JP2025133473A - Toilet bowl and toilet seat devices - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a toilet bowl device and a toilet seat device which reduce the discomfort felt by a user by the cleaning sound during cleaning when a cleaning command is given.SOLUTION: When a flushing command is given, regardless of whether a toilet lid 100 is open or closed, a control unit 200 starts a timer for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, starts flushing by a toilet bowl flushing unit 210, and if the toilet lid 100 is open when a flushing command is given, starts a toilet lid driving unit 203 to close the toilet lid 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

This disclosure relates to a toilet bowl apparatus having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit, and a toilet seat apparatus having a toilet lid and a toilet lid drive unit that is attached to a toilet bowl body and used.

In recent years, in order to prevent the spread of contaminants contained in excrement when flushing the toilet bowl, it has become recommended to flush the bowl with the toilet lid closed after defecating, in order to prevent droplets containing contaminants contained in the stool from scattering outside the bowl.

Patent Document 1 discloses a device that, if a flushing command is received and the toilet lid is open, first electrically closes the toilet lid using a toilet lid drive unit, and then flushes the bowl.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-029556

However, with toilet devices such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, flushing begins immediately if the toilet lid is closed when a flush command is issued. This means that users must listen to the loud flushing noise near the toilet body, which can be unpleasant for users.

In light of the above issues, the present disclosure aims to provide a toilet device that reduces the discomfort felt by users due to the flushing sound during flushing.

To achieve the above objectives, the toilet device disclosed herein comprises a bowl, a toilet flushing unit that supplies flushing water to the bowl to flush the inside of the bowl, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open/close detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is open or closed, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flush command means that outputs a flush command to the toilet flushing unit, a timing unit, and a control unit; when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, flushing by the toilet flushing unit begins; and if the toilet lid is open when the flush command is issued, the control unit initiates the toilet lid closing operation by the toilet lid drive unit.

The toilet seat device disclosed herein also includes a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open/close detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is open or closed, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a bowl flush command means that receives flush commands for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat-side control unit.When a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and a flush command is output to the toilet body when the predetermined time has elapsed.If the toilet lid is open when the toilet seat-side control unit receives the flush command, the toilet lid drive unit will initiate the toilet lid closing operation.

When the toilet bowl device or toilet seat device of the present disclosure receives a flushing command, a timer is started for a predetermined time, and flushing begins after the predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed. This allows the user to leave the toilet room between the time the toilet bowl device or toilet seat device receives the flushing command and the time flushing begins, making it possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user by the flushing noise.

1 is a basic block diagram of a toilet apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1A is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet device, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view showing the interior of another example of a toilet device. 2 is a flowchart showing a basic operation according to one embodiment of the toilet apparatus of FIG. 1 . 10 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of another aspect of the toilet device. 1A is a basic block diagram of a toilet device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure and a toilet device used therein, and FIG. 1B is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet device.

Embodiments of the toilet bowl apparatus 1, 3 and toilet seat apparatus 30 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that all of the embodiments disclosed below are merely examples, and no limitations are intended to be placed on the toilet bowl apparatus 1, 3 and toilet seat apparatus 30 according to the present disclosure.

Furthermore, in the embodiments disclosed below, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of matters that are already well known or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily lengthy explanations and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

The toilet devices 1 and 3 described below are designed to flush the bowl 102 with the toilet lid 100, 300 closed, in order to prevent the spread of contaminants contained in excrement. Therefore, if the toilet lid 100, 300 is not closed when a flushing command is issued, the toilet lid 100, 300 will be automatically and electrically closed before flushing to close the toilet lid 100, 300.

(Overall explanation)
First, an overview of the toilet device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. This toilet device 1 is a device having the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, and is capable of selectively performing a plurality of basic operations shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 1 is a basic block diagram showing a toilet apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2(a) is a schematic side view showing the interior of the toilet apparatus 1, and (b) is a schematic side view showing the interior of another example of a toilet apparatus 1. Note that Figures 2(a) and (b) show the interior of two toilet apparatus 1 configurations with different flushing methods (structures), and either method is acceptable.

The toilet device 1 comprises a bowl section 102, a toilet flushing section 110 that supplies flushing water to the bowl section 102 to flush the inside of the bowl section 102, a toilet lid 100, a toilet lid open/close detection section 202 that detects whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed, and a toilet lid drive section 203 that opens and closes the toilet lid 100. The toilet device 1 also comprises a flush instruction means that outputs flush instructions to the toilet flushing section 110, a timing section 201, and a control section 200. The flush instruction means here can be one that is triggered by the user's flushing operation or one that is automatic based on the user's actions, and details of this will be provided later.

