Toilet equipment

Abstract

To easily measure the components of a user's urine. [Solution] A toilet device according to one embodiment comprises a toilet seat device provided on a toilet bowl and a urine information acquisition means for acquiring information on urine discharged into the toilet bowl. The urine information acquisition means includes a light-emitting unit that irradiates light toward a urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface of the toilet bowl other than the water reservoir, and a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area. The toilet seat of the toilet seat device is rotatably provided between a position facing the upper outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl and a position away from the upper outer circumference of the bowl. When the toilet seat is facing the upper outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl, the relative positions of the toilet seat, the urine information acquisition means, and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet bowl are determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a toilet device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for measuring the components of urine in a toilet have been provided. For example, there is a method of measuring the amount of a specific component from urine after waking up and estimating the excretion amount of the specific component excreted by a person in a day (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, there is a toilet bowl equipped with a sensor for detecting urine (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above-described conventional technologies. For example, since the conventional technology requires the sensor to directly contact the urine during urination, the measurement of the components of the user's urine becomes complicated, and it may be difficult for the user to naturally bring the urine into contact with the sensor. Therefore, it is desired to easily measure the components of the user's urine.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide a toilet device that can easily measure the components of the user's urine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A toilet device according to one embodiment comprises a toilet seat device provided on a toilet bowl and a urine information acquisition means for acquiring information on urine discharged into the toilet bowl. The urine information acquisition means includes a light-emitting unit that irradiates light toward a urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface of the toilet bowl other than the water reservoir, and a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area. The toilet seat of the toilet seat device is rotatably provided between a position facing the upper outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl and a position away from the upper outer circumference of the bowl. The relative positions of the toilet seat, the urine information acquisition means, and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet bowl are determined when the toilet seat is facing the upper outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, when the toilet seat is facing the upper outer edge of the toilet bowl, the relative positions of the toilet seat on which the user sits, the urine information acquisition means, and the urine information acquisition area are determined, making it possible to easily measure the components of the user's urine.

[0008] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the urine information acquisition means is provided on the toilet seat device, and the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet is determined when a user using the toilet is seated on the toilet seat.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, the relative position between the light-emitting unit or light-receiving unit and the urine information acquisition area is accurately determined based on the situation when the toilet user is seated. Therefore, even when the user is seated and weight is applied to the toilet seat, the components of the user's urine can be easily measured.

[0010] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the device further comprises a connecting means for connecting the toilet seat of the toilet seat device to the main body of the toilet seat device, and at least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is provided on the toilet seat device, and the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl is determined by the position in which the connecting means connects the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, by providing a urine information acquisition means on the toilet seat, the relative position between the urine information acquisition means and the urine information acquisition area is accurately determined by the operation of connecting the toilet seat to the toilet bowl. Therefore, even when the user is seated and weight is applied to the toilet seat, the components of the user's urine can be easily measured.

[0012] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the connecting means has a connecting portion that rotatably connects the toilet seat of the toilet seat device to the main body of the toilet seat device, and the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet when the toilet seat is facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl is defined by the position in which the connecting portion connects the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, the relative position between the light-emitting unit or light-receiving unit and the urine information acquisition area is precisely defined with reference to the connection between the toilet seat equipped with the urine information acquisition means and the main body of the toilet seat device. Therefore, the components of the user's urine can be easily measured when the toilet seat is closed.

[0014] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the toilet seat is provided with a light-emitting part at one end in the horizontal direction on either side of the bowl surface of the toilet bowl when viewed vertically downward, facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl, and a light-receiving part at the other end in the horizontal direction opposite to the one side. When a user of the toilet is seated on the toilet seat, the light-emitting part emits light toward the urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface, and the light-receiving part receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, by arranging a light-emitting unit at one end of the toilet seat in the horizontal direction and a light-receiving unit at the other end opposite to it, it is possible to accurately measure the components of the urine that has landed on the surface of the bowl after urination, even when a user is seated and weight is applied to the toilet seat.

[0016] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the urine information acquisition area is provided on the front end side of the bowl, opposite to the rear end side of the toilet bowl where the connecting means is provided.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, the components of urine that falls due to the natural excretion of toilet users can be accurately measured.

[0018] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the urine information acquisition area is located between the water reservoir of the toilet bowl and the front end of the bowl, and is provided in the portion of the bowl surface through which the flushing water passes.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, the urine after measurement is washed away by the toilet flushing, so the urine information acquisition area can be kept clean.

[0020] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the urine information acquisition region is defined as a light-reflecting layer made of an inorganic material film covering the bowl surface.

[0021] According to the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the light reflection layer can accurately measure the components of urine by minimizing light absorption other than urine.

[0022] In the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the urine information acquisition means is provided at an inner end portion of the back surface of the toilet seat and at a position that does not contact the upper end portion of the outer periphery of the bowl of the toilet bowl when the toilet seat faces the upper end portion of the outer periphery of the bowl of the toilet bowl.

[0023] According to the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, by providing the urine information acquisition means at a position that is not visible to the toilet user, the product can be designed without damaging the appearance of the toilet seat.

[0024] Inthe toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, a plurality of contact portions that intermittently contact the upper end portion of the outer periphery of the bowl of the toilet bowl when a user who uses the toilet bowl sits on the toilet seat are provided on the back surface side of the toilet seat, and at least one of the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion is embedded in at least one of the contact portions.

[0025] According to the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, regardless of the weight and sitting posture of the toilet user, the positions of the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are determined in the sitting state, and the components of urine can be accurately measured.

[0026] In the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the urine information acquisition means is attached to the upper end portion of the outer periphery of the bowl of the toilet bowl that the toilet seat faces.

