Toilet device

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of suppressing deterioration in imaging accuracy.SOLUTION: A toilet device comprises: a toilet seat supported by a main body provided on a toilet bowl; a detection unit provided on the toilet seat, having a detection element, capturing an image of the interior space of the toilet bowl by the detection element, and having a translucent unit disposed between the detection element and the interior space of the toilet bowl, in the vicinity of the detection element; a blower provided on the main body; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the blower and the operation of the detection unit, wherein the blower blows hot air toward the detection unit, and the control unit stops image capturing by the detection unit at a start of air blowing by the blower, in a case where the detection unit is capturing an image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Aspects of the present invention relate generally to toilet systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A toilet apparatus may be provided with a detection unit (for example, an image sensor) that captures an image of the internal space of the toilet bowl. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-055523 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7253137 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The detection unit includes, for example, a detection element that detects light. A light-transmitting part, such as a lens of the detection unit, is disposed between the detection element and the internal space of the toilet. When the light-transmitting part becomes cloudy, it becomes difficult to capture a clear image. In other words, when the light-transmitting part becomes cloudy, the accuracy of the image captured by the detection unit decreases.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and has an object to provide a toilet apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in imaging accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first invention is a toilet device comprising: a toilet seat supported by a main body portion provided on a toilet bowl; a detection unit provided on the toilet seat, having a detection element, and capturing an image of the internal space of the toilet bowl using the detection element, where a translucent portion is arranged near the detection element between the detection element and the internal space of the toilet bowl; a blower portion provided on the main body portion; and a control unit that controls the operation of the blower portion and the detection unit, wherein the blower portion is capable of blowing warm air towards the detection unit, and the control unit is characterized in that when the detection unit is capturing an image, the control unit stops imaging by the detection unit when the blower portion starts blowing air.

[0007] According to this toilet device, the blower unit blows hot air toward the detector unit, thereby drying the translucent portion and suppressing fogging of the translucent portion, thereby suppressing deterioration in imaging accuracy. In addition, by stopping imaging by the detector unit when the blower unit starts blowing air, it is possible to suppress imaging in a state where imaging accuracy has been reduced due to a temperature rise caused by the hot air.

[0008] A second invention is a toilet device according to the first invention, characterized in that the control unit determines whether the translucent portion is clouded or not, and when it determines that the translucent portion is clouded, starts blowing air by the air blowing unit.

[0009] According to this toilet device, when the light-transmitting portion is clouded, warm air can be sent toward the detection portion, thereby further preventing the light-transmitting portion from clouding.

[0010] A third invention is a toilet apparatus according to the first or second invention, characterized in that the air blowing section is a drying device that dries the private parts of a user seated on the toilet seat.

[0011] According to this toilet apparatus, the drying device that dries the private parts of the user can also function as the air blowing section.

[0012] A fourth invention is a toilet device according to the first or second invention, characterized in that the detection unit is arranged on the underside of the toilet seat, the toilet seat has an inner circumference and an outer circumference when viewed from above, and the distance between the detection unit and the inner circumference is shorter than the distance between the detection unit and the outer circumference when viewed from above.

[0013] According to this toilet device, the detection unit and the light-transmitting unit are disposed on the inner periphery of the toilet seat, so that the light-transmitting unit is more easily exposed to wind, which further reduces fogging of the light-transmitting unit.

[0014] A fifth invention is a toilet device according to the first or second invention, characterized in that the detection unit is arranged on the underside of the toilet seat, the toilet seat has a plurality of cushion parts provided on the underside of the toilet seat and capable of contacting the upper surface of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is closed, the plurality of cushion parts include a first cushion part and a second cushion part that is positioned forward of the first cushion part when the toilet seat is closed, and when the toilet seat is closed, the detection unit is positioned between the first cushion part and the second cushion part in the front-to-rear direction.

