Bathroom vanity

Abstract

To provide a washbasin vanity that can prevent overflow even if the water level detection unit breaks down. [Solution] The system comprises a water storage section, a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the water stored in the water storage section, a drainage section for draining the stored water, a drain plug for opening and closing the drainage channel of the drainage section, and a control unit that acquires water level information regarding the water level of the stored water, and when the drain plug is closed, if the difference between the detected water level W1 detected by the water level sensor and the calculated water level W2 based on the water level information is greater than a threshold, the control unit notifies the user of an abnormality in the water level sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathroom vanity. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, in a bathroom vanity that is not provided with an overflow hole, there has been known a bathroom vanity that detects the water level of stored water by a water level sensor in order to prevent the water stored in a water storage portion from overflowing when a drain plug is closed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water supply facility including a washbasin and a sensor having two detection functions: a human body sensor and a water level sensor (a water level detection unit). In this water supply facility, detection of a water level and detection of a human body can be performed by one sensor while preventing the water level from becoming higher than necessary. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 4264882 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, if the water level detection unit is broken, there is a risk of water overflowing from the water storage portion.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a bathroom vanity capable of preventing overflow even when a water level detection unit is broken. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the washbasin vanity according to the present invention comprises: a water storage unit; a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water stored in the water storage unit; a drainage unit for draining the stored water; a drainage opening / closing unit for opening and closing the drainage channel of the drainage unit; and a control unit that acquires water level information relating to the water level of the stored water, and when the drainage opening / closing unit is in a closed state, if the difference between a first water level detected by the water level detection unit and a second water level based on the water level information is greater than a threshold, the control unit notifies the user of an abnormality in the water level detection unit.

[0008] In this configuration, if the water level detection unit breaks down and can no longer accurately detect the water level, a large discrepancy will occur between the second water level and the first water level. Therefore, by setting a threshold smaller than the expected discrepancy, if the difference between the second water level and the first water level is greater than the threshold, it can be determined that the water level detection unit is broken. In the above configuration, if the difference between the second water level and the first water level is greater than the threshold, i.e., if it is determined that the water level detection unit is broken, the abnormality of the water level detection unit is notified to the user, so the user can immediately know that the water level detection unit is broken. Therefore, even if the water level detection unit breaks down, the user can take measures such as stopping the water flow before it overflows from the reservoir, thereby preventing overflow.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a washbasin vanity comprising a water discharge unit for discharging water into the water reservoir, and a flow rate detection unit for detecting the flow rate of water supplied to the water discharge unit, wherein the control unit calculates the water level of the stored water from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit and acquires the calculated water level as water level information.

[0010] With this configuration, the water level of the water stored in the reservoir can be calculated based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit and, for example, the volume of the reservoir. Therefore, a specific detection means can be provided for a second water level to be compared with the first water level.

[0011] In another embodiment of the washbasin vanity according to the present invention, the control unit notifies the user of an abnormality in the water level detection unit when the second water level is greater than the first water level and the difference between the second water level and the first water level is greater than the threshold.

[0012] When the water outlet is switched from a discharge state to a shut-off state, the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit becomes zero. However, if an object enters the water reservoir at this time, the water level rises rapidly, causing the first water level to become greater than the second water level. With the above configuration, if the first water level is greater than the second water level, that is, if the difference between the second water level and the first water level is less than zero, the user will not be notified of an abnormality in the water level detection unit, thus reducing the load on the control unit.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit controls the opening and closing state of the water discharge opening / closing unit that opens and closes the water discharge channel of the water discharge unit, and closes the water discharge opening / closing unit when the difference between the second water level and the first water level is greater than the threshold.

[0014] With this configuration, if the water level detection unit breaks down, the water discharge opening / closing unit will be closed and the water will be automatically stopped, thus preventing overflow without the user having to take any action.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit starts detecting the water level by the water level detection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the water outlet opening / closing unit was opened.

[0016] In the initial stages when water is being stored in the reservoir, there is no need to worry about overflow, so even if the water level detection unit is broken, the user does not need to take any immediate action. With the above configuration, the load on the control unit can be reduced by not detecting the water level by the water level detection unit for a predetermined period of time after water is being stored in the reservoir.

