JP4488927B2

JP4488927B2 - Ranging type seating sensor

Info

Publication number: JP4488927B2
Application number: JP2005050466A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 路人榎本; 修秋吉; 宏二杉原
Original assignee: Toto Ltd
Current assignee: Toto Ltd
Priority date: 2005-02-25
Filing date: 2005-02-25
Publication date: 2010-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-25
Also published as: JP2006230742A

Description

本発明は、便座を回動自在に枢着し、洋式便器の上面後部に設置された衛生洗浄装置などのトイレ装置のケーシングに取付けられ、トイレ装置の使用者が便座に着座したか否かを検知する測距式着座センサに関する。 The present invention pivots a toilet seat and attaches it to a casing of a toilet device such as a sanitary washing device installed at the rear upper surface of a Western-style toilet, and whether or not the user of the toilet device is seated on the toilet seat. The present invention relates to a distance measuring type seating sensor to be detected.

トイレ装置において、図７に示すように衛生洗浄装置などのトイレ装置１のケーシング２に回動自在に便座３が取付けられると共に、このケーシング２に使用者が便座３に着座したことを検知するために三角測量の原理を応用した測距式着座センサ４が取付けられ、便座３前方に向けて赤外線を投光している。そして、例えば測距式着座センサ４の前方約２００ｍｍ以内のポイントに使用者が便座３に着座すると人体を検知して着座出力信号を発生し、着座出力信号Ｓが有るときだけスイッチ５操作でノズル６から洗浄水を吐水可能にするなど、トイレ装置１の各機能は測距式着座センサ４からの着座出力信号に基いて作動する。 In the toilet apparatus, as shown in FIG. 7, a toilet seat 3 is rotatably attached to a casing 2 of a toilet apparatus 1 such as a sanitary washing device, and the casing 2 detects that a user is seated on the toilet seat 3. A distance measuring type seating sensor 4 applying the principle of triangulation is attached, and infrared rays are projected toward the front of the toilet seat 3. For example, when the user sits on the toilet seat 3 at a point within about 200 mm in front of the distance measuring type seating sensor 4, a human body is detected and a seating output signal is generated. Only when the seating output signal S is present, the nozzle is operated by operating the switch 5. Each function of the toilet apparatus 1 such as allowing flushing of the wash water from 6 operates based on a seating output signal from the distance measuring seating sensor 4.

しかしながら、トイレ装置１のケーシング２表面に測距式着座センサ４を設けた場合、図８に示すように使用者が便座３上に着座して人体が測距式着座センサ４前方の約２００ｍｍ（検知距離Ｅ）の位置に達すると着座出力信号Ｓを発生するが、その後、使用者が便座３後方に人体を移動させ、人体がトイレ装置１のケーシング２、言い換えれば測距式着座センサ４に約２０ｍｍ以内に接近すると測距式着座センサ４は人体を検知できず（近点非検知距離Ｆ）、この状態で例えばスイッチ５を操作してもノズル６から洗浄水を吐出できなくなる。 However, when the distance measuring type seating sensor 4 is provided on the surface of the casing 2 of the toilet apparatus 1, the user sits on the toilet seat 3 and the human body is approximately 200 mm in front of the distance measuring type seating sensor 4 as shown in FIG. When the position of the detection distance E) is reached, a seating output signal S is generated. Thereafter, the user moves the human body to the back of the toilet seat 3, and the human body moves to the casing 2 of the toilet device 1, in other words, the distance measuring seating sensor 4. When approaching within about 20 mm, the distance measuring seating sensor 4 cannot detect a human body (near-point non-detection distance F), and even if the switch 5 is operated in this state, for example, the cleaning water cannot be discharged from the nozzle 6.

