Toilet lid and seat

Abstract

To provide a toilet lid and a toilet seat that allow accuracy of dimensions of a lower surface to be improved while suppressing damage to a surface by wiping, etc.SOLUTION: A toilet lid 30 provided so as to be opened / closed for a toilet bowl includes: a toilet lid body part 31 containing a crystalline resin, which is positioned above a bowl part 11 of the toilet bowl 10 in a closed state; a toilet lid hinge part 32 provided behind the toilet lid body part in the closed state for rotating the toilet lid body part; and a toilet lid cushion member 33 attached to the toilet lid body part. The toilet lid body part includes a toilet lid upper surface part 41a exposed upward in the closed state and a toilet lid lower surface part 41b exposed downward in the closed state. The toilet lid lower surface part is provided with a toilet lid recessed part 41c to which the toilet lid cushion member is attached. Surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface part is smaller than surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention generally relate to toilet lids and seats. [Background technology]

[0002] Toilet lids and seats manufactured by molding materials containing resin have been known for some time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, inexpensive resins such as polypropylene (PP) are used as materials for such toilet lids and seats. However, when toilet lids and seats are molded using resins such as PP, the surface hardness is low, which creates a problem in that the surfaces of the toilet lid and seat are easily scratched by dry wiping with toilet paper, etc.

[0003] One possible solution to these problems is to increase the surface hardness of the toilet lid or seat. One possible method for increasing the surface hardness of the toilet lid or seat is heat and cool molding (H&C molding), in which a heater is provided in the mold used to mold the toilet lid or seat, resin is injected into the heated mold, and the high temperature state of the resin is maintained for a predetermined period of time to harden. With this molding method, the gradual solidification process of the resin increases the crystallinity of the surface of the toilet lid or seat, thereby increasing the surface hardness of the toilet lid or seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-308601 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, increasing the degree of crystallinity on the surface increases the amount of shrinkage of the molded product, resulting in a problem of increased dimensional change over time after the molded product is removed from the mold. Therefore, applying this molding method to toilet lids and toilet seats may result in a decrease in dimensional accuracy. A cushioning member is attached to the underside of the toilet lid or toilet seat to absorb the impact when the toilet lid or toilet seat is closed. This cushioning member is attached, for example, by fitting into a recess provided on the underside of the toilet lid or toilet seat. Therefore, if the dimensional accuracy of the underside of the toilet lid or toilet seat decreases, it may become impossible to form the recess in the desired shape, making it impossible to attach the cushioning member.

[0006] This aspect of the present invention was made based on the recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a toilet lid and toilet seat that can improve the dimensional accuracy of the underside while preventing scratches on the surface caused by wiping, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a toilet lid that can be opened and closed relative to a toilet bowl, comprising: a toilet lid main body portion that contains a crystalline resin and is located above the bowl portion of the toilet bowl when closed; a toilet lid hinge portion that is located behind the toilet lid main body portion when closed and is used to rotate the toilet lid main body portion; and a toilet lid cushion member that is attached to the toilet lid main body portion, wherein the toilet lid main body portion has a toilet lid upper surface portion that is exposed upward when closed and a toilet lid lower surface portion that is exposed downward when closed, and the toilet lid lower surface portion has a toilet lid recess to which the toilet lid cushion member is attached, and the surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface portion is less than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a toilet lid and a toilet seat that can improve the dimensional accuracy of the underside while preventing scratches on the surface caused by wiping or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the toilet lid according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the toilet seat according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(c) are cross-sectional views showing a part of the manufacturing process of the toilet lid. [Figure 5] 10 is a table showing an example of experimental results. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a toilet device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the toilet lid according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the toilet seat according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 shown in FIG. Figures 1 and 2 show the toilet seat and lid in an open position, while Figure 3 shows the toilet seat in a closed position. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the toilet device 100 according to the embodiment includes a Western-style seated toilet bowl (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet bowl") 10, a casing 20, a toilet lid 30, and a toilet seat 40.

[0011] The toilet 10 has a downwardly recessed bowl portion 11. The toilet 10 receives excrement such as urine and feces from the user in the bowl portion 11. The bowl portion 11 has a rim 11a and an opening 11h surrounded by the rim 11a.

[0012] Here, in this specification, "upper" refers to what is above as seen from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat 40, and "lower" refers to what is below as seen from the perspective of a user sitting on the toilet seat 40. Furthermore, the left and right directions as seen from a user sitting on the toilet seat 40 with their back to the open toilet lid 30 are respectively referred to as "left side" and "right side," and the front and back directions are respectively referred to as "front" and "rear."

