Toilet bowl device

Abstract

Provided is a toilet bowl device that suppresses detection by a foot detection sensor provided in a toilet bowl body at a timing unintended by a user. A toilet bowl device (1) comprises a toilet bowl body (20) and a first human detection sensor (41). The toilet bowl body (20) is installed in a state in which at least a part of a bottom surface section (25) of the toilet bowl body (20) is off a floor surface (F). The first human detection sensor (41) is provided on the bottom surface section (25) of the toilet bowl body (20). A prescribed operation is started on the basis of the detection result of the first human detection sensor (41). A first detection area (42) of the first human detection sensor (41) is formed between the bottom surface section (25) and the floor surface (F). The first detection area (42) entirely falls within the area of an outline (20a) in a top view of the toilet bowl body (20).

Description

Toilet device

[0001] This disclosure relates to a toilet device.

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a toilet device provided with a foot detection unit for detecting a person's foot, and configured such that when a person's foot is detected by the foot detection unit, the toilet lid opens and closes. (For example, Patent Document 1)

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-145848

[0004] By the way, in the toilet device provided with a foot detection unit as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the detection range of the foot detection unit is often set in the front part or the side part of the toilet device.

[0005] In the case of such a foot detection unit, since the detection range by the foot detection unit reaches the front part or the side part of the toilet device, detection by the foot detection sensor may be performed at an unintended timing such as during use or cleaning timing, which may cause inconvenience.

[0006] In view of the above problems, this disclosure provides a toilet device in which detection by the foot detection diagram is not performed at an unintended timing.

[0007] The toilet device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a toilet body and a first human body detection sensor. The toilet body is installed in a state where at least a part of the bottom surface portion of the toilet body floats from the floor surface. The first human body detection sensor is provided on the bottom surface portion of the toilet body. A predetermined operation starts based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor. The first detection range by the first human body detection sensor is formed between the bottom surface portion and the floor surface. The first detection range is entirely within the range of the contour portion in the top view of the toilet body.

[0008] Figure 1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic side view schematically showing the interior of the toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is another perspective view of the toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is an overall view of a toilet room including the toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the toilet device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the toilet device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the toilet device 1 according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that all embodiments disclosed below are illustrative and not intended to limit the toilet device 1 according to this disclosure.

[0010] Furthermore, in the embodiments disclosed below, unnecessary detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art by avoiding unnecessarily verbose explanations.

[0011] (Overall Configuration) Figure 1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic side view illustrating the interior of the toilet device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the toilet device 1 includes a toilet flushing unit 10 that supplies flushing water to the bowl 23 and flushes the inside of the bowl 23, a toilet lid 21, a toilet seat 22, a toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 3 that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid 21, and a toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 5 that detects the opening and closing of the toilet seat 22. The toilet device 1 also includes a toilet lid drive unit (toilet lid drive device) 4 that opens and closes the toilet lid 21 and a toilet seat drive unit (toilet seat drive device) 6 that opens and closes the toilet seat 22.

[0013] The toilet device 1 includes a bowl portion 23 and a toilet flushing unit 10 that supplies flushing water to the bowl portion 23 and cleans the inside of the bowl portion 23. The toilet device 1 also includes a flushing instruction means 11 that issues a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing unit 10.

[0014] The cleaning instruction means 11 may be one that issues instructions based on the user's cleaning operation, or one that automatically issues instructions based on the user's actions.

[0015] The toilet unit 1 is a seated Western-style toilet unit fixed in a toilet room 60, with its bottom portion 25 floating above the floor F. In the embodiment of this disclosure, the toilet unit 1 is fixed with its rear portion 33 fixed to the wall portion 31, with its bottom portion 25 floating above the floor F, but it is not limited to this configuration. The bottom portion 25 may be supported from below and floating above the floor F, or the side portions of the toilet unit 1 may be fixed. It is not necessary for the entire bottom portion 25 to be floating above the floor F; a portion of it may be in contact with the floor F.

[0016] In other words, the method of fixing the toilet device 1 and the height of its floating position are not relevant; it is sufficient that at least a portion of the bottom surface 25 is fixed in a state where it is floating above the floor surface F. Furthermore, in this disclosure, even if a separate case or the like is provided on the bottom surface 25, the bottom surface 25 includes the separate case or the like.

