Portable toilet

Abstract

To reduce the possibility that a user will accidentally release the fixation of an armrest.SOLUTION: A portable toilet includes armrests 40, support members 50 that support the armrests 40 in a vertically movable manner, first buttons 45 provided on the armrests 40, second buttons 46 provided on the armrests 40, and locking mechanisms 60 that fix the armrests 40 immovably to the support members 50 or release the fixation so that the armrests can move in a vertical direction. The locking mechanisms 60 are configured to release the fixation of the armrests 40 when both the first buttons 45 and the second buttons 46 are pressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable toilet.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a portable toilet for nursing care. The portable toilet disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an armrest having a height adjustment mechanism. In the height adjustment mechanism of the armrest disclosed in Patent Document 1, the height of the armrest can be changed by inserting or removing a protruding or retracting convex portion provided on the support portion of the armrest into any of a plurality of pin holes. In the portable toilet disclosed in Patent Document 1, a button capable of retracting the convex portion is provided on the upper surface of the armrest. When the user presses the button, the convex portion comes out of the pin hole, and the armrest becomes movable in the vertical direction.

[0003] The armrest of the portable toilet described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a cover that exposes and closes the button by sliding.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The cover disclosed in Patent Document 1 is considered to prevent the user from accidentally pressing the button and the armrest from unintentionally lowering. However, for example, if the user tries to stand up while holding the armrest without closing the button with the cover, there is a risk that the button will be accidentally pressed. It is desirable to reduce such a possibility of misoperation.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to provide a portable toilet that can reduce the risk of the user accidentally releasing the armrests. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The portable toilet disclosed herein comprises an armrest, a support member that supports the armrest so as to be movable in the vertical direction, a first button provided on the armrest, a second button provided on the armrest, and a locking mechanism that fixes the armrest immovably to the support member or releases it so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The locking mechanism is configured to release the armrest when both the first button and the second button are pressed.

[0008] According to the portable toilet described above, the armrest is not released from its attachment to the support member unless both the first and second buttons are pressed. Therefore, the risk of the user accidentally releasing the armrest is reduced.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the portable toilet of the present invention, the locking mechanism comprises a fixing part and a restricting part. The fixing part is connected to the first button and, when the first button is pressed, releases the armrest from the support member so that it can move vertically, and when the first button is released, fixes the armrest from the support member so that it cannot move. The restricting part is connected to the second button and, when the second button is released, restricts the movement of the first button so that it cannot be pressed, and when the second button is pressed, releases the restriction on the movement of the first button.

[0010] According to the portable toilet described above, a mechanism can be easily implemented in which the armrests are released by pressing both the first and second buttons.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the portable toilet of the present invention, the first button is provided so as to be exposed on a first surface, which is one outer surface of the armrest. The second button is provided so as to be exposed on a second surface, which is the other outer surface of the armrest and the back surface of the first surface, and is positioned so as to overlap the first button when viewed from the opposite side.

[0012] According to the portable toilet described above, the user can easily press both the first and second buttons by gripping the armrests with their hands.

[0013] According to one preferred embodiment of the portable toilet described above, the first surface is the upper or lower surface of the armrest, and the second surface is the lower or upper surface of the armrest.

[0014] According to the portable toilet described above, one of the two buttons, the first and second, is exposed on the upper surface of the armrest, making it easy to press. The other button is exposed on the lower surface of the armrest, making it less likely to be pressed accidentally. Therefore, the risk of the user accidentally releasing the armrest is further reduced, and it becomes easier to press both the first and second buttons simultaneously.

[0015] According to one preferred embodiment of the portable toilet described above, when the button exposed on the upper surface of the armrest is designated as the upper button among the first and second buttons, the upper button is positioned so as to be recessed below the upper surface of the armrest or flush with the upper surface of the armrest.

[0016] According to the portable toilet described above, the risk of accidentally pressing the upper button is reduced, which further reduces the risk of the user accidentally releasing the armrests.

[0017] According to one preferred embodiment of the portable toilet described above, when the button exposed on the lower surface of the armrest among the first and second buttons is designated as the lower button, the lower button protrudes below the lower surface of the armrest.