この現象を図９、図１０に基いて説明する。まず図９に示すように、使用者が便器７の前に立つなど、測距式着座センサ４前方の約２００ｍｍ（検知距離Ｅ）より遠い位置に人体（体や衣服などの検知対象物）８ａがある場合は、ＬＥＤなどの投光素子９への通電電流（例えば２００ｍＡのパルス電流）に応じた光量の光が投光素子９から投光され、投光レンズ１０を通過した投光１１が人体８ａにより反射され、その反射光１２ａは受光レンズ１３を通過して集光されるが、集光された反射光１２ａは投光素子９側にずれて受光素子１４の検出領域には到達せず、着座出力信号Ｓを発生しない。使用者が便座３上に着座して人体が測距式着座センサ４前方の約２００ｍｍ（検知距離Ｅ）の位置に達すると、投光素子９から投光され、投光レンズ１０を通過した投光１１が人体８ｂによって反射され、その反射光１２ｂが受光レンズ１３を通過後、受光素子１４に到達して着座出力信号Ｓを発生する。 This phenomenon will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 9, a human body (detection object such as a body or clothes) 8a is located at a position farther than about 200 mm (detection distance E) in front of the distance measuring type seating sensor 4 such as a user standing in front of the toilet 7. When there is light, the light 11 having a light amount corresponding to the energization current to the light projecting element 9 such as an LED (for example, a pulse current of 200 mA) is projected from the light projecting element 9 and the light projecting 11 that has passed through the light projecting lens 10 is generated. Reflected by the human body 8a, the reflected light 12a passes through the light receiving lens 13 and is collected. However, the collected reflected light 12a is shifted to the light projecting element 9 side and does not reach the detection region of the light receiving element 14. The seating output signal S is not generated. When the user sits on the toilet seat 3 and the human body reaches a position of about 200 mm (detection distance E) in front of the distance measuring type seating sensor 4, the light projected from the light projecting element 9 and passed through the light projecting lens 10. The light 11 is reflected by the human body 8b, and the reflected light 12b passes through the light receiving lens 13 and then reaches the light receiving element 14 to generate a seating output signal S.

その後、図１０に示すように、使用者が便座３後方に人体を移動させ、人体８ｃがトイレ装置１のケーシング２、言い換えれば測距式着座センサ４に約２０ｍｍ（近点非検知距離Ｆ）以内に接近すると、投光素子９から投光された光の内、投光レンズ１０中心軸１５近辺の投光１１ａは人体８ｃによって反射されるものの、その反射光１２ｃは、受光レンズ１３を通過後、受光素子１４には到達しない。また、投光１１ａの中心軸１５の周縁部に広がる投光１１ｂも人体８ｃによって反射されるが、その反射光１２ｄも、受光レンズ１３を通過後、受光素子１４に到達しない。従って、着座出力信号Ｓを発生しない。 Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the user moves the human body to the back of the toilet seat 3, and the human body 8 c moves to the casing 2 of the toilet apparatus 1, in other words, the distance measuring seating sensor 4, about 20 mm (near-point non-detection distance F). The light 11a near the central axis 15 of the light projecting lens 10 is reflected by the human body 8c, but the reflected light 12c passes through the light receiving lens 13. Thereafter, the light receiving element 14 is not reached. Further, the light projection 11b spreading around the peripheral edge of the central axis 15 of the light projection 11a is also reflected by the human body 8c, but the reflected light 12d does not reach the light receiving element 14 after passing through the light receiving lens 13. Therefore, the seating output signal S is not generated.

そこで、投光素子９への通電電流を例えば２００ｍＡから４００ｍＡに増やして投光素子９が発光する光量を増大させると、光が中心軸１５周縁部に広がって、この周縁部の投光１１ｃが人体８ｃによって反射された反射光１２ｅが、受光レンズ１３を通過後受光素子１４に到達し、受光素子１４で検知できるようになる。これによれば、投光素子９への通電電流を増やすことによって近点非検知距離Ｆを短くすることが可能になる。しかしながら、投光素子９への通電電流値に反比例して時間が経つにつれて投光素子９からの投光量が減少し、結果的に測距式着座センサ４の寿命が短くなってしまう。 Therefore, when the current supplied to the light projecting element 9 is increased from 200 mA to 400 mA, for example, to increase the amount of light emitted by the light projecting element 9, the light spreads to the peripheral part of the central axis 15, and the light projection 11c at the peripheral part is The reflected light 12e reflected by the human body 8c reaches the light receiving element 14 after passing through the light receiving lens 13, and can be detected by the light receiving element 14. According to this, it becomes possible to shorten the near point non-detection distance F by increasing the energization current to the light projecting element 9. However, the amount of light emitted from the light projecting element 9 decreases with time in inverse proportion to the value of the energization current to the light projecting element 9, and as a result, the life of the distance measuring type seating sensor 4 is shortened.

従って、投光素子９への通電電流を多くすれば、近点非検知距離Ｆが短くなるものの時間が経つにつれて投光素子９からの投光量が減少して着座センサ４の寿命が短くなり、投光素子９への通電電流を少なくすれば投光素子９からの投光量が減少しないことから着座センサ４の寿命が長くなるものの近点非検知距離Ｆが長くなる。 Therefore, if the energization current to the light projecting element 9 is increased, the near point non-detection distance F is shortened, but the light projection amount from the light projecting element 9 is decreased with time, and the life of the seating sensor 4 is shortened. If the energization current to the light projecting element 9 is reduced, the amount of light emitted from the light projecting element 9 does not decrease. Therefore, although the life of the seating sensor 4 is increased, the near point non-detection distance F is increased.