[0013] A casing 20 is provided above the rear of the bowl portion 11 of the toilet 10. Inside the casing 20, for example, an electric toilet lid opening / closing unit for opening and closing the toilet lid 30 and an electric toilet seat opening / closing unit for opening and closing the toilet seat 40 are housed. In addition, inside the casing 20, for example, a nozzle unit for cleaning the user's private parts may also be housed.

[0014] The toilet lid 30 and the toilet seat 40 are each provided so as to be able to open and close relative to the toilet bowl 10. The toilet lid 30 and the toilet seat 40 are each pivotally supported relative to the casing 20.

[0015] The toilet lid 30 has a toilet lid main body 31, a toilet lid hinge 32, and a toilet lid cushion member 33. In the closed state, the toilet lid main body 31 is located above the bowl 11 and the toilet seat 40. In the closed state, the toilet lid main body 31 covers the bowl 11 and the toilet seat 40 from above.

[0016] The toilet lid hinge portion 32 is located behind the toilet lid main body portion 31 in the closed state. The toilet lid hinge portion 32 is, for example, molded integrally with the toilet lid main body portion 31. The toilet lid hinge portion 32 may, for example, be molded separately from the toilet lid main body portion 31 and attached to the toilet lid main body portion 31. The toilet lid hinge portion 32 is rotatably supported relative to the casing 20 by fitting onto the output shaft of an electric toilet lid opening / closing unit housed inside the casing 20. The electric toilet lid opening / closing unit opens and closes the toilet lid 30 by rotating the toilet lid main body portion 31 via the toilet lid hinge portion 32.

[0017] The toilet lid cushion member 33 is a separate member from the toilet lid main body 31 and is attached to the toilet lid main body 31. The toilet lid cushion member 33 is made of, for example, an elastomer, and absorbs the impact when the toilet lid main body 31 hits the toilet seat 40.

[0018] The toilet lid main body 31 has a toilet lid upper surface 31a and a toilet lid lower surface 31b. The toilet lid upper surface 31a is exposed upward in the closed state. The toilet lid upper surface 31a faces upward in the closed state. The toilet lid lower surface 31b is exposed downward in the closed state. The toilet lid lower surface 31b faces downward in the closed state. For example, the toilet lid lower surface 31b faces the toilet seat 40 in the closed state.

[0019] A toilet lid recess 31c is provided on the toilet lid underside 31b. The toilet lid recess 31c is recessed upward when the toilet lid is closed. A toilet lid cushion member 33 is attached to the toilet lid recess 31c. The toilet lid cushion member 33 is attached to the toilet lid recess 31c, for example, by fitting into the toilet lid recess 31c.

[0020] The toilet lid main body 31 contains a crystalline resin. The toilet lid hinge 32 contains, for example, a crystalline resin. The crystalline resin is a thermoplastic resin that has crystallinity. Examples of crystalline resins that can be used include PP or polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT).

[0021] The toilet lid main body 31 and the toilet lid hinge 32 may further contain an inorganic filler. The inorganic filler is a filler (filling agent) made of an inorganic material. For example, a fibrous inorganic filler such as glass fiber is used as the inorganic filler. The inorganic filler does not have to be fibrous. The inorganic filler may also be a mineral such as a needle-shaped mineral, a plate-shaped mineral, or a frit-type mineral. When glass fiber is used as the inorganic filler, it is preferable to use glass fiber with a fiber diameter of 6 μm to 24 μm (e.g., about 13 μm) and a length of 10 μm to 3000 μm (e.g., about 300 μm to 1000 μm). The amount of inorganic filler contained in the toilet lid main body 31 or the toilet lid hinge 32 is preferably 5 to 30 parts by mass (e.g., about 10 parts by mass) per 100 parts by mass of the crystalline resin and the inorganic filler combined.

[0022] The surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface portion 31b is less than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion 31a. The surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion 31a is preferably a pencil hardness of B or higher. The surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion 31a is preferably a pencil hardness of F or lower. The surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface portion 31b is preferably a pencil hardness of 2B or lower. The surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface portion 31b is preferably a pencil hardness of 3B or higher.

[0023] The surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion 32 is, for example, less than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion 31a. The surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion 32 is, for example, the same as the surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface portion 31b. The surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion 32 is preferably a pencil hardness of 2B or less. Furthermore, the surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion 32 is preferably a pencil hardness of 3B or more.

