JP2000139775A - Toilet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reflect user's intention for saving by providing an estimate means for using a toilet, controlling the toilet seat surroundings and a control-setting manipulation means controlling the toilet seat surroundings at an arbitrary time, in accordance with use frequency of the toilet operated on the basis of a detecting means of use of toilet and a counting means. SOLUTION: This toilet device is provided with a means 10 for detecting use of a toilet and a means 11 for counting the using time zone to estimate the frequency of use by a means 12 for estimating use of the toilet inputting these output signals. Further, it is provided with a control-setting manipulation means 13 for setting the control of the toilet seat surroundings. The output signals is inputted in a control means 16 controlling the toilet seat surroundings together with the output signals of the estimation means 12 and a control quantity-control means 17 by which a user can arbitrarily set a setting quantity of the toilet seat surroundings. A toilet seat heater 20 and a hot water heater 21 generating hot water washing the private parts are controlled by the control signals obtained by the control means 16. In this way, a target temperature can be lowered to save electric power in the time zone where an estimated use frequency is small.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toilet apparatus for heating a toilet seat, washing and drying a human body part, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a seat switch for detecting seating on a toilet seat, a proximity sensor using infrared rays for detecting that a person has approached a toilet device, and an operation of a washing function of a human body local part are detected. Detecting the use of the toilet, heating the toilet seat, controlling the temperature of the washing water for cleaning the human body, and controlling the toilet seat environment such as the toilet indoor heating.

[0003] For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 60-173232, there is an apparatus that detects the operation time of a washing function of a human body part and predicts use of a toilet. The details found in the publication are as follows. In a toilet apparatus equipped with a heating element such as a heater for warming cleaning water of a human body part to a predetermined temperature or a heater for heating a toilet seat, an operation time of a cleaning function of a human body part is detected, and a frequency of use for each time zone is counted. By setting the amount of heat generated by the heat generating means for each time zone according to the frequency of different use, heat generation energy is saved.

Further, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-161572, use of a toilet is predicted using a human body detecting means such as an infrared sensor or a seat switch for detecting seating on a toilet seat. There is also a method of controlling the toilet seat environment.

As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-102615, the amount of heat generated by the heat generating means is controlled in accordance with the time of day when the sanitary washing device is used, and heat is generated by causing the heat generating means to generate heat while conforming to the actual use. Saving energy.

[0006]

In the prior art, the toilet seat environment is automatically controlled in accordance with the actual use of the toilet, and has the advantage that the user does not have to set the control time by himself. I have. However, if the toilet seat environment is automatically controlled, the user's will will not be reflected, and if the user wants to save energy for controlling the toilet seat environment regardless of the frequency of use of the toilet, it will not be controlled against the user's will. is there.

For example, in a toilet at home, the user wants to save heat during bedtime when the user does not use the toilet much. However, if the frequency of use of the toilet is automatically predicted, the user may use the toilet during that time. In addition, there are times when we do not save unexpected time and unexpectedly. Especially for toilets installed in public facilities and business establishments, the time when they will not be used is often determined in advance, and if the frequency of use of toilets is automatically predicted, energy for controlling the toilet seat environment will be used at extra time. Not save enough.

[0008] Further, for example, a situation may occur in which the toilet is not used during a time when the user always uses the toilet for going out of the house. Therefore, during that time, the energy for the extra toilet seat environment is consumed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a toilet apparatus provided with means capable of reflecting a user's willingness to save, apart from predicting means for automatically controlling a toilet seat environment. .

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, a first technical means is a toilet device for detecting the use of a toilet with a toilet device provided with a toilet seat environment control means for controlling a toilet seat environment such as heating a toilet seat. Equipped with a use detecting means and a time measuring means for measuring a use time zone, and having a toilet use predicting means for controlling the toilet seat environment according to the toilet use frequency calculated based on the result of the toilet use detecting means and the time measuring means, The problem solving means is provided with a control setting operation means for allowing the user to control the toilet seat environment at an arbitrary time.

Further, the second technical means includes a toilet use prediction means switch for operating the toilet use prediction means,
A problem solving means is to provide a control setting operation means switch for operating the control setting means.

Further, the third technical means is provided with toilet use prediction notifying means for notifying the control status of the toilet use prediction means, and control setting operation notifying means for notifying the control status of the control setting operation means. It is a means to solve the problem.

[0013]

According to the first technical means, the user is provided with the control setting operation means arbitrarily set by the user separately from the toilet use prediction means for automatically controlling the toilet seat environment. And the toilet seat environment can be controlled irrespective of the frequency of use of the toilet, and a more convenient toilet device can be supplied to the user.

