JP2001212032A - Detector for toilet bowl user - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detector for toilet bowl users, which can be hidden out of toilet users' attention and securely detects a toilet user who stands at a appropriate position as a user and neglects people who are not users and users' baggage and so on. SOLUTION: An impulse radar which transmits and receives impulse electromagnetic waves is settles behind a toilet bowl, bathroom wall or something else which are made of ceramic, resin material or else. This detector transmits and receives impulse electromagnetic waves passing through the toilet or the room wall and so on toward users and from them.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toilet user detecting device suitable for, for example, a toilet having an automatic flushing facility. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a toilet user detection device capable of reliably detecting the presence of a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 19 and 20 show a user detecting device in a urinal for men using an infrared photoelectric sensor. In the same figure, a is an adult male in the standing position and urinating at the regular use position, b is a boy in the standing position and urinating in the same position, c is a male urinal mainly intended for adults,
d is the tile wall located behind urinal c, e is urinal c
An upper edge portion, f is a water supply pipe portion located above the urinal c,
g1, g2 and g3 are infrared photoelectric sensors, h
Is a drain pipe. The illustration of the water supply pipe is omitted.

[0003] As described above, in the conventional user detecting device for a urinal for men, the urinal upper edge e, the water supply pipe f, or the urinal upper edge located in front of the standing user a. The photoelectric sensors g1, g2, and g3 are embedded in any of the tile wall surfaces d slightly above the portion e.

The photoelectric sensors g1, g2, g3 are:
Each is accommodated in a predetermined space, and front windows i1 and i of the space are provided.
A visible light cut filter plate j (for example, a black plastic plate, a glass plate, or the like) is fitted into 2, i3.

[0005] The infrared rays emitted from the photoelectric sensors g1, g2, and g3 pass through the visible light cut filter plate j and irradiate the standing user (adult male a), and the reflection component of the infrared light passes through the visible light cut filter plate j. Transmitted through photoelectric sensors g1, g
2, returned to g3.

The light receiving output based on the reflection component is binarized by comparing it with a predetermined threshold value, thereby determining whether or not a user is at a regular use position. With this determination output, for example, the release of the cleaning water is controlled.

[0007]

However, in such a conventional user detecting device, the front windows i1, i
2. The presence of the visible light cut filter plate j fitted on the i3 makes it easy to determine the position of the photoelectric sensor. Therefore, the visible light cut filter plate j is often used due to mischief such as pressing gum or tobacco fire on the visible light cut filter plate j. It has been pointed out that it is impossible to do so.

In addition, since the directivity of the photoelectric sensor is increased because it is necessary to judge the presence or absence of a user based on weak infrared rays, the photoelectric sensor is designed especially for an adult male a as shown in FIG. Therefore, a problem that a short boy b may not be detected is pointed out.

The reason why the intensity of the infrared light is weak is to limit the detection distance to a short distance, and the directivity is increased by increasing the luminous flux density and wearing black clothing (absorbing the infrared light). This is for surely detecting the user.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to dispose a sensor at an optimum position from the viewpoint of a detection principle without a user's eyes. It is an object of the present invention to provide a user detecting device in a toilet that can perform the above-described operations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a user detecting device for a toilet which is made as insensitive as possible to something other than a human body such as baggage and a toilet lid.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is as follows.
An object of the present invention is to provide a user detection device for a toilet that can limit a detection area in terms of distance.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A user detecting device for a toilet according to the present invention conceals an impulse radar behind a wall surface of a room or a wall surface facing a user existing at a regular use position of the toilet, and While transmitting the impulse-shaped electromagnetic wave to the user by transmitting through the wall surface or the toilet wall surface, the reflected wave is transmitted through the same room wall or the toilet wall surface and received, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the user at the regular use position. Is what you do.

Here, "impulse radar" refers to, for example, U.S.A. S. MI disclosed in PAT 5,457,394
R (short for Micropower Impulse Radar) means impulse-like electromagnetic waves transmitted and received by the impulse radar can transmit ceramics, plastics, resins, etc., while containing a large amount of water from the human body. It has the property of being easily reflected.

"Toilet" means urinals for men, Japanese-style toilets,
It refers to various types of toilets including Western toilets, and as the material thereof, those capable of transmitting impulse-like electromagnetic waves, such as ceramics, plastics, and resins, are selected.

"Regular use position" means a position that is normally assumed to be present when a toilet user is actually using the toilet. The “room wall surface or toilet wall surface directed to the user” means a room wall surface or a toilet wall surface which is directed to the user and is relatively close to the user when the toilet user is at the regular use position. Here, “directed” includes both front facing and oblique facing.