[0018] According to the above portable toilet, it is possible to easily press the lower button which is relatively difficult to see.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the portable toilet disclosed herein, it is possible to reduce the risk that the user accidentally releases the fixation of the armrest.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a portable toilet according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the portable toilet with the lid removed. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the armrest, armrest adjuster, and lock mechanism. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the armrest portion when the lower button is not pressed. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the armrest portion when the lower button is pressed. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the armrest portion when the upper button is pressed. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the armrest support column when the lock pin is retracted.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Also, members and parts having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping explanations are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0022] [Configuration of the Portable Toilet] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the portable toilet 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the portable toilet 100 with the lid 25 removed. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, front, back, left, right, up, and down of the portable toilet 100 refer to the directions front, back, left, right, up, and down as seen from the perspective of a user using the portable toilet 100 and sitting on the toilet seat 20 described later. Also, in the drawings, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D indicate the front, back, left, right, up, and down of the portable toilet 100, respectively. However, these directions are merely defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the installation configuration of the portable toilet 100 or the present invention in any way.

[0023] The portable toilet 100 is a toilet primarily used by elderly and disabled individuals, and is suitable for use in caregiving. Furthermore, the portable toilet 100 is not a toilet fixed to the floor, but a movable toilet. As shown in Figure 1, the portable toilet 100 comprises a seat 10, a bucket 12 (see Figure 2), legs 15, a toilet seat 20 (see Figure 2), a lid 25, a backrest 30, and a pair of armrests 40. Suitable main materials for the portable toilet 100 include, for example, ABS resin, polypropylene resin, polyester resin, and polyvinyl chloride resin. Each component is integrally molded, for example, by injection molding. However, the materials and manufacturing methods of the portable toilet 100 are not limited to those described above.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the seat portion 10 is formed in a box shape and opens upwards. The bucket 12 is a container into which waste products such as urine and feces from the user of the portable toilet 100 are discharged. The bucket 12 is attached to the inside of the seat portion 10 through the opening of the seat portion 10 and opens upwards. The bucket 12 is configured to be detachably attached to the seat portion 10 from above and below.

[0025] The legs 15 support the seat 10. The legs 15 indirectly support the bucket 12 via the seat 10. The legs 15 extend downward from the underside of the seat 10. In this embodiment, there are four legs 15. The legs 15 are located on the left front, left rear, right front, and right rear of the seat 10. Note that the right rear leg 15 is not shown in Figures 1 and 2. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the legs 15 are configured to allow adjustment of the length extending downward from the seat 10. By adjusting the length of the legs 15 extending downward from the seat 10, the height of the seat 10 (in other words, the toilet seat 20) can be adjusted to suit the user's physique.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the toilet seat 20 is the part on which the user sits with their buttocks. The toilet seat 20 is positioned on the upper surface of the seat portion 10. Here, the toilet seat 20 is attached to the seat portion 10 so as to be rotatable around the rear of the seat portion 10. The toilet seat 20 is configured to be rotatable forward and backward. When the toilet seat 20 is rotated forward, it can be positioned on the upper surface of the seat portion 10 and horizontally. At this time, the toilet seat 20 is positioned above the bucket 12, so the user can sit on the toilet seat 20 and discharge waste into the bucket 12. On the other hand, when the toilet seat 20 is rotated backward, it can be raised at the rear of the seat portion 10. At this time, the inside of the seat portion 10 can be opened upward. Therefore, by raising the toilet seat 20, the bucket 12 can be removed upward from the seat portion 10. Also, by raising the toilet seat 20, the bucket 12 can be attached to the seat portion 10 from above.

[0027] The lid 25 shown in Figure 1 covers the bucket 12 from above. The lid 25 is detachably attached to the seat 10 so as to be rotatable around the rear of the seat 10. In this embodiment, the lid 25 is configured to be foldable, but it does not have to be folded. In Figure 2, the lid 25 is removed, but it may be placed below the backrest 30 in a folded state. By rotating the lid 25 forward and unfolding it, the toilet seat 20 and bucket 12 can be covered by the lid 25, as shown in Figure 1. By rotating the lid 25 backward and folding it, the toilet seat 20 and bucket 12 are opened. This allows the user to sit on the toilet seat 20.

[0028] The backrest 30 is for the user to lean against when sitting on the toilet seat 20. As shown in Figure 2, the backrest 30 comprises a pair of left and right backrest supports 31 and a backrest section 32. The backrest supports 31 extend upward from the seat 10. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the left backrest support 31 extends upward from the upper surface of the left rear of the seat 10. The right backrest support 31 extends upward from the upper surface of the right rear of the seat 10. The backrest section 32 is spanned between the pair of left and right backrest supports 31. For example, a cushioning foamed soft resin may be used on the surface of the backrest section 32 and the toilet seat 20.

