Toilet equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a toilet device that suppresses detection by a foot detection sensor installed on the toilet bowl at times unintended by the user. [Solution] The toilet device 1 comprises a toilet body 20 and a first human body detection sensor 41. The toilet body 20 is installed such that at least a portion of its bottom surface 25 is raised above the floor surface F. The first human body detection sensor 41 is provided on the bottom surface of the toilet body 20. A predetermined operation is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor 41. The first detection range 42 by the first human body detection sensor 41 is formed between the bottom surface 25 and the floor surface F. The entire first detection range 42 is contained within the contour portion 20a of the toilet body 20 in a top view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toilet device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a toilet device configured such that a foot detection unit for detecting a person's foot is provided in the toilet device, and when the person's foot is detected by the foot detection unit, the toilet lid opens and closes. (For example, Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a toilet device provided with a foot detection unit as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the detection range of the foot detection unit is often set in the front part or the side part of the toilet device.

[0005] In the case of such a foot detection unit, since the detection range by the foot detection unit reaches the front part or the side part of the toilet device, detection by the foot detection sensor may be performed at an unintended timing such as during use or cleaning timing, which may cause inconvenience.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a toilet device in which detection by a foot detection diagram is not performed at an unintended timing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A toilet device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a toilet body and a first human body detection sensor. The toilet body is installed such that at least a portion of its bottom surface is raised above the floor. The first human body detection sensor is provided on the bottom surface of the toilet body. A predetermined operation is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor. The first detection range of the first human body detection sensor is formed between the bottom surface and the floor. The entire first detection range is contained within the contour of the toilet body as viewed from above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The toilet device according to this disclosure has a first detection range, which is formed between the bottom surface of the toilet body and the floor surface. The first detection range is within the contour of the toilet body as seen from above, which is floating above the floor surface. Therefore, the first detection range does not detect the front or side of the outside of the toilet body. As a result, detection does not occur at unintended times, such as when the toilet device is in use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the interior of a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is another perspective view of a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an overall view of a toilet room including a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the toilet device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the toilet device 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that all embodiments disclosed below are illustrative and not intended to limit the toilet device 1 according to this disclosure.

[0011] Furthermore, in the embodiments disclosed below, unnecessary detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art by avoiding unnecessarily verbose explanations.

[0012] (Overall structure) Figure 1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the interior of the toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the toilet device 1 includes a toilet flushing unit 10 that supplies flushing water to the bowl 23 and flushes the inside of the bowl 23, a toilet lid 21, a toilet seat 22, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 3 that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid 21, and a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 5 that detects the opening and closing of the toilet seat 22. It also includes a toilet lid drive unit 4 that opens and closes the toilet lid 21 and a toilet seat drive unit 6 that opens and closes the toilet seat 22.

[0014] The toilet device 1 includes a bowl section 23 and a toilet flushing section 10 that supplies flushing water to the bowl section 23 and cleans the inside of the bowl section 23. The toilet device 1 also includes a flushing instruction means 11 that issues flushing instructions to the toilet flushing section 10.

[0015] The cleaning instruction means 11 may be based on the user's cleaning operation or it may be an automatic system based on the user's actions.

[0016] The toilet device 1 is a wall-mounted Western-style toilet device that is fixed in a floating state with the bottom surface portion 25 separated from the floor surface F in the toilet room 60. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the toilet device 1 is fixed in a state where the back surface portion 33 is fixed to the wall portion 31 and the bottom surface portion 25 floats from the floor surface F, but it is not limited to this form. The bottom surface portion 25 may float from the floor surface F in a form supported from below, or may be in a form where the side surface portion of the toilet device 1 is fixed. It is not necessary for all of the bottom surface portion 25 to float from the floor surface F, and a form where a part thereof is in contact with the floor surface F is also acceptable.

