JP7565160B2 - Toilet equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a toilet device.

Conventionally, there is known a toilet device that is provided with a foot detection unit that detects a person's feet, and is configured to automatically open and close the toilet lid when the foot detection unit detects a foot (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this technology, the foot detection unit is disposed on protruding parts provided on the left and right sides of the toilet bowl, and the detection areas of the foot detection unit are located in the front left and right parts of the toilet bowl.

JP 2002-119442 A

If the detection area of the foot detection unit is located on the left and right sides of the toilet bowl (toilet bowl), the user using the toilet will need to put their feet out to the left and right of the toilet bowl to open the toilet lid, which is undesirable in terms of usability. Furthermore, the space in which the toilet bowl is installed is not limited to a toilet room, and may be, for example, a space in which a bathtub is also installed. The toilet bowl described in Patent Document 1 may erroneously detect people other than the user using the toilet bowl, such as someone who passes by the side of the toilet bowl to get into the bathtub, resulting in a malfunction.

This disclosure has been made in light of the above, and aims to provide a toilet device with a foot detection unit that is easy to use and has a low risk of false detection.

The present disclosure relates to a toilet device having a toilet body, a toilet lid, and a foot detection unit, the detection direction of the foot detection unit is toward the floor surface, the detection range of the foot detection unit includes the area between the left and right ends of the toilet body in a plan view, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the toilet lid based on the detection result by the foot detection unit.

1 is a perspective view of a toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view of the toilet apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the toilet device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a top view of the toilet apparatus according to the present embodiment. This is a side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 4.

A toilet device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front-to-rear direction is defined as the front-to-rear direction when viewed from a user of the toilet device 1 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "user") seated on the toilet seat 31 of the toilet device 1. The direction connecting the left and right that intersects with the front-to-rear direction is defined as the width direction. The direction perpendicular to the floor surface F of the toilet room and toward the toilet cover 3 is defined as the upward direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the downward direction, and these are defined as the upward and downward directions.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the toilet device 1 has a toilet body 2, a toilet cover 3, a functional unit 4, and a sensor module 7. The toilet device 1 is a flushing device that is placed, for example, in a toilet room (not shown) and flushes waste material into the sewer system.

The toilet body 2 is installed, for example, in a wall-mounted manner, and has a bowl portion 21 and a drain outlet 22. The bowl portion 21 is a recess with an open top for receiving waste and the like. The drain outlet 22 is an opening located at the lower end of the bowl portion 21 and connected to an external sewer pipe (not shown). The drain outlet 22 is connected to the sewer pipe via a drain trap 8 shown in FIG. 2. The drain trap 8 has a U-shaped flow path that extends downward between the lower end of the drain outlet 22 and the sewer pipe and then bends upward. Water accumulates in the drain trap 8, preventing odors from the sewer pipe from moving toward the bowl portion 21.

The toilet lid 3 covers the openings of the bowl portion 21 and the toilet seat 31, and is placed on top of the toilet seat 31. The toilet seat 31 is a roughly annular, flat member with an opening in the middle, and is placed on top of the bowl portion 21 so that it can be opened and closed. The toilet seat 31 is placed so that its opening communicates with the opening of the bowl portion 21. The toilet lid 3 is attached so that it can be opened and closed in the same way as the toilet seat 31.

The functional unit 4 is disposed at the rear of the toilet body 2, and has a control unit 6 that controls the opening and closing mechanisms of the toilet seat 31 and toilet lid 3, and the opening and closing of the toilet lid 3. When the control unit 6 detects a detection target such as a user's foot by the foot detection unit 71 described later, it controls the opening and closing mechanism of the toilet lid 3 to operate using a motor device or the like, thereby opening the toilet lid 3. In addition to the opening and closing mechanism and control unit 6, the functional unit 4 may also have functional components such as a heating device, a music board, and a speaker (all not shown). In the functional unit 4, electrical wiring for connecting various mechanisms and devices and supplying power to the functional components in the functional unit 4, piping for water supply, etc. are disposed. The top surface of the functional unit 4 is covered with a top cover 5.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor module 7 is an integrated module including a foot detection unit 71 and an LED 72 as a display means. As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor module 7 is disposed in front of the drain trap 8 on the toilet body 2. In this specification, the front of the toilet body 2 is the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. By setting the positional relationship between the sensor module 7 and the drain trap 8 as described above, it becomes easy to attach the sensor module 7 and adjust the detection range 710 of the foot detection unit 71 and the display range 720 of the LED 72, which will be described later. The sensor module 7 may be disposed, for example, in a recess formed on the underside of the toilet body 2. This makes it difficult for the sensor module 7 to be seen from the outside, improving the design of the toilet device 1. In addition to the above, the space on the underside of the toilet body 2 can be effectively utilized. The arrangement of the sensor module 7 is not limited to the above. For example, the sensor module 7 may be disposed in a cabinet (not shown) to which the toilet body 2 is attached. The foot detection unit 71 and the LED 72 are held by a sensor holder 73 provided on the sensor module 7.

