JP3896866B2

JP3896866B2 - Heating toilet seat and heating toilet seat system

Info

Publication number: JP3896866B2
Application number: JP2002048744A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 道彦谷; 正人横道
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-02-25
Filing date: 2002-02-25
Publication date: 2007-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-25
Also published as: JP2003245224A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は暖房便座及び暖房便座システムに関する。具体的には、非使用時における便座面からの放熱を少なくした暖房便座に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術及びその問題点】
省エネルギー効果を高めた暖房便座が種々提案されている。例えば、特開平１１−３０９０８９号公報には、便座内に設置されたヒータユニットの上面若しくは下面に蓄熱材を配した暖房便座に、内部に中空部を有する便蓋を備えた便座装置が開示されている。この便座装置は、電力需要が小さく安価な夜間帯に蓄熱しておき、昼間に蓄熱材の放熱により便座を温めるものである。また、便蓋内に中空体を備えているため、便蓋からの放熱効果が少なく、省エネルギー化を図れるものである。
【０００３】
しかし、便蓋による断熱効果がある程度認められるが、便蓋と便座間の空気層は便器側にも通じており、対流による便座表面からの熱拡散を充分に防止しきれず、エネルギーロスを生じていた。
【０００４】
これに対して、特開平１１−８９７５３号公報には、便座上面とともに密閉空間を形成するような形状に形成された便座密閉部を備えた便座装置が開示されている。この便座装置では、非使用時には便座上面に密閉空間が形成されるため、便座表面からの熱拡散が少なくなり、非使用時の放熱効果を少なくして、省エネルギー化を図ることができる。
【０００５】
しかしながら、これらいずれの便座装置においても、便座表面からの放熱については殆ど考慮されておらず、便蓋の閉じ忘れによるエネルギーロスが大きいものとなっていた。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は上記従来技術の問題点に鑑みてなされたものであって、その目的とするところは、便蓋の開閉に関係なく便座表面からの放熱量を少なくし、省エネルギー化を高めた暖房便座を提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に記載の暖房便座は、表皮材と下部材とから中空状に形成された便座本体と、便座本体内に配置されたヒータと当該ヒータの着座面側に接して配設された蓄熱材と前記ヒータの反対面に接して配設された断熱材とからなる放熱体とを備え、前記便座本体内に、前記表皮材下面に備えられた支柱と当該支柱を介して前記表皮材を押し上げる方向に付勢するバネ部材とからなり、非着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材とを接触させる駆動部材を備えたことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
請求項２に記載の暖房便座は、前記便座本体内を減圧した密閉空間とし、前記放熱体を下部材に支持する支柱と当該支柱を介して前記便座本体を持ち上げる方向に付勢するバネ部材とからなり、非着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材とを接触させる駆動部材を備えたことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項３に記載の暖房便座は、前記便座本体内は密閉空間であって、前記放熱体と前記表皮材間の空隙を給排気して、非着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材とが接触するように前記放熱体と前記表皮材を接触非接触の状態にする給排気手段を備えたことを特徴としている。
【００１０】
請求項４に記載の暖房便座は、表皮材と下部材とから中空状に形成された便座本体と、便座本体内に配置されたヒータと当該ヒータの着座面側に接して配設された蓄熱材と前記ヒータの反対面に接して配設された断熱材とからなる放熱体と、当該放熱体の表面に備えられ断熱材からなる多数の通気孔を有する複数のスライド部材と着座時には前記スライド部材の孔を一致させて貫通孔を形成し、非着座時には前記スライド部材の通気孔を非貫通孔状態にするスライド機構とを備えたことを特徴としている。
【００１１】
請求項５に記載の暖房便座は、表皮材と下部材とから中空状に形成された便座本体と、当該便座本体内に配設されたヒータと当該ヒータと前記表皮材との間に配設された多数の孔を有する断熱材と、ヒータの熱を前記便座本体内で循環させる送風手段を備え、非着座時には送風手段のスイッチをオフとなっており、着座時には送風手段のスイッチがオンされ、ヒーター近傍の温かい空気が表皮材近傍に送られるようにしたことを特徴としている。
【００１２】
請求項６に記載の暖房便座は、請求項５記載の暖房便座において、前記孔を開閉する開閉機構を備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項７に記載の暖房便座は、表皮材と下部材とから中空状に形成された便座本体と、当該便座本体内に配設され、膨張することにより前記表皮材と接触する１乃至複数の膨張部と、当該膨張部に高温高圧ガスを送り込み当該膨張部を膨張させる熱源供給部を備え、非着座時には膨張部と前記表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時に高温高圧ガスにより膨張した膨張部が表皮材と接触して表皮材を温めることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
請求項８に記載の暖房便座は、請求項７に記載の暖房便座において、膨張した膨張部との接触面積を増大させるリブ部を前記表皮材の下面に備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
請求項９に記載の暖房便座は、請求項７又は８に記載の暖房便座において、前記下部材の着座面側に接して断熱材が配設されたことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
請求項１０に記載の暖房便座システムは、請求項１〜９のいずれかに記載の暖房便座と、便座本体の加温開始を行う暖房制御部と、外部信号を受信して前記暖房制御部の制御を行う信号処理部とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
請求項１１に記載の暖房便座システムは、前記外部信号はトイレ近郊に備えられた人検知センサからの検知信号であることを特徴とする。
【００１８】
請求項１２に記載の暖房便座システムは、前記外部信号はトイレ照明のオン信号であることを特徴とする。
【００１９】
請求項１３に記載の暖房便座システムは、前記外部信号は暖房便座に備えられた便蓋の開閉動作を示す検知信号であることを特徴とする。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、各図を参照しながら本発明の暖房装置について詳細に説明する。図１は第１の実施形態に係る暖房便座の一部を破断した断面図、図２は当該暖房便座の駆動部材を示す説明図である。この暖房便座１は、便座本体１０と便座本体１０に熱を付与する放熱体２０とを備える。便座本体１０は、表皮材１１と下部材１２とから中空状に形成されており、便座本体１０内部に放熱体２０を配設する。表皮材１１は、例えば耐熱性のあるプラスチック材料から作製される。この表皮材１１は、人の着座に耐えうる程度の強度を有し、着座すればわずかに撓むものであれば、従来の暖房便座１に使用されるものがそのまま利用できる。また、蓄熱材２３との接触により速やかに熱拡散されるよう、熱伝導率の高いものが好適に用いられる。
【００２１】
放熱体２０は、ヒータ２１と当該ヒータ２１の着座面側に接して配設された蓄熱材２３とヒータ２１の下部材１２側に接して配設された断熱材２２とからなり、駆動部材によって、便座本体１０内に支持されている。駆動部材は、放熱体２０を支持する支柱３１と着座によって収縮する収縮バネ３３とを備える。支柱３１は、その上端が表皮材１１の下面に接すると共にその下端が下部材１２の支柱孔１４に挿入して配設されている。収縮バネ３３は、支柱３１途中に設けられた上バネ押え部３２と下部材１２に形成された下バネ押え部１３との間に配設される。収縮バネ３３は、表皮材１１を押し上げる方向に付勢しており、非着座時には図１（ａ）に示す如く放熱体２０と表皮材１１との間に空隙を設け、着座時には人の荷重により表皮材１１が押下され、図１（ｂ）に示す如く蓄熱材２３が表皮材１１に密接する。また、支柱３１の下端は、非着座時には支柱孔１４にわずかに挿入されたものであって便器には接触しておらず（図２（ａ））、着座時には支柱３１が垂下するように支柱孔１４にて方向制御される（図２（ｂ））。
【００２２】
蓄熱材２３はその材質等が制限されるものではないが、表皮材１１と接触することにより放熱し、表皮材１１の裏面に密着可能に成形されうるものがよい。また、塩化カルシウムや硫酸ナトリウム、チオ硫酸ナトリウム、ポリエチレングリコールなどの蓄熱材料を袋材に包み込んだものであってもよい。
【００２３】
暖房便座１には、図示しない電源部が便座本体１０外部に設置され、ヒータ２１への電源供給が制御されている。電源部は、例えば、タイマーユニットを有し、夜間時には自動的に通電し、昼間時には通電を停止するように制御する。あるいは、昼間時には夜間時よりも発熱量を抑えるように通電したり、さらには手動で通電の開停止を行うようにしてもよい。こうして安価な電力によって蓄熱材２３に蓄熱された熱は、人の着座によって接触している間、表皮材１１の加温に利用される。
【００２４】
この暖房便座１においては、ヒータ２１の下面に断熱材２２が配設されているためヒータ２１からの熱は効率よく蓄熱材２３に蓄えられる。また、着座時には蓄熱材２３と表皮材１１裏面とが接触して、蓄熱材２３から表皮材１１へと速やかに熱移動が生じる一方、非着座時には蓄熱材２３と表皮材１１との間に空隙１５が形成されるため、蓄熱材２３からの放熱が少なくなる。このように、着座時のみ便座表面が暖まり、非着座時においては便座面からの無駄な放熱がなくなり、エネルギーの利用効率を高められる。また、夜間を中心として電気を使用するため、ランニングコストが下がり、電力需要の均一化にも貢献できる。
【００２５】
図３は第２の実施形態に係る暖房便座１の一部を破断した断面図であって、図４は当該暖房便座１の駆動部材を示す説明図である。この暖房便座１も便座本体１０と放熱体２０とを備えるが、便座本体１０は気密性を高めるため、表皮材１１と下部材１２がシールされ、便座内部が密閉空間となっている。この密閉空間は減圧に保持されている。
【００２６】
当該暖房便座１における駆動部材も、支柱３１と収縮バネ３３とからなる駆動部材が用いられているが、ここでは、支柱３１は放熱体２０を下部材１２に支持しており、その上端を断熱材２２の下面に接すると共に下部材１２の支柱孔１４を挿通させ、その下端を便器２上面に接するように配設されている。収縮バネ３３は、支柱３１途中に設けられた上バネ押え部３２と下部材１２に形成された下バネ押え部１３との間に設けられている。収縮バネ３３は、便座本体１０を持ち上げる方向に付勢しており、非着座時には、図３（ａ）に示す如く、収縮バネ３３が収縮しようとして便座本体１０が便器２から持ち上げられ、放熱体２０と表皮材１１との間に空隙１５が形成される。また、着座時には、図３（ｂ）に示す如く、便座全体が便器２方向に押し下げられ、収縮バネ３３の収縮力に打ち勝って放熱体２０が表皮材１１裏面に接することになる。また、図４（ａ）（ｂ）に示す如く、便座本体１０内の気密性を担保するため、下部材１２下面に支柱孔１４を塞ぐカバー部材３４が取着されている。このカバー部材３４はゴム製であり、図４（ａ）に示す如く、非着座時には下部材１２下方に突き出た支柱３１下端を覆うべく伸長した状態で取着され、着座時には、図４（ｂ）に示す如く下部材１２に押下され収縮した状態で取着される。この暖房便座１にも、図示しない電源部が便座本体１０外部に設置され、ヒータ２１への電源供給が制御されている。
【００２７】
当該暖房便座１では、便座本体１０内部が減圧されているため、便座本体１０内部の断熱性を高めることができる。この結果、非使用時における放熱量をより一層抑え、省エネルギー化をさらに図ることができる。また、着座時には支柱３１によって放熱材２０を介して表皮材１１が支えられることになり、沈み込み感が少なくなる。
【００２８】
図５は第３の実施形態である暖房便座１の断面図であって、この暖房便座１では放熱体２０を表皮材１１に接触させるための駆動機構を備えている。駆動機構は、表皮材１１を支持する支持部材３５と当該支持部材３５を駆動する駆動源３６とから構成される。駆動源３６には、例えばソレノイド式の直動アクチュエータなどが用いられ、駆動機構は表皮材１１をわずかに上下に変位させる。この駆動機構はスイッチによって作動する。従って、着座時に駆動機構をオンすれば、表皮材１１が下降して放熱体２０と接触し、表皮材１１が温められる。また、立ち上がった際に駆動機構を再びオンすることにより、支持部材３５が上昇して放熱体２０と表皮材１１を離すことができる。このように、アクチュエータなどの能動的な駆動装置を用いて表皮材１１をわずかに変位させることにしてもよい。
【００２９】
図６は第４の実施形態である暖房便座１の断面図であって、この暖房便座１の表皮材１１は柔軟性素材から作製され、便座本体１０内部は気密性が担保され、空気や窒素等の不活性な気体で充満されている。また、放熱体２０の着座面側と表皮材１１との間には空隙１５が設けられている（図６（ａ))。表皮材１１は、例えばゴムやビニール等の柔軟性があり、好ましくは弾性（復元性）に優れた素材から作製され、内部の気圧によって便座形状が保持されている。この便座では、着座によって表皮材１１が撓み蓄熱材２３と接触する（図６（ｂ））。こうして接触した部分に蓄熱材２３から熱が供給され便座面が暖まる。一方、使用者が立てば座面表面は元の形状に復帰し、蓄熱材２３と表皮材１１との間に再び空隙１５が形成される。このように、柔軟性素材からなる表皮材１１を用いて着座時にのみ表皮材１１と蓄熱材２３とを接触させるようにしてもよい。
【００３０】
次に図７に示す第５の実施形態について説明する。図７に示す暖房便座１は、表皮材１１と下部材１２がシールされ、便座本体１０内部が密閉空間となり、放熱材２０と下部材１２との間に空気が充満した断熱層となっている。また、放熱材２０と表皮材１１との間の空隙１５内部を給排気する、例えばポンプ装置などの給排気手段３７が備えられている。給排気手段１０が便座本体１０内部を排気すれば、表皮材１１が撓んで表皮材１１と放熱体２０が接触し、表皮材１１が加温される。また、給排気手段１０が給気すると、表皮材１１と放熱体２０との間に空隙１５が形成される。従って、着座時に、給排気手段３７を作動して排気動作を行ない、図８（ｂ）に示すように表皮材１１と放熱体２０とを接触させると便座本体１０を温めることができ、立座時には、図８（ａ）に示すように給気動作を行い、表皮材１１と放熱体２０とを離すことができる。このため、表皮材１１には給排気動作によって伸縮できる柔軟性素材、例えばゴムやビニール等、好ましくは弾性に優れた素材を用いるのが好都合である。また、放熱体２０と下部材１２との間は空気による断熱層が形成されるため、便座下面からの放熱も少ないものとなる。なお、図７中３８はバルブ装置である。
【００３１】
図９は第６の実施形態である暖房便座１の断面図、図１０は当該暖房便座１のスライド部材４１，４２を示す拡大図、図１１は当該暖房便座１の動作説明図であって、請求項４に記載の暖房便座１に対応するものである。
【００３２】
当該暖房便座１は、便座本体１０とヒータ２１の着座面側に蓄熱材２３とその反対面に断熱材２２が配設された放熱体２０と、当該放熱体２０の着座面側に配設されたスライド部材４１，４２とを備える。スライド部材４１，４２は薄板状の断熱材からなり、各スライド部材４１，４２にはそれぞれ多数の通気孔４３が形成されている。スライド部材４１，４２は２枚備えられ、一方のスライド部材４１は蓄熱材２３の着座面側に密接して配設され、残る他方のスライド部材４２は、例えば直動ガイド等の駆動装置４０によって駆動され、他方のスライド部材４１上を摺動する。２枚のスライド部材４１，４２は、好ましくは放熱体２０表面全体を多くようにして備えられ、必要に応じて複数個の駆動装置４０によって駆動される。なお、放熱体２０は第１の実施形態で用いられているような電源部によって蓄熱制御されている。また、放熱材２０と下部材１１との間は空気層若しくは減圧層による断熱層となっている。
【００３３】
２つのスライド部材４１，４２の通気孔４３は、スライド部材４２の摺動によって貫通孔を構成し、また、スライド部材４２の摺動によって、スライド部材４１の通気孔４３がスライド部材４２によって塞がれるように、２枚のスライド部材４１，４２が配置される。なお、４４はスライド部材４２摺動用のギア部材である。
【００３４】
従って、非着座時にはスライド部材４２を摺動して、図１１（ａ）に示す如く通気孔４３を塞いで、蓄熱材２３からの放熱を防止できる。また、着座時には図１１（ｂ）に示す如く貫通孔を構成するようにスライド部材４２を摺動して、蓄熱材２３から放熱させて表皮材１１を加温できる。このようなスライド部材４１，４２を用いることにより、非着座時の放熱を少なくできる。
【００３５】
また、このとき図面ではスライド部材４２と表皮材１１との間に空隙１５を設けている。
【００３６】
図１２は第７の実施形態である暖房便座１を一部破断した斜視構造図、図１３は当該暖房便座１の断面図であって、請求項５に記載の暖房便座１に対応するものである。図１３（ａ）に示すように、便座本体１０は、表皮材１１と下部材１２とから中空状に形成されており、表皮材１１と下部材１２とがシールされた密閉空間となっている。下部材１２の着座面側には断熱材４５が配設されており、当該断熱材４５上にヒータ２１が配設されている。また、表皮材１１の内面と空隙１５を設けて、別な断熱材４６が表皮材１１に沿うようにして配設されている。この断熱材４６には、多数の孔４７が開設されている。この暖房便座１には送風ファンなどの送風手段４８が備えられている。送風手段４８は、断熱材４６とヒータ２１との間に送風し、便座本体１０内部の空気を空隙１５方向に強制循環する。
