Toilet seat device, toilet device, and control device

Abstract

A toilet seat device according to the present invention may comprise a toilet seat, a radio wave sensor that detects a moving body, and a control unit that causes the toilet seat device to execute a prescribed operation on the basis of the detection result of the radio wave sensor. The radio wave sensor may detect the moving body in a plurality of detection areas including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is farther from the toilet seat than the first detection area. The control unit may cause the prescribed operation to be executed when the moving body is detected in the second detection area.

Description

Seat device, toilet device, and control device

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a seat device, a toilet device, and a control device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet device. The toilet device includes a toilet seat, a support portion on which the toilet seat is pivotally supported, a toilet bowl on which the support portion is placed, and a radio wave sensor that radiates radio waves to detect a human body.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-31140

[0004] Depending on the detection performance, the radio wave sensor may detect the operation of devices arranged in the toilet device, such as the water surface in the toilet device and the cleaning nozzle. In a toilet device that performs a predetermined operation when a user is detected by the radio wave sensor, when an operation other than that of the user is detected, the predetermined operation is unnecessarily executed.

[0005] This specification provides a technology that can suppress a situation in which the seat device unnecessarily performs an operation according to the detection result of the radio wave sensor in the seat device.

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a seat device. The seat device may include a toilet seat, a radio wave sensor that detects a moving object, and a control unit that causes the seat device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor. The radio wave sensor may detect the moving object in a plurality of detection areas including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is farther from the toilet seat than the first detection area. The control unit may cause the predetermined operation to be performed when the moving object is detected in the second detection area.

[0007] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a toilet device. The toilet device may include a seat device and a toilet bowl body located below the toilet seat.

[0008] Other technologies disclosed herein relate to control devices. A control device may include a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects and a control unit that causes a toilet device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor. The radio wave sensor may detect the moving object in a plurality of detection areas, including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side of the toilet device and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area. The control unit may perform the predetermined operation when the moving object is detected in the second detection area.

[0009] This shows a perspective view of the toilet device of the first embodiment. This shows the situation in which the radio wave sensor of the first embodiment detects movement of the water seal surface. This shows a side view showing the configuration of the first detection area and the second detection area of ​​the first embodiment. This shows a side view showing the configuration of the first to fourth detection areas of the first embodiment. This shows a plan view showing the configuration of the first to fourth detection areas of the first embodiment. This shows a flowchart of the operation execution process of the first embodiment. This shows a side view showing the positional relationship between the toilet device and the user at S18 of the first embodiment. This shows a side view showing the positional relationship between the toilet device and the user at S32 of the first embodiment. This shows a perspective view of the toilet device of the second embodiment. This shows a perspective view of the toilet seat device of the second embodiment. This shows a plan view of the toilet seat device of the second embodiment. This shows a side view of the nozzle unit of the second embodiment. This shows a side view of the nozzle unit of a modified example. This shows a perspective view of the toilet device of the third embodiment. This shows a perspective view of the nozzle unit of the third embodiment. This shows a side view of the toilet device of the third embodiment. This shows a flowchart of the radio wave emission process of the third embodiment.

[0010] (First Embodiment) (Configuration of Toilet Device 10) As shown in Figure 1, the toilet device 10 is a flush toilet. The toilet device 10 comprises a toilet body 12 and a toilet seat device 20. The toilet body 12 has a toilet bowl 16 for receiving waste and a drainage path (not shown) located at the lower end of the toilet bowl 16. When flushing water is supplied to the toilet bowl 16, the waste is discharged to the outside of the toilet bowl 16 along with the flushing water through the drainage path.

[0011] (Configuration of toilet seat device 20) The toilet seat device 20 is placed on the upper end 12a of the toilet bowl body 12. The toilet seat device 20 comprises a support part 21, a toilet seat 22, a toilet lid 44, and a control device 46. The toilet seat 22 is placed on the upper end 12a of the toilet bowl body 12. The toilet lid 44 is positioned above the toilet seat 22. The support part 21 is positioned behind the toilet seat 22. The support part 21 rotatably supports the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 44 relative to the toilet bowl body 12. The support part 21 includes a rotating part 29. The toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 44 are mechanically connected to the rotating part 29.

[0012] The rotating section 29 has two opening / closing motors (i.e., electric opening / closing devices) that rotate the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 44 relative to the toilet bowl body 12, respectively. The toilet seat 22 is rotated relative to the toilet bowl body 12 by the rotating section 29. This allows it to move between a closed state (see Figure 1) where it is positioned on the upper end 12a of the toilet bowl body 12 and an open state (see Figure 8) where it is upright relative to the toilet bowl body 12. The toilet lid 44 is rotated relative to the toilet bowl body 12 by the drive of the opening / closing motors, allowing it to move between a closed state (see Figure 2) where it covers the toilet seat 22 and an open state (see Figure 3) where it is upright relative to the toilet bowl body 12. The support section 21 is a housing that accommodates functional components such as a washing nozzle (not shown), a washing nozzle shutter (not shown), a speaker (not shown), a deodorizing fan (not shown), and a foaming device (not shown). The speaker has an audio output function. The deodorizing fan has a deodorizing function.

[0013] Hereinafter, the direction in which the toilet seat 22 and the support part 21 are aligned will be referred to as the front-to-back direction. The direction perpendicular to the floor surface of the toilet device 10 will be referred to as the up-and-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the up-and-down direction will be referred to as the left-to-right direction. The "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" directions of the toilet device 10 are defined based on the orientation as seen from the perspective of the user sitting on the toilet seat 22.

[0014] The toilet seat 22 has an annular shape with an opening 23. The user can sit on the toilet seat 22 and use the toilet unit 10 (see Figure 7). The toilet seat 22 is equipped with a heater unit (not shown) for warming the toilet seat 22.

[0015] (Configuration of Control Device 46) The control device 46 comprises a radio wave sensor 48 and a control unit 50. The radio wave sensor 48 is a millimeter-wave sensor. The radio wave sensor 48 has a radio wave transmitting unit (not shown) and a radio wave receiving unit (not shown). The radio wave sensor 48 emits electromagnetic waves in the frequency band from 30 GHz to 300 GHz from the radio wave transmitting unit. The electromagnetic waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting unit are reflected by objects around the radio wave sensor 48. The radio wave receiving unit of the radio wave sensor 48 receives the reflected electromagnetic waves. The radio wave sensor 48 detects objects based on the received electromagnetic waves and calculates the distance from the radio wave sensor 48 to the object. The radio wave sensor 48 is used to detect the distance from the toilet device 10 to the user.

[0016] The control unit 50 causes the toilet unit 10 to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 48. The control unit 50 includes a CPU and memory. The memory has volatile and non-volatile storage sections. The control unit 50 controls each part of the toilet unit 10 by having the CPU execute processing according to a computer program pre-stored in the memory.

[0017] The radio wave sensor 48 and the control unit 50 are located on the support unit 21. As shown in Figure 1, the radio wave sensor 48 is located above the toilet bowl body 12 and behind the toilet seat 22. The radio wave sensor 48 is located at the center in the left-right direction at the front end of the support unit 21. The placement of the radio wave sensor 48 is not particularly limited. The radio wave sensor 48 only needs to be located in a position where it can detect the distance between the toilet bowl body 12 and the user. For example, the radio wave sensor 48 may be located at the front end of the toilet bowl body 12. The radio wave sensor 48 may also be located on a wall that defines the space in which the toilet device 10 is placed.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, when the toilet lid 44 is closed, the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 48 may be reflected from the inner surface 44a of the toilet lid 44 toward the toilet bowl 16. The electromagnetic waves reflected from the toilet lid 44 toward the toilet bowl 16 are reflected from the surface of the water accumulated in the toilet bowl 16. The radio wave sensor 48, which has a millimeter wave sensor, has high detection performance. The radio wave sensor 48, which has high detection performance, may detect electromagnetic waves reflected from the surface of the water. If the surface of the water is disturbed, the radio wave sensor 48 may detect the surface of the water as movement of an object, i.e., a moving object, even though there is no user in the toilet bowl 12.

[0019] (Configuration of the detection range 60) As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the radio wave sensor 48 detects objects located within the detection range 60. The radio wave sensor 48 supplies a detection signal to the control unit 50 that represents the distance from the radio wave sensor 48 to the object. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 50 divides the detection range 60 into a first detection area 62 and a second detection area 64. The first detection area 62 extends forward from the radio wave sensor 48. The outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62 is located in front of the front end 22a of the toilet seat 22. The second detection area 64 is located adjacent to the first detection area 62 at the outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62. The second detection area 64 extends forward from the outer edge 62a. The inner edge 64b of the second detection area 64 overlaps with the outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62. The outer edge 64a of the second detection area 64 is located in front of the outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 50 further divides the detection range 60 into a third detection area 66 and a fourth detection area 68. The third detection area 66 extends forward from the radio wave sensor 48. The outer edge 66a of the third detection area 66 is located behind the front end 22a of the toilet seat 22. The outer edge 66a is located behind the outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62. The third detection area 66 is a region closer to the radio wave sensor 48 compared to the first detection area 62.

[0021] The fourth detection area 68 extends further away from the radio wave sensor 48 than the third detection area 66. The fourth detection area 68 is located away from the outer edge 66a of the third detection area 66. In a side view, the inner edge 68b of the fourth detection area 68 is located forward of the outer edge 66a of the third detection area 66. The inner edge 68b is located behind the front end 22a of the toilet seat 22. The inner edge 68b is located behind the outer edge 62a and the inner edge 64b. The outer edge 68a of the fourth detection area 68 is located forward of the inner edge 64b of the second detection area 64. The outer edge 68a is located behind the outer edge 64a.

[0022] (Content of predetermined operations) The predetermined operations that the control unit 50 causes the toilet unit 10 and the equipment located around the toilet unit 10 to perform are described below. The predetermined operations include opening and closing the toilet lid 44, opening and closing the toilet seat 22, turning the lights on and off, cleaning the washing nozzle, draining the water from the washing nozzle, cleaning the washing nozzle shutter, dispensing foam into the toilet bowl 16, dispensing water into the toilet bowl 16, driving and stopping the deodorizing fan, heating and stopping the toilet seat 22, operating and stopping the heater, and outputting sound from the speaker.

