Toilet device

Abstract

To provide a toilet device that can prevent a failure of an electric cable.SOLUTION: A toilet device includes: a casing that houses a circuit part; a rotation part serving as a toilet seat or a toilet lid; an electrical opening / closing mechanism which electrically opens and closes the rotation part; an opening / closing auxiliary mechanism for energizing rotation of the rotation part; and a coupling part coupling the rotation part and the opening / closing auxiliary mechanism. The circuit part is connected to an electric component provided on the rotation part with a wire. The coupling part has a first opening and a second opening into which the wire can be inserted so that the wire extends from the inside of the coupling part to the rotation part side through the first opening, and extends from the inside of the coupling part to the casing side through the second opening. The coupling part rotates around an axis of rotation with rotation of the rotation part. An angle around the axis of rotation between the opposite ends of the second opening in a rotation direction of the coupling part is larger than the maximum rotation angle at which the rotation part rotates from a fully closed position to a fully open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Toilet devices are provided with, for example, a toilet seat and / or a toilet lid that are pivotally supported on a casing. It is known that the casing can be provided with a mechanism, such as an electric opening / closing mechanism. The electric opening / closing mechanism electrically drives the rotation shaft of the toilet seat or toilet lid, automatically rotating the toilet seat or toilet lid.

[0003] On the other hand, electrical components may be installed in the toilet seat or toilet lid. These electrical components are electrically connected to a circuit unit such as a control board housed in the casing by electrical wires such as a harness. For example, a toilet seat may have a built-in electrical component such as a heater that warms the seat. The control board in the casing is connected to the heater by a harness and controls the heater's operation.

[0004] Electrical wires, such as harnesses, run from inside the casing through the part that supports the toilet seat or lid and are connected to electrical components. In such cases, the electrical wires may interfere with mechanisms such as the electric opening and closing mechanism. When the toilet seat or lid is opened or closed, the electrical wires may be damaged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Utility Model No. 206491741 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and has an object to provide a toilet device that can suppress breakage of electric wires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention is a toilet comprising a casing that houses a circuit unit therein, a rotating unit that is a toilet seat or a toilet lid that rotates relative to the casing to open and close, an electric opening and closing mechanism that is provided in the casing and electrically opens and closes the rotating unit, an opening and closing assist mechanism that is provided in the casing and biases the rotation of the rotating unit by a spring, and a connecting unit that connects the rotating unit and the opening and closing assist mechanism, wherein the circuit unit is electrically connected to an electric component provided in the rotating unit by an electric wire, and the connecting unit has an opening that extends from inside the connecting unit to the rotating unit side through a first opening. the first opening and the second opening through which the electric wire can be inserted so as to extend from the connecting portion through the second opening toward the casing side, the rotating portion is connected to the connecting portion and is rotatable around the connecting portion from a fully closed position to a fully open position, the connecting portion rotates around a rotation axis together with the rotation of the rotating portion, and the angle between both ends of the second opening in the rotation direction of the connecting portion around the rotation axis is greater than the maximum rotation angle of the rotating portion from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

[0008] According to this toilet device, by providing a connecting part through which an electric wire can be inserted, it is possible to connect the electric component and the circuit part while preventing the electric wire from being exposed outside the casing, toilet seat, or toilet lid. Also, because the width of the second opening in the rotation direction is relatively large, it is possible to prevent the connecting part from interfering with the electric wire when the rotating part opens and closes and the connecting part rotates, thereby preventing damage to the electric wire.

[0009] The second invention is a toilet device according to the first invention, characterized in that when the rotating part rotates between the fully closed position and the fully open position, the second opening always opens vertically downward.

[0010] According to this toilet apparatus, when the pivoting part is opened or closed, interference between the electric wire extending downward from the second opening and the connecting part can be further reduced, and damage to the electric wire can be further reduced.

[0011] A third invention is a toilet device according to the second invention, characterized in that the connecting portion has a wire arrangement portion provided inside the second opening for locking the electric wire.