The toilet device 1 is configured to start a timer for a predetermined time when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, and to start flushing after the predetermined time has elapsed. Also, when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, if the toilet lid 100 is open, the toilet lid drive unit 203 starts the toilet lid closing operation.
There are several basic operations.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, it starts a timer for the same predetermined time whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed, and causes the toilet bowl flushing unit 210 to begin flushing once the predetermined time has elapsed. Also, if the toilet lid 100 is open when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, it causes the toilet lid drive unit 203 to begin closing the toilet lid 100. In either case, if the toilet lid 100 is closed when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, or if the toilet lid 100 is open and the lid is detected as closed before the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 200 will not immediately begin flushing, but will only begin flushing once the predetermined time has elapsed.

In the example shown in Figure 4, when the control unit 200 receives a flushing command, it starts a timer with a different predetermined time depending on whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed, and causes the toilet flushing unit 210 to start flushing after the predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, it causes the toilet lid drive unit 203 to start closing the toilet lid 100.

By performing any of the above operations, the user can leave the toilet room between the time the toilet device 1 receives a flush command and the time the flush begins, reducing the discomfort felt by the flushing sound to the user.

The toilet device 1 is a seat-type Western-style toilet device that is fixed to the floor or wall within the toilet space. The main body of this toilet device 1 is constructed so that the bowl portion 102, which opens upward, is surrounded by a skirt portion 103. The upper surface of the bowl portion 102 is equipped with a toilet lid 100 and toilet seat 101, which can be freely inverted relative to the opening. The toilet lid 100 and toilet seat 101 also have the same rotation axis.

The interior space of the skirt portion 103 is equipped with a trap portion 104 and a drain port 105 for discharging wastewater from the bowl portion 102. Furthermore, cleaning water passes through a cleaning water supply passage 107 in the interior space of the skirt portion 103 and is supplied to the bowl portion 102 from a water supply port 108.

The water supply mechanism includes a water inlet 108, a flushing water supply path 107 that supplies flushing water from a water pipe (not shown) into the bowl portion 102 through the water inlet 108, and a water supply valve 106 located midway along the flushing water supply path 107 that supplies or cuts off the water supply to the bowl portion 102.

As shown in Figure 2(a), the drainage mechanism consists of a cylindrical, curved trap section 104 that extends rearward from the bottom of the bowl section 102 and is connected to a drain outlet 105. Wastewater accumulated in the bowl section passes through the trap section 104 and is drained from the drain outlet 105. Drainage mechanisms of this type include siphon, siphon jet, and siphon vortex types, and the siphon action is used to create a drained or sealed state.

The drainage mechanism is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2(a), but may also be configured as a movable trap unit 109 as shown in Figure 2(b). The movable trap unit 109 is rotated vertically by a drive unit to form a water-sealing state or a draining state. Figure 2(b) shows the movable trap unit 109 when forming a water-sealing state, and the draining state is formed by rotating the free end of the movable trap unit 109 toward the drain port 105. The movable trap unit 109 is surrounded by a trap case (not shown) to prevent sewage and odors from leaking to the outside.

Furthermore, the toilet device 1 may have a drainage mechanism that is neither siphon type nor movable type, such as a wash-down type drainage mechanism.

The toilet device 1 shown in Figure 2 is a tankless toilet that does not have a flush tank (low tank) and is directly connected to the water supply, but it may also be a device that has a faucet tank.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 1, the toilet device 1 is equipped with a toilet lid open/close detection unit 202, a toilet lid drive unit 203, and a toilet lid operation unit 204 that receives open/close instructions from the user to the toilet lid drive unit 203. The toilet device 1 also is equipped with a toilet seat 101, a toilet seat open/close detection unit 205 that detects whether the toilet seat 101 is open or closed, and a toilet seat drive unit 206 that opens and closes the toilet seat.

The seating detection unit 208 may be, for example, a load sensor built into the toilet seat 101 that detects sitting/leaving, or an infrared sensor that detects sitting/leaving from near the rotation axis of the toilet seat 101. The toilet lid open/close detection unit 202 and toilet seat open/close detection unit 205 are configured to detect the open/close state based on the opening angle.