[0017] When the bottom portion 25 of the toilet unit 1 is raised above the floor surface F, it not only improves the overall aesthetic appearance of the toilet room 60, but also has advantages in terms of usability, such as making it easier to clean the floor surface F.

[0018] The toilet body 20 of this toilet device 1 has a bowl portion 23 that opens upward, and the bowl portion 23 is enclosed in a skirt portion 24. The upper surface of the bowl portion 23 is equipped with a toilet lid 21 and a toilet seat 22 that can be inverted relative to the opening surface of the bowl portion 23. The opening and closing of the toilet lid 21 is performed by a toilet lid drive unit 4, and the opening and closing of the toilet seat 22 is performed by a toilet seat drive unit 6. The rotation axis of the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 is the same.

[0019] The toilet device 1 has a drainage mechanism for wastewater collected in the bowl 23 and a drainage mechanism for draining the flushing water. In the toilet device 1 shown in Figure 2, the drainage mechanism is performed by a cylindrical, bent, movable trap 27 connected to the bowl 23 and a drain outlet 26. The movable trap 27 is configured to rotate up and down, and by rotating in the vertical direction, it forms a water-sealed state or a drained state. More specifically, when the free end 32 of the movable trap 27 is facing upward, the bowl 23 is in a water-sealed state where flushing water and wastewater are collected, and when the free end 32 is facing downward, the flushing water and wastewater are drained out of the drain outlet 26.

[0020] When the flushing operation of the toilet unit 1 begins, the free end 32 of the movable trap 27 rotates downwards and connects to the drain outlet 26. As a result, the contaminated water accumulated in the bowl 23 passes through the movable trap 27 and is discharged from the drain outlet 26. A drainage path (not shown) is connected to the drain outlet 26, and the contaminated water and flushing water are drained from the drain outlet 26 into the drainage path.

[0021] Furthermore, the movable trap 27 is surrounded by a movable trap case (not shown) to prevent wastewater and odors from leaking to the outside.

[0022] The drainage mechanism of the toilet unit 1 is not limited to the movable trap 27 described above, but may also be a wash-down type drainage mechanism, a siphon type, a siphon jet type, a siphon vortex type, etc. Furthermore, the toilet unit 1 may have a drainage mechanism that is not of any of the above forms.

[0023] In Figure 2, the drain outlet 26 is installed on the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl 20, but it may also be installed on the back surface 33 of the toilet bowl 20. By providing the drain outlet 26 on the back surface 33 of the toilet bowl 20, it is not necessary to provide a drainage path in the direction of the floor surface F, and it becomes possible to install a toilet device 1 that gives a greater sense of floating. The direction of drainage of the flushing water may also be towards the floor surface F or towards the wall surface 31.

[0024] The water supply mechanism to the bowl section 23 includes a cleaning water inlet 28 and a cleaning water supply pipe 29, and water is supplied to the bowl section 23 by this mechanism. The cleaning water supply pipe 29, located in the internal space of the skirt section 24, is connected to a water pipe (not shown), and tap water is supplied from the water pipe to the cleaning water supply pipe 29. The cleaning water is supplied to the bowl section 23 from the cleaning water inlet 28 through the cleaning water supply pipe 29. The supply and shut-off of cleaning water to the bowl section 23 is controlled by a water supply valve 30 provided in the middle of the cleaning water supply pipe 29.

[0025] Furthermore, in the toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, a first human body detection sensor 41 is provided on the bottom surface 25 of the toilet body 20. The first human body detection sensor 41 will be described later. The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is configured to gradually expand from the bottom surface 25 of the toilet body 20 toward the floor surface F. The first detection range 42 will also be described in detail later.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the toilet device 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is provided with a second human body detection sensor 50. The second detection range 51 of the second human body detection sensor 50 is configured to face forward of the toilet body 20. The second human body detection sensor 50 will also be described in detail later.

[0027] Furthermore, while toilet unit 1 is a direct-connection type tankless toilet that does not have a flush tank (low tank), toilet unit 1 may also be one that has a water tank.

