Remote control device for toilet and toilet unit

Abstract

To provide a toilet remote control device and a toilet unit capable of improving usability.SOLUTION: A toilet remote control device is positioned above a paper holder that holds toilet paper. The toilet remote control device includes: a display device that projects an aerial image; a detection unit that detects an operation on the aerial image; and a control unit that transmits a command signal based on the operation detected by the detection unit. At least part of the paper holder protrudes from the aerial image when viewed from a direction facing the aerial image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a toilet remote control device and a toilet unit.

Background Art

[0002] A remote control device (aerial imaging display device) that projects an operation unit (keypad surface) for a user to operate as an aerial image is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is conceivable to use such a remote control device in a toilet room. For example, a paper holder for holding toilet paper may be provided around the remote control device. In such a case, if the aerial image is touched when taking toilet paper, there is a risk that an unintended operation will be executed, and the usability of the remote control device may deteriorate.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet remote control device and a toilet unit that can improve usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first invention is a remote control device for a toilet located above a paper holder that holds toilet paper, comprising a display device that projects an aerial image, a detection unit that detects an operation on the aerial image, and a control unit that transmits a command signal based on the operation detected by the detection unit. When viewed from the direction facing the aerial image, at least a part of the paper holder protrudes from the aerial image. It is a remote control device for a toilet characterized by this configuration.

[0007] According to this remote control device for a toilet, it is possible to prevent accidentally touching the aerial image when taking toilet paper. As a result, malfunction of the remote control device can be suppressed.

[0008] The second invention is a remote control device for a toilet according to the first invention, wherein when viewed from the direction facing the aerial image, the aerial image is projected at a position that does not overlap with the paper mounting axis of the paper holder.

[0009] According to this remote control device for a toilet, it is possible to effectively prevent accidentally touching the aerial image when taking toilet paper. As a result, malfunction of the remote control device can be more reliably suppressed.

[0010] The third invention is a remote control device for a toilet according to the first or second invention, wherein the display device includes a housing provided on a counter located on the side of the toilet bowl, a display unit provided inside the housing for displaying an image, and a plate provided on the housing for forming the image displayed on the display unit as the aerial image. The paper holder is attached to the lower part of the housing.

[0011] According to this remote control device for a toilet, malfunction of the remote control device can be suppressed when taking toilet paper. Also, since the paper holder and the remote control device for the toilet are close to each other, usability can be improved.

[0012] The fourth invention is the toilet remote control device according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein when the control unit does not detect that the user is sitting on the toilet seat, the operation on the aerial image is invalidated, and when the control unit detects that the user is sitting on the toilet seat, the operation on the aerial image is validated.

[0013] According to this toilet remote control device, it is possible to prevent the remote control device from being accidentally operated before sitting on the toilet seat.

[0014] The fifth invention is the toilet remote control device according to the fourth invention, wherein the display device displays the aerial image when it detects that the user has entered the toilet room.

[0015] According to this toilet remote control device, since the aerial image is displayed when the user enters the toilet room, the usability can be improved. In addition, the power consumption of the toilet remote control device can be reduced.

[0016] The sixth invention is the toilet remote control device according to the fifth invention, wherein when the control unit detects that the user has left the toilet seat, the operation on the aerial image is validated until the control unit detects that the user has left the toilet room.

[0017] According to this toilet remote control device, after the user leaves the toilet seat, for example, the toilet bowl can be washed. As a result, a toilet remote control device with good usability can be provided.

[0018] The seventh invention is a toilet unit, comprising the paper holder, the toilet remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a toilet bowl on which the toilet seat is placed, and a main body unit provided on the toilet bowl and configured to receive a command signal transmitted from the toilet remote control device.

[0019] According to this toilet unit, since accidental operation of the remote control device can be prevented, the usability can be improved. In addition, the reliability in terms of hygiene can be improved. [Effect of the Invention]

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet remote control device and a toilet unit that can improve usability. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0021]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet room equipped with a toilet unit according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet unit 1 includes a toilet device 10, a cabinet 200, a paper holder 300, a hand washer 400, and the like. The toilet device 10 includes a toilet bowl 11, a main body portion 13, and a toilet remote control device 30 (hereinafter referred to as the remote control device 30).

[0023] The toilet bowl 11 is attached to, for example, the floor surface FS of the toilet room TR. The toilet bowl 11 may be attached to the wall behind the toilet bowl 11. The toilet bowl 11 may be attached, for example, at a position away from the floor surface FS of the toilet room TR. The main body portion 13 is placed on the toilet bowl 11.

[0024] The main body portion 13 has a casing 14, a toilet seat 15 pivotally supported by the casing 14, and a toilet lid 17. The toilet seat 15 is provided on the toilet bowl 11. The toilet lid 17 is provided on the toilet bowl 11 so as to cover the toilet seat 15. FIG. 1 shows a state where the toilet seat 15 and the toilet lid 17 are lowered. In addition, each of "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", and "right" is a direction as viewed from a user sitting on the toilet seat 15 with the toilet lid 17 on the back side.