[0024] The surface hardness can be determined as a pencil hardness in accordance with JIS K 5600-5-4: 1999. Pencil hardness of less than 6B, which is not specified in JIS K 5600-5-4: 1999, can be determined in the same manner as JIS K 5600-5-4: 1999 using a Hi-uni series pencil manufactured by Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.

[0025] The surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface 31a is, for example, the surface hardness at any position that overlaps vertically with the opening 11h of the bowl portion 11 in the closed state. The surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface 31b is, for example, the surface hardness at a position that overlaps vertically with the position where the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface 31a was measured in the closed state. The surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion 32 is, for example, the surface hardness of the flat portion of the hinge bearing portion into which the output shaft of the toilet lid electric opening / closing unit is fitted.

[0026] The toilet seat 40 has a toilet seat main body 41, a toilet seat hinge 42, and a toilet seat cushion member 43. In the closed state, the toilet seat main body 41 is located above the bowl 11. In the closed state, the toilet seat main body 41 has an opening 41h that penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0027] The toilet seat hinge portion 42 is provided behind the toilet seat main body 41 in the closed state. The toilet seat hinge portion 42 is, for example, molded integrally with the toilet seat main body 41. The toilet seat hinge portion 42 may, for example, be molded separately from the toilet lid main body 31 and attached to the toilet seat main body 41. The toilet seat hinge portion 42 is fitted onto the output shaft of an electric toilet seat opening / closing unit housed inside the casing 20, and is thereby rotatably supported relative to the casing 20. The electric toilet seat opening / closing unit opens and closes the toilet seat 40 by rotating the toilet seat main body 41 via the toilet seat hinge portion 42.

[0028] The toilet seat cushion member 43 is a separate member from the toilet seat main body 41 and is attached to the toilet seat main body 41. The toilet seat cushion member 43 is made of, for example, an elastomer, and absorbs the impact when the toilet seat main body 41 hits the rim 11a of the bowl 11.

[0029] The toilet seat main body 41 has a toilet seat upper surface portion 41a and a toilet seat lower surface portion 41b. The toilet seat upper surface portion 41a is exposed upward in the closed state. The toilet seat upper surface portion 41a faces upward in the closed state. The toilet seat upper surface portion 41a is the seating surface on which a user sits. The toilet seat lower surface portion 41b is exposed downward in the closed state. The toilet seat lower surface portion 41b faces downward in the closed state. For example, the toilet seat lower surface portion 41b faces the rim 11a of the bowl portion 11 in the closed state.

[0030] A toilet seat recess 41c is provided on the toilet seat underside 41b. The toilet seat recess 41c is recessed upward when the toilet seat is closed. A toilet seat cushion member 43 is attached to the toilet seat recess 41c. The toilet seat cushion member 43 is attached to the toilet seat recess 41c, for example, by fitting into the toilet seat recess 41c.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the toilet seat 40 is hollow and includes a bottom plate 45, an upper plate 46, a first connecting member 47, and a second connecting member 48. The bottom plate 45 includes a toilet seat lower surface portion 41b. The toilet seat lower surface portion 41b corresponds to the underside of the bottom plate 45 in the closed state. The upper plate 46 is located above the bottom plate 45 in the closed state. In this example, the upper plate 46 includes a first portion 46a including the toilet seat upper surface portion 41a, a second portion 46b extending downward from one end of the first portion 46a, and a third portion 46c extending downward from the other end of the first portion 46a. The toilet seat upper surface portion 41a corresponds to the upper surface of the first portion 46a in the closed state. The first connecting member 47 is provided on the inner periphery of the toilet seat 40 and connects the bottom plate 45 and the second portion 46b of the upper plate 46. The second joint member 48 is provided on the outer periphery of the toilet seat 40, and joins the bottom plate 45 and the third portion 46c of the top plate 46. The toilet seat hinge portion 42 is made up of the bottom plate 45 and the top plate 46, for example.

[0032] The toilet seat main body 41 contains a crystalline resin. The toilet seat hinge 42 contains, for example, a crystalline resin. The toilet seat main body 41 and the toilet seat hinge 42 may further contain an inorganic filler. The crystalline resin and inorganic filler may be the same as those exemplified in the description of the toilet lid 30. The amount of inorganic filler to be blended may also be the same as that exemplified in the description of the toilet lid 30.

