JP7104889B2 - Heated toilet seat device - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to heated toilet seat systems.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a heated toilet seat device having a function (heating function) for warming a seat surface on which a user sits has been used. For example, a heater is provided inside the heating toilet seat device, and the toilet seat (seat surface) is warmed by energization of the heater. As a result, even when the air temperature is low, the user does not have to sit on the cold toilet seat, so the user's discomfort can be suppressed.

In such a heated toilet seat device, the user tends to sit under the assumption that the toilet seat is at an appropriate temperature. However, the temperature of the toilet seat may not always be suitable for the user. For example, during heating, the actual toilet seat temperature is lower than the preset toilet seat temperature. In addition, it is conceivable that the preset temperature is lower than the appropriate temperature, or that the heating function is turned off. In such a case, a user sitting on a toilet seat with a lower temperature than expected may feel confused.

Moreover, when the toilet seat is not at an appropriate temperature, it is desired that the user can operate the heating function to adjust the temperature. However, the user may not know how to operate it. For example, in a heated toilet seat device installed in a public facility, it is difficult for a user to refer to an instruction manual, unlike in the case of a heated toilet seat device installed in an ordinary home. Thus, the conventional heated toilet seat device has room for improvement in terms of convenience.

JP 2009-289128 A JP 2015-124549 A JP 2015-016089 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-138112

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a heated toilet seat device capable of improving convenience.

A first invention includes a seating detection unit that detects a user's seating on a toilet seat having a heating function that warms the seat surface, an audio output unit, and a control that determines information related to the heating function, which is notified to the user. and a section, wherein the control section causes the voice output section to notify the information regarding the heating function when the seating detection section detects that the user is seated.

According to this heated toilet seat device, the user can hear the information about the heating function by voice when seated. For example, the user can know information such as the operating state of the heating function. Thereby, convenience can be improved.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect, further comprising a reception unit that receives at least one of the setting of the temperature of the toilet seat and the operation of the toilet seat from the user, wherein the control unit The heated toilet seat device determines the information to be notified to the user based on.

According to this heated toilet seat device, appropriate information can be notified to the user based on the information received by the reception unit. For example, the user can confirm by voice that the set temperature of the toilet seat has been changed and the changed set temperature. Also, for example, the user can learn how to set the temperature using the reception unit. Thereby, the convenience can be further improved.

A third invention is the first or second invention, further comprising a toilet seat temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the toilet seat, and the control unit measures the temperature of the user based on the measurement result of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit. It is a heated toilet seat device that determines the information to be notified to.

According to this heated toilet seat device, appropriate information can be notified to the user based on the measurement result of the temperature of the toilet seat. For example, the user can hear the current actual temperature of the toilet seat by voice when seated. Thereby, the convenience can be further improved.

In a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, an indoor temperature measuring section for measuring a temperature in a toilet room in which the toilet seat is provided is provided, and the control section comprises the indoor temperature measuring section. It is a heating toilet seat device that determines the information to be notified to the user based on the measurement result of.

According to this heated toilet seat device, it is possible to appropriately notify the user of information based on the indoor temperature. For example, when the room temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, if the toilet seat is heating up or if the heating function is off, that fact is notified when the passenger is seated. Thereby, the convenience can be further improved.

In a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the state of the heating function of the toilet seat has a normal state and a power saving state in which power consumption is lower than that of the normal state, The control unit is a heated toilet seat device that can switch between the normal state and the power saving state, and determines the information to be notified to the user based on the state of the heating function of the toilet seat.

According to this heated toilet seat device, information can be appropriately notified to the user based on the state of the heating function of the toilet seat. For example, the user can hear from the voice when sitting down that the toilet seat is in the power saving state. Thereby, the convenience can be further improved.

In a sixth aspect based on the fifth aspect, the control unit controls the temperature of the toilet seat to be lower than the set temperature in the normal state in the power saving state, and controls the time during which the control is performed. In the heating toilet seat device, when the seat of the user is detected on the belt, the information on the heating function is notified by the voice output unit.