[0015] According to this toilet device, the detection unit is located between the first cushion unit and the second cushion unit in the front-rear direction, which makes it possible to prevent the detection unit (or the light-transmitting unit) from being wetted by water discharged from a nozzle provided on the main body, while also preventing the detection unit (or the light-transmitting unit) from being wetted by water droplets or urine scattered when the user's urine falls into the toilet bowl. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in imaging accuracy is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the detection unit of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the detection unit of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the toilet device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the toilet device according to the embodiment. The toilet device 100 shown in Fig. 1 has a main body 400 (casing) and a toilet seat 200 on which a user sits. The main body 400 and the toilet seat 200 are provided on a Western-style seated toilet bowl 800 (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, simply referred to as a "toilet bowl"). The toilet bowl 800 has a bowl portion 801 having a concave bowl surface that receives excrement. The toilet device 100 is, for example, a toilet seat device. The toilet device 100 may be a device that includes the toilet bowl 800. The toilet device 100 may further have a toilet lid 300.

[0020] The toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 are each pivotally supported on the main body 400 so that they can be opened and closed freely. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the toilet seat 200 is in a closed state (lowered state), and the toilet lid 300 is in an open state (raised state). When closed, the toilet lid 300 covers the seat surface and bowl portion 801 of the toilet seat 200 from above. The main body 400 supports the rear end sides of the toilet seat 200 and the toilet lid 300 when in the closed state. When closed, the rest of the toilet seat 200 (the front and central portions) is located forward of the main body 400.

[0021] In the description of the embodiments, "front," "back," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" refer to directions as seen by a user sitting on the toilet seat 200 with their back to the open toilet lid 300 as shown in Figure 1.

[0022] The inside of main body 400 includes a body washing function unit and the like that washes the body parts (such as the buttocks) of a user sitting on toilet seat 200. Furthermore, for example, main body 400 is provided with seating sensor 404 that detects a user sitting on toilet seat 200. When seating sensor 404 detects a user sitting on toilet seat 200, and the user operates remote control 500, for example, water discharger 473 (washing nozzle) can be advanced into bowl portion 801 of toilet 800. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which water discharger 473 has advanced into bowl portion 801.

[0023] One or more water outlets 474 are provided at the tip of water outlet 473. Water outlet 473 can spray water from water outlet 474 provided at its tip to wash the "buttocks" of a user sitting on toilet seat 200.

[0024] Furthermore, inside the main body 400, an air blowing section 30 (air blowing device) is provided. The air blowing section 30 can blow hot air, for example, forward. In this example, the air blowing section 30 is a drying device that blows hot air toward the "bottoms" of a user sitting on the toilet seat 200 to dry them. For example, the user can operate the remote control 500 to cause the air blowing section 30 to start blowing air or stop blowing air.

[0025] That is, in this example, the air blowing unit 30 also serves as a drying device that dries the user's private parts. However, in the embodiment, the air blowing unit 30 may be provided separately from the drying device that dries the user's private parts. In the embodiment, the drying device that dries the user's private parts and the body cleansing function unit are provided as necessary and can be omitted. Furthermore, the main body unit 400 may incorporate various mechanisms such as a "deodorizing unit" and an "indoor heating unit."

[0026] The toilet apparatus 100 further includes a detection unit 20 (detection device) that optically detects a detection target. For example, the detection unit 20 is a camera that acquires image data and is capable of photographing the bowl portion 801. The detection target (e.g., the imaged target) of the detection unit 20 is the internal space of the toilet bowl 800, i.e., the space on the bowl surface and / or objects within that space. The detection target of the detection unit 20 is, for example, excrement in the internal space of the toilet bowl 800. For example, the detection unit 20 is capable of photographing the water seal portion 801w (see FIG. 5) in which water has accumulated within the toilet bowl 800 and its surroundings.

[0027] The detection unit 20 includes a detection element 21 (see FIG. 2) that receives light from the detection object, such as radiated light or reflected light from the detection object, and detects the detection object. The light from the detection object may be visible light or invisible light (infrared light, etc.). As an example, the detection element (light receiving element) is a light detection element such as a photodiode. The detection element may be any element that can detect the detection object (excrement or the internal space of the toilet bowl) by light.

