Toilet device

Abstract

To provide a toilet device capable of suppressing erroneous detection when executing an operation of toilet lid opening and closing, etc. in a non-contact manner while washing a toilet bowl with the toilet lid closed automatically after use.SOLUTION: A toilet device includes a toilet bowl, a toilet bowl washing part for washing the toilet bowl, a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a drive part for opening and closing the toilet lid, a control part, an approach detection part provided on a wall part on the side of a toilet room for detecting approach of a user, and a toilet lid opening / closing detection part for detecting an opening / closing state of the toilet lid. When the approach detection part detects the approach of a user, and the toilet lid opening / closing detection part detects an opening state of the toilet lid, the control part executes a closing operation for bringing the toilet lid into a closed state by the drive part, and then executes a toilet bowl washing operation for washing the toilet bowl by the toilet bowl washing part. The wall part on the side of the toilet room includes a first region where a user urinating in a standing posture standing in front of the toilet bowl can be detected by the approach detection part when the approach detection part is provided. The approach detection part is disposed by avoiding the first region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to toilet devices.

Background Art

[0002] In a toilet device, for example, in order to suppress the diffusion of contaminants contained in the excrement of a user who has been administered an anticancer agent, it is known to automatically close the toilet lid and perform toilet flushing after use (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, in a toilet device, it is known to open and close the toilet lid with a non-contact operation unit (for example, Patent Document 2). In such a toilet device, by providing a sensor on the side wall of the toilet compartment to detect the approach of the user, it is possible to open and close the toilet lid and the like without contact.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is conceivable to open and close the toilet lid and then perform toilet flushing using a non-contact operation unit. However, depending on the position where the sensor is provided, there is a risk of erroneously detecting a user who is using the toilet device. For example, if a user who is urinating standing is erroneously detected, the toilet lid may start to close while the user is urinating, and there is a risk that the urine will hit the toilet lid and scatter. Also, for example, if a user is erroneously detected during the sitting or standing up operation, the toilet lid may start to close while the user is sitting or standing up, and there is a risk that the toilet lid will hit the user who is sitting or standing up.

[0006] Aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object is to provide a toilet device that can suppress false detection when operating the opening and closing of a toilet lid non - contact while automatically closing the toilet lid and performing toilet cleaning after use.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first invention includes a toilet having a bowl for a user to excrete, a toilet cleaning unit that supplies cleaning water to the toilet to clean the toilet, a toilet seat provided to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet, a toilet lid provided to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet seat and covering the bowl in a closed state, a drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a control unit that controls the toilet cleaning unit and the drive unit, a proximity detection unit provided on a side wall of the toilet room for detecting the approach of the user, and a toilet lid opening and closing detection unit that detects the opening and closing state of the toilet lid. The control unit, when the proximity detection unit detects the approach of the user and the toilet lid opening and closing detection unit detects the open state of the toilet lid, performs a closing operation of closing the toilet lid by the drive unit, and then performs a toilet cleaning operation of cleaning the toilet by the toilet cleaning unit. The side wall of the toilet room, when the proximity detection unit is provided, has a first area where a user who stands in front of the toilet and urinates standing can be detected by the proximity detection unit, and the proximity detection unit is provided so as to avoid the first area. The toilet device is characterized by this.

[0008] According to this toilet device, by providing a proximity detection unit that detects the approach of the user, for example, a non - contact operation method such as waving a hand can be used to perform the closing operation of the toilet lid and the subsequent toilet cleaning operation. Also, by providing the proximity detection unit so as to avoid the first area, it is possible to suppress the false detection of a user who urinates standing by the proximity detection unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid from starting to close while the user is urinating standing, and to suppress the scattered water from hitting the toilet lid. Therefore, it is possible to suppress false detection when operating the opening and closing of the toilet lid non - contact while automatically closing the toilet lid and performing toilet cleaning after use.

[0009] The second invention is the first invention, wherein when the approach detection unit is provided, the side wall of the toilet compartment further has a second area where the user sitting on the toilet seat can be detected by the approach detection unit, and the approach detection unit is provided avoiding the second area. A toilet device characterized by that.

[0010] According to this toilet device, by providing the approach detection unit avoiding the second area, it is possible to suppress the user sitting on the toilet seat from being erroneously detected by the approach detection unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid from starting to close during sitting, and it is possible to suppress the toilet lid from hitting the user during sitting.