According to the second technical means, a toilet use predicting means switch for operating the toilet use predicting means and a control setting operating means switch for operating the control setting operating means are provided, so that the user can be operated. Depending on your preference, you can operate with either the automatic control method or the self-setting method, or both,
The toilet device according to claim 1 which is more convenient for the user can be supplied.

According to the third technical means, the toilet use prediction notifying means for notifying the control status of the toilet use predicting means and the control setting operation 0 notifying means for notifying the control status of the control setting operating means are provided. By doing so, the operation status of both means becomes clear, and the toilet apparatus according to claim 1 which is more convenient for the user can be supplied.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The configuration of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The toilet apparatus according to the present invention includes a toilet use detecting unit 10, a time measuring unit 11, a toilet use predicting unit 12 having a use data storage unit and a calculation unit for predicting the use frequency, and a control setting in which a user sets control of a toilet seat environment. Operating means 13,
Toilet use prediction means switch 1 to set whether to operate
4. Control setting operation means switch 15, control means 16 for controlling the toilet seat environment, control amount operation means 17 for allowing the user to arbitrarily set a set amount of the toilet seat environment, and the toilet seat is controlled by a heating wire which is the object of the toilet seat environment to be controlled. Toilet seat heater 20 to warm,
It is mainly constituted by a hot water heater 21 for generating hot water stored for cleaning a local part.

The toilet use detecting means 10 may be any of a seating sensor, a micro switch, a local cleaning function signal, and a toilet cleaning signal, and is used by storing their output signals. If the toilet use detecting means 10 is a seating sensor that optically detects seating on the toilet seat, the seating is detected, and a signal indicating that there is seating is output to the toilet use predicting means 12.
The signal is stored in the storage element of the non-volatile memory together with the timing means 11, and is read and calculated each time the use of the toilet is predicted.

The toilet use detecting means 10 may also use a micro switch for detecting a load on a human body as a signal using the toilet. Further, a signal output every time the switch is pressed from the switch for starting the local cleaning function can be used as a signal using the toilet. Further, it is also possible to use a signal output from a means (not shown) for detecting toilet flushing using a float switch, a flow sensor, or the like. It is possible to use the signal output by pressing the switch as a signal using the toilet.

The presence / absence of use of the toilet is used as use data for each time zone 30 divided into a predetermined time by the output from the timer means 11 and output from the toilet use detection means 10. Time zone 3
FIG. 2 shows an example of division into 0. In FIG. 2, each time is divided every 45 minutes, and if the use of the toilet is detected in each time zone 30 of 45 minutes, a signal indicating the use in the time zone 30 is stored in a storage element such as a nonvolatile memory for several days. Remember.

The toilet use predicting means 12 records the output results from the toilet use detecting means 10 and the clocking means 11 for the past several days in the storage element as prediction data, calculates using a prediction formula, calculates Predict the frequency of toilet use.

Subsequently, in the toilet use predicting means 12,
The number of uses in the past several days including a time zone close to a certain time zone 30 is introduced into an arithmetic expression for determining the use frequency, and the use frequency of each time zone is determined based on a threshold value. For example, two large and small threshold values are provided to determine three usage frequencies, and if the numerical value obtained by the arithmetic expression is equal to or larger than the larger threshold value, there is a high possibility of being used in that time zone. If the smaller threshold is not satisfied, it is predicted that the possibility of being used in that time zone is small. If it is between the two thresholds, it is predicted that the probability of being used during that time is medium.

Although one prediction formula is used to determine the frequency of use of the toilet, there is a method of using a plurality of formulas in order to enable a detailed determination of the frequency of use. For example, by using two arithmetic expressions that recognize a high frequency of use in a small time zone and an arithmetic expression that recognizes a low frequency of use in a large time zone, a time zone with a high frequency of use that concentrates on a short time is used. This is a method of discriminating between a time zone that is rarely used for a long time and a time zone that is used occasionally at other times.

The operation value is determined by a predetermined threshold value.
There is a method in which the threshold can be changed according to the number of times the toilet is used per day, so that the frequency of use of the toilet can be determined according to the state of use of the toilet. For example, in the case of a user who uses a small number of times per day, a method of reducing the threshold value and increasing the sensitivity of detecting a time zone to be used is used.

Next, a specific operation of the toilet use predicting means 12 will be described. FIG. 2 shows the number of divisions of the time zone. The presence / absence of toilet use detection is recorded as prediction data for each of the 45-minute time zones 30 obtained by dividing the day into 32, and the latest eight days are recorded. The prediction data is always recorded in the nonvolatile memory shown in FIG. 1 while the apparatus is operating.
If the initial value “0” is given to all time zones and if the output of toilet use detection is output in a certain time zone, “1” is output in that time zone
Enter However, the number of divisions is not limited to 32, and may be finer. The number of days is not limited to the last eight days.