[0033] The surface hardness of the toilet seat lower surface portion 41b is lower than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion 41a. The surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion 41a is preferably pencil hardness B or higher. Also, the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion 41a is preferably pencil hardness F or lower. The surface hardness of the toilet seat lower surface portion 41b is preferably pencil hardness 2B or lower. Also, the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion 41a is preferably pencil hardness 3B or higher.

[0034] The surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge portion 42 is, for example, less than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion 41a. The surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge portion 42 is, for example, the same as the surface hardness of the toilet seat lower surface portion 41b. The surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge portion 42 is preferably a pencil hardness of 2B or less. Furthermore, the surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge portion 42 is preferably a pencil hardness of 3B or more.

[0035] The surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface 41a is, for example, the surface hardness at any position that overlaps vertically with the rim 11a of the bowl 11 in the closed state. The surface hardness of the toilet seat lower surface 41b is, for example, the surface hardness at a position that overlaps vertically with the position where the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface 41a was measured in the closed state. The surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge 42 is, for example, the surface hardness of the flat portion of the hinge bearing into which the output shaft of the toilet seat electric opening / closing unit is fitted.

[0036] The manufacturing process for the toilet lid 30 and toilet seat 40 according to the embodiment will be described below. 4(a) to 4(c) are cross-sectional views showing a part of the manufacturing process of the toilet lid according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), the toilet lid 30 is manufactured by molding using molds M1 and M2. Mold M1 is equipped with a heating section H and a cooling section C1. Mold M2 is equipped with a cooling section C2, but does not have a heating section.

[0037] In the manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 4(a), material X containing the above-mentioned crystalline resin is first filled into the space formed by mold M1 heated by heating unit H and unheated mold M2. At this time, material X is filled into the space formed by mold M1 and mold M2 while heated to a temperature higher than mold M1. In other words, material X is filled into the space formed by mold M1 heated to a temperature equal to or higher than minus 70°C below the heat distortion temperature (ISOR75) and lower than the temperature of the injection cylinder and unheated mold M2 while heated by the injection cylinder. As a result, material X is gradually cooled on the side in contact with mold M1 and rapidly cooled on the side in contact with mold M2. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(b), mold M1 is cooled by cooling unit C1 and mold M2 is cooled by cooling unit C2, thereby cooling and hardening material X inside mold M1 and mold M2. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the toilet lid 30 formed by hardening the material X is removed from the mold M1 and mold M2.

[0038] In this way, material X, which has been heated to a higher temperature than mold M1, is filled into mold M1 heated by heating unit H, and material X is gradually cooled, and mold M1 is further cooled by cooling unit C1 to harden material X, thereby forming the toilet lid upper surface 31a of the toilet lid 30, thereby promoting crystallization near the surface on the toilet lid upper surface 31a side of the toilet lid 30 and increasing the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface 31a of the toilet lid 30. Furthermore, by providing heating unit H to mold M1 on the toilet lid upper surface 31a side and not providing a heating unit to mold M2 on the toilet lid lower surface 31b side, the surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface 31b can be made smaller than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface 31a.

[0039] Hereinafter, this molding method in which a heating section is provided in at least one of the molds M1 and M2 and material X is gradually cooled and hardened will be referred to as "heat and cool molding (H&C molding)." In contrast, a molding method in which neither of the molds M1 nor M2 is provided with a heating section and material X is rapidly cooled and hardened will be referred to as "normal molding."

[0040] When the toilet lid hinge portion 32 is molded integrally with the toilet lid main body portion 31, for example, no heating portion is provided in the portion of the mold that contacts the hinge bearing portion used to mold the toilet lid hinge portion 32. This allows the surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion 32 to be less than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion 31a.

[0041] 4(a) to 4(c) have been used to explain the manufacturing process for the toilet lid 30, but the toilet seat 40 can also be manufactured in a similar manner. The toilet seat 40 can be manufactured, for example, by producing a bottom plate 45 and an upper plate 46 using the method described above, and then joining the bottom plate 45 and the upper plate 46 with a first joining member 47 and a second joining member 48. At this time, by molding the toilet seat upper surface 41a side of the upper plate 46 using a mold M1 equipped with a heating unit H, and molding the toilet seat lower surface 41b side of the bottom plate 45 using a mold M2 equipped with no heating unit, the surface hardness of the toilet seat lower surface 41b can be made smaller than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface 41a.

