Toilet bowl device and toilet seat device

Abstract

To provide a toilet bowl device and a toilet seat device which reduce the discomfort felt by a user by the cleaning sound during cleaning when a cleaning command is given.SOLUTION: When a flushing command is given, regardless of whether a toilet lid 100 is open or closed, a control unit 200 starts a timer for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, starts flushing by a toilet bowl flushing unit 210, and if the toilet lid 100 is open when a flushing command is given, starts a toilet lid driving unit 203 to close the toilet lid 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toilet bowl apparatus having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit, and a toilet seat apparatus having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit that is attached to a toilet bowl body and used. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to prevent the spread of contaminants contained in excrement when flushing the toilet bowl, it has become recommended to flush the bowl with the toilet lid closed after defecating, in order to prevent droplets containing contaminants contained in the stool from scattering outside the bowl.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a device that, if a flushing command is given and the toilet lid is open, first electrically closes the toilet lid using a toilet lid drive unit, and then flushes the bowl. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-029556 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the toilet device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the toilet lid is closed when a flush command is issued, flushing begins immediately, which means the user has to listen to the loud flushing noise near the toilet body, which is unpleasant for the user.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a toilet apparatus that reduces the discomfort felt by users due to flushing noise during flushing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the toilet device of the present disclosure comprises a bowl, a toilet flushing unit that supplies flushing water to the bowl and flushes the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flushing instruction means that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing unit, a timing unit, and a control unit, and is configured so that when a flushing instruction is given by the flushing instruction means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, flushing by the toilet flushing unit begins, and the control unit is characterized in that if the toilet lid is open when the flushing instruction is given, the toilet lid drive unit begins the operation of closing the toilet lid.

[0008] The toilet seat device of the present disclosure also comprises a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a bowl flush instruction means that receives flush instructions for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit; when a flush instruction is given by the bowl flush instruction means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, a flush instruction is output to the toilet body; and if the toilet lid is open when the toilet seat side control unit receives the flush instruction, the toilet lid drive unit will start the operation of closing the toilet lid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] When the toilet bowl device or toilet seat device of the present disclosure receives a flushing command, a timer is started for a predetermined time, and flushing begins after the predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed. Therefore, the user can leave the toilet room between the time the toilet bowl device or toilet seat device receives the flushing command and the time the flushing begins, making it possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user by the flushing sound. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]FIG. 1(a) is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet device, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic side view showing the interior of another example of a toilet device. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart showing a basic operation according to one embodiment of the toilet apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of another aspect of the toilet device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1(a) is a basic block diagram of a toilet device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and a toilet device used therein, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the toilet bowl apparatus 1, 3 and toilet seat apparatus 30 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments disclosed below are all examples, and are not intended to impose any limitations on the toilet bowl apparatus 1, 3 and toilet seat apparatus 30 according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Furthermore, in the embodiments disclosed below, unnecessary detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the explanations and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0013] The toilet devices 1 and 3 described below are designed to flush the bowl 102 with the toilet lid 100, 300 closed, in order to prevent the spread of contaminants contained in excrement. Therefore, if the toilet lid 100, 300 is not closed when a flushing command is issued, the toilet lid 100, 300 will be automatically and electrically closed before flushing in order to close the toilet lid 100, 300.

[0014] (Overall explanation) First, we will explain the outline of the toilet device 1 according to this embodiment. This toilet device 1 is a device with the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, and is capable of selectively performing multiple basic operations shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0015] Figure 1 is a basic block diagram showing a toilet apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2(a) is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet apparatus 1, and (b) is a schematic side view showing the interior of another example of the toilet apparatus 1. Note that Figures 2(a) and (b) show the interior of the toilet apparatus 1 in two forms with different flushing methods (structures), and either method may be used.

[0016] The toilet apparatus 1 comprises a bowl section 102, a toilet flushing section 110 that supplies flushing water to the bowl section 102 to flush the inside of the bowl section 102, a toilet lid 100, a toilet lid open / close detection section 202 that detects whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed, and a toilet lid drive section 203 that opens and closes the toilet lid 100. The toilet apparatus 1 also comprises flush instruction means that outputs flush instructions to the toilet flushing section 110, a timing section 201, and a control section 200. The flush instruction means here can be one that is triggered by the user's flushing operation or one that is automatic based on the user's actions, and details of this will be provided later.