[0023] The control unit 50 operates the rotating unit 29 to open and close the toilet lid 44 and the toilet seat 22. The control unit 50 is connected to the lighting attached to the toilet unit 10. The control unit 50 controls the lighting to turn it on and off. The control unit 50 supplies water to the washing nozzle to clean the washing nozzle, drain the water from the washing nozzle, and clean the washing nozzle shutter. This keeps the area around the washing nozzle clean. The control unit 50 discharges foam from the foaming device into the toilet bowl 16 to disperse foam into the toilet bowl 16. This prevents the user's urine from splashing when it hits the toilet bowl 16.

[0024] The control unit 50 controls the flushing water supply device to discharge flushing water into the toilet bowl 16, thereby discharging water into the toilet bowl 16. This allows water that has been accumulated in the toilet bowl 16 for a long period of time to be discharged from the toilet bowl 16. The control unit 50 controls the deodorizing fan to start and stop it. This allows odors to be discharged from the space in which the toilet unit 10 is installed. The control unit 50 controls the heater unit of the toilet seat 22 to start and stop the heating of the toilet seat 22. The control unit 50 is connected to the heating device attached to the toilet unit 10. The control unit 50 controls the heating device to start and stop the heating. The control unit 50 controls the speaker to output, for example, the sound of flushing water flowing.

[0025] (Action Execution Process) Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the action execution process. The control unit 50 executes an action execution process that causes the toilet device 10 to perform a predetermined action. The control unit 50 continuously executes the action execution process as long as power is supplied to the control unit 50. As shown in Figure 6, in S10, the control unit 50 monitors the radio wave sensor 48 for the detection of object movement, i.e., for the detection of a moving object. Specifically, when a change occurs in the received electromagnetic waves, the radio wave sensor 48 detects the distance to the object as the movement of the object. The radio wave sensor 48 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 50 that represents the distance to the detected object. When the control unit 50 receives a detection signal from the radio wave sensor 48, it determines that a moving object has been detected (YES in S10) and proceeds to the process in S12.

[0026] In S12, the control unit 50 determines whether a moving object is detected in the second detection area 64 using the distance of the object represented by the detection signal acquired in S10. Specifically, it determines whether the object represented by the detection signal acquired in S10 is located in the second detection area 64. If the object is located in the second detection area 64, the control unit 50 determines that a moving object is detected in the second detection area 64 (YES in S12). If YES in S12, in S14, the control unit 50 causes the toilet device 10 to perform a first predetermined operation. That is, the control unit 50 controls a predetermined operation of the toilet seat device 20 based on the detection signal of the second detection area 64, out of the detection signals of the first detection area 62 and the detection signals of the second detection area 64 of the radio wave sensor 48. The first predetermined operation includes opening the toilet lid 44 and turning on the lights.

[0027] If the object is not located in the second detection area 64, the control unit 50 determines that no moving object is detected in the second detection area 64 (NO in S12). If NO in S12, the control unit 50 returns to the process of S10. In the situation where the object is not located in the second detection area 64 (NO in S12), a moving object is detected in the first detection area 62 by the radio wave sensor 48. If a moving object is detected in the first detection area 62 before a moving object is detected in the second detection area 64, it is highly likely that a moving object that is not the user of the toilet device 10 is detected. If NO in S12, the first predetermined operation is not executed. In the operation execution process, as shown in Figure 2, when the toilet lid 44 is closed, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 48 are reflected off the inner surface 44a of the toilet lid 44, and even if the first detection area 62 detects a disturbance in the water surface inside the toilet bowl 16, the first predetermined operation is not executed. This configuration makes it possible to avoid situations where predetermined operations are unnecessarily performed when an object is not located in the second detection area 64.

[0028] After the first predetermined operation is started in S14, in S16 the control unit 50 determines whether or not a detection signal for detecting a moving object in the third detection area 66 is obtained from the radio wave sensor 48. If it is determined that a moving object is detected in the third detection area 66 (YES in S16), in S18 the control unit 50 determines from the rotating unit 29 whether or not the toilet lid 44 is in the open state and the toilet seat 22 is in the closed state.

[0029] If it is determined that the toilet lid 44 is open and the toilet seat 22 is closed (YES in S18), then in S20, as shown in Figure 7, the control unit 50 determines that the user 70 is seated on the toilet seat 22. Following S20, in S24, the control unit 50 causes the toilet device 10 to perform a second predetermined operation. The second predetermined operation includes cleaning the washing nozzle, draining the water from the washing nozzle, and cleaning the washing nozzle shutter. Either the first predetermined operation or the second predetermined operation may include dispersing foam into the toilet bowl 16, dispensing water into the toilet bowl 16, driving the deodorizing fan, heating the toilet seat 22, operating the heater, and outputting sound from the speaker. After starting the execution of the second predetermined operation in S24, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process in S40. With this configuration, the control unit 50 can cause the toilet device 10 and peripheral equipment to perform the second predetermined operation that should be performed when a user uses the toilet device 10. The control unit 50 can execute the second predetermined operation at a different timing than the first predetermined operation, that is, at the time the user sits down, so that the second predetermined operation is executed at the time when it is determined that the user will actually use the toilet device 10. This prevents the second predetermined operation from being executed when the user approaches the toilet device 10 but does not use it.

[0030] If, in S16, it is determined that no moving object is detected in the third detection area 66 (NO in S16), then in S30, the control unit 50 uses the distance of the moving object, represented by the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 48, to determine whether or not the object is located in the fourth detection area 68. If it is determined that the moving object is located in the fourth detection area 68 (YES in S30), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process in S32. As shown in Figure 8, it is assumed that the user 70 is standing in front of the toilet unit 10 to urinate. In S32, the control unit 50 prohibits the operation of the toilet seat 22 by the rotating part 29. With this configuration, the control unit 50 can prevent the toilet seat 22 from operating unnecessarily while the user 70 is urinating. If the user accidentally performs an operation to close the toilet seat 22 on the operating part of the toilet unit 10, the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 can be prevented. If the control unit 50 determines, using the distance of the object represented by the detection signal acquired from the radio wave sensor 48, that the object is not located in the fourth detection area 68 (NO in S30), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process in S40.

[0031] After starting the process in S32, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process in S34. In S34, the control unit 50 monitors whether the moving object is no longer detected in the fourth detection area 68, using the distance of the object represented by the detection signal acquired from the radio wave sensor 48. While the moving object is detected in the fourth detection area 68 (NO in S32), the control unit 50 continues to prohibit the operation of the toilet seat 22 by the rotating part 29 in S32. If the control unit 50 determines that the moving object is no longer detected in the fourth detection area 68 (YES in S34), in S36, the control unit 50 executes the fourth predetermined operation. The fourth predetermined operation includes the closing operation of the toilet seat 22. For example, if the toilet seat 22 is in the closed state in S36, such as when the user manually moves the toilet seat 22 from the open state to the closed state, the closing operation of the toilet seat 22 does not need to be executed. After starting the execution of the process in S36, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process in S40.

[0032] In S18, if it is determined that the toilet lid 44 is open and the toilet seat 22 is not closed (NO in S18), in S22, the control unit 50 uses the distance of the moving object, represented by the detection signal obtained from the radio wave sensor 48, to determine whether the moving object is located in the third detection area 66. If it is determined that the moving object is located in the third detection area 66 (YES in S22), the control unit 50 returns to the process in S18. If it is determined that the object is not located in the third detection area 66 (NO in S22), the control unit 50 proceeds to the process in S40.

[0033] In S40, the control unit 50 determines whether or not an object is located in the second detection area 64 using the distance of the object represented by the detection signal acquired from the radio wave sensor 48. If it is determined in S40 that the moving object is located in the second detection area 64 (YES in S40), the control unit 50 waits until the object is no longer located in the second detection area 64. If it is determined that the object is not located in the second detection area 64 (NO in S40), in S42, the control unit 50 causes the toilet device 10 to perform a third predetermined operation. The third predetermined operation includes closing the toilet lid 44 and turning off the lights. In a modified example, the third predetermined operation may also include closing the toilet seat 22 if the toilet seat 22 is in the open state. The third predetermined operation may also include stopping the deodorizing fan, stopping the heating of the toilet seat 22, and stopping the heater. In S42, after starting to execute the third predetermined operation, the control unit 50 returns to S10.

[0034] (Effect) In the operation execution process, the control unit 50 executes the first predetermined operation (S14) if a moving object is detected in the second detection area 64, which is further away from the toilet seat 22 than the first detection area 62 (YES in S12). With this configuration, the first predetermined operation can be executed when the user is located in the second detection area 64. Preparation for use can be performed even before the user uses the toilet device 10. The control unit 50 does not execute the first predetermined operation (NO in S12) if no moving object is detected in the second detection area 64, but a moving object is detected in the first detection area 62. With this configuration, if the movement of an object other than the user (for example, the water surface of the toilet bowl 16) is detected by the radio wave sensor 48 in the first detection area 62, the first predetermined operation does not need to be executed. Unnecessary execution of predetermined operations can be suppressed.

[0035] The toilet seat 22 is further equipped with a support portion 21 located at the rear. The radio wave sensor 48 is positioned on the support portion 21. With the above configuration, the radio wave sensor 48 can detect the distance to an object located in front of the support portion 21. The radio wave sensor 48 can also detect the distance from the toilet bowl body 12.

[0036] The first detection area 62 extends from the radio wave sensor 48, and the second detection area 64 extends further away from the radio wave sensor 48 than the first detection area 62. With the above configuration, the ranges of the first detection area 62 and the second detection area 64 can be defined with respect to the radio wave sensor 48.

[0037] The radio wave sensor 48 includes a millimeter-wave sensor. With this configuration, the toilet seat device 20 can detect the distance from the radio wave sensor 48 to an object with high precision using electromagnetic waves.

[0038] When a moving object is detected in the second detection area 64, the control unit 50 executes a first predetermined operation, including opening the toilet lid 44, if the toilet lid 44 is closed. With the above configuration, the toilet lid 44 can be opened when the user 70 is located in the second detection area 64. The user can then sit down smoothly on the toilet seat 22.

[0039] The detection range 60 is located closer to the toilet seat 22 than the second detection area 64 and includes a third detection area 66, the latter part of which is further away from the second detection area 64 than the outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62. The control unit 50 can determine that a user 70 is seated in the toilet seat 22 when a moving object is detected in the third detection area 66 after a user has been detected in the second detection area 64, while the toilet seat 22 is closed.

