Toilet bowl and toilet seat device

Abstract

To provide a toilet device and a toilet seat device capable of flushing a bowl even if a toilet lid closing action executed in response to a flushing command is not executed properly.SOLUTION: When a control unit 5 receives a flushing command, it starts a timer for a first predetermined time if a toilet seat 24 is open, and if a toilet lid 20 is open, it starts a timer for a second predetermined time. If only the timer for the first predetermined time is started, it causes a toilet flushing unit 13 to start flushing after the first predetermined time has elapsed, whereas if the timer for the second predetermined time is started, it causes the toilet flushing unit to start flushing after the second predetermined time has elapsed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet device having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit, and a toilet seat device having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit, which is attached to a toilet body and used.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, from the viewpoint of preventing the diffusion of contaminants contained in excrement during the cleaning of a toilet (bowl), in order to prevent droplets containing contaminants contained in the excrement excreted into the bowl from scattering outside the toilet, after excretion, it is encouraged to clean the bowl with the toilet lid closed.

[0003] In order to surely perform such bowl cleaning with the toilet lid closed, a toilet device has been proposed in which when a cleaning instruction is given, first the toilet lid is electrically closed by a toilet lid drive unit, and then the bowl is cleaned (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, such a toilet lid that opens and closes electrically should attempt to close triggered by a cleaning instruction, but due to various factors, it may not operate from the beginning or may stop operating midway. In that case, according to the sequence operation of cleaning after the toilet lid is closed, naturally, the subsequent bowl cleaning will never be performed.

[0006] For example, when there is an obstacle in front of the raised toilet lid or when the toilet lid driving unit or the toilet lid is malfunctioning, the toilet lid will not close. As an obstacle, for example, in order to check the state of the flow of excrement, it is conceivable that the user himself / herself stops the toilet lid that is about to close by a button operation or the like. In this way, the closing operation of the toilet lid is stopped by an obstacle (such as a human hand), and then, no matter how much time passes, it is inconvenient that the bowl is not washed.

[0007] The present invention has been proposed in consideration of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a toilet device and a toilet seat device in which the bowl is washed even when the closing operation of the toilet lid executed by a washing instruction is not properly executed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, the toilet device of the present invention includes a bowl, a toilet washing unit that supplies washing water to the bowl and washes the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet seat, a toilet seat driving unit that opens and closes the toilet seat, a washing instruction means that outputs a washing instruction to the toilet washing unit, a timing unit, and a control unit. When there is a washing instruction by the washing instruction means, if the toilet lid is open, before the washing by the toilet washing unit, the closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit is started, and then, the washing by the toilet washing unit is executed. The toilet device is characterized in that when the control unit receives the washing instruction, if the toilet seat is open, it starts a timer for a first predetermined time, and if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a second predetermined time. When only the timer for the first predetermined time is started, the toilet washing unit starts washing after the first predetermined time has elapsed, while when the timer for the second predetermined time is started, the toilet washing unit starts washing after the second predetermined time has elapsed. Also, in order to achieve the above object, another toilet device of the present invention includes a bowl, a toilet cleaning unit that supplies cleaning water to the bowl and cleans the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet seat, a toilet seat driving unit that opens and closes the toilet seat, a cleaning instruction means that outputs a cleaning instruction for the toilet cleaning unit, a timing unit, and a control unit. When there is a cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means, if the toilet lid is open, before the cleaning by the toilet cleaning unit, a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit is started, and then, it is a toilet device in which the cleaning by the toilet cleaning unit is executed. The control unit, when receiving the cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid is open, activates a timer for a predetermined time depending on the opening / closing state of the toilet seat, and starts the cleaning of the toilet cleaning unit after the elapse of the predetermined time.

[0009] In another toilet device of the present invention, the control unit, when receiving the cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid is open, activates a timer for a predetermined time, and if the closing of the toilet lid is detected before the elapse of the predetermined time, starts the cleaning of the toilet cleaning unit at that timing, while if the closing of the toilet lid is not detected at the elapse of the predetermined time, it may be configured to start the cleaning of the toilet cleaning unit at that timing. Also, in another toilet device of the present invention, the cleaning instruction means may include an operation by a remote control enabling a cleaning operation.