[0011] The third invention is the first or second invention, wherein the side wall of the toilet compartment further has a third area located in front of the first area, and the approach detection unit is provided avoiding the third area. A toilet device characterized by that.

[0012] According to this toilet device, by providing the approach detection unit avoiding the third area, even if the user is carrying a backpack or the like, it is possible to suppress the user standing and urinating from being erroneously detected by the approach detection unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid from starting to close while standing and urinating, and it is possible to suppress the small water from hitting the toilet lid and splashing.

[0013] The fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the side wall of the toilet compartment further has a fourth area overlapping the opening and closing trajectory of the toilet lid in side view, and the approach detection unit is provided avoiding the fourth area. A toilet device characterized by that.

[0014] According to this toilet device, by providing the approach detection unit avoiding the fourth area, it is possible to suppress the opening and closing toilet lid from being erroneously detected by the approach detection unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid from being erroneously detected while the toilet lid is being opened and starting to close.

[0015] The fifth invention is a toilet device characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, it further includes a notification unit that notifies the user that the closing operation is being performed.

[0016] According to this toilet device, by providing the notification unit, it is possible to notify the user in advance that the closing operation of the toilet lid is being performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the toilet lid from hitting the user during the closing operation.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet device that can suppress false detection when operating the opening and closing of the toilet lid and the like in a non-contact manner while automatically closing the toilet lid and performing toilet cleaning after use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room in which a toilet device according to an embodiment is installed. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a toilet room in which a toilet device according to an embodiment is installed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a toilet device 100 according to an embodiment is installed in a toilet room TR. The toilet device 100 has, for example, a toilet bowl 10, a casing 20, a toilet seat 30, a toilet lid 40, and a proximity detection unit 50.

[0021] The toilet bowl 10 is, for example, a floor-standing Western-style toilet bowl (Western-style squat toilet). The toilet bowl 10 has a bowl 10a that is recessed downward. A user excretes into the bowl 10a. The toilet bowl 10 is provided with a toilet bowl cleaning unit 15 for cleaning the toilet bowl 10.

[0022] The casing 20 is provided above the rear part of the toilet bowl 10. Inside the casing 20, a drive unit 45, a control unit 60, and the like are housed. Inside the casing 20, for example, a local cleaning unit having a nozzle for cleaning a user's private part may be housed.

[0023] The toilet seat 30 is pivotally supported with respect to the casing 20 and is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet bowl 10. The toilet lid 40 is pivotally supported with respect to the casing 20 via the drive unit 45 and is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet seat 30. The toilet lid 40 covers the bowl 10a and the toilet seat 30 in the closed state. The drive unit 45 opens and closes the toilet lid 40. In FIG. 1, the closed toilet seat 30 and the open toilet lid 40 are shown. In FIG. 2, the closed toilet seat 30 and the closed toilet lid 40 are shown.

[0024] In addition, in the specification of the present application, the upper, lower, front, rear, right side, and left side as viewed from a user sitting on the toilet seat 30 with the toilet lid 40 on the back are respectively referred to as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "right side", and "left side".

[0025] The toilet room TR is, for example, a box-shaped space surrounded by walls on all four sides. The toilet room TR has a floor portion FS, first to fourth wall portions TW1 to TW4, and a door TD. The floor portion FS is located at the lowermost part of the toilet room TR. The first to fourth wall portions TW1 to TW4 are provided so as to rise upward from the front, rear, left, and right end portions of the floor portion FS. The first wall portion TW1 is the front wall of the toilet room TR. The second wall portion TW2 is the rear wall of the toilet room TR. The third wall portion TW3 is the right side wall of the toilet room TR. The fourth wall portion TW4 is the left side wall of the toilet room TR. In this example, the door TD is provided on the first wall portion TW1. The door TD may be provided on the third wall portion TW3 or the fourth wall portion TW4.

[0026] The approach detection unit 50 is provided on the side wall of the toilet room TR. In this example, the approach detection unit 50 is provided on the third wall portion TW3. The approach detection unit 50 may be provided on the fourth wall portion TW4. The approach detection unit 50 will be described later.

