Toilet bowl and toilet seat devices

Abstract

To provide a toilet device system capable of preventing automatic cleaning by timer setting from interfering with use of a user, and a toilet seat device.SOLUTION: When a toilet lid 20 is open despite cleaning instruction by cleaning instruction means, a toilet bowl device 1 is permitted to perform such a sequence operation that a toilet lid drive unit 22 starts closing operation of the toilet lid 20, and after the closed state of the toilet lid 20 is detected, the cleaning operation is performed by a toilet bowl cleaning unit 13. The cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means includes cleaning instruction by timer setting. A control unit prohibits the sequence operation when a person or object is detected by obstacle detection means 28 at a timing when there is cleaning instruction by timer setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet apparatus having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit, and a toilet seat apparatus having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit that is attached to a toilet body and used. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, in order to prevent the spread of contaminants contained in excrement when flushing the toilet, it is recommended to flush the bowl with the toilet lid closed after defecating, so that droplets containing contaminants contained in the stool excreted in the bowl do not scatter outside the toilet.

[0003] In order to ensure that the bowl is flushed reliably with the toilet lid closed, a toilet device has been proposed in which, when a flushing command is received, the toilet lid is first electrically closed by a toilet lid drive unit, and then the bowl is flushed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-158142 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, toilet flushes in toilet devices include those that are performed when the flushing operation section is operated during defecation or urination or when the toilet seat is left up, as well as timer flushes that are performed automatically at regular or irregular intervals regardless of the timing of defecation or urination. Timer flushes include automatic cleaning (flushing) that is performed at a predetermined timing, for example, if the toilet has not been flushed for six hours.

[0006] Therefore, if the toilet device performs a sequence operation consisting of closing the toilet lid and then flushing the bowl when a flush command is received, such a sequence operation will also be performed in the case of a timer flush.

[0007] However, the timing of such timer flushes may overlap with the user's use of the toilet, which can cause inconvenience. For example, if a male urinates while standing and the timer flush timing overlaps, the toilet lid will attempt to close due to the sequence operation of the timer flush, preventing the user from urinating. In particular, if the timer flush timing occurs while the user is urinating, the toilet lid will be obstructed by the urination, and the user may panic and splash urine onto the toilet lid or floor.

[0008] The present invention has been proposed in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a toilet bowl device and toilet seat device that can prevent automatic flushing by timer setting from interfering with the user's use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the toilet device of the present invention is a toilet device comprising a bowl, a toilet flushing unit that supplies flushing water to the bowl to flush the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flush command means that outputs a flush command to the toilet flushing unit, an obstacle detection means that detects a person or object near the bowl, a timing unit, and a control unit, wherein when a flush command is given by the flush command means and the toilet lid is open, a sequence operation is permitted in which the toilet lid drive unit begins the operation to close the toilet lid, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, a flush operation is performed by the toilet flushing unit, and the flush command by the flush command means includes a flush command based on a timer setting, and the control unit performs the following when a person or object is detected by the obstacle detection means at the timing when the timer setting flush command is given: During the period from when the cleaning command is issued by the timer setting until a certain time has passed, while the person or object detection state continues, The sequence operation is prohibited.

[0010] The toilet seat device of the present invention comprises a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a bowl flush command means that outputs a flush command to the toilet body, an obstacle detection means that detects a person or object near the toilet body, and a toilet seat-side control unit, and is attached to the toilet body, and when a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means or the toilet body, if the toilet lid is open, a sequence process is permitted in which the toilet lid drive unit starts a closing operation of the toilet lid, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, a flush command is output to the toilet body, and the flush command includes a flush command based on a timer setting, and if a person or object is detected by the obstacle detection means at the timing when the flush command based on the timer setting is issued, the toilet seat-side control unit: During the period from when the cleaning command is issued by the timer setting until a certain time has passed, while the person or object detection state continues, The sequence processing is prohibited. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Since the toilet bowl device and toilet seat device of the present invention are each configured as described above, automatic flushing based on a timer setting can be prevented from interfering with the user's use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet device, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic side view showing the interior of another example of a toilet device. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the toilet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing in detail some of the operations in the flowchart of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1(a) is a basic block diagram of a toilet device and a toilet seat device used therein according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The toilet devices 1 and 3 described below are designed to flush the bowl 12 with the toilet lid 20 closed, in order to prevent the spread of contaminants contained in excrement. Therefore, if a flush command is issued and the toilet lid 20, 40 is open, a sequence operation is executed in which the toilet lid drive unit 22, 42 starts closing the toilet lid 20, 40, and after the closed state of the toilet lid 20, 40 is detected, a flush operation is performed by the toilet flushing unit 13. In the present toilet devices 1 and 3, such a sequence operation may be prohibited if a flush command is issued using a timer setting.

