Toilet bowl and toilet seat devices

Abstract

To provide a toilet device notifying a user of the start of closing operation of a toilet lid by timer cleaning, and a toilet seat device.SOLUTION: When a toilet lid 20 is open despite cleaning instruction by cleaning instruction means, a toilet device is permitted to perform such a sequence operation that a toilet lid drive unit 22 starts closing operation of the toilet lid, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, the cleaning operation is performed by a toilet cleaning unit 13. The cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means includes cleaning instruction by timer setting. When the toilet lid is open despite cleaning instruction by the cleaning instruction means, a control unit 5 notifies a notification unit 7 that the sequence operation is performed according to the timer setting before the sequence action is performed.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 a flushing operation unit is operated or when the toilet seat is left when the user defecates or urinates, 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, for example, automatic cleaning (flushing) that is performed at a predetermined timing if the toilet has not been flushed for 24 hours.

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

[0007] However, there are cases where the timing of such timer flushes overlaps with the user's use of the toilet, which can cause inconvenience. For example, if a male urinates while standing and the timer flush occurs at the same time, especially if the timer flush occurs while the male is urinating, the closing of the toilet lid due to the sequence operation may interrupt the urination, causing urine to splash onto the toilet lid or floor.

[0008] The present invention was proposed in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a toilet bowl device and toilet seat device that notifies the person using the device that the toilet lid closing operation due to timer flushing has begun. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned 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 flushing instruction means that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing unit, a timing unit, an alarm unit, and a control unit, wherein when a flushing instruction is given by the flushing instruction means, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid drive unit starts the toilet lid closing operation, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, a sequence operation is allowed in which a flushing operation is performed by the toilet flushing unit, the flushing instruction by the flushing instruction means includes a flushing instruction based on a timer setting, and the control unit causes the alarm unit to notify the user that the sequence operation based on the timer setting will be performed before the sequence operation is performed if the toilet lid is open when the flushing instruction is given by the timer setting.

[0010] The toilet seat device of the present invention is characterized in that it 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 instruction means that outputs a flush instruction to the toilet body, a toilet seat-side notification unit, and a toilet seat-side control unit, and is attached to the toilet body, and when a flush instruction is given by the bowl flush instruction means or the toilet body, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid drive unit starts the toilet lid closing operation, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, a sequence process is allowed to output a flush instruction to the toilet body, and the flush instruction by the bowl flush instruction means or the toilet body includes a flush instruction based on a timer setting, and when the flush instruction based on the timer setting is given, if the toilet lid is open, the toilet seat-side control unit notifies the toilet seat-side notification unit or the notification unit of the toilet body that the sequence process based on the timer setting will be performed before the sequence process is executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Since the toilet bowl device and toilet seat device of the present invention are each configured as described above, it is possible to notify the person using the device that the toilet lid closing operation by timer flushing will begin. [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 an example of the operation of the toilet device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the toilet apparatus of FIG. [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 apparatuses 1 and 3 described below are designed to flush the bowl 12 with the toilet lid 20, 40 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, 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 sequence operation is executed in which the toilet flushing unit 13 performs a flush. In the case of a timer-set flush command, the toilet apparatuses 1 and 3 are configured to have the alarm unit 7 or toilet seat-side alarm unit 37 notify the user that the timer-set sequence operation will be performed before the sequence operation is executed.

[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 selectively performing the 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, a timing unit 6, an alarm unit 7, and a control unit 5. Here, the flush instruction means includes flush instructions issued by the user's flushing operation, automatic flush instructions based on the user's leaving the seat, and also automatic flush instructions based on a timer setting.

[0016] In this toilet device 1, if the toilet lid 20 is open when a flushing command is issued by the flushing command means, the toilet lid drive unit 22 starts closing the toilet lid 20, and after detecting that the toilet lid 20 is closed, a sequence operation is allowed in which the toilet flushing unit 13 performs a flushing operation. There are several basic actions to be taken when a cleaning command is issued.

[0017] In the example of operation shown in Figure 3, when a flushing command is issued by the timer setting and the toilet lid 20 is open, the toilet lid drive unit 22 will start closing the toilet lid 20 after a predetermined time has elapsed after an alarm is issued by the alarm unit 7.