[0028] For example, the detection unit 20 may have an imaging element including a detection element. That is, the detection unit 20 may be an image sensor. The detection unit 20 may be any element that can obtain an image of the detection target (excrement or the internal space of the toilet) by light from the detection target. The detection unit 20 may be a line sensor or a thermosensor.

[0029] For example, the characteristics of the excrement (at least one of the amount, shape, and color, etc.) are determined from the image of the excrement acquired by the detection unit 20. This can be useful for, for example, health management of the user. For example, a computer identifies the characteristics of the excrement based on the feature amount of the image, thereby determining the characteristics of the excrement.

[0030] The detection unit 20 is detachably provided at a predetermined installation location. In this example, the detection unit 20 is attached to the toilet seat 200. However, the installation location of the detection unit 20 may be any position where the detection unit 20 can detect the detection target, and it is also possible to provide the detection unit 20 on the main body 400, for example.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the detection unit of the toilet device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the detection unit of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 shows the state of the detection unit 20 and its surroundings (part of the toilet seat 200) seen from below in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 corresponds to a cross section taken along line A3-A4 shown in Fig. 3.

[0032] 3, the detection unit 20 is disposed, for example, on the rear surface of the toilet seat 200. More specifically, a recess 220 that is recessed toward the front surface of the toilet seat 200 is formed on the rear surface of the toilet seat 200. The detection unit 20 is disposed within the recess 220.

[0033] A light-transmitting portion 50 is disposed near the detection element 21 of the detection unit 20. Specifically, for example, the light-transmitting portion 50 is a lens 22 included in the detection unit 20 as shown in Fig. 3. In addition, for example, the light-transmitting portion 50 is a light-transmitting window portion 55 provided in the toilet seat 200 as shown in Fig. 4. Note that, for convenience, the light-transmitting window portion 55 is not shown in Fig. 3.

[0034] The light-transmitting portion 50 is located between the detection element 21 and the bowl surface. In other words, the light-transmitting portion 50 is disposed between the detection element 21 and the detection target (the internal space of the bowl portion 801 of the toilet 800). The detection element 21 detects light that is incident on the detection element 21 from the detection target via the light-transmitting portion 50 (in this example, the lens 22 and the light-transmitting window portion 55). In this way, the detection unit 20 captures an image of the detection target. The light-transmitting portion 50 is, for example, transparent, but does not have to be completely transparent. The light-transmitting portion 50 may be any member that transmits light from the detection target to be detected by the detection element.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the light-transmitting window 55 is engaged with the toilet seat 200 by, for example, a claw portion provided on the toilet seat 200. The light-transmitting window 55 can be installed by any means, such as by screwing. The light-transmitting window 55 (light-transmitting portion 50) is located within a range of, for example, 5 centimeters (cm) from the detection element 21. The light-transmitting portion 50 may be separated from the detection element 21. The light-transmitting window 55 is provided as necessary and can be omitted as appropriate. By providing the light-transmitting window 55, it is possible to prevent water from getting onto the detection element 21. For example, the light-transmitting window 55 may be arranged so as to cover the entire opening of the recess 220 provided on the back surface of the toilet seat from below.

[0036] In the embodiment, the blower 30 can blow hot air toward the detection unit 20. For example, the hot air generated by the operation of the blower 30 hits the light-transmitting unit 50 (the lens 22 or the light-transmitting window unit 55), and the light-transmitting unit 50 is heated.