[0027] According to the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the urine information acquisition means can be detachably attached to the toilet bowl, and the urine information acquisition means can continue to be used even when the toilet bowl is replaced.

[0028] In the toilet device according to one aspect of the embodiment, the urine information acquisition means is activated when a user sits on the toilet seat.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, the urine information acquisition means operates after the toilet user is seated and the relative position between the light-emitting unit or light-receiving unit and the urine information acquisition area is accurately determined, thereby enabling efficient acquisition of only urine information.

[0030] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are covered with a light-transmitting protective part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, the light-emitting and light-receiving parts are prevented from being directly contaminated by splashes of excrement such as urine and feces, and users can perform maintenance such as wiping and cleaning.

[0032] In a toilet device according to one embodiment, the light-emitting unit comprises a light-emitting element and a direction-imparting means arranged in front of the light-emitting element to give directionality to the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, by providing a lens, the light emitted from the light-emitting part is controlled and directed to the light-receiving part. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the toilet device, by precisely controlling the light and achieving localized light irradiation, the influence of surface material and surface shape can be suppressed.

[0034] A toilet device according to one embodiment includes a light-receiving element and a light-collecting means positioned in front of the light-receiving element to collect the reflected light.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the toilet device, by providing a lens, it is possible to control the light incident on the light-receiving part and ensure the amount of light that reaches the light-receiving part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to one embodiment, the components of a user's urine can be easily measured. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet device equipped with a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of a flush toilet device equipped with a toilet seat device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the toilet seat according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of a toilet according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a urine information acquisition area according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a toilet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the installation location of the urine information acquisition unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates an example of the movement of the toilet seat when a user sits on the toilet seat according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of a toilet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a modified example 1 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the light-emitting section in a modified example 2 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the light receiving unit in a modified example 2 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a configuration in which a light-shielding structure is provided in the light-receiving part of a modified toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a configuration in which a light-receiving section is equipped with a polarization structure in a modified example 2 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the protective part in a modified example 2 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] The embodiments of the toilet device disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0039] [Overall structure] First, the overall configuration of the toilet device according to the embodiment will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flush toilet device equipped with a toilet seat device according to the embodiment. Here, in Figure 1 and other figures described below, for the sake of explanation, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are defined, and a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system is shown with the positive Z-axis direction being the vertically upward direction. In addition, in the following description, the positive X-axis direction may be described as "left," the negative X-axis direction as "right," the positive Y-axis direction as "rear," and the negative Y-axis direction as "front."

[0040] In other words, the terms "left," "right," "rear," and "front" may be used in relation to the central point CT, which will be described later. For this reason, in the following explanation, the X-axis direction may be referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction as the up-down direction (vertical direction). Also, the terms "left side," "right side," "rear side," and "front side" may be used in relation to the central point CT, which will be described later. For example, Figure 2 is a side view of the toilet device 1 equipped with the toilet seat device 20 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the right side.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the toilet system 1 comprises a toilet bowl 10 and a toilet seat system 20. The toilet bowl 10 includes a bowl section 11. The bowl section 11 is formed in a bowl shape capable of receiving waste. The bowl section 11 is cleaned by the discharge of flushing water, and the flushing water used to clean the bowl section 11 is discharged through a drainage pipe (not shown). The toilet bowl 10 is made of, for example, ceramic. However, the toilet bowl 10 is not limited to being made of ceramic; for example, it may be made of resin, or a combination of ceramic and resin.

[0042] The toilet seat device 20 is placed on the toilet bowl 10. The toilet seat device 20 is attached to the top of the toilet bowl 10 and comprises a toilet seat 21, a main body 22, a toilet lid 23, and a light-emitting part 24a and a light-receiving part 24b of the urine information acquisition unit 24. The toilet seat device 20 may be attached to the toilet bowl 10 in a detachable manner, or it may be attached to be integrated with the toilet bowl 10.

[0043] The toilet seat 21 is the seat on which a user sits when using the toilet device 1, and is formed in an annular shape with an opening in the center when viewed from above. For example, the toilet seat 21 is positioned along the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl 10 with its bottom surface facing the rim portion 12, and the opening is positioned to overlap the bowl portion 11 (opening) of the toilet bowl 10. The toilet seat 21 is also rotatably provided between a position facing the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10 and a position away from the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the bowl.

[0044] The main unit 22 houses, for example, a nozzle device, and sprays cleaning water from the nozzle device onto the user's body to clean the private parts. The main unit 22 also has a control unit that is realized by executing a stored program using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) with RAM (Random Access Memory) as the working area, and can acquire light reception information obtained by the urine information acquisition unit 24 (described later) and analyze the user's urine information. Furthermore, the main unit 22 can control the processing of each functional unit of the toilet seat device 20, and for example, it can control the processing of the urine information acquisition unit 24 when the user's seating is detected by the seating sensor (described later).

[0045] The toilet lid 23 is attached to the toilet seat 21 or the main body 22 so as to be openable and closable. For example, the toilet lid 23 is rotatably mounted on the toilet seat 21 or the main body 22 and can be opened upward by the user manually or automatically by an instruction from the main body 22 when it detects the user entering the toilet room. The toilet seat device 20 may also be configured without the main body 22 or toilet lid 23 described above.

[0046] The urine information acquisition unit 24 acquires information about the urine urinated into the toilet bowl 10. For example, the urine information acquisition unit 24 has a light-emitting unit 24a and a light-receiving unit 24b. For example, the urine information acquisition unit 24 is provided on the toilet seat 21 and has a light-emitting unit 24a that irradiates light toward the urine information acquisition area 14 on the bowl surface of the toilet bowl 10 other than the water reservoir 13, and a light-receiving unit 24b that receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area 14. Here, the light used by the light-emitting unit 24a is not particularly limited, and for example, infrared light, electromagnetic waves, visible light, etc. can be used. The light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b are covered with a light-transmitting protective unit 27.