[0040] At least a portion of the first detection area 62 overlaps with the toilet seat 22 in a plan view. With this configuration, the inner edge 64b of the second detection area 64 can be set closer to the toilet seat 22. Objects located around the toilet seat device 20 can be detected more reliably.

[0041] At least a portion of the first detection area 62 extends forward of the toilet seat 22 in a plan view. With this configuration, the toilet seat 22 can be included in the first detection area 62. This allows the first detection area 62 to be appropriately configured.

[0042] When the toilet seat 22 is open, the control unit 50 will execute a closing operation on at least one of the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 44 after detecting a moving object in the fourth detection area 68 and then when no more moving objects are detected in the fourth detection area 68. With the above configuration, when the user 70 has finished urinating and has left the front of the toilet unit 10, the closing operation on at least one of the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 44 can be executed. This saves the user 70 the trouble of urinating.

[0043] After executing the second predetermined operation, the control unit 50 executes the closing operation of the toilet lid 44 if no motion is detected in the second detection area 64. With the above configuration, the closing operation of the toilet lid 44 can be executed when the user 70 has finished using the toilet seat device 20 and has left the second detection area 64. This reduces the effort required of the user 70 after using the toilet seat device 20.

[0044] In this embodiment, after the control unit 50 executes the second predetermined operation, if no moving object is detected in the third detection area 66, it causes the lid 44 to perform a closing operation. According to the above configuration, when the user 70 stands up from the toilet seat 22 after using the toilet seat device 20, the lid 44 can perform a closing operation. The trouble after the user 70 uses the toilet seat device 20 can be saved.

[0045] (Corresponding relationship) The aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0046] The first aspect relates to a toilet seat device including a toilet seat. The toilet seat device may include a radio wave sensor that detects a moving object, and a control unit that causes the toilet seat device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor. The radio wave sensor may detect the moving object in a plurality of detection areas including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is farther from the toilet seat than the first detection area. When the moving object is detected in the second detection area, the control unit may cause the predetermined operation to be performed.

[0047] The second aspect may further include, in the first aspect, a support portion that is located behind the toilet seat and rotatably supports the toilet seat. The radio wave sensor may be disposed on the support portion.

[0048] The third aspect is in any one of the first to second aspects above, the first detection area may extend from the radio wave sensor, and the second detection area may extend to a position farther from the radio wave sensor than the first detection area.

[0049] The fourth embodiment is one of the first to third embodiments described above, in which the predetermined operation includes opening the toilet lid of the toilet seat device, opening the toilet seat, turning on the lighting used in the space in which the toilet seat device is located, cleaning the washing nozzle located in the toilet seat device, draining the water from the washing nozzle, cleaning the washing nozzle shutter located in the toilet seat device, spraying foam onto the toilet bowl in which the toilet seat device is located, spraying water onto the toilet bowl, performing the deodorizing function of the toilet seat device, heating the toilet seat, performing the heating function of the toilet seat device, and performing the voice output function of the toilet seat device.

[0050] In the fifth embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the radio wave sensor may include a millimeter-wave sensor.

[0051] A sixth embodiment may further include a toilet lid that covers the toilet seat, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments described above. The control unit may, when the moving body is detected in the second detection area, perform the predetermined operation, including opening the toilet lid, if the toilet lid is closed.

[0052] A seventh embodiment may further include a toilet lid covering the toilet seat in any one of the first to sixth embodiments described above. The plurality of detection areas may include a third detection area located closer to the toilet seat than the second detection area, and at least a portion of which is further away from the second detection area than the outer edge of the first detection area. The control unit may determine that a user is seated if the toilet seat is closed when the moving body is detected in the third detection area.

[0053] The eighth embodiment may further include a toilet lid that covers the toilet seat, in any one of the first to seventh embodiments described above. The control unit does not have to perform the toilet lid opening operation if the moving body is detected in the first detection area when the moving body is not detected in the second detection area.

[0054] The ninth embodiment is that, in any one of the first to eighth embodiments, at least a portion of the first detection area may overlap with the toilet seat in a plan view.

[0055] In the tenth embodiment, in any one of the first to ninth embodiments, at least a portion of the first detection area may extend forward of the toilet seat in a plan view.

[0056] In the eleventh embodiment, in any one of the first to tenth embodiments, the plurality of detection areas may include a fourth detection area having a region that extends further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area and a region that extends closer to the toilet seat than the second detection area. The control unit does not have to perform the closing operation of the toilet seat while the moving body is detected in the fourth detection area when the toilet seat is open.

[0057] In the twelfth embodiment, in the eleventh embodiment, the control unit may, when the toilet seat is open, perform a closing operation on at least one of the toilet seat and the toilet lid after the motion is detected in the fourth detection area and the motion is no longer detected in the fourth detection area.

[0058] A thirteenth embodiment may further include a toilet lid that covers the toilet seat, in any one of the first to twelfth embodiments described above. If, after executing the predetermined operation, the control unit does not detect the moving body in the second detection area, it may execute the closing operation of the toilet lid.

[0059] In the fourteenth embodiment, in any one of the seventh, eleventh, and twelfth embodiments described above, the control unit may, after executing the predetermined operation, execute the closing operation of the toilet lid if no moving body is detected in the third detection area.

[0060] The 15th aspect relates to a toilet device. The toilet device may include a toilet seat device from any one of the first to 14 aspects and a toilet bowl body located below the toilet seat.

[0061] The sixteenth aspect relates to a control device. The control device may include a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects and a control unit that causes the toilet device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor. The radio wave sensor may detect the moving object in a plurality of detection areas, including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side of the toilet device and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area. The control unit may perform the predetermined operation when the moving object is detected in the second detection area.

[0062] The seventeenth aspect relates to a control method. The control method may be a control method for a toilet device equipped with a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects. The radio wave sensor may be made to detect moving objects in a plurality of detection areas, including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side of the toilet device, and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area. When a moving object is detected in the second detection area, the toilet device may be made to perform a predetermined operation.

[0063] The eighteenth aspect relates to a computer program. The computer program may be a computer program for a control device that controls a toilet device equipped with a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects. The computer program may cause the control device to detect moving objects in a plurality of detection areas, including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side of the toilet device and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area, and based on the detection results from the radio wave sensor, if a moving object is detected in the second detection area, the control device may perform a predetermined operation.

[0064] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above. These are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0065] (1) At least a portion of the outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62 may overlap with at least a portion of the front end 22a of the toilet seat 22. At least a portion of the outer edge 66a of the third detection area 66 may overlap with at least a portion of the front end 22a of the toilet seat 22.

[0066] (2) At least a portion of the outer edge 62a of the first detection area 62 may overlap with at least a portion of the outer edge 66a of the third detection area 66.

[0067] (3) At least a portion of the outer edge 64a of the second detection area 64 may overlap with at least a portion of the outer edge 68a of the fourth detection area 68.

[0068] (4) At least a portion of the inner edge 68b of the fourth detection area 68 may overlap with at least a portion of the front end 22a of the toilet seat 22. At least a portion of the inner edge 68b of the fourth detection area 68 may extend forward beyond at least a portion of the front end 22a of the toilet seat 22.

[0069] (5) The control unit 50 may cause at least one of the multiple operations performed in the second predetermined operation to be performed as the first predetermined operation.

[0070] (6) The control unit 50 may execute the processes from S10 to S14 in the operation execution process. The control unit 50 does not have to execute the processes from S16 onwards. In this case, the control unit 50 may distinguish between the first detection area 62 and the second detection area 64. The control unit 50 does not have to distinguish between the third detection area 66 and the fourth detection area 68.

[0071] (Second Embodiment) (Configuration of Toilet Device 110) As shown in Figure 9, the toilet device 110 is a flush toilet. The toilet device 110 comprises a toilet body 112 and a toilet seat device 120. The toilet body 112 has a toilet bowl 116 for receiving waste and a drainage path (not shown) located at the lower end of the toilet bowl 116. When flushing water is supplied to the toilet bowl 116, the waste is discharged to the outside of the toilet bowl 116 along with the flushing water through the drainage path. The toilet seat device 120 comprises a functional unit 121, a toilet seat 22, a toilet lid 144, and a remote control 180.

[0072] Hereinafter, the direction in which the closed toilet seat 22 and the functional unit 121 are aligned will be referred to as the front-to-back direction. The direction perpendicular to the floor surface of the toilet unit 110 will be referred to as the up-and-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the up-and-down direction will be referred to as the left-to-right direction. The "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" directions of the toilet unit 110 are defined based on the orientation as seen from the perspective of the user sitting on the toilet seat 22.

[0073] The toilet seat 22 has an annular shape with an opening 123. The user can sit on the toilet seat 22 and use the toilet unit 110. The toilet seat 22 is equipped with a heater unit (not shown) for warming the toilet seat 22.

[0074] (Configuration of toilet seat device 120) The toilet seat device 120 is placed on the upper end 112a of the toilet bowl body 112. The toilet seat 22 is placed on the upper end 112a of the toilet bowl body 112. The toilet lid 144 is positioned above the toilet seat 22. The functional unit 121 is positioned behind the toilet seat 22. The functional unit 121 is positioned on the upper part of the toilet bowl body 112. The functional unit 121 comprises a cover 121a, a control device 146, a nozzle unit 160 (see Figure 10), and an opening / closing member 171. The cover 121a is placed on the toilet bowl body 112. The cover 121a covers the control device 146, the nozzle unit 160, and the opening / closing member 171. The cover 121a rotatably supports the toilet seat 22 and the toilet lid 144 relative to the toilet bowl body 112. The opening / closing member 171 includes a second motor 172 (see Figure 10) and a third motor 174 (see Figure 10). The functional unit 121 further includes functional components such as a speaker (not shown), a deodorizing fan (not shown), and a foaming device (not shown).

[0075] The remote control 180 is installed, for example, on the wall (not shown) of the room where the toilet seat unit 120 is installed. The remote control 180 has a monitor 186, multiple monitors 186, and an infrared transmitter (not shown). The remote control 180 emits infrared light from the infrared transmitter. This allows it to communicate with the control device 146. The monitors 186 display information indicating various states of the toilet seat unit 120. The user of the toilet seat unit 120 can operate the multiple monitors 186 to make the toilet unit 110 perform various functions.

