Remote control device and toilet system

Abstract

To provide a remote control device capable of switching between a state that non-contact operation is prohibited and the state that the non-contact operation is allowed, in use.SOLUTION: A remote control device for performing remote control operation of a toilet device includes an operation part of which the non-contact operation is possible, and a control part for outputting a signal to actuate the toilet device on the basis of the non-control operation of the operation part. The control part has a first mode in which the output of the signal based on the non-contact operation is prohibited, and a second mode in which the output of the signal based on the non-contact operation is allowed. The control part switches from the first mode to the second mode when detecting switching operation in the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to remote control devices and toilet systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Known remote control devices for remotely operating toilet devices include those that operate by detecting the user's hand or other contactless operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, with such remote control devices, it is not possible to prohibit contactless operation, which can make them difficult to use, for example, when cleaning or maintaining the toilet device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-164167 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The aspects of the present invention have been made based on the recognition of such problems, and aim to provide a remote control device and toilet system that can be used by switching between a state in which non-contact operation is prohibited and a state in which non-contact operation is permitted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first invention is a remote control device for remotely operating a toilet device, comprising an operation unit capable of contactless operation and a control unit that outputs a signal to operate the toilet device based on the contactless operation on the operation unit, wherein the control unit has a first mode in which output of the signal based on the contactless operation is prohibited and a second mode in which output of the signal based on the contactless operation is permitted, and wherein the control unit switches from the first mode to the second mode when it detects a switching operation in the first mode.

[0006] This remote control device switches from a first mode in which contactless operation is prohibited to a second mode in which contactless operation is permitted based on a switching operation, so that it can be used by switching between a state in which contactless operation is prohibited (first mode) and a state in which contactless operation is permitted (second mode), making it easy to use.

[0007] The second invention is a remote control device according to the first invention, characterized in that the operating unit detects the non-contact operation in a plurality of detection areas, the plurality of detection areas having a plurality of first detection areas that detect the non-contact operation for executing a function of the toilet device and a plurality of second detection areas that detect the non-contact operation for setting the toilet device, and the distance between two adjacent first detection areas is greater than the distance between two adjacent second detection areas.

[0008] According to this remote control device, the distance between two adjacent first detection areas is greater than the distance between two adjacent second detection areas, thereby reducing the occurrence of false detection in the first detection areas compared to the second detection areas.

[0009] A third invention is a remote control device according to the first or second invention, characterized in that the operating unit detects the non-contact operation in multiple detection areas, the multiple detection areas having a first detection area that detects the non-contact operation for executing a function of the toilet device and a second detection area that detects the non-contact operation for setting the toilet device, and the first detection area is located above the second detection area.

[0010] According to this remote control device, the first detection area is provided above the second detection area, so that the occurrence of false detection in the first detection area can be reduced compared to the second detection area.

[0011] A fourth invention is the remote control device according to the second or third invention, characterized in that the detection sensitivity of the first detection area is higher than the detection sensitivity of the second detection area.

[0012] As described above, this remote control device can improve usability by adjusting the spacing and positional relationship between the first and second detection areas to suppress the occurrence of false detection in the first detection area, while making the detection sensitivity of the first detection area higher than the detection sensitivity of the second detection area.

[0013] A fifth invention is a remote control device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that the operation unit detects the non-contact operation in a plurality of detection areas and has a detection notification unit that notifies the user that the non-contact operation has been detected in the plurality of detection areas, and the detection notification unit notifies the user in a distinguishable manner as to which of the plurality of detection areas the non-contact operation has been detected.

[0014] This remote control device is easy to use, as it clearly notifies which of the multiple detection areas has detected a non-contact operation, allowing the user to easily recognize which detection area has been operated on non-contact.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a toilet system comprising the remote control device of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention and the toilet device.

[0016] This toilet system is easy to use because it includes a remote control device 100 that can be switched between a state in which non-contact operation is prohibited (first mode) and a state in which non-contact operation is permitted (second mode). [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to aspects of the present invention, a remote control device and a toilet system are provided that can be used by switching between a state in which contactless operation is prohibited and a state in which contactless operation is permitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a toilet device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view illustrating a remote control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the remote control device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the toilet device according to the embodiment. 1, the toilet system 500 according to the embodiment includes a remote control device 100 and a toilet device 200. The toilet system 500 is provided inside a toilet room TR.