[0012] According to this toilet device, by locking the electric wires in the wiring arrangement part, it is possible to limit the position at which the electric wires are routed from the connecting part. By opening and closing the pivot part, it is possible to further prevent interference between the connecting part and the electric wires. It is also possible to further prevent damage to the electric wires.

[0013] A fourth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in any one of the first to third inventions, the connecting portion has a first end portion that connects to the rotating portion and a second end portion that connects to the opening / closing assist mechanism, and the outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the outer diameter of the first end portion.

[0014] According to this toilet apparatus, the large outer diameter of the second end portion can prevent damage to the second end portion, which can further prevent damage to the connecting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention, a toilet device capable of suppressing damage to electric wires is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of an open and closed state of the toilet lid of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a part of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the connecting portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the connecting portion. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connecting portion. [Figure 8] 8(a) and 8(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the opening / closing assist mechanism and the connecting portion. [Figure 9] 9(a) and 9(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the opening / closing assist mechanism and the connecting portion. [Figure 10] 10(a) and 10(b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the connecting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the toilet seat device 100 according to the embodiment comprises a casing 10, a toilet seat 30 (an example of a rotating part) on which a user sits, and a toilet lid 50 (an example of a rotating part) that covers the toilet seat 30. The toilet seat 30 and the toilet lid 50 are each supported so that they can rotate relative to the casing 10 to open and close. In the state shown in Fig. 1, the toilet seat 30 is in a closed state (lowered state), and the toilet lid 50 is in an open state (raised state). When closed, the toilet lid 50 covers the top surfaces of the casing 10 and the toilet seat 30 from above.

[0018] In this specification, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left side," and "right side" refer to directions as seen by a user sitting on the toilet seat 30 with their back to the open toilet lid 50.

[0019] The toilet lid 50 has a pair of toilet lid hinge portions (a first toilet lid hinge portion 61 and a second toilet lid hinge portion 62) aligned in the left-right direction. When the toilet lid 50 is closed, the pair of toilet lid hinge portions are located at the rear end of the toilet lid 50. The toilet lid 50 is rotatably supported at the first toilet lid hinge portion 61 and the second toilet lid hinge portion 62. In this example, the pair of toilet lid hinge portions (i.e., the rotation axis of the toilet lid 50) are located at the rear end of the casing 10.

[0020] The toilet seat 30 has a pair of toilet seat hinge portions (first toilet seat hinge portion 31 and second toilet seat hinge portion 32) aligned in the left-right direction. When the toilet seat 30 is closed, the pair of toilet seat hinge portions are located at the rear end of the toilet seat 30. The toilet seat 30 is rotatably supported by the first toilet seat hinge portion 31 and the second toilet seat hinge portion 32. In this example, the pair of toilet seat hinge portions (i.e., the rotation axis of the toilet seat 30) are located forward of the toilet lid hinge portion.

[0021] A circuit unit 11 is housed inside the casing 10. An electric component 12 (such as a toilet seat heater 12A) is provided on the toilet seat 30. The electric component 12 is, for example, a component disposed inside the toilet seat 30. The circuit unit 11 is electrically connected to the electric component 12 provided on the toilet seat 30 by an electric wire 13. The electric wire 13 is, for example, a harness.

[0022] The circuit unit 11 has, for example, a control circuit that controls the operation of the electrical component 12. The circuit unit 11 is, for example, a control board. The electrical component 12 is, for example, a component whose operation is controlled by the control circuit of the circuit unit 11. The electrical component 12 is, for example, a component that receives power from the circuit unit 11.

[0023] In the example of Fig. 1, the electrical component 12 is a toilet seat heater 12A built into the toilet seat 30. The toilet seat heater 12A has, for example, an electric heating wire. When a voltage is applied to the toilet seat heater 12A, the toilet seat heater 12A generates heat. This allows the toilet seat heater 12A to heat the seating surface of the toilet seat 30 from inside the toilet seat 30.