According to this heated toilet seat device, it is possible to notify the user of information regarding the heating function during the time period when the toilet seat is in the power saving state and the temperature of the toilet seat is low. For example, when the user sits down in a power saving state and the toilet seat temperature is low, the user is notified that the heating function is in the power saving state, that the toilet seat is heating up, and the like. Thereby, the convenience can be further improved.

An aspect of the present invention provides a heated toilet seat device that can improve convenience.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device provided with a heated toilet seat device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a heated toilet seat device according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another heated toilet seat device according to the embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another heated toilet seat device according to the embodiment;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toilet device provided with a heated toilet seat device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the heated toilet seat device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device 300 is provided inside the toilet room TR. The toilet device 300 is installed on the floor of the toilet room TR. The toilet device 300 may be installed on a wall surface or the like.

The toilet device 300 has a toilet bowl 200 and a heated toilet seat device 100 . A heated toilet seat device 100 is provided on a toilet bowl 200 .

The heated toilet seat device 100 has a body portion 10 and a toilet seat 20 (seating portion). The toilet seat 20 is provided on the toilet bowl 200 . The body portion 10 is provided in the upper rear portion of the toilet bowl 200 . A toilet lid 22 is provided on the heated toilet seat device 100 . The toilet seat 20 and the toilet lid 22 are rotatably supported by the body portion 10 .

The toilet seat 20 has a heating function to warm the seat surface 20f on which the user sits. More specifically, inside the toilet seat 20, a metal member is provided as a heater 21 for warming the seat surface 20f. This metal member is provided along the periphery of the opening of the toilet seat 20 . The toilet seat 20 is warmed by energizing the heater 21 . As the heater 21 provided on the toilet seat 20, for example, a tubing heater, a sheathed heater, a halogen heater, a carbon heater, or the like is used. A metal member of the heater 21 is made of, for example, aluminum or copper. Moreover, various shapes such as a sheet shape, a wire shape, and a mesh shape can be adopted as the shape of the metal member of the heater 21 .

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the body portion 10, a control portion 30, a seating detection portion 41, and an audio output portion 50 are provided. At least one of the control unit 30 , the seating detection unit 41 , and the audio output unit 50 may be provided outside the main body 10 as a separate body from the main body 10 .

The seating detection unit 41 can detect whether or not the user is seated on the toilet seat 20 . The seating detection unit 41 detects seating and leaving of the user. A microwave sensor, a ranging sensor (infrared projection type sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, a tact switch, a capacitive switch (touch sensor), or a strain sensor can be used for the seating detection unit 41 . In this example, the seating detector 41 uses a distance measuring sensor provided in the main body 10 .

In addition, when contact sensors such as a tact switch, an electrostatic sensor, and a strain sensor are used, these contact sensors are provided on the toilet seat 20 . When the user sits on the toilet seat 20, the tact switch is pressed by the user's weight. Alternatively, the user touches the electrostatic sensor. Alternatively, pressure is applied to the strain sensor by the weight of the user. The seating of the user can be detected by electrical signals from these sensors.

The audio output section 50 is, for example, a speaker provided in the main body section 10 . Information about the heated toilet seat device 100 is notified to the user by the sound emitted by the sound output unit 50 .

For the control unit 30, for example, an arithmetic unit including an integrated circuit such as a microcomputer and a memory is used. The control unit 30 can communicate with or is electrically connected to each of the heater 21 , the seating detection unit 41 , and the audio output unit 50 .

The control unit 30 controls operations of the heater 21 , the seating detection unit 41 , and the audio output unit 50 . For example, the control unit 30 receives the detection result of the seating detection unit 41 . The control unit 30 determines whether the user is seated based on this detection result. Further, the control unit 30 can control the energization of the heater 21 and adjust the temperature of the toilet seat 20 .

