Imaging device

Abstract

To provide an imaging apparatus allowing easy maintenance work.SOLUTION: An imaging apparatus 100 comprises an imaging part 110 imaging the inside of a toilet bowl 21, and a mounting plate 200. The mounting plate 200 includes a first arm plate 211 and a clamp plate 230. The first arm plate 211 is configured to be arranged on an upper end first front part 22L. The clamp plate 230 is configured to be arranged on an upper end rear part 22B. The imaging part 110 includes an image pickup device 121 having an optical axis LA parallel to a direction extending obliquely and downwards from the first arm plate 211 toward the inside of the toilet bowl 21. The first arm plate 211 includes a first arm plate front part 211F and a first arm plate rear part 211B which are connected to one another with a first hinge 225L. The first arm plate front part 211F is configured to be able to oscillate between states of being arranged parallel and arranged vertically with the first hinge 225L as center of oscillation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an imaging device attached to a toilet for imaging the inside of a toilet bowl.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a urination assistance device having a camera unit attached to a toilet. The device body of this urination assistance device has an inverted U shape that can be detachably attached to the toilet, and a camera unit and a lighting unit are accommodated in a portion disposed inside the bowl portion (i.e., the toilet bowl) of the toilet. According to this urination assistance device, in the internal space of the toilet on which the patient is seated, the local situation can be photographed by the camera unit while irradiating light from the lighting unit. The patient can perform urination and excretion behaviors such as self-catheterization alone in a comfortable posture while visually recognizing the situation on the monitor screen, in addition to local self-observation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the urination assistance device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the device body, which includes a camera, is attached to the toilet bowl so as to sandwich the rim of the toilet bowl. In this case, the part of the device body including the camera is located inside the toilet bowl, and therefore, the user's excrement may adhere to this part. Consequently, it becomes necessary to perform maintenance work on the device body periodically. An example of maintenance work is cleaning or disinfecting the device body. When cleaning or disinfecting the part of the device body that is located inside the toilet bowl, there is a possibility that excrement may adhere to the back of that part as well, so it is necessary to remove the entire device body from the toilet bowl. Consequently, if the device body is heavy, or if the attachment strength of the device body to the toilet bowl is high, the removal work of the device body may not be easy. Furthermore, when the device body that has been removed from the toilet bowl is reattached to the toilet bowl, the position and orientation of the device body after reattachment may differ from the position and orientation of the previous time (before removal). Consequently, the frequency of adjusting the position of the device body may increase.

[0005] This disclosure was made by the inventor of the present application by newly focusing on the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide an imaging device for imaging the inside of a toilet bowl, which allows for easy maintenance work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An imaging device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an imaging device for imaging the interior of a toilet bowl having an annular upper end composed of an upper rear end, an upper front first end located below the toilet seat, and an upper front second end located below the toilet seat, comprising an imaging unit for imaging the interior of the toilet bowl, and a mounting plate to which the imaging unit is attached, wherein the mounting plate comprises a first arm plate and a fixing plate, the first arm plate is configured to be positioned on the upper front first end so as to be sandwiched between the toilet seat and the upper front first end, the fixing plate is configured to be fixed to the upper rear end, and the imaging unit is configured to image the interior of the toilet bowl The first arm plate is equipped with an image sensor having an optical axis parallel to a direction extending diagonally downward from the arm plate toward the interior of the toilet bowl, the first arm plate is equipped with a first hinge, the first arm plate includes a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion and the rear portion are connected to each other by the first hinge such that the first hinge is sandwiched between them, the rear portion is connected to the fixing plate, and the front portion is configured to swing between a horizontally positioned state and a vertically upright state with the first hinge as the pivot point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an imaging device that allows for easy maintenance work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the toilet unit with the imaging device attached according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the toilet seat of the toilet device in the raised position. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet assembly shown. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing a toilet unit with the imaging unit removed from the imaging device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5]Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a toilet unit with the mounting plate's main body raised. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device in the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a first perspective view showing the external appearance of the imaging unit in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a second perspective view showing the external appearance of the imaging unit in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a first bottom view showing the configuration and operation example of the first attachment / detachment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a second bottom view showing the configuration and operation example of the first attachment / detachment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a third bottom view showing the configuration and operation example of the first attachment / detachment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an exploded perspective view of the fixing plate of the mounting plate in the embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a first cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation example of the second attachment / detachment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a second cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation example of the second attachment / detachment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a third cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation example of the second attachment / detachment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a fourth cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration and operation example of the second attachment / detachment mechanism in the embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the imaging device in a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the imaging device in a second modified example of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, an imaging device in embodiments and variations thereof of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. Note that all of the embodiments and variations described below show comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, the arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Also, in each figure, the dimensions are not strictly illustrated as shown.

[0010] In the following description and drawings, the front-rear direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and the left-right direction is the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other. The positive X-axis direction is the "left direction", the negative X-axis direction is the "right direction", the positive Y-axis direction is the "front direction", the negative Y-axis direction is the "rear direction", the positive Z-axis direction is the "up direction", and the negative Z-axis direction is the "down direction".

[0011] The positive X-axis direction, positive Y-axis direction, and positive Z-axis direction respectively indicate the arrow directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The negative X-axis direction, negative Y-axis direction, and negative Z-axis direction are the opposite directions of the positive X-axis direction, positive Y-axis direction, and positive Z-axis direction, respectively. The term "X-axis direction" means a bidirectional or one-way direction parallel to the X-axis. The term "Y-axis direction" means a bidirectional or one-way direction parallel to the Y-axis. The term "Z-axis direction" means a bidirectional or one-way direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0012] Furthermore, expressions indicating relative directions or postures such as parallel and orthogonal also include cases where they are not strictly in that direction or posture. For example, when two directions are orthogonal, it not only means that the two directions are completely orthogonal but also means that they are substantially orthogonal, that is, for example, including a difference of about a few percent.

[0013] (Embodiment) [1. General Description of Imaging Device 100 and Toilet Device 10] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the toilet unit 10 with the imaging device 100 attached. In Figure 1, the cable 550 connecting the imaging unit 110 and the computer unit 500 is schematically represented by a thick dashed line. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the toilet unit 10 with the toilet seat 50 raised. In Figures 2 to 18, the computer unit 500 is omitted. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet unit 10. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the toilet unit 10 with the imaging unit 110 removed from the imaging device 100. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the toilet unit 10 with the mounting body portion 210 of the mounting plate 200 raised. The toilet unit 10 may include other components such as a valve cover (not shown) that covers the toilet seat 50. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the imaging device 100 in the embodiment. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing plate 230 of the mounting plate 200 in the embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the toilet unit 10, like a typical toilet unit, comprises a toilet bowl 21 and a toilet seat 50. The imaging device 100 in this embodiment is used sandwiched between the toilet bowl 21 and the toilet seat 50. For ease of explanation, the toilet seat 50 is separated into a first seat surface 51L and a second seat surface 51R, with a virtual line 52 (see Figure 3) parallel to the Y-axis direction in between. In other words, the toilet seat 50 includes a first seat surface 51L and a second seat surface 51R separated by the virtual line 52. Needless to say, in practice, in Figures 1 to 6, the first seat surface 51L and the second seat surface 51R of the toilet seat 50 are integrally formed.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the imaging device 100 in this embodiment images the inside of the toilet bowl 21. In other words, the imaging device 100 in this embodiment functions as a toilet bowl internal imaging device.

[0016] [1-1. Upper ring end 22] As shown in Figure 3, the toilet bowl 21, like a typical toilet bowl, has an annular upper end 22 at its upper end. The annular upper end 22 is composed of an upper rear end 22B located at its rear, an upper front end 22L located below the first seat surface 51L of the toilet seat 50, and an upper front end 22R located below the second seat surface 51R of the toilet seat 50.

[0017] [1-2. Mounting plate 200] The imaging device 100 comprises an imaging unit 110 for imaging the inside of the toilet bowl 21, and a mounting plate 200 to which the imaging unit 110 is attached. Preferably, the imaging unit 110 is detachably attached to the mounting plate 200. The mounting plate 200 comprises a first arm plate 211 and a fixing plate 230. Preferably, the mounting plate 200 is composed of a first arm plate 211, a second arm plate 212, and a fixing plate 230 so as to have the shape of an O or U in plan view. In plan view, an opening 259 is formed surrounded by the first arm plate 211, the second arm plate 212, and the fixing plate 230. As shown in Figure 18, the mounting plate 200 does not necessarily comprise a second arm plate 212.

[0018] The rear end of the first arm plate 211 is connected to the fixing plate 230. The first arm plate 211 is configured to be positioned along the upper end first front portion 22L of the toilet bowl 21 from its rear end to its front end. Similarly, the rear end of the second arm plate 212 is connected to the fixing plate 230. The second arm plate 212 is configured to be positioned along the upper end second front portion 22R of the toilet bowl 21 from its rear end to its front end. Thus, the first arm plate 211 is positioned between the toilet seat 50 and the upper end first front portion 22L, and on the upper end first front portion 22L. Similarly, the second arm plate 212 is positioned on the upper end second front portion 22R, so as to be positioned between the toilet seat 50 and the upper end second front portion 22R.