[0037] For example, when air containing water vapor comes into contact with the light-transmitting portion 50 having a low temperature, condensation may occur on the surface of the light-transmitting portion 50, causing the light-transmitting portion 50 to become cloudy. For example, when the outside air temperature is low, such as in winter, when warm water is discharged into the toilet bowl 800 from a nozzle (water discharge portion 473) provided on the main body portion 400, the toilet bowl 800 is filled with air containing water vapor. This makes the light-transmitting portion 50 more likely to become cloudy. In contrast, according to the embodiment, the blower portion 30 blows warm air toward the detection portion 20, thereby drying the light-transmitting portion 50 and suppressing the clouding of the light-transmitting portion 50, thereby suppressing a decrease in the accuracy of imaging. In this example, the clouding of the light-transmitting window portion 55 can be suppressed. When the light-transmitting window portion 55 is not provided, for example, the clouding of the lens 22 can be suppressed.

[0038] In addition, the blowing unit 30 blowing air toward the detection unit 20 may mean that the wind generated by the operation of the blowing unit 30 is directed toward the light-transmitting unit 50. The blowing unit 30 blowing air toward the detection unit 20 may mean that the wind from the blowing unit 30 is directed directly toward the light-transmitting unit 50, or that the wind is directed indirectly toward the light-transmitting unit 50 by hitting a bowl surface or the like and changing direction. In this example, the detection unit 20 is covered by the light-transmitting window 55. The hot air from the blowing unit 30 may hit the light-transmitting window 55 and not necessarily hit the detection unit 20. In other words, the blowing unit 30 blowing air toward the detection unit 20 may mean that the wind from the blowing unit 30 does not necessarily hit the detection unit 20.

[0039] The control unit 10 is a control circuit such as a microcomputer. The control unit 10 is communicably connected to the detection unit 20 and the blower unit 30. The control unit 10 controls the operation of the detection unit 20 and the operation of the blower unit 30.

[0040] The control unit 10 may automatically control the blower unit 30 to blow air when the light-transmitting unit 50 becomes cloudy or at a predetermined timing when it is estimated that the light-transmitting unit 50 may become cloudy. For example, the control unit 10 may cause the blower unit 30 to blow air after water is discharged from the nozzle (water discharge unit 473). This is not limiting, and the timing at which the blower unit 30 blows air toward the detection unit 20 is arbitrary. The blower unit 30 may blow air by manual operation of the user.

[0041] When the temperature of the detection unit 20 rises due to the hot air from the blower 30, the accuracy of the imaging by the detection unit 20 may decrease. For example, when the temperature of the detection unit 20 rises, noise in the detection element may increase. In response to this, in the embodiment, when the detection unit 20 is capturing an image, the control unit 10 stops the imaging by the detection unit 20 when the blower 30 starts blowing air, for example. That is, when the detection unit 20 is capturing an image and the blower 30 starts blowing air (or has started blowing air), the control unit 10 stops the imaging by the detection unit 20. This makes it possible to prevent imaging from being performed in a state where the imaging accuracy has decreased due to a temperature rise caused by the hot air.

[0042] Also, for example, if the blower unit 30 starts blowing air while the detector unit 20 has stopped capturing images, the controller 10 maintains the state in which the detector unit 20 has stopped capturing images. For example, the controller 10 may stop the detector unit 20 from capturing images while the blower unit 30 is blowing air. This can further prevent the detector unit 20 from capturing images in a state in which the imaging accuracy is reduced. However, the detector unit 20 may capture images as appropriate while the blower unit 30 is blowing air. For example, in order to check the cloudy state of the translucent unit 50, the controller 10 may cause the detector unit 20 to capture images while the blower unit 30 is blowing air.

[0043] The control unit 10 may determine whether the light-transmitting unit 50 is clouded, and when it determines that the light-transmitting unit 50 is clouded, may start blowing air by the blower unit 30. This allows hot air to be sent toward the detection unit 20 when the light-transmitting unit 50 is clouded, and clouding of the light-transmitting unit 50 can be further suppressed.

[0044] Specifically, the control unit 10 receives image data from the detection unit 20, and determines that the light-transmitting unit 50 is clouded when the pixel value (brightness value) of the image captured by the detection unit 20 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or smaller than a reference value by or equal to a predetermined value. The pixel value may be greater or smaller depending on how cloudy the light-transmitting unit 50 is. The reference value is a predetermined value and is based on, for example, the pixel value of the image captured by the detection unit 20 when the light-transmitting unit 50 is not clouded. The pixel value used to determine cloudiness may be an average value or a median value of pixel values ​​of a plurality of pixels, as appropriate.