It should be noted that the body portion 10 may be provided with a cleaning function portion (not shown). For example, a nozzle and a motor for driving the nozzle are provided. Washing water for washing the private parts of the seated user (for example, the "buttocks") is discharged from the nozzle. Furthermore, the body part 10 may have a deodorizing function part, a hot air drying function part, and the like. These functional units are controlled by, for example, the control unit 30 and operate based on signals from the control unit 30 .

The control unit 30 has a notification information determination unit 31 . The notification information determination unit 31 determines information related to the heating function of the heated toilet seat device 100 and information to be notified to the user by voice of the voice output unit 50 .

When the seating detection unit 41 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 20, the control unit 30 causes the voice output unit 50 to notify information regarding the heating function. That is, the control unit 30 transmits to the audio output unit 50 a signal regarding the information determined by the notification information determination unit 31 to be notified to the user. The audio output unit 50 receives this signal and emits audio containing the information.

In the specification of the present application, "information about the heating function" includes information about the operating state of the heating function, information about the setting state of the heating function, information about how to operate the toilet seat, and the like. For example, the information about the heating function includes information about the set temperature of the toilet seat, whether the heating function is on/off, how to start/stop the heating function, or how to switch the heating function on/off.

For example, when the user sits on the toilet seat 20, the voice output unit 50 outputs "This toilet seat is a heating toilet seat." The set temperature of the toilet seat is ○°C.”

The set temperature of the toilet seat is, for example, a value stored in advance in a memory (for example, ROM: Read Only Memory) of the control unit 30 . This value is the default value that is not changed by the user. Alternatively, if a reception unit 72, which will be described later, is provided, the set temperature of the toilet seat may be the temperature set by the user. These set temperatures are, for example, about 30.degree.

Further, when a toilet seat temperature measuring unit 61 or the like, which will be described later, is provided, the information regarding the heating function may include information regarding the temperature of the toilet seat. For example, information about the heating function includes information about the current toilet seat temperature.

The determination by the notification information determination unit 31 includes determination of information to be notified to the user and determination of whether or not to perform notification.

As described above, in the heated toilet seat device 100 according to the embodiment, when the user sits down on the toilet seat 20, information regarding the heating function is notified. The user can hear information about the heating function by voice when seated. Thereby, the convenience of the heated toilet seat device can be improved. For example, when the user is seated, even if the actual temperature of the toilet seat differs from the user's assumed temperature, the user can feel secure by notifying the user of the on/off status of the toilet seat and the set temperature. can give

Further, the control unit 30 (notification information determination unit 31) can determine information to be notified to the user based on the detection result of the seating detection unit 41. FIG. For example, if the user continues to be seated for a long period of time, the controller 30 may turn off the heating function in order to prevent low-temperature burns. At this time, the control unit 30 causes the voice output unit 50 to notify that the heating function has been turned off. As a result, even if the temperature of the toilet seat 20 drops while the user is seated, the user can feel secure.

Note that the block diagram is an example and may not necessarily match the actual module. For example, the control unit 30 may be a circuit integrated on one substrate, or a circuit divided as appropriate and formed on a plurality of substrates.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another heated toilet seat device according to the embodiment.
The heated toilet seat device 101 shown in FIG. 3 further includes a toilet seat temperature measuring section 61, an indoor temperature measuring section 62, and a receiving section 72, as compared with the heated toilet seat device 100 described with reference to FIG. These are provided in the body part 10, for example. Moreover, the control unit 30 further includes a state management unit 32 . Other than this, the same description as that of the heated toilet seat device 100 can be applied to the heated toilet seat device 101 as well.