【００３７】
ヒータ２１は便座本体１０外部に設置された図示しない電源部によって制御されており、非着座時にはヒータ２１は通電状態にされているが低い温度に設定されており、送風手段４８のスイッチはオフとなっている。図１３（ｂ）に示すように、着座時には送風手段４８のスイッチがオンされ、ヒータ２１近傍の暖かい空気が表皮材１１近傍に送られ、立座時にスイッチがオフされる。こうして着座時には便座が温められ、非着座時には便座への熱供給が止まり便座表面からの放熱が減少する。また、送風手段４８を用いているため、便座全体を速やかに温めることができる。もちろん、非着座時にはヒータ２１を非通電状態にしておき、着座時にヒータ２１と同時に送風手段４８をオンにして表皮材１１を温めてもよいが、着座時に冷たさを感じさせるおそれがある。
【００３８】
図１４は第８の実施形態である暖房便座１の断面図であって、第７の実施形態である暖房便座１に断熱材４６に設けられた孔４７を塞ぐ弁部材４９が備えられたものである。この弁部材４９も断熱部材から作製され、その周囲の一部が断熱材４６の孔４７近傍に固定されている。弁部材４９は送風手段４８によって循環される空気によって開放端が持ち上げられ、孔４７を開く。また、送風がやむと弁部材４９は孔４７を塞ぐ。従って、着座時に送風手段４８のスイッチをオンすれば表皮材１１が温められ、スイッチを再びオンすれば送風が止まり、孔４７が塞がれる。このように、非着座時においてはヒータ２１で温められた空気が空隙１５方向に移動せず、便座表面からの放熱をより一層少なくできる。
【００３９】
図１５は第９の実施形態である暖房便座１の孔４７の開閉機構を示す拡大説明図である。当該暖房便座１も断熱材４６の孔４７を開閉する開閉機構を備えたものである。この開閉機構は、孔４７を塞ぐ弁部材４９と弁部材４９を駆動する駆動機構５０とからなり、駆動機構５０は、例えば、ピニオンギア５１とラック部材５３及びラック部材５３を移動する駆動部（図示せず）とから構成される。弁部材５４の周縁部にはピニオンギア５１の軸５２が取着され、ラック部材５３が移動すると弁部材５４が約１８０°回転して孔４７を開閉する。駆動機構５０は、例えば送風スイッチ４８のオンによって孔４７を開く方向に動作し、送風スイッチ４８のオフによって孔４７を閉じる方向に動作する。このような機械的な駆動機構５０を用いて、孔４７を開閉することにしてもよい。
【００４０】
図１６は第１０の実施形態である暖房便座１の断面図である。便座本体１０は、表皮材１１と下部材１２とから中空状に形成されており、表皮材１１と下部材１２とがシールされた密閉空間となっている。下部材１２の着座面側には断熱材４５が配設されており、当該断熱材４５上方にヒータ２１が配設されている。この表皮材１１は、多孔質材から作製されており、無数の気孔を有しており通気性を有するものである。多孔質材には自然な状態では気体漏れの少ないものが好適に用いられる。また、当該便座本体１０は強い送風力を有する送風ファンやコンプレッサーなどの送風手段５５を備えている。この送風手段５５は、便座本体１０内部を加圧することが可能なものであって、送風手段５５の作動により、内部からヒータ２１により温められた空気が表皮材１１を通過する。
【００４１】
当該暖房便座１においても、ヒータ２１は便座本体１０外部に設置された図示しない電源部によって制御されており、非着座時にはヒータ２１は通電状態にされているが低い温度に設定されており、送風手段５５はオフとなっている。着座時に送風手段５５のスイッチがオンにされると、送風手段５５により温められた空気が便座表面から吹き出し、便座が温められる。また、温風が吹き出されるため、着座時の冷たさを軽減できる。また、非着座時には送風手段５５のスイッチがオフされて加圧が止まり、温風の吹き出しが止まる。こうして、非着座時における放熱が少なくなり、表皮材１１を常に温めた状態に維持できる。
【００４２】
図１７は第１１の実施形態である暖房便座１の断面図であって、図１８は当該暖房便座１の一部を破断した斜視構造図である。この暖房便座１は、請求項７に記載の暖房便座１に対応するものである。便座本体１０は、表皮材１１と下部材１２とから中空状に形成されている。この便座本体１０は、表皮材１１以外からの放熱を少なくすべく、表皮材１１と下部材１２がシールされた密閉空間とするのが好ましい。下部材１２の着座面側には断熱材４５が配設されており、当該断熱材４５上に１乃至複数の膨張部５６が備えられている。膨張部５６は、例えば、図１８に示す如く、軟質ゴムからなる複数本のゴム管を配列して構成され、例示した暖房便座１では複数の膨張部５６が形成されている。この膨張部５６は、熱源供給部から送り込まれた高温高圧のガス、例えば加熱された圧縮空気によって膨張して、表皮材１１の裏面側に接するように配設され、好ましくは複数の膨張部５６によって表皮材１１の裏面をできうる限り隙間なく埋め尽くすように配設される。膨張部５６はこのような機能を有するものであれば特に制限されるものでなく、ゴム風船を下部材１２上の配管に接続するようにしてもよい。
【００４３】
また、当該暖房便座１には、この膨張部５６に高温高圧ガスを送り込み膨張部５６を膨張させる図示しない熱源供給部が設けられる。熱源供給部は、常にわずかの高温ガスを膨張部５６に送り続けており、便座スイッチのオンにより圧力を高めて膨張部５６を膨張させる。
【００４４】
従って、着座時に熱源供給部を作動すれば、高温高圧ガスにより膨張した膨張部５６が表皮材１１と接触して表皮材１１を温める。また、非着座時には表皮材１１との熱交換が行なわれず、座面表面からの放熱を少なくできる。
【００４５】
図１９は第１２の実施形態の暖房便座１の断面図である。この暖房便座１の表皮材１１裏面には、膨張した膨張部５６との接触面積を増大させるリブ部１６が備えられている。リブ部１６は、膨張部５６が膨張した際の形状、大きさと相補的に形成され、膨張した膨張部５６がリブ部１６内面側に収まるように形成される。この結果、リブ部１６内面のほぼ全体が膨張部５６と接触し、表皮材１１への熱伝導効率を上げることができる。このリブ部１６は、表皮材１１と一体成形して備えることもできるし、熱伝導効率の優れた材質のものから作製し、表皮材１１に接合してもよい。
【００４６】
このように上記した各実施形態における暖房便座１は、非着座時における便座面からの放熱量を著しく減少し、エネルギーロスを軽減する。
【００４７】
次に、本発明の暖房便座システムについて説明する。図２０は本発明の一実施形態である暖房便座システムのブロック図である。暖房便座システムは、暖房便座１と便座本体１０の加温開始を行う暖房制御部４と、外部信号を受信して前記暖房制御部４の制御を行う信号制御部３とを備える。
【００４８】
上記各実施形態の暖房便座１においては、使用者が使用時に、例えば便座本体１０内の駆動部材を作動し、表皮材１１を上下する駆動機構をオンしたり、給排気手段３７や送風手段４８，５５などを作動させることによって、便座を温めることを前提とするものである。従って、着座時には未だ充分に便座が暖まっておらず、座った時に冷たさを感じるおそれが強い。これを改善するために、当該暖房便座システムでは、上記暖房便座１の駆動機構や給排気手段３７、送風手段５５などを動作して、便座の加温開始を行う暖房制御部４と外部信号を受信して当該暖房制御部４を制御する信号制御部３を備える。
【００４９】
外部信号としては、例えば、トイレの入口近郊に備えられた人検知センサからの検知信号やトイレ照明のオン信号、暖房便座に備えられた便蓋の開閉動作を示す検知信号などが用いられる。信号制御部３は、これらの外部信号を検知すると暖房制御部４へ暖房開始信号を送出し、第３の実施形態における表皮材１１を上下に駆動する駆動機構や第５の実施形態における給排気手段３７、第６の実施形態におけるスライド部材４２を駆動する駆動装置４０、第７及び第８の実施形態における送風手段４８、第９の実施形態における送風手段４８及び駆動部、第１０の実施形態における送風手段５５、第１１及び第１２の実施形態における熱源供給部を駆動する。従って使用者が実際に着座する前から便座が温められ、着座時の冷温感が軽減される。また、暖房制御部４に暖房停止機能を備え、例えば、人が遠ざかったことを検知した場合やトイレ照明がオフされた場合に、駆動機構を駆動して表皮材１１から放熱体２０を遠ざけたり送風手段４８，５５を停止し、便座暖房を停止させることにしてもよい。また、便蓋のヒンジ部に備えられたリミットスイッチによって便蓋の開閉を検知し、蓋が開かれたことを検知すれば便座暖房を開始し、また、蓋が閉じられたことを検知すれば便座暖房を停止することもできる。
【００５０】
このように本発明による暖房便座１によれば、非着時には便座表面からの無駄な放熱量を少なくして、省エネルギー化を図ることができる。また、本発明の暖房便座システムによれば、省エネルギー化のみならず、着座時には充分に座面を予め温めておくことができ、人にやさしい暖房便座を提供できる。
【００５１】
【発明の効果】
請求項１に記載の暖房便座では、表皮材と下部材とから中空状に形成された便座本体と、便座本体内に配置されたヒータと当該ヒータの着座面側に接して配設された蓄熱材と前記ヒータの反対面に接して配設された断熱材とからなる放熱体とを備え、前記便座本体内に、前記表皮材下面に備えられた支柱と当該支柱を介して前記表皮材を押し上げる方向に付勢するバネ部材とからなり、非着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材とを接触させる駆動部材を備えたので、つまり、便座本体内に配設された放熱体が、非着座時には便座本体との間に空隙を形成し、着座時には便座本体を構成する表皮材と接触するので、非着座時には表示材からの放熱を著しく少なくできる。また、放熱体を構成するヒータにはその着座面側に蓄熱材が形成されその反対面には断熱材が配設されているため、ヒータの熱源を効率よく利用できる。こうして非使用時には少ない消費電力に抑えることができ、エネルギー効率のよい暖房便座を提供できる。
【００５２】
また前記支柱とバネ部材とからなる駆動部材によって、表皮材を放熱体に接触させているので、極めて簡単な駆動系にすることができる。
【００５３】
請求項２記載の暖房便座によれば、便座本体内が減圧された密閉空間となっているので、非着座時における放熱が少なくなり、より一層エネルギー効率のよい暖房便座とすることができる。また、支柱とバネ部材とからなる駆動部材によって、非着座時には放熱体と表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時には表皮材と放熱材を接触させているので、簡単な駆動系にできる。さらに、支柱によって表皮材が支持される構成になるので、着座時の沈み込み感が少なくなる。
【００５４】
請求項３記載の暖房便座によれば、便座本体内を密閉空間として、前記放熱体と表皮材との間の空隙を給排気して、非着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時には前記放熱体と前記表皮材とが接触するように前記放熱体と前記表皮材を接触非接触の状態にするので、使用者が座った際の沈み込み感が減少し、違和感が少なくなる。また、遠隔操作等によって便座表面を温めておくことができるので、着座時の冷たさを軽減できる。
【００５５】
請求項４記載の暖房便座は、便座本体内に配設された放熱体にはその着座面側に、着座時には貫通孔を形成し、非着座時には非貫通孔を形成するスライド機構が備えられているので、非着座時には放熱体からの放熱が少なく、エネルギー効率の優れた暖房便座とできる。
【００５６】
請求項５記載の暖房便座は、便座本体内に配設されたヒータと表皮材との間に多数の孔を有する断熱材と便座本体内でヒータからの熱を循環させる送風手段を備え、着座時には送風手段のスイッチがオンされ、ヒーター近傍の温かい空気が表皮材近傍に送られるようにしたので、着座時にのみ送風手段を動作することにして、非着座時には設定温度を低くしておくことができる。こうして非着座時における無駄なエネルギーロスを少なくできる。
【００５７】
請求項６に記載の暖房便座は、請求項５記載の暖房便座において前記孔を開閉する開閉機構を備えているので、孔からの放熱を減らすことができ、より一層省エネルギー化を図ることができる。
【００５８】
請求項７に記載の暖房便座は、便座本体内に、膨張することにより前記表皮材と接触する１乃至複数の膨張部と、当該膨張部に高温高圧ガスを送り込み当該膨張部を膨張させる熱源供給部を備え、非着座時には膨張部と前記表皮材との間に空隙を形成し、着座時に高温高圧ガスにより膨張した膨張部が表皮材と接触して表皮材を温めるので、着座時にのみ膨張部を膨張させて表皮材と熱交換を行える。このため、非着座時における便座表面からの放熱を少なくできる。
【００５９】
請求項８に記載の暖房便座は、請求項７に記載の暖房便座においては、膨張した膨張部との接触面積を増大させるリブ部を前記表皮材の下面に備えているので、膨張部との接触面積が大きくなりより効率的に便座表面を温めることができる。
【００６０】
これら請求項７、８に記載の暖房便座においては、請求項９に記載されたように、下部材の着座面側に接して断熱材を配設することにより、下部材下面からの放熱を抑えることができ、省エネルギー化により一層貢献できる。
【００６１】
請求項１０に記載の暖房便座システムは、請求項１〜９のいずれかに記載の暖房便座と、便座本体の加温開始を行う暖房制御部と、外部信号を受信して前記暖房制御部の制御を行う信号制御部とを備えているので、例えば請求項１１に記載されたようにトイレ近郊に備えられた人検知センサからの検知信号や、請求項１２に記載されたようにトイレ照明のオン信号、請求項１３に記載されたように暖房便座に備えられた便蓋の開閉動作を示す検知信号により、着座する前から暖房便座を温めておくことができる。こうして、着座時に感じる冷たさを防止し、人にやさしい暖房便座とすることができる。
【００６２】
このように本発明によれば、非着座時における便座表面からの放熱を少なくして、エネルギー効率のよい暖房便座並びに使用感の優れた暖房便座システムを提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】（ａ）（ｂ）はそれぞれ第１の実施形態である暖房便座の一部を破断した断面図である。
【図２】（ａ）（ｂ）はそれぞれ図１の暖房便座の駆動部材を示す説明図である。
【図３】（ａ）（ｂ）はそれぞれ第２の実施形態に係る暖房便座の一部を破断した断面図である。
【図４】（ａ）（ｂ）はそれぞれ図３の暖房便座の駆動部材を示す説明図である。
【図５】第３の実施形態である暖房便座の断面図である。
【図６】（ａ）（ｂ）はそれぞれ第４の実施形態である暖房便座の断面図である。
【図７】第５の実施形態である暖房便座の概略的構成図である。
【図８】（ａ）（ｂ）は図７の暖房便座の一部を破断した断面図である。
【図９】第６の実施形態である暖房便座の断面図である。
【図１０】図９の暖房便座のスライド部材を示す拡大図である。
【図１１】（ａ）（ｂ）は図９の暖房便座の動作説明図である。
【図１２】第７の実施形態である暖房便座を一部破断した斜視構造図である。
【図１３】（ａ）（ｂ）はそれぞれ図１２に示す暖房便座の断面図である。
【図１４】第８の実施形態である暖房便座の断面図である。
【図１５】第９の実施形態である暖房便座の孔の開閉機構を示す拡大説明図である。
【図１６】第１０の実施形態である暖房便座の断面図である。
【図１７】（ａ）（ｂ）はそれぞれ第１１の実施形態である暖房便座の断面図である。
【図１８】図１７の暖房便座を一部破断した斜視構造図である。
【図１９】（ａ）（ｂ）はぞれぞれ第１２の実施形態である暖房便座の断面図である。
【図２０】本発明の一実施形態である暖房便座システムのブロック図である。
【符号の説明】
１暖房便座
１０便座本体
１１表皮材
１２下部材
１６リブ部
２０放熱体
２１ヒータ
２２蓄熱材
２３断熱材
４１，４２スライド部材
４３通気孔
４５，４６断熱材
４８送風手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a heating toilet seat and a heating toilet seat system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a heated toilet seat that reduces heat radiation from the toilet seat surface when not in use.
[0002]
[Prior art and its problems]
  Various heating toilet seats with improved energy saving effects have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-309089 discloses a toilet seat device having a toilet lid having a hollow portion inside a heating toilet seat in which a heat storage material is arranged on the upper surface or the lower surface of a heater unit installed in the toilet seat. ing. This toilet seat device stores heat in the nighttime zone where power demand is small and inexpensive, and warms the toilet seat by heat radiation of the heat storage material during the daytime. Moreover, since the hollow body is provided in the toilet lid, there is little heat radiation effect from the toilet lid, and energy saving can be achieved.
[0003]
  However, although the heat insulation effect by the toilet lid is recognized to some extent, the air layer between the toilet lid and the toilet seat is also connected to the toilet side, and heat diffusion from the toilet seat surface due to convection cannot be sufficiently prevented, resulting in energy loss. It was.