尚、検出距離Ｅは、投光１１の反射光１２が受光素子１４に到達するか否かによって決まるので、投光素子９への通電電流を増やし光量を増やしても検出距離Ｅはほとんど変化しない。 Since the detection distance E is determined by whether or not the reflected light 12 of the light projection 11 reaches the light receiving element 14, the detection distance E hardly changes even if the energization current to the light projecting element 9 is increased and the amount of light is increased. .

そこで、トイレ装置１においては、近点非検知距離Ｆは２０ｍｍのまま、ケーシング２に凹みを設け、凹みの奥に測距式着座センサ４を配備することによって、人体がケーシング２に接近しても、人体と測距式着座センサ４との間に凹みの奥行き分の距離を確保して使用者を検知できるようにしている。（例えば、特許文献１参照。）このようにすることで、投光素子９への通電電流を増やさずに、近点非検知距離Ｆによって生じる不都合を無くし、かつ測距式着座センサ４の寿命をある程度確保している。
特開２００２−２９４８１２号公報 Therefore, in the toilet apparatus 1, the proximity point non-detection distance F remains 20 mm, and the casing 2 is provided with a recess, and the distance measuring seating sensor 4 is provided at the back of the recess so that the human body approaches the casing 2. However, a distance corresponding to the depth of the dent is secured between the human body and the distance measuring type seating sensor 4 so that the user can be detected. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.) By doing in this way, there is no inconvenience caused by the near-point non-detection distance F without increasing the energization current to the light projecting element 9, and the life of the distance measuring seating sensor 4. Is secured to some extent.
JP 2002-294812 A

しかしながら、トイレ装置のケーシングに凹みを設ける関係上、デザイン性が悪くなるのは勿論、凹み部分に汚れが溜り測距式着座センサの検知性能が悪くなったりする。本発明は、上記問題を解決するためになされたもので、本発明の課題は、着座を検知したときに近点非検知距離を自動的に短くして測距式着座センサをケーシング表面に設置することを可能にし、且つ、測距式着座センサの寿命を長くすることである。 However, because the recess is provided in the casing of the toilet device, not only the design is deteriorated, but also dirt is accumulated in the recessed portion and the detection performance of the distance measuring type seating sensor is deteriorated. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to automatically shorten the near-point non-detection distance when seating is detected and to install a distance-measuring seat sensor on the casing surface. And to extend the life of the ranging seating sensor.

上記目的を達成するために請求項１記載の発明によれば、便座を回動自在に枢着し、洋式便器の上面後部に設置されたトイレ装置のケーシングに取付けられてなり、便座前方に向けて投光する投光部と、この投光された光の反射光を受光する受光部と、前記受光部の受光出力に基いて便座の着座出力信号を発生する制御部とを備えた測距式着座センサであって、前記制御部は、前記着座出力信号に基いて前記投光部の投光素子への通電電流を増加させることを特徴としている。このようにすることで、人が便座に着座したとき、投光部の光量が増大して測距式着座センサからの近点非検知距離が短くなり、人が便座上を後方に体を移動して測距式着座センサに接近したとしても人を検知できる。 In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the toilet seat is pivotally attached and attached to the casing of the toilet device installed at the rear upper surface of the Western-style toilet. Ranging unit comprising: a light projecting unit that projects light; a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the projected light; and a control unit that generates a seating seating output signal based on the light reception output of the light receiving unit The seating sensor is characterized in that the controller increases an energization current to the light projecting element of the light projecting unit based on the seating output signal. By doing this, when a person is seated on the toilet seat, the light intensity of the light projecting unit increases, and the near-point non-detection distance from the distance measuring type seating sensor becomes shorter, and the person moves the body backward on the toilet seat. Even if the distance-type seating sensor is approached, a person can be detected.

併せて、人が便座に着座したときのみ投光素子の通電電流を増やし、非検知状態においては投光素子の通電電流を減らしているので、例えば1日当たりの着座時間は家族4人で1時間程度であり通電電流が増大した状態が占める割合は少なく、一方通電電流を減らした非検知状態の時間が占める割合が多いので、測距式着座センサの寿命を大幅に長くすることが可能になる。 At the same time, the energizing current of the light projecting element is increased only when a person is seated on the toilet seat, and in the non-detection state, the energizing current of the light projecting element is reduced.For example, the seating time per day is 1 hour for 4 family members. However, the proportion of the state where the energization current is increased is small, while the proportion of the non-detection state where the energization current is decreased is large, so that the life of the distance measuring type seating sensor can be greatly extended. .

