TOILET SEAT STRUCTURE CAPABLE OF AUTOMATICALLY FEEDING A SEAT COVERING PAPER ON A TOILET SEAT

Abstract: In this invention, a toilet seat structure (A) capable of automatically feeding a seat covering paper (P) on the toilet seat is disclosed. Since the sheet paper feeding mechanism (C) and the seat paper cutting mechanism (D) are operated by the electronic control unit (F) in this invention, the sheet paper can be automatically and accurately fed a specified length and be positioned accurately on the toilet seat. After use, the seat covering paper can automatically be cut off. For lavatories at public sites in particular, since the user can draw out the sheet paper from the functional casing to provide a new seat covering paper on the toilet seat for each use, the user can be assured of a clean toilet seat. Also, since the seat covering paper is held immovable on the toilet seat, the use of the paper-seated toilet is made easier.

Description: Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a toilet seat structure capable of automatically feeding a seat covering paper on a toilet seat of the kind defined by the precharacterizing features of claim 1. Conventionally, the following methods or apparatuses have been available for setting a seat covering paper on the toilet seat from the hygienic standpoint. (1) A method in which a plurality of seat covering papers which are folded in four and contained in a paper holder hung on the wall are taken out one sheet at a time and set on the toilet seat. (2) An apparatus like the one disclosed in the Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 179600/1980. The apparatus has a container in the toilet stool cover for storing a rolled paper sheet. The sheet paper is drawn out from the container onto the seat. The drawn-out portion which works as a seat covering paper is spread over the toilet seat is held and cut off from the rolled paper sheet when a person sits on the seat due to the weight of the person. (3) An apparatus of the kind in question which is disclosed in the Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 155399/1985. (4) An apparatus like the one disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 29174/1982. The apparatus has a plastic-film-made tube feeding device near one end of the toilet seat and a tube pickup device near the other end. The tube is contained in the tube feeding device and is fed by manipulating a switch connected to a driver for the tube pickup device. The conventional methods and apparatuses described above have the following drawbacks. a) As to the first method (1), no means is provided to hold the seat covering paper in position on the toilet seat, so that it is very difficult to cover the toilet seat with the seat covering paper as it easily slips from the toilet seat. Since the seat covering paper is not held on the toilet seat, the seat covering paper is difficult to position on a correct location as it is affected by weak moving air or wind. Namely, in this method, handling of the seat covering paper is difficult. Further, since the seat covering paper is stored in the folded condition, when the seat covering paper is unfolded into a spread paper for use, the seat covering paper is easily bent along the folding line, so that it will easily fall from the toilet seat and will not stably rest on the toilet seat. Moreover, after use, as the seat covering paper is not held in position, the seat covering paper will stick to the buttocks, another nuisance is experienced by the user. b) Regarding the second apparatus (2), the sheet paper has to be fed manually to the toilet seat and this is inconvenient for the user. Also, depending on the manner in which the user sits on the toilet seat, there is a possibility that the sheet paper cannot reliably be cut to provide a seat covering paper. Since the feeding of the sheet paper is done manually, some user may not stop the feeding at a specified position. Namely, the perforated line for cutting may not be located at an appropriate position and deviate from it. In that case, the sheet paper cannot he cut off. Furthermore, a part of the sheet paper is always exposed from the takeout opening for easy pickup, so that the running water or the foul water may adhere to the exposed part of the paper, which is then touched by hand for the next use. Therefore this apparatus is not hygienic. c) As to the third apparatus (3), the paper feeding mechanism thereof is not capable of off-setting the curl of the sheet paper. Therefore the seat covering paper is not extended onto the upper surface of the seat body in a flat condition. d) As to the fourth apparatus (4), to prevent possible damages during tube feeding, the tube is made of a plastic film which feels bad when touched. The tube is transferred and wound up between the tube feed device and the tube pickup device, so that it is not possible to know whether the tube on the seat is the one before use or the one after use. The next user, therefore, will most likely feed the tube even when it actually is not yet used. This is not economical. Also, the toilet seat is supported in the form of a so-called cantilever with one end suspended in air and thus is not strong enough. When the toilet seat is made heavier, the plastic film will be subjected to a heavy pressure between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl and may become inoperable. Another disadvantage of this apparatus is that it cannot he used with the front-split type seat. Moreover, since the used tube is wound up and stored in the casing, the apparatus is not hygienic. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a toilet seat structure of the kind defined at the preamble which allows the seat covering paper to be extended onto the upper surface of the seat body in a fair condition. This object is attained by the characterizing features of claim 1. Brief Explanation of Drawings Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a toilet apparatus equipped with the toilet seat structure of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partially cutaway plan view of the toilet seat; Figure 3 is a partially cutaway front view of the toilet seat; Figure 4 is a partially cutaway right side view of the toilet seat; Figure 5 is a partially cutaway left side view of the toilet seat; Figure 6 is an explanatory view showing how the seat covering paper is used on the toilet seat; Figures 7 and 8 are explanatory views of a variation of the cutting blade showing how it is used; and Figure 9 is a block diagram of the control unit. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the sequence of seat covering operations. Figure 11 is a partially cutaway right side view of a modification of the toilet seat structure. Figure 12 is a partially cutaway left side view of the above modification of the toilet seat structure. Figure 13 is a partially cutaway front view of another modification of the toilet seat structure. Figure 14 is a partially cutaway left side view of the above modification of the toilet seat structure with the lid opened in a forward direction. Figure 15 is a partially cutaway left side view of the above modification of the toilet seat structure with the lid opened in a backward direction. Figure 16 is a partially cutaway left side view of still another modification of the toilet seat structure. Figure 17 is a block diagram of the control unit of this embodiment. Best Mode for Carrying out the Present Invention Now, the present invention will be described by referring to the attached drawings. Figure 1 shows the overall construction of a toilet apparatus B equipped with a toilet seat structure A of the present invention which is capable of automatically feeding or providing a seat covering paper on the toilet seat. Hereinafter, such toilet seat structure A is referred to as the automatic seat covering paper feeding toilet seat A. As shown, the automatic seat covering paper feeding toilet seat A is mounted on a flush toilet bowl 10 which forms the toilet apparatus B so that it can be opened and closed vertically. Referring to Figures 2 through 5, the construction of the automatic seat covering paper feeding toilet seat A is explained. As shown in these figures, the automatic sheet paper feeding toilet seat A consists of a seat body 11 and a functional section 13. The seat body 11 is mounted on the flush toilet bowl 10 so that it can be opened and closed. The functional section 13 is securely mounted on the rear part of the flush toilet bowl 10. The functional section 13 has the rear portion of the seat body 11 connected vertically pivotable to its front part through a pivot shaft 12. As shown in Figures 2 through 5, the functional section 13 is mounted on the rear of the flush toilet bowl 10 and consists of: an L-shaped as viewed from the above mounting base 20 formed of a rectangular plate with one end portion bent at right angle forwardly toward the seat body 11; a sheet paper feeding mechanism C mounted on the mounting base 20; a sheet paper cutting mechanism D; a sheet paper roll storage section E; an electronic control unit F; and a contol board G. First, the sheet paper feeding mechanism C and the sheet paper cutting mechanism D will be explained. As is seen from Figures 2 and 3, the mounting base 20 has rotating shaft support plates 21, 22 erected on each side, between which a plurality of rotating shafts are rotatably and horizontally supported. That is, reference numeral 23 denotes a sheet paper feeding shaft horizontally supported between the front upper part of the support plates 21, 21. The sheet paper feeding shaft 23 has a plurality of feed rollers 24 along its length at specified intervals. The feed rollers 24 cooperate with a press roller 71 described later to hold the pickup end or external end of the sheet paper P between them and feed the sheet paper P from the seat covering paper storage portion E onto the seat body 11. Since the large number of feed rollers 24 are arranged along the length of the shaft 23 at specified intervals, the sheet paper P can be drawn out at the same speed and under the same pressure over the entire width of the sheet, effectively preventing it from being twisted. These feed rollers 24 are each attached with an O-ring 24a to prevent slippage or idle running of the rollers 24. The slippage and idle rotation of the feed rollers 24 can also be prevented by forming the feed rollers 24 themselves out of rubber. The use of a rubber belt will also provide the same effect. In Figures 4 and 5, reference numeral 25 designates a cutting blade traversing shaft supported between the lower front portions of the support plates 22. Immediately above the shaft 25 is installed a cutting blade guide shaft 26 which is formed of a solid bar. Supported on the cutting blade traversing shaft 25 and also on the cutting blade guide shaft 26 is a cutting blade mounting plate 27 which is in the threaded engagement with the cutting blade traversing shaft 25. A disk-shaped cutting blade 28 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the cutting blade mounting plate 27. In the above construction, as the cutting blade traversing shaft 25 is rotated, the cutting blade 28 together with the cutting blade mounting plate 27 is axially moved instantaneously cutting the sheet papar P to provide a seat covering paper P-1. The mechanism for moving the cutting blade 28 may be replaced with a construction in which an endless wire or endless