[0021] The remote control device 100 is provided, for example, on a wall surface WL of the toilet room TR. The remote control device 100 is a remote control device for remotely controlling a toilet device 200 provided inside the toilet room TR. The remote control device 100 transmits a signal for operating the toilet device 200, for example, based on an operation input to the remote control device 100 by a user. When the toilet device 200 receives a signal from the remote control device 100, it operates based on the signal. The remote control device 100 will be described later.

[0022] The toilet device 200 includes, for example, a toilet bowl 210 and a toilet seat unit 220 provided thereon.

[0023] The toilet 210 is a Western-style seated toilet. The toilet 210 has a bowl portion 212. The bowl portion 212 is concave and recessed below the upper surface 210a of the toilet 210. The bowl portion 212 collects waste, urine, and the like excreted by the user. The bowl portion 212 also stores water inside, preventing odors and pests from entering the room through the drain pipe.

[0024] The toilet seat unit 220 has a main body 222, a toilet seat 224, and a toilet lid 226. The toilet seat 224 and the toilet lid 226 are each pivotally supported on the main body 222 so that they can be opened and closed. Figure 1 shows the toilet seat 224 in a closed state and the toilet lid 226 in an open state. When closed, the toilet lid 226 covers the top of the toilet seat 224. The toilet lid 226 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0025] 2, the toilet device 200 (toilet seat unit 220) has, for example, a functional unit 230, a control unit 240, and a communication unit 250. The functional unit 230 is a part that executes the functions of the toilet device 200, and includes, for example, a sanitary washing function unit 232, a toilet seat heating function unit 234, a local drying function unit 236, and a deodorizing function unit 238. However, the functional unit 230 is not limited to these.

[0026] Sanitary washing function unit 232 performs a washing operation to wash the private parts of the human body, such as the buttocks, of a user sitting on toilet seat 224. Sanitary washing function unit 232 has, for example, nozzle 233 that discharges washing water toward the private parts of the human body, a solenoid valve that controls the supply of water to nozzle 233, and a nozzle drive unit that moves nozzle 233 forward and backward.

[0027] The toilet seat heating function unit 234 performs a toilet seat heating operation to heat the seating surface of the toilet seat 224 to an appropriate temperature. The toilet seat heating function unit 234 has, for example, a heater that heats the seating surface of the toilet seat 224.

[0028] The local drying function unit 236 blows warm air onto the "buttocks" and other areas of the user sitting on the toilet seat 224, thereby drying the "buttocks" and other areas that have become wet due to the water discharged from the nozzle 233. The local drying function unit 236 has, for example, a fan and a heater.

[0029] The deodorizing function section 238 sucks in and deodorizes the air inside the bowl section 212. The deodorizing function section 238 includes, for example, a fan and a deodorizing filter.

[0030] Communication unit 250 is a wireless communication device that can receive at least a signal from remote control device 100. Communication unit 250 may be a wireless communication device that can transmit a signal from control unit 240 to remote control device 100. In other words, communication unit 250 may be a wireless communication device that performs one-way communication and receives a signal from remote control device 100, or may be a wireless communication device that performs two-way communication and can transmit and receive signals to and from remote control device 100.

[0031] The functional unit 230 and the communication unit 250 are each electrically connected to the control unit 240. When the communication unit 250 receives a signal from the remote control device 100, it outputs a signal corresponding to the received signal to the control unit 240. The control unit 240 outputs a command signal to the functional unit 230 based on the signal input from the communication unit 250. The functional unit 230 operates based on the command signal input from the control unit 240. Furthermore, the control unit 240 may transmit, for example, information regarding the operating state of the functional unit 230 and human body detection to the remote control device 100 via the communication unit 250.

[0032] In this example, the toilet apparatus 200 has been described as having a toilet bowl 210 and a toilet seat unit 220, but the toilet apparatus 200 remotely controlled by the remote control device 100 is not limited to this. The toilet apparatus 200 remotely controlled by the remote control device 100 may be, for example, a toilet bowl 210, a toilet seat unit 220 with a sanitary washing function (a so-called sanitary washing apparatus), a toilet seat unit 220 without a sanitary washing function (a so-called toilet seat apparatus), or a urinal.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating the remote control device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the remote control device 100 has a case 10, an operation unit 20, a switching unit 25, a control unit 30, a communication unit 40, a mode notification unit 50, a detection notification unit 60, and a human body detection sensor 70.

