Sink unit and hand washing unit

Abstract

To provide a sink unit and a hand washing unit that can each be disposed at any position. A sink unit of the present invention is a sink unit S including: a sink part 6 for accommodating water therein; a circulation mechanism 7; and a filter, and configured to be used for cooking, in which the sink part includes: a water storage part 63 for storing water therein; and a receiving part 62 for receiving water, and is configured to allow the water received by the receiving part to flow to the water storage part, the circulation mechanism is installed in the sink part, and is configured to suction the water in the water storage part and discharge the water to the receiving part to thereby circulate the water within the sink part, the filter is installed in the sink part, and is configured to filter the water circulated within the sink part by the circulation mechanism, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power to a plurality of installation positions respectively located differently.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sink unit and a hand washing unit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally known is a kitchen including a kitchen counter described in Patent Literature 1. The kitchen counter includes a top board, and a sink and a cookstove disposed in the top board, and the top board is configured to be movable in a vertical direction and in a direction toward and away from a wall surface.

[0003] The above configuration can make a large space near the kitchen counter when the top board is moved downward and toward the wall surface, which is deemed to enable users in wheelchairs to achieve an improved usability of the top board and an improved mobility in the kitchen.CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 2015-092943 ASUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0005] In the kitchen described in Patent Literature 1, functional units for cooking, such as the sink and the cookstove, are disposed in the top board, and the top board is configured to move vertically and relative to the wall surface. However, a sink unit is unable to be freely moved as the sink unit is dependent on the top board and piping. Such a problem is applicable not only to the sink unit in the kitchen but also to a hand washing unit for washing hands. The present inventors have conducted an intensive research based on the conventional kitchens and hand washing units, and have arrived at an invention relating to a sink unit and a hand washing unit capable of being moved in a desired manner.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sink unit and a hand washing unit that can each be disposed at any position.Solution to Problem

[0007] A sink unit of the present invention is a sink unit including: a sink part for accommodating water therein; a circulation mechanism; and a filter, and configured to be used for cooking, in which the sink part includes: a water storage part for storing water therein; and a receiving part for receiving water, and is configured to allow the water received by the receiving part to flow to the water storage part, the circulation mechanism is installed in the sink part, and is configured to suction the water in the water storage part and discharge the water to the receiving part to thereby circulate the water within the sink part, the filter is installed in the sink part, and is configured to filter the water circulated within the sink part by the circulation mechanism, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power to a plurality of installation positions respectively located differently.

[0008] According to such a configuration, the water can be circulated while being filtered within the sink part, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein can be moved by being lifted by man power to the plurality of installation positions. Thus, the position of the sink unit can be freely changed while the water therein remains available for use.

[0009] The configuration can also be such that the circulation mechanism and the filter are capable of being accommodated below an upper end part of the sink part, and the upper end part of the sink part is configured to enable another unit or device to be placed thereon.

[0010] According to such a configuration, the other unit or device can be stacked on the sink part when the sink unit is, for example, stored or carried.

[0011] The configuration can also be such that the sink part is configured to be capable of being placed on an upper end part of another unit or device.

[0012] According to such a configuration, the sink unit can be stacked on the other unit or device when the sink unit is, for example, stored or carried.

[0013] A hand washing unit of the present invention is a hand washing unit including: a sink part for accommodating water therein; a circulation mechanism; and a filter, and configured to be used for washing hands, in which the sink part includes: a water storage part for storing water therein; and a receiving part for receiving water, and is configured to allow the water received by the receiving part to flow to the water storage part, the circulation mechanism is installed in the sink part, and is configured to suction the water in the water storage part and discharge the water to the receiving part to thereby circulate the water within the sink part, the filter is installed in the sink part, and is configured to filter the water circulated within the sink part by the circulation mechanism, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power to a plurality of installation positions respectively located differently.

[0014] According to such a configuration, the water can be circulated while being filtered within the sink part, and the sink part can be moved by being lifted by man power to the plurality of installation positions. Thus, the position of the hand washing unit can be freely changed while the water therein remains available for use.

[0015] The configuration can also be such that the circulation mechanism and the filter are capable of being accommodated below an upper end part of the sink part, and the upper end part of the sink part is configured to enable another unit or device to be placed thereon.

[0016] According to such a configuration, the other unit or device can be stacked on the sink part when the hand washing unit is, for example, stored or carried.

[0017] The configuration can also be such that sink part is configured to be capable of being placed on an upper end part of another unit or device.

[0018] According to such a configuration, the hand washing unit can be stacked on the other unit or device when the hand washing unit is, for example, stored or carried.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] According to the present invention, obtained can be a sink unit and a hand washing unit that can each be disposed at any position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a kitchen equipped with a cooking appliance including a sink unit S according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the kitchen. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a worktop unit as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the worktop unit. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the sink unit S as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a view showing a state where the sink unit S or a hand washing unit W is not in use. Fig. 9 is a plan view of a heater unit as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a plan view of a storage unit as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a view of a first position change of the functional unit. Fig. 14 is a view of a second position change of the functional unit. Fig. 15 is a view of the functional units stacked on each other. Fig. 16 is a plan view of a sink unit S or a hand washing unit W according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] A description will be given on a sink unit S and a hand washing unit W according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, a description will be given on a kitchen K equipped with a cooking appliance 12 including the sink unit S. For convenience of description, a vertical direction, a long-side direction, and a short-side direction will be on a basis of the respective directions shown in Fig. 1.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the kitchen K includes a table 11 and the cooking appliance 12 placed on the table 11, and has a space formed around the table 11 for allowing a worker to work. Such a kitchen K constitutes an area of a building (e.g., house).

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the table 11 includes a top board 13 and a plurality of leg parts 14 extending downward from the top board 13. The table 11 of this embodiment is independent of the building, and is freely movable relative to the building. Further, the table 11 of this embodiment is located to allow a worker to work using the cooking appliance 12 placed thereon at any position out of the entire periphery in a horizontal direction of the table 11.

[0024] The top board 13 is a plate body that has an upper surface as an installation surface 11a extending in the long-side direction and the short-side direction and that is installed to have its thickness corresponding to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the top board 13 is a plate having a quadrangular shape. The top board 13 has no hole penetrating therethrough in the vertical direction, and has the installation surface 11a being flat. The top board 13 has a long-side length longer than the long-side length of a functional unit 2 to be described later, specifically, twice as long as or longer, in this embodiment 2.5 times as long as or longer, than the long-side length of the functional unit 2. Such a configuration allows a plurality of the functional units 2 to be disposed side by side on the top board 13. Further, the top board 13 has a short-side length longer than the short-side length of the functional unit 2, and in this embodiment longer than the long-side length of the functional unit 2.

[0025] The plurality of leg parts 14 are rod bodies extending downward from the top board 13, and support the top board 13 so as to be located away from a floor surface of the building. The plurality of leg parts 14 of this embodiment are disposed at four respective corners of the top board 13. Such leg parts 14 are independent of the building.

[0026] The cooking appliance 12 is used for cooking. Cooking herein refers to all preparations for eating and drinking, including, for example, food processing and dishwashing. The cooking appliance 12 includes a plurality of the functional units 2 each having a function for cooking. The cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment includes four functional units 2, each of which functions differently for cooking. That is, the cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment includes two or more kinds of the functional units 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the cooking appliance 12 includes a worktop unit 5 functioning as a worktop for cooking, the sink unit S functioning as a sink for cooking, and a heater unit 8 functioning as a heater for cooking. The cooking appliance 12 further includes a storage unit 9, which is shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, configured to store small items for cooking (kitchen utensils such as a knife) and small items for eating (such as tableware). The cooking appliance 12 preferably includes at least one of the sink unit S and the heater unit 8 for cooking. Further, the cooking appliance 12 is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power. Specifically, each of the functional units 2 weighs 20 kg or less, and has such a size as to be lifted by man power for moving (the total length of three sides (vertical length, short-side length, and long-side length) of 180 cm or less).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, each functional unit 2 has an outer frame 3 and a functional part 4. The functional part 4 is configured to exhibit a function for cooking, and the outer frame 3 is a frame body in which the functional part 4 is accommodated. In the functional units 2, the outer frames 3 share the same shape with each other, and the functional parts 4 are configured differently depending on the functions to be exhibited by the respective functional units 2.

[0028] Each functional unit 2 has a first side part A1 and a second side part B1 different from the first side part A1. The second side part B1 of this embodiment includes a side opposed in the short-side direction to the first side part A1 and sides crossing the first side part A1, and any of the worker opposed to the first side part A1 and the worker opposed to the second side part B1 can work with the functional unit 2.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the outer frame 3 has a box shape with an upward opening. Specifically, the outer frame 3 includes a bottom part 31 forming a bottom, a side wall part 32 forming sides, and a frame connection part 33 connecting an outer edge of the bottom part 31 and a lower end of the side wall part 32 to each other. The outer frame 3 further includes a decorative part 34 disposed on an outer surface of the side wall part 32 and an outer surface of the frame connection part 33. The outer frame 3 of this embodiment has the bottom part 31, the side wall part 32, and the frame connection part 33 formed integrally, with the decorative part 34 attached to the outer surfaces thereof. Such an outer frame 3 is configured to allow the functional part 4 to be fitted thereto from above. The outer frame 3 has such a size as to be movable by being lifted by man power, specifically, is formed to have the total length of three sides (total of the vertical length, the short-side length, and the long-side length) of 180 cm or less.

[0030] The bottom part 31 has a plate shape extending in the long-side direction and the short-side direction and having a substantially constant thickness, and has a lower surface serving as a placement surface 2a. When the functional unit 2 is placed on the table 11, the placement surface 2a is opposed to the installation surface 11a and at least partially comes into abutting contact with the installation surface 11a. The placement surface 2a of this embodiment has a flat shape, and substantially entirely comes into abutting contact with the installation surface 11a.

[0031] The frame connection part 33 erects upward from the outer edge of the bottom part 31. Specifically, the frame connection part 33 extends outward and upward relative to the bottom part 31 from the outer edge of the bottom part 31, and in this embodiment has a curved shape being a convex outward relative to the bottom part 31. That is, the frame connection part 33 extends outward of the bottom part 31 in the horizontal direction crossing the vertical direction, at a position upwardly away from the bottom part 31. The frame connection part 33 configured as above forms a gap for placing fingers therein between the installation surface 11a and the outer frame 3, and thus functions as a finger hooking part 33a that allows a worker to hook his or her fingers thereon when he or she lifts up the outer frame 3.

[0032] The side wall part 32 extends in the vertical direction, and is disposed to surround the entire bottom part 31 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the side wall part 32 is connected to an upper end part of the frame connection part 33, and extends upward from the frame connection part 33. The side wall part 32 includes a detaching part 32a. The detaching part 32a is configured to allow the worker to hook his or her fingers to detach the functional part 4 attached to the outer frame 3 from the outer frame 3, and in this embodiment is a cutout portion formed in an upper end portion of the side wall part 32 so as to be recessed downward. That is, the functional unit 2 of this embodiment is configured to enable the functional part 4 fitted to the outer frame 3 to be detached by hooking the worker's fingers on the detaching part 32a.

[0033] The decorative part 34 is disposed on a portion of an outer surface of the outer frame 3 other than the placement surface 2a. The decorative part 34 of this embodiment is a sheet body with, e.g., a pattern printed on its surface, and is attached to the side wall part 32 and the frame connection part 33 so as to have the surface facing outward.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the functional part 4 exhibits its function for cooking while being accommodated in the outer frame 3. Specifically, the functional part 4 includes a functional fitting part 41 for being fitted to the outer frame 3, and a functional body part 42 configured to exhibit a function for cooking. The functional body part 42 is configured to correspond to the function of each functional unit 2.

[0035] The functional fitting part 41 is configured to be capable of fitting into the outer frame 3 from above. Specifically, the functional fitting part 41 includes an accommodated part 411 placed and accommodated into the outer frame 3, and a locking part 412 extending outward in the horizontal direction from an upper end of the accommodated part 411. The accommodated part 411 is a box having its shape in the horizontal direction corresponding to the shape of the inner surface of the side wall part 32. The accommodated part 411 at least partially accommodates the functional body part 42.