[0047] In the following description, an example is given in which both the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b of the urine information acquisition unit 24 are provided on the toilet seat device 20, but the description is not limited to this. For example, only one of the light-emitting unit 24a or the light-receiving unit 24b may be provided on the toilet seat device 20, and the other may be installed as an external device, as shown in the modified example described later.

[0048] Next, the various functional parts of the toilet seat device 20 will be described. Figure 2 is a side view of a flush toilet device equipped with the toilet seat device according to the embodiment. In Figure 2, viewed from the right, an example is shown in which the toilet seat device 20 has a toilet seat 21, a main body 22, a light-emitting part 24a, a light-receiving part 24b, a connecting part 25, and a contact part 26. Note that since Figure 2 is a side view from the right, the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b are shown overlapping, and it is assumed that the light-emitting part 24a is located behind the light-receiving part 24b shown in Figure 2. Also, Figure 2 shows an example in which the light-emitting part 24a, the light-receiving part 24b, and the contact part 26 are provided on the toilet seat 21, but is not limited to this. For example, the urine information acquisition part 24 can be attached to the rim part 12, which is the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet 10 that the toilet seat 21 faces.

[0049] The connecting part 25 connects the toilet seat 21 and the main body 22 of the toilet seat device 20. For example, the connecting part 25 connects the toilet seat 21 to the main body 22 so that it can rotate freely. For example, the connecting part 25 connects the toilet seat 21 and the main body 22 so that the toilet seat 21 can rotate upward and open by the user manually or automatically by an instruction from the main body 22 when it detects the user entering the toilet room.

[0050] In Figure 2, an example is shown in which the connecting part 25 rotatably connects the toilet seat 21 to the main body 22, but the design is not limited to this. For example, the connecting part 25 can be used to connect the toilet seat 21 and the main body 22 by adhesive bonding, so that the toilet seat 21 is fixed in a position facing the rim 12 of the toilet bowl 10.

[0051] The contact portion 26 contacts the rim portion 12, which is the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, when a user of the toilet bowl 10 sits on the toilet seat 21. For example, the contact portion 26 is a series of intermittently provided protrusions on the toilet seat 21 that contact the rim portion 12 when a user sits on the toilet seat 21, thereby distributing the load on the seating surface of the toilet seat 21. The arrangement of the contact portion 26 will be explained later in Figure 3.

[0052] Here, as shown in Figure 2, the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b can be positioned so as not to come into contact with the rim portion 12, which is the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10. For example, the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b can be positioned on the inner edge of the underside of the toilet seat 21 so that when a user is seated on the toilet seat 21 and the toilet seat 21 is facing the rim portion 12, which is the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, there is a gap between the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b and the rim portion 12, preventing them from coming into contact.

[0053] Next, an example of the arrangement of each functional part of the toilet seat 21 will be described. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the toilet seat according to the embodiment. In Figure 3, the center point CT indicates the center of the opening of the toilet seat 21. For example, the center point CT indicates the center of the opening of the toilet seat 21 in a top view (plan view). The center point CT is the intersection of the front-to-back center line C1 and the left-to-right center line C2.

[0054] Figure 3 shows an example in which the toilet seat 21 is provided with a light-emitting part 24a, a light-receiving part 24b, and four contact parts 26. As shown in Figure 3, for example, the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line C2, and are provided on the inner edge of the underside of the toilet seat 21 such that the light-emitting part 24a is on the left and the light-receiving part 24b is on the right.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, four contact points 26a to 26d are intermittently arranged on the underside of the toilet seat 21. For example, contact point 26a is located on the left rear side of the bottom surface of the toilet seat 21, and contact point 26b is located on the left front side of the bottom surface of the toilet seat 21. In this way, two contact points 26a and 26b are provided on the left side of the bottom surface of the toilet seat 21, arranged in the front-to-back direction of the toilet seat 21. Also, for example, contact point 26d is located on the right rear side of the bottom surface of the toilet seat 21, and contact point 26c is located on the right front side of the bottom surface of the toilet seat 21. In this way, two contact points 26c and 26d are provided on the right side of the bottom surface of the toilet seat 21, arranged in the front-to-back direction of the toilet seat 21.

[0056] Furthermore, in Figure 3, contact portions 26a and 26d are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line C2, and contact portions 26b and 26c are positioned symmetrically with respect to the left-right center line C2.

[0057] Note that the number and arrangement of the light-emitting units 24a, light-receiving units 24b, and contact units 26 shown in Figure 3 are merely examples, and any number and arrangement can be adopted. Furthermore, the light-emitting units 24a and light-receiving units 24b can be provided, for example, embedded in at least one of the contact units 26. For example, in the example in Figure 3, the light-emitting unit 24a is embedded in the contact unit 26b, and the light-receiving unit 24b is embedded in the contact unit 26c.

[0058] Next, the functional parts of the toilet bowl 10 and the urine information acquisition area will be described. Figure 4 is a plan view of the toilet bowl according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the toilet bowl 10 has, for example, a bowl portion 11, a rim portion 12, and a water reservoir portion 13, and a urine information acquisition area 14 is configured in a predetermined area of ​​the bowl surface.

[0059] The bowl portion 11 is formed in a bowl shape to receive waste. The bowl portion 11 also forms a light-reflecting layer made of an inorganic material film. For example, the bowl portion 11 is made of ceramic, and a special glass layer is baked onto the surface of the bowl portion 11 on top of the glaze, and the surface irregularities of the ceramic are finished to an ultra-smooth level of 1 / 1,000,000 mm using CeFiONtect® processing, thereby forming the light-reflecting layer.