[0019] [1-2-2. Fixed plate 230] The fixing plate 230 is configured to be fixed to the upper rear end 22B of the toilet bowl 21. The thickness of the fixing plate 230 is substantially the same as the thickness of the mounting plate 200. For example, the thickness of the mounting plate 200 is 5 millimeters or more and 15 millimeters or less.

[0020] [1-3. Imaging unit 110] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the imaging unit 110 has an image sensor 121 inside it. The image sensor 121 has an optical axis LA parallel to a direction extending diagonally downward from the first arm plate 211 toward the interior of the toilet bowl 21, so as to image the interior of the toilet bowl 21. In other words, the imaging unit 110 photographs at least one selected from the group consisting of feces and urine discharged into the toilet bowl 21 by the user of the toilet device 10.

[0021] [1-4. Hinge 225] [1-4-1. First hinge 225L] As shown in Figures 3 to 6 and Figure 12, the first arm plate 211 is equipped with a hinge 225. Specifically, the first arm plate 211 is equipped with a first hinge 225L. As shown in Figures 6 and 12, the first arm plate 211 includes a first arm plate front portion 211F and a first arm plate rear portion 211B. The first arm plate front portion 211F and the first arm plate rear portion 211B are connected to each other by the first hinge 225L, with the first hinge 225L sandwiched between them. The first arm plate rear portion 211B is connected to a fixing plate 230. Preferably, as shown in Figure 6, an imaging unit 110 is attached to the first arm plate front portion 211F. The front portion 211F of the first arm plate is configured to swing between a horizontally positioned state (see Figure 3) and a vertically upright state (see Figure 5) with the first hinge 225L as the pivot point. Unlike the front portion 211F of the first arm plate, the rear portion 211B of the first arm plate is always positioned horizontally.

[0022] [1-4-2. Effects of the first hinge 225L] The front portion 211F of the first arm plate is connected to the rear portion 211B of the first arm plate by a first hinge 225L. Therefore, the imaging unit 110 and the front portion 211F of the first arm plate can pivot around the first hinge 225L. Accordingly, the user of the toilet device 10 can clean or disinfect the back surface of the front portion 211F of the first arm plate by pivoting it around the first hinge 225L to raise the front portion 211F of the first arm plate (i.e., to make the front portion 211F of the first arm plate vertical, as shown in Figure 5). As shown in Figure 6, if the imaging unit 110 is attached to the front portion 211F of the first arm plate, the user can clean or disinfect the back surface of the imaging unit 110. The back surface of the imaging unit 110 is the surface of the housing 111 of the imaging unit 110 in the negative Z-axis direction. In other words, the user can clean or disinfect the back surface of the front part 211F of the first arm plate and the back surface of the imaging unit 110 without removing the mounting plate 200 and the imaging unit 110 from the toilet bowl 21. As a result, displacement of the imaging unit 110 is less likely to occur. Note that the back surface of the front part 211F of the first arm plate is positioned along the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21, and the back surface of the imaging unit 110 is positioned close to the water surface of the toilet bowl 21, so the back surfaces of the front part 211F of the first arm plate and the back surface of the imaging unit 110 are prone to getting dirty.

[0023] [1-4-3. Second Hinge 225R] As shown in Figures 3 to 6 and Figure 12, preferably the second arm plate 212 is equipped with a hinge 225. Specifically, the second arm plate 212 is equipped with a second hinge 225R. As shown in Figures 6 and 12, the second arm plate 212 includes a second arm plate front portion 212F and a second arm plate rear portion 212B. The second arm plate front portion 212F and the second arm plate rear portion 212B are connected to each other by the second hinge 225R such that the second hinge 225R is sandwiched between them.

[0024] The front portion 212F of the second arm plate is configured to pivot between a horizontal position (see Figure 3) and a vertical position (see Figure 5) with the second hinge 225R as the pivot point. When the front portions 211F and 212F of the first and second arm plates are in the vertical position (see Figure 5), the undersides of the front portions 211F and 212F are easy to clean. Note that the undersides of the front portions 211F and 212F of the first and second arm plates are prone to getting dirty because they are positioned along the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21.

[0025] [1-5. Effects of mounting plate 200] The first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are configured to be positioned along and on the first front upper end 22L and the second front upper end 22R of the toilet bowl 21, respectively, and the mounting plate 200 is configured to have an O-shape or a U-shape (see Figure 17). Therefore, the mounting plate 200 can be stably attached to the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21.

[0026] After the imaging device 100 is attached to the toilet device 10, the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are positioned along and on the first front upper end 22L and the second front upper end 22R of the toilet bowl 21, respectively. Therefore, when a user sits on the toilet seat 50, tilting from side to side or wobbling of the toilet seat 50 is suppressed. This suppresses displacement of the imaging unit 110. Suppression of displacement of the imaging unit 110 solves the problem of at least one of the group consisting of feces and urine discharged into the toilet bowl 21 by the user of the toilet device 10 not being photographed.

[0027] [2. Modified mounting plate 200] From the viewpoint of efficiently suppressing wobbling of the toilet seat 50 and displacement of the imaging unit 110, it is desirable that the mounting plate 200 has an O-shape in plan view, as shown in Figures 1 to 5. In other words, it is desirable that the front end of the first arm plate 211 is connected to the front end of the second arm plate 212, and that the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are integrally formed. In Figure 3, the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are separated by a virtual line 218 parallel to the Y-axis. However, in reality, in Figure 3, the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are integrally formed.

[0028] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the imaging device 100 in a first modified example of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, the mounting plate 200 may have a U-shape instead of an O-shape in plan view. A U-shaped mounting plate 200 can also suppress wobbling of the toilet seat 50 and displacement of the imaging unit 110. Unlike the mounting plate 200 shown in Figure 3, in the mounting plate 200 shown in Figure 17, the front end of the first arm plate 211 is separated from the front end of the second arm plate 212.

[0029] From the viewpoint of efficiently suppressing wobbling of the toilet seat 50 and displacement of the imaging unit 110, the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are preferably symmetrical, as shown in Figures 1 to 5. Furthermore, the thicknesses of the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are preferably substantially the same. Preferably, the thickness of the fixing plate 230 is also the same as the thickness of the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212.

[0030] As described above, the imaging unit 110 is detachably attached to the mounting plate 200. The imaging unit 110 is attached to the first arm plate 211, the second arm plate 212, or the fixing plate 230. Preferably, the imaging unit 110 is detachably attached to the first arm plate 211.

[0031] [3. Details of the mounting structure of the imaging unit 110] Figure 7 is a first perspective view showing the external appearance of the imaging unit 110 in the embodiment. In Figure 7, the approximate boundary between the upper surface 111c of the housing 111 and the upper surface 115c of the support portion 115 is represented by a dashed line 119.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the imaging unit 110 may comprise a housing 111 and a support portion 115. The housing 111 contains an image sensor 121. The support portion 115 extends from the housing 111. In plan view, the support portion 115 is configured to overlap a part of the first arm plate 211. Preferably, the support portion 115 has a plate shape. As shown in Figure 7, the housing 111 may have an upper surface 111c. The support portion 115 may also have an upper surface 115c. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, from the viewpoint of efficiently suppressing wobbling of the toilet seat 50 and displacement of the imaging unit 110, preferably, the upper surface 115c of the support portion 115 is flush with the upper surface 111c of the housing 111.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, preferably, a first slide groove 241a and a second slide groove 241b are formed on the upper surface of the first arm plate 211. The first slide groove 241a and the second slide groove 241b are formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first arm plate 211, i.e., parallel to the X-axis direction. The support portion 115 comprises a first flange portion 115a and a second flange portion 115b. The first flange portion 115a and the second flange portion 115b are formed parallel to the X-axis. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the upper surface 115c of the support portion 115 is sandwiched between the first flange portion 115a and the second flange portion 115b. The first flange portion 115a protrudes from a first end located in the Y-axis positive direction of the upper surface 115c of the support portion 115. The second flange portion 115b protrudes from the second end located in the negative Y-axis direction of the upper surface 115c of the support portion 115. By moving the imaging unit 110 from the opening 259 to the first arm plate 211 parallel to the X-axis direction, the first flange portion 115a and the second flange portion 115b engage with the first slide groove 241a and the second slide groove 241b, respectively. In this way, the imaging unit 110 is attached to the mounting plate 200 such that the support portion 115 can be easily overlapped with a part of the first arm plate 211 in a plan view. On the other hand, the imaging unit 110 attached to the mounting plate 200 can be removed from the mounting plate 200 by moving it from the first arm plate 211 toward the opening 259 parallel to the negative X-axis direction. In this way, the imaging unit 110 can be easily attached to and detached from the mounting plate 200.