[0010] The toilet seat device of the present invention also includes a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet seat, a toilet seat driving unit that opens and closes the toilet seat, a bowl cleaning instruction means that receives a cleaning instruction for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit. When there is a cleaning instruction by the bowl cleaning instruction means, if the toilet lid is open, before outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet body, the closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit is started, and then a cleaning instruction is output to the toilet body. The toilet seat device is attached to the toilet body and configured such that when the toilet seat side control unit receives the cleaning instruction, if the toilet seat is open, it starts a timer for a first predetermined time, and if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a second predetermined time. When only the timer for the first predetermined time is started, a cleaning instruction is output to the toilet body after the first predetermined time has elapsed. When the timer for the second predetermined time is started, a cleaning instruction is output to the toilet body after the second predetermined time has elapsed. Another toilet seat device of the present invention includes a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet seat, a toilet seat driving unit that opens and closes the toilet seat, a bowl cleaning instruction means that receives a cleaning instruction for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit. When there is a cleaning instruction by the bowl cleaning instruction means, if the toilet lid is open, before outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet body, the closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid driving unit is started, and then a cleaning instruction is output to the toilet body. The toilet seat device is attached to the toilet body and configured such that when the toilet seat side control unit receives the cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it starts a timer for a predetermined time that varies depending on the opening and closing state of the toilet seat, and outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet body after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0011] Another toilet seat device of the present invention is configured such that when the toilet seat side control unit receives the cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid is open, it activates a timer for a predetermined time, and if it detects the closing of the toilet lid before the expiration of the predetermined time, it outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet body at that timing. On the other hand, if it does not detect the closing of the toilet lid when the predetermined time has elapsed, it may be configured to output a cleaning instruction to the toilet body at that timing. Also, another toilet seat device of the present invention may be configured such that the bowl cleaning instruction means includes an operation by a remote control that enables a cleaning operation. Also, another toilet seat device of the present invention may be configured such that when the toilet seat side control unit receives a cleaning instruction from the toilet body, it performs the same operation as when there is a cleaning instruction from the bowl cleaning instruction means.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] Since the toilet device and the toilet seat device of the present invention are configured as described above, the bowl is cleaned even when the closing operation of the toilet lid executed by the cleaning instruction is not properly performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The toilet devices 1 and 3 described below are basically configured to wash the bowl 12 with the toilet lid 20 closed from the viewpoint of preventing the diffusion of contaminants contained in excrement. Therefore, when there is a cleaning instruction and the toilet lids 20 and 40 are not closed, in order to close the toilet lids 20 and 40, it is a common operation that the closing operation of the toilet lids 20 and 40 is automatically performed electrically before cleaning.

[0015] First, the outline of the toilet device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. This toilet device 1 is a device having the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is capable of selectively executing the basic operations of a plurality of modes shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0016] This toilet device 1 includes a bowl 12, a toilet cleaning unit 13 that supplies cleaning water to the bowl 12 and cleans the inside of the bowl 12, a toilet lid 20, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 21 that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid 20, and a toilet lid driving unit 22 that opens and closes the toilet lid 20. The toilet device 1 also includes a cleaning instruction means that outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet cleaning unit 13, a timing unit 6, and a control unit 5. Here, the cleaning instruction means includes those based on the user's cleaning operation and those automatic ones based on the user's actions. Details will be described later.

[0017] When there is a cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means and the toilet lid 20 is open, before the cleaning by the toilet cleaning unit 13, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 by the toilet lid driving unit 22 starts. On the other hand, if the toilet lid 20 is closed, the cleaning by the toilet cleaning unit 13 is executed. There are multiple modes of basic operations.

[0018] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the control unit 5 receives a cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid 20 is open, it activates a timer for a predetermined time, and if it detects the closing of the toilet lid 20 before the elapse of the predetermined time, it causes the toilet cleaning unit 13 to start cleaning at that timing. Further, if the control unit 5 does not detect the closing of the toilet lid 20 when the predetermined time has elapsed, it causes the toilet cleaning unit 13 to start cleaning at that timing (when the predetermined time has elapsed).

[0019] Also, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, when the control unit 5 receives a cleaning instruction and the toilet lid 20 is open, it activates a timer for a predetermined time and causes the toilet cleaning unit 13 to start cleaning when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0020] By executing any of the above operations, even if the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 when a cleaning instruction is given is not completed for some reason (the toilet lid 20 does not close), the bowl 12 can be cleaned without problems thereafter. Next, the detailed configuration, structure, and basic operation of the toilet device 1 will be described.

[0021] FIGS. 1 to 5 are explanatory views of the toilet device 1. As described above, FIGS. 3 and 4 are explanatory views regarding one operation mode, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view regarding another operation mode. FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic side views schematically showing the inside of the toilet device 1 showing two forms with different cleaning methods (structures), and either method may be used.

[0022] The toilet device 1 is a wall-mounted Western-style toilet device fixed to the floor or wall in the toilet space. The main body 10 of this toilet device 1 is internally installed such that a bowl 12 opening upward is surrounded by a skirt portion 11, and on the upper side of the bowl 12, there are provided a toilet seat 24 and a toilet lid 20 that can be tilted with respect to the opening surface of the bowl 12 and have the same rotation axis.

[0023] In the internal space of the skirt portion 11, there is disposed a toilet cleaning unit 13 that discharges the sewage in the bowl 12 and supplies cleaning water from a water supply port 14 into the bowl 12 to clean the inside of the bowl 12. This toilet cleaning unit 13 has a water supply mechanism and a drainage mechanism.

[0024] The water supply mechanism includes a water inlet 14, a washing water supply path 15 that supplies the washing water supplied from a water pipe (not shown) into the bowl 12 through the water inlet 14, and a water supply valve 16 disposed in the middle of the washing water supply path 15 for supplying or blocking the water supply to the bowl 12.