The foot detection unit 71 is a sensor that detects the user's foot. The foot detection unit 71 is, for example, an optical distance measurement sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit (not shown), such as an infrared distance measurement sensor. The optical distance measurement sensor can measure the distance to an object such as the user's foot by receiving the reflected light of light such as infrared light irradiated from the light emitting unit with the light receiving unit. The foot detection unit 71 may be an ultrasonic distance measurement sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor. The distance measurement sensor is preferably an analog output type rather than a digital output type. By using an analog output type distance measurement sensor, continuous detection signals can be obtained, making it easier to adjust the detection range 710 described later. The detection result by the foot detection unit 7 is output, for example, as a detection voltage, which is converted to analog by an AD converter not shown, and input to the control unit 6. The detection cycle of the object by the foot detection unit 7 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, a detection cycle of 100 msec.

The foot detection unit 71 faces the front of the toilet body 2 and the floor surface F of the toilet room. The detection axis 71E of the foot detection unit 71 is an axis that extends in a straight line from the foot detection unit 71 to the floor surface F of the toilet room. The direction of the detection axis 71E is a direction from the mounting position of the foot detection unit 71 toward the front of the toilet body 2 and the floor surface F of the toilet room, as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the foot detection unit 71 is disposed in the widthwise center of the toilet body 2. The widthwise center refers to, for example, the central area when the toilet body 2 is divided into three equal parts in the width direction.

The detection range 710 is the range in which the foot detection unit 71 detects the user's feet, which are the detection target, and is a fixed range centered on the detection axis 71E shown in FIG. 5. The detection range 710 includes the area between the left and right ends of the toilet body 2 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "area between the left and right ends"), which is the area between L1 and L2 shown in FIG. 4 in a plan view. In FIG. 4, L1 indicates an imaginary extension line of the left end of the width direction of the toilet body 2 in a plan view, and L2 similarly indicates an imaginary extension line of the right end of the width direction of the toilet body 2. L1 and L2 are imaginary lines parallel to the front-to-rear direction.

When an analog output type distance measuring sensor is used as the foot detection unit 71, the detection range 710 expands in the direction perpendicular to the detection axis 71E with respect to the detection axis 71E as the detection range 710 moves away from the foot detection unit 71. In the above case, the range of the detection range 710 is determined depending on the light distribution characteristics of the distance measuring sensor of the foot detection unit 71, as well as the mounting angle and mounting height of the foot detection unit 71. Here, for example, the mounting angle of the foot detection unit 71 that determines the left-right range of the detection range 710 is the angle formed at the intersection of the detection axis 71E of the foot detection unit 71 and the front-back direction. The mounting angle of the foot detection unit 71 that determines the front-back range of the detection range 710 is the angle formed at the intersection of the detection axis 71E of the foot detection unit 71 and the up-down direction. The mounting height of the foot detection unit 71 is the height from the floor surface F to the foot detection unit 71. The foot detection unit 71 may be configured to expand the detection range 710 in the left-right and front-back directions using a lens not shown.

The detection range 710 may include the area between the left and right ends, and may include an area outside the area between the left and right ends. However, it is preferable that the detection range 710 is the area between the left and right ends, that is, the area that includes only the area between the left and right ends.

As shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that the detection range 710 is at least a predetermined distance D1 away from the tip of the toilet lid 3 in a plan view. This prevents the foot detection unit 71 from detecting the user's feet if the user is close enough to interfere with the toilet lid 3 when it is opened, thereby preventing the toilet lid 3 from opening and interfering with the user. The predetermined distance D1 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 50 mm to 70 mm.

As shown in FIG. 5, the detection range 710 is preferably a range of a predetermined height D2 or more from the floor surface F of the toilet room. This allows the foot detection unit 71 to detect the user's feet. In contrast, it is difficult to detect items such as rugs and footwear present on the floor surface F of the toilet room. This prevents the foot detection unit 71 from erroneously detecting the above items as the user's feet. The predetermined height D2 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 10 mm to 80 mm. For example, when an analog output distance measuring sensor is used as the foot detection unit 71, the closer the user's feet are to the foot detection unit 71, the higher the detection voltage output by the foot detection unit 71 becomes. In this case, the range setting of the detection range 710 by the above D1 and D2 can be performed by setting a threshold value for the detection voltage output by the foot detection unit 71.

