Electric opening and closing device for toilet equipment

Abstract

To provide an electrically operated opening and closing device for a toilet system that enables angle detection on the output side and suppresses an increase in size. [Solution] The electric opening and closing device for the toilet equipment of this embodiment comprises three or more gears and an output shaft. The three or more gears are arranged inside a case, and torque from a motor outside the case is transmitted as input. The output shaft rotates in accordance with the rotation of the three or more gears, and rotates at least one of the toilet seat or toilet lid. Of the three or more gears, the gear with the fewest teeth has narrower teeth than the other gears which are located on the output shaft side. The gear with the fewest teeth and the other gears do not mesh directly. A magnetic sensor for detecting the rotation of the output shaft is placed in the gap created inside the case by the difference in tooth widths of the three or more gears.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric opening / closing device for a toilet device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electric opening / closing device for a toilet device that opens and closes a toilet device such as a toilet seat or a toilet lid by the driving force of a motor has been provided (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] However, in the electric opening / closing device of Patent Document 1, in order to detect the rotational position of the output member, a driven gear for rotation detection that transmits the rotation of the gear to the rotation detection unit is used, and a gear for detecting rotation (angle) is required, and the size of the device increases due to the configuration for angle detection. Therefore, it is desired to suppress an increase in the size of the device while enabling angle detection on the output side.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an electric opening / closing device for a toilet device that enables angle detection on the output side and can suppress an increase in size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, an electric opening and closing device for a toilet device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electric opening and closing device for a toilet device that electrically opens and closes a toilet seat or toilet lid by the drive of a motor, comprising: three or more gears arranged inside a case to which the torque of the motor outside the case is transmitted as input; and an output shaft that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the three or more gears and rotates at least one of the toilet seat or toilet lid, wherein, with respect to the gear with the fewest teeth among the three or more gears, the other gears with narrower tooth widths are on the output shaft side, the gear with the fewest teeth and the other gears do not mesh directly, and a magnetic sensor for detecting the rotation of the output shaft is arranged in the gap created inside the case due to the difference in tooth widths of the three or more gears. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, angle detection on the output side can be enabled, and an increase in size can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a toilet with an electric toilet seat equipped with an electric opening and closing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrically operated opening and closing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view showing an example of an electrically operated opening and closing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view showing an example of an electrically operated opening and closing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view showing an example of an electrically operated opening and closing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrically operated opening and closing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of an electrically operated opening and closing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a rear view showing an example of the internal configuration of the electric opening and closing device case. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a cover for an electrically operated opening and closing device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a cover for an electrically operated opening and closing device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a rear view showing an example of the internal configuration of the case of an electrically operated opening and closing device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a block of an electric switchgear. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a block for an electrically operated switchgear. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description of the electrically operated opening and closing device according to the embodiment will be made with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from reality. Even between different drawings, there may be differences in dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0010] (Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, the electric opening and closing device 1 according to this embodiment is installed inside the casing 3 of the electric toilet seat 2 and drives the opening and closing of the toilet seat 4 and toilet lid 5. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electric toilet seat with the electric opening and closing device according to this embodiment installed. For example, in Figure 1, the casing 3 in which the electric opening and closing device 1 is installed, the toilet seat 4 and toilet lid 5 constitute the toilet device. In the following, the electric opening and closing device for opening and closing the toilet seat 4 will be described as an example, but the opening and closing of the toilet lid 5 can be done in the same way.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the electric opening and closing device 1 has a gear housing 10, a motor unit 20, and a planetary gear unit 30. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an electric opening and closing device according to an embodiment. The electric opening and closing device 1 is an electric opening and closing device for a toilet system that electrically opens and closes the toilet seat 4 or toilet lid 5 by driving a motor 23, which will be described later.

[0012] Hereinafter, the outline of the configuration of the electric opening and closing device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the electric opening and closing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing an example of the electric opening and closing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of the electric opening and closing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing an example of the electric opening and closing device according to the embodiment.

[0013] The gear housing 10 forms an internal space with a first case 11 which is a housing with one side open and a cover 12 closing that one side, and an input gear portion 40, an intermediate gear portion 50, and an output gear portion 60 are arranged in the internal space.