[0029] The armrests 40 are for the user to rest their elbows on while sitting on the toilet seat 20. The armrests 40 also serve as a support for the user to place their hands on and lean their weight on when standing up from the toilet seat 20. As shown in Figure 2, the left and right armrests 40 are positioned on the left and right sides of the toilet seat 20, respectively. The armrests 40 are configured to be height-adjustable relative to the seat 10. The armrests 40 are also configured to be fixed at the adjusted height so that they do not lower, for example, when the user places their hands on them. In this embodiment, the left and right armrests 40 are configured similarly, except that they are staggered. Therefore, the left armrest 40 will be described below, and the description of the right armrest 40 will be omitted.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the armrest 40 comprises an armrest portion 41 on which the user rests their elbow, and a pair of front and rear armrest supports 42 that support the armrest portion 41. The armrest portion 41 extends in the front-rear direction. The armrest portion 41 is formed in a flat shape and has a certain width in the left-right direction. The upper surface 41U of the armrest portion 41 is one of the outer surfaces of the armrest 40 and extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The lower surface 41D, which is the back surface of the upper surface 41U, is also one of the outer surfaces of the armrest 40 and extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The armrest supports 42 are connected to the lower surface 41D of the armrest portion 41 and extend downward. The armrest supports 42 are configured in a substantially cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction. The rear armrest support 42 is connected near the rear end of the armrest portion 41. The front armrest support 42 is connected slightly forward of the center of the armrest portion 41. The armrest portion 41 protrudes forward beyond the front armrest support column 42. A gap is formed between the rear end of the armrest portion 41 and the front end of the backrest support column 31 to prevent the user from pinching their fingers. This gap is formed regardless of where the armrest 40 is moved within its height adjustment range.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest 40, the armrest adjuster 50, and the locking mechanism 60. As shown in Figure 3, the portable toilet 100 includes an armrest adjuster 50 that supports the armrest 40 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and a locking mechanism 60 that fixes the armrest 40 to the armrest adjuster 50 so as to be immovable, or releases it so as to be movable in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the armrest portion 41 and the armrest support column 42 are formed hollow, and the locking mechanism 60 is provided in the internal space of the armrest portion 41 and the armrest support column 42. The components such as the armrest adjuster 50 and the armrest support column 42 are each formed by integral molding of a resin such as ABS resin, polypropylene resin, polyester resin, or polyvinyl chloride resin. However, the materials and manufacturing methods of each component are not limited to those described above.

[0032] The armrest adjuster 50 is an example of a support member that supports the armrest 40 so that it can move vertically. The armrest adjuster 50 has a pair of cylindrical parts 51 into which a pair of armrest support columns 42 are inserted. The armrest 40 moves vertically as the armrest support columns 42 slide vertically along the inner surface of the cylindrical part 51. The portion between the pair of cylindrical parts 51 is formed in the shape of a downwardly recessed arc so that the user's fingers are not pinched even when the armrest 40 is adjusted to the lowest height (0 mm height relative to the seat 10). The cylindrical part 51 is provided with a plurality of adjustment holes 52 into which the lock pins 65 (described later) of the lock mechanism 60 are inserted. The plurality of adjustment holes 52 each penetrate the cylindrical part 51 horizontally (in this case, in the front-to-back direction) and are arranged vertically. The adjustment holes 52 of the front cylindrical part 51 are provided on the front wall of the cylindrical part 51. The adjustment hole 52 of the rear cylindrical portion 51 is provided in the rear wall of the cylindrical portion 51. By inserting a lock pin 65 into one of the adjustment holes 52, the vertical position of the armrest 40 relative to the armrest adjuster 50 is determined. At the same time, the armrest 40 is fixed to the armrest adjuster 50. Details of this will be described later. The armrest adjuster 50 may be integrally configured with the seat portion 10, or it may be configured to be detachable from the seat portion 10.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the armrest 40 is provided with two buttons, an upper button 45 and a lower button 46, for fixing and releasing the armrest 40 from the armrest adjuster 50. The upper button 45 and the lower button 46 are located in the internal space of the armrest section 41. Specifically, the upper button 45 and the lower button 46 are located in the internal space of the armrest section 41, between the front armrest support 42 and the rear armrest support 42, and in the middle section.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the upper button 45 is provided so as to be exposed on the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40. A through hole 41a is formed in the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40 to expose the upper button 45. The through hole 41a penetrates the wall portion (the cover of the armrest portion 41) that constitutes the upper surface 41U in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the upper button 45 is positioned flush with the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40. However, the upper button 45 may be positioned so as to be recessed below the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40. It is preferable that the upper button 45 does not protrude above the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40.