[0017] A washbasin vanity according to another aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores at least one of the following: flow rate information relating to a change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit; water discharge information relating to a change in the opening and closing state of the water discharge opening and closing unit; and drainage information relating to a change in the opening and closing state of the drainage opening and closing unit. The control unit corrects the water level calculated based on at least one of the flow rate information, water discharge information, and drainage information stored in the storage unit, and acquires the corrected water level as water level information.

[0018] If the flow rate changes, or if the discharge or drain opening / closing mechanism opens or closes while water is being stored in the reservoir, a significant discrepancy may occur between the actual water level and the water level calculated from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit. With the above configuration, if the flow rate changes, or if the discharge or drain opening / closing mechanism opens or closes, the water level calculated from the flow rate is corrected based on that information, allowing the user to know with greater accuracy if the water level detection unit is broken. As a result, the safety of the washbasin can be enhanced.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a washbasin vanity unit that includes a storage unit for storing the water level detected by the water level detection unit, and the control unit acquires the water level stored in the storage unit as water level information.

[0020] With this configuration, the past history recorded by the water level detection unit can be used as water level information to compare the first and second water levels. Therefore, overflow in the event of a failure of the water level detection unit can be prevented with a simpler configuration, without the need for other detection units such as a flow rate detection unit.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a washbasin vanity unit that includes another water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the stored water, and the control unit acquires the water level detected by the other water level detection unit as water level information.

[0022] According to this configuration, the first water level and the second water level can be compared using two water level detection units. Therefore, overflow when the water level sensor fails can be prevented without separately providing a flow rate detection unit.

[0023] A bathroom vanity according to another aspect of the present invention includes a notification unit that issues an alarm, and the control unit notifies the user of the abnormality by issuing the alarm.

[0024] According to this configuration, a specific notification means for notifying a user that a water level detection unit has failed can be provided.

[0025] In the bathroom vanity according to another aspect of the present invention, the threshold value is a difference between the height position of the uppermost portion of the water storage portion and the limit height position at which water can be stored in the water storage portion.

[0026] In this configuration, the height position of the uppermost portion of the water storage portion is, for example, the height position just before water overflows from the water storage portion, and the limit height position at which water can be stored in the water storage portion is, for example, the height position at which an overflow hole is provided in a conventional bathroom vanity, or the height position at which water may overflow when water is vigorously discharged into the water storage portion. This difference is estimated to be smaller than the difference when a large deviation occurs between the first water level and the second water level. Therefore, when a difference occurs between the first water level and the second water level, a specific example of the threshold value for preventing overflow on the assumption that an abnormality has occurred in the water level detection unit can be provided. Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the bathroom vanity of the present invention, overflow can be prevented even if the water level sensor fails. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the bathroom vanity according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical configuration in a washbasin vanity according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This graph shows the relationship between the water level in the water reservoir and time in a washbasin vanity according to the first embodiment, using the water level detected by the water level sensor and the water level calculated from the flow rate sensor. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the vanity unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows an example of the electrical configuration in a washbasin vanity according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the washbasin vanity according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a washbasin vanity according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] <First Embodiment> A vanity unit 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, the vanity unit 10 of the first embodiment includes a water reservoir 12, a back panel 13, a water outlet 14, a solenoid valve (water outlet opening / closing part) 15, a drain 16, a drain plug (drain opening / closing part) 17, a water level sensor (water level detection part) 20, a flow sensor (flow detection part) 30, and a control unit 40.

[0030] The water storage section 12 is bowl-shaped, and when the drain plug 28 is closed, water or hot water (hereinafter simply referred to as "water") discharged from the water outlet 22 is stored inside 12a. In Figure 1, reference numeral 12a1 indicates the height position inside 12a of the water storage section 12 at which water may overflow from the water storage section 12 if the amount of water stored exceeds that height; in other words, it indicates the maximum height position at which water can be stored, and corresponds to the height position where an overflow hole was provided in conventional washbasins, for example. Reference numeral 12a2 in Figure 1 indicates the uppermost height position in the water storage section 12. Reference numeral G1 indicates the difference (threshold) between height position 12a2 and height position 12a1.