[0036] The locking part 412 is placed and locked on the upper end of the side wall part 32 to restrict the functional fitting part 41 from moving downward relative to the outer frame 3. Specifically, the locking part 412 extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward from an upper end of the accommodated part 411, and has an extension length in the horizontal direction substantially equal to the thickness of the side wall part 32. Specifically, the locking part 412 extends outward from both ends in the short-side direction and both ends in the long-side direction of the upper end part of the accommodated part 411, and in this embodiment is arranged over the entire periphery in the horizontal direction of the upper end part of the accommodated part 411. The locking part 412 is configured to allow the placement surface 2a to be located within an area in the horizontal direction surrounded by the locking part 412.

[0037] The locking part 412 includes a lower abutting surface 412a and an upper abutting surface 412b. The lower abutting surface 412a is a lower surface of the locking part 412, and comes into abutting contact with the upper end of the side wall part 32. The lower abutting surface 412a extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward. The upper abutting surface 412b is an upper surface of the locking part 412, and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower abutting surface 412a.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the worktop unit 5 includes the outer frame 3 and a worktop function part 5A as the functional part 4, and has a box shape as a whole.

[0039] The worktop function part 5A includes a functional fitting part 41; and a worktop supporting part 51 and a worktop body part 52 as the functional body part 42. The worktop supporting part 51 of this embodiment is formed integrally with the functional fitting part 41.

[0040] The worktop supporting part 51 supports the worktop body part 52 from below. Specifically, the worktop supporting part 51 has a supporting upper surface that is an upper surface of the worktop supporting part 51 (i.e., upper surface of the functional fitting part 41), and is configured to come into abutting contact with a lower surface of the worktop body part 52 to support the worktop body part 52.

[0041] The worktop body part 52 is located at an upper end part of the worktop unit 5, and has an upper surface substantially flat as a worktop surface 52. The worktop body part 52 of this embodiment has a plate shape, and includes a worktop part 521 with its upper surface serving as the worktop surface 52a, and a worktop locking part 522 arranged to surround the worktop part 521 in the horizontal direction. The worktop locking part 522 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412, and extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward.

[0042] The worktop body part 52 is placed on the worktop supporting part 51, and the worktop surface 52a is supported by the worktop supporting part 51 from below. The worktop body part 52 includes the worktop locking part 522 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412, and is thus configured to be locked by the lower surface of the worktop locking part 522 coming into abutting contact with the upper abutting surface 412b of the locking part 412. This configuration restricts the worktop body part 52 from moving in the horizontal direction, and can therefore suppress the worktop body part 52 from being displaced even when force in the horizontal direction is applied to the worktop body part 52 during working. As shown in Fig. 3, the configuration can further be such that a small worktop 523 smaller than the worktop body part 52 is placed on the worktop body part 52. Similar to the worktop body part 52, the small worktop 523 also includes a worktop locking part 522 around its edge portion in the horizontal direction, so that the worktop locking part 522 of the small worktop 523 engages with the worktop locking part 522 of the worktop body part 52 to restrict the small worktop 523 from moving in the horizontal direction.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the sink unit S includes a sink part 6 as the outer frame 3 and the functional part 4; a circulation mechanism 7 as the functional part 4; and a filter F as the functional part 4. The sink unit S has a box shape as a whole. The circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F constitute the functional body part 42.

[0044] The sink part 6 includes the outer frame 3 that forms an outer peripheral surface and a lower surface of the sink part 6, and a sink body 61 accommodated inside the outer frame 3. The sink part 6 is configured to receive water in the sink body 61 and store the received water therein. That is, the sink body 61 serves not only as the functional fitting part 41 but also as the functional body part 42.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the sink body 61 has a box shape with an upward opening and capable of being fitted to the outer frame 3. Specifically, the sink body 61 includes a sink lower part 611, and a sink side part 612 extending upward from an outer edge of the sink lower part 611, to form a receiving space defined by the sink lower part 611 and the sink side part 612. The sink body 61 is configured to be capable of receiving water and storing the received water. The sink body 61 further includes a water storage part 63 located on one side in the long-side direction (i.e., right side in the figures), and a receiving part 62 located on an other side in the long-side direction (i.e., left side in the figures) of the water storage part 63. That is, the water storage part 63 and the receiving part 62 are disposed side by side in the long-side direction.

[0046] The sink lower part 611 is a plate body extending in a direction crossing the vertical direction, with its upper surface serving as a bottom surface of the receiving space. The sink lower part 611 includes a water storage bottom part 613 forming the bottom surface of the water storage part 63, a receiving bottom part 614 forming a bottom surface of the receiving part 62, and a bottom step part 615 located between the water storage bottom part 613 and the receiving bottom part 614. The water storage bottom part 613 is located below the receiving bottom part 614. That is, the water storage bottom part 613 is recessed downward relative to the receiving bottom part 614 via the bottom step part 615. The receiving bottom part 614 is entirely inclined to have its bottom step part 615 side located to be lower, with one end in the long-side direction connected to an upper end of the bottom step part 615. The water storage bottom part 613 has an other end in the long-side direction connected to a lower end of the bottom step part 615, and in this embodiment extends from the connected portion to have its one end side in the long-side direction located to be lower.

[0047] This configuration allows water received by the receiving part 62 to flow into the water storage part 63 along the receiving bottom part 614 to be stored in the water storage part 63. The water storage part 63 is configured to allow sufficient water to be stored therein for circulation. Specifically, the water storage part 63 is configured to store a sufficient amount of water so that the amount of water discharged from the circulation mechanism 7 per unit time will not be decreased by a reduction in amount of water remaining in the water storage part 63 when the water in the water storage part 63 is continuously circulated. For example, the water storage part 63 can store an amount of water 1.5 to 3 times as much as the total amount of water suctioned by the circulation mechanism 7 within an average period of time for which water suctioned by the circulation mechanism 7 flows through a water circulation passage and back to the water storage part 63. The configuration that the water storage part 63 can store a sufficient amount of water enables the sink unit S to be comfortably used on a continuous basis when water is circulated for use. Further, the bottom step part 615 located between the receiving bottom part 614 and the water storage bottom part 613 can suppress water stored in the water storage part 63 from flowing back to the receiving part 62.

[0048] The sink side part 612 is a wall body extending upward from outer peripheral edges respectively of the receiving bottom part 614 and the water storage bottom part 613, except portions of the outer peripheral edges connected to the bottom step part 615. That is, the sink side part 612 is a wall surrounding an outer periphery of the sink lower part. The sink side part 612 has an upper end part located at substantially the same height in the vertical direction over the entire periphery. Further, the sink side part 612 includes a locking part 412 at the upper end part.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, the circulation mechanism 7 has a circulation housing 71, a pump 72 disposed inside the housing, and a power unit 73. The circulation mechanism 7 is disposed inside the sink body 61, and is configured to suction water stored in the water storage part 63 and discharge the suctioned water to the receiving part 62. The circulation mechanism 7 is formed separately from the sink body 61, and is detachably attached to the sink body 61. Specifically, the circulation mechanism 7 is attached to the sink body 61 by being disposed inside the sink body 61, and is detached from the sink body 61 by being removed from the inside of the sink body 61.

[0050] The circulation housing 71 having a box shape can be disposed in the water storage part 63, and has its dimensions in the long-side direction and the short-side direction substantially equal respectively to the dimensions in the long-side direction and the short-side direction of the water storage part 63. The circulation housing 71 has a water inlet (not shown) formed at a lower end part, and a water outlet 74 formed at an upper end part, and a water passage 75 is formed from the water inlet to the water outlet 74. The water passage 75 of the circulation housing 71 of this embodiment is configured to discharge substantially all amount of water suctioned by the pump 72 (other than, e.g., water droplets attached to the water passage 75) through the water outlet 74. That is, the water passage 75 is not configured to feed temporarily stored water filtered by the filter F, as will be described later, but is configured to feed water immediately after being filtered. The circulation housing 71 of this embodiment is configured to have at least the lower end part capable of being accommodated in the water storage part 63. The circulation housing 71 has an upper surface formed to be flat. The upper surface of the circulation housing 71 installed in the sink body 61 is located at a height equal to or lower than an upper end of the sink body 61 (i.e., locking part 412 of the sink side part 612). Further, the upper surface of the circulation housing 71 can come into abutting contact with a lower surface of a lid part 21 to be disposed on the sink body 61, which will be described later.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 7, the water outlet 74 is a hole formed in a side of the circulation housing 71, and is configured to allow water to be discharged outwardly downward through the side of the circulation housing 71. That is, the water outlet 74 is located below the upper surface of the circulation housing 71, and located below the upper end part of the sink side part 612. Specifically, the water outlet 74 is formed on a side of the circulation housing 71 facing the receiving part 62, i.e., the side on the other end side in the long-side direction of the circulation housing 71. The water outlet 74 is located in a central portion in the short-side direction of the circulation housing 71.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, the pump 72 is disposed at an intermediate position in the water passage 75, and is configured to suction water through the water inlet and feed the suctioned water to the water outlet 74. The pump 72 is configured to allow a constant amount of water to be continuously fed to the water outlet 74 when in a driven state. The pump 72 of this embodiment is disposed at a position close to one side in the short-side direction (i.e., lower side in the figure). The pump 72 is switchable between a driven state and a non-driven state using a switch (not shown) in the circulation mechanism 7.

[0053] The power unit 73 supplies power as a driving source to the pump 72, and in this embodiment is a battery. The power unit 73 is disposed at a position away from the water passage 75 within the circulation housing 71, and is accommodated at a position out of reach of water flowing within the circulation housing 71.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 7, the circulation mechanism 7 of this embodiment is configured to allow water discharged through the water outlet 74 to spout out from the side of the circulation housing 71 and reach the receiving bottom part 614 without flowing along, for example, a wall.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6, the filter F is configured to be capable of filtering water circulated within the sink body 61 by the circulation mechanism 7. Specifically, the filter F is configured to filter out, e.g., dust and microorganisms from the water that passes therethrough. The filter F is disposed at an intermediation position of the water circulation passage, and in this embodiment disposed inside the circulation housing 71. Specifically, the filter F is disposed between the water inlet and the pump 72 in the water passage 75 of the circulation housing 71, and in this embodiment disposed below the pump 72. That is, the filter F filters water immediately before being suctioned by the pump 72, and the pump 72 is configured to suction filtered water. The filter F is detachably attached to the water passage 75. For example, the filter that has filtered a specified amount of water can be removed from the water passage 75 and replaced with a new filter F.

[0056] The sink 6, the circulation mechanism 7, and the filter F are configured to circulate water stored in the sink part 6 while filtering it, which enables the water to be repeatedly used in the sink unit S. Specifically, when the pump 72 is driven, the water stored in the water storage part 63 is suctioned through the water inlet, and passes through the filter F and the pump 72 to be discharged through the water outlet 74 to the receiving part 62. The discharged water flows from the receiving part 62 to the water storage part 63 to be once stored in the water storage part 63. This configuration enables the sink unit S to function as a sink independently of water and sewage piping. Further, the configuration that the pump 72 is driven by the battery as the power unit 73 eliminates the necessity of a power cord for driving the pump 72. This configuration enables the sink unit S to function as a sink independently also of a power cord.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the heater unit 8 includes the outer frame 3 and a heater 81 as the functional part 4. In the heater unit 8, the heater 81 corresponds to both the functional body part 42 and the functional fitting part 41. That is, in the heater unit 8, the functional body part 42 and the functional fitting part 41 are formed integrally.