[0035] The lower button 46 is positioned so as to be exposed on the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40. A through hole 41b is formed in the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40 to expose the lower button 46. Here, the lower button 46 protrudes below the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40. As shown in Figure 3, the lower button 46 is positioned vertically alongside the upper button 45. In a plan view, the lower button 46 is positioned to overlap with the upper button 45 (however, the left-right direction is not shown). The front-back and left-right positions of the lower button 46 are aligned with those of the upper button 45.

[0036] The locking mechanism 60 of the portable toilet 100 according to this embodiment is configured to release the lock on the armrest 40 when both the upper button 45 and the lower button 46 are pressed. The locking mechanism 60 does not release the lock on the armrest 40 from the armrest adjuster 50 if only one of the upper button 45 or the lower button 46 is pressed. Specifically, the locking mechanism 60 includes a restricting part 60A and a fixing part 60B. The restricting part 60A is connected to the lower button 46 and restricts the movement of the upper button 45 so that it cannot be pressed when the lower button 46 is released (not pressed). The restricting part 60A also releases the restriction on the movement of the upper button 45 when the lower button 46 is pressed. The fixing part 60B is connected to the upper button 45 and releases the lock on the armrest 40 from the armrest adjuster 50 so that it can move up and down when the upper button 45 is pressed. Furthermore, when the upper button 45 is released, the fixing part 60B fixes the armrest 40 to the armrest adjuster 50 in a way that prevents movement. With this configuration, the locking between the armrest adjuster 50 and the armrest 40 will not be released unless both the upper button 45 and the lower button 46 are pressed. The detailed configuration of the locking mechanism 60 will be described below.

[0037] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the armrest 41. Figure 4 shows the armrest 41 in a state where the lower button 46 is not pressed. As shown in Figure 4, the regulating part 60A comprises a pair of upper button stoppers 61 and a pair of stopper springs 62. The pair of upper button stoppers 61 are positioned in front of and behind the lower button 46, respectively. The front stopper spring 62 biases the front upper button stopper 61 toward the lower button 46, in this case, toward the rear. The rear stopper spring 62 biases the rear upper button stopper 61 toward the lower button 46, in this case, toward the front.

[0038] The lower button 46 has a button body 46a that is pressed by the user and a pair of inclined surfaces 46b. The pair of inclined surfaces 46b are provided in front of and behind the button body 46a. The front inclined surface 46b slopes upward toward the rear. The rear inclined surface 46b slopes upward toward the front. The pair of upper button stoppers 61 each have an inclined surface 61a that abuts against the inclined surface 46b of the lower button 46. The inclined surface 61a of the front upper button stopper 61 abuts against the front inclined surface 46b of the lower button 46. The inclined surface 61a of the front upper button stopper 61 slopes upward toward the rear to correspond to the front inclined surface 46b of the lower button 46. The inclined surface 61a of the rear upper button stopper 61 abuts against the rear inclined surface 46b of the lower button 46. The inclined surface 61a of the rear upper button stopper 61 is sloped upward toward the front, corresponding to the rear inclined surface 46b of the lower button 46.

[0039] When not pressed by the user, as shown in Figure 4, the lower button 46 is biased downward by the biasing force of the stopper spring 62 transmitted through the inclined surfaces 61a and 46b of the upper button stopper 61, and by the biasing force of the upper button spring 63, which will be described later.

[0040] Each of the pair of upper button stoppers 61 is equipped with a receiving portion 61b that restricts the movement of the upper button 45 when the lower button 46 is not pressed. The receiving portion 61b is located at the upper corners that are closer to the lower button 46 (the rear upper corner for the front upper button stopper 61, and the front upper corner for the rear upper button stopper 61). As shown in Figure 4, when the lower button 46 is not pressed, the receiving portion 61b is located below the upper button 45 (more specifically, the projection 45b of the upper button 45, which will be described later). In this state, even if the upper button 45 is pressed, the projection 45b abuts against the receiving portion 61b, so the upper button 45 does not move downward.

