JP2008142174A - Heated toilet seat device and toilet apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heated toilet seat device which can keep the surface temperature of the toilet seat nearly uniform and a toilet apparatus equipped with it. <P>SOLUTION: The heated toilet seat device includes a blowing part, a heating part which heats air ventilated by the blowing part, a toilet seat which has an airflow channel in the toilet seat, a circulation airflow channel including the blowing part, the heating part and the airflow channel, a first temperature detection part which detects the temperature of air which passes the airflow channel and flows back into the heating part, a second temperature detection part which detects the temperature of air sent out to the airflow channel from the heating part, a control part which controls the amount of the airflow from the blowing part based on a difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature detection part and the temperature detected by the second temperature detection part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a heating toilet seat device and a toilet device, and more specifically to a heating toilet seat device that heats a toilet seat with warm air and a toilet device including the same.

  If the toilet seat of the flush toilet can be heated, the toilet can be used comfortably even in winter when the temperature is low. As a means for heating the toilet seat, there is a method of circulating hot air (Patent Document 1). When the hot air is circulated, the toilet seat can be efficiently heated with less heater power while suppressing exhaust heat.

However, in a heated toilet seat as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the temperature on the downstream side tends to be lower than the upstream side of the air passage provided in the toilet seat. This is because the wind whose temperature has decreased due to heat exchange on the upstream side of the air passage reaches the downstream side. As a result, the surface temperature of the toilet seat becomes non-uniform, which may cause discomfort to the user.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-237047

  An object of this invention is to provide the heating toilet seat apparatus which can make the surface temperature of a toilet seat close uniformly, and a toilet apparatus provided with the same.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a blowing unit, a heating unit that heats air blown by the blowing unit, a toilet seat that has an air passage in the toilet seat therein, the blowing unit, the heating unit, and the toilet seat A circulation air passage including an air passage, a first temperature detecting portion for detecting a temperature of air passing through the air passage in the toilet seat and returning to the heating portion, and sent from the heating portion to the air passage in the toilet seat The air flow rate of the air blowing unit is controlled based on the difference between the second temperature detecting unit that detects the temperature of the air, the temperature detected by the first temperature detecting unit, and the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting unit. And a heating toilet seat device characterized by comprising a control unit.

  Moreover, according to the other one aspect | mode of this invention, the ventilation part, the heating part which heats the air ventilated by the said ventilation part, the toilet seat which has a toilet seat internal air path inside, the said ventilation part, and the said heating part And a circulation air passage including the air passage in the toilet seat, a first temperature detecting portion that detects a temperature of air passing through the air passage in the toilet seat and returning to the heating portion, and at least one of the air blowing portion and the heating portion There is provided a heating toilet seat device comprising: a control unit that controls any of the outputs and the detection result of the first temperature detection unit based on the output of the blowing unit.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet device comprising a toilet and any one of the above-described heating toilet seat devices provided on the toilet.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the heating toilet seat apparatus which can closely approximate the surface temperature of a toilet seat, and a toilet apparatus provided with the same can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a toilet apparatus provided with a heating toilet seat apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The heating toilet seat device of this specific example includes a casing 500 provided on the upper part of the flush toilet 300. The washing mechanism of the flush toilet 300 may be a so-called “low tank type” or a “water direct pressure type” that does not use a low tank.

  A toilet seat 410 and a toilet lid 400 are pivotally supported on the casing 500 so as to be freely opened and closed. The toilet seat 410 and the toilet lid 400 can be opened and closed manually, and can be automatically opened and closed by an electric opening and closing mechanism. In the present embodiment, the hot air supply means 550 is provided in the casing 500, and the toilet seat 410 can be heated by introducing the hot air into the toilet seat 410.

  Furthermore, the casing 500 may be provided with a functional unit as a sanitary washing device. In other words, the heating toilet seat apparatus appropriately includes a cleaning function unit having a water discharge nozzle 615 that ejects water toward a “butt” of a user sitting on the toilet seat 410. In the present specification, “water” includes not only cold water but also heated hot water. The heated toilet seat device is also equipped with a warm air drying function that blows hot air toward the user's “buttock” sitting on the toilet seat, etc., and the air in the bowl of the toilet bowl is sucked through a filter or catalyst. It can have a deodorizing function for reducing odor components. These operations may be operable by a remote controller 200 provided separately from the casing 500, for example. However, in the present invention, the water discharge nozzle 615 and other additional function units are not necessarily provided, and the hot air heating mechanism of the toilet seat 410 may be provided.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the toilet seat heating mechanism of the present embodiment.
In the casing 500, for example, a fan 552 and a heater 554 are provided as the hot air supply means 550. The air sent from the fan 552 is heated by the heater 554 to generate hot air, and this hot air is introduced into the toilet seat 410 via the sending unit 560. In the toilet seat 410, a warm air inner air passage 412 for warm air is formed, and the warm air introduced from the sending section 560 into the air passage 412 in the toilet seat 410 flows through the toilet seat 410 and is returned to the toilet seat 410. It returns to the hot air supply means 550 of the casing 500 through 570. That is, the toilet seat heating mechanism of this specific example forms a circulation path of the warm air supply means 550, the delivery section 560, the air flow path 412 in the toilet seat, the return section 570, and the warm air supply means 550, and the warm air passes through this circulation path. It is made to flow repeatedly. If it does in this way, exhaust air will be suppressed and warm air heating excellent in thermal efficiency will be attained. The operation of the warm air heating mechanism can be controlled by the remote controller 200, for example. That is, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be displayed on the remote controller 200 or the temperature can be set.