[0017] The toilet device 1 is configured to start a timer for a predetermined time when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, and to start flushing when the predetermined time has elapsed. Also, when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, if the toilet lid 100 is open, the toilet lid drive unit 203 starts the toilet lid closing operation. There are several basic operations.

[0018] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, it starts a timer for the same predetermined time whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed, and causes the toilet bowl flushing unit 210 to begin flushing after the predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, if the toilet lid 100 is open when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, it causes the toilet lid drive unit 203 to begin closing the toilet lid 100. In either case, if the toilet lid 100 is closed when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, or if the toilet lid 100 is open and the closure of the toilet lid is detected before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 200 will not immediately begin flushing, but will only begin flushing after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0019] 4, when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, it starts a timer with a different predetermined time depending on whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed, and causes the toilet flushing unit 210 to start flushing after the predetermined time has elapsed. Also, if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, it causes the toilet lid drive unit 203 to start closing the toilet lid 100.

[0020] By performing any of the above operations, the user can leave the toilet room between the time the toilet device 1 receives the flushing command and the time the flushing starts, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the flushing sound to the user.

[0021] The toilet device 1 is a seat-type Western-style toilet device that is fixed to the floor or wall within a toilet space. The main body of this toilet device 1 is built in such a way that a bowl portion 102 that opens upward is surrounded by a skirt portion 103. On the top surface of the bowl portion 102, a toilet lid 100 and a toilet seat 101 are provided that can be inverted relative to the opening surface. The toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 also have the same rotation axis.

[0022] The internal space of the skirt portion 103 is provided with a trap portion 104 and a drain port 105 for discharging wastewater from the bowl portion 102. Furthermore, flushing water passes through a flushing water supply passage 107 in the internal space of the skirt portion 103 and is supplied to the bowl portion 102 from a water supply port 108.

[0023] The water supply mechanism includes a water supply port 108, a cleaning water supply path 107 that supplies cleaning water supplied from a water pipe (not shown) into the bowl portion 102 through the water supply port 108, and a water supply valve 106 arranged midway along the cleaning water supply path 107 that supplies or cuts off the water supply to the bowl portion 102.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2(a), the drainage mechanism has a cylindrical, curved trap section 104 that is connected to extend rearward from the bottom of bowl section 102 and is connected to drain outlet 105. Wastewater accumulated in the bowl section passes through trap section 104 and is drained from drain outlet 105. This type of drainage mechanism includes the siphon type, siphon jet type, and siphon vortex type, and the drainage state and water sealing state are formed by utilizing the siphon action.

[0025] Furthermore, the drainage mechanism is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 2(a), and may also be configured as a movable trap unit 109 as shown in FIG. 2(b). The movable trap unit 109 is rotated up and down by a drive unit to form a water-sealing state or a draining state. The movable trap unit 109 shown in FIG. 2(b) forms a water-sealing state, and the draining state is formed by rotating the free end of the movable trap unit 109 toward the drain port 105. The movable trap unit 109 is surrounded by a trap case (not shown) to prevent sewage and odors from leaking to the outside.

[0026] Furthermore, the toilet apparatus 1 may have a drainage mechanism that is neither siphonic nor movable, such as a wash-down drainage mechanism.

[0027] Furthermore, the toilet device 1 shown in FIG. 2 is a tankless toilet that is directly connected to the water supply and does not have a flush tank (low tank), but it may also be a device that has a faucet tank.

[0028] As described above, as shown in Figure 1, the toilet device 1 is equipped with a toilet lid open / close detection unit 202, a toilet lid drive unit 203, and a toilet lid operation unit 204 that receives opening / closing instructions from the user to the toilet lid drive unit 203. The toilet device 1 also is equipped with a toilet seat 101, a toilet seat open / close detection unit 205 that detects whether the toilet seat 101 is open or closed, and a toilet seat drive unit 206 that opens and closes the toilet seat.

[0029] The seating detection unit 208 may be, for example, a load sensor that is built into the toilet seat 101 and detects whether the user is sitting or leaving the seat, or an infrared sensor that detects whether the user is sitting or leaving the seat near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 101. The toilet lid open / close detection unit 202 and the toilet seat open / close detection unit 205 are configured to detect the open / close state based on the opening angle.