[0017] That is, the fixing method of the toilet device 1, the floating height, etc. are not problems, and it is sufficient if at least a part of the bottom surface portion 25 is fixed in a state of floating from the floor surface F. Also, in the present disclosure, even if a case or the like separate from the toilet body 20 is provided on the bottom surface portion 25, the separate case or the like is also included and regarded as the bottom surface portion 25.

[0018] When the bottom surface portion 25 of the toilet device 1 floats from the floor surface F, in addition to improving the design of the entire toilet room 60, effects are also produced in terms of use, such as making it easier to clean the floor surface F.

[0019] The toilet body 20 of this toilet device 1 has a bowl portion 23 that opens upward, and the bowl portion 23 is installed so as to be surrounded by a skirt portion 24. On the upper surface of the bowl portion 23, a toilet lid 21 and a toilet seat 22 that can be inverted with respect to the opening surface of the bowl portion 23 are provided. The opening and closing of the toilet lid 21 are performed by the toilet lid drive unit 4, and the opening and closing of the toilet seat 22 are performed by the toilet seat drive unit 6. Also, the rotation axes of the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 are the same.

[0020] The toilet device 1 has a drainage mechanism for the contaminated water stored in the bowl portion 23 and a drainage mechanism for draining the washing water. In the toilet device 1 shown in FIG. 2, the drainage mechanism is performed by a tubular bent movable trap 27 connected to the bowl portion 23 and a drain outlet portion 26. The movable trap 27 is configured to be rotatable up and down, and forms a water-sealed state or a drainage state by rotating in the vertical direction. In other words, when the free end 32 of the movable trap 27 faces upward, the inside of the bowl portion 23 is in a water-sealed state where the washing water and the contaminated water are stored, and when the free end 32 faces downward, the washing water and the contaminated water are discharged from the drain outlet portion 26 into a drainage state.

[0021] When the cleaning operation of the toilet device 1 starts, the free end 32 of the movable trap 27 rotates in a downward direction and is connected to the drain outlet portion 26. Thereby, the contaminated water stored in the bowl portion 23 passes through the movable trap 27 and is discharged from the drain outlet portion 26. A drainage path (not shown) is connected to the drain outlet portion 26, and the contaminated water and the washing water are drained from the drain outlet portion 26 to the drainage path.

[0022] The movable trap 27 is surrounded by a movable trap case (not shown) so that sewage and odors do not leak to the outside.

[0023] The drainage mechanism of the toilet device 1 is not limited to only the above-described movable trap 27, and may be a wash-down type drainage mechanism, a siphon type, a siphon jet type, a siphon vortex type, or the like. Further, it may have a drainage mechanism that is not in any of these forms.

[0024] In FIG. 2, the drain outlet portion 26 is provided on the bottom surface portion 25 of the toilet main body 20, but it may be provided on the back surface portion 33 of the toilet main body 20. By providing the drain outlet portion 26 on the back surface portion 33 of the toilet main body 20, it is not necessary to provide a drainage path in the direction of the floor surface F, and it becomes possible to install the toilet device 1 with a more floating feeling. The drainage direction of the washing water may be drained toward the floor surface F or may be drained toward the wall portion \alpha.

[0025] The water supply mechanism to the bowl section 23 is provided by a cleaning water inlet 28 and a cleaning water supply pipe 29. The cleaning water supply pipe 29, located in the internal space of the skirt section 24, is connected to a water pipe (not shown), and tap water is supplied from the water pipe to the cleaning water supply pipe 29. The cleaning water is drained from the cleaning water inlet 28 to the bowl section 23 after passing through the cleaning water supply pipe 29. The drainage of cleaning water is supplied and shut off by a water supply valve 30 located in the middle of the cleaning water supply pipe 29.

[0026] Furthermore, in the toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, a first human body detection sensor 41 is provided on the bottom surface 25 of the toilet body 20. The first human body detection sensor 41 will be described later. The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is configured to gradually expand from the bottom surface 25 of the toilet body 20 toward the floor surface F. The first detection range 42 will also be described in detail later.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is provided with a second human body detection sensor 50. The second detection range 51 of the second human body detection sensor 50 is configured to face forward of the toilet body 20. The second human body detection sensor 50 will also be described in detail later.