The LED 72 as a display means is a light emitting device capable of emitting light in any color. The LED 72 forms a display visible to the user in a display range 720 centered on the optical axis 72E of the LED 72, for example, by illuminating the floor surface F of the toilet room with any color. The display range 720 indicates the detection range 710, and serves as a target for the user to position their feet so that the control unit 6 can control the opening of the toilet lid 3. However, the display range 720 and the detection range 710 do not have to be the same range.

The display range 720 of the LED 72 expands in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the LED 72 as it moves away from the LED 72. In this case, the range of the display range 720 is determined by the light distribution characteristics of the LED 72, as well as the mounting angle and mounting height of the LED 72. Here, for example, the mounting angle of the LED 72 that determines the left-right range of the display range 720 is the angle formed at the intersection of the optical axis 72E of the LED 72 and the front-back direction. The mounting angle of the LED 72 that determines the front-back range of the display range 720 is the angle formed at the intersection of the optical axis 72E of the LED 72 and the up-down direction. The mounting height of the LED 72 is the height from the floor surface F to the LED 72. The LED 72 may be configured to expand the display range 720 in the left-right and front-back directions using a lens not shown.

By using a light irradiation device such as an LED 72 as the display means, the display range 720 can be a three-dimensional range as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, when an item such as a rug is placed on the floor surface F, a display can be formed on the upper surface of the item present within the display range 720. When an item such as a rug is placed on the floor surface F, the upper surface of the item may be regarded as the floor surface F. Therefore, even if the condition of the floor surface F changes, the display can be formed, and the display will not become invisible due to dirt or the like. The light irradiation device is not limited to an LED, and may be another light irradiation device such as a laser light irradiation device. In addition to the above light irradiation device, the display means may be a display object such as a sheet or sticker that forms a display directly on the floor surface F. In this case, the display range 720 becomes a two-dimensional range with the center of the sheet or sticker on the floor surface F as the center point of the display range 720.

As shown in FIG. 5, the detection axis 71E is located forward of the display range 720 on the toilet body 2. Forward means forward of the toilet body 2 on the same horizontal plane, such as the floor surface F. For example, the intersection 71C between the detection axis 71E and the floor surface F is located forward of the area where the display range 720 and the floor surface F overlap.

It is preferable that the detection range 710 and the display range 720 overlap at least partially. This allows the control unit 6 to more reliably control the opening of the toilet lid 3 when the user places their foot on the display formed in the display range 720.

The sensor holder 73 holds the foot detection unit 71 and the LED 72 at different angles relative to the floor surface F of the toilet room. The sensor holder 73 is integrally formed with two rectangular tubular parts arranged side by side in the width direction at different angles relative to the floor surface F of the toilet room. The sensor holder 73 holds the foot detection unit 71 and the LED 72 so that, for example, the angle of the foot detection unit 71 relative to the floor surface F is smaller than the angle of the LED 72 relative to the floor surface F. This allows the detection axis 71E to be positioned further forward on the toilet body 2 than the display range 720. The sensor holder 73 may be capable of changing the angle at which it holds the foot detection unit 71 and the LED 72.

The toilet device 1 according to the above embodiment has the following effects. The toilet device 1 has a detection direction of the foot detection unit 71 in a direction toward the front of the toilet body 2 and toward the floor surface F, a detection range 710 of the foot detection unit 71 that includes the area between the left and right ends of the toilet body 2 in a plan view, and a control unit 6 that controls the opening of the toilet lid 3 based on the detection result of the foot detection unit 71. By setting the detection direction and detection range 710 of the foot detection unit 71 as described above, people passing by the side of the toilet device 1 are not detected, and only users who intentionally approach the toilet device 1 from the front are reliably detected. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of the foot detection unit 71 and improve the usability of the toilet device 1.

The toilet device 1 has an LED 72 as a display means for forming a display showing the detection range 710 of the foot detection unit 71, the foot detection unit 71 being an optical sensor, and the detection axis 71E of the foot detection unit 71 being located forward of the display range 720 on the toilet body 2. By positioning the detection axis 71E forward of the display range 720 on the toilet body 2, when a user positions part of their foot, such as their toes, in the display range 720, there is a high possibility that part of the user's foot will also be located within the detection range 710. Therefore, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy when a user approaches the toilet device 1 and places their foot aiming at the display formed in the display range 720, and to improve the usability of the toilet device 1.

The detection range 710 of the foot detection unit 71 and the display range 720 are at least partially overlapped. When a user places their foot on the display formed in the display range 720, the detection range 710 and the display range 720 at least partially overlap, which can further improve the accuracy of detecting the user's feet. This can further improve the usability of the toilet device 1.