[0014] The motor unit 20 functions as a driving source and a power source for rotating the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 5 to which the electric opening and closing device 1 is attached. The motor unit 20 includes a second case 21, a lid portion 22, a motor 23, and a motor angle detector 24. The motor 23 is arranged inside the second case 21. Both ends of the second case 21 are formed with openings, and the output rotation shaft 231 of the motor unit 20 protrudes from one end side. Also, a motor angle detector 24 is arranged on the other end side of the second case 21, and the other end of the second case 21 is closed by arranging the lid portion 22.

[0015] The motor unit 20 has a connector used for power supply and communication of information of the motor angle detector 24. A drive signal is supplied to the motor unit 20 via a lead wire or the like connected to the connector. Also, by the supply of the drive signal, the output rotation shaft 231 of the motor 23 in the motor unit 20 rotates. Note that the motor 23 of the motor unit 20 is not particularly limited, such as a DC motor, a DC brushless motor, a stepping motor, etc.

[0016] A motor gear 232 is arranged at the tip of the output rotation shaft 231 of the motor unit 20. The motor gear 232 of the motor unit 20 rotates together with the output rotation shaft 231. The motor gear 232 of the motor unit 20 meshes with the planetary gear mechanism 32 in the third case 31 of the planetary gear unit 30.

[0017] The planetary gear section 30 is positioned between the motor section 20 and the gear housing section 10, and transmits the rotation of the motor section 20 to the gear section (input gear section 40) inside the gear housing section 10. The planetary gear section 30 has a third case 31 and a planetary gear mechanism 32. The planetary gear mechanism 32 is positioned inside the third case 31.

[0018] Openings are formed at both ends of the third case 31, and the output rotating shaft 231 of the motor unit 20 is inserted from one end. The configuration of the planetary gear mechanism 32 is the same as that of a conventional planetary gear mechanism, and the shape of the gears etc. is not shown in the illustration, but the planetary gear mechanism 32 has planetary gears, internal gears etc., and is connected to the motor gear 232 of the motor unit 20 which acts as the sun gear, and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the output rotating shaft 231. For example, the planetary gear mechanism 32 has three stages of planetary gears, and the first stage of planetary gears meshes with the motor gear 232 of the motor unit 20.

[0019] Furthermore, the planetary carriers 321 of the planetary gear mechanism 32 are positioned on the other end of the third case 31. For example, the planetary carriers 321 positioned on the other end of the third case 31 mesh with one end 42 of the input gear section 40. For example, the planetary gear mechanism 32 may be made of metal, resin, or the like. Any material can be used for the planetary gear mechanism 32 as long as it satisfies predetermined conditions such as strength.

[0020] As described above, the input gear section 40, the intermediate gear section 50, and the output gear section 60 are arranged in an internal space formed by the first case 11 and the cover 12. The first case 11 has a rectangular box-shaped side surface 111 with one end in the longitudinal direction formed in a U shape, and a first surface 112 that covers one side of the side surface 111 in the thickness direction. The first case 11 is open on the side of the second surface 120, which is the back surface of the first surface 112, forming a rectangular box shape with one side in the thickness direction open. The cover 12 is positioned opposite the second surface 120 so as to cover the open side (opening) of the first case 11, thereby forming an internal space together with the cover 12.

[0021] The first case 11 has a first opening 113 on its first surface 112 for transmitting torque from the motor 23 to the first gear 44, and a second opening 114 through which the output shaft 62 protrudes outside the first case 11. The first case 11 also has a partition wall 115 where a connector 84 (described later) is located, and four protrusions 116 used for attaching the cover 12. For example, the partition wall 115 has four protrusions 116 that protrude inward from the first case 11 along its side surface 111.

[0022] The input gear section 40 is located inside the first case 11. The input gear section 40 has a base 41, an axial end 42, an axial end 43, and a first gear 44. Thus, the input gear section 40 has one end 42 located at one end in the axial direction of the base 41, the other end 43 located at the other end in the axial direction of the base 41, and the first gear 44 located along the circumferential direction of the base 41. The first gear 44 is a gear to which the torque of the motor 23 outside the first case 11 is transmitted as input. The first gear 44 is the gear with the fewest teeth among the first gear 44, the second gear 54, and the third gear 64. In the drawing, the first gear 44 is shown as cylindrical, and a detailed illustration of the gear's shape is omitted, but the first gear 44 has a shape in which teeth are arranged along the circumferential direction of the base 41 and has a tooth width of a predetermined length along the axial direction of the base 41.

