Building

Abstract

To provide a building that can reduce workload of transporting the laundry after washing is completed.SOLUTION: A building 10 according to the present invention comprises a laundry device 5 that is installed inside the building 10 and can move up and down between a first floor 1 and a second floor 2 of the building 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a building, and particularly to a multi-story building in which a washing device is installed indoors.

Background Art

[0002] When installing a washing device in a multi-story building, as shown in Patent Document 1, a washing machine (washing device) may be installed on the first floor. Further, in the building described in Patent Document 1, a balcony as a space for drying clothes (laundry) washed by the washing device is provided on the second floor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the building described in Patent Document 1, after the washing by the washing machine is completed, the laundry is taken out from the washing machine, and the taken-out laundry is transported from the washing machine on the first floor to the balcony on the second floor and dried on the balcony. Such a series of operations after washing, particularly the operation of carrying the laundry between floors, is a heavy burden on the operator.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to solve the above-described problems. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a building capable of reducing the operation of transporting laundry after washing is completed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the building of the present invention is characterized by including a washing device installed inside the building and capable of moving up and down between a first floor of the building and a second floor located above the first floor. In the building of the present invention configured as described above, since the washing device can move (ascend and descend) between floors inside the building, it is possible to save the labor of manually carrying the laundry between floors after the washing is completed.

[0007] Furthermore, the building of the present invention may include an elevator installed inside the building and capable of moving up and down between the first floor and the second floor, an elevator space in which the elevator can move up and down, a first water supply pipe and a first drain pipe installed in a portion of the elevator space located on the first floor side, and a second water supply pipe and a second drain pipe installed in a portion of the elevator space located on the second floor side. In this case, it is preferable that the building of the present invention includes a first connection mechanism that connects the first water supply pipe and the first drain pipe to the washing device while the elevator is on the first floor and separates the first water supply pipe and the first drain pipe from the washing device when the elevator moves to the second floor, and a second connection mechanism that connects the second water supply pipe and the second drain pipe to the washing device while the elevator is on the second floor and separates the second water supply pipe and the second drain pipe from the washing device when the elevator moves to the first floor. According to the above configuration, regardless of whether the washing device is located on the first floor or the second floor, water supply to the washing device and drainage from the washing device can be appropriately carried out.

[0008] Moreover, the building of the present invention may include an elevator installed inside the building and capable of moving up and down between the first floor and the second floor with the washing device placed thereon, and an elevator space in which the elevator can move up and down, and may include a water supply pipe and a drain pipe arranged in the elevator space and connected to the washing device. In this case, at least a part of each of the water supply pipe and the drain pipe preferably consists of a flexible hose and deforms as the elevator moves up and down. According to the above configuration, even when the lifting platform and the washing device are lifted or lowered, the state in which the water supply pipe and the drain pipe are connected to the washing device can be maintained. Thereby, regardless of whether the washing device is located on the first floor or the second floor, water supply to the washing device and drainage from the washing device can be appropriately performed.

[0009] Further, the building of the present invention may include a lifting mechanism installed in the lifting platform space and performing an operation of lifting and lowering the lifting platform, and a control unit that controls the lifting mechanism to lift and lower the lifting platform. In this case, the control unit may control the lifting mechanism based on preset control conditions. In the building of the present invention configured as described above, the timing of lifting and lowering the lifting platform and the position of the lifting platform at each point in time can be appropriately set in consideration of the behavior tendency of people in the building.

[0010] Further, in the building of the present invention, the first connection mechanism may include a first switching unit that operates to switch the first state regarding the connection between the connection unit provided on the washing device side and the first water supply pipe and the first drain pipe between a connection maintenance state and a connection release state. The second connection mechanism includes a second switching unit that operates to switch the second state regarding the connection between the connection unit and the second water supply pipe and the second drain pipe between a connection maintenance state and a connection release state, and the control unit may control the first switching unit and the second switching unit to switch the first state and the second state in accordance with the control of the lifting mechanism. In the building of the present invention configured as described above, when the lifting platform moves (lifts and lowers) between the first floor and the second floor, water supply to the washing device and drainage from the washing device can be appropriately performed at the position after the movement.

[0011] In the building of the present invention, when the current time is within a predetermined first time period and the lift platform is not on the first floor, the control unit may control the lifting mechanism to move the lift platform to the first floor, and when the lift platform is on the first floor, the control unit may keep the lift platform on the first floor. Also, when the current time is within a predetermined second time period, if the lift platform is not on the second floor, the control unit may control the lifting mechanism to move the lift platform to the second floor, and when the lift platform is on the second floor, the control unit may keep the lift platform on the second floor. According to the above configuration, for example, considering that people in the building are often on the first floor during the first time period, the washing device can be arranged at a position suitable for improving its convenience during the same time period. Also, for example, considering that people in the building are often on the second