity sensor 32 determines whether or not a user has approached the vicinity of the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 11) (STEP 46), and when the proximity sensor 32 detects the user's approach (ON), the voice guidance device 28 issues, for example, voice (2) "Bring your hand close to the upper illuminated button to open the door" or voice (2) "Hold your hand over the upper illuminated button to open the door" as an operation guidance message to encourage the operation of the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13 of the outdoor operation unit 11 according to the detection method of the non-contact sensor (STEP 47). Note that the outdoor proximity sensor 32 may not be provided and the voice guidance device 28 may repeatedly issue the operation guidance message (voice (2)) of STEP 47 "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button to open the door" at a predetermined interval. Furthermore, if the operation guidance message (voice (2)) is spoken in STEP 47 and a predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 48 but the contactless operation is not detected by the opening / closing contactless operation detection unit 17 of the outdoor operation unit 11, the operation guidance message is spoken again since it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method. Then, when the opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 17 of the outdoor operation unit 11 detects a non-contact operation and turns ON (STEP 48), the lighting mode of the opening lighting unit 14 of the outdoor operation unit 11 is changed (by changing the lighting color, flashing, changing the flashing interval, or a combination of these, etc.), and the non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18 generates a detection sound (STEP 49). Then, the voice guidance device 28 issues a warning message, for example, voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful" (STEP 50), and the door 22 opens (STEP 51). Description of the operations after STEP 51 will be omitted.

[0055] As described above, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) according to the second embodiment of the present invention has one non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) for both opening and closing, a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18), and the like, and the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) has each lighting unit (14, 15) for opening and closing. The non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) lights or blinks the lighting unit corresponding to an operation that is in a state where it can be accepted, and turns off the lighting unit corresponding to an operation that is in a state where it cannot be accepted. When the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the lighting state of the lighting unit and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18) to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In detail, the operation guidance controller 27 lights or blinks the lighting units corresponding to operations that the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 13) can accept, and turns off the lighting units corresponding to operations that it cannot accept. When the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 13) detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the lighting state of the lighting units and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18) to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected.

[0056] That is, in Example 2, the outdoor operation unit 11 or the indoor operation unit 12 serving as a toilet door opening / closing operation unit is equipped with one non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening / closing), thereby making it possible to realize a compact and low-cost door opening / closing operation unit. Furthermore, the door opening / closing operation unit can only perform the opening operation when the door is closed, and the closing operation when the door is open, so it can be realized with just one operation part. If operated when the door is open, the closing operation will be performed. If operated when the door is closed, the opening operation will be performed. However, having only one operation part makes the operation method difficult to understand for people who are accustomed to conventional open and close buttons, and unlike push buttons, non-contact sensors can be difficult to detect operations depending on how close your hand is to them, creating the problem that it is impossible to distinguish whether the operation cannot be detected or is not accepted in the first place. The present invention can solve these problems.

[0057] In addition, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11 or indoor operation unit 12) according to Example 2 of the present invention has an outdoor status display unit 5A or an indoor status display unit 5B as a status display unit adjacent to the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit 13 for opening / closing).

[0058] In addition, the automatic door system for a toilet according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a door 22 disposed at the entrance / exit of the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) disposed respectively outside and inside the toilet for operating the opening and closing of the door 22, and a drive controller 24 for controlling a drive device 23 based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units to open and close the door and for locking or unlocking the door in response to the opening and closing of the door. The door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) has one non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) that is used for both opening and closing, and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18). The non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) has lighting units for opening and closing (opening lighting unit 14, closing lighting unit 15). The operation guidance controller 27 lights or blinks the lighting units corresponding to operations that the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) can accept, and turns off the lighting units corresponding to operations that it cannot accept. When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the lighting state of the lighting units and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected.

[0059] In addition, the operation guidance method of the second embodiment of the present invention is an operation guidance method in a toilet door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) having one non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) for both opening and closing, and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 18), in which the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) has lighting units for opening and closing, and lights or blinks the lighting units (opening lighting unit 14, closing lighting unit 15) corresponding to operations that the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) is in a state to accept, and turns off the lighting units corresponding to operations that it is not in a state to accept. When the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 13) detects an acceptable non-contact operation, it changes the lighting state of the lighting units (opening lighting unit 14, closing lighting unit 15) and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. That is, it is possible to easily provide an operation guidance method for the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 11, indoor operation unit 12) through simple operations.