[0027] In this example, the toilet device 100 further has a remote control 80. The remote control 80 is an operation unit provided with switches for instructing opening and closing of the toilet lid 40, cleaning of the toilet 10, and the like. In this example, the remote control 80 is provided on the third wall portion TW3. The remote control 80 may be provided on the fourth wall portion TW4. The remote control 80 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0028] In this example, the toilet device 100 further has a toilet paper holder 90. The toilet paper holder 90 holds the toilet paper TP. In this example, the toilet paper holder 90 is provided on the third wall portion TW3. The toilet paper holder 90 may be provided on the fourth wall portion TW4.

[0029] The third wall portion TW3 or the fourth wall portion TW4 may be provided with a cabinet. The cabinet has, for example, a counter, a shelf, a washbasin, etc. When the cabinet is provided, the toilet paper holder 90 may be provided in the cabinet.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a part of a toilet device according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the toilet device 100 has, for example, a seating detection unit 35, an approach detection unit 50, a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48, a toilet bowl cleaning unit 15, a drive unit 45, and a control unit 60.

[0031] The seating detection unit 35 detects the seating of a user on the toilet seat 30. The seating detection unit 35 can detect a change from a state where a user is seated on the toilet seat 30 to a state where the user is not seated on the toilet seat 30 (i.e., getting up). The seating detection unit 35 has, for example, an electrostatic sensor that detects the seating of a user by a change in capacitance. The seating detection unit 35 is provided, for example, inside the toilet seat 30. The seating detection unit 35 is communicably connected to the control unit 60 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 60. The seating detection unit 35 is, for example, wired-connected to the control unit 60.

[0032] The approach detection unit 50 detects the approach of a user. The approach detection unit 50 detects, for example, the approach of a user's hand. The approach detection unit 50 has, for example, an infrared projection type distance measuring sensor. As described above, the approach detection unit 50 is provided on the side wall of the toilet room TR (for example, the third wall portion TW3). The approach detection unit 50 is communicably connected to the control unit 60 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 60. The approach detection unit 50 is, for example, wirelessly connected to the control unit 60. The approach detection unit 50 may be wired-connected to the control unit 60.

[0033] The toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 detects the opening / closing state of the toilet seat 30. The toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 has, for example, a Hall IC or a rotary encoder provided at the shaft support portion of the toilet seat 30 to detect the rotational position of the toilet seat 30. The toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 determines that the toilet seat 30 is in the closed state, for example, when the toilet seat 30 is between the fully closed position and an intermediate position rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) in the opening direction, and determines that the toilet seat 30 is in the open state when the toilet seat 30 is between the intermediate position and the fully open position. The toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 is communicably connected to the control unit 60 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 60. The toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 is, for example, wired-connected to the control unit 60.

[0034] The toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 detects the opening / closing state of the toilet lid 40. The toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 has, for example, a Hall IC or a rotary encoder provided at the shaft support portion of the toilet lid 40 to detect the rotational position of the toilet lid 40. The toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 determines that the toilet lid 40 is in the closed state, for example, when the toilet lid 40 is between the fully closed position and an intermediate position rotated by a predetermined angle (for example, 30 degrees) in the opening direction, and determines that the toilet lid 40 is in the open state when the toilet lid 40 is between the intermediate position and the fully open position. The toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 is communicably connected to the control unit 60 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 60. The toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 is, for example, wired-connected to the control unit 60.

[0035] The toilet cleaning unit 15 is connected to a water supply source and supplies cleaning water from the water supply source to the toilet 10 to clean the toilet 10 based on a signal from the control unit 60. The toilet cleaning unit 15 has, for example, a solenoid valve, starts the supply of cleaning water to the toilet 10 by opening the solenoid valve, and stops the supply of cleaning water to the toilet 10 by closing the solenoid valve. The toilet cleaning unit 15 is communicably connected to the control unit 60 and operates based on a control signal from the control unit 60. The toilet cleaning unit 15 is, for example, wired-connected to the control unit 60.

[0036] The drive unit 45 is provided at the shaft support portion of the toilet lid 40 and electrically opens and closes the toilet lid 40 based on a signal from the control unit 60. The drive unit 45 has, for example, a motor, and transmits the torque generated by the drive of the motor to the toilet lid 40 to open and close the toilet lid 40. The toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 is provided, for example, in the drive unit 45. The drive unit 45 is communicably connected to the control unit 60 and operates based on a control signal from the control unit 60. The drive unit 45 is, for example, wired-connected to the control unit 60.