[0034] [3-1. First detachable mechanism 250] Figure 8 is a second perspective view showing the external appearance of the imaging unit 110 in the embodiment. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the imaging unit 110 as seen from the rear of the housing 111 (i.e., the rear of the housing 111b). In Figure 8, the approximate outlines of the control unit 126 and magnetic detection sensor 125 housed inside the housing 111 are shown by dashed lines. The cable 550 is schematically represented by a thick dotted line.

[0035] Figures 9 to 11 are the first to third bottom views, respectively, showing the configuration and operation examples of the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 in the embodiment. In Figures 9 to 11, a portion of the back surface of the mounting plate 200 is cut out to illustrate the structure of the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250, which is housed inside the mounting plate 200. In Figures 9 to 11, for the convenience of explanation and illustration, the insertion / removal direction of the first hook 117 to the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 is the X-axis direction. However, this insertion / removal direction may be offset from the X-axis direction. That is, this insertion / removal direction does not have to be parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0036] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, preferably, the first arm plate 211 is equipped with a first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 to which the imaging unit 110 is detachably attached, and the imaging unit 110 is equipped with a first hook 117. The first hook 117 extends from the housing 111 in the X-axis direction. A first claw portion 117a protrudes from the tip of the first hook 117 in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] The first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 comprises a first insertion opening 251, a second hook 252, a hook rotation shaft 253, and a first biasing member 254. The first insertion opening 251 is provided on the inner surface 210a (see Figure 6) of the first arm plate 211. The inner surface 210a is the side facing the opening 259. The second hook 252, the hook rotation shaft 253, and the first biasing member 254 are provided inside the first arm plate 211.

[0038] The second hook 252 swings about the hook rotation axis 253 as the pivot point. A second claw portion 252b is formed at the tip of the second hook 252. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, while the first hook 117 is stationary, the second hook 252 is biased by the first biasing member 254 in the direction of arrow 254a (i.e., diagonally upward to the right in Figure 9).

[0039] As shown in Figure 10, the first hook 117 is inserted into the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 from the first insertion opening 251. While the first hook 117 is moving from the first insertion opening 251 into the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 in the X-axis positive direction, the first biasing member 254 is subjected to a pressing force from the first hook 117 in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow 254a (see Figure 9). More precisely, the first claw portion 117a is in contact with the second claw portion 252b, and a pressing force is applied to the first biasing member 254 from the first claw portion 117a of the first hook 117 via the second claw portion 252b of the second hook 252, as the first hook 117 moves from the first insertion opening 251 into the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250.

[0040] As shown in Figure 11, after the first hook 117 is inserted into the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 through the first insertion opening 251, the first hook 117 engages with the second hook 252 (i.e., it is locked). More precisely, the first claw portion 117a of the first hook 117 engages with the second claw portion 252b of the second hook 252. In this way, the imaging unit 110 is attached to the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 located inside the first arm plate 211.

[0041] Next, a method for removing the imaging unit 110 from the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 will be described. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the second hook 252 is provided with a release part 256. The release part 256 may be provided on the upper surface, lower surface, inner surface, or outer surface of the second hook 252. In Figures 9 to 11, the release part 256 is provided as a release lever 256a on the side of the second hook 252 and protrudes from the outer surface of the first arm plate 211. When the imaging unit 110 is removed from the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250, the release lever 256a is moved by a finger. This movement of the finger causes the second hook 252 to swing in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow 254a (see Figure 9), with the hook rotation axis 253 as the pivot point. At the same time, the first biasing member 254 is subjected to a pressing force from the finger in the opposite direction to the direction of arrow 254a (see Figure 9). As a result, the engagement of the first claw portion 117a with the second claw portion 252b is released (i.e., it is in an unlocked state). Next, the imaging unit 110 is moved in the negative X-axis direction to remove the first hook 117 from the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250. In this way, the imaging unit 110 is removed from the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250. An example of the first biasing member 254 is a spring or rubber.

[0042] [4. Second detachable mechanism 260] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the fixing plate 230 of the mounting plate 200 in the embodiment. Figures 13 to 16 are schematic cross-sectional views of the first to fourth configurations of the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 in the embodiment, showing examples of operation. Figures 13 to 16 show cross-sections that appear when the upper end of the fixing plate 230 is cut by a plane parallel to the XY plane. In Figures 13 to 16, in order to clearly show the structure and operation examples of the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260, the area of ​​existence of the main body portion (i.e., the fixing main body portion 231) and the area of ​​existence of the mounting main body portion 210 of the fixing plate 230 in a plan view are represented by shaded areas.

[0043] As shown in Figure 12, preferably the fixing plate 230 is equipped with a second attachment mechanism 260 to which the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are detachably attached. The first arm plate 211 is equipped with a first projection rod 215L at its rear end that projects further rearward (i.e., in the negative Y-axis direction). More specifically, the rear portion 211B of the first arm plate is provided with a first projection rod 215L that projects rearward from the rear end of the rear portion 211B of the first arm plate.

[0044] The second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 has a second insertion opening 237L and a first recess 235L. The second insertion opening 237L is formed on the front surface of the fixing plate 230. The first recess 235L is provided inside the fixing plate 230. As shown in Figure 13, the first recess 235L communicates with the second insertion opening 237L.

[0045] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the first protruding rod 215L is configured to be insertable into and retractable from the first recess 235L via the second insertion opening 237L. In this way, the first arm plate 211 can be easily and detachably attached to the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 using the first protruding rod 215L, so that the first arm plate 211 can be removed from the fixing plate 230 and then cleaned. In this way, the sanitary condition of the toilet device 10 can be properly maintained. Preferably, the front part 211F of the first arm plate is configured to stand vertically when at least a portion of the first protruding rod 215L is retracted from the first recess 235L via the second insertion opening 237L.

[0046] More preferably, the second arm plate 212 also has a second projection rod 215R at its rear end that projects further rearward (i.e., in the negative Y-axis direction). More specifically, the rear portion 212B of the second arm plate is provided with a second projection rod 215R that projects rearward from the rear end of the rear portion 212B of the second arm plate. The second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 corresponding to the second projection rod 215R has a third insertion opening 237R and a second recess 235R. The third insertion opening 237R is formed on the front surface of the fixing plate 230. The second recess 235R is provided inside the fixing plate 230. The second recess 235R communicates with the third insertion opening 237R. The second projection rod 215R is configured to be insertable into and retractable from the second recess 235R via the third insertion opening 237R. In this configuration, the second arm plate 212 can be removed from the fixing plate 230 and then cleaned, similar to the case of the first arm plate 211. Preferably, the front portion 212F of the second arm plate is configured to stand vertically when at least a portion of the second protruding rod 215R is pulled out from the second recess 235R through the third insertion opening 237R.

[0047] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, more preferably, the fixing plate 230 is provided with an engagement pin 261 for fixing the first protruding rod 215L, and a first side recess 216a is provided on the side surface of the first protruding rod 215L. The engagement pin 261 is provided along the X-axis direction. The first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 is configured to protrude toward the first recess 235L, i.e., in the negative X-axis direction. The second end 261c of the engagement pin 261 protrudes from the side surface of the fixing plate 230 in the positive X-axis direction.

[0048] As shown in Figure 16, with the first protruding rod 215L inserted into the first recess 235L via the second insertion opening 237L, the engagement pin 261 engages with the side surface first recess 216a. More specifically, the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 is inserted into the side surface first recess 216a. In this way, the first arm plate 211 is easily fixed to the fixing plate 230. Needless to say, when the first arm plate 211 is removed from the fixing plate 230, the engagement pin 261 is pulled out in the positive X-axis direction to release its engagement with the side surface first recess 216a, and then the first arm plate 211 is pulled out from the fixing plate 230.

[0049] More preferably, the fixing plate 230 further comprises a second biasing member 261a that biases the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 toward the negative X-axis direction. The second biasing member 261a may be provided inside the engagement pin 261. Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the second biasing member 261a is parallel to the X-axis direction. Examples of the second biasing member 261a are a spring or rubber. The second biasing member 261a securely fixes the first arm plate 211 to the fixing plate 230. The first end 261b has an inclined surface 261d. The inclined surface 261d is formed such that, in plan view, the length of the engagement pin 261 in the X-axis direction increases toward the negative Y-axis direction.

[0050] More preferably, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, a second side recess 216b is provided on the side of the first protruding rod 215L. As shown in Figure 14, when the first protruding rod 215L is pulled out from the first recess 235L through the second insertion opening 237L, the engaging pin 261 engages with the second side recess 216b. In this way, the first arm plate 211 can be easily pulled out from the fixing plate 230 and fixed on the toilet bowl 21.

[0051] Preferably, as shown in Figures 12 to 16, the fixing plate 230 is provided with a guide portion 238 on its front surface. More preferably, the guide portion 238 is composed of a pair of left and right first guide bodies 238a and second guide bodies 238b. A second insertion opening 237L is sandwiched between the left and right pair of first guide bodies 238a and second guide bodies 238b. Each pair of left and right first guide bodies 238a and second guide bodies 238b is inclined such that the distance between them in the left-right direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) gradually decreases in the insertion direction of the first protruding rod 215L (i.e., the negative Y-axis direction).