[0060] The rim portion 12 is provided at the upper end of the bowl portion 11. The rim portion 12 comprises a side wall portion extending upward from the upper end of the bowl portion 11 and an upper wall portion extending inward from the upper end of the side wall portion. The side wall portion and the upper wall portion are formed along the periphery of the bowl portion 11. The rim portion 12 is formed in an overhanging shape to prevent washing water from splashing out.

[0061] The water reservoir 13 is located below the bowl 11. The water reservoir 13 stores a portion of the washing water as retained water. The water reservoir 13 is connected to a discharge passage, and waste is discharged into the discharge passage along with the washing water. The water reservoir 13 is formed so that its front end is the lowest in height.

[0062] The urine information acquisition area 14 is a predetermined area located on the bowl surface of the toilet bowl 10, excluding the water reservoir 13. For example, the urine information acquisition area 14 is located on the front end side of the bowl, opposite to the rear end side of the toilet bowl 10 where the toilet seat 21 connecting portion 25 is provided, and is the area illuminated by the light from the light-emitting unit 24a.

[0063] Here, an example of the urine information acquisition area 14 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the urine information acquisition area according to the embodiment. In Figure 5, the urine information acquisition area 14, which is provided on the front end side of the bowl, is shown in the position enclosed by the dotted line. Also, the arrows in Figure 5 indicate the area where the flushing water flows after the user's toilet device 1 has been used.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, the urine information acquisition area 14 is located between the water reservoir 13 and the front end of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, and is provided in the area on the bowl surface through which the flushing water passes. This allows the urine information acquisition area 14 to be located on the bowl surface where a light-reflecting layer made of an inorganic material film is formed, and in an area that is washed each time the user uses it as the flushing water passes through it.

[0065] [Problems with conventional technology] Next, I will explain the problems with conventional toilet equipment. Conventionally, technologies have been provided to measure the components of urine in the toilet. For example, there is a method to measure the amount of a specific component in urine after waking up and estimate the amount of that specific component excreted by a person in a day. There are also toilets equipped with sensors that detect urine.

[0066] However, the conventional technology described above has problems. First, conventional technology requires direct contact between the urine and the sensor during urination. However, the position and volume of urine vary depending on the toilet user's gender, age, body type, and urination posture. Therefore, depending on the toilet design and sensor placement, it may be difficult for users to naturally bring their urine into contact with the sensor. Furthermore, even if the sensor is cleaned, repeated use can cause urine components to solidify, compromising hygiene and measurement accuracy. In such situations, urine component measurement can only be performed under specific conditions, limiting its practical use in daily life.

[0067] [Toilet equipment processing details] The following describes the processing according to the embodiment of the toilet device 1 described above. The toilet device 1 according to the embodiment comprises a toilet seat device 20 provided on the toilet bowl 10 and a urine information acquisition means for acquiring information on the urine discharged into the toilet bowl 10. The urine information acquisition means of the toilet device 1 comprises a light-emitting unit 24a that irradiates light toward a urine information acquisition area 14 on the bowl surface of the toilet bowl 10 other than the water reservoir 13, and a light-receiving unit 24b that receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area 14.

[0068] The toilet device 1 is provided such that the toilet seat 21 of the toilet seat device 20 is rotatable between a position facing the upper outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10 and a position away from the upper outer circumference of the bowl. When the toilet seat 21 is facing the upper outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, the urine information acquisition means, and the urine information acquisition area 14 with respect to the toilet bowl 10 are determined.

[0069] As a result, when the toilet seat 21 is closed, the position of the urine information acquisition area, which is the area for non-contact measurement of the user's urine components, is appropriately determined in the toilet device 1. Therefore, while the user is seated on the toilet seat 21, the components of the urine after urination can be accurately measured with simple movements without requiring any special actions. The aforementioned special actions refer to actions other than the normal urination action performed by the user for the measurement of urine components, while simple movements refer to the user's normal urination action.

[0070] Here, we will explain the processing content of the toilet device 1 according to the embodiment with specific examples. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the function of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows a plan view of the toilet device 1 and shows an example of the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, the light-emitting part 24a and light-receiving part 24b of the urine information acquisition means provided on the back surface of the toilet seat 21, and the urine information acquisition area 14.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, the toilet device 1 is configured such that, for example, the toilet seat 21 is connected to the main body 22 by a connecting part 25 and is rotatably mounted between a position facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the bowl and a position away from the upper end of the outer circumference of the bowl. When the toilet seat 21 of the toilet seat device 20 is facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, the light-emitting part 24a is provided at one end in the horizontal direction, straddling the bowl surface of the toilet bowl 10 when viewed vertically downward, and the light-receiving part 24b is provided at the other end in the horizontal direction, opposite to the first end.

[0072] As a result, when the toilet seat 21 is positioned facing the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, the urine information acquisition unit 24, and the urine information acquisition area 14 are determined. In other words, the toilet device 1 determines the position of the toilet seat 21 when it is closed and the contact portion 26 contacts the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl 10, the position of the light-emitting unit 24a provided on the left inner end of the underside of the toilet seat 21, the position of the light-receiving unit 24b provided on the right inner end of the underside of the toilet seat 21, and the position of the urine information acquisition area 14, which is the area where the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 24a is reflected on the bowl surface.

[0073] Then, after the relative positions described above have been determined, when a user using the toilet bowl 10 is seated on the toilet seat 21, the light-emitting unit 24a irradiates light toward the urine information acquisition area 14 on the bowl surface, and the light-receiving unit 24b receives the reflected light from the urine information acquisition area 14 on the bowl surface.

[0074] As a result, with the toilet device 1, simply by the user sitting on the toilet seat 21, the positions of the toilet seat 21, the urine information acquisition means, and the urine information acquisition area 14 are determined to be in the appropriate positions, and reflected light reflected from the urine information acquisition area 14 where the user's urine is present is received. Therefore, the components of the urine after urination can be accurately measured without requiring any special actions from the toilet user while they are seated.