[0023] The intermediate gear section 50 is an idler gear located within the first case 11. Multiple idler gears (intermediate gear sections 50, etc.) may be provided. The intermediate gear section 50 has a base 51, an axial end 52, an axial end 53, and a second gear 54. Thus, the intermediate gear section 50 has one end 52 located at one end in the axial direction of the base 51, the other end 53 located at the other end in the axial direction of the base 51, and the second gear 54 positioned along the circumferential direction of the base 51. The second gear 54 meshes with the first gear 44. This transmits the rotation of the input gear section 40 to the intermediate gear section 50. Although the second gear 54 is shown as cylindrical in the drawings, and a detailed illustration of its shape is omitted, the second gear 54 has teeth aligned along the circumferential direction of the base 51 and a tooth width of a predetermined length along the axial direction of the base 51.

[0024] The output gear section 60 is located inside the first case 11. The output gear section 60 is a gear section located inside the first case 11 that rotates the output shaft 62 by the torque of the motor 23 located outside the first case 11. The output gear section 60 has a base 61, an output shaft 62 provided at one end in the axial direction, the other end 63 in the axial direction, and a third gear 64. Thus, the output gear section 60 has the output shaft 62 located at one end in the axial direction of the base 61, the other end 63 located at the other end in the axial direction of the base 61, and the third gear 64 located along the circumferential direction of the base 61.

[0025] The output shaft 62 is connected to at least one of the toilet seat 4 or toilet lid 5. The output shaft 62 rotates at least one of the toilet seat 4 or toilet lid 5. The third gear 64 is a gear that meshes with the second gear 54. This transmits the rotation of the intermediate gear section 50 to the output gear section 60. In the drawing, the third gear 64 is shown as cylindrical, and a detailed illustration of the gear's shape is omitted. However, the third gear 64 has teeth arranged along the circumferential direction of the base 61 and has a tooth width of a predetermined length along the axial direction of the base 61. The third gear 64 is another gear with a narrower tooth width than the first gear 44. As shown in Figure 6, the third gear 64 and the first gear 44 do not mesh directly. Also, the diameter of the third gear 64 is larger than the diameter of the second gear 54. The diameter of the third gear 64 is the largest among the first gear 44, the second gear 54, and the third gear 64.

[0026] The output gear section 60 has an output shaft section having an output shaft 62 and a third gear 64 configured separately from the output shaft section, and a torque limiter mechanism is configured between the output shaft section and the third gear 64. For example, the output shaft section of the output gear section 60 is composed of a base section 61, an output shaft 62, and the other end section 63. In this way, the output shaft 62 and the third gear 64 are configured separately, and a torque limiter mechanism is provided between the output shaft 62 and the third gear 64.

[0027] Each gear in the gear section, such as the input gear section 40, the intermediate gear section 50, and the output gear section 60 (first gear 44, second gear 54, third gear 64, etc.), constitutes a reduction mechanism in which the output is reduced in response to the input of the motor 23. Note that each gear in the gear section, such as the input gear section 40, the intermediate gear section 50, and the output gear section 60 (first gear 44, second gear 54, third gear 64, etc.), may be any type of gear, such as a spur gear or a helical gear, as long as it is an applicable gear.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6, the output gear section 60 constitutes a torque limiter mechanism by having a tolerance ring 65 positioned between the output shaft and the third gear 64. For example, if the tolerance ring 65 is fixed to the third gear 64, when a force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the output shaft 62 and it rotates, the output shaft 62 slips against the tolerance ring 65, preventing the rotation from being transmitted to the third gear 64, thus functioning as a torque limiter mechanism. Similarly, when the motor 23 rotates with a force greater than a predetermined value, the rotation is not transmitted between the tolerance ring 65 and the output shaft 62, thus functioning as a torque limiter mechanism. The tolerance ring 65 may also be fixed to the output shaft 62 side. Furthermore, the torque limiter mechanism is not limited to the tolerance ring 65; any method that functions as a torque limiter can be adopted. For example, the load direction of the torque limiter may be radial or thrust. Also, for example, the transmission method of the torque limiter is not limited to friction; any transmission method such as springs or magnetism may be used. For example, the torque limiter may be a magnetic coupling or the like.