[0042] Alternatively, when molding the top plate 46, heating units may be provided in both the mold M1 and the mold M2, except for fitting portions that require high dimensional accuracy, and when molding the bottom plate 45, heating units may not be provided in both the mold M1 and the mold M2, thereby making the surface hardness of the toilet seat lower surface portion 41b lower than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion 41a. In other words, the bottom plate 45 may be molded by "normal molding."

[0043] Furthermore, instead of providing the mold M1 with a heating section H, the surface of the mold M1 that forms the molded product may be coated with a heat insulating material. By coating the surface of the mold M1 with a heat insulating material, the cooling rate of the heated and melted material X is slowed down, thereby achieving the same effect as in H&C molding.

[0044] Furthermore, instead of providing the mold M1 with the heating section H, warm water or pressurized warm water may be passed through the cooling section C1. By passing warm water or pressurized warm water through the cooling section C1, the temperature of the mold M1 becomes higher than in normal molding, and the same effect as in H&C molding can be obtained.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of the experimental results. The surface hardness of each molded article (Experimental Examples 1 to 11) was measured using the materials shown in each table in Figure 5 and molded by normal molding, H&C molding, or adiabatic molding. The results are shown in Figure 5. The scratch resistance and dimensional stability of the recesses and hinges of each molded article were evaluated. PP Type A used in Experimental Examples 1 and 11, PP Type B used in Experimental Examples 2 to 5, PP Type C used in Experimental Examples 6, 8 to 10, and PP Type D used in Experimental Example 7 are all polypropylene (PP), but each has a different structure.

[0046] In normal molding, the mold temperatures of the upper surface side (cavity side), lower surface side (core side), and hinge part are set to the temperatures shown in Figure 5, the heated and melted material is filled into the mold, and the mold is cooled by the cooling part, whereby the material is cooled and hardened inside the mold to obtain a molded product.

[0047] In H&C molding, the mold temperatures of the upper surface, lower surface, and hinge section are set to the temperatures shown in Figure 5, the heated and melted material is filled into the mold and gradually cooled, and the mold is further cooled in the cooling section, thereby cooling and hardening the material inside the mold to obtain a molded product.

[0048] In the adiabatic molding, the mold on the top side was coated with an insulating material, and the mold temperatures on the top side, bottom side, and hinge part were set to the temperatures shown in Figure 5. The heated and melted material was then filled into the mold and gradually cooled. The material was then cooled and hardened inside the mold to obtain a molded product.

[0049] The surface hardness was measured in accordance with JIS K 5600-5-4:1999.

[0050] To evaluate scratch resistance, a felt was attached to the tip of a rubbing tester, and toilet paper, which is likely to be used when cleaning toilet lids and seats, was placed on top of it, and the surface of the molded product was rubbed back and forth five times, and the scratch resistance of the molded product after the test was evaluated. The scratch resistance was evaluated by visually observing the molded product after the test, and a rating of "X" was given for scratches on the entire rubbed area, "△" for scratches on only a portion of the rubbed area, and "○" for no scratches on the entire rubbed area. The load during the test was 3 kg on the top surface and 1 kg on the bottom surface.

[0051] The dimensional stability of the recesses and hinges was evaluated by leaving the molded articles at room temperature for 48 hours and measuring the dimensions of the recesses and hinges. Dimensional stability was evaluated as follows: "Good" indicates that the tolerance specified in JIS B 0405:1991 was equal to or less than the medium tolerance; "Good" indicates that the tolerance was greater than the medium tolerance and equal to or less than the middle tolerance of the coarse tolerance; and "Poor" indicates that the tolerance was greater than the middle tolerance of the coarse tolerance.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, in Experimental Example 1, in which the surface hardness of the upper surface portion, the surface hardness of the lower surface portion, and the surface hardness of the hinge portion were all less than 6B (7B), the dimensional stability of the recesses and hinge portion was good, but the scratch resistance of the upper surface portion was poor. Also, in Experimental Example 9, in which the surface hardness of the upper surface portion, the surface hardness of the lower surface portion, and the surface hardness of the hinge portion were all F, the scratch resistance was good, but the dimensional stability of the recesses and hinge portion was poor. In other words, when the surface hardness of the upper surface portion and the surface hardness of the lower surface portion and hinge portion were the same, it was difficult to achieve both improved scratch resistance and ensure dimensional stability of the recesses and hinge portion.