[0075] Furthermore, in the toilet device 1, the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b and the urine information acquisition area 14 with respect to the toilet bowl 10, when the toilet seat 21 is facing the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, is determined by the position where the connecting part 25 connects the toilet seat 21 and the main body 22. For example, the position of the urine information acquisition area 14 changes depending on the position where the connecting part 25 connects the toilet seat 21 and the main body 22, so the position of the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b provided on the toilet seat 21 is determined according to the position of the connecting part 25.

[0076] Furthermore, in the toilet device 1, when a user using the toilet bowl 10 is seated on the toilet seat 21, the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b and the urine information acquisition area 14 with respect to the toilet bowl 10 is determined. For example, in the toilet device 1, when a user using the toilet bowl 10 is seated on the toilet seat 21 and a load is applied to the toilet seat 21, the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b and the urine information acquisition area 14 is determined.

[0077] Here, we will explain the circumstances under which the aforementioned relative positions are appropriately determined. As previously mentioned, when the toilet seat 21 is facing the rim portion 12 of the toilet bowl 10, the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, the urine information acquisition unit 24, and the urine information acquisition area 14 with respect to the toilet bowl 10 are determined. These relative positions are predetermined by the user or designer of the toilet device 1 so that, when the user is seated on the toilet seat 21, reflected light from light irradiated onto the bowl surface where the user's urine is present can be received. To explain with a specific example, the relative positions are determined so that an optical path is secured from the light-emitting unit 24a through the urine information acquisition area 14 to the light-receiving unit 24b, and the light-receiving unit 24b acquires the specularly reflected light component.

[0078] Here, an example of the installation position of the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b of the urine information acquisition unit 24 will be described. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation position of the urine information acquisition unit according to the embodiment.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7(1), for example, the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b are provided on the underside of the toilet seat 21 on the front side of the toilet device 1. In this case, the light emitted from the left light-emitting unit 24a is reflected by the urine information acquisition area 14 in front of the bowl 11 and received by the right light-receiving unit 24b.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7(2), for example, the light-emitting unit 24a is provided on the underside of the rear toilet seat 21 of the toilet device 1, and the light-receiving unit 24b is provided on the underside of the front toilet seat 21 of the toilet device 1. In this case, the light emitted from the rear light-emitting unit 24a passes below the user's body, is reflected by the urine information acquisition area 14 in front of the bowl 11, and is then received by the front light-receiving unit 24b.

[0081] As shown in the examples (1) and (2) in Figure 7, the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b are installed in a position where the light-receiving unit 24b can acquire the specularly reflected light component, and where the light path is not obstructed by the user's body. When the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b are installed on the underside of the toilet seat 21 of the toilet device 1, it is desirable that they be small. Therefore, their relative positions are determined on the premise that the area on the bowl surface illuminated by light is localized.

[0082] Furthermore, the relative position is determined taking into account the movement of the toilet seat 21 due to the user sitting on it. Here, an example of the movement of the relative position when a user uses the toilet device 1 will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the movement of the toilet seat when a user sits on the toilet seat according to the embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8(1), the toilet seat 21 may shift horizontally when the user is seated due to repeated use or movement of the user. In this case, the relative positions of the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b also shift horizontally according to the position of the horizontally shifted toilet seat 21, and the position of the urine information acquisition area 14 also shifts along with the shift in the position of the light-emitting unit 24a. As a result, the relative positions are determined to be horizontally shifted compared to the situation when the toilet seat 21 is not shifted. In the example in Figure 8(1), the shift of the toilet seat 21 to the left causes the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b, and the urine information acquisition area 14 with respect to the toilet bowl 10 to be shifted to the left.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(2), the toilet seat 21 may bend vertically due to the weight of the user's body when they sit on it. In this case, the relative positions of the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b are also shifted vertically according to the vertical shift in the position of the toilet seat 21, and the position of the urine information acquisition area 14 is also shifted along with the shift in the position of the light-emitting unit 24a. As a result, the relative position is determined to be a position that is shifted vertically compared to the situation where the toilet seat 21 is not shifted.

[0085] As shown in the examples (1) and (2) in Figure 8, when a user sits on the toilet seat 21, the toilet seat 21 may shift horizontally or vertically, and consequently, its relative position may also shift. In other words, in the toilet device 1, the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, urine information acquisition unit 24, and urine information acquisition area 14 change when a user sits on the toilet, whereas the toilet bowl 10 does not change position when a user sits on it. For this reason, the relative position is determined in advance by setting a certain tolerance range in the measurement area so that even if the toilet seat 21 shifts horizontally or vertically, the light receiving unit 24b can acquire the specularly reflected light component, and the optical path is not obstructed by the user's body.

[0086] In the explanation of relative positions described above, an example was shown in which the relative positions of all four elements of the toilet device 1 are determined: the toilet seat 21, the light-emitting unit 24a, the light-receiving unit 24b, and the urine information acquisition area 14. However, the device is not limited to this example. For example, if the toilet seat 21 is facing the rim 12 of the toilet bowl 10, and the relative positions of two elements, the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b and the urine information acquisition area 14, are determined, the user's urine information can be acquired by processing the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b.

[0087] Furthermore, the timing of the light emission unit 24a in the urine information acquisition unit 24 of the toilet device 1 can be controlled to activate, for example, when a user sits on the toilet seat 21. For example, the light emission unit 24a is connected to a seat sensor installed in the toilet seat device 20, and when the seat sensor notifies that a user has been seated, it can emit light towards the urine information acquisition area 14.

