Toilet seat device

Abstract

To accurately measure the blood flow state of a seated user.SOLUTION: A toilet seat device according to the embodiment that is placed on a toilet bowl body includes a seat part having a seating surface on which a user sits, a blood flow sensor that is arranged in the seat part and measures the blood flow of the user sitting on the seating surface, and load distribution means that is provided on the bottom surface of the seat part, and contacts the toilet bowl body to distribute the load applied to the seating surface. The blood flow sensor is arranged in a position that does not overlap with the load distribution means in a top view of the seat part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, flush toilets have been proposed that measure blood flow information using an optical sensor attached to the toilet seat and notify the user of their health condition based on the blood flow information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-073103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As in the above-mentioned conventional technology, in order to properly measure blood flow information using an optical sensor or the like, the user's body (measurement site) needs to be in proper contact with the sensor placement location, but users have different physiques and seating positions, and poor contact can occur, which can reduce the measurement accuracy of the blood flow state. Thus, the conventional technology has room for improvement in terms of accurately measuring the blood flow state of a seated user.

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

[0006] A toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment is a toilet seat device that is placed on a toilet body, and includes a seat portion having a seating surface on which a user sits, a blood flow sensor that is disposed within the seat portion and measures the blood flow of the user seated on the seating surface, and a load distribution means that is provided on the bottom side of the seat portion and comes into contact with the toilet body and distributes the load applied to the seating surface, wherein the blood flow sensor is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the load distribution means when viewed from above the seat portion.

[0007] For example, if too much load is applied to the location where the blood flow sensor is placed, i.e., the part where the user touches during measurement, the contact with the human body may be too strong and appropriate measurement may be difficult, so it is necessary to release the load. According to the toilet seat device of one aspect of the embodiment, even if a load from a human body or the like is applied from above the location where the blood flow sensor is placed, the load can be dispersed by the deflection of the seating surface. Furthermore, according to the toilet seat device of one aspect of the embodiment, since the load dispersion means that contacts the toilet body is disposed away from the blood flow sensor, the position of the blood flow sensor can be separated (displaced) from the position of the fulcrum of the reaction force from the toilet body. As a result, according to the toilet seat device of one aspect of the embodiment, the blood flow sensor is less susceptible to the effect of the reaction force, and the seating surface corresponding to the location where the blood flow sensor is placed can be configured to deflect appropriately. Therefore, the toilet seat device can appropriately bring the user's body into contact with the location where the blood flow sensor is placed, so that the blood flow state of the seated user can be accurately measured.

[0008] Furthermore, in a toilet seat device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, at least two or more load distribution means are provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion, and the blood flow sensor is positioned in a position sandwiched between the load distribution means in the circumferential direction of the seat portion.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet seat device has a blood flow sensor disposed between two load distribution means, and therefore the seat surface corresponding to the location of the blood flow sensor disposed across the load distribution means can be configured to bend. This allows the toilet seat device to appropriately bring the user's body into contact with the location of the blood flow sensor, thereby enabling the blood flow state of the seated user to be measured with high accuracy.

[0010] In addition, in a toilet seat device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, two load distribution means are provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion, lined up in the front-to-back direction of the seat portion, and the blood flow sensor is positioned at a position sandwiched between the two load distribution means.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the toilet seat device can distribute the load on the location of the blood flow sensor in the front-rear direction where the contact points of one foot are many. This allows the toilet seat device to appropriately bring the location of the blood flow sensor into contact with the user's body, thereby enabling the blood flow state of the seated user to be measured with high accuracy.

[0012] In addition, in a toilet seat device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, the blood flow sensor is characterized in that it is arranged in a front region of the seat portion, which is a region forward of the center of the opening of the seat portion in the front-to-back direction of the seat portion.