[0025] The drainage mechanism shown in Fig. 2(a) has a cylindrical bent trap 17 connected so as to extend rearward from the bottom of the bowl 12, and the trap 17 further extends downward and is connected to the drain port 18. As this type of drainage mechanism, there are a siphon type, a siphon jet type, a siphon vortex type, etc., and it is a mechanism in which a drained state or a water-sealed state is formed by a siphon action.

[0026] Also, as the drainage mechanism, a structure having a movable trap 17A as shown in Fig. 2(b) may be used. This trap 17A is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a drive unit (not shown) to form a drained state or a water-sealed state. The trap 17A in the illustrated example is in the position in the water-sealed state, and in the drained state, it rotates so that the open end of the trap 17A faces the drain port 18. The trap 17A is surrounded by a trap case (not shown) so that sewage and odors do not leak to the outside.

[0027] Also, a drainage mechanism that is neither a siphon type nor a movable type, for example, a wash-down type drainage mechanism, can also be applied to the toilet device 1.

[0028] Also, in the illustrated example, an example is shown in which the toilet device 1 is a direct water supply tankless type that does not include a flushing tank (low tank), but a configuration including a flushing tank may also be used.

[0029] Also, as described above and as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device 1 includes a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 21, a toilet lid driving unit 22, and further includes a toilet lid operation unit 23 that receives an opening / closing instruction from the user for the toilet lid driving unit 22. Further, the toilet device 1 includes a toilet seat 24, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 25 that detects the opening / closing of the toilet seat 24, a toilet seat driving unit 26 that opens and closes the toilet seat 24, a toilet seat operation unit 27 that receives an opening / closing instruction for the toilet seat driving unit 26, and further includes a seating detection unit 28.

[0030] As the seating detection unit 28, for example, a load sensor that is installed inside the toilet seat 24 and detects seating / standing up, an infrared sensor that detects seating / standing up from the vicinity of the rotation shaft portion of the toilet seat 24, etc. are adopted. As the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 21 and the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 25, those configured to detect the opening / closing state based on the opening angle are adopted.

[0031] The toilet lid driving unit 22 and the toilet seat driving unit 26 are each composed of a motor or the like. The toilet lid driving unit 22 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet lid 20 when there is an instruction from the toilet lid operation unit 23, etc., and the toilet seat driving unit 26 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet seat 24 when there is an instruction from the toilet seat operation unit 27, etc.

[0032] In this specification, for both the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24, the state of standing up substantially vertically is referred to as the open state, and the state of falling down substantially horizontally and being substantially parallel to the opening surface of the bowl 12 is referred to as the closed state.

[0033] In this toilet device 1, when there is an instruction for the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 by the toilet lid operation unit 23, etc., if both the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are in the open state, first the toilet seat 24 performs a closing operation, and after stopping (stopping in the closed state), the toilet lid 20 performs a closing operation so as to be interlocked with the closing operation of the toilet seat 24. Also, when there is an instruction for the opening operation of the toilet seat 24 by the toilet seat operation unit 27, etc., if both the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 are in the closed state, first the toilet lid 20 performs an opening operation, and after stopping (stopping in the open state), the toilet seat 24 performs an opening operation so as to be interlocked with the opening operation of the toilet lid 20.

[0034] The toilet device 1 may further be configured to include various functional devices such as a deodorizing device for deodorizing the inside of the bowl 12, a heating device for warming the toilet seat 24, and a local cleaning device for locally cleaning.

[0035] Furthermore, the toilet device 1 is provided with a cleaning operation unit 29. This cleaning operation unit 29 includes a large bowel cleaning button 29a and a small bowel cleaning button 29b that output cleaning instructions to the toilet cleaning unit 13 via a control unit 5 described later.

[0036] Note that it is desirable that the cleaning operation unit 29 be arranged on either a main body operation unit (not shown) or a remote control (not shown). These are also provided with operation switches, operation buttons, etc. that can perform various operations and settings. As the remote control, an infrared communication type is preferably used. Needless to say, the remote control is provided with a transmission unit (not shown), and the main body 10 is provided with a reception unit (not shown).

[0037] The operation of the cleaning operation unit 29 acts as a cleaning instruction means. Furthermore, the state change from being seated to standing up, detected by the seating detection unit 28, also acts as a cleaning instruction means. That is, when a person stands up from the toilet seat 24 while being seated, automatic cleaning is performed instead of operating the cleaning button.

[0038] Also, it may be configured to output a cleaning instruction with one cleaning button without providing both the large bowel cleaning button 29a and the small bowel cleaning button 29b. That is, in that case, as the amount of cleaning water to the bowl 12, there is no distinction between a large capacity for large bowel and a small capacity for small bowel, and only one type of large capacity for large bowel is provided.

[0039] The toilet device 1 controls the above-mentioned controlled objects (such as the water supply valve 16 of the toilet cleaning unit 13, the toilet lid drive unit 22, and the toilet seat drive unit 26), and includes a control unit 5 that receives output signals from the cleaning operation unit 29, the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 21, the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 25, the seating detection unit 28, etc. This control unit 5 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU and various programs. The toilet device 1 further includes a timing unit 6 and a power supply unit (not shown).