[0031] The back panel section 13 is positioned with its panel surface 13a facing forward and backward, and is located at the rear of the water reservoir section 12 as viewed from the user of the washbasin vanity 10. A water level sensor 20 is provided on the shelf section 13b above the back panel section 13.

[0032] The water discharge section 14 has a faucet-shaped water outlet 14a and a water discharge channel 14b through which the water supplied to the water outlet 14a flows. The solenoid valve 15 is installed in the middle of the water discharge channel 14b. When the solenoid valve 15 is open, water is supplied to the water outlet 14a through the water discharge channel 14b, and when the solenoid valve 15 is closed, the water discharge channel 14b is blocked by the solenoid valve 15 and the supply of water to the water outlet 14a is stopped.

[0033] The drain section 16 is located below the water storage section 12 and has a drain port 16a through which water from the inside 12a of the water storage section 12 is discharged, and a drain channel 16b through which the water discharged from the drain port 16a flows. The drain plug 17 is located at the drain port 16a. When the drain plug 17 is open, the water discharged from the outlet 14a into the water storage section 12 is discharged from the drain port 16a.

[0034] The water level sensor 20 is installed above the water storage section 12 and detects the water level of the water stored in the water storage section 12. The method of detecting the water level by the water level sensor 20 is not limited. It may be a method that measures the distance to the water surface by irradiating the water surface with ultrasonic waves or radio waves, a method that measures the water level using a CCD, or any other known detection method.

[0035] The flow sensor 30 is installed in the middle of the discharge channel 14b and detects the flow rate of water flowing through the discharge channel 14b toward the discharge port 14a. The method of detecting the flow rate by the flow sensor 30 is not limited. Known detection methods such as ultrasonic or electromagnetic methods can be used.

[0036] Next, the electrical configuration of the vanity unit 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0037] The vanity unit 10 is controlled by a control unit 40, which is located, for example, within the back panel section 13. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 40 comprises an arithmetic processing unit 42, a notification unit 44, and an open / close detection unit 46. The control unit 40 is electrically connected to the water level sensor 20, the flow sensor 30, the solenoid valve 15, and the drain plug 17. The control unit 40 also controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 15.

[0038] The arithmetic processing unit 42 is composed of a computer such as a CPU. The arithmetic processing unit 42 acquires the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 30 when the drain plug 17 is closed, and calculates the water level of the water stored in the water storage unit 12 from, for example, the elapsed time since the start of water discharge and the volume of the inside 12a of the water storage unit 12. The arithmetic processing unit 42 also acquires the water level (first water level) (hereinafter referred to as "detected water level W1") detected by the water level sensor 20, and compares the water level (second water level) (hereinafter referred to as "calculated water level W2") calculated from the flow rate (water level information) detected by the flow sensor 30 with the detected water level W1.

[0039] The notification unit 44 notifies the user of the washbasin vanity 10 of an abnormality in the water level sensor 20 by emitting an alarm audible to the user. The open / close detection unit 46 detects the open / closed state of the drain plug 17. The method by which the open / close detection unit 46 detects the open / closed state of the drain plug 17 is not limited.

[0040] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the relationship between the detected water level W1 and the elapsed time, and the relationship between the calculated water level W2 and the elapsed time will be explained. Figure 3 is a graph with the detected water level W1 and the calculated water level W2 of the water stored in the water storage section 12 from the start of water discharge when the drain plug 17 is in the closed position, on the vertical axis, and the elapsed time from the start of water discharge on the horizontal axis.

[0041] In the water level sensor 20, for example, detection of the water level begins after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 30 seconds) since water discharge started (after the solenoid valve 15 was opened). After that, the water level sensor 20 intermittently detects the water level. Alternatively, the water level sensor 20 may start detecting the water level at the same time as water discharge starts.

[0042] The flow sensor 30 also intermittently detects the flow rate, and the control unit 40 intermittently calculates the water level from the detected flow rate. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the relationship between the calculated water level W2 and the elapsed time is shown as a curve that becomes gentler as time passes, converging to the water level when the water is stored up to the height position 12a2 (see Figure 1) inside the water storage section 12.