Based on the time zone of the prediction data, the frequency of use in a certain time zone is predicted, and when determining the control state according to the frequency of use, the time zone in which the predicted data is recorded is expected. The control time zone for setting the usage frequency and the control state is shifted by half the time zone as shown in FIG.
The use frequency is predicted from the prediction data in one or more time zones to determine the control state. As a result, it is possible to absorb a slight time lag of the timekeeping means 11 that can occur.

The calculation method will be described with reference to FIG. For example, Equation 1 is used as an arithmetic expression. FIG. 4 illustrates the frequency of use in the third to seventh control time periods and the prediction data time period for determining the control state. For example, in order to determine the use frequency and the control state of the third control time period, the total of the third and fourth prediction data time periods is obtained. f (χ _m ) = Σχ _mn + Σχ _{m + 1.n} (Equation 1) m: Time zone number n: Elapsed days when data is input The threshold h for determining the frequency of use is predetermined. For example, the predetermined numerical value is given as follows. If f (χ _m ) ≧ h ₁ , it is a time zone in which the possibility of use is high. If f (χ _m ) <h ₂ , the time period is set to a time period of low availability. A portion that does not satisfy the above condition is determined to be a time zone of medium availability. However, h1 if> h2 larger threshold h ₁ = 4, the total time period of calculation data are recorded in the last 8 days 4 or more, that the time zone of 1.5 hours When it is used at least four times, it is determined that the possibility of use is high. On the other hand, if the smaller threshold value h ₂ = 2, it is determined that the usability is small when it is used once or not at all during the time period. If it is used twice or three times during the time period other than the above, it is determined that the use is possible.

When a plurality of arithmetic expressions are used, for example, when two arithmetic expressions are used, the expressions are as follows. _{f1 (χ m) = Σχ mn} + Σχ m + 1.n ( Equation _{2) f2 (χ m) =} Σχ m-1.n + Σχ mn + Σχ m + 1.n + Σχ m + 2.n ( Equation 3) m: Time zone n: The day f1 (χ _m ) where the data was input is an arithmetic expression for recognizing the time zone during which the toilet is used in a short time by reducing the time zone to be stored. _m ) indicates the degree of non-use during a long period of time, and is an arithmetic expression for recognizing a time zone in which the toilet is not frequently used and is almost unused. In the case of the embodiment, f2 (χ
_m ) is calculated from four time zones, but may be four or more time zones. In this case, since different arithmetic expressions are provided, the threshold value h for determining the use frequency is a predetermined threshold value determined in advance for each arithmetic expression. In the case of f1 (χ _m) ≧ h ₁ is a commonly used time zone. f2 (χ _m) <In the case of h _2, a time zone that is not almost used. A portion that does not satisfy the above condition is determined to be a time zone of medium availability.

When the threshold value can be changed according to the number of times of use per day, the number of times of use per day is obtained by, for example, obtaining an average value of the number of times of use for eight days. For example, if the number of times of use per day is 5 to 8 times on average, the threshold is decreased by one. When the number of times of use is less than five times on average, the threshold is lowered by two. When Equation 1 is used, if the smaller one of the plurality of thresholds for discriminating the low frequency of use can be changed, the determination can be made without excessively low use even in a home where the toilet is not used much. Will be possible. At the same time, the larger threshold value may be changed so that a large use frequency can be determined. Similarly, when using multiple arithmetic expressions, one or more threshold values can be changed,
It is possible to determine even the usage frequency is low.

As a simple method, the accumulated value of the calculated value f (χ), the number of time zones determined to be used frequently or the number of time zones determined to be used less frequently are regarded as the number of times of toilet use per day. The threshold can be changed.

The use prediction means 104 of this embodiment has been described on the assumption that the data for prediction is available for eight days.
The present embodiment can also be applied to a method from the first day until the prediction data is completed to the eighth day. In the method of the embodiment, the use frequency is not determined on the first day, but on the second and third days, a large use frequency and a use frequency are determined by using one arithmetic expression and one threshold, and the third day is used. The threshold of day 2 to be higher. After the fourth day, the frequency of use is also determined to be small using two threshold values, and the threshold value is increased as the number of elapsed days increases and the prediction data increases. Table 1 shows a specific example. Table 1 is an example in which the competition between the toilet seat temperature and the hot water temperature is controlled to be lower in a time zone in which the usage frequency is low.