[0028] Furthermore, the toilet device 1 may be configured to include various functions. For example, the toilet device 1 may be configured to include a sterilization device for sterilizing the inside of the bowl 23, a deodorizing device for deodorizing, a heating device for warming the toilet seat 22, and a local washing device. Furthermore, the toilet device 1 may be configured to detect when the user sits on or leaves the toilet seat 22.

[0029] (Main Components) Next, the first human body detection sensor 41 will be explained using Figures 3 to 5. The first human body detection sensor 41 is mainly used to detect the user's feet. On the other hand, the first human body detection sensor 41 can also detect parts other than the feet. As described above, the first human body detection sensor 41 is installed on the bottom surface 25 of the toilet device 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the first human body detection sensor 41 is provided on the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 and is oriented toward the floor surface F. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first human body detection sensor 41 is oriented toward the front of the toilet device 1. Because the first human body detection sensor 41 is oriented toward the floor surface F, the first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is located downwards from the toilet bowl body 20, that is, in the area between the toilet bowl body 20 and the floor surface F.

[0031] The term "bottom portion 25" as used herein is not limited to cases where it is directly attached to the toilet bowl body 20. If an accessory separate from the toilet bowl body 20 is attached to the bottom portion 25, the accessory is also considered part of the bottom portion 25. In other words, if the first human body detection sensor 41 is attached to an accessory attached to the bottom portion 25, the first human body detection sensor 41 is considered to be attached to the bottom portion 25. The accessory referred to herein is, for example, a cover attached to the bottom portion 25.

[0032] The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 should gradually expand outward from the first human body detection sensor 41. This makes it possible to detect the user's feet over a wide area, leading to improved usability.

[0033] On the other hand, the first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is set so as not to extend beyond the contour portion 20a of the toilet bowl body 20 in a top view (plan view). Therefore, the first detection range 42 is limited, making it possible to suppress the first human body detection sensor 41 from detecting the user at times unintended by the user, such as during use or cleaning. The contour portion 20a in a top view refers to the contour of the outermost protruding part when the toilet bowl body 20 is viewed from above.

[0034] The first detection range will be explained in detail using Figure 3. The contour of the part that protrudes the most outward when the toilet bowl body 20 is viewed from above is defined as the contour portion 20a in the top view. In the diagram shown in Figure 3, the contour portion 20a in the top view is located near the toilet lid 21 and toilet seat 22, but it does not necessarily have to be in this vicinity; it could also be somewhere in the middle of the skirt portion 24.

[0035] A virtual surface 44 (see Figure 2) perpendicular to the floor surface F is provided from the contour portion 20a in the top view. The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is set to be within the range that is inside the virtual surface 44. More precisely, the first detection range 42 is set to extend outward from the first human body detection sensor 41, and extends to the part where the first detection range 42 intersects with the virtual surface 44. The first detection range 42 is set not to extend outside the virtual surface 44.

[0036] The type of first human body detection sensor 41 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the first human body detection sensor 41 be an ultrasonic sensor that measures the time it takes for emitted ultrasonic waves to reflect back from an obstacle and detect the presence, or a microwave sensor that utilizes the principle that microwaves reflect back from an object. When these sensors are used as the first human body detection sensor 41, the time it takes for the waves to reflect off the virtual surface 44 and return to the first human body detection sensor 41 is set in advance, and the system is configured to detect only when the time it takes for the waves to reflect back from the virtual surface 44 and return to the first human body detection sensor 41 is shorter, and not detect when it is longer. With this configuration, it is possible to set the first detection range 42 within the area inside the virtual surface 44, that is, within the area inside the bottom contour portion 25a that intersects with the virtual surface 44 on the floor surface F. The first human body detection sensor 41 is not limited to the above, and other sensors such as infrared sensors may be used.

[0037] Alternatively, the reach of the first human body detection sensor 41 may be set from the outset to fall within the virtual surface 44. Furthermore, the detection range of the first human body detection sensor 41 may be configured to end between the toilet device 1 and the floor surface F, without reaching the floor surface F. With this configuration, in order for detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 to occur, the user must lift their feet and place them between the toilet device 1 and the floor surface F, thereby preventing unintended foot detection.

[0038] When the toilet lid 21 is open and the toilet seat 22 is closed, if a user places their foot between the toilet unit 1 and the floor surface F and this is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, the opening operation of the toilet seat 22 is initiated. This allows the user to open the toilet seat 22 without directly touching it with their hands when using the toilet unit 1 with the seat open, such as when urinating while standing, thus enabling hygienic use of the toilet unit 1.