[0058] The heater 81 has such a size as to be capable of being accommodated in the outer frame 3, and is configured to be capable of heating, for example, a pot placed on an upper surface of the heater 81. The heater 81 of this embodiment is an electric cookstove, and includes a cord (not shown) electrically connectable to an outlet of a building. For example, the cord extends out through a hole in the outer frame 3. Specifically, the heater 81 has a box shape, and includes a heater frame 82 having a heating area 83 with an upper surface on which a device (e.g., pot) for being heated is placed, and an electric circuit (not shown) accommodated in the heater frame 82 and used for heating the device to be heated. Such a heater frame 82 corresponds to the accommodated part 411, and the locking part 412 is disposed at an upper end part of the heater frame 82.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the storage unit 9 includes the outer frame 3; and a storage frame part 91 and a storage body part 92 as the functional part 4. The storage frame part 91 serves as the functional fitting part 41 fitted into the outer frame 3 and serves as the functional body part 42 that functions to movably support the storage body part 92, and the storage body part 92 serves as the functional body part 42 that functions to store small items for cooking and eating.

[0060] The storage frame part 91 includes a frame body 911 that is a wall body extending along an inner periphery of the outer frame 3 while being fitted to the outer frame 3, a rail 912 extending in the long-side direction or the short-side direction, and the locking part 412 disposed outside the frame body 911. The rail 912 of this embodiment extends in the long-side direction, and includes a pair of rails 912 disposed away in the short-side direction from each other. The storage frame part 91 has a lower surface upwardly away from the bottom part 31 of the outer frame 3. That is, a space is formed between the storage frame part 91 and the bottom part 31 of the outer frame 3. This space can be used for storing, for example, tableware.

[0061] The storage body part 92 is a container forming the space in which small items can be stored. The storage body part 92 includes rail fitting parts 921 fitted to the rails 912, and a small item storage part 922 having a box shape and forming a space for storing small items; is entirely supported by the rails 912 from below; and is movable in the long-side direction along the rails 912. The storage body part 92 of this embodiment includes two storage body parts 92 disposed away in the long-side direction from each other.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 12, the lid part 21 is disposed on the upper part of the functional unit 2. The lid part 21 is a plate-like body including a lid body 22 having a flat upper surface and a lid locking part 23 disposed along a periphery in the horizontal direction of the lid body 22. The lid locking part 23 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412, and extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward. The lid part 21 is disposed to cover the upper part of the functional unit 2 when, for example, the functional unit 2 is not in use. In so doing, the lid locking part 23 engages with the locking part 412 of the functional fitting part 41 to thereby restrict the lid part 21 from moving in the horizontal direction. The lid part 21 disposed as above can suppress, e.g., dirt from being stuck to the functional part 4 and the items in the functional part 4 when the functional unit 2 is not in use. The lid part 21 can be disposed to cover not only the upper part of the storage unit 9 but also an upper part of a different functional unit 2.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 8, the lid part 21 disposed on the upper part of the sink unit S engages with the locking part 412 and has the lower surface capable of being in abutting contact with the upper surface of the circulation housing 71; thus, the lid part 21 can be supported by the circulation housing 71 from below. This configuration can suppress the lid part 21 from deflecting downward when an object is placed on the lid part 21. Further, in the sink unit S, the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F can be accommodated below the upper end (locking part 412) of the sink part 6 to thereby allow the lid part 21 to be placed on the sink unit S with the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F accommodated therein.

[0064] A description will be given on a method for using the cooking appliance 12 as above.

[0065] To use the cooking appliance 12, necessary functional units 2 are placed on the table 11 as a preparatory step. For cooking food by heating, for example, the heater unit 8, the worktop unit 5, and the sink unit S are disposed as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, to cut or process the food followed by rinsing and heating the food. Before or after moving the sink unit S, a necessary amount of water for circulation is poured into the sink body 61 to have the water storage part 63 filled with water. When, for example, the worktop unit 5 is no longer needed, the worktop unit 5 can be removed from the table 11 and the storage unit 9 can be placed in substitution for the worktop unit 5. Thus, the cooking appliance 12 is configured to have the functional units 2 independent of each other and freely movable without being restricted by other functional units 2. After the placement of the functional units 2 is completed, the lid part 21 is removed as necessary.

[0066] Next, each functional unit 2 is used for cooking. At this time, for example, the positions of the functional units 2 are changeable for the convenience of cooking. Specifically, the heater unit 8 located at a first installation position P1, which corresponds to one end part in the long-side direction of the table 11 as shown in Fig. 1, can be moved to a first another installation position P11, which is another position as shown in Fig. 13. The first another installation position P11 shown in Fig. 13 corresponds to a second installation position P2 at which the sink unit S is installed in Fig. 1. The sink unit S at the second installation position P2 in Fig. 1 can be moved to a second another installation position P21 shown in Fig. 13. The second another installation position P21 shown in Fig. 13 corresponds to the first installation position P1 at which the heater unit 8 is installed in Fig. 1. That is, the installation positions of the functional units 2 are freely changeable, and even interchangeable to switch the positions of the functional units 2 with each other. As to the movement of the sink unit S, moving the sink unit S with water in the sink part 6 allows water to be used at both positions before and after the movement. When the functional unit 2 placed on the installation surface 11a is moved, the functional unit 2 can be lifted from the installation surface 11a by placing fingers in the finger hooking part 33 a.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 14, a first worker A located at a first working position PA, which is a position opposed to one of two sides of the top board 13 extending in the long-side direction out of working positions around the table 11 can lift the functional unit 2 with his or her hands and pass the functional unit 2 to a second worker B located at second working position PB, which is a position opposed to the first working position PA with the table 11 therebetween. The functional unit 2 includes a first side part A1 and a second side part B1 opposed to each other in the short-side direction, and both a worker located opposed to the first side part A1 and a worker located opposed to the second side part B1 can use the functional unit 2 for working. Thus, the worker who receives the functional unit 2 from another worker located at a different working position can still use the functional unit 2 without changing the orientation of the functional unit 2.

[0068] Further, as shown in Fig. 15, the functional units 2 can be put away after cooking. To put away the functional units 2, one functional unit 2 can be stacked on another functional unit 2 either directly or via the lid part 21. This configuration can suppress these functional units 2 from occupying a large space and causing hindrance when the functional units 2 are put away.

[0069] In the sink unit S, as shown in Fig. 8, the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F are accommodated below the upper end part (the locking part 412) of the sink part 6. This configuration can suppress the circulation mechanism 7 or the filter F from interfering with another functional unit 2 when the functional unit 2 is placed on the upper end part of the sink part 6. In this embodiment, the circulation mechanism 7 having the flat upper surface can also support the other functional unit 2 placed on the upper end part of the sink part 6, which can thereby reliably support the placed device. Moreover, the configuration that the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F are accommodated below the upper end part of the sink part 6 enables the lid part 21 to be placed for covering the entire upper part of the sink unit S. This configuration enables the entire upper part of the sink unit S to be used as a worktop when, for example, the sink unit S is not in use.

[0070] Further, the sink unit S can be placed on the upper end part of the other functional unit 2 directly or via the lid part 21. The sink unit S has the flat placement surface 2a at the lower part, which stabilizes the sink unit S when placed on the upper end part of the other functional unit 2.

[0071] As described above, the cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment is independent of the top board 13 and the table 11, and can exhibit its function independently. Thus, provided can be the stand-alone cooking appliance 12 allowing the worker to freely move the functional unit 2 to any position for use, as compared with a conventional cooking appliance 12 dependent on the top board 13.

[0072] The cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment is the portable cooking appliance 12 configured to be lifted and carried by man power. Thus, the cooking appliance 12 can be used at any locations inside and outside the kitchen K, and allows users to cook at appropriate locations that suit their lifestyle, as compared with a conventional fixed-type cooking appliance 12 fixed to the top board 13.

[0073] Further, the cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment has the plurality of functional units 2 independent of each other, and is a combination-type cooking appliance 12 that is portable and allows the plurality of functional units 2 to be combined with or separated from each other. Thus, necessary functional units 2 can be combined or separated depending on needs in cooking or the user's lifestyle, which achieves an increased convenience as compared with a conventional, integrated-type cooking appliance 12 formed of the top board 13 on which functions are integrated and fixed.

[0074] This embodiment will be hereinafter summarized.

[0075] In the sink unit S of this embodiment, water can be circulated while being filtered in the sink part 6, and the sink part 6 can be lifted by man power for being moved relative to the plurality of installation positions. This configuration enables the position of the sink unit S to be freely changed while the water therein remains available for use.

[0076] In the sink unit S, the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F can be accommodated below the upper end part of the sink part 6, and another unit or device can be placed on the upper end part of the sink part 6. This configuration enables another unit or device to be stacked on the sink part 6 when, for example, the sink unit S is stored or carried.

[0077] Further, in the sink unit S, the lower part of the sink part 6 can be placed on another unit or device. This configuration enables the sink unit S to be stacked on another unit or device when, for example, the sink unit S is stored or carried.

[0078] The circulation mechanism 7 has the water outlet 74 located below the upper end part of the sink part 6. Thus, the circulation mechanism 7 can be favorably accommodated in the sink part 6. This configuration can suppress the sink unit S from, for example, interfering with other members located above the position where the sink unit S is installed, and accordingly enables the sink unit S to be easily carried for use.

[0079] Further, the lid part having a plate shape can be installed on the upper end part of the sink part 6. The lid part placed on the upper part of the sink part 6 enables the sink part 6 to be used as a worktop or enables another unit or device to be placed thereon when, for example, the sink part 6 is not in use. This configuration increases the usability of the sink unit S.

[0080] The filter F disposed on an upstream side of the pump 72 in the water passage 75 within the circulation mechanism 7 can filter water before the water is fed to the pump 72. This configuration can suppress dust or the like from entering the pump 72 and causing the pump 72 to be defective.

[0081] The cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment is configured to allow the functional unit 2 to be lifted by man power for being moved relative to the plurality of installation positions, which enables the position of the functional unit 2 to be freely changed.

[0082] A first unit (e.g., heater unit 8) can be moved from the first installation position P1 to the first another installation position P11, and a second unit (e.g., sink unit S) can be moved from the second installation position P2 to the second another installation position P21. Moreover, the positions of the first unit and the second unit are interchangeable.

[0083] Further, the functional unit 2 allows a worker to work not only on one side but also on another side, and can therefore be passed from one worker to the other regardless of the orientation of the functional unit 2. This configuration enables the functional unit 2 to be passed between the workers.

[0084] The functional unit 2 has the first side part A1 and the second side part B1 located at a different position from the first side part A1, and both the worker opposed to the first side part A1 and the worker opposed to the second side part B1 can work with the functional unit 2. This configuration enables the functional unit 2 to be disposed near a wall or at an end part of the table with no concern on the orientation of the functional unit 2.

[0085] Further, the configuration that the functional units 2 can be stacked on each other enables the functional units 2 to be stacked on each other for storing when not in use.

[0086] Each functional unit 2 is configured to have the locking part 412 formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the placement surface 2a. This configuration enables any functional units 2 to be stably stacked on each other with no concern on the order of stacking the functional units 2.

[0087] Further, the outer frame 3 is configured to be capable of accommodating any functional part 4, and the functional part 4 accommodated in the outer frame 3 can be replaced by another functional part 4. This configuration enables a functional part 4 in the outer frame 3 to be replaced by another functional part 4 for convenience, which achieves an improved usability. Further, the aesthetic appearance of the functional unit 2 can easily be changed by placing the functional part 4 in another outer frame 3 with its decorative part 34 having a different pattern.

[0088] When the functional part 4 is removed from one outer frame 3 and placed into another outer frame 3, the configuration that the outer frames 3 share the same shape can achieve the same usability of the functional part 4 before and after the replacement of the outer frames 3, which is favorable in terms of usability. In addition, the configuration that the outer frames 3 share the same shape can achieve a sense of unity in shape when the functional units 2 are lined up, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the plurality of functional units 2 when lined up.

[0089] One embodiment of the present invention has been described as above by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0090] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the functional units 2 respectively having four different functions are disposed, without limitation thereto. Any combination of the plurality of functional units 2 can be selected, and the configuration can be such that the plurality of functional units 2 respectively having the same functional parts 4 are disposed. For example, the configuration can be such that a plurality of the heater units 8 are disposed, and the plurality of heater units 8 are lifted by people to interchange their positions with each other.

[0091] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the functional units 2 share the same outer shape, without limitation thereto, and the functional units 2 can have different outer shapes. For example, the configuration can be such that the functional units 2 have different heights depending on the configurations of the functional parts 4 while each of the functional units 2 has the placement surface 2a formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412.

