Remote control device

Abstract

To provide a remote controller which can inhibit water exposure of a battery housing part while inhibiting deterioration of designability of a back surface of the remote controller.SOLUTION: A remote controller is detachably installed at a toilet room to control a toilet device remotely. The remote controller includes: a case having a battery housing part capable of housing batteries; a cover which covers the battery housing part; a seal member provided between the case and the cover; and an engagement mechanism which causes the cover to engage with the case. The engagement mechanism includes: an engaging part provided at the cover; an engaged part which is provided at the case and may engage with the engaging part; and an operation part for deforming a part of the engaging part to release engagement between the engaging part and the engaged part. The operation part is provided on a bottom surface of the case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to remote control devices. [Background technology]

[0002] A remote control device for remotely controlling a toilet device may be detachably installed in a predetermined position (such as a wall surface) in a toilet room. In recent years, as the number of functions of toilet devices has increased, the number of switches provided on the remote control device has also increased, and there are also increasing cases where switches are provided on the back of the remote control device. On the other hand, a remote control device may be provided with a battery housing section for housing a battery, and a battery cover for covering the battery housing section may be provided on the back of the remote control device. For example, a U-shaped hook system is known for attaching and detaching the battery cover (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a slide system may be used for attaching and detaching the battery cover instead of the hook system (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-196446 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-204271 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the shape of the back of the remote control device is complicated, the design may be compromised. Also, in a detachable remote control device, it is desirable to prevent water from entering the battery compartment.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a remote control device that can prevent water from entering the battery storage section while preventing a decline in the design of the back of the remote control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention is a remote control device for remotely operating a toilet device, which is removably installed in a toilet room, and comprises a case having a battery accommodating section capable of accommodating a battery, a cover covering the battery accommodating section, a sealing member provided between the case and the cover, and a locking mechanism for locking the cover to the case, wherein the locking mechanism includes an engaging portion provided on the cover, an engaged portion provided on the case and engageable with the engaging portion, and an operating portion for deforming a part of the locking mechanism to release the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, and the operating portion is provided on the bottom surface of the case.

[0007] With this remote control device, the operating unit is located on the bottom surface, so that the design of the back of the remote control device is not compromised compared to when the operating unit is located on the back, while the sealing material can prevent water from entering the battery storage section.

[0008] A second invention is a remote control device according to the first invention, characterized in that the engaged portion is deformable upward by operation of the operating portion.

[0009] According to this remote control device, the cover can be easily removed from the case by operating the operating portion.

[0010] A third invention is the remote control device according to the second invention, characterized in that the engaged portion has both ends in a direction intersecting with the up-down direction and is supported at least at the both ends.

[0011] According to this remote control device, the engaged portion is supported at both ends, thereby increasing the strength and reducing the risk of damage compared to a case in which only one of the ends is supported.

[0012] A fourth invention is a remote control device according to the second or third invention, characterized in that the operating portion has a recess that is recessed upward and a protrusion that protrudes downward from the recess.

[0013] According to this remote control device, the user can be guided to press the operating portion, and operability can be improved. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a remote control device is provided that can prevent water from entering a battery housing while preventing a deterioration in the design of the rear surface of the remote control device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet room having a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a cover of the remote control device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a case of the remote control device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a case of the remote control device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 9(a) and 9(b) are a perspective view and a plan view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet room having a remote control device according to an embodiment. The remote control device 10 is used together with the toilet device 100 in the toilet room TR, and is a remote control device for remotely operating the toilet device 100. The remote control device 10 is detachably installed at a predetermined position in the toilet room TR. For example, the remote control device 10 is provided on a wall surface of the toilet room TR so that it can be removed by a user of the toilet device 100. More specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 1, the remote control device 10 is provided on a wall surface TR1 of the toilet room TR located to the right of a user sitting on the toilet device 100 with his / her back against the toilet lid 126.

[0017] The remote control device 10 includes a plurality of switches 42 (operation buttons). Each switch 42 is, for example, a push button that can be pressed or a touch panel. The remote control device 10 detects the operation of each switch 42, and transmits a wireless signal corresponding to the operated switch 42 to the toilet device 100. The toilet device 100 receives the wireless signal transmitted from the remote control device 10, and executes control corresponding to the wireless signal. In this way, the remote control device 10 instructs the toilet device 100 to execute a predetermined operation in response to the operation of the user, and remotely controls the toilet device 100.