[0039] The opening of the toilet seat 22, triggered by the detection of the first human body detection sensor 41, may be configured to occur only when the toilet lid 21 is open.

[0040] The above operations are not limited to when the toilet lid 21 is open; the same operations may also be performed when both the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 are closed. In other words, when both the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 are closed, the system may be configured to open both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 when detected by the first human body detection sensor 41.

[0041] The toilet may also be configured such that when both the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 are open, the first human body detection sensor 41 detects them, and the flushing operation of the bowl section 23 is initiated.

[0042] In other words, when the toilet seat 22 is open and the user places their feet between the toilet unit 1 and the floor surface F, and this is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing of the bowl section 23 is initiated. This allows the user to urinate while standing without having to directly touch the toilet unit 1 or remote control to issue a flushing command. Details of the above behavior will be described later.

[0043] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the first detection range may be configured not to extend outside the bottom surface contour portion 25a of the bottom surface portion 25 of the toilet body 20. Specifically, the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 25 of the toilet body 20 is defined as the bottom surface contour portion 25b. A virtual plane 45 perpendicular to the floor surface F is provided from the bottom surface contour portion 25b. The first detection range 42 of the first human body detection sensor 41 is set within a range that is contained inside the virtual plane 45. In other words, the first detection range 42 is provided so as to extend outward from the first human body detection sensor 41 and is provided up to the portion where the first detection range 42 intersects with the virtual plane 45. It is set that the first detection range 42 does not reach the outside of the virtual plane 45.

[0044] By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the first human body detection sensor 41 from detecting at a timing that is not intended by the user, such as during use or cleaning.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the toilet room 60 as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 5, the toilet device 1 includes a second human body detection sensor 50 in addition to the first human body detection sensor 41. The second human body detection sensor 50 detects the entry of a user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the second human body detection sensor 50 is provided at the rear central portion of the toilet device 1. As a result, the second detection range 51, which is the detection range of the second human body detection sensor 50, is configured in front of the toilet device 1.

[0046] The installation position of the second human body detection sensor 50 is not limited to the rear central portion of the toilet body 20. It may be installed at a location where the front portion of the toilet body 20, such as the front central portion of the toilet body 20, can be detected. The second human body detection sensor 50 detects a user entering the toilet room 60. When the second human body detection sensor 50 detects a person entering the toilet room 60, the opening operation of the toilet lid 21 by the toilet lid drive unit 4 is started. As a result, the user can sit on the toilet seat 22 and use it without directly touching the toilet lid 21 with their hands, and it becomes possible to use it hygienically.

[0047] Also, when the user exits the toilet room 60 and the second human body detection sensor 50 stops detecting a person, if the toilet lid 21 is open, the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 is started by the toilet lid drive unit 4.

[0048] When the user wants to use the toilet device 1 in a standing position, when entering the room, the second human body detection sensor 50 detects and the toilet lid 21 opens. After that, the user can put their feet between the toilet device 1 and the floor surface F and be detected by the first human body detection sensor 41.

[0049] With the above-described first human body detection sensor 41 and second human body detection sensor 50, it is possible to use the toilet without touching the toilet device 1 at all from entering the room to exiting when urinating in a standing position.

[0050] The actual operation of the toilet device 1 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7. All of these operations are operations by the control unit 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0051] The toilet device 1 only needs to be configured such that any one of the operations shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 is executed after the user enters the room, but the settings for the toilet device 1 may be changed so that any one of the operations can be executed.

[0052] In the following operation description, the detection of the open / closed state of the toilet lid 21 is performed by the toilet lid open / closed detection unit 3, and the detection of the open / closed state of the toilet seat 22 is performed by the toilet seat open / closed detection unit 5. However, the description of the operations of the toilet lid open / closed detection unit 3 and the toilet seat open / closed detection unit 5 will be omitted. Also, the opening / closing operation of the toilet lid 21 is performed by the toilet lid drive unit 4, and the opening / closing operation of the toilet seat 22 is performed by the toilet seat drive unit 6. However, the description of the operations of the toilet lid drive unit 4 and the toilet seat drive unit 6 will be omitted. Furthermore, the cleaning operation is performed by the toilet cleaning unit 10, but the detailed description of this will also be omitted.