[0024] 1, the position and shape of circuit unit 11 are shown schematically, and the position and shape of circuit unit 11 in the embodiment are not particularly limited. Circuit unit 11 may be any circuit provided inside casing 10. Furthermore, electrical component 12 is not necessarily limited to toilet seat heater 12A. Electrical component 12 may be any component provided on toilet seat 30 (or toilet lid 50) and electrically connected to circuit unit 11 by electric wire 13.

[0025] For example, the electrical component 12 may be a seat detection sensor provided on the toilet seat 30. The seat detection sensor detects that a user is sitting on the toilet seat 30. The seat detection sensor may be, for example, a mechanical switch, an optical sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the toilet seat 30, a capacitance sensor that detects a change in capacitance due to sitting, or a piezoelectric sensor that detects a change in pressure due to sitting.

[0026] In the following, an example will be mainly described in which the rotating part is the toilet seat 30 and the electrical component 12 is provided on the toilet seat 30.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of an open and closed state of the toilet lid of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. The toilet seat 30 is movable in an open direction and a closed direction as shown in Fig. 2. The toilet seat 30 is rotatable from a fully closed position P1 shown by a solid line in Fig. 2 to a fully open position P2 shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2.

[0028] The fully closed position P1 is the state in which the toilet seat 30 is reclined and fully closed. That is, in the fully closed position P1, the tip 30a of the toilet seat 30 is located at the lowest position within its movable range. The fully open position P2 is the state in which the toilet seat 30 is upright and fully open. That is, in the fully open position P2, the tip 30a of the toilet seat 30 is located at the rearmost position within its movable range. The angle by which the toilet seat 30 rotates from the fully closed position P1 to the fully open position P2 (maximum rotation angle θ1) is, for example, approximately 90° or more and 120° or less.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a part of the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the casing 10 viewed from above with the toilet seat 30 closed and the toilet lid 50 open.

[0030] 3, the toilet seat device 100 has an electric opening / closing mechanism 80 (electric opening / closing mechanism 80A) that electrically opens and closes the toilet seat 30, and an opening / closing assist mechanism 90 (opening / closing assist mechanism 90A) that assists the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat 30. The electric opening / closing mechanism 80 and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 are each provided inside the casing 10. In this example, the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 is provided on the first toilet seat hinge portion 31 side, and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 is provided on the second toilet seat hinge portion 32 side. The positions at which the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 are provided may be reversed.

[0031] The positions of the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 are fixed relative to the casing 10. For example, the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 are fixed to the base plate of the casing 10 or to a case cover that covers the base plate by any fixing means such as screws.

[0032] The electric opening / closing mechanism 80 has a drive unit 81, a drive shaft 82, and a gear 83. The drive shaft 82 is a rotating shaft that extends in the left-right direction. The drive shaft 82 functions as part of a shaft that rotatably supports the toilet seat 30. For example, the drive shaft 82 is inserted into the first toilet seat hinge portion 31 and engages with the first toilet seat hinge portion 31. The drive unit 81 is, for example, a motor. The driving force (torque) of the drive unit 81 is transmitted to the first toilet seat hinge portion 31 via the gear 83 and the drive shaft 82. The electric opening / closing mechanism 80 rotates the drive shaft 82 by the driving force of the drive unit 81, thereby rotating the first toilet seat hinge portion 31 and thereby rotating the toilet seat 30.

[0033] The toilet seat device 100 further has a connecting portion 70 (connecting portion 70A) provided on the second toilet seat hinge portion 32 side inside the casing 10. The connecting portion 70 connects the toilet seat 30 and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 together.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the toilet device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the first toilet seat hinge portion 31, the connecting portion 70, and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 and their surroundings shown in FIG. 5 and 6 are perspective views illustrating the connecting portion.

[0035] 4, the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 has a case 91, a spring 92, and a shaft 93. The case 91 is, for example, cylindrical, and is fixed to the casing 10. The spring 92 and the shaft 93 are housed within the case 91.