[0043] Here, the arithmetic processing unit 42 of the control unit 40 intermittently (for example, every 3 or 5 seconds) after the water level detection by the water level sensor 20 begins, compares the calculated water level W2 with the detected water level W1, and calculates the difference G2 between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1. In Figure 3, the timing at which the arithmetic processing unit 42 calculates the difference G2 is indicated by black circles.

[0044] If an abnormality occurs in the water level sensor 20, the detected water level W1 will stop changing, resulting in a large difference G2 between the detected water level W1 and the calculated water level W2. In the first embodiment, the difference between the highest height position 12a2 in the water storage section 12 and the limit height position 12a1 in the water storage section 12 is set as the threshold G1. If the above difference G2 is greater than the threshold G1, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the water level sensor 20.

[0045] Next, referring to Figure 4, the flow of processing performed by the control unit 40 after water discharge has started will be explained.

[0046] The process shown in Figure 4 begins when water is discharged, that is, when the control unit 40 switches the solenoid valve 15 from the closed state to the open state. As an example, the washbasin vanity 10 is equipped with a human sensor (not shown), and when the human sensor detects a user, the control unit 40 switches the solenoid valve 15 from the closed state to the open state.

[0047] (Step S10) The control unit 40 determines whether the drain plug 17 is in a closed state or not. If the drain plug 17 is in a closed state, the process proceeds to step S12. If the drain plug 17 is not in a closed state, the control unit 40 repeatedly executes the process of step S10.

[0048] (Step S12) The control unit 40 obtains the detected water level W1 from the water level sensor 20. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0049] (Step S14) The control unit 40 obtains the calculated water level W2, which is calculated from the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 30. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0050] (Step S16) The control unit 40 compares the detected water level W1 with the calculated water level W2 and calculates the difference between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1 (W2-W1). The control unit 40 also determines whether the calculated difference G2 (see Figure 3) is greater than 0 (W2-W1>0, i.e., W2>W1) and less than the threshold G1 (see Figure 1) (W2-W1>G1). If W2-W1>0 and W2-W1>G1 (threshold), the process proceeds to step 18. If W2-W1>0 and W2-W1>G1 (threshold) are not met, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0051] (Step S18) The control unit 40 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred in the water level sensor 20. Specifically, the control unit 40 issues an alarm via the notification unit 44. This allows the user to take measures such as shutting off the water to prevent overflow. The control unit 40 then completes the series of processes shown in Figure 4.

[0052] As described above, the washbasin vanity 10 of the first embodiment includes a water storage section 12, a water discharge section 14 for discharging water into the water storage section 12, a drain section 16 for draining the water stored in the water storage section 12, a drain plug 17 for opening and closing the drain channel 16b of the drain section 16, an open / close detection section 48 for detecting the open / closed state of the drain plug 17, a water level sensor 20 for detecting the water level of the water stored in the water storage section 12, and a control unit 40 that acquires water level information regarding the water level of the water stored in the water storage section 12, and when the drain plug 17 is in the closed state, compares the detected water level (first water level) W1 detected by the water level sensor 20 with the calculated water level (second water level) W2 based on the water level information, and notifies the user of an abnormality in the water level sensor 20 if the difference G2 between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1 is greater than a threshold G1.

[0053] In the vanity unit 10 of the first embodiment, if the water level sensor 20 breaks down and can no longer accurately detect the water level, a large discrepancy will occur between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1. Therefore, by setting a threshold smaller than the expected discrepancy, if the difference between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1 is greater than the threshold, it can be determined that the water level sensor 20 is broken. In the configuration of the vanity unit 10 of the first embodiment, if the difference G2 between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1 is greater than the threshold G1, that is, if it is determined that the water level sensor 20 is broken, the abnormality of the water level sensor 20 is notified to the user, so the user can immediately know that the water level sensor 20 is broken. Therefore, even if the water level sensor 20 breaks down, the user can take measures such as stopping the water flow before it overflows from the water reservoir 12, thereby preventing overflow.

[0054] Furthermore, the washbasin vanity 10 includes a water outlet 14 that dispenses water into the water reservoir 12, and a flow sensor 30 that detects the flow rate of water supplied to the water outlet 14. The control unit 40 calculates the water level stored in the water reservoir 12 from the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 30 and acquires the calculated water level W2 as water level information. With this configuration, the water level stored in the water reservoir 12 can be calculated based on the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 30 and, for example, the volume of the water reservoir 12, so a specific means for detecting the calculated water level W2, which is used for comparison with the detected water level W1, can be provided.