[0053] In contrast, in Experimental Examples 2 to 8, 10, and 11, in which the surface hardness of the lower surface portion and the surface hardness of the hinge portion were lower than that of the upper surface portion, scratch resistance was good and the dimensional stability of the recesses and hinge portion was also good. In particular, in Experimental Examples 2 to 4, 6 to 8, and 10, in which the surface hardness of the upper surface portion was pencil hardness B or higher, the scratch resistance of the upper surface portion was better than in Experimental Examples 1, 5, and 11, in which the surface hardness of the upper surface portion was pencil hardness less than B. Furthermore, in Experimental Examples 2 to 6, 8, and 10, in which the surface hardness of the lower surface portion and the surface hardness of the hinge portion were pencil hardness 3B or higher, the scratch resistance of the lower surface portion was better than in Experimental Examples 1, 7, and 11, in which the surface hardness of the lower surface portion and the surface hardness of the hinge portion were pencil hardness less than 3B. Furthermore, in Experimental Examples 2 to 7 and 10, in which the surface hardness of the lower surface portion and the surface hardness of the hinge portion were 2B or less in pencil hardness, the dimensional stability of the recesses and hinge portion was better than in Experimental Examples 8 and 9, in which the surface hardness of the lower surface portion and the surface hardness of the hinge portion were greater than 2B in pencil hardness. In other words, it was suggested that by setting the surface hardness of the upper surface portion to a pencil hardness of B or more and the surface hardness of the lower surface portion and the hinge portion to a pencil hardness of 3B or more and 2B or less, it is possible to achieve a better balance between scratch resistance and dimensional stability of the recesses and hinge portion.

[0054] Furthermore, the results of Experimental Examples 4 and 11 suggest that the addition of an inorganic filler such as glass fiber increases the surface hardness compared to when no inorganic filler is added.

[0055] As the toilet lid and toilet seat based on the embodiment described above, for example, the following aspects are conceivable.

[0056] The first aspect is a toilet lid that can be opened and closed relative to a toilet bowl, comprising a toilet lid main body portion that contains a crystalline resin and is located above the bowl portion of the toilet bowl when closed, a toilet lid hinge portion that is located behind the toilet lid main body portion when closed and allows the toilet lid main body portion to rotate, and a toilet lid cushion member that is attached to the toilet lid main body portion, wherein the toilet lid main body portion has a toilet lid upper surface portion that is exposed upward when closed and a toilet lid lower surface portion that is exposed downward when closed, and the toilet lid lower surface portion has a toilet lid recess to which the toilet lid cushion member is attached, and the surface hardness of the toilet lid lower surface portion is less than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion.

[0057] Wiping the underside of the toilet lid is often performed with the toilet lid in an open position. When wiping with the toilet lid in an open position, the user is less likely to apply strong force. Therefore, the surface of the underside of the toilet lid is less likely to be scratched when wiping. On the other hand, wiping the upper surface of the toilet lid is often performed with the toilet lid in a closed position. When wiping with the toilet lid in a closed position, the user is more likely to apply strong force due to their body weight, etc. Therefore, the surface of the upper surface of the toilet lid is more likely to be scratched when wiping than the lower surface of the toilet lid. In contrast, according to the first aspect, by relatively increasing the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid, scratches on the upper surface of the toilet lid, which is more likely to be scratched, due to wiping, etc. can be prevented. On the other hand, because the surface of the lower surface of the toilet lid is less likely to be scratched than the upper surface of the toilet lid, scratches on the surface of the toilet lid, due to wiping, etc. can be prevented even if the surface hardness is relatively small. Furthermore, according to the first aspect, the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet lid can be made relatively low, which allows, for example, the mold temperature to be relatively low when hardening the resin when molding the underside of the toilet lid. This reduces dimensional changes over time due to increased shrinkage in the underside of the toilet lid, improving dimensional accuracy. Therefore, the toilet lid recess can be formed in the desired shape on the underside of the toilet lid, and the toilet lid cushion member can be properly attached to the toilet lid recess.

[0058] The second aspect is a toilet lid characterized in that, in the first aspect, the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid is pencil hardness B or higher, and the surface hardness of the lower surface of the toilet lid is pencil hardness 2B or lower.

[0059] According to the second aspect, by making the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid a pencil hardness of B or higher, it is possible to more reliably prevent the surface of the upper surface of the toilet lid from being scratched by wiping, etc. Also, by making the surface hardness of the lower surface of the toilet lid a pencil hardness of 2B or less, it is possible to more reliably improve the dimensional accuracy of the lower surface of the toilet lid.

[0060] A third aspect is the toilet lid of the second aspect, characterized in that the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid is a pencil hardness of F or less.