"Behind the room wall or toilet wall"
It means a position on the back side of the room wall surface or the toilet wall surface as viewed from the user side. The “back side” here includes the case where the impulse radar is embedded in the room wall or the toilet wall itself.

"Concealment" refers to a state in which a user simply cannot see that an impulse radar is present behind a simple wall surface of a room or a toilet wall.

According to such a configuration, since the impulse radar can be transmitted and received to the toilet user while the impulse radar is concealed from the toilet user, mischief by the user can be prevented beforehand. Can be prevented. In addition, since the restriction of providing a transparent window on the front side of the sensor is released, the sensor (impulse radar) can be mounted at an optimal position (for example, behind a toilet wall) in terms of the detection principle. In addition, since the impulse radar can select and detect a human body containing a large amount of metal or moisture, the problem of being sensitive to something other than the human body, such as a user's luggage, as seen with conventional photoelectric sensors, has also been reduced. I do. Further, since it is not necessary to increase the directivity according to the color of the clothes of the user, the detection range is not narrowed thereby.

Preferably, in the present invention, means is provided for limiting the detection area of the impulse radar to a certain range including the normal use position of the toilet. Here, “limited to a certain range” means that it includes both a certain distance range and an angle range, for example, a urine receiving wall surface to which washing water or urine easily adheres, water stored in a toilet tank, It refers to a case where a range where a pedestrian or the like exists is set as a sensor dead zone. The sensor dead zone can be realized, for example, by comparing the required time of impulse transmission and reception with the required time corresponding to the dead zone.

According to such a configuration, in addition to the above-described functions and effects, the impulse radar can be made as insensitive as possible to washing water, urine, water stored in the toilet tank, indoor pedestrians, and the like.

By the way, the mounting position of the impulse radar and its detection area can take various forms according to the type of toilet.

In the case of urinals for men, the impulse radar is preferably hidden behind the urine receiving wall. Here, the “urinary receiving wall surface” refers to an upright toilet wall facing the user and receiving urination. In this case, the detection area of the impulse radar is preferably limited to a certain distance range including the regular use position of the user so as not to be sensitive to urine flowing on the urine receiving wall.

According to such a configuration, since the urine receiving wall usually faces the standing user in urine, the presence or absence of the user regardless of adults or children can be reliably determined on the principle of detection. There is an advantage that it can be detected. Moreover, since the impulse radar is used as the sensor, the human body passing behind the user can be ignored by the distance discriminating action, so that impulse-like electromagnetic waves of sufficient intensity are emitted in a relatively wide angle range. However, there is no possibility of malfunction, and from this point, there is an effect that both can be reliably detected regardless of the height difference between the adult and the child.

In the case of a Western-style toilet, the impulse radar is preferably hidden behind the inner wall surface of the toilet tub.
Generally, water is always stored in a Western-style toilet, so the detection area of the impulse radar includes the regular use position of the user so that it is not sensitive to stored water in the toilet tank or urine flowing on the inner wall of the toilet tank Preferably, it is limited to a certain range. In addition, in the case of a Western-style toilet, since users in both the standing position and the sitting position are assumed, the detection distance region will need to be set wide.

Since the impulse-shaped electromagnetic wave is insensitive to plastics and ceramics itself, there is no need to consider the opening / closing state of the lid of the toilet (this is a major problem in the case of an infrared photoelectric sensor). There is also an advantage that the degree of freedom of the mounting position of the sensor is high.

According to such a configuration, the presence or absence of the user can be reliably detected regardless of the standing position, the sitting position, and the opening / closing of the lid. There is little fear. In addition, since there is no window for transmitting the detection medium as in the case of the infrared sensor, there is an advantage that a feeling of anxiety is not given to a female user, especially when the user is looking through.

In the case of a Japanese toilet, the impulse radar is preferably hidden behind the inner wall surface of the toilet tub. Generally, water is always stored in Japanese style toilets,
The detection area of the impulse radar is preferably limited to a certain range including the regular use position of the user so as not to be sensitive to the stored water in the toilet tank or urine flowing on the inner wall surface of the toilet tank.
In addition, also in the case of a Japanese-style toilet, it is necessary to set a wide detection distance area because users in both a standing position and a sitting position are assumed.

A typical application of the apparatus for detecting the presence or absence of a user according to the present invention is control of discharge of washing water. In this case, since the device of the present invention has high detection accuracy and few malfunctions, the water saving effect can be enhanced while maintaining the cleaning performance.