[0055] Furthermore, in the washbasin vanity 10, the control unit 40 notifies the user of an abnormality in the water level sensor 20 when the calculated water level W2 is greater than the detected water level W1, and the difference between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1 is greater than the threshold G1. When the water outlet 14 is switched from a water discharge state to a water stop state, the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 30 becomes zero. However, if an object enters the water reservoir 12 at this time, the water level rises rapidly, causing the detected water level W1 to become greater than the calculated water level W2. With the above configuration, if the detected water level W1 is greater than the calculated water level W2, that is, if the difference between the calculated water level W2 and the detected water level W1 is less than zero, the user is notified of an abnormality in the water level sensor 20, thus reducing the load on the control unit 40.

[0056] Furthermore, in the washbasin vanity 10, the control unit 40 starts detecting the water level using the water level detection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the solenoid valve 15 was opened. In the initial stages when water is being stored in the water reservoir 12, there is no need to worry about overflow, so even if the water level sensor 20 is broken, the user does not need to take any immediate action. With the above configuration, the load on the control unit 40 can be reduced by not detecting the water level using the water level sensor 20 until a predetermined time has elapsed since water was being stored in the water reservoir 12.

[0057] Furthermore, the vanity unit 10 is equipped with an alarm notification unit 44, and the control unit 40 notifies the user of any abnormality by issuing an alarm. This configuration provides a concrete means of notifying the user that the water level detection unit has broken down.

[0058] Furthermore, in the vanity unit 10, the threshold G1 is the difference between the highest height position in the water storage section 12 and the maximum height position in the water storage section 12 where water can be stored. In this configuration, the highest height position in the water storage section 12 is set to, for example, the height position just before water overflows from the water storage section 12, and the maximum height position in the water storage section 12 where water can be stored is set to, for example, the height position where an overflow hole is provided in a conventional vanity unit, or, for example, the height position where water may overflow if water is forcefully discharged into the water storage section 12. This provides a concrete example of a threshold G1 for preventing overflow by indicating an abnormality in the water level sensor 20 when a certain difference occurs between the detected water level W1 and the calculated water level W2.

[0059] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0060] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the vanity unit 110 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in its electrical configuration and the processing performed by the control unit 140. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore their explanation will be omitted or simplified. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 140 of the vanity unit 110 according to the second embodiment includes a calculation processing unit 142, a notification unit 44, an opening / closing detection unit 46, and a storage unit 148.

[0061] The memory unit 148 consists of an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) for storing various information, and a flash memory for temporarily storing various data. The memory unit 148 stores at least one of the following: flow rate information related to changes in flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 30, water discharge information related to changes in the open / closed state of the solenoid valve 15, and drainage information related to changes in the open / closed state of the drain plug 17.

[0062] Specifically, the flow rate information includes information about the timing when the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 30 was changed. The discharge information includes information about the timing when the open / closed state of the solenoid valve 15 was changed. The drainage information includes information about the timing when the open / closed state of the drain plug 17 was changed.

[0063] Furthermore, the calculation processing unit 142 of the second embodiment corrects the water level calculated from the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 30 based on at least one of the flow rate information, discharge information, and drainage information stored in the storage unit 148, and acquires the corrected water level as water level information.

[0064] Specifically, the calculation processing unit 142 corrects the amount of change in water level after the timing of the change in flow rate based on the changed flow rate for the flow rate information. The calculation processing unit 142 also corrects the amount of change in water level after the timing of the solenoid valve 15 being changed from the open state to the closed state for the water discharge information, so that it becomes zero. Furthermore, the calculation processing unit 142 corrects the amount of change in water level after the timing of the drain plug 17 being changed from the closed state to the open state, so that it becomes zero or negative depending on the length of time it remains open.

[0065] Next, referring to Figure 6, the flow of processing performed by the control unit 140 of the second embodiment after water discharge has started will be explained.

[0066] The conditions for initiating the process shown in Figure 6 are the same as the conditions for initiating the process executed by the control unit 40 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the processes in steps S110, S112, and S114 executed by the control unit 140 are the same as the processes in steps S10, S12, and S14 executed by the control unit 40 in the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted.