[0029] A pair of reinforcing plates 71 and 72 are positioned within the first case 11, sandwiching the input gear section 40, the intermediate gear section 50, and the output gear section 60. Reinforcing plate 71 is positioned within the first case 11. Reinforcing plate 71 is positioned between itself and reinforcing plate 72, sandwiching the first gear 44, the second gear 54, and the output gear section 60. Reinforcing plate 71 has a first support portion 711, a second support portion 712, and a third support portion 713 that support the shafts of the gear sections.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the first support portion 711 of the reinforcing plate 71 is a hole into which the other end 43 of the input gear portion 40 is inserted. The first support portion 711 of the reinforcing plate 71 supports the other end 43 of the input gear portion 40 by inserting it into the first support portion 711. In the example in Figure 6, the first support portion 711 of the reinforcing plate 71 is shown as a hole, but the first support portion 711 may be any configuration, such as a projection, as long as it can support the other end 43 of the input gear portion 40.

[0031] Furthermore, the second support portion 712 of the reinforcing plate 71 is a hole into which the other end 53 of the intermediate gear portion 50 is inserted. The second support portion 712 of the reinforcing plate 71 supports the other end 53 of the intermediate gear portion 50 by inserting it into the second support portion 712 of the reinforcing plate 71. In the example in Figure 6, the second support portion 712 of the reinforcing plate 71 is shown as a hole, but the second support portion 712 may be any configuration, such as a projection, as long as it can support the other end 53 of the intermediate gear portion 50.

[0032] Furthermore, the third support portion 713 of the reinforcing plate 71 is a hole into which the other end 63 of the output gear portion 60 is inserted. The third support portion 713 of the reinforcing plate 71 supports the other end 63 of the output gear portion 60 by inserting it into the third support portion 713 of the reinforcing plate 71. In the example in Figure 6, the third support portion 713 of the reinforcing plate 71 is shown as a hole, but the third support portion 713 may be any configuration, such as a projection, as long as it can support the other end 63 of the output gear portion 60.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the first support portion 721 of the reinforcing plate 72 is a hole into which one end portion 42 of the input gear portion 40 is inserted. The first support portion 721 of the reinforcing plate 72 supports one end portion 42 of the input gear portion 40 by inserting it into the first end portion 42 of the input gear portion 40. The first support portion 721 of the reinforcing plate 72 is positioned to overlap with the first opening 113 of the first case 11, and the input gear portion 40 is connected to the planetary gear portion 30 via a portion that communicates with the outside, formed by the first support portion 721 and the first opening 113.

[0034] Furthermore, the second support portion 722 of the reinforcing plate 72 is a hole into which one end portion 52 of the intermediate gear portion 50 is inserted. The second support portion 722 of the reinforcing plate 72 supports one end portion 52 of the intermediate gear portion 50 by inserting it into the second support portion 722 of the intermediate gear portion 50. In the example in Figure 6, the second support portion 722 of the reinforcing plate 72 is shown as a hole, but the second support portion 722 may be any configuration, such as a projection, as long as it can support one end portion 52 of the intermediate gear portion 50.

[0035] Furthermore, the third support portion 723 of the reinforcing plate 72 is a hole into which the output shaft portion of the output gear portion 60 is inserted. The third support portion 723 of the reinforcing plate 72 supports the output shaft portion of the output gear portion 60 by inserting the output shaft portion of the output gear portion 60 into it. The third support portion 723 of the reinforcing plate 72 is positioned to overlap with the second opening 114 of the first case 11, and the output shaft portion of the output gear portion 60 passes through the third support portion 723 and the second opening 114, with the output shaft 62 protruding outside the first case 11.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the tooth width TW1 of the third gear 64 is narrower (smaller) than the tooth width TW2 of the second gear 54. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an electrically operated opening and closing device according to the embodiment. As a result, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a gap is formed in the area where the output gear section 60 is located within the first case 11. Components of the output shaft angle detector 80, which is an angle detector for detecting the rotation of the output gear section 60, are arranged in the gap formed in the area where the output gear section 60 is located within the first case 11.