[0052] When inserting the first protruding rod 215L into the first recess 235L via the second insertion port 237L, the first protruding rod 215L is guided by the guide portion 238. Therefore, the first protruding rod 215L is easily inserted into the first recess 235L by the guide portion 238.

[0053] The above description of the first protruding rod 215L and its second attachment / detachment mechanism 260, with reference to Figures 13 to 16, also applies to the second protruding rod 215R and its second attachment / detachment mechanism 260.

[0054] [5. Additional explanation regarding the toilet unit 10 and the imaging device 100] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the toilet unit 10 comprises a toilet bowl 21, a toilet seat 50, and a tank 600 for storing flushing water. The toilet seat 50 has a toilet seat mounting section 90 for attaching the toilet seat 50 to the toilet bowl 21. The toilet seat mounting section 90 is a box containing a sanitary cleaning device for cleaning the private parts of the user of the toilet unit 10 when seated on the toilet seat 50. The sanitary cleaning device has a cleaning nozzle (not shown) and a drive unit for driving the extension and retraction of the cleaning nozzle. As shown in Figure 3, the toilet seat mounting section 90 is fixed to the upper rear end 22B, which is the rear end of the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21, by two bolts 95. The bolts 95 have a shaft portion with threads formed on its outer circumference and a head portion located at the end of the shaft portion, which has a larger outer diameter than the shaft portion. Specifically, the upper rear end 22B is provided with two toilet seat mounting holes 23 spaced apart in the left-right direction (i.e., in the X-axis direction), and the toilet seat mounting part 90 is fixed to the toilet bowl 21 by screwing nuts (not shown) onto bolts 95 that pass through each of the two toilet seat mounting holes 23 and tightening them. The toilet seat 50 is pivotally supported on the toilet seat mounting part 90 so as to pivot around a pivot axis A parallel to the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 1. The toilet seat mounting part 90 only needs to have a structure for attaching the toilet seat 50 to the toilet bowl 21, and it is not essential that it be equipped with a sanitary washing device. The toilet seat mounting part 90 may also be a plate-shaped member that pivotably supports the toilet seat 50. The toilet device 10 does not need to be equipped with a tank 600. The toilet device 10 may have a structure in which waste is washed away by water sent to the toilet bowl 21 from outside the room in which the toilet bowl 21 is installed via a pipe.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, an imaging device 100 is attached to the toilet unit 10. Specifically, the imaging device 100 comprises an imaging unit 110 and a mounting plate 200. The mounting plate 200 has a mounting body 210 and a fixing plate 230. The fixing plate 230 is fixed at its upper rear end 22B, sandwiched between the toilet seat mounting portion 90 of the toilet seat 50 and the upper rear end 22B. This fixes the mounting plate 200 to the toilet bowl 21.

[0056] More specifically, the fixing plate 230 has an axial hole plate 132 having an axial hole 132a through which a bolt 95 passes. The axial hole plate 132 can be moved in the front-rear, left-right, and right directions relative to the fixing plate 230. In other words, the fixing plate 230 is provided with a position adjustment mechanism 140 consisting of multiple elements, including the axial hole plate 132. The position adjustment mechanism 140 allows the relative position of the fixing plate 230 with respect to the toilet bowl 21 to be changed. This allows the relative position (i.e., position adjustment) of the imaging unit 110, which is connected to the fixing plate 230 via the mounting body 210, with respect to the toilet bowl 21 to be changed. Two position adjustment mechanisms 140 are arranged side by side on the fixing plate 230 in the X-axis direction, and a cushioning member 239 (see Figure 6), for example made of rubber, is arranged on the outside in the X-axis direction, which is the direction in which they are arranged.

[0057] The imaging unit 110 provided in the imaging device 100 has an image sensor 121 (see Figure 5). The imaging unit 110 is detachably attached to a mounting portion 240, which is part of the mounting body portion 210 of the mounting plate 200. Because the imaging unit 110 is attached to the mounting portion 240 of the mounting plate 200, it is positioned on one side in the X-axis direction (specifically, in the X-axis positive direction) of the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21 when the fixing plate 230 is fixed to the upper rear end portion 22B. The object to be imaged by the image sensor 121 of the imaging unit 110 is excrement. Therefore, the image sensor 121 is provided in the imaging unit 110 in a position facing diagonally downward. This allows the image sensor 121 to photograph a predetermined range including the water-filled portion of the toilet bowl 21.

[0058] The imaging unit 110 is connected to the computer device 500 by a cable 550 (see Figure 1). The cable 550 conforms to the Universal Serial Bus (commonly known as USB) standard, for example. The imaging unit 110 can receive power for imaging operations from the computer device 500 via the cable 550. The imaging unit 110 can also transmit image data obtained through imaging to the computer device 500 via the cable 550. The computer device 500 can store the image data received from the imaging unit 110 and transmit the images to the server device.

[0059] The mounting body 210 of the mounting plate 200 to which the imaging unit 110 is attached has a pair of left and right arm plates (i.e., a first arm plate 211 and a second arm plate 212), as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6. With respect to the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21, the first arm plate 211 extends along the first front part 22L of the upper end, and the second arm plate 212 extends along the second front part 22R of the upper end. In this way, the mounting body 210 has at least the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 corresponding to both the left and right sides of the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21, thereby suppressing the tilting or wobbling of the toilet seat 50 from side to side when a user of the toilet device 10 sits on the toilet seat 50. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 2, if a seating switch 55 is provided on the underside of the toilet seat 50, the presence of the mounting plate 200 increases the likelihood that the seating switch 55 will be pressed when a user of the toilet unit 10 sits on the toilet seat 50.

[0060] More specifically, the mounting body portion 210 of the mounting plate 200 has a shape in which the front ends of the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are connected. In other words, as can be seen from Figure 3, the mounting body portion 210 has a U-shape in plan view. The mounting body portion 210 is configured to be bent at an intermediate position in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, hinges 225 are arranged on both sides of the mounting body portion 210 in the X-axis direction. In the first arm plate 211, the hinge 225 is located between the fixing plate 230 and the imaging unit 110. As shown in Figure 3, the hinge 225 pivotally supports the portion of the mounting body portion 210 in the Y-axis positive direction (i.e., the front portion 211F of the first arm plate and the front portion 212F of the second arm plate shown in Figure 6) so that it can swing around the pivot axis B. Therefore, maintenance work on the mounting body portion 210, which is prone to soiling because it is positioned along the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21, is made easier. Examples of such maintenance work include cleaning or disinfecting the back surfaces of the first arm plate front portion 211F and the second arm plate front portion 212F. As shown in Figure 5, multiple cushioning members 219, for example made of rubber, are arranged on the back surfaces of the first arm plate front portion 211F and the second arm plate front portion 212F. This protects the back surfaces of the first arm plate front portion 211F and the second arm plate front portion 212F, as well as the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21, from each other.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the state in which the front portion 211F of the first arm plate and the front portion 212F of the second arm plate of the mounting body 210 are raised is sometimes simply referred to as "the state in which the mounting body 210 is raised." Figure 5 illustrates the state in which the imaging unit 110 is attached to the mounting body 210. However, as shown in Figure 4, even when the imaging unit 110 is removed from the mounting body 210, it is still possible to raise the mounting body 210 as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 12 to 16, it is possible to move the mounting body 210 forward relative to the fixing plate 230 and to remove it from the fixing plate 230.

[0062] [5-1. Configuration and Operation Examples of the Imaging Unit] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the imaging unit 110 has a housing 111 and a support portion 115 extending from the housing 111. The housing 111 is the enclosure that constitutes the main body of the imaging unit 110. The housing 111 has an image sensor 121, a human presence sensor 120, an illumination unit 122, and an illuminance sensor 123. As shown in Figure 8, the housing 111 houses a control unit 126 and a magnetic detection sensor 125. The control unit 126 controls the image sensor 121, the illumination unit 122, the illuminance sensor 123, and the magnetic detection sensor 125.

[0063] The image sensor 121 has an image sensor that converts input light into image data. The human presence sensor 120 detects the presence of a person. An example of the human presence sensor 120 is a distance measuring sensor. The illumination unit 122 is an illumination device having a light source. An example of the light source is a Light Emitting Diode LED (commonly called an LED). The illumination unit 122 is located at each of the longitudinal ends of the housing 111, as shown in Figure 6. The illuminance sensor 123 detects the illuminance within the imaging range of the image sensor 121. The magnetic detection sensor 125 is a device that detects a magnetic field (i.e., magnetism). An example of the magnetic detection sensor 125 is a Hall sensor. The magnetic detection sensor 125 detects a predetermined magnetism emitted by a magnet 300 fixed to the mounting plate 200.

[0064] In Figure 7, the code “121” that identifies the image sensor is attached to the lens portion exposed to the outside of the housing 111, while the actual image sensor 121 is housed inside the housing 111. The same applies to the motion sensor 120, the lighting unit 122, and the illuminance sensor 123. For example, the code “120” that identifies the motion sensor is attached to the window portion exposed to the outside of the housing 111, while the sensor element that detects people is housed inside the housing 111.