[0053] First, the operation of FIG. 6 will be described according to the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S113. In the following description, the places where the operation steps of FIG. 5 are described as "step Sxxx" will be described simply as "Sxxx" with only the symbols.

[0054] First, when the user enters the toilet room 60 in S100, in S101, the second human body detection sensor 50 detects the user's entry into the toilet room 60.

[0055] In S101, when the second human body detection sensor 50 detects a person entering the room, if the toilet lid 21 is closed in S102, the toilet lid 21 opening operation is initiated. At this time, the toilet device 1 may be configured to notify the user that the toilet lid 21 is about to open. The notification is made by the notification unit 9 (see Figure 1), and the notification means may be a beeping sound or illumination by a display such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0056] In S103, after the opening operation of the toilet lid 21 is started (including when the toilet lid 21 was already open), if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user's feet in S104, and the toilet seat 22 is in the closed state in S105, the process proceeds to S106 and the opening operation of the toilet seat 22 is started. The timing at which the first human body detection sensor 41 can detect a person may be configured to allow detection only after the toilet lid 21 has fully opened, or before the toilet lid 21 has fully opened. Similarly, the timing at which the opening operation of the toilet seat 22 is started may be configured to allow detection only after the toilet lid 21 has fully opened, or before the toilet lid 21 has fully opened, i.e., during the opening operation of the toilet lid 21.

[0057] Furthermore, in S107, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a user while they are seated, it is desirable that the toilet lid 21 does not start opening. Alternatively, the first human body detection sensor 41 may be set not to detect a user while they are seated. The user's seating is detected by a seating detection unit (not shown) provided in the toilet device 1.

[0058] In S107, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user's feet or other body parts, and the toilet seat 22 was already open in S105, the process proceeds to S109 and the flushing operation of the bowl section 23 is started.

[0059] When the toilet seat 22 is opened, the user can use the toilet device 1 with the seat 22 open, such as when urinating while standing (not shown).

[0060] Next, if the user places their feet between the bottom surface 25 of the toilet unit 1 and the floor surface F, and the toilet lid 21 is open, then in S107, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user's feet or the like, the process proceeds to S109 and the flushing operation of the bowl section 23 is started.

[0061] After the bowl section 23 has been cleaned, in S110, when the user leaves the toilet room 60, in S111, the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state. When the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state, if at least one of the toilet lid 21 and the toilet seat 22 is open, the process proceeds to S112 to start closing the toilet lid 21, then to S113 to start closing the toilet seat 22, and when the closing operation is complete, the process proceeds to S114 to end.

[0062] The closing operation of the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 may begin simultaneously, or the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the toilet seat 22 has fully closed. Alternatively, the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 has started but before the closing operation is completely finished.

[0063] In the flowchart shown in Figure 5, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a person while the toilet seat 22 is open, the flushing operation is started, and then the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are closed after the second human body detection sensor 50 stops detecting a person. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that when the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a person while the toilet seat 22 is open, the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are closed before the flushing operation. In other words, after detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing operation is performed after the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are closed.

[0064] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the splashing of contaminated water during the flushing operation, and prevent bacteria and viruses contained in the contaminated water from being scattered outside the toilet device 1.

[0065] In steps S101, S102, and S103, the second human body detection sensor 50 is configured to start opening the toilet lid 21 when it is closed if the toilet lid 21 is closed. However, the second human body detection sensor 50 may be configured to activate only when the toilet lid 21 is closed.

[0066] Furthermore, the timing of the notification is not limited to when the user enters the toilet room 60. The system may be configured to provide notifications at various times, such as when the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, when the flushing operation is performed due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, or when the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state and the toilet seat 22 or toilet lid 21 closes.

[0067] Next, the operation shown in Figure 7 will be explained using the flowchart shown in steps S200 to S215. In the operation shown in Figure 7, when the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing operation of the bowl 23 will start if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person again after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, even if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person again within a predetermined time after the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, the flushing operation will not be performed. The flushing operation of the toilet bowl 20 can only be started if a predetermined time has elapsed or more after the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person to open or close the toilet seat 22. This configuration prevents the flushing operation from being performed at an unintended timing when the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the person twice in a short period of time due to carelessness, etc.

