cabinet

Abstract

To provide a cabinet capable of suppressing detection of a human body outside a toilet room while enabling detection of a human body in the toilet room.SOLUTION: A cabinet arranged at a lateral side of a bedpan inside a toilet room comprises a cabinet body having a storage part capable of storing articles therein, and an electric wave sensor installed inside the storage part, and performing detection of a human body in the toilet room by electric waves. In the cabinet, the electric wave sensor is installed so as to make a first reflection rate of electric waves when entering into the cabinet body smaller than a second reflection rate of electric waves when entering into a wall of the toilet room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the present invention generally relate to cabinets. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology has been proposed in the past in which a human body detection sensor installed in the toilet equipment inside the toilet room automatically turns on and off lighting equipment installed in the toilet fixtures, creating a dramatic effect using light inside the toilet room (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The lighting system described above is realized by using a dedicated toilet device equipped with a human body detection sensor. Therefore, for example, in order to install such a lighting system, it is necessary to use a dedicated toilet device, which limits consumer choices.

[0004] Therefore, a technology has been proposed in which a human body detection sensor is installed on the front panel of a toilet cabinet provided at the rear of the toilet device to detect a human body entering the toilet room (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-169901 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-000572 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with this type of conventional technology, when a radio wave sensor is used as a human body detection sensor, radio waves emitted from inside the cabinet body pass through not only the cabinet body but also the walls of the toilet room, which can lead to the detection of a human body not only inside the toilet room but also outside the toilet room. If a human body outside the toilet room is detected, lighting equipment may automatically turn on when the toilet room is not in use, which can cause problems such as increased power consumption.

[0007] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and aims to provide a cabinet that can detect a human body inside the toilet room while suppressing the detection of a human body outside the toilet room. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first invention is a cabinet that is placed inside a toilet room, next to a toilet bowl, and comprises: a cabinet main body having a storage section capable of storing items inside; and a radio wave sensor that is provided inside the storage section and detects a human body in the toilet room using radio waves, wherein the radio wave sensor is provided so that a first reflectivity of the radio waves when incident on the cabinet main body is smaller than a second reflectivity of the radio waves when incident on a wall of the toilet room.

[0009] According to this cabinet, by providing a radio wave sensor so that a first reflectance of radio waves when they enter the cabinet body is smaller than a second reflectance of radio waves when they enter the wall of the toilet room, it is possible to make it easier for radio waves to penetrate the cabinet body when they enter the cabinet body and to make it harder for radio waves to penetrate the wall of the toilet room. This makes it possible to detect a human body inside the toilet room while suppressing detection of a human body outside the toilet room.

[0010] A second invention is a cabinet according to the first invention, characterized in that the first reflectivity is adjustable by a first angle of incidence of the radio waves relative to the cabinet body, and the second reflectivity is adjustable by a second angle of incidence of the radio waves relative to the wall of the toilet room.

[0011] With this cabinet, the first reflectance and the second reflectance can be easily adjusted by adjusting the first incident angle of the radio waves to the cabinet body and the second incident angle of the radio waves to the wall of the toilet room, which makes it easier to both improve the accuracy of detecting a human body inside the toilet room and suppress the detection of a human body outside the toilet room.

[0012] The third invention is a cabinet according to the first or second invention, characterized in that the radio wave sensor is arranged so that, when viewed from above, the toilet seat and the wall of the toilet room located in front of the toilet bowl are in the maximum directional direction of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor.

[0013] With this cabinet, by arranging the radio wave sensor so that the toilet seat is in the direction of maximum directivity of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor, it is possible to detect a user sitting on the toilet seat. Also, by arranging the radio wave sensor so that the wall of the toilet room located in front of the toilet bowl is in the direction of maximum directivity of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor, it is possible to suppress detection of a human body outside the wall of the toilet room located in front of the toilet bowl.

[0014] A fourth invention is the cabinet according to any one of the first to third inventions, characterized in that the first reflectance and the second reflectance are reflectances of p-waves of the radio waves.

[0015] With this cabinet, the first reflectivity and the second reflectivity are set to the reflectivity of p-waves of radio waves, thereby increasing the selectivity ratio between the first reflectivity and the second reflectivity, which makes it easier to improve the accuracy of detecting a human body inside the toilet while also suppressing the detection of a human body outside the toilet.