[0018] The toilet apparatus 100 includes a Western-style seated toilet bowl 110 (hereinafter referred to as the toilet bowl 110) and a toilet seat unit 120 provided thereon.

[0019] The toilet 110 has a bowl portion 112. The bowl portion 112 is recessed below the upper surface 110a of the toilet 110. The bowl portion 112 receives waste, urine, and the like excreted by the user. The bowl portion 112 also stores water therein, preventing odors, pests, and the like from entering the room through the drain pipe.

[0020] Toilet seat unit 120 has a main body 122, a toilet seat 124, and a toilet lid 126. Toilet seat 124 and toilet lid 126 are each pivotally supported on main body 122 so as to be openable and closable. In FIG. 1, toilet lid 126 is shown in an open state. When closed, toilet lid 126 covers the upper part of toilet seat 124. Note that toilet lid 126 is not necessarily provided.

[0021] The toilet seat unit 120 has, for example, a sanitary washing function and a toilet seat heating function. The sanitary washing function is a function that performs a washing operation to wash the "buttocks" of a user sitting on the toilet seat 124. The toilet seat heating function is a function that performs a toilet seat heating operation to heat the seating surface of the toilet seat 124 to an appropriate temperature by a heater. The toilet seat unit 120 may also have a local drying function and a deodorizing function. The local drying function is a function that dries the "buttocks" wetted by the sanitary washing by blowing warm air to the "buttocks" of a user sitting on the toilet seat 124 by a fan, a heater, or the like. The deodorizing function is also a function that sucks in the air in the bowl portion 112 and deodorizes it by a fan or a deodorizing filter.

[0022] In the sanitary washing function, for example, in response to the user's operation of the remote control, nozzle 130, which spouts washing water toward the human body parts, is advanced from main body 122 into bowl 112 of toilet 110. Then, washing water is sprayed from a water outlet provided near the tip of nozzle 130. This makes it possible to wash the user's "bottoms" and the like. Nozzle 130 is stored in main body 122 when the sanitary washing function is not being performed.

[0023] The sanitary washing function includes, for example, a buttocks washing function that sprays washing water toward the buttocks of the user, and a bidet washing function that sprays washing water toward the female genitals. In the sanitary washing function, not only cold water but also hot water heated by a heater can be sprayed from the water outlet as washing water.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment. The remote control device 10 is directly or indirectly attached to a predetermined position such as a wall surface of the toilet room TR. For example, the remote control device 10 is supported via a support member (such as a hanger) fixed to the wall surface TR1 and is detachable from the support member. In this example, the remote control device 10 is detachably attached to a hanger 20 (support member).

[0025] For example, a hanger 20 for mounting the remote control device 10 is provided on the wall TR1. The hanger 20 is fixed to the wall of the toilet room TR by any fixing means such as a screw. Fig. 2 shows a state in which the remote control device 10 is removed from the hanger 20. In other words, Fig. 2 shows a state in which the remote control device 10 is removed from the wall TR1.

[0026] For example, hanger 20 is provided with support portion 21 and protrusion 22 protruding upward from support portion 21. As described below, a groove that engages with protrusion 22 is provided on the back surface of the case of remote control device 10, and protrusion 22 is inserted into the groove. This defines the position of remote control device 10 relative to hanger 20, and remote control device 10 is supported by support portion 21. In this manner, remote control device 10 can be attached to hanger 20.

[0027] In the embodiment, the method of mounting the remote control device 10 inside the toilet room TR is not limited to the above, and any method that allows the remote control device 10 to be detachably mounted at a predetermined position inside the toilet room TR may be used. For example, a magnet may be used. The state in which the remote control device 10 is detachably installed is, for example, a state in which a user of the toilet device 100 can pick up the remote control device 10 from a predetermined position. This allows the user to hold the remote control device 10 in his / her hand and operate it.

[0028] In addition, in the embodiment, the predetermined position where the remote control device 10 is installed is not necessarily limited to a wall surface. For example, the remote control device 10 may be installed in a cabinet or the like provided in the toilet room. The installation position of the remote control device 10 may be any position in the toilet room where the toilet device 100 can be remotely operated.

