JP2009095663A - Toilet seat device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve detection accuracy of a temperature detection sensor, and safety and durability of a toilet seat heater. <P>SOLUTION: The toilet seat device 110 includes a toilet seat 400 with a seating face 410U and including a metal as a construction material, and a toilet seat heater 450 and a temperature detection sensor 401a placed so as not to be in contact with each other inside the sheet shape toilet seat heater 450 including a plurality of layers placed on the backside face of the seating face 410U. Both the toilet seat heater 450 and the temperature detection sensor 401a are placed between a first metal layer 451 and a first heat-resistant insulation layer 456. Because the temperature detection sensor 401a is placed together with a linear heater 460 between the first metal layer 451 and the first heat-resistant insulation layer 456, the temperature detection sensor 401a can sensitively detect the heat of the linear heater 460 and the temperature of the seating face 410U and maintain waterproof performance by providing a sealed condition by cramping the temperature detection sensor 401a between the first metal layer 451 and the first heat-resistant insulation layer 456. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet seat device having a toilet seat heater and a temperature detection sensor.

  Conventionally, this type of toilet seat apparatus has a sheet (sheet-like) heating element unit in which a heating element is sandwiched between insulators on the inner surface (back surface) of a toilet seat having a metallic seat. A thermistor for detecting the temperature of the seating portion is provided on the lower surface of the heating element unit, and the control unit controls the energization of the heating element unit based on the detection data of the thermistor so as to control the seating surface to a predetermined temperature. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

FIG. 12 shows a conventional toilet seat device described in Patent Document 1. The toilet seat 1 is constructed by vertically joining an aluminum or stainless steel seat portion 2 and a resin lower member 3. On the lower surface of the part 2, a heating element unit 6 is disposed in which a heating element 5 is sandwiched by an insulating material 4 made of a resin sheet. A thermistor 7 for detecting the temperature of the seating section 2, a thermostat 8 for detecting an excessive rise of the heating element unit 6, and a thermal fuse 9 are installed on the lower surface of the heating element unit 6.
JP 2005-192896 A

  However, in the conventional toilet seat device described above, the thermistor, which is a temperature detection sensor necessary for controlling the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat, is attached to the lower surface of the heating element unit, and double insulation is provided from the seating surface. Since it is installed through the body, it is considered that the detection accuracy is lowered, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of obtaining sufficient detection accuracy.

  In the above conventional toilet seat device, since the thermistor is installed in a state exposed on the lower surface of the lower insulator, there is a possibility that water may enter the toilet seat and troubles such as leakage may occur. There is room for improvement from the viewpoint of ensuring a sufficient waterproof property and ensuring sufficient safety and durability of the toilet seat device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, can ensure sufficient detection accuracy of the temperature detection sensor, can ensure sufficient waterproofness of the toilet seat heater and the temperature detection sensor, and has excellent safety. An object of the present invention is to provide a toilet seat device having excellent durability.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the present invention has a seating surface for a user to sit on, and is installed on a toilet seat including metal as a constituent material and on the back surface of the seating surface of the toilet seat. A seat-shaped toilet seat heater having a shape corresponding to the shape of the seating surface, and the toilet seat heater has a first metal layer having thermal conductivity, heat resistance and insulation properties. A plurality of layers including at least a first heat-resistant insulating layer, a linear heater disposed between the first metal layer and the first heat-resistant insulating layer, and the first metal layer, Provided is a toilet seat device that includes a temperature detection sensor that is disposed so as not to contact the linear heater between the first heat-resistant insulating layer and detects the temperature of the toilet seat.

Thereby, in the toilet seat apparatus of this invention, a temperature detection sensor is arrange | positioned with a linear heater between a 1st metal layer and a 1st heat-resistant insulating layer. Therefore, the heat of the linear heater and the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat can be sensitively detected. More specifically, since the temperature detection sensor is disposed between the first metal layer and the first heat-resistant insulating layer together with the linear heater, the influence of both the heat generated from the linear heater and the heat dissipation of the seating surface. The temperature rise of the 1st metal layer which receives can be detected, and temperature detection one step earlier than the actual temperature rise of the seating surface of a toilet seat can be performed. Therefore, by eliminating the time lag of temperature detection, sufficient accuracy of temperature control of the toilet seat heater and sufficient accuracy of temperature detection can be ensured.

  Further, in the toilet seat device of the present invention, the temperature detection sensor and the linear heater are sealed by being sandwiched between the first metal layer and the first heat-resistant insulating layer to ensure sufficient waterproofness. Will be able to maintain. Therefore, the toilet seat apparatus of this invention can provide the toilet seat apparatus which has the outstanding safety | security and the outstanding durability.

  Here, in the toilet seat device of the present invention, (1) the first metal layer is disposed on a side closer to the back surface of the toilet seat, and the first heat-resistant insulating layer is more than the first metal layer. You may arrange | position in the side far from the said back surface of the said toilet seat (Claim 2). In the toilet seat device of the present invention, (2) the first metal layer is disposed closer to the back surface of the toilet seat, and the first heat-resistant insulating layer is more than the first metal layer. You may arrange | position in the side far from the said back surface of a toilet seat (Claim 9).

  In either case of the configuration (1) and the configuration (2), in the toilet seat device, the temperature detection sensor and the linear heater are sandwiched between the first metal layer and the first heat-resistant insulating layer. Therefore, the effects of the present invention described above can be obtained.

  Furthermore, in the toilet seat device of the present invention, from the viewpoint of obtaining the above-described effect of the present invention more reliably, the first metal is used in both cases of the above-described configuration (1) and (2). It is preferable to further provide a second metal layer disposed to face the layer via a temperature detection sensor and a linear heater. In this case, a temperature detection sensor and a linear heater are arranged between the first metal layer and the second metal layer. Thereby, sufficient temperature detection accuracy and sufficient waterproofness can be obtained more reliably.

  Moreover, in the toilet seat apparatus of this invention, from the viewpoint of acquiring the above-mentioned effect of this invention more reliably, in either case of the structure of said (1) and the structure of (2), 1st heat resistance It is preferable to further provide a second heat-resistant insulating layer disposed opposite to the insulating layer via a temperature detection sensor and a linear heater. In this case, a temperature detection sensor and a linear heater are arranged between the first heat-resistant insulating layer and the second heat-resistant insulating layer. Thereby, sufficient temperature detection accuracy and sufficient waterproofness can be obtained more reliably.

  As the configuration in which the second metal layer is further provided in the configuration (1), the following configurations (1-1) and (1-2) are preferable.

  That is, (1-1) a configuration in which a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further disposed on the side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer (Claim 3); (1-2) A configuration in which a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further disposed on the side closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer is preferable (Claim 6). It is done.