[0014] First, an overview of the toilet device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. This toilet device 1 is a device configured as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and is capable of performing the basic operations shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0015] The toilet device 1 comprises a bowl 12, a toilet flushing unit 13 that supplies flush water to the bowl 12 to flush the inside of the bowl 12, a toilet lid 20, a toilet lid open / close detection unit 21 that detects whether the toilet lid 20 is open or closed, and a toilet lid drive unit 22 that opens and closes the toilet lid 20. The toilet device 1 also comprises flush instruction means that outputs flush instructions to the toilet flushing unit 13, obstacle detection means 28 that detects people and objects near the bowl, a timing unit 6, and a control unit 5. The flush instruction means here can be one that is triggered by the user's flushing operation or one that is automatic based on the user's actions, and these will be described in more detail below.

[0016] In this toilet device 1, when a flushing command is issued by the flushing command means, if the toilet lid 20 is open, the toilet lid drive unit 22 starts the operation of closing the toilet lid 20, and after the closed state of the toilet lid 20 is detected, a sequence operation is allowed in which a flushing operation is performed by the toilet flushing unit 13.

[0017] The cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means includes a cleaning instruction by timer setting. The control unit 5 is configured to prohibit the sequence operation if a person or object is detected by the obstacle detection means 28 at the timing when the cleaning instruction by timer setting is given. Next, the detailed configuration, structure and basic operation of the toilet device 1 will be described.

[0018] Figures 1 to 4 are explanatory diagrams of the toilet apparatus 1. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic side views showing the interior of the toilet apparatus 1 in two forms with different flushing methods (structures), either of which may be adopted. Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the basic operation of this toilet apparatus 1.

[0019] The toilet device 1 is a seat-type Western-style toilet device that is fixed to the floor or wall of a toilet space. The main body 10 of this toilet device 1 is fitted with a bowl 12 that opens upward and is surrounded by a skirt part 11, and is equipped with a toilet seat 24 and a toilet lid 20 that can be raised and lowered to cover the opening of the bowl 12, each of which rotates.

[0020] A toilet flushing unit 13 is disposed in the internal space of the skirt unit 11, which drains wastewater from the bowl 12 and supplies flushing water from a water supply port 14 into the bowl 12 to clean the inside of the bowl 12. This toilet flushing unit 13 has a water supply mechanism and a drainage mechanism.

[0021] The water supply mechanism includes a water inlet 14, a flushing water supply path 15 that supplies flushing water from a water pipe (not shown) into the bowl 12 through the water inlet 14, and a water supply valve 16 located midway along the flushing water supply path 15 that supplies or cuts off the water supply to the bowl 12.

[0022] The drainage mechanism shown in Figure 2(a) has a cylindrical, curved trap 17 that is connected to extend rearward from the bottom of bowl 12, and trap 17 extends further downward and connects to drain port 18. This type of drainage mechanism includes the siphon type, siphon jet type, and siphon vortex type, and is a mechanism that creates a drainage state or a water-sealed state by the siphon action.

[0023] The drainage mechanism may also have a structure having a movable trap 17A as shown in Figure 2(b). This trap 17A is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a drive unit (not shown) to set the drainage state or the water-sealing state. In the illustrated example, trap 17A is in the water-sealing state, and in the drainage state, it rotates so that the open end of trap 17A faces drain outlet 18. Trap 17A is enclosed in a trap case (not shown) to prevent sewage and odors from leaking to the outside.

[0024] Furthermore, a drainage mechanism that is neither a siphon type nor a movable type, such as a wash-down type drainage mechanism, can also be applied to the toilet device 1.