[0016] A fifth invention is a cabinet according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that the storage section has a first part accessible to the user and a second part inaccessible to the user, and the radio wave sensor is provided inside the second part.

[0017] According to this cabinet, by installing the radio wave sensor inside the second part that is inaccessible to the user, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally changing the installation angle of the radio wave sensor, etc. This makes it possible to prevent a deterioration in the accuracy of detecting a human body in the toilet room due to a change in the installation angle of the radio wave sensor, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, a cabinet is provided that allows detection of a human body inside the toilet room while suppressing detection of a human body outside the toilet room. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a toilet system including a cabinet according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a cabinet according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of a cabinet according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a part of a cabinet according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing S waves and P waves of radio waves. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing an example of changes in reflectance with respect to the angle of incidence of s-waves and p-waves. [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating a toilet system including a cabinet according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modified example of a toilet system including a cabinet according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modified example of a toilet system including a cabinet according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modified example of a toilet system including a cabinet according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modified example of a toilet system including a cabinet according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a toilet system including a cabinet according to an embodiment. 1, the toilet system 500 includes a cabinet 100 and a toilet device 200. The cabinet 100 and the toilet device 200 are provided inside a toilet room TR.

[0021] The toilet room TR has a front wall FW, a rear wall BW, a right wall RW, a left wall LW, and a floor FS. The toilet device 200 is attached to the floor FS, for example. The toilet device 200 may also be attached to the rear wall BW. The toilet device 200 may also be attached to a position away from the floor FS, for example.

[0022] The toilet apparatus 200 has, for example, a toilet bowl 210, a toilet seat 220, and a toilet lid 230. The toilet seat 220 is provided on top of the toilet bowl 210. The toilet lid 230 is provided on top of the toilet bowl 210 so as to cover the toilet seat 220. The toilet seat 220 and the toilet lid 230 are pivotally supported relative to the toilet bowl 210. Figure 1 shows the toilet seat 220 in a lowered state and the toilet lid 230 in a raised state.

[0023] In this specification, the above, below, front, rear, right side, and left side as seen from a user sitting on the toilet seat 220 with their back to the toilet lid 230 will be referred to as "above," "below," "front," "rear," "right side," and "left side," respectively.

[0024] The toilet apparatus 200 may have a heated toilet seat function for warming the toilet seat 220, a private parts washing function for washing the private parts of a user seated on the toilet seat 220, and the like.

[0025] The cabinet 100 is disposed to the side of the toilet bowl 210. The cabinet 100 is attached to, for example, the right wall RW or the left wall LW. In this example, the cabinet 100 is attached to the right wall RW. The cabinet 100 may also be attached to the left wall LW.

[0026] The toilet room TR is provided with a door TD for entering and exiting the toilet room TR. In this example, the door TD is provided on the front wall FW. The door TD may be provided, for example, on a wall (for example, the left wall LW) opposite the wall on which the cabinet 100 of the toilet room TR is provided. In this case, the door TD is provided, for example, in a position that does not overlap with the toilet bowl 210 in the left-right direction.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a cabinet according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a part of the cabinet according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a part of the cabinet according to the embodiment. 2 to 4, the cabinet 100 includes a cabinet body 10 and a radio wave sensor 20. In this example, the cabinet 100 further includes a lighting unit 30, a control unit 40, a hand washing basin 50, and a toilet paper holder 60.

[0028] The cabinet body 10 is in the shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box and has a storage section 11 inside which items can be stored. In this example, the cabinet body 10 extends forward of the toilet bowl 210. In other words, in this example, the front end of the cabinet body 10 is located forward of the front end of the toilet bowl 210. However, the front end of the cabinet body 10 may also be located rearward of the front end of the toilet bowl 210.

[0029] The cabinet body 10 is attached, for example, to the right wall RW or the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. In this example, the cabinet body 10 is attached at a position separated from the floor surface FS of the toilet room TR. In other words, in this example, a space is formed between the cabinet body 10 and the floor surface FS. The cabinet body 10 is a so-called half cabinet. The cabinet body 10 may be placed, for example, on the floor surface FS of the toilet room TR.

[0030] In this example, the cabinet body 10 extends to the rear wall BW. In other words, the rear end of the cabinet body 10 is in contact with the rear wall BW. The rear end of the cabinet body 10 may be located forward of the rear wall BW, or may be located rearward of the rear wall BW. In other words, the cabinet body 10 may be separated from the rear wall BW, or may be embedded in the rear wall BW.