[0036] The shaft 93 extends in the left-right direction. The spring 92 is, for example, a coil spring wound so as to revolve around the shaft 93. One end of the spring 92 is fixed to the case 91, and the other end of the spring 92 is fixed to the shaft 93.

[0037] The connecting portion 70 has a first end portion 71 that connects to the toilet seat 30, a second end portion 72 that connects to the opening / closing assist mechanism 90, and a central portion 73 between the first end portion 71 and the second end portion 72. The connecting portion 70 can be made of a material such as resin.

[0038] The first end portion 71, the second end portion 72, and the central portion 73 are each hollow and cylindrical. The internal space of the first end portion 71 and the internal space of the central portion 73 are connected to each other. In other words, the first end portion 71 and the central portion 73 form a single continuous cylindrical shape. A partition portion 74 that divides the space within the connecting portion 70 may be provided between the central portion 73 and the second end portion 72.

[0039] For example, the first end 71 is inserted into the second toilet seat hinge portion 32 and engages with the second toilet seat hinge portion 32. For example, the shaft 93 of the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 is inserted into the second end 72 and engages with the second end 72, thereby engaging with the connecting portion 70.

[0040] The connecting part 70 is rotatable around a rotation axis Ax1. The rotation axis Ax1 extends in the left-right direction and passes through the connecting part 70. The shaft 93 rotates together with the connecting part 70. The shaft 93 is, for example, on the rotation axis Ax1 and is rotatable around the rotation axis Ax1. The toilet seat 30 is, for example, rotatable around the connecting part 70. The connecting part 70 and the shaft 93 may be coaxial with the drive shaft 82 (see FIG. 3) of the electric opening / closing mechanism 80. The connecting part 70 and the shaft 93 function as part of an axis that rotatably supports the toilet seat 30. In other words, the toilet seat 30 is coupled to the connecting part 70 and is rotatable around the connecting part 70 from a fully closed position P1 (see FIG. 2) to a fully open position P2 (see FIG. 2). The connecting part 70 rotates around the rotation axis Ax1 together with the rotation of the toilet seat 30.

[0041] The opening / closing assist mechanism 90 urges the toilet seat 30 to rotate by means of a spring 92. Specifically, the elastic force of the spring 92 of the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 is transmitted to the second toilet seat hinge portion 32 via a shaft 93 and a connecting portion 70. The opening / closing assist mechanism 90 urges the connecting portion 70 by means of the elastic force of the spring 92, which in turn urges the second toilet seat hinge portion 32, thereby urging the toilet seat 30 in the open direction.

[0042] The connecting portion 70 has a first opening 76 and a second opening 77 through which the electric wire 13 can be inserted. The first opening 76 is provided at the end of the first end portion 71 on the second toilet seat hinge portion 32 side, and opens toward the second toilet seat hinge portion 32. The first opening 76 opens in the direction in which the rotation axis Ax1 extends. The rotation axis Ax1 passes through the first opening 76. The second opening 77 is a notch provided in the side surface 73s of the central portion 73. The second opening 77 opens in the radial direction of the connecting portion 70 (a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax1). The second opening 77 is spaced apart from the rotation axis Ax1 in the radial direction of the connecting portion 70. The second opening 77 rotates around the rotation axis Ax1 as the toilet seat 30 rotates.

[0043] The inside of the connecting portion 70 (first end portion 71 and central portion 73) is a hollow portion 70h that communicates with the outside via a first opening 76 and a second opening 77. The hollow portion 70h extends left and right along the rotation axis Ax1.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the electric wire 13 extends from within the connecting portion 70 through the first opening 76 toward the toilet seat 30. In other words, for example, the electric wire 13 extending from the electric component 12 (see FIG. 1) side into the toilet seat 30 extends through the first opening 76 into the connecting portion 70. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the electric wire 13 extends from within the connecting portion 70 through the second opening 77 toward the casing 10. In other words, for example, the electric wire 13 extending from the circuit unit 11 (see FIG. 1) side into the casing 10 extends through the second opening 77 into the connecting portion 70. In this way, the electric wire 13 passes through the hollow portion 70h of the connecting portion 70 to connect the electric component 12 and the circuit unit 11.