[0030] The toilet lid drive unit 203 and the toilet seat drive unit 206 are each composed of a motor, etc. The toilet lid drive unit 203 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet lid 100 when instructed by the toilet lid operation unit 204, and the toilet seat drive unit 206 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet seat 101 when instructed by the toilet seat operation unit 207.

[0031] In this specification, for both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101, a state in which they are upright in an approximately vertical position is referred to as the open state, and a state in which they are tilted to an approximately horizontal position and approximately parallel to the opening surface of the bowl portion 102 is referred to as the closed state.

[0032] In the toilet apparatus 1, if the toilet lid and toilet seat are both in the open position when an instruction to close the toilet lid 100 is given by the toilet lid operating unit 204 or the like, the toilet seat 101 will first begin its closing operation, and after it has closed (stopped in the closed position), the toilet lid 100 will begin its closing operation in conjunction with the closing operation of the toilet seat 101. However, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 does not necessarily have to begin after the toilet seat 101 has closed; the toilet lid 100 may begin its closing operation after the toilet seat 101 has started closing but before it has closed, so that it follows the toilet seat 101.

[0033] Furthermore, when an instruction to open the toilet seat 101 is given by the toilet seat operating unit 207 or the like, if the toilet seat 101 and toilet lid 100 are both in a closed state, the toilet lid 100 will first begin its opening operation, and after it stops opening (stops in the open state), the toilet seat 101 will begin its opening operation in conjunction with the opening operation of the toilet lid 100. However, the opening operation of the toilet seat 101 does not necessarily have to begin after the toilet lid 100 stops opening; after the opening operation of the toilet lid 100 has begun, but before it closes, the toilet seat 101 may begin its opening operation so as to follow the toilet lid 100.

[0034] The toilet apparatus 1 may further be configured to include various functional devices such as a deodorizing device that deodorizes the inside of the bowl portion 102, a heating device that warms the toilet seat 101, and a private parts washing device.

[0035] The toilet apparatus 1 further comprises a flushing operation unit 209. The flushing operation unit 209 further comprises a defecation flushing button 209a and a urination flushing button 209b, and outputs signals to a toilet flushing unit 210 via a control unit 200. The control unit 200 will be described in detail later.

[0036] It is desirable that the cleaning operation unit 209 is also provided in either the main body operation unit (not shown) or the remote control (not shown). These are also provided with operation switches and operation buttons for various operations and settings. It is preferable that the remote control is equipped with infrared communication. In addition, the remote control is provided with a transmitting unit, and the main body is provided with a receiving unit (not shown).

[0037] The function as the flush instruction means is not limited to the operation of the flush operation unit 209. For example, when the seat detection unit 208 detects a change from a seated state to an up-seated state, it acts as the flush instruction means. In other words, if a person stands up from the toilet seat 101 while seated, the operation is replaced by the operation of the flush button, and automatic flushing is performed.

[0038] Furthermore, instead of providing both the stool flush button 209a and the urination flush button 209b, a single flush button may be used to output a flush command. In this case, the amount of flush water supplied to the bowl 102 is not differentiated between a large volume for stool and a small volume for urination, but is limited to a single volume for stool. Alternatively, a single flush button may be used to output both the stool flush and the urination flush. For example, a single short press of the flush operation unit 209 will activate the urination flush, and a long press will activate the stool flush.

[0039] The toilet apparatus 1 is equipped with a control unit 200 that controls the above-mentioned controlled objects (such as the water supply valve 106 of the toilet flushing unit 210, the toilet lid drive unit 203, and the toilet seat drive unit 206), while also receiving output signals from the flushing operation unit 209, the toilet lid open / close detection unit 202, the toilet seat open / close detection unit 205, and the seating detection unit 208. This control unit 200 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and various programs. The toilet apparatus 1 further comprises a timer unit 201 and a power supply unit (not shown).

[0040] The toilet device 1 also has a notification unit 211, which is made up of a speaker or the like that notifies the user of device abnormalities, status, and guidance by sound or voice synthesis. The notification unit 211 may be configured to have a display such as an LED instead of or in addition to a sound output device.