[0088] [Toilet equipment processing flow] Next, the processing flow of the toilet device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Note that each step in the flowchart shown below can be executed in a different order, and additional or omitted processes may be included.

[0089] For example, the toilet device 1 determines whether or not it has detected a user sitting down (S101). If it detects a user sitting down (S101; Yes), the toilet device 1 determines the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, the urine information acquisition unit 24, and the urine information acquisition area 14 (S102). On the other hand, if it does not detect a user sitting down (S101; No), the toilet device 1 waits until it detects a user sitting down.

[0090] After the process in S102, the toilet device 1 emits light from the light-emitting unit 24a toward the urine information acquisition area 14 (S103). Then, the toilet device 1 receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area 14 with the light-receiving unit 24b (S104). Then, the toilet device 1 analyzes the user's urine components based on the received information (S105) and ends the process.

[0091] [Variation 1] Next, a modification 1 of the toilet device 1 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a modification 1 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. In Figure 10, an example is shown in which the light-emitting unit 24a according to the embodiment is not provided on the toilet seat 21, but is installed as a removable add-on device on the rim 12 of the toilet bowl 10.

[0092] As shown in Figure 10, in the toilet device 1, for example, the light-emitting part 24a of the urine information acquisition unit 24 is installed on the toilet bowl 10 as a removable add-on device, and when a user sits on the toilet seat 21, the light-emitting part 24a emits light in the urine information acquisition area 14. Here, the light-emitting part 24a, which is an add-on device, is fixed in position by being sandwiched between the rim 12 of the toilet bowl 10 and the toilet seat 21 when a user sits on the toilet seat 21 and a load is applied. As a result, in the toilet device 1, when a user sits on the toilet seat 21 and the toilet seat 21 faces the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl 10, the relative positions of the toilet seat 21, the add-on device light-emitting part 24a, the light-receiving part 24b, and the urine information acquisition area 14 are determined.

[0093] Although Figure 10 illustrates an example where the light-emitting unit 24a is an add-on device, the system is not limited to this. For example, the toilet system 1 can also have the light-receiving unit 24b installed as an add-on device.

[0094] [Variation 2] Next, we will describe modified versions of the urine information acquisition unit 24 in the toilet device 1. Below, we will describe, in order, modified versions of the configuration of the light-emitting unit 24a and the light-receiving unit 24b in the urine information acquisition unit 24.

[0095] The light-emitting unit 24a comprises a light-emitting element and a direction-imparting means positioned in front of the light-emitting element to give directionality to the light emitted from the light-emitting element. For example, the light-emitting unit 24a comprises a light-emitting element 24a1 that converts electrical signals into light, and a lens 24a2 positioned in front of the light-emitting element 24a1 that focuses or parallelizes the light emitted by the light-emitting element 24a1. The lens 24a2 is an example of a direction-imparting means.

[0096] Figure 11 illustrates an example of the configuration of the light-emitting section in a modified example 2 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Figure 11 shows the light-emitting section 24a in a side view. As shown in Figure 11, the light-emitting section 24a focuses the light emitted by the light-emitting element 24a1 by, for example, providing a lens 24a2 in front of the light-emitting element 24a1 (Figure 11(1)). The light-emitting section 24a also converts the light emitted by the light-emitting element 24a1 into parallel light (Figure 11(2)).

[0097] As a result, even if the light emitted by the light-emitting element 24a1 is weak, causing interference from the human body or diffusion that reduces the amount of light passing through the desired optical path, and insufficient light reaching the light-receiving element 24b, the light-emitting element 24a can control the light by giving directionality to the emitted light, thereby ensuring that a sufficient amount of light reaches the light-receiving element 24b. Furthermore, when the light-emitting element 24a reflects light to the urine information acquisition area 14, even if the light diffuses due to the surface material and shape of the toilet bowl and deviates from the desired optical path, the light-emitting element 24a can precisely control the emitted light to achieve localized light irradiation, thereby suppressing the influence of the surface material and shape of the toilet bowl.

[0098] The light-receiving unit 24b comprises a light-receiving element and a light-gathering means positioned in front of the light-receiving element to focus reflected light. For example, the light-receiving unit 24b comprises a light-receiving element 24b1 that converts light into an electrical signal and a lens 24b2 positioned in front of the light-receiving element 24b1 to focus reflected light reflected from the urine information acquisition area 14. The lens 24b2 is an example of a light-gathering means.

[0099] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the light-receiving unit in a modified example 2 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the light-receiving unit 24b is equipped with a lens 24b2 in front of the light-receiving element 24b1, thereby focusing the reflected light that is irradiated by the light-emitting unit 24a and reflected off the urine information acquisition area 14 onto the light-receiving element 24b1.

[0100] As a result, even when the directivity of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 24a is weak and the amount of light passing through the desired optical path decreases due to diffusion, the light-receiving unit 24b can control the incident light to ensure that a sufficient amount of light reaches the light-receiving element 24b1.

[0101] The aforementioned lenses 24a2 and 24b2 may be, for example, condensing lenses or collimating lenses.

[0102] Furthermore, the light-receiving unit 24b may be further equipped with a light-shielding structure to prevent ambient light from entering the light-receiving element 24b1. For example, the light-receiving unit 24b may be provided with a light-shielding structure 24b3, such as a light-shielding film, above the light-receiving element 24b1 to suppress ambient light entering from above.

[0103] Figure 13 illustrates an example of a configuration in which a light-shielding structure is provided in the light-receiving part of a modified toilet device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the light-receiving part 24b is provided with a light-shielding structure 24b3 above the light-receiving element 24b1 to block light from above, thereby preventing ambient light irradiated from above from being received by the light-receiving element 24b1.