[0004]
  On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-87753 discloses a toilet seat device provided with a toilet seat sealing portion formed in a shape that forms a sealed space together with the upper surface of the toilet seat. In this toilet seat device, since a sealed space is formed on the upper surface of the toilet seat when not in use, heat diffusion from the toilet seat surface is reduced, and a heat dissipation effect when not in use can be reduced to save energy.
[0005]
  However, in any of these toilet seat devices, heat dissipation from the toilet seat surface is hardly considered, and energy loss due to forgetting to close the toilet lid is large.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its object is to reduce the amount of heat released from the toilet seat surface regardless of whether the toilet lid is opened or closed, thereby improving energy saving. Is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The heating toilet seat according to claim 1 is a toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, a heater disposed in the toilet seat body, and a heat storage disposed in contact with a seating surface side of the heater. A heat radiator comprising a material and a heat insulating material disposed in contact with the opposite surface of the heater,In the toilet seat body, comprising a support provided on the lower surface of the skin material and a spring member that urges the skin material in the direction of pushing up the skin material through the support material,A gap is formed between the radiator and the skin material when not seated, and the radiator and the skin material when seated.ThecontactEquipped with a drive memberIt is characterized by that.
[0008]
  Claim 2The heating toilet seat described in,in frontThe inside of the toilet seat body is a sealed space with reduced pressure, and a support member that supports the radiator to a lower member and a spring member that biases the toilet seat body in the direction of lifting the toilet seat body through the support member.A gap is formed between the radiator and the skin material when not seated, and the radiator and the skin material are brought into contact when seated.A drive member is provided.
[0009]
  Claim 3In the heating toilet seat described in the above, the toilet seat body is a sealed space, and supplies and exhausts a gap between the radiator and the skin material.When not seated, a gap is formed between the radiator and the skin material And make sure that the radiator and skin material come into contact when seated.An air supply / exhaust means for bringing the radiator and the skin material into a non-contact state is provided.
[0010]
  The heating toilet seat according to claim 4 is a toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, a heater disposed in the toilet seat body, and a heat storage disposed in contact with a seating surface side of the heater. And a plurality of slide members having a plurality of ventilation holes made of heat insulating material provided on the surface of the heat dissipating member and the slide when seated A through hole is formed by matching the holes of the member.slideAnd a slide mechanism for making the ventilation hole of the member a non-through hole state.
[0011]
  Claim 5The heating toilet seat described in 1 is a toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, a heater provided in the toilet seat body, and a plurality of heaters provided between the heater and the skin material. A heat insulating material having holes and air blowing means for circulating the heat of the heater in the toilet seat bodyWhen not seated, the air blower is switched off. When seated, the air blower is switched on so that warm air near the heater is sent to the skin.It is characterized by that.
[0012]
  Claim 6The heating toilet seat described inClaim 5In the heating toilet seat described above, an opening / closing mechanism for opening / closing the hole is provided.
[0013]
  The heating toilet seat according to claim 7 is a toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, and is disposed in the toilet seat body and in contact with the skin material by being expanded. An expansion unit, and a heat source supply unit that supplies high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the expansion unit and expands the expansion unitWhen not seated, an air gap is formed between the inflatable part and the skin material, and the inflated part expanded by the high-temperature and high-pressure gas at the time of sitting contacts the skin material and warms the skin material.It is characterized by that.
[0014]
  Claim 8The heating toilet seat described inClaim 7The heating toilet seat described in 1 is characterized in that a rib portion for increasing a contact area with the expanded portion is provided on the lower surface of the skin material.
[0015]
  Claim 9The heating toilet seat described inClaim 7 or 8In the heating toilet seat according to claim 1, a heat insulating material is disposed in contact with the seating surface side of the lower member.
[0016]
  Claim 10The heated toilet seat system described inClaims 1-9A heating toilet seat according to any one of the above, a heating control unit that starts heating the toilet seat body, and a signal processing unit that receives an external signal and controls the heating control unit.
[0017]
  Claim 11In the heating toilet seat system described in (1), the external signal is a detection signal from a human detection sensor provided near the toilet.
[0018]
  Claim 12The heating toilet seat system described in the above item is characterized in that the external signal is an on signal of toilet lighting.
[0019]
  Claim 13In the heating toilet seat system according to claim 1, the external signal is a detection signal indicating an opening / closing operation of a toilet lid provided in the heating toilet seat.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, the heating device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.In placeThis will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a sectional view in which a part of the heating toilet seat according to the first embodiment is broken, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a drive member of the heating toilet seat. The heating toilet seat 1 includes a toilet seat body 10 and a radiator 20 that applies heat to the toilet seat body 10. The toilet seat body 10 is formed in a hollow shape from the skin material 11 and the lower member 12, and the radiator 20 is disposed inside the toilet seat body 10. The skin material 11 is made from, for example, a heat-resistant plastic material. If the skin material 11 has a strength enough to withstand human seating and can be bent slightly when seated, the material used for the conventional heated toilet seat 1 can be used as it is. In addition, a material having a high thermal conductivity is preferably used so that the heat is quickly diffused by contact with the heat storage material 23.
[0021]
  The radiator 20 includes a heater 21, a heat storage material 23 disposed in contact with the seating surface side of the heater 21, and a heat insulating material 22 disposed in contact with the lower member 12 side of the heater 21. The toilet seat body 10 is supported. The drive member includes a column 31 that supports the radiator 20 and a contraction spring 33 that contracts when seated. The support 31 is disposed such that its upper end is in contact with the lower surface of the skin material 11 and its lower end is inserted into the support hole 14 of the lower member 12. The contraction spring 33 is disposed between an upper spring pressing portion 32 provided in the middle of the column 31 and a lower spring pressing portion 13 formed on the lower member 12. The contraction spring 33 urges the skin material 11 in a pushing-up direction. When not seated, a space is provided between the radiator 20 and the skin material 11 as shown in FIG. The skin material 11 is pressed, and the heat storage material 23 comes into close contact with the skin material 11 as shown in FIG. Further, the lower end of the support 31 is slightly inserted into the support hole 14 when not seated, and is not in contact with the toilet (FIG. 2 (a)). The direction is controlled by the hole 14 (FIG. 2B).