[0034] Case 10 is a hollow box-like structure having, for example, a front surface 10a located in the front, side surfaces 10b located on the left and right sides, an upper surface 10c located above, and a lower surface 10d located below.

[0035] In this specification, the terms "above," "below," "right side," and "left side" refer to above, below, right side, and left side, respectively, relative to a person standing in front of remote control device 100 and looking at remote control device 100. In this specification, the direction from remote control device 100 toward the person standing in front of remote control device 100 is defined as "forward," and the opposite direction is defined as "rearward."

[0036] The operation unit 20 is an operation input unit capable of both contact and non-contact operation. "Contact operation" is an operation method in which the user performs operation input by touching the operation unit 20. "Non-contact operation" is an operation method in which the user performs operation input without touching the operation unit 20. The operation unit 20 has, for example, a contact operation unit 21 capable of contact operation and a non-contact operation unit 22 capable of non-contact operation.

[0037] The contact operation unit 21 is, for example, a push-button switch that can be pressed to input. The contact operation unit 21 may also be, for example, a touch switch that has a capacitance sensor that detects contact. The contact operation unit 21 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0038] In this example, the touch operation unit 21 has a first switch 21a and a second switch 21b. The first switch 21a is an input unit for executing a function of the toilet device 200 by a touch operation. In other words, the first switch 21a detects a touch operation for executing a function of the toilet device 200. The second switch 21b is an input unit for setting the toilet device 200 by a touch operation. In other words, the second switch 21b detects a touch operation for setting the toilet device 200.

[0039] In this example, a plurality of first switches 21a and a plurality of second switches 21b are provided, but it is sufficient to provide at least one first switch 21a and one second switch 21b. The second switch 21b is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0040] The first switch 21a and the second switch 21b are provided, for example, on the front surface 10a of the case 10. The first switch 21a and the second switch 21b may be provided, for example, on the side surface 10b, top surface 10c, or bottom surface 10d of the case 10. The first switch 21a and the second switch 21b may be provided, for example, on two or more of the front surface 10a, side surface 10b, top surface 10c, and bottom surface 10d. The first switch 21a is provided, for example, on the front surface 10a of the case 10, above the second switch 21b.

[0041] The non-contact operation unit 22 has, for example, a sensor that detects the user's hand or the like. The non-contact operation unit 22 has, for example, a capacitance sensor that detects the approach of the user's hand or the like by a change in capacitance. The non-contact operation unit 22 may also have, for example, a photoelectric sensor that detects the approach of the user's hand or the like by a change in brightness, or a radio wave sensor that detects the approach of the user's hand or the like by emitting radio waves.

[0042] The non-contact operation unit 22 detects non-contact operations in a plurality of detection areas. In this example, the plurality of detection areas include a first detection area 22a and a second detection area 22b. The first detection area 22a functions as an input unit for executing a function of the toilet device 200 by non-contact operation. In other words, the non-contact operation unit 22 detects a non-contact operation for executing a function of the toilet device 200 in the first detection area 22a. The second detection area 22b functions as an input unit for setting the toilet device 200 by non-contact operation. In other words, the non-contact operation unit 22 detects a non-contact operation for setting the toilet device 200 in the second detection area 22b.

[0043] Here, the execution of the functions of the toilet apparatus 200 includes starting and stopping the operation of the functional unit 230 of the toilet apparatus 200. The execution of the functions of the toilet apparatus 200 includes, for example, starting and stopping the discharge of water from the nozzle 233 of the sanitary washing function unit 232, and starting and stopping the drying of the private parts drying function unit 236. Furthermore, the setting of the toilet apparatus 200 includes changing the settings related to the operation of the functional unit 230. The setting of the toilet apparatus 200 includes, for example, setting the temperature and force of the water discharged from the nozzle 233 of the sanitary washing function unit 232, setting the heater output of the toilet seat heating function unit 234, etc.