Another application is a use time monitoring device. In this case, the effect is remarkable in Japanese style toilets and Western style toilets. Thereby, for example, even when the elderly person falls into a state where they cannot move while sitting on the toilet, the abnormality can be detected by the use time abnormality alarm based on the detection output of the impulse radar, and prompt response can be performed. Becomes possible.

[0031]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a first embodiment of the device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a first embodiment of the device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view of the first embodiment of the device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment is applied to a urinal 2 for a man installed along a wall 1 of a toilet. The room wall 1 is a so-called tile wall in which ceramic tiles that easily transmit impulse-like electromagnetic waves are attached to a base 4 made of concrete, mortar, or the like.

In this example, the toilet bowl 2 is a vertically elongated box-shaped body having an open front side and an upright urine receiving wall 2a for receiving urine, and a urine receiving wall 2a inside the box.
And a urine receiving tray 2b for receiving urine which has fallen and fallen down from below. The urine receiving wall 2a is the left and right side walls 2.
c, 2d and the top wall 2e, and the urine receiving tray 2b is a lower peripheral wall 2 protruding in a semicircle.
It is surrounded by f. In addition, 2 g is a drain groove, and illustration of a water supply pipe is omitted.

As a material of the toilet 2, ceramics, plastics, etc., which easily transmit impulse electromagnetic waves, are used.

In such a urinal for men, an impulse radar for detecting the presence or absence of a user is concealed behind the toilet 2 or the room wall 1 so that the user does not see the impulse radar. You.

FIG. 1 shows two arrangement examples for concealing the impulse radar at the same time. The impulse radar 3a is hidden behind the urine receiving wall 2a constituting the toilet bowl 2. Specifically, a void or a hole is made in the chamber wall 1 corresponding to the back side of the approximately central portion of the urine receiving wall 2a of the toilet bowl 2,
An impulse radar 3a is embedded in the inside so as to expose the wave transmitting / receiving surface. Therefore, the impulse radar 3a is completely hidden behind the urine receiving wall 2a, so that it is impossible for the user to know the existence of the impulse radar 3a, thereby avoiding the possibility of mischief.

The impulse radar 3b is completely buried and hidden inside the chamber wall 1 located slightly above the top wall 2e of the urinal 2. Specifically, similarly to the case described above, a vacant space or hole is provided in a corresponding portion of the room wall 1, in which the impulse radar 3b is mounted with the transmitting / receiving surface facing the user side, and the entrance thereof is connected. It is covered and covered by the tile 1a.
Therefore, as in the previous example, it is impossible for a user who is urinating to know the existence of the impulse radar 3b,
This also avoids the risk of mischief.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the state of the impulse electromagnetic waves emitted from the impulse radars 3a and 3b.

As is clear from the figure, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the impulse radar 3a passes through the urine receiving wall 2a,
A user urinating at a regular position (in this example, an adult male P1
As well as the boy P2). These people P
The electromagnetic waves reflected by P1 and P2 similarly pass through the urine receiving wall 2a and are returned to the impulse radar 3a.

The electromagnetic waves emitted from the impulse radar 3b pass through the tile 1a located on the surface of the room wall 1 and are emitted to the users P1 and P2. The electromagnetic waves reflected by these persons P1 and P2 similarly pass through the tile 1a and are returned to the impulse radar 3b.

As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the radiation angles of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the impulse radars 3a and 3b are wider than those of the infrared rays emitted from the conventional infrared sensor. Therefore, the impulse radar 3
In both positions a and 3b, both users P1 and P2 can be accurately detected regardless of the difference in height.

As described above, the impulse electromagnetic wave has a property of being selectively reflected by a human body or the like containing a large amount of water. From this, it is assumed that, during urination, the urine flowing through the urine receiving wall 2a is also reflected. On the other hand, the impulse-shaped electromagnetic wave has a long reach even with a small power, and is therefore expected to be reflected by persons passing behind the users P1 and P2.

For this reason, in the internal circuits of the impulse radars 3a and 3b, measures are taken so as not to be sensitive to urine flowing on the urine receiving wall and passers behind. These measures will be described in detail when describing the internal circuit configuration of the impulse radar.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the device of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the device of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second embodiment is applied to a Western style toilet. The Western toilet 5 is a popular type made of pottery and plastic, and is a toilet tub 5a.
And a toilet seat 5b placed on the upper edge of the toilet tub 5a, and a toilet lid 5c for opening and closing the upper opening of the toilet tub. still,
What is indicated by 5d in the figure is a water storage tank.