又、前記通電電流は、定常の第１の電流値と、この第１の電流値より電流値が大の第２の電流値を備え、前記制御部は、前記着座出力信号に基いて第１の電流値から第２の電流値に切り換えるようにすることが好ましく、このようにすればデジタル処理回路で制御部を構成でき、アナログ処理回路と比べ構成が簡単で測距式着座センサの信頼性が向上すると共にコスト的にも有利である。 The energization current includes a steady first current value and a second current value having a current value larger than the first current value, and the control unit performs a first operation based on the seating output signal. It is preferable to switch from the current value to the second current value. In this way, the control unit can be configured with a digital processing circuit, and the configuration is simpler than the analog processing circuit, and the reliability of the distance measuring type seating sensor Is advantageous in terms of cost.

更に、第２の電流値を変える通電電流可変手段を備えることが好ましく、このようにすることで近点非検知距離を調整することが可能になる。 Furthermore, it is preferable to include an energization current variable means for changing the second current value, and in this way, the near point non-detection distance can be adjusted.

更に又、着座出力信号を発生していることを表示する表示手段を備えることが好ましく、このようにすることで、近点非検知距離が目視でき、通電電流可変手段で第２の電流値を変えながら近点非検知距離を簡単に調整できる。 Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a display means for displaying that the seating output signal is generated. By doing so, the near-point non-detection distance can be visually observed, and the second current value can be obtained by the energizing current variable means. The near-point non-detection distance can be easily adjusted while changing.

本発明によれば、トイレ装置のケーシングに凹みを設けずに測距式着座センサをケーシング表面に設置することを可能にし、測距式着座センサに接近して便座に着座した人体も確実に検知でき、しかも測距式着座センサの寿命を長くすることができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to install a distance measuring type seating sensor on the casing surface without providing a recess in the casing of the toilet apparatus, and a human body seated on the toilet seat close to the distance measuring type seating sensor is also reliably detected. In addition, the life of the distance measuring type seating sensor can be extended.

以下、本発明の実施の形態を実施例に基づき具体的に説明すると、図１は本発明の着座式測距センサの模式図、図２は着座式測距センサの回路ブロック図、図３は通電制御部の要部の回路図、図４、図５は着座式測距センサの動作図、図６は着座式測距センサのフローチャートである。 Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on examples. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a seating type distance measuring sensor of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of the seating type distance measuring sensor, and FIG. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are operation diagrams of the seating type distance measuring sensor, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the seating type distance measuring sensor.

本発明の測距式着座センサ４は、図７に示すように、便座３が回動自在に取付けられたトイレ装置１のケーシング２に取付けられ、便座３前方に向けて赤外線を投光している。 As shown in FIG. 7, the distance measuring seating sensor 4 of the present invention is attached to the casing 2 of the toilet apparatus 1 to which the toilet seat 3 is rotatably attached, and projects infrared rays toward the front of the toilet seat 3. Yes.

そして、図１に示すように、測距式着座センサ４は、パルス状の赤外線１１を投光する発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）などの投光素子９と、その前方に設けられた投光レンズ１０と、人体８で反射された反射光１２を集光する受光レンズ１３と、集光された反射光１２を受光する半導***置検出素子（ＰＳＤやＰＤなど）からなる受光素子１４と、受光素子１４の受光状況から便座３への着座の有無を判断し着座出力信号Ｓを発生する着座検知部１６及び着座出力信号Ｓに基いて投光素子９への通電電流を変えて投光素子９の光量を増減させる通電制御部１７を有した制御回路１８とを備えている。尚、１９は外乱光の影響を無くすフィルタ機能を備えたセンサ窓である。 As shown in FIG. 1, the ranging seating sensor 4 includes a light projecting element 9 such as a light emitting diode (LED) that projects a pulsed infrared ray 11, and a light projecting lens 10 provided in front thereof. A light receiving lens 13 for condensing the reflected light 12 reflected by the human body 8, a light receiving element 14 including a semiconductor position detecting element (such as PSD or PD) for receiving the collected reflected light 12, and The seating detection unit 16 that determines whether or not the toilet seat 3 is seated from the light receiving state and generates the seating output signal S, and the energization current to the light projecting element 9 is changed based on the seating output signal S to change the light amount of the light projecting element 9. And a control circuit 18 having an energization control unit 17 that increases and decreases. Reference numeral 19 denotes a sensor window having a filter function for eliminating the influence of ambient light.