[0044] The first detection area 22a is provided at a position corresponding to the first switch 21a. For example, the first detection area 22a is provided at a position overlapping the first switch 21a in the front-to-rear direction. This allows a user to perform a contactless operation using the first detection area 22a by placing a hand over the position where the first switch 21a is to be operated. Note that if the first switch 21a is provided on the side surface 10b, the top surface 10c, or the bottom surface 10d of the case 10, the first detection area 22a may also be provided at a position corresponding to the side surface 10b, the top surface 10c, or the bottom surface 10d.

[0045] The second detection area 22b is provided at a position corresponding to the second switch 21b. For example, the second detection area 22b is provided at a position overlapping the second switch 21b in the front-to-rear direction. This allows a user to perform a contactless operation using the second detection area 22b by placing a hand over a position where the second switch 21b is to be operated. Note that if the second switch 21b is provided on the side surface 10b, the top surface 10c, or the bottom surface 10d of the case 10, the second detection area 22b may also be provided at a position corresponding to the side surface 10b, the top surface 10c, or the bottom surface 10d.

[0046] In this example, a plurality of first detection areas 22a corresponding to a plurality of first switches 21a and a plurality of second detection areas 22b corresponding to a plurality of second switches 21b are provided, but it is sufficient that the number of first detection areas 22a and second detection areas 22b provided corresponds to the number of first switches 21a and second switches 21b. Furthermore, if the second switch 21b is omitted, the second detection area 22b can be omitted.

[0047] For example, the first detection area 22a is provided above the second detection area 22b. A user often operates the operation unit 20 of the remote control device 100 from below. Therefore, if a user performs a non-contact operation in the upper detection area, their hand may be positioned in front of the lower detection area, potentially resulting in a false detection in the lower detection area. In other words, when an operation is performed on the operation unit 20 of the remote control device 100 from below, the upper detection area is less likely to result in a false detection than the lower detection area. Therefore, by providing the first detection area 22a above the second detection area 22b, the occurrence of false detection in the first detection area 22a can be reduced compared to the second detection area 22b. By reducing the occurrence of false detection in the first detection area 22a for executing the functions of the toilet device 200 compared to the second detection area 22b for setting the toilet device 200, unintended water discharge from the nozzle 233 can be reduced, improving usability.

[0048] When multiple first detection areas 22a and multiple second detection areas 22b are provided, the interval P1 between two adjacent first detection areas 22a is, for example, larger than the interval P2 between two adjacent second detection areas 22b. The interval P1 is the length of a line connecting the centers of two adjacent first detection areas 22a. The interval P2 is the length of a line connecting the centers of two adjacent second detection areas 22b. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of false detection in the first detection areas 22a compared to the second detection areas 22b.

[0049] The detection sensitivity of the first detection area 22a is higher than the detection sensitivity of the second detection area 22b, for example. As described above, by adjusting the spacing and positional relationship between the first detection area 22a and the second detection area 22b to suppress the occurrence of false detection in the first detection area 22a, and by making the detection sensitivity of the first detection area 22a higher than the detection sensitivity of the second detection area 22b, usability can be improved.

[0050] For example, by making the detection threshold in the first detection region 22a smaller than the detection threshold in the second detection region 22b, the detection sensitivity of the first detection region 22a can be made higher than the detection sensitivity of the second detection region 22b. By making the detection sensitivity of the first detection region 22a higher than the detection sensitivity of the second detection region 22b, the area of ​​the first detection region 22a can be made larger than the area of ​​the second detection region 22b.

[0051] The first detection area 22a and the second detection area 22b are areas that can be detected by a sensor, for example. In the embodiment, a position where a hand can be detected within three seconds is considered to be within the detection area. In other words, in the embodiment, a position where a hand is not detected even if the hand is held over the position for three seconds is considered to be outside the detection area.

[0052] The detection range W1 of the first detection area 22a is, for example, larger than the detection range W2 of the second detection area 22b. The detection range W1 is the width of the first detection area 22a in the left-right direction. The detection range W2 is the width of the second detection area 22b in the left-right direction. The detection range W1 is, for example, not less than 1 mm and not more than 50 mm. The detection range W2 is, for example, not less than 1 mm and not more than 50 mm.