[0029] 3 and 4 are perspective views illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the remote control device 10 as viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the remote control device 10 as viewed from the rear. In this specification, the front side of the remote control device 10 (the direction in which the front of the remote control device 10 faces) is defined as "front". That is, in this example, "front" is the direction from the wall TR1 toward the inside of the toilet room TR when the remote control device 10 is attached to the wall TR1 (FIG. 1). Also, "rear", "right side", "left side", "upper", and "lower" are directions as seen by a user standing facing forward. For example, "upper" and "lower" correspond to the upper and lower sides of the remote control device 10 when attached to the hanger 20, respectively.

[0030] The remote control device 10 has a case (housing) 11. Inside the case 11, a circuit for detecting the operation of the switch 42, a communication module for transmitting a wireless signal in response to the operation of the switch 42, a control circuit board (including, for example, a microcomputer) for controlling the operation of the remote control device 10, etc. Note that communication between the remote control device 10 and the toilet device 100 may be by any method, such as infrared or radio wave.

[0031] For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the case 11 has a front surface 11f facing forward, a top surface 11c facing upward, a bottom surface 11b facing downward, a left side surface 11h facing left, and a right side surface 11m facing right. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the case 11 has a rear surface 11r facing backward.

[0032] In this example, the front surface 11f of the case 11 is generally rectangular and long in the left-right direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the left-right length L1 of the front surface 11f is longer than the up-down length L2. Similarly, the rear surface 11r is generally rectangular and long in the left-right direction. The widths (lengths L3 in the front-rear direction) of the top surface 11c, bottom surface 11b, left side surface 11h, and right side surface 11m are each shorter than the length L1 and shorter than the length L2. That is, each of the front surface and rear surface is, for example, wider than the other surfaces (each of the top surface, bottom surface, left side surface, and right side surface).

[0033] 3, a plurality of switches 42 are provided on the front surface 11f of the case 11. For example, switches that are used more frequently when the user is sitting than when standing are arranged on the front surface 11f. For example, the switches 42 provided on the front surface 11f include a buttocks switch and a bidet switch for discharging water from the nozzle 130, a stop switch for stopping water discharge from the nozzle 130, a drying switch for performing a local drying function, a deodorizing switch for performing a deodorizing function, a washing position adjustment switch for changing the position of the water discharge port of the nozzle 130, a water pressure adjustment switch for changing the force of the water from the nozzle 130, and a toilet seat and hot water temperature setting switch.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3 or 4, a plurality of switches 42 are provided on the upper surface 11c of the case 11. For example, switches that are used more frequently when the user is standing than when the user is sitting are arranged on the upper surface 11c. For example, the switches 42 provided on the upper surface 11c include a toilet cover opening / closing switch for electrically opening and closing the toilet cover 126, a toilet seat opening / closing switch for electrically opening and closing the toilet seat 124, and a toilet flushing switch for supplying flushing water to the bowl portion 112 to flush waste and the like in the bowl portion 112 into a drain pipe. In this example, the upper surface 11c is provided with a light projection window 11w that transmits infrared rays for communication with the toilet device 100.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 4, a plurality of switches 42 are provided on the rear surface 11r of the case 11. For example, switches that are used less frequently than the switches 42 provided on the front surface 11f or the top surface 11c are provided on the rear surface 11r. For example, switches provided on the rear surface 11r include a time setting switch, an operation mode setting switch such as a power saving mode, and a maintenance switch for performing maintenance on the remote control device 10 or the toilet device 100. Note that the types (functions), number, arrangement, and shapes of the switches 42 described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4 are merely examples and are not limited to those described above.

[0036] Although some illustrations are omitted, each surface of the case 11 (e.g., each switch 42) may be provided with an indication 43 (see, for example, FIG. 3) indicating the function of each switch 42. The indication may be, for example, a character, a pictogram, or a symbol. The indication may be made by printing, embossing, or a display device (e.g., a light-emitting element such as an LED, a liquid crystal, or an organic EL). For example, the top and bottom of the remote control device 10 correspond to the top and bottom of the indication provided on the front surface 11f.

[0037] The rear surface 11r is provided with a groove 11g extending upward from the bottom surface 11b. The grooves 11g are provided on both the right and left sides of the case 11. The protrusions 22 of the hanger 20 shown in FIG. 2 can be inserted into each of these two grooves 11g. This allows the case 11 to be detachably installed at a predetermined position in the toilet room, such as on the wall TR1, via the hanger 20. That is, when attaching the remote control device 10, the protrusions 22 are inserted into the grooves 11g, and the remote control device 10 is placed on the hanger 20. When removing the remote control device 10, the remote control device 10 is pulled upward so as to remove the protrusions 22 from the grooves 11g.