In such a Western style toilet, the impulse radar 6 is hidden behind the inner wall surface of the toilet tub. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the impulse radar 6 is attached to the outside of the bottom wall 5e constituting the inner wall of the toilet tub 5a in a supine posture. As described above, since the impulse radar is completely hidden by the inner wall surface of the toilet tub, it is impossible for the user to know the existence of the impulse radar, thereby avoiding the risk of mischief. Further, since there is no need to provide a detection medium transmission window as seen in an infrared sensor, there is also an advantage that a user, particularly a female user, does not have a feeling of anxiety as if he / she is looking through.

The impulse radar can be installed behind the wall surface of the water storage tank 5d or behind a tile wall (not shown). Even in this case, since the impulse radar can be completely hidden from the user, there is no danger of mischief.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the state of an impulse-like electromagnetic wave emitted from the impulse radar 6. As is clear from the figure, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the impulse radar 6 penetrates the toilet tank bottom wall surface 5e and is radiated diagonally upward from diagonally below and through the center of the toilet seat. Therefore, not only a user sitting on the toilet seat but also a user in urine in a standing posture can be irradiated with the impulse-shaped electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, the electromagnetic waves reflected by the sitting and standing users are transmitted through the bottom wall 5e of the toilet tank and returned to the impulse radar 6 located outside thereof in the same manner as described above.

As shown by reference numeral 5c 'in the figure, in the case of a Western-style toilet, it is assumed that the toilet lid 5c is closed, but the impulse-shaped electromagnetic wave is generated by the toilet lid made of pottery or plastic. Since 5c is transmitted, there is no possibility that the state in which the toilet lid 5c is closed is erroneously recognized as a user. In addition, since the internal circuit of the impulse radar is devised so as not to be sensitive to urine and water flowing on the inner wall surface of the toilet tank and stored water in the toilet tank, there is no risk of erroneous detection due to the sensitivity. Furthermore, since the impulse-shaped electromagnetic waves are insensitive to persons other than the human body such as baggage, there is little possibility of malfunction due to the impulsive electromagnetic waves.

In this example, since it is necessary to deal with both the sitting position and the standing position, it is often thought that the sensitive distance range must be widened. Since it is located in a private room, the far limit distance need not be considered so much.

Next, a third embodiment of the device of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the device of the present invention, FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view showing the third embodiment of the device of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an operation of the third embodiment (modification) of the present device. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the third embodiment is applied to a Japanese toilet. FIG. 5 shows a Japanese toilet 8 embedded in a tile floor 7. The Japanese style toilet 8 is a popular type made of pottery and plastic, and has a toilet tub flat portion 8a and a toilet pit drop portion 8b located at the front end thereof.
And a repellent cover 8c for covering the pit 8b.

In such a Japanese toilet, the impulse radar 9a is hidden behind the inner wall surface of the toilet tub. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the floor made of concrete or the like corresponding to the back side of the repellent cover 8c of the Japanese toilet 8 is provided with a void or a hole, and the impulse radar 9a is provided therein. Is mounted with the electromagnetic wave emission direction facing the user, and the entrance is completely closed by the splash repelling cover 8c constituting the inner wall surface of the toilet tub. For this reason, since the impulse radar 9a is completely hidden behind the inner wall of the toilet tub, it is impossible for the user to know its existence,
This can also avoid the risk of mischief. Further, since there is no need to provide a detection medium transmission window as seen in an infrared sensor, there is also an advantage that a user, particularly a female user, does not have a feeling of anxiety as if he / she is looking through.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the state of the impulse electromagnetic wave emitted from the impulse radar 9a.
As is clear from the figure, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the impulse radar 9a pass through the repelling cover 8c and are emitted obliquely upward from obliquely below. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate the impulse-like electromagnetic wave not only to the user who squats down on the toilet but also to a user who is urinating in a standing posture. On the other hand, the electromagnetic waves reflected by the user squatting on the toilet and the standing user are transmitted through the repelling cover 8e and returned to the impulse radar 9a located outside the same in the same manner as described above.

Also in this example, since the internal circuit of the impulse radar is devised so as not to be sensitive to urine and water flowing on the inner wall surface of the toilet tank and the water stored in the toilet tank drop hole 8b, it is possible to respond to them. There is no danger of erroneous detection due to this.