[0076] (Configuration of the control device 146) The control device 146 comprises a radio wave sensor 148 and a control unit 150. The radio wave sensor 148 is a millimeter-wave sensor. The radio wave sensor 148 may also be a microwave sensor. As shown in Figure 9, the radio wave sensor 148 is positioned above the toilet bowl body 112 and behind the toilet seat 22. The radio wave sensor 148 is positioned in the center in the left-right direction at the upper end of the functional unit 121. The radio wave sensor 148 has a radio wave transmitting unit (not shown) and a radio wave receiving unit (not shown). The radio wave sensor 148 emits electromagnetic waves in the frequency band from 8 GHz to 300 GHz from the radio wave transmitting unit. The electromagnetic waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting unit are reflected by objects around the radio wave sensor 148. The radio wave receiving unit of the radio wave sensor 148 receives the reflected electromagnetic waves. The radio wave sensor 148 detects objects based on the received electromagnetic waves and calculates the distance from the radio wave sensor 148 to the object. The radio wave sensor 148 is used to detect the distance from the toilet unit 110 to the user.

[0077] The control unit 150 causes the toilet device 110 to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor 148. The control unit 150 has a plurality of circuit boards 151, each equipped with a CPU and memory. The plurality of circuit boards 151 include a first circuit board 151a, a second circuit board 151b, and a third circuit board 151c. The first circuit board 151a has a light receiving unit (not shown) that receives infrared rays from the remote control 180. The first circuit board 151a has a CPU that transmits instructions received from the remote control 180 to the second circuit board 151b or the third circuit board 151c. The second circuit board 151b has a CPU that controls the operation of the second motor 172 and the third motor 174. The third circuit board 151c has a CPU that controls the operation of the nozzle unit 160 and the flushing water supply valve (not shown). The first circuit board 151a, the second circuit board 151b, and the third circuit board 151c have metal components such as lead wires. The memory has volatile and non-volatile storage sections. The control unit 150 controls each part of the toilet device 110 by having the CPU execute processing according to a computer program pre-stored in the memory.

[0078] The second motor 172 and the third motor 174 are controlled by the control unit 150. The second motor 172 is mechanically connected to the toilet seat 22. The second motor 172 rotates the toilet seat 22 relative to the toilet bowl body 112. The toilet seat 22 is movable by the second motor 172 between a closed state (see Figure 9) where it is positioned on the upper end 112a of the toilet bowl body 112 and an open state (not shown) where it is upright relative to the toilet bowl body 112. The third motor 174 is mechanically connected to the toilet lid 144. The third motor 174 rotates the toilet lid 144 relative to the toilet bowl body 112. The toilet lid 144 is movable by the third motor 174 between a closed state (not shown) where it covers the toilet seat 22 and an open state (see Figure 9) where it is upright relative to the toilet bowl body 112.

[0079] The second motor 172 includes a case 172a that houses the rotor and stator. The case 172a is made of a metal component. Similarly, the third motor 174 includes a case 174a that houses the rotor and stator. The case 174a is made of a metal component. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the second motor 172 is located to the left of the radio wave sensor 148. The second motor 172 and the radio wave sensor 148 are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the left-right direction. In a side view, the second motor 172 and the radio wave sensor 148 are arranged overlapping each other.

[0080] The third motor 174 is located to the left of the radio wave sensor 148 and behind the second motor 172. The second motor 172 is positioned between the third motor 174 and the radio wave sensor 148. Electromagnetic noise is generated when the third motor 174 is operating. At least a portion of the electromagnetic noise generated from the third motor 174 is absorbed by the second motor 172 before it propagates to the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the detection of electromagnetic noise from the third motor 174 by the radio wave sensor 148. The second motor 172, in particular, its case 172a, functions as a metallic shielding member between the radio wave sensor 148 and the third motor 174. The second motor 172 is positioned on the propagation path of electromagnetic noise generated by the third motor 174 towards the radio wave sensor 148. The second motor 172 should reduce the electromagnetic noise from the third motor 174 that propagates to the radio wave sensor 148. The second motor 172 does not need to completely prevent electromagnetic noise generated by the third motor 174 from being propagated to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0081] The control unit 150 controls the toilet lid 144 according to the detection result of the radio wave sensor 148. Specifically, if the radio wave sensor 148 detects a user, the control unit 150 moves the toilet lid 144 from the closed state to the open state. If the radio wave sensor 148 transitions from a state where a user is detected to a state where a user is not detected, the control unit 150 moves the toilet lid 144 from the open state to the closed state. In a modified example, the control unit 150 may also control the toilet seat 22 according to the detection result of the radio wave sensor 148. If the radio wave sensor 148 detects that a user is at a predetermined distance from the toilet bowl device 110, the control unit 150 may move the toilet seat 22 from the closed state to the open state. If the toilet seat 22 is in the open state, the control unit 150 may move it from the open state to the closed state at the same timing as the toilet lid 144. The control unit 150 stops the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 148 by stopping the power supplied to the radio wave sensor 148. In a modified example, the control unit 150 may stop the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 148 without stopping the power supplied to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0082] (Configuration of Nozzle Unit 160) As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the nozzle unit 160 includes a first cleaning nozzle 161, a second cleaning nozzle 162, a water discharge section 164, a nozzle shutter 166, a first motor 170, a fourth motor 176, a first flow path 181, a second flow path 182, and a third flow path 184. As shown in Figure 11, the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are arranged side by side in the center of the toilet bowl body 112 in the left-right direction.

[0083] The first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are positioned at an inclination downward toward the front. Each of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 is held so as to be able to move back and forth between a retracted state and an extended state. In the retracted state, the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are located below the cover 121a. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 10, in the extended state, the first cleaning nozzle 161 extends forward from its retracted state. Similarly, in the extended state, the second cleaning nozzle 162 also extends forward from its retracted state.

[0084] The first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are driven to move back and forth between a retracted state and an extended state by the first motor 170. As shown in Figure 12, in the retracted state, the front of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are closed by the nozzle shutter 166. In the extended state, the first cleaning nozzle 161 protrudes forward from the nozzle shutter 166 by pushing the nozzle shutter 166 upward. In the extended state, the first cleaning nozzle 161 discharges water upward toward the user seated on the toilet seat 22. The second cleaning nozzle 162 does the same. This allows the user's private parts to be cleaned. The second cleaning nozzle 162 can extend further forward than the first cleaning nozzle 161. For example, the second cleaning nozzle 162 may be used as a nozzle for bidet cleaning. The first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 may consist of only one cleaning nozzle. The first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 may be composed of three or more cleaning nozzles.

[0085] The first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are made of resin. The specific configuration of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 is not particularly limited. The inside of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are filled with water.

[0086] As shown in Figure 12, the radio wave sensor 148 is positioned above the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162, with a gap between them. In the retracted state, the upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162 are at the same height in the vertical direction. The lower end 161b of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the lower end 162b of the second cleaning nozzle 162 are also at the same height in the vertical direction. The lower end 148b of the radio wave sensor 148 is located below the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. The upper end 148a of the radio wave sensor 148 is located above the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. In the front-to-back direction, the radio wave sensor 148 is generally located in front of the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162.

[0087] The water discharge section 164 is positioned adjacent to the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162. Like the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162, the water discharge section 164 is positioned in the center in the left-right direction at the front end of the functional section 121. The water discharge section 164 includes a nozzle that discharges water downward toward the toilet bowl 116. This allows the surface of the toilet bowl 116 to be wetted with water. The water discharge section 164 is made of resin. The specific configuration of the water discharge section 164 is not particularly limited. The inside of the water discharge section 164 is filled with water.

[0088] The first channel 181 extends from a water source (not shown) that supplies water from the outside to the upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161. Water flows through the first channel 181. The first channel 181 supplies water from the water source to the first cleaning nozzle 161. The second channel 182 extends from the water source to the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. Water flows through the second channel 182. The second channel 182 supplies water from the water source to the second cleaning nozzle 162. The third channel 184 extends from the water source to the water discharge section 164. Water flows through the third channel 184. The third channel 184 supplies water from the water source to the water discharge section 164.

[0089] The fourth motor 176 drives a valve device that switches the connection between the water source and each flow path. The fourth motor 176 switches between a state where the water source is connected to the first flow path 181, a state where the water source is connected to the second flow path 182, a state where the water source is connected to the third flow path 184, and a state where the first flow path 181, the second flow path 182, and the third flow path 184 are disconnected from the water source. When the water source is connected to the first flow path 181, water is supplied to the first washing nozzle 161. When the water source is connected to the second flow path 182, water is supplied to the second washing nozzle 162. When the water source is connected to the third flow path 184, water is supplied to the water discharge section 164. The control unit 150 drives the fourth motor 176 to switch the connection between the water source and each flow path.

[0090] The first motor 170 includes a case 170a that houses the rotor and stator. The case 170a is made of a metal component. As shown in Figure 12, the first motor 170 is positioned below the radio wave sensor 148. In the vertical direction, the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are positioned between the first motor 170 and the radio wave sensor 148. In a top view, the first motor 170 and the radio wave sensor 148 are positioned overlapping each other.

[0091] Electromagnetic noise is generated when the first motor 170 is operating. The electromagnetic noise generated from the first motor 170 is absorbed by the water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 before it is propagated to the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the detection of electromagnetic noise from the first motor 170 by the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 functions as a shielding member between the radio wave sensor 148 and the first motor 170. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 only needs to reduce the electromagnetic noise from the first motor 170 that is propagated to the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 does not need to completely prevent the electromagnetic noise generated by the first motor 170 from being propagated to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0092] The fourth motor 176 includes a case 176aa that houses the rotor and stator. The case 176aa is made of a metal component. As shown in Figure 12, the fourth motor 176 is located below the radio wave sensor 148. The fourth motor 176 is located below the first motor 170. In the vertical direction, the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are located between the fourth motor 176 and the radio wave sensor 148. In a top view, the fourth motor 176 and the radio wave sensor 148 are positioned overlapping each other.