belt is driven by a motor and reciprocally moved widthwise to the left and right with the cutting blade 28 rigidly secured to the endless wire. The method of cutting the sheet paper P by reciprocating the cutting blade 28 may be replaced by a method in which rotatable shafts 93, 94 fitted with a cutting blade 90 and a mating groove 91 are rotated to cut the seat covering paper P, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The rotating angle of these shafts 93, 94 may be other than 180°. Figure 7 shows the rotatable shafts 93, 94 with the sheet paper P being fed therebetween. Figure 8 shows the rotatable shafts 93, 94 holding and cutting the sheet paper P fed therebetween. Reference numerals 95 and 96 designate the roller and the feed roller respectively. While in this embodiment the cutting blade 28 is disk-shaped to obtain a good durability, it may be formed in a plate shape. In Figures 2 and 4, denoted 30 is a power-operated motor which can selectively rotate the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 and the cutting blade traversing shaft 25 through a clutch mechanism M. Switching of the clutch mechanism M between the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 and the cutting blade traversing shaft 25 is performed by changing the rotation direction of the motor 30, forward or reverse. In this embodiment the motor 30 is rigidly mounted to the support plate 21 installed at one side. The rotation of the motor 30 is transmitted to the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 from a gear 31 secured to the output shaft of the motor 30 through gear train 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and to a gear 37 secured to the sheet paper feeding shaft 23. Transmission of the rotation of the motor 30 to the cutting blade moving shaft 25 consists of disengaging the gear 32 from the gear 33 by reversing the motor 30 through the clutch mechanism M, and bringing the gear 39 which is in mesh with a gear 32a integrally formed with the gear 32 into a meshing engagement with a gear 38 which is securely mounted on the cutting blade moving shaft 25. That is, the rotation of the motor 30 is transmitted through the gears 31, 32, 32a, 39, 38 to the cutting blade traversing shaft 25. The single motor 30 is driven forward or backward to activate the clutch mechanism M and thereby to selectively perform the feeding of the sheet paper P and the cutting thereof. However, the sheet feeding and the cutting can also be done by using dedicated motors. Transmission of the rotation of the motor 30 to the seat covering paper feeding shaft 23 and to the cutting blade traversing shaft 25 can also be accomplished through a belt or wire than through the gear train. Next, we will explain the construction of the electronic control unit F that controls the operation of the sheet paper feeding mechanism C and the sheet paper cutting mechanism D. As shown in Fig 9, the control unit F comprises a central processing unit CPU, an input interface 110, an output interface 111 and a memory or a storing device ME which stores the program for sequentially carrying out the sheet paper feeding and cutting operations. The input interface 110 is interposed between the sheet paper feeding pushbutton 103, a position-detecting sensor 94 or other switches and the central control unit F, while the output interface 111 is interposed between the power-operated motor 30 and the central processing unit CP. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, at the forward extension 20a that extends forwardly from one side of the mounting base 20, a control-unit mounting plate 50 is erected. The control-unit mounting plate 50 is electrically connected with a control board 51 which transmits control signals to the control unit F to control the operation of the motor 30. The control board 51 incorporates a transformer 51a. The sheet paper feeding mechanism C, the sheet paper cutting mechanism D and the Control unit F which are all arranged as one unit on the mounting base 20 are enclosed by a cover casing 60 which is L-shaped in outline as with the mounting base 20. Now, we explain the control board G. As is clearly seen from Figure 4, the control board G is provided in the cover casing 60 above the control unit F. The control board G consists of: a sheet paper feeding pushbutton 61, a power lamp 62 made of a light emitting diode, a sheet paper roll loading lamp 63 with an alarm function indicating when a paper clogging occurs or when a new sheet paper roll must be loaded, and a paper clogging lamp 64, all installed in the cover casing 60. It is possible to attach a buzzer in place of the sheet paper roll loading lamp 63. As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, a sheet paper roll storage section E is provided above the sheet feeding mechanism C. The sheet paper roll storage section E consists of: a sheet paper roll storage box 70 removably mounted in a space formed between side walls 65, 66 erected integrally from the upper surface of the cover casing 60 on each side; a sheet paper roll R replaceably installed in the storage box 70; and a press roller 71 horizontally disposed in the lower front of the sheet paper roll storage box 70. In the above construction, the sheet paper roll storage box 70 has openings in its end walls 70a, 70b at each side that communicate with end openings of the center shaft of the sheet paper roll R. Rotatably and removably mounted in the end walls 70a, 70b and inserted through the openings are connecting plugs 72 that support the sheet paper roll R. By axially advancing or retracting the connecting plugs 72, the sheet paper roll R can be supported in position or removed with ease. The connecting plugs 72 are prevented from