[0041] (Main part configuration) Next, the basic operations of this toilet apparatus 1 will be explained based on the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4. All of these operations are performed by the control unit 200 when a flush command is issued by the flush command means.

[0042] The toilet apparatus 1 may be configured to perform any one of the operations shown in Figures 3 to 4 when a flush command is received, but it may also be possible to change the settings on the toilet apparatus 1 so that any one of the operations is performed. Also, if a flush command is received from the flush operating unit 209 while the user is seated on the toilet apparatus 1, flushing will begin at that point.

[0043] In the following explanation of operation, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 100 and the open / closed state of the toilet seat 101 are detected by the various detection units, but explanation of the operation of these detection units will be omitted. Also, the opening and closing operations of the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are performed by the various drive units, but explanation of the operation of these drive units will be omitted.

[0044] First, the operation of Fig. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S113. Note that in the following description, the operation steps of Fig. 3 will be abbreviated to "SXXX" with only the reference numeral, instead of being written as "Step SXXX".

[0045] When a cleaning instruction is received from the cleaning instruction means, the receipt of the instruction is notified by the notification unit 211. The notification method is not specifically limited, but examples include an electronic beep sound or light emission on a display (S100, S101).

[0046] Immediately after the notification, a timer is started for a predetermined time (S102). This timer is a timer for automatically starting cleaning when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0047] After the timer is started, if the toilet lid 100 is in a closed state, flushing is performed after a predetermined time set by the timer has elapsed (N in S103, Y in S111, S112).

[0048] Furthermore, when a flush command is received and the timer for a predetermined time is started, if both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 is initiated first (Y in S103, Y in S104). Next, after it is confirmed that the toilet seat 101 is closed without the timer running out, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 is initiated (N in S106, Y in S107, S108). Furthermore, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 does not necessarily have to begin after the toilet seat 101 is closed; the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 may begin after the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 has begun, but before the toilet seat 101 is closed.

[0049] Even if the toilet lid 100 closes before the timer expires, flushing does not begin immediately, but begins when the timer that was started when the flush command was issued expires (N in S109, Y in S110, Y in S111, S112). If the toilet seat 101 or toilet lid 100 does not close before the timer expires due to some reason such as an obstacle, flushing will also begin when the timer expires (Y in S106, S113 or Y in S109, S113).

[0050] Furthermore, if the toilet lid 100 is open and the toilet seat 101 is closed when a flushing command is received, the toilet lid 100 will immediately begin closing (Y in S103, N in S104, S108). After that, once the predetermined time on the activated timer has elapsed, flushing will begin (S113). If the toilet lid 100 has not closed by the time the predetermined time has elapsed, flushing will also begin after the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S109, S113).

[0051] In this toilet apparatus 1, both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are opened and closed electrically. Therefore, as mentioned above, if the toilet lid 100 is opened in response to a flush command and the toilet seat 101 is opened in response to a close command, the toilet seat 101 must also be closed, and therefore the predetermined time is preferably set to a time that takes into account the time required for both the toilet seat 101 closing operation and the toilet lid 100 closing operation. Specifically, the predetermined time for the timer to be activated is preferably 5 to 20 seconds, more preferably 5 to 15 seconds, and even more preferably 5 to 10 seconds.

[0052] Although not shown in FIG. 3, after the flushing in S112 or S113 is completed, the toilet lid 100 may be opened and then closed to enter a standby state (a state in which the toilet lid 100 is closed).

[0053] This is an operation performed so that the user can check for themselves whether or not any waste remains in the bowl portion 102 after cleaning. The user does not need to manually open the toilet lid 100 when checking the inside of the bowl portion 102 after cleaning.

[0054] Furthermore, the delay between when the toilet lid 100 is opened and when the closing operation begins is not limited to a fixed time, and other means may be used. For example, the toilet lid may return to the standby state when the motion sensor no longer detects a person. The user can also close the toilet lid using the toilet lid operating unit 204, so it is not necessary to automatically return to the standby state.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the timer is started at the same time whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed, but the timer may be started at different times depending on whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed.

[0056] In this case, the operation of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart (S200 to S214).

[0057] When a cleaning instruction is received from the cleaning instruction means, the reception of the instruction is notified by the notification unit 211. The notification method is not specifically limited, but examples include an electronic beep sound or light emission on a display (S200, S201).