[0018] In the operation example illustrated in FIG. 4, the notification unit 7 issues a sequence notification when a sequence operation is executed, and when a cleaning instruction is given based on a timer setting, the notification before the sequence operation is a notification (alarm) of a different type from the sequence notification.

[0019] By performing any of the above operations, even if the timer-set flushing is performed at the same time as the person using the toilet, the notification unit 7 will notify the person using the toilet in advance that the timer-set sequence operation will be performed. Therefore, the person using the toilet can take action to avoid contact with the toilet lid 20 before the toilet lid 20 closing operation begins. Next, the detailed configuration, structure and basic operation of the toilet device 1 will be described.

[0020] Figures 1 to 4 are explanatory diagrams of the toilet apparatus 1. As mentioned above, Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of one example of operation of the toilet apparatus 1, and Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of another example of operation. Note that Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic side views showing the interior of toilet apparatus 1 in two forms with different flushing methods (structures), and either method may be used.

[0021] 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 toilet body 10 of this toilet device 1 is built so that the bowl 12, which opens upward, is surrounded by a skirt part 11, and above the bowl 12, it is provided with a toilet seat 24 and a toilet lid 20, which can be raised and lowered relative to the opening of the bowl 12 and each of which can rotate.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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, a toilet seat operation unit 27 that receives an open / close command to the toilet seat drive unit 26, and is also equipped with a seating detection unit 28.

[0029] The seating detection unit 28 may be, for example, a load sensor that is built into the toilet seat 24 and detects whether the user is sitting or leaving the seat, or an infrared sensor that detects whether the user is sitting or leaving the seat near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 24. The toilet lid open / close detection unit 21 and the toilet seat open / close detection unit 25 may be configured to detect the open / closed state based on the opening angle.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In this specification, the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are referred to as being in an open state when they are upright and substantially vertical, and as being in a closed state when they are tilted substantially horizontally and substantially parallel to the opening of the bowl 12. The toilet lid 20 may be in a closed state if it is closed to an angle that covers the opening of the bowl 12. For example, if the toilet lid 20 is closed to a slight angle, such as less than 2 degrees or less than 5 degrees, with respect to the top surface of the bowl 12, the toilet lid 20 will cover the opening of the bowl 12, thereby reducing the risk of droplets being scattered around the toilet body 10 even when flushing of the bowl 12 is initiated. The toilet seat 24 may also be in a closed state in a similar manner. The toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 may also be closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the closing operation.

[0032] In this toilet device 1, if the toilet lid 20 and toilet seat 24 are both in the open position when an instruction 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. Also, 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 first perform the opening operation, and after it has opened (stopped in the open position), the toilet seat 24 will perform the opening operation in conjunction with the opening operation of the toilet lid 20.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] It is desirable that the flushing 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 type is preferably used as the remote control. It goes without saying that the remote control is provided with a transmitting unit (not shown) and the toilet main body 10 is provided with a receiving unit (not shown).

[0036] The operation of the flush operating unit 29 acts as a flush instruction means, but the change in state from seated to up, detected by the seat detection unit 28, also acts as a flush instruction means. In other words, when a person stands up from the toilet seat 24 while seated, an automatic flush is performed instead of operating the flush button.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 performed regardless of the user's defecation or urination. The timer flush is a function that cleans the bowl 12 when the toilet has not been used for an extended period of time, and regular cleaning is performed through cooperation between the control unit 5, timing unit 6, and toilet flushing unit 13.

[0039] For example, automatic cleaning can be performed at regular intervals during the night when the appliance is not used much, such as every 24 hours, or every 6 hours when the appliance is not in use. Timer cleaning also includes a system that will clean the appliance after 6 hours if the appliance has not been used for 6 hours since the last time it was used.

[0040] The timer flush setting unit 8 is used for various settings related to such flush timing. Once the flush timing is set, flushing will be initiated by the toilet flushing unit 13 at that time or after a predetermined time has elapsed. Flush instructions based on such timer settings are also included as flush instructions by the flush instruction means.

[0041] The toilet device 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 28. This control unit 5 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and various programs. The toilet device 1 also has a timer unit 6 that operates by timer flushing, etc., and a power supply unit (not shown).

[0042] 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.

[0043] Next, examples of the operation of this toilet apparatus 1 will be described based on the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4. All of these operations are performed by the control unit 5 when a flush command is issued by the flush command means.