[0040] In addition, the toilet device 1 includes a notification unit 7 configured by a speaker or the like that notifies abnormalities, states, and guidance of the device by sound or voice synthesis. Note that the notification unit 7 may be configured to include a display such as an LED instead of or in addition to a sound output device.

[0041] Next, the basic operation of this toilet device 1 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5. All of these operations are operations performed by the control unit 5 when a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning instruction means.

[0042] The toilet device 1 only needs to have an operation configuration in which any one of the operations in FIGS. 3 to 5 is executed when a cleaning instruction is given, but it may be possible to change the setting for the toilet device 1 so that any one of the operations can be executed. Further, when a cleaning instruction is given by the cleaning operation unit 29 while the user is seated, this toilet device 1 does not accept the cleaning instruction.

[0043] In the following operation description, the detection of the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 and the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 are performed by respective detection units, but the description of the operations of those detection units will be omitted. Also, the opening / closing operations of the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are performed by respective drive units, but the description of the operations of those drive units will be omitted.

[0044] First, the operation in FIG. 3 will be described according to the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S113. In the following description, the operation steps in FIGS. 3 to 5, which are described as "step Sxxx", are abbreviated as only the reference numeral "Sxxx".

[0045] When a cleaning instruction is received by the cleaning instruction means, first, this is notified from the notification unit 7, for example, by an electronic sound such as "Pip". Then, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if it is in the closed state, the cleaning of the bowl 12 is immediately executed thereafter (N in S101, S111).

[0046] Although not shown in FIG. 3, after the cleaning of S111 is completed, the toilet lid 20 opens, and after a certain period of time in the open state, the opened toilet lid 20 closes and returns to the standby state (the state where the toilet lid 20 is closed).

[0047] This opening operation of the toilet lid 20 after cleaning is an operation performed to allow the user to confirm the presence of dirt remaining in the bowl 12 after cleaning. That is, the user does not need to manually open the toilet lid 20 to check the inside of the bowl 12 after cleaning.

[0048] Instead of the above-mentioned delay for a certain period of time, it may return to the standby state at the timing when no person is detected by the presence sensor. Of course, since the user can close the toilet lid 20 with the toilet lid operation unit 23, it does not have to return to the standby state automatically.

[0049] Also, if the toilet lid 20 is in the open state when a cleaning instruction is received, a timer for a predetermined time is started (Y of S101, S102). This timer is for forcibly starting cleaning in a time-limited manner when the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 do not close within the predetermined time in the subsequent closing operations of the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20.

[0050] Note that this toilet device 1 also opens and closes the toilet seat 24 electrically. Therefore, if the toilet seat 24 is open when a closing command for the toilet lid 20 is given by a cleaning instruction, the toilet seat 24 must also be closed. For this reason, it is desirable that the predetermined time be a time considering the time required for both the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 and the closing operation of the toilet lid 20.

[0051] After the timer is started, the state of the toilet seat 24 is determined. If the toilet seat 24 is in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is started (Y of S103, S104). If the toilet seat 24 does not close before the timer times out, it is notified from the notification unit 7 that the timer has timed out, and cleaning is started (N of S105, S106, Y of S105, S112, S113).

[0052] Since the notification at this time is at a warning level for performing forced cleaning, it is preferably something that can be clearly heard, such as an electronic sound "Pipipi", and it is desirable that the cleaning be started after the sound stops so that the subsequent cleaning sound is not muted.

[0053] Next, when the toilet seat 24 closes without timing out, or if the toilet seat 24 is closed at the timing of the cleaning instruction, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is started (Y in S106, N in S103, S107). If the toilet lid 20 does not close until the timer times out, it is notified that the time has run out and the cleaning is started (N in S108, S109, Y in S108, S112, S113).

[0054] If the toilet lid 20 closes without timing out, the closing of the toilet lid 20 is notified by a different electronic sound "Pip" etc. than at the time of the cleaning instruction, and the cleaning of the bowl 12 is executed (Y in S109, S110, S111). Note that instead of notifying the closing of the toilet lid 20, it may be notified that the cleaning is to be executed. That is, in that case, it is also notified when the toilet lid 20 closes after the cleaning instruction (N in S101).

[0055] This toilet device 1 generally starts cleaning on the condition that the toilet lid 20 is in a closed state, but exceptionally, cleaning is performed in such a time-out (Y in S105, Y in S108). Factors that cause a time-out before the toilet seat 24 closes are assumed to be, for example, a failure of the toilet seat drive unit 26 or the toilet seat 24, or the case where the toilet seat 24 is stopped by hand during the closing operation. Also, factors that cause a time-out before the toilet lid 20 closes are assumed to be, for example, a failure of the toilet lid drive unit 22 or the toilet lid 20, or the case where the toilet lid 20 is stopped by hand during the closing operation.