The foot detection unit 71 and the LED 72 as a display unit are integrated into a module 7. As a result, the positional deviation between the detection range 710 and the display range 720 can be reduced, and the positions of the detection range 710 and the display range 720 can be easily adjusted.

The toilet device 1 is configured with the foot detection unit 71 positioned in the center of the width of the toilet body 2. As a result, the detection range 710 can be easily adjusted to include the areas between the left and right ends.

The detection range 710 of the foot detection unit 71 is the range between the left and right ends of the toilet body 2 in a plan view. As a result, the foot detection unit 71 can detect the user's feet even when the side of the toilet device 1 is close to the wall of the toilet room, or when the side of the toilet device 1 is attached to the wall. This allows for greater freedom in installing the toilet device 1.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. are included in the present disclosure. In the above embodiment, it has been described that it is preferable that the detection range 710 and the display range 720 overlap at least partially. The above is not limited to the above. The detection range 710 and the display range 720 may be non-overlapping, separated ranges. For example, the detection axis 71E and the display range 720 may be separated by a predetermined length of 140 mm or less on the same horizontal plane such as the floor surface F. The above length corresponds to the average length of the instep of the user. Therefore, with the above configuration, when the user places his or her foot on the display as a target, the foot detection unit 71 detects a position at a height equal to or higher than the user's ankle. Therefore, even if the predetermined height D2 of the detection range 710 is set high, the user's foot can be detected, and since objects present on the floor surface F are difficult to detect, the effect of preventing erroneous detection can be enhanced.

In the above embodiment, the detection range 710 and the display range 720 have a long range in the left-right direction in FIG. 4. This is not limited to the above. The detection range 710 and the display range 720 may be a long range in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the detection range 710 and the display range 720 may be a range that is approximately equal in length in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

In the above embodiment, the detection direction of the foot detection unit 71 has been described as a direction toward the front of the toilet body 2 and toward the floor surface F. This is not limited to the above. The detection direction of the foot detection unit 71 is not limited to the front of the toilet body 2, and may be only the direction from the foot detection unit 71 toward the floor surface F.

In the above embodiment, the sensor holder 73 has been described as holding the foot detection unit 71 and the LED 72 in a state where they are arranged side by side in the width direction. This is not limited to the above. The sensor holder 73 may hold the foot detection unit 71 and the LED 72 in a state where they are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. This makes it easy to adjust the detection range 710 and the display range 720 so that they are spaced apart and do not overlap.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 6 has been described as controlling the toilet lid 3 to open when the foot detection unit 71 described below detects a detection target such as the user's feet. This is not limited to the above. If the foot detection unit 71 detects the user's feet and then the user's feet are no longer detected, the control unit 6 may control the toilet lid 3 to close. Furthermore, in addition to the toilet lid 3, the control unit 6 may also control the toilet seat 31 to open and close.

1 Toilet device, 2 Toilet body, 3 Toilet cover, 6 Control unit, 7 Module, 71 Foot detection unit, 71E Detection axis, 710 Detection range, 72 LED device (display means), 720 Display range, L1 Left end extension line, L2 Right end extension line

Claims (7)

The toilet has a toilet body, a toilet lid, and a foot detection unit,
The detection direction of the foot detection unit is a direction toward a floor surface,
a detection range of the foot detection unit includes an area between the left and right ends of the toilet body in a plan view,
A control unit controls the opening and closing of the toilet lid based on the detection result by the foot detection unit,
a display means for displaying a detection range of the foot detection unit on a floor surface,
A toilet apparatus, wherein the detection range of the foot detection unit and the display range in which the display is formed are ranges shifted in a predetermined direction on the same horizontal plane. The toilet has a wall-mounted toilet body, a toilet lid, and a foot detection unit,
The detection direction of the foot detection unit is a direction toward a floor surface,
a detection range of the foot detection unit includes an area between the left and right ends of the toilet body in a plan view,
A control unit controls the opening and closing of the toilet lid based on the detection result by the foot detection unit,
The foot detection unit is disposed between the bottom surface of the toilet body and a floor surface ,
The foot detection unit is disposed in a recess formed in the underside of the toilet body . a display means for displaying a detection range of the foot detection unit on a floor surface,
3. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an intersection between the detection axis of the foot detection unit and a floor surface is located forward of the toilet body relative to a center point of a display range in which the display is formed. The toilet device according to claim 3, wherein the detection range of the foot detection unit at least partially overlaps with the display range. The toilet device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the display means is an LED device, and the foot detection unit and the LED device are an integrated module. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the foot detection unit is located in the center of the width of the toilet body. The toilet device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detection range of the foot detection unit is the range between the left and right ends of the toilet body in a plan view.

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