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest 41 with the lower button 46 pressed. As shown in Figure 5, when the lower button 46 is pressed, the pair of upper button stoppers 61 receive the force pressing on the lower button 46 via the inclined surface 46b of the lower button 46, and each moves away from the lower button 46. Specifically, the front upper button stopper 61 moves forward, and the rear upper button stopper 61 moves backward. As a result, the receiving portion 61b of the upper button stopper 61 moves from below the projection 45b of the upper button 45. This prevents the receiving portion 61b from hitting the projection 45b, making it possible to push the upper button 45 downward.

[0042] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest 41 with the upper button 45 pressed. As shown in Figure 6, the upper button 45 comprises a button body 45a pressed by the user, a projection 45b, and a pair of arms 45c extending forward and backward from the button body 45a. The projection 45b is a component that contacts the upper button stopper 61 when the upper button 45 is pressed while the lower button 46 is not pressed. The upper button stopper 61 can only contact the projection 45b of the upper button 45. As shown in Figure 6, the arms 45c are configured to pass to the side of the upper button stopper 61. Therefore, when the lower button 46 is pressed, the receiving portion 61b of the upper button stopper 61 moves from below the projection 45b, making it possible to push the upper button 45 downward.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, a pair of front and rear arms 45c extend forward and backward from the button body 45a, respectively. The fixing part 60B includes an upper button spring 63, upper button supports 64 connected to the tips of the pair of arms 45c, a pair of lock pins 65, and a pair of lock pin springs 66. The upper button spring 63 biases the upper button 45 upward. The upper button spring 63 is positioned between the upper button 45 and the lower button 46. This prevents the upper button 45 from moving downward due to its own weight and the weight of the connected parts, even when the lower button 46 is pressed and the restriction on the movement of the upper button 45 is released. The upper button 45 moves downward only when the lower button 46 is pushed up and pressed by the user.

[0044] The upper button support 64 is inserted into the internal space of the armrest support 42 of the armrest 40. The upper button support 64 comprises a connecting portion 64a connected to the arm 45c, a rod portion 64b extending in the vertical direction, and a cut surface 64c provided at its lower end. The connecting portion 64a is provided at the upper end of the upper button support 64 and is connected to the tip of the arm 45c. The rod portion 64b is the middle portion of the upper button support 64 in the vertical direction. The cut surface 64c is the lower end of the upper button support 64 which is cut at an angle. The cut surface 64c is inclined upward in the direction away from the adjustment hole 52 in the front-rear direction. Here, the cut surface 64c of the front upper button support 64 is inclined upward toward the rear. The cut surface 64c of the rear upper button support 64 is inclined upward toward the front.

[0045] The lock pin 65 is located below the upper button post 64. As shown in Figure 3, the lock pin 65 comprises a pin portion 65a and a cut surface 65b (see also Figure 7). The pin portion 65a is the part that is inserted into and removed from the adjustment hole 52 of the armrest adjuster 50. The pin portion 65a extends horizontally, in this case in the front-to-back direction. The cut surface 65b is provided at the upper end of the lock pin 65. The cut surface 65b is a surface cut at an angle to correspond to the cut surface 64c of the upper button post 64. The cut surface 65b is in contact with the cut surface 64c of the upper button post 64.

[0046] The lock pin spring 66 biases the lock pin 65 toward the adjustment hole 52 of the armrest adjuster 50. Due to the biasing force of the lock pin spring 66, when the upper button 45 is not pressed, the pin portion 65a protrudes further toward the adjustment hole 52 of the armrest adjuster 50 than the upper button support 64 and is maintained in a state of being inserted into the adjustment hole 52.