[0056] In such a case when the time limit is up, regardless of the state of the toilet lid 20 (toilet seat 24), the cleaning instruction is prioritized and cleaning is forcibly executed. Although the operations of the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 may be stopped according to the user's intention, in order to prompt the user to cancel the restraint on the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20, as described above, it is desirable that the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 be notified in a state where they are not closed (time limit up) (S112).

[0057] Also, as an operation mode of cleaning before the toilet lid 20 closes, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 (S200 to S214), it may be such that the timer is monitored individually for the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20.

[0058] When a cleaning instruction is received, first, this is notified, for example, by an electronic sound "Pip". Then, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is determined. If it is in the closed state, the cleaning of the bowl 12 is immediately executed thereafter (N in S201, S212). Similar to the mode of FIG. 3, after the cleaning in S212 is completed, the toilet lid 20 performs an open operation, and after a certain time from the open state, the opened toilet lid 20 performs a closed operation so as to be in a closed standby state (a state where the toilet lid 20 is closed).

[0059] Also, if the toilet lid 20 is in the open state when a cleaning instruction is received, the state of the toilet seat 24 is further determined. If the toilet seat 24 is in the open state, a timer for a predetermined time (timer #1) is started (Y in S201, Y in S202, S203). This timer monitors the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 and is for forcibly starting cleaning when the toilet seat 24 does not close.

[0060] After the timer is started, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is initiated (S204). If the toilet seat 24 does not close before this timer #1 times out, it is notified that the time has run out and the cleaning is started (N in S205, S206, Y in S205, S213, S214). Thus, similar to the example in FIG. 3, this toilet device 1 generally starts the cleaning on the condition that the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state. Exceptionally, in such a timeout situation, the cleaning is performed before the toilet lid 20 (toilet seat 24) is closed.

[0061] Next, when the toilet seat 24 closes without timing out, or if the toilet seat 24 is closed at the timing of the cleaning instruction, a timer for a predetermined time (timer #2) is started and the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is initiated (Y in S206, N in S202, S207, S208). If the toilet lid 20 does not close before this timer #2 times out, it is notified that the time has run out and the cleaning is started (N in S209, S210, Y in S209, S213, S214).

[0062] If the toilet lid 20 closes without timing out, the closing of the toilet lid 20 is notified by a different electronic sound such as "beep" from when the cleaning is instructed, and the cleaning of the bowl 12 is executed (Y in S210, S211, S212). Note that instead of notifying the closing of the toilet lid 20, it may notify the execution of the cleaning. That is, in that case, it is also notified when the toilet lid 20 closes after the cleaning instruction (N in S201).

[0063] Thus, similar to FIG. 3, this toilet device 1 generally starts the cleaning on the condition that the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state. Exceptionally, in such a timeout situation (Y in S205, Y in S209), the cleaning is performed before the toilet lid 20 is closed.

[0064] In this way, for the operations in FIG. 4, the closing operations of the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 are individually monitored by timers. Therefore, when only the toilet lid 20 is open and when both the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 are open, the closing operations are monitored at different time intervals, enabling more appropriate monitoring of the closing operations and cleaning at more appropriate timings. For example, when only the toilet lid 20 is open (such as immediately after excretion), the closing operation is monitored by one timer (timer #2), but when both the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 are open, the closing operation is monitored by both timers (timer #1 + timer #2).

[0065] As described above, in both the aspects of FIGS. 3 and 4, even if the closing of the toilet lid 20 (including the toilet seat 24) is not detected when the time limit is reached, cleaning is executed at the timing of that time limit. Therefore, even if the toilet seat 24 or the toilet lid 20 malfunctions or the toilet seat 24 or the toilet lid 20 stops midway due to the user's hand or the like and the toilet lid 20 does not close, the situation where cleaning is not performed while the factor preventing the closed state is occurring will not happen, and forced cleaning is carried out. Thus, it is possible to avoid the state where cleaning is not performed continuing for a long time.

[0066] Note that according to such forced cleaning due to reaching the time limit, since cleaning is performed with the toilet lid 20 open, there is a risk of scattering of contaminants. However, if the user is present, as soon as cleaning starts, the user can simply close the toilet lid 20 by hand, and there are almost no problems.

[0067] Also, if the closing of the toilet lid 20 is detected before the time limit is reached, cleaning is executed at that detection timing, so it is possible to avoid the cleaning being delayed more than necessary by the timer.

[0068] Next, the operation of FIG. 5 will be described along the flowchart (S300 to S314).

[0069] When receiving a cleaning instruction, first, this is notified, for example, by an electronic sound such as "Pip" (S300). Then, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is determined. If it is in the closed state, immediately after that, the cleaning of the bowl 12 is executed (N in S301, S312).

[0070] Similar to the example in FIG. 3, after the cleaning is completed, the toilet lid 20 may perform an opening operation. After being in the open state, after a certain period of time, the opened toilet lid 20 may perform a closing operation so as to be in a closed and standby state (the state where the toilet lid 20 is closed).