[0037] The output shaft angle detector 80 includes a magnet 81 and a Hall IC 82. The Hall IC 82 is an integrated circuit (IC) that combines a Hall element and an operational amplifier. For example, the Hall IC 82 is a magnetic sensor that, together with the magnet 81, constitutes the output shaft angle detector 80. The Hall IC 82 is placed in the gap created within the first case 11 due to the difference in tooth width between the first gear 44, the second gear 54, and the third gear 64.

[0038] The magnet 81 is formed in the shape of a hollow disc, and the shape of its inner circumference (hollow portion) is formed to match the shape of the other end 63 of the output gear section 60. For example, the inner circumference of the magnet 81 is formed in a D-cut shape to match the shape of the other end 63 of the output gear section 60. As a result, the magnet 81 fits onto the other end 63 of the output gear section 60 and rotates together with the output gear section 60. Note that the magnet 81 can be any configuration as long as angle detection is possible together with the Hall IC 82, and may be any magnet such as a bipolar magnet or a multipolar magnet.

[0039] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the internal space formed by the first case 11 and the cover 12, a gap formed on the cover 12 side where the output gear section 60 is located is in which a magnet 81 that rotates together with the output shaft 62 is placed. The magnet 81 is located on one side of the reinforcing plate 71 and rotates together with the output gear section 60.

[0040] Here, the configuration of the cover 12 side of the gear housing 10 will be explained using Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration inside the case of the electric opening and closing device. Specifically, Figure 8 is a rear view of the electric opening and closing device 1 with the cover 12 of the gear housing 10 removed. Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views showing an example of the configuration of the cover of the electric opening and closing device. Specifically, Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the cover 12 with the circuit board 83 attached. Specifically, Figure 10 is a perspective view showing how the circuit board 83 is attached to the cover 12.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the reinforcing plate 71 has a sensing hole 714 that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position that does not overlap with the first support portion 711, the second support portion 712, and the third support portion 713. For example, the sensing hole 714 of the reinforcing plate 71 is formed in the center of the direction (left-right direction in Figure 8) that intersects the direction in which the input gear portion 40, the intermediate gear portion 50, and the output gear portion 60 are aligned. The hole IC 82 is positioned on the opposite side of one side of the reinforcing plate 71 that faces the output gear portion 60, at a position that overlaps with the sensing hole 714, and detects the angle of the output gear portion 60. Note that the position of the sensing hole 714 shown in Figure 8 is merely an example, and the sensing hole 714 may be placed at any position on the reinforcing plate 71 as long as its entire circumference is surrounded by the reinforcing plate 71 in a plan view of the reinforcing plate 71.

[0042] The Hall IC 82 is attached to one end of the circuit board 83, and a connector 84 is attached to the other end of the circuit board 83. For example, the circuit board 83 is an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). The Hall IC 82 is connected via the circuit board 83 to the connector 84, which is used for power supply and communication of information from the output shaft angle detector 80.

[0043] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cover 12 has six screw holes 121 and one screw hole 122. The six screw holes 121 of the cover 12 are positioned to overlap with the holes in the six protrusions 116 of the first case 11, and the screws 13 shown in Figure 4 are inserted through the screw holes 121 and the holes in the protrusions 116. This attaches the cover 12 to the first case 11.

[0044] Furthermore, one screw hole 122 of the cover 12 is positioned to overlap with the screw hole 718 of the reinforcing plate 71, and the screw 14 shown in Figure 4 is inserted through the screw hole 121 and the screw hole 718 shown in Figure 8. This attaches the reinforcing plate 71 to the cover 12 and the first case 11.

[0045] Furthermore, the cover 12 has a mounting portion 123 for attaching the circuit board portion 83. One end of the circuit board portion 83 is attached to the mounting portion 123 of the cover 12. In this way, the cover 12 is fitted with the Hall IC 82 and the connector 84 connected to the Hall IC 82 via the circuit board portion 83.

[0046] When positioned on the second surface of the cover 12, the Hall IC 82 and connector 84 are positioned inside the first case 11. When positioned on the second surface of the cover 12, the Hall IC 82 is positioned opposite the magnet 81. Note that the arrangement of the components of the output shaft angle detector 80 is not limited to the above and may be any arrangement. For example, the magnet 81 and Hall IC 82 may be positioned on either the first case 11 side or the cover 12 side.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the connector 84 is located in a partition wall section 115 within the first case 11, which is a section separated by a partition wall from the area where the first gear 44, the second gear 54, and the output gear section 60 are located.

