Wash stand
The retractable shower head on the washstand addresses the obstruction issue of upward spouting heads by enabling hands-free face washing and expanding the washstand's functionality through storage and control mechanisms.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023099703
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-06-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing washbasins with upward spouting shower heads either obstruct sink usage or require larger, cumbersome shower heads that hinder normal operations when not in use.
A washstand with a retractable shower head that can be installed to spout water upward, featuring a storage unit, a loading/unloading device, and a control unit to manage the shower head's operation and water flow, allowing hands-free face washing and easy storage.
Enables efficient face washing without using both hands and expands the washstand's usability by allowing the shower head to be stored when not in use, reducing obstruction and enhancing versatility.
Smart Images

Figure 2024180774000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a washbasin, and more particularly to a washbasin in which a shower head can be installed on the washbasin so that water is sprayed upward, and in which the shower head can be inserted and removed from a storage section. [Background technology]
[0002] Generally, when washing your face at a washbasin, the water from the shower head of the faucet is directed downwards. Therefore, when washing your face, you have to collect water in your hands and wash your face. If you want to spray water directly onto your face, you pull out the shower hose from the faucet, turn the shower head so that the spray surface is facing upwards, and hold it in one hand while spraying the water onto your face. In this case, you cannot use one hand, which makes it difficult to wash your face. In the past, various washbasins and shower heads have been developed to spray water directly onto the face while leaving both hands free.
[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washbasin that is provided with a water spout that stands in the sink recess and spouts water upwards, and also has a faucet that curves downwards. According to this invention, the face is washed with water that is directed upwards like a fountain, and the hands are washed under the faucet, which saves water when washing the face. In other words, if the water is sprayed upwards, all the water that comes out without collecting on the hands will splash onto the face, so no water is wasted and it is said to be useful for saving water.
[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a showerhead that has an upward-facing jetting surface that jets water upward in addition to a downward-facing jetting surface that jets water downward when the showerhead is attached to a washbasin. According to this invention, because the showerhead has a jetting surface that jets water upward, there is no need to hold the showerhead in one hand facing upward when washing the face, which has the effect of making it possible to wash the face even if one hand is disabled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3009878 [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-241898 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] The washbasin in Patent Document 1 and the shower head in Patent Document 2 both spray water upwards at the washbasin. Therefore, the water can be sprayed onto the face without using hands, making face washing easy. However, to wash the face more efficiently, it is preferable to use a shower head with a larger water spray area and higher water pressure.
[0007] It is conceivable to attach a shower head to the upward-facing jet portion of Patent Document 1, but in that case, the shower head would get in the way when using the washbasin without using the upward-facing jet portion (for example, when washing hands). It is also possible to change the shower head of Patent Document 2 to a shower head with a larger jet surface area, but in that case too, it would be installed on the faucet and would get in the way. For this reason, a washbasin in which the shower head does not get in the way is desired. In particular, a washbasin in which the shower head can be moved back and forth to be put in and taken out of the washbasin's storage compartment is desired.
[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a washbasin in which a shower head can be installed on the washbasin so that water is sprayed upward, and in which the shower head can be inserted and removed from a storage section. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a washbasin on which a shower head can be installed so as to spray water upward, comprising: the shower head; a water supply pipe having one end connected to the shower head and the other end connected to a water pipe; a storage unit having a storage opening for storing the shower head and the water supply pipe; a lid for covering the storage opening; a sensor and an operating unit; an insertion / removal device for inserting and removing the shower head in and from the storage unit and stopping it; and a control unit. The control unit controls the operation of the insertion / removal device and the amount and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head by detecting a user's operation of the operating unit or by holding a hand over the sensor. The invention described in claim 2 is the washbasin described in claim 1, characterized in that the lid portion is one end portion of the shower head. The invention described in claim 3 is the washbasin described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a faucet. The invention described in claim 4 is the washbasin described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an airflow generating device, and the control device further controls the airflow generating device. Effect of the Invention
[0010] The washbasin of the present invention can be equipped with a shower head that sprays water upward, allowing the user to wash their face efficiently by directing the water directly onto their face without using both hands. In addition, the shower head can be inserted and removed from the storage compartment, allowing the washbasin to be used more widely when not being used for washing the face. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a washbasin according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2A is a plan view of the shower head in FIG. 1 in the extended state, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the shower head in FIG. 1 in the retracted state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the washbasin in FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the washbasin in FIG. 1 is used. [Diagram 5] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation panel of the washbasin unit of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, abbreviated as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate common parts, and duplicated explanations of the parts with the same reference numerals will be omitted.