being dislocated by the side walls 65, 66 of the cover casing 60. The press roller 71 is in contact under pressure with the feed rollers 24 on the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 of the sheet paper feeding mechanism C. The gear 74 securely mounted on the press roller 71 at one end is in mesh with the gear 73 securely mounted on the corresponding end of the sheet paper feeding shaft 23. Under this construction, as the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 and the feed rollers 24 rotate in one direction, the press roller 71 turns in the reverse direction through the gears 73, 74, feeding the sheet paper P from the sheet paper roll R. The press roller 71 has O-rings 71b at positions corresponding to the feed rollers 24 to effectively prevent the idle turning or skidding of the feed rollers 24 and twisting of the sheet paper P when the sheet is being fed. As shown in Figure 5, the ends of the press roller 71 are rotatably supported on the free ends of oscillation levers 71a which have their base ends mounted vertically oscillatable on the lower portion of the front wall of the seat covering paper roll storage box 70. The press roller 71 is in pressure contact with the feed rollers 24 and is formed of a material with a large specific gravity to make sure that the sheet paper P is reliably fed out from the seat covering paper roll R. In such a construction, the press roller 71 is kept in pressure contact with the feed rollers 24 by its own weight. The press roller 71 can be oscillated outside to allow easy mounting and removal of the seat covering paper roll R in and out of the storage box 70. Referring to Figure 5, between the upper wall 60c of the cover casing 60 and the lower end of the front wall 70c of the storage box 70 is formed a slit 75 through which the sheet paper P is taken out. The sheet paper P unwound from the sheet paper roll R in the sheet paper roll storage box 70 is, as shown in Figure 5, bent outside by the press roller 71 to offset the curling of the roll R. After this, the straightened sheet paper P passes between the press roller 71 and the feed rollers 24 and then through the slit 75 onto the seat body 11. The seat covering paper roll storage box 70 and the cover casing 60 together form a functional casing H. Next, explanation will be made of the sheet paper P. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the sheet paper P forms a part of the sheet paper roll R and is cut for use. The reason that the sheet paper P is taken from the roll R is that the seat covering paper P-1 for a large number of persons must be accommodated compactly in the functional casing H provided at the rear of the seat body 11 and that the roll R allows the automatic and correct feeding of the sheet paper P onto the seat body 11. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the sheet paper P has perforations 80 at the central portion at specified intervals along its length so that the central portions defined by the perforations 80 can be broken and removed to make an opening that corresponds in shape to the internal contour of the seat body 11 and communicates with the interior of the flush toilet bowl 10. The perforations 80, however, do not form a complete closed circuit and there is a no-perforation part 81. When the sheet paper P is broken along the line of perforations 80, the central broken part of the sheet paper falls into the bowl 10 with the lower end contacting the residual water in the bowl. The reason that the sheet paper P is not perforated along a completely closed circuit and is interrupted by the no-perforation part 81 is that, with a complete closed circuit of perforations, the rigidity of the sheet paper P is not strong enough so that the sheet paper P will easily bend when being fed onto the seat body 11 and that it cannot be formed into a roll R. On the other hand, the sheet paper P with the no-perforation part 81 has a strength surfficient to allow the automatic feeding and winding up into a roll. Furthermore, the no-perforation part 81 of the sheet paper P helps prevent the sheet paper P from being caught in the feed rollers 24 or the press roller 71. The line of perforations 80 that matches the internal contour of the seat body 11 and along which the central portion of the seat covering paper P is to be broken, may be formed entirely of perforations, or a combination of intermittent cuts and perforations. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the sheet paper P has holes 82 for position detection along its length at specified intervals, between the no-perforation part 81 and the front ends of the perforated line 80. At the central portion of the cover casing 60 corresponding to the hole 82 is provided a position detecting sensor 83. When the sheet paper P is fed a specified length from the roll, the position detecting sensor 83 detects the hole 82 and stops the operation of the seat covering paper feeding mechanism C to correctly position the sheet covering paper P-1 of the sheet paper P on the seat body 11. Instead of using the hole 82, it is possible to mark the corresponding position on the sheet paper P with a desired color. The position of the hole 82 is not limited to the central portion of the sheet paper P and may be set to any desired point on the paper. The feeding and positioning of the sheet paper P can also be made by counting the number of revolutions of the motor 30 with a counter and operating the control unit F according to the count, rather than using the position detecting sensor 83. In Figure 2, designated 84 is a seating sensor made up of a reflection type infrared sensor which is installed at the front end of the mounting base 20. When the user, after having sat on