The toilet lid drive unit 203 and toilet seat drive unit 206 are each composed of a motor, etc. The toilet lid drive unit 203 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet lid 100 when instructed to do so by the toilet lid operation unit 204, and the toilet seat drive unit 206 electrically opens and closes (raises and lowers) the toilet seat 101 when instructed to do so by the toilet seat operation unit 207.

In this specification, the toilet lid 100 and toilet seat 101 are referred to as being in an open state when they are upright in a substantially vertical position, and as being in a closed state when they are tilted to a substantially horizontal position, substantially parallel to the opening of the bowl portion 102.

In the toilet device 1, if the toilet lid and toilet seat are both in the open position when an instruction to close the toilet lid 100 is given by the toilet lid operating unit 204 or the like, the toilet seat 101 will first begin its closing operation, and after it has closed (stopped in the closed position), the toilet lid 100 will begin its closing operation in conjunction with the closing operation of the toilet seat 101. However, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 does not necessarily have to begin after the toilet seat 101 has closed; the toilet lid 100 may begin its closing operation after the toilet seat 101 has started closing but before it has closed, so that it follows the toilet seat 101.

Furthermore, when an instruction to open the toilet seat 101 is given by the toilet seat operating unit 207 or the like, if the toilet seat 101 and toilet lid 100 are both in a closed state, the toilet lid 100 will first begin its opening operation, and after it stops opening (stops in the open state), the toilet seat 101 will begin its opening operation in conjunction with the opening operation of the toilet lid 100. However, the opening operation of the toilet seat 101 does not necessarily have to begin after the toilet lid 100 opens; the toilet seat 101 may begin its opening operation after the toilet lid 100 starts opening, but before it closes, so that the toilet seat 101 follows the toilet lid 100.

The toilet device 1 may also be configured with various functional devices, such as a deodorizing device that deodorizes the inside of the bowl portion 102, a heating device that warms the toilet seat 101, and a private parts cleansing device.

The toilet device 1 also has a flushing operation unit 209. The flushing operation unit 209 further has a defecation flush button 209a and a urination flush button 209b, and outputs these to the toilet flushing unit 210 via the control unit 200. The control unit 200 will be described in more detail below.

It is desirable that the cleaning operation unit 209 is also provided on either the main unit operation unit (not shown) or the remote control (not shown). These are also provided with operation switches and buttons that allow various operations and settings to be performed. It is preferable that the remote control is equipped with infrared communication. The remote control is also provided with a transmitter, and the main unit is provided with a receiver (not shown).

The function as the flush instruction means is not limited to the operation of the flush operation unit 209. For example, when the seat detection unit 208 detects a change from a seated state to an up-seated state, it acts as the flush instruction means. In other words, if a person stands up from the toilet seat 101 while seated, the operation will be changed to the flush button operation and an automatic flush will be performed.

Alternatively, instead of providing both the stool flush button 209a and the urination flush button 209b, a single flush button may be used to output a flush command. In this case, the amount of flush water supplied to the bowl portion 102 is not differentiated between a large volume for stool and a small volume for urination, but is limited to a single volume for stool. Alternatively, a single flush button may be used to output both a stool flush and a urination flush. For example, a single short press of the flush operation portion 209 will result in a urination flush, and a long press will result in a stool flush.

The toilet device 1 is equipped with a control unit 200 that controls the above-mentioned controlled objects (such as the water supply valve 106 of the toilet flushing unit 210, the toilet lid drive unit 203, and the toilet seat drive unit 206), while also receiving output signals from the flush operation unit 209, the toilet lid open/close detection unit 202, the toilet seat open/close detection unit 205, and the seat occupancy detection unit 208. This control unit 200 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or MPU, and various programs. The toilet device 1 further includes a timer unit 201 and a power supply unit (not shown).

The toilet device 1 also has a notification unit 211, which is composed of a speaker or other device that notifies the user of device abnormalities, status, and guidance using sound or voice synthesis. The notification unit 211 may also be configured with a display such as an LED instead of, or in addition to, a sound output device.

(Main part configuration)
Next, the basic operations of this toilet apparatus 1 will be explained based on the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4. All of these operations are performed by the control unit 200 when a flush command is issued by the flush command means.