[0013] Providing a blood flow sensor in front of the toilet bowl (seat) allows measurements to be taken regardless of the size of the body, but there is a problem in that too much weight is applied. According to a toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the load applied to the location where the blood flow sensor is placed can be distributed by a load distribution means or the like, and measurements can be taken reliably. This allows the toilet seat device to accurately measure the blood flow state of a seated user.

[0014] Furthermore, in a toilet seat device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, the bottom surface of the seat portion is provided with a load distribution means on each of the front region, one side and the other side of the left-right center line of the opening of the seat portion, and the blood flow sensor is positioned in a position sandwiched between the load distribution means in the circumferential direction of the seat portion.

[0015] According to the toilet seat device of one aspect of the embodiment, even if the blood flow sensor is disposed on the front side, the load applied to the location of the blood flow sensor can be distributed in the front-rear direction where the contact points of one foot are many. This allows the toilet seat device to appropriately bring the location of the blood flow sensor into contact with the user's body, thereby enabling the blood flow state of the seated user to be measured with high accuracy.

[0016] Furthermore, in a toilet seat device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, the blood flow sensor is characterized in that, when viewed from above the seat portion, it is positioned in the front region of the bottom surface of the seat portion at a position that does not overlap with the left-right center line of the opening of the seat portion.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the blood flow sensor is provided at a position other than the center in the left-right direction where the human body such as the legs is unlikely to come into contact, so that the load on the position where the blood flow sensor is provided can be distributed and the measurement can be performed reliably. This allows the toilet seat device to accurately measure the blood flow state of a seated user.

[0018] In addition, in a toilet seat device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, the seating surface has an inclined surface that inclines in a direction approaching the bottom surface of the seat portion as it approaches the opening of the seat portion, and the blood flow sensor is arranged along the inclination of the inclined surface.

[0019] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the seat surface corresponding to the location of the blood flow sensor is inclined, so that the load acting on the location of the blood flow sensor can be released obliquely. This allows the toilet seat device to appropriately bring the user's body into contact with the location of the blood flow sensor, so that the blood flow state of the seated user can be measured with high accuracy.

[0020] Furthermore, in a toilet seat device relating to one aspect of an embodiment, the seat portion has curved portions at both ends on the seating surface side in a cross section that intersects with the circumferential direction of the seat portion, and the blood flow sensor is positioned between the curved portions at both ends when viewed from above the seat portion.

[0021] In general, curved surfaces are difficult to bend, so in the toilet seat device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the blood flow sensor is disposed on a portion of the toilet seat other than the curved surface portions at both ends of the seating surface side. This allows the toilet seat device to properly bring the blood flow sensor into contact with the user's body, thereby enabling the blood flow state of the seated user to be measured with high accuracy. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to one aspect of the embodiment, the blood flow state of a seated user can be measured with high accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet apparatus equipped with a toilet seat apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a flush toilet apparatus equipped with a toilet seat apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the seat portion according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the seat portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the seat portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the seat portion when a load is applied to the seating surface. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the seat portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the seat portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the seat portion when a load is applied to the seating surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a toilet seat device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0025] (First embodiment) A toilet seat device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet device equipped with the toilet seat device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side view of a flush toilet device equipped with the toilet seat device according to the first embodiment. For example, Fig. 2 is a side view of a flush toilet device 1 with the toilet lid 36 of the toilet seat device 20 removed. Note that Figs. 1, 2, and 4 onwards are all schematic views.