[0025] In addition, in the illustrated example, the toilet device 1 is shown as a tankless type that is directly connected to the water supply and does not have a flush tank (low tank), but it may also be configured to have a flush tank.

[0026] 1, the toilet device 1 is equipped with a toilet lid open / close detection unit 21, a toilet lid drive unit 22, and a toilet lid operation unit 23 that receives an open / close command from the user to the toilet lid drive unit 22. The toilet device 1 is also equipped with a toilet seat 24, a toilet seat open / close detection unit 25 that detects whether the toilet seat 24 is open or closed, a toilet seat drive unit 26 that opens and closes the toilet seat 24, and a toilet seat operation unit 27 that receives an open / close command to the toilet seat drive unit 26.

[0027] The toilet apparatus 1 also includes a seating detection unit 28a and a human body detection unit 28b. The seating detection unit 28a and the human body detection unit 28b constitute the obstacle detection means 28 described above. The obstacle detection means 28 is a means for detecting a person or object that is blocking the closing operation of the toilet lid 20. Examples of the obstacle detection means 28 include various means for detecting a man (person) urinating in a standing position, urine (object) during urination, a user (person) checking feces in the bowl 12 with the toilet lid 20 open, and cleaning tools (objects) left in the bowl 12.

[0028] Therefore, the obstacle detection means 28 is not limited to the seating detection unit 28a and the human body detection unit 28b, but may include detection units attached to various other locations. Examples of sensors that make up the detection unit of the obstacle detection means 28 include a pyroelectric sensor, a wireless sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a load sensor.

[0029] The seating detection unit 28a detects whether a person is sitting on or standing off the toilet seat 24, and may be, for example, a load sensor that detects whether a person is sitting on or standing off the toilet seat 24 and is built into the toilet seat 24, or an infrared sensor that detects whether a person is sitting on or standing off the toilet seat near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 24. The human body detection unit 28b detects whether a person is present in the toilet room, and may be, for example, a pyroelectric sensor that detects heat emitted by people.

[0030] Furthermore, the toilet lid open / close detector 21 and the toilet seat open / close detector 25 are preferably configured to detect the open / closed state based on the opening angle.

[0031] The toilet lid drive unit 22 and the toilet seat drive unit 26 are each composed of a motor, etc. The toilet lid drive unit 22 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet lid 20 when instructed to do so by the toilet lid operation unit 23, and the toilet seat drive unit 26 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet seat 24 when instructed to do so by the toilet seat operation unit 27, etc.

[0032] In this specification, for both the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24, a state in which they are upright and substantially vertical is referred to as the open state, and a state in which they are tilted substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the opening of the bowl 12 is referred to as the closed state. Note that the closed state of the toilet lid 20 does not have to be limited to the closed state, but may also include the state in which the toilet lid 20 largely blocks the opening of the bowl 12 just before closing during the closing operation. For example, the closed state may be determined when the angle between the toilet lid 20 and the opening of the bowl 12 is less than 5 degrees. Furthermore, instead of defining the closed state of the toilet lid 20 as an angle range, it may also be defined as a predetermined time range after the closing operation begins.

[0033] In this toilet device 1, if the toilet lid 20 and toilet seat 24 are both in the open position when a command to close the toilet lid 20 is given by the toilet lid operating unit 23 or the like, the toilet seat 24 will first perform the closing operation, and after it has closed (stopped in the closed position), the toilet lid 20 will perform the closing operation in conjunction with the closing operation of the toilet seat 24. Note that the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 may also be initiated when the toilet seat 24 reaches the closed state just before closing, similar to the closed state of the toilet lid 20.

[0034] Furthermore, if the toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20 are both in the closed position when an instruction to open the toilet seat 24 is given by the toilet seat operating unit 27 or the like, the toilet lid 20 will open first. After the toilet lid 20 opens (stops in the open position) or when it reaches the open position just before it stops opening, the toilet seat 24 will open in conjunction with the opening of the toilet lid 20.

[0035] The toilet apparatus 1 may further be configured to include various functional devices such as a deodorizing device that deodorizes the inside of the bowl 12, a heating device that warms the toilet seat 24, and a private parts washing device that washes the private parts.