[0044] The toilet device 1 may be configured to perform the operations shown in Figures 3 and 4 when a flushing command is received, but the settings for the toilet device 1 may be changed so that either operation is performed.

[0045] 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.

[0046] First, the operation of Fig. 3 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S116. In the following explanation, the operation steps of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 will be abbreviated to "SXXX" with only the reference numeral, instead of being written as "Step SXXX".

[0047] When a flush command is received from the flush command means, it is first determined whether the flush command is due to a timer setting (timer flush), and if it is not a timer flush, the notification unit 7 notifies the user that a flush command has been received (S100, N in S101, S102). This notification by the notification unit 7 is performed, for example, by an electronic beep. Next, it is determined whether the toilet lid 20 is open or closed, and if it is closed, the bowl 12 is flushed (N in S103, S109). Furthermore, even if the toilet lid 20 is open, if the user is seated on the toilet seat 24, the bowl 12 is flushed (Y in S103, Y in S104, S109).

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] Instead of delaying for a certain period of time, the toilet may return to the standby state when the motion sensor 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.

[0051] If the toilet lid 20 is open and the user is not 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 closed, the toilet lid 20 is closed thereafter, or if the toilet seat 24 is open, the closing operation is performed after the toilet seat 24 is closed, and then the toilet lid 20 is closed (S106, S107). Then, once the toilet lid 20 is closed, the notification unit 7 notifies the user of this with an electronic beep or other sound different from the notification in S102, and then flushing is performed (S108, S109). Note that this notification may be made when the toilet lid 20 is almost closed, just before it is fully closed, or when it is completely closed. The notification unit 7 may also notify the user that flushing will be performed. In other words, in this case, the notification unit 7 will also notify when the toilet lid 20 is closed (N in S103) after the flushing command is issued.

[0052] In this way, the above operations are carried out when a flush command is issued by the flush operation unit 29 or when an automatic flush command is issued upon detection of a change in state from seated to up. That is, the toilet apparatus 1 is designed to flush with the toilet lid 20 in the closed position as a rule, and if the toilet lid 20 is open when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the toilet lid 20 is closed. Then, after the closed state of the toilet lid 20 is detected, a sequence operation is 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 is closed before the toilet lid 20 is closed.

[0053] 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 the toilet lid 20 is closed, flushing is immediately performed (Y in S101, N in S110, S116). If the flush command is based on a timer setting and the toilet lid 20 is open, the alarm unit 7 notifies the user that the timer-set sequence will be performed before the sequence is performed (Y in S101, Y in S110, S111). This notification is performed by the alarm unit 7 using, for example, an electronic beep. After the notification by the alarm unit 7, the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 is determined after a predetermined time has passed, and if the toilet seat 24 is closed, the closing operation is performed after that, or if the toilet seat 24 is open, the closing operation is performed after the toilet seat 24 is closed, and then the closing operation of the toilet lid 20 is performed (S112-S115). If the toilet lid 20 is closed, flushing is performed (S116). The predetermined delay provided after the notification by the notification unit 7 may be from a few seconds to about 10 seconds.

[0054] In this way, if the flush command is based on a timer setting, a predetermined delay is provided after the notification by the notification unit 7. The person using the toilet can be notified by the notification by the notification unit 7 that it is time for a timer flush, and can easily avoid contact with the toilet lid 20 before the toilet lid 20 begins closing. Furthermore, even if a timer flush coincides with a male attempting to urinate while standing, the notification unit 7 will notify the person before the sequence operation is executed. Therefore, a male attempting to urinate while standing can avoid urine splashing around the area due to the toilet lid 20 attempting to close. Furthermore, because the flush is executed after the toilet lid 20 is closed, splashing of droplets containing contaminants around the toilet body 10 is suppressed.

[0055] Although not shown in Figure 3, even if the flush command is set by a timer and the toilet lid 20 is open, if the person is sitting on the toilet seat 24, flushing may be performed after a notification by the notification unit 7. Also, even if the flush command is set by a timer, if the person is sitting on the toilet seat 24, flushing may be performed without a notification by the notification unit 7, assuming that the toilet lid 20 is closed.