For example, the operation unit 70 of the heated toilet seat device 101 is provided in the toilet room TR. The operation unit 70 is, for example, a remote controller (see FIG. 1) installed on a wall surface or the like. The user inputs the setting of the temperature of the toilet seat 20 and the operation of the toilet seat 20 by operating the operation unit 70 . The operation of the toilet seat 20 includes, for example, turning on/off the heating function, resetting the set temperature, and setting a power saving function, which will be described later. The operation unit 70 transmits a signal to the reception unit 72 according to the user's input.

The reception unit 72 is, for example, a reception unit for signals from the operation unit 70 (remote controller). By receiving the signal, the reception unit 72 receives the temperature setting and the operation of the toilet seat from the user. The receiving unit 72 transmits a signal to the control unit 30 according to the received signal. Based on this signal, the control unit 30 controls each function of the heated toilet seat device 101 such as the operation of the heater 21 and the voice output unit 50 . For example, the control unit 30 controls energization of the heater 21 so that the temperature of the toilet seat 20 reaches the temperature set by the user.

In this example, radio wave communication is used for communication between the operation unit 70 and the control unit 30 . That is, the reception unit 72 includes a reception module for radio waves. The frequency band of this radio wave is, for example, about 0.3 GHz to 3 GHz. However, in the embodiment, the communication between the operation unit 70 and the control unit 30 is not limited to radio wave communication, and may be infrared communication. In this case, reception unit 72 includes an infrared reception module. Communication between the operation unit 70 and the control unit 30 is not limited to wireless communication, and may be wired communication. The reception unit 72 may be buttons, switches, or the like through which the user inputs temperature settings and operations. These buttons and switches may be provided on the body section 10 .

The control unit 30 (announcement information determination unit 31 ) determines information to be notified to the user based on the temperature setting and operation of the toilet seat 20 received by the reception unit 72 . When it is detected that the user is seated on the toilet seat 20, the control section 30 causes the audio output section 50 to notify the determined information.

For example, when the user sits on the toilet seat 20, the voice output unit 50 notifies that the heating function is on or off and the set temperature of the toilet seat. For example, the voice output unit 50 notifies that "The set temperature of the toilet seat is ◯°C." This set temperature is the temperature set by the user via the reception unit 72 .

For example, when the user switches on/off the heating function of the toilet seat 20 or changes the set temperature of the toilet seat 20 via the reception unit 72 while the user is seated, the voice output unit 50 outputs a message to that effect. inform. For example, the voice output unit 50 notifies, "The temperature of the toilet seat has been changed."

Moreover, when the user is seated, the voice output unit 50 may guide the operation method for switching the heating function on/off or the operation method for changing the set temperature. As a result, the user can learn how to operate the remote control while sitting in a comfortable posture for operating the remote control. For example, the voice output unit 50 may say, "To set the toilet seat temperature, operate XX on the remote controller." Please operate the."

As described above, according to the embodiment, appropriate information can be notified to the user based on the information received by the receiving unit 72 . As described above, for example, the user can confirm by voice that the set temperature of the toilet seat has been changed and the changed set temperature. In addition, the method of setting the temperature and the like can be known by voice via the reception unit 72 . Thereby, the convenience can be further improved.

The toilet seat temperature measuring unit 61 measures the temperature of the toilet seat 20 (the temperature of the seat surface). For the toilet seat temperature measuring unit 61, any temperature sensor such as a temperature sensor (thermistor), a thermocouple, or a bimetal can be used.

Toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61 is electrically connected to control unit 30 . Thereby, the controller 30 can acquire the current actual temperature of the toilet seat 20 . The control unit 30 controls energization of the heater 21 based on the measurement result of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61 . Based on the measurement result of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61, the control unit 30 (notification information determination unit 31) determines information to be notified to the user.

For example, when the user sits down on the toilet seat 20, the voice output unit 50 notifies that "the current toilet seat temperature is 0°C." This allows the user to know the actual temperature of the toilet seat by voice.

Further, when the heated toilet seat device has both the reception unit 72 and the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61, the control unit 30 receives the set temperature of the toilet seat 20 set by the user and the measurement result of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61. Information to be notified to the user can be determined by comparison.