[0028] Furthermore, while toilet unit 1 is a direct-connection tankless toilet that does not have a flush tank (low tank), toilet unit 1 may also be one that has a water tank.

[0029] Furthermore, the toilet device 1 may be configured to include various functions. For example, it may be configured to include a sterilization device for disinfecting the inside of the bowl 23, a deodorizing device for deodorizing, a heating device for warming the toilet seat 22, and a local washing device. It may also be configured to detect when the user sits on or leaves the toilet seat 22.

[0030] (Main part configuration) Next, the first human body detection sensor 41 will be explained using Figures 3 to 5. The first human body detection sensor 41 is mainly used to detect the user's feet. However, the first human body detection sensor 41 can also detect parts of the body other than the feet. As mentioned above, the first human body detection sensor 41 is installed on the bottom surface 25 of the toilet device 1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the first human body detection sensor 41 is provided on the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 and is oriented toward the floor surface F. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first human body detection sensor 41 is oriented toward the front of the toilet device 1. Because the first human body detection sensor 41 is oriented toward the floor surface F, the first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is located downwards from the toilet bowl body 20, that is, in the area between the toilet bowl body 20 and the floor surface F.

[0032] The term "bottom surface 25" as used herein is not limited to cases where it is directly attached to the toilet bowl body 20; if an accessory separate from the toilet bowl body 20 is attached to the bottom surface 25, the accessory is also considered part of the bottom surface 25. In other words, even if the first human body detection sensor 41 is attached to an accessory attached to the bottom surface 25, the first human body detection sensor 41 is considered to be attached to the bottom surface 25. The accessory referred to herein is, for example, a cover attached to the bottom surface 25.

[0033] The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 should gradually expand outward from the first human body detection sensor 41. This makes it possible to detect the user's feet over a wide area, leading to improved usability.

[0034] On the other hand, the first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is set so as not to extend beyond the contour portion 20a of the toilet bowl body 20 in a top view (plan view). Therefore, the first detection range 42 is limited, making it possible to suppress the first human body detection sensor 41 from detecting the user at times unintended by the user, such as during use or cleaning. The contour portion 20a in a top view refers to the contour of the outermost protruding part when the toilet bowl body 20 is viewed from above.

[0035] The first detection range will be explained in detail using Figure 3. The contour 20a in the top view is the outline of the part that protrudes the most outward when the toilet bowl body 20 is viewed from above. In the diagram shown in Figure 3, the contour 20a in the top view is located near the toilet lid 21 and toilet seat 22, but it does not necessarily have to be in this vicinity; it could also be somewhere in the middle of the skirt portion 24.

[0036] A virtual surface 44 (see Figure 2) perpendicular to the floor surface F is provided from the contour portion 20a in the top view. The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is set to be within the range that is inside the virtual surface 44. More precisely, the first detection range 42 is set to extend outward from the first human body detection sensor 41, and extends to the part where the first detection range 42 intersects with the virtual surface 44. The first detection range 42 is set not to extend outside the virtual surface 44.

[0037] While the type of sensor is not particularly limited, ultrasonic sensors that measure and detect the time it takes for emitted ultrasonic waves to reflect back from obstacles, and microwave sensors that utilize the principle of microwaves reflecting back from objects are preferred. When using these sensors, the time it takes for the waves to reflect off the virtual surface 44 and return to the first human body detection sensor 41 can be set in advance. Detection can then be performed only if the time it takes for the waves to reflect back from the virtual surface 44 and return to the first human body detection sensor 41 is shorter than this time, and detection can be disabled if it is longer. With this configuration, it is possible to set the first detection range 42 within the area inside the virtual surface 44, that is, within the area inside the bottom contour portion 25a on the floor surface F that intersects with the virtual surface 44. The first human body detection sensor 41 is not limited to the above, and other sensors such as infrared sensors may be used.