[0056] Also, although not shown in FIG. 3, if the toilet lid 20 is in the open position when a flush command is issued via the timer setting, the operation may be configured to monitor the toilet lid 20 for a change to the closed position during a predetermined delay after the alarm is issued by the alarm unit 7. In this case, if the toilet lid 20 is closed during the delay, flushing should be initiated immediately. If the toilet lid 20 remains open after the delay, the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 is determined, and if the toilet seat 24 is closed, the toilet seat 24 is closed, or if the toilet seat 24 is open, the toilet seat 24 is closed, and then the toilet lid 20 is closed. If the toilet lid 20 is closed, flushing is initiated.

[0057] Next, the operation of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in steps S200 to S215.

[0058] When a flush command is received from the flush command means, it is first determined whether the flush command is due to a timer setting (timer flush), and if it is not a timer flush, an alarm is issued by the alarm unit 7 (S200, N in S201, S202). This alarm by the alarm unit 7 is a sequence alarm issued when a sequence operation is being performed, and the sequence alarm is issued, for example, by an electronic beep sound. Next, the open / closed state of the toilet lid 20 is determined, and if it is closed, the bowl 12 is flushed (N in S203, S209). Even if the toilet lid 20 is open, if the toilet seat 24 is being seated, the bowl 12 is flushed (Y in S203, Y in S204, S209).

[0059] Although not shown in Figure 4, after the flushing 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] Instead of delaying for a certain period of time, the toilet may return to the standby state when the motion sensor 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.

[0062] If the toilet lid 20 is open and the user is not seated on the toilet seat 24, the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 is determined (Y in S203, N in S204, S205). If the toilet seat 24 is closed, the toilet lid 20 is closed (S206, S207). If the toilet seat 24 is open, the closing operation is performed after the toilet seat 24 is closed, or if the toilet seat 24 is open, the closing operation is performed after the toilet seat 24 is closed (S206, S207). If the toilet lid 20 is closed, the alarm unit 7 notifies the user with an electronic beep or other sound (sequence alarm) that the toilet lid 20 has been closed as a result of the execution of the sequence operation, and then flushing is performed (S208, S209). Note that this notification may be made when the toilet lid 20 is almost closed, just before it is fully closed, or when the toilet lid 20 is completely closed. A notification that flushing will be performed (sequence alarm) may also be made. In other words, in this case, the notification is also given when the toilet lid 20 is closed (N in S203) after the flush command is issued.

[0063] In this way, the above operations are carried out when a flush command is issued by the flush operation unit 29 or when an automatic flush command is issued upon detection of a change in state from seated to up. In other words, the toilet apparatus 1 is premised on flushing with the toilet lid 20 in the closed position, and if the toilet lid 20 is open when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the toilet lid 20 will close. Then, after the closed state of the toilet lid 20 is detected, a sequence operation is carried out in which a flushing 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 closes.

[0064] 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 the toilet lid 20 is closed, flushing is performed immediately (Y in S201, N in S210, S215). If the flush command is based on a timer setting and the toilet lid 20 is open, before the sequence operation is performed, the notification unit 7 issues a notification (alarm) that the sequence operation based on the timer setting will be performed (Y in S201, Y in S210, S211). This alarm is issued by the notification unit 7 with an electronic sound such as "beep beep beep" whose sound output pattern and duration differ from those of the sequence alarm. After the alarm is issued by the notification unit 7, the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 is determined, and if the toilet seat 24 is closed, the closing operation is performed thereafter, or if the toilet seat 24 is open, the closing operation is performed after the toilet seat 24 has reached the closed state (S212-S214). When the toilet lid 20 is closed, flushing is performed (S215).

[0065] Thus, if the flush command is based on a timer setting, the alarm unit 7 issues a different alarm (alarm) from the sequence alarm. The alarm, which is different from the sequence alarm, notifies the user in advance that the timer flush will begin closing the toilet lid 20, allowing the user to easily avoid contact with the toilet lid 20. Even if a timer flush coincides with a male user attempting to urinate while standing, the alarm unit 7 issues an alarm before the sequence operation is executed. Therefore, a male user attempting to urinate while standing can avoid urine from splashing around the toilet lid 20 as it closes. Furthermore, because flushing is executed after the toilet lid 20 is closed, splashing of droplets containing contaminants around the toilet body 10 is suppressed. It is desirable that the alarm (alarm) from the alarm unit 7, which is different from the sequence alarm, be executed for a period of several seconds to approximately 10 seconds to act as a delay until the toilet lid 20 closes. A warning period of several seconds to approximately 10 seconds allows the user to easily avoid contact with the toilet lid 20.