[0092] Further, the configuration can be such that no table 11 is disposed in the kitchen K. In such a case, for example, the work can be performed on a floor. Even in the case where the table 11 is disposed in the kitchen K, the configuration of the table 11 is not limited to the one exemplified above, and various configurations can be employed as long as the installation surface 11a is disposed away from the floor.

[0093] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the functional part 4 and the outer frame 3 are formed as separate members, but the configuration can be such that the functional part 4 and the outer frame 3 are formed integrally, or formed as separate members but not to be detachable from each other. The configuration can also be with no outer frame 3.

[0094] Further, the configuration can be such that a temporary fixing device is disposed for temporarily fixing the functional unit 2 placed on the installation surface 11a to the installation surface 11a. Employed as the temporary fixing device can be, for example, a suction cup that sticks to the installation surface 1 1a, or a locking device such as a clamp that can be engaged with the top board 13.

[0095] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where each functional unit 2 has a single function, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that each functional unit 2 has a plurality of functions. For example, the worktop supporting part 51 of the worktop unit 5 can be configured to allow small items to be stored therein so that the functional unit 2 can function both as a worktop and as a storage.

[0096] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the outer frames 3 of the functional units 2 share the same shape, without limitation thereto, and the outer frames 3 can have different shapes from each other. The outer frames 3 having different shapes still allow the functional parts 4 in the respective outer frames 3 to be replaceable with each other as long as portions of the outer frames 3 to be engaged with the respective functional parts 4 (e.g., upper end parts of the side wall parts 32) share the same shape. The configuration that the outer frames 3 are formed in different shapes allows the functional parts 4 in the respective outer frames 3 to be replaceable with each other for the convenience of cooking, which increases usability. Examples of the configuration that the outer frames 3 have different shapes include the configuration that the plurality of outer frames 3 have the respective side wall parts 32 with different heights to allow the functional parts 4 in these outer frames 3 to be replaced with each other according to the height or posture of the worker. This configuration enables the worker to locate the functional part 4 at an appropriate height for the worker to use, which increases usability.

[0097] As to the change of the position at which the functional unit 2 is installed, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where one functional unit 2 as a whole is moved from the first installation position P1 to the first another installation position P11, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that only the functional part 4 is moved. Specifically, the configuration can be such that the functional part 4 in the outer frame 3 located at the first installation position P1 is removed therefrom and moved to be placed in the outer frame 3 located at the first another installation position P11. In this case, if the first another installation position P11 coincides with the second installation position P2 at which another functional unit 2 is installed, the configuration can be such that the functional part 4 in the outer frame 3 of the other functional unit 2 installed at the second installation position P2 is removed out of the outer frame 3, into which the functional part 4 of the one functional unit 2 is placed.

[0098] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the sink unit S is used together with other functional units 2, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the sink unit S is used individually. Even in such a case, the sink unit S can be moved freely independent of, e.g., piping, which increases usability.

[0099] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the circulation mechanism 7 is configured to allow the pump 72 to be driven by a battery as the power source, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the pump 72 is driven by an external power source. Such a configuration still enables the sink unit S to be moved freely independent of, for example, the top board or water and sewage pipes, which increases usability.

[0100] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where water is filtered immediately before the water is discharged through the water outlet 74, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that water filtered by the filter F is temporarily stored and then discharged. When such a configuration is employed, it is preferable that chlorine or the like be added to the filtered water.

[0101] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the filter F is disposed inside the circulation mechanism 7, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the filter F is disposed outside the circulation mechanism 7, or disposed inside the circulation mechanism 7 but at any arbitrary and changeable position within the water passage 75.

[0102] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the circulation mechanism 7 is detachably attached to the sink part 6, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the circulation mechanism 7 is non-detachably fixed to the sink part 6. When such a configuration is employed, the configuration can be such that, for example, only the filter F or the battery as the power unit 73 is replaceable.

[0103] The description has been given by, for example, the case where the water outlet 74 is the hole formed through the side of the circulation mechanism 7, without limitation thereto. For example, the configuration can be such that a faucet erecting upward from the upper surface of the circulation housing 71 is disposed, and the water outlet 74 is formed at a tip of the faucet. When such a configuration is employed, the faucet can be configured to be laid when the sink unit S is not in use so that the upper end of the circulation mechanism 7 can be accommodated at a position at which the upper end part of the circulation mechanism 7 is located at the same height as the upper end of the sink part 6, or located below the upper end of the sink part 6. Such a configuration still enables another unit or device to be placed on the upper end part of the sink unit S when, for example, the sink unit S is not in use. In addition, when the sink unit S is stored, this configuration can suppress the sink unit S from interfering with other members located above the sink unit S (e.g., shelf board located above if the sink unit S is stored in a shelf), which allows the sink unit S to be easily carried and stored.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the hand washing unit W shares the same configurations as the sink unit S above. That is, the hand washing unit W is the same as the sink unit S, except that water circulating therein is used for washing hands. Such a hand washing unit W is disposed in, for example, a bathroom, and allows users to wash their hands with circulating water. The hand washing unit W produces the same effect as the sink unit S. Further, the hand washing unit W can be stacked on another unit or device (e.g., another hand washing unit W, functional unit 2 with a function for drying washed hands). For example, the other unit or device can be placed on an upper part of the hand washing unit W, or a lower part of the hand washing unit W can be disposed on an upper end part of the other unit or device.

[0105] A description will be given on another embodiment of the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W of the present invention, with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The same configurations as those in the aforementioned embodiment are provided with the same reference numbers, and the description of these configurations will be omitted.

[0106] The sink unit S and the hand washing unit W each include the sink body 61 having a different configuration from that of the aforementioned embodiment. Specifically, the sink body 61 includes the sink lower part 611 having a flat upper surface, and a bottom plate part 64 disposed on the upper surface of the sink lower part 611, and the upper surface of the sink lower part 611 and the bottom plate part 64 form a double bottom of the sink body 61. In the sink body 61 of this embodiment, the upper surface of the bottom plate part 64 forms the receiving bottom part 614, and the upper surface of the sink lower part 611 forms the water storage bottom part 613. That is, the receiving part 62 is formed on an upper side of the bottom plate part 64 while the water storage part 63 is formed on a lower side of the bottom plate part 64, and the receiving part 62 and the water storage part 63 are arranged vertically side by side.

[0107] The bottom plate part 64 includes a bottom plate body 641 having a plate shape, and a plurality of bottom plate leg parts 642 connected to a lower surface of the bottom plate body 641. The bottom plate body 641 has a long-side length and a short-side length respectively shorter than the long-side length and the short-side length of the sink lower part 611, and thus the bottom plate body 641 when installed forms a space 64a through which water can flow, in at least a part between a peripheral edge of the bottom plate body 641 and the sink side part 612. The bottom plate body 641 has its upper surface inclined so as to allow the peripheral edge portion defining the space 64a to be located downward. The bottom plate part 64 is detachably attached to the sink lower part 611 or the sink side part 612, and in this embodiment is disposed above the sink lower part 611 and attached thereto, so as to have the bottom plate leg parts 642 brought into contact with the upper surface of the sink lower part 611.

[0108] In the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W configured as above, water discharged through the water outlet 74 of the circulation mechanism 7 is received by the receiving bottom part 614 that is the upper surface of the bottom plate body 641; flows along the bottom plate body 641 to fall through the space 64a between the sink side part 612 and the bottom plate body 641; and is stored in the water storage part 63, which is a space between the bottom plate body 641 and the water storage bottom part 613 being the upper surface of the sink lower part 611. The water stored in the water storage part 63 is suctioned while being filtered by the circulation mechanism 7, and is again discharged to the receiving part 62. The configuration that water is circulated while being filtered can exhibit a function as a sink or a function for washing hands, independent of water and sewage pipes.

[0109] The sink unit S and the hand washing unit W of this embodiment configured to allow water to be stored under the bottom plate part 64 can efficiently store water even when they each have a small storage area.

[0110] Further, the configuration that the bottom plate part 64 is detachably attached to the sink lower part 611 or the sink side part 612 enables the bottom plate part 64 to be removed to expose the water storage part 63. This achieves easy cleaning or other work for the water storage part 63.

[0111] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the space 64a is formed between the sink side part 612 and the bottom plate part 64 for allowing water to flow therethrough from the receiving part 62 to the water storage part 63, without limitation thereto. For example, the configuration can be such that the no space 64a is formed between the sink side part 612 and the bottom plate part 64, and water on the receiving part 62 flows to the water storage part 63 by falling through a hole formed to penetrate the bottom plate part 64 in the vertical direction.

[0112] A reference example will be described below. The configuration can be such that the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W include not the circulation mechanism 7 but the sink part 6 connected to a water pipe and a sewage pipe, and that the entire faucet, including the water outlet 74, connected to the water pipe is located below the upper end of the sink part 6. Such a configuration allows a plate-shaped member (e.g., the lid part 21) to be disposed to cover the entire upper part of the sink part 6. Thus, the configuration of the reference example still allows the plate-shaped member to be placed on the upper part of the sink part 6, and allows a worker to work or allows an object to be placed on the plate-shaped member when the sink part 6 is not in use. The configuration of the reference example can also be such that the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W each include no faucet but have the water outlet 74 on the sink side part 612.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0113] 11: Table 11a: Installation surface 12: Cooking appliance 13: Top board 14: Leg part 2: Functional unit 2a: Placement surface 21: Lid part 22: Lid body 23: Lid locking part 3: Outer frame 31: Bottom part 32: Side wall part 32a: Detaching part 33: Frame connection part 33a: Finger hooking part 34: Decorative part 4: Functional part 41: Functional fitting part 411: Accommodated part 412: Locking part 412a: Lower abutting surface 412b: Upper abutting surface 42: Functional body part 5: Worktop unit 5A: Worktop function part 51: Worktop supporting part 52: Worktop body part 52a: Worktop surface 6: Sink part 61: Sink body 62: Receiving part 63: Water storage part 64: Bottom plate part 64a: Space 641: Bottom plate body 642: Bottom plate leg part 7: Circulation mechanism 71: Circulation housing 72: Pump 73: Power unit 74: Water outlet 75: Water passage 8: Heater unit 81: Heater 82: Heater frame 83: Heating area 9: Storage unit 91: Storage frame part 92: Storage body part 521: Worktop part 522: Worktop locking part 523: Small worktop 611: Sink lower part 612: Sink side part 613: Water storage bottom part 614: Receiving bottom part 615: Bottom step part 911: Frame body 912: Rail 921: Rail fitting part 922: Small item storage part F: Filter K: Kitchen S: Sink unit W: Hand washing unit

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]A description will be given on a sink unit S and a hand washing unit W according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, a description will be given on a kitchen K equipped with a cooking appliance 12 including the sink unit S. For convenience of description, a vertical direction, a long-side direction, and a short-side direction will be on a basis of the respective directions shown in Fig. 1.

[0022]As shown in Fig. 1, the kitchen K includes a table 11 and the cooking appliance 12 placed on the table 11, and has a space formed around the table 11 for allowing a worker to work. Such a kitchen K constitutes an area of a building (e.g., house).

[0023]As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the table 11 includes a top board 13 and a plurality of leg parts 14 extending downward from the top board 13. The table 11 of this embodiment is independent of the building, and is freely movable relative to the building. Further, the table 11 of this embodiment is located to allow a worker to...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sink unit and a hand washing unit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally known is a kitchen including a kitchen counter described in Patent Literature 1. The kitchen counter includes a top board, and a sink and a cookstove disposed in the top board, and the top board is configured to be movable in a vertical direction and in a direction toward and away from a wall surface.