  Furthermore, as a configuration in which the second heat-resistant insulating layer is further provided in the above-described configuration (1-1), the following configuration is preferable.

That is, (1-1-1) a configuration in which a second heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulating properties is further arranged on the side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer (claim) 4, see later-described first embodiment and FIG. 7), and (1-1-2) a second heat-resistant and insulating material closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer. A configuration in which the heat-resistant insulating layer is further arranged (Claim 5) is preferred.

  Furthermore, as a configuration in which the second heat-resistant insulating layer is further provided in the above-described configuration (1-2), the following configuration is preferable.

  That is, (1-2-1) a structure in which a second heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulating properties is further disposed on the side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer (claim) 7) and (1-2-2) a structure in which a second heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulating properties is further disposed closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer ( Claim 8) is preferred.

  In addition, as the configuration in which the second metal layer is further provided in the configuration (2), the following configurations (2-1) and (2-2) are preferably exemplified.

  That is, (2-1) a configuration in which a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further arranged closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer (Claim 10); (2-2) A configuration in which a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further disposed on the side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer is preferred (claim 11). It is done.

  Furthermore, in the toilet seat device of the present invention, the linear heater is disposed so as to cover the heating wire, the enamel layer disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the heating wire, and the outer peripheral surface of the enamel layer. It is preferable to have an insulating coating layer (claim 12).

  Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that an exothermic line electrically contacts with the 1st metal layer (when providing the 2nd metal layer, the 1st metal layer and the 2nd metal layer). In addition, the contact between the heating wire and the temperature detection sensor can be prevented more reliably.

  In the toilet seat device of the present invention, it is preferable that the linear heaters are arranged at intervals while being bent and meandering over substantially the entire surface of the two layers sandwiching the linear heater. (Claim 13).

  By arranging the linear heater in a meandering manner, it is possible to sufficiently secure the ground contact area of the linear heater on the back surface of the toilet seat while effectively utilizing the limited space on the back surface of the toilet seat. As a result, quick heating of the toilet seat and precise temperature management can be performed more reliably.

  Accordingly, the temperature detection sensor can increase the temperature of the first metal layer due to heat generated by the linear heater (if the second metal layer is provided, at least one of the temperature increase of the first metal layer and the temperature increase of the second metal layer). One temperature rise) can be detected more sensitively, and the time lag of temperature detection can be further reduced.

  Further, in this case, in the toilet seat device according to the present invention, the interval between the linear heaters differs depending on a location on the back surface (the back surface of the seating surface of the toilet seat) where the linear heater is disposed. Is narrower in the portion of the back surface where the amount of heat radiation is larger than in other portions, so that the temperature detection sensor does not come into contact with the linear heater in the portion of the linear heater having the narrow interval. (Claim 14).

Also in this case, the temperature detection sensor is configured to increase the temperature of the first metal layer due to the heat generated by the linear heater (if a second metal layer is provided, at least one of the temperature increase of the first metal layer and the temperature increase of the second metal layer). Temperature rise) can be detected more sensitively, and the time lag of temperature detection can be further reduced.

  Further, in this case, since the linear heater can be arranged in the nectar on the back surface of the seating surface of the toilet seat where the heat dissipation amount increases by touching the user's skin, this is the case when the user is seated. Even so, the temperature of the seating surface of the toilet seat can be kept sufficiently at the set temperature.

  Further, in this case, the temperature detection sensor is installed in a portion of the back surface of the seating surface of the toilet seat where the linear heater is disposed so as not to contact the linear heater. That is, since the temperature detection sensor is arranged in a region where the linear heaters are densely arranged rather than a region where the linear heaters are roughly arranged, the overheating of the indication that the linear heater is overheated is detected. Can be detected early in the vicinity of a region where there is a high possibility of occurrence of the above (region where the linear heaters are densely arranged). Therefore, the occurrence of overshoot due to excessive heating of the linear heater can be prevented more reliably.

  Moreover, in the toilet seat apparatus of this invention, it is preferable that the edge part of a toilet seat heater is sealed with the sealing member which has water resistance (Claim 15). As a result, the waterproofness of the linear heater and the temperature detection sensor arranged together between the first metal layer and the first heat-resistant insulating layer is further improved, so that safety and durability can be further improved. it can.

  According to the present invention, sufficient temperature detection accuracy of the toilet seat (sufficient detection accuracy of the temperature detection sensor) can be secured, sufficient waterproofness of the toilet seat heater and the temperature detection sensor can be secured, and excellent safety and excellent durability. The toilet seat apparatus which has sex can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(First embodiment)
<1> Appearance of toilet seat apparatus and sanitary washing apparatus including the same FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the toilet seat apparatus 110 and the sanitary washing apparatus 100 including the toilet seat apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The sanitary washing device 100 is installed in the toilet room. The sanitary washing device 100 is attached to the upper surface of the toilet bowl 700. The sanitary washing device 100 includes a main body 200, a remote operation device 300, a toilet seat 400, a lid 500, and a human body detection device 600.

  A toilet seat 400 and a lid 500 are attached to the main body 200 through a toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism (not shown) so as to be opened and closed electrically. The main body 200 includes a nozzle unit 800, a cleaning water supply mechanism (not shown), a drying unit, and the like.

  The toilet seat device 110 has a configuration in which the functions of the nozzle unit 800, the purified water supply mechanism, and the drying unit are removed from the sanitary washing device 100.

  In FIG. 1, a seating sensor 900 provided on the upper front portion of the main body 200 is shown. The seating sensor 900 is, for example, a reflective infrared sensor. In this case, the seating sensor 900 detects the presence of a user on the toilet seat 400 by detecting infrared rays reflected from the human body.

The cleaning water supply mechanism is connected to the nozzle unit 800. Accordingly, the cleaning water supply mechanism supplies the cleaning water supplied from the water pipe to the nozzle unit 800. Thereby, washing water is ejected from the nozzle part 800 to a local part of the user.

  The remote operation device 300 is provided with a plurality of switches. The remote control device 300 is attached to a place where a user sitting on the toilet seat 400 can operate, for example.

  The human body detection device 600 is attached to an entrance of a toilet room or the like. The detection sensor of the human body detection device 600 is a pyroelectric sensor that detects infrared rays, and detects that a user has entered the toilet room when infrared rays from the human body are detected.

  The control unit of the main body 200 controls the operation of each part of the sanitary washing device 100 based on signals transmitted from the remote operation device 300, the human body detection device 600, and the seating sensor 610.

<2> Operation and action of sanitary washing apparatus The sanitary washing apparatus configured as described above operates as follows.

  When the room temperature is low, such as in winter, when not in use, the temperature is adjusted by the control unit so that the toilet seat 400 has a temperature of about 18 ° C., for example. The temperature at this time is referred to as a standby temperature. Of course, when the room temperature is high in summer or the like, the toilet seat 400 is not energized.