制御回路１８は、図２に示すように受光素子（ＰＳＤ）１４の信号電流Ｉａと電流Ｉｂを処理してアナログ電圧信号からなる出力電圧Ｖｓを発生する信号処理回路２０、及び出力電圧Ｖｓと基準電圧Ｖｘを比較して出力電圧Ｖｓが基準電圧Ｖｘより高い場合に着座出力信号Ｓを発生すると共に着座出力信号Ｓの発生中にパイロットランプＰＬを点灯させる出力回路２１を備えた着座検知部１６と、出力回路２１からの着座出力信号Ｓに基いて着座出力信号Ｓが有るときは投光素子９への通電電流を増やし、着座出力信号Ｓが無いときは投光素子９への通電電流を減らす通電制御回路１７を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 18 processes the signal current Ia and current Ib of the light receiving element (PSD) 14 to generate an output voltage Vs composed of an analog voltage signal, and the output voltage Vs and the reference. A seating detection unit 16 having an output circuit 21 for comparing the voltage Vx and generating a seating output signal S when the output voltage Vs is higher than the reference voltage Vx and lighting the pilot lamp PL during the generation of the seating output signal S; When the seating output signal S is present based on the seating output signal S from the output circuit 21, the energizing current to the light projecting element 9 is increased, and when there is no seating output signal S, the energizing current to the light projecting element 9 is decreased. An energization control circuit 17 is provided.

通電制御部を構成する通電制御回路１７は、例えば図３に示すように抵抗Ｒ１が接続されたトランジスタ２２と抵抗値が抵抗Ｒ１より小さい抵抗値の範囲で調整可能な可変抵抗Ｒ２が接続されたトランジスタ２３や発振回路等（図示せず）を備えている。そして、着座出力信号Ｓが無いとき（Ｌレベル）はトランジスタ２２がオンして投光素子９への通電電流の少ないＬモードの電流値Ｉ_Ｌが、着座出力信号Ｓが有るとき（Ｈレベル）の時はトランジスタ２３がオンして投光素子９への通電電流の多いＨモードの電流値Ｉ_Ｈが投光素子９へ通電されるように構成されている。そして、この実施例においては、可変抵抗Ｒ２の抵抗値を調整して、その抵抗値を抵抗Ｒ１の抵抗値の約１／４にしておく。 For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the energization control circuit 17 constituting the energization control unit is connected to a transistor 22 to which a resistor R1 is connected and a variable resistor R2 whose resistance value is adjustable within a resistance value range smaller than the resistor R1. A transistor 23, an oscillation circuit, etc. (not shown) are provided. Then, when there is no seated output signals S is (L level) when the current value I _L of less L modes energizing current to the light emitting element 9 transistor 22 is turned ON, that there sitting output signals S is (H level) In this case, the transistor 23 is turned on, and the H-mode current value I _H with a large energization current to the light projecting element 9 is energized to the light projecting element 9. In this embodiment, the resistance value of the variable resistor R2 is adjusted so that the resistance value is about 1/4 of the resistance value of the resistor R1.

作動状況について説明すると、使用者が不在か２００ｍｍ以上着座センサ４から離れていて出力電圧Ｖｓが基準電圧Ｖｘ以下の場合では、着座出力信号Ｓを発生しない。着座出力信号Ｓが無い（Ｌレベル）通常状態では、投光素子９へは、トランジスタ２２がオン状態、トランジスタ２３がオフ状態であって、図４に示すように、投光素子９への通電電流は抵抗Ｒ１によって少ない電流値Ｉ_Ｌ、例えば約１００ｍＡ（従来の約２００ｍＡの１／２）の電流が流れ、それに応じた光量の赤外光１１を投光素子９より投光する（Ｌモード）。この時の近点非検知距離Ｆ１は図５に示すように、測距式着座センサ４から約３０ｍｍ（従来の２０ｍｍの約√2倍）である。 The operation status will be described. When the user is absent or separated from the seating sensor 4 by 200 mm or more and the output voltage Vs is lower than the reference voltage Vx, the seating output signal S is not generated. In the normal state where there is no seating output signal S (L level), the transistor 22 is in the on state and the transistor 23 is in the off state to the light projecting element 9, and as shown in FIG. A small current value I _L , for example, about 100 mA (1/2 of the conventional about 200 mA) flows through the resistor R1, and the infrared light 11 corresponding to the current flows from the light projecting element 9 (L mode). ). As shown in FIG. 5, the near-point non-detection distance F1 at this time is about 30 mm from the distance measuring type seating sensor 4 (about √2 times that of the conventional 20 mm).