[0068] First, in S200, the user enters the toilet room 60, and in S201, the second human body detection sensor 50 detects the user's entry. In S202, if the toilet lid 21 is closed, the process proceeds to S203 and the opening operation of the toilet lid 21 is initiated.

[0069] In S201, when the second human body detection sensor 50 detects that a user has entered the room, if the toilet lid 21 is open in S202, the opening and closing operation of the toilet lid 21 or toilet seat 22 is not started, and the process returns to S201.

[0070] Next, in S204, if the user is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41, for example by placing their feet between the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 and the floor surface F, in S205, if the toilet seat 22 is closed, in S206, timer #1 is started, and further in S207, the opening operation of the toilet seat 22 is started.

[0071] Furthermore, if the toilet seat 22 is open in S205, the process proceeds to S210 and the flushing operation of the bowl 23 begins.

[0072] Furthermore, in S204, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a user while they are seated, the toilet lid 21 may not open. Alternatively, the first human body detection sensor 41 may not detect a user while they are seated. The user's seating is detected by a seating detection unit (not shown) provided in the toilet device 1.

[0073] When the toilet seat 22 is opened, the user can use the toilet device 1 with the seat 22 open, such as when urinating while standing (not shown).

[0074] After S207, in S208, if the user is detected again by the first human body detection sensor 41, for example by placing their foot between the bottom surface 25 of the toilet bowl body 20 and the floor surface F, then in S206, if the predetermined time of timer #1 has elapsed, the process proceeds to S210 and the flushing operation of the bowl portion 23 is started.

[0075] On the other hand, in S208, if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a human body, and in S209 the predetermined time for timer #1 has not elapsed, the cleaning operation of the bowl section 23 is not started and the process returns to S208. In S208 and S209, the cleaning operation of the bowl section 23 is performed only if the first human body detection sensor 41 detects a human body while the predetermined time for timer #1 has elapsed.

[0076] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the unnecessary flushing of the bowl section 23 when, immediately after the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, the first human body detection sensor 41 detects the user again due to user error or other reasons.

[0077] Regarding the set time, 30 to 40 seconds is preferable considering the time required for urination while standing, but it can be set as appropriate. Alternatively, the user may be able to set the set time themselves. By allowing the user to set the set time for Timer #1, it becomes possible to provide a user-friendly toilet device 1 that suits the user's style.

[0078] Next, in S211, when the user leaves the toilet room 60, and in S212, the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detection state to a non-detection state, the process proceeds to S213, and the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 begins. Then, in S214, the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 begins, and once the closing operation is complete, the process proceeds to S215, and the process ends.

[0079] In S213 and S214, the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 21 may begin simultaneously, or the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the toilet seat 22 has fully closed. Alternatively, the closing operation of the toilet lid 21 may begin after the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 has started but before the closing operation is completely finished.

[0080] At this time, if the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 are already in the closed position, the closing operation will only be initiated for those that are in the open position.

[0081] Also, as in Figure 6, notifications may be provided by the notification unit 9 as appropriate. The timing of the notification may be when the user enters the toilet room 60, or when the toilet seat 22 opens due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41. Alternatively, the timing of the notification may be when the flushing operation is performed due to detection by the first human body detection sensor 41, or when the second human body detection sensor 50 changes from a detected state to a non-detected state and the toilet seat 22 and toilet lid 21 close, and can be performed at various timings. Notification means may include a beeping sound or illumination by a display such as an LED.

[0082] The notification method can be changed depending on the timing of each action. This configuration allows the user to understand which action will be performed next.

[0083] Furthermore, the flowchart shown in Figure 7 is just one example, and it is not necessary to follow this flowchart exactly.

[0084] For example, in the flowchart shown in Figure 7, Timer #1 is activated after detecting that the toilet seat 22 is closed in S205. However, Timer #1 may also be activated when detection occurs by the first human body detection sensor 41 in S204. In other words, although Figure 6 shows a configuration where Timer #1 is activated only when the toilet seat 22 in S205 is closed, it may also be configured to activate Timer #1 whether the toilet lid 21 in S205 is open or closed. In this case, if detection occurs by the first human body detection sensor 41 in S204, even if the toilet lid 21 is already open, the bowl portion 23 will not be flushed immediately, and the bowl portion 23 will not be flushed until the predetermined time of Timer #1 has elapsed. That is, the bowl portion 23 will be flushed when detection occurs again by the first human body detection sensor 41 after the predetermined time of Timer #1 has elapsed.