  Here, when the user operates the toilet seat temperature adjustment switch of the remote control device 300, the toilet seat set temperature is transmitted to the control unit. The control unit stores the toilet seat set temperature received from the remote control device 300 in the storage unit of the control unit.

  When the user enters the toilet room, the human body detection device 600 detects the user's entry. As a result, a user entry detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 90.

  When detecting the user's entry into the toilet room based on the entry detection signal from the human body detection device 600, the control unit 90 drives the toilet seat toilet lid rotation mechanism to open the toilet seat 400 and the lid 500, and the toilet seat unit. Based on the measured temperature value of 400 and the toilet seat set temperature stored in the storage unit, the driving of the toilet seat heater of the toilet seat 400 is started, and the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is instantaneously increased to the toilet seat set temperature. A user can sit on the toilet seat 400.

  After the user finishes the stool, by operating the remote control device 300, washing water is ejected from the nozzle part 800 to wash the local part, and the drying unit is driven to arbitrarily dry the local part after washing. be able to.

  When the user leaves the toilet room, the detection of the human body detection device 600 is finished, and when the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 90, the control unit 90 maintains the toilet seat at the standby temperature and the toilet seat toilet lid rotates. The toilet seat 400 and the lid 500 are closed by driving the mechanism.

<3> Toilet Seat Device (3-a) Configuration of Toilet Seat Device FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the toilet seat device 110. As described above, the toilet seat device 110 includes the main body 200, the remote control device 300, the toilet seat 400, the lid 500, and the entrance detection sensor 600. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 200 includes a control unit 90, a temperature measurement unit 401, a heater driving unit 402, a toilet seat temperature adjustment lamp RA <b> 1, and a seating sensor 610.

  The toilet seat 400 includes a toilet seat heater 450 and a thermistor 401a that is a temperature detection sensor.

  The control unit 90 is formed of, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a determination unit that determines the user's entrance and the temperature of the toilet seat 400, a timer unit having a timer function, a storage unit that stores various information, and a heater driving unit 402. Including an energization rate switching circuit for controlling the operation.

  The temperature measuring unit 401 of the main body 200 is connected to the thermistor 401 a of the toilet seat 400. Thereby, the temperature measurement part 401 measures the temperature of the toilet seat part 400 based on the signal output from the thermistor 401a. Hereinafter, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 measured by the temperature measuring unit 401 through the thermistor 401a is referred to as a measured temperature value.

  Further, the heater driving unit 402 of the main body 200 is connected to the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat 400. As a result, the heater driving unit 402 drives the toilet seat heater 450.

  In the present embodiment, the toilet seat device 110 operates as follows. At the time of initial setting, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is adjusted to about 18 ° C., for example, by the control unit 90 controlling the heater driving unit 402. The temperature at this time is referred to as a standby temperature.

  Here, when the user operates the toilet seat temperature adjustment switch 333 of the remote control device 300, the toilet seat set temperature is transmitted to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 stores the toilet seat set temperature received from the remote operation device 300 in the storage unit.

  When the user enters the toilet room, the entry detection sensor 600 detects the entry of the user. As a result, a user entry detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 90.

  Next, the operation during normal use will be described. The determination unit of the control unit 90 detects the user's entry into the toilet room based on the entry detection signal from the entry detection sensor 600. Therefore, the determination unit selects a specific heater control pattern related to driving of the toilet seat heater 450 based on the measured temperature value of the toilet seat unit 400 and the toilet seat set temperature stored in the storage unit.

  The energization rate switching circuit controls the operation of the heater driving unit 402 based on the selected heater control pattern and time information obtained by the time measuring unit.

  Accordingly, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven by the heater driving unit 402, and the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is instantaneously increased to the toilet seat set temperature.

(3-b) Structure of Toilet Seat Part FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet seat part 400. 4A is a plan view of the toilet seat heater 450 of the toilet seat 400, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a region C72 in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the toilet seat 400. 6 is a C73-C73 cross-sectional view of the toilet seat 400 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion D in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the toilet seat 400 includes a substantially oval upper toilet seat casing 410 formed mainly of aluminum, a substantially horseshoe-shaped toilet seat heater 450, and a substantially oval lower toilet seat casing 420 formed of a synthetic resin. Prepare.

As shown in FIG. 7, the upper toilet seat casing 410 is formed of an aluminum plate 413. An alumite layer 412 and a surface decorative layer 411 are formed on the upper surface of the aluminum plate 413. The upper surface of the surface decorative layer 411 becomes the seating surface 410U. A coating film 414 is formed on the lower surface of the aluminum plate 413. The coating film 414 is formed of, for example, a polyester powder coating film having a film thickness of 40 μm and heat resistance of 150 ° C., and has high insulating properties. A toilet seat heater 450 is adhered to the lower surface of the coating film 414 via an adhesive layer 452a.

  Hereinafter, the front side viewed from the seated user is defined as the front portion of the toilet seat 400, and the rear side viewed from the seated user is defined as the rear of the toilet seat 400.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the toilet seat heater 450 is formed in a substantially horseshoe shape in which a part of the front portion is cut off. The toilet seat heater 450 may have a substantially oval shape. The toilet seat heater 450 includes a first metal layer 451, a second metal layer 453, and a linear heater 460 made of, for example, aluminum.

  The linear heater 460 is disposed in a meandering manner in accordance with the shape of the upper toilet seat casing 410 in the region from the seat center portion SE3 to the seat one end portion SE1 and in the region from the seat center portion SE3 to the seat other end portion SE2. .

  Specifically, the linear heater 460 is formed to have U-shaped portions of about six rows on the left and right. These U-shaped parts are arranged in parallel substantially along the direction of the thigh of the seated user. The interval between the linear heaters 460 in each U-shaped portion is about 5 mm.

  The heater start end portion 460 a and the heater end portion 460 b of the linear heater 460 are respectively connected to lead wires 470 drawn from one side of the rear portion of the toilet seat 400.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, a plurality of bent portions CU serving as thermal stress buffering portions are provided in the path of the meandering linear heater 460.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the distance ds1 of the linear heater 460 in the region G1 along the outer side of the upper toilet seat casing 410 and the distance ds3 of the linear heater 460 in the region G3 along the inner side are It is set to be smaller than the distance ds2 between the linear heaters 460 in the central region G2 of the toilet seat casing 410. Thereby, in the area | region G1 along the outer side edge of the upper toilet seat casing 410, and the area | region G3 along the inner side edge, the linear heaters 460 are arranged densely compared with the area | region G2 of a center part. The thermistor 401a, which is a temperature detection sensor, is installed in a portion where the linear heaters 460 are densely arranged.