For example, when the user sits on the toilet seat 20, it is notified whether the actual temperature of the toilet seat 20 is higher or lower than a predetermined temperature. This predetermined temperature is the set temperature of the toilet seat 20 set by the user via the reception unit 72 . This predetermined temperature may be a default value preset in a ROM or the like.

Also, for example, while the user is seated, it is notified whether or not the actual temperature of the toilet seat 20 has reached the temperature of the toilet seat set by the user. For example, when the actual temperature of the toilet seat 20 reaches the set temperature, the voice output unit 50 notifies, "The set temperature has been reached." When the actual temperature of the toilet seat 20 has not reached the set temperature, the voice output unit notifies that "the set temperature has not been reached."

The room temperature measuring unit 62 measures the temperature (air temperature) inside the toilet room TR. Any type of temperature sensor such as a temperature sensor (thermistor), a thermocouple, or a bimetal can be used for the room temperature measurement unit 62 .

Indoor temperature measurement unit 62 is electrically connected to control unit 30 . Thereby, the control unit 30 can acquire the current temperature inside the toilet room TR. The control unit 30 (notification information determination unit 31) determines information to be notified to the user based on the measurement result of the indoor temperature measurement unit 62. FIG.

For example, in winter, the temperature is low, so the toilet seat 20 tends to get cold. In this case, since the toilet seat 20 may feel uncomfortable due to the coldness, it is desirable to inform the user of the information regarding the heating function. On the other hand, in summer, the temperature is high, so there are cases where it is not necessary to notify the information regarding the heating function. In contrast, according to the embodiment, information can be appropriately notified to the user based on the temperature inside the toilet room TR.

If the temperature in the toilet room TR is lower than a predetermined temperature when the user is seated, information about the heating function is notified by voice. For example, when the temperature of the toilet seat is rising, or when the heating function is off, this is notified. For example, the voice output unit 50 notifies that "Toilet seat temperature is now being raised." On the other hand, when the room temperature is high, it is not necessary to make the notification by voice. The predetermined temperature is, for example, the set temperature of the toilet seat 20 set by the user via the reception unit 72 . The predetermined temperature may be a default value preset in ROM or the like.

Further, when the heated toilet seat device has both the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61 and the room temperature measurement unit 62, the control unit 30 controls the measurement results of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61 and the room temperature measurement unit 62. , the information to be notified to the user can be determined. For example, when the room temperature measured by the room temperature measuring unit 62 is lower than a predetermined temperature and the toilet seat temperature measured by the toilet seat temperature measuring unit 61 is lower than a predetermined temperature, a voice notification is provided. conduct. For example, when the temperature of the toilet seat is rising, or when the heating function is off, this is notified. At this time, as described above, the predetermined temperature that serves as a criterion for determining whether the room temperature is high or low and the predetermined temperature that serves as a criterion for determining whether the temperature of the toilet seat is high or low are the set temperature of the toilet seat set by the user, or , a predetermined default value can be used. These two predetermined temperatures may be the same value, or may be different temperatures that are set separately.

The state of the heating function of the toilet seat 20 includes a normal state and a power saving state. The state management section 32 of the control section 30 manages such a state of the toilet seat 20 . For example, the state management unit 32 can recognize the state of the heating function and appropriately switch between the normal state and the power saving state.

The normal state and power saving state of the heating function will be explained.
The power saving state is a state in which power consumption is lower than that in the normal state. The normal state is a state in which the power saving state is not set. The user can instruct switching between the power saving state and the normal state via the remote controller or the reception unit 72 .

In the normal state, the controller 30 energizes the heater 21 so that the temperature of the toilet seat 20 reaches the set temperature (first temperature) (first control). Here, the set temperature is a set temperature set by the user via the reception unit 72 or a default value preset in a ROM or the like.