[0053] The detection distance L1 of the first detection area 22a is, for example, greater than the detection distance L2 of the second detection area 22b. The detection distance L1 is the length from the center of the first detection area 22a to the front end of the first detection area 22a. The detection distance L2 is the length from the center of the second detection area 22b to the front end of the second detection area 22b. The detection distance L1 is, for example, not less than 1 mm and not more than 200 mm. The detection distance L2 is, for example, not less than 1 mm and not more than 200 mm.

[0054] The switching unit 25 is used for switching operations to switch modes (first mode and second mode) of the control unit 30, which will be described later. The switching unit 25 is, for example, an input unit that allows contactless operation. The switching unit 25 has, for example, a sensor that detects the user's hand or the like. The switching unit 25 has, for example, an infrared sensor that irradiates infrared rays to detect the approach of the user's hand or the like. The switching unit 25 may also have, for example, a radio wave sensor that irradiates radio waves to detect the approach of the user's hand or the like. The switching unit 25 may also be, for example, an input unit that allows contact operation, such as a push button switch or a touch switch. The switching unit 25 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0055] In this example, the switching unit 25 is provided on the front surface 10a of the case 10. The switching unit 25 may be provided on the side surface 10b, the top surface 10c, or the bottom surface 10d of the case 10, for example.

[0056] In this example, the switching unit 25 is provided below the operating unit 20 on the front surface 10a of the case 10. The switching unit 25 may also be provided above the operating unit 20 on the front surface 10a of the case 10.

[0057] The control unit 30 outputs a signal for operating the toilet device 200 based on an operation input on the operation unit 20. More specifically, the control unit 30 outputs a signal for operating the toilet device 200 based on a contact operation on the contact operation unit 21 or a non-contact operation on the non-contact operation unit 22. The control unit 30 has a first mode and a second mode. The first mode and the second mode are different from each other.

[0058] For example, in the first mode, the control unit 30 outputs a signal based on a touch operation. For example, in the first mode, the control unit 30 is permitted to output a signal based on a touch operation. For example, in the first mode, the control unit 30 accepts an input at the touch operation unit 21. The first mode is, for example, a state in which a touch operation is possible (permitted).

[0059] For example, in the first mode, the control unit 30 is prohibited from outputting a signal based on a non-contact operation. For example, in the first mode, the control unit 30 does not accept an input from the non-contact operation unit 22. In this case, the first mode is, for example, a state in which a non-contact operation is impossible (prohibited).

[0060] When the touch operation unit 21 and the non-touch operation unit 22 are provided, the first mode is a state in which touch operation is permitted and non-touch operation is prohibited. When the touch operation unit 21 is omitted and only the non-touch operation unit 22 is provided, the first mode is a state in which non-touch operation is prohibited.

[0061] For example, in the second mode, the control unit 30 outputs a signal based on a non-contact operation. For example, in the second mode, the control unit 30 is permitted to output a signal based on a non-contact operation. For example, in the second mode, the control unit 30 accepts an input at the non-contact operation unit 22. The second mode is, for example, a state in which a non-contact operation is possible (permitted).

[0062] For example, in the second mode, the control unit 30 is permitted to output a signal based on a touch operation. For example, in the second mode, the control unit 30 accepts an input at the touch operation unit 21. In this case, the second mode is, for example, a state in which a touch operation is possible (permitted).

[0063] For example, in the second mode, the control unit 30 may prohibit output of a signal based on a touch operation. For example, in the second mode, the control unit 30 may not accept input at the touch operation unit 21. In this case, the second mode is, for example, a state in which touch operations are impossible (prohibited).

[0064] When the touch operation unit 21 and the non-touch operation unit 22 are provided, the second mode is a state in which touch operation is prohibited and non-touch operation is permitted, or a state in which both touch operation and non-touch operation are permitted. When the touch operation unit 21 is omitted and only the non-touch operation unit 22 is provided, the second mode is a state in which non-touch operation is permitted.

[0065] If both contact and non-contact operations are permitted in the second mode, it is easier to use than if contact operations were prohibited and non-contact operations were permitted in the second mode.