[0061] According to the third aspect, by setting the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid to a pencil hardness of F or less, it is possible to manufacture toilet lids more easily while preventing scratches on the surface of the upper surface of the toilet lid. For example, by combining known techniques such as adding glass fiber and H&C molding with PP, which is widely used as a toilet lid material because it is inexpensive, it is possible to manufacture toilet lids with upper surfaces that have sufficient hardness at low cost.

[0062] A fourth aspect is the toilet lid according to the second or third aspect, characterized in that the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet lid is 3B or higher in pencil hardness.

[0063] According to the fourth aspect, by making the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet lid equal to or greater than 3B in pencil hardness, scratches on the surface of the underside of the toilet lid due to wiping or the like can be more reliably prevented.

[0064] The fifth aspect is a toilet lid which is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the toilet lid hinge portion contains a crystalline resin and the surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion is less than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion.

[0065] According to the fifth aspect, the surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion is made smaller than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface, thereby improving the dimensional accuracy of the toilet lid hinge portion, and thereby allowing the output shaft of the electric toilet lid opening / closing unit for opening and closing the toilet lid to be properly fitted into the toilet lid hinge portion.

[0066] The sixth aspect is a toilet seat that can be opened and closed relative to a toilet bowl, the toilet seat comprising a toilet seat main body portion that contains a crystalline resin and is located above the bowl portion of the toilet bowl in the closed state, a toilet seat hinge portion that is located behind the toilet seat main body portion in the closed state and allows the toilet seat main body portion to rotate, and a toilet lid cushion member that is attached to the toilet seat main body portion, the toilet seat main body portion having a toilet seat upper surface portion that is exposed upward in the closed state and a toilet seat lower surface portion that is exposed downward in the closed state, the toilet seat lower surface portion having a toilet seat recess to which the toilet seat cushion member is attached, and the surface hardness of the toilet seat lower surface portion is less than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion.

[0067] The underside of a toilet seat is often wiped with the seat in an open position. When wiping with the seat in an open position, the user is less likely to apply strong force. Therefore, the surface of the underside of the toilet seat is less likely to be scratched when wiping. On the other hand, the upper side of a toilet seat is often wiped with the seat in a closed position. When wiping with the seat in a closed position, the user is more likely to apply strong force due to their body weight, etc. Therefore, the surface of the upper side of the toilet seat is more likely to be scratched when wiping than the underside of the toilet seat. In contrast, according to the sixth aspect, by relatively increasing the surface hardness of the upper side of the toilet seat, it is possible to prevent scratches on the surface of the upper side of the toilet seat, which is more likely to be scratched, from being caused by wiping or the like. On the other hand, because the surface of the underside of the toilet seat is less likely to be scratched than the upper side of the toilet seat, it is possible to prevent scratches on the surface of the lower side of the toilet seat from being caused by wiping or the like even if the surface hardness is relatively small. Furthermore, according to the sixth aspect, the surface hardness of the toilet seat underside can be made relatively small, which allows the mold temperature to be relatively low when hardening the resin during molding of the toilet seat underside. This reduces dimensional changes over time due to increased shrinkage in the toilet seat underside, improving dimensional accuracy. Therefore, the toilet seat recess can be formed in the desired shape on the toilet seat underside, and the toilet seat cushion member can be properly attached to the toilet seat recess.

[0068] The seventh aspect is a toilet seat according to the sixth aspect, characterized in that the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet seat is a pencil hardness of B or higher, and the surface hardness of the lower surface of the toilet seat is a pencil hardness of 2B or lower.

[0069] According to the seventh aspect, by making the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet seat pencil hardness B or higher, it is possible to more reliably prevent the surface of the upper surface of the toilet seat from being scratched by wiping, etc. Also, by making the surface hardness of the lower surface of the toilet seat pencil hardness 2B or less, it is possible to more reliably improve the dimensional accuracy of the lower surface of the toilet seat.

[0070] An eighth aspect is the toilet seat of the seventh aspect, characterized in that the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface is a pencil hardness of F or less.

[0071] According to the eighth aspect, by setting the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet seat to a pencil hardness of F or less, it is possible to manufacture the toilet seat more easily while preventing scratches on the surface of the upper surface of the toilet seat. For example, by using PP, which is widely used as a toilet seat material because it is inexpensive, as a base material and combining it with known techniques such as adding glass fiber and H&C molding, it is possible to manufacture a toilet seat with an upper surface of the toilet seat that has sufficient hardness at low cost.