[0025] The cabinet 200 is arranged in the toilet room TR. Specifically, the cabinet 200 is arranged on the side of the toilet bowl 11. The cabinet 200 is attached to, for example, either the left or right side wall SW of the toilet room TR. In this example, the cabinet 200 is attached to the right side wall SW of the toilet bowl 11. The cabinet 200 may be attached to the left side wall of the toilet bowl 11.

[0026] On the upper surface side of the counter 200a of the cabinet 200, a hand washer 400 is provided. Further, the cabinet 200 is provided with a remote control device 30 to be described later, and a paper holder 300 is disposed below the remote control device 30.

[0027] The toilet room TR is provided with a door (not shown) for entering and exiting the toilet room TR. The door is provided, for example, on the front wall of the toilet room TR. The door may be provided on the side wall opposite to the side wall SW where the cabinet 200 of the toilet room TR is provided. The door is provided, for example, at a position that does not overlap the toilet bowl 11 in the left - right direction.

[0028] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the communication system of the toilet device. The main body 13 has a human body detection sensor 20 for detecting a user who has entered the toilet room TR, a seating detection sensor 21 for detecting the seating of the user on the toilet seat 15, a communication unit 23 for communicating with the remote control device 30, and a controller 25 for controlling the communication unit 23.

[0029] Further, the main body 13 has various functional parts such as a heating toilet seat function for warming the toilet seat 15, a local cleaning function for cleaning the local part of the user seated on the toilet seat 15, a warm air function for drying the local part, and a cleaning function for cleaning the toilet bowl 11 as required. These functional parts are controlled, for example, by the controller 25. Note that the functional parts of the main body 13 may be provided inside the toilet bowl 11.

[0030] The human body detection sensor 20 can detect a user present in the toilet room TR. That is, the human body detection sensor 20 can detect a user who has entered the toilet room and approaches the toilet bowl 11. As such a human body detection sensor 20, for example, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a distance measuring sensor (infrared light emitting sensor) can be used.

[0031] The human body detection sensor 20 transmits to the controller 25 whether there is a human body present in the toilet room TR. Note that the human body detection sensor 20 only needs to be able to detect a user who has entered the toilet room TR, and may be provided, for example, in the cabinet 200 or the like.

[0032] The seating detection sensor 21 detects sitting on and getting up from the toilet seat 15. For the seating detection sensor 21, a microwave sensor, a distance measuring sensor (infrared light emitting sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, a tact switch, a capacitance switch (touch sensor), a strain sensor, or the like can be used.

[0033] Note that when using contact sensors such as tact switches, electrostatic sensors, and strain sensors, these contact sensors are provided on the toilet seat 15. When a user sits on the toilet seat 15, the tact switch is pressed by the weight of the user. Or, the user comes into contact with the electrostatic sensor. Or, pressure is applied to the strain sensor by the weight of the user. The sitting on and getting up of the user can be detected based on the electrical signals from these sensors.

[0034] The seating detection sensor 21 transmits to the controller 25 the sitting on and getting up from the toilet seat 15 by the user. Note that the seating detection sensor 21 only needs to be able to detect the sitting on and getting up from the toilet seat 15, and when using a microwave sensor or a distance measuring sensor, etc., it may be provided, for example, in the cabinet 200 or the like.

[0035] The communication unit 23 is connected to the controller 25. The communication unit 23 receives a command signal transmitted from the remote control device 30. Also, the communication unit 23 transmits, for example, the detection of entry into the toilet room TR by the human body detection sensor 20 and the detection of sitting on and getting up from the toilet seat 15 by the seating detection sensor 21 to the remote control device 30.

[0036] The controller 25 controls various functional units provided in the main body 13. The controller 25 stores various control programs for operating the functional units. The controller 25 is connected to the human body detection sensor 20, the seating detection sensor 21, the communication unit 23, and various functional units.

[0037] For example, when a signal for detecting a human body is transmitted from the human body detection sensor 20, the controller 25 opens the toilet lid 17. Also, the controller 25 operates the functional units based on a command signal transmitted from the remote control device 30. Further, the controller 25 causes the communication unit 23 to transmit to the remote control device 30 the presence or absence of a human body in the toilet room TR and the presence or absence of seating on the toilet seat 15.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the positional relationship between the toilet and the remote control device. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the positional relationship between the toilet and the remote control device. The remote control device 30 is operated to activate the functional units of the main body 13. Also, the remote control device 30 may turn on and off, for example, the lighting in the toilet room TR. The remote control device 30 is located above the paper holder 300 that holds the toilet paper TP and is provided on the lower surface side of the counter 200a of the cabinet 200. Note that the remote control device 30 may be provided on the side wall SW of the toilet room TR.

[0039] The remote control device 30 is disposed above the toilet seat 15. For example, if the height H1 from the floor surface FS to the upper surface (seating surface) of the toilet seat 15 is 420 mm, the height H2 of the remote control device 30 can be about 660 mm. As shown in FIG. 4, the remote control device 30 is located on the side of the toilet 11 on which the toilet seat 15 is placed, and at least a part thereof is disposed in front of the center O - O in the front - rear direction of the toilet seat opening 15a. In this example, the entire remote control device 30 is disposed in front of the center O - O in the front - rear direction of the toilet seat opening 15a. Thereby, the remote control device 30 is provided at a position where it is easy for a user seated on the toilet seat 15 to operate.