[0060] Example 3 Next, a toilet automatic door system employing a toilet door opening / closing operation unit (toilet door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 121, indoor operation unit 122)) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. The outdoor operation unit 121 of the third embodiment has an opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123, an opening / closing lighting unit 124, an outdoor state display unit 126A, an opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 127, a non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 128, and the like. The indoor operation unit 122 of the third embodiment has a non-contact operation unit for opening and closing 123, a lighting unit for opening and closing 124, an indoor state display unit 126B, a non-contact operation detection unit for opening and closing 127, a non-contact operation detection sound generation unit 128, and the like. In detail, the opening lighting unit 14 and the closing lighting unit 15 of the outdoor operation unit 11 of the second embodiment correspond to one opening / closing lighting unit 124 in the outdoor operation unit 121 of the third embodiment. The opening lighting unit 14 and the closing lighting unit 15 of the indoor operation unit 12 of the second embodiment correspond to one opening / closing lighting unit 124 in the indoor operation unit 122 of the third embodiment. Turning on one of the two lighting parts for opening and closing in the second embodiment corresponds to turning on one lighting part 124 for opening and closing in the third embodiment. Turning off both of the two lighting parts for opening and closing in the second embodiment corresponds to turning off one lighting part 124 for opening and closing in the third embodiment.

[0061] OK In the third embodiment, only the differences from the second embodiment will be described, and detailed descriptions of the same configurations as the second embodiment will be omitted. The opening / closing lighting section 124 is formed in a circular shape, and a figure resembling a hand is displayed on the inside thereof by printing or the like. The opening / closing lighting unit 124 lights up in a specified color, such as blue, when the door can be opened, and lights up in a specified color, such as red, when the door can be closed. The lighting color of the opening / closing lighting unit 124 may be only one color common to both opening and closing.

[0062] OK In addition, the position of the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123 may be, as shown in FIG. 9, above or below the outdoor condition display unit 126A (or the indoor condition display unit 126B) (vertical type), or it may be a horizontal type in which the units are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0063] OK 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the automatic toilet door system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. STEP 62 "Turn off outdoor lighting units" and "Turn on indoor lighting units" in Example 3 shown in Figure 10 corresponds to STEP 42 in Example 2 shown in Figure 8, STEP 65 "Turn on outdoor lighting units" in Example 3 corresponds to STEP 45 in Example 2, and STEP 69 "Change outdoor lighting mode" in Example 3 corresponds to STEP 49 in Example 2. 8. Moreover, steps 61, 63A, 64, 66 to 68, and 70 to 71 in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 10 are substantially the same as steps 41, 43A, 44, 46 to 48, and 50 to 51 in the second embodiment shown in FIG.

[0064] In Figure 10(a), first it is determined whether the toilet 21 is in use (STEP 61), and if the toilet 21 is in use, the operation guidance controller 27 turns off the opening / closing lighting unit 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121, turns on the opening / closing lighting unit 124 of the indoor operation unit 122, turns on the words "In Use" on the outdoor status display unit 26A of the outdoor operation unit 121, and turns on the words "Locked" on the indoor status display unit 126 of the indoor operation unit 122 (STEP 62). Then, it is determined whether or not a user has approached the vicinity of the toilet exterior door opening / closing switch (exterior operation unit 121) and the exterior proximity sensor 32 has been turned ON (STEP 63A). If the proximity sensor 32 is turned ON, the voice guidance device 28 may issue a guidance message, for example, voice (1) "The toilet is in use," to inform the user that the toilet is in use (STEP 64). In the above example, a voice message is issued when the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects the approach of a user while the toilet is in use, but instead of using the outdoor proximity sensor 32, when the opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 127 detects a non-contact operation while the opening / closing lighting unit 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121 is turned off and in a state in which opening / closing operations cannot be accepted (STEP 63B), as shown in Fig. 10(b), a voice message (1) notifying the user that the toilet is in use may be issued (STEP 64) repeatedly at a predetermined time interval while the outdoor proximity sensor 32 is not provided. Also, in STEP 64, the operation guide controller 27 may perform control to cause the outdoor condition display section 126A of the outdoor operation section 121 to flash the display of "in use" for a predetermined period of time.