[0071] Also, if the toilet lid 20 is in the open state when receiving a cleaning instruction, a timer for a predetermined time is started (Y in S301, S302). This timer is for forcibly starting the cleaning if the toilet lid 20 fails to close within the predetermined time in the subsequent closing operation of the toilet lid 20.

[0072] After the timer is started, the state of the toilet seat 24 is determined. If the toilet seat 24 is in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is started (S303, S304). If the toilet seat 24 does not close before the timer times out, it is notified that the time has elapsed and the cleaning is started (N in S305, S306, Y in S305, S313, S314).

[0073] Next, when the toilet seat 24 closes without timing out, or if the toilet seat 24 is closed at the timing of the cleaning instruction, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is started (Y in S306, N in S303, S307). Furthermore, if the toilet lid 20 does not close before the timer times out, it is notified that the time has elapsed and the cleaning is started (N in S308, S309, Y in S308, S313, S314).

[0074] If the toilet lid 20 closes without timing out, after waiting for the time to elapse, the closing of the toilet lid 20 is notified by an electronic sound such as "Pit" different from that at the time of the cleaning instruction, and the cleaning of the bowl 12 is executed (Y in S310, S311, S312). Note that instead of notifying after the time has elapsed, it may be notified immediately after the toilet lid 20 closes.

[0075] Thus, in principle, cleaning is started on the condition that the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state, similar to FIG. 3. However, exceptionally, cleaning is performed in such a time-up (Y in S305, Y in S308).

[0076] The operation mode in FIG. 5 is different from the operation modes in FIGS. 3 and 4 in that even if the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is completed within a predetermined time, cleaning is not performed until time-up, and cleaning is started at the timing of time-up (Y in S310, S311, S312). That is, in the operation mode of FIG. 5, cleaning is started only at the timing of the timer's time-up unless there is a cleaning instruction when the toilet lid 20 is in the closed state (N in S301, S312).

[0077] In this way, once the timer is started, cleaning is never started regardless of time-up in any case. Therefore, the cleaning start timing can be created with a simpler process. In short, it is not necessary to have the processing logic as described in FIG. 5, and cleaning can be forcibly started by an interruptive process due to time-up, making programming easier.

[0078] In the case of the operation mode of cleaning at such a time-up, similar to that shown in FIG. 4, a configuration using two timers may be adopted.

[0079] The operation modes shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are set not to accept the cleaning instruction by the cleaning operation unit 29 during sitting. However, it may be an operation mode in which cleaning is performed during sitting. In that case, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is not performed.

[0080] When it comes to washing while sitting, the operation may be the same as the operation when the toilet lid 20 is closed (N and S111 in S101 of FIG. 1), or it may be an operation in which washing is performed after a predetermined time. That is, in this case, the closing toilet lid 20 hits the body while sitting, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 stops, and washing is started when the timer times out (the same as S108, S112, and S113 in FIG. 1).

[0081] Any one of the operation modes shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the operation mode shown in FIG. 5 described above may be executable. For example, any one of them may be set by a setting operation unit (not shown).

[0082] In addition, each operation shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 can be applied to the case of urination, but it may be excluded in the case of urination. For example, if the urine washing button 29b is operated and the toilet seat 24 is in an open state, it may be determined that the user is urinating in a standing position for men, and an operation of washing without closing the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 may be executed.

[0083] In addition, the toilet device 1 shown above has an operation configuration in which the closing operation of the toilet seat 24 is completed and the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is started, but they may operate simultaneously, or the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 may be executed with a slight delay with respect to the closing operation of the toilet seat 24.

[0084] In addition, the toilet device 1 is not limited to the above, and the toilet seat 24 and the toilet lid 20 may be integrally replaceable. In particular, it may be a toilet device 3 to which a toilet seat device 30 as shown in FIG. 6 is retrofitted (or replaced). Based on FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the basic configuration of the toilet device 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a movable trap 17A is illustrated in FIG. 6(b), but the present invention is also applicable to a toilet body having a siphon trap 17 (see FIG. 2(a)) or other types.

[0085] Specifically, the toilet device 3 includes a bowl 12, a toilet cleaning unit 13 that supplies cleaning water to the bowl 12 and cleans the inside of the bowl 12, a toilet seat device 30, a cleaning operation unit 29 that outputs an instruction for cleaning to the toilet cleaning unit 13, a control unit 5, a timing unit 6, and a notification unit 7.

[0086] The toilet seat device 30 is a separate body that is detachable from the toilet main body (the part excluding the toilet seat device 30) of the toilet device 3. The toilet seat device 30 includes a toilet lid 40, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 41, a toilet lid driving unit 42, a toilet lid operation unit 43, a toilet seat 44, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 45, a toilet seat driving unit 46, a toilet seat operation unit 47, a seating detection unit 48, a bowl cleaning operation unit 49, a toilet seat side control unit 35, a timing unit 36, and a notification unit 37. Also, electrical signals can be transmitted and received between the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet main body.