[0026] For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 and other figures show a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system in which mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are defined, and the positive Z-axis direction is the vertically upward direction. In the following explanation, the positive X-axis direction may be described as the "left", the negative X-axis direction as the "right", the positive Y-axis direction as the "rear", and the negative Y-axis direction as the "front". In other words, the terms "left", "right", "rear", and "front" may be used with a center point CT described later as the center. For this reason, in the following explanation, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-rear direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction (vertical direction). In addition, the terms "left", "right", "rear", and "front" may be used with a center point CT described later as the center. For example, FIG. 2 is a side view of a flush toilet device 1 equipped with the toilet seat device 20 shown in FIG. 1, viewed from the right side.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the flush toilet device 1 comprises a toilet body 10 and a toilet seat device 20. The toilet body 10 comprises a bowl portion 11. The bowl portion 11 is formed in a bowl shape capable of receiving waste. The bowl portion 11 is cleaned by flushing water being discharged, and the flushing water that has cleaned the bowl portion 11 is discharged through a drainage pipe (not shown). The toilet body 10 is made of, for example, ceramic. However, the toilet body 10 is not limited to being made of ceramic, and may be made of, for example, resin, or a combination of ceramic and resin.

[0028] The toilet seat device 20 is placed on the toilet body 10. The toilet seat device 20 is attached to the upper part of the toilet body 10, and includes a seat unit 30, a toilet lid 36, a functional unit 38, and a sensor 40. The toilet seat device 20 may be detachably attached to the toilet body 10, or may be attached so as to be integrated with the toilet body 10.

[0029] The seat portion 30 functions as a so-called toilet seat. The seat portion 30 has a seating surface 31 on which a user sits and a bottom surface 32, and is formed in an annular shape with an opening 33 in the center when viewed from above. For example, the seat portion 30 is disposed along the rim portion 12 with the bottom surface 32 facing the rim portion 12, and the opening 33 is disposed in a position overlapping with the bowl portion 11 (opening) of the toilet body 10.

[0030] The seating surface 31 supports the buttocks, thighs, etc. of a user who is seated. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 32 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 34 that protrude downward from the bottom surface 32. The protrusions 34 are legs (supporting parts) that contact the rim portion 12 and support the seat portion 30 when the bottom surface 32 faces the rim portion 12 of the toilet body 10. For example, the plurality of protrusions 34 function as a load distributing means that distributes the load applied to the seating surface 31. For example, the plurality of protrusions 34 distribute the load applied to the parts of the user's body that come into contact when the user sits on the seating surface 31.

[0031] In FIG. 2, viewed from the right side, two protrusions 34c and 34d are illustrated on the right side of the seat portion 30, but four protrusions 34a to 34d are provided on the bottom surface 32. When the protrusions 34a to 34d are not particularly distinguished from one another, they may be referred to as "protrusions 34". As shown in FIG. 2, the protrusions 34 are provided on the bottom surface 32 side of the seat portion 30, come into contact with the toilet body 10, and distribute the load applied to the seating surface 31. For example, at least two or more protrusions 34 are provided on the bottom surface 32 of the seat portion 30. Details of the seat portion 30, such as the arrangement of the protrusions 34, will be described later.

[0032] The toilet lid 36 is attached to the seat unit 30 so as to be openable and closable. The functional unit 38 houses, for example, a nozzle device and sprays wash water from the nozzle device onto the user's body to wash the private parts. The toilet seat device 20 may be configured without the toilet lid 36 or functional unit 38 described above.

[0033] The sensor 40 is a sensor (blood flow sensor) capable of measuring the state of blood flow of a user seated on the seat portion 30. An optical biosensor (optical sensor) can be used as the sensor 40. The sensor 40 is disposed in the seat portion 30, and measures the blood flow of a user seated on the seating surface 31. The arrangement of the sensor 40 will be described in detail later. From here, a measurement system including the sensor 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the measurement system.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, the measurement system 100 includes the above-mentioned sensor 40, a control device 70, and a display device 80. The sensor 40 irradiates, for example, infrared light, visible light, or a laser to a user seated on the seat unit 30. In detail, the sensor 40 irradiates infrared light or the like toward a measurement site on the user's buttocks or thighs when the user is seated on the seat unit 30. The sensor 40 reflects the irradiated light on the user's blood vessels (blood flow) and receives the reflected light (scattered light). The sensor 40 outputs a signal related to the irradiated light or reflected light, such as the frequency of the irradiated light or reflected light, to the control device 70.