the seat body 11, leaves the seat body 11, the seating sensor 84 produces a detection signal which activates the motor 30 through the control unit F and the motor 30 axially reciprocates the cutting blade 28 instantaneously cutting the sheet paper P to provide the seat covering paper P-1 on the seat body 11. The seating sensor 84 may be built into the automatic seat covering paper feeding seat A or installed separately, depending on the conditions of use and environmental conditions. As an alternative to the seating sensor 84, a load cell may be used which detects the weight of the occupant when he or she sits on the seat, activating the control unit F to cut the sheet paper P. In Figure 2, denoted 85 is a sensor whose detection of the seat body 11 is interrupted when the seat body 11 is in a position where the user cannot sit on it (i.e., when the seat body 11 is erected), at which time the motor 30 is deenergized to stop the feeding the of the sheet paper P. Only when the seat body 11 is in a position where it can be sat upon, the sensor 85 detects the seat body 11 permitting the sheet paper P to be fed. The sensor 85 may be replaced with a microswitch or a limit switch. Next, we will explain the action of the automatic seat covering paper feeding toilet seat A with the above construction by referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 10. First, the power switch is turned on and check is made to see if a power lamp 62 is lighted or not (100). The power switch S is provided to the back of the front end of the mounting base 20 (see Figure 4) as there is no need for an access to the switch during operation. After the power lamp is checked, the sheet paper feeding pushbutton 61 is pressed (101). At this point, when the seat covering paper is clogged or there is no seat covering paper roll R, the paper clogging lamp 64 or paper reloading lamp 63 at the control board G is lighted (102) (103). If there is no paper clogging and the roll R has a sufficient amount of seat covering paper P, or when the paper clogging is removed or a new seat covering paper roll R is set in the storage box 70, the control unit F transmits operation signals to the motor 30 and the clutch mechanism M based on the sheet paper feeding and cutting program read out from the memory ME of the control unit F and the motor 30 and the clutch mechanism M are actuated according to the operation signals from the control unit F, wherein the clutch mechanism M selects the gear train associated with the feed rollers 24 and the press roller 71. As a result, the rotation of the motor 30 is transmitted through the gear train to the feed rollers 24 and the press roller 71. Since the feed rollers 24 and the press roller 71 rotate in opposing directions with the sheet paper P held therebetween under pressure, the sheet paper P is unwound from the seat paper roll R in the storage box 71. To describe in more detail, as shown in Figure 5, the sheet paper P is bent over upward and outward by the press roller 71 to offset the curling of the sheet paper roll R. The sheet paper P then passes between the feed rollers 24 and the press roller 71 and through the slit 75 to be fed onto the seat body 11. In the process of sheet paper feeding operation, when the sheet paper P is fed a specified length over the seat body 11, the position detecting sensor 83 detects the hole 82 provided at the central portion of the sheet paper P and activates the control unit F to stop the motor 30. This immediately stops the feeding of the sheet paper P by the feed rollers 24 and the press roller 71. As a result, the sheet paper P is fed exactly the specified length over the seat body 11 (104). The sheet paper P, immediately after being unwound from the roll R, is still curled up and, in this embodiment, can be removed of the curling and further given a reverse downward curling by the press roller. The sheet paper P is then passed downwardly curled through the slit 75 and supplied over the seat body 11. The elimination of upward curling and application of reverse downward curling reliably prevent a paper clogging which caused by the upward curled sheet paper P being fed only in the functional casing H and not onto the seat body 11. This arrangement can also prevent the sheet paper P that is being fed over the seat body 11 from curling near the slit 75 so that it cannot be supplied to the specified position. After this, the user breaks the central portion of the sheet paper P along the perforated line 80 with the no-perforation part 81 left intact. The broken part of the sheet hangs down into the bowl 10 with the end sinking into the filled water in the bowl 10. As explained above, with this embodiment, the sheet paper P can be supplied a predetermined length onto the seat body 11 by a simple operation. When supplied over the seat body 11, the sheet paper P is not immediately cut off from the roll R, so that the sheet paper P is kept from falling from the bowl 10 and requires no positioning operation. When the sheet paper feeding button 61 is pressed with the sheet paper already fed over the seat body 11, the control unit F blocks a further feed of the sheet paper P. This helps prevent the wasting of paper for fun by an ill-intentioned user. In other words, the control unit F has the capability to enable or disable a further feeding of the sheet paper P. Then the user sits on the sheet paper P placed over the seat body 11 which forms the seat covering paper P-1(105). When, after having sat on the seat body 11 to relieve himself or herself, the user stands up leaving the seat body (106), the seating sensor 84 detects that the occupant has left the seat body 11 and activates the control unit F, which in turn activates the motor 