  In the delivery section 560, a hot air outlet is provided on the casing 500 side, and an inlet corresponding to the outlet is provided on the toilet seat 410 side. The return part 570 can also be provided with a warm air outlet on the toilet seat 410 side and an inlet corresponding to the outlet on the casing 500 side. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, the return portion 570 may be adjacent to the sending portion 560.

  As described above, in this specific example, warm air can be introduced into the toilet seat 410 to enable heating. According to this specific example, when the toilet seat 410 is removed from the casing 500 and cleaned or washed with water, it can be easily removed and remounted. However, the present invention is not limited to this specific example, and can be similarly applied to heating toilet seat devices having various structures as long as warm air is introduced into the toilet seat 410 and heated.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of the heating toilet seat device of this embodiment.
The casing 500 is provided with a suction port 580 for taking in outside air and a discharge port 582 for discharging air. Openable and closable dampers (wind path switching means) 546 and 548 are provided in the air paths communicating with the suction port 580 and the discharge port 582, respectively. In the middle of the air path opened and closed by these dampers 546 and 548, for example, a fan (blower unit) 552 and a heater (heating unit) 554 are provided as the hot air supply unit 550.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the dampers 546 and 548 are closed in the circulation ventilation mode in which the wind supplied by the hot air supply unit 550 returns to the hot air supply unit 550 through the toilet seat air passage 412 again. Thus, a circulation air passage is formed through which the air is circulated. In this state, the air sent from the fan 552 is heated by the heater 554 to generate hot air, and this hot air is introduced into the toilet seat 410 via the sending unit 560. In the toilet seat 410, a warm air passage (toilet seat air passage) 412 partitioned by a partition 418 is formed. The warm air introduced into the toilet seat inner air passage 412 of the toilet seat 410 from the sending section 560 flows through the toilet seat 410 as indicated by an arrow, and returns to the upstream side of the fan 552 of the casing 500 through the return section 570.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, the outside air introduction mode in which the dampers 546 and 548 are opened to introduce outside air into the air passage may be executable. By doing so, since the wind of the air passage 412 in the toilet seat 412 and the outside air can be quickly replaced, for example, the toilet seat 410 can be quickly cooled.

  In this specific example, the first temperature detection unit 540 that detects the temperature of the hot air that has returned to the return unit 570 and the second temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the hot air sent from the hot air supply unit 550. 542. Note that the first temperature detection unit 540 may be provided between the fan 552 and the heater 554. In addition, the second temperature detection unit 542 is not essential, and the temperature of the hot air can be grasped by other means.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
As a warm air heating mechanism for introducing warm air into the toilet seat 410, a first temperature detection unit 540, a blower unit 552, a heating unit 554, and a second temperature detection unit 542 are provided. The first temperature detector 540 detects the temperature of the warm air that has returned from the toilet seat internal air passage 412 provided in the toilet seat 410. The air blowing unit 552 forms a flow for circulating the warm air. The heating unit 554 heats the flowing warm air to a predetermined temperature. The second temperature detection unit 542 detects the temperature of warm air sent to the toilet seat 410.
Here, as the heating unit 554, for example, a heater having PTC (positive temperature coefficient) characteristics can be used.

  The 1st temperature detection part 540 and the 2nd temperature detection part 542 can be comprised by temperature sensors, such as a thermocouple and a thermistor, for example.

  Control unit 510 controls operations of air blowing unit 552 and heating unit 554 based on detection results of first temperature detection unit 540 and second temperature detection unit 542. By doing so, the control unit 510 specifies the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 based on the detection values of the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the equalization control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
That is, in the homogenization control (step S100), the control unit 510 uses the difference ΔT between the temperature T2 detected by the second temperature detection unit 542 and the temperature T1 detected by the first temperature detection unit 540, and a predetermined reference value. Are compared (step S102). The large difference between the temperatures T1 and T2 means that the wind whose temperature has decreased due to heat exchange on the upstream side of the toilet seat air passage 412 has reached the downstream side. That is, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 is also uneven because the upstream side of the air passage is high and the downstream side is low.

  In the present embodiment, when the difference ΔT between the temperatures T1 and T2 exceeds the reference value (step S102: yes), the control unit 510 increases the amount of air blown by the blower 552 (step S104). . If it does in this way, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be closely approached.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the results of an experiment conducted by the present inventor.
That is, it is a schematic diagram showing the result of an experiment in which warm air is circulated through the air flow path 412 in the toilet seat in the circulating air blowing mode described above with reference to FIG. 3A and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 in a steady state is measured. Here, the temperature of each part was expressed as a temperature difference from room temperature. The output (input power) of the heater 554 was 22 watts (25.6 volts, 0.88 amps). Fig. 6 (a) shows the flow rate of the air blower 552 at 0.15 cubic meters per minute (m ³ / min), Fig. 6b shows the flow rate at 0.32 cubic meters per minute, and Fig. 6 (c) shows the flow rate. Each case represents 0.36 cubic meters per minute.