[0013] A washbasin 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the washbasin 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 2(A) is a plan view in a state where the shower head 13 is extended, and Fig. 2(B) is a plan view in a state where the shower head 13 is stored. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the washbasin 1. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing how the washbasin is used, and Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation panel of the washbasin 1. Note that the faucet 14, sensor 18, and operation panel 16 are not shown in Fig. 4.
[0014] The washbasin 1 of this embodiment is a washbasin 1 on which a shower head can be installed so as to spray water upward. The washbasin 1 includes the shower head, water pipes 132-134 each having one end connected to the shower head and the other end connected to a water pipe, a storage unit having a storage opening for storing the shower head 13 and the water pipes 132-134, a lid 121 that covers the storage opening, a sensor 18 and an operation unit, an insertion / removal device that inserts and removes the shower head 13 from the storage unit and stops it, and a control unit.
[0015] [Main body 10] As shown in FIG. 3, the washbasin 1 has a washbowl 11 and a storage section 12 on the upper part of the main body 10. The washbowl 11 may have any size and shape as long as it is capable of washing hands and face and has space for storing water. The storage section 12 may have any size and shape as long as it has space for storing the shower head 13 and the water pipes 132-134. The storage opening of the storage section 12 is provided with a lid 121 that covers the storage opening, and as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 121 is opened when the shower head 13 is taken out, and the lid 121 is closed when the shower head 13 is stored in the storage section 12. One end of the shower head 13 may be designed to function as the lid 121. That is, one end of the shower head 13 may be designed to match the size of the storage opening, and the storage opening may be closed when the shower head 13 is stored in the storage section 12. The washbowl 11 is made of a rust-resistant material such as ceramic or stainless steel. The main body 10 may have a storage space underneath like a normal washbasin, or may have a cabinet with a door, a shelf, a drawer, or the like.
[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, water pipe 17 and drain pipe 19 are arranged inside main body 10. These pipes are connected to the wall and floor. Water pipe 17 supplies water from shower head 13 or faucet 14, and drain pipe 19 drains water that has flowed from washbasin 11 via drain outlet 15. Furthermore, wiring for the insertion / removal device, wiring for the control unit, wiring for electrical appliances, etc. are arranged inside main body 10 (not shown).
[0017] The main body 10, the washbasin 11, and the storage section 12 may be configured separately, or they may be configured integrally. For example, the washbasin 11 and the storage section 12 may be configured integrally, or the main body 10 and the washbasin 11, or the main body 10 and the storage section 12 may be configured integrally. Furthermore, the main body 10, the washbasin 11, and the storage section 12 may be configured integrally. In this embodiment, the washbasin 11 and the storage section 12 are configured integrally.
[0018] [Shower Head 13] As shown in Fig. 1, the shower head 13 of this embodiment is installed in the approximate center of the washbasin 11 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow so as to spray water upward. Generally, a shower is equipped with a hose for connecting a water pipe to the shower head, and one end of the hose is attached to the shower head and the other end is connected to the water pipe. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, water pipes 132-134 are used, one end of which is connected to the shower head 13 and the other end of which is connected to the water pipe 17.
[0019] The shower head 13 is composed of a shower section 130 and a main body section 131. In addition to the spray surface, the shower section 130 may be equipped with a switch handle that allows the user to change the way water is dispensed. A shower head that is commercially available can be used as the shower head 13. The shape and type of the shower head may be any type as long as it can be stored in the storage section 12. In this embodiment, a thin shower head 13 is used so that it can be easily stored in the storage section 12, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] The shower head itself may have a function for adjusting the water pressure and flow rate, and may have a function for providing a massage effect. In order to make it easy to wash the face with the water sprayed from the upward-facing shower head 13, it is necessary to use a shower head 13 with a certain level of water pressure and flow rate. By spraying water with a water pressure and flow rate suitable for washing the face, the face can be washed effectively and a relaxing effect can be obtained.
[0021] Furthermore, a shower head 13 that generates micro-nano bubbles or nano bubbles can also be used. Micro-nano bubbles or nano bubbles have high cleaning power because the fine bubbles effectively remove dirt, and can promote blood flow. The high cleaning power can reduce the time it takes to rinse with a shower, resulting in water saving.