[0058] If the toilet lid 100 is open when a flushing command is received from the flushing command means, timer #1 is started (Y in S202, S203). On the other hand, if the toilet lid 100 is closed when a flushing command is received from the flushing command means, timer #2 is started, and flushing begins when timer #2 times out (N in S202, S213, Y in S214, S212).

[0059] When a flush command is received, if the toilet lid 100 is open and the timer #1 is started, and the toilet seat 101 is also open, the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 is initiated first (Y in S202, S203, Y in S204, S205).

[0060] If the toilet seat 101 closes without timer #1 timing out, then the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 is initiated (N in S206, Y in S207, S208). Also, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 does not necessarily have to start after the toilet seat 101 closes; after the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 has started, but before the toilet seat 101 closes, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 may start so that it follows the toilet seat 101.

[0061] Even if the toilet lid 100 is closed, flushing does not start immediately, but starts when timer #1 times out (N in S209, Y in S210, Y in S211, S212). If the toilet seat 101 or toilet lid 100 does not close before the time is up due to some reason such as an obstacle, flushing will start when the time is up (Y in S206, S113 or Y in S209, S113). It is desirable that the time on timer #1 is longer than the time required for the toilet seat 101 and toilet lid 100 to start closing and close.

[0062] With this configuration, after receiving a flush command, flushing begins once the toilet lid 100 is closed, which helps prevent contamination contained in excrement from scattering in the bowl. The predetermined time for Timer #1 is preferably 5 to 20 seconds, more preferably 5 to 15 seconds, and even more preferably 5 to 10 seconds. The predetermined time for Timer #2 is preferably 0.5 to 2 seconds, even more preferably 0.5 to 1 second, and even more preferably 0.5 to 0.7 seconds.

[0063] As described above, in both patterns shown in the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4, the toilet device 1 operates as a general rule such that flushing begins when the toilet lid 100 is closed. However, as an exception, flushing is performed before the toilet lid 100 or the toilet seat 101 is closed when the time expires before the toilet lid 100 is closed (Y at S106 in Figure 3, Y at S109, Y at S206 in Figure 4, Y at S209).

[0064] It is sufficient if either one of the operation modes shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 described above can be executed, and either one may be set by using a setting operation unit (not shown), for example.

[0065] As mentioned above, the toilet device 1 shown above is configured so that the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 is completed and then the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 begins, but they may also operate simultaneously, or the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 may be performed with a slight delay after the closing operation of the toilet seat 101.

[0066] In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, when a flushing command is received, the predetermined time of the timer that starts is different depending on whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed.

[0067] Furthermore, the timer may be configured to start for different predetermined times in three different patterns: when both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are open, when the toilet seat 101 is closed and only the toilet lid 100 is open, and when both the toilet seat 101 and the toilet lid 100 are closed. In this case, if the predetermined times for the timer to start when both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are open, when only the toilet lid 100 is open, and when both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are closed are S1, S2, and S3, respectively, it is desirable that S1 ≧ S2 ≧ S3.

[0068] The toilet device 1 may also be configured so that the user can set the predetermined time for the timer to be activated in each case.

[0069] As described above, in both the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, when a flushing command is received, flushing does not begin immediately even if the toilet lid 100 is closed, but rather a timer is started for a predetermined time, and flushing begins after the predetermined time has elapsed. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user by the flushing sound during flushing.

[0070] 3 and 4, flushing is performed when the timer reaches a predetermined time even if the toilet lid 100 is not closed, but flushing may be stopped if the toilet lid 100 is not closed when the timer reaches a predetermined time. In this case, it is preferable to use a sound or other means to notify the user that flushing is not being performed.

[0071] Incidentally, the toilet device 1 may flush the toilet when the flushing operation unit 209 is operated during defecation or urination or when the toilet seat 101 is left, or may be equipped with a timer flushing function that automatically flushes the toilet at regular or irregular intervals regardless of the timing of defecation or urination.

[0072] In this case, when the toilet device 1 receives a flush command using a timer flush, it is preferable that the timer be activated for a predetermined time, and that toilet flushing begin after the predetermined time has elapsed, as in the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4. Also in this case, if the toilet lid 100 is open, it is preferable that the toilet lid drive unit 203 begin closing the lid. By configuring it in this way, flushing begins with the toilet lid 100 reliably closed when a timer flush is performed, making it possible to prevent droplets of contaminants remaining in the water in the bowl unit 102 from scattering outside the toilet.