[0066] Although not shown in Figure 4, even if the flush command is set by a timer and the toilet lid 20 is open, if the person is sitting on the toilet seat 24, flushing may be performed after a notification (alarm) is issued by the notification unit 7. Also, even if the flush command is set by a timer, if the person is sitting on the toilet seat 24, flushing may be performed without a notification (alarm) being issued by the notification unit 7, assuming that the toilet lid 20 is closed.

[0067] Although not shown in FIG. 4 , if the toilet lid 20 is open when a flush command is issued via the timer setting, a predetermined delay may be provided after the alarm issued by the alarm unit 7. Alternatively, the operation may be configured to monitor whether the toilet lid 20 has changed to a closed state during this delay. In this case, flushing may be initiated immediately if the toilet lid 20 is closed during the delay. If the toilet lid 20 remains open after the delay, the open / closed state of the toilet seat 24 is determined. If the toilet seat 24 is closed, the toilet seat 24 is closed, and if the toilet seat 24 is open, the toilet seat 24 is closed. After the toilet seat 24 is closed, the toilet lid 20 is closed. Once the toilet lid 20 is closed, flushing is initiated. In this operation mode, a delay is provided after the alarm, making it easy for users to avoid contact with the toilet lid 20 in advance. Furthermore, because a delay is provided after the alarm in this operation mode, the alarm time does not need to be several seconds to approximately 10 seconds, which would serve as a delay.

[0068] Furthermore, while the alarm shown in FIG. 4 is an electronic sound with a different sound type from the sequence notification, this is not limiting. The alarm may be a synthesized voice such as "Timer flushing will begin." The alarm may also be a light output rather than a sound output, such as a lit or flashing LED, or a message displayed on a display. Furthermore, the alarm may be a combination of the above-mentioned synthesized voice and light output in addition to an electronic sound with the same or different sound type as the sequence notification. The alarm may also be a sound with a different pitch or volume, without changing the sound output pattern or sound output time from the electronic sound of the sequence notification, such as "beep" or "beep beep." Note that it is sufficient for these alarms to be heard by people within the toilet space, and they do not need to be transmitted to people outside the toilet space.

[0069] 3 and 4 are merely examples, and other operational modes may be used. For example, the flush command may be based on a timer setting, the toilet lid 20 may be in the open position, and after the toilet lid 20 is closed, the closed position of the toilet lid 20 is detected and then an alert or warning is issued by the alert unit 7. Also, in the above explanation, when it is determined that both the toilet lid 20 and the toilet seat 24 are in the open position, the toilet seat 24 is closed first, and then the toilet lid 20 is closed. However, the toilet lid 20 may be closed in conjunction with the toilet seat 24 closing.

[0070] Furthermore, the toilet apparatus 1 is not limited to the above, and may be one in which the toilet seat 24 and toilet lid 20 are replaceable as a single unit. In particular, it may be a toilet apparatus 3 to which a toilet seat apparatus 30 as shown in Figure 5 has been retrofitted (or replaced). The basic structure of a toilet apparatus 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) and (b). Note that in this embodiment, a movable trap 17A is shown as an example in Figure 5(b), but the present invention can also be applied to toilets in which the toilet body has 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 (portions excluding the toilet seat device 30) of the toilet device 3. The toilet seat device 30 is equipped with 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 48, a bowl flush operation unit 49, a toilet seat side control unit 35, and a toilet seat side notification unit 37. 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 detailed explanation will be omitted. In addition, the toilet seat device 30 includes 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, and a seating detector 48, which are generally the same as those shown in Figure 1, so explanations 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 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 48, 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 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 operation unit 49) or the toilet body, the toilet flushing unit 13 will, in principle, flush the bowl 12 after detecting that the toilet lid 40 is closed. Then, 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 equipped with a bowl flush command means that outputs a flush command to the toilet body, a toilet seat-side notification unit 37, and a toilet seat-side control unit 35, and is a device that is attached to the toilet body. When a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means or the toilet body, and the toilet lid 40 is open, the toilet seat device 30 starts the toilet lid drive unit 42 to close the toilet lid 40. After the toilet seat device 30 detects that the toilet lid 40 is closed, a sequence process is permitted in which a flush command is output 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 flush command from the bowl flush command means or the toilet body includes a timer-set flush command. When a timer-set flush command is received and the toilet lid 40 is open, the toilet seat-side control unit 35 causes the toilet seat-side notification unit 37 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet body to notify the user that the timer-set sequence process will be executed before the sequence process is executed.