  By arranging the linear heater 460 in a meandering manner, the space on the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the limited toilet seat 400 can be effectively utilized, and a sufficient ground contact area of the linear heater 460 on the back surface can be secured. Thereby, quick heating of the toilet seat 400 and precise temperature management can be performed more reliably.

  Accordingly, the temperature detection sensor (thermistor 401a) more sensitively detects at least one of the temperature rise of the first metal layer 451 and the temperature rise of the second metal layer 453 due to the heat generated by the linear heater 460. And the time lag of temperature detection can be further reduced.

  Further, in this case, the linear heater 460 can be arranged in the nectar in the portion of the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 that increases the amount of heat released by touching the user's skin. Therefore, even when the user is seated, the temperature of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 can be sufficiently maintained at the set temperature.

Further, in this case, the temperature detection sensor (thermistor 401a) is installed on the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 so that it does not come into contact with the linear heater 460 at a narrow interval where the linear heater 460 is disposed. Has been. That is, the temperature detection sensor (thermistor 401a) is arranged in a region where the linear heaters 460 are arranged more densely than a region where the linear heaters 460 are arranged roughly. Therefore, an indication that the overheating of the linear heater 460 can be detected early in the vicinity of a region where the overheating is likely to occur (a region where the linear heaters 460 are densely arranged). Therefore, the occurrence of overshoot due to excessive heating of the linear heater 460 can be prevented more reliably.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is formed between the first metal layer 451 and the adhesive layer 452b. In addition, a first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is formed between the adhesive layer 452b and the second metal layer 453. The second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a heat resistance of 150 ° C. and a film thickness of 12 to 25 μm. Similarly, the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is made of PET having a heat resistance of 150 ° C. and a film thickness of 12 to 25 μm, for example.

  The linear heater 460 and the thermistor 401a are disposed together between the first metal layer 451 and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456.

  Therefore, the thermistor 401a can sensitively detect the heat of the linear heater 460 and the temperature of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400. Further, the linear heater 460 and the thermistor 401a are sealed by being sandwiched between the first metal layer 451 and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 so that sufficient waterproofness can be secured and maintained. become.

  More specifically, in the present embodiment, the linear heater 460 and the thermistor 401a are disposed together between the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 facing each other.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 described above are disposed between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 facing each other. Have. Therefore, the thermistor 401a can more reliably detect the heat of the linear heater 460 and the temperature of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400. In addition, the linear heater 460 and the thermistor 401a are doubly sandwiched between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453, and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455. It becomes a sealed state and can secure and maintain a sufficient waterproof property.

  Further, the linear heater 460 and the thermistor 401a are sandwiched between the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 and the adhesive layer 452b, and the linear heater 460 and the thermistor 401a are the first metal layer 451. The second metal layer 453 is reliably insulated by the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456. Thereby, the electrical contact between the linear heater 460 and the first metal layer 451 and the electrical contact between the linear heater 460 and the second metal layer 453 are more reliably prevented.

  In addition, the end surfaces of the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 are waterproof sealed with a sealing member 700 made of a material having excellent electrical insulation and waterproof properties. Even if water permeates, the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 do not infiltrate, and the insulating properties of the linear heater 460 and the thermistor 401a can be reliably ensured.

In this manner, the thermistor 401a can be secured with the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455, the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456, and the sealing member 700, so that the thermistor 401a itself does not require a waterproof insulating structure, and the temperature The responsiveness as a detection sensor can be improved, the temperature of the linear heater 460 that instantaneously increases in temperature can be accurately detected, and the toilet seat heater 450
Accurate temperature control is possible.

(3-c) Operation of Toilet Seat Heater Next, the operation of the toilet seat heater 450 will be described. When a constant voltage is applied between the heater start end portion 460a and the heater end portion 460b of the toilet seat heater 450, a current flows through the internal heating line 463a, and the heating line 463a generates heat. At this time, the generated heat is conducted from the heating wire 463a to the seating surface 410U of the upper toilet seat casing 410 through the enamel layer 463b, the insulating coating layer 462, the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455, and the metal layer 451.

  In the linear heater 460, since the insulating coating layer 462 is formed of perfluoroalkoxy fluororesin (PFA) having a heat resistance of about 260 ° C., the thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 is as thin as 0.1 to 0.15 mm, for example. However, the enamel layer 463b is prevented from being destroyed even when the heating wire 463a is rapidly heated to 100 to 150 ° C. Therefore, the temperature of the seating surface 410U can be raised rapidly by rapidly advancing the heat conduction from the linear heater 460 to the seating surface 410U.

  In this case, it takes a short time of 5 to 6 seconds from the start of energization to the linear heater 460, for example, until the user enters the toilet room and sits on the seating surface 410U. It takes less than 7-8 seconds. Therefore, even if the energization detection sensor 600 detects that the user has entered the toilet room and at the same time the energization of the linear heater 460 is started, the seating surface 410U has a sufficiently optimum temperature until the user is seated. Can be reached.

  Further, the inner region G3 and the outer region G1 of the seating surface 410U in FIG. 6 have higher heat dissipation than the central region G2. In the present embodiment, the linear heaters 460 are arranged more densely in the inner region G3 and the outer region G1 than in the central region G2. Therefore, the temperature unevenness and the cold feeling are not felt at the moment when the user is seated on the seating surface 410U.

  On the other hand, the linear heater 460 is as long as about 10 m in total length, and rapidly expands as the heating wire 463a rapidly rises. As a result, the linear heater 460 expands in the length direction. In addition, when the energization is stopped, the temperature of the heating wire 463a is decreased and returns to the original length due to contraction. That is, thermal stress strain due to thermal expansion and contraction is repeatedly formed on the heating wire 463a.

  When the adhesion between the linear heater 460 and the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 is weak, or when a gap is formed between the linear heater 460 and the seating surface 410U, the entire thermal stress strain is reduced. Concentrate on the most mobile parts. As a result, a relatively strong bending / extending motion occurs in the linear heater 460, and damage to the linear heater 460 such as breakage of the heating wire 463a occurs due to accumulation of stress fatigue.

  In the present embodiment, since a plurality of bent portions are formed as thermal stress buffering portions in the linear heater 460, these bent portions finely disperse the entire thermal stress strain, and the bent portion becomes the thermal stress strain. Also acts to absorb. Therefore, the thermal stress at the bent portion is extremely small, and as a result, only slight bending and stretching occur. As a result, the heating wire 463a is not broken, and the life and durability of the linear heater 460 are improved.

  In addition, in the inner region G3 and the outer region G1 of the seating surface 410U with relatively large heat dissipation, the interval between the linear heaters 460 may be increased and the number of bent portions may be reduced as compared with the central region G2. .