[0072] A ninth aspect is the toilet seat according to the seventh or eighth aspect, characterized in that the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet seat is 3B or more in pencil hardness.

[0073] According to the ninth aspect, by making the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet seat 3B or more in pencil hardness, scratches on the surface of the underside of the toilet seat caused by wiping or the like can be more reliably prevented.

[0074] A tenth aspect is a toilet seat according to any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, characterized in that the toilet seat hinge portion contains a crystalline resin and the surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge portion is less than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion.

[0075] According to the tenth aspect, the surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge portion is made smaller than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface, thereby improving the dimensional accuracy of the toilet seat hinge portion, and thereby allowing the output shaft of the electric toilet seat opening / closing unit for opening and closing the toilet seat to be properly fitted into the toilet seat hinge portion.

[0076] As described above, according to the embodiments, a toilet lid and toilet seat are provided that can improve the dimensional accuracy of the underside while preventing scratches on the surface caused by wiping or the like.

[0077] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the toilet lid, toilet seat, etc. are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 toilet bowl, 11 bowl portion, 11a rim, 11h opening, 20 casing, 30 toilet lid, 31 toilet lid main body portion, 31a toilet lid upper surface portion, 31b toilet lid lower surface portion, 31c toilet lid recess portion, 32 toilet lid hinge portion, 33 toilet lid cushion member, 40 toilet seat, 41 toilet seat main body portion, 41a toilet seat upper surface portion, 41b toilet seat lower surface portion, 41c toilet seat recess portion, 41h opening, 42 toilet seat hinge portion, 43 toilet seat cushion member, 45 bottom plate, 46 upper plate, 46a to 46c first to third portions, 47, 48 first and second joining members, 100 toilet device, C1, C2 cooling portion, H heating portion, M1, M2 Mold, X material

Claims

1. A toilet lid that can be opened and closed relative to a toilet bowl, a toilet lid body portion containing a crystalline resin and positioned above the bowl portion of the toilet in a closed state; a toilet lid hinge portion provided at the rear of the toilet lid main body portion in a closed state for pivoting the toilet lid main body portion; a toilet lid cushion member attached to the toilet lid main body; Equipped with The toilet lid main body is formed of a single member and has a toilet lid upper surface that is exposed upward in the closed state and a toilet lid lower surface that is exposed downward in the closed state, The toilet lid underside is provided with a toilet lid recess to which the toilet lid cushion member is attached, A toilet lid characterized in that the surface hardness of the lower surface of the toilet lid is lower than the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid.

2. The surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid is B or higher in pencil hardness, 2. The toilet lid according to claim 1, wherein the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet lid is 2B or less in pencil hardness.

3. 3. The toilet lid according to claim 2, wherein the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet lid is a pencil hardness of F or less.

4. 4. The toilet lid according to claim 2, wherein the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet lid is 3B or more in pencil hardness.

5. The toilet lid hinge portion contains a crystalline resin, The toilet lid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surface hardness of the toilet lid hinge portion is less than the surface hardness of the toilet lid upper surface portion.

6. A toilet seat that can be opened and closed relative to a toilet bowl, a toilet seat body portion containing a crystalline resin, positioned above the bowl portion of the toilet in a closed state, and having an upper plate and a bottom plate; a toilet seat hinge portion provided at the rear of the toilet seat main body in a closed state for pivoting the toilet seat main body; a toilet seat cushion member attached to the toilet seat main body; Equipped with The upper plate is formed of a single member, The upper plate has a toilet seat upper surface portion that is exposed upward in a closed state, The bottom plate has a toilet seat lower surface portion that is exposed downward in a closed state, The toilet seat underside is provided with a toilet seat recess to which the toilet seat cushion member is attached, A toilet seat characterized in that the surface hardness of the lower surface of the toilet seat is lower than the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet seat.

7. The surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet seat is B or higher in pencil hardness, 7. The toilet seat according to claim 6, wherein the surface hardness of the lower surface of the toilet seat is equal to or less than 2B in pencil hardness.

8. 8. The toilet seat according to claim 7, wherein the surface hardness of the upper surface of the toilet seat is a pencil hardness of F or less.

9. 9. The toilet seat according to claim 7, wherein the surface hardness of the underside of the toilet seat is 3B or more in pencil hardness.

10. the toilet seat hinge portion contains a crystalline resin, 10. The toilet seat according to claim 6, wherein the surface hardness of the toilet seat hinge portion is less than the surface hardness of the toilet seat upper surface portion.

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