In the predicted time zone, when the toilet use prediction means 12 switch is closed, a control amount is output to the control means 16 according to the predicted use frequency. In times of low usage, the target temperature is lowered to save energy for warming the toilet seat. For example, the toilet seat heater 20 is controlled with reference to a signal from the toilet seat thermistor such that the target temperature is 26 ° C. at which the toilet seat temperature does not feel cold, and the target temperature is 26 ° C. during a time when the usage frequency is low. In a time period when the frequency of use is high, the toilet seat heater 20 and the hot water heater are controlled by the control amount operation means 17 so as to reach the target temperature set by the user.

On the other hand, a control amount operating means 17 which allows the user to arbitrarily set the target temperature of the toilet seat heater 20 and the hot water heater 21 as the toilet seat environment is provided so as to output to the control means 16, and the toilet use predicting means is provided. When both the switch 14 and the control setting operation means switch 15 are open,
The toilet seat heater is energized with reference to signals from the toilet seat thermistor and the hot water thermistor so that the target temperature set by the control amount operating means 17 is attained.

The control setting operation means 13 operates the control means 16 so that the control time and control amount for the toilet seat heater 20 and the hot water heater 21 to be controlled can be arbitrarily set. Control setting operation means switch 1
5 is a toilet seat heater 2 with an arbitrarily set control time and control amount.
It is provided to activate the control of the heater 0 and the hot water heater 21. They have, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the control setting operation means 13
The control time can be set to an arbitrary time among 3, 6, and 9 hours. When the control setting operation means switch 15 is pressed, the toilet seat heater 20 and the hot water heater are set to a low temperature until a predetermined control time. The control operates so that Again, the control setting operation means switch 15
Pressing stops the control. The control time set by the control setting operation means 13 is displayed by LED or liquid crystal.

When the control amount is set, for example, the user can set the toilet seat temperature by setting a multi-stage option of no electricity, 26 ° C., 30 ° C., and a target temperature set by the user. The control according to the set control amount is performed within the control time. As a configuration, the control amount setting means is provided in FIG.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the toilet use frequency prediction means switch 14 and the control setting operation means switch 15
To provide a configuration as shown in FIG. By providing two switches, it is possible to set the switch according to the user's preference and control it at a desired time, or to control it automatically by predicting it. Either of the two means can be used, and the energy saved can be increased by using both means.

According to the third aspect of the invention, at least the control status by the toilet use frequency estimating means 14 and the control status by the setting control operating means 15 are notified. When the toilet use frequency estimating means 14 predicts a time zone in which the frequency of use of the toilet is small, and when the target temperature is controlled to be low, L indicating that the time zone is at the same time.
The notification is made using ED or electronic sound. Further, when the target temperature is controlled to a low temperature by the setting control operation means 15, it is simultaneously notified by an LED or an electronic sound indicating the time zone.

A specific example of the notification by the LED will be described with reference to FIG. A description will be given of a case where the toilet use frequency means 14 predicts the toilet use frequency in two stages of a time zone where the frequency is low and a time zone where the frequency is high. When the toilet usage frequency estimating means 14 predicts the time as a time zone during which the frequency of use of the toilet is small and the target temperature is controlled to be low, at the same time, the "predictive control operation" LED that indicates the time zone is turned on. Let it. Further, when the target temperature is controlled to be low by the setting control operation means 15, the LED of "during the setting control operation" indicating the time zone is simultaneously turned on. In a time zone in which neither control is received, the “operating” LED is turned on. The display means using LEDs may be a method of displaying characters by using liquid crystal instead of the lighting display of the pilot lamp method, or a backlight method of printing characters transparently and using LEDs to display characters.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a method of dividing a time zone.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a setting example of a prediction data time zone and a control time zone.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a calculation method;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a control setting operation means switch.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a control setting operation means switch and a toilet use prediction means switch.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a control setting operation notifying unit and a toilet use prediction notifying unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Toilet use detecting means, 11 ... Time measuring means, 12 ... Toilet use predicting means 13 ... Control setting operating means, 14 ... Toilet use predicting means switch, 15 ... Control setting operating means switch, 16 ... Control means, 17 ... Control amount Operating means, 18 ... Toilet use prediction notifying means 19 ... Control setting notifying means, 20 ... Toilet seat heater, 21 ... Hot water heater

[Table 1]

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A toilet apparatus comprising toilet seat control means for controlling a toilet seat environment such as toilet seat heating, comprising: toilet use detecting means for detecting use of a toilet; And toilet use prediction means for controlling the toilet seat environment in accordance with the toilet use frequency calculated based on the result of the timer means, and control setting operation means for the user to control the toilet seat environment at any time. A toilet device characterized by: 2. The toilet apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a toilet use prediction means switch for operating the toilet use prediction means and a control setting operation means switch for operating the control setting operation means. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a toilet use prediction notifying unit for notifying a control status of said toilet use prediction unit, and a control setting operation notifying unit for notifying a control status of said control setting operation unit. Toilet equipment.