[0035] The control device 70 includes a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, and a communication unit 73. The control device 70 is housed in, for example, the functional unit 38 (see FIG. 1) of the toilet seat device 20, but is not limited to this.

[0036] The control unit 71 is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU) executing a program stored in the storage unit 72 using a random access memory (RAM) as a working area. The control unit 71 can also be realized by hardware such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The storage unit 72 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory.

[0037] The control unit 71 measures the blood flow state, such as the pulse rate, pulse variability, and blood flow rate of the user, based on the signal output from the sensor 40. For example, the control unit 71 performs a process of detecting a change in the flow rate of red blood cells flowing through a blood vessel using infrared rays. The control unit 71 performs a process of detecting a frequency at which a Doppler shift occurs due to red blood cells flowing through a blood vessel. That is, the control unit 71 performs a process of analyzing signals related to the irradiated light and reflected light to measure the blood flow state. Note that the blood flow state to be measured is not limited to the above-mentioned pulse rate, pulse variability, blood flow rate, etc. of the user, and may be any state related to the user's blood flow.

[0038] The communication unit 73 transmits and receives information to and from the display device 80. The control device 70 and the display device 80 may be connected by wireless communication or by wired communication. The control unit 71 outputs information indicating the measured blood flow state to the display device 80 via the communication unit 73.

[0039] The display device 80 displays information indicating the measured blood flow state. This allows the user to confirm (understand) his / her own blood flow state. The display device 80 may be the display section of a remote control that outputs operation instructions for the toilet seat device 20 and flushing instructions for the toilet body 10, or may be the display section of a mobile terminal used by the user, but these are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0040] From here, the sheet portion 30, the sensor 40, etc. will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Fig. 4 is a top view of the sheet portion according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the sheet portion according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a side view of the sheet portion according to the first embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a side view of the sheet portion 30 as viewed from the left side.

[0041] 5 and 6, the sensor 40 is hidden by the seat portion 30 (the seat portion 30 is located in front), but the sensor 40 is shown by a dashed line to indicate the arrangement position of the sensor 40. Also, Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 4. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a view showing the shape of a cross section that includes the arrangement position of the sensor 40 and intersects with the circumferential direction of the seat portion 30.

[0042] First, the lines and points shown in Fig. 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The front end line AE in Fig. 4 is a line indicating the front end (foremost end) of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30. The rear end line BE in Fig. 4 is a line indicating the rear end (rearmost end) of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30. The front-rear center line C1 in Fig. 4 is a line indicating the center of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30 in the front-rear direction. The front-rear center line C1 is a line passing through the center of the front end line AE and the rear end line BE.

[0043] Further, the right edge line RE in Fig. 4 is a line indicating the right edge (rightmost edge) of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30. The left edge line LE in Fig. 4 is a line indicating the left edge (leftmost edge) of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30. The left-right center line C2 in Fig. 4 is a line indicating the left-right center of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30. The left-right center line C2 is a line passing through the center between the right edge line RE and the left edge line LE.

[0044] 4 is a point indicating the center of the opening 33 of the seat part 30. For example, the center point CT indicates the center of the opening 33 of the seat part 30 in a top view (plan view). The center point CT is the intersection of the front-rear center line C1 and the left-right center line C2. The curve CD along the outer periphery of the seat part 30 is a line that typically indicates the circumferential direction of the seat part 30. That is, the circumferential direction of the seat part 30 is a direction that follows the shape of the seat part 30 in a top view of the seat part 30. The circumferential direction of the seat part 30 may be a direction that corresponds to a center line that passes through the center of the width of the seat part 30.

[0045] Next, an example of the arrangement of the protrusions 34 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 5. In the example of Fig. 5, four protrusions 34a to 34d are provided on the bottom surface 32. That is, a plurality of protrusions 34 serving as load distribution means are provided on the bottom surface 32.