[0038] 4, the cover 30 is attached to the back surface 11r. When the cover 30 is attached to the case 11, at least a part of the back surface 31r of the cover 30 is, for example, flush with at least a part of the back surface 11r of the case 11. Also, when the cover 30 is attached to the case 11, at least a part of the bottom surface 31b of the cover 30 is, for example, flush with at least a part of the bottom surface 11b of the case 11. Note that being flush may include not only the case where the two surfaces are aligned strictly without a step, but also the case where a slight step of, for example, about 0.5 mm or less occurs.

[0039] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment. Remote control device 10 has case 11, a seal member 50, and a cover 30. Fig. 5 shows a state in which cover 30 and seal member 50 have been removed from case 11.

[0040] The case 11 has a battery accommodating section 14. The battery accommodating section 14 is capable of accommodating a battery that supplies power to drive the remote control device 10. The battery accommodating section 14 is a recess provided in the case 11. More specifically, in this example, a recess 13 into which the cover 30 is fitted is provided in the rear surface 11r of the case 11. The recess 13 extends to the bottom surface 11b of the case 11. Inside the recess 13, a further recess is provided as the battery accommodating section 14.

[0041] The cover 30 is attached to the case 11 by a locking mechanism 60 described below so as to cover the battery accommodating portion 14. With the cover 30 attached to the case 11, the seal member 50 is provided between the case 11 and the cover 30. In this manner, the seal member 50 prevents water from entering the battery accommodating portion 14. The seal member 50 fills at least a portion of the gap between the cover 30 and the case 11. The seal member 50 has, for example, a substantially rectangular shape, is disposed in the recess 13, and covers at least a portion (for example, the entirety) of the battery accommodating portion 14 from the rear.

[0042] For example, the sealing member 50 has elasticity and is pressed and compressed against the case 11 by the cover 30. The sealing member 50 may be made of rubber or resin. More specifically, the sealing member 50 may be made of a rubber packing or a sponge packing. The term "sealing member" does not only refer to a member that completely seals the battery accommodating section 14, but may also refer to a member that can prevent water from entering the battery accommodating section 14.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a cover of the remote control device according to the embodiment. Cover 30 has, for example, a substantially L-shaped cross section. Cover 30 has a bottom plate portion 31 extending left and right, and a back plate portion 32 extending upward from bottom plate portion 31. When cover 30 is attached to case 11, the bottom surface of bottom plate portion 31 forms a part of the bottom surface of remote control device 10, and the back surface of back plate portion 32 forms a part of the back surface of remote control device 10.

[0044] The bottom plate portion 31 is divided into a right side portion 31m and a left side portion 31h. A gap 31g is provided between the right side portion 31m and the left side portion 31h. A substantially rectangular recess 32c (packing mounting groove) in which the seal member 50 is disposed is provided on the front side of the back plate portion 32.

[0045] Remote control device 10 has a locking mechanism 60 that locks cover 30 to case 11. Locking mechanism 60 has an engaging portion (e.g., a claw-shaped protrusion) provided on cover 30 and an engaged portion (e.g., a recess) provided on case 11. Cover 30 is detachably locked to case 11 by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

[0046] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in this example, two engagement portions 61m, 61h are provided on the cover 30. The engagement portion 61m is located at the front end of the left end of the right side portion 31m. The engagement portion 61h is located at the front end of the right end of the left side portion 31h. The engagement portions 61m, 61h are disposed at both ends of the gap 31g. In this example, the engagement portions 61m, 61h are claw-shaped convex portions protruding upward from the bottom plate portion 31. The engagement portions 61m, 61h have inclined surfaces whose upper end sides are inclined backward.

[0047] The locking mechanism 60 also has insertion ribs 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d provided on the cover 30. The insertion rib 62a is located at the right end of the back plate portion 32 and protrudes upward and forward from the back plate portion 32. The insertion ribs 62b and 62c are located approximately in the center of the back plate portion 32 and protrude upward from the back plate portion 32. The insertion rib 62d is located at the left end of the back plate portion 32 and protrudes upward and forward from the back plate portion 32.