[0047] When the upper button 45 is pressed, the lock pin 65 retracts inward relative to the upper button support 64, against the biasing force of the lock pin spring 66. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest support 42 in the retracted state. As shown in Figure 7, when the upper button 45 (see Figure 3) is pressed and moves downward, the upper button support 64 connected to the upper button 45 moves downward. This causes the lock pin 65 to move in a direction that allows it to be removed from the adjustment hole 52 of the armrest adjuster 50, along the slope between the cut surface 64c of the upper button support 64 and the cut surface 65b of the lock pin 65. This causes the pin portion 65a to be removed from the adjustment hole 52, making it possible to move the armrest 40 in the vertical direction. When the upper button 45 is stopped after the vertical position of the pin portion 65a has been aligned with the other adjustment holes 52, the lock pin 65 is reinserted into the adjustment hole 52. This allows the height of the armrest 40 to be changed, and the armrest 40 to be fixed in place so that its height does not change.

[0048] [Adjusting the height of the armrests] When changing the height of the armrest, the user, for example, grips the armrest 40 and operates the upper button 45 and the lower button 46. The user, for example, presses down the lower button 46 with the pads of some of their four fingers, from their index finger to their little finger. The user also, for example, presses down the upper button 45 with their thumb. When the lower button 46 is pressed, the restriction on the movement of the upper button 45 is released, allowing it to be pressed. When the upper button 45 is pressed, the lock pin 65 is released from the adjustment hole 52 of the armrest adjuster 50. In this state, the user moves the armrest 40 to their preferred position among the positions in which the lock pin 65 can be inserted into the adjustment hole 52. When the user releases the upper button 45, the lock pin 65 is inserted into the adjustment hole 52. This fixes the vertical position of the armrest 40. When the user releases the lower button 46, the movement of the upper button 45 is restricted again.

[0049] The user may place their hand on the armrest 40 when standing up, etc. At that time, the user's hand may touch the upper button 45. However, even if the user accidentally presses the upper button 45, in the portable toilet 100 according to this embodiment, the upper button 45 cannot be operated unless the lower button 46 is also pressed at the same time. Therefore, there is little risk of the user accidentally releasing the lock on the armrest 40 and lowering the armrest 40 when standing up, etc.

[0050] [Effects of the Embodiment] The following describes the effects and benefits that the portable toilet 100 according to this embodiment can provide.

[0051] The portable toilet 100 according to this embodiment includes an armrest 40, an armrest adjuster 50 that supports the armrest 40 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, a first button (upper button 45 in this embodiment) provided on the armrest 40, a second button (lower button 46 in this embodiment) provided on the armrest 40, and a locking mechanism 60 that fixes the armrest 40 to the armrest adjuster 50 so as not to move or releases it so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The locking mechanism 60 is configured to release the armrest 40 when both the first button and the second button are pressed. With this portable toilet 100, the armrest 40 will not be released from the armrest adjuster 50 unless both the first button and the second button are pressed. Therefore, the risk of the user accidentally releasing the armrest 40 can be reduced.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first button and the second button are the upper button 45 and the lower button 46, respectively, but the positions of the first and second buttons on the armrest are not particularly limited. The first and second buttons may be provided, for example, on the armrest support column 42.

[0053] In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 60 includes a fixing part 60B and a restricting part 60A. The fixing part 60B is connected to the upper button 45 and is configured to release the armrest 40 from the armrest adjuster 50 so that it can move vertically when the upper button 45 is pressed, and to fix the armrest 40 from the armrest adjuster 50 so that it cannot move when the upper button 45 is released. The restricting part 60A is connected to the lower button 46 and restricts the movement of the upper button 45 so that it cannot be pressed when the lower button 46 is released, and releases the restriction on the movement of the upper button 45 when the lower button 46 is pressed. With this configuration, a mechanism in which the armrest is released by pressing both buttons can be easily realized.

[0054] In this embodiment, the upper button 45 is provided so as to be exposed on the upper surface 41U, which is one of the outer surfaces of the armrest 40, and the lower button 46 is provided so as to be exposed on the lower surface 41D, which is the other outer surface of the armrest 40 and the back surface of the upper surface 41U. In a plan view, the lower button 46 is positioned to overlap with the upper button 45. With this configuration, the user can easily press the upper button 45 and the lower button 46 simultaneously by gripping the armrest 40 with their hand.

[0055] Furthermore, if the first button and the second button are exposed on outer surfaces other than the upper and lower surfaces of the armrest, respectively (for example, if the first button and the second button are exposed on the front and rear surfaces of the armrest support 42, respectively), preferably, the second button is positioned so as to overlap the first button when viewed from the front or rear (for example, in a front-to-back view).