[0036] The toilet apparatus 1 further includes a flushing operation unit 29. This flushing operation unit 29 includes a defecation flush button 29a and a urination flush button 29b that output flushing instructions to the toilet flushing unit 13 via the control unit 5, which will be described later.

[0037] It is desirable that the cleaning operation unit 29 be provided on both the main body operation unit (not shown) and the remote control (not shown). These are provided with operation switches and operation buttons for various operations and settings. An infrared communication remote control is preferably used. It goes without saying that the remote control is provided with a transmitting unit (not shown) and the main body 10 is provided with a receiving unit (not shown).

[0038] The operation of the flush operating unit 29 acts as a flush command means, but the trigger generated by the change in state from sitting to standing, detected by the seating detection unit 28a, also acts as a flush command means. In other words, when a person stands up from the toilet seat 24 while seated, the toilet bowl is flushed instead of operating the flush button.

[0039] Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which a flush command is output by a single flush button, without providing both the stool flush button 29a and the urination flush button 29b. In other words, in this case, the amount of flush water into the bowl 12 is not differentiated between a large volume for stool and a small volume for urination, but is limited to only one type, a large volume for stool.

[0040] Furthermore, the toilet device 1 is equipped with a timer flush setting unit 8. The timer flush setting unit 8 is an operation setting unit for setting timer flushes such as regular toilet flushes and automatic cleaning functions that are executed regardless of the user's defecation or urination. The timer flush is a function that automatically flushes the bowl 12 when the toilet has not been used for a long period of time, such as six hours, or at a set time, and is executed by the control unit 5, timing unit 6, and toilet flushing unit 13 working together.

[0041] For example, automatic cleaning can be performed at a fixed time during the night when the appliance is not used much, such as every 24 hours, or every 6 hours when the appliance is away. Timer cleaning also includes cleaning that will occur 6 hours after the appliance has last been used if it has not been used within that time.

[0042] The timer flush setting unit 8 is used for various settings related to such timer flush timing. Once the timer flush timing is set, flushing will be initiated by the toilet flushing unit 13 when that time arrives or when a predetermined time has elapsed. Flush instructions based on such timer settings are also included as flush instructions by the flush instruction means.

[0043] The toilet apparatus 1 is equipped with a control unit 5 that controls the above-mentioned controlled objects (such as the water supply valve 16 of the toilet flushing unit 13, the toilet lid drive unit 22, and the toilet seat drive unit 26), while also receiving output signals from the flush operation unit 29, the toilet lid open / close detection unit 21, the toilet seat open / close detection unit 25, and the seating detection unit 28a. This control unit 5 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and various programs. The toilet apparatus 1 further comprises a timer unit 6 that counts time for timer flushing, etc., and a power supply unit (not shown).

[0044] The toilet device 1 also includes a notification unit 7 that includes a speaker or other device that notifies the user of device abnormalities, status, and guidance using sound or voice synthesis. The notification unit 7 may also include a display such as an LED instead of or in addition to a sound output device.

[0045] Next, the basic operation of this toilet apparatus 1 will be explained based on the flowcharts in Figures 3 and 4. The operations shown in these flowcharts are the operations performed by the control unit 5 when a flush command is issued by the flush command means.

[0046] In the following explanation of operation, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 and the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 are detected by the various detectors, but the explanation of the operation of these detectors will be omitted. Also, the opening and closing operations of the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are performed by the various drive units, but the explanation of the operation of these drive units will be omitted.

[0047] The operations in Figures 3 and 4 will be explained along the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S113 (see Figure 3) and steps S200 to S208 (see Figure 4). In the following explanation, the operational steps in Figures 3 and 4 will be abbreviated to "SXXX" instead of "Step SXXX".

[0048] When a flush command is received from the flush command means, it is first determined whether the flush command is for a timer flush (S100, S101). If it is not for a timer flush, the notification unit 7 notifies the user with, for example, an electronic beep (N in S101, S102), that a flush command has been received from the flush operation unit 29 or another unit other than a timer flush. Next, it is determined whether the toilet lid 20 is open or closed. If the toilet lid 20 is closed, the bowl 12 is immediately flushed (N in S103, S109). The bowl 12 is also flushed if the toilet lid 20 is open and the user is seated on the toilet seat 24 (Y in S103, Y in S104, S109).