[0003] The above configuration can make a large space near the kitchen counter when the top board is moved downward and toward the wall surface, which is deemed to enable users in wheelchairs to achieve an improved usability of the top board and an improved mobility in the kitchen.CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: JP 2015-092943 ASUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0005] In the kitchen described in Patent Literature 1, functional units for cooking, such as the sink and the cookstove, are disposed in the top board, and the top board is configured to move vertically and relative to the wall surface. However, a sink unit is unable to be freely moved as the sink unit is dependent on the top board and piping. Such a problem is applicable not only to the sink unit in the kitchen but also to a hand washing unit for washing hands. The present inventors have conducted an intensive research based on the conventional kitchens and hand washing units, and have arrived at an invention relating to a sink unit and a hand washing unit capable of being moved in a desired manner.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sink unit and a hand washing unit that can each be disposed at any position.Solution to Problem

[0007] A sink unit of the present invention is a sink unit including: a sink part for accommodating water therein; a circulation mechanism; and a filter, and configured to be used for cooking, in which the sink part includes: a water storage part for storing water therein; and a receiving part for receiving water, and is configured to allow the water received by the receiving part to flow to the water storage part, the circulation mechanism is installed in the sink part, and is configured to suction the water in the water storage part and discharge the water to the receiving part to thereby circulate the water within the sink part, the filter is installed in the sink part, and is configured to filter the water circulated within the sink part by the circulation mechanism, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power to a plurality of installation positions respectively located differently.

[0008] According to such a configuration, the water can be circulated while being filtered within the sink part, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein can be moved by being lifted by man power to the plurality of installation positions. Thus, the position of the sink unit can be freely changed while the water therein remains available for use.

[0009] The configuration can also be such that the circulation mechanism and the filter are capable of being accommodated below an upper end part of the sink part, and the upper end part of the sink part is configured to enable another unit or device to be placed thereon.

[0010] According to such a configuration, the other unit or device can be stacked on the sink part when the sink unit is, for example, stored or carried.

[0011] The configuration can also be such that the sink part is configured to be capable of being placed on an upper end part of another unit or device.

[0012] According to such a configuration, the sink unit can be stacked on the other unit or device when the sink unit is, for example, stored or carried.

[0013] A hand washing unit of the present invention is a hand washing unit including: a sink part for accommodating water therein; a circulation mechanism; and a filter, and configured to be used for washing hands, in which the sink part includes: a water storage part for storing water therein; and a receiving part for receiving water, and is configured to allow the water received by the receiving part to flow to the water storage part, the circulation mechanism is installed in the sink part, and is configured to suction the water in the water storage part and discharge the water to the receiving part to thereby circulate the water within the sink part, the filter is installed in the sink part, and is configured to filter the water circulated within the sink part by the circulation mechanism, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power to a plurality of installation positions respectively located differently.

[0014] According to such a configuration, the water can be circulated while being filtered within the sink part, and the sink part can be moved by being lifted by man power to the plurality of installation positions. Thus, the position of the hand washing unit can be freely changed while the water therein remains available for use.

[0015] The configuration can also be such that the circulation mechanism and the filter are capable of being accommodated below an upper end part of the sink part, and the upper end part of the sink part is configured to enable another unit or device to be placed thereon.

[0016] According to such a configuration, the other unit or device can be stacked on the sink part when the hand washing unit is, for example, stored or carried.

[0017] The configuration can also be such that sink part is configured to be capable of being placed on an upper end part of another unit or device.

[0018] According to such a configuration, the hand washing unit can be stacked on the other unit or device when the hand washing unit is, for example, stored or carried.EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] According to the present invention, obtained can be a sink unit and a hand washing unit that can each be disposed at any position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a kitchen equipped with a cooking appliance including a sink unit S according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the kitchen. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a worktop unit as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the worktop unit. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the sink unit S as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a view showing a state where the sink unit S or a hand washing unit W is not in use. Fig. 9 is a plan view of a heater unit as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a plan view of a storage unit as a functional unit of the embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a view of a first position change of the functional unit. Fig. 14 is a view of a second position change of the functional unit. Fig. 15 is a view of the functional units stacked on each other. Fig. 16 is a plan view of a sink unit S or a hand washing unit W according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Fig. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] A description will be given on a sink unit S and a hand washing unit W according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, a description will be given on a kitchen K equipped with a cooking appliance 12 including the sink unit S. For convenience of description, a vertical direction, a long-side direction, and a short-side direction will be on a basis of the respective directions shown in Fig. 1.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the kitchen K includes a table 11 and the cooking appliance 12 placed on the table 11, and has a space formed around the table 11 for allowing a worker to work. Such a kitchen K constitutes an area of a building (e.g., house).

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the table 11 includes a top board 13 and a plurality of leg parts 14 extending downward from the top board 13. The table 11 of this embodiment is independent of the building, and is freely movable relative to the building. Further, the table 11 of this embodiment is located to allow a worker to work using the cooking appliance 12 placed thereon at any position out of the entire periphery in a horizontal direction of the table 11.

[0024] The top board 13 is a plate body that has an upper surface as an installation surface 11a extending in the long-side direction and the short-side direction and that is installed to have its thickness corresponding to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the top board 13 is a plate having a quadrangular shape. The top board 13 has no hole penetrating therethrough in the vertical direction, and has the installation surface 11a being flat. The top board 13 has a long-side length longer than the long-side length of a functional unit 2 to be described later, specifically, twice as long as or longer, in this embodiment 2.5 times as long as or longer, than the long-side length of the functional unit 2. Such a configuration allows a plurality of the functional units 2 to be disposed side by side on the top board 13. Further, the top board 13 has a short-side length longer than the short-side length of the functional unit 2, and in this embodiment longer than the long-side length of the functional unit 2.

[0025] The plurality of leg parts 14 are rod bodies extending downward from the top board 13, and support the top board 13 so as to be located away from a floor surface of the building. The plurality of leg parts 14 of this embodiment are disposed at four respective corners of the top board 13. Such leg parts 14 are independent of the building.

[0026] The cooking appliance 12 is used for cooking. Cooking herein refers to all preparations for eating and drinking, including, for example, food processing and dishwashing. The cooking appliance 12 includes a plurality of the functional units 2 each having a function for cooking. The cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment includes four functional units 2, each of which functions differently for cooking. That is, the cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment includes two or more kinds of the functional units 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the cooking appliance 12 includes a worktop unit 5 functioning as a worktop for cooking, the sink unit S functioning as a sink for cooking, and a heater unit 8 functioning as a heater for cooking. The cooking appliance 12 further includes a storage unit 9, which is shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, configured to store small items for cooking (kitchen utensils such as a knife) and small items for eating (such as tableware). The cooking appliance 12 preferably includes at least one of the sink unit S and the heater unit 8 for cooking. Further, the cooking appliance 12 is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power. Specifically, each of the functional units 2 weighs 20 kg or less, and has such a size as to be lifted by man power for moving (the total length of three sides (vertical length, short-side length, and long-side length) of 180 cm or less).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, each functional unit 2 has an outer frame 3 and a functional part 4. The functional part 4 is configured to exhibit a function for cooking, and the outer frame 3 is a frame body in which the functional part 4 is accommodated. In the functional units 2, the outer frames 3 share the same shape with each other, and the functional parts 4 are configured differently depending on the functions to be exhibited by the respective functional units 2.

[0028] Each functional unit 2 has a first side part A1 and a second side part B1 different from the first side part A1. The second side part B1 of this embodiment includes a side opposed in the short-side direction to the first side part A1 and sides crossing the first side part A1, and any of the worker opposed to the first side part A1 and the worker opposed to the second side part B1 can work with the functional unit 2.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the outer frame 3 has a box shape with an upward opening. Specifically, the outer frame 3 includes a bottom part 31 forming a bottom, a side wall part 32 forming sides, and a frame connection part 33 connecting an outer edge of the bottom part 31 and a lower end of the side wall part 32 to each other. The outer frame 3 further includes a decorative part 34 disposed on an outer surface of the side wall part 32 and an outer surface of the frame connection part 33. The outer frame 3 of this embodiment has the bottom part 31, the side wall part 32, and the frame connection part 33 formed integrally, with the decorative part 34 attached to the outer surfaces thereof. Such an outer frame 3 is configured to allow the functional part 4 to be fitted thereto from above. The outer frame 3 has such a size as to be movable by being lifted by man power, specifically, is formed to have the total length of three sides (total of the vertical length, the short-side length, and the long-side length) of 180 cm or less.

[0030] The bottom part 31 has a plate shape extending in the long-side direction and the short-side direction and having a substantially constant thickness, and has a lower surface serving as a placement surface 2a. When the functional unit 2 is placed on the table 11, the placement surface 2a is opposed to the installation surface 11a and at least partially comes into abutting contact with the installation surface 11a. The placement surface 2a of this embodiment has a flat shape, and substantially entirely comes into abutting contact with the installation surface 11a.

[0031] The frame connection part 33 erects upward from the outer edge of the bottom part 31. Specifically, the frame connection part 33 extends outward and upward relative to the bottom part 31 from the outer edge of the bottom part 31, and in this embodiment has a curved shape being a convex outward relative to the bottom part 31. That is, the frame connection part 33 extends outward of the bottom part 31 in the horizontal direction crossing the vertical direction, at a position upwardly away from the bottom part 31. The frame connection part 33 configured as above forms a gap for placing fingers therein between the installation surface 11a and the outer frame 3, and thus functions as a finger hooking part 33a that allows a worker to hook his or her fingers thereon when he or she lifts up the outer frame 3.

[0032] The side wall part 32 extends in the vertical direction, and is disposed to surround the entire bottom part 31 in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the side wall part 32 is connected to an upper end part of the frame connection part 33, and extends upward from the frame connection part 33. The side wall part 32 includes a detaching part 32a. The detaching part 32a is configured to allow the worker to hook his or her fingers to detach the functional part 4 attached to the outer frame 3 from the outer frame 3, and in this embodiment is a cutout portion formed in an upper end portion of the side wall part 32 so as to be recessed downward. That is, the functional unit 2 of this embodiment is configured to enable the functional part 4 fitted to the outer frame 3 to be detached by hooking the worker's fingers on the detaching part 32a.

[0033] The decorative part 34 is disposed on a portion of an outer surface of the outer frame 3 other than the placement surface 2a. The decorative part 34 of this embodiment is a sheet body with, e.g., a pattern printed on its surface, and is attached to the side wall part 32 and the frame connection part 33 so as to have the surface facing outward.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the functional part 4 exhibits its function for cooking while being accommodated in the outer frame 3. Specifically, the functional part 4 includes a functional fitting part 41 for being fitted to the outer frame 3, and a functional body part 42 configured to exhibit a function for cooking. The functional body part 42 is configured to correspond to the function of each functional unit 2.

[0035] The functional fitting part 41 is configured to be capable of fitting into the outer frame 3 from above. Specifically, the functional fitting part 41 includes an accommodated part 411 placed and accommodated into the outer frame 3, and a locking part 412 extending outward in the horizontal direction from an upper end of the accommodated part 411. The accommodated part 411 is a box having its shape in the horizontal direction corresponding to the shape of the inner surface of the side wall part 32. The accommodated part 411 at least partially accommodates the functional body part 42.

[0036] The locking part 412 is placed and locked on the upper end of the side wall part 32 to restrict the functional fitting part 41 from moving downward relative to the outer frame 3. Specifically, the locking part 412 extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward from an upper end of the accommodated part 411, and has an extension length in the horizontal direction substantially equal to the thickness of the side wall part 32. Specifically, the locking part 412 extends outward from both ends in the short-side direction and both ends in the long-side direction of the upper end part of the accommodated part 411, and in this embodiment is arranged over the entire periphery in the horizontal direction of the upper end part of the accommodated part 411. The locking part 412 is configured to allow the placement surface 2a to be located within an area in the horizontal direction surrounded by the locking part 412.

[0037] The locking part 412 includes a lower abutting surface 412a and an upper abutting surface 412b. The lower abutting surface 412a is a lower surface of the locking part 412, and comes into abutting contact with the upper end of the side wall part 32. The lower abutting surface 412a extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward. The upper abutting surface 412b is an upper surface of the locking part 412, and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower abutting surface 412a.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the worktop unit 5 includes the outer frame 3 and a worktop function part 5A as the functional part 4, and has a box shape as a whole.

[0039] The worktop function part 5A includes a functional fitting part 41; and a worktop supporting part 51 and a worktop body part 52 as the functional body part 42. The worktop supporting part 51 of this embodiment is formed integrally with the functional fitting part 41.