[0038] Alternatively, the reach of the first human body detection sensor 41 may be set from the beginning to fall within the virtual surface 44. Furthermore, the detection range of the first human body detection sensor 41 may be configured not to reach the floor surface F, but to end between the toilet device 1 and the floor surface F. With this configuration, in order for detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 to occur, the user must lift their feet and place them between the toilet device 1 and the floor surface F, which helps to suppress unintended foot detection.

[0039] When the toilet lid 21 is open and the toilet seat 22 is closed, if a user places their foot between the toilet unit 1 and the floor surface F and this is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, the opening operation of the toilet seat 22 is initiated. This allows the user to open the toilet seat 22 without directly touching it with their hands when using the toilet unit 1 with the seat open, such as when urinating while standing, thus enabling hygienic use of the toilet unit 1.

[0040] The opening of the toilet seat 22, triggered by the detection of the first human body detection sensor 41, may be configured to occur only when the toilet lid 21 is open.

[0041] The above operations are not limited to when the toilet lid 21 is open; the same operations may also be performed when both the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 are closed. In other words, if both the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 are closed and detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 may both be opened.

[0042] The system may also be configured such that when both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 are open, the first human body detection sensor 41 detects them, and the flushing operation of the bowl section 23 is initiated.

[0043] In other words, when the toilet seat 22 is open and the user places their feet between the toilet unit 1 and the floor surface F, and this is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing of the bowl section 23 is initiated. This allows the user to urinate while standing without having to directly touch the toilet unit 1 or remote control to issue a flushing command. Details of the above behavior will be described later.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the first detection range may be configured so that it does not extend beyond the bottom contour 25a of the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20. Specifically, the outer edge of the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 is defined as the bottom contour 25b. A virtual surface 45 is provided perpendicular to the floor surface F from the bottom contour 25b. The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is set to be within the range that is contained inside the virtual surface 45. More precisely, the first detection range 42 is provided so as to extend outward from the first human body detection sensor 41, and extends to the part where the first detection range 42 intersects with the virtual surface 45. The first detection range 42 is set not to extend outside the virtual surface 45.

[0045] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the first human body detection sensor 41 from detecting a person at times unintended by the user, such as during use or cleaning.

[0046] Figure 5 is a plan view of the toilet room 60 from above. As shown in Figure 5, the toilet unit 1 is equipped with a second human body detection sensor 50 in addition to the first human body detection sensor 41. The second human body detection sensor 50 detects when a user enters the room. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the second human body detection sensor 50 is located in the rear center of the toilet unit 1. As a result, the detection range of the second human body detection sensor 50, the second detection range 51, is configured in front of the toilet unit 1.

[0047] The installation location of the second human body detection sensor 50 is not limited to the rear center of the toilet bowl body 20. It is acceptable to install it in a location that can detect the front part of the toilet bowl body 20, such as the front center of the toilet bowl body 20. The second human body detection sensor 50 detects a user entering the toilet room 60. When the second human body detection sensor 50 detects a person entering the toilet room 60, the toilet lid drive unit 4 starts opening the toilet lid 21. This allows the user to sit on the toilet seat 22 and relieve themselves without directly touching the toilet lid 21 with their hands, enabling hygienic use.

[0048] Furthermore, when the user leaves the toilet room 60, and the second human body detection sensor 50 no longer detects a person, if the toilet lid 21 was open, the toilet lid drive unit 4 will start closing the toilet lid 21.

[0049] If a user wishes to use the toilet unit 1 while standing, the second human body detection sensor 50 will detect their entry into the room and the toilet lid 21 will open. After that, the user should place their feet between the toilet unit 1 and the floor F, and this will be detected by the first human body detection sensor 41.

[0050] Thanks to the first human body detection sensor 41 and the second human body detection sensor 50 described above, it is possible to use the toilet without ever touching the toilet device 1 from the time of entry to exit, such as when urinating while standing.