使用者がトイレ装置１を利用するために、使用者が便座３に座り背中などの人体８が測距式着座センサ４から検知距離Ｅ（約２００ｍｍ）以内に達すると投光素子９からの投光が人体で反射され、その反射光を受光素子１４が受けて信号処理され、その出力電圧Ｖｓが基準電圧Ｖｘを越えて着座出力信号Ｓを発生し、着座検知部１６が人体の便座３への着座を検知するすると共に、パイロットランプＰＬが点灯して使用者を検知していることを表示する。すると、トランジスタ２２がオフになる一方トランジスタ２３がオンになり、投光素子９への通電電流は予め抵抗Ｒ１の１／４の抵抗値に調整された可変抵抗Ｒ２によって４倍の電流値Ｉ_Ｈ、例えば最大許容電流値以下の約４００ｍＡ（従来の約２００ｍＡの２倍）の電流が流れ、投光素子９が発光する光量を通常状態の約２倍に増大させる（Hモード）。 In order for the user to use the toilet device 1, when the user sits on the toilet seat 3 and the human body 8 such as the back reaches within the detection distance E (about 200 mm) from the distance measuring type seating sensor 4, the projection from the light projecting element 9 is performed. The light is reflected by the human body, the light receiving element 14 receives the reflected light, and the signal processing is performed. The output voltage Vs exceeds the reference voltage Vx to generate the seating output signal S, and the seating detection unit 16 moves to the toilet seat 3 of the human body. Is detected, and the pilot lamp PL is lit to indicate that the user is being detected. Then, the transistor 22 is turned off while the transistor 23 is turned on, and the energization current to the light projecting element 9 is four times the current value I _H by the variable resistor R2 that has been previously adjusted to a resistance value of ¼ of the resistor R1. For example, a current of about 400 mA (twice that of the conventional about 200 mA) below the maximum allowable current value flows, and the amount of light emitted by the light projecting element 9 is increased to about twice the normal state (H mode).

光量を２倍に増大させると、近点検知性能が√２倍向上するため、この時の近点非検知距離Ｆ２は図５に示すように、約１４ｍｍになり、使用者がセンサ窓１９に接近した状態で便座３に着座しても、接近した距離が１４ｍｍ以上であれば着座検知部１６が着座を継続して検知し着座出力信号Ｓを発生し続けると共にパイロットランプＰＬも点灯し続ける。従って、この状態でスイッチ５を操作したときトイレ装置１の各機能が作動しないといった問題が生じない。 When the amount of light is increased by a factor of two, the near point detection performance is improved by a factor of √2, so that the near point non-detection distance F2 at this time is about 14 mm as shown in FIG. Even when seated on the toilet seat 3 in an approaching state, if the approaching distance is 14 mm or more, the seating detection unit 16 continues to detect the seating and continues to generate the seating output signal S and the pilot lamp PL is also lit. Therefore, when the switch 5 is operated in this state, there is no problem that each function of the toilet device 1 does not operate.

尚、トイレ装置１使用後、便座３から離座して使用者が測距式着座センサ４から離れる場合、投光素子９は通常状態の４倍の光量で発光しているが、人体８が測距式着座センサ４から検知距離Ｅ（約２００ｍｍ）以上離れると、非検知状態になり、パイロットランプＰＬも消灯する。 When the user leaves the toilet seat 3 after using the toilet apparatus 1 and leaves the distance measuring seating sensor 4, the light projecting element 9 emits light with a light amount four times that in the normal state. If it is away from the distance measuring type seating sensor 4 by a detection distance E (about 200 mm) or more, it becomes a non-detection state and the pilot lamp PL is also turned off.

そして、着座検知部１６からの着座出力信号Ｓが消滅すると、通電制御部１７のトランジスタ２３がオフになる一方トランジスタ２２がオンして、投光素子９への通電電流が約１００ｍＡになり、投光素子９が発光する光量を減少させ、通常状態（Lモード）に復帰する。図６にフローチャートを示す。 When the seating output signal S from the seating detection unit 16 disappears, the transistor 23 of the energization control unit 17 is turned off, while the transistor 22 is turned on, and the energization current to the light projecting element 9 becomes about 100 mA. The amount of light emitted by the optical element 9 is reduced, and the normal state (L mode) is restored. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart.

従って、例えば一般家庭において、従来の測距式着座センサ４では終日約２００ｍＡの電流が投光素子９へ通電されているが、本発明の実施例では、非検知状態（通常状態）では約１００ｍＡの電流が投光素子９へ通電され、着座検知状態では約４００ｍＡの電流が投光素子９へ通電されることになり、積算電流値を比較（デューティは加味しない）すると、前者では２００ｍＡ×２４時間、後者では４００ｍＡ×１時間＋１００ｍＡ×２３時間になって、本実施例では寿命が延びるうえ、近点検知性能が向上する。 Therefore, for example, in a general home, the current ranging type seating sensor 4 supplies a current of about 200 mA to the light projecting element 9 all day, but in the embodiment of the present invention, it is about 100 mA in the non-detection state (normal state). Current is supplied to the light projecting element 9, and a current of about 400 mA is supplied to the light projecting element 9 in the seating detection state. When the integrated current values are compared (duty is not considered), the former is 200 mA × 24. In the latter case, it becomes 400 mA × 1 hour + 100 mA × 23 hours, and in this embodiment, the life is extended and the near point detection performance is improved.