[0031] The storage section 11 has a first section 11a that is accessible to the user and a second section 11b that is inaccessible to the user. In other words, the first section 11a is a section where the user can put items in and take them out, and the second section 11b is a section where the user cannot put items in and take them out.

[0032] The first portion 11a has, for example, a door DR that can be opened and closed on the surface facing the toilet 210. In this example, the door DR is approximately parallel to the right wall RW or the left wall LW of the toilet room TR, and is approximately perpendicular to the floor surface FS of the toilet room TR. The door DR may be inclined with respect to the right wall RW, left wall LW, and floor surface FS of the toilet room TR.

[0033] The door DR is, for example, a push-type door without a handle, and a user can open the door DR by pushing the door DR. In this example, a paper roll holder 60 is provided in the center of the front-to-rear direction of the cabinet body 10, and two doors DR are provided in front of the paper roll holder 60 and one door DR is provided behind the paper roll holder 60. In other words, in this example, two first portions 11a are provided in front of the paper roll holder 60 and one door DR is provided behind the paper roll holder 60.

[0034] The second portion 11b is located behind the first portion 11a, which is located behind the paper roll holder 60. In other words, the second portion 11b is located at the rearmost portion of the storage section 11. The second portion 11b has, for example, a side panel arranged to close the surface facing the toilet bowl 210. In other words, the surface of the second portion 11b facing the toilet bowl 210 is closed by the side panel. For ease of explanation, the side panel arranged on the surface of the second portion 11b facing the toilet bowl 210 is omitted from Figure 2. The second portion 11b is provided as needed and can be omitted. In other words, the storage section 11 does not have to have the second portion 11b.

[0035] For example, when the cabinet body 10 is provided so as to be embedded in the rear wall BW, the second portion 11b of the cabinet body 10 is provided so as to be embedded in the rear wall BW. By embedding the second portion 11b of the cabinet body 10 in the rear wall BW in this manner, the position of the cabinet body 10 in the front-to-rear direction can be adjusted.

[0036] The radio wave sensor 20 detects a human body in the toilet room TR. The radio wave sensor 20 is, for example, a microwave sensor. The radio wave sensor 20 detects, for example, a human body entering and exiting the toilet room TR, and a human body sitting on the toilet seat 220. In the embodiment, the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 can penetrate the cabinet main body 10 and the walls of the toilet room TR. In other words, the cabinet main body 10 and the walls of the toilet room TR are made of a material that can penetrate the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20.

[0037] The radio wave sensor 20 is provided, for example, inside the storage section 11 of the cabinet body 10. The radio wave sensor 20 is provided inside the first section 11a or the second section 11b of the storage section 11 of the cabinet body 10. In this example, the radio wave sensor 20 is provided inside the second section 11b.

[0038] In this way, by providing the radio wave sensor 20 in the second portion 11b that is inaccessible to the user, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally changing the mounting angle of the radio wave sensor 10. This makes it possible to prevent a deterioration in the accuracy of detecting a human body in the toilet room TR due to a change in the mounting angle of the radio wave sensor 10.

[0039] The lighting unit 30 illuminates the interior of the toilet room TR. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this example, the lighting unit 30 is provided at the bottom of the cabinet main body 10 and emits light downward from the cabinet main body 10. This illuminates the floor surface FS, creating a dramatic light effect within the toilet room TR. In this example, the lighting unit 30 is provided in the center of the cabinet main body 10 in the front-to-rear direction, and is located below the paper roll holder 60.

[0040] The position where the lighting unit 30 is provided is not limited to this. The lighting unit 30 may be provided, for example, on the top of the cabinet main body 10. By providing the lighting unit 30 on the top of the cabinet main body 10, it is possible to illuminate the top plate (counter) of the cabinet main body 10. The lighting unit 30 may also be provided, for example, below the hand wash basin 50. By providing the lighting unit 30 below the hand wash basin 50, it is possible to illuminate the area around the hand wash basin 50.

[0041] The light source of the illumination unit 30 is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode). The light source of the illumination unit 30 is not limited to an LED, and may be any light source that can emit visible light.

[0042] The control unit 40 controls the lighting unit 30 based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the radio wave sensor 20 transmits the detection result to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 controls the operation of the lighting unit 30 based on the detection result transmitted from the radio wave sensor 20. In other words, the control unit 40 transmits a control signal to the lighting unit 30 to control the operation of the lighting unit 30.