[0051] The actual operation of the toilet device 1 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 6 and 7. All of these operations are performed by the control unit 2 (see Figure 1).

[0052] The toilet device 1 is configured to perform one of the actions shown in Figures 6 and 7 after a user enters the room, but it is also possible to change the settings of the toilet device 1 so that either of the actions is performed.

[0053] In the following description of operation, the detection of the open / closed state of the toilet lid 21 and the open / closed state of the toilet seat 22 are performed by their respective detection units, but the operation of these detection units will be omitted. Similarly, the opening and closing operations of the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 are performed by their respective drive units, but the operation of these drive units will be omitted. Furthermore, the flushing operation is performed by the toilet bowl flushing unit 10, but a detailed explanation of this will also be omitted.

[0054] First, the operation shown in Figure 6 will be explained following the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S113. In the following explanation, the operation steps in Figure 5 will be abbreviated as "Sxxx" instead of "Step Sxxx".

[0055] First, in S100, when a user enters the toilet room 60, in S101, the second human body detection sensor 50 detects that a person has entered the toilet room 60.

[0056] In S101, when the second human body detection sensor 50 detects a person entering the room, if the toilet lid 21 is closed in S102, the toilet lid 21 opening operation is initiated. At this time, the toilet device 1 may be configured to notify the user that the toilet lid 21 is about to open. The notification is made by the notification unit 9 (see Figure 1), and the notification means may be a sound such as "beep" or illumination of a display such as an LED.

[0057] After the toilet lid 21 is opened in S103 (including when the toilet lid 21 was already open), and after the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user's feet in S104, if the toilet seat 22 is closed in S105, the process proceeds to S106 and the toilet seat 22 is opened. The timing at which the first human body detection sensor 41 can detect a person may be configured to detect the person only after the toilet lid 21 is fully open, or before the toilet lid 21 is fully open. Similarly, the timing at which the toilet seat 22 is opened may be configured to start only after the toilet lid 21 is fully open, or before the toilet lid 21 is fully open, i.e., during the opening of the toilet lid 21.

[0058] Furthermore, in S107, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a user while they are seated, it is desirable that the toilet lid 21 does not start opening. Alternatively, the first human body detection sensor 41 may be set not to detect a user while they are seated. The user's seating is detected by a seating detection unit (not shown) provided in the toilet device 1.

[0059] In S107, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user's feet or other body parts, and the toilet seat 22 was already open in S105, the process proceeds to S109 and the flushing operation of the bowl section 23 is started.

[0060] When the toilet seat 22 is opened, the user can use the toilet device 1 with the seat 22 open, such as when urinating while standing (not shown).

[0061] Next, if the user places their feet between the bottom surface 25 of the toilet unit 1 and the floor surface F, and the toilet lid 21 is open, and in S107 the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user's feet or the like, the process proceeds to S109 and the flushing operation of the bowl section 23 is started.

[0062] After the bowl section 23 is cleaned, in S110, when the user leaves the toilet room 60, in S111, the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state. When the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state, if at least one of the toilet lid 21 or the toilet seat 22 is open, the process proceeds to S112 to start closing the toilet lid 21, then to S113 to start closing the toilet seat 22, and when the closing operation is complete, the process proceeds to S114 to end.

[0063] The closing operation of the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 may begin simultaneously, or the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the toilet seat 22 has fully closed. Alternatively, the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 has started but before the closing operation is completely finished.

[0064] In the flowchart shown in Figure 5, the flushing operation is initiated when the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the toilet seat 22 while it is open. After the second human body detection sensor 50 no longer detects a human body, the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are closed. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that when the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the toilet seat 22 while it is open, the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are closed before the flushing operation. In other words, the flushing operation is performed after the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the human body, and after the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are closed.

[0065] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the splashing of contaminated water during the flushing operation, and prevent bacteria and viruses contained in the contaminated water from being scattered outside the toilet unit 1.