[0045] For example, the control unit 10 causes the detection unit 20 to take an image at a predetermined timing, and determines whether or not there is fogging based on the image. For example, when it is detected that a user has entered the room or sat down, the control unit 10 may cause the detection unit 20 to take an image, and determines whether or not there is fogging based on the image. The control unit 10 may cause the detection unit 20 to take an image at regular intervals, and determines whether or not there is fogging based on the image at regular intervals. The control unit 10 may determine whether or not there is fogging based on the image at regular intervals.

[0046] The control unit 10 may control the operation of the body washing function unit having the seating sensor 404, the human body detection sensor 403, and the water discharge unit 473.

[0047] The seating sensor 404 can detect whether or not a user is seated on the toilet seat 200. In other words, the seating sensor 404 has a seating detection state in which it detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 200, and a seating non-detection state in which it does not detect that the user is seated on the toilet seat 200. In this way, the seating sensor 404 detects the user sitting and leaving the seat. Note that the range of the user being seated may include the user being directly above the toilet seat 200. The seating sensor 404 transmits the detection result (a signal corresponding to the seating detection state or the seating non-detection state) to the control unit 10. In this way, the control unit 10 can identify whether or not the user is seated.

[0048] For example, a microwave sensor, a distance measuring sensor (infrared light projecting sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, a tact switch, a capacitance switch (touch sensor), or a distortion sensor can be used as the seating sensor 404. When a contact type sensor such as a tact switch, a capacitance sensor, or a distortion sensor is used, the contact type sensor is provided on the toilet seat 200.

[0049] The human body detection sensor 403 can detect a user in front of the toilet bowl 800, i.e., a user who is positioned forward and away from the toilet seat 200. In other words, the human body detection sensor 403 can detect a user who has entered the toilet room and is approaching the toilet seat 200. The human body detection sensor 403 transmits the detection result (a signal according to whether or not a user is present) to the control unit 10. This allows the control unit 10 to identify whether or not a user is present.

[0050] As such a human body detection sensor, for example, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a distance measuring sensor (infrared projection sensor) can be used. Furthermore, the human body detection sensor 403 may detect a user who has just opened the door of the toilet room and entered, or a user who is just about to enter the toilet room, that is, a user who is in front of the door about to enter the toilet room. For example, when a microwave sensor is used, it is possible to detect the presence of a user through the door of the toilet room. For example, when a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a distance measuring sensor (infrared projection sensor) is used, it is also possible to grasp the distance between the toilet bowl 800 and a user who is in front of the toilet bowl 800.

[0051] The control unit 10 can communicate with a remote control 500 (FIG. 1) by wireless communication using, for example, infrared rays or radio waves. The control unit 10 controls the operations of the water discharge unit 473, the air blower unit 30, and the detection unit 20 based on a signal from the remote control 500, the detection result of the seating sensor 404, the detection result of the human body detection sensor 403, and the like.

[0052] For example, when a user operates a switch for operating the body cleansing function unit provided on remote control 500, remote control 500 transmits to control unit 10 a signal instructing water discharger 473 to start discharging water (water discharge start signal) or a signal instructing water discharger 473 to stop discharging water (water discharge stop signal). Upon receiving the water discharge start signal or water discharge stop signal, control unit 10 controls the body cleansing function unit to start or stop discharging water from water discharger 473.

[0053] For example, when a user operates a switch for operating air blowing unit 30 provided on remote control 500, remote control 500 transmits to control unit 10 a signal (air blowing start signal) instructing air blowing to start from air blowing unit 30, or a signal (air blowing stop signal) instructing air blowing to stop from air blowing unit 30. Upon receiving the air blowing start signal or air blowing stop signal, control unit 10 controls air blowing unit 30 to start or stop air blowing from air blowing unit 30.