[0065] An example of the operation of the imaging unit 110 having the above configuration is as follows. When a user of the toilet device 10 sits on the toilet seat 50, the motion sensor 120 detects the person. When the motion sensor 120 detects a person, the control unit 126 turns on the two lighting units 122. In this state, if the imaging unit 110 is properly mounted on the mounting plate 200, the distance between the magnetic detection sensor 125 and the magnet 300 fixed to the mounting plate 200 is within a predetermined range, so the magnetic detection sensor 125 detects a predetermined magnetic field emitted by the magnet 300. When the magnetic detection sensor 125 detects a predetermined magnetic field, the control unit 126 permits imaging by the image sensor 121. Specifically, the control unit 126 starts imaging by the image sensor 121. Subsequently, when the motion sensor 120 no longer detects a user of the toilet device 10, the control unit 126 turns off the two lighting units 122 and stops imaging by the image sensor 121. The imaging results from the imaging unit 110 (for example, image data of excrement) are transmitted to the computer device 500 via the cable 550 under the control of the control unit 126. The images obtained by the imaging sensor 121 may be a video, or they may be one or more still images.

[0066] If the imaging unit 110 is removed from the mounting plate 200 or not properly attached to the mounting plate 200, the magnetic detection sensor 125 will not detect the predetermined magnetic field emitted by the magnet 300. Therefore, the control unit 126 will make it impossible for the image sensor 121 to take images, regardless of whether the human presence sensor 120 has detected a person or not. In other words, the control unit 126 controls the image sensor 121 to allow imaging only when the imaging unit 110 is properly attached to the mounting plate 200, by detecting the predetermined magnetic field from the magnet 300 with the magnetic detection sensor 125. This prevents, for example, improper or misuse of the imaging unit 110 if it is removed from the mounting plate 200. An example of improper or misuse of the imaging unit 110 is when the imaging unit 110 takes an image of the face of the user of the toilet device 10.

[0067] When the control unit 126 controls the two lighting units 122 to light up, it acquires illuminance information from the illuminance sensor 123 indicating the illuminance within the imaging range. The control unit 126 transmits the illuminance information, indicating the illuminance at the time the image data was acquired, along with the image data obtained by the image sensor 121, to the computer device 500. The computer device 500 determines, for example, that a malfunction has occurred in the image sensor 121 if the illuminance is normal but the brightness of the image shown in the image data is extremely low. In this case, for example, it notifies the server device communicating with the computer device 500 of the malfunction in the image sensor 121. The computer device 500 stores the image data acquired from the imaging unit 110 in the storage unit, along with, for example, time information indicating the time of acquisition and the illuminance information mentioned above.

[0068] If the control unit 126 controls the two lighting units 122 to turn on but the illuminance obtained by the illuminance sensor 123 is lower than a predetermined value, the control unit 126 controls the image sensor 121 so that imaging by the image sensor 121 becomes impossible. In this case, the control unit 126 may also notify the computer device 500 of the malfunction of the two lighting units 122. The control unit 126 may also receive the detection result regarding the presence or absence of a person from, for example, the seating switch 55 shown in Figure 4, via wired or wireless communication. In this case, the imaging unit 110 does not need to be equipped with a human presence sensor 120.

[0069] The control of the operation of the image sensor 121, illumination unit 122, illuminance sensor 123, and magnetic detection sensor 125 by the control unit 126 is achieved, for example, by a computer equipped with a central processing unit and memory executing a predetermined program.

[0070] Such an imaging device 100, which has the function of detecting excretion status, can be attached, for example, to a toilet bowl 21 installed in a private room of a care facility. Examples of excretion status include the number of times excretion occurs, the time of excretion, or the condition of the excrement. This allows for remote and automatic monitoring and confirmation of the excretion status of the care recipient living in the private room. As a result, appropriate medication for treatment or prevention can be administered to the care recipient more efficiently and reliably.

[0071] The housing 111, which has the image sensor 121, is mechanically connected to the mounting plate 200 by a support portion 115. Specifically, when the imaging unit 110 is attached to the mounting plate 200, as can be seen from Figures 3 and 6, the support portion 115 is superimposed on the mounting portion 240, which is part of the first arm plate 211. At this time, the imaging unit 110 is detachably attached to the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 provided on the first arm plate 211, as described above.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, a cable holding portion 116 is provided on the back surface of the support portion 115 (i.e., the surface in the negative Z-axis direction). The cable holding portion 116 holds the cable 550 connecting the computer device 500 and the imaging unit 110. The cable holding portion 116 also serves to protect the cable 550 protruding from the housing 111. Specifically, when the support portion 115 is superimposed on the mounting portion 240 of the first arm plate 211, the cable holding portion 116 is inserted into the second slide groove 241b together with the second flange portion 115b. As a result, the cable 550 protruding from the housing 111 in the positive X-axis direction is guided by the cable holding portion 116 to the external space of the mounting plate 200 in the positive X-axis direction. Consequently, the possibility of the cable 550 being caught between the mounting plate 200 and the annular upper end 22 of the toilet bowl 21 is reduced.

[0073] [5-2. Control of image acquisition permission and denial by the control unit 126] When the imaging unit 110 is properly mounted on the mounting plate 200, the imaging unit 110 is positioned as shown in Figure 11. In this case, as described above, the magnetic detection sensor 125 detects a predetermined magnetic field emitted by the magnet 300, which is the object to be detected. The detection result indicating that the magnetic detection sensor 125 has detected a predetermined magnetic field is acquired by the control unit 126. When the control unit 126 acquires this detection result, it permits imaging by the image sensor 121. The image sensor 121 can image the excrement from an appropriate position and in an appropriate orientation.

[0074] Let's assume that when a user of the toilet device 10 uses the toilet device 10, the imaging unit 110 is stopped in the position shown in Figure 10. In this case, the support part 115 and the first hook 117 are inserted into the mounting plate 200, and the toilet seat 50 is placed on top of the support part 115, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the user may mistakenly believe that the imaging unit 110 is in the correct position. However, in this case, the magnetic detection sensor 125 does not detect the predetermined magnetism emitted by the magnet 300, so the control unit 126 makes it impossible for the image sensor 121 to take an image. This prevents the image sensor 121 from taking an image when it is in an inappropriate position or orientation. Furthermore, if the magnetic detection sensor 125 does not detect the predetermined magnetism, the control unit 126 may notify the computer device 500 that the imaging unit 110 is not properly mounted (i.e., the imaging unit 110 is improperly mounted). In this case, the computer device 500 can notify the higher-level server device of the improper mounting of the imaging unit 110. The computer device 500 may also be equipped with a display panel that displays information to the user. The computer device 500 can display characters or images on the display panel indicating the improper mounting of the imaging unit 110. By recognizing these characters or images, the user can push the imaging unit 110 to the position shown in Figure 11 (i.e., the locked position). As a result, the improper mounting of the imaging unit 110 is resolved, and imaging by the image sensor 121 becomes possible. The improper mounting of the imaging unit 110 may also be indicated to the user by sound. The improper mounting of the imaging unit 110 may also be indicated to the user by the illumination or flashing of light.

[0075] As shown in Figure 11, when the imaging unit 110 is attached to the mounting plate 200, the imaging unit 110 is removed from the mounting plate 200 by operating the release lever 256a of the second hook 252. Specifically, when the imaging unit 110 is removed, the release lever 256a is pushed in the positive Y-axis direction. This returns the second hook 252 to the position shown in Figure 10, and as a result, the second claw portion 252b disengages from the first claw portion 117a. In other words, the engagement between the first hook 117 and the second hook 252 is released. As a result, the first hook 117 and the support portion 115 are removed from the mounting plate 200. In other words, the imaging unit 110 is removed from the mounting plate 200.

[0076] As shown in Figure 2, if the toilet seat 50 is raised, the upper surface of the imaging unit 110 and the imaging surface 111a (see Figure 7) can be cleaned even when the imaging unit 110 is attached to the mounting plate 200. In Figures 2, 6, and 7, the upper surface 111c of the housing 111 is flush with the upper surface 115c of the support unit 115. Therefore, unlike when there is a groove or step between the housing 111 and the support unit 115, urine does not enter the boundary between the housing 111 and the support unit 115. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, if the mounting plate 200 is raised, the back surface of the imaging unit 110 can also be cleaned.

[0077] However, for example, cleaning the parts of the imaging unit 110 that are hidden by the mounting plate 200 is difficult or impossible when the imaging unit 110 is attached to the mounting plate 200. Examples of parts hidden by the mounting plate 200 are the back surface of the support part 115, the first flange part 115a, the second flange part 115b, and the first hook 117. It is also desirable that the parts of the imaging unit 110 that can be cleaned when it is attached to the mounting plate 200 (for example, the upper surface 111c of the housing 111) be cleaned and disinfected more thoroughly. As described above, the imaging unit 110 is detachable from the mounting plate 200. Therefore, it is possible to clean and disinfect the entire imaging unit 110. It is also possible to clean and disinfect the parts of the mounting part 240 of the mounting plate 200 that are hidden by the imaging unit 110.