尚、近点非検知距離Ｆ１を調整するには、手や紙などの反射物体を測距式着座センサ４に徐々に接近させ、パイロットランプＰＬの点灯状況に応じて可変抵抗Ｒ２の抵抗値を調整すれば良い。即ち、遠方から反射物体を測距式着座センサ４に徐々に接近させ例えば２００ｍｍ前後に到達すると着座出力信号Ｓが発生してパイロットランプＰＬが点灯し、更に反射物体を測距式着座センサ４に近接させるとパイロットランプＰＬが消灯する。この距離が近点非検知距離Ｆ１である。即ち、予め可変抵抗Ｒ２の抵抗値を調整しておき、パイロットランプＰＬが点灯状態から消灯する距離を確認することにより、近点非検知距離Ｆ１を調整できる。 In order to adjust the near point non-detection distance F1, a reflecting object such as a hand or paper is gradually approached to the distance measuring seating sensor 4, and the resistance value of the variable resistor R2 is set according to the lighting state of the pilot lamp PL. Adjust it. That is, when a reflective object is gradually approached to the distance measuring seating sensor 4 from a distance and reaches, for example, about 200 mm, a seating output signal S is generated, the pilot lamp PL is turned on, and the reflecting object is further applied to the distance measuring seating sensor 4. Pilot lamp PL is extinguished when they are brought close to each other. This distance is the near point non-detection distance F1. That is, the near point non-detection distance F1 can be adjusted by adjusting the resistance value of the variable resistor R2 in advance and checking the distance at which the pilot lamp PL is turned off from the lighting state.

従って、本発明において可変抵抗Ｒ２が通電電流可変手段であり、パイロットランプＰＬが表示手段を構成している。 Therefore, in the present invention, the variable resistor R2 is the energizing current variable means, and the pilot lamp PL constitutes the display means.

本発明は上述の実施例に限定されること無く種々の変形が可能であり、Ｌモードの電流値を規定する抵抗Ｒ１も可変抵抗にしても良い。又、Ｈモード時の最大通電電流を投光素子の許容電流値以下に規制するために可変抵抗Ｒ２と直列に固定抵抗を接続し、可変抵抗Ｒ２がゼロになっても固定抵抗で許容電流値以下になるようにしても良い。このようにすることで、投光素子の寿命がむやみに短くなることを防止できる。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The resistor R1 that defines the L-mode current value may be a variable resistor. In addition, a fixed resistor is connected in series with the variable resistor R2 in order to restrict the maximum energization current in the H mode to be less than or equal to the allowable current value of the light projecting element, and even if the variable resistor R2 becomes zero, the allowable current value with the fixed resistor It may be as follows. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the lifetime of the light projecting element from being unnecessarily shortened.

又、非検知時は数秒に１パルス投光、検知時は0.5秒に１パルス投光するなど投光周期を変えたり、投光、非投光のデューティ比を変えたりして、より最適な投光素子の設計寿命を図ることも可能である。 Also, it is more optimal by changing the light projection cycle, such as projecting one pulse every few seconds when not detecting, and projecting one pulse every 0.5 seconds when detecting, or changing the duty ratio of light projecting and non-light projecting. It is also possible to achieve the design life of the light projecting element.

勿論、本発明の着座式測距センサを、トイレ装置のケーシングに設けた凹部の奥に設置する場合、凹部の奥行き寸法をＨモード時の近点非検知距離程度にすれば、人体がケーシング表面に触れる程度に着座しても、着座を検知し続けることが可能になる。 Of course, when the seating type distance measuring sensor of the present invention is installed in the back of the recessed portion provided in the casing of the toilet device, if the depth dimension of the recessed portion is set to the near-point non-detection distance in the H mode, the human body is exposed to the casing surface. Even if the user is seated to the extent that he / she touches, the seating can be detected continuously.

本発明は、一般家庭や公共施設で用いられるトイレ装置や、着座検知中に脱臭したりトイレ内を暖房するトイレ装置などにも用いることができる。 The present invention can also be used for a toilet device used in ordinary homes and public facilities, a toilet device that deodorizes during seating detection, or heats the inside of the toilet.