[0048] The cover 30 may be made of resin. For example, the cover 30, the engagement parts 61m and 61h, and the insertion ribs 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d are integrally molded from resin. The cover 30 may be made of a combination of multiple parts or multiple materials. For example, metal may be used in a portion of the cover 30.

[0049] 7 and 8 are perspective views illustrating a part of the case of the remote control device according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the recess 13 and the battery accommodating portion 14. As shown in Fig. 7, the case 11 is provided with an engaged portion 63. The engaged portion 63 is located below the battery accommodating portion 14 within the recess 13. Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the engaged portion 63 as viewed from below.

[0050] The engaged portion 63 is engageable with the engaging portions 61m, 61h (see FIG. 6). More specifically, the engaged portion 63 has a plate portion 64 extending in the left-right direction, and claw receiving portions 65m, 65h provided on the plate portion 64. As shown in FIG. 8, the claw receiving portions 65m, 65h are recesses recessed upward from the plate portion 64. The claw receiving portions 65m, 65h are provided to receive the claw-shaped engaging portions 61m, 61h, respectively, and to be engageable with the engaging portions 61m, 61h.

[0051] The locking mechanism 60 also has an operating unit 66. The operating unit 66 is a mechanism for deforming a part of the locking mechanism 60 to release the engagement between the engaging units 61m, 61h and the engaged unit 63. The user can remove the cover 30 from the case 11 by operating the operating unit 66. For example, the operating unit 66 is directly or indirectly connected to the engaged unit 63, and the force applied to the operating unit 66 is transmitted to the engaged unit 63, thereby deforming the engaged unit 63.

[0052] In this example, the operating portion 66 is a convex portion that protrudes downward from approximately the center in the left-right direction of the plate portion 64 of the engaged portion 63. The operating portion 66 is located between the claw receiving portions 65h and 65m. In other words, the claw receiving portions 65h, 65m are disposed adjacent to both left and right ends of the operating portion 66.

[0053] When a user operates the operating portion 66, the engaged portion 63 is deformed. More specifically, when a user presses the operating portion 66 upward, the plate portion 64 can bend upward due to elastic deformation. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7, the case 11 is provided with a slit 13s extending left and right below the battery housing portion 14. This forms the plate portion 64. The slit 13s reduces the thickness of the plate portion 64 in the up-down direction, making it easier for the plate portion 64 to bend upward.

[0054] 7, the locking mechanism 60 has rib insertion portions 67a, 67b, 67c, and 67d provided on the case 11. The rib insertion portions 67a, 67b, 67c, and 67d are provided so that the insertion ribs 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d can be inserted therein, respectively. The rib insertion portion 67a is a recess (hole) located at the upper end of the right end of the recess 13. The rib insertion portions 67b and 67c are recesses (holes) located approximately in the center of the upper end of the recess 13. The rib insertion portion 67d is a recess (hole) located at the upper end of the left end of the recess 13.

[0055] The case 11 may be made of resin. For example, a part of the case 11, the engaged part 63, and the rib insertion parts 67a, 67b, 67c, and 67d are integrally molded from resin. The case 11 may be made of a combination of multiple parts or multiple materials. For example, a metal may be used in a part of the case 11.

[0056] 9(a) and 9(b) are a perspective view and a plan view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. Fig. 9(a) is a perspective view of the remote control device 10 seen from below with the cover 30 attached to the case 11, and Fig. 9(b) is a plan view of the remote control device 10 seen from below. As shown in Figs. 9(a) and 9(b), the operation unit 66 is provided on the bottom surface 11b of the case 11.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a cross section taken along line AA shown in Fig. 9(b) As shown in Fig. 10, the engaging portion 61m and the engaged portion 63 are engaged with each other, and the movement of the cover 30 relative to the case 11 is restricted.

[0058] More specifically, the claw-shaped engaging portion 61m is inserted into the claw receiving portion 65m of the engaged portion 63 and disposed within the claw receiving portion 65m. Although not shown in the drawings, the engaging portion 61h is also inserted into the claw receiving portion 65h in a similar manner. For example, the engaging portions 61m, 61h come into contact with the plate portion 64 of the engaged portion 63, thereby restricting the rearward movement of the cover 30.