[0046] For example, the protrusion 34a is provided on the rear left side of the bottom surface 32, and the protrusion 34b is provided on the front left side of the bottom surface 32. In this manner, the bottom surface 32 of the seat portion 30 is provided with the two protrusions 34a, 34b aligned in the front-to-rear direction of the seat portion 30. Also, for example, the protrusion 34d is provided on the rear right end of the bottom surface 32, and the protrusion 34c is provided on the front right end of the bottom surface 32. In this manner, the bottom surface 32 of the seat portion 30 is provided with the two protrusions 34c, 34d aligned in the front-to-rear direction of the seat portion 30.

[0047] In Fig. 5, the protrusions 34a and 34d are arranged in line symmetry with respect to the left-right center line C2, and the protrusions 34b and 34c are arranged in line symmetry with respect to the left-right center line C2. Note that the number and arrangement of the protrusions 34 shown in Fig. 5 are merely an example, and any number and arrangement of the protrusions 34 can be adopted.

[0048] Next, the arrangement of the sensor 40 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, the sensor 40 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the protruding portion 34 when viewed from above the seat portion 30. The sensor 40 is arranged at a position sandwiched between the two protruding portions 34. For example, the sensor 40 is arranged at a position sandwiched between the protruding portion 34a and the protruding portion 34b in the circumferential direction of the seat portion 30.

[0049] 4 to 6 are merely examples, and the sensor 40 may be disposed at any position as long as it does not overlap with the protruding portions 34 in a top view of the seat portion 30 and is sandwiched between two protruding portions 34. For example, the sensor 40 may be disposed at a position sandwiched between the protruding portions 34c and 34d in the circumferential direction of the seat portion 30.

[0050] The sensor 40 is disposed in a region (front region) of the seat portion 30 forward of a center point CT, which is the center of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30 in the front-rear direction of the seat portion 30. In the example of Figs. 4 to 6, the sensor 40 is disposed in a front region of the seat portion 30 forward of a front-rear center line C1.

[0051] Furthermore, the sensor 40 is disposed in a position in the front region of the bottom surface 32 of the seat portion 30, in a top view of the seat portion 30, that does not overlap with the left-right center line C2, which is the left-right center line of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30. In this way, the toilet seat device 20 allows the user's body to appropriately come into contact with the location of the sensor 40 by disposing the sensor 40 other than at the left-right center where there is a high possibility that the human body, such as the legs, will not come into contact.

[0052] 7, the sensor measurement portion 50 is a hole formed in the seating surface 31 of the seat portion 30. For example, the sensor measurement portion 50 is a hole provided in the seating surface 31 and has an opening toward the seating surface 31. The sensor measurement portion 50 does not have to be a hole as long as measurement by the sensor 40 is possible. For example, the sensor measurement portion 50 may be a thin-walled portion formed thinner than other portions of the seating surface 31.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor 40 contains a sensor substrate (not shown) and the like inside. A window 41 that transmits irradiated light and reflected light is provided at the top of the sensor 40. That is, the sensor 40 irradiates the irradiated light to the user through the window 41, and receives the reflected light reflected by the blood vessels of the user through the window 41. The shape of the sensor 40 shown in FIG. 7 and the like is a schematic for showing the arrangement of the sensor 40, and the sensor 40 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 7 and the like, and any shape can be adopted. For example, the arrangement position of the sensor 40 may be held in any manner. For example, the position of the sensor 40 may be held by being attached (fitted) to the sensor measurement portion 50, or may be held by being supported from the bottom surface 32 side.

[0054] The sensor 40 is provided inside the seat portion 30. The sensor 40 is disposed inside the seat portion 30 such that the window portion 41 is aligned with the seating surface 31. For example, the sensor 40 is disposed inside the seat portion 30 such that the window portion 41 faces the outside of the seat portion 30 from the sensor measurement portion 50 provided in the seat portion 30.