[0054] For example, when control unit 10 receives a detection result from seating sensor 404 that the user is seated, it controls detection unit 20 to start acquiring images. Detection unit 20 may, for example, perform imaging to acquire a plurality of images (e.g., a video) continuously over time, or may perform imaging to acquire images at predetermined time intervals. For example, detection unit 20 acquires an image of excrement that has fallen into bowl portion 801, or excrement that is falling.

[0055] In this example, the control unit 10 is provided in the main body 400. However, the location of the control unit 10 is not particularly limited, and it may be provided, for example, in the toilet seat 200. The control unit 10 may also be provided in a distributed manner in multiple parts that are communicatively connected as appropriate. For example, at least a part of the control unit 10 that has the function of controlling the operation of the detection unit 20 may be provided integrally with the detection unit 20.

[0056] The components may be connected to each other via wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless connections as appropriate, and any communication or connection method capable of transmitting signals may be used as appropriate.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the toilet device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the toilet seat 200 and its surroundings in a top view from above. Fig. 6 corresponds to a cross section taken along line A1-A2 shown in Fig. 5.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 5, the seat surface of the toilet seat 200 is annular in top view. That is, in top view, the toilet seat 200 has an inner periphery 200a (inner edge) and an outer periphery 200b (outer edge). In top view, the inner periphery 200a surrounds the periphery of the water sealing portion 801w (lower part of the bowl portion 801) where water collects, and the outer periphery 200b surrounds the periphery of the inner periphery 200a. The annular shape may be a shape having an approximate annular shape, and is not limited to a completely closed annular shape, and may be, for example, a shape in which a part of the closed annular shape is interrupted.

[0059] In a top view, the distance between the detection unit 20 and the inner circumference 200a is shorter than the distance between the detection unit 20 and the outer circumference 200b. That is, for example, the detection unit 20 is disposed inside the center 200c in the width direction of the toilet seat 200. Alternatively, the portion of the detection unit 20 located inside the center 200c in the width direction of the toilet seat 200 is larger than the portion of the detection unit 20 located outside the center 200c in the width direction of the toilet seat 200.

[0060] The width direction of the toilet seat 200 is the direction that connects the inner periphery 200a and the outer periphery 200b at the shortest distance. The center 200c of the width direction of the toilet seat 200 is the middle between the inner periphery 200a and the outer periphery 200b when viewed from above.

[0061] By arranging the detection unit 20 on the inner periphery of the toilet seat 200 in this manner, the warm air blown out by the air blower 30 can easily hit the light-transmitting portion 50 (such as the lens 22 or the light-transmitting window portion 55), which can further prevent the light-transmitting portion 50 from fogging up. In addition, the detection unit 20 can easily detect the inside of the bowl portion 801 and excrement.

[0062] The air blowing section 30 is provided in the main body 400 located behind the toilet seat 200. The air blowing section 30 has a fan 31 that blows air, a heater 32 that warms the air, an air passage 33 (duct), an air outlet 34 (air outlet), and a damper 35. The air supplied from the fan 31 into the air passage 33 is heated by the heater 32, and is blown out from the air outlet 34 into the internal space of the toilet bowl 800. The temperature of the warm air is, for example, 30°C or higher.

[0063] The damper 35 is a movable member provided in the air outlet 34 (or the air passage 33). When the damper 35 is closed, i.e., when the damper 35 blocks the air outlet 34 (or the air passage 33), the air blowing unit 30 does not blow air. When the damper 35 is open, i.e., when the damper 35 does not block at least a portion of the air outlet 34 (or the air passage 33), the air blowing unit 30 can blow air.

[0064] Whether or not the blower unit 30 is blowing air refers to, for example, whether or not the fan 31 (e.g., a motor of the fan 31) is operating. Whether or not the blower unit 30 is blowing air may also refer to whether or not the damper 35 is open. For example, when (or when) the damper 35 is open, the detection unit 20 may stop capturing images. While the damper 35 is open, the detection unit 20 may stop capturing images.