[0040] Here, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the viewpoint distribution 500 of a user sitting on the toilet seat 15 will be described. The viewpoint distribution 500 is, for example, a distribution range due to the difference in the sitting height of a user sitting on the toilet seat 15.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical range of the viewpoint distribution 500 can be set to a height H3 or more and a height H4 or less from the upper surface (seat surface) of the toilet seat 15. For example, if the height H1 from the floor surface FS to the toilet seat 15 is 420 mm, the height H3 can be 520 mm and the height H4 can be 1020 mm. The horizontal range of the viewpoint distribution 500 can be set to a distance L1 or more and a distance L2 or less from the surface of the remote control device 30 (the surface of the cabinet 200). For example, the distance L1 can be 280 mm and the distance L2 can be 410 mm. As shown in FIG. 4, the front-rear range of the viewpoint distribution 500 can be set to a distance L3 from the rear end of the remote control device 30. For example, the distance L3 can be 250 mm.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the viewing angle of the aerial image. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the viewing angle of the aerial image. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the viewing angle of the aerial image. The remote control device 30 projects the guidance and operation switches related to the toilet room TR and the toilet device 10 as an aerial image 32. The aerial image 32 projected by the remote control device 30 has limited viewing angle range and direction. Therefore, for example, when the viewing angle direction is set on the front side of the remote control device 30, a user sitting on the toilet seat 15 may not be able to visually recognize the aerial image 32 without changing the body posture, which may deteriorate the usability of the remote control device 30.

[0043] Therefore, the center line A-A of the viewing angle α within which the aerial image 32 can be visually recognized extends rearward from the aerial image 32 and passes above the toilet seat opening 15a. In other words, the center line A-A passes through the viewpoint distribution 500. In this case, it is preferable that the viewpoint distribution 500 is included within the visual recognition range 35 within which the aerial image 32 can be visually recognized. Thereby, a user seated on the toilet seat 15 can visually recognize the aerial image 32 without changing their body posture.

[0044] Next, the configuration of the remote control device 30 will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which an aerial image is formed from a toilet remote control device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an example of an image displayed in the aerial image. FIGS. 9(a) and (b) show an example of a guidance display displayed in the aerial image. FIG. 9(c) shows an example of an operation switch displayed in the aerial image. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the housing of the toilet remote control device and the positional relationship between the aerial image and the paper holder. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the plate. FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view of the enlarged plate. FIG. 11(b) is a front view of the enlarged plate.

[0045] The remote control device 30 includes a display device 40 that projects the aerial image 32, a detection unit 50 that detects operations on the aerial image 32, and a control unit 60 that transmits a command signal to the main body unit 13 based on the operations detected by the detection unit 50.

[0046] The display device 40 has a housing 42, a display unit 44 provided inside the housing 42, and a plate 46 provided on the front surface of the housing 42. Further, the display device 40 has a light-shielding film 48 that shields the light irradiated from the display unit 44, and a rotating unit 49 that rotates the light-shielding film 48.

[0047] The housing 42 is fixed to the lower surface side of the counter 200a of the cabinet 200. The display unit 44 serves as a display for displaying images. The display unit 44 is connected to the control unit 60, and the display content is controlled by the control unit 60.

[0048] The image displayed on the display unit 44 is displayed as the aerial image 32. The aerial image 32 can be visually recognized within the visual range 35. The image displayed on the display unit 44 is, for example, operation switches 32a such as buttock washing and bidet washing as shown in FIG. 8, guidance displays 32b, 32c as shown in FIG. 9, and a pouring switch 32d for toilet washing. The change (timing) of the display content displayed in the aerial image 32 will be described later.

[0049] The plate 46 is provided on the housing 42 and is located on the front side of the display unit 44. The plate 46 extends upward, for example, from the lower part 42a of the housing 42. The plate 46 forms the image of the image displayed on the display unit 44 as the aerial image 32. The distance from the display unit 44 to the plate 46 is equal to the distance from the aerial image 32 to the plate 46. The plate 46 has a plurality of vertical mirror portions 46a extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of horizontal mirror portions 46b extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical mirror portions 46a.

[0050] The plate 46 has a large number of micro-sized grids 46c formed by the vertical mirror portions 46a and the horizontal mirror portions 46b arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions when viewed from the front. The plate 46 projects the aerial image 32 by converging the diffused light from the display unit 44 again with the vertical mirror portions 46a and the horizontal mirror portions 46b. The plate 46 forms the aerial image 32 by utilizing the retroreflection by the vertical mirror portions 46a and the horizontal mirror portions 46b.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the viewing angle α of the aerial image 32 is determined by the aspect ratio (B:C) of the thickness dimension B and the height dimension C of the grating 46c and the distance between the display unit 44 and the plate 46. For example, the viewing angle α increases when the distance between the display unit 44 and the plate 46 is shortened. The viewing angle α is, for example, 18 degrees or more and 56 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal plane. The viewing angle α is, for example, 38 degrees. The viewing angle α is set according to the distance and positional relationship between the toilet 11 and the remote control device 30.