本発明の実施例を示す着座式測距センサの模式図である。It is a schematic diagram of the seating type distance measuring sensor which shows the Example of this invention. 同、着座式測距センサの回路ブロック図である。It is a circuit block diagram of a seating type distance measuring sensor. 同、通電制御部の要部の回路実施例である。It is the circuit Example of the principal part of an electricity supply control part similarly. 同、着座式測距センサの動作図である。FIG. 6 is an operation diagram of the seating type distance measuring sensor. 同、着座式測距センサの出力電圧と検知距離とＬモード、Ｈモードの関係を示す動作図である。It is an operation | movement figure which shows the relationship between the output voltage, detection distance, L mode, and H mode of a seating type distance measuring sensor. 同、着座式測距センサのフローチャートである。It is a flowchart of a seating type distance measuring sensor. 測距式着座センサの設置状況を示すトイレ装置の外観斜視図である。It is an external appearance perspective view of the toilet apparatus which shows the installation condition of a ranging type seating sensor. 従来の着座式測距センサの動作図である。It is an operation | movement figure of the conventional seating type distance measuring sensor. 測距センサの基本作動原理図である。It is a basic operation principle diagram of a distance measuring sensor. 測距センサの基本作動原理図である。It is a basic operation principle diagram of a distance measuring sensor.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

Ｅ…検知距離
Ｆ、Ｆ１、Ｆ２…近点非検知距離
Ｒ１…抵抗
Ｒ２…可変抵抗（通電電流可変手段）
ＰＬ…パイロットランプ（表示手段）
Ｓ…着座出力信号
１…トイレ装置
２…ケーシング
３…便座
４…測距式着座センサ
５…操作スイッチ
６…ノズル
７…便器
８、８ａ、８ｂ、８ｃ…人体（検知対象物）
９…投光素子
１０…投光レンズ
１１、１１ａ、１１ｂ、１１ｃ…投光（赤外線）
１２、１２ａ、１２ｂ、１２ｃ、１２ｄ、１２ｅ…反射光
１３…受光レンズ
１４…受光素子
１５…中心軸
１６…着座検出部
１７…通電制御部
１８…制御回路
１９…センサ窓
２０…信号処理回路
２１…出力回路
２２…トランジスタ
２３…トランジスタ

E ... Detection distance F, F1, F2 ... Non-point non-detection distance R1 ... Resistance R2 ... Variable resistance (energizing current variable means)
PL ... Pilot lamp (display means)
S ... Seating output signal 1 ... Toilet device 2 ... Casing 3 ... Toilet seat 4 ... Ranging type seating sensor 5 ... Operation switch 6 ... Nozzle 7 ... Toilet bowl 8, 8a, 8b, 8c ... Human body (detection target)
9 ... Projection element 10 ... Projection lens 11, 11a, 11b, 11c ... Projection (infrared rays)
12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e ... reflected light 13 ... light receiving lens 14 ... light receiving element 15 ... central axis 16 ... seating detection unit 17 ... energization control unit 18 ... control circuit 19 ... sensor window 20 ... signal processing circuit 21 ... Output circuit 22 ... Transistor 23 ... Transistor

Claims

便座を回動自在に枢着し、洋式便器の上面後部に設置されたトイレ装置のケーシングに取付けられてなり、便座の前方に向けて投光する投光素子と、その光の反射光を受光する受光素子と、前記受光素子の受光出力に基いて着座出力信号を発生する制御部とを備えた測距式着座センサであって、前記制御部は、前記着座出力信号に基いて前記投光素子への通電電流を増加させることを特徴とする測距式着座センサ。 The toilet seat is pivotally attached, and is mounted on the toilet device casing installed at the rear upper surface of the western-style toilet. The projector projects light toward the front of the toilet seat, and receives the reflected light. A distance measuring type seating sensor comprising: a light receiving element that generates a seating output signal based on a light reception output of the light receiving element, wherein the control unit is configured to project the light projecting based on the seating output signal. Ranging type seating sensor characterized in that energization current to element is increased.

前記通電電流は、定常の第１の電流値と、この第１の電流値より電流値が大の第２の電流値を備え、前記制御部は、前記着座出力信号に基いて第１の電流値から第２の電流値に切り換えることを特徴とする請求項１記載の測距式着座センサ。 The energizing current includes a steady first current value and a second current value having a current value larger than the first current value, and the control unit performs the first current based on the seating output signal. 2. The distance measuring seating sensor according to claim 1, wherein the current value is switched from a value to a second current value.

前記第２の電流値を変える通電電流可変手段を備えたことを特徴とする請求項１または２記載の測距式着座センサ。 3. The distance measuring seating sensor according to claim 1, further comprising energization current changing means for changing the second current value.

前記着座出力信号を発生していることを表示する表示手段を備えたことを特徴とする請求項３記載の測距式着座センサ。

4. The distance measuring type seating sensor according to claim 3, further comprising display means for displaying that the seating output signal is generated.