[0065] When the air blowing unit 30 is a drying device that dries private parts of the user, the air blowing unit 30 blows air from behind the center of the bowl portion 801 (the range including the water sealing portion 801w) toward the center of the bowl portion 801 in a top view. That is, the direction DB in which the air blowing unit 30 blows out the hot air is the direction toward the water sealing portion 801w of the bowl portion 801 in a top view.

[0066] As already described, the blower 30 can blow hot air toward the detection unit 20. For example, in a top view, the direction DB in which the blower 30 blows out the hot air is along the direction connecting the blower opening 34 and the detection unit 20 (or the translucent section 50). In a top view, the direction DB may be parallel to the direction connecting the blower opening 34 and the detection unit 20 (or the translucent section 50). Note that the direction DB is the direction in which at least a part of the air blown by the blower 30 is blown out of the blower opening 34. When the blower opening 34 blows out air in a plurality of directions with a spread, the direction DB may be one of the plurality of directions, for example, the direction at the center of the spread.

[0067] Furthermore, in top view, the air blower 30 is located on the opposite side to the air blower 30 when viewed from the center C in the left-right direction of the toilet seat 200. In other words, the center C in the left-right direction of the toilet seat 200 is between the left-right position of the detection unit 20 and the left-right position of the air blower 30. This makes it easier for the air blower 30 to blow warm air toward the private parts of a user seated on the toilet seat 200 and the detection unit 20, for example.

[0068] The toilet seat 200 has a back surface 200d (see FIG. 4) that faces downward when the toilet seat 200 is closed. As shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat 200 has a plurality of cushion portions 210 provided on the back surface 200d. The cushion portions 210 have a downwardly convex shape when the toilet seat 200 is closed. The cushion portions 210 are capable of contacting the upper surface of the toilet bowl 800 when the toilet seat 200 is closed.

[0069] In this example, four cushion portions 210 are provided as the multiple cushion portions 210, including a first cushion portion 211 and a second cushion portion 212. When the toilet seat 200 is closed, the first cushion portion 211 and the second cushion portion 212 are lined up in front-to-back on the left or right side of the toilet seat 200 (the right side in the example of FIG. 5). When the toilet seat 200 is closed, the second cushion portion 212 is located forward of the first cushion portion 211.

[0070] When the toilet seat 200 is closed, the detection unit 20 is located in the front-rear direction between the first cushion portion 211 and the second cushion portion 212. At least a part of the detection unit 20 may be between the first cushion portion 211 and the second cushion portion 212.

[0071] If the detection unit 20 is located at the rear of the toilet seat 200, for example, when water is discharged from a nozzle (water discharge portion 473) provided on the main body portion 400, the detection unit 20 (or the light-transmitting window portion 55) may be easily wetted. On the other hand, if the detection unit 20 is located at the front of the toilet seat 200, the detection unit 20 (or the light-transmitting window portion 55) may be easily wetted by water (water droplets and urine) scattered when the user's urine falls into the toilet bowl 800.

[0072] In contrast, in the embodiment, the detection unit 20 is located between the first cushion portion 211 and the second cushion portion 212 in the front-rear direction. That is, the detection unit 20 is located in the center of the toilet seat 200 in the front-rear direction when viewed from above. This makes it possible to prevent the detection unit 20 (or the light-transmitting window portion 55) from being wetted by water discharged from a nozzle provided in the main body portion 400, while also preventing the detection unit 20 (or the light-transmitting window portion 55) from being wetted by water (water droplets or urine) scattered when the user's urine falls into the toilet bowl 800.

[0073] For example, the detection unit 20 is fixed to the toilet seat 200 or the main body 400 by a rigid member such as a screw. In this example, the detection unit 20 is fixed to the toilet seat 200 by a screw (fastening member). The detection unit 20 may also be connected to the toilet seat 200 or the main body 400 by a flexible member such as a wire. The flexible member may include a power cable. The method of installation of the detection unit 20 is not limited to this, and any method capable of attaching the detection unit 20 to the installation location, such as engagement with a claw, fitting, or adhesion, may be used.