[0067] (Step S116) The control unit 140 acquires at least one of the flow rate information, discharge information, and drainage information stored in the memory unit 148. Then, the control unit 140 corrects the calculated water level W2 acquired in step 114 based on at least one of the acquired flow rate information, discharge information, and drainage information (hereinafter, the corrected calculated water level W2 will be referred to as the "corrected water level W3"). The process then proceeds to step S118.

[0068] (Step S118) The control unit 140 compares the detected water level W1 with the corrected water level W3 and calculates the difference between the corrected water level W3 and the detected water level W1 (W3-W1). The control unit 140 also determines whether the calculated difference is greater than 0 (W3-W1>0, i.e., W3>W1) and less than a threshold (in the first embodiment, the difference G1 (see Figure 1)) (W3-W1>G1). If W3-W1>0 and W3-W1>G1 (threshold), the process proceeds to step 120. If W3-W1>0 and W3-W1>G1 (threshold) are not met, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0069] (Step S120) The control unit 140 closes the solenoid valve 15. This allows the user to know that an abnormality has occurred in the water level sensor 20 and to take measures such as shutting off the water to prevent overflow. The control unit 140 then completes the series of processes shown in Figure 6.

[0070] As described above, the washbasin vanity 110 of the second embodiment includes a storage unit 148 that stores at least one of the following: flow rate information related to changes in the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 30, water discharge information related to changes in the open / closed state of the solenoid valve 15, and drainage information related to changes in the open / closed state of the drain plug 17. The control unit 140 corrects the water level calculated based on at least one of the flow rate information, water discharge information, and drainage information stored in the storage unit 148, and acquires the corrected water level (corrected water level W3) as water level information.

[0071] If the flow rate changes, or if the solenoid valve 15 opens or closes, or if the drain plug 17 opens or closes, while water is being stored in the water reservoir 12, a large discrepancy may occur between the actual water level and the water level calculated from the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 30. In the second embodiment, the washbasin vanity 110 is configured as described above, so that if the flow rate changes, or if the solenoid valve 15 opens or closes, or if the drain plug 17 opens or closes, the water level calculated from the flow rate is corrected based on that information, allowing the user to know with greater accuracy that the water level sensor 20 is broken. As a result, the safety of the washbasin vanity 110 can be enhanced.

[0072] Furthermore, in the washbasin vanity 110, the control unit 140 controls the open / closed state of the solenoid valve 15 that opens and closes the water outlet channel of the water outlet 14, and closes the solenoid valve 15 when the difference between the corrected water level W3 and the detected water level W1 is greater than the threshold G1. With this configuration, if the water level sensor 20 breaks down, the solenoid valve 15 is closed and the water is automatically stopped, so overflow can be prevented without the user having to take any measures.

[0073] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the vanity unit 210 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the back panel, the configuration of the water level sensors 221 and 222, and some of the processing performed by the control unit. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted or simplified. As shown in Figure 7, the back panel 213 of the vanity unit 210 according to the second embodiment has a shelf portion 213b that is larger than the shelf portion 13b of the first embodiment.

[0075] The shelf section 213b is equipped with a first water level sensor (water level detection unit) 221 and a second water level sensor (other water level detection unit) 222. Both the first water level sensor 221 and the second water level sensor 222 have the same configuration as the water level sensor 20 of the first embodiment and detect the water level of the water stored in the water storage section 12.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit of the third embodiment acquires the water level obtained by the second water level sensor 222 as water level information. That is, in the third embodiment, the second water level sensor 222 is provided instead of the flow sensor 30 in the first embodiment.

[0077] Furthermore, in the processing performed by the control unit of the third embodiment, the water level detected by the second water level sensor 222 is used instead of the calculated water level W2 in the first embodiment.

[0078] As described above, the washbasin vanity 210 according to the third embodiment is equipped with a second water level sensor 222 that detects the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir 12, and the control unit acquires the water level detected by the second water level sensor 222 as water level information.

[0079] According to the washbasin vanity 210 of the third embodiment, the first water level sensor 221 and the second water level sensor 222 can be used to compare two water levels. Therefore, overflow can be prevented in the event that the first water level sensor 221 fails, without the need to provide a separate flow sensor 30.