In the power saving state, the control unit 30 appropriately switches between the first control and the second control and performs them. In the second control, the controller 30 energizes the heater 21 so that the temperature of the toilet seat 20 reaches the in-machine set temperature (second temperature). The internal set temperature is, for example, a temperature (for example, about 26° C.) lower than the set temperature (first temperature) in the first control. The internal set temperature (second temperature) is, for example, a value preset in a ROM or the like. The in-machine preset temperature may be appropriately set by the user. Also, in the second control, the controller 30 may turn off the heating function.

That is, in the power saving state, the control unit 30 performs first control to set the temperature of the toilet seat 20 to a set temperature (first temperature) and second control to set the temperature of the toilet seat 20 lower than the set temperature. Run. Note that the first control does not necessarily have to be performed in the power saving state.

In the power saving state, the first control is performed during the first time slot, and the second control is performed during the second time slot. That is, for example, the first time period is the time period during which the heating function is turned on, and the second time period is the time period during which the heating function is turned off. Alternatively, the first time zone is the time zone in which the heating function is on and the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is kept at the set temperature (first temperature), and the second time zone is the time zone in which the heating function is on. This is the time period during which the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is made lower than the set temperature (first temperature).

The first time period is, for example, a time period in which the frequency of use of the toilet is relatively high, and the second time period is a time period in which the frequency of use of the toilet is relatively low. As a result, the power consumption in the power saving state can be made lower than the power consumption in the normal state in which the first control is always executed, for example.

In the power saving state, even when the second control is being executed, when the user's seating is detected (or when the user's entry into the room is detected by the room entry detection unit 40, which will be described later), The controller 30 can start the first control to warm the toilet seat 20 . As a result, it is possible to suppress the discomfort of a cold toilet seat and improve convenience while reducing power consumption.

For example, the control unit 30 learns the time period in which the frequency of use of the toilet is high and the time period in which the frequency of use of the toilet is low by storing the times when the toilet is used. For example, the first and second time periods are determined by the control unit 30 according to what the control unit 30 has learned over eight days (auto power saving).

Alternatively, the first and second time periods may be determined in advance and managed by a timer within the control unit 30 (timer power saving). For example, the late-night time period is set as the second time period, and other time periods are set as the first time period. The user can specify at least one of the first time slot and the second time slot via the reception unit 72 .

The control unit 30 (notification information determination unit 31) determines information to be notified to the user based on the state of the heating function managed by the state management unit 32. FIG. For example, when it is detected that the user is seated, the voice output unit 50 notifies, "Auto power saving is in progress." Thereby, the user can know the state of the toilet seat 20 by voice when sitting on the toilet seat 20 . Also, at this time, a method for switching the set temperature and a method for switching between the normal state and the power saving state may be notified. For example, even if the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is lower than the set temperature due to the power saving state, it is possible to prevent the user from misunderstanding that the heating toilet seat device is malfunctioning.

Further, for example, when it is detected that the user is seated on the toilet seat 20 during the second time period during which the second control is executed, the control unit 30 causes the voice output unit 50 to notify information regarding the heating function. . That is, during a time period (second time period) when the heating function is in the power saving state and the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is low, the state of the heating function is in the power saving state, the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is rising, or It is notified that the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is lower than the set temperature set by the user through the reception unit 72, and the like. For example, the state of the heating function does not need to be notified during a time period (first time period) when the temperature of the toilet seat is high. Thereby, information can be notified to the user at a more appropriate timing.