Further, since the impulse-like electromagnetic waves are insensitive to persons other than the human body such as baggage, even if the user brings baggage or the like into the toilet private room, there is little possibility that the impulse radar will respond to them. .

Even in this example, since it is necessary to cope with the user in both the crouched state and the standing position, it is often thought that the sensitive distance range must be widened. Since the toilet bowl is generally located in a private room, the far limit distance may not need to be considered much.

By the way, water is usually present in the toilet tub flat portion 8a, but when there is no water, as shown in FIG. 7, an impulse radar 9b is placed behind the toilet tub flat portion 8a. It can also be hidden.

Since a Japanese-style toilet user usually assumes a sitting posture straddling the toilet, the impulse radar 9b installed to face the toilet user can more reliably detect the user of the Japanese-style toilet. .

Next, an impulse radar that can be employed in the first to third embodiments will be described. "Impulse radar" refers to, for example, U.S.A. S. PAT5,457,394
(Impulse Radar Studfinder), which transmits and receives an impulse-like electromagnetic wave toward an inspection object and receives the reflected wave, and the reflection of the electromagnetic wave after the transmission and reception means transmits the electromagnetic wave. And a distance measuring unit that measures a distance to an inspection target based on a time until a wave is received.

Compared with the conventional CW (continuous wave) type and pulse type radar, the impulse radar has the following advantages. The configuration is simple because no modulation / demodulation circuit is required.
It is small, lightweight, low in power consumption and inexpensive. Since the transmission electromagnetic wave is in the form of an impulse, the transmission is completed in an extremely short time. Therefore, even if the inspection target is located at a short distance of 1 m or less and the reflected wave from the object returns immediately, it is separated from the transmitted wave. Can be extracted. That is, detection can be performed up to a very short distance.

FIG. 8 schematically shows the entire electrical hardware configuration of the impulse radar. As shown in FIG. 1, a transmitting unit 10 for transmitting an impulse of an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 1 GHz or more is provided to an impulse radar 100.
And a receiving unit 11 for receiving the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave, and a transmitting unit 10 for controlling the receiving unit 11 and receiving the reflected wave from the inspection object after the transmitting unit 10 transmits the impulse-shaped electromagnetic wave. The control unit 12 measures the time to amplitude and the amplitude and phase at each time, which is the shape of the reflected wave itself.
And

FIG. 9 shows details of the transmission / reception unit and the control unit of the impulse radar. As shown in the figure,
The transmitting unit 10 and the receiving unit 11 are high frequency circuits.

The transmitting section 10 includes an impulse generating section 10a for generating an impulse with a sharp fall, and a transmitting antenna 10b for generating an impulse-like electromagnetic wave based on the impulse output from the impulse generating section 10a. .

The receiving section 11 includes a sampling pulse generating section 11a for generating a sampling pulse, and a sampling section for sampling the level of the reflected wave received by the receiving antenna 11c in accordance with the sampling pulse supplied from the sampling pulse generating section 11a. Part 11b.

The controller 12 generates a clock having a frequency of 2 MHz and outputs the clock to the impulse generator 10a and the sampling pulse generator 11a.
And a clock generation circuit 12 that generates a clock having a frequency of 40 Hz and outputs the clock to a sampling pulse generation unit 11a.
b. The control unit 12 also includes a reception signal processing unit 12c that receives and holds the sample value supplied from the sampling unit 11b.

Next, the operation of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves will be described. The impulse generation unit 10a includes the clock generation circuit 1
A sharp falling impulse is generated in synchronization with the clock output from 2a. An impulse with a sharp fall can be generated by rapidly turning on or off a transistor as a built-in switching element. When the impulse having a sharp fall is supplied from the impulse generator 10a, the transmitting antenna 10b transmits an impulse-shaped electromagnetic wave in synchronization with the timing of the sharp fall. The transmitted impulse electromagnetic wave is
The signal is reflected by the electromagnetic wave reflecting object (reflection occurs when there is a discontinuity in the permittivity) 13, is received by the receiving antenna 11c, and the received signal is input to the sampling unit 11b.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
When a transmission wave (transmission wave) is transmitted at a reciprocal cycle of the frequency of 2 MHz, a reflected wave is received with a slight delay. Now, focusing only on this reflected wave (received wave), FIG.
A reflected wave as shown in (B) is input to the sampling unit 11b.

The sampling pulse generator 11a generates a sampling pulse synchronized with a clock having a frequency of 2 MHz supplied from the clock generator 12a. The sampling pulse is supplied at a frequency of 40 Hz supplied from the clock generator 12b. The phase is shifted slightly based on the frequency clock. As a result, FIG.
0 (B), the sampling timing (tA
To tE) makes it possible to sample the level at different positions of the received wave.