[0055] As a result, when the sensor measurement portion 50 is a hole, the window portion 41 of the sensor 40 is exposed from the seating surface 31. In this case, the measurement site of the buttocks or thigh of the user seated on the seating surface 31 comes into contact with the window portion 41 of the sensor 40, and the sensor 40 measures the blood flow of the user.

[0056] In addition, when the sensor measurement part 50 is a thin part instead of a hole, the window part 41 of the sensor 40 is arranged along the thin part of the sensor measurement part 50. For example, the sensor 40 is arranged with the window part 41 along the lower surface (inner surface) of the thin part of the sensor measurement part 50. In this case, the measurement site of the buttocks or thigh of the user who sits on the seating surface 31 contacts the upper surface (outer surface) of the thin part of the sensor measurement part 50, and the measurement of the blood flow of the user is performed by the sensor 40 arranged on the lower surface (inner surface) side of the thin part of the sensor measurement part 50. In other words, the toilet seat device 20 may perform the measurement of the blood flow of the user in a state in which the sensor 40 is not exposed and the thin part of the sensor measurement part 50 contacts the body of the user.

[0057] In this way, the location of the sensor 40 in the toilet seat device 20 is not limited to the configuration of the sensor 40 itself, and may be other configurations corresponding to the location where the sensor 40 is disposed, such as the thin-walled portion of the sensor measurement portion 50. In other words, in the toilet seat device 20, the sensor 40 is not limited to being exposed and in contact with the user, and as long as the sensor 40 is capable of measurement, various measurement modes can be adopted, such as the case where the sensor measurement portion 50 comes into contact as described above, and the sensor 40 itself does not need to come into contact with the user.

[0058] 7, the seat portion 30 has a first curved surface 311 and a second curved surface 312, which are curved surfaces, at both ends on the seating surface 31 side in a cross section intersecting the circumferential direction of the seat portion 30. For example, the first curved surface 311 is a curved surface (inner curved surface) provided on the opening 33 side. The second curved surface 312 is a curved surface (outer curved surface) provided on the outside of the seat portion 30. The first curved surface 311 and the second curved surface 312 may be included in the seating surface 31. The seating surface 31 has an inclined surface 313 that is inclined in a direction approaching the bottom surface 32 of the seat portion 30 as it approaches the opening 33 of the seat portion 30.

[0059] The sensor 40 is disposed between the first curved surface 311 and the second curved surface 312 at both ends in a top view of the seat portion 30. In FIG. 7, the sensor 40 is disposed in an area overlapping the inclined surface 313 formed between the first curved surface 311 and the second curved surface 312 at both ends in a top view of the seat portion 30. The sensor 40 is also disposed along the inclination of the inclined surface 313. For example, the sensor 40 is disposed with the window portion 41 aligned along the inclination of the inclined surface 313. That is, the sensor 40 is disposed with the facing direction of the window portion 41 inclined toward the opening 33 of the seat portion 30. In this way, the toilet seat device 20 can release the load obliquely by making the location where the sensor 40 is disposed the inclined surface 313. The toilet seat device 20 can also appropriately bring the user's body into contact with the location where the sensor 40 is disposed by disposing the sensor 40 along the inclination of the inclined surface 313.

[0060] Here, an example of a case where a load is applied to the seating surface 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the seat part when a load is applied to the seating surface. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a side view of the seat part 30 when a load is applied to the seating surface 31, as viewed from the left side. Note that in FIG. 8, the explanation will be given using a state in which the interval between the protruding part 34a and the protruding part 34b is wider than that in FIG. 6 and the like in order to clearly show the deflection. Also, the arrow extending from top to bottom in FIG. 8 typically indicates the direction in which the load acts (works), and the arrow extending from bottom to top in FIG. 8 typically indicates the direction in which the reaction force from the toilet body 10 acts (works). Also, the dotted line on the upper side of the seating surface 31 in FIG. 8 indicates the shape of the seating surface 31 before the load is applied to the seating surface 31, and the solid line on the lower side of the seating surface 31 indicates the shape of the seating surface 31 when the load is applied to the seating surface 31.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 8, the area of ​​the seating surface 31 between the protrusions 34a and 34b where the sensor 40 is disposed bends downward in response to the load on the seating surface 31, and is subjected to an appropriate surface pressure. In this way, the toilet seat device 20 can be configured such that the position of the sensor 40 bends across the protrusions 34, since the sensor 40 is disposed between the two protrusions 34. This allows the toilet seat device to appropriately bring the user's body into contact with the location where the sensor 40 is disposed.