The toilet device 1 may be configured to perform any of the operations shown in Figures 3 to 4 when a flush command is received, but the settings for the toilet device 1 may be changed so that any of the operations is performed. Furthermore, if a flush command is received from the flush operation unit 209 while the user is seated, the toilet device 1 will begin flushing at that point.

In the following explanation of operation, the open/closed state of the toilet lid 100 and the open/closed state of the toilet seat 101 are detected by the various detection units, but a description of the operation of these detection units will be omitted. Furthermore, the opening and closing operations of the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are performed by the various drive units, but a description of the operation of these drive units will be omitted.

First, the operation of Figure 3 will be explained following the flowchart shown in steps S100 to S113. Note that in the following explanation, the operational steps in Figure 3 will be abbreviated to "Sxxx" instead of "Step Sxxx", which is just the reference number.

When a cleaning instruction is received from the cleaning instruction means, the notification unit 211 notifies the user that the instruction has been received. The notification method is not specifically limited, but examples include an electronic beep sound or light emitted from the display (S100, S101).

Furthermore, immediately after the notification, a timer is started for a predetermined time (S102). This timer is designed to automatically start cleaning when the predetermined time has elapsed.

If the toilet lid 100 is closed after the timer is started, flushing will be performed after the specified time set by the timer has elapsed (N in S103, Y in S111, S112).

Furthermore, when a flush command is received and the timer is started for a predetermined time, if both the toilet lid 100 and toilet seat 101 are in the open position, the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 is initiated first (Y in S103, Y in S104). Next, after it is confirmed that the toilet seat 101 is closed without the timer running out, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 is initiated (N in S106, Y in S107, S108). Furthermore, the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 does not necessarily have to begin after the toilet seat 101 is closed; the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 may begin after the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 has begun, but before the toilet seat 101 is closed, so that the toilet lid 100 follows the toilet seat 101.

Even if the toilet lid 100 closes before the timer expires, flushing will not begin immediately. Instead, flushing will begin when the timer expires, which was started when the flush command was issued (N in S109, Y in S110, Y in S111, S112). If the toilet seat 101 or toilet lid 100 does not close before the timer expires due to some reason, such as an obstacle, flushing will also begin when the timer expires (Y in S106, S113 or Y in S109, S113).

Furthermore, if the toilet lid 100 is open and the toilet seat 101 is closed when a flushing command is received, the toilet lid 100 will immediately begin closing (Y in S103, N in S104, S108). After that, once the predetermined time on the activated timer has elapsed, flushing will begin (S113). Even if the toilet lid 100 has not closed by the time the predetermined time has elapsed, flushing will begin after the predetermined time has elapsed (Y in S109, S113).

In addition, in this toilet device 1, both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are opened and closed electrically. Therefore, as mentioned above, if the toilet lid 100 is opened in response to a flush command and the toilet seat 101 is opened in response to a close command, the toilet seat 101 must also be closed. Therefore, it is desirable to set the specified time to take into account the time required for both the toilet seat 101 closing operation and the toilet lid 100 closing operation. Specifically, the specified time for the activated timer is preferably 5 to 20 seconds. 5 to 15 seconds is more preferable. 5 to 10 seconds is even more preferable.

Although not shown in Figure 3, after the flushing in S112 or S113 is completed, the toilet lid 100 may be opened and then closed to enter a standby state (with the toilet lid 100 closed).

This is an operation performed so that the user can check for themselves whether any waste remains in the bowl portion 102 after cleaning. The user does not need to manually open the toilet lid 100 when checking the inside of the bowl portion 102 after cleaning.

Furthermore, the delay between when the toilet lid 100 is opened and when the closing operation begins is not limited to a fixed time, and other means may be used. For example, the toilet lid may return to the standby state when the motion sensor no longer detects a person. The user can also close the toilet lid using the toilet lid operating unit 204, so it is not necessary to automatically return to the standby state.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the timer was activated for the same time whether the toilet lid 100 was open or closed, but the timer may be activated for different times depending on whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed.

In this case, the operation of Figure 4 will be explained according to the flowchart (S200 to S214).

When a cleaning instruction is received from the cleaning instruction means, the notification unit 211 notifies the user that the instruction has been received. The notification method is not specifically limited, but examples include an electronic beep or a light emitted from the display (S200, S201).

If the toilet lid 100 is open when a flushing command is received from the flushing command means, timer #1 is activated (Y in S202, S203). On the other hand, if the toilet lid 100 is closed when a flushing command is received from the flushing command means, timer #2 is activated, and flushing begins when timer #2 times out (N in S202, S213, Y in S214, S212).