[0022]
  The material of the heat storage material 23 is not limited. However, it is preferable that the heat storage material 23 be formed so as to be able to dissipate heat by coming into contact with the skin material 11 and to adhere to the back surface of the skin material 11. Further, a heat storage material such as calcium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, or polyethylene glycol may be wrapped in a bag material.
[0023]
  In the heating toilet seat 1, a power supply unit (not shown) is installed outside the toilet seat body 10, and power supply to the heater 21 is controlled. The power supply unit has, for example, a timer unit, and controls to automatically energize at night and to stop energization at daytime. Or you may make it energize so that the emitted-heat amount may be suppressed compared with the time of the night at the time of daytime, and also may carry out manual stop of energization. The heat stored in the heat storage material 23 by cheap electric power in this manner is used for heating the skin material 11 while being in contact with a person sitting.
[0024]
  In the heating toilet seat 1, since the heat insulating material 22 is disposed on the lower surface of the heater 21, the heat from the heater 21 is efficiently stored in the heat storage material 23. Further, when seated, the heat storage material 23 and the back surface of the skin material 11 come into contact with each other, and heat transfer occurs quickly from the heat storage material 23 to the skin material 11, while when not seated, there is a gap between the heat storage material 23 and the skin material 11. Since 15 is formed, heat radiation from the heat storage material 23 is reduced. Thus, the toilet seat surface is warmed only when seated, and when the seat is not seated, useless heat dissipation from the toilet seat surface is eliminated, and energy use efficiency can be improved. In addition, since electricity is used mainly at night, running costs are reduced, which can contribute to uniform power demand.
[0025]
  FIG. 3 is a sectional view in which a part of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the second embodiment is broken, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a drive member of the heating toilet seat 1. The heating toilet seat 1 also includes a toilet seat body 10 and a radiator 20, but the toilet seat body 10 is hermetically sealed so that the skin material 11 and the lower member 12 are sealed so that the toilet seat body 10 is hermetically sealed. This sealed space is maintained at a reduced pressure.
[0026]
  The driving member in the heating toilet seat 1 is also a driving member including a support 31 and a contraction spring 33. Here, the support 31 supports the radiator 20 on the lower member 12, and the upper end thereof is thermally insulated. The lower end of the lower member 12 is in contact with the lower surface of the material 22, and the lower end of the lower member 12 is disposed in contact with the upper surface of the toilet 2. The contraction spring 33 is provided between an upper spring pressing portion 32 provided in the middle of the column 31 and a lower spring pressing portion 13 formed on the lower member 12. The contraction spring 33 is biased in the direction of lifting the toilet seat body 10, and when not seated, as shown in FIG. 3A, the contraction spring 33 tries to contract and the toilet seat body 10 is lifted from the toilet 2, and the radiator A gap 15 is formed between 20 and the skin material 11. Further, when seated, as shown in FIG. 3B, the entire toilet seat is pushed down in the direction of the toilet 2, overcoming the contraction force of the contraction spring 33, and the radiator 20 comes into contact with the back surface of the skin material 11. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a cover member 34 that closes the column hole 14 is attached to the lower surface of the lower member 12 in order to ensure airtightness in the toilet seat body 10. The cover member 34 is made of rubber and, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), is attached in an extended state so as to cover the lower end of the column 31 protruding below the lower member 12 when not seated, and when seated, FIG. ), The lower member 12 is pressed and attached in a contracted state. The heating toilet seat 1 is also provided with a power supply unit (not shown) outside the toilet seat body 10 to control power supply to the heater 21.
[0027]
  In the heating toilet seat 1, since the inside of the toilet seat body 10 is decompressed, the heat insulation inside the toilet seat body 10 can be enhanced. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the amount of heat released when not in use and further save energy. Moreover, the skin material 11 will be supported by the support | pillar 31 via the heat radiating material 20 at the time of sitting, and a feeling of sinking will decrease.
[0028]
  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the third embodiment, and the heating toilet seat 1 includes a drive mechanism for bringing the radiator 20 into contact with the skin material 11. The drive mechanism includes a support member 35 that supports the skin material 11 and a drive source 36 that drives the support member 35. For example, a solenoid-type linear motion actuator or the like is used as the drive source 36, and the drive mechanism slightly displaces the skin material 11 up and down. This drive mechanism is actuated by a switch. Therefore, if the drive mechanism is turned on at the time of sitting, the skin material 11 descends and comes into contact with the radiator 20, and the skin material 11 is warmed. In addition, when the drive mechanism is turned on again when it rises, the support member 35 rises and the radiator 20 and the skin material 11 can be separated. In this way, the skin material 11 may be slightly displaced using an active drive device such as an actuator.
[0029]
  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the fourth embodiment. The skin material 11 of the heating toilet seat 1 is made of a flexible material, and the inside of the toilet seat body 10 is airtight, ensuring air and nitrogen. It is filled with inert gas. Further, a gap 15 is provided between the seating surface side of the radiator 20 and the skin material 11 (FIG. 6A). The skin material 11 has flexibility such as rubber and vinyl, and is preferably made of a material excellent in elasticity (restorability), and the toilet seat shape is held by the internal atmospheric pressure. In this toilet seat, the skin material 11 bends due to the seating and comes into contact with the heat storage material 23 (FIG. 6B). Heat is supplied from the heat storage material 23 to the contact portion in this way, and the toilet seat surface is warmed. On the other hand, when the user stands, the seat surface returns to its original shape, and the gap 15 is formed again between the heat storage material 23 and the skin material 11. In this way, the skin material 11 made of a flexible material may be used so that the skin material 11 and the heat storage material 23 are brought into contact only when seated.
[0030]
  Next, a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The heated toilet seat 1 shown in FIG. 7 is a heat insulating layer in which the skin material 11 and the lower member 12 are sealed, the inside of the toilet seat body 10 becomes a sealed space, and the air is filled between the heat radiating material 20 and the lower member 12. . Further, an air supply / exhaust means 37 such as a pump device is provided for supplying and exhausting the inside of the gap 15 between the heat radiating material 20 and the skin material 11. When the air supply / exhaust means 10 exhausts the inside of the toilet seat body 10, the skin material 11 is bent, the skin material 11 and the radiator 20 come into contact, and the skin material 11 is heated. Further, when the air supply / exhaust means 10 supplies air, a gap 15 is formed between the skin material 11 and the radiator 20. Therefore, when seating is performed, the air supply / exhaust means 37 is operated to perform the exhaust operation, and the toilet seat body 10 can be warmed by bringing the skin material 11 and the radiator 20 into contact with each other as shown in FIG. In some cases, as shown in FIG. 8A, an air supply operation is performed, and the skin material 11 and the radiator 20 can be separated. For this reason, it is convenient to use a flexible material that can be expanded and contracted by an air supply / exhaust operation, such as rubber or vinyl, preferably a material having excellent elasticity. Moreover, since the heat insulation layer by air is formed between the heat radiator 20 and the lower member 12, the heat radiation from the lower surface of the toilet seat is reduced. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 38 denotes a valve device.