[0062] Second embodiment As described above, the sensor 40 may be disposed at any position as long as it does not overlap with the protruding portion 34 in a top view of the seat portion 30 and is sandwiched between two protruding portions 34. An example of this point will be described as a toilet seat device 20 according to a second embodiment with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the seat portion according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a side view of the seat portion according to the second embodiment. In the flush toilet device 1 according to the second embodiment, the toilet seat device 20 according to the second embodiment is used instead of the toilet seat device 20 according to the first embodiment. Note that in the second embodiment, explanations of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0063] 9 and 10, in the toilet seat device 20 according to the second embodiment, four protrusions 34a to 34d are provided on the bottom surface 32, similar to the toilet seat device 20 according to the first embodiment. Also, in the toilet seat device 20 according to the second embodiment, protrusions 34b, 34c are provided on each of the front region of the bottom surface 32 of the seat portion 30, on one side and the other side of the left-right center line C2, which is the center line of the opening 33 of the seat portion 30 in the left-right direction.

[0064] For example, the protrusion 34b is disposed in a front left region that is a region to the left of the left-right center line C2 in the front region forward of the front-rear center line C1 of the bottom surface 32. Also, for example, the protrusion 34c is disposed in a front right region that is a region to the right of the left-right center line C2 in the front region forward of the front-rear center line C1 of the bottom surface 32.

[0065] 9 and 10, the sensor 40 is disposed at a position sandwiched between the protruding portion 34b and the protruding portion 34c in the circumferential direction of the seat portion 30. In this way, in the toilet seat device 20 according to the second embodiment, the sensor 40 is disposed between the protruding portion 34b disposed on one side (left side) of the left-right center line C2, and the protruding portion 34c disposed on the other side (right side) of the left-right center line C2.

[0066] That is, the sensor 40 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the protruding portion 34 when viewed from above the seat portion 30. The sensor 40 is disposed at a position sandwiched between the two protruding portions 34. The sensor 40 is also disposed at a position sandwiched between the protruding portion 34b and the protruding portion 34c in the circumferential direction of the seat portion 30.

[0067] Here, an example of a case where a load is applied to the seating surface 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the seat part when a load is applied to the seating surface. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a side view of the seat part 30 seen from the front side when a load is applied to the seating surface 31. Note that the arrows extending from top to bottom in FIG. 11 typically indicate the direction in which the load acts, and the arrows extending from bottom to top in FIG. 11 typically indicate the direction in which the reaction force that the protruding part 34 receives from the toilet body 10 acts. Also, the dotted line on the upper side of the seating surface 31 in FIG. 11 indicates the shape of the seating surface 31 before the load is applied to the seating surface 31, and the solid line on the lower side of the seating surface 31 indicates the shape of the seating surface 31 when the load is applied to the seating surface 31.

[0068] 11, the area of ​​the seating surface 31 between the protrusions 34b and 34c where the sensor 40 is disposed bends downward in response to the load on the seating surface 31, and is subjected to an appropriate surface pressure. In this way, the toilet seat device 20 can be configured such that the position of the sensor 40 bends across the protrusions 34, since the sensor 40 is disposed between the two protrusions 34. This allows the toilet seat device to appropriately bring the user's body into contact with the location where the sensor 40 is disposed.