[0045] Note that a plurality of electric wires 13 may be inserted through the connecting portion 70. For example, a plurality of electric wires 13 may be provided to connect a plurality of electric components 12 to the circuit portion 11. An electric wire 13 for supplying a signal or power to each electric component 12, or an electric wire 13 for connecting each electric component 12 to a ground potential may be provided.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connecting portion. FIG. 7 shows a cross section taken along line A1-A1 shown in FIG. 5, that is, a cross section taken along a plane that passes through the second opening 77 and is perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax1. The connecting part 70 rotates in a rotation direction DR1 around the rotation axis Ax1 as the toilet seat 30 rotates. The rotation direction DR1 is a direction in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax1 and perpendicular to the radial direction D1. The radial direction D1 is a direction extending from the rotation axis Ax1 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax1.

[0047] The second opening 77 has both ends (a first end 77a and a second end 77b) in the rotational direction DR1. That is, the second opening 77 has the first end 77a located at the end in the rotational direction DR1 and the second end 77b located on the opposite side to the first end 77a in the rotational direction DR1.

[0048] The angle between the first end 77a and the second end 77b, centered on the rotation axis Ax1, is referred to as the opening angle θ2. In the cross section of Figure 7, the opening angle θ2 is the angle on the second opening 77 side between the line segment connecting the rotation axis Ax1 and the first end 77a and the line segment connecting the rotation axis Ax1 and the second end 77b. For example, the opening angle θ2 is the central angle of a sector (arc) centered on the rotation axis Ax1 and having the first end 77a and the second end 77b as its two ends.

[0049] The opening angle θ2 is larger than the maximum rotation angle θ1 described with reference to Fig. 2. The opening angle θ2 is, for example, approximately 150° or more and 190° or less. The difference between the opening angle θ2 and the maximum rotation angle θ1 is, for example, 50° or more and 90° or less.

[0050] As described above, in the embodiment, in addition to the electric opening / closing mechanism 80, an opening / closing assist mechanism 90 is provided. This makes it easier to open and close the toilet seat 30 (rotating part). For example, in recent years, as toilet seats 30 (rotating part) have become larger, the torque required to open and close the toilet seat 30 (rotating part) can become larger. Therefore, by providing the opening / closing assist mechanism 90, it is possible to assist the opening and closing by the electric opening / closing mechanism 80. However, if the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 is provided on one hinge part side of the toilet seat 30 (rotating part) and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 is provided on the other hinge part side, it can be difficult to ensure space to pass the electric wire 13 through at the position where the hinge part is pivotally supported.

[0051] In contrast to this, according to the embodiment, by providing a connecting portion 70 through which the electric wire 13 can be inserted, the electric component 12 and the circuit portion 11 can be connected by the electric wire. The electric component 12 and the circuit portion 11 can be connected while preventing the electric wire 13 from being exposed to the outside of the casing 10, the toilet seat 30, and the toilet lid 50, and interference between the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 and the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 and the electric wire 13 can be prevented.

[0052] As described above, in the embodiment, the connecting portion 70 is provided on the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 side. Alternatively, for example, it is also conceivable to provide the connecting portion 70, through which the electric wire 13 can be inserted, on the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 side. That is, it is also conceivable to connect the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 and the toilet seat 30 (rotating portion) with the connecting portion 70. However, when rotating the drive shaft 82 (shaft) of the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 from the outside, a large torque is required because the resistance force of the drive unit 81 (motor) is increased by the gear ratio. For example, the torque for rotating the drive shaft 82 of the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 is greater than the torque for rotating the shaft 93 of the opening / closing assist mechanism 90. That is, for example, when opening or closing the toilet seat 30, the reaction force generated on the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 side is greater than the reaction force generated on the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 side. Therefore, if the connecting portion 70 is provided on the electric opening / closing mechanism 80 side, a large force will be applied to the connecting portion 70.