When the air volume is small, as shown in FIG. 6A, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 is 15.4 degrees, 13.6 degrees, 11.3 degrees, 11. It was twice. That is, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 differs by 4.2 degrees between the upstream side and the downstream side of the air passage. At this time, the detected temperature T1 of the first temperature detector 540 was 15.3 degrees, and the detected temperature T2 of the second temperature detector 542 was 25.7 degrees. That is, the difference ΔT between the temperatures T1 and T2 was 10.4 degrees.
On the other hand, when the air volume is increased approximately twice, as shown in FIG. 6B, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 is 15.5 degrees, 14.2 degrees, The temperature difference was 13.3 degrees and 13.0 degrees, and the temperature difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the air passage was reduced to 2.5 degrees. At this time, the detected temperature T1 of the first temperature detector 540 was 16.8 degrees, and the detected temperature T2 of the second temperature detector 542 was 23.1 degrees. That is, the difference ΔT between the temperatures T1 and T2 is also reduced to 7.7 degrees. Further, when the air volume was further increased, the same tendency was observed as shown in FIG.

  From these results, there is a correlation between the difference ΔT between the detection value T1 of the first temperature detection unit 540 and the detection value T2 of the second temperature detection unit 542 and the surface temperature distribution of the toilet seat 410. I understand. Then, when the air volume of the blower 552 is increased, the difference ΔT between the temperatures T1 and T2 is reduced, and accordingly, the unevenness of the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 is reduced and approaches to be uniform. For example, when the air volume is increased, the temperature on the upstream side of the air path does not change much and the temperature on the downstream side increases. This is because the air velocity increases by increasing the air volume, the amount of heat exchange between the warm air upstream of the toilet seat air passage 412 and the toilet seat decreases, and the temperature supplied to the downstream side of the toilet seat air passage 412. This is thought to be due to the rise in wind temperature.

  Thus, by examining the difference ΔT between the detection value T1 of the first temperature detection unit 540 and the detection value T2 of the second temperature detection unit 542, the distribution of the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be obtained. And when temperature difference (DELTA) T exceeds predetermined reference value, the nonuniformity of the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be suppressed by making the ventilation volume of the ventilation part 552 increase, and temperature can be closely approached. As a result, a comfortable heating toilet seat device can be provided without giving the user a feeling of nearness due to the low temperature of a part of the toilet seat 410 corresponding to the downstream side of the air passage 412 in the toilet seat.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second specific example of the equalization control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
In this specific example, when the difference ΔT between the temperatures T2 and T1 exceeds the reference value (step S102: yes), the air volume of the blower 552 is increased and the output (input power) of the heating unit 554 is decreased. (Step S106). By increasing the air volume, heat exchange on the upstream side of the air passage 412 in the toilet seat can be suppressed, and the temperature T1 can be increased by exchanging the amount of heat that has been suppressed on the downstream side. Further, by reducing the heating amount, the temperature T2 downstream of the heating unit 554 can be lowered, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be made uniform more quickly. In this way, unevenness in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be eliminated more quickly, and further a power saving effect can be obtained by reducing power consumption in the heating unit 554.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third specific example of the equalization control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
Also in this specific example, when the difference ΔT between the temperatures T2 and T1 exceeds the reference value (step S102: yes), the air volume of the blower 552 is increased (step S104). On the other hand, when the difference ΔT between the temperatures T2 and T1 does not exceed the reference value (step S102: no), the air volume of the blower 552 is reduced (step S108). That is, when the non-uniformity of the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 is within a permissible range, a power saving effect can be obtained by reducing the air volume of the blower 552, and the operating noise of the fan can be reduced.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a fourth specific example of the equalization control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
Also in this specific example, as in the third specific example described above with reference to FIG. 8, when the difference ΔT between the temperatures T2 and T1 does not exceed the reference value (step S102: no), the air volume of the blower 552 is changed. Decrease (step S108). On the other hand, when the difference ΔT between the temperatures T2 and T1 exceeds the reference value (step S102: yes), as with the second specific example described above with reference to FIG. The output of 554 is reduced (step S106). In this way, a power saving effect by reducing the power consumption in the heating unit 554 can also be obtained.

  Heretofore, the homogenization control executed in the present embodiment has been described with reference to FIGS. Next, the relationship between the temperature control for bringing the temperature of the toilet seat 410 close to the set target value and the equalization control will be described with specific examples.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of the heating toilet seat device according to this embodiment.
In this specific example, a temperature setting unit 526 is further provided in the configuration shown in FIG. For example, the temperature setting unit 526 can set the temperature of the toilet seat 410 with the remote controller 200 or the like.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a switch provided in the remote controller 200.
On the upper surface of the remote controller 200, infrared transmissive windows 231 for communication with the casing 500 are provided at both ends thereof. Further, a large washing switch 232, a small washing switch 234, a toilet lid closing switch 236, a toilet lid opening switch 238, a toilet seat opening switch 240, and the like are provided.