30 and the clutch mechanism M to connect the rotating motor 30 to the cutting blade moving shaft 25 through the gear train, reciprocating the cutting blade 28 and instantaneously cutting the sheet paper P (107) to remain the seat covering paper P-1 separately from the sheet paper P on the seat body 11. In the above action, the seating sensor 84 must detect the seating condition continuously for at least 10 seconds (i.e., must detect that the user has sat on the seat for at least 10 seconds continuously) before the control unit F can be activated even when the user leaves the seat body 11. This arrangement considers possible undesired sheet paper cutting operations that may be caused by the sensor being erroneously activated by the sheet paper P being fed or temporary motions of the user other than sitting. The set timing of the seating sensor 84 and its time lag for preventing errorneous operation can be determined at a desired value by making an appropriate setting on the control unit F according to the environmental conditions. Then, the flushing device is activated to wash the interior of the bowl 10 clean, discharging feces or urine together with the hanging portion of the seat covering paper P-1 by the pressure of the flushing water (108). In public sites such as theaters, after the above series of operations have been completed, it is possible to arrange the control unit F to automatically feed the sheet paper P over the seat body 11. With the above construction and actions, this embodiment provides the following advantages. (1) Since the sheet feeding mechanism C and the sheet paper cutting mechanism D are activated by the control unit F, the sheet paper P can automatically be fed exactly the specified length over the seat body 11 and, after use, be cut off automatically. Particularly with public sites, each user can draw out new sheet paper P from the functional casing H and this gives the user an impression of clean toilet. Also since the sheet paper P is held on the seat, the paper-covered toilet seat can be used with ease. (2) The sheet paper roll R, the sheet paper feeding mechanism C, the sheet paper cutting mechanism D, the control unit F for controlling the sheet paper feed mechanism C and the sheet paper cutting mechanism D, and the control board G for transmitting control signals to the control unit F are all built into the functional casing H installed at the rear of the seat body 11, so that the seat structure with multiple functions can be made compact as a whole, providing the maximum possible useful space in the toilet room. This structure also enhances the degree of ease with which to handle the toilet device. Because the toilet seat structure of this invention is compact, it can be used on any type of toilet bowls. It also can be mounted on the existing toilet bowls with a simple procedure for replaceing the old seats. Now, we will explain other preferred embodiments and variations and their structural features in the following. (1) The control board G is located on the right --as one faces it-- of the automatic sheet paper feeding toilet seat A for easy handling. The lettering is so arranged as to be naturally read when the user operates the seat device (while standing). This greatly improves the operability. (2) In this embodiment, a reset circuit is accomodated in the control unit F of the automatic sheet paper feeding toilet seat A to allow easy removal of the seat covering paper P fed over the seat body 11 when it is a flawed sheet or wet by drops of water adhering on the seat body 11. That is, the reset circuit includes a reset switch 87 installed at the bottom of the front extension 20a of the mounting base 20. When the switch 87 is operated, the sheet paper P can be cut at any stage of the operation sequence to initialize the operation of the automatic sheet paper feeding toilet seat A. (3) The safety mechanism incorporated in this embodiment consists of a sensor (not shown) which detects that the cutting blade 28 has been completely contained in the cover casing 60 before stopping the operation of the apparatus, to ensure safety during maintenance. (4) The cutting of the sheet paper P is done in the functional casing H to assure safety for the user. Also the sheet paper P can be protected against water droplets as it is not exposed outside of the function casing H. (5) In this embodiment, the feeding of the sheet paper P may also be performed semi-automatic, i.e., the sheet paper P is slightly fed from the slit 75 automatically and is taken out and positioned ver the seat body 11 by hand. This method obviates the position detecting hole 82 in the sheet paper P. This position detecting sensor 83 can be eliminated by utilizing a counter of a desired type to count the number of revolutions of the motor 30 and determine the position of the sheet paper P and by activating the control unit F according to the count obtained. Where the semi-automatic operation is employed, the toilet seat structure is so constructed as to lock the sheet paper P after being fed an appropriate length. When the feed length of the sheet paper P is not appropriate so that the sheet paper P is not locked by the control unit F, the control unit F disables the next step of automatically cutting the sheet paper P and prevent it from being triggered by the seating sensor. (6) It is also possible to perforate the sheet paper P along transverse lines so that an individual section of sheet for each use ( namely, the seat covering paper P-1) can easily be cut off by the weight of the occupant when he or she sits on the seat body 11. This obviates the seat covering paper cutting mechanism D, allowing greater room for the design of the seat construction. (7) Since the