[0069] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0070] The above-described embodiments and modifications may have the following configurations, but are not limited to these. (1) A toilet seat device that is placed on a toilet body, A seat portion having a seating surface on which a user sits; a blood flow sensor disposed within the seat portion for measuring a blood flow of a user seated on the seating surface; A load distribution means is provided on the bottom surface side of the seat portion, contacts the toilet body, and distributes the load applied to the seating surface; Equipped with The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position not overlapping with the load distribution means when viewed from above the sheet portion. A toilet seat device comprising: (2) At least two of the load distribution means are provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position sandwiched between the load distribution means in the circumferential direction of the sheet portion. 2. A toilet seat device as described in claim 1. (3) Two load distribution means are provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion and aligned in the front-rear direction of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position sandwiched between the two load distribution means. A toilet seat device as described in (2). (4) The blood flow sensor is disposed in a front region of the sheet portion, which is a region forward of a center of the opening of the sheet portion in a front-rear direction of the sheet portion. The toilet seat device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The load distribution means is provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion, on one side and the other side of a center line in the left-right direction of the opening of the seat portion, in the front region, The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position sandwiched between the load distribution means in the circumferential direction of the sheet portion. A toilet seat device as described in (4). (6) The blood flow sensor is disposed in a position in the front region of the bottom surface of the sheet portion that does not overlap with a center line in the left-right direction of the opening of the sheet portion when viewed from above. A toilet seat device according to (4) or (5). (7) The seating surface has an inclined surface that inclines in a direction approaching the bottom surface of the seat portion toward the opening of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed along the inclination of the inclined surface. The toilet seat device according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) The seat portion has curved surface portions at both ends on the seating surface side in a cross section intersecting a circumferential direction of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed between the curved surface portions at both ends when viewed from above the sheet portion. The toilet seat device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 20 Toilet seat device 30 Seat section 31 Seating surface 311 First curved surface (curved surface part) 312 Second curved surface (curved surface part) 313 Slope 32 Bottom 33 Aperture 34 Projection (load distribution means) 40 Sensors 41 Window 50 Sensor measurement part

Claims

1. A toilet seat device that is placed on a toilet body, A seat portion having a seating surface on which a user sits; a blood flow sensor disposed within the seat portion for measuring a blood flow of a user seated on the seating surface; A load distribution means is provided on the bottom surface side of the seat portion, contacts the toilet body, and distributes the load applied to the seating surface; Equipped with The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position not overlapping with the load distribution means when viewed from above the sheet portion. A toilet seat device comprising:

2. At least two of the load distribution means are provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position sandwiched between the load distribution means in the circumferential direction of the sheet portion.

2. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. Two load distribution means are provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion and aligned in the front-rear direction of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position sandwiched between the two load distribution means.

3. A toilet seat arrangement as claimed in claim 2.

4. The blood flow sensor is disposed in a front region of the sheet portion, which is a region forward of a center of the opening of the sheet portion in a front-rear direction of the sheet portion.

2. The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The load distribution means is provided on the bottom surface of the seat portion, on one side and the other side of a center line in the left-right direction of the opening of the seat portion, in the front region, The blood flow sensor is disposed at a position sandwiched between the load distribution means in the circumferential direction of the sheet portion.

5. A toilet seat arrangement as claimed in claim 4.

6. The blood flow sensor is disposed in a position in the front region of the bottom surface of the sheet portion that does not overlap with a center line in the left-right direction of the opening of the sheet portion when viewed from above.

5. A toilet seat arrangement as claimed in claim 4.

7. The seating surface has an inclined surface that inclines in a direction approaching the bottom surface of the seat portion toward the opening of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed along the inclination of the inclined surface. A toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The seat portion has curved surface portions at both ends on the seating surface side in a cross section intersecting a circumferential direction of the seat portion, The blood flow sensor is disposed between the curved surface portions at both ends when viewed from above the sheet portion. A toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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