  Various setting switches are provided on the front surface of the remote controller 200. In the remote controller of this specific example, a switch 526A for raising the set temperature of the toilet seat 410 and a switch 526B for lowering the set temperature are provided. The user can set the target temperature of the toilet seat 410 by pressing these switches 526A and 526B.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating temperature control executed in the heating toilet seat device of this example.
In this specific example, when the operation of the heating toilet seat device is started, control unit 510 starts temperature control based on the temperature detected by first temperature detection unit 540 (step S200). That is, temperature control is performed based on the temperature of the warm air that has passed through the toilet seat air passage 412 and returned toward the blower 552.

  Control unit 510 first compares detected temperature T1 of first temperature detection unit 540 with its target value (step S202). Here, the target value is the temperature that the detected temperature T1 should reach, and the target value of T1 is determined according to the set temperature of the toilet seat 410 input by the temperature setting unit 526.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for determining the target value of the temperature T1.
That is, the temperature of the toilet seat set by the user is set to three levels, for example, “low”, “medium”, and “high”, while the environmental temperature, that is, the temperature of the toilet room in which the heating toilet seat device is installed is separately measured. ”,“ Medium ”and“ High ”. The environmental temperature can be detected by, for example, an environmental temperature detection unit 522 described later with reference to FIG. Then, the target value of the temperature T1 can be determined for each of the nine combinations of the set temperature and the environmental temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this specific example, and the classification of the set temperature and the environmental temperature may be two stages or four stages or more. Further, instead of using the table illustrated in FIG. 13, the target value of the temperature T1 may be determined from the set temperature and the environmental temperature using a calculation formula. Furthermore, the target value of the temperature T1 may be determined only from the set temperature without using the environmental temperature.

  Returning to FIG. 12 again and continuing the description, the controller 510 determines whether or not the difference between the temperature T1 detected by the first temperature detector 540 and its target value exceeds a predetermined value Tx ( Step S202). Here, the predetermined value Tx corresponds to a dead zone or an allowable range of error in temperature control.

  Then, when the difference between the temperature T1 and the target value is within the range of Tx (step S202: no), the equalization control is started (step S100). The contents are as described above with reference to FIGS. Although the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 include repetition of steps, only one cycle may be executed here, or a plurality of cycles may be executed. After performing the equalization control (step S100), the process returns to step S202 again.

  On the other hand, when the difference between the temperature T1 and the target value exceeds Tx (step S202: yes), it is necessary to change the operating state of the blower 552 and the heating unit 554 for temperature increase or decrease. . Therefore, control unit 510 next determines the magnitude of temperature T1 and its target value (step S204). And when temperature T1 is higher than the target value (step S202: no), temperature fall control is performed (step S206). This is performed by, for example, reducing or stopping the output (input power) of the air blowing unit 552 or the heating unit 554, or executing the outside air introduction mode described above with reference to FIG. Then, it returns to step S202 again.

  On the other hand, when the temperature T1 is lower than the target value (step S202: yes), the temperature increase control is executed (step S208). This is executed, for example, by increasing the output (input power) of the air blowing unit 552 and the heating unit 554. Then, it returns to step S202 again.

  As described above, in this specific example, the temperature control is executed based on the detected temperature T1 of the first temperature detector 540. Then, when the detected temperature T1 is within the allowable range, the equalization control is executed. For example, after the operation is started, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 is first raised by temperature increase control. Then, when the temperature of the toilet seat 410 approaches the set temperature, the equalization control is executed. In this way, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be quickly brought close to the set value, and the unevenness of the surface temperature can be suppressed and brought close to the uniform value.

  In this specific example, whether or not the temperature lowering control and the temperature raising control are determined is determined by a common allowable range Tx, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the allowable temperature determining control permission or not is determined. A range and an allowable range for determining whether temperature rise control is possible may be set. That is, the temperature lowering control may be executed when the detected temperature T1 becomes higher than the target value by the temperature Tx or higher, and the temperature raising control may be executed when the detected temperature T1 becomes lower than the target value by the temperature Ty or higher.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a second specific example of temperature control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
In this specific example, control unit 510 performs temperature control based on detected temperature T2 of second temperature detection unit 542 instead of first temperature detection unit 540. That is, the temperature control is executed based on the temperature of the warm air sent from the heating unit 554 toward the air passage 412 in the toilet seat.
The contents of steps S212 to S218 in this example can be the same as steps S202 to 208 described above with reference to FIG.

  Also in this specific example, when the temperature of the toilet seat 410 approaches the set temperature, the equalization control (step S100) is executed. In this way, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be quickly brought close to the set value, and the unevenness of the surface temperature can be suppressed and brought close to the uniform value.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a third specific example of the temperature control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
In this specific example, control unit 510 performs temperature control based on detection temperature T1 of first temperature detection unit 540 and detection temperature T2 of second temperature detection unit 542.

  Control unit 510 first compares detected temperature T1 of first temperature detection unit 540 with its target value (step S202), and executes steps S100, S204, and S206 according to the result. The contents are as described above with reference to FIG. However, when the temperature T1 is lower than the target value in step S204 (step S202: yes), the controller 510 does not immediately execute the temperature rise control, and the detected temperature T2 of the second temperature detector 542 and the target value thereof. Are compared (step S212).

  FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for determining the target values of the temperatures T1 and T2. A target value of the temperature T1 can be determined for each combination of the set temperature and the environmental temperature using a table similar to that described above with reference to FIG. In this specific example, the set temperature and the environmental temperature may be classified into two stages or four or more stages. Moreover, you may determine the target value of temperature T1 and T2 from preset temperature and environmental temperature using a calculation formula. Furthermore, the target values of the temperatures T1 and T2 may be determined only from the set temperature without using the environmental temperature.

  Returning to FIG. 15 again, the description will be continued. In step S212, when the difference between the temperature T2 and the target value is within the range of Ty (step S212: no), the equalization control is started (step S212). S100). That is, when the temperature T1 on the downstream side of the air passage 412 in the toilet seat is lower than the allowable range and the temperature T2 on the upstream side is within the allowable range, the downstream temperature T1 is increased by executing the equalization control. . Here, it is conceivable to execute the temperature raising control instead of the equalization control, but in this case, the upstream temperature T2 may be excessively increased. On the other hand, according to this example, it is possible to increase the downstream temperature T1 without excessively increasing the upstream temperature T2 by executing the equalization control.

  On the other hand, when the difference between the temperature T2 and the target value exceeds Ty (step S212: yes), the magnitude is determined (step S214). When the temperature T2 is higher than the target value (step S212: no), error processing is executed (step S220). That is, when the downstream temperature T1 is below the allowable range, but the upstream temperature T2 is above the allowable range, it is determined that some abnormality has occurred, for example, the heating operation is stopped. Alternatively, the outside air introduction mode described above with reference to FIG. Further, an error may be displayed on the display unit of the casing 500 or the remote controller 200, or notification may be given by sound or light. Further, the content of the notification may not be only an error, but may be simply notified when it does not match the target value.

  On the other hand, when the temperature T2 is lower than the target value (step S212: yes), the temperature increase control is executed (step S218). That is, when the downstream temperature T1 is below the allowable range and the upstream temperature T2 is also below the allowable range, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 is raised by temperature increase control instead of equalization control.

  As described above, according to this specific example, the equalization control, the temperature decrease control, and the temperature increase control are appropriately executed based on the downstream temperature T1 and the upstream temperature T2. As a result, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be quickly brought close to the set temperature, and unevenness of the surface temperature can be suppressed and made uniform.

The temperature control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment has been described above with reference to FIGS.
Hereinafter, an example of control combined with temperature display and the like will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a specific example of control executed in the heating toilet seat device of the present embodiment.
When the toilet seat heating operation is started, control unit 510 first determines whether or not the temperature change switch has been operated (step S302). This corresponds to, for example, the switches 526A and 526B described above with reference to FIG. If the temperature change switch has not been operated (step S302: no), control unit 510 measures the room temperature (step S304). That is, the environmental temperature is examined.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a heating toilet seat device provided with an environmental temperature detection unit 522.
The environmental temperature detection unit 522 may be incorporated in the casing 500, for example, or may be provided in the suction port 580 (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, the environmental temperature detection unit 522 can be provided in the remote controller 200. In this case, the detection data by the environmental temperature detection unit 522 may be transmitted from the remote controller 200 to the casing 500. The environmental temperature detection unit 522 can be configured by a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or a thermistor, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 17 again and continuing the description, after detecting the environmental temperature, the controller 510 detects that the detected temperature T1 of the first temperature detector 540 and the detected temperature T2 of the second temperature detector 542 are out of the allowable range. (Step S306). That is, it is determined whether or not the downstream temperature T1 and the upstream temperature T2 are within the allowable ranges in view of the target values. When the temperatures T1 and T2 are both within the allowable range (step S306: no), the equalization control is executed (step S100). When one or both of the temperatures T1 and T2 exceed the allowable range (step S306: yes), temperature increase control or temperature decrease control is executed (step S308). Here, the control described above with reference to FIG. 15 may be executed. That is, when the downstream temperature T1 is lower than the allowable range and the upstream temperature T2 is within the allowable range, the downstream temperature may be increased by executing the equalization control.

  On the other hand, when the temperature change switch is operated in step S302 (step S302: yes), the room temperature is measured (step S310), the database is collated (step S312), and new target values of the temperatures T1 and T2 are obtained. Set (step S314). Here, for example, the database is as described above with reference to FIGS. In this manner, the target values of the temperatures T1 and T2 corresponding to the temperature setting of the toilet seat newly input by the user can be set.

  Thereafter, the controller 510 determines whether the detected temperature T1 of the first temperature detector 540 and the detected temperature T2 of the second temperature detector 542 are outside the allowable range (step S316). If both the temperatures T1 and T2 are within the allowable range (step S316: no), the equalization control is executed (step S100). When either or both of the temperatures T1 and T2 exceed the allowable range (step S316: yes), temperature increase control or temperature decrease control is executed (step S318). Again, the control described above with reference to FIG. 15 may be executed.