[0073] Furthermore, the toilet apparatus 1 is not limited to the above, and may be one in which the toilet cover 100 and toilet seat 101 are replaceable as a single unit. In particular, it may be a toilet apparatus 3 to which a toilet seat apparatus 30 as shown in Figure 5 has been retrofitted (or replaced). The basic configuration of a toilet apparatus 3 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) and (b).

[0074] In this embodiment, a movable trap is shown as an example in Figure 5(b), but it can also be used with toilets that have a siphon-type trap in the toilet body (see Figure 2(a)) or other types.

[0075] Specifically, the toilet seat device 30 is a separate unit that can be attached to and detached from the toilet body (portions excluding the toilet device 1) of the toilet device 3. The toilet seat device 30 is equipped with a toilet lid 300, a toilet lid open / close detection unit 402, a toilet lid drive unit 403, a toilet lid operation unit 404, a toilet seat 301, a toilet seat open / close detection unit 405, a toilet seat drive unit 406, a toilet seat operation unit 407, a seating detection unit 411, a bowl flush operation unit 410, a toilet seat side control unit 409, a timing unit 408, and an alarm unit 412. Electrical signals can be sent and received between the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet body.

[0076] The configuration of the toilet device 3 (toilet body) excluding the toilet seat device 30 is generally the same as that in Fig. 1, so the same reference numerals are used and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. The toilet seat device 30 also includes the toilet lid 300, toilet lid open / close detection unit 402, toilet lid drive unit 403, toilet lid operation unit 404, toilet seat 301, toilet seat open / close detection unit 405, toilet seat drive unit 406, toilet seat operation unit 407, and seating detection unit 411, which are generally the same as those in Fig. 1, so explanations thereof are omitted.

[0077] The toilet seat device 30 in Figure 5 is configured so that a command to flush the bowl section 102 can be output from the toilet seat device 30 to the toilet flushing unit. Specifically, when a flushing command is received from the bowl flushing operation unit 410, the toilet seat side control unit 409 of the toilet seat device 30 receives this command and controls the toilet flushing unit via the toilet body side control unit 200 to flush the bowl section 102. Alternatively, the toilet seat side control unit 409 may be configured to directly control the toilet flushing unit 210.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5, the toilet apparatus 3 is configured to include not only the bowl flush operation unit 410 on the toilet seat apparatus 30 side, but also the flush operation unit 209 on the main body side. In other words, the toilet apparatus shown in Figure 5 is configured so that flush commands can be issued using either the flush operation unit 209 or the bowl flush operation unit 410. It may also be configured so that flush commands can be issued only using the bowl flush operation unit 410, without providing the flush operation unit 209 on the main body side.

[0079] It is desirable that the bowl flush operation unit 410 also has a stool flush button and a urination flush button. As with the toilet apparatus 1, a configuration may be adopted in which a flush command is output by a single flush button, without providing both a stool flush button and a urination flush button. In this case, the amount of flush water supplied to the bowl section 102 is not differentiated between a large volume for stool and a small volume for urination, but is limited to only one type, a large volume for stool.

[0080] Alternatively, a single flush button may be configured to output both a stool flush and a urination flush. For example, a single short press of bowl flush operation unit 410 may output a urination flush, and a long press may output a stool flush.

[0081] Operation of bowl flush operating unit 410 acts as a bowl flush command means, but a change in state from seated to up, detected by seat detection unit 411, also acts as a bowl flush command means. In other words, when a person stands up from toilet seat 301 while seated, automatic flushing is performed instead of operating the flush button.

[0082] Like the toilet apparatus 1 in Fig. 1, this toilet apparatus 3 is capable of performing the operations shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In other words, when the toilet flushing unit 210 receives a flushing command from the bowl flushing command means (bowl flushing operation unit 410), a timer for a predetermined time is started, and flushing begins when the timer is up. If the toilet lid 300 is open when a flushing command is received from the bowl flushing command means (bowl flushing operation unit 410), the toilet lid 300 begins to close.