[0104] As a result, the light-receiving unit 24b can suppress ambient light that causes noise by blocking light coming from above, which is particularly abundant, thereby enabling highly accurate measurements.

[0105] The material of the light-shielding structure 24b3 provided by the light-receiving unit 24b is not particularly limited, and any material that can suppress ambient light that causes noise in the measurement is acceptable. Furthermore, the light-shielding structure 24b3 provided by the light-receiving unit 24b is not limited to being provided above the light-receiving element 24b1. The light-receiving unit 24b only needs to cover at least the area above the light-receiving element 24b1, and for example, it can be configured in a cylindrical shape in which the light-shielding structure is provided in a location other than the optical path of the reflected light that is irradiated by the light-emitting unit 24a and reflected in the urine information acquisition area 14, in order to further prevent ambient light.

[0106] Furthermore, the light-receiving unit 24b is further equipped with polarization means for polarizing the light incident on the light-receiving element 24b1. For example, the light-receiving unit 24b is positioned in front of the light-receiving element 24b1 and is provided with a polarization structure 24b4 that suppresses noise components of the reflected light irradiated by the light-emitting unit 24a and reflected in the urine information acquisition area 14.

[0107] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a configuration in which a polarizing structure is provided in the light-receiving section of a modified toilet device according to the embodiment. In Figure 14, an example is shown in which a polarizing filter is provided as an example of the polarizing structure 24b4. As shown in Figure 14, the light-receiving section 24b is polarized by providing a polarizing filter in front of the light-receiving element 24b1, thereby causing the light-receiving element 24b1 to receive light from which the noise component of the reflected light irradiated by the light-emitting section 24a and reflected in the urine information acquisition area 14 has been suppressed.

[0108] Next, the protective parts 27 provided on the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b in the urine information acquisition unit 24 will be described. As mentioned above, the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b are covered by a light-transmitting protective part 27. Here, the protective part 27 is, for example, a dirt-preventing cover that prevents dirt from adhering to the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b, and the portion of the dirt-preventing cover that is not light-blocking, which is on the optical path, is made of a material that has the property of transmitting infrared light.

[0109] Here, the protective part 27 has the same function as the aforementioned lenses 24a2 and 24b2, and polarizing structure 24b4, and can therefore be provided in place of lenses 24a2 and 24b2 and polarizing structure 24b4. In other words, the protective part 27 can function as a lens or a polarizing structure.

[0110] Furthermore, the protective part 27 can be made less prone to dirt adhesion by, for example, applying a hydrophilic coating or a water-repellent coating. Also, the protective part 27 can be prevented from becoming dirty by having its surface cleaned using a function of the toilet seat device 20, such as nozzle cleaning or mist cleaning. In addition, the protective part 27 may be provided with an openable and closable structure that operates so that the lid opens only when light is irradiated by the light-emitting part 24a (when light is received by the light-receiving part 24b).

[0111] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the protective part in a modified example 2 of the toilet device according to the embodiment. Figure 15 shows an example in which a protective part 27 having the functions of the aforementioned lenses 24a2 and 24b2 is provided.

[0112] As shown in Figure 15, a protective part 27 having the function of a lens 24a2 is provided in front of the light-emitting element 24a1 of the light-emitting unit 24a, thereby preventing dirt from adhering to the light-emitting element 24a1 (Figure 15(1)). Similarly, a protective part 27 having the function of a lens 24b2 is provided in front of the light-receiving element 24b1 of the light-receiving unit 24b, thereby preventing dirt from adhering to the light-receiving element 24b1 (Figure 15(2)).

[0113] As a result, the protective part 27 prevents dirt from adhering to the light-emitting part 24a and the light-receiving part 24b, and suppresses a reduction in the amount of light passing through the desired optical path. In addition, since the surface of the protective part 27 is smooth, cleaning is improved.

[0114] [Other examples] The processes described above are merely examples, and the toilet device 1 may perform a variety of processes not limited to those described above. For example, the toilet device 1 may perform the processes described in the modified examples, regardless of the embodiments described above.