[0066] In steps S101, S102, and S103, the configuration is such that when the second human body detection sensor 50 detects a user, the toilet lid 21 is opened if it is closed. However, the configuration may also be such that the second human body detection sensor 50 is activated only when the toilet lid 21 is closed.

[0067] Furthermore, the timing of the notification is not limited to when the user enters the toilet room 60. The system may also be configured to provide notifications at various times, such as when the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, when the flushing operation is performed due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, or when the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state and the toilet seat 22 or toilet lid 21 closes.

[0068] Next, the operation shown in Figure 7 will be explained using the flowchart shown in steps S200 to S215. In the operation shown in Figure 7, when the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing operation of the bowl 23 will start if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person again after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, even if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person again within a predetermined time after the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing operation will not be performed. The flushing operation of the toilet bowl 20 can only be started if a predetermined time has elapsed or more after the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person to open or close the toilet seat 22. This configuration prevents unintended flushing operations from being performed at the wrong time when the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person twice in a short period of time due to carelessness, etc.

[0069] First, in S200, the user enters the toilet room 60, and in S201, the second human body detection sensor 50 detects the user's entry. If the toilet lid 21 is closed in S202, the process proceeds to S203, and the opening operation of the toilet lid 21 is initiated.

[0070] In S201, when the second human body detection sensor 50 detects a user entering the room, if the toilet lid 21 is open in S202, the opening and closing operation of the toilet lid 21 and toilet seat 22 is not started, and the process returns to S201.

[0071] Next, in S204, if the user is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, for example by placing their feet between the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 and the floor surface F, and the toilet seat 22 is closed in S205, then timer #1 is started in S206, and the opening operation of the toilet seat 22 is started in S207.

[0072] Furthermore, if the toilet seat 22 is open in S205, the process proceeds to S210 and the flushing operation of the bowl 23 begins.

[0073] Furthermore, in S204, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a user while they are seated, the toilet lid 21 may not open. Alternatively, the first human body detection sensor 41 may not detect a user while they are seated. The user's seating is detected by a seating detection unit (not shown) provided in the toilet device 1.

[0074] When the toilet seat 22 is opened, the user can use the toilet device 1 with the seat 22 open, such as when urinating while standing (not shown).

[0075] After S207, in S208, if the user is detected again by the first human body detection sensor 41, for example by placing their foot between the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 and the floor surface F, then in S206, if the predetermined time of timer #1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to S210 and the flushing operation of the bowl portion 23 is started.

[0076] On the other hand, in S208, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a human body, and in S209 the predetermined time for timer #1 has not elapsed, the cleaning operation of the bowl section 23 is not started and the process returns to S208. In S208 and S209, the cleaning operation of 23 is performed only if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a human body while the predetermined time for timer #1 has elapsed.

[0077] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the unnecessary flushing of the bowl section 23 when, immediately after the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user again due to user error or other reasons.

[0078] Regarding the set time, 30 to 40 seconds is preferable considering the time required for urination while standing, but it can be set as appropriate. Alternatively, the user may be able to set the set time themselves. By allowing the user to set the set time for Timer #1, it becomes possible to provide a user-friendly toilet device 1 that suits the user's style.

[0079] Next, in S211, the user leaves the toilet room 60, and in S212, the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detection state to a non-detection state. At this point, the process moves to S213, where the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 begins. Then, in S214, the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 begins. Once the closing operation is complete, the process moves to S215, where it ends.

[0080] In S213 and S214, the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 may begin simultaneously for both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22, or the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the toilet seat 22 has fully closed. Furthermore, the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 has started but before the closing operation is completely finished.

[0081] At this time, if the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are already in the closed position, the closing operation will only begin for those that are in the open position.

[0082] In addition, as shown in Figure 6, notifications from the notification unit 9 may be provided as appropriate. The timing of the notification can vary and may include when the user enters the toilet room 60, when the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, when the flushing operation is performed due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, or when the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state and the toilet seat 22 or toilet lid 21 closes. Notification methods include a beeping sound or illumination from an LED or other display.