[0037] The control unit 60 is a control circuit including an IC element. The control unit 60 is communicably connected to each of the seating detection unit 35, the approach detection unit 50, the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38, the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48, the toilet bowl cleaning unit 15, and the drive unit 45. The control unit 60 transmits a control signal to the toilet bowl cleaning unit 15 and the drive unit 45 based on the detection results received from the seating detection unit 35, the approach detection unit 50, the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38, and the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48, thereby controlling the operations of the toilet bowl cleaning unit 15 and the drive unit 45.

[0038] Also, when the remote controller 80 is provided, the control unit 60 transmits a control signal to the toilet bowl cleaning unit 15 and the drive unit 45 based on a signal instructing the operation input on the remote controller 80, thereby controlling the operations of the toilet bowl cleaning unit 15 and the drive unit 45.

[0039] Hereinafter, an example of the approach detection unit 50 will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the approach detection unit 50 has an infrared light projecting type distance measuring sensor will be described as an example, but the approach detection unit 50 is not limited thereto, and any sensor capable of detecting the approach of a user non-contact may be used.

[0040] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are a side view and a cross-sectional view showing the approach detection unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A2 shown in FIG. 4(a). As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the approach detection unit 50 includes a light projecting unit 51 and a light receiving unit 52.

[0041] The light projecting unit 51 has, for example, a light emitting element that projects infrared light. The light receiving unit 52 has, for example, a light receiving element that receives infrared light. The light receiving unit 52 is provided at a position separated from the light projecting unit 51 by a distance D1 in a direction along the wall portion (for example, the third wall portion TW3) of the toilet room TR to which the proximity detection unit 50 is attached. The distance D1 is preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less (for example, about 15 mm).

[0042] The detection range DR of the proximity detection unit 50 is represented by a region where the light projection range LR1 in which infrared light is projected from the light projecting unit 51 and the light reception range LR2 in which the light receiving unit 52 can receive infrared light overlap. The angle θ1 of the light projection range LR1 is preferably 40 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less (for example, about 63 degrees). The angle θ2 of the light reception range LR2 is preferably, for example, 40 degrees or more and 80 degrees or less (for example, about 66 degrees).

[0043] The detection range DR of the proximity detection unit 50 is formed, for example, between a position separated from the proximity detection unit 50 by a distance D2 and a position separated from the proximity detection unit 50 by a distance D3. The distance D2 is preferably 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less (for example, about 7.5 mm). The distance D3 is preferably 120 mm or more and 150 mm or less (for example, about 135 mm).

[0044] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the installation position of the proximity detection unit according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the proximity detection unit 50 is provided, for example, avoiding the first region R1 in the side wall portion (for example, the third wall portion TW3) of the toilet room TR. In other words, the proximity detection unit 50 is provided at a position that does not overlap the first region R1 in a side view.

[0045] The first region R1 is a part of the side wall portion of the toilet room TR, and is a region where a user U1 who stands in front of the toilet 10 and urinates standing up can be detected by the proximity detection unit 50 when the proximity detection unit 50 is provided. That is, when the proximity detection unit 50 is provided in the first region R1, the proximity detection unit 50 detects the user U1 who stands in front of the toilet 10 and urinates standing up.

[0046] The first region R1 is, for example, in a side view, between a position that is at a distance L2 forward from the front end 10b of the toilet 10 and a position that is at a distance L3 rearward from the front end 10b of the toilet 10, and within a range where the height from the floor portion FS is H2 or less. The distance L2 is, for example, 295 mm. The distance L3 is, for example, 110 mm. The height H2 is, for example, 1481 mm.

[0047] The distance L2 and the distance L3 are calculated from the monitoring results of 10 large-sized male individuals. The height H2 is calculated from the 95th percentile value of the shoulder height of males in the age group with the largest body size (for example, in their 30s) based on the "Anthropometric Data of Japanese People" of the Human Ergonomics Research Center.

[0048] By providing the approach detection unit 50 while avoiding the first region R1, it is possible to suppress the user U1 who is urinating from being erroneously detected standing by the approach detection unit 50. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid 40 from starting to close while the user is urinating standing up, and it is possible to suppress the small water from hitting the toilet lid 40 and splashing.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the installation position of the approach detection unit according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the approach detection unit 50 is provided, for example, while avoiding the second region R2 among the side wall portions (for example, the third wall portion TW3) of the toilet room TR. In other words, the approach detection unit 50 is provided at a position that does not overlap with the second region R2 in a side view.