[0093] When the fourth motor 176 is operating, electromagnetic noise is generated. The electromagnetic noise generated from the fourth motor 176 is absorbed by the water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 before it is propagated to the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the detection of the electromagnetic noise from the fourth motor 176 by the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 functions as a shielding member between the radio wave sensor 148 and the fourth motor 176. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 only needs to reduce the electromagnetic noise from the fourth motor 176 that is propagated to the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 does not need to completely prevent the electromagnetic noise generated by the fourth motor 176 from being propagated to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0094] The first channel 181 is located generally below the radio wave sensor 148. The upstream end 181a of the first channel 181 is positioned adjacent to the fourth motor 176. The first channel 181 extends backward and upward along the lower surface of the first cleaning nozzle 161 from the fourth motor 176 toward the upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161. In a top view, the first channel 181 is positioned to the left of the first cleaning nozzle 161. When water is supplied to the first channel 181, minute vibrations are generated in the first channel 181. The first cleaning nozzle 161 is positioned between the first channel 181 and the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the detection of noise caused by the minute vibrations of the first channel 181 by the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 functions as a shielding member between the radio wave sensor 148 and the first channel 181. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 only needs to reduce the minute vibrations of the first channel 181 that are transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 does not need to completely prevent the minute vibrations of the first channel 181 from being transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0095] The second channel 182 is located generally below the radio wave sensor 148. The upstream end 182a of the second channel 182 is positioned adjacent to the fourth motor 176. The second channel 182 extends backward and upward along the lower surface of the second cleaning nozzle 162 from the fourth motor 176 toward the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. In a top view, the second channel 182 is positioned to the right of the second cleaning nozzle 162. When water is supplied to the second channel 182, minute vibrations are generated in the second channel 182. The second cleaning nozzle 162 is positioned between the second channel 182 and the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the detection of noise caused by the minute vibrations of the second channel 182 by the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the second cleaning nozzle 162 acts as a shielding member between the radio wave sensor 148 and the second channel 182. The water inside the second cleaning nozzle 162 only needs to reduce the minute vibrations of the second channel 182 that are transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the second cleaning nozzle 162 does not need to completely prevent the minute vibrations of the second channel 182 from being transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0096] The third channel 184 is located below the radio wave sensor 148. The upstream end 184a of the third channel 184 is positioned adjacent to the fourth motor 176. The third channel 184 extends forward and downward from the fourth motor 176 toward the water discharge section 164, along the underside of the second cleaning nozzle 162. In a top view, the upstream end 184a of the third channel 184 is positioned to the right of the second cleaning nozzle 162. When water is supplied to the third channel 184, minute vibrations occur in the third channel 184. The second cleaning nozzle 162 is positioned between the third channel 184 and the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the detection of noise caused by the minute vibrations of the third channel 184 by the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the second cleaning nozzle 162 functions as a shielding member between the radio wave sensor 148 and the third channel 184. The water inside the second cleaning nozzle 162 only needs to reduce the minute vibrations of the third channel 184 that are transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the second cleaning nozzle 162 does not need to completely prevent the minute vibrations of the third channel 184 from being transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0097] As shown in Figure 11, the first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, and the third substrate 151c of the control unit 150 are arranged to the right of the radio wave sensor 148. The first substrate 151a and the second substrate 151b are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. The third substrate 151c is positioned below the first substrate 151a and the second substrate 151b. With this configuration, electromagnetic noise generated from around the toilet seat device 120 can be absorbed by the first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, and the third substrate 151c. This suppresses the detection of electromagnetic noise generated from around the toilet seat device 120 by the radio wave sensor 148. Metal components such as lead wires of the first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, and the third substrate 151c function as metal shielding members between the radio wave sensor 148 and the toilet seat device 120. The first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, and the third substrate 151c are arranged on the propagation path of electromagnetic noise generated around the toilet seat device 120 toward the radio wave sensor 148. The metal components of the first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, and the third substrate 151c only need to reduce the electromagnetic noise from around the toilet seat device 120 that propagates to the radio wave sensor 148. The metal components of the first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, and the third substrate 151c do not need to completely prevent the electromagnetic noise generated around the toilet seat device 120 from propagating to the radio wave sensor 148.

[0098] As shown in Figure 13, the first motor 170 may be positioned below the fourth motor 176 in the nozzle unit 160. In this arrangement as well, electromagnetic noise generated from the first motor 170 is absorbed by the water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 before it is propagated to the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the detection of electromagnetic noise from the first motor 170 by the radio wave sensor 148. The water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 functions as a shielding member between the radio wave sensor 148 and the first motor 170.

[0099] (Effect) As shown in Figure 12, when the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are in the retracted state, the radio wave sensor 148 is positioned above the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162, and the first motor 170 is positioned below the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162. The radio wave sensor 148 and the first motor 170 are positioned on either side of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162. When the radio wave sensor 148 detects radio waves, the control unit 150 determines that a user is present around the toilet seat device 120. If the radio wave sensor 148 detects electromagnetic noise from the first motor 170 even though no user is present, the control unit 150 will operate the toilet seat device 120 (for example, opening and closing the toilet lid 144) according to the detection result of the radio wave sensor 148. According to the above configuration, at least a portion of the electromagnetic noise generated by the driving of the first motor 170 is blocked by the water filled inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162, preventing it from propagating to the radio wave sensor 148. This suppresses the radio wave sensor 148 from detecting the electromagnetic noise of the first motor 170. The first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 can function as shielding members between the first motor 170 and the radio wave sensor 148.

[0100] In the stored state, the lower end 148b of the radio wave sensor 148 is located below the upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. With this configuration, the radio wave sensor 148 can be positioned adjacent to the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162. The cover 121a of the functional unit 121 can be made smaller.

[0101] As shown in Figure 11, the second motor 172 is located to the left of the radio wave sensor 148. The third motor 174 is located to the left of the radio wave sensor 148 and behind the second motor 172. The second motor 172 is located between the third motor 174 and the radio wave sensor 148. When only the toilet lid 144 is opened and closed, the third motor 174 is driven, generating electromagnetic noise. The second motor 172 is not driven, so no electromagnetic noise is generated. The electromagnetic noise generated from the third motor 174 is absorbed by the second motor 172 before it is propagated to the radio wave sensor 148. In typical use of the toilet seat device 120, the operating frequency of the toilet seat 22 is less than that of the toilet lid 144. It is necessary to block the electromagnetic noise generated from the third motor 174, which operates more frequently. With the above arrangement, the electromagnetic noise from the third motor 174, which operates more frequently, can be absorbed by the second motor 172, which operates less frequently. The third motor 174 can function as an opening and closing member for the toilet seat device 120, and the second motor 172 can function as a metal shielding member.

[0102] To the right of the radio wave sensor 148 are a first substrate 151a, a second substrate 151b, and a third substrate 151c, each having a metal component. To the left of the radio wave sensor 148 are a second motor 172 and a third motor 174, both having metal components. This arrangement allows the first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, the third substrate 151c, the second motor 172, and the third motor 174 to absorb electromagnetic noise generated from the left and right sides of the radio wave sensor 148. The first substrate 151a, the second substrate 151b, the third substrate 151c, the second motor 172, and the third motor 174 can function as metal shielding members for the radio wave sensor 148.

[0103] (Correspondence)

[0104] The following are aspects of the technology disclosed herein.

[0105] A 19th embodiment relates to a toilet seat device equipped with a toilet seat. The toilet seat device may include a radio wave sensor for detecting an object, a washing nozzle for discharging water toward a person sitting on the toilet seat, a storage section for storing the washing nozzle, and a first motor for driving the washing nozzle to move back and forth between a stored state in which it is stored in the storage section and an extended state in which it protrudes from the storage section and discharges water toward the person. In the stored state, the radio wave sensor may be positioned above at least a portion of the washing nozzle, the first motor may be positioned below at least a portion of the washing nozzle, and the radio wave sensor and the first motor may be positioned on either side of the washing nozzle.

[0106] In the 20th embodiment, in the 19th embodiment, the lower end of the radio wave sensor may be located below the upper end of the cleaning nozzle in the stored state.

[0107] The 21st embodiment may further include, in any one of the 19th to 20th embodiments, an opening / closing member which includes at least one of a toilet lid positioned above the toilet seat, a second motor that performs the opening and closing operation of the toilet seat, and a third motor that performs the opening and closing operation of the toilet lid. The opening / closing member may be positioned to the side of the radio wave sensor.

[0108] The 22nd embodiment may further include, in the 21st embodiment, a metal shielding member disposed between the switching member and the radio wave sensor. The switching member may include the third motor, and the shielding member may include the second motor.

[0109] In the 23rd embodiment, the shielding members may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the radio wave sensor, as described in the 22nd embodiment.

[0110] The 24th embodiment may further include a substrate in any one of the 22nd to 23 embodiments above, which includes at least a portion of a metal component. The substrate may be arranged on the opposite side of the shielding member from the radio wave sensor in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0111] The 25th embodiment may further include a substrate in any one of the 19th to 23rd embodiments above, which includes at least a portion of a metal component. The substrate may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the radio wave sensor.

[0112] The 26th embodiment may further include, in any one of the 19th to 25th embodiments, a water discharge section different from the cleaning nozzle, a first flow path connected to and communicating with the cleaning nozzle, a second flow path connected to and communicating with the water discharge section, and a fourth motor for switching between a state in which the water source and the cleaning nozzle are in communication via the first flow path and a state in which the water source and the water discharge section are in communication via the second flow path. The fourth motor may be positioned below at least a portion of the cleaning nozzle.

[0113] The 27th embodiment may further include a first flow path connected to and communicating with the cleaning nozzle, in any one of the 19th to 26th embodiments. The first flow path is located below at least a portion of the cleaning nozzle, and at least a portion of the first flow path may be located vertically, sandwiching the radio wave sensor and the cleaning nozzle.

[0114] The 28th aspect relates to a toilet device. The toilet device may include a toilet seat device from any one of the 19th to 27th aspects and a toilet body located below the toilet seat.

[0115] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above. These are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0116] The upper end 148a of the radio wave sensor 148 is located below the upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. The upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162 may be located midway between the upper end 148a and the lower end 148b of the radio wave sensor 148. More preferably, the entire radio wave sensor 148 may be located below the upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. This arrangement allows the radio wave sensor 148 to be positioned below the upper end 161a of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the upper end 162a of the second cleaning nozzle 162. The cover 121a of the functional unit 121 can be miniaturized.

[0117] When the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 are in the retracted position, the radio wave sensor 148 may be positioned above at least a portion of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162. The first motor 170 may be positioned below at least a portion of the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162. This configuration allows the water inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 to reduce electromagnetic noise from the first motor 170 that is transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148. While it does not completely block the electromagnetic noise transmitted to the radio wave sensor 148, it can reduce it.

[0118] A shielding member, such as a metal plate, may be further arranged between the radio wave sensor 148 and the second motor 172 and the third motor 174. In this case, the second motor 172 and the third motor 174 can function as opening and closing members of the toilet seat device 120. The metal plate can function as a shielding member.