Further, when the control unit 30 has the state management unit 32 and the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61 is provided, the control unit 30 controls the state of the heating function of the toilet seat 20 and the measurement of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit 61. Based on the results, it is possible to determine the information to notify the user. For example, when the heating function of the toilet seat 20 is in the power saving state and the actual toilet seat temperature measured by the toilet seat temperature measuring unit 61 is lower than a predetermined temperature (first temperature), the heating function is turned on. It is notified that the state is the power saving state, that the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is rising, or that the temperature of the toilet seat 20 is lower than a predetermined temperature. For example, the voice output unit informs that "Auto power saving is in progress. The toilet seat temperature is now being raised." If the actual temperature of the toilet seat 20 is not lower than the predetermined temperature, no notification may be given. Thereby, information can be notified to the user at a more appropriate timing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another heated toilet seat device according to the embodiment.
The heated toilet seat device 102 shown in FIG. 4 further includes an entry detection unit 40 compared to the heated toilet seat device 101 described with reference to FIG. Other than this, the same description as for the heated toilet seat device 101 can be applied to the heated toilet seat device 102 as well.

For example, a pyroelectric sensor, a microwave sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a distance measuring sensor (infrared projection type sensor) can be used for the room entry detection unit 40 . In this example, a pyroelectric sensor provided in the main body 10 is used as the room entry detection unit 40 . The room entry detection unit 40 detects, for example, a wide range in front of the toilet device 300 . The room entry detection unit 40 can immediately detect, for example, that the user has opened the door of the toilet room TR and entered the room. Thereby, the entry detection unit 40 can detect whether or not the user has entered the toilet room TR.

The control unit 30 is electrically connected to, for example, the room entry detection unit 40 , controls the operation of the room entry detection unit 40 , and receives detection results of the room entry detection unit 40 . When the room entry detection unit 40 detects that the user has entered the room, the control unit 30 causes the voice output unit 50 to report information regarding the heating function.

For example, when the room entry detection unit 40 detects that the user has entered the room, the control unit 30 causes the audio output unit 50 to report information regarding the heating function, and then the seating detection unit 41 detects that the user is seated. Then, the voice output unit 50 is caused to inform the information regarding the heating function again. In this way, the information can be emphasized to the user by performing the notification twice. Also, for example, the first notification is made during the period from when the user enters the toilet room TR to when he or she sits on the toilet seat 20 . As a result, the user can check the temperature of the toilet seat 20 before sitting down, wait until the temperature of the toilet seat 20 reaches an appropriate temperature before sitting down, or change the set temperature of the toilet seat 20 before sitting down. can do. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the discomfort of the toilet seat being cold.

The control unit 30 (notification information determination unit 31 ) may determine information to be notified to the user based on the detection result of the room entry detection unit 40 and the detection result of the seating detection unit 41 . For example, the information notified when the user enters the room and the information notified when the user is seated can be changed. As a result, appropriate notification can be given at the timing of entering the room and at the timing of seating.

For example, when it is detected that the user has entered the room, the control unit 30 causes the voice output unit 50 to notify the set temperature of the toilet seat 20, the current temperature of the toilet seat 20, the state of the heating function, and the like. Thereafter, when it is detected that the user is seated, the control unit 30 causes the voice output unit 50 to report information on how to operate the toilet seat 20 (how to turn on/off the heating function and how to change the set temperature). In this way, by reporting information about the temperature of the toilet seat 20 when entering the room, it is possible to suppress discomfort caused by the coldness of the toilet seat 20 when seated. Then, the operation method of the remote controller is notified when the driver is seated, which makes it easy to operate the remote controller.

The time from when the user enters the room to when he or she sits down changes depending on the time of day and the season. In addition, the time from entering the room to sitting down varies for each toilet and for each user. For example, some users clean the toilet seat after entering the room before sitting down, so it takes a long time from entering the room to sitting down. In addition, in winter, it takes time to undress because of thick clothing, so there is a tendency that the time from entering the room to sitting down tends to be long.

Therefore, the control unit 30 (notification information determination unit 31) provides information to be notified to the user based on the time from the time when the room entry detection unit 40 detects the entry to the time when the seating detection unit 41 detects the seating. can be judged. For example, the contents of the voice notification can be changed according to the time from entering the room to sitting down. As a result, it is possible to perform more appropriate notification in accordance with the user's actions.