[0078] Furthermore, if the imaging unit 110 malfunctions or is damaged, it is possible and easy to replace only the imaging unit 110 while keeping the mounting plate 200 fixed to the toilet bowl 21. In other words, the replacement of the imaging unit 110 is easy, as it involves removing the old imaging unit 110 from the mounting plate 200 and attaching the new imaging unit 110 to the mounting plate 200.

[0079] Of the underside of the mounting body portion 210 of the mounting plate 200, the portion facing the upper end first front portion 22L and the upper end second front portion 22R requires regular cleaning, just like the underside of the toilet seat 50. To meet this requirement, the mounting body portion 210 has a hinge 225 as described above, so that the portion in front of the hinge 225 (i.e., the first arm plate front portion 211F and the second arm plate front portion 212F) can swing. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the first arm plate front portion 211F and the second arm plate front portion 212F can be raised. More specifically, the front ends of the first arm plate front portion 211F and the second arm plate front portion 212F are connected to each other. Therefore, the first arm plate front portion 211F and the second arm plate front portion 212F can be raised together. In this state, it is possible to clean the back surface of the mounting body 210, specifically the parts facing the upper end first front portion 22L and the upper end second front portion 22R. However, urine may reach the vicinity of the hinge 225, for example, and therefore, cleaning may also be necessary for the rearward (i.e., negative Y-axis) portion of the mounting body 210. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to remove the entire mounting plate 200 from the toilet bowl 21. However, in this case, it is necessary to remove the nuts fastened to the two bolts 95 and remove the toilet seat mounting portion 90 on the fixing plate 230 from the toilet bowl 21. In other words, the work required to remove the mounting plate 200 is not easy.

[0080] To solve the above problem, the mounting plate 200 is provided with a second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 for detachably attaching the mounting body 210 to the fixing plate 230. Below, in addition to Figures 1 to 11 above, further explanation of the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 and its surrounding structure will be given with reference to Figures 12 to 16.

[0081] [5-3. Additional explanation of the structure of the second detachable mechanism 260 and its surroundings] As described above, the fixing plate 230 of the mounting plate 200 has two second attachment / detachment mechanisms 260 corresponding to the first protruding rod 215L and the second protruding rod 215R. The configuration of these two second attachment / detachment mechanisms 260 is symmetrical, and their operation is identical to that of the other. Therefore, the following provides an additional explanation of the structure of the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 on the left side (i.e., in the X-axis positive direction) and its surroundings.

[0082] As shown in Figure 13, the fixing body portion 231 of the fixing plate 230 has a first recess 235L and a second insertion opening 237L. The first recess 235L has an insertion space inside into which the first protruding rod 215L is inserted. The second insertion opening 237L is the entrance to the first recess 235L. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, a guide plate 263 is further arranged on the fixing body portion 231. A part of the guide plate 263 protrudes into the interior of the first recess 235L. The part of the guide plate 263 that protrudes into the interior of the first recess 235L is inserted into protruding rod grooves 215a provided on both the left and right sides of the first protruding rod 215L. The protruding rod grooves 215a extend in the direction of protrusion of the first protruding rod 215L (i.e., in the Y-axis direction). As a result, the first protruding rod 215L is smoothly inserted into and withdrawn from the first recess 235L while being guided by the guide plate 263. A guide plate 263 is also positioned in the second recess 235R of the fixed body portion 231. Therefore, the second protruding rod 215R is smoothly inserted into and withdrawn from the second recess 235R while being guided by the guide plate 263.

[0083] The first protruding rod 215L has a side recess 216. The engagement pin 261 of the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 is inserted into and removed from the side recess 216. The side recess 216 is recessed in the negative X-axis direction. The side recess 216 includes two side recesses 216, namely, a first side recess 216a and a second side recess 216b. The first side recess 216a and the second side recess 216b are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The first protruding rod 215L has such a first side recess 216a and a second side recess 216b. The first side recess 216a is located at the base of the first protruding rod 215L. On the other hand, the second side recess 216b is located at the tip portion of the first protruding rod 215L. The second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 has an engagement pin 261 and a second biasing member 261a, as shown in Figures 12 to 16. The engagement pin 261 is inserted into or removed from either the first side recess 216a or the second side recess 216b. The second biasing member 261a biases the engagement pin 261 toward the first protruding rod 215L (i.e., toward the negative X-axis direction). The engagement pin 261 has a second end 261c as well as a first end 261b. The second end 261c protrudes outward from the fixed body 231. The user of the toilet device 10 can grasp the second end 261c and then pull the engagement pin 261 toward the positive X-axis direction from the fixed body 231.

[0084] When the mounting body 210 is attached to the fixing plate 230, the first protruding rod 215L moves from the position shown in Figure 13 to the position shown in Figure 14. In the state shown in Figure 13, the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 protrudes into the first recess 235L of the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260. In this state, when the first protruding rod 215L is inserted from the second insertion opening 237L, the inclined surface 261d provided on the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 is pushed by the first protruding rod 215L. As a result, the engagement pin 261 moves in the positive X-axis direction.

[0085] When the second recess 216b on the side of the first protruding rod 215L reaches the position of the engagement pin 261, the biasing force of the second biasing member 261a causes the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 to be inserted into the second recess 216b on the side. Subsequently, even if one attempts to pull the first protruding rod 215L out of the first recess 235L in the positive Y-axis direction, the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 catches (i.e., engages) with the second recess 216b on the side, preventing the first protruding rod 215L from being pulled out. However, if the first protruding rod 215L is inserted further into the first recess 235L in the negative Y-axis direction, the inclined surface 261d of the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 and the inclined surface 217 of the second recess 216b on the side slide against each other. As a result, the engagement pin 261 moves in the positive X-axis direction, and the engagement between the side second recess 216b and the engagement pin 261 is released. In other words, the user can insert the first projection rod 215L further into the first recess 235L, as shown in Figure 15, without having to pull the second end 261c of the engagement pin 261 in the positive X-axis direction.

[0086] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 16, when almost the entire length of the first protruding rod 215L is inserted into the first recess 235L, the side surface first recess 216a reaches the position of the engagement pin 261. As a result, the biasing force of the second biasing member 261a causes the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 to be inserted into the side surface first recess 216a. Consequently, the first end 261b catches (i.e., engages) with the side surface first recess 216a. In other words, the first protruding rod 215L becomes unable to dislodge from the first recess 235L. In this way, the first protruding rod 215L is inserted into and engages with the fixing plate 230. Similarly, the second protruding rod 215R of the second arm plate 212 is inserted into the fixing plate 230 and engages with the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260. As a result, the mounting body 210 is attached to the fixing plate 230. The user can attach the mounting body 210 to the fixing plate 230 without pulling the second end 261c of the engaging pin 261 outward.

[0087] To remove the mounting body 210 from the fixing plate 230, the user grasps the second end 261c of the engaging pin 261 with their fingers and pulls the engaging pin 261 in the positive X-axis direction. As a result, the first end 261b of the engaging pin 261 disengages from the first recess 216a on the side. In other words, the engagement of the engaging pin 261 with the first recess 216a on the side is released. While still holding the second end 261c of the engaging pin 261, the user can pull the mounting body 210 forward (i.e., in the positive Y-axis direction) to completely pull out the first protruding rod 215L from the fixing plate 230. The second protruding rod 215R can also be completely pulled out from the fixing plate 230 in the same way. In other words, the mounting body 210 can be removed from the fixing plate 230.

[0088] When the engagement of the engagement pin 261 with the side surface first recess 216a is released, and the user pulls the mounting body 210 slightly in the positive Y-axis direction, and then releases their fingers from the engagement pin 261, the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 enters the state shown in Figure 15. Subsequently, if the user pulls the mounting body 210 further forward, the state of the second attachment / detachment mechanism 260 changes from the state shown in Figure 15 to the state shown in Figure 14. In other words, when the side surface second recess 216b of the first protruding rod 215L reaches the position of the engagement pin 261, the biasing force of the second biasing member 261a causes the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 to be inserted into the side surface second recess 216b. As a result, the first end 261b of the engagement pin 261 engages with the side surface second recess 216b, and the first protruding rod 215L becomes unable to disengage from the first recess 235L. Similarly, the second protruding rod 215R becomes unable to disengage from the second recess 235R. In this state, the mounting body 210 is in the position shown in Figure 4, for example.

[0089] Thus, in this embodiment, the mounting body portion 210 of the mounting plate 200 is locked to the fixing plate 230 in two positions: the normal position shown in Figures 2 and 16, and the extended position shown in Figures 4 and 14. The mounting body portion 210 is in the normal position during normal use. On the other hand, the mounting body portion 210 is in the extended position when it is extended forward.