When a flush command is received, if the toilet lid 100 is open and timer #1 is started, and the toilet seat 101 is also open, the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 will be initiated first (Y in S202, S203, Y in S204, S205).

If the toilet seat 101 closes without timer #1 timing out, the toilet lid 100 then begins closing (N in S206, Y in S207, S208). Furthermore, the toilet lid 100 does not necessarily have to begin closing after the toilet seat 101 closes; the toilet lid 100 may begin closing after the toilet seat 101 begins closing, so that it follows the toilet seat 101, before the toilet seat closes.

Even if the toilet lid 100 is closed, flushing does not begin immediately; flushing begins when timer #1 times out (N in S209, Y in S210, Y in S211, S212). If the toilet seat 101 or toilet lid 100 does not close before the time is up due to some reason such as an obstacle, flushing will also begin when the time is up (Y in S206, S113 or Y in S209, S113). It is desirable that the time on timer #1 be longer than the time required for the toilet seat 101 and toilet lid 100 to start closing and close.

With this configuration, after receiving a flush command, flushing begins once the toilet lid 100 is closed, which helps prevent contaminants contained in the excrement in the bowl from scattering. The predetermined time for Timer #1 is preferably 5 to 20 seconds. 5 to 15 seconds is more preferable. 5 to 10 seconds is even more preferable. The predetermined time for Timer #2 is preferably 0.5 to 2 seconds. 0.5 to 1 second is even more preferable. 0.5 to 0.7 seconds is even more preferable.

As mentioned above, in both patterns shown in the flowcharts of Figures 3 and 4, the toilet device 1 generally starts flushing when the toilet lid 100 is closed. However, as an exception, flushing will occur before the toilet lid 100 or toilet seat 101 is closed if the timer expires before the toilet lid 100 is closed (Y in S106, Y in S109 in Figure 3, Y in S206, Y in S209 in Figure 4).

It is sufficient if either the operating mode shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 described above can be executed, and either one may be set using, for example, a setting operation unit (not shown).

As mentioned above, the toilet device 1 shown above is configured so that the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 begins once the closing operation of the toilet seat 101 is completed, but they may also operate simultaneously, or the closing operation of the toilet lid 100 may be performed with a slight delay after the closing operation of the toilet seat 101.

In addition, in the configuration shown in Figure 4, when a flushing command is received, the timer is activated for a different predetermined time depending on whether the toilet lid 100 is open or closed.

Furthermore, the timer may be configured to activate for different predetermined times in three different situations: when both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are open, when the toilet seat 101 is closed and only the toilet lid 100 is open, and when both the toilet seat 101 and the toilet lid 100 are closed. In this case, if the predetermined times for the timer to activate when both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are open, when only the toilet lid 100 is open, and when both the toilet lid 100 and the toilet seat 101 are closed are S1, S2, and S3, respectively, it is desirable that S1 ≧ S2 ≧ S3.

The toilet device 1 may also be configured so that the user can set the predetermined time for the timer to be activated in each case.

As described above, in both the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, when a flushing command is received, flushing does not begin immediately even if the toilet lid 100 is closed. Instead, a timer is started for a predetermined time, and flushing begins after the predetermined time has elapsed. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user by the flushing sound during flushing.

In addition, in the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4, flushing is performed when the timer for a predetermined time expires, even if the toilet lid 100 is not closed. However, the configuration may also be such that flushing is stopped if the toilet lid 100 is not closed when the timer expires. In this case, it is preferable to use a sound or other means to notify the user that flushing is not being performed.

Incidentally, the toilet device 1 may flush the toilet when the flushing operation unit 209 is operated during defecation or urination, or when the toilet seat 101 is left up, or it may be equipped with a timer flush function that automatically flushes the toilet at regular or irregular intervals, regardless of the timing of defecation or urination.

In this case, when the toilet device 1 receives a flush command using a timer flush, it is preferable that the timer be activated for a predetermined time, and that toilet flushing begin after the predetermined time has elapsed, as in the configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4. Also in this case, if the toilet lid 100 is open, it is preferable that the toilet lid drive unit 203 begin the closing operation. By configuring in this way, flushing begins with the toilet lid 100 reliably closed when a timer flush is performed, making it possible to prevent droplets of contaminants remaining in the water in the bowl unit 102 from scattering outside the toilet.