[0080] <Variation> The embodiments described above are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and essence of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0081] For example, in the second embodiment described above, a configuration was illustrated in which at least one of flow rate information, discharge information, and drainage information is stored in the storage unit 148. However, the storage unit 148 may also store the water level detected by the water level sensor 20. In this case, the control unit 140 may acquire the water level stored in the storage unit 148 as water level information. With this configuration, the past history from the water level sensor 20 can be used as water level information to compare two water levels (detected water level and water level based on past history). Therefore, overflow in the event of a failure of the water level sensor 20 can be prevented with a simpler configuration without the need to provide other sensors such as a flow rate sensor.

[0082] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the difference G1 between the uppermost height position 12a2 in the water storage section 12 and the limit height position 12a1 in the water storage section 12 was used as an example of a threshold, but the threshold is not limited to this. For example, the memory unit 148 may store the difference between the detected water level W1 and the calculated water level W2 when an abnormality occurred in the water level sensor 20 in the past, and a threshold may be set based on the magnitude of that difference.

[0083] Furthermore, in the embodiments and modifications described above, examples of water level information include the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 30, the water level detected by the second water level sensor 222, and the water level stored in the storage unit 148. However, the water level information is not limited to these. It may also be information regarding the water level detected by other detection means.

[0084] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, examples of means for notifying the user of an abnormality in the water level sensor 20 include issuing an alarm using the notification unit 44 and closing the solenoid valve 15, but the invention is not limited to these. For example, an abnormality in the water level sensor 20 may be notified to the user by providing a light-emitting unit and illuminating the light-emitting unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10,110,210: Washbasin vanity, 12: Water outlet, 15: Solenoid valve, 16: Drain, 17: Drain plug, 20: Water level sensor, 40: Control unit, 44: Notification unit, G1: Threshold, W1: Detected water level, W2: Calculated water level

Claims

1. The water storage section, A water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the water stored in the water reservoir, A drainage section for draining the stored water, A drainage opening / closing unit that opens and closes the drainage channel of the aforementioned drainage section, A control unit that acquires water level information relating to the water level of the stored water, and when the drain opening / closing unit is in the closed state, if the difference between the first water level detected by the water level detection unit and the second water level based on the water level information is greater than a threshold, notifies the user of an abnormality in the water level detection unit. A vanity unit equipped with a sink.

2. The water discharge section discharges water into the water storage section, The system includes a flow rate detection unit that detects the flow rate of water supplied to the water outlet, The control unit calculates the water level of the stored water from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit, and acquires the calculated water level as water level information. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

3. The control unit notifies the user of an abnormality in the water level detection unit when the second water level is greater than the first water level and the difference between the second water level and the first water level is greater than the threshold. The vanity unit according to claim 2.

4. The control unit controls the opening and closing state of the water discharge opening / closing unit that opens and closes the water discharge channel of the water discharge unit, and closes the water discharge opening / closing unit when the difference between the second water level and the first water level is greater than the threshold. The vanity unit according to claim 2.

5. The control unit starts detecting the water level using the water level detection unit after a predetermined time has elapsed since the water discharge opening / closing unit was opened. The vanity unit according to claim 4.

6. The system includes a storage unit that stores at least one of the following: flow rate information relating to a change in the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit, water discharge information relating to a change in the open / closed state of the water discharge opening / closing unit, and drainage information relating to a change in the open / closed state of the drain opening / closing unit. The control unit corrects the calculated water level based on at least one of the flow rate information, discharge information, and drainage information stored in the storage unit, and acquires the corrected water level as the water level information. The vanity unit according to claim 4.

7. The system includes a storage unit that stores the water level detected by the water level detection unit, The control unit acquires the water level stored in the storage unit as water level information. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

8. The system includes another water level detection unit that detects the water level of the stored water, The control unit acquires the water level detected by the other water level detection unit as water level information. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

9. Equipped with a notification unit that issues alarms, The control unit notifies the user of the abnormality by issuing the alarm. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

10. The threshold is the difference between the uppermost height position in the water storage section and the maximum height position in the water storage section where water can be stored. A washbasin vanity according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images