[0090] As shown in Figure 2, when the mounting body 210 is in its normal position, the two hinges 225 are hidden within the toilet seat mounting section 90. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, when the mounting body 210 is in the extended position, the two hinges 225 are exposed to the outside. Each hinge 225 has an uneven surface, so dirt tends to accumulate on the hinges 225. However, as shown in Figure 4, since the two hinges 225 are exposed to the outside, they can be easily cleaned or disinfected. In Figure 4, the first protruding rod 215L and the second protruding rod 215R are engaged with the second detachment mechanism 260. As a result, the user can clean and disinfect the mounting body 210 while it is in a stable position. As shown in Figure 6, when the mounting body 210 is completely removed from the fixing plate 230 (see Figure 6), the user can clean and disinfect a wider area of ​​the mounting body 210, including the back side of the hinge 225.

[0091] The fixing plate 230 has a guide portion 238 on the outside of the second insertion opening 237L. The guide portion 238 is formed from an inclined surface that guides the tip of the first protruding rod 215L into the first recess 235L. Specifically, a pair of left and right first guide bodies 238a and second guide body 238b are arranged on the outside of the second insertion opening 237L.

[0092] As can be seen from Figures 2 to 4, the second insertion opening 237L is normally hidden by the toilet seat mounting part 90, so the user cannot see the second insertion opening 237L. Therefore, it is difficult to insert the first protruding rod 215L into the second insertion opening 237L when the toilet seat mounting part 90 is attached to the toilet bowl 21.

[0093] To solve this problem, a guide portion 238 is provided on the outside of the second insertion opening 237L of the fixing plate 230. Since the first guide body 238a and the second guide body 238b are provided, even when the toilet seat mounting portion 90 is attached to the toilet bowl 21, the user can easily insert the first protruding rod 215L of the mounting body portion 210 into the second insertion opening 237L. Similarly, a pair of first guide bodies 238a and second guide bodies 238b are also provided on the outside of the third insertion opening 237R of the fixing plate 230. The user can easily insert the first protruding rod 215L and the second protruding rod 215R into the second insertion opening 237L and the third insertion opening 237R, respectively.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212 are integrally provided, and therefore the positions of the first protruding rod 215L and the second protruding rod 215R are fixed. For this reason, the guide portion 238 may be provided only at the second insertion opening 237L, and not at the third insertion opening 237R. Alternatively, the guide portion 238 may be provided only at the third insertion opening 237R, and not at the second insertion opening 237L. Preferably, the guide portion 238 is provided at both the second insertion opening 237L and the third insertion opening 237R.

[0095] [6. Regarding variations] The imaging apparatus described in this disclosure has been explained above based on embodiments. However, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art could conceive of, or forms constructed by combining the above-described components, are also included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0096] The upper end first front part 22L shown in Figure 5 may be named "upper end second front part 22R", and the upper end second front part 22R shown in Figure 5 may be named "upper end first front part 22L". In this case, the first arm plate 211 shown in Figure 6 may be named "second arm plate 212", and the second arm plate 212 shown in Figure 6 may be named "first arm plate 211". As a result, the imaging unit 110 attached to the first arm plate 211 is located to the lower left as viewed from the user seated on the toilet seat 50, but even when the imaging unit 110 is positioned in this location, it can still image the excrement without any problems.

[0097] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the imaging device 100 in a second modified example of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, the mounting body portion 210 of the mounting plate 200 may have only the first arm plate 211 among the first arm plate 211 and the second arm plate 212. Even in this case, the imaging unit 110 attached to the first arm plate 211 can image the excrement. Furthermore, since the first arm plate 211 has a first hinge 225L, the front portion 211F of the first arm plate to which the imaging unit 110 is attached can be raised. This allows the user to easily clean the back surface of the front portion 211F of the first arm plate and the back surface of the imaging unit 110 without removing the first arm plate 211 and the imaging unit 110 from the toilet bowl 21.

[0098] In the mounting plate 200 shown in Figure 17, the second arm plate 212 does not necessarily have a second hinge 225R. Even in this case, the first arm plate 211 having a first hinge 225L allows the front portion 211F of the first arm plate to which the imaging unit 110 is attached to be raised. This allows the user of the toilet device 10 to easily clean the back surface of the front portion 211F of the first arm plate and the back surface of the imaging unit 110. Even if the second arm plate 212 does not have a second hinge 225R, it functions together with the first arm plate 211 as a member that suppresses wobbling of the toilet seat 50 and displacement of the imaging unit 110.

[0099] The imaging unit 110 does not need to be detachably attached to the mounting plate 200. For example, the housing 111 of the imaging unit 110 may be integrally formed with the front portion 211F of the first arm plate. Even in this case, if the first hinge 225L is positioned between the fixing plate 230 and the imaging unit 110, it is possible to raise the front portion 211F of the first arm plate, which is the part of the mounting body 210 to which the imaging unit 110 is attached. Therefore, the user of the toilet device 10 can easily clean the back surface of the imaging unit 110, which is difficult to clean when the front portion 211F of the first arm plate is lowered (see Figure 2), by raising the front portion 211F of the first arm plate.

[0100] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the support portion 115 is placed on top of the first arm plate 211. However, the support portion 115 may be provided below the first arm plate 211. In this case, for example, a recess that is indented upward may be provided on the back surface of the first arm plate 211, and the support portion 115 may be inserted into the recess. In this case, the first hook 117 (see Figure 8) may be positioned above the support portion 115. However, preferably, the support portion 115 is placed on top of the first arm plate 211. In this case, there are advantages such as easy cleaning of the support portion 115, no gap where dirt can easily accumulate between the housing 111 and the mounting plate 200 in a top view, and easy attachment and detachment of the imaging unit 110 when the mounting plate 200 is lowered.

[0101] In the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250, the first hook 117 is inserted into the mounting body 210 in the X-axis direction and then engages with the second hook 252, which is rotatably supported. However, the structure of the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 is not limited to this. For example, the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 may include a link mechanism configured to engage with and disengage from the first hook 117. Even in this case, the imaging unit 110 can still be detachably attached to the mounting plate 200.

[0102] The structure for detachably attaching the imaging unit 110 to the mounting plate 200 does not necessarily require the use of mechanical engagement and disengagement. For example, a structure for detachably attaching the imaging unit 110 to the mounting plate 200 may be realized by utilizing the magnetic force acting between a magnet provided on one of the imaging unit 110 and the mounting plate 200 and a metal provided on the other of the imaging unit 110 and the mounting plate 200. In this case, a magnet 300 for detecting whether or not the imaging unit 110 is properly attached may be used in this structure. Alternatively, a structure for detachably attaching the imaging unit 110 to the mounting plate 200 may be realized by providing a suction cup on one of the imaging unit 110 and the mounting plate 200 that attracts to the other.

[0103] A mechanism for detachably attaching the imaging unit 110 to the mounting plate 200, such as the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250, may be provided on the imaging unit 110 rather than on the mounting plate 200. For example, the imaging unit 110 may be provided with a mechanism for engaging with and disengaging a hook protruding from the mounting plate 200. However, as mentioned above, from the viewpoint of miniaturizing the imaging unit 110 or reducing manufacturing costs, it is preferable that a mechanism such as the first attachment / detachment mechanism 250 be provided on the mounting plate 200.

[0104] The first hook 117 of the imaging unit 110 does not need to be a plate-shaped portion (i.e., a component) with its thickness oriented in the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figures 8 to 11. The first hook 117 may be, for example, a rod-shaped portion (i.e., a component) such as a round or square bar protruding from the housing 111. However, preferably, from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the connection portion between the imaging unit 110 and the mounting plate 200, and suppressing the thickness of the mounting plate 200, the first hook 117 is formed from a plate with its thickness oriented in the Z-axis direction. In particular, considering the case where the imaging device 100 is attached to a toilet bowl 21 used by the elderly, it is important not to change the height position of the toilet seat 50 significantly from the position when the imaging device 100 is not attached, that is, to suppress the thickness of the mounting plate 200.

[0105] It is not essential that the fixing plate 230 of the mounting plate 200 has a position adjustment mechanism 140. For example, if the size and shape of the toilet bowl 21 to which the imaging device 100 is mounted are predetermined, a mounting plate 200 of a size and shape corresponding to that size and shape can be manufactured. In this case, the fixing plate 230 does not need to have a position adjustment mechanism 140 for adjusting the position of the imaging unit 110 or for adjusting the distance between the two axial holes 132a.

[0106] The mounting plate 200 is configured such that the mounting body 210 and the fixing plate 230 can be separated, but this is not essential. The mounting plate 200 has, for example, two hinges 225, and if these two hinges 225 are in a position that is exposed from the toilet seat mounting portion 90 under normal circumstances, it is possible to raise the portion in front of the hinges 225 as shown in Figure 5. This makes it easier for the user to clean at least the portion in front of the hinges 225 on the underside of the mounting plate 200.