[0053] In contrast, in the embodiment, the connecting part 70 connects the toilet seat 30 (rotating part) and the opening / closing assist mechanism 90. By providing the connecting part 70 on the side of the opening / closing assist mechanism 90, which has a relatively small reaction force when opening and closing, damage to the connecting part 70 can be suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, as described above, the opening angle θ2 of the second opening 77 is larger than the maximum rotation angle θ1 of the toilet seat 30 (rotating part). Because the width of the second opening 77 in the rotation direction DR1 is large, when the toilet seat 30 (rotating part) opens and closes and the connecting part 70 rotates, the connecting part 70 can be prevented from interfering with the electric wires. This can prevent damage to the electric wires 13.

[0055] For example, when the toilet seat 30 is opened or closed, the reaction force generated at the second end 72 may be greater than the reaction force generated at the first end 71. In contrast, in the example of FIG. 6, the outer diameter L72 of the second end 72 is greater than the outer diameter L71 of the first end 71. Because the outer diameter L72 of the second end 72 is large, damage to the second end 72 can be suppressed. Damage to the connecting portion 70 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, because the outer diameter L71 of the first end 71 is small, the shape of the toilet seat 30 can be made slimmer. Note that the outer diameter is the maximum width in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax1.

[0056] For example, the thickness T72 of at least a portion of the second end 72 (see FIG. 6) is thicker than the thickness T71 of at least a portion of the first end 71 (see FIG. 5). Here, the thickness refers to the thickness of the side wall that forms the cylindrical shape. By making the second end 72 relatively thick, damage to the second end 72 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, for example, the thickness (thickness) of at least a portion of the central portion 73 may be thicker than the thickness T71 of at least a portion of the first end 71.

[0057] For example, the connecting part 70 is provided as a separate member from the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 and is detachable from the opening / closing assist mechanism 90. In toilet apparatuses, different types of opening / closing assist mechanisms 90 may be used for different products depending on the required torque. Because the connecting part 70 is detachable, for example, it is possible to attach connecting parts 70 as needed, or to apply one type of connecting part 70 to multiple types of opening / closing assist mechanisms 90. This prevents an increase in the number of types of parts and reduces costs. Furthermore, if the connecting part 70 is damaged, it can be replaced. However, the connecting part 70 may be integral with part of the opening / closing assist mechanism 90.

[0058] 8(a) and 8(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the opening / closing assist mechanism and the connecting portion. Figure 8(a) is a plan view of the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 and the connecting part 70 viewed from below when the toilet seat 30 is in the fully closed position P1 (see Figure 2). In Figure 8(a), the electric wires 13 are not shown. FIG. 8(b) shows a cross section taken along line A2-A2 shown in FIG. 8(a).

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b), when the toilet seat 30 is in the fully closed position P1, the second opening 77 opens vertically downward. That is, as shown in FIG. 8(a), at least a portion of the second opening 77 is visible when the connecting portion 70 is viewed from directly below. For example, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a portion of the second opening 77 is located at the lower end 70L of the connecting portion 70. The lower end 70L is in a range that includes a position vertically below the rotation axis Ax1. For example, in the fully closed state, a portion of the second opening 77 is located directly below the rotation axis Ax1. For example, the lower end 70L is in a range between a direction in which the angle formed by the radial direction of the connecting portion 70 with the vertically downward direction is +10° and a direction in which the angle formed by the radial direction of the connecting portion 70 with the vertically downward direction is -10°.

[0060] 9(a) and 9(b) are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the opening / closing assist mechanism and the connecting portion. Figure 9(a) is a plan view of the opening / closing assist mechanism 90 and the connecting part 70 viewed from below when the toilet seat 30 is in the fully open position P2 (see Figure 2). In Figure 9(a), the electric wires 13 are not shown. FIG. 9(b) shows a cross section taken along line A3-A3 shown in FIG. 9(a).