  After the series of steps described above, control unit 510 collates a database for specifying the surface temperature of toilet seat 410 (step S320). Then, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 obtained as a result is displayed on the casing 500, the display unit of the remote controller 200, or the like (step S332).

Hereinafter, a method for specifying the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 based on the temperatures T1 and T2 will be described.
Control unit 510 can also specify the surface temperature of toilet seat 410 based on detection values T1 and T2 of first temperature detection unit 540 and second temperature detection unit 542. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, there is a correlation between the temperature T1 on the downstream side of the air passage 412 in the toilet seat, the temperature T2 on the upstream side, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410. The relationship between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 and the temperatures detected by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542 can be obtained in advance by actual measurement, simulation, or the like. The results obtained in this way are stored in a storage unit that can be referred to by the control unit 510 as a database. Here, when there is a distribution in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 as described above with reference to FIG. 6, for example, the average value may be displayed as the surface temperature.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating such a database.
The surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be uniquely specified based on the detection values by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542. In the case of the specific example shown in FIG. 19, a table is provided that represents the correspondence between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 and the detection values by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542. Control unit 510 can specify the surface temperature of toilet seat 410 by referring to such a table stored in the storage unit.

  Further, a relational expression may be used instead of the table. That is, a relational expression representing the relationship between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 and the detection values by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542 is created, and the control unit 510 based on this relational expression. The surface temperature may be specified.

  In this manner, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be specified from the detection values by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542. As a result, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 that dynamically changes, such as a cold state immediately after the start of the heating operation, a subsequent warm state, or a change in the ambient temperature, is accurately identified, Can be displayed.

  In this way, it is not necessary to attach a temperature sensor or the like to the toilet seat 410. As a result, it is possible to remove the toilet seat 410 from the casing 500 and wash the entire interior and exterior of the toilet seat 410 with water. In this way, it is possible to provide a heated toilet seat device that is easy to clean and can always maintain a clean state.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of a third specific example of the heating toilet seat device according to this embodiment.
In the specific example, the second temperature detection unit 542 is not provided. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to execute the equalization control described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, the temperature control described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 17, and the like. It is also possible to specify the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410.

  That is, in this case, the control unit 510 refers to the output from the hot air supply unit 550 instead of obtaining the detection value of the second temperature detection unit 542. For example, when a PTC heater is used in the heating unit 554, since it has a self-temperature control function, it is easy to arbitrarily determine the temperature of hot air that has passed through the heater. Therefore, the determined temperature is set to T2, and uniformization control, temperature control, and the like can be executed as compared with T1. Similarly, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be specified.

Hereinafter, the general relationship between the amount of heat and temperature will be described.
For example, the amount of heat of the warm air sent from the warm air supply means 550 is Q1, the amount of heat of the warm air that has returned to the return section 570 through the air passage 412 in the toilet seat 410 is Q2, and the warm air supply means 550 When the amount of heat applied to the warm air is Q3, the following equation is established.

Q1 = Q2 + Q3 (1)

Here, Q1 can be grasped by the second temperature detector 542, and Q2 can be grasped by the first temperature detector 540. Further, Q3 is because it is the amount of heat applied by the heater 554, can be determined by the output of the heater 554 (power consumption) H (W or J / sec) and the wind flow ^{f (m 3 / sec).}

Here, for simplicity, assuming that the output H of the heater 554 is constant and the amount of heat applied to the wind for a certain time x is Q (H, x), Q3 is expressed by the following equation.

Q3 = Q (H, τ)

Further, since the flow rate f depends on the wind speed, it is determined by the output (power consumption) F of the fan 552. If the flow rate at the fan output y is f (y),

f = f (F)

In the end, Q3 can be obtained from the output H of the heater 554 and the output F of the fan 552.

Q3 = Q (H, f)
= Q (H, f (F))

Substituting this into equation (1) yields:

Q1 = Q2 + Q3
= Q2 + Q (H, f (F))

Here, Q2 can be grasped from the detection value of the first temperature detection unit 540, and Q (H, τ (F)) can be grasped from the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554. That is, the amount of heat Q1 that can be grasped by the second temperature detection unit 542 can be grasped from the detection value of the first temperature detection unit 540 and the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554. In other words, the upstream temperature T2 can be grasped from the detection value T1 of the first temperature detection unit 540 and the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554.

  Therefore, based on the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554 and the detection value of the first temperature detection unit 540, uniformization control and temperature control are executed, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 is specified and Can be determined. Also in this case, the relationship between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410, the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554, and the detection values of the first temperature detection unit 540 is stored in a database that can be referred to by the control unit 510. Store it in the department.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view illustrating such a database.
That is, in this specific example, the relationship among the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554, the detection value T1 of the first temperature detection unit 540, and the upstream temperature T2 is tabulated. Control unit 510 collates this table to determine upstream temperature T2 based on the outputs (power consumption) of fan 552 and heater 554 and detection value T1 of first temperature detection unit 540. Can do. Based on the temperatures T1 and T2 obtained in this way, the homogenization process and the temperature control can be executed. Moreover, the temperature of the surface of the toilet seat 410 can also be specified.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view illustrating a database for specifying the surface temperature of the toilet seat.
The surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be uniquely specified based on the detection value by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554. Therefore, the control unit 510 can specify the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 by referring to such a table. Also in this specific example, a relational expression may be used instead of the table.