[0082] Furthermore, if the toilet lid 40 is open when a flush command is issued by the timer setting, the toilet lid drive unit 42 may start closing the toilet lid 40 after a predetermined time has elapsed after the toilet seat notification unit 37 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet body has notified the toilet. In other words, this operation corresponds to that shown in Figure 3.

[0083] Furthermore, the toilet seat notification unit 37 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet bowl body may issue a sequence notification when the sequence process is being executed, and the notification before the sequence process when a flush command is issued based on the timer setting may be a notification in a different form from the sequence notification. In other words, this operation corresponds to that shown in Figure 4.

[0084] Various notifications, such as notifications of flush command timing in the operation of the toilet apparatus 3 and notifications of sequence operations by timer flushing, may be made by either the toilet seat-side notification unit 37 of the toilet seat apparatus 30 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet body. Furthermore, notifications (alarms) other than sequence notifications when sequence processing is executed or sequence notifications by timer flushing may be made by either the toilet seat-side notification unit 37 of the toilet seat apparatus 30 or the notification unit 7 of the toilet body. Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 5, the toilet seat apparatus 30 may be equipped with a timing unit. In that case, various times may be measured by either the timing unit of the toilet seat apparatus 30 or the timing unit 6 of the toilet body.

[0085] The toilet seat device 30 is not limited to that shown in Figure 5. For example, the toilet seat device 30 may be configured to include a private parts washing device, or may be configured to include a toilet seat operating unit (not shown) that can perform various operations and settings (for example, the private parts washing device). [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1,3 Toilet equipment 5. Control section 6 Timing section 7. Information Department 8 Timer setting section 12 bowls 13 Toilet flushing section 20 toilet lid 21 Toilet lid opening / closing detector 22 Toilet lid drive unit 24 toilet seats 29 Cleaning operation unit 30 Toilet seat device 35 Toilet seat side control unit 37 Toilet seat side alarm unit 40 toilet lid 41 Toilet lid opening / closing detector 42 Toilet lid drive unit 44 Toilet Seat 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 instruction means that outputs a flush instruction to the toilet flushing unit, a timing unit, an alarm 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 when a flushing command is given based on the timer setting and the toilet lid is open, the notification unit notifies the user that the sequence operation based on the timer setting will be performed before the sequence operation is performed.

2. In claim 1, A toilet device characterized in that when a flushing command is given by the timer setting and the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid driving unit starts the toilet lid closing operation after a predetermined time has elapsed after the alarm unit issues an alarm.

3. In claim 1 or claim 2, the notification unit performs a sequence notification when the sequence operation is executed, The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification before the sequence operation when a flush command is issued by the timer setting is a notification in a manner different from the sequence notification.

4. 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 unit that outputs a flush command to the toilet body, a toilet seat side notification unit, 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 closing the toilet lid, and after the closed state of the toilet lid is detected, a sequence process is permitted to output a flush command to the toilet body; The flush instruction issued by the bowl flush instruction means or the toilet body includes a flush instruction based on a timer setting, The toilet seat side control unit A toilet seat device characterized in that when a flushing command is issued based on the timer setting and the toilet lid is open, the toilet seat side notification unit or the notification unit of the toilet bowl body notifies the user that the sequence processing based on the timer setting will be executed before the sequence processing is executed.

5. In claim 4, This toilet seat device is characterized in that when a flushing command is given by the timer setting and the toilet lid is open, the toilet lid closing operation is initiated by the toilet lid drive unit after a predetermined time has elapsed after an alarm is issued by the toilet seat side alarm unit or the alarm unit of the toilet bowl body.

6. In claim 4 or claim 5, the toilet seat-side notification unit or the notification unit of the toilet bowl body issues a sequence notification when the sequence processing is being executed; The toilet seat apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification before the sequence processing when a flush command is issued by the timer setting is a notification in a manner different from the sequence notification.

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