[0031]
  9 is a cross-sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the sixth embodiment, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the slide members 41 and 42 of the heating toilet seat 1, and FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory view of the heating toilet seat 1.Claim 4This corresponds to the heating toilet seat 1 described in the above.
[0032]
  The heating toilet seat 1 is disposed on the seating surface side of the heatsink body 10 and the heater 21, on the seating surface side of the heatsink body 20 and on the seating surface side of the radiator 20. Slide members 41, 42. The slide members 41 and 42 are made of a thin plate-like heat insulating material, and a plurality of vent holes 43 are formed in each of the slide members 41 and 42. Two slide members 41, 42 are provided, one slide member 41 is disposed in close contact with the seating surface side of the heat storage material 23, and the other slide member 42 is driven by a driving device 40 such as a linear motion guide, for example. Driven and slides on the other slide member 41. The two slide members 41, 42 are preferably provided so as to increase the entire surface of the radiator 20, and are driven by a plurality of driving devices 40 as necessary. The heat radiator 20 is subjected to heat storage control by a power supply unit as used in the first embodiment. In addition, a space between the heat dissipating material 20 and the lower member 11 is a heat insulating layer formed by an air layer or a reduced pressure layer.
[0033]
  The vent holes 43 of the two slide members 41 and 42 constitute a through hole by sliding of the slide member 42, and the slide hole 42 blocks the vent hole 43 of the slide member 41 by sliding of the slide member 42. As shown in FIG. Reference numeral 44 denotes a gear member for sliding the slide member 42.
[0034]
  Therefore, when not seated, the slide member 42 is slid to close the vent hole 43 as shown in FIG. 11A, so that heat radiation from the heat storage material 23 can be prevented. Further, when seated, the skin member 11 can be heated by sliding the slide member 42 so as to form a through hole as shown in FIG. By using such slide members 41 and 42, heat radiation when not seated can be reduced.
[0035]
  At this time, in the drawing, a gap 15 is provided between the slide member 42 and the skin material 11.ing.
[0036]
  FIG. 12 is a perspective structural view in which the heating toilet seat 1 according to the seventh embodiment is partially broken, and FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1.Claim 5This corresponds to the heating toilet seat 1 described in the above. As shown in FIG. 13A, the toilet seat body 10 is formed in a hollow shape from the skin material 11 and the lower member 12, and is a sealed space in which the skin material 11 and the lower member 12 are sealed. . A heat insulating material 45 is disposed on the seating surface side of the lower member 12, and the heater 21 is disposed on the heat insulating material 45. Further, the inner surface of the skin material 11 and the gap 15 are provided, and another heat insulating material 46 is disposed along the skin material 11. A large number of holes 47 are formed in the heat insulating material 46. The heating toilet seat 1 is provided with a blowing means 48 such as a blower fan. The air blowing means 48 blows air between the heat insulating material 46 and the heater 21 to forcibly circulate the air inside the toilet seat body 10 in the direction of the gap 15.
[0037]
  The heater 21 is controlled by a power supply unit (not shown) installed outside the toilet seat body 10, and when not seated, the heater 21 is energized but set to a low temperature, and the air blower 48 is switched off. It has become. As shown in FIG. 13B, the air blowing means 48 is switched on when seated, warm air near the heater 21 is sent near the skin material 11, and the switch is turned off when standing. Thus, the toilet seat is warmed when seated, and the heat supply to the toilet seat is stopped when not seated, and the heat radiation from the toilet seat surface is reduced. Moreover, since the ventilation means 48 is used, the whole toilet seat can be heated quickly. Of course, the heater 21 may be kept in a non-energized state when not seated, and the skin member 11 may be warmed by turning on the air blowing means 48 simultaneously with the heater 21 when seated.
[0038]
  FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the eighth embodiment, in which the heating toilet seat 1 according to the seventh embodiment is provided with a valve member 49 that closes the hole 47 provided in the heat insulating material 46. It is. The valve member 49 is also made of a heat insulating member, and a part of the periphery thereof is fixed near the hole 47 of the heat insulating material 46. The open end of the valve member 49 is lifted by the air circulated by the air blowing means 48 and the hole 47 is opened. In addition, when the ventilation stops, the valve member 49 closes the hole 47. Accordingly, when the switch of the blowing means 48 is turned on at the time of sitting, the skin material 11 is warmed, and when the switch is turned on again, the blowing is stopped and the hole 47 is closed. Thus, when not seated, the air warmed by the heater 21 does not move in the direction of the gap 15, and heat radiation from the toilet seat surface can be further reduced.
[0039]
  FIG. 15 is an enlarged explanatory view showing an opening / closing mechanism of the hole 47 of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the ninth embodiment. The heating toilet seat 1 is also provided with an opening / closing mechanism for opening / closing the hole 47 of the heat insulating material 46. The opening / closing mechanism includes a valve member 49 that closes the hole 47 and a drive mechanism 50 that drives the valve member 49. The drive mechanism 50 includes, for example, a pinion gear 51, a rack member 53, and a drive unit that moves the rack member 53 ( (Not shown). The shaft 52 of the pinion gear 51 is attached to the peripheral portion of the valve member 54, and when the rack member 53 moves, the valve member 54 rotates about 180 ° to open and close the hole 47. For example, the driving mechanism 50 operates in a direction to open the hole 47 when the blower switch 48 is turned on, and operates to close the hole 47 when the blower switch 48 is turned off. The hole 47 may be opened and closed using such a mechanical drive mechanism 50.
[0040]
  FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the tenth embodiment.It is.The toilet seat body 10 is formed in a hollow shape from the skin material 11 and the lower member 12, and is a sealed space in which the skin material 11 and the lower member 12 are sealed. A heat insulating material 45 is disposed on the seating surface side of the lower member 12, and the heater 21 is disposed above the heat insulating material 45. The skin material 11 is made of a porous material, has innumerable pores, and has air permeability. As the porous material, a material with less gas leakage in a natural state is preferably used. In addition, the toilet seat body 10 includes a blowing means 55 such as a blower fan or a compressor having a strong blowing force. The air blowing means 55 can pressurize the inside of the toilet seat body 10, and the air heated by the heater 21 from the inside passes through the skin material 11 by the operation of the air blowing means 55.
[0041]