[0059] Also, for example, a protrusion 13p is provided in the recess 13 of the case 11. The protrusion 13p protrudes rearward so as to surround the battery accommodating portion 14. The seal member 50 is disposed in the recess 32c of the cover 30 and abuts against the protrusion 13p. This can further prevent water from entering the battery accommodating portion 14 from the back side.

[0060] A method for attaching the cover 30 to the case 11 will now be described. For example, the user inserts a battery into the battery housing portion 14 in the case 11 from which the cover 30 has been removed. Then, the insertion ribs 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d of the cover 30 are inserted into the rib insertion portions 67a, 67b, 67c, and 67d of the case 11, respectively. At this time, the seal member 50 is disposed in the recess 32c of the cover 30 so as to be located between the case 11 and the cover 30. For example, the seal member 50 may be fitted into the recess 32c, or may be fixed with an adhesive or the like. Then, with the claw-shaped engaging portions 61m and 61h abutting against the plate portion 64 of the engaged portion from the rear, the user pushes the lower end portion of the cover 30 forward. This causes the engaged portion 63 and the cover 30 (bottom plate portion 31) to elastically deform, and the engaging portions 61m and 61h are fitted into the claw receiving portions 65m and 65h, respectively. In this manner, the cover 30 can be attached to the case 11. 9(a), at least a part of the operation unit 66 provided on the case 11 side is exposed on the bottom surface of the remote control device 10. That is, at least a part of the operation unit 66 is disposed in the gap 31g of the bottom surface 31b of the cover 30.

[0061] When the cover 30 is attached to the case 11, the insertion ribs 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d engage with the rib insertion portions 67a, 67b, 67c, and 67d. This restricts the movement of the cover 30 in the up-down direction and the movement of the upper end side of the cover 30 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the engagement portions 61m and 61h engage with the engaged portion 63, restricting the movement of the lower end side of the cover 30 in the front-rear direction. In this manner, the locking mechanism 60 locks the cover 30 to the case 11.

[0062] A method for removing the cover 30 from the case 11 will now be described. For example, a user removes the cover 30 from the case 11 for battery replacement or the like. At this time, the user operates the operating portion 66 to release the engagement between 61m, 61h and the engaged portion 63. Specifically, the user pushes the operating portion 66 upward. As a result, the plate portion 64 of the engaged portion 63 is bent upward, and the claw receiving portions 65m, 65h move upward. In this state, the user moves the lower end side of the cover 30 backward, whereby the claw-shaped engaging portions 61m, 61h are released from the claw receiving portions 65m, 65h. Then, the insertion ribs 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d are pulled out from the rib insertion portions 67a, 67b, 67c, 67d, whereby the cover 30 can be removed from the case 11.

[0063] In a remote control device, if the shape of the back surface becomes complicated, the design may be deteriorated (for example, the appearance may become poor). In contrast, in the embodiment, since the operation unit 66 is provided on the bottom surface of the case 11, the deterioration of the design of the back surface of the case can be suppressed compared to the case where the operation unit 66 is provided on the back surface of the case. For example, a U-shaped hook system has been used in the past for the battery cover. However, the U-shaped hook system may cause the unevenness of the back surface to become large, which may deteriorate the design. In particular, in a remote control device that is detachable by the user and operated by hand or a remote control device with a switch on the back surface, the user frequently looks at the back surface. Even in such a case, according to the embodiment, the design of the back surface of the case can be improved. In addition, in a detachable remote control device, it is desired to suppress the ingress of water into the battery housing section. For example, as the frequency of hand-held operation increases, the demand for waterproof specifications also increases. In contrast, according to the embodiment, the seal member 50 can suppress the ingress of water into the battery housing section 14.

[0064] For example, from the viewpoint of design, it is possible to adopt a sliding type battery cover instead of a hook type. However, in the case of the sliding type, there is a concern that the packing may be pinched when attaching or detaching the battery cover. For example, when the battery cover is slid to be attached, the sliding of the cover may cause the packing to be displaced. In response to this, according to the embodiment, as described above, it is possible to prevent water from entering the battery housing by the sealing member while suppressing a decrease in the design of the back surface of the remote control device.

[0065] As described above, the engaged portion 63 can be deformed upward by operating the operating portion 66. This makes it possible to easily remove the cover 30 from the case 11 by operating the operating portion 66.