[0022] Also, the larger the area of the spray surface of the shower head 13, the more effective it is at dispersing the shower water flow over a wider area. In this embodiment, it is desirable that the area of the spray surface of the shower head 13 is large in order to make it easier to wash the face over the washbasin 11. For example, in the case of a circular or rectangular shower head 13, it is preferable that the diameter or one side is 50 mm or more. More preferably, it is preferable that the diameter or one side of the shower head 13 is 100 mm or more. This allows water to be easily sprayed over the entire face without using hands, as shown in FIG. 4, and allows for efficient face washing.
[0023] The shower head 13 can be installed so as to contact the bottom of the washbasin 11, but it can also be installed so as not to contact it. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the shower head 13 is installed so as not to contact the bottom of the washbasin 11. By installing it in this way, water flows more easily and the shower head 13 and the washbasin 11 are less likely to get dirty.
[0024] [Water pipes 132~134] As described above, one end of the water distribution pipes 132 to 134 is attached to the shower head 13, and the other end is connected to the water pipe 17. The water distribution pipes 132 and 133 are made of a strong, rust-resistant material such as stainless steel in order to support the shower head 13. The water distribution pipe 134 is a hose. The material of the water distribution pipe is not limited to that of this embodiment, and any material may be used as long as it can support the shower head 13 and can be inserted and removed from the storage section 12. For example, the water distribution pipes may all be made of stainless steel, or all may be hoses. The number of water distribution pipes is also not limited to that of this embodiment, and any number of pipes may be used.
[0025] In this embodiment, the main body 131, drain pipe 132, and drain pipe 133 of the showerhead 13 have a triple nested structure from the inside out so that the showerhead 13 can fit inside the storage unit 12. That is, when stored, the main body 131 of the showerhead 13 fits inside the drain pipe 132, and the drain pipe 132 fits inside the drain pipe 133 (see FIG. 3). This allows the showerhead 13 to be stored compactly in the storage unit 12. As long as the showerhead 13 can fit inside the storage unit 12, the main body 131 and the drain pipes 132 and 133 do not have to have a triple nested structure and may have any structure.
[0026] [Insertion and removal device] The insertion / removal device (not shown) is a device that inserts and removes the shower head 13 from the storage section 12 and stops it. The insertion / removal device is configured with a mechanism similar to the insertion / removal mechanism of the nozzle of existing warm water washing toilet seats. The shower head 13 is normally stored inside the storage section 12 and is only extended when it is to be used. When the user operates the operation panel 16 (see Figure 5) or holds their hand over the sensor 18 and it is detected, the insertion / removal device extends the shower head 13 to an appropriate position. The insertion / removal device for the shower head 13 is composed of a motor and a drive mechanism (not shown) and is controlled by the control section.
[0027] When the user activates the insertion / removal device using a sensor 18 or the like, the motor and drive mechanism are activated. The motor and drive mechanism move the shower head 13 forward from within the storage section 12, moves it to an appropriate position, and stops it. The stopping position is approximately the center of the washbasin 11 (see Figure 1). After the shower head 13 stops, water is sprayed from the shower section to wash the face. The user can use the operation panel 16 to adjust the water temperature, strength, and position.
[0028] At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the user can easily use the shower and wash their face without using their hands. After the user has finished using the shower, when they operate the operation panel 16 or hold their hand over the sensor 18 and it is detected, the insertion / removal device moves the shower head 13 inside the storage section 12 and stores it there. This allows for wider use of the washbasin 11. For example, when filling the washbasin 11 with water and washing the laundry by hand, the shower head does not get in the way, making it easier to wash.
[0029] 〔faucet〕 The washbasin 1 can be equipped with a faucet 14. The faucet 14 is not a required component of the present invention, and does not have to be equipped. In this embodiment, the washbasin 1 is equipped with a faucet 14. The faucet 14 is convenient for washing clothes by hand in the washbasin 11, for example. Also, the faucet 14 allows water to be used when cleaning dirt from the washbasin 11 while the shower head 13 is stored in the storage section 12. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 etc., the washbasin 1 is equipped with a faucet 14 that sprays water downward.