[0050] The second region R2 is a part of the side wall portion of the toilet room TR, and is a region where the user U2 sitting on the toilet seat 30 can be detected by the approach detection unit 50 when the approach detection unit 50 is provided. That is, when the approach detection unit 50 is provided in the second region R2, the approach detection unit 50 detects the user U2 sitting on the toilet seat 30.

[0051] The second region R2 is, for example, in a side view, between the rear end of the first region R1 and a position that is at a distance L4 behind the rear end of the first region R1, and is within a range where the height from the seating surface of the toilet seat 30 is H3 or less. The distance L4 is, for example, 358 mm. The height H3 is, for example, 652 mm.

[0052] The distance L4 is calculated from the position of the rear end of the opening of the toilet seat 30. The height H3 is calculated from the 95th percentile value of the shoulder height when a male in the oldest age group (for example, in his 30s) is seated, based on the "Anthropometric Data of Japanese People" of the Human Ergonomics Research Center.

[0053] By providing the approach detection unit 50 while avoiding the second region R2, it is possible to suppress the user U2 sitting on the toilet seat 30 from being erroneously detected by the approach detection unit 50. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid 40 from starting to close during sitting, and it is possible to suppress the toilet lid 40 from hitting the user U2 during sitting.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a side view showing the installation position of the approach detection unit according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the approach detection unit 50 is provided, for example, while avoiding the third region R3 in a side wall portion (for example, the third wall portion TW3) on the side of the toilet room TR. In other words, the approach detection unit 50 is provided at a position that does not overlap with the third region R3 in a side view.

[0055] The third region R3 is a part of the side wall portion of the toilet room TR and is a region located in front of the first region R1. The third region R3 is, for example, a region where a rucksack RU of a user U3 who stands in front of the toilet bowl 10 and urinates while standing can be detected by the approach detection unit 50 when the approach detection unit 50 is provided. That is, when the approach detection unit 50 is provided in the third region R3, the approach detection unit 50 detects, for example, a rucksack RU of a user U3 who stands in front of the toilet bowl 10 and urinates while standing.

[0056] The third region R3 is a region located in front of the first region R1, and for example, the height from the floor portion FS is within a range of H4 or less. The height H4 is the same as the height H2 of the first region R1.

[0057] By providing the approach detection unit 50 while avoiding the third region R3, even if the user U3 is carrying a backpack RU or the like, it is possible to suppress the approach detection unit 50 from erroneously detecting the user U3 who is urinating standing up. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid 40 from starting to close while the user is urinating standing up, and it is possible to suppress the scattered water from hitting the toilet lid 40.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the installation position of the approach detection unit according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the approach detection unit 50 is provided, for example, while avoiding the fourth region R4 in a side wall portion (for example, the third wall portion TW3) on the side of the toilet room TR. In other words, the approach detection unit 50 is provided at a position that does not overlap the fourth region R4 in a side view, for example.

[0059] The fourth region R4 is a part of the side wall portion of the toilet room TR, and is a region that overlaps the opening and closing orbit of the toilet lid 40 in a side view. That is, when the approach detection unit 50 is provided in the fourth region R4, the approach detection unit 50 detects, for example, the opening and closing toilet lid 40.

[0060] By providing the approach detection unit 50 while avoiding the fourth region R4, it is possible to suppress the opening and closing toilet lid 40 from being erroneously detected by the approach detection unit 50. As a result, it is possible to suppress the toilet lid 40 from being erroneously detected while the toilet lid 40 is being opened and the toilet lid 40 from starting to close.

[0061] As described above, the approach detection unit 50 is provided, for example, while avoiding the first region R1, the second region R2, the third region R3, and the fourth region R4 in a side wall portion (for example, the third wall portion TW3) on the side of the toilet room TR. Further, the approach detection unit 50 is preferably provided above the toilet 10, for example.

[0062] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the approach detection unit 50 is preferably provided such that, for example, in a side view, the center of the approach detection unit 50 is located at a position that is distance L1 behind the front end 10b of the toilet bowl 10 and at a height H1 from the floor portion FS. The distance L1 is preferably 200 mm or more and 300 mm or less (for example, about 250 mm). The height H1 is preferably 1100 mm or more and 1300 mm or less (for example, about 1200 mm).

[0063] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 60 operates in, for example, the first mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which the opening and closing of the toilet lid 40 and the toilet bowl cleaning are performed using the approach detection unit 50.