[0043] In this example, the control unit 40 is provided separately from the radio wave sensor 20, but the control unit 40 may also be provided inside the radio wave sensor 20. The control unit 40 may also transmit a control signal to the radio wave sensor 20 to control the operation of the radio wave sensor 20. For example, the control unit 40 may transmit a signal to the radio wave sensor 20 to forcibly turn off the radio wave sensor 20. In this way, the control unit 40 may not only receive detection results from the radio wave sensor 20, but may also communicate bidirectionally with the radio wave sensor 20.

[0044] For example, when the radio wave sensor 20 detects a human body entering the toilet room TR, the control unit 40 turns on the lighting unit 30. For example, when the radio wave sensor 20 detects human body movement in the toilet room TR, the control unit 40 turns on the lighting unit 30. For example, when the radio wave sensor 20 detects a human body leaving the toilet room TR, the control unit 40 turns off the lighting unit 30. In this case, when the radio wave sensor 20 detects the human body leaving the toilet room TR, the control unit 40 may immediately turn off the lighting unit 30, or the control unit 40 may set a delay time (for example, 90 seconds) and turn off the lighting unit 30 after the delay time.

[0045] For example, the cabinet 100 may further include an operation unit (e.g., a switch or a remote control) for operating the lighting unit 30. In addition to the control based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 20, the control unit 40 may also control the operation of the lighting unit 30 based on, for example, the operation of the operation unit by the user.

[0046] By providing the lighting unit 30 and the control unit 40 in this way, the lighting unit 30 can be controlled by the control unit 40 in the cabinet 100 based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 20. Therefore, a dramatic effect using light can be created in the toilet room TR without using a dedicated toilet device. Note that the control unit 40 may also control the operation of other devices provided in the toilet room TR based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 20.

[0047] The hand wash basin 50 is provided, for example, on the top plate (counter) of the cabinet main body 10. The hand wash basin 50 has a faucet device 51 and a bowl 52. The bowl 52 is provided below the water outlet of the faucet device 51 and receives the water discharged from the faucet device 51. The drainage water from the bowl 52 is discharged, for example, via a drain pipe (not shown) housed inside the cabinet main body 10 to a discharge section (not shown) provided on the wall surface. The hand wash basin 50 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0048] The toilet paper holder 60 holds toilet paper TP. The toilet paper holder 60 is provided so that the toilet paper TP can be taken out toward the toilet bowl 210. The toilet paper holder 60 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0049] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing s-waves and p-waves of radio waves. As shown in Figure 5, radio waves include s-waves and p-waves. The s-waves are components that vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the plane containing the normal NV to the reflecting surface RS and the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves. The p-waves are components that vibrate in a direction parallel to the plane containing the normal NV and the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves. The maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves is the direction in which the strength of the radio waves is greatest within the detection area of ​​the radio wave sensor 20.

[0050] When the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 hit an object (for example, the cabinet body 10 or the wall of the toilet room TR), they are incident at an incident angle θ. At this time, part of the radio waves that hit the object are reflected. The incident angle θ is the angle between the normal NV and the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of changes in reflectance with respect to the incident angle of s-waves and p-waves. As shown in Figure 6, reflectivity Rf changes depending on the incident angle θ of the radio wave. Note that the reflectivity Rf for the incident angle θ of the radio wave differs depending on the material of the object that reflects it. Also, the tendency of change in reflectivity Rf for the incident angle θ differs between s-waves and p-waves.

[0052] The reflectivity Rfs of s-waves increases as the incident angle θ increases, and decreases as the incident angle θ decreases. In other words, the larger the incident angle θ, the more difficult it is for s-waves to transmit, and the smaller the incident angle θ, the more easily they transmit.

[0053] The tendency of change in the reflectivity Rfp of p-waves with respect to the incident angle θ changes at the Brewster angle, which is the angle at which the reflectivity Rfp of p-waves becomes 0. In this example, the Brewster angle is approximately 72 degrees.

[0054] At angles less than the Brewster angle, the reflectance Rfp of p-waves decreases as the incident angle θ increases and increases as the incident angle θ decreases. In other words, at angles less than the Brewster angle, the p-waves become more easily transmitted as the incident angle θ increases and less easily transmitted as the incident angle θ decreases. On the other hand, at angles exceeding the Brewster angle, the reflectance Rfp of p-waves increases as the incident angle θ increases and decreases as the incident angle θ decreases. In other words, at angles exceeding the Brewster angle, the p-waves become less easily transmitted as the incident angle θ increases and more easily transmitted as the incident angle θ decreases.