[0065] Furthermore, if the result of determining whether the toilet 21 is in use in STEP 61 is that the toilet 21 is vacant, the operation guide controller 27 turns on the opening / closing lighting unit 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121 (STEP 65). In STEP 65, the opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 127 of the outdoor operation unit 121 is capable of accepting a non-contact operation for opening. In STEP 65, since the door is closed and the toilet is not in use, the operation guide controller 27 turns off the opening / closing lighting unit 124 of the indoor operation unit 122 to save energy. Then, the operation guidance controller 27 judges whether the outdoor proximity sensor 32 detects that the user has approached the vicinity of the toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch (outdoor operation unit 121), and when the proximity sensor 32 detects the user's approach (STEP 66), the voice guidance device 28 issues, for example, voice (2) "Bring your hand close to the upper illuminated button to open the door" or "Hold your hand over the upper illuminated button to open the door" as a guidance message to encourage non-contact operation of the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123 of the outdoor operation unit 121 (STEP 67) according to the detection method of the non-contact sensor used in the opening / closing non-contact operation detection unit 127. Note that the operation guidance message such as "Bring your hand close to the illuminated button to open the door" in STEP 67 may be repeatedly issued at a predetermined interval by the voice guidance device 28. In addition, if, after the operation guidance message (voice (2)) is spoken in STEP 67, a predetermined time has elapsed in STEP 68 but the contactless operation is not detected by the opening / closing contactless operation detection unit 127 of the outdoor operation unit 121, the operation guidance message is spoken again, since it is possible that the user does not understand the operation method. Then, when the non-contact operation detection unit 127 for opening and closing of the outdoor operation unit 121 detects a non-contact operation and turns ON (STEP 68), the lighting mode of the opening and closing lighting unit 124 of the outdoor operation unit 121 is changed (by changing the lighting color, blinking, changing the blinking interval, or a combination thereof, etc.), and the non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 128 generates a detection sound (STEP 69). Then, the voice guidance device 28 issues a warning message, for example, voice (3) "The door is opening. Please be careful" (STEP 70), and the door 22 opens (STEP 71). Description of the operations after STEP 71 will be omitted.

[0066] In addition, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 121, indoor operation unit 122) according to the third embodiment of the present invention has one non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123) for both opening and closing, a lighting unit (opening / closing lighting unit 124), a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 128), etc. The operation guide controller 27 lights or blinks the lighting unit when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either an opening or closing operation, turns off the lighting unit when it cannot accept either an opening or closing operation, and when the non-contact operation unit detects an acceptable non-contact operation, it changes the lighting state of the lighting unit and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. That is, in Example 3, the outdoor operation unit 121 or the indoor operation unit 122 has one non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123) and also has one lighting unit (opening / closing lighting unit 124), thereby achieving further cost reduction. Furthermore, the operation guide controller 27 may change the lighting color of the opening / closing lighting section 124 by the non-contact operation section (opening / closing non-contact operation section 123) depending on whether an opening operation is accepted or a closing operation is accepted. It is easier to understand if the lighting color when an opening or closing operation is accepted is matched to the color of the symbols or letters corresponding to the opening or closing operation. For example, the letters OPEN may be blue and the letters CLOSE may be red, and the color of the lighting section may be blue when an opening operation is accepted and red when a closing operation is accepted. The lighting color may be changed to green when a non-contact operation is detected. The letters OPEN and CLOSE are a type of non-contact operation display section.

[0067] In addition, the toilet door opening / closing operation unit (outdoor operation unit 121, indoor operation unit 122) in Example 3 of the present invention has a status display unit (outdoor status display unit 126A, indoor status display unit 126B) adjacent to the non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening / closing 123).

[0068] Moreover, the automatic door system for a toilet according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a door 22 disposed at the entrance / exit of the toilet, two door opening / closing operation units (outdoor operation unit 121, indoor operation unit 122) disposed respectively outside and inside the toilet for operating the opening and closing of the door 22, and a drive controller 24 which controls a drive device 23 based on open and close signals from the two door opening / closing operation units to open and close the door 22 and also locks or unlocks the door 22 in response to the opening and closing of the door 22. The door opening / closing operation unit has a non-contact operation section (opening / closing non-contact operation section 123) for both opening and closing, a lighting section (opening / closing lighting section 124), and a sound generating section (non-contact operation detection sound generating section 128). The operation guidance controller 27 lights or flashes the lighting unit (opening / closing lighting unit 124) when the non-contact operation unit (opening / closing non-contact operation unit 123) is in a state where it can accept either opening or closing operation, and turns off the lighting unit (opening / closing lighting unit 124) when it cannot accept either opening or closing operation.When the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, it changes the lighting state of the lighting unit and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. In other words, it is possible to provide an automatic toilet door system that has a simple structure and notifies the detection of non-contact operation, etc.