[0064] In the first mode, the control unit 60 waits until the approach detection unit 50 detects the approach of the user (step S101: No). When the approach detection unit 50 detects the approach of the user (step S101: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 has detected the open state of the toilet lid 40 (step S102).

[0065] When the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 detects the open state of the toilet lid 40 (step S102: Yes), the control unit 60 performs a closing operation to close the toilet lid 40 by the drive unit 45 (step S103). After performing the closing operation of the toilet lid 40, the control unit 60 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 was performed (step S104).

[0066] The control unit 60 waits until a predetermined time has elapsed since the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 was performed (step S104: No). The predetermined time in step S104 is set to, for example, 5 seconds. The predetermined time in step S104 is not limited to this, and can be set to any time, for example, 3 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less.

[0067] When a predetermined time elapses after the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is performed (step S104: Yes), the control unit 60 performs a toilet cleaning operation for cleaning the toilet 10 by the toilet cleaning unit 15 (step S105), and ends the operation in the first mode. That is, when the approach detection unit 50 detects the approach of the user and the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 detects the open state of the toilet lid 40, the control unit 60 performs a toilet cleaning operation after performing the closing operation of the toilet lid 40.

[0068] On the other hand, when the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 48 does not detect the open state of the toilet lid 40 (step S102: No), the control unit 60 performs an opening operation to open the toilet lid 40 by the drive unit 45 (step S106), and ends the operation in the first mode. After that, for example, when the seating detection unit 35 detects the seating of the user on the toilet seat 30, the control unit 60 operates in the second mode described later.

[0069] In this way, by providing the approach detection unit 50 that detects the approach of the user, for example, the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the subsequent toilet cleaning operation can be performed by a non-contact operation method such as waving a hand.

[0070] Further, when the toilet lid 40 is in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the toilet cleaning operation are performed, and when the toilet lid 40 is in the closed state, the approach detection unit 50 can be used as an operation unit for opening and closing the toilet lid 40 in a non-contact manner by performing the opening operation of the toilet lid 40.

[0071] In the first mode, when the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 (step S103) is performed, if the toilet seat 30 is in the open state, both the toilet seat 30 and the toilet lid 40 are in the closed state by the driving force applied to the toilet lid 40 from the drive unit 45. In other words, by pushing the toilet seat 30 with the toilet lid 40, both the toilet seat 30 and the toilet lid 40 can be closed. At this time, if the driving force of the drive unit 45 is constant, when the toilet seat 30 is in the open state, an excessive load is applied to the toilet seat 30, so there is a possibility that the toilet lid 40 will not be closed within a predetermined time.

[0072] Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 60 changes the driving force in the driving unit 45 according to, for example, the open / closed state of the toilet seat 30. More specifically, when the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 detects that the toilet seat 30 is in the closed state, the control unit 60 drives the driving unit 45 with the first driving force, and when the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 detects that the toilet seat 30 is in the open state, it is preferable to drive the driving unit 45 with a second driving force greater than the first driving force. Thereby, even when the toilet seat 30 is in the open state, the toilet lid 40 can be closed within a predetermined time.

[0073] Alternatively, the control unit 60 may set the predetermined time in step S104 based on the time required for the toilet lid 40 to close until the toilet seat 30 is in the open state. Thereby, even when the toilet seat 30 is in the open state, the toilet lid 40 can be closed within a predetermined time with a constant driving force.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the toilet device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 60 operates in the second mode, for example. The second mode is an operation mode in which when the departure from the seat is detected, the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the toilet bowl cleaning operation are automatically performed. In other words, the second mode is the automatic cleaning mode. It is preferable that the second mode can be switched between ON and OFF by the user. The second mode is set to OFF in the initial setting, for example.

[0075] In the second mode, the control unit 60 waits until the seat detection unit 35 detects the departure of the user (step S201: No). When the seat detection unit 35 detects the departure of the user (step S201: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether the previous sitting time was equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step S202).

[0076] When the previous sitting time is less than the predetermined time (step S202: No), the control unit 60 ends the operation of the second mode. The predetermined time in step S202 is set to 6 seconds, for example. The predetermined time in step S202 is not limited to this, and can be set to any time, for example, 3 seconds or more and 10 seconds or less.

[0077] When the immediately preceding sitting time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (Step S202: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 has detected the closed state of the toilet seat 30 (Step S203).

[0078] When the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 has detected the closed state of the toilet seat 30 (Step S203: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the leaving of the seat (Step S204).