[0083] The notification method can be changed depending on the timing of each action. This configuration allows the user to understand which action will be performed next.

[0084] Furthermore, the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is just one example, and it is not necessary to follow this flowchart exactly.

[0085] For example, in the flowchart shown in Figure 7, Timer #1 is activated after detecting that the toilet seat 22 in S205 is closed. However, Timer #1 may also be activated when detection occurs by the first human body detection sensor 41 in S204. In other words, although Figure 6 shows a configuration where Timer #1 is activated only when the toilet seat 22 in S205 is closed, it may also be configured to activate Timer #1 whether the toilet lid 21 in S205 is open or closed. In this case, if detection occurs by the first human body detection sensor 41 in S204, even if the toilet lid 21 is already open, the bowl section 23 will not be flushed immediately. Flushing of the bowl section 23 will not be performed until the predetermined time of Timer #1 has elapsed. That is, the bowl section 23 will be flushed when detection occurs again by the first human body detection sensor 41 after the predetermined time of Timer #1 has elapsed.

[0086] This configuration prevents unnecessary flushing from occurring, such as when the toilet unit 1 is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41 before use, after the user has entered the toilet room 60 and manually opened the toilet seat 22.

[0087] Timer processing is performed by a timing unit (not shown). The user may also be able to set the activation timing of Timer #1.

[0088] Furthermore, in the case of S208 No. and S209 No., if detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 occurs but a predetermined time has not elapsed, the cleaning operation will not be performed unless detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 is performed again after the predetermined time has elapsed. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that if detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 occurs but a predetermined time has not elapsed, cleaning will be performed automatically once the predetermined time has elapsed, even if detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 does not need to be performed again. This configuration makes it possible to suppress situations where detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 has to be performed multiple times.

[0089] Furthermore, although this disclosure discloses a configuration in which the first human body detection sensor 41 detects feet, it is not limited to feet and can also detect other body parts, causing similar behavior as described above.

[0090] (summary) The toilet device 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a toilet body 20 and a first human body detection sensor 41. The toilet body 20 is installed such that at least a portion of its bottom surface 25 is raised above the floor surface F. The first human body detection sensor 41 is provided on the bottom surface of the toilet body 20. A predetermined operation is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor 41. The first detection range 42 by the first human body detection sensor 41 is formed between the bottom surface 25 and the floor surface F. The entire first detection range 42 is contained within the contour portion 20a of the toilet body 20 in a top view.

[0091] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the detection of the first human body by the first human body detection sensor 41 at times unintended by the user, such as during use or cleaning.

[0092] A second embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the toilet device 1 further comprises a toilet lid 21, a toilet seat 22, a toilet lid drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet lid 21, and a toilet seat drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet seat 22. The predetermined operation is an operation in which the opening operation of both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor 41.

[0093] A third embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the toilet device 1 further includes a second human body detection sensor 50 that detects the user's approach to the toilet body 20.

[0094] A fourth embodiment can be realized by combining it with the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the toilet device 1 further comprises a toilet lid 21, a toilet seat 22, a toilet lid drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet lid 21, and a toilet seat drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet seat 22. The predetermined operation is an operation in which the opening of the toilet lid 21 is initiated based on the detection result of the second human body detection sensor 50, and the opening of the toilet seat 22 is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor 41.

[0095] The fifth embodiment can be realized in combination with any of the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the first detection range 42 extends from the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 toward the floor surface F, perpendicular to the floor surface F, to the intersection of the virtual surface 44 formed by connecting the contour portion 20a in the top view of the toilet bowl body 20 and the floor surface F.

[0096] According to the fifth embodiment, the first detection range 42 can be set within the area inside the virtual surface 44, that is, within the area inside the bottom contour portion 25a that intersects with the virtual surface 44 on the floor surface F.