[0061] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), when the toilet seat 30 is in the fully open position P2, the second opening 77 opens vertically downward. That is, as shown in Figure 9(a), when the connecting portion 70 is viewed from directly below, at least a portion of the second opening 77 is visible. For example, as shown in Figure 9(b), a portion of the second opening 77 is located at the lower end portion 70L of the connecting portion 70. For example, in the fully open state, a portion of the second opening 77 is located directly below the rotation axis Ax1.

[0062] 8(a) to 9(b), when the toilet seat 30 (rotating portion) rotates between the fully closed position P1 and the fully open position P2, the second opening 77 always opens vertically downward. In other words, when the connecting portion 70 is viewed from vertically below, at least a portion of the second opening 77 is always visible. For example, a portion of the second opening 77 is always located directly below the rotation axis Ax1.

[0063] The electric wire 13 hangs downward from the second opening 77 due to, for example, its own weight. When the toilet seat 30 is opened or closed, a portion of the second opening 77 always faces vertically downward, which further reduces interference between the electric wire 13 extending downward from the second opening 77 and the connecting portion 70. This further reduces damage to the electric wire 13.

[0064] 10(a) and 10(b) are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the connecting portion. FIG. 10(b) shows a cross section taken along line A4-A4 shown in FIG. 10(a). In this example, the connecting portion 70 has a wire arrangement portion 78 for reducing the length of the electric wires 13. In Fig. 10(b), the electric wires 13 are not shown.

[0065] The wire arranging portion 78 is provided inside the second opening 77. In other words, the wire arranging portion 78 is located inside the hollow portion 70h and is exposed to the outside of the connecting portion 70 at the second opening 77. The wire arranging portion 78 is aligned with the second opening 77 in the radial direction of the connecting portion 70.

[0066] The wire arranging portion 78 is, for example, in the shape of a hook that protrudes from the central portion 73. For example, the electric wire 13 can be passed between the wire arranging portion 78 and the central portion 73. By locking the electric wire 13 to the wire arranging portion 78, the position at which the electric wire 13 is routed from the connecting portion 70 can be limited. Interference between the connecting portion 70 and the electric wire 13 due to opening and closing of the toilet seat 30 (rotating portion) can be further suppressed. Damage to the electric wire 13 can be further suppressed.

[0067] For example, the multiple electric wires 13 may be connected to different portions within the casing 10. For example, the electric wire 13 connected to ground and the electric wire 13 for power supply are arranged so as to extend in different directions from each other from below the connecting portion 70 within the casing 10. In such a case, the electric wires 13 extending in different directions may be separated by the wire arrangement portion 78. That is, for example, some of the electric wires 13 may be arranged so as to pass through the wire arrangement portion 78, and the electric wires 13 extending in a direction different from those electric wires 13 may be arranged so as not to pass through the wire arrangement portion 78.

[0068] The above description has mainly focused on the case where the rotating part that opens and closes relative to the casing 10 is the toilet seat 30. However, the rotating part may also be the toilet lid 50. As shown in FIG. 3, an electric opening / closing mechanism 80 (electric opening / closing mechanism 80B) that electrically opens and closes the toilet lid 50, and an opening / closing assist mechanism 90 (opening / closing assist mechanism 90B) that biases the toilet lid 50 may also be provided. For example, the connecting part 70 (connecting part 70B) connects the first toilet lid hinge part 61 of the toilet lid 50 to the opening / closing assist mechanism 90. An electric wire 13 inserted through the first opening 76 and the second opening 77 of the connecting part 70B connects the electric component 12 provided on the toilet lid 50 to the circuit part 11. The electric component 12 provided on the toilet lid 50 is arbitrary, but examples include a lighting device including an LED. As in the case where the rotating part is the toilet seat 30, when the rotating part is the toilet lid 50, the opening angle of the second opening 77 of the connecting part 70B is larger than the maximum rotation angle of the toilet lid 50.