[0048] Furthermore, the reinforcing plate 71 has through holes 715, 716 and a notch 717 through which a portion of the block 90, described later, is inserted. The reinforcing plate 71 has holes through which screws 73 are inserted, and the blocks 90 are screwed to the reinforcing plate 71 by screwing the screws 73 inserted through these holes into the screw-fastening holes 95 of the block 90. ​​Similarly to the reinforcing plate 71, the reinforcing plate 72 has holes through which screws are inserted, and the blocks 90 are screwed to the reinforcing plate 72 by screwing the screws inserted through these holes into the screw-fastening holes 95 of the block 90.

[0049] Here, the configuration of the blocks 90 of the gear housing 10 will be explained using Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a rear view showing an example of the configuration inside the case of the electric opening and closing device. Specifically, Figure 11 is a rear view of the electric opening and closing device 1 excluding the cover 12 and reinforcing plate 71 of the gear housing 10. In Figure 11, the pair of blocks 90 arranged in different positions are described as block 90a and block 90b, but blocks 90a and block 90b have the same shape and may be described as "block 90" without distinction.

[0050] Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views showing an example of a block of an electric opening and closing device. Specifically, Figure 12 is a perspective view of block 90 from one side in the thickness direction. Specifically, Figure 13 is a perspective view of block 90 from the other side in the thickness direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 11, the pair of blocks 90 are positioned between the reinforcing plate 71 and the reinforcing plate 72, with the second gear 54 in between. The pair of blocks 90 are positioned in the gap formed to the side of the second gear 54 between the reinforcing plate 71 and the reinforcing plate 72. For example, the blocks 90 are used to fix the reinforcing plates 71 and 72 to the first case 11.

[0052] The pair of blocks 90 in the electric opening / closing device 1 have a common shape. Also, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the first surface 91 and the second surface 92 of the block 90, which are a pair of surfaces in the thickness direction, each have different concave and convex shapes.

[0053] Furthermore, the block 90 has an inner surface 93 that is positioned along the intermediate gear portion 50 and an outer surface 94 that is positioned along the side circumferential surface 111, as surfaces along the thickness direction when placed in the electric opening / closing device 1. The inner surface 93 is formed as a curved surface (concave shape) that is recessed toward the outer surface 94 side to conform to the shape of the intermediate gear portion 50 when placed in the electric opening / closing device 1. The outer surface 94 also has a recess 941 that is recessed toward the inner surface 93 side to conform to the shape of the convex portion 116 of the first case 11 when placed in the electric opening / closing device 1.

[0054] As shown in Figure 12, block 90 has a cylindrical first projection 911 on its first surface 91. Also, as shown in Figure 13, block 90 has a cylindrical second projection 921 and a semi-cylindrical third projection 922 on its second surface 92.

[0055] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the first projection 911 of block 90a fits into the insertion hole 715 of the reinforcing plate 71. The second projection 921 of block 90a fits into the insertion hole of the reinforcing plate 72, and the third projection 922 of block 90a fits into the notch of the reinforcing plate 72. Similarly, as shown in Figures 8 and 11, the second projection 921 of block 90b fits into the insertion hole 716 of the reinforcing plate 71, and the third projection 922 of block 90b fits into the notch 717 of the reinforcing plate 71. The first projection 911 of block 90b fits into the insertion hole of the reinforcing plate 72. In this way, the positions of blocks 90a and 90b and reinforcing plates 71 and 72 are determined by the way that each projection of block 90 fits into the respective insertion holes and notches of the reinforcing plates 71 and 72.

[0056] Thus, when placed in the electric opening / closing device 1, the reinforcing plate 72 has through holes and notches similar to those of the reinforcing plate 71, at the location where the through holes 715 of the reinforcing plate 71 are located (the left central part in Figure 11). Furthermore, when placed in the electric opening / closing device 1, the reinforcing plate 72 has through holes similar to those of the reinforcing plate 71, at the location where the through holes 716 and notches 717 of the reinforcing plate 71 are located (the right central part in Figure 11). In other words, when placed in the electric opening / closing device 1, the reinforcing plate 72 has a configuration that is symmetrical to the reinforcing plate 71 with respect to the line passing through the center between the reinforcing plate 71 and the reinforcing plate 72 (a straight line extending vertically in Figure 6) as the axis.