[0079] When a predetermined time has not elapsed since the detection of the leaving of the seat (Step S204: No), the control unit 60 returns to Step S203. The predetermined time in Step S204 is set to, for example, 15 seconds. The predetermined time in Step S204 is not limited to this, and can be set to any time, for example, from 10 seconds to 20 seconds.

[0080] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection of the leaving of the seat (Step S204: Yes), the control unit 60 performs a closing operation to close the toilet lid 40 by the drive unit 45 (Step S205). When performing the closing operation of the toilet lid 40, the control unit 60 determines whether the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 has detected the closed state of the toilet seat 30 (Step S206).

[0081] When the toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 38 has detected the closed state of the toilet seat 30 (Step S206: Yes), the control unit 60 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 was performed (Step S207).

[0082] When a predetermined time has not elapsed since the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 was performed (Step S207: No), the control unit 60 returns to Step S206. The predetermined time in Step S207 is set to, for example, 5 seconds. The predetermined time in Step S207 is not limited to this, and can be set to any time, for example, from 3 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0083] When a predetermined time elapses after the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is performed (step S207: Yes), the control unit 60 performs a toilet cleaning operation to clean the toilet 10 by the toilet cleaning unit 15 (step S208), and ends the operation in the second mode. That is, after detecting the user's leaving the seat, if the seat opening / closing detection unit 38 does not detect the open state of the seat 30 within a predetermined time, the control unit 60 performs the toilet cleaning operation after performing the closing operation of the toilet lid 40.

[0084] On the other hand, if the seat opening / closing detection unit 38 detects the open state of the seat 30 before a predetermined time elapses after detecting the user's leaving the seat (step S203: No), the control unit 60 ends the operation in the second mode without performing the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 (step S205) and the toilet cleaning operation (step S208). That is, after detecting the user's leaving the seat, if the seat opening / closing detection unit 38 detects the open state of the seat 30 within a predetermined time, the control unit 60 does not perform the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the toilet cleaning operation.

[0085] Also, if the seat opening / closing detection unit 38 detects the open state of the seat 30 before a predetermined time elapses after the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is performed (step S206: No), the control unit 60 ends the operation in the second mode without performing the toilet cleaning operation (step S208). That is, after performing the closing operation of the toilet lid 40, if the seat opening / closing detection unit 38 detects the open state of the seat 30 within a predetermined time, the control unit 60 does not perform the toilet cleaning operation.

[0086] In this way, after detecting the user's departure from the toilet seat, if the open state of the toilet seat 30 is not detected within a predetermined time, the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the subsequent toilet flushing operation are performed. Thus, after the user uses the toilet seat 30, the toilet 10 can be automatically flushed with the toilet lid 40 closed. On the other hand, if the open state of the toilet seat 30 is detected within a predetermined time after detecting the user's departure from the toilet seat, the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the toilet flushing operation are not performed. This can prevent the toilet lid 40 from starting to close while the user is urinating standing up immediately after detecting the departure from the toilet seat, even if the user urinates standing up immediately after detecting the departure. As a result, even if the user urinates standing up immediately after detecting the departure from the toilet seat, it is possible to prevent the urine from hitting the toilet lid 40 and splashing. Also, even when the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is performed, since the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is started after the elapse of a predetermined time after detecting the departure from the toilet seat, it is possible to prevent the toilet lid 40 from hitting the user as compared with the case where the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is started immediately after detecting the departure from the toilet seat.

[0087] Note that the control unit 60 can execute the operation in the first mode even while operating in the second mode. That is, after the seating detection unit 35 detects the user's departure from the toilet seat and then the approach detection unit 50 detects the user's approach, the control unit 60 may perform the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the subsequent toilet flushing operation (steps S103 to S105) even before the elapse of the predetermined time in step S204. In this case, when the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 and the toilet flushing operation are performed, the control unit 60 ends the operation in the second mode.

[0088] Also, in the first mode and the second mode, when the control unit 60 performs the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 (step S103 or step S205), it is preferable to notify the user that the closing operation is being performed. That is, the toilet device 100 preferably further includes a notification unit 70 that notifies the user that the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is being performed. The notification unit 70 notifies the user that the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is being performed, for example, by at least either sound or light. The notification unit 70 is provided, for example, on the remote control 80. The notification unit 70 may be provided, for example, on the casing 20, the approach detection unit 50, or the like.