As described above, the overall length of the linear heater 460 is as long as approximately 10 m, and a bent portion is formed in the linear heater 460. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain and fix the arrangement of the linear heaters 460 when the linear heaters 460 are mounted on the seating surface 410U. A unitized toilet seat heater 450 is configured by bringing the linear heater 460 into close contact with the metal layers 451 and 453 while the linear heater 460 is sandwiched between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453. Therefore, the linear heater 460 can be bonded to the seating surface 410U in a state where the arrangement of the linear heaters 460 is firmly maintained.

  In addition, since the linear heater 460 is sandwiched between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453, heat distribution is evenly distributed by the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453. Done. Thereby, it can prevent that the linear heater 460 heats up. In addition, the seating surface 410U is soaked and the toilet seat heater 450 is prevented from being damaged.

(3-d) Energization sequence of toilet seat device The drive control of the toilet seat heater 450 is performed by changing the electric power for driving the toilet seat heater 450 into three.

  For example, when the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised with a first temperature gradient, the heater driver 402 in FIG. 2 drives the toilet seat heater 450 with about 1200 W of power (1200 W drive).

  As described above, the resistance value of the toilet seat heater 450 is 0.833 Ω / m, and the total length is 10 m. Therefore, the resistance value of the toilet seat heater 450 is 8.33Ω. When AC 100 V is applied to the toilet seat heater 450 having this resistance value, power of (100 V × 100 V) ÷ 8.33Ω = 1200 W is generated. That is, 1200 W of electric power is generated by passing a current through the toilet seat heater 450 over the entire period of the AC power supply.

  When the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised at a second temperature gradient that is slightly gentler than the first temperature gradient, the heater driving unit 402 drives the toilet seat heater 450 with about 600 W of power (600 W drive). Further, when the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is kept constant, the heater driving unit 402 drives the toilet seat heater 450 with about 50 W of power (low power driving). Note that low power driving refers to driving the toilet seat heater 450 with sufficiently low power (for example, power in the range of 0 W to 50 W) compared to 1200 W driving and 600 W driving.

  Switching between 1200 W driving, 600 W driving, and low power driving is performed by the energization rate switching circuit of the control unit 90 controlling energization from the heater driving unit 402 to the toilet seat heater 450.

  An AC current is supplied to the heater driving unit 402 from a power supply circuit (not shown). Therefore, the heater drive unit 402 causes the alternating current supplied based on the energization control signal provided from the energization rate switching circuit to flow through the toilet seat heater 450.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a driving example of the toilet seat heater 450 and a change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400.

  FIG. 8 shows a graph showing the relationship between the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 and time, and a graph showing the relationship between the energization rate and time when the toilet seat heater 450 is driven. The horizontal axis of these two graphs is a common time axis.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user turns on the heating function in advance and sets the toilet seat set temperature high (38 ° C.).

  When the room temperature is lower than the standby temperature of 18 ° C. such as in winter, the control unit 90 causes the temperature of the toilet seat 400 to be 18 ° C. based on the signal of the temperature measurement unit 401 that detects the temperature of the seating surface 410U by the thermistor 401a. Adjust the temperature. In this manner, the control unit 90 detects the thermistor 401a so that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 becomes constant at 18 ° C. during the waiting period D1 until the user's entry is detected by the entry detection sensor 600. The toilet seat heater 450 is driven with low power.

  When the entry detection sensor 600 detects entry of the user at time t1, the control unit 90 performs 600 W driving during the inrush current reduction period D2. This 600 W drive is performed in order to sufficiently reduce the inrush current. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised with a slightly gentle second temperature gradient.

  Thereafter, the control unit 90 starts 1200W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 at time t2 after the rush current reduction period D2 has elapsed, and continues 1200W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 during the first temperature rising period D3. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is increased with the first temperature gradient described above. Here, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased. The toilet seat heater 450 is driven at 1200 W until the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.). Of course, the predetermined temperature may be a temperature set as the heating temperature. However, the predetermined temperature is not a temperature sufficiently increased to the heating temperature, and even when the predetermined temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, when the user is seated. It may be the lowest limit temperature (limit temperature) that does not cause an unpleasant feeling of being cold. This limit temperature has been found to be about 29 ° C. by subject experiments conducted by the inventors.

  Thus, in the first temperature increase period D3, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased to a predetermined temperature by 1200 W driving. Thus, the user can sit on the toilet seat 400 without feeling that the toilet seat 400 is cold.

  In addition, as described above, when the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is rapidly increased, an overshoot occurs in the temperature change. However, in the present embodiment, when the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches a predetermined temperature, the 1200 W drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is switched to the 600 W drive. Therefore, even when the change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 overshoots, the surface temperature does not exceed the toilet seat set temperature. As a result, the user is prevented from feeling the toilet seat 400 hot when seated.

  Subsequently, the control unit 90 starts 600W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 at time t3 after the elapse of the first temperature rising period D3, and continues 600 W driving of the toilet seat heater 450 during the second temperature rising period D4. To do. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is raised with the second temperature gradient described above.

  The toilet seat heater 450 is driven at 600 W until the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is detected by the thermistor 401a until the toilet seat set temperature (38 ° C.) is reached.

  The second temperature gradient is gentler than the first temperature gradient. This prevents a large overshoot from occurring in the change in the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400, but the toilet seat heater 450 has a heat capacity, and it is necessary to cut or reduce energization as soon as possible. In order to accurately grasp, a temperature detection sensor that accurately detects a temperature rise is the most important element, and the thermistor 401a of this embodiment has this function as necessary and sufficient.

  The control unit 90 starts low-power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 at time t4 after the elapse of the second temperature rising period D4, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat unit 400 is set to the thermistor 401a during the first maintenance period D5. The low-power drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is continued while detecting at. Thereby, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is constant at the toilet seat set temperature.

  When the seating sensor 290 detects that the user is seated on the toilet seat 400 at time t5, the controller 90 reduces the energization rate of the low power drive, and during the first seating period D6, the toilet seat 400 While the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is detected by the thermistor 401a, the toilet seat heater 450 continues to be driven at low power so that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 maintains the toilet seat set temperature. In the present embodiment, the first seating period D6 is set to about 10 minutes.

  Further, the control unit 90 further reduces the energization rate of the low power drive at time t6 after the first seating period D6 has elapsed, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is changed during the second seating period D7. While detecting at 401a, the low power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is continued so that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 decreases to a temperature (36 ° C.) slightly lower than the toilet seat set temperature. In the present embodiment, the second seating period D7 is set to about 2 minutes.

  At time t7 after the elapse of the second seating period D7, the control unit 90 further decreases the energization rate of the low power drive, and the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is lower than the toilet seat set temperature during the second maintenance period D8. The low-power drive of the toilet seat heater 450 is continued so as to be constant at a slightly low temperature (36 ° C.). In the following description, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 that is maintained constant in the second maintenance period D8, that is, a temperature slightly lower than the toilet seat set temperature is referred to as a maintenance temperature.