[0030] The user can turn water on and off the faucet by operating the operation panel 16, or by directly turning the faucet handle. A so-called sensor faucet may also be used. A sensor faucet turns water on when a hand is placed in front of the faucet sensor, and turns off the water when the hand is placed again. In this embodiment, a sensor faucet is used. The faucet is not limited to that in this embodiment, and any faucet may be used.
[0031] [Wind generation function] The washbasin 1 may further include a wind generating device (not shown). The wind generating device is not a required component of the present invention and may not be included. In this embodiment, the washbasin is configured to include a wind generating device. By including the wind generating device, the user can use wind to remove moisture from the face and hands after washing, making it easier to dry them. The wind generating device is mainly composed of a heater and a fan. An existing wind generating device can be installed. Like the shower head 13, it may be made removable from the storage section 12, or it may be configured to be attached to the side or back of the washbasin 11.
[0032] The heater of the wind generator heats the air to generate warm wind. The fan of the wind generator draws in the air and sends it to the heater, which circulates the heated air inside the washbasin 1. The user can adjust the temperature and volume of the wind by operating the operation panel 16.
[0033] [Operation Panel 16] The operation unit of this embodiment is an operation panel 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 16 is an operation unit for the shower head 13, the faucet 12, and the wind generating device. Turning the shower head 13 on and off corresponds to turning on and off the device for inserting and removing the shower head 13. Pressing the on button moves the shower head 13 forward from the storage section 12 to stop it and spray the shower, and pressing the off button stops the shower, moves it into the storage section 12, and stores it. Turning the shower head 13 on and off can also be done by holding a hand over the sensor 18. Similarly, turning the faucet 12 and the wind generating device on and off can also be done by holding a hand over the sensor.
[0034] The temperature of the shower from shower head 13, the force of the water (volume, pressure), and the position of shower head 13 can be adjusted by operating the buttons on operation panel 16. Similarly, the water temperature of faucet 12 and the temperature of the air from the air generator can be adjusted by operating the buttons on operation panel 16. The volume of the air may be adjustable. The water temperature of faucet 12 may be controlled by a handle attached to faucet 12. Operation panel 16 may be provided on washbasin 1, or may be a detachable remote controller.
[0035] [Control device (control unit)] The control device (not shown) is composed of electronic circuits using an MCU etc., and functions as control, calculation and memory means, driving the insertion and removal device and controlling the amount and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head based on detection data from sensor 18 and operation panel 16. The optimal values for the amount of water, temperature and position of shower head 13 are stored in the memory means, and are set to achieve the optimal water amount, temperature and position.
[0036] When the washbasin 1 is equipped with a fan generator, the control device has a fan motor drive circuit using an MCU and controls the fan generator. Control of the temperature and volume of the air from the fan generator is performed based on detection data from the sensor 18 and the operation panel 16. The optimal values for the temperature and volume of the air from the fan generator are stored in the storage means, and are set to provide the optimal temperature and volume.
[0037] As explained above, the washbasin of the present invention can be equipped with a shower head that sprays water upward, allowing the face to be washed efficiently without using both hands by directly hitting the face with the water. The water does not accumulate in the hands, but hits the face directly, reducing time and saving water. In addition, the shower head can be inserted and removed from the storage section, allowing the washbasin to be used more widely when not being used for washing the face.
[0038] The washbasin in the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and its configuration can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0039] 1. Washbasin 10. Washstand body 11 Washbasin 12 Storage area 13. Shower Head 14 Faucet 15 Drain 16 Operation Panel 17 Water Pipes 18 Sensors 19 Drain pipe 121 Lid 130 Shower section 131 Main body 132~4 Water pipe
Claims
1. A washbasin on which a shower head can be installed so that water is sprayed upward, The shower head; A water pipe having one end connected to the shower head and the other end connected to a water pipe; A storage section having a storage opening for storing the shower head and the water pipe; A lid portion for covering the storage opening; A sensor and an operation unit, an insertion / removal device that inserts and removes the shower head from the storage unit and stops the operation; A control unit; Equipped with A washbasin characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the insertion / removal device and the amount and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head by detecting a user's operation of the operating unit or by holding a hand over the sensor.
2. 2. The washbasin unit according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion is one end portion of the shower head.
3. 3. The washbasin according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a faucet.
4. 3. The washbasin according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an airflow generating device, wherein the control device further controls the airflow generating device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
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