[0074] The embodiment may include the following features. (Configuration 1) A toilet seat supported by a main body provided on a toilet bowl; a detection unit provided on the toilet seat, having a detection element, and capturing an image of an internal space of the toilet bowl using the detection element, wherein a light-transmitting portion is disposed between the detection element and the internal space of the toilet bowl and adjacent to the detection element; A blower provided in the main body; A control unit that controls an operation of the blower unit and an operation of the detector unit; Equipped with The blower unit is capable of blowing hot air toward the detection unit, The toilet device, wherein, when the detection unit is capturing an image, the control unit stops the image capture by the detection unit when the air blower starts blowing. (Configuration 2) The toilet device according to configuration 1, wherein the control unit determines whether the light-transmitting portion is clouded or not, and when it determines that the light-transmitting portion is clouded, starts blowing air by the blowing unit. (Configuration 3) 3. The toilet apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the air blowing unit is a drying device that dries private parts of a user seated on the toilet seat. (Configuration 4) The detection unit is disposed on the back surface of the toilet seat, The toilet seat has an inner periphery and an outer periphery when viewed from above, The toilet device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein, in a top view, a distance between the detection portion and the inner circumference is shorter than a distance between the detection portion and the outer circumference. (Configuration 5) The detection unit is disposed on the back surface of the toilet seat, The toilet seat has a plurality of cushion portions provided on a rear surface of the toilet seat and capable of contacting an upper surface of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is in a closed state, The plurality of cushion portions include a first cushion portion and a second cushion portion that is located forward of the first cushion portion when the toilet seat is closed, The toilet apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein when the toilet seat is in a closed state, the detection unit is located between the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion in the front-rear direction.

[0075] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10: Control unit 20: Detection unit 21: Detector element 22: Lens 30: Blower section 31: Fan 32: Heater 33: Air duct 34: Air vent 35: Damper 50:Transparent part 55: Light-transmitting window 100:Toilet equipment 200:Toilet seat 200a: Inner circumference 200b: Outer circumference 200c:center 200d: Back 210: Cushion section 211: First cushion section 212: Second cushion section 220: Recess 300: Toilet lid 400: Main body 403: Human body detection sensor 404: Seat sensor 473: Water outlet 474: Water outlet 500:Remote control 800:Toilet 801: Bowl section 801w: Water sealing part C: Center DB: Direction

Claims

1. A toilet seat supported by a main body provided on the toilet bowl; a detection unit provided on the toilet seat, having a detection element, and capturing an image of an internal space of the toilet bowl using the detection element, wherein a light-transmitting portion is disposed between the detection element and the internal space of the toilet bowl and adjacent to the detection element; A blower provided in the main body; A control unit that controls an operation of the blower unit and an operation of the detector unit; Equipped with The blower unit is capable of blowing hot air toward the detection unit, The toilet device, wherein, when the detection unit is capturing an image, the control unit stops the image capture by the detection unit when the air blower starts blowing.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether the light-transmitting portion is clouded or not, and when it determines that the light-transmitting portion is clouded, starts blowing air by the blowing unit.

3. 3. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the air blowing section is a drying device that dries private parts of a user seated on the toilet seat.

4. The detection unit is disposed on the back surface of the toilet seat, The toilet seat has an inner periphery and an outer periphery when viewed from above, The toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in a top view, a distance between the detection portion and the inner circumference is shorter than a distance between the detection portion and the outer circumference.

5. The detection unit is disposed on the back surface of the toilet seat, The toilet seat has a plurality of cushion portions provided on a rear surface of the toilet seat and capable of contacting an upper surface of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is in a closed state, The plurality of cushion portions include a first cushion portion and a second cushion portion that is located forward of the first cushion portion when the toilet seat is closed, 3. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is located between the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion in the front-rear direction when the toilet seat is in a closed state.

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