  As described above, during the period from D4 to D8, the control unit determines that the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is a predetermined temperature based on the signal of the temperature measurement unit 401 that detects the temperature of the seating surface 410U by the thermistor 401a that is a temperature detection sensor. The heater driving unit 402 is controlled so that

  Thus, in this embodiment, after the user is seated on the toilet seat 400, the control unit 90 gradually decreases the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400. This prevents the user from getting burned at low temperatures.

  When it is detected by the seating sensor 290 that the user has left the toilet seat 400 at time t8, the controller 90 stops driving the toilet seat heater 450 during the stop period D9. Thereby, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 decreases.

  The controller 90 starts the low-power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 again at time t9 when the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 reaches 18 ° C., and waits for the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 to be constant at 18 ° C. The low power driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is maintained during D10.

  Thus, when the temperature gradient becomes gradually gentle, the overshoot caused by the temperature change of the toilet seat 400 can be sufficiently reduced.

  In the present embodiment, after the user is seated on the toilet seat 400, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 is gradually reduced by adjusting the power used to drive the toilet seat heater 450. The user may stop when sitting on the toilet seat 400. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the user from getting burned at a low temperature.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it has been described that the driving of the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped when it is detected that the user has left the toilet seat 400 at time t8. The stop may be performed after elapse of a certain time (for example, 1 minute) from time t8 when it is detected that the user has left the toilet seat 400. In this case, the surface temperature of the toilet seat 400 does not decrease even when the user once again leaves the toilet seat 400 and again feels comfortable and sits on the toilet seat 400 again. As a result, the user can comfortably sit on the toilet seat 400.

  The energization state of the toilet seat heater 450 during 1200 W drive, 600 W drive, and low power drive will be described together with the energization control signal of the energization rate switching circuit.

  In the following description, the energization rate refers to the ratio of the time during which an alternating current is passed through the toilet seat heater 450 for one cycle of the alternating current.

  FIG. 9A is a waveform diagram of a current flowing through the toilet seat heater 450 during 1200 W drive, and FIG. 9B is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal supplied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit 402 during 1200 W drive.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the energization control signal at the time of 1200 W driving is always logic “1”. When the energization control signal is logic “1”, the heater driving unit 402 passes an alternating current supplied from the power supply circuit to the toilet seat heater 450 (FIG. 8A, bold line portion). Thereby, an alternating current flows through the toilet seat heater 450 over the entire period. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven with about 1200 W of power.

  FIG. 10A is a waveform diagram of a current flowing through the toilet seat heater 450 during 600 W drive, and FIG. 8B is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal supplied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit 402 during 600 W drive.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the energization control signal at the time of 600 W driving is composed of pulses having the same cycle as the alternating current supplied to the heater driving unit 402. The duty ratio of the pulse is set to 50%.

  The heater drive unit 402 causes an alternating current supplied from the power supply circuit to flow in the toilet seat heater 450 when the energization control signal is logic “1” (FIG. 10A, bold line portion). Thereby, an alternating current flows through the toilet seat heater 450 during a half cycle. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven with about 600 W of electric power.

  FIG. 11A is a waveform diagram of a current flowing through the toilet seat heater 450 during low power driving, and FIG. 11B is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal supplied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater driving unit 402 during low power driving. .

  As shown in FIG. 11 (b), the energization control signal at the time of low power driving is composed of pulses having the same cycle as the alternating current supplied to the heater driving unit 402. The duty ratio of the pulse is set to be smaller than 50% (for example, about several percent).

  When the energization control signal is logic “1”, the heater drive unit 402 causes an alternating current supplied from the power supply circuit to flow through the toilet seat heater 450 (FIG. 11A, bold line portion). In each cycle, an alternating current flows through the toilet seat heater 450 for a period corresponding to the pulse width. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven with electric power of about 50 W, for example.

  In addition to the above, when the temperature of the toilet seat 400 is lowered, or when the heating function of the toilet seat device 110 is turned off, the energization rate switching circuit does not give an energization control signal to the heater drive unit 402 (energization control). Set the signal to logic "0"). Thereby, the heater driving unit 402 does not drive the toilet seat heater 450.

Here, generally, when the current supplied to the electronic device has a harmonic component, noise is generated. In the present embodiment, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven at 1200 W or 600 W as described above.
When driving, since the current supplied to the toilet seat heater 450 changes so as to draw a sine curve, the generation of noise is sufficiently reduced even if the magnitude of the current increases.

  Further, when the toilet seat heater 450 is driven at low power, the current supplied to the toilet seat heater 450 has a harmonic component, but the magnitude of the current is much smaller than that at the time of 1200 W driving and 600 W driving, so Occurrence is sufficiently reduced.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the toilet seat heater 450 is driven by electric power of 1200 W, 600 W, and about 50 W, but the toilet seat heater 450 may be driven by other electric power.

  For example, when an alternating current is passed through the toilet seat heater 450 for a period of half a cycle, the timing for flowing the alternating current is set at intervals of a predetermined cycle such as two cycles or three cycles. As a result, the toilet seat heater 450 can be driven with power of a magnitude different from 1200 W, 600 W, and about 50 W while sufficiently preventing the generation of noise.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 90 supplies current to the toilet seat heater 450 when the energization control signal is logic “1”, and supplies current to the toilet seat heater 450 when the energization control signal is logic “0”. However, when the energization control signal is logic “1”, the supply of current to the toilet seat heater 450 is stopped, and when the energization control signal is logic “0”, the current is supplied to the toilet seat heater 450. Also good.

  In addition, since the on / off of the toilet seat heater 450 is controlled by time, the temperature of the toilet seat 400 does not exceed the predetermined value or does not reach the predetermined value when the time measurement is shifted. Therefore, the control unit 90 measures the time during which the toilet seat 400 is turned on using two measurement sources so that the time measurement does not deviate. As one measurement source, the on-time of the toilet seat heater 450 is measured by an oscillator that defines the effective speed of the program of the control unit 90, and another measurement source is used as the reference of the toilet seat heater 450 based on the cycle of the AC voltage. Measure the on time. When at least one of these measured values exceeds the specified time, the process proceeds to the next energization pattern.

  In particular, excessive temperature rise is reliably prevented by accurately measuring the time during which 1200 W is energized in the toilet seat. This further improves the safety of the device. Although a method for improving the measurement accuracy by providing a plurality of measurement sources has been described here, it is a method for measuring the time during which the toilet seat heater 450 is fully energized and forcibly interrupting or restricting the energization of the heater. However, the same effect can be obtained.