[0049] Although not shown in Figure 3, after the cleaning is completed, the toilet lid 20 opens, and after a certain period of time after it is in the open state, the open toilet lid 20 closes and enters a standby state (the toilet lid 20 is closed).

[0050] This action of opening the toilet lid 20 after flushing is an action that is performed so that the user can check whether any waste remains in the bowl 12 after flushing. In other words, the user does not need to manually open the toilet lid 20 to check the inside of the bowl 12 after flushing.

[0051] Instead of delaying for a certain period of time, the toilet may return to the standby state when the human body detection unit 28b no longer detects a person. Of course, the toilet lid 20 can be closed by the user using the toilet lid operating unit 23, so it is not necessary to automatically return to the standby state.

[0052] On the other hand, if the toilet lid 20 is in the open state and the user is not currently seated on the toilet seat 24, the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 is determined (Y in S103, N in S104, S105). If the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state, the closing operation is then performed, and if the toilet seat 24 is in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is then performed after the toilet seat 24 is in the closed state (S1 05~S 107). The open / closed state of the valve may be determined.

[0053] Once the toilet lid 20 is closed, an electronic beep or other sound different from that used when a flush command is issued is emitted to indicate that the toilet lid 20 is closed, and the bowl 12 is flushed (S107-S109). This notification may be made when the toilet lid 20 is closed just before it closes, or when the toilet lid 20 is completely closed. A notification that a flush will be performed may also be made when the toilet lid 20 is closed after a flush command is issued (N in S103).

[0054] In this way, the above operations are carried out when a flush command is given by the flush operating unit 29 or when an automatic flush command is given by detecting a change in state from sitting to standing. That is, the toilet apparatus 1 is designed to flush with the toilet lid 20 closed as a rule, and if the toilet lid 20 is open when a flush command is given by these flush command means, the toilet lid 20 will close, and after the toilet lid 20 is closed, a sequence operation will be carried out in which a flush operation is carried out by the toilet flushing unit 13. Of course, if the toilet seat 24 is open, the toilet seat 24 will close before the toilet lid 20 is closed.

[0055] On the other hand, if the flush command is based on a timer setting, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if it is closed, an electronic beep or the like is sounded to notify the user that a timer flush will be performed (S100, Y in S101, Y in S110, S111). Next, the flushing operation of the bowl 12 is performed (S112). In this case, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 may be determined instead of the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20.

[0056] Furthermore, if the toilet lid 20 is in the open position (not the closed position), the toilet lid open timer flushing process is executed (N in S110, S113). The process of S113 is as shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. Next, S200 to S208 in Figure 4 will be explained.

[0057] The timer flush process when the toilet lid is open is a process based on whether or not the obstacle detection means 28 detects a person or object near the bowl 12. If no person or object is detected, the timer flush is executed, and if a person or object is detected, the timer flush is canceled. In this example, the timer flush is canceled if the detection of a person or object continues for a certain period of time.

[0058] Specifically, first, a time count is started to measure a certain period of time (S200, S201). If a person or object continues to be detected before the certain period of time has elapsed, timer cleaning is not performed (N in S202, Y in S203, Y in S202, S203). 08) In other words, the timer cleaning is canceled.

[0059] On the other hand, if there is no obstructing person or object from the beginning, or if the state changes from a detected person or object to an undetected person or object within a certain period of time, it is determined that the timer cleaning is possible (N in S202, N in S203).

[0060] Next, the start of timer flushing is notified, the toilet cover 20 is closed, and once the toilet cover 20 is closed, a notification to that effect is given and flushing is carried out (S2 of 03 N, S2 04~ S2 07) In other words, in this case too, the sequence operation of closing the toilet lid 20 and then flushing the toilet is executed. It goes without saying that if the toilet seat 24 is in the open position, the toilet seat 24 will be closed before the toilet lid 20 is closed.