[0087] Note that since the configuration of the toilet device 3 (toilet main body) excluding the toilet seat device 30 is generally the same as that in FIG. 1, a detailed description is omitted. Also, the toilet lid 40, toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 41, toilet lid driving unit 42, toilet lid operation unit 43, toilet seat 44, toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 45, toilet seat driving unit 46, toilet seat operation unit 47, and seating detection unit 48 included in the toilet seat device 30 are generally the same as those in FIG. 1, and their description is omitted.

[0088] The toilet seat device 30 in FIG. 6 is configured to be able to output a cleaning instruction for the bowl 12 to the toilet cleaning unit 13 from the toilet seat device 30 side. Specifically, when an instruction for cleaning is given from the bowl cleaning operation unit 49, the toilet seat side control unit 35 receives this and controls the toilet cleaning unit 13 through the control unit 5 on the toilet main body side so that the bowl 12 can be cleaned. Also, the toilet seat side control unit 35 may be configured to directly control the toilet cleaning unit 13.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, the toilet device 3 is configured to include not only the bowl cleaning operation unit 49 on the toilet seat device 30 side but also the cleaning operation unit 29 on the toilet body side. That is, the one in FIG. 6 is configured such that a cleaning instruction can be given by either the cleaning operation unit 29 or the bowl cleaning operation unit 49. Further, it may be configured such that a cleaning instruction can be given only by the bowl cleaning operation unit 49 without providing the cleaning operation unit 29 on the toilet body side. Note that it is desirable that the bowl cleaning operation unit 49 also has a large bowel cleaning button and a small bowel cleaning button.

[0090] The operation of the bowl cleaning operation unit 49 acts as a bowl cleaning instruction means. Further, the state change from being seated to standing up, which is detected by the seating detection unit 48, also acts as a bowl cleaning instruction means. That is, when standing up from the toilet seat 44 while seated, automatic cleaning is performed instead of operating the cleaning button.

[0091] This toilet device 3, similar to the toilet device 1 in FIG. 1, is capable of operations such as those shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. That is, when there is an instruction for cleaning from the bowl cleaning instruction means (bowl cleaning operation unit 49), in principle, the bowl 12 is cleaned with the toilet lid 40 closed. When the toilet lid 40 is open when there is a cleaning instruction, a closing operation is performed, and when the timer times out, cleaning is performed even if the toilet lid 40 is not in the closed state.

[0092] As described above, the present toilet seat device 30 includes a toilet seat 44, a toilet lid 40, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 41 that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid 40, and a toilet lid drive unit 42 that opens and closes the toilet lid 40. The toilet seat device 30 is a device attached to the toilet body, and includes a bowl cleaning instruction means that receives a cleaning instruction for the toilet body, a timing unit 36, and a toilet seat side control unit 35. When there is a cleaning instruction by the bowl cleaning instruction means, if the toilet lid 40 is open, before outputting a cleaning instruction to the toilet body, the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 by the toilet lid drive unit 42 starts. Also, if the toilet lid 40 is closed, the toilet seat device 30 outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet body.

[0093] When this toilet seat side control unit 35 receives a cleaning instruction, if the toilet lid 40 is open, it starts a timer for a predetermined time, and if it detects the closing of the toilet lid 40 before the elapse of the predetermined time, it outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet main body at that timing. Further, when the toilet seat side control unit 35 does not detect the closing of the toilet lid 40 at the time of the elapse of the predetermined time, it outputs a cleaning instruction to the toilet main body at that timing. That is, this operation corresponds to that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0094] Further, the toilet seat side control unit 35 may be configured to start a timer for a predetermined time if the toilet lid 40 is open when it receives a cleaning instruction, and output a cleaning instruction to the toilet main body when the predetermined time has elapsed. That is, this operation corresponds to that shown in FIG. 5.

[0095] Further, the toilet seat device 30 is preferably configured such that, even when it receives a cleaning instruction from the cleaning operation unit 29 of the toilet main body instead of the cleaning instruction from the bowl cleaning operation unit 49, the same operation as that by the cleaning instruction of the bowl cleaning operation unit 49 is executed.

[0096] The timer process in the toilet device 3 may be performed by the timing unit 36 of the toilet seat device 30, but the timing unit 6 of the toilet main body may also be used. Further, various notifications may be performed by the notification unit 37 of the toilet seat device 30, but the notification unit 7 of the toilet main body may also be used.

[0097] Note that the toilet seat device 30 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 6. The toilet seat device 30 may be configured to include, for example, a local cleaning device, or may be configured to have a toilet seat operation unit (not shown) capable of various (for example, local cleaning device) operations and settings.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1, 3 Western-style toilet device 5 Control unit 6 Timing unit 7 Notification unit 12 Bowl 13 Toilet cleaning unit 20 Toilet lid 21 Toilet lid open / close detection unit 22 Toilet lid drive unit 23 Toilet lid operation unit 24 Toilet seat 25 Toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 26 Toilet seat drive unit 27 Toilet seat operation unit 28 Occupancy detection unit 29 Washing operation unit 30 Toilet seat device 35 Toilet seat side control unit 36 Timing unit 37 Notification unit 40 Toilet lid 41 Toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 42 Toilet lid drive unit 43 Toilet lid operation unit 44 Toilet seat 45 Toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 46 Toilet seat drive unit 47 Toilet seat operation unit 48 Occupancy detection unit 49 Bowl washing operation unit