[0083] As described above, the toilet seat device 30 comprises the toilet seat 301, the toilet lid 300, a toilet lid open / close detection unit 402 that detects whether the toilet lid 300 is open or closed, and a toilet lid drive unit 403 that opens and closes the toilet lid 300. The toilet seat device 30 is also a device that can be attached to the toilet body, and is equipped with a bowl flush command means that receives flush commands for the toilet body, a timing unit 408, and a toilet seat-side control unit 409. When a flush command is received from the bowl flush command means, the toilet seat-side control unit 409 starts a timer for a predetermined time, and outputs a flush command to the toilet body when the timer is up. If the toilet lid 300 is open when a flush command is received from the bowl flush command means, the toilet lid drive unit 403 will begin closing the toilet lid 300.

[0084] This toilet seat-side control unit 409 has a timer that starts for the same predetermined time whether the toilet lid 300 is open or closed when it receives a flush command, and outputs a flush command to the toilet bowl body when the timer expires. In other words, this operation corresponds to that shown in Figure 3.

[0085] Furthermore, when the toilet seat-side control unit 409 receives a flush command, it activates a timer with a different predetermined time depending on whether the toilet lid 300 is closed or open, and outputs a flush command to the toilet bowl body after the predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, it is preferable that the timer with a longer predetermined time be activated when the toilet lid 300 is open than when the toilet lid 300 is closed. In other words, this operation corresponds to that shown in Figure 4.

[0086] Furthermore, it is desirable that the toilet seat device 30 be configured to perform an operation similar to that performed by the flushing instruction from the bowl flushing operation unit 410 when it receives a flushing instruction from the flushing operation unit 209 of the toilet body instead of a flushing instruction from the bowl flushing operation unit 410.

[0087] Timer processing in the toilet apparatus 3 may be performed by the timing unit 408 of the toilet seat apparatus 30, but the timing unit 201 of the toilet body may also be used. Also, various notifications may be performed by the notification unit 412 of the toilet seat apparatus 30, but the notification unit 211 of the toilet body may also be used.

[0088] Also, in the toilet apparatus 3, similar to the toilet apparatus 1, the predetermined time of the timer that is activated may be different depending on whether the toilet lid 300 and toilet seat 301 are both open, whether only the toilet lid 300 is open, or whether both the toilet lid 300 and toilet seat 301 are closed. It is preferable that the relationship between the length of the predetermined time of the timer in each case be the same as in the toilet apparatus 1.

[0089] Also, the configuration may be such that the user can set the predetermined time for the timer to be activated in each case.

[0090] Furthermore, similar to the toilet bowl apparatus 1, the flushing may be stopped if the toilet lid 300 is not closed when the timer reaches a predetermined time. In this case, it is preferable to have a configuration in which a sound or the like is used to notify the user that flushing is not being performed.

[0091] The toilet apparatus 3 can also be equipped with a timer flushing function, and preferably has a configuration in which a timer is started at a predetermined time, and toilet flushing begins after the predetermined time has elapsed, similar to the toilet apparatus 1. With this configuration, even when timer flushing is performed, flushing begins with the toilet lid 100 reliably closed, making it possible to prevent droplets of contaminants remaining in the water in the bowl portion 102 from scattering outside the toilet.

[0092] The toilet seat device 30 is not limited to that shown in Figure 5. For example, the toilet seat device 30 may be configured to include a private parts washing device, or may be configured to include a toilet seat operating unit (not shown) that can perform various operations and settings (for example, the private parts washing device).

[0093] <Additional Notes> The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. <Technology 1> A toilet device comprising a bowl section, a toilet flushing section that supplies flushing water to the bowl section to flush the inside of the bowl section, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection section that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive section that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flushing instruction means that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing section, a timing section, and a control section; when a flushing instruction is given by the flushing instruction means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, flushing by the toilet flushing section begins; and if the toilet lid is open when the flushing instruction is given, the control section starts the toilet lid drive section to close the toilet lid. <Technology 2> The toilet device according to Technology 1, wherein when a flush instruction is given by the flush instruction means, the timer starts for the same time whether the toilet lid is closed or open. <Technology 3> The toilet device according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the time of the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the time of the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is open. <Technology 4> The toilet apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, further comprising an operation unit that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing unit. <Technology 5> A toilet apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, wherein when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, if the toilet lid is closed, the time of the timer that is activated is 0.5 to 2 seconds. <Technology 6> A toilet apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein when a flush command is issued by the flush command means and the toilet lid is open, the time of the timer that is activated is 5 to 20 seconds. <Technology 7> Further provided with a notification unit, The toilet apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 6, wherein the notification unit issues a notification during the period from when the flush instruction means issues a flush instruction to when the flush unit starts flushing.