[0061] In this way, even if the toilet lid 20 is open when a timer flush command is issued, if there is no obstacle to the toilet lid 20 closing operation, or if the obstacle is removed within a certain period of time, the timer flush will then be executed. For example, if the toilet lid 20 is left open, or if there is a temporary obstacle caused by a person or object, the timer flush will be executed. In such cases, the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is executed first based on the sequence operation, thereby preventing droplets containing contaminants from inside the bowl 12 from scattering around.

[0062] Of course, if the detection of a person or object continues for a certain period of time, the timer flush is canceled as described above and the toilet lid 20 is not closed, preventing a man from urinating while standing from being obstructed by the toilet lid 20. Also, for example, it is possible to prevent the toilet lid 20 from suddenly closing and flushing due to the timer flush when the user is checking their bowel movements with the toilet lid 20 open.

[0063] 4, as described above, if a person or object is detected during a certain period of time after the timer-set cleaning command is issued, the sequence operation is prohibited. On the other hand, if the person or object detection state changes to a non-detection state during a certain period of time after the timer-set cleaning command is issued, the sequence operation is executed.

[0064] If the detection state of a person or object continues for a certain period of time, , and during its continuation Although timer cleaning (sequence operation) is prohibited, if a person or object is detected at the timing of the cleaning command, Cancel timer cleaning The operation may be such that

[0065] In addition, in the operation of FIG. 4, if the obstacle detection means 28 continues to detect a person or object for a certain period of time, the timer cleaning is canceled, but the timer cleaning may be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cancellation.

[0066] It is desirable to set the above-mentioned certain time period to a time required for men to urinate or check for feces in bowl 12, but it may also be set to be much longer than that time period, for example, 5 to 10 minutes. When monitoring for such a long period of time, if a person or object is not detected within that time period, flushing may be canceled and an abnormality may be notified. This makes it possible to notify people outside the toilet that a person is unable to move inside the toilet room or that cleaning tools have been left in bowl 12.

[0067] Furthermore, when it is determined that a timer flush is possible (after N in S203 in FIG. 4), a check is made to see if a flush was performed immediately before, and if it is detected that a flush was performed immediately before, the timer flush may not be executed. For example, if timer flushing is performed at a fixed time, and a male user urinates while standing, if the urination flush and the timer flush are both completed within the specified time, the urination flush and the timer flush would be consecutive, so the timer flush may not be executed. Note that whether or not a flush was performed immediately before may be determined based on the presence or absence of water flow or software judgment.

[0068] Also, in this embodiment, both the seating detection unit 28a and the human body detection unit 28b are used as obstacle detection means 28 for closing the toilet lid 20, but a seated person may be determined to be blocking the opening of the bowl 12, and flushing may be performed without closing the toilet lid 20. In other words, as in the case of a flush command based on an operation other than a timer flush (operation on the N side of S104 in Figure 3), if the user is sitting on the toilet seat 24 and the timer flush timing arrives, the timer flush may be performed without operating the toilet lid 20.

[0069] The toilet apparatus 1 is not limited to the above and may have other operational modes. The toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20 may also be replaceable as a unit. In particular, the toilet apparatus 3 may be a toilet apparatus 3 to which a toilet seat apparatus 30 as shown in Figure 5 has been added (or replaced).

[0070] The basic configuration of a toilet apparatus 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) and (b). In this embodiment, a movable trap 17A is shown in Figure 5(b), but the present invention can also be applied to toilets with a siphon-type trap 17 (see Figure 2(a)) or other types.

[0071] Specifically, the toilet device 3 comprises a bowl 12, a toilet flushing unit 13 that supplies flushing water to the bowl 12 to flush the inside of the bowl 12, a toilet seat device 30, and a flush operation unit 29 that outputs flushing instructions to the toilet flushing unit 13. The toilet device 3 further comprises a control unit 5, a timing unit 6, an alarm unit 7, and a timer flush setting unit 8.

[0072] The toilet seat device 30 is a separate, detachable unit from the toilet body of the toilet device 3 (portions excluding the toilet seat device 30). The toilet seat device 30 comprises a toilet lid 40, a toilet lid open / close detector 41, a toilet lid drive unit 42, a toilet lid operation unit 43, a toilet seat 44, a toilet seat open / close detector 45, a toilet seat drive unit 46, a toilet seat operation unit 47, an obstacle detection means 48, a bowl flush operation unit 49, a toilet seat-side control unit 35, and an alarm unit 37. The obstacle detection means 48 includes a seating detector 48a and a human body detector 48b, similar to that shown in Figure 1. Signals can be sent and received between the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet body.