  Also in the heating toilet seat 1, the heater 21 is controlled by a power supply unit (not shown) installed outside the toilet seat body 10, and when not seated, the heater 21 is energized but set to a low temperature. Means 55 is off. When the switch of the air blowing means 55 is turned on at the time of sitting, the air warmed by the air blowing means 55 blows out from the toilet seat surface, and the toilet seat is warmed. Moreover, since warm air is blown out, the coldness at the time of sitting can be reduced. Further, when not seated, the switch of the air blowing means 55 is turned off to stop the pressurization, and the hot air blowing is stopped. In this way, heat dissipation when not seated is reduced, and the skin material 11 can always be kept warm.
[0042]
  FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1 according to the eleventh embodiment, and FIG. 18 is a perspective structural view in which a part of the heating toilet seat 1 is broken. This heating toilet seat 1Claim 7This corresponds to the heating toilet seat 1 described in the above. The toilet seat body 10 is formed in a hollow shape from the skin material 11 and the lower member 12. The toilet seat body 10 is preferably a sealed space in which the skin material 11 and the lower member 12 are sealed in order to reduce heat radiation from other than the skin material 11. A heat insulating material 45 is disposed on the seating surface side of the lower member 12, and one or more inflating portions 56 are provided on the heat insulating material 45. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the inflatable portion 56 is configured by arranging a plurality of rubber tubes made of soft rubber, and the illustrated heated toilet seat 1 has a plurality of inflatable portions 56 formed therein. The expansion part 56 is disposed so as to expand by a high-temperature and high-pressure gas sent from a heat source supply part, for example, heated compressed air, and to come into contact with the back surface side of the skin material 11, and preferably a plurality of expansion parts 56. Thus, the back surface of the skin material 11 is disposed so as to be filled as much as possible without gaps. The inflating part 56 is not particularly limited as long as it has such a function, and a rubber balloon may be connected to the pipe on the lower member 12.
[0043]
  Further, the heating toilet seat 1 is provided with a heat source supply unit (not shown) that sends high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the expansion unit 56 to expand the expansion unit 56. The heat source supply unit always sends a small amount of high-temperature gas to the expansion unit 56, and the pressure is increased by turning on the toilet seat switch to expand the expansion unit 56.
[0044]
  Therefore, if the heat source supply unit is operated at the time of sitting, the expansion part 56 expanded by the high-temperature and high-pressure gas comes into contact with the skin material 11 and warms the skin material 11. Further, heat exchange with the skin material 11 is not performed at the time of non-seating, and heat radiation from the seat surface can be reduced.
[0045]
  FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the heating toilet seat 1 of the twelfth embodiment. On the back surface of the skin material 11 of the heating toilet seat 1, a rib portion 16 that increases the contact area with the expanded portion 56 is provided. The rib portion 16 is formed to be complementary to the shape and size when the inflatable portion 56 is inflated, and is formed so that the inflated inflated portion 56 is accommodated on the inner surface side of the rib portion 16. As a result, almost the entire inner surface of the rib portion 16 comes into contact with the expanding portion 56, and the efficiency of heat conduction to the skin material 11 can be increased. The rib portion 16 may be integrally formed with the skin material 11, or may be made of a material having excellent heat conduction efficiency and bonded to the skin material 11.
[0046]
  Thus, the heating toilet seat 1 in each of the embodiments described above significantly reduces the amount of heat released from the toilet seat surface when not seated, thereby reducing energy loss.
[0047]
  Next, the heating toilet seat system of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a heating toilet seat system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heating toilet seat system includes a heating control unit 4 that starts heating the heating toilet seat 1 and the toilet seat body 10, and a signal control unit 3 that receives an external signal and controls the heating control unit 4.
[0048]
  In the heating toilet seat 1 of each of the embodiments described above, when the user uses, for example, the drive member in the toilet seat body 10 is operated to turn on the drive mechanism for moving the skin material 11 up and down, or the air supply / exhaust means 37 and the air blowing means 48 , 55 and the like are operated to warm the toilet seat. Therefore, the toilet seat is not yet sufficiently warm when seated, and there is a strong possibility of feeling cold when sitting. In order to improve this, the heating toilet seat system operates the driving mechanism of the heating toilet seat 1, the air supply / exhaust means 37, the air blowing means 55, etc., and the heating control unit 4 for starting the heating of the toilet seat and the external signal. A signal control unit 3 that receives and controls the heating control unit 4 is provided.
[0049]
  As the external signal, for example, a detection signal from a human detection sensor provided near the entrance of the toilet, an ON signal of toilet lighting, a detection signal indicating an opening / closing operation of a toilet lid provided in a heating toilet seat, and the like are used. When the signal control unit 3 detects these external signals, the signal control unit 3 sends a heating start signal to the heating control unit 4 to drive the skin material 11 up and down in the third embodiment, and supply / exhaust in the fifth embodiment. Means 37, drive device 40 for driving the slide member 42 in the sixth embodiment, blower means 48 in the seventh and eighth embodiments, blower means 48 and drive unit in the ninth embodiment, tenth embodiment The air blowing means 55 and the heat source supply unit in the eleventh and twelfth embodiments are driven. Therefore, the toilet seat is warmed before the user actually sits, and the cold feeling at the time of sitting is reduced. In addition, the heating control unit 4 has a heating stop function. For example, when it is detected that a person has moved away or the toilet lighting is turned off, the drive mechanism is driven to move the radiator 20 away from the skin material 11. You may decide to stop the ventilation means 48 and 55 and to stop toilet seat heating. In addition, the opening and closing of the toilet lid is detected by a limit switch provided on the toilet lid hinge. Heating of the toilet seat is started when it is detected that the lid is opened, and when the lid is closed. Toilet seat heating can also be stopped.
[0050]
  As described above, according to the heating toilet seat 1 according to the present invention, it is possible to save energy by reducing a wasteful heat radiation amount from the toilet seat surface when not wearing. In addition, according to the heating toilet seat system of the present invention, not only energy saving but also the seating surface can be sufficiently warmed at the time of sitting, and a heating toilet seat that is easy on humans can be provided.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