[0056] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the armrest on which the first button is exposed is the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40, and the outer surface of the armrest on which the second button is exposed is the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40. With this configuration, the first button is easy to press because it is exposed on the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40, and it is difficult to accidentally press the second button because it is exposed on the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40. Therefore, the risk of the user accidentally releasing the lock of the armrest 40 is further reduced, and it is possible to easily press the first and second buttons simultaneously.

[0057] Furthermore, the button connected to the fixing part of the locking mechanism may be the lower button, and the button connected to the restricting part of the locking mechanism may be the upper button. In this case as well, the effect of reducing the risk of the user accidentally releasing the locking of the armrest 40, and the operability of the buttons, are the same as those of the portable toilet 100 according to this embodiment.

[0058] In this embodiment, the upper button 45 is positioned flush with the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40. This configuration reduces the risk of accidentally pressing the upper button 45, thereby further reducing the risk of the user accidentally releasing the lock on the armrest 40. The upper button 45 may also be recessed below the upper surface 41U of the armrest 40.

[0059] In this embodiment, the lower button 46 protrudes below the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40. With this configuration, pressing the lower button 46 is easy. The lower button 46 is located on the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40 and is difficult for the user to see, so the fact that the lower button 46 protrudes below the lower surface 41D of the armrest 40 makes it easier to operate the lower button 46.

[0060] [Other embodiments] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms. For example, the configuration of the locking mechanism is not limited to those described above. For example, the locking mechanism does not have to have a configuration of a fixing part connected to one button and a restricting part connected to another button. The locking mechanism may be configured such that, for example, pressing the first button retracts the first locking pin, and pressing the second button retracts the second locking pin.

[0061] The first and second buttons may protrude from the outer surface of the armrest, be recessed from the outer surface of the armrest, or be flush with the outer surface of the armrest. The degree of protrusion or recession of the first and second buttons relative to the outer surface of the armrest is not particularly limited. The positions of the first and second buttons are also not limited. For example, the first and second buttons may be provided on the same outer surface of the armrest. The first and second buttons may be provided, for example, on the top and side surfaces of the armrest portion, respectively. The first and second buttons may be provided, for example, on the armrest portion and the armrest support, respectively. The first and second buttons may be provided, for example, on the front and rear surfaces of the front armrest support, respectively.

[0062] Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments are not limiting to the present invention. For example, the locking mechanism may be configured such that the armrest is not released unless three or more buttons are pressed simultaneously. Also, for example, there may be one armrest support or three or more armrests. The support members that support the armrests may be configured to match the shape of the armrests, for example, the number of armrest supports. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 40 Armrest 41D bottom surface 41U top 45. Top button (1st button) 46. ​​Down button (second button) 50. Armrest adjuster (support member) 60 Locking mechanism 60A Regulatory Section 60B Fixed part 100 Portable Toilets

Claims

1. Armrest and, A support member that supports the armrest so as to be movable in the vertical direction, The first button provided on the aforementioned armrest, The second button provided on the aforementioned armrest, A mechanism for fixing the armrest immovably to the support member or for releasing it so that it can move vertically, comprising a locking mechanism that releases the armrest when both the first button and the second button are pressed, The first button is provided so as to be exposed on one of the outer surfaces of the armrest, which is the first surface. The second button is provided so as to be exposed on the other outer surface of the armrest, which is the back surface of the first surface, and is positioned so as to overlap with the first button when viewed from the opposite side. Portable toilet.

2. The locking mechanism is A fixing part connected to the first button, which, when the first button is pressed, releases the armrest from the support member so that it can move vertically, and when the first button is released, fixes the armrest to the support member so that it cannot move; The device includes a restricting unit connected to the second button, which restricts the movement of the first button so that it cannot be pressed when the second button is released, and releases the restriction on the movement of the first button when the second button is pressed. The portable toilet according to claim 1.

3. The first surface is the upper or lower surface of the armrest, The second surface is the lower or upper surface of the armrest. A portable toilet according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the button exposed on the upper surface of the armrest among the first and second buttons is designated as the upper button, The upper button is either recessed below the upper surface of the armrest or positioned flush with the upper surface of the armrest. The portable toilet according to claim 3.

5. When the first button and the second button that is exposed on the lower surface of the armrest are referred to as the lower button, The aforementioned lower button protrudes below the lower surface of the armrest. The portable toilet according to claim 3 or 4.

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