Furthermore, the toilet apparatus 1 is not limited to the above, and may be one in which the toilet lid 100 and toilet seat 101 are replaceable as a single unit. In particular, it may be a toilet apparatus 3 to which a toilet seat apparatus 30 as shown in Figure 5 has been added (or replaced). The basic configuration of a toilet apparatus 3 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 5(a) and (b).

In this embodiment, a movable trap is shown as an example in Figure 5(b), but it can also be used with toilets that have a siphon-type trap in the toilet body (see Figure 2(a)) or other types.

Specifically, the toilet seat device 30 is a separate unit that can be attached and detached to the toilet body (excluding the toilet device 1) of the toilet device 3. The toilet seat device 30 is equipped with a toilet lid 300, a toilet lid open/close detection unit 402, a toilet lid drive unit 403, a toilet lid operation unit 404, a toilet seat 301, a toilet seat open/close detection unit 405, a toilet seat drive unit 406, a toilet seat operation unit 407, a seat occupancy detection unit 411, a bowl flush operation unit 410, a toilet seat-side control unit 409, a timing unit 408, and an alarm unit 412. Electrical signals can be sent and received between the toilet seat device 30 and the toilet body.

The configuration of the toilet device 3 (toilet body) excluding the toilet seat device 30 is generally the same as that shown in Figure 1, so the same reference numerals are used and detailed explanations are omitted. The toilet seat device 30 also includes the toilet lid 300, toilet lid open/close detection unit 402, toilet lid drive unit 403, toilet lid operation unit 404, toilet seat 301, toilet seat open/close detection unit 405, toilet seat drive unit 406, toilet seat operation unit 407, and seating detection unit 411, which are generally the same as those shown in Figure 1, so explanations thereof are omitted.

The toilet seat device 30 in Figure 5 is configured so that a command to flush the bowl section 102 can be output from the toilet seat device 30 to the toilet flushing unit. Specifically, when a flushing command is received from the bowl flushing operation unit 410, the toilet seat side control unit 409 of the toilet seat device 30 receives this command and controls the toilet flushing unit via the toilet body side control unit 200 to flush the bowl section 102. Alternatively, the toilet seat side control unit 409 may be configured to directly control the toilet flushing unit 210.

As shown in Figure 5, the toilet device 3 is configured to include not only the bowl flush operation unit 410 on the toilet seat device 30 side, but also the flush operation unit 209 on the main body side. In other words, the toilet device shown in Figure 5 is configured so that flush commands can be issued using either the flush operation unit 209 or the bowl flush operation unit 410. It is also possible to configure the device so that flush commands can be issued only using the bowl flush operation unit 410, without providing the flush operation unit 209 on the main body side.

It is desirable that the bowl flush operation unit 410 also has a stool flush button and a urination flush button. As with the toilet device 1, it is also possible to have a configuration in which a single flush button outputs a flush command, rather than providing both a stool flush button and a urination flush button. In this case, the amount of flush water supplied to the bowl portion 102 is limited to only one type: large volume for stool, without any distinction between large volume for stool and small volume for urination.

Alternatively, a single flush button may be configured to output both a stool flush and a urination flush. For example, a single short press of the bowl flush operation unit 410 will output a urination flush, and a longer press will output a stool flush.

Operation of the bowl flush operating unit 410 acts as a bowl flush instruction means, but a change in state from seated to up, detected by the seat detection unit 411, also acts as a bowl flush instruction means. In other words, if a person stands up from the toilet seat 301 while seated, an automatic flush is performed instead of operating the flush button.

Like the toilet apparatus 1 in Figure 1, this toilet apparatus 3 is capable of operating as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In other words, when the toilet flushing unit 210 receives a flushing command from the bowl flushing command means (bowl flushing operation unit 410), it starts a timer for a predetermined time, and begins flushing when the timer expires. If the toilet lid 300 is open when a flushing command is received from the bowl flushing command means (bowl flushing operation unit 410), the toilet lid 300 begins closing.

As described above, the toilet seat device 30 comprises the toilet seat 301, the toilet lid 300, a toilet lid open/close detection unit 402 that detects whether the toilet lid 300 is open or closed, and a toilet lid drive unit 403 that opens and closes the toilet lid 300. The toilet seat device 30 is also a device that can be attached to the toilet body, and is equipped with a bowl flush command means that receives flush commands for the toilet body, a timing unit 408, and a toilet seat-side control unit 409. When a flush command is received from the bowl flush command means, the toilet seat-side control unit 409 starts a timer for a predetermined time, and outputs a flush command to the toilet body when the timer is up. If the toilet lid 300 is open when a flush command is received from the bowl flush command means, the toilet lid drive unit 403 will begin closing the toilet lid 300.