[0073] The configuration of the toilet device 3 (toilet body) excluding the toilet seat device 30 is generally the same as that shown in Figure 1, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the toilet seat device 30 includes a toilet lid 40, a toilet lid open / close detection unit 41, a toilet lid drive unit 42, a toilet lid operation unit 43, a toilet seat 44, a toilet seat open / close detection unit 45, a toilet seat drive unit 46, a toilet seat operation unit 47, a seating detection unit 48a, and a human body detection unit 48b, which are generally the same as those shown in Figure 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] The toilet seat device 30 in Figure 5 is configured so that a command to flush the bowl 12 can be output from the toilet seat device 30 to the toilet flushing unit 13. Specifically, when a flushing command is received from the bowl flush operating unit 49, the toilet seat device 30 has the toilet seat-side control unit 35 receive this command, notify the toilet seat body of the flushing command, and control the toilet flushing unit 13 via the toilet body-side control unit 5 to flush the bowl 12. Alternatively, the toilet seat-side control unit 35 may be configured to directly control the toilet flushing unit 13.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the toilet apparatus 3 is configured to include not only the bowl flush operation unit 49 on the toilet seat apparatus 30 side, but also the flush operation unit 29 on the main body side. In other words, the toilet apparatus shown in Figure 5 is configured so that flush commands can be issued using either the flush operation unit 29 or the bowl flush operation unit 49. It is also possible to configure the toilet apparatus 3 so that flush commands can be issued only using the bowl flush operation unit 49, without providing the flush operation unit 29 on the main body side. It is also desirable that the bowl flush operation unit 49 also has a stool flush button and a urination flush button.

[0076] Operation of bowl flush operating unit 49 acts as a bowl flush command means, but a change in state from seated to up, detected by seat detection unit 48a, also acts as a bowl flush command means. In other words, when a person stands up from toilet seat 44 while seated, automatic flushing is performed instead of operating the flush button.

[0077] Furthermore, the flushing command from the toilet body includes a flushing command based on a timer setting, similar to the toilet device 1 shown in Figure 1, and the toilet seat device 30 accepts flushing commands based on a timer setting in addition to flushing commands from the bowl flushing command means and the flushing operation unit 29 of the toilet body.

[0078] When a flush command is received, this toilet apparatus 3 is also capable of performing the operations shown in Figures 3 and 4, just like the toilet apparatus 1 in Figure 1. In other words, when a flush command is received from the bowl flush command means (bowl flush operating unit 49) or the toilet body, the toilet flushing unit 13 will, in principle, flush the bowl 12 with the toilet lid 40 closed. However, as an exception, when a flush command based on a timer setting is received from the toilet body, the operations shown in Figures 3 and 4 are performed.

[0079] As described above, the toilet seat device 30 comprises the toilet seat 44, the toilet lid 40, the toilet lid open / close detection unit 41 that detects whether the toilet lid 40 is open or closed, and the toilet lid drive unit 42 that opens and closes the toilet lid 40. The toilet seat device 30 is also a device that is attached to the toilet body, and is equipped with a bowl flush command means that receives flush commands for the toilet body, and the toilet seat-side control unit 35. When a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means or the toilet body, if the toilet lid 20 is open, the toilet lid drive unit 22 begins closing the toilet lid 20, and after the closed state of the toilet lid 20 is detected, a sequence process is permitted that outputs a flush command to the toilet body.

[0080] When the toilet body receives this flushing command, the toilet body starts flushing the bowl 12. In other words, the sequence processing by the toilet seat device 30 involves the execution of a sequence operation (operation equivalent to the sequence operation shown in Figure 1) by the toilet device 3 (cooperation between the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet body).

[0081] The toilet seat-side control unit 35 is configured to prohibit sequence processing if a person or object is detected by the obstacle detection means 48 at the timing when a flush command is issued according to the timer setting. Note that the prohibition of sequence processing may be conditional on the detection of a person or object continuing for a certain period of time, as in FIG. 4.