electronic components (such as control unit F and control board G) are arranged on one side and covered in the functional casing H, the toilet seat structure has an improved water resistance and electrical insulation or safety. (8) The sheet paper roll storage section is completely separated from the sheet paper feeding mechanism C and the sheet paper cutting mechanism D to ensure electrical safety and prevent an injury by the cutting blade 28 when the sheet paper roll R is replaced. (9) The slit 75 formed in the upper part of the cover casing 60 through which the sheet paper P is taken out is provided with an inclined surface to prevent water from contacting the sheet paper P as much as possible. For the same reason, the storage position of the sheet paper roll R is located above the slit 75. (10) A microswitch is provided on the cover casing 60 to detect the setting condition of the sheet paper roll storage box 70. With the seat covering paper roll storage box 70 removed or inappropriately set, the microswitch renders the control unit F inoperable even when the sheet paper feeding button 61 is pressed, to ensure safety during maintenance and prevent erroneous operation. The detecting means is not limited to the microswitch and may consist of a sensor or limit switch. (11) From considerations of appearance and serviceability, the sheet paper roll storage box 70 has its front side made slidable and held open by a hook and its rear side rigidly secured by screws. (12) The press roller 71 mounted to the sheet paper roll storage box 70 is released from the sheet paper roll R by a slide mechanism to facilitate the replacement of the roll R. When the press roller 71 is set in the sheet paper roll storage box 70, a spring is used to keep the press roller 71 locked in position. (13) The end of the connecting plug 72 is tapered off to permit easy alignment between its center and the center shaft of the sheet paper roll R. (14) The connecting plug 72 may be mounted not only through O-rings but by an L-shaped hook. It may also be mounted to the side walls 70a, 70b of the sheet paper roll storage box 70. (15) In the embodiment shown, the automatic seat covering paper feeding toilet seat A is of a fully automatic type that can be attached to the seat of ordinary type. It is also applicable to other types of toilet seats such as those having a heater device, a bidet or running water nozzle, or a perfuming device. Furthermore, the toilet seat A of this invention may be completely separated from the functional section 13 which can be installed at the back of the wall to obtain a better appearance and a larger space in the toilet room. Also, a remote control device may be used to remotely control the seat A. A modification of the above toilet seat structure A is shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 and such modification is characterized by further comprising a sheet paper clamping mechanism I. As shown in the drawings, such sheet paper clamping mechanism I is mounted in place a predetermined distance away from the sheet paper cutting mechanism D in a direction toward the seat body 11. The sheet paper clamping mechanism I substantially comprises a pair of upper and lower rollers 97a, 97b which can clamp the sheet paper P therebetween. The rollers 97a, 97b have their both ends rotatably supported by a sheet paper roll storing box 170 and a pair of brackets 97c, 97d. Due to such construction, the sheet paper clamping mechanism I can biasingly clamp the rear end of the seat covering paper P-1 which is cut off from the sheet paper P. The drive means of the sheet paper clamping mechanism I is described hereinafter. In Figure 11, numeral 97e indicates a sprocket wheel which is fixedly mounted on the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 which, in turn, is operably connected with a sprocket wheel 97f which is fixedly mounted on the lower clamp roller 97b by means of the endless chain 97g. Due to such construction, when the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 is driven, the upper and lower clamping rollers 97a, 97b are rotated to feed the sheet paper P. On the other hand, when the driving of the sheet paper feeding shaft 23 is stopped, the rotation of the upper and lower clamping rollers 97a, 97b is stopped and the upper and lower clamping rollers 97a, 97b clamps the rear end of the seat covering paper P-1 which is cut off from the sheet paper P for firmly holding the seat covering paper P-1 on the seat body 11. Another modification of the above toilet seat structure is shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 and such modification is characterized by comprising a casing lid L which can be readily opened. In this modification, like parts which appear in the toilet seat shown in Figure 1 to Figure 10 are denoted with numerals added with 200. As shown in the drawings, a sheet storing box 170 comprises a) a pair of left and right side walls 165, 166, b) a rear wall 117 which is integrally connected with the mounting plate 120 between the pair of left and right side walls 165, 166 and c) an L-shaped casing lid L which has a proximal end thereof pivotally connected to the upper end of the rear wall 117 and distal end thereof come into contact with a front wall 170c of the sheet paper roll storing box 170. In the above costruction, on the inner surface of the left and right side walls 65, 66 of the sheet papar roll storing box 170, a U-shaped slanted grooves 118, 118 are formed respectively and each groove 118 has one end thereof opened toward the upper portion of the sheet paper roll storing box 170 and other end thereof extended toward the central portion of the left and right side walls 165,166. Due to such construction, by