[0097] The sixth embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fifth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, the first detection range 42 does not reach the floor surface F.

[0098] According to the sixth embodiment, in order for detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 to occur, the user must lift their feet and place them between the toilet device 1 and the floor surface F, thereby preventing unintended foot detection.

[0099] The seventh embodiment can be realized in combination with the second or fourth embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the toilet seat 22 is opened based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor 41 only when the toilet lid 21 is in the open position.

[0100] The eighth embodiment can be realized by combining it with the second embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, when both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 are in the open position and detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, the closing operation of both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 is initiated.

[0101] The ninth embodiment can be realized in combination with the eighth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, when both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 are in the open position and detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing operation of the toilet bowl body 20 is started.

[0102] The tenth embodiment can be realized in combination with the ninth embodiment. In the tenth embodiment, the start of the flushing operation of the toilet bowl body 20 based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor 41 is possible only if a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection for opening and closing of the toilet seat 22 based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor 41.

[0103] The eleventh embodiment can be realized in combination with the fourth embodiment. In the eleventh embodiment, when the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from detecting a user to not detecting a user, if at least one of the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 is in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 is initiated. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1 Toilet equipment 2 Control Unit 3. Toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 4. Toilet lid drive mechanism 5. Toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 6. Toilet seat drive unit 7 Timing section 9 Hochi Department 10 Toilet flushing section 11 Washing instruction means 20 Toilet bowl 20a Contour in top view 21 Toilet lid 22 toilet seats 23 Bowl Section 24 Skirt section 25 Bottom part 25a Bottom contour 25b Bottom contour 26 Drain port 27 Movable Trap 28. Washing water inlet 29. Water supply pipe for flushing water 30 Water supply valve 31 Wall 32 Free end 33 Back part 41. First Human Body Detection Sensor 42 First detection range 44 Virtual Surface 45 Virtual Surface 50 Second Human Body Detection Sensor 51 Second detection range 60 Toilet Room F Floor

Claims

1. The toilet body is installed such that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the toilet body is raised above the floor surface, The toilet bowl body is equipped with a first human body detection sensor located on its bottom surface, Based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor, a predetermined operation is initiated. A toilet device in which the first detection range of the first human body detection sensor is formed between the bottom surface and the floor surface, and the entire first detection range is contained within the contour of the toilet body when viewed from above.

2. The toilet further comprises a toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet lid drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet lid, and a toilet seat drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet seat. The toilet device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined operation is that the opening operation of both the toilet lid and the toilet seat is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor.

3. The toilet device according to claim 1, further comprising a second human body detection sensor for detecting when a user approaches the toilet body.

4. The toilet further comprises a toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet lid drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet lid, and a toilet seat drive device that enables opening and closing of the toilet seat. The toilet device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined operation is that the toilet lid opening operation is initiated based on the detection result of the second human body detection sensor, and the toilet seat opening operation is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor.

5. The toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first detection range extends from the bottom surface of the toilet body toward the floor surface and perpendicular to the floor surface to the intersection of a virtual plane formed by connecting the contour portion of the toilet body in the top view and the floor surface.

6. The toilet device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first detection range does not reach the floor surface.

7. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the toilet seat opening operation based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor is performed only when the toilet lid is in the open position.

8. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein when both the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in an open state, the first human body detection sensor detects them, and the closing operation of both the toilet lid and the toilet seat is initiated.

9. The toilet device according to claim 8, wherein when both the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in the open position, the first human body detection sensor detects them, and the flushing operation of the toilet bowl body is started.

10. The toilet device according to claim 9, wherein the start of the flushing operation of the toilet bowl based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor is possible only if a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection for opening and closing the toilet seat based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor.

11. The toilet device according to claim 4, wherein when the second human body detection sensor changes from a state in which it is detecting a user to a state in which it is not detecting a user, if at least one of the toilet lid and the toilet seat is in an open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat and the toilet lid is initiated.

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