When the toilet seat-side control unit 409 receives a flush command, the timer that starts for the specified time is the same whether the toilet lid 300 is open or closed, and outputs a flush command to the toilet bowl body when the timer expires. In other words, this operation corresponds to that shown in Figure 3.

Furthermore, when the toilet seat-side control unit 409 receives a flush command, it activates a timer with a different predetermined time depending on whether the toilet lid 300 is closed or open, and outputs a flush command to the toilet body after the predetermined time has elapsed. In this case, it is preferable that the timer with a longer predetermined time be activated when the toilet lid 300 is open than when the toilet lid 300 is closed. In other words, this operation corresponds to that shown in Figure 4.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the toilet seat device 30 be configured to perform the same operation as that performed in response to a flush command from the bowl flush operation unit 410 when it receives a flush command from the flush operation unit 209 of the toilet body instead of a flush command from the bowl flush operation unit 410.

Timer processing in the toilet device 3 can be performed by the timing unit 408 of the toilet seat device 30, but the timing unit 201 of the toilet body may also be used. Furthermore, various notifications can be performed by the notification unit 412 of the toilet seat device 30, but the notification unit 211 of the toilet body may also be used.

Furthermore, in the toilet apparatus 3, as in the toilet apparatus 1, the predetermined time of the timer that is activated may be different depending on whether the toilet lid 300 and toilet seat 301 are both open, only the toilet lid 300 is open, or both the toilet lid 300 and toilet seat 301 are closed. It is preferable that the relationship between the length of the predetermined time of the timer in each case be the same as in the toilet apparatus 1.

The system may also be configured so that the user can set the predetermined time for the timer to start in each case.

Furthermore, similar to the toilet device 1, if the toilet lid 300 is not closed when the timer reaches a predetermined time, the flushing operation may be stopped. In this case, it is preferable to have a sound or other sound be emitted to indicate that flushing is not being performed.

The toilet device 3 can also be equipped with a timer flush function, and preferably has a configuration in which, like the toilet device 1, a timer is started at a predetermined time and toilet flushing begins after the predetermined time has elapsed. With this configuration, even when a timer flush is performed, flushing begins with the toilet lid 100 reliably closed, making it possible to prevent droplets of contaminants remaining in the water in the bowl portion 102 from scattering outside the toilet.

Note that the toilet seat device 30 is not limited to the one shown in Figure 5. For example, the toilet seat device 30 may be configured to include a private parts cleansing device, or may be configured to include a toilet seat operating unit (not shown) that can be used to operate and set various functions (for example, the private parts cleansing device).

<Additional Notes>
The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.
<Technology 1>
A toilet device comprising a bowl section, a toilet flushing section that supplies flushing water to the bowl section to flush the inside of the bowl section, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open/close detection section that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive section that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flushing instruction means that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing section, a timing section, and a control section; when a flushing instruction is given by the flushing instruction means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, flushing by the toilet flushing section begins; and if the toilet lid is open when the flushing instruction is given, the control section starts the toilet lid drive section to close the toilet lid.
<Technology 2>
The toilet device described in Technology 1, wherein when a flushing instruction is given by the flushing instruction means, the timer starts for the same time whether the toilet lid is closed or open.
<Technology 3>
A toilet device as described in Technology 1 or 2, wherein when a flushing instruction is given by the flushing instruction means, the time of the timer that starts when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the time of the timer that starts when the toilet lid is open.
<Technology 4>
The toilet device according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, further comprising an operating unit that outputs flushing instructions to the toilet flushing unit.
<Technology 5>
A toilet device according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, wherein when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, if the toilet lid is closed, the time of the timer that is activated is 0.5 to 2 seconds.
<Technology 6>
A toilet apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein when a flush command is issued by the flush command means and the toilet lid is open, the timer that is activated has a time of 5 to 20 seconds.
<Technology 7>
Further provided with a notification unit,
The toilet apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 6, wherein the notification unit issues a notification between the time when the flush instruction means issues a flush instruction and the time when the flush unit starts flushing.