[0055] In the embodiment, the radio wave sensor 20 is provided so that the first reflectance Rf1 of the radio wave when it enters the cabinet body 10 is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2 of the radio wave when it enters the wall of the toilet room TR.

[0056] In this way, by providing the radio wave sensor 20 so that the first reflectance Rf1 of the radio waves when they enter the cabinet main body 10 is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2 of the radio waves when they enter the wall of the toilet room TR, it is possible to make it easier for the radio waves to penetrate when they enter the cabinet main body 10 and harder for the radio waves to penetrate when they enter the wall of the toilet room TR. This makes it possible to detect a human body inside the toilet room TR while suppressing the detection of a human body outside the toilet room TR.

[0057] The first reflectivity Rf1 can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting a first incident angle θ1 of the radio waves with respect to the cabinet body 10. The first incident angle θ1 is the angle between a first normal NV1 with respect to the first reflecting surface RS1 of the cabinet body 10 and the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 (see FIG. 7). The first incident angle θ1 can be adjusted, for example, by changing the mounting angle of the radio wave sensor 20.

[0058] The second reflectivity Rf2 can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting a second incident angle θ2 of the radio waves with respect to the wall of the toilet room TR. The second incident angle θ2 is the angle between a second normal NV2 with respect to a second reflecting surface RS2 of the wall of the toilet room TR and the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 (see FIG. 7). The second incident angle θ2 can be adjusted, for example, by changing the installation angle of the radio wave sensor 20.

[0059] In this way, the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 can be easily adjusted by adjusting the incident angle θ1 of the radio wave with respect to the cabinet body 10 and the second incident angle θ2 of the radio wave with respect to the wall of the toilet room. This makes it easier to both improve the detection accuracy of a human body inside the toilet room TR and suppress the detection of a human body outside the toilet room TR.

[0060] For convenience of explanation, the material of the cabinet body 10 and the material of the toilet compartment TR are assumed to be the same. Therefore, the dielectric constant of the cabinet body 10 and the dielectric constant of the wall of the toilet compartment TR can be assumed to be the same. In other words, the graph shown in FIG. 6 can be applied to both the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2. In the embodiment, the material of the cabinet body 10 and the material of the toilet compartment TR may be the same or different.

[0061] In the embodiment, the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 are preferably the reflectance Rfp of p-waves. By setting the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 to the reflectance Rfp of p-waves in this way, the selectivity ratio between the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 can be increased. This makes it easier to both improve the detection accuracy of a human body inside the toilet room TR and suppress the detection of a human body outside the toilet room TR.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a toilet system including a cabinet according to the embodiment. 7, in this example, the front wall FW of the toilet room TR is approximately parallel to the rear wall BW, and the right wall RW of the toilet room TR is approximately parallel to the left wall LW. That is, in this example, the toilet room TR is approximately rectangular in top view. Also, in this example, the cabinet body 10 is approximately rectangular in top view.

[0063] The radio wave sensor 20 is provided on the rear side of the cabinet main body 10 and emits radio waves toward the door TD provided on the front wall FW of the toilet room TR. The radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 are incident on a first reflecting surface RS1 of the cabinet main body 10 at a first incident angle θ1, and then incident on a second reflecting surface RS2 of the wall of the toilet room TR, which is part of the front wall FW, at a second incident angle θ2.

[0064] The first reflecting surface RS1 is substantially parallel to the right wall RW and the left wall LW of the toilet room TR, and the second reflecting surface RS2 is substantially parallel to the front wall FW of the toilet room TR.

[0065] In this example, the first incident angle θ1 is 60 degrees, and the second incident angle θ2 is 30 degrees. As shown in Fig. 6, when the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 are the reflectance Rfp of the p-wave, the first reflectance Rf1 when θ = 60 degrees is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2 when θ = 30 degrees.

[0066] In this way, by providing the radio wave sensor 20 so that the first reflectance Rf1 is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2, the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 can easily pass through the reflective surface RS1 of the cabinet main body 10 and can hardly pass through the reflective surface RS2 of the wall of the toilet room TR. This makes it easier to detect a human body inside the toilet room TR and harder to detect a human body outside the toilet room TR.