[0040] The worktop supporting part 51 supports the worktop body part 52 from below. Specifically, the worktop supporting part 51 has a supporting upper surface that is an upper surface of the worktop supporting part 51 (i.e., upper surface of the functional fitting part 41), and is configured to come into abutting contact with a lower surface of the worktop body part 52 to support the worktop body part 52.

[0041] The worktop body part 52 is located at an upper end part of the worktop unit 5, and has an upper surface substantially flat as a worktop surface 52. The worktop body part 52 of this embodiment has a plate shape, and includes a worktop part 521 with its upper surface serving as the worktop surface 52a, and a worktop locking part 522 arranged to surround the worktop part 521 in the horizontal direction. The worktop locking part 522 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412, and extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward.

[0042] The worktop body part 52 is placed on the worktop supporting part 51, and the worktop surface 52a is supported by the worktop supporting part 51 from below. The worktop body part 52 includes the worktop locking part 522 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412, and is thus configured to be locked by the lower surface of the worktop locking part 522 coming into abutting contact with the upper abutting surface 412b of the locking part 412. This configuration restricts the worktop body part 52 from moving in the horizontal direction, and can therefore suppress the worktop body part 52 from being displaced even when force in the horizontal direction is applied to the worktop body part 52 during working. As shown in Fig. 3, the configuration can further be such that a small worktop 523 smaller than the worktop body part 52 is placed on the worktop body part 52. Similar to the worktop body part 52, the small worktop 523 also includes a worktop locking part 522 around its edge portion in the horizontal direction, so that the worktop locking part 522 of the small worktop 523 engages with the worktop locking part 522 of the worktop body part 52 to restrict the small worktop 523 from moving in the horizontal direction.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the sink unit S includes a sink part 6 as the outer frame 3 and the functional part 4; a circulation mechanism 7 as the functional part 4; and a filter F as the functional part 4. The sink unit S has a box shape as a whole. The circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F constitute the functional body part 42.

[0044] The sink part 6 includes the outer frame 3 that forms an outer peripheral surface and a lower surface of the sink part 6, and a sink body 61 accommodated inside the outer frame 3. The sink part 6 is configured to receive water in the sink body 61 and store the received water therein. That is, the sink body 61 serves not only as the functional fitting part 41 but also as the functional body part 42.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the sink body 61 has a box shape with an upward opening and capable of being fitted to the outer frame 3. Specifically, the sink body 61 includes a sink lower part 611, and a sink side part 612 extending upward from an outer edge of the sink lower part 611, to form a receiving space defined by the sink lower part 611 and the sink side part 612. The sink body 61 is configured to be capable of receiving water and storing the received water. The sink body 61 further includes a water storage part 63 located on one side in the long-side direction (i.e., right side in the figures), and a receiving part 62 located on an other side in the long-side direction (i.e., left side in the figures) of the water storage part 63. That is, the water storage part 63 and the receiving part 62 are disposed side by side in the long-side direction.

[0046] The sink lower part 611 is a plate body extending in a direction crossing the vertical direction, with its upper surface serving as a bottom surface of the receiving space. The sink lower part 611 includes a water storage bottom part 613 forming the bottom surface of the water storage part 63, a receiving bottom part 614 forming a bottom surface of the receiving part 62, and a bottom step part 615 located between the water storage bottom part 613 and the receiving bottom part 614. The water storage bottom part 613 is located below the receiving bottom part 614. That is, the water storage bottom part 613 is recessed downward relative to the receiving bottom part 614 via the bottom step part 615. The receiving bottom part 614 is entirely inclined to have its bottom step part 615 side located to be lower, with one end in the long-side direction connected to an upper end of the bottom step part 615. The water storage bottom part 613 has an other end in the long-side direction connected to a lower end of the bottom step part 615, and in this embodiment extends from the connected portion to have its one end side in the long-side direction located to be lower.

[0047] This configuration allows water received by the receiving part 62 to flow into the water storage part 63 along the receiving bottom part 614 to be stored in the water storage part 63. The water storage part 63 is configured to allow sufficient water to be stored therein for circulation. Specifically, the water storage part 63 is configured to store a sufficient amount of water so that the amount of water discharged from the circulation mechanism 7 per unit time will not be decreased by a reduction in amount of water remaining in the water storage part 63 when the water in the water storage part 63 is continuously circulated. For example, the water storage part 63 can store an amount of water 1.5 to 3 times as much as the total amount of water suctioned by the circulation mechanism 7 within an average period of time for which water suctioned by the circulation mechanism 7 flows through a water circulation passage and back to the water storage part 63. The configuration that the water storage part 63 can store a sufficient amount of water enables the sink unit S to be comfortably used on a continuous basis when water is circulated for use. Further, the bottom step part 615 located between the receiving bottom part 614 and the water storage bottom part 613 can suppress water stored in the water storage part 63 from flowing back to the receiving part 62.

[0048] The sink side part 612 is a wall body extending upward from outer peripheral edges respectively of the receiving bottom part 614 and the water storage bottom part 613, except portions of the outer peripheral edges connected to the bottom step part 615. That is, the sink side part 612 is a wall surrounding an outer periphery of the sink lower part. The sink side part 612 has an upper end part located at substantially the same height in the vertical direction over the entire periphery. Further, the sink side part 612 includes a locking part 412 at the upper end part.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, the circulation mechanism 7 has a circulation housing 71, a pump 72 disposed inside the housing, and a power unit 73. The circulation mechanism 7 is disposed inside the sink body 61, and is configured to suction water stored in the water storage part 63 and discharge the suctioned water to the receiving part 62. The circulation mechanism 7 is formed separately from the sink body 61, and is detachably attached to the sink body 61. Specifically, the circulation mechanism 7 is attached to the sink body 61 by being disposed inside the sink body 61, and is detached from the sink body 61 by being removed from the inside of the sink body 61.

[0050] The circulation housing 71 having a box shape can be disposed in the water storage part 63, and has its dimensions in the long-side direction and the short-side direction substantially equal respectively to the dimensions in the long-side direction and the short-side direction of the water storage part 63. The circulation housing 71 has a water inlet (not shown) formed at a lower end part, and a water outlet 74 formed at an upper end part, and a water passage 75 is formed from the water inlet to the water outlet 74. The water passage 75 of the circulation housing 71 of this embodiment is configured to discharge substantially all amount of water suctioned by the pump 72 (other than, e.g., water droplets attached to the water passage 75) through the water outlet 74. That is, the water passage 75 is not configured to feed temporarily stored water filtered by the filter F, as will be described later, but is configured to feed water immediately after being filtered. The circulation housing 71 of this embodiment is configured to have at least the lower end part capable of being accommodated in the water storage part 63. The circulation housing 71 has an upper surface formed to be flat. The upper surface of the circulation housing 71 installed in the sink body 61 is located at a height equal to or lower than an upper end of the sink body 61 (i.e., locking part 412 of the sink side part 612). Further, the upper surface of the circulation housing 71 can come into abutting contact with a lower surface of a lid part 21 to be disposed on the sink body 61, which will be described later.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 7, the water outlet 74 is a hole formed in a side of the circulation housing 71, and is configured to allow water to be discharged outwardly downward through the side of the circulation housing 71. That is, the water outlet 74 is located below the upper surface of the circulation housing 71, and located below the upper end part of the sink side part 612. Specifically, the water outlet 74 is formed on a side of the circulation housing 71 facing the receiving part 62, i.e., the side on the other end side in the long-side direction of the circulation housing 71. The water outlet 74 is located in a central portion in the short-side direction of the circulation housing 71.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, the pump 72 is disposed at an intermediate position in the water passage 75, and is configured to suction water through the water inlet and feed the suctioned water to the water outlet 74. The pump 72 is configured to allow a constant amount of water to be continuously fed to the water outlet 74 when in a driven state. The pump 72 of this embodiment is disposed at a position close to one side in the short-side direction (i.e., lower side in the figure). The pump 72 is switchable between a driven state and a non-driven state using a switch (not shown) in the circulation mechanism 7.

[0053] The power unit 73 supplies power as a driving source to the pump 72, and in this embodiment is a battery. The power unit 73 is disposed at a position away from the water passage 75 within the circulation housing 71, and is accommodated at a position out of reach of water flowing within the circulation housing 71.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 7, the circulation mechanism 7 of this embodiment is configured to allow water discharged through the water outlet 74 to spout out from the side of the circulation housing 71 and reach the receiving bottom part 614 without flowing along, for example, a wall.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6, the filter F is configured to be capable of filtering water circulated within the sink body 61 by the circulation mechanism 7. Specifically, the filter F is configured to filter out, e.g., dust and microorganisms from the water that passes therethrough. The filter F is disposed at an intermediation position of the water circulation passage, and in this embodiment disposed inside the circulation housing 71. Specifically, the filter F is disposed between the water inlet and the pump 72 in the water passage 75 of the circulation housing 71, and in this embodiment disposed below the pump 72. That is, the filter F filters water immediately before being suctioned by the pump 72, and the pump 72 is configured to suction filtered water. The filter F is detachably attached to the water passage 75. For example, the filter that has filtered a specified amount of water can be removed from the water passage 75 and replaced with a new filter F.

[0056] The sink 6, the circulation mechanism 7, and the filter F are configured to circulate water stored in the sink part 6 while filtering it, which enables the water to be repeatedly used in the sink unit S. Specifically, when the pump 72 is driven, the water stored in the water storage part 63 is suctioned through the water inlet, and passes through the filter F and the pump 72 to be discharged through the water outlet 74 to the receiving part 62. The discharged water flows from the receiving part 62 to the water storage part 63 to be once stored in the water storage part 63. This configuration enables the sink unit S to function as a sink independently of water and sewage piping. Further, the configuration that the pump 72 is driven by the battery as the power unit 73 eliminates the necessity of a power cord for driving the pump 72. This configuration enables the sink unit S to function as a sink independently also of a power cord.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the heater unit 8 includes the outer frame 3 and a heater 81 as the functional part 4. In the heater unit 8, the heater 81 corresponds to both the functional body part 42 and the functional fitting part 41. That is, in the heater unit 8, the functional body part 42 and the functional fitting part 41 are formed integrally.

[0058] The heater 81 has such a size as to be capable of being accommodated in the outer frame 3, and is configured to be capable of heating, for example, a pot placed on an upper surface of the heater 81. The heater 81 of this embodiment is an electric cookstove, and includes a cord (not shown) electrically connectable to an outlet of a building. For example, the cord extends out through a hole in the outer frame 3. Specifically, the heater 81 has a box shape, and includes a heater frame 82 having a heating area 83 with an upper surface on which a device (e.g., pot) for being heated is placed, and an electric circuit (not shown) accommodated in the heater frame 82 and used for heating the device to be heated. Such a heater frame 82 corresponds to the accommodated part 411, and the locking part 412 is disposed at an upper end part of the heater frame 82.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the storage unit 9 includes the outer frame 3; and a storage frame part 91 and a storage body part 92 as the functional part 4. The storage frame part 91 serves as the functional fitting part 41 fitted into the outer frame 3 and serves as the functional body part 42 that functions to movably support the storage body part 92, and the storage body part 92 serves as the functional body part 42 that functions to store small items for cooking and eating.

[0060] The storage frame part 91 includes a frame body 911 that is a wall body extending along an inner periphery of the outer frame 3 while being fitted to the outer frame 3, a rail 912 extending in the long-side direction or the short-side direction, and the locking part 412 disposed outside the frame body 911. The rail 912 of this embodiment extends in the long-side direction, and includes a pair of rails 912 disposed away in the short-side direction from each other. The storage frame part 91 has a lower surface upwardly away from the bottom part 31 of the outer frame 3. That is, a space is formed between the storage frame part 91 and the bottom part 31 of the outer frame 3. This space can be used for storing, for example, tableware.

[0061] The storage body part 92 is a container forming the space in which small items can be stored. The storage body part 92 includes rail fitting parts 921 fitted to the rails 912, and a small item storage part 922 having a box shape and forming a space for storing small items; is entirely supported by the rails 912 from below; and is movable in the long-side direction along the rails 912. The storage body part 92 of this embodiment includes two storage body parts 92 disposed away in the long-side direction from each other.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 12, the lid part 21 is disposed on the upper part of the functional unit 2. The lid part 21 is a plate-like body including a lid body 22 having a flat upper surface and a lid locking part 23 disposed along a periphery in the horizontal direction of the lid body 22. The lid locking part 23 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412, and extends outward in the horizontal direction and diagonally upward. The lid part 21 is disposed to cover the upper part of the functional unit 2 when, for example, the functional unit 2 is not in use. In so doing, the lid locking part 23 engages with the locking part 412 of the functional fitting part 41 to thereby restrict the lid part 21 from moving in the horizontal direction. The lid part 21 disposed as above can suppress, e.g., dirt from being stuck to the functional part 4 and the items in the functional part 4 when the functional unit 2 is not in use. The lid part 21 can be disposed to cover not only the upper part of the storage unit 9 but also an upper part of a different functional unit 2.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 8, the lid part 21 disposed on the upper part of the sink unit S engages with the locking part 412 and has the lower surface capable of being in abutting contact with the upper surface of the circulation housing 71; thus, the lid part 21 can be supported by the circulation housing 71 from below. This configuration can suppress the lid part 21 from deflecting downward when an object is placed on the lid part 21. Further, in the sink unit S, the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F can be accommodated below the upper end (locking part 412) of the sink part 6 to thereby allow the lid part 21 to be placed on the sink unit S with the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F accommodated therein.

[0064] A description will be given on a method for using the cooking appliance 12 as above.

[0065] To use the cooking appliance 12, necessary functional units 2 are placed on the table 11 as a preparatory step. For cooking food by heating, for example, the heater unit 8, the worktop unit 5, and the sink unit S are disposed as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, to cut or process the food followed by rinsing and heating the food. Before or after moving the sink unit S, a necessary amount of water for circulation is poured into the sink body 61 to have the water storage part 63 filled with water. When, for example, the worktop unit 5 is no longer needed, the worktop unit 5 can be removed from the table 11 and the storage unit 9 can be placed in substitution for the worktop unit 5. Thus, the cooking appliance 12 is configured to have the functional units 2 independent of each other and freely movable without being restricted by other functional units 2. After the placement of the functional units 2 is completed, the lid part 21 is removed as necessary.

[0066] Next, each functional unit 2 is used for cooking. At this time, for example, the positions of the functional units 2 are changeable for the convenience of cooking. Specifically, the heater unit 8 located at a first installation position P1, which corresponds to one end part in the long-side direction of the table 11 as shown in Fig. 1, can be moved to a first another installation position P11, which is another position as shown in Fig. 13. The first another installation position P11 shown in Fig. 13 corresponds to a second installation position P2 at which the sink unit S is installed in Fig. 1. The sink unit S at the second installation position P2 in Fig. 1 can be moved to a second another installation position P21 shown in Fig. 13. The second another installation position P21 shown in Fig. 13 corresponds to the first installation position P1 at which the heater unit 8 is installed in Fig. 1. That is, the installation positions of the functional units 2 are freely changeable, and even interchangeable to switch the positions of the functional units 2 with each other. As to the movement of the sink unit S, moving the sink unit S with water in the sink part 6 allows water to be used at both positions before and after the movement. When the functional unit 2 placed on the installation surface 11a is moved, the functional unit 2 can be lifted from the installation surface 11a by placing fingers in the finger hooking part 33 a.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 14, a first worker A located at a first working position PA, which is a position opposed to one of two sides of the top board 13 extending in the long-side direction out of working positions around the table 11 can lift the functional unit 2 with his or her hands and pass the functional unit 2 to a second worker B located at second working position PB, which is a position opposed to the first working position PA with the table 11 therebetween. The functional unit 2 includes a first side part A1 and a second side part B1 opposed to each other in the short-side direction, and both a worker located opposed to the first side part A1 and a worker located opposed to the second side part B1 can use the functional unit 2 for working. Thus, the worker who receives the functional unit 2 from another worker located at a different working position can still use the functional unit 2 without changing the orientation of the functional unit 2.

[0068] Further, as shown in Fig. 15, the functional units 2 can be put away after cooking. To put away the functional units 2, one functional unit 2 can be stacked on another functional unit 2 either directly or via the lid part 21. This configuration can suppress these functional units 2 from occupying a large space and causing hindrance when the functional units 2 are put away.

[0069] In the sink unit S, as shown in Fig. 8, the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F are accommodated below the upper end part (the locking part 412) of the sink part 6. This configuration can suppress the circulation mechanism 7 or the filter F from interfering with another functional unit 2 when the functional unit 2 is placed on the upper end part of the sink part 6. In this embodiment, the circulation mechanism 7 having the flat upper surface can also support the other functional unit 2 placed on the upper end part of the sink part 6, which can thereby reliably support the placed device. Moreover, the configuration that the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F are accommodated below the upper end part of the sink part 6 enables the lid part 21 to be placed for covering the entire upper part of the sink unit S. This configuration enables the entire upper part of the sink unit S to be used as a worktop when, for example, the sink unit S is not in use.

[0070] Further, the sink unit S can be placed on the upper end part of the other functional unit 2 directly or via the lid part 21. The sink unit S has the flat placement surface 2a at the lower part, which stabilizes the sink unit S when placed on the upper end part of the other functional unit 2.

[0071] As described above, the cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment is independent of the top board 13 and the table 11, and can exhibit its function independently. Thus, provided can be the stand-alone cooking appliance 12 allowing the worker to freely move the functional unit 2 to any position for use, as compared with a conventional cooking appliance 12 dependent on the top board 13.

[0072] The cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment is the portable cooking appliance 12 configured to be lifted and carried by man power. Thus, the cooking appliance 12 can be used at any locations inside and outside the kitchen K, and allows users to cook at appropriate locations that suit their lifestyle, as compared with a conventional fixed-type cooking appliance 12 fixed to the top board 13.

[0073] Further, the cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment has the plurality of functional units 2 independent of each other, and is a combination-type cooking appliance 12 that is portable and allows the plurality of functional units 2 to be combined with or separated from each other. Thus, necessary functional units 2 can be combined or separated depending on needs in cooking or the user's lifestyle, which achieves an increased convenience as compared with a conventional, integrated-type cooking appliance 12 formed of the top board 13 on which functions are integrated and fixed.

[0074] This embodiment will be hereinafter summarized.

[0075] In the sink unit S of this embodiment, water can be circulated while being filtered in the sink part 6, and the sink part 6 can be lifted by man power for being moved relative to the plurality of installation positions. This configuration enables the position of the sink unit S to be freely changed while the water therein remains available for use.

[0076] In the sink unit S, the circulation mechanism 7 and the filter F can be accommodated below the upper end part of the sink part 6, and another unit or device can be placed on the upper end part of the sink part 6. This configuration enables another unit or device to be stacked on the sink part 6 when, for example, the sink unit S is stored or carried.

[0077] Further, in the sink unit S, the lower part of the sink part 6 can be placed on another unit or device. This configuration enables the sink unit S to be stacked on another unit or device when, for example, the sink unit S is stored or carried.

[0078] The circulation mechanism 7 has the water outlet 74 located below the upper end part of the sink part 6. Thus, the circulation mechanism 7 can be favorably accommodated in the sink part 6. This configuration can suppress the sink unit S from, for example, interfering with other members located above the position where the sink unit S is installed, and accordingly enables the sink unit S to be easily carried for use.

[0079] Further, the lid part having a plate shape can be installed on the upper end part of the sink part 6. The lid part placed on the upper part of the sink part 6 enables the sink part 6 to be used as a worktop or enables another unit or device to be placed thereon when, for example, the sink part 6 is not in use. This configuration increases the usability of the sink unit S.

[0080] The filter F disposed on an upstream side of the pump 72 in the water passage 75 within the circulation mechanism 7 can filter water before the water is fed to the pump 72. This configuration can suppress dust or the like from entering the pump 72 and causing the pump 72 to be defective.

[0081] The cooking appliance 12 of this embodiment is configured to allow the functional unit 2 to be lifted by man power for being moved relative to the plurality of installation positions, which enables the position of the functional unit 2 to be freely changed.

[0082] A first unit (e.g., heater unit 8) can be moved from the first installation position P1 to the first another installation position P11, and a second unit (e.g., sink unit S) can be moved from the second installation position P2 to the second another installation position P21. Moreover, the positions of the first unit and the second unit are interchangeable.

[0083] Further, the functional unit 2 allows a worker to work not only on one side but also on another side, and can therefore be passed from one worker to the other regardless of the orientation of the functional unit 2. This configuration enables the functional unit 2 to be passed between the workers.

[0084] The functional unit 2 has the first side part A1 and the second side part B1 located at a different position from the first side part A1, and both the worker opposed to the first side part A1 and the worker opposed to the second side part B1 can work with the functional unit 2. This configuration enables the functional unit 2 to be disposed near a wall or at an end part of the table with no concern on the orientation of the functional unit 2.

[0085] Further, the configuration that the functional units 2 can be stacked on each other enables the functional units 2 to be stacked on each other for storing when not in use.

[0086] Each functional unit 2 is configured to have the locking part 412 formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the placement surface 2a. This configuration enables any functional units 2 to be stably stacked on each other with no concern on the order of stacking the functional units 2.

[0087] Further, the outer frame 3 is configured to be capable of accommodating any functional part 4, and the functional part 4 accommodated in the outer frame 3 can be replaced by another functional part 4. This configuration enables a functional part 4 in the outer frame 3 to be replaced by another functional part 4 for convenience, which achieves an improved usability. Further, the aesthetic appearance of the functional unit 2 can easily be changed by placing the functional part 4 in another outer frame 3 with its decorative part 34 having a different pattern.

[0088] When the functional part 4 is removed from one outer frame 3 and placed into another outer frame 3, the configuration that the outer frames 3 share the same shape can achieve the same usability of the functional part 4 before and after the replacement of the outer frames 3, which is favorable in terms of usability. In addition, the configuration that the outer frames 3 share the same shape can achieve a sense of unity in shape when the functional units 2 are lined up, which improves the aesthetic appearance of the plurality of functional units 2 when lined up.

[0089] One embodiment of the present invention has been described as above by way of example, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0090] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the functional units 2 respectively having four different functions are disposed, without limitation thereto. Any combination of the plurality of functional units 2 can be selected, and the configuration can be such that the plurality of functional units 2 respectively having the same functional parts 4 are disposed. For example, the configuration can be such that a plurality of the heater units 8 are disposed, and the plurality of heater units 8 are lifted by people to interchange their positions with each other.

[0091] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the functional units 2 share the same outer shape, without limitation thereto, and the functional units 2 can have different outer shapes. For example, the configuration can be such that the functional units 2 have different heights depending on the configurations of the functional parts 4 while each of the functional units 2 has the placement surface 2a formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking part 412.

[0092] Further, the configuration can be such that no table 11 is disposed in the kitchen K. In such a case, for example, the work can be performed on a floor. Even in the case where the table 11 is disposed in the kitchen K, the configuration of the table 11 is not limited to the one exemplified above, and various configurations can be employed as long as the installation surface 11a is disposed away from the floor.

[0093] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the functional part 4 and the outer frame 3 are formed as separate members, but the configuration can be such that the functional part 4 and the outer frame 3 are formed integrally, or formed as separate members but not to be detachable from each other. The configuration can also be with no outer frame 3.

[0094] Further, the configuration can be such that a temporary fixing device is disposed for temporarily fixing the functional unit 2 placed on the installation surface 11a to the installation surface 11a. Employed as the temporary fixing device can be, for example, a suction cup that sticks to the installation surface 1 1a, or a locking device such as a clamp that can be engaged with the top board 13.

[0095] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where each functional unit 2 has a single function, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that each functional unit 2 has a plurality of functions. For example, the worktop supporting part 51 of the worktop unit 5 can be configured to allow small items to be stored therein so that the functional unit 2 can function both as a worktop and as a storage.

[0096] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the outer frames 3 of the functional units 2 share the same shape, without limitation thereto, and the outer frames 3 can have different shapes from each other. The outer frames 3 having different shapes still allow the functional parts 4 in the respective outer frames 3 to be replaceable with each other as long as portions of the outer frames 3 to be engaged with the respective functional parts 4 (e.g., upper end parts of the side wall parts 32) share the same shape. The configuration that the outer frames 3 are formed in different shapes allows the functional parts 4 in the respective outer frames 3 to be replaceable with each other for the convenience of cooking, which increases usability. Examples of the configuration that the outer frames 3 have different shapes include the configuration that the plurality of outer frames 3 have the respective side wall parts 32 with different heights to allow the functional parts 4 in these outer frames 3 to be replaced with each other according to the height or posture of the worker. This configuration enables the worker to locate the functional part 4 at an appropriate height for the worker to use, which increases usability.

[0097] As to the change of the position at which the functional unit 2 is installed, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where one functional unit 2 as a whole is moved from the first installation position P1 to the first another installation position P11, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that only the functional part 4 is moved. Specifically, the configuration can be such that the functional part 4 in the outer frame 3 located at the first installation position P1 is removed therefrom and moved to be placed in the outer frame 3 located at the first another installation position P11. In this case, if the first another installation position P11 coincides with the second installation position P2 at which another functional unit 2 is installed, the configuration can be such that the functional part 4 in the outer frame 3 of the other functional unit 2 installed at the second installation position P2 is removed out of the outer frame 3, into which the functional part 4 of the one functional unit 2 is placed.

[0098] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the sink unit S is used together with other functional units 2, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the sink unit S is used individually. Even in such a case, the sink unit S can be moved freely independent of, e.g., piping, which increases usability.

[0099] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the circulation mechanism 7 is configured to allow the pump 72 to be driven by a battery as the power source, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the pump 72 is driven by an external power source. Such a configuration still enables the sink unit S to be moved freely independent of, for example, the top board or water and sewage pipes, which increases usability.

[0100] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where water is filtered immediately before the water is discharged through the water outlet 74, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that water filtered by the filter F is temporarily stored and then discharged. When such a configuration is employed, it is preferable that chlorine or the like be added to the filtered water.

[0101] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the filter F is disposed inside the circulation mechanism 7, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the filter F is disposed outside the circulation mechanism 7, or disposed inside the circulation mechanism 7 but at any arbitrary and changeable position within the water passage 75.

[0102] Further, the description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the circulation mechanism 7 is detachably attached to the sink part 6, without limitation thereto. The configuration can be such that the circulation mechanism 7 is non-detachably fixed to the sink part 6. When such a configuration is employed, the configuration can be such that, for example, only the filter F or the battery as the power unit 73 is replaceable.

[0103] The description has been given by, for example, the case where the water outlet 74 is the hole formed through the side of the circulation mechanism 7, without limitation thereto. For example, the configuration can be such that a faucet erecting upward from the upper surface of the circulation housing 71 is disposed, and the water outlet 74 is formed at a tip of the faucet. When such a configuration is employed, the faucet can be configured to be laid when the sink unit S is not in use so that the upper end of the circulation mechanism 7 can be accommodated at a position at which the upper end part of the circulation mechanism 7 is located at the same height as the upper end of the sink part 6, or located below the upper end of the sink part 6. Such a configuration still enables another unit or device to be placed on the upper end part of the sink unit S when, for example, the sink unit S is not in use. In addition, when the sink unit S is stored, this configuration can suppress the sink unit S from interfering with other members located above the sink unit S (e.g., shelf board located above if the sink unit S is stored in a shelf), which allows the sink unit S to be easily carried and stored.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 8, the hand washing unit W shares the same configurations as the sink unit S above. That is, the hand washing unit W is the same as the sink unit S, except that water circulating therein is used for washing hands. Such a hand washing unit W is disposed in, for example, a bathroom, and allows users to wash their hands with circulating water. The hand washing unit W produces the same effect as the sink unit S. Further, the hand washing unit W can be stacked on another unit or device (e.g., another hand washing unit W, functional unit 2 with a function for drying washed hands). For example, the other unit or device can be placed on an upper part of the hand washing unit W, or a lower part of the hand washing unit W can be disposed on an upper end part of the other unit or device.

[0105] A description will be given on another embodiment of the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W of the present invention, with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The same configurations as those in the aforementioned embodiment are provided with the same reference numbers, and the description of these configurations will be omitted.

[0106] The sink unit S and the hand washing unit W each include the sink body 61 having a different configuration from that of the aforementioned embodiment. Specifically, the sink body 61 includes the sink lower part 611 having a flat upper surface, and a bottom plate part 64 disposed on the upper surface of the sink lower part 611, and the upper surface of the sink lower part 611 and the bottom plate part 64 form a double bottom of the sink body 61. In the sink body 61 of this embodiment, the upper surface of the bottom plate part 64 forms the receiving bottom part 614, and the upper surface of the sink lower part 611 forms the water storage bottom part 613. That is, the receiving part 62 is formed on an upper side of the bottom plate part 64 while the water storage part 63 is formed on a lower side of the bottom plate part 64, and the receiving part 62 and the water storage part 63 are arranged vertically side by side.

[0107] The bottom plate part 64 includes a bottom plate body 641 having a plate shape, and a plurality of bottom plate leg parts 642 connected to a lower surface of the bottom plate body 641. The bottom plate body 641 has a long-side length and a short-side length respectively shorter than the long-side length and the short-side length of the sink lower part 611, and thus the bottom plate body 641 when installed forms a space 64a through which water can flow, in at least a part between a peripheral edge of the bottom plate body 641 and the sink side part 612. The bottom plate body 641 has its upper surface inclined so as to allow the peripheral edge portion defining the space 64a to be located downward. The bottom plate part 64 is detachably attached to the sink lower part 611 or the sink side part 612, and in this embodiment is disposed above the sink lower part 611 and attached thereto, so as to have the bottom plate leg parts 642 brought into contact with the upper surface of the sink lower part 611.

[0108] In the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W configured as above, water discharged through the water outlet 74 of the circulation mechanism 7 is received by the receiving bottom part 614 that is the upper surface of the bottom plate body 641; flows along the bottom plate body 641 to fall through the space 64a between the sink side part 612 and the bottom plate body 641; and is stored in the water storage part 63, which is a space between the bottom plate body 641 and the water storage bottom part 613 being the upper surface of the sink lower part 611. The water stored in the water storage part 63 is suctioned while being filtered by the circulation mechanism 7, and is again discharged to the receiving part 62. The configuration that water is circulated while being filtered can exhibit a function as a sink or a function for washing hands, independent of water and sewage pipes.

[0109] The sink unit S and the hand washing unit W of this embodiment configured to allow water to be stored under the bottom plate part 64 can efficiently store water even when they each have a small storage area.

[0110] Further, the configuration that the bottom plate part 64 is detachably attached to the sink lower part 611 or the sink side part 612 enables the bottom plate part 64 to be removed to expose the water storage part 63. This achieves easy cleaning or other work for the water storage part 63.

[0111] The description has been given by taking, for example, the case where the space 64a is formed between the sink side part 612 and the bottom plate part 64 for allowing water to flow therethrough from the receiving part 62 to the water storage part 63, without limitation thereto. For example, the configuration can be such that the no space 64a is formed between the sink side part 612 and the bottom plate part 64, and water on the receiving part 62 flows to the water storage part 63 by falling through a hole formed to penetrate the bottom plate part 64 in the vertical direction.

[0112] A reference example will be described below. The configuration can be such that the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W include not the circulation mechanism 7 but the sink part 6 connected to a water pipe and a sewage pipe, and that the entire faucet, including the water outlet 74, connected to the water pipe is located below the upper end of the sink part 6. Such a configuration allows a plate-shaped member (e.g., the lid part 21) to be disposed to cover the entire upper part of the sink part 6. Thus, the configuration of the reference example still allows the plate-shaped member to be placed on the upper part of the sink part 6, and allows a worker to work or allows an object to be placed on the plate-shaped member when the sink part 6 is not in use. The configuration of the reference example can also be such that the sink unit S and the hand washing unit W each include no faucet but have the water outlet 74 on the sink side part 612.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0113] 11: Table 11a: Installation surface 12: Cooking appliance 13: Top board 14: Leg part 2: Functional unit 2a: Placement surface 21: Lid part 22: Lid body 23: Lid locking part 3: Outer frame 31: Bottom part 32: Side wall part 32a: Detaching part 33: Frame connection part 33a: Finger hooking part 34: Decorative part 4: Functional part 41: Functional fitting part 411: Accommodated part 412: Locking part 412a: Lower abutting surface 412b: Upper abutting surface 42: Functional body part 5: Worktop unit 5A: Worktop function part 51: Worktop supporting part 52: Worktop body part 52a: Worktop surface 6: Sink part 61: Sink body 62: Receiving part 63: Water storage part 64: Bottom plate part 64a: Space 641: Bottom plate body 642: Bottom plate leg part 7: Circulation mechanism 71: Circulation housing 72: Pump 73: Power unit 74: Water outlet 75: Water passage 8: Heater unit 81: Heater 82: Heater frame 83: Heating area 9: Storage unit 91: Storage frame part 92: Storage body part 521: Worktop part 522: Worktop locking part 523: Small worktop 611: Sink lower part 612: Sink side part 613: Water storage bottom part 614: Receiving bottom part 615: Bottom step part 911: Frame body 912: Rail 921: Rail fitting part 922: Small item storage part F: Filter K: Kitchen S: Sink unit W: Hand washing unit

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]A description will be given on a sink unit S and a hand washing unit W according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, a description will be given on a kitchen K equipped with a cooking appliance 12 including the sink unit S. For convenience of description, a vertical direction, a long-side direction, and a short-side direction will be on a basis of the respective directions shown in Fig. 1.

[0022]As shown in Fig. 1, the kitchen K includes a table 11 and the cooking appliance 12 placed on the table 11, and has a space formed around the table 11 for allowing a worker to work. Such a kitchen K constitutes an area of a building (e.g., house).

[0023]As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the table 11 includes a top board 13 and a plurality of leg parts 14 extending downward from the top board 13. The table 11 of this embodiment is independent of the building, and is freely movable relative to the building. Further, the table 11 of this embodiment is located to allow a worker to...

Claims

1. A sink unit comprising: a sink part for accommodating water therein; a circulation mechanism; and a filter, and configured to be used for cooking, wherein the sink part comprises: a water storage part for storing water therein; and a receiving part for receiving water, and is configured to allow the water received by the receiving part to flow to the water storage part, the circulation mechanism is installed in the sink part, and is configured to suction the water in the water storage part and discharge the water to the receiving part to thereby circulate the water within the sink part, the filter is installed in the sink part, and is configured to filter the water circulated within the sink part by the circulation mechanism, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power to a plurality of installation positions respectively located differently.

2. The sink unit according to claim 1, wherein the circulation mechanism and the filter are capable of being accommodated below an upper end part of the sink part, and the upper end part of the sink part is configured to enable another unit or device to be placed thereon.

3. The sink unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sink part is configured to be capable of being placed on an upper end part of another unit or device.

4. A hand washing unit comprising: a sink part for accommodating water therein; a circulation mechanism; and a filter, and configured to be used for washing hands, wherein the sink part comprises: a water storage part for storing water therein; and a receiving part for receiving water, and is configured to allow the water received by the receiving part to flow to the water storage part, the circulation mechanism is installed in the sink part, and is configured to suction the water in the water storage part and discharge the water to the receiving part to thereby circulate the water within the sink part, the filter is installed in the sink part, and is configured to filter the water circulated within the sink part by the circulation mechanism, and the sink part with the circulation mechanism and the filter installed therein is configured to be movable by being lifted by man power to a plurality of installation positions respectively located differently.

5. The hand washing unit according to claim 4, wherein the circulation mechanism and the filter are capable of being accommodated below an upper end part of the sink part, and the upper end part of the sink part is configured to enable another unit or device to be placed thereon.

6. The hand washing unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sink part is configured to be capable of being placed on an upper end part of another unit or device.

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