(3-e) Effects on Toilet Seat Device In the toilet seat device 110 of the present embodiment, heat generated by the heating wire 463a of the linear heater 460 is transmitted to the upper toilet seat casing 410 via the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462. Is done. Thereby, the temperature of the seating surface 410U rises.

  Here, the enamel layer 463b has sufficient electrical insulation. Therefore, even if the thickness of the enamel layer 463b is reduced, the heating wire 463a and the upper toilet seat casing 410 can be sufficiently insulated. Thereby, the thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 can also be reduced.

Therefore, in the toilet seat device 110, the thickness of the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462 can be reduced while reliably insulating the heating wire 463a and the aluminum plate 413 of the upper toilet seat casing 410. In this case, the heat capacities of the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462 can be reduced, so that the heat generated by the heating wire 463a can be efficiently transmitted to the seating surface 410U.

  In the toilet seat device 110, an aluminum plate 413 is used for the upper toilet seat casing 410. Therefore, the heat generated by the heating wire 463a can be transmitted to the seating surface 410U more efficiently.

  As a result, it is possible to quickly raise the temperature of the seating surface 410U while reliably insulating the heating wire 463a and the aluminum plate 413 of the upper toilet seat casing 410.

  Moreover, since the heat of the heating wire 463a can be efficiently transmitted to the seating surface 410U, the amount of heat generated by the heating wire 463a can be suppressed. Thereby, durability of the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462 is improved. As a result, the reliability of the toilet seat device 110 is improved.

  Moreover, since the thickness of the enamel layer 463b and the insulating coating layer 462 for insulating the heating wire 463a and the aluminum plate 413 of the upper toilet seat casing 410 can be reduced, the weight of the toilet seat device 110 can be reduced.

  In addition, since the heating wire 463a is covered with the enamel layer 463b having sufficient heat resistance, a material having low heat resistance can be used for the insulating coating layer 462. Thereby, the product cost of the toilet seat apparatus 110 can be reduced reliably.

  Further, when the enamel layer 463b is formed of polyester imide or polyamide imide, the polyester imide and polyamide imide are excellent in electrical insulation and heat resistance. Therefore, the heating wire 463a and the aluminum plate 413 of the upper toilet seat casing 410 are more connected. It is possible to quickly raise the temperature of the seating surface 410U while ensuring insulation.

  Furthermore, when the sum of the thickness of the enamel layer 463b and the thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 is 0.4 mm or less, the seating surface 410U is reliably insulated from the heating wire 463a and the aluminum plate 413 of the upper toilet seat casing 410. The temperature can be raised more quickly.

  In particular, when the sum of the thickness of the enamel layer 463b and the thickness of the insulating coating layer 462 is 0.2 mm or less, the temperature of the seating surface 410U can be raised more rapidly.

  Further, since the insulating coating layer 462 is made of a material having lower heat resistance than the enamel layer 463b, the product cost of the toilet seat device 110 can be sufficiently reduced.

  Further, since the linear heater 460 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 provided on the back surface side of the upper toilet seat casing 410, the heat generated in the heating wire 463a. Is efficiently transmitted to the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453. In addition, one surface of the first metal layer 451 is attached to the back surface of the upper toilet seat casing 410 and one surface of the second metal layer 453 is attached to the other surface of the first metal layer 451. Thereby, the heat transmitted from the heating wire 463a to the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 can be efficiently transmitted to the entire back surface of the upper toilet seat casing 410. Thereby, the entire seating surface 410U can be heated uniformly.

  In particular, when the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 are made of aluminum, the heat generated by the heating wire 463a can be quickly transmitted by the upper toilet seat casing 410.

Further, the second heat-resistant insulating layer 4 is provided between the back surface of the upper toilet seat casing 410 and the metal layer 451.
When 55 is provided, the heating wire 463a and the aluminum plate 413 of the upper toilet seat casing 410 can be more reliably insulated by the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455.

  In addition, since the connection portion 475 between the lead wire 470 and the linear heater 460 is provided between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453, the connection portion 475 between the lead wire 470 and the linear heater 460. The heat generated in is transmitted to the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453. Thereby, the temperature of the seating surface 410U can be raised more rapidly.

  In addition, the thermistor 401a itself, which is a temperature detection sensor, does not require a waterproof insulation structure, and the responsiveness of the thermistor 401a can be improved even when the temperature rises instantaneously.

  Furthermore, since the thermistor 401a is installed in a place where the interval between the linear heaters 460 is narrow, the detection accuracy of the thermistor 401a is improved, and temperature control is instantly started when the temperature of the toilet seat heater 450 rises.

[Modification]
The preferred embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  The toilet seat device of the present invention can adopt the following configuration different from the first embodiment. Even when the following configuration is adopted, sufficient temperature detection accuracy of the toilet seat (sufficient temperature detection sensor) High detection accuracy), sufficient waterproofness of the toilet seat heater and the temperature detection sensor can be ensured, and excellent safety and excellent durability can be obtained.

Each structure of the toilet seat apparatus different from the toilet seat apparatus 110 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. That is,
(1) In FIG. 7, the second metal layer 453 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 are not provided, and the first metal layer 451 is disposed on the side close to the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400, One heat-resistant insulating layer 456 may be arranged on the side farther from the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 than the first metal layer 451 (Claim 2).
(2) In FIG. 7, the second metal layer 453 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 are not provided, and the positional relationship between the first metal layer 451 and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is the positional relationship shown in FIG. The first metal layer 451 is disposed closer to the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400, and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is more than the first metal layer 451. It may be arranged on the side far from the back surface of the seating surface 410U of 400 (claim 9).

  In the toilet seat device adopting any of the above-described configurations (1) and (2), the temperature detection sensor and the linear heater include the first metal layer 451, the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456, and the like. Thus, the effect of the present invention can be obtained.

  Furthermore, from the viewpoint of obtaining the effect of the present invention more reliably, the temperature detection sensor (thermistor) is applied to the first metal layer 451 in both cases of the configurations (1) and (2). 401a) and a second metal layer 453 that is disposed to face each other with the linear heater 460 interposed therebetween.

  In this case, the temperature detection sensor (thermistor 401a) and the linear heater 460 are arranged between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453. Thereby, sufficient temperature detection accuracy and sufficient waterproofness can be obtained more reliably.

In addition, from the viewpoint of obtaining the effect of the present invention more reliably, the temperature detection sensor (for the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 in both cases of the above-described configurations (1) and (2)) ( It is preferable to further provide a second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 that is opposed to the thermistor 401a) and the linear heater. In this case, the temperature detection sensor (thermistor 401a) and the linear heater 460 are disposed between the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455. Thereby, sufficient temperature detection accuracy and sufficient waterproofness can be obtained more reliably.