[0066] The specific configurations and shapes of the locking mechanism 60 and the operating unit 66 described above are merely examples and are not limited to those described above. For example, instead of a configuration in which the engaging portion on the cover 30 side is a convex portion (claw portion) and the engaged portion on the case side is a concave portion (claw receiving portion), the engaging portion on the cover 30 side may be a concave portion (claw receiving portion) and the engaged portion on the case side may be a convex portion (claw portion). The engaging portion and the engaged portion may be configured in any way that allows the locking mechanism 60 to lock the cover 30 to the case 11 by restricting the movement of the cover 30 relative to the case 11 by engaging with each other.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 9(b). The engaged portion 63 has both ends in a direction intersecting the up-down direction, and is supported at least at both ends. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the plate portion 64 of the engaged portion 63 has both ends in the left-right direction (right end 64m and left end 64h). The case 11 has a support portion 15a and a support portion 15b. The right end 64m is connected to the support portion 15a and fixed to the case 11. The left end 64h is connected to the support portion 15b and fixed to the case 11. That is, for example, the engaged portion 63 has a double-supported structure. By supporting the engaged portion 63 at both ends, the strength can be increased and damage can be suppressed compared to a case in which only one of the ends is supported (cantilever structure).

[0068] The operating unit 66 also has a recess 66c that is recessed upward. In other words, the operating unit 66 has a concave curved surface when viewed from below. The operating unit 66 also has a protruding portion 66p that protrudes downward from (the curved surface of) the recess 66c. The protruding portion 66p is located in the center of the operating unit 66 in the left-right direction, and is substantially circular when viewed from below (see FIG. 9).

[0069] If the operating unit 66 is provided on the bottom surface of the case 11, there is a concern that it may be difficult for the user to understand how to attach and detach the cover 30. In response to this, according to the embodiment, the operating unit 66 has a recess 66c recessed upward and a protruding portion 66p protruding downward from the recess 66c, thereby guiding the user to press the operating unit 66 and improving operability.

[0070] Furthermore, when the operating portion 66 is not being operated, the operating portion 66 is configured not to protrude below, for example, the bottom plate portion 31b of the cover 30. That is, more specifically, the vertical position of the lower end of the recessed portion 66c and the vertical position of the lower end of the protruding portion 66p are aligned to the same position as the vertical position L of the lower end of the bottom plate portion 31 of the cover 30 (the vertical position of the bottom surface 31b of the cover 30). Note that being in the same position may include not only cases where the positions are exactly the same, but also cases where the positions are slightly shifted within a range of, for example, about 0.5 mm or less.

[0071] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the remote control device and toilet device are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10 Remote control device 11 Cases 11b Bottom 11c Top side 11f front 11g groove 11h Left side 11m right side 11r back 11w Floodlight 13 Recess 13p convex part 13s Slit 14 Battery compartment 15a, 15b Support part 20 Hanger 21 Support part 22 Convex 30 Cover 31 Bottom plate part 31b Bottom 31g Gap 31h left side 31m right side 31r back 32 Back plate part 32c Recess 42 Switch 50 Sealing material 60 Locking mechanism 61h, 61m Engagement part 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d Insertion ribs 63 Engaged part 64 Board part 64h Leftmost 64m right end 65h, 65m jaw receiving part 66 Operation section 66c Recess 66p protrusion 67a, 67b, 67c, 67d Rib inserts 100 Toilet equipment 110 Western-style seated toilet 110a top side 112 Bowl section 120 Toilet seat unit 122 Main body 124 Toilet Seat 126 Toilet lid 130 Nozzle TR Toilet Room TR1 Wall

Claims

1. A remote control device for remotely operating a toilet device, the remote control device being detachably installed in a toilet room, a case having a battery housing portion capable of housing a battery; A cover for covering the battery housing portion; a seal member provided between the case and the cover; a locking mechanism for locking the cover to the case; Equipped with The locking mechanism includes: An engagement portion provided on the cover; an engaged portion provided on the case and engageable with the engaging portion; an operating portion for deforming a part of the locking mechanism to release the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion; Including, The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is provided on a bottom surface of the case.

2. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the engaged portion is deformable upward by the operation of the operating portion.

3. 3. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the engaged portion has opposite ends in a direction intersecting with the up-down direction, and is supported at least at the opposite ends.

4. 4. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the operation portion has a recessed portion recessed upward and a protruding portion protruding downward from the recessed portion.

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