[0067] In addition, in this example, the radio wave sensor 20 is arranged so that, when viewed from above, the toilet seat 220 and the wall of the toilet room located in front of the toilet bowl 210 (i.e., the front wall FW) are located in the maximum directional direction AX of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20.

[0068] In this way, by arranging the radio wave sensor 20 so that the toilet seat 220 is in the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20, it becomes possible to detect a user sitting on the toilet seat 220. Also, by arranging the radio wave sensor 20 so that the wall FW of the toilet room located in front of the toilet bowl 210 is in the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20, it is possible to suppress detection of a human body outside the wall FW of the toilet room located in front of the toilet bowl 210.

[0069] In the embodiment, the radio wave sensor 20 is preferably provided so that the maximum directivity direction AX of the radio wave sensor is located above the toilet seat 220. By providing the radio wave sensor 20 in such a position, it is possible to prevent the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 from being blocked by the toilet seat 220. This makes it easier to detect a human body in the toilet room TR.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modification of the toilet system including the cabinet according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in this example, the front wall FW of the toilet room TR is approximately parallel to the rear wall BW, and the right wall RW of the toilet room TR is not parallel to the left wall LW. The left wall LW of the toilet room TR is inclined to the right from the rear to the front. That is, in this example, the toilet room TR is approximately trapezoidal in top view. Also, in this example, the cabinet body 10 is approximately rectangular in top view.

[0071] The radio wave sensor 20 is provided on the rear side of the cabinet main body 10 and emits radio waves toward the door TD provided on the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. The radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 are incident on a first reflecting surface RS1 of the cabinet main body 10 at a first incident angle θ1, and then incident on a second reflecting surface RS2 of the wall of the toilet room TR, which is part of the left wall LW, at a second incident angle θ2.

[0072] The first reflecting surface RS1 is approximately parallel to the right wall RW of the toilet room TR, but not parallel to the left wall LW. The second reflecting surface RS2 is approximately parallel to the left wall LW of the toilet room TR, but not parallel to the right wall RW.

[0073] In this example, the first incident angle θ1 is 60 degrees, and the second incident angle θ2 is 40 degrees. As shown in Fig. 6, when the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 are the reflectance Rfp of the p-wave, the first reflectance Rf1 when θ = 60 degrees is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2 when θ = 40 degrees.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modification of the toilet system including the cabinet according to the embodiment. 9, in this example, the toilet room TR has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. Also, in this example, the cabinet main body 10 has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from above.

[0075] The radio wave sensor 20 is provided on the rear side of the cabinet main body 10 and emits radio waves toward the door TD provided on the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. The radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 are incident on a first reflecting surface RS1 of the cabinet main body 10 at a first incident angle θ1, and then incident on a second reflecting surface RS2 of the wall of the toilet room TR, which is part of the left wall LW, at a second incident angle θ2.

[0076] The first reflecting surface RS1 is not parallel to the right wall RW and the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. The first reflecting surface RS1 is inclined leftward from the rear to the front. The second reflecting surface RS2 is approximately parallel to the left wall LW and the right wall RW of the toilet room TR.

[0077] In this example, the first incident angle θ1 is 60 degrees, and the second incident angle θ2 is 40 degrees. As shown in Fig. 6, when the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 are the reflectance Rfp of the p-wave, the first reflectance Rf1 when θ = 60 degrees is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2 when θ = 40 degrees.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 8, in the embodiment, the toilet room TR does not have to be rectangular in top view. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, in the embodiment, the reflective surface RS1 of the cabinet main body 10 does not have to be parallel to the right wall RW and the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. Even in these examples, by providing the radio wave sensor 20 so that the first reflectance Rf1 is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2, it becomes easier to detect a human body inside the toilet room TR and harder to detect a human body outside the toilet room TR.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modification of the toilet system including the cabinet according to the embodiment. 10, in this example, the toilet room TR has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. Also, in this example, the cabinet main body 10 has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from above.

[0080] The radio wave sensor 20 is provided on the rear side of the cabinet main body 10 and emits radio waves toward the door TD provided on the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. The radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 are incident on a first reflecting surface RS1 of the cabinet main body 10 at a first incident angle θ1, and then incident on a second reflecting surface RS2 of the wall of the toilet room TR, which is part of the left wall LW, at a second incident angle θ2.