[0094] <Technology 8> A toilet seat device comprising a toilet seat, 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 bowl flush instruction means that receives flush instructions for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit, wherein when a flush instruction is received from the bowl flush instruction means, the toilet seat side control unit starts a timer for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, a flush instruction is output to the toilet body, and if the toilet lid is open when the toilet seat side control unit receives the flush instruction, the toilet seat side control unit starts the toilet lid drive unit to close the toilet lid. <Technology 9> A toilet seat device as described in Technology 8, wherein when a cleaning command is issued by the bowl cleaning command means, the timer that is activated is the same whether the toilet lid is closed or open. <Technology 10> A toilet seat device as described in Technology 8, wherein when a cleaning command is issued by the bowl cleaning command means, the time of the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the time of the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is open. <Technology 11> The toilet seat device described in Technology 9 or 10, wherein the toilet seat side control unit, when receiving a cleaning command from the toilet body, performs the same operation as when a cleaning command is received from the bowl section cleaning command means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Toilet equipment 3 Toilet equipment 100 toilet lid 101 Toilet Seat 102 Bowl section 103 Skirt Club 104 Trap section 105 Drain 106 Water supply valve 107 Cleaning water supply channel 108 Water inlet 109 Movable trap section 110 Toilet flushing unit 200 control section 201 Timing section 202 Toilet lid opening / closing detector 203 Toilet lid drive unit 204 Toilet lid operation part 205 Toilet seat opening / closing detector 206 Toilet seat drive unit 207 Toilet seat control unit 208 Seating detection unit 209 Cleaning operation unit 209a Stool flush button 209b Urinal flush button 210 Toilet flushing unit 211 Information Department 300 toilet lid 301 Toilet seat 402 Toilet lid opening / closing detector 403 Toilet lid drive unit 404 Toilet lid operation part 405 Toilet seat opening / closing detector 406 Toilet seat drive unit 407 Toilet seat control unit 408 Timing section 409 Toilet seat side control unit 410 Bowl cleaning operation unit 411 Seated detection unit 412 Information Department

Claims

1. The toilet comprises a bowl section, a toilet flushing section that supplies flushing water to the bowl section to flush the inside of the bowl section, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening / closing detection section that detects the opening / closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving section that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flushing instruction means that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing section, a timing section, and a control section, When a flush command is issued by the flush command means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and flushing by the toilet bowl flushing unit is started when the predetermined time has elapsed. The toilet apparatus is characterized in that, if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, the control unit starts the toilet lid closing operation by the toilet lid drive unit.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the timer is activated for the same time whether the toilet lid is closed or open.

3. The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the time of the timer that starts when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the time of the timer that starts when the toilet lid is open.

4. 2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing unit.

5. 2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the time of the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is closed when a flush command is issued by the flush command means is 0.5 to 2 seconds.

6. 2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is open when a flush command is issued by the flush command means has a time of 5 to 20 seconds.

7. Further provided with a notification unit, 2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a notification during the period from when the flush instruction means issues a flush command until when the flush unit starts flushing.

8. The toilet comprises a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a bowl flush command means that receives a flush command for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit, When a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, a flush command is output to the toilet body, The toilet seat device is characterized in that, if the toilet lid is open when the toilet seat side control unit receives the flushing command, the toilet lid drive unit starts the operation of closing the toilet lid.

9. The toilet seat device according to claim 8, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means, the timer that is activated is the same whether the toilet lid is closed or open.

10. The toilet seat device according to claim 8, characterized in that when a cleaning command is issued by the bowl cleaning command means, the time of the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the time of the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is open.

11. The toilet seat device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, when a flushing command is received from the toilet body, the toilet seat side control unit performs the same operation as when a flushing command is received from the bowl section flushing command means.

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