[0066] The control unit 30 switches between the first mode and the second mode based on, for example, a switching operation. More specifically, when the control unit 30 detects a first switching operation in the first mode, the control unit 30 switches from the first mode to the second mode. When the control unit 30 detects a second switching operation in the second mode, the control unit 30 switches from the second mode to the first mode.

[0067] The first switching operation and the second switching operation may be contact operations or non-contact operations. The first switching operation and the second switching operation may be, for example, non-contact operations on the switching unit 25. The first switching operation and the second switching operation may be, for example, contact operations on the switching unit 25. The first switching operation and the second switching operation may be, for example, contact operations on the contact operation unit 21. The first switching operation and the second switching operation may be, for example, non-contact operations on the non-contact operation unit 22. The second switching operation may be the same as the first switching operation or may be different.

[0068] In this way, based on the first switching operation, the mode is switched from the first mode in which contact operation is possible to the second mode in which non-contact operation is possible, so that it can be switched between a state in which contact operation is possible (first mode) and a state in which non-contact operation is possible (second mode), which is easy to use.

[0069] Furthermore, by switching from the second mode, which allows non-contact operation, to the first mode, which allows contact operation, based on the second switching operation, it is possible to more easily switch between the state in which contact operation is possible (first mode) and the state in which non-contact operation is possible (second mode), which is easy to use.

[0070] Furthermore, based on the first switching operation, the mode switches from the first mode in which non-contact operation is prohibited to the second mode in which non-contact operation is permitted, so that the mode can be switched between the state in which non-contact operation is prohibited (first mode) and the state in which non-contact operation is permitted (second mode), making it easy to use.

[0071] Furthermore, by switching from the second mode in which contactless operation is permitted to the first mode in which contactless operation is prohibited based on the second switching operation, it is possible to more easily switch between the state in which contactless operation is prohibited (first mode) and the state in which contactless operation is permitted (second mode), which is easy to use.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 30 may switch from the second mode to the first mode, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since switching from the first mode to the second mode. That is, the control unit 30 may automatically return to the first mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since starting the second mode. The predetermined time is, for example, at least one minute and not more than ten minutes. The predetermined time is, for example, about five minutes. This allows, for example, even if the previous user has finished using the remote control device 100 without returning it to the first mode, the remote control device 100 can be automatically returned to the first mode before the next user uses it. This prevents the second mode from being unintentionally continued, improving usability.

[0073] Furthermore, when the human body detection sensor 70 does not detect a user in the second mode, the control unit 30 may switch from the second mode to the first mode. That is, the control unit 30 may automatically return to the first mode when the human body detection sensor 70 no longer detects a user. This allows, for example, even if the previous user has finished using the remote control device 100 without returning it to the first mode, the control unit 30 can automatically return to the first mode before the next user uses the remote control device 100. This prevents the second mode from being unintentionally continued, improving usability.

[0074] The communication unit 40 is a wireless communication device that can transmit at least a signal from the control unit 30 to the toilet device 200 (communication unit 250). The communication unit 40 may be a wireless communication device that can receive a signal from the toilet device 200 (communication unit 250). In other words, the communication unit 40 may be a wireless communication device that employs one-way communication to transmit a signal to the toilet device 200 (communication unit 250), or a wireless communication device that employs two-way communication to transmit and receive signals to and from the toilet device 200 (communication unit 250).

[0075] The operation unit 20 (contact operation unit 21 and non-contact operation unit 22) and the communication unit 40 are each electrically connected to the control unit 30. When the operation unit 20 detects an operation input (contact operation and non-contact operation) from the user, it outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 30. When a signal is input from the operation unit 20, the control unit 30 outputs a signal corresponding to the input signal to the communication unit 40. When a signal is input from the control unit 30, the communication unit 40 transmits a signal corresponding to the input signal to the toilet device 200 (communication unit 250). In addition, the control unit 30 may receive, for example, information regarding the operating state of the function unit 230 and human body detection from the toilet device 200 (communication unit 250) via the communication unit 40.