[0085] This configuration prevents unnecessary flushing from occurring, such as when the toilet unit 1 is detected by the first human body detection sensor 41 before use, after the user has entered the toilet room 60 and manually opened the toilet seat 22.

[0086] Timer processing is performed by a timing unit (not shown). The activation timing of Timer #1 may also be configured to be set by the user.

[0087] Furthermore, in the case of No. S208 or No. S209, if a predetermined time has not elapsed when detection is made by the first human body detection sensor 41, the cleaning operation will not be performed unless detection is performed again by the first human body detection sensor 41 after the predetermined time has elapsed. However, if a predetermined time has not elapsed when detection is made by the first human body detection sensor 41, the cleaning operation may be performed automatically once the predetermined time has elapsed, even if detection is not performed again by the first human body detection sensor 41. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the situation in which detection by the first human body detection sensor 41 must be performed multiple times.

[0088] Furthermore, although this disclosure discloses a configuration in which the first human body detection sensor 41 detects feet, it is not limited to feet and can also detect other body parts, causing similar behavior as described above.

[0089] (Summary) The toilet device (1) according to the first embodiment comprises a toilet body (20) and a first human body detection sensor (41). The toilet body (20) is installed such that at least a portion of the bottom surface (25) of the toilet body (20) is raised above the floor surface (F). The first human body detection sensor (41) is provided on the bottom surface (25) of the toilet body (20). A predetermined operation is started based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor (41). The first detection range (42) by the first human body detection sensor (41) is formed between the bottom surface (25) and the floor surface (F). The entire first detection range (42) is contained within the contour (20a) of the toilet body (20) in a top view.

[0090] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the detection of the first human body by the first human body detection sensor (41) at times unintended by the user, such as during use or cleaning.

[0091] A second embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the toilet device (1) further comprises a toilet lid (21), a toilet seat (22), a toilet lid drive unit (4) that enables the opening and closing of the toilet lid (21), and a toilet seat drive unit (6) that enables the opening and closing of the toilet seat (22). The predetermined operation is an operation in which the opening of both the toilet lid (21) and the toilet seat (22) is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor (41).

[0092] A third embodiment can be realized by combining it with the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the toilet device (1) further includes a second human body detection sensor (50) that detects the approach of a user to the toilet body (20).

[0093] A fourth embodiment can be realized by combining it with the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the toilet device (1) further comprises a toilet lid (21), a toilet seat (22), a toilet lid drive unit (4) that enables opening and closing of the toilet lid (21), and a toilet seat drive unit (6) that enables opening and closing of the toilet seat (22). The predetermined operation is an operation in which the opening of the toilet lid (21) is initiated based on the detection result of the second human body detection sensor (50), and the opening of the toilet seat (22) is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor (41).

[0094] The fifth embodiment can be realized in combination with any of the first to fourth embodiments. In the fifth embodiment, the first detection range (42) extends from the bottom surface (25) of the toilet bowl body (20) toward the floor surface (F), perpendicular to the floor surface (F), to the intersection of the contour portion (20a) in the top view of the toilet bowl body (20) and the virtual surface (44) formed by connecting the floor surface (F).

[0095] According to the fifth embodiment, the first detection range (42) can be set within the area inside the virtual surface (44), that is, within the area inside the bottom contour portion (25a) that intersects with the virtual surface (44) on the floor surface (F).

[0096] The sixth embodiment can be realized by combining it with any of the first to fifth embodiments. In the sixth embodiment, the first detection range (42) does not reach the floor surface (F).

[0097] According to the sixth embodiment, in order for detection by the first human body detection sensor (41) to occur, the user must lift their feet and place them between the toilet unit (1) and the floor surface (F), thereby preventing unintended foot detection.

[0098] The seventh embodiment can be realized in combination with the second or fourth embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the opening operation of the toilet seat (22) based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor (41) is performed only when the toilet lid (21) is in the open position.