[0069] Furthermore, the operation guidance method according to the third embodiment of the present invention is an operation guidance method for a toilet door opening / closing operation unit having one non-contact operation unit (non-contact operation unit for opening / closing 123) that can be used for both opening and closing, a lighting unit (lighting unit for opening / closing 124), and a sound generating unit (non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 128), in which when the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it can accept either an opening or closing operation, the lighting unit is turned on or blinks, and when it cannot accept either an opening or closing operation, the lighting unit is turned off, and when the non-contact operation unit detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, the lighting state of the lighting unit is changed and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected.

[0070] Example 4 Fourth Embodiment Next, an automatic door system employing a door opening / closing operation unit 131 (door opening / closing operation section) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 11, the door opening / closing operation unit 131 (door opening / closing operation section) has an opening / closing non-contact operation section 133, an opening / closing lighting section 134, an opening / closing non-contact operation detection section 137, a non-contact operation detection sound generation section 138, and the like. The door opening / closing operation unit 131 of the fourth embodiment is not dedicated to a toilet, and therefore does not have the status display unit (in use, locked display unit) of the third embodiment. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, an automatic door 40, an electric lock controller 26, an electric lock 25, etc. are provided instead of the operation guidance controller 27, the drive controller 24, the drive device 23, and the door 22 shown in FIG. 2, but the outdoor proximity sensor 32, the indoor proximity sensor 33, the voice guidance device 28, the emergency call switch 34, etc. do not need to be provided.

[0071] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, instead of a multi-purpose toilet, a door opening / closing operation unit 131 is installed outside an office 39 in a building to open an automatic door 40 at the entrance to the office 39 or the like. The operation guide controller 27 allows entry by non-contact operation of the door opening / closing operation unit 131 when free entry is possible, and disables the non-contact operation of the door opening / closing operation unit 131 to prevent entry when the office is temporarily unoccupied. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the door opening / closing operation unit 131 is used only to open the door, and when a non-contact operation is detected by the door opening / closing operation unit 131, the automatic door 40 opens, and after a person passes through the entrance, the door automatically closes.

[0072] In detail, in STEP 81, the operation guidance controller 27 determines whether or not entry into the office 39 is possible based on, for example, the situation in the office, an indoor sensor (not shown), and entry setting information (not shown) from a setting operation unit (not shown) that allows or disables entry, and if entry is not possible, it turns off the opening / closing lighting unit 134 (STEP 82), and if entry is possible, it controls the opening / closing lighting unit 134 to be turned on (STEP 83). That is, the user judges whether or not it is possible to enter the office 39 by non-contact operation of the door opening / closing operation unit 131 by looking at whether the opening / closing lighting unit 134 of the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 133 is on or off. When it is on, it is possible to enter the office 39 by non-contact operation. Thereafter, when it is detected that a hand has been brought close to the opening / closing non-contact operation unit 133 (non-contact operation) (STEP 84), the operation guidance controller 27 changes the lighting mode of the opening / closing lighting unit 134 and emits a predetermined sound by the non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 138 to notify the user of the detection of a non-contact operation (STEP 85), and then opens the door (STEP 86). After the user enters the office, the door is controlled to automatically close (STEP 87), and the door closes (STEP 88).

[0073] As described above, the door opening / closing operation unit 131 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has a non-contact operation section (opening / closing non-contact operation section 133) for opening / closing operation, a lighting section (opening / closing lighting section 134), a sound generating section (non-contact operation detection sound generating section), etc. The operation guide controller 27 lights or blinks the lighting section when the non-contact operation section is in a state where it can accept either an opening or closing operation, turns off the lighting section when it cannot accept either an opening or closing operation, and when the non-contact operation section detects an acceptable non-contact operation, changes the lighting state of the lighting section and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating section to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. That is, it is possible to provide a door opening / closing operation unit 131 that can perform non-contact operations related to opening and closing the door with a simple configuration. The door opening / closing operation unit 131 may be applied to an automatic door that receives only the operation to open the door and automatically closes the door after it is opened.