[0057] The reinforcing plate 72 is positioned according to the configuration of the first case 11. For example, the second surface 120 of the first case 11 is provided with a projection facing inward. The reinforcing plate 72 is positioned by abutting against the projection on the second surface 120 of the first case 11. With the configuration of the reinforcing plate 71, the reinforcing plate 72 and the block 90 as described above, the block 90 can be appropriately positioned between the reinforcing plate 71 and the reinforcing plate 72, and the reinforcing plate 71, the reinforcing plate 72 and the blocks 90a and 90b can be appropriately positioned relative to the first case 11.

[0058] As described above, in the electric opening / closing device 1, the tooth width TW1 of the third gear 64 is narrower (smaller) than the tooth width TW2 of the second gear 54. For example, the input gear section 40 (first gear 44), which is supported by the reinforcing plates 71 and 72 as described above, has the fewest teeth, meaning its pitch circle is small, making it the most critical in terms of strength and requiring a sufficient tooth width. On the other hand, the output gear section 60 has more strength margin than the input gear section 40, so its tooth width can be reduced. Also, as described above, because power is transmitted via the intermediate gear section 50, which is an idler gear, the input gear section 40 and the output gear section 60 do not mesh directly, so even if the tooth width of the output gear section 60 is reduced, it does not affect the meshing of the input gear section 40.

[0059] Therefore, as described above, the electric switch 1 reduces the tooth width of only the output gear section 60, thereby creating a gap (space) in the tooth width direction of the output gear section 60, and places the encoder magnet, magnet 81, and the Hall IC 82 in that gap (space). This allows the outer diameter of the magnet 81 to be increased within a range that does not interfere with the intermediate gear section 50, which is the idler gear. As a result, the electric switch 1 can detect the angle on the output side while suppressing an increase in size.

[0060] Furthermore, as described above, the electric switch 1 can be assembled more easily by consolidating the Hall IC 82, the circuit board 83, and the connector 84 on the cover 12 side. In addition, the electric switch 1 places the connector 84 in a location separated from other parts by a partition wall 115, which is a labyrinth, within the first case 11. Also, the first gear 44, the second gear 54, and the third gear 64 are placed in an area isolated from the outside. As a result, the electric switch 1 can isolate the gears such as the input gear section 40, the intermediate gear section 50, and the output gear section 60 from the outside, thereby reducing the possibility of grease leakage and foreign matter contamination of the gears.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, the electric opening and closing device 1 has a reinforcing plate 71 in which a first support portion 711, a second support portion 712, and a third support portion 713 are provided in the center of the reinforcing plate 71, which are bearing holes that support the other ends 43, 53, and 63, which are gear shafts, respectively, and a sensing hole 714 is provided at a position that coincides with the line connecting the centers of the first support portion 711, the second support portion 712, and the third support portion 713.

[0062] Thus, by providing a sensing hole 714 in the center of the reinforcing plate 71, the electric switch 1 can maintain the strength balance of the reinforcing plate 71 and reduce the impact on the reinforcement of the reinforcing plate 71, compared to cases where the end of the reinforcing plate 71 is cut out to enable angle detection by the output shaft angle detector 80. Therefore, the electric switch 1 can suppress the impact on the strength of the reinforcement due to the arrangement of the output shaft angle detector 80, which is part of the angle detection configuration. As a result, in the configuration using reinforcing plates 71 and 72, the thickness of the reinforcing plates 71 and 72 can be reduced, enabling miniaturization of the electric switch 1.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, the electric opening and closing device 1 has a shape in which the block 90 that fixes the reinforcing plates 71 and 72 to the first case 11 is divided and arranged on the left and right sides of the gear section, and is placed on both sides of the intermediate gear section 50, which is the idler gear. This improves the strength balance of the electric opening and closing device 1. In addition, the block 90 used in the electric opening and closing device 1 has the same shape on both sides and can be used upside down, so one mold is sufficient, thus suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs. Moreover, because the block 90 is located in the center in the height direction of the electric opening and closing device 1 (for example, in the direction in which the input gear section 40, intermediate gear section 50 and output gear section 60 are aligned), the strength balance can be maintained and the reinforcing plates 71 and 72 can be made thinner.