inserting a pair of connecting plugs 172,172 which are fixed to the both ends of the sheet paper roll R into and along the slanted grooves 118,118, the sheet paper roll R can be snugly stored in the sheet paper roll storing box 170. On the other hand, by opening the casing lid L, the sheet paper roll R can be readily removed from the sheet paper roll storing box 170 and replaced with a new sheet paper roll R. Furthermore, although the casing lid L is constructed so as to open in a forward direction in Figures 13,14, the casing lid L can be opened in a backward direction as shown in Figure 15. Still another modification of the above toilet seat structure is shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17 and such modification is characterized by further comprising a power off switch SD for safety purpose. In this modification, like parts which appear in the toilet seat shown in Figure 1 to Figure 10 are denoted with numerals added with 200. As shown in Figure 16, the functional casing H comprises a casing lid 270c which is pivotable on a pivot shaft 270d and a lid switch SD which is mounted on the upper end of the casing H adjacent to the pivot shaft 270d. The lid switch SD is activated corresponding to the opening or closing of the casing lid 270c and when the casing lid 270c is opened, a output signal is transmitted to the control unit F to stop at least the supply of the electricity to the sheet paper feeding mechanism C and the sheet paper cutting mechanism D. Accordingly, during the replacing operation of the sheet paper roll R from the sheet paper roll storing box 270, an accident such as the catching of a finger to the sheet paper feeding mechanism C or cutting of a finger by the sheet paper cutting mechanism D can be effectively prevented thus enhancing the safety of the sheet paper roll replacing operation. Of course, it is possible to stop the supply of electricity to other parts or constituents of the toilet seat of the present invention such as the contorol unit F or the control board G along with the activation of the lid switch SD. In the drawing, a microswitch is used as the lid switch SD, other contact-type switches and non-contact-type switches can be used as the lid switch SD.

Claims: A toilet seat structure capable of automatically feeding a seat covering paper (P-1) on a toilet seat,said structure comprising a sheet paper roll (R) having a length of producing a plurality of seat covering papers (P-1), a sheet paper feeding mechanism (C) for feeding a sheet paper (P) from the sheet paper roll (R) onto the upper surfaces of a seat body (11), said feeding mechanism (C) comprising a plurality of feed rollers (24) and a press roller (71) biased together with said feed rollers(24), the sheet paper (P) being conducted from the sheet paper roll (R) to said rollers (24, 71) and passes between the feed rollers (24) and the press roller (71) in order to be fed onto said seat body (11) and a sheet paper cutting mechanism (D) for cutting the sheet paper (P) at a position away from the front end of the sheet paper (P) to provide a piece of seat covering paper (P-1) onto the seat body (11), a control unit (F) for controlling the operation of the sheet paper feeding mechanism (C) and the sheet paper cutting mechanism (D) to feed the sheet paper (P) a specified length onto the seat body (11) and to cut the sheet paper (P) fed on the seat body (11) to produce said seat covering paper (P-1) on said seat body (11), a control board for transmitting control signals to the control unit (F) and a functional casing (13) provided on the rear of the seat body (11) for encasing the above mentioned functional elements, characterized in that the feed rollers (24) and the press roller (71) are disposed below and substantially vertically aligned with said sheet paper roll (R) and said press roller (71) which biasingly comes into contact with said feed rollers (24) is disposed above said feed rollers so that the sheet paper (P) before passing between the feed rollers (24) and the press roller (71) travels on a substantial portion of the surface of the press roller (71) in a direction opposite the direction of the winding of the sheet paper (P) on the sheet paper roll (R) to offset curl imparted to the sheet paper (P) by the sheet paper roll (R) so that the seat covering paper (P-1) is flat when extended onto said upper surface of the seat body (11). The toilet seat structure according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet paper clamping mechanism (I) which is disposed a predetermined distance away from the sheet paper cutting mechanism (D) in a direction toward the seat body (11). The toilet seat structure according to claim 2, wherein the sheet paper clamping mechanism (I) comprises a pair of upper and lower rollers (97a,97b) which are capable of biasingly clamping the sheet paper (P). The toilet seat structure according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet paper roll storing box (170) for storing the sheet paper roll (R), said sheet paper roll storing box (170) having a casing lid (L) which can be opened to replace the sheet paper roll (R) through the casing lid (L). The toilet seat structure according to claim 4, wherein the sheet paper storing box (170) comprises a lid switch (SD) which is activated along with an opening or closing of said casing lid (L) and which transmits an output signal to the control unit (F) to stop the supply of electricity to at least the sheet paper feeding mechanism (C) and said sheet paper cutting mechanism (D).

Inventors: HIGUCHI, MITSUHIRO TOTO LTD.KOKURA PLANT NO.2, YAMAMOTO, HIROFUMI TOTO LTD.KOKURA PLANT NO.2
Applicants: TOTO LTD.
Application year: 1988
Main classification: A47K13
IPC codes: A47K13