[0119] The water discharge section 164 is not limited to a nozzle that discharges water downward toward the toilet bowl 116. The water discharge section 164 may include at least one of the following: a water discharge section that discharges water for cleaning the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162; a water discharge section that discharges water for cleaning the nozzle shutter 166; and a discharge section (for example, the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 in their retracted state) that discharges water remaining inside the first cleaning nozzle 161 and the second cleaning nozzle 162 when they are in their retracted state.

[0120] (Third Embodiment) (Configuration of Toilet Device 210) As shown in Figure 14, the toilet device 210 is a flush toilet. The toilet device 210 comprises a toilet body 212 and a toilet seat device 220. The toilet body 212 has a toilet bowl 216 for receiving waste and a drainage path (not shown) located at the lower end of the toilet bowl 216. When flushing water is supplied to the toilet bowl 216, the waste is discharged to the outside of the toilet bowl 216 along with the flushing water through the drainage path.

[0121] (Configuration of the toilet seat device 220) The toilet seat device 220 comprises a functional unit 221, a toilet seat 222, a toilet lid 244, and a remote control 280. Hereinafter, the direction in which the toilet seat 222 and the functional unit 221 are aligned will be referred to as the front-to-back direction. The direction perpendicular to the floor surface of the toilet device 210 will be referred to as the up-and-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the up-and-down direction will be referred to as the left-to-right direction. The "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" directions of the toilet device 210 are defined based on the orientation as seen from the perspective of the user sitting on the toilet seat 222.

[0122] The toilet seat assembly 220 is placed on the upper end 212a of the toilet bowl body 212. The toilet seat 222 is placed on the upper end 212a of the toilet bowl body 212. The toilet seat 222 has an annular shape with an opening 223. The user can sit on the toilet seat 222 and use the toilet assembly 210. The toilet seat 222 is equipped with a heater unit (not shown) for warming the toilet seat 222.

[0123] The toilet lid 244 is positioned above the toilet seat 222. The functional unit 221 is positioned behind the toilet seat 222. The functional unit 221 comprises a cover 221a, a control device 246, a nozzle unit 260 (see Figure 15), and an opening / closing member 271. The cover 221a is placed on the toilet bowl body 212. The cover 221a covers the control device 246, the nozzle unit 260, and the opening / closing member 271. The cover 221a rotatably supports the toilet seat 222 and the toilet lid 244 relative to the toilet bowl body 212. The opening / closing member 271 has a second motor 272 (see Figure 14) and a third motor 274 (see Figure 14). The functional unit 221 further includes functional components such as a speaker (not shown), a deodorizing fan (not shown), and a foaming device (not shown).

[0124] The remote control 280 is installed, for example, on the wall (not shown) of the room where the toilet seat unit 220 is installed. The remote control 280 has a monitor 286, a plurality of buttons 288, and an infrared transmitter (not shown). The remote control 280 emits infrared light from the infrared transmitter. This allows it to communicate with the control device 246. The monitor 286 displays information indicating various states of the toilet seat unit 220. The user of the toilet seat unit 220 can operate the plurality of buttons 288 to make the toilet unit 210 perform various functions.

[0125] (Configuration of the control device 246) The control device 246 comprises a radio wave sensor 248, a control unit 250, and a seat sensor 249. The radio wave sensor 248 is a millimeter-wave sensor. The radio wave sensor 248 is positioned above the toilet bowl body 212 and behind the toilet seat 222. The radio wave sensor 248 is positioned at the upper end of the functional unit 221, in the center in the left-right direction. The position of the radio wave sensor 248 is not particularly limited. The radio wave sensor 248 just needs to be positioned in a location that can detect the distance between the toilet bowl body 212 and the user. For example, the radio wave sensor 248 may be positioned at the front end of the toilet bowl body 212. The radio wave sensor 248 may be positioned on a wall that defines the space in which the toilet device 210 is installed.

[0126] The radio wave sensor 248 has a radio wave transmitting unit (not shown) and a radio wave receiving unit (not shown). The radio wave sensor 248 emits electromagnetic waves in the frequency band of 30 GHz to 300 GHz from the radio wave transmitting unit. The electromagnetic waves emitted from the radio wave transmitting unit are reflected by objects in the vicinity of the radio wave sensor 248. The radio wave receiving unit of the radio wave sensor 248 receives the reflected electromagnetic waves. The radio wave sensor 248 detects an object based on the received electromagnetic waves and calculates the distance from the radio wave sensor 248 to the object. As shown in Figure 16, the radio wave sensor 248 detects an object located within the detection range 2100. In the front-to-back direction, the detection range 2100 extends from behind the toilet seat 222 toward the front of the toilet bowl body 212. If the toilet unit 210 is placed in a private room, the detection range 2100 may also include the area from the toilet unit 210 to the wall of the private room. The radio wave sensor 248 supplies a detection signal to the control unit 250 that represents the distance from the radio wave sensor 248 to an object. The radio wave sensor 248 is used to detect the distance from the toilet unit 210 to the user.

[0127] The seating sensor 249 detects when a user is seated on the toilet seat 222. When a user sits on the toilet seat 222, a load acts on the toilet seat 222, pushing it downwards. When the seating sensor 249 detects that the toilet seat 222 has been pushed downwards, it sends a detection signal to the control unit 250.

[0128] The control unit 250 causes the toilet unit 210 to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection results of the radio wave sensor 248 and the seat sensor 249. The control unit 250 has a CPU and memory. The memory has volatile and non-volatile storage sections. The control unit 250 controls each part of the toilet unit 210 by having the CPU execute processing according to a computer program pre-stored in the memory. The control unit 250 controls the cleaning unit (not shown) to clean the toilet bowl 216. The water purification unit includes a water supply path that communicates with the toilet bowl 216 from a water supply source such as a water pipe, and a water supply valve that opens and closes the water supply path. The control unit 250 supplies cleaning water to the toilet bowl 216 by opening the water supply valve. This cleans the toilet bowl 216. The control unit 250 stops the supply of cleaning water to the toilet bowl 216 by closing the water supply valve. In addition to the water supply valve, the cleaning unit may also have a water storage tank, a pump, etc. The control unit 250 may control the pump. The water supply path may branch into multiple paths. The water supply valve may switch between opening and closing each of the multiple paths.

[0129] The control unit 250 controls the second motor 272 and the third motor 274, which are located on the opening / closing member 271. The second motor 272 is mechanically connected to the toilet seat 222. The second motor 272 rotates the toilet seat 222 relative to the toilet bowl body 212. The toilet seat 222 is movable by the second motor 272 between a closed state (see Figure 14) where it is positioned on the upper end 212a of the toilet bowl body 212 and an open state (not shown) where it is upright relative to the toilet bowl body 212. The third motor 274 is mechanically connected to the toilet lid 244. The third motor 274 rotates the toilet lid 244 relative to the toilet bowl body 212. The toilet lid 244 is movable by the third motor 274 between a closed state (not shown) where it covers the toilet seat 222 and an open state (see Figure 14) where it is upright relative to the toilet bowl body 212.

[0130] The control unit 250 controls the toilet lid 244 according to the detection result of the radio wave sensor 248. Specifically, if the radio wave sensor 248 detects a user, the control unit 250 moves the toilet lid 244 from the closed state to the open state. If the radio wave sensor 248 transitions from a state where a user is detected to a state where a user is not detected, the control unit 250 moves the toilet lid 244 from the open state to the closed state. In a modified example, the control unit 250 may also control the toilet seat 222 according to the detection result of the radio wave sensor 248. If the radio wave sensor 248 detects that a user is at a predetermined distance from the toilet bowl device 210, the control unit 250 may move the toilet seat 222 from the closed state to the open state. If the toilet seat 222 is in the open state, the control unit 250 may move it from the open state to the closed state at the same timing as the toilet lid 244.

[0131] (Configuration of Nozzle Unit 260) As shown in Figure 15, the nozzle unit 260 includes a first cleaning nozzle 261, a second cleaning nozzle 262, a water discharge section 264, a nozzle shutter 266, a first motor 270, and a fourth motor 276. The first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 are arranged side by side in the center of the toilet bowl body 212 in the left-right direction.

[0132] The first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 are positioned at an inclination downward toward the front. Each of the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 is held so as to be able to move back and forth between a retracted state and an extended state. In the retracted state, the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 are located below the cover 221a. In the extended state, the first cleaning nozzle 261 extends forward from its retracted state. Similarly, in the extended state, the second cleaning nozzle 262 also extends forward from its retracted state.

[0133] The first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 are driven to move back and forth between a retracted state and an extended state by the first motor 270. In the retracted state shown in Figure 15, the front of the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 are closed by the nozzle shutter 266. In the extended state, the first cleaning nozzle 261 pushes the nozzle shutter 266 upward, causing it to protrude forward from the nozzle shutter 266. In the extended state, the first cleaning nozzle 261 discharges water upward toward the user seated on the toilet seat 222. The second cleaning nozzle 262 does the same. This allows the user's private parts to be cleaned. The second cleaning nozzle 262 extends further forward than the first cleaning nozzle 261. For example, the second cleaning nozzle 262 may be used as a nozzle for bidet cleaning. The first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 may consist of only one cleaning nozzle. The first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 may be composed of three or more cleaning nozzles.

[0134] The first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 are made of resin. The specific configuration of the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 is not particularly limited. The inside of the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262 is filled with water. As shown in Figure 15, the radio wave sensor 248 is positioned above the top surfaces of the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262, with a gap between them.

[0135] The water discharge unit 264 is positioned adjacent to the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262. Like the first cleaning nozzle 261 and the second cleaning nozzle 262, the water discharge unit 264 is positioned in the center in the left-right direction at the front end of the functional unit 221. The water discharge unit 264 includes a nozzle having a first discharge port (not shown) and a second discharge port (not shown). The first discharge port is positioned toward the first cleaning nozzle 261, the second cleaning nozzle 262, and the nozzle shutter 266. The second discharge port is positioned toward the toilet bowl 216. The water discharge unit 264 discharges water from the first discharge port toward the first cleaning nozzle 261, the second cleaning nozzle 262, and the nozzle shutter 266. This allows the first cleaning nozzle 261, the second cleaning nozzle 262, and the nozzle shutter 266 to be cleaned. The water discharge unit 264 discharges water from the second discharge port toward the toilet bowl 216. This allows the surface of the toilet bowl 216 to be wetted with water. The water outlet 264 is made of resin. The specific configuration of the water outlet 264 is not particularly limited. The inside of the water outlet 264 is filled with water.