Since the object 13 reflecting the electromagnetic wave is considered to have not substantially moved within a short time, FIG.
The waveforms of the reflected waves (received waves) received at the reciprocal cycle of the frequency of 2 MHz shown in (B) are considered to be substantially the same. Therefore, these received waves are sampled while slightly changing the phase at a reciprocal cycle of a frequency of about 2 MHz, so that the level of one received wave, which changes every moment, can be expanded in the time axis (in the low frequency region). ), It is possible to sample.

In order to simply receive the one reflected wave and to sample the level value that changes every moment, a sampling clock having a frequency sufficiently higher than the frequency of 2 MHz is required. Such high frequency circuits are cumbersome to handle and costly. Thus, by slightly shifting the phase of the sampling clock having a frequency of approximately 2 MHz, a reflected wave having a frequency of 2 MHz can be sampled without using a special high-frequency circuit. For example, FIG.
In the example of (B), the received wave is sampled at the timing from time tA to time tE.

For this reason, the sampling pulse generator 11
In a, as schematically shown in FIG. 11, 2M
The frequency of the clock having the frequency of 40 Hz is compared with the level of the clock having the frequency of 40 Hz, and a sampling pulse is generated at the timing when the two become the same level.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the sampling pulse generator 11a includes a clock having a frequency of 2 MHz supplied from the clock generator 12a (FIG. 12A) and a clock generator 12b. The clock of the sawtooth wave of the frequency of 40 Hz supplied from
(See FIG. 12 (B)) and a combined wave (see FIG. 12 (C)).
Generate The sampling pulse generator 11a compares the synthesized wave with a predetermined threshold LT set in advance.

FIG. 13 shows a state where the edge of the composite wave shown in FIG. 12C is further enlarged. That is, 2MH
The edge of the clock of z has a predetermined slope by being synthesized with the clock of the frequency of 40 Hz. As a result, in the vicinity of the starting point of the sawtooth wave, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12 (B), when the rising time of the rising edge of the clock having a frequency of 2 MHz is set as a reference point and the time when the level of the edge reaches the threshold value LT is T1, near the end point of the sawtooth wave, FIG. As shown,
The time T2 from the reference point to the sampling point is shown in FIG.
It becomes longer than the time T1 shown in FIG. Therefore, in the region between the start point and the end point of the sawtooth wave, the time T1 and the time T1
In the time between two sampling points will occur.

The sampling pulse generating section 11a generates a sampling pulse at the timing of this sampling point and outputs it to the sampling section 11b. The sampling section 11b samples the reflected wave in synchronization with the sampling pulse, and outputs the sampled value to the reception signal processing section 1b.
2c.

The operation of the reception signal processing section 12c is shown in the flowchart of FIG. The reception signal processing unit 12c calculates the distance to the target object based on the transmission / reception time difference of the impulse-like electromagnetic wave by executing the distance measurement processing (step 1401). That is, in this distance measurement process (step 1401), the received waveform is converted to a low frequency based on the sample value coming from the sampling unit 11b, detected, and compared with the low frequency waveform corresponding to the transmission wave to transmit and receive. The distance data L corresponding to the time difference is generated.

Next, the distance data L corresponding to the distance to the target object is obtained by a distance determination process (step 1402).
Is compared with threshold values Lmin and Lmax respectively corresponding to the near limit distance and the far limit distance of the detection area (step 1402). This distance determination processing (step 1
If the determination result in step 402) is out of the range of Lmin and Lmax, the detection output is turned off (steps 1404 and 1406), whereas if it falls within the range of Lmin and Lmax, the detection output is turned on. (Step 140
5).

Therefore, for example, if the urinal is for a boy's urinal, the urine flowing through the urination wall is set so as to be out of the near limit Lmin, and the passer behind the regular use position is out of the far limit Lmax. , Malfunction due to those noise components can be prevented. Similarly, in the case of a Western-style toilet and a Japanese-style toilet, the near limit Lmin and the far limit Lmax
, The detection reliability can be improved through the distance discriminating action.

A typical application example of the detection apparatus according to the first to third embodiments is control of flush water release of a toilet. An example of such a cleaning water discharge control device will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 15, the flush water discharge control device comprises an impulse radar 100 mounted on a toilet similarly to the first to third embodiments, and flush water based on the output of the impulse radar 100. Microcomputer 14 for executing release valve opening / closing control processing (see FIG. 16)
And the transistor 1 at the output of the microcomputer 14
5 includes a relay 16 that is driven through the relay 5, and an electromagnetic valve (wash water discharge valve) 20 to which a power supply 18 is supplied to a coil 19 via a contact 17 of the relay 16.

FIG. 16 shows the contents of the cleaning water discharge control process. In this example, the flush water is automatically discharged only for a certain period of time either when a person arrives at the regular use position of the toilet or when a person leaves the regular use position.

That is, when the process is started, whether the output of the impulse radar 100 is in the ON state indicating the presence of the user,
Based on the OFF state indicating the absence of the user, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the state has changed, in other words, whether the human body has arrived or has left the regular use position (steps 1601 and 1602). . In this state, if a change in the presence or absence of a human body is determined (step 1)
602 YES), a pulse signal is sent to the transistor 15 to turn on the water discharge valve for a certain time, whereby the power supply 18 is supplied to the coil 19 via the relay 16, and the solenoid valve 20 is opened for a required time, and the cleaning is performed during that time. Water is discharged into the toilet. In this example, since the human body detection accuracy is high, the water saving effect can be improved while maintaining the cleaning performance.

As another application example of the detection apparatus of the second and third embodiments, a use time monitoring process can be mentioned. An example of such a usage time monitoring process will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 17, the use time monitoring apparatus includes an impulse radar 100 for detecting the presence or absence of a user at a regular use position, and a process from the start of use to after use based on the output of the impulse radar 100. A microcomputer 21 for executing a process of measuring the time and issuing an abnormal output when the time reaches a specified value; a relay 23 driven via the transistor 22 by the abnormal output of the microcomputer 21; And an alarm 26 which is supplied with a power supply 25 via a power source and operates.

The details of the usage time monitoring process are shown in the flowchart of FIG. This use time monitoring process is to output an abnormal output when the time exceeds a specified value.

That is, in FIG. 18, when the processing is started, the state of waiting for the start of use is set based on whether the output of the impulse radar 100 is in the ON state indicating the presence of the user or the OFF state indicating the absence of the user. (Step 180
1,1802). In this state, if the use start is determined (YES in step 1802), a timer that defines the abnormal time is set (step 1803).
It is in a state of waiting for the timer to expire (step 1805) and for terminating the use (step 1807). In this state, if the use time is a normal length, the end of use is determined before the timer expires (step 1).
807 YES), the timer is reset (step 1)
808). On the other hand, if the usage time is abnormally long, the timer times out (step 1805YE).
S), an alarm output is issued (step 1806). Then, the alarm 26 is driven via the transistor 22, the relay 23, and the contact 24, and an alarm sound is emitted.

The Western-style toilets are usually installed in private rooms. Therefore, even when an accident occurs in a toilet user in a toilet room, the detection of the accident tends to be delayed. According to this use time monitoring device, when a toilet falls into a state where an elderly person or the like cannot move while sitting on the toilet for a long time in the toilet room where the toilet user cannot be seen from the outside in this way. An abnormality can be quickly known based on an automatically generated alarm output.

Further, according to this use time monitoring device, since the presence or absence of the user is detected by the impulse radar,
Since it is possible to selectively detect only the human body, and there is no malfunction due to baggage or the like in the toilet room or the toilet lid, there is an advantage of high reliability.

[0089]

As is clear from the above description, the user detecting device in the toilet according to the present invention can completely hide the sensor behind the toilet or the like, so that mischief can be prevented.

Further, the user detecting device in the toilet of the present invention can selectively detect a human body containing a large amount of water and is less sensitive to the baggage of the user such as a bag, so that the user can be detected more reliably. As well as prevent false detection.

Further, since the user detecting device in the toilet of the present invention can set the detection distance range arbitrarily, it is possible to set the optimum detection target range according to the mounting location of the sensor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a first embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view of the first embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory view of a second embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view of a third embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view of a third embodiment (modification) of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire impulse radar.

FIG. 9 is a detailed block diagram of a transmission / reception unit and a control unit of the impulse radar.

FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram showing transmission / reception waveforms of the impulse radar.

FIG. 11 is a waveform diagram for explaining a sampling pulse generation process.

FIG. 12 is a waveform diagram for explaining a reference waveform generation process for frequency conversion.

FIG. 13 is a waveform chart for explaining sampling timing generation processing.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a reception signal processing unit.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a cleaning water release control device.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a cleaning water release control process.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a use time monitoring device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a usage time monitoring process.