[0089] In this way, by providing the notification unit 70, it is possible to notify the user in advance that the closing operation of the toilet lid 40 is to be performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the toilet lid 40 from hitting the user during the closing operation.

[0090] As described above, according to the embodiment, there is provided a toilet device that can suppress false detection when automatically closing the toilet lid and performing toilet cleaning after use, and operating the opening and closing of the toilet lid and the like in a non-contact manner.

[0091] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Regarding the above-described embodiments, those in which a person skilled in the art makes appropriate design changes are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element provided in the toilet, toilet seat, toilet lid, drive unit, control unit, toilet cleaning means, seating detection means, human body detection means, urine volume measurement means, etc. are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and those obtained by combining these are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0092] 10 Toilet, 10a Bowl, 15 Toilet Cleaning Unit, 20 Casing, 30 Toilet Seat, 35 Seating Detection Unit, 38 Toilet Seat Opening / Closing Detection Unit, 40 Toilet Lid, 45 Drive Unit, 48 Toilet Lid Opening / Closing Detection Unit, 50 Proximity Detection Unit, 51 Light Projection Unit, 52 Light Receiving Unit, 60 Control Unit, 70 Notification Unit, 80 Remote Control, 90 Toilet Paper Holder, 100 Toilet Device

Claims

1. A toilet having a bowl for the user to excrete, a toilet cleaning unit that supplies cleaning water to the toilet to clean the toilet, a toilet seat provided to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet, a toilet lid provided to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet seat and covering the bowl in a closed state, a driving unit for opening and closing the toilet lid, a control unit for controlling the toilet cleaning unit and the driving unit, a proximity detection unit provided on a side wall of the toilet room for detecting the approach of the user, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit for detecting the open / closed state of the toilet lid, comprising: when the proximity detection unit detects the approach of the user and the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit detects the open state of the toilet lid, the control unit performs a closing operation to close the toilet lid by the driving unit, and then performs a toilet cleaning operation to clean the toilet by the toilet cleaning unit, the proximity detection unit is provided at a position that does not overlap with a first region and a second region in a side view, the first region is a region where, when the proximity detection unit is provided, a user who stands in front of the toilet and urinates standing can be detected by the proximity detection unit, the second region is a region where, when the proximity detection unit is provided, a user who sits on the toilet seat can be detected by the proximity detection unit. A toilet device characterized by this.

2. A toilet having a bowl for the user to excrete, a toilet cleaning unit that supplies cleaning water to the toilet to clean the toilet, a toilet seat provided to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet, a toilet lid provided to be openable and closable with respect to the toilet seat and covering the bowl in a closed state, a driving unit for opening and closing the toilet lid, a control unit for controlling the toilet cleaning unit and the driving unit, a proximity detection unit provided on a side wall of the toilet room for detecting the approach of the user's hand, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit for detecting the open / closed state of the toilet lid, a remote control provided on a side wall of the toilet room for receiving an operation for operating at least one of the toilet cleaning unit and the driving unit, comprising: when the proximity detection unit detects the approach of the user's hand and the toilet lid opening / closing detection unit detects the open state of the toilet lid, the control unit performs a closing operation to close the toilet lid by the driving unit, and then performs a toilet cleaning operation to clean the toilet by the toilet cleaning unit, the remote control is provided in front of the toilet in a side view among the side walls of the toilet room. The proximity detection unit is provided at a position that is behind the remote control in a side view, above the toilet bowl and the remote control in a side view, within reach of the hand of the user who stands in front of the toilet bowl to urinate while standing, and does not overlap with the first region in a side view, among the side walls on the side of the toilet room. The toilet device is characterized in that the first region is a region in which the user who stands in front of the toilet bowl to urinate while standing can be detected by the proximity detection unit when the proximity detection unit is provided. **Claim 3** The proximity detection unit is provided at a position that does not overlap with the second region in a side view. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein the second region is a region in which the user sitting on the toilet seat can be detected by the proximity detection unit when the proximity detection unit is provided. **Claim 4** The proximity detection unit is provided at a position that does not overlap with the third region in a side view. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third region is a region located in front of the first region. **Claim 5** The proximity detection unit is provided at a position that does not overlap with the fourth region in a side view. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fourth region is a region that overlaps with the trajectory of opening and closing of the toilet lid in a side view. **Claim 6** The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user of performing the closing operation.

Images