[0074] Furthermore, the operation guidance method according to Example 4 of the present invention is an operation guidance method in a door opening / closing operation unit having a non-contact operation section (non-contact operation section for opening / closing 133) for opening and closing operations, a lighting section (lighting section for opening / closing 134), and a sound generating section (non-contact operation detection sound generating section), in which when the non-contact operation section is in a state in which it can accept either an opening or closing operation, the lighting section is turned on or blinks, and when it cannot accept either an opening or closing operation, the lighting section is turned off, and when the non-contact operation section detects a non-contact operation that it can accept, the lighting state of the lighting section is changed and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating section to notify that a non-contact operation has been detected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1: Outdoor operation unit (toilet outdoor door open / close switch) 2: Indoor operation unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) 3: Non-contact operation unit for opening 4: Non-contact operation part for closing 5A: Outdoor status display section 5B: Indoor condition display section 7a: Lighting part for opening 7b: Closing lighting section 9A: Outdoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 9B: Indoor non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 11: Outdoor operation unit (toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch) 12: Indoor operation unit (toilet indoor door opening / closing switch) 13: Non-contact operation part for opening and closing 14: Opening lighting section and operation display section 15: Closing light and operation display 16A: Outdoor status display section 16B: Indoor condition display section 18: Non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 21: Toilet 22: Door 23: Drive unit 24: Drive controller 25: Electric lock 26: Electric lock controller 27: Operation guide controller 28: Voice guidance device 29A, 29B: Speaker 30: Storage section 121: Outdoor operation unit (toilet outdoor door opening / closing switch) 122: Indoor operation unit (toilet door opening / closing switch) 123: Non-contact operation part for opening and closing 124: Opening and closing lighting section 128: Non-contact operation detection sound generating unit 131: Door opening / closing operation unit 133: Non-contact operation part for opening and closing 134: Opening and closing lighting section 138: Non-contact operation detection sound generating unit

Claims

1. The device has a single non-contact operation unit for both opening and closing, a lighting unit, and a sound generating unit, When the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it accepts either an open or close operation, the lighting unit is turned on or blinks; When the non-contact operation unit detects an acceptable non-contact operation out of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the lighting state of the lighting unit, which is lit or flashing, is changed, and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation for opening or closing has been detected. A toilet door opening and closing operation unit.

2. A status display unit is provided adjacent to the non-contact operation unit to indicate whether the toilet is in use or not.

2. The toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to claim 1.

3. The lighting portion is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the front, and a figure resembling a hand is displayed on the inside of the lighting portion.

2. The toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to claim 1.

4. The lighting color of the lighting portion when the non-contact operation portion is in a state where it accepts an opening operation is different from the lighting color of the lighting portion when the non-contact operation portion is in a state where it accepts a closing operation.

2. The toilet door opening and closing operation unit according to claim 1.

5. When the non-contact operation unit detects an acceptable non-contact operation, the change in the lighting state of the lighting unit is a change in lighting color, a change from lighting to blinking, a change from blinking to lighting, a change in blinking interval, or a combination thereof. The toilet door opening / closing operation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a door disposed at an entrance of the toilet; two door opening / closing operation units disposed respectively inside and outside the toilet for operating the opening and closing of the door; and a drive controller for controlling a drive device to open and close the door based on an open signal and a close signal from the two door opening / closing operation units and for locking or unlocking the door in response to the opening and closing of the door; The door opening / closing operation unit has a single non-contact operation unit for both opening and closing, a lighting unit, and a sound generating unit, When the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it accepts either an open or close operation, the lighting unit is turned on or blinks; This automatic toilet door system is characterized in that, when the non-contact operation unit detects an acceptable non-contact operation between opening and closing, it changes the lighting state of the lighting unit, which is lit or flashing, and generates a predetermined sound from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation for opening or closing has been detected.

7. An operation guidance method for a toilet door opening / closing operation unit having a single non-contact operation unit for opening and closing, a lighting unit, and a sound generating unit, comprising: When the non-contact operation unit is in a state where it accepts either an open or close operation, the lighting unit is turned on or blinks; When the non-contact operation unit detects an acceptable non-contact operation out of the non-contact operations for opening and closing, the lighting state of the lighting unit, which is lit or flashing, is changed, and a predetermined sound is generated from the sound generating unit to notify that a non-contact operation for opening or closing has been detected.

13. An operation guidance method comprising:

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