<Technology 8>
A toilet seat device comprising a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open/close detection unit that detects whether the toilet lid is open or closed, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a bowl flush instruction means that receives flush instructions for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit, wherein when a flush instruction is received from the bowl flush instruction means, the toilet seat side control unit starts a timer for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, a flush instruction is output to the toilet body, and if the toilet lid is open when the toilet seat side control unit receives the flush instruction, the toilet seat side control unit starts the toilet lid drive unit to close the toilet lid.
<Technology 9>
A toilet seat device as described in Technology 8, wherein when a cleaning command is issued by the bowl cleaning command means, the timer that is activated is the same whether the toilet lid is closed or open.
<Technology 10>
A toilet seat device as described in Technology 8, wherein when a cleaning command is issued by the bowl cleaning command means, the time of the timer that starts when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the time of the timer that starts when the toilet lid is open.
<Technology 11>
The toilet seat device described in Technology 9 or 10, wherein the toilet seat side control unit, even when receiving a cleaning command from the toilet body, performs the same operation as when a cleaning command is received from the bowl section cleaning command means.

1 Toilet device 3 Toilet device 100 Toilet lid 101 Toilet seat 102 Bowl section 103 Skirt section 104 Trap section 105 Drain port 106 Water supply valve 107 Flush water supply channel 108 Water supply port 109 Movable trap section 110 Toilet flushing section 200 Control section 201 Timing section 202 Toilet lid open/close detection section 203 Toilet lid drive section 204 Toilet lid operation section 205 Toilet seat open/close detection section 206 Toilet seat drive section 207 Toilet seat operation section 208 Sitting detection section 209 Flush operation section 209a Stool flush button 209b Urinary flush button 210 Toilet flushing section 211 Alarm section 300 Toilet lid 301 Toilet seat 402 Toilet lid open/close detection section 403 Toilet lid drive section 404 Toilet lid operation section 405 Toilet seat open/close detection section 406 Toilet seat driving unit 407, toilet seat operation unit 408, timing unit 409, toilet seat side control unit 410, bowl flush operation unit 411, seat detection unit 412, notification unit

Claims (11)

The toilet comprises a bowl section, a toilet flushing section that supplies flushing water to the bowl section to flush the inside of the bowl section, a toilet lid, a toilet lid opening/closing detection section that detects the opening/closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid driving section that opens and closes the toilet lid, a flushing instruction means that outputs a flushing instruction to the toilet flushing section, a timing section, and a control section,
When a flush command is issued by the flush command means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and flushing by the toilet bowl flushing unit is started when the predetermined time has elapsed.
The toilet apparatus is characterized in that, if the toilet lid is open when the flushing command is received, the control unit starts the toilet lid closing operation by the toilet lid drive unit. The toilet apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the timer starts for the same time whether the toilet lid is closed or open. The toilet apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the timer that starts when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the timer that starts when the toilet lid is open. The toilet device described in claim 1, characterized in that it is equipped with an operation unit that outputs flushing instructions to the toilet flushing unit. The toilet apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the flush command means, the timer that is activated if the toilet lid is closed is set to a time of 0.5 to 2 seconds. The toilet apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the flush command means and the toilet lid is open, the timer that is activated has a duration of 5 to 20 seconds. Further provided with a notification unit,
2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit issues a notification during the period from when the flush instruction means issues a flush command until when the flush unit starts flushing. The toilet comprises a toilet seat, a toilet lid, a toilet lid open/close detection unit that detects the opening and closing of the toilet lid, a toilet lid drive unit that opens and closes the toilet lid, a bowl flush command means that receives a flush command for the toilet body, a timing unit, and a toilet seat side control unit,
When a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means, a timer is started for a predetermined time regardless of whether the toilet lid is open or closed, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, a flush command is output to the toilet body,
The toilet seat device is characterized in that, if the toilet lid is open when the toilet seat side control unit receives the flushing command, the toilet lid drive unit starts the operation of closing the toilet lid. A toilet seat apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that the timer that is activated when a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means is the same whether the toilet lid is closed or open. The toilet seat apparatus of claim 8, characterized in that when a flush command is issued by the bowl flush command means, the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is closed is shorter than the timer that is activated when the toilet lid is open. The toilet seat device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, even when a flushing command is received from the toilet body, the toilet seat side control unit performs the same operation as when a flushing command is received from the bowl section flushing command means.