[0107] The imaging unit 110 only needs to have at least an image sensor 121, and does not need to have a human presence sensor 120 and an illuminance sensor 123. Also, for example, if the image sensor 121 is capable of imaging in a relatively dark environment, the imaging unit 110 does not need to have an illumination unit 122. If the imaging unit 110 does not have a human presence sensor 120, it may receive the detection result of the presence of a person from the seating switch 55 of the toilet seat 50, as described above.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the imaging unit 110 receives power from the computer device 500, which is the destination of the image data. However, the imaging unit 110 may also have a built-in battery as a power source for operation. The imaging unit 110 may also have a wireless communication function for transmitting image data to the computer device 500. In other words, it is possible to make the imaging device 100 completely wireless. This eliminates the need for cables for communication or power supply to interfere with the installation or use of the imaging device 100.

[0109] In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to the above embodiments and their variations that a person skilled in the art could conceive, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment and its variations without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0110] This disclosure is useful as an imaging device that can be attached to a toilet bowl to image the inside of the toilet bowl. Therefore, it can be used, for example, in a nursing care facility to image the excrement of a person. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 10 Toilet equipment 21 Toilet bowl 22 Upper ring end 22B Upper end rear 22L Upper end 1st front part 22R Upper end, second front section 23 Toilet seat mounting holes 50 toilet seats 51L First seat 51R Second seat 55. Seating switch 90 Toilet seat mounting part 95 volts 100 Imaging device 110 Imaging Unit 111 Housing 111a Imaging surface 111b Rear of the housing 111c, 115c top surface 115 Support part 115a First flange section 115b Second flange section 116 Cable holding section 117 First Hook 117a 1st claw part 120-person motion sensor 121 Image sensor 122 Lighting Section 123 Illuminance Sensor 125 Magnetic detection sensor 126 Control Unit 132 Hole plate 132a Shaft hole 140 Position adjustment mechanism 200 Mounting plate 210 Mounting body 210a Inner surface 211 First Arm Plate 211F Front of the first arm plate 211B Rear of the first arm plate 212 Second Arm Plate 212F Front of the second arm plate 212B Rear of the second arm plate 215L 1st protruding rod 215R 2nd protruding rod 215a Protruding rod groove 216 Side recess 216a Side surface first recess 216b Side second recess 217, 261d sloped surface 219, 239 Cushioning material 225 Hinge 225L First Hinge 225R Second Hinge 230 Fixed plate 231 Fixed body part 235L First recess 235R Second recess 237L Second insertion port 237R Third insertion port 238 Guide Section 238a First guide body 238b Second guide body 240 Mounting part 241a First slide groove 241b Second slide groove 250 First Detachable Mechanism 251 First insertion port 252 Second Hook 252b 2nd claw part 253 Hook rotation axis 254 First biasing member 256 Disengagement section 256a Release lever 259 Opening 260 Second Detachable Mechanism 261 Engaging pin 261a Second biasing member 261b 1st end 261c 2nd end 263 Guide Plate 300 magnets 500 computer devices 550 Cable 600 tank

Claims

1. An imaging device for imaging the inside of a toilet bowl having an annular upper end composed of an upper rear end, an upper front first end located below the toilet seat, and an upper front second end located below the toilet seat, An imaging unit for imaging the inside of the toilet bowl, and Mounting plate to which the imaging unit is attached It is equipped with, The mounting plate comprises a first arm plate and a fixing plate, The first arm plate is configured to be positioned on the first front part of the upper end so as to be sandwiched between the toilet seat and the first front part of the upper end, The fixing plate is configured to be fixed to the rear of the upper end, The imaging unit includes an image sensor having an optical axis parallel to the direction extending diagonally downward from the first arm plate toward the interior of the toilet bowl, so as to image the interior of the toilet bowl. The first arm plate comprises a first hinge, a front portion of the first arm plate, and a rear portion of the first arm plate. The front and rear portions of the first arm plate are connected to each other by the first hinge, such that the first hinge is sandwiched between them. The rear portion of the first arm plate is connected to the fixing plate, and The front portion of the first arm plate is configured to swing between a horizontally positioned state and a vertically upright state with the first hinge as the pivot point. Imaging device.

2. The imaging unit is configured to be detachably attached to the mounting plate. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The imaging unit is A housing having the image sensor inside, and Support portion extending from the housing It is equipped with, The support portion is configured to overlap a part of the first arm plate in a plan view. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The upper surface of the support portion is flush with the upper surface of the housing. The imaging device according to claim 3.

5. The first arm plate is, A first slide groove formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first arm plate, and A second slide groove formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first arm plate. It is equipped with and The support portion comprises a first flange portion and a second flange portion that engage with the first slide groove and the second slide groove, respectively. The imaging apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The first arm plate has a first attachment / detachment mechanism to which the imaging unit is detachably attached, The imaging unit is equipped with a first hook, The first attachment / detachment mechanism comprises a first insertion port, a second hook, a hook rotation shaft, and a first biasing member. The second hook swings about the hook rotation axis as the pivot point, The second hook is biased in a predetermined direction by the first biasing member, While the first hook is moving from the first insertion opening into the first attachment / detachment mechanism so that the first hook is inserted from the first insertion opening into the first attachment / detachment mechanism, the first biasing member is subjected to a pressing force from the first hook in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, and While the first hook is inserted into the first attachment / detachment mechanism from the first insertion opening, the first hook is engaged with the second hook. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second hook is provided with an engagement release portion. The first biasing member is configured to swing the second hook via the release mechanism so that a pressing force is applied in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, thereby releasing the engagement of the first hook with the second hook. The imaging device according to claim 6.

8. The engagement release portion consists of a lever protruding from the side surface of the first arm plate. The imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The imaging unit is attached to the front of the first arm plate, The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The aforementioned mounting plate further comprises a second arm plate, In a plan view, an opening is formed surrounded by the first arm plate, the second arm plate, and the fixing plate. The second arm plate is configured to be positioned on the second front upper end so as to be sandwiched between the toilet seat and the second front upper end. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The second arm plate comprises a second hinge, a front portion of the second arm plate, and a rear portion of the second arm plate. The front and rear portions of the second arm plate are connected to each other by the second hinge, such that the second hinge is sandwiched between them. The rear portion of the second arm plate is connected to the fixing plate, and The front portion of the second arm plate is configured to swing between a horizontally positioned state and a vertically upright state with the second hinge as the pivot point. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The rear portion of the first arm plate is provided with a first protruding rod that extends backward from the rear end of the rear portion of the first arm plate. A second insertion opening is provided on the front surface of the aforementioned fixing plate. The inside of the fixing plate is provided with a first recess that communicates with the second insertion opening. The first protruding rod is configured to be insertable into and retractable into the first recess via the second insertion opening. When at least a portion of the first protruding rod is pulled out from the first recess through the second insertion opening, the front portion of the first arm plate and the front portion of the second arm plate are configured to stand vertically. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11.

13. The mounting plate has an O-shape in plan view, the front end of the first arm plate is connected to the front end of the second arm plate, and the first arm plate and the second arm plate are integrally formed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11.

14. The mounting plate has a U-shape in plan view, and the front end of the first arm plate is separated from the front end of the second arm plate. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11.

15. The first arm plate and the second arm plate are symmetrical. The imaging apparatus according to claim 11.

16. The rear portion of the first arm plate is provided with a first protruding rod that extends backward from the rear end of the rear portion of the first arm plate. A second insertion opening is provided on the front surface of the aforementioned fixing plate. The inside of the fixing plate is provided with a first recess that communicates with the second insertion opening, and The first protruding rod is configured to be insertable into and retractable into the first recess via the second insertion opening. The first arm plate front portion is configured to stand vertically when at least a portion of the first protruding rod is pulled out from the first recess through the second insertion opening. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

17. The aforementioned mounting plate further comprises a second arm plate, The second arm plate is configured to be positioned on the second front upper end so as to be sandwiched between the toilet seat and the second front upper end, The rear end of the second arm plate is provided with a second protruding rod that protrudes backward from the rear end. A third insertion opening is provided on the front surface of the aforementioned fixing plate. The inside of the fixing plate is provided with a second recess that communicates with the third insertion opening, and The second protruding rod is configured to be insertable into and retractable from the second recess via the third insertion opening. The imaging device according to claim 16.

18. The side surface of the first protruding rod is provided with a first side recess, The aforementioned fixing plate further comprises an engaging pin, and The first protruding rod is configured such that, when inserted into the first recess through the second insertion opening, the engaging pin engages with the first recess on the side surface. The imaging device according to claim 16.

19. The fixing plate further comprises a second biasing member that biases the engagement pin toward the side surface of the first protruding rod. The imaging apparatus according to claim 18.

20. The side surface of the first protruding rod is further provided with a second side recess, The engagement pin is configured to engage with the second recess on the side when at least a portion of the first protruding rod is pulled out from the first recess through the second insertion opening. The imaging apparatus according to claim 18.

21. The aforementioned fixing plate is provided with a pair of left and right guide portions on its front surface, The second insertion opening is sandwiched between the pair of left and right guide portions. Each of the left and right guide sections is inclined such that the distance between them in the left-right direction gradually decreases in the insertion direction of the first protruding rod. The imaging device according to claim 16.

22. The thickness of the first arm plate and the second arm plate are the same. The imaging apparatus according to claim 10.

Images