[0069] Embodiments may include the following features. (Configuration 1) a casing that houses a circuit unit therein; a rotating part which is a toilet seat or a toilet lid that rotates relative to the casing to open and close; an electric opening / closing mechanism provided in the casing for electrically opening and closing the rotating portion; an opening / closing assist mechanism provided in the casing and biasing the rotation of the rotation part by a spring; a connecting portion that connects the rotation portion and the opening / closing assist mechanism; Equipped with the circuit section is electrically connected to an electric component provided on the rotating section by an electric wire; the connecting portion has the first opening and the second opening through which the electric wire can be inserted so that the electric wire extends from inside the connecting portion through the first opening to the rotating portion side and from inside the connecting portion through the second opening to the casing side, the rotation portion is coupled to the coupling portion and is rotatable around the coupling portion from a fully closed position to a fully open position, the connecting portion rotates around a rotation axis together with the rotation of the rotating portion, A toilet device characterized in that the angle between both ends of the second opening in the rotation direction of the connecting part, centered on the rotation axis, is greater than the maximum rotation angle of the rotating part from the fully closed position to the fully open position. (Configuration 2) The toilet device according to configuration 1, wherein the second opening always faces vertically downward when the rotating portion rotates between the fully closed position and the fully open position. (Configuration 3) 3. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion has a wire arrangement portion that is provided inside the second opening and that engages the electric wire. (Configuration 4) the connecting portion has a first end portion connected to the rotating portion and a second end portion connected to the opening / closing assist mechanism, The toilet apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the outer diameter of the second end portion is larger than the outer diameter of the first end portion.

[0070] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they retain the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10: Casing 11:Circuit section 12: Electrical parts 12A: Toilet seat heater 13: Electric wire 30: Toilet seat 30a:Tip 31: First toilet seat hinge 32: Second toilet seat hinge 50: Toilet lid 61: First toilet lid hinge 62: Second toilet lid hinge 70, 70A, 70B: Connection part 70L: Bottom end 70h: Cavity 71:First end 72:Second end 73:Central part 73s:Side 74: Partition 76: First opening 77: Second opening 77a: 1st end 77b: 2nd end 78: Line arrangement section 80, 80A, 80B: Electric opening / closing mechanism 81: Drive unit 82: Drive shaft 83: Gear 90, 90A, 90B: Opening / closing auxiliary mechanism 91: Case 92: Spring 93: Shaft 100: Toilet seat device Ax1: Rotation axis D1: Radial direction DR1: Rotation direction L71, L72: Outer diameter P1: Fully closed position P2: Fully open position T71, T72: Thickness θ1: Maximum rotation angle θ2: Opening angle

Claims

1. a casing that houses a circuit unit therein; a rotating part which is a toilet seat or a toilet lid that rotates relative to the casing to open and close; an electric opening / closing mechanism provided in the casing for electrically opening and closing the rotating portion; an opening / closing assist mechanism provided in the casing and biasing the rotation of the rotation part by a spring; a connecting portion that connects the rotation portion and the opening / closing assist mechanism; Equipped with the circuit section is electrically connected to an electric component provided on the rotating section by an electric wire; the connecting portion has the first opening and the second opening through which the electric wire can be inserted so that the electric wire extends from inside the connecting portion through the first opening to the rotating portion side and from inside the connecting portion through the second opening to the casing side, the rotation portion is coupled to the coupling portion and is rotatable around the coupling portion from a fully closed position to a fully open position, the connecting portion rotates around a rotation axis together with the rotation of the rotating portion, The toilet device is characterized in that the angle between both ends of the second opening in the rotation direction of the connecting part, centered on the rotation axis, is greater than the maximum rotation angle of the rotating part from the fully closed position to the fully open position.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening always faces vertically downward when the rotating portion rotates between the fully closed position and the fully open position.

3. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion has a wire arrangement portion provided inside the second opening for locking the electric wires.

4. the connecting portion has a first end portion connected to the rotating portion and a second end portion connected to the opening / closing assist mechanism, 4. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the second end is greater than the outer diameter of the first end.

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