  In the heating toilet seat according to claim 1,A toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, a heater disposed in the toilet seat body, a heat storage material disposed in contact with the seating surface side of the heater, and an opposite surface of the heater A heat dissipating member composed of a heat insulating material provided, and a support member provided on the lower surface of the skin material in the toilet seat body and a spring member that urges the skin material in a direction to push up the skin material through the support material. Since, when not seated, a gap is formed between the heat radiator and the skin material, and when seated, the drive member that contacts the heat radiator and the skin material is provided, that is,The heat sink installed in the toilet seat body forms a gap with the toilet seat body when not seated, and contacts the skin material that makes up the toilet seat body when seated. Less. Moreover, since the heat storage material is formed in the seating surface side and the heat insulating material is arrange | positioned on the opposite surface to the heater which comprises a heat radiator, the heat source of a heater can be utilized efficiently. Thus, when not in use, the power consumption can be reduced, and an energy efficient heating toilet seat can be provided.
[0052]
  Also the propSince the skin material is brought into contact with the heat radiating member by the driving member comprising the spring member and the spring member, an extremely simple driving system can be achieved.
[0053]
  Claim 2According to the described heating toilet seat, since the inside of the toilet seat body is a sealed space with reduced pressure, heat dissipation when not seated is reduced, and a more energy efficient heating toilet seat can be obtained. Also,PropAnd a drive member consisting of a spring member,When not seated, a gap is formed between the radiator and the skin material, and when seatedSince the skin material and the heat dissipation material are in contact, a simple drive system can be achieved. further,PropSince the skin material is supported by, the feeling of sinking when sitting is reduced.
[0054]
  Claim 3According to the described heating toilet seat, the inside of the toilet seat body is set as a sealed space, and the air gap between the radiator and the skin material is supplied and exhausted.In addition, when not seated, a gap is formed between the radiator and the skin material, and when seated, the radiator and the skin material are in contact with each other.Is brought into a non-contact state, so that the feeling of depression when the user sits down is reduced, and the uncomfortable feeling is reduced. Moreover, since the toilet seat surface can be kept warm by remote control etc., the coldness at the time of seating can be reduced.
[0055]
  Claim 4The heating toilet seat described is provided with a slide mechanism that forms a through hole when seated on the radiator disposed in the toilet seat body, and forms a non-through hole when not seated. When not seated, there is little heat radiation from the radiator, and a heated toilet seat with excellent energy efficiency can be obtained.
[0056]
  Claim 5The heating toilet seat described includes a heat insulating material having a large number of holes between a heater and a skin material disposed in the toilet seat body, and a blowing means for circulating heat from the heater in the toilet seat body.When sitting, the air blowing means is switched on so that warm air near the heater is sent near the skin.Therefore, the air blowing means is operated only when seated, and the set temperature can be lowered when not seated. Thus, useless energy loss when not seated can be reduced.
[0057]
  Claim 6The heating toilet seat described inClaim 5Since the heating toilet seat described above is provided with an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the hole, heat radiation from the hole can be reduced, and further energy saving can be achieved.
[0058]
  The heated toilet seat according to claim 7, wherein one or a plurality of inflatable portions that come into contact with the skin material by inflating in the toilet seat bodyAnd a heat source supply unit that sends high-temperature and high-pressure gas to the expansion part and expands the expansion part, and forms a gap between the expansion part and the skin material when not seated, and expands with the high-temperature and high-pressure gas when seated Because the part contacts the skin material and warms the skin material,Only when seated, the expansion part can be expanded to exchange heat with the skin material. For this reason, heat radiation from the toilet seat surface when not seated can be reduced.
[0059]
  Claim 8The heating toilet seat described inClaim 7In the heating toilet seat described in 1., the rib portion that increases the contact area with the expanded inflated portion is provided on the lower surface of the skin material, so that the contact area with the inflated portion increases and the toilet seat surface is warmed more efficiently. be able to.
[0060]
  theseClaims 7 and 8In the heated toilet seat described inClaim 9As described above, by disposing the heat insulating material in contact with the seating surface side of the lower member, heat radiation from the lower surface of the lower member can be suppressed, which can further contribute to energy saving.
[0061]
  Claim 10The heated toilet seat system described inClaims 1-9Since the heating toilet seat according to any one of the above, a heating control unit that starts heating the toilet seat body, and a signal control unit that receives an external signal and controls the heating control unit, for example,Claim 11As described in, the detection signal from the human detection sensor provided near the toilet,Claim 12Toilet lighting on signal, as described inClaim 13The heating toilet seat can be warmed before the user is seated by the detection signal indicating the opening / closing operation of the toilet lid provided on the heating toilet seat. In this way, it is possible to prevent a cold feeling when seated and to make a heating toilet seat that is easy on humans.
[0062]
  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an energy efficient heating toilet seat and a heating toilet seat system with excellent usability by reducing heat radiation from the toilet seat surface when not seated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views in which a part of a heated toilet seat according to a first embodiment is cut away.
2A and 2B are explanatory views showing drive members of the heating toilet seat of FIG. 1, respectively.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views, partly broken, of a heated toilet seat according to the second embodiment.
4A and 4B are explanatory views showing drive members of the heating toilet seat in FIG. 3, respectively.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heating toilet seat according to a third embodiment.
6A and 6B are sectional views of a heating toilet seat according to a fourth embodiment, respectively.
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heating toilet seat according to a fifth embodiment.
8A and 8B are cross-sectional views in which a part of the heating toilet seat in FIG. 7 is broken.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a heating toilet seat according to a sixth embodiment.
10 is an enlarged view showing a slide member of the heating toilet seat of FIG. 9;
11A and 11B are operation explanatory views of the heating toilet seat of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective structural view in which a heating toilet seat according to a seventh embodiment is partially broken.
13A and 13B are sectional views of the heating toilet seat shown in FIG. 12, respectively.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a heating toilet seat according to an eighth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is an enlarged explanatory view showing a hole opening / closing mechanism of a heating toilet seat according to a ninth embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a heating toilet seat according to the tenth embodiment.
17A and 17B are sectional views of a heating toilet seat according to the eleventh embodiment.
18 is a perspective structural view in which the heating toilet seat of FIG. 17 is partially broken.
19A and 19B are sectional views of a heating toilet seat according to a twelfth embodiment, respectively.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a heated toilet seat system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Heating toilet seat
10 Toilet seat body
11 Skin material
12 Lower member
16 Ribs
20 Heat radiator
21 Heater
22 Heat storage material
23 Insulation
41, 42 Slide member
43 Vent
45,46 Thermal insulation
48 Blowing means