[0136] The first cleaning nozzle 261, the second cleaning nozzle 262, and the water discharge section 264 are supplied with water from an external water source (not shown).

[0137] The fourth motor 276 drives a valve device that switches between connecting and disconnecting the water source to the first cleaning nozzle 261, the second cleaning nozzle 262, and the water discharge section 264, respectively. The control unit 250 drives the fourth motor 276 to switch the connection between the water source and each nozzle.

[0138] The speaker has an audio output function. The deodorizing fan has a deodorizing function. The foaming device has the function of discharging foam onto the water surface in the toilet bowl 216.

[0139] (Radio wave emission processing) As shown in Figure 17, the control unit 250 performs radio wave emission processing to switch between emitting and stopping radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248. The control unit 250 continuously performs radio wave emission processing while power is supplied to the toilet seat device 220. When the toilet seat device 220 is connected to the power supply, the control unit 250 causes the radio wave sensor 248 to start emitting radio waves. When the radio wave sensor 248 starts emitting radio waves, the control unit 250 starts radio wave emission processing. In S110, the control unit 250 determines whether the stop condition is met.

[0140] (Stopping Conditions) The stopping conditions include the state of at least one of the toilet bowl device 210 and the toilet seat device 220 being in a predetermined state. The predetermined state includes a plurality of states. The plurality of states include the following states (1) to (7): (1) the state in which a user is seated on the toilet seat 222; (2) the state in which the toilet seat 222 is upright relative to the toilet bowl body 212; (3) the state in which the toilet bowl 216 is being washed; (4) the state in which water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the toilet bowl 216; (5) the state in which water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the first washing nozzle 261, the second washing nozzle 262 and the nozzle shutter 266; (6) the state in which the water inside the first washing nozzle 261 and the second washing nozzle 262 is being discharged into the toilet bowl 216; and (7) the state in which at least one of the toilet seat 222 and the toilet lid 244 is in an opening or closing operation.

[0141] The control unit 250 determines that a user is seated on the toilet seat 222 while it is receiving a detection signal from the seat sensor 249. As a result, the control unit 250 determines that (1) a user is seated on the toilet seat 222.

[0142] The control unit 250 determines whether the toilet seat 222 is in the open position by detecting the rotation of the second motor 272. The control unit 250 determines (2) that the toilet seat 222 is in the open position using the detection result of the second motor 272.

[0143] The control unit 250 determines whether the water supply valve is open or not. The control unit 250 determines that (3) the toilet bowl 216 is being cleaned while the water supply valve is open, that is, while cleaning water is being supplied to the toilet bowl 216.

[0144] The control unit 250 drives the valve device with the fourth motor 276 and determines whether or not the water supply source and the water discharge unit 264 are in communication. If the control unit 250 determines that the water supply source and the water discharge unit 264 are in communication, it determines that water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264. Based on this, the control unit 250 determines that either (4) water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the toilet bowl 216, or (5) water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the first washing nozzle 261, the second washing nozzle 262, and the nozzle shutter 266. The control unit 250 does not distinguish between states (4) and (5). In a modified example, the control unit 250 may distinguish between states (4) and (5). The control unit 250 may specify whether the water is being discharged from either the first or second water discharge port of the water discharge unit 264. If it is determined that water is being discharged from the first outlet, it may be determined that the condition is (5). If it is determined that water is being discharged from the second outlet, it may be determined that the condition is (4).

[0145] The control unit 250 drives the valve device with the fourth motor 276 and determines whether or not the water supply source is connected to the first washing nozzle 261 and the second washing nozzle 262. If the seating sensor 249 does not detect seating and the control unit 250 determines that the water supply source is connected to the first washing nozzle 261 and the second washing nozzle 262, then (6) the control unit determines that the water inside the first washing nozzle 261 and the second washing nozzle 262 is being discharged into the toilet bowl 216.

[0146] The control unit 250 determines that (7) at least one of the toilet seat 222 and the toilet lid 244 is opening or closing while at least one of the second motor 272 and the third motor 274 is being driven.

[0147] If the state of the toilet bowl device 210 or the toilet seat device 220 falls under any of the above stop conditions, the control unit 250 determines that the stop condition is met (YES in S110). If YES in S110, in S112, the control unit 250 stops the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248. The control unit 250 stops the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 by stopping the power supplied to the radio wave sensor 248. The control unit 250 may stop the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 without stopping the power supplied to the radio wave sensor 248.

[0148] If the state of the toilet bowl device 210 and the toilet seat device 220 is different from a predetermined state, the control unit 250 determines that the stop condition is not met (NO in S110). If NO in S110, the control unit 250 executes S110 until the stop condition is met. While S110 is being executed, the control unit 250 continues to emit radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248. After the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 is stopped in S112, in S114 the control unit 250 determines whether or not the start condition is met.

[0149] (Starting conditions) The starting conditions include the state of at least one of the toilet bowl device 210 and the toilet seat device 220 being in a predetermined state. The predetermined state includes a plurality of states. The plurality of states include the following states (8) to (14): (8) a state in which no user is seated on the toilet seat 222, (9) a closed state in which the toilet seat 222 is positioned on the upper end 212a of the toilet bowl body 212, (10) a state in which the toilet bowl 216 is not being flushed, (11) a state in which water is not being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the toilet bowl 216, (12) a state in which water is not being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the first flush nozzle 261, the second flush nozzle 262 and the nozzle shutter 266, (13) a state in which the water inside the first flush nozzle 261 or the second flush nozzle 262 is not being discharged toward the toilet bowl 216, and (14) a state in which the toilet seat 222 and the toilet lid 244 are not opening or closing.

[0150] If the control unit 250 does not receive a detection signal from the seating sensor 249, it determines that (8) the user is not seated on the toilet seat 222.

[0151] The control unit 250 determines whether the toilet seat 222 is in the closed position by detecting the rotation of the second motor 272. The control unit 250 determines (9) that the toilet seat 222 is in the closed position using the detection result of the second motor 272.

[0152] The control unit 250 determines that the toilet bowl 216 is not being cleaned if the water supply valve is closed, that is, if no cleaning water is being supplied to the toilet bowl 216.

[0153] If the control unit 250 determines that the water source and the water discharge unit 264 are not in communication, it determines that no water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264. As a result, the control unit 250 determines that either (11) no water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the toilet bowl 216, or (12) no water is being discharged from the water discharge unit 264 toward the first washing nozzle 261, the second washing nozzle 262, and the nozzle shutter 266.

[0154] If the control unit 250 determines that the water source is not connected to the first washing nozzle 261 and the second washing nozzle 262, it determines that (13) the water inside the first washing nozzle 261 or the second washing nozzle 262 is not being discharged into the toilet bowl 216.

[0155] The control unit 250 determines that if the second motor 272 and the third motor 274 are not driven, (14) the toilet seat 222 and the toilet lid 244 are not opening or closing.

[0156] If the toilet bowl device 210 or toilet seat device 220 is in a state that meets any of the above starting conditions, the control unit 250 determines that the starting conditions are met (YES in S114). If YES in S114, in S116 the control unit 250 starts emitting radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248.

[0157] If the toilet bowl device 210 or toilet seat device 220 does not meet any of the above starting conditions, the control unit 250 determines that the starting conditions are not met (NO in S114). If NO in S114, the control unit 250 executes S114 until the starting conditions are met. While S114 is being executed, the control unit 250 continues to stop the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248. After the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 begins in S116, the control unit 250 returns to S110.

[0158] (Effect) The control unit 250 stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 248 according to the state of the toilet device 210 by performing radio wave emission processing. This avoids a situation where radio waves are constantly emitted from the radio wave sensor 248. As a result, the power consumption of the radio wave sensor 248 can be reduced.

[0159] The control unit 250 stops the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 by stopping the power supplied to the radio wave sensor 248. This reduces the power consumption of the toilet seat device 220. In a modified example, the control unit 250 may stop the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 without stopping the power supplied to the radio wave sensor 248. This configuration also reduces the power required to emit radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248.

[0160] In the radio wave emission process, the control unit 250 stops emitting radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 while the user is seated. It is clear that the user is located near the toilet seat device 220 while the user is seated on the toilet seat 222. In this situation, it is clear that the user is using the toilet device 210 without the radio wave sensor 248 emitting radio waves. By stopping the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 while the user is seated on the toilet seat 222, the radio wave sensor 248 does not need to emit radio waves in situations where it is not necessary to detect the user.

[0161] The control unit 250 stops emitting radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 when the toilet seat 222 is in the open position. When the toilet seat 222 is in the open position, it is assumed that the user is standing in front of the toilet unit 210 for urination. Alternatively, it is assumed that the user has raised the toilet seat 222 against the toilet unit 212 in order to clean the toilet bowl 216. In the above situation, it is clear that the user is located near the toilet seat unit 220. The control unit 250 can estimate the approximate distance from the toilet unit 210 to the user without emitting radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248. By stopping the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 while the toilet seat 222 is in the open position raised against the toilet unit 212, the radio wave sensor 248 does not need to emit radio waves in situations where it does not need to detect the user.

[0162] The control unit 250 stops emitting radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 when the toilet bowl 216 is being cleaned. When cleaning water is supplied to the toilet bowl 216, the cleaning water flows into the toilet bowl 216. As a result, the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor 248 are reflected by the cleaning water flowing on the surface of the toilet bowl 216. The radio wave sensor 248 may receive the radio waves reflected from the cleaning water. This may result in false detection as movement of a moving object. As a result, a user may be falsely detected even when no user is present. By stopping the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 while the toilet bowl 216 is being cleaned, false detections by the radio wave sensor 248 can be suppressed.

[0163] The control unit 250 stops the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 when water is being discharged from the water outlet 264 toward the toilet bowl 216. The control unit 250 also stops the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 when water is being discharged from the water outlet 264 toward the first washing nozzle 261, the second washing nozzle 262, and the nozzle shutter 266. This prevents the user from being falsely detected by the radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 being reflected by the water from the water outlet 264.

[0164] The control unit 250 stops emitting radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 when it is discharging water from at least one of the first washing nozzle 261 and the second washing nozzle 262 into the toilet bowl 216. This prevents the user from being falsely detected by the radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 being reflected by the water from the first washing nozzle 261 and the second washing nozzle 262.