[0081] The first reflecting surface RS1 is not parallel to the right wall RW and the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. The first reflecting surface RS1 is inclined to the right from the rear to the front. The second reflecting surface RS2 is approximately parallel to the left wall LW and the right wall RW of the toilet room TR.

[0082] In this example, the first incident angle θ1 is 20 degrees, and the second incident angle θ2 is 40 degrees. As shown in Fig. 6, when the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 are the s-wave reflectance Rfs, the first reflectance Rf1 when θ = 20 degrees is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2 when θ = 40 degrees.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically illustrating a modification of the toilet system including the cabinet according to the embodiment. 11, in this example, the toilet room TR has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. Also, in this example, the cabinet main body 10 has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from above.

[0084] The radio wave sensor 20 is provided on the rear side of the cabinet main body 10 and emits radio waves toward the door TD provided on the front wall FW of the toilet room TR. The radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 20 are incident on a first reflecting surface RS1 of the cabinet main body 10 at a first incident angle θ1, and then incident on a second reflecting surface RS2 of the wall of the toilet room TR, which is part of the front wall FW, at a second incident angle θ2.

[0085] The first reflecting surface RS1 is not parallel to the right wall RW and the left wall LW of the toilet room TR. The first reflecting surface RS1 is inclined rightward from the rear to the front. The second reflecting surface RS2 is approximately parallel to the front wall FW of the toilet room TR.

[0086] In this example, the first incident angle θ1 is 20 degrees, and the second incident angle θ2 is 40 degrees. As shown in Fig. 6, when the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 are the s-wave reflectance Rfs, the first reflectance Rf1 when θ = 20 degrees is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2 when θ = 40 degrees.

[0087] 10 and 11, in the embodiments, the first reflectance Rf1 and the second reflectance Rf2 may be the s-wave reflectance Rfs. In these examples, by providing the radio wave sensor 20 so that the first reflectance Rf1 is smaller than the second reflectance Rf2, it becomes easier to detect a human body inside the toilet room TR and harder to detect a human body outside the toilet room TR.

[0088] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, and arrangement of each element of the cabinet are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10 Cabinet body, 20 Radio wave sensor, 30 Lighting unit, 40 Control unit, 50 Hand wash basin, 51 Faucet device, 52 Bowl, 60 Toilet paper holder, 100 Cabinet, 200 Toilet device, 210 Toilet bowl, 220 Toilet seat, 230 Toilet lid, 500 Toilet system, AX Maximum directivity direction, BW Rear wall, DR Door, FS Floor, FW Front wall, LW Left side wall, NV Normal, NV1, NV2 First and second normals, Rf Reflectance, Rf1, Rf2 First and second reflectance, Rfs Reflectance of s waves, Rfp Reflectance of p waves, RS Reflection surface, RS1, RS2 First and second reflection surfaces, RW Right side wall, TD Door, TP Toilet paper, TR Toilet room, θ incident angle, θ1, θ2 first and second incident angles

Claims

1. A cabinet disposed on the side of a toilet bowl inside a toilet room, The cabinet body, a radio wave sensor provided inside the cabinet body for detecting a human body in the toilet room; Equipped with A cabinet characterized in that the radio wave sensor is installed so that a first incident angle of the P wave of the radio wave when it enters the cabinet body and a second incident angle of the P wave of the radio wave when it enters the wall of the toilet room each exceed the Brewster's angle, and the first incident angle is smaller than the second incident angle, thereby suppressing detection of a human body outside the toilet room more than detecting a human body inside the toilet room.

2. A cabinet disposed on the side of a toilet bowl inside a toilet room, The cabinet body, a radio wave sensor provided inside the cabinet body for detecting a human body in the toilet room; Equipped with A cabinet characterized in that the radio wave sensor is installed so that a first incident angle of the P wave of the radio wave when it enters the cabinet body and a second incident angle of the P wave of the radio wave when it enters the wall of the toilet room are each less than Brewster's angle, and the first incident angle is greater than the second incident angle, thereby suppressing detection of a human body outside the toilet room in preference to detection of a human body inside the toilet room.

3. 3. The cabinet according to claim 1, further comprising a lighting unit provided at a lower part of the cabinet body for indirectly illuminating the interior of the toilet room based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor.

4. The cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radio wave sensor is provided inside the cabinet body other than the inside of the cabinet body below the hand wash basin.

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