[0099] The eighth embodiment can be realized by combining it with the second embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, when both the toilet lid (21) and the toilet seat (22) are in the open position and detected by the first human body detection sensor (41), the closing operation of both the toilet lid (21) and the toilet seat (22) is initiated.

[0100] The ninth embodiment can be realized in combination with the eighth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, when both the toilet lid (21) and the toilet seat (22) are in the open position, the first human body detection sensor (41) detects them, and the flushing operation of the toilet bowl body (20) is started.

[0101] The tenth embodiment can be realized in combination with the ninth embodiment. In the tenth embodiment, the start of the flushing operation of the toilet bowl body (20) based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor (41) is possible only if a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection for opening and closing of the toilet seat (22) based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor (41).

[0102] The eleventh embodiment can be realized in combination with the fourth embodiment. In the eleventh embodiment, when the second human body detection sensor (50) changes from detecting a user to not detecting a user, if at least one of the toilet lid (21) and toilet seat (22) is in the open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat (22) and toilet lid (21) is initiated.

[0103] 1 Toilet device 2 Control unit 3 Toilet lid opening / closing detection unit 4 Toilet lid drive unit 5 Toilet seat opening / closing detection unit 6 Toilet seat drive unit 7 Timing unit 9 Notification unit 10 Toilet flushing unit 11 Flushing instruction means 20 Toilet body 20a Contour in top view 21 Toilet lid 22 Toilet seat 23 Bowl part 24 Skirt part 25 Bottom part 25a Bottom contour part 25b Bottom contour part 26 Drain outlet part 27 Movable trap 28 Flushing water inlet 29 Flushing water supply pipe 30 Water supply valve 31 Wall part 32 Free end 33 Rear part 41 First human body detection sensor 42 First detection range 44 Virtual surface 45 Virtual surface 50 Second human body detection sensor 51 Second detection range 60 Toilet room F Floor surface

Claims

1. A toilet device comprising: a toilet body installed such that at least a portion of the bottom surface of the toilet body is raised above the floor surface; and a first human body detection sensor provided on the bottom surface of the toilet body, wherein a predetermined operation is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor, the first detection range of the first human body detection sensor is formed between the bottom surface and the floor surface, and the entire first detection range is contained within the contour area of ​​the toilet body as viewed from above.

2. The toilet device according to claim 1, further comprising a toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet lid drive unit that enables opening and closing of the toilet lid, and a toilet seat drive unit that enables opening and closing of the toilet seat, wherein the predetermined operation is that the opening operation of both the toilet lid and the toilet seat is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor.

3. The toilet device according to claim 1, further comprising a second human body detection sensor for detecting when a user approaches the toilet bowl.

4. The toilet device according to claim 3, further comprising a toilet lid, a toilet seat, a toilet lid drive unit that enables opening and closing of the toilet lid, and a toilet seat drive unit that enables opening and closing of the toilet seat, wherein the predetermined operation is that the opening operation of the toilet lid is initiated based on the detection result of the second human body detection sensor, and the opening operation of the toilet seat is initiated based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor.

5. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first detection range extends from the bottom surface of the toilet body toward the floor surface and perpendicular to the floor surface to the intersection of a virtual plane formed by connecting the contour portion in the top view of the toilet body with the floor surface.

6. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first detection range does not reach the floor surface.

7. The toilet device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the toilet seat opening operation based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor is performed only when the toilet lid is in the open position.

8. The toilet device according to claim 2, wherein when both the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in the open position, the first human body detection sensor detects a person, and the closing operation of both the toilet lid and the toilet seat is initiated.

9. The toilet device according to claim 8, wherein when both the toilet lid and the toilet seat are in the open position, the first human body detection sensor detects a person, and the flushing operation of the toilet bowl body is started.

10. The toilet device according to claim 9, wherein the start of the flushing operation of the toilet body based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor is possible only if a predetermined time has elapsed after the detection for opening and closing the toilet seat based on the detection result of the first human body detection sensor.

11. The toilet device according to claim 4, wherein when the second human body detection sensor changes from a state in which it is detecting a user to a state in which it is not detecting a user, if at least one of the toilet lid and the toilet seat is in an open state, the closing operation of the toilet seat and the toilet lid is initiated.

Images