For example, if the time from when the user's entry to the room is detected to when the user's seating is detected is shorter than a predetermined time, the audio output unit 50 will say, "The temperature is rising" when the user's entry is detected. After that, when it is detected that the user is seated, "The temperature is rising."
For example, if the time from when the user's entry into the room is detected to when the user's seating is detected is longer than the predetermined time, the audio output unit 50 outputs After that, when it is detected that the user is seated, the voice notification is not performed.

In addition, the control unit 30 can memorize and learn the time from entering the room to being seated. For example, the control unit 30 learns the time required from entering the room to being seated. Further, for example, the control unit 30 learns the time zone or season in which the time from entering the room to being seated is long, and the time zone or season in which the time from entering the room to being seated is short. The control unit 30 (notification information determination unit 31) may determine information to be notified to the user based on the learned time. For example, the contents of the voice notification can be changed according to the learning time.

For example, when the learned time from entering the room to sitting down is shorter than a predetermined time, the voice output unit 50 notifies "The temperature is rising" when the user's entry into the room is detected. If the learned time from entering the room to sitting down is shorter than the predetermined time, the voice output unit 50 will say, "The temperature is rising. Wait for a while and then sit down." inform.

The predetermined time (criteria for judging the length of time from entering the room to being seated) is, for example, the time required to raise the temperature from a low set temperature state (power saving state, etc.) to the set temperature, or a predetermined time A reference time is mentioned. The predetermined time is 10 seconds, for example.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element provided in the heated toilet seat device are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10 main unit 20 toilet seat 20f seat surface 21 heater 22 toilet lid 30 control unit 31 notification information determination unit 32 state management unit 40 entry detection unit 41 seating detection unit 50 voice output unit 61 toilet seat Temperature measurement unit 62 Indoor temperature measurement unit 70 Operation unit 72 Reception unit 100, 101, 102 Heated toilet seat device 200 Toilet bowl 300 Toilet device TR Toilet room

Claims (7)

a seating detection unit that detects a user's seating on a toilet seat that has a heating function to warm the seat surface;
an indoor temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature in a toilet room in which the toilet seat is provided;
an audio output unit;
a control unit for determining , based on the measurement result of the room temperature measurement unit, information regarding the operation method of the toilet seat related to the heating function to be notified to the user;
with
When the seating detection unit detects that the user is seated, the control unit
causing the voice output unit to notify the information regarding the operation method of the toilet seat related to the heating function when the measurement result of the indoor temperature measurement unit is lower than a predetermined temperature ;
A heating toilet seat device that does not notify the information regarding the operation method of the toilet seat related to the heating function by the voice output unit when the measurement result of the indoor temperature measuring unit is higher than a predetermined temperature . further comprising a reception unit that receives at least one of the setting of the temperature of the toilet seat and the operation of the toilet seat from the user;
2. The heated toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the information to be notified to the user based on at least one of the above. Further comprising a toilet seat temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the toilet seat,
3. The heated toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the information to be notified to the user based on the measurement result of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit. 4. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit compares the temperature setting of the toilet seat set by the user with the measurement result of the toilet seat temperature measurement unit to determine information to be notified to the user. . 5. The heating toilet seat apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit causes the voice output unit to notify by voice whether the measurement result of the toilet seat temperature measuring unit is higher or lower than the set temperature. the state of the heating function of the toilet seat includes a normal state and a power saving state in which power consumption is lower than that of the normal state;
6. The control unit is capable of switching between the normal state and the power saving state, and determines the information to be notified to the user based on the state of the heating function of the toilet seat. 1. Heated toilet seat device according to claim 1. The control unit
executing control to make the temperature of the toilet seat lower than the set temperature in the normal state in the power saving state;
7. The heated toilet seat device according to claim 6 , wherein said information relating to said heating function is notified by said voice output unit when said user's seating is detected during the time zone in which said control is executed.

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