FIG. 19 is a side sectional view showing a sensor arrangement in a conventional device.

FIG. 20 is a front view showing a sensor arrangement in a conventional device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Toilet room wall 1a Tile 2 Men's urinal 2a Urination wall 2b Urination tray 2c, 2d Side wall 2e Top wall 2f Lower peripheral wall 2g Drainage groove 3a, 3b Impulse radar 4 Room wall base 5 Western toilet 5a Toilet tank 5b Toilet seat 5c , 5c ′ toilet lid 5d water storage tank 5e toilet tank bottom wall 6 impulse radar 7 tile floor 8 Japanese style toilet 8a toilet tank flat part 8b toilet tank drop hole part 8c splash repellent cover 9a, 9b impulse radar 10 transmitting part 10a impulse generating part Reference Signs List 10b Transmission antenna 11 Receiving unit 11a Sampling pulse generating unit 11b Sampling unit 11c Receiving antenna 12 Control unit 12a, 12b Clock generating circuit 12c Received signal processing unit 13 Electromagnetic wave reflecting object 14 Microcomputer 15 Transistor 16 Relay 17 Contact 18 Power supply 19 Coil 20 Electricity Valve 21 Microcomputer 22 Transistor 23 Relay 24 Contact 25 Power supply 26 Alarm device 100 MIR a Adult male user b Male user c Male urinal d Tile wall e Urinal upper edge f Water supply piping g1, g2, g3 Infrared Photoelectric sensor h drain pipe i1, i2, i3 light emitting / receiving window j visible light cut filter plate tA to tE sampling timing L distance data LT threshold T1, T2 arrival time to threshold LT Lmin near limit distance Lmax far limit distance

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 17, 2000 (2000.2.1
7)

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 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoichi Toguchi 10th Hanazono Todocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture F-term in Omron Corporation (reference) 2D037 AD16 2D038 JH06 JH12 KA01 5J070 AB01 AC02 AD02 AE09 AF01 AH14 AK13 AK22 AL02

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An impulse radar is concealed behind a wall surface of a room or a wall surface of a toilet which is directed to a user located at a regular use position of a toilet, and impulse electromagnetic waves are transmitted to the user through the wall surface of the room or the wall of the toilet. A user detection device for a toilet, which detects the presence or absence of a user at the regular use position by transmitting the reflected wave through the same room wall surface or the toilet wall surface while receiving the wave. 2. The user detection device for a toilet according to claim 1, wherein a detection area of the impulse radar is limited to a certain range including a regular use position. 3. An impulse radar is concealed behind a urine receiving wall positioned in front of a standing urinal user of a male urinal, and an impulse electromagnetic wave is transmitted to the user by passing through the urinating wall. A user detection device for a urinal for men, which detects the presence or absence of a user at a regular use position by transmitting the reflected wave through the urine receiving wall and receiving the reflected wave. 4. The urinal for men according to claim 3, wherein the detection area of the impulse radar is limited to a certain range including a regular use position of the user so as not to be sensitive to urine flowing on the urine receiving wall. User detection device. 5. An impulse radar is concealed behind the inner wall surface of the toilet tub of the Western style toilet, and the reflected wave is transmitted through the inner wall surface of the toilet tub to transmit an impulse-like electromagnetic wave to the user and to reflect the reflected wave in the same toilet tub. A user detection device for a Western-style toilet that detects the presence or absence of a user at a regular use position by transmitting waves through a wall surface. 6. The detection area of the impulse radar is insensitive to water stored in the toilet tank or urine flowing on the inner wall surface of the toilet tank.
The user detecting device for a Western-style toilet according to claim 5, wherein the user detecting device is limited to a certain range including a regular use position of the user. 7. An impulse radar is concealed behind the inner wall surface of the toilet tub of the Japanese style toilet, and the reflected wave is transmitted through the inner wall surface of the toilet tub to transmit an impulse-like electromagnetic wave to the user and to reflect the reflected wave. A user detection device in a Japanese-style toilet that detects the presence or absence of a user at a legitimate use position by transmitting waves through the inner wall surface. 8. The detection area of the impulse radar is limited to a certain range including a regular use position of a user so as not to be sensitive to stored water in the toilet tub or urine flowing on the inner wall surface of the toilet tub. A user detecting device in the Western-style toilet described in the above. 9. The user detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge of the washing water is controlled by a detection output of the impulse radar. 10. The user detecting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a use time abnormality alarm is generated based on a detection output of the impulse radar.