As the configuration in which the second metal layer 453 is further provided in the configuration (1), the following configurations (1-1) and (1-2) are preferable. That is,
(1-1) In FIG. 7, the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is not provided, and has thermal conductivity on the side farther from the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 than the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456. A configuration in which the second metal layer 453 is further arranged (Claim 3) is preferred.
(1-2) In FIG. 7, the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is not provided, and the positional relationship between the second metal layer 453 and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is opposite to the positional relationship described in FIG. The second metal layer 453 having thermal conductivity is further disposed closer to the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 than the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 (Claim 6). ) Is preferred.

Furthermore, as a configuration in which the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is further provided in the above-described configuration (1-1), other than the above-described configuration (1-1-1) of the toilet seat device according to the first embodiment (Claim 4). The following (1-1-2) is preferably exemplified. That is,
(1-1-2) In FIG. 7, the positional relationship between the first metal layer 451 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is opposite to the positional relationship described in FIG. A configuration in which a second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 having heat resistance and insulating properties is further arranged closer to the side closer to the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 is preferable (Claim 5).

Furthermore, as a configuration in which the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is further provided in the above-described configuration (1-2), the following configuration is preferable. That is,
(1-2-1) In FIG. 7, the positional relationship between the second metal layer 453 and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is opposite to the positional relationship described in FIG. A configuration in which a second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 having heat resistance and insulation is further disposed on the side farther from the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 is preferable.
(1-2-2) In FIG. 7, the positional relationship between the first metal layer 451 and the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is opposite to the positional relationship described in FIG. 7, and the second metal The positional relationship between the layer 453 and the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is opposite to the positional relationship described in FIG. 7, and is closer to the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 than the first metal layer 451. A configuration in which a second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 having heat resistance and insulating properties is further disposed (claim 8) is preferred.

Moreover, as a structure which further provides the 2nd metal layer 453 in the structure of the above-mentioned (2), the following structures (2-1) and (2-2) are mentioned preferably. That is,
(2-1) In FIG. 7, there is no second heat-resistant insulating layer 455, and the positional relationship between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 is opposite to the positional relationship described in FIG. In addition, the arrangement position of the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is opposite to the positional relationship shown in FIG. 7, and the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 is located more than the temperature detection sensor (thermistor 401a) and the linear heater 460. A configuration that is closer to the back surface is preferred. Here, the second metal layer 453 is disposed closer to the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 than the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 (claim 10).
(2-2) In FIG. 7, the second heat-resistant insulating layer 455 is not provided, and the positional relationship between the first metal layer 451 and the second metal layer 453 is opposite to the positional relationship described in FIG. In addition, the arrangement position of the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 is opposite to the positional relationship shown in FIG. 7, and the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 is located more than the temperature detection sensor (thermistor 401a) and the linear heater 460. A configuration that is closer to the back surface is preferred. Here, the second metal layer 453 is disposed on the side farther from the back surface of the seating surface 410U of the toilet seat 400 than the first heat-resistant insulating layer 456 (claim 11).

  As described above, since the toilet seat device of the present invention can improve the detection accuracy of the temperature detection sensor, it can be applied to other uses such as a heating appliance.

1 is an external perspective view of a toilet seat device and a sanitary washing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the toilet seat apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. Exploded perspective view of toilet seat part of toilet seat device (A) is a plan view of the toilet seat heater, (b) is a detailed view of the C72 region of (a). Top view of the toilet seat part of the toilet seat device C73-C73 sectional view of FIG. Detailed sectional view of part D of FIG. Time chart showing changes in toilet seat heater surface and toilet seat surface temperature (A) is a waveform diagram of the current flowing through the toilet seat heater during 1200 W drive, and (b) is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal applied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit during 1200 W drive. (A) is a waveform diagram of the current flowing through the toilet seat heater during 600 W drive, and (b) is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal applied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater drive unit during 600 W drive. (A) is a waveform diagram of the current flowing through the toilet seat heater during low power driving, and (b) is a waveform diagram of an energization control signal applied from the energization rate switching circuit to the heater driving unit during low power driving. Cross-sectional view of main parts of a toilet seat of a conventional toilet seat device

Explanation of symbols

110 Toilet seat device 400 Toilet seat part (toilet seat)
401a thermistor (temperature detection sensor)
402 Heater Drive Unit 410U Seating Surface 450 Toilet Seat Heater 451 First Metal Layer 453 Second Metal Layer 455 Second Metal Layer 456 First Heat-resistant Insulating Layer 462 Insulating Cover Layer 463a Heating Wire 463b Enamel Layer 700 Sealing Member

Claims (15)

A toilet seat that has a seating surface for a user to sit on, and contains metal as a constituent material;
The toilet seat heater in the form of a sheet that is installed on the back surface of the seating surface of the toilet seat and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the seating surface;
Have
The toilet seat heater is
A plurality of layers including at least a first metal layer having thermal conductivity and a first heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulation;
A linear heater disposed between the first metal layer and the first heat-resistant insulating layer;
A temperature detection sensor that is disposed between the first metal layer and the first heat-resistant insulating layer so as not to contact the linear heater, and detects a temperature of the toilet seat;
have,
Toilet seat device. The first metal layer is disposed on a side close to the back surface of the toilet seat;
The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat-resistant insulating layer is disposed on a side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 2, wherein a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further disposed on a side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 3, wherein a second heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulation is further disposed on a side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 3, wherein a second heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulating properties is further disposed closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 2, wherein a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further disposed closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 6, wherein a second heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulation is further disposed on a side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 6, wherein a second heat-resistant insulating layer having heat resistance and insulating properties is further arranged closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer. The first metal layer is disposed on a side close to the back surface of the toilet seat;
The toilet seat device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat-resistant insulating layer is disposed on a side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first metal layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 9, wherein a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further arranged closer to the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer.   The toilet seat device according to claim 9, wherein a second metal layer having thermal conductivity is further disposed on a side farther from the back surface of the toilet seat than the first heat-resistant insulating layer. The linear heater is
Heating wire,
An enamel layer arranged to cover the outer peripheral surface of the heating wire;
An insulating coating layer disposed so as to cover the outer peripheral surface of the enamel layer;
have,
The toilet seat apparatus of any one of Claims 1-11.   The toilet seat device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the linear heater is disposed at substantially the entire surface of two layers sandwiching the linear heater while being bent and meandered. . The distance between the linear heaters differs depending on the location on the back surface where the linear heater is disposed,
The interval is narrower than other parts in the part of the back surface where the amount of heat radiation is large,
The toilet seat device according to claim 13, wherein the temperature detection sensor is installed at the narrow portion of the linear heater so as not to contact the linear heater.   The toilet seat apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 with which the edge part of the said toilet seat heater is sealed with the sealing member which has water resistance.