  Moreover, you may consider environmental temperature. That is, the environmental temperature detection part 522 mentioned above regarding FIG. 18 is provided, and the environmental temperature of the atmosphere in which the heating toilet seat apparatus is installed is detected. Then, the uniform temperature control and the temperature control may be executed in consideration of the environmental temperature, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 may be specified.

  The heating toilet seat device of the present invention always dissipates heat from the surface of the toilet seat 410 toward the surrounding atmosphere by heat conduction or radiation. That is, the temperature of the surface of the toilet seat 410 also depends on the environmental temperature. Therefore, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be specified more accurately by taking the environmental temperature into consideration.

  Also in this case, the relationship between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410, the detection temperatures T1 and T2 detected by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542, and the environmental temperature can be obtained in advance by actual measurement or simulation. . The results obtained in this way are stored in a storage unit that can be referred to by the control unit 510 as a database.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view illustrating such a database.
The surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be uniquely specified based on the detection values T1 and T2 detected by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542 and the environmental temperature. In the case of the specific example shown in FIG. 23, for each environmental temperature, a table showing the correspondence between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 and the detection values T1 and T2 detected by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542. Is provided. The controller 510 can specify the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 more accurately by referring to such a table.

  Also in this specific example, a relational expression may be used instead of the table. That is, a relational expression representing the relationship between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410, the detection values T1 and T2 detected by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542, and the environmental temperature, or the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410, A relational expression representing the relationship between the detection values T1 and T2 detected by the first temperature detection unit 540 and the second temperature detection unit 542 is created, and the control unit 510 specifies the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 based on the relational expression. You may do it.

  By taking the environmental temperature into consideration, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be specified more accurately. As a result, the temperature of the toilet seat 410 that dynamically changes, such as when it is cooled immediately after the start of the heating operation and after that, or when the ambient temperature changes, is more accurately specified. be able to.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating the main configuration of a fourth specific example of the heating toilet seat device according to this embodiment.
In this specific example, an environmental temperature detector 522 is provided in the third specific example shown in FIG. The ambient temperature detector 522 can be similar to that described above with respect to FIG. In this specific example, as described above with reference to FIG. 20, the control unit 510 controls the toilet seat 410 based on the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554 and the detection value T1 of the first temperature detection unit 540. The surface temperature can be specified. At this time, the temperature of the surface of the toilet seat 410 can be specified more accurately by considering the environmental temperature.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic view illustrating a database that can be used in this example. The surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 can be uniquely specified based on the detection value T1 by the first temperature detection unit 540, the outputs (power consumption) of the fan 552 and the heater 554, and the environmental temperature. Therefore, the control unit 510 can specify the surface temperature of the toilet seat 410 by referring to such a table. Also in this specific example, a relational expression may be used instead of the table.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to FIGS.
Hereinafter, configurations that can be added to each of these specific examples will be described.
FIG. 26 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the cross-sectional structure of the delivery portion 560 provided between the casing 500 and the toilet seat 410.
In the case of this specific example, the casing 500 is provided with a protruding duct 562. A damper 564 is provided at the end of the duct 562 so as to be freely opened and closed. The duct 562 may be retracted when the toilet seat 410 is opened, and the front end surface of the casing 500 may be a substantially flat surface. In the state where the toilet seat 410 is closed, the duct 562 protrudes and is inserted into the introduction port 414 provided in the toilet seat 410. In this state, warm air can be introduced into the air passage 412 in the toilet seat. Further, by appropriately providing a packing 568 made of an elastic material around the duct 562, it is possible to suppress the “leak” of warm air in the delivery unit 560. A similar structure can also be adopted for the reversing part 570.
With such a structure, when the toilet seat 410 is removed from the casing 500 and cleaned or washed with water, it can be easily removed and reattached.

FIG. 27 is a conceptual diagram showing a heating toilet seat device to which a drying mechanism is added.
In this specific example, there is provided a hot air drying function unit for drying the “buttock” of the user sitting on the toilet seat 410. That is, an air path switching unit 590 is provided downstream of the heater 554. A hot air blowing duct 592 is connected downstream of the air path switching unit 590. The air path switching unit 590 includes a damper (not shown) and switches the air path of the warm air sent from the heater 554 between the toilet seat 410 and the warm air outlet duct 592. In the state shown in FIG. 27A, the warm air sent from the heater 554 is guided to the toilet seat air passage 412, and the circulating air blowing mode is enabled.

  On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 27B, the warm air sent from the heater 554 is guided to the warm air blowing duct 592 and blown toward the “butt” of the user sitting on the toilet seat 410. . In this way, the user's “buttock” or the like can be dried. At this time, the attachment position of the second temperature detector 542 may be determined so that the temperature of the hot air blown from the hot air blowing duct 592 can be detected.