[0076] The mode notification unit 50 notifies information about the mode (first mode and second mode) of the control unit 30. The mode notification unit 50 notifies information about the mode (first mode and second mode) of the control unit 30, for example, by using at least one of light and sound. When notifying by light, the mode notification unit 50 notifies by, for example, lighting, flashing, or changing color. When notifying by sound, the mode notification unit 50 notifies by, for example, outputting voice or buzzer sound. More specifically, when the control unit 30 switches from the first mode to the second mode, for example, the mode notification unit 50 notifies that the second mode has started. For example, the mode notification unit 50 may continue to notify until the second mode ends, or may stop notifying when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second mode started.

[0077] The mode notification unit 50 has, for example, a lighting unit. The mode notification unit 50 lights up, for example, when the control unit 30 switches from the first mode to the second mode. The mode notification unit 50 turns off, for example, when the control unit 30 switches from the second mode to the first mode. This allows the user to easily recognize whether the device is in the first mode or the second mode, making it easy to use.

[0078] In this example, the mode indicator 50 is provided on the front surface 10a of the case 10. The mode indicator 50 may be provided on, for example, the side surface 10b, the top surface 10c, or the bottom surface 10d of the case 10. The mode indicator 50 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0079] The detection notification unit 60 notifies that a non-touch operation has been detected in the first detection area 22a or the second detection area 22b. The detection notification unit 60 notifies that a non-touch operation has been detected, for example, by using at least one of light and sound. The detection notification unit 60 notifies, for example, in a distinguishable manner, in which of the multiple detection areas the non-touch operation has been detected.

[0080] The detection notification unit 60 has, for example, illumination units provided at positions corresponding to the first switch 21a and the second switch 21b. For example, when a non-contact operation is detected in one of the first detection areas 22a, the detection notification unit 60 causes the illumination unit to illuminate the first switch 21a corresponding to the first detection area 22a. Furthermore, when a non-contact operation is detected in another one of the first detection areas 22a, the detection notification unit 60 causes the illumination unit to illuminate the other one of the first switch 21a corresponding to the first detection area 22a. This allows the detection notification unit 60 to clearly indicate in which detection area a non-contact operation was detected. Therefore, the user can easily recognize which detection area the non-contact operation was performed in, improving usability. The detection notification unit 60 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0081] The human body detection sensor 70 is, for example, a sensor that detects a user using the remote control device 100. The human body detection sensor 70 detects, for example, a user who is near the remote control device 100. The human body detection sensor 70 is, for example, a pyroelectric sensor. The human body detection sensor 70 may be, for example, a radio wave sensor, an infrared sensor, or a capacitance sensor. The human body detection sensor 70 is, for example, provided separately from the non-contact operation unit 22 and the switching unit 25. In this case, the human body detection sensor 70 is, for example, provided in a part other than the operation unit 20 and the switching unit 25.

[0082] Furthermore, a sensor provided in the non-contact operation unit 22 or the switching unit 25 may be used as the human body detection sensor 70. In this case, for example, the threshold value for functioning as the human body detection sensor 70 is set to a value smaller than the threshold value for functioning as the non-contact operation unit 22 or the switching unit 25.

[0083] The human body detection sensor 70 is electrically connected to the control unit 30. The human body detection sensor 70 outputs the detection result to the control unit 30. The human body detection sensor 70 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

[0084] The human body detection sensor 70 may be provided in the toilet device 200 instead of the remote control device 100. In this case, the human body detection sensor 70 is, for example, a sensor that detects a user using the toilet device 200. In this case, the human body detection sensor 70 detects, for example, a user near the toilet device 200. In this case, the human body detection sensor 70 may be, for example, a sensor that detects a user approaching and leaving the toilet device 200, or a sensor that detects a user sitting on and leaving the toilet seat 224. For example, a radio wave sensor or an infrared sensor is used as the sensor that detects a user approaching and leaving the toilet device 200. For example, a capacitance sensor is used as the sensor that detects a user sitting on and leaving the toilet seat 224. When the human body detection sensor 70 is provided in the toilet device 200, the control unit 30 receives the detection result of the human body detection sensor 70 from the toilet device 200 (communication unit 250), for example, via the communication unit 40.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the remote control device according to the embodiment. 7, in the first mode (step S101), the control unit 30 determines whether or not a first switching operation is detected (step S102). The control unit 30 repeats step S102 until the first switching operation is detected (step S102: No).

[0086] When the first switching operation is detected (step S102: Yes), the control unit 30 switches from the first mode to the second mode (step S103). When the first mode is switched to the second mode, the control unit 30 causes the mode notification unit 50 to start notifying that the second mode has started (step S104).

[0087] When the notification is started, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the second switching operation is detected (step S105). When the second switching operation is detected (step S105: Yes), the control unit 30 switches from the second mode to the first mode (step S106). When the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit 30 stops the notification by the mode notification unit 50 (step S107).

[0088] If the second switching operation is not detected (step S105: No), the control unit 30 determines whether the human body detection sensor 70 detects a user (step S108). If the human body detection sensor 70 does not detect a user (step S108: Yes), the control unit 30 switches from the second mode to the first mode (step S106) and stops the notification by the mode notification unit 50 (step S107).

[0089] If the human body detection sensor 70 detects a user (step S108: No), the control unit 30 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the first mode was switched to the second mode (step S109). If the predetermined time has elapsed since the first mode was switched to the second mode (step S109: Yes), the control unit 30 switches from the second mode to the first mode (step S106) and stops the notification by the mode notification unit 50 (step S107).

[0090] If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the first mode was switched to the second mode (step S109: No), the control unit 30 returns to step S105. That is, the control unit 30 repeats steps S105, S108, and S109 until the predetermined time has elapsed since the first mode was switched to the second mode.

[0091] As a result, even if the second switching operation is not performed, when the human body detection sensor 70 no longer detects the user or when a predetermined time has elapsed since switching from the first mode to the second mode, the mode can be automatically returned to the first mode. Therefore, unintentional continuation of the second mode can be prevented, improving usability.

[0092] As described above, according to the embodiments, a remote control device and a toilet system are provided that can be used by switching between a state in which contactless operation is prohibited and a state in which contactless operation is permitted.

[0093] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the remote control device and toilet system are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10 cases 10a Front part 10b Side part 10c Top part 10d Bottom part 20 Control section 21 Touch operation part 21a First Switch 21b Second switch 22 Non-contact operation part 22a First detection area 22b Second detection area 25 Switching section 30 Control Unit 40 Communications Department 50 Mode notification section 60 Detection and notification unit 70 Human body detection sensor 100 Remote control device 200 Toilet equipment 210 Toilet 210a top side 212 Bowl section 220 Toilet seat unit 222 Main body 224 toilet seat 226 Toilet lid 230 Functional Section 232 Sanitary cleaning function unit 233 Nozzle 234 Toilet seat heating function unit 236 Local drying function section 238 Deodorizing function part 240 Control Unit 250 Communications Department 500 Toilet System TR Toilet Room WL wall

Claims

1. A remote control device for remotely operating a toilet device, An operation unit that allows non-contact operation; a control unit that outputs a signal for operating the toilet device based on the non-contact operation of the operation unit; a switching unit that detects a switching operation for switching a mode of the control unit; Equipped with The control unit a first mode in which output of the signal based on the non-contact operation is prohibited; a second mode in which output of the signal based on the non-contact operation is permitted; and The remote control device is characterized in that, when the switching unit detects a switching operation in the first mode, the control unit switches from the first mode to the second mode.

2. the operation unit detects the non-contact operation in a plurality of detection areas, The plurality of detection regions include: a plurality of first detection areas that detect the non-contact operation for executing a function of the toilet device; a plurality of second detection areas configured to detect the non-contact operation for setting the toilet device; and 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between two adjacent first detection areas is greater than the distance between two adjacent second detection areas.

3. the operation unit detects the non-contact operation in a plurality of detection areas, The plurality of detection regions include: a first detection area that detects the non-contact operation for executing a function of the toilet device; a second detection area for detecting the non-contact operation for setting the toilet device; and 3. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein the first detection area is provided above the second detection area.

4. 4. The remote control device according to claim 2, wherein the first detection area has a higher detection sensitivity than the second detection area.

5. the operation unit includes a detection / notification unit that detects the non-contact operation in a plurality of detection areas and notifies the user that the non-contact operation has been detected in the plurality of detection areas; The remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the detection notification unit notifies in a distinguishable manner which of the plurality of detection areas in which the non-contact operation has been detected.

6. A remote control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; the toilet device; A toilet system comprising:

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