[0052] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the direction of the center line A-A of the viewing angle α of the aerial image 32 is set by the angle β formed between the diagonal line D-D of the grating 46c and the vertical line E-E. The formed angle β is, for example, 25 degrees or more and 65 degrees or less. The formed angle β is, for example, 45 degrees. By setting the formed angle β in this way, the center line A-A of the viewing angle α can be directed obliquely rearward upward from the aerial image 32 (see FIGS. 5 to 7).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, the center line A-A can be tilted rearward by an angle γ when the remote control device 30 is viewed from the front. The angle γ is, for example, 15 degrees to 55 degrees. For example, when the formed angle β is 45 degrees, the angle γ is 35 degrees. Thereby, the viewpoint distribution 500 of the user seated on the toilet seat 15 can be included within the visual range 35 of the aerial image 32.

[0054] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram when other aerial images are erased by the light shielding film. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram when the light shielding film is rotated. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the trajectories of the light irradiated from an arbitrary point of the display unit 44 are schematically shown. The aerial image is displayed in front of the plate 46 by the combination of the light irradiated from the entire surface of the display unit 44. The light-shielding film 48 is provided between the display unit 44 and the plate 46. Specifically, the light-shielding film 48 is provided on the front surface side of the display unit 44. The light-shielding film 48 eliminates the visible ranges 36 and 37 of other aerial images that are formed separately from the aerial image 32 by the plate 46 by transmitting only light at a specific angle. In other words, the light-shielding film 48 controls the visible ranges 35 to 37 of the aerial images.

[0055] The light irradiated from the display unit 44 forms an image depending on the incident angle to the plate 46. When the light-shielding film 48 is not provided, when the center line A-A of the viewing angle α of the aerial image 32 is directed rearward (viewpoint distribution 500), another aerial image that can be viewed in the visible range 36 where the center line A1-A1 of the viewing angle is directed forward due to the dispersion of the light from the display unit 44 is displayed. This other aerial image is formed at the same position as the aerial image 32 and has the same display content as the aerial image 32. Also, a visible range 37 is formed between the visible range 35 of the aerial image 32 and the visible range 36 of the other aerial image. The other aerial image that can be viewed in the visible range 37 is a ghost image due to the dispersion of the light from the display unit 44.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 12, the light-shielding film 48 transmits only the light for displaying the aerial image 32 that can be viewed in the visible range 35 among the light irradiated from the display unit 44. Specifically, the light-shielding film 48 has a transparent resin 48a and a black resin 48b provided inside the transparent resin 48a. The light-shielding film 48 has the transparent resin 48a and the black resin 48b laminated. The transparent resin 48a is a portion through which light can pass. On the other hand, the black resin 48b is a portion through which light cannot pass.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 12, the black resin 48b is inclined from the rear to the front in plan view. Thereby, the light projecting the aerial image 32 passes through the transparent resin 48a located between the adjacent black resins 48b. On the other hand, the light projecting the other aerial images that can be viewed in the visible ranges 36 and 37 is blocked by the black resin 48b.

[0058] The rotating part 49 is provided, for example, below the light-shielding film 48. The rotating part 49 rotates the light-shielding film 48. The rotating part 49 is, for example, a motor and is electrically connected to the rotation switch 70 via the control part 60.

[0059] The rotation switch 70 is, for example, a contact-type switch and is provided, for example, on the housing 42 as shown in FIG. 8. The rotating part 49 can be operated by the rotation switch 70 provided on the housing 42, for example. Note that the rotating part 49 may be one that can be manually and mechanically rotated. The rotation switch 70 and the rotating part 49 are provided as necessary.

[0060] The rotating part 49 rotates the light-shielding film 48 so as to turn it upside down along the surface of the display part 44. The light-shielding film 48 is in the first state at the position shown in FIG. 12 with the center line A-A of the viewing angle facing backward. When the light-shielding film 48 is in the first state, the viewing ranges 36 and 37 of other aerial images that extend to a range different from the viewing range 35 of the aerial image 32 are erased.

[0061] On the other hand, the light-shielding film 48 is in the second state at the position shown in FIG. 13 with the center line A1-A1 of the viewing angle facing forward. When the light-shielding film 48 is rotated from the first state to the second state by the rotating part 49, the aerial image 32 and other aerial images visible in the viewing range 37 are erased, and other aerial images visible in the viewing range 36 are imaged. When the light-shielding film 48 is in the second state, the viewing range 35 of the aerial image 32 and the viewing range 36 of other aerial images that extend to a range different from the viewing range 36 of other aerial images are erased.

[0062] The rotating part 49 can turn the light-shielding film 48 in the first state upside down to change it from the first state to the second state. As shown in FIG. 13, when the light-shielding film 48 is in the second state, the black resin 48b inclines from the front to the rear in plan view. Thereby, the light projecting other aerial images visible in the viewing range 36 passes through the transparent resin 48a positioned between adjacent black resins 48b. On the other hand, the light projecting the aerial image 32 visible in the viewing range 35 and other aerial images visible in the viewing range 37 is blocked by the black resin 48b.

[0063] When the light-shielding film 48 is in the first state, the aerial image 32 cannot be viewed unless from above the toilet seat 15. If the aerial image 32 cannot be viewed unless from above the toilet seat 15, it may be inconvenient for, for example, a cleaner cleaning the toilet room TR.

[0064] Therefore, the remote control device 30 is configured such that when the rotation switch 70 is operated, the rotating part 49 is activated to change the light-shielding film 48 from the first state to the second state. Thereby, other aerial images visible in the viewing range 36 with the center line A1-A1 of the viewing angle facing forward can be displayed. As a result, a cleaner or the like existing in front of the toilet 11 can view other aerial images, which are the same as the aerial image 32, from the viewing range 36.

[0065] The detection part 50 is provided on the front side of the housing 42. The detection part 50 detects operations on the aerial image 32 visible in the viewing range 35 and other aerial images visible in the viewing range 36. As shown in FIG. 10, the detection range 50a of the detection part 50 faces the aerial image 32 and other aerial images. The detection part 50 is, for example, an infrared sensor, an electrostatic sensor, a microwave sensor, or the like.

[0066] The detection unit 50 detects, for example, that a hand has touched the operation switch 32a displayed in the aerial image 32. The detection unit 50 is connected to the control unit 60 and transmits an operation on the aerial image 32 to the control unit 60. In this example, the case where the detection unit 50 is provided in the housing 42 is described as an example. However, the detection unit 50 only needs to be able to detect an operation on the aerial image 32 or other aerial images, and may be provided, for example, in the cabinet 200 or the like.

[0067] The control unit 60 is provided, for example, inside the housing 42. Note that the control unit 60 may be provided outside the housing 42. The control unit 60 is connected to the display unit 44, the rotation unit 49, the detection unit 50, the rotation switch 70, the activation switch 72, and the communication unit 65. Various control programs for controlling the display unit 44, the communication unit 65, the rotation unit 49, etc. are stored in the control unit 60. Note that a plurality of control units 60 may be provided for each control.

[0068] The activation switch 72 is, for example, a contact-type switch and is provided, for example, in the housing 42 (see FIG. 8). The activation switch 72 is a switch for activating (turning ON / OFF) the remote control device 30. Note that the activation switch 72 may be a non-contact type switch using, for example, an infrared sensor, an electrostatic sensor, and a microwave sensor.

[0069] Further, the housing 42 may be provided with a change switch 74 for changing the display of the aerial image 32 visible in the viewing range 35 and other aerial images visible in the viewing range 36. The change switch 74 is a non-contact type switch using, for example, an infrared sensor, an electrostatic sensor, and a microwave sensor. For example, by holding a hand in front of the change switch 74 or moving it laterally, the display of the aerial image 32 can be changed. Note that the function of the change switch 74 may be possessed by the detection unit 50. In such a case, the display content of the aerial image 32 can be changed by sliding a hand on the aerial image 32.

[0070] The control unit 60 changes the display content of the display unit 44 based on the user's state and the operations performed by the user on the remote control device 30. Further, the control unit 60 causes the communication unit 65 to transmit a command signal based on the operations detected by the detection unit 50. Furthermore, the control unit 60 operates the rotating unit 49 based on the command signal transmitted from the rotary switch 70. Note that these control processes may be performed by a plurality of control units.

[0071] Next, the positional relationship between the aerial image 32 and the paper holder 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0072] The paper holder 300 holds the toilet paper TP and is located below the remote control device 30. Specifically, the paper holder 300 is attached to the lower portion 42a of the housing 42 of the remote control device 30. Note that the paper holder 300 may be attached to the cabinet 200 or the side wall SW.

[0073] The paper holder 300 has an attachment portion 301 that is attached to an attachment target such as the housing 42 or the cabinet 200, a cover portion 302 that is rotatably attached to the attachment portion 301, and a paper attachment shaft 303 that is provided on the attachment portion 301 and to which the toilet paper TP is attached. The paper attachment shaft 303 extends in the front-rear direction of the toilet room TR.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 10, when viewed from the direction F facing the aerial image 32, at least a part of the paper holder 300 protrudes from the aerial image 32. That is, when viewed from the direction F facing the aerial image 32, the entire paper holder 300 is not hidden behind the aerial image 32.

[0075] Specifically, when viewed from the direction F facing the aerial image 32, the aerial image 32 is projected at a position that does not overlap with the paper attachment shaft 303 of the paper holder 300. In other words, the aerial image 32 is projected so as not to contact the tangent line G-G of the paper attachment shaft 303 that extends perpendicular to the extension line of the aerial image 32.

[0076] The position where the aerial image 32 is projected is set according to the distance between the display unit 44 and the plate 46. Therefore, the distance between the display unit 44 and the plate 46 is set so that the lower end of the aerial image 32 does not contact the tangent line G-G of the toilet paper attachment shaft 303.

[0077] Thereby, when the user sitting on the toilet seat 15 takes the toilet paper TP, the aerial image 32 and other aerial images can be removed from the movement route of the hand. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user sitting on the toilet seat 15 from accidentally touching the operation switch 32a of the aerial image 32 when taking the toilet paper TP.

[0078] Next, the operation control of the remote control device 30 executed from entering to leaving the toilet room TR will be described. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the passage of time from when a user enters to when the user leaves the toilet.

[0079] First, when the control unit 60 of the remote control device 30 receives the detection of a human body by the human body detection sensor 20, it causes the display unit 44 to display a notification display. This notification display is, for example, the guidance display 32b shown in FIG. 9(a) or the guidance display 32c shown in FIG. 9(b).

[0080] The notification display displayed on the display unit 44 is imaged by the plate 46 and projected as the aerial image 32. That is, the display device 40 projects the aerial image 32 when the entry into the toilet room TR is detected.

[0081] Thereby, when there is no human body in the toilet room TR, the aerial image 32 is not displayed, so that power consumption can be reduced. Before sitting on the toilet seat 15, the user can visually recognize the aerial image 32 (notification display) from the visual recognition range 35. Note that the aerial image 32 displayed by the entry detection may display a menu display such as the operation switch 32a shown in FIG. 8 or the flow switch 32d shown in FIG. 9(c) without displaying the notification display.

[0082] Next, when the control unit 60 receives the detection of sitting on the toilet seat 15 by the sitting detection sensor 21, it causes the notification display shown on the display unit 44 to be changed to a menu display. The menu display is, for example, the operation switch 32a for local cleaning as shown in FIG. 8, or the flush switch 32d as shown in FIG. 9(c). That is, the menu display shows the guidance of the functions of the toilet room TR and the display of the operation switches. The user sitting on the toilet seat 15 can change the displayed operation switch 32a to the flush switch 32d by operating, for example, the change switch 74.

[0083] Also, when the control unit 60 receives the detection of sitting on the toilet seat 15 by the sitting detection sensor 21, it starts accepting operations on the aerial image 32 by the detection unit 50. That is, the control unit 60 invalidates the operations on the aerial image 32 when the sitting on the toilet seat 15 is not detected. On the other hand, the control unit 60 validates the operations on the aerial image 32 when the sitting on the toilet seat 15 is detected.

[0084] In this case, the detection unit 50 may be powered on triggered by the detection of sitting on the toilet seat 15. Also, the control unit 60 may determine the validity and invalidity of operation detection by the detection unit 50 based on whether or not the user is sitting on the toilet seat 15. Thereby, for example, in the case where a menu display such as the operation switch 32a is displayed after the user enters the room, it is possible to suppress an accidental operation caused by the user touching the operation switch 32a or the flush switch 32d when not sitting on the toilet seat 15.

[0085] Here, the remote control device 30 extends the center line A - A of the viewing angle α of the aerial image 32 obliquely upward and rearward from the aerial image 32 toward the viewpoint distribution 500 of the user sitting on the toilet seat 15. Thereby, the user sitting on the toilet seat 15 can visually recognize the aerial image 32 without changing the body posture.

[0086] When the user touches the operation switch 32a of the aerial video 32, the detection unit 50 detects the position of the user's finger and transmits a detection signal based on the operated switch to the control unit 60. Based on the detection signal of the detection unit 50, the control unit 60 causes the communication unit 65 to transmit a command signal toward the communication unit 23 of the main body unit 13. The controller 25 operates functional units such as local cleaning and toilet bowl cleaning based on the command signal transmitted from the remote control device 30.

[0087] For example, after local cleaning is performed, the user uses toilet paper TP or uses the warm air function for local drying. As shown in FIG. 10, the aerial video 32 is projected above the tangent line G-G of the paper mounting shaft 303 of the paper holder 300. Thereby, when the user extends a hand toward the toilet paper TP, it is possible to prevent accidentally touching the aerial video 32 (operation switch 32a). In this way, by setting the positional relationship between the aerial video 32 and the paper holder 300, malfunction of the functional unit can be suppressed.

[0088] When the user gets up from the toilet seat 15, the seat detection sensor 21 transmits the detection of getting up to the controller 25. The controller 25 transmits the getting up from the toilet seat 15 toward the communication unit 65 of the remote control device 30. In this case, even when the control unit 60 of the remote control device 30 receives the getting up by the seat detection sensor 21, while the human body detection sensor 20 is detecting a human body, the display of the aerial video 32 (menu display) and the operation detection of the aerial video 32 by the detection unit 50 are continued.

[0089] The human body detection sensor 20 monitors the entry and exit of the toilet room TR by detecting the presence or absence of a human body in the toilet room TR. Therefore, when the getting up from the toilet seat 15 is detected, the control unit 60 enables the operation on the aerial video 32 until the exit from the toilet room TR is detected. Thereby, for example, when performing toilet bowl cleaning after getting up from the toilet seat 15, it is possible to prevent the remote control operation from becoming impossible, and thus a user-friendly remote control device 30 can be provided.

[0090] When the control unit 60 recognizes that the user has left the toilet room TR, it erases the display on the display unit 44 and invalidates (ends) the operation reception by the detection unit 50. Thereby, power saving of the remote control device 30 can be achieved.

[0091] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the passage of time from when a cleaner enters the toilet room to when the cleaner leaves. When the operation reception of the remote control device 30 is by sitting on the toilet seat 15, the remote control device 30 may be inconvenient for the cleaner. Therefore, the remote control device 30 is configured to be able to enable and disable operation reception and change the display content without sitting on the toilet seat 15.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15, when the control unit 60 of the remote control device 30 receives the detection of a human body by the human body detection sensor 20, it causes the display unit 44 to display a notification display. This notification display is, for example, the guidance display 32b shown in FIG. 9(a) or the guidance display 32c shown in FIG. 9(b). Further, the control unit 60 enables the detection by the change switch 74.

[0093] The notification display displayed on the display unit 44 is imaged by the plate 46 and projected as the aerial image 32. In this case, the center line A-A of the viewing angle α of the aerial image 32 faces rearward. Therefore, the cleaner can rotate the light shielding film 48 from the first state to the second state by operating the rotation switch 70. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 13, the remote control device 30 can display another aerial image that can be visually recognized within the visual recognition range 36 where the center line A1-A1 of the viewing angle faces forward. As a result, the cleaner can visually recognize another aerial image having the same display content as the aerial image 32 from the visual recognition range 36 located in front of the toilet bowl 11.

[0094] Next, when the control unit 60 detects that the activation switch 72 or the change switch 74 has been operated, it changes the notification display of other aerial images visible within the visual range 36 to a menu display. The activation switch 72 is, for example, a push-button contact switch. On the other hand, the change switch 74 is a non-contact switch, and by holding a hand in front (gesture), it changes from OFF operation to ON operation. At least one of the activation switch 72 and the change switch 74 may be provided. Also, when the control unit 60 detects that the activation switch 72 or the change switch 74 has been operated, it enables the operation reception for other aerial images by the detection unit 50 from being invalid.

[0095] When the control unit 60 detects that the detection unit 50 has touched the switch 32d for streaming other aerial images, it transmits a command signal toward the communication unit 23 of the main body unit 13. Then, when the controller 25 receives the command signal, it causes the toilet cleaning to be executed.

[0096] The control unit 60 performs a menu display of other aerial images visible within the visual range 36 until a predetermined time has elapsed after the activation switch 72 or the change switch 74 has been operated, and also enables the operation reception of the detection unit 50. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the activation switch 72 or the change switch 74 has been operated, the control unit 60 erases the other aerial images by erasing the display on the display unit 44.

[0097] Also, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the activation switch 72 or the change switch 74 has been operated, the control unit 60 disables the operation reception (operation detection) by the detection unit 50 from being valid. This predetermined time is about several tens of seconds (for example, about 30 seconds).

[0098] Thereby, when the cleaner performs cleaning (maintenance) of the toilet room TR, it is possible to prevent accidentally performing a remote control operation. Note that the display of the aerial image 32 and other aerial images and the detection presence or absence of the detection unit 50 are not limited to the elapse of a predetermined time, and may be operated, for example, by the activation switch 72 or the change switch 74.

[0099] When the cleaner wants to perform toilet cleaning during the cleaning of the toilet room TR, by operating the start switch 72 or the change switch 74, other aerial images visible within the visual range 36 can be displayed, and the operation reception of the detection unit 50 can be enabled.

[0100] When the cleaning of the toilet room TR is completed, the cleaner can return the light-shielding film 48 from the second state to the first state by operating the rotation switch 70. Then, when the human body detection sensor 20 detects the cleaner's leaving the room, the control unit 60 erases the display on the display unit 44 and invalidates the operation reception (operation detection) of the detection unit 50.

[0101] Although the case where the light-shielding film 48 is rotated from the second state to the first state by the operation of the rotation switch 70 has been described, for example, when the human body detection sensor 20 detects the cleaner's leaving the room, the control unit 60 may automatically operate the rotating unit 49 to rotate the light-shielding film 48 from the second state to the first state.

[0102] In this way, the remote control device 30 can be made user-friendly not only for users using the toilet 11 but also for cleaners cleaning and maintaining the toilet room TR. In particular, users using the toilet 11 can operate the functional unit by operating the aerial image 32 without touching the remote control device 30, so the reliability in terms of hygiene can be improved.

[0103] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the toilet remote control device. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the light-shielding film 48 is provided on the front surface side of the display unit 44 has been described as an example. However, the aspect of the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 16, a light-shielding film 80 and a rotating unit 81 may be provided on the back surface side of the plate 46.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the detections by the human body detection sensor 20 and the seating detection sensor are transmitted from the communication unit 23 of the main body unit 13 toward the remote control device 30 has been described as an example. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, in a case where a human body detection sensor or a seating detection sensor is provided in the cabinet 200, a signal may be transmitted from a communication unit provided in the cabinet 200 or the like to the remote control device 30.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the display unit 44 is a display whose display content changes has been described as an example. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, the display unit may be one in which only a plurality of operation switches for operating the functional unit are displayed. The display unit may be in a mode such that the display content can be reflected by a plate, and it does not have to be a display.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, when the light-shielding film 48 is in the first state, other aerial images visible in the viewing range 36 and other aerial images (ghost images) visible in the viewing range 37 are erased, and when the light-shielding film 48 is in the second state, the aerial image 32 visible in the viewing range 35 and other aerial images (ghost images) visible in the viewing range 37 are erased. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, only other aerial images that are ghost images may be erased by the light-shielding film. In such a case, the rotating unit 49 becomes unnecessary.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, after sitting on the toilet seat 15, menu display is performed and operation reception by the detection unit 50 is performed until leaving the toilet room TR even after getting up from the toilet seat 15. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, menu display and operation reception may be performed only when sitting on the toilet seat 15. Also, when getting up from the toilet seat 15, menu display and operation reception may be continued until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the light-shielding film 48 is rotated by the rotary switch 70 has been described as an example. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the light-shielding film 48 may be automatically rotated. For example, when the rotation unit 49 does not detect that a user has seated on the toilet seat 15, the light-shielding film 48 may be arranged in the second state, and when it is detected that a user has seated on the toilet seat 15, the light-shielding film 48 may be arranged in the first state.