[0165] The control unit 250 stops the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 when the toilet seat 222 and toilet lid 244 are in opening and closing operation. Electromagnetic noise is generated from the second motor 272 and the third motor 274. The radio wave sensor 248 may mistakenly detect the electromagnetic noise generated from the second motor 272 and the third motor 274 as the user. By stopping the emission of radio waves from the radio wave sensor 248 while the toilet seat 222 and toilet lid 244 are in opening and closing operation, the false detection by the radio wave sensor 248 can be suppressed.

[0166] The following are aspects of the technology disclosed herein.

[0167] The 29th aspect relates to a toilet seat device equipped with a toilet seat. The toilet seat device may include a radio wave sensor that detects an object by emitting radio waves, and a control unit that stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor according to the state of the toilet device.

[0168] In the 30th embodiment, in the 29th embodiment, the control unit may stop the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor by stopping the power supply to the radio wave sensor.

[0169] The 31st embodiment is that, in any one of the 29th to 30th embodiments, the control unit may stop the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet seat device is such that a user is seated on the toilet seat.

[0170] The 32nd embodiment is that, in any one of the embodiments 29 to 31 above, the toilet seat may be movable between a closed state in which it is placed above the toilet bowl and an open state in which it is raised relative to the toilet bowl, and the control unit may stop the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet seat device is such that the toilet seat is in the open state.

[0171] The 33rd embodiment is that, in any one of the embodiments 29 to 32 above, the toilet seat may be placed on a toilet body having a toilet bowl. The control unit may stop the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet device is such that the toilet bowl is being washed.

[0172] The 34th embodiment may further include a water discharge unit for discharging water in any one of the 29th to 33rd embodiments described above. The control unit may stop the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet device is such that the water discharge unit is discharging water.

[0173] The 35th embodiment is that, in any one of the embodiments 29 to 34 described above, the control unit may stop the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when at least one of the toilet seat and the toilet lid is in an opening or closing operation.

[0174] The 36th aspect relates to a toilet device. The toilet device may include a toilet seat device of any one of the 29th to 35th aspects and a toilet body located below the toilet seat.

[0175] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above. These are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0176] The stop condition only needs to include at least one of the states (1) to (7) above in this embodiment. For example, in S110, the control unit 250 may determine that the stop condition is met when the state is (1) above (YES in S110), and may determine that the stop condition is not met when any one of the states (2) to (7) above in this embodiment is in effect (NO in S110). Similarly, the start condition only needs to include at least one of the states (8) to (14) above in this embodiment.

[0177] In states (7) and (14) of this embodiment, the control unit 250 may switch between stopping and starting the radio waves based on the opening and closing operation of either the toilet seat 222 or the toilet lid 244.

[0178] The technical elements described in at least one of this specification and the drawings exhibit technical utility individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies illustrated in at least one of this specification and the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical utility.

Claims

1. A toilet seat device comprising a toilet seat, the device comprising: a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects; and a control unit that causes the toilet seat device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor, wherein the radio wave sensor detects the moving object in a plurality of detection areas including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area, and the control unit causes the predetermined operation to be performed when the moving object is detected in the second detection area.

2. The toilet seat device according to claim 1, further comprising a support portion located behind the toilet seat and rotatably supporting the toilet seat, wherein the radio wave sensor is disposed on the support portion.

3. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first detection area extends from the radio wave sensor, and the second detection area extends to a position further away from the radio wave sensor than the first detection area.

4. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined operation includes at least one of the following: opening the toilet lid arranged on the toilet seat device; opening the toilet seat; turning on the lighting used in the space where the toilet seat device is arranged; cleaning the cleaning nozzle arranged on the toilet seat device; draining the water in the cleaning nozzle; cleaning the cleaning nozzle shutter arranged on the toilet seat device; spraying foam onto the toilet bowl where the toilet seat device is arranged; spraying water onto the toilet bowl; performing a deodorizing function of the toilet seat device; heating the toilet seat; performing a heating function arranged on the toilet seat device; and performing an audio output function arranged on the toilet seat device.

5. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the radio wave sensor includes a millimeter wave sensor.

6. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a toilet lid that covers the toilet seat, wherein the control unit causes the control unit to perform the predetermined operation, including opening the toilet lid, when the moving body is detected in the second detection area and the toilet lid is closed.

7. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a toilet lid that covers the toilet seat, wherein the plurality of detection areas are located closer to the toilet seat than the second detection area and a third detection area is provided in which at least a portion is further away from the second detection area than the outer edge of the first detection area, and the control unit determines that a user is seated when the toilet seat is closed after detecting the motion in the third detection area.

8. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a toilet lid that covers the toilet seat, wherein the control unit prevents the toilet lid from opening when the moving body is detected in the first detection area while the moving body is not detected in the second detection area.

9. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the first detection area overlaps with the toilet seat in a plan view.

10. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the first detection area extends forward of the toilet seat in a plan view.

11. The toilet seat device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of detection areas include a fourth detection area having a region that extends further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area and a region that extends closer to the toilet seat than the second detection area, and the control unit does not perform the closing operation of the toilet seat while the moving body is detected in the fourth detection area when the toilet seat is open.

12. The toilet seat device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit, when the toilet seat is open, causes the control unit to perform a closing operation on at least one of the toilet seat and the toilet lid after the motion has been detected in the fourth detection area and the motion is no longer detected in the fourth detection area.

13. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a toilet lid that covers the toilet seat, wherein the control unit causes the toilet lid to close if no motion is detected in the second detection area after the predetermined operation has been performed.

14. The toilet seat device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit, after executing the predetermined operation, causes the toilet lid to close if no motion is detected in the third detection area.

15. A toilet device comprising a toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a toilet bowl body located below the toilet seat.

16. A control device comprising: a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects; and a control unit that causes a toilet device to perform a predetermined operation based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor, wherein the radio wave sensor detects the moving object in a plurality of detection areas, including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side of the toilet device, and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area; and the control unit causes the predetermined operation to be performed when the moving object is detected in the second detection area.

17. A control method for controlling a toilet device equipped with a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects, wherein the radio wave sensor is made to detect the moving object in a plurality of detection areas, including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side of the toilet device and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area, and when the moving object is detected in the second detection area, the control method is made to cause the toilet device to perform a predetermined operation.

18. A computer program for a control device that controls a toilet device equipped with a radio wave sensor for detecting moving objects, wherein the computer program causes the control device to detect the moving object in a plurality of detection areas, including a first detection area located on the toilet seat side of the toilet device and a second detection area that does not include the first detection area and is further away from the toilet seat than the first detection area, and the computer program causes the toilet device to perform a predetermined operation when the moving object is detected in the second detection area based on the detection result of the radio wave sensor.

19. A toilet seat device comprising: a toilet seat; a radio wave sensor for detecting objects; a washing nozzle for discharging water toward a person sitting on the toilet seat; a storage compartment for storing the washing nozzle; and a first motor for driving the washing nozzle to move back and forth between a stored state in which it is stored in the storage compartment and an extended state in which it protrudes from the storage compartment and discharges water toward the person, wherein in the stored state, the radio wave sensor is positioned above at least a portion of the washing nozzle, the first motor is positioned below at least a portion of the washing nozzle, and the radio wave sensor and the first motor are positioned on either side of the washing nozzle.

20. The toilet seat device according to claim 19, wherein in the stored state, the lower end of the radio wave sensor is located below the upper end of the washing nozzle.

21. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 19 to 20, further comprising: a toilet lid disposed above the toilet seat; an opening / closing member including at least one of a second motor that performs an opening and closing operation of the toilet seat; and a third motor that performs an opening and closing operation of the toilet lid, wherein the opening / closing member is disposed to the side of the radio wave sensor.

22. The toilet seat device according to claim 21, further comprising a metal shielding member disposed between the opening / closing member and the radio wave sensor, wherein the opening / closing member includes the third motor, and the shielding member includes the second motor.

23. The toilet seat device according to claim 22, wherein the shielding members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the radio wave sensor.

24. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 22 to 23, further comprising a substrate which includes at least a portion of a metal component, wherein the substrate is arranged with respect to the radio wave sensor in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and on the opposite side from the shielding member.

25. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 19 to 23, further comprising a substrate which includes at least a portion of a metal component, wherein the substrate is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction with respect to the radio wave sensor.

26. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 19 to 25, further comprising: a water discharge section different from the washing nozzle; a first flow path connected to and communicating with the washing nozzle; a second flow path connected to and communicating with the water discharge section; and a fourth motor for switching between a state in which the water source and the washing nozzle are in communication via the first flow path and a state in which the water source and the water discharge section are in communication via the second flow path, wherein the fourth motor is positioned below at least a portion of the washing nozzle.

27. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 19 to 26, further comprising a first flow path connected to and communicating with the washing nozzle, wherein the first flow path is positioned below at least a portion of the washing nozzle, and at least a portion of the first flow path is positioned vertically between the radio wave sensor and the washing nozzle.

28. A toilet device comprising a toilet seat device according to any one of claims 19 to 27, and a toilet bowl body located below the toilet seat.

29. A toilet seat device arranged on a toilet bowl, comprising: a toilet seat; a radio wave sensor that detects an object by emitting radio waves; and a control unit that stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor according to the state of the toilet bowl.

30. The toilet seat device according to claim 29, wherein the control unit stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor by stopping the power supply to the radio wave sensor.

31. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 29 to 30, wherein the control unit stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet seat device is such that a user is seated on the toilet seat.

32. The toilet seat is movable between a closed state in which it is placed above the toilet bowl and an open state in which it is raised relative to the toilet bowl, and the control unit stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet seat device is the open state, according to any one of claims 29 to 31.

33. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the toilet seat is placed on a toilet bowl having a toilet bowl, and the control unit stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet device is such that the toilet bowl is being washed.

34. A toilet seat device according to any one of claims 29 to 33, further comprising a water discharge unit for discharging water, wherein the control unit stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet device is such that the water discharge unit is discharging water.

35. The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the control unit stops the radio waves emitted from the radio wave sensor when the state of the toilet device is such that at least one of the toilet seat and the toilet lid is in an opening or closing operation.

36. A toilet device comprising a toilet seat device according to any one of claims 29 to 35, and a toilet bowl body located below the toilet seat.

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