[0082] Various notifications, such as notification of flushing instruction timing in the operation of the toilet device 3 and notification of the timing to close the toilet cover 40, may be made by either the notification unit 37 of the toilet seat device 30 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet body.

[0083] The toilet seat device 30 is not limited to the one shown in Fig. 5. For example, the toilet seat device 30 may be configured to include a private parts washing device, or may be configured to include an operating unit (not shown) for the toilet seat that can perform various operations and settings (for example, the private parts washing device). [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1, 3 Toilet equipment 5. Control section 6 Timing section 7. Information Department 8 Timer cleaning setting section 12 bowls 13 Toilet flushing section 20 toilet lid 21 Toilet lid opening / closing detector 22 Toilet lid drive unit 23 Toilet lid operation part 24 toilet seats 25 Toilet seat opening / closing detector 26 Toilet seat drive unit 27 Toilet seat control unit 28 Fault detection methods 28a Sitting detection unit 28b Human body detection unit 29 Cleaning operation unit 30 Toilet seat device 35 Toilet seat side control unit 37 Toilet seat side report Chibe 40 toilet lid 41 Toilet lid opening / closing detector 42 Toilet lid drive unit 43 Toilet lid operation part 44 Toilet Seat 45 Toilet seat opening / closing detector 46 Toilet seat drive unit 47 Toilet seat control unit 48 Fault detection methods 48a Sitting detection unit 48b Human body detection unit 49 Bowl cleaning operation unit

Claims

1. A toilet device comprising a bowl, a toilet flushing unit that supplies flushing water to the bowl to flush the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flush command means that outputs a flush command to the toilet flushing unit, an obstacle detection means that detects people and objects near the bowl, a timer unit, and a control unit, When a flushing command is issued by the flushing command means, if the toilet lid is open, a sequence operation is permitted in which the toilet lid driving unit starts a closing operation of the toilet lid, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, a flushing operation is performed by the toilet bowl flushing unit; The cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means includes a cleaning instruction by timer setting, The control unit A toilet device characterized in that, if a person or object is detected by the obstacle detection means at the time when a flush command is issued by the timer setting, the sequence operation is prohibited while the person or object detection state continues until a certain time has passed from the time when the flush command is issued by the timer setting.

2. In claim 1, The control unit executes the sequence operation when the state changes from a person / object detection state to a non-detection state between the time when the flush command is issued by the timer setting and the time when the certain time has elapsed.

3. In claim 1 or claim 2, The toilet apparatus is characterized in that, when a flush instruction other than the flush instruction set by the timer is received before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit cancels the flush instruction set by the timer.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit cancels the flush command set by the timer if the detection state of a person or object continues until the specified time has elapsed from the time the flush command set by the timer was given.

5. A toilet seat device comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open / close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a bowl flush command means that outputs a flush command to the toilet body, an obstacle detection means that detects people and objects near the toilet body, and a toilet seat side control unit, and is attached to the toilet body, When a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means or the toilet body, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid drive unit starts a closing operation of the toilet lid, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, a sequence process is permitted in which a flush command is output to the toilet body; The cleaning instruction includes a timer-set cleaning instruction, The toilet seat side control unit A toilet seat device characterized in that, if a person or object is detected by the obstacle detection means at the time a flush command is issued by the timer setting, the sequence processing is prohibited while the person or object detection state continues until a certain time has passed from the time a flush command is issued by the timer setting.

6. In claim 5, The toilet seat device is characterized in that the toilet seat side control unit executes the sequence processing when the state changes from a person / object detection state to a non-detection state between the time when a flush command is issued by the timer setting and the time when the certain time has elapsed.

7. In claim 5 or claim 6, The toilet seat device is characterized in that, if a flush instruction other than the flush instruction set by the timer is received before the specified time has elapsed, the toilet seat side control unit cancels the flush instruction set by the timer.

8. In any one of claims 5 to 7, The toilet seat device is characterized in that the toilet seat side control unit cancels the flushing instruction set by the timer if the detection state of a person or object continues until the certain time has elapsed from the time the flushing instruction set by the timer was given.

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