[0109] Thereby, when a user, a cleaner, or the like enters the toilet room TR, other aerial images can be visually recognized from the visual range 36 while approaching the toilet bowl 11. Further, when the user sits on the toilet seat 15, the aerial image 32 can be visually recognized from the user sitting on the toilet seat 15 by automatically rotating the light-shielding film 48 to the first state. Therefore, a user-friendly remote control device 30 can be provided.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the remote control device 30 is attached to the counter 200a of the cabinet 200 has been described as an example. However, aspects of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the remote control device 30 may be attached to a counter provided on the side wall SW.

[0111] 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, etc. of each element included in the toilet remote control device and the toilet unit are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate. Further, each element included in 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.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0112] 1 Toilet unit 10 Toilet device 11 Toilet bowl 13 Main body 14 Casing 15 Toilet seat 15a Toilet seat opening 17 Toilet lid 20 Human body detection sensor 21 Seating detection sensor 23 Communication unit 25 Controller 30 Remote control device for toilet 32 Aerial image 32a Operation switch 32b, 32c Guidance display 32d Flush switch 35 Visual range of the aerial image 32 36 Visual range of other aerial images 37 Visual range of other aerial images (ghost images) 40 Display device 42 Housing 42a Lower part 44 Display section 46 Plate 46a Vertical mirror section 46b Horizontal mirror section 46c Grid 48 Light-shielding film 48a Transparent resin 48b Black resin 49 Rotating part 50 Detection section 50a Detection range 60 Control section 65 Communication unit 70 Rotation switch 72 Start switch 74 Change switch 80 Light-shielding film 81 Rotating part 200 Cabinet 200a Counter 300 Paper holder 301 Mounting part 302 Cover part 303 Paper mounting shaft 400 Hand washer 500 Viewpoint distribution Center lines A-A, A1-A1 D-D diagonal line E-E vertical line FS floor surface G-G tangent line O-O center SW side wall TP toilet paper TR toilet room α viewing angle β included angle γ angle

Claims

1. In a remote control device for a toilet located above a paper holder that holds toilet paper, a display device that projects an aerial image, a detection unit that detects an operation on the aerial image, a control unit that transmits a command signal based on the operation detected by the detection unit, is provided, when viewed from the direction facing the aerial image, at least a part of the paper holder protrudes from the aerial image, In a side view of the aerial image, the aerial image is projected in front of the mounting axis of the paper holder and above the tangent line of the mounting axis. A remote control device for a toilet, characterized in that.

2. The control unit, when the detection of sitting on the toilet seat is not detected, invalidates the operation on the aerial image, when the detection of sitting on the toilet seat is detected, the operation on the aerial image is made valid. The remote control device for a toilet according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The display device projects the aerial image when detecting entry into the toilet room. The remote control device for a toilet according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The control unit, when the detection of getting up from the toilet seat is detected, the operation on the aerial image is made valid until the detection of leaving the toilet room. The remote control device for a toilet according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. In a remote control device for a toilet located above a paper holder that holds toilet paper, a display device that projects an aerial image, a detection unit that detects an operation on the aerial image, a control unit that transmits a command signal based on the operation detected by the detection unit, is provided, when viewed from the direction facing the aerial image, at least a part of the paper holder protrudes from the aerial image, The display device projects the aerial image when detecting entry into the toilet room, The control unit, when the detection of sitting on the toilet seat is not detected, invalidates the operation on the aerial image, when the detection of sitting on the toilet seat is detected, the operation on the aerial image is made valid, when the detection of getting up from the toilet seat is detected, the operation on the aerial image is made valid until the detection of leaving the toilet room. A remote control device for a toilet, characterized in that.

6. The toilet remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerial image is projected at a position that does not overlap with the paper mounting axis of the paper holder when viewed from the direction facing the aerial image.

7. The display device includes a housing provided on a counter located on the side of the toilet bowl, a display unit provided inside the housing for displaying an image, and a plate provided on the housing for forming the image displayed on the display unit as the aerial image. It has The toilet remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the paper holder is attached to the lower part of the housing.

8. A paper holder, a toilet remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a toilet bowl on which a toilet seat is placed, and a main body unit provided on the toilet bowl for receiving a command signal transmitted from the toilet remote control device. A toilet unit characterized by comprising

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