[0064] The operation of the electric opening and closing device 1 having the above configuration will now be explained. When opening the toilet lid 5, a controller (not shown) supplies a drive signal, causing the motor 23 to rotate in one direction. The planetary gear mechanism 32 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the output rotating shaft 231 caused by the rotation of the motor 23, and the input gear section 40 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the planetary gear mechanism 32. The intermediate gear section 50 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the input gear section 40, and the output gear section 60 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate gear section 50. The rotation of the output gear section 60 is transmitted to the pivot shaft of the toilet lid 5 via the output shaft 62, and the toilet lid 5 opens. On the other hand, when closing the toilet lid 5, the controller rotates the motor 23 in the opposite direction. In this case, a rotational force in the opposite direction to that described above is transmitted to the pivot shaft of the toilet lid 5, and the toilet lid 5 closes.

[0065] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Combinations of the above-mentioned components are also included in the present invention. Further effects and modifications can be easily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Electric opening / closing device, 2 Toilet bowl, 3 Casing, 4 Toilet seat, 5 Toilet lid, 11 First case, 12 Cover, 13, 14 Screws, 20 Motor section, 21 Second case, 22 Lid section, 23 Motor, 24 Motor angle detector, 30 Planetary gear section, 31 Third case, 32 Planetary gear mechanism, 40 Input gear section, 41 Base, 42 One end, 43 Other end, 44 First gear, 50 Intermediate gear section, 51 Base, 52 One end, 53 Other end, 54 Second gear, 60 Output gear section, 61 Base, 62 Output shaft (one end), 63 Other end, 64 Third gear, 65 Tolerance ring, 71, 72 Reinforcement plate, 73 Screws, 80 Output shaft angle detector, 81 Magnet, 82 Hall IC, 83 Circuit board section, 84 Connector, 90 Block, 91 First surface, 92 Second surface, 93 Inner surface, 94 Outer surface, 95 Screw holes, 111 Side surface, 112 First surface, 113 First opening, 114 Second opening, 115 Partition wall, 116 Protrusion, 120 Second surface, 121,122 Screw holes, 123 Mounting part, 231 Output rotating shaft, 232 Motor gear, 321 Planetary carrier, 711,721 First support part, 712,722 Second support part, 713,723 Third support part, 714 Sensing hole, 715,716 Through hole, 717 Notch, 718 Screw hole, 911 First projection, 921 Second projection, 922 Third projection, 941 Recess

Claims

1. An electric opening and closing device for a toilet system that electrically opens and closes the toilet seat or toilet lid by driving a motor, A case containing three or more gears, to which the torque of the motor outside the case is transmitted as input, An output shaft that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the three or more gears and rotates at least one of the toilet seat or the toilet lid, Equipped with, Of the three or more gears mentioned above, the gear with the fewest teeth has other gears with narrower tooth widths on the output shaft side. The aforementioned gear one and the aforementioned gear other are not directly meshed with each other. An electrically operated opening and closing device for a toilet, wherein a magnetic sensor for detecting the rotation of the output shaft is placed in the gap created within the case due to the difference in tooth widths of the three or more gears.

2. The case has a first opening on its first surface for transmitting the torque of the motor to the three or more gears, and a second opening through which the output shaft protrudes outside the case. The second surface, which is opposite the first surface, is open, and a cover is placed on the second surface, thereby forming an internal space together with the cover. A magnet that rotates together with the output shaft is arranged in the aforementioned internal space. An electrically operated opening and closing device for a toilet device according to claim 1.

3. The cover is fitted with the magnetic sensor and a connector connected to the magnetic sensor. When positioned on the second surface of the cover, the magnetic sensor and the connector are positioned inside the case. An electrically operated opening and closing device for a toilet device according to claim 2.

4. When positioned on the second surface of the cover, the magnetic sensor is positioned opposite the magnet, and within the case, the three or more gears are positioned in an area isolated from the outside. An electrically operated opening and closing device for a toilet device according to claim 3.

5. The output shaft and the other gears are configured separately, A torque limiter mechanism is provided between the output shaft and the other gear. An electrically operated opening and closing device for a toilet device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The diameter of the other gear is the largest of the three or more gears. An electrically operated opening and closing device for a toilet device according to claim 1 or 2.

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