Claims

1. the toilet comprises a bowl, a toilet flushing unit which supplies flushing water to the bowl to flush the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit which detects whether the toilet lid is open or closed, a toilet lid drive unit which opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat open / close detection unit which detects whether the toilet seat is open or closed, a toilet seat drive unit which opens and closes the toilet seat, flush instruction means which outputs a flush instruction to the toilet flushing unit, a timing unit, and a control unit, A toilet apparatus, comprising: a toilet lid driving unit that starts a closing operation of the toilet lid before flushing by the toilet flushing unit if the toilet lid is open when a flushing command is issued by the flushing command means; and a toilet lid driving unit that starts a closing operation of the toilet lid before flushing by the toilet flushing unit; and then, flushing by the toilet flushing unit is performed; The control unit is When the flushing command is received, if the toilet seat is open, a timer for a first predetermined time is started, and if the toilet lid is open, a timer for a second predetermined time is started; A toilet device characterized in that, when only the timer for the first predetermined time is activated, the toilet flushing unit starts flushing after the first predetermined time has elapsed, while, when the timer for the second predetermined time is activated, the toilet flushing unit starts flushing after the second predetermined time has elapsed.

2. the toilet comprises a bowl, a toilet flushing unit which supplies flushing water to the bowl to flush the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit which detects whether the toilet lid is open or closed, a toilet lid drive unit which opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat open / close detection unit which detects whether the toilet seat is open or closed, a toilet seat drive unit which opens and closes the toilet seat, flush instruction means which outputs a flush instruction to the toilet flushing unit, a timing unit, and a control unit, A toilet apparatus, comprising: a toilet lid driving unit that starts a closing operation of the toilet lid before flushing by the toilet flushing unit if the toilet lid is open when a flushing command is issued by the flushing command means; and a toilet lid driving unit that starts a closing operation of the toilet lid before flushing by the toilet flushing unit; and then, flushing by the toilet flushing unit is performed; The control unit is This toilet device is characterized in that if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, a timer is started for a predetermined time, which differs depending on whether the toilet seat is open or closed, and the toilet flushing unit is caused to start flushing after the predetermined time has elapsed.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The control unit is This toilet device is characterized in that if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, a timer for a predetermined time is started, and if the closure of the toilet lid is detected before the predetermined time has elapsed, the toilet flushing unit is caused to start flushing at that timing, while if the closure of the toilet lid is not detected when the predetermined time has elapsed, the toilet flushing unit is caused to start flushing at that timing.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, A toilet apparatus, wherein the flush instruction means includes an operation by a remote control that enables a flush operation.

5. The toilet comprises a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is open or closed, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat open / close detection unit that detects whether the toilet seat is open or closed, a toilet seat drive unit that opens and closes the toilet seat, a bowl flush command means that receives a flush command for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit, A toilet seat device attached to the toilet body, configured such that if the toilet lid is open when a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means, a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid drive unit is started before a flush command is output to the toilet body, and then a flush command is output to the toilet body, The toilet seat side control unit is When the flushing command is received, if the toilet seat is open, a timer for a first predetermined time is started, and if the toilet lid is open, a timer for a second predetermined time is started; A toilet seat device characterized in that, when only the timer for the first predetermined time is activated, a flushing command is output to the toilet body after the first predetermined time has elapsed, while, when the timer for the second predetermined time is activated, a flushing command is output to the toilet body after the second predetermined time has elapsed.

6. The toilet comprises a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is open or closed, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet seat open / close detection unit that detects whether the toilet seat is open or closed, a toilet seat drive unit that opens and closes the toilet seat, a bowl flush command means that receives a flush command for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit, A toilet seat device attached to the toilet body, configured such that if the toilet lid is open when a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means, a closing operation of the toilet lid by the toilet lid drive unit is started before a flush command is output to the toilet body, and then a flush command is output to the toilet body, The toilet seat side control unit is This toilet seat device is characterized in that, if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, a timer is started for a predetermined time period that differs depending on whether the toilet seat is open or closed, and a flushing command is output to the toilet bowl body after the predetermined time period has elapsed.

7. In claim 5 or 6, The toilet seat side control unit is This toilet seat device is characterized in that if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, a timer for a predetermined time is started, and if the toilet lid is detected to be closed before the predetermined time has elapsed, a flushing command is output to the toilet body at that timing, while if the toilet lid is not detected to be closed when the predetermined time has elapsed, a flushing command is output to the toilet body at that timing.

8. In any one of claims 5 to 7, The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bowl flush instruction means includes an operation using a remote control that enables a flush operation.

9. In any one of claims 5 to 8, The toilet seat device, wherein when a flush command is received from the toilet body, the toilet seat side control unit executes an operation similar to that performed when a flush command is received from the bowl flush command means.

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