Claims

The toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from the skin material and the lower member, the heater disposed in the toilet seat body, the heat storage material disposed in contact with the seating surface side of the heater, and the opposite surface of the heater A heat dissipating member composed of a heat insulating material provided, and a support member provided on the lower surface of the skin material in the toilet seat body and a spring member that urges the skin material in a direction to push up the skin material through the support material. A heating toilet seat comprising a drive member that forms a gap between the radiator and the skin material when not seated, and that contacts the radiator and the skin material when seated.

The toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from the skin material and the lower member, the heater disposed in the toilet seat body, the heat storage material disposed in contact with the seating surface side of the heater, and the opposite surface of the heater A heat dissipating body composed of a heat insulating material disposed, a sealed space in which the inside of the toilet seat body is depressurized, and a post supporting the heat dissipating body on a lower member and a direction in which the toilet seat main body is lifted through the support post. And a driving member for forming a gap between the heat radiating body and the skin material when not seated, and for contacting the heat radiating body and the skin material when seated. Heated toilet seat.

A toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, a heater disposed in the toilet seat body, a heat storage material disposed in contact with the seating surface side of the heater, and an opposite surface of the heater A heat dissipating member comprising a heat insulating material disposed, and the toilet seat body is a sealed space, supplying and exhausting a gap between the heat dissipating member and the skin material, and when not seated, the heat dissipating member and the An air gap is formed between the skin material and the air supply / exhaust means for bringing the heat radiator and the skin material into a non-contact state so that the heat radiator and the skin material are in contact with each other when seated. And heating toilet seat.

A toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, a heater disposed in the toilet seat body, a heat storage material disposed in contact with the seating surface side of the heater, and an opposite surface of the heater A through-hole is formed by aligning the holes of the heat sink and the plurality of slide members having a plurality of vent holes made of heat insulator provided on the surface of the heat sink and the holes of the slide member when seated. A heating toilet seat, comprising: a slide mechanism that is formed and places the vent hole of the slide member in a non-through hole state when not seated.

A toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, a heater disposed in the toilet seat body, and a heat insulating material having a plurality of holes disposed between the heater and the skin material, , Provided with air blowing means for circulating the heat of the heater in the toilet seat body, the air blowing means is switched off when not seated, the air blowing means is switched on when seated, and the warm air near the heater is near the skin material Heated toilet seat characterized by being sent to.

The heating toilet seat according to claim 5, further comprising an opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the hole.

A toilet seat body formed in a hollow shape from a skin material and a lower member, one or a plurality of inflatable portions that are disposed in the toilet seat body and come into contact with the skin material by inflating, and high temperature and high pressure in the inflatable portion It has a heat source supply section that feeds gas and expands the expansion section.When not seated, a gap is formed between the expansion section and the skin material, and the expansion section expanded by the high-temperature and high-pressure gas when seated contacts the skin material. Heated toilet seat characterized by warming the skin material .

The heating toilet seat according to claim 7, wherein a rib portion for increasing a contact area with the expanded portion is provided on a lower surface of the skin material.

The heating toilet seat according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a heat insulating material is disposed in contact with a seating surface side of the lower member.

A heating toilet seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a heating control unit that starts heating the toilet seat body, and a signal processing unit that receives an external signal and controls the heating control unit. Heated toilet seat system.

The heating toilet seat system according to claim 10, wherein the external signal is a detection signal from a human detection sensor provided near a toilet.

The heating toilet seat system according to claim 10, wherein the external signal is an on signal of toilet lighting.

The heating toilet seat system according to claim 10, wherein the external signal is a detection signal indicating an opening / closing operation of a toilet lid provided in the heating toilet seat.