[0115] Further effects and other modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0116] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A toilet seat device installed in a toilet bowl, A urine information acquisition means for acquiring information on the urine urinated into the toilet bowl, Equipped with, The aforementioned urine information acquisition means is A light-emitting unit that irradiates light toward the urine information acquisition area of ​​the bowl surface of the toilet bowl other than the water reservoir, A light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area, It has, The toilet seat of the toilet seat device is rotatably mounted between a position facing the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl and a position away from the upper outer edge of the bowl, and the relative positions of the toilet seat, the urine information acquisition means and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet are determined when the toilet seat is facing the upper outer edge of the bowl. A toilet device characterized by the following features. (2) The urine information acquisition means is provided in the toilet seat device, When a user of the toilet is seated on the toilet seat, the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet is determined. The toilet device according to (1), characterized in that it is a toilet device according to (1). (3) The toilet seat device further comprises connecting means for connecting the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device, At least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is provided in the toilet seat device. The relative position of at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl is determined by the position in which the connecting means connects the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device. The toilet device according to (1) or (2), characterized in that it is a toilet device according to (1) or (2). (4) The connecting means has a connecting portion that rotatably connects the toilet seat of the toilet seat device to the main body of the toilet seat device, The relative position of at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is facing the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl is defined by the position where the connecting part connects the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device. The toilet device according to (3), characterized in that (5) The toilet seat is positioned opposite the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl, and when viewed vertically downward, the light-emitting part is provided at one end in the horizontal direction, straddling the surface of the bowl of the toilet bowl, while the light-receiving part is provided at the other end in the horizontal direction, opposite to the one end. When a user of the toilet is seated on the toilet seat, the light-emitting unit emits light toward the urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface, and the light-receiving unit receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface. A toilet device according to any one of (1) to (4), characterized by the above. (6) The urine information acquisition area is provided on the front end side of the bowl, opposite to the rear end side of the toilet bowl where the connecting means is provided. The toilet device according to (3) or (4), characterized in that it is a toilet device according to (3) or (4). (7) The urine information acquisition area is located between the water reservoir and the front end of the bowl of the toilet, and is provided in the portion of the bowl surface through which the flushing water passes. The toilet device according to (6), characterized in that (8) The urine information acquisition region targets the light-reflecting layer, which is made of an inorganic material film covering the bowl surface. A toilet device according to any one of (1) to (7), characterized by the above. (9) The urine information acquisition means is provided at the inner end of the underside of the toilet seat, in a position where it does not come into contact with the upper end of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl, when the toilet seat is facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl. A toilet device according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized by the above. (10) On the underside of the toilet seat, there are multiple intermittently arranged contact points that come into contact with the upper outer edge of the toilet bowl when a user sits on the toilet seat, and at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part is embedded in at least one of the contact points. The toilet device according to (9), characterized in that (11) The urine information acquisition means is attached to the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl opposite the toilet seat. A toilet device according to any one of (1) to (10), characterized by the above. (12) The urine information acquisition means is activated when the user sits down on the toilet seat. A toilet device according to any one of (1) to (11), characterized by the above. (13) The light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are covered with a light-transmitting protective part. A toilet device according to any one of (1) to (12), characterized by the above. (14) The toilet device according to any one of (1) to (13), characterized in that the light-emitting unit comprises a light-emitting element and a direction-imparting means arranged in front of the light-emitting element to give directionality to the light emitted from the light-emitting element. (15) The toilet device according to any one of (1) to (14), characterized in that the light receiving unit comprises a light receiving element and a light-collecting means disposed in front of the light receiving element for collecting the reflected light. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1 Toilet equipment 10 Toilet bowl 11 Bowl Section 12 Rim section 13 Water reservoir 14 Urine information acquisition area 20 Toilet seat device 21 Toilet Seat 22 Main body 23 Toilet lid 24 Urine information acquisition department 24a Light-emitting part 24a1 Light-emitting element 24a2 lens 24b Light receiving part 24b1 Photodetector 24b2 lens 24b3 Light shielding structure 24b4 Polarization structure 25 Connecting part 26, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d Contact part 27 Protection Department

Claims

1. A toilet seat device installed in a toilet bowl, A urine information acquisition means for acquiring information on the urine urinated into the toilet bowl, Equipped with, The aforementioned urine information acquisition means is A light-emitting unit that irradiates light toward the urine information acquisition area of ​​the bowl surface of the toilet bowl other than the water reservoir, A light receiving unit that receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area, It has, The toilet seat of the toilet seat device is rotatably mounted between a position facing the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl and a position away from the upper outer edge of the bowl, and the relative positions of the toilet seat, the urine information acquisition means and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet are determined when the toilet seat is facing the upper outer edge of the bowl. A toilet device characterized by the following features.

2. The urine information acquisition means is provided in the toilet seat device, When a user of the toilet is seated on the toilet seat, the relative position of at least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet is determined. The toilet device according to feature 1.

3. The toilet seat device further comprises connecting means for connecting the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device, At least one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is provided in the toilet seat device. The relative position of at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl is determined by the position in which the connecting means connects the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device. The toilet device according to feature 1.

4. The connecting means has a connecting portion that rotatably connects the toilet seat of the toilet seat device to the main body of the toilet seat device, The relative position of at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part and the urine information acquisition area with respect to the toilet bowl when the toilet seat is facing the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl is defined by the position where the connecting part connects the toilet seat and the main body of the toilet seat device. The toilet device according to feature 3.

5. The toilet seat is positioned opposite the upper outer edge of the bowl of the toilet bowl, and when viewed vertically downward, the light-emitting part is provided at one end in the horizontal direction, straddling the surface of the bowl of the toilet bowl, while the light-receiving part is provided at the other end in the horizontal direction, opposite to the one end. When a user of the toilet is seated on the toilet seat, the light-emitting unit emits light toward the urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface, and the light-receiving unit receives reflected light from the urine information acquisition area on the bowl surface. The toilet device according to feature 1.

6. The urine information acquisition area is provided on the front end side of the bowl, opposite to the rear end side of the toilet bowl where the connecting means is provided. The toilet device according to feature 3.

7. The urine information acquisition area is located between the water reservoir and the front end of the bowl of the toilet, and is provided in the portion of the bowl surface through which the flushing water passes. The toilet device according to feature 6.

8. The urine information acquisition region targets the light-reflecting layer, which is made of an inorganic material film covering the bowl surface. The toilet device according to feature 1.

9. The urine information acquisition means is provided at the inner end of the underside of the toilet seat, in a position where it does not come into contact with the upper end of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl, when the toilet seat is facing the upper end of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl. The toilet device according to feature 1.

10. On the underside of the toilet seat, there are multiple intermittently arranged contact points that come into contact with the upper outer edge of the toilet bowl when a user sits on the toilet seat, and at least one of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part is embedded in at least one of the contact points. The toilet device according to feature 9.

11. The urine information acquisition means is attached to the upper outer edge of the outer circumference of the toilet bowl opposite the toilet seat. The toilet device according to feature 1.

12. The urine information acquisition means is activated when the user sits down on the toilet seat. The toilet device according to feature 1.

13. The light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are covered with a light-transmitting protective part. The toilet device according to feature 1.

14. The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-emitting unit comprises a light-emitting element and a direction-imparting means arranged in front of the light-emitting element to give directionality to the light emitted from the light-emitting element.

15. The toilet device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light receiving unit comprises a light receiving element and a light-collecting means positioned in front of the light receiving element for collecting the reflected light.

Images