  Further, an auxiliary damper 594 may be provided in the warm air passage returning from the toilet seat 410, and the auxiliary damper 594 may be closed as shown in FIG. If it does in this way, the air heated in the toilet seat 410 can be enclosed during warm air drying, and it can suppress that the temperature of the toilet seat 410 falls.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific examples described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27 can be appropriately combined within the technically possible range, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.
Also, the structure and operation contents of the heating toilet seat device are not limited to those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27, and those skilled in the art can implement the present invention in the same manner by appropriately modifying the design, and achieve the same effects. What can be obtained is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

It is a model perspective view of the toilet apparatus provided with the heating toilet seat apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the toilet seat heating mechanism of this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which illustrates the structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the main composition of the heating toilet seat device of this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the equalization control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the result of the experiment which this inventor implemented. It is a flowchart showing the 2nd specific example of the equalization control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the 3rd specific example of the equalization control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the 4th specific example of the equalization control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which illustrates the main composition of the heating toilet seat device of this embodiment. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a switch provided in the remote controller 200. FIG. It is a flowchart which illustrates temperature control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this example. It is a conceptual diagram which illustrates the method of determining the target value of temperature T1. It is a flowchart showing the 2nd specific example of the temperature control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the 3rd specific example of the temperature control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is the conceptual diagram which illustrated the method of determining the target value of temperature T1 and T2, respectively. It is a flowchart showing the specific example of the control performed in the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a block diagram showing the structure of the heating toilet seat apparatus in which the environmental temperature detection part 522 was provided. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates a database. It is a block diagram which illustrates the main structures of the 3rd specific example of the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates a database. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the database for estimating the surface temperature of a toilet seat. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates a database. It is a block diagram which illustrates the main structures of the 4th specific example of the heating toilet seat apparatus of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the database which can be used in this specific example. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a delivery unit 560 provided between a casing 500 and a toilet seat 410. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram showing the heating toilet seat apparatus which added the drying mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

200 remote control, 231 infrared transmission window, 232 large washing switch, 234 small washing switch, 236 toilet lid closing switch, 238 toilet lid opening switch, 240 toilet seat opening switch, 300 flush toilet, 400 toilet lid, 410 toilet seat, 412 toilet seat internal wind Path, 414 introduction port, 418 partition, 500 casing, 510 control unit, 522 environment temperature detection unit, 526 temperature setting unit, 526A, 526B switch, 540 temperature detection unit, 542 temperature detection unit, 546 damper, 550 hot air supply means , 552 Fan (blowing unit), 554 Heater (heating unit), 560 Delivery unit, 562 Duct, 564 Damper, 568 Packing, 570 Retraction unit, 580 Suction port, 582 Discharge port, 590 Air path switching unit, 592 Hot air blowing Duct, 594 Auxiliary damper, 615 Water discharge nozzle

Claims (9)

A blowing section;
A heating unit for heating air blown by the blowing unit;
A toilet seat having an air passage inside the toilet seat;
A circulation air passage including the air blowing portion, the heating portion, and the air passage in the toilet seat;
A first temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of air passing through the air passage in the toilet seat and returning to the heating unit;
A second temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of air sent from the heating unit to the air passage in the toilet seat;
A control unit for controlling the air volume of the air blowing unit based on the difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature detecting unit and the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting unit;
A heating toilet seat device comprising:   When the difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit and the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit exceeds an arbitrary value, the control unit increases the blowing amount of the blowing unit. The heating toilet seat device according to claim 1.   The said control part specifies the temperature of the surface of the said toilet seat based on the detection result of the said 1st temperature detection part, and the detection result of the said 2nd temperature detection part, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. The heating toilet seat device described. A blowing section;
A heating unit for heating air blown by the blowing unit;
A toilet seat having an air passage inside the toilet seat;
A circulation air passage including the air blowing portion, the heating portion, and the air passage in the toilet seat;
A first temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of air passing through the air passage in the toilet seat and returning to the heating unit;
A control unit that controls the blowing amount of the blowing unit based on the output of at least one of the blowing unit and the heating unit, and the detection result of the first temperature detection unit;
A heating toilet seat device comprising: A storage unit storing data relating to the relationship between the output of the air blowing unit and the heating unit, the detection result of the first temperature detection unit, and the temperature of the air sent from the heating unit to the air passage in the toilet seat; In addition,
The heating toilet seat device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit specifies a temperature of air sent from the heating unit to the air passage in the toilet seat based on the data.   When the difference between the temperature detected by the first temperature detection unit and the temperature of the air sent from the specified heating unit to the air passage in the toilet seat exceeds an arbitrary value, the control unit The heating toilet seat device according to claim 5, wherein the air blowing amount is increased.   The said control part specifies the temperature of the surface of the said toilet seat based on the output of at least any one of the said ventilation part and the said heating part, and the detection result of a said 1st temperature detection part. The heating toilet seat device according to any one of 4 to 6. An environmental temperature detector that detects the temperature of the atmosphere in which the toilet seat is installed;
The said control part adjusts the output of at least any one of the said ventilation part and the said heating part based on the detection result of the said environmental temperature detection part, The any one of Claims 1-7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Heating toilet seat device. Toilet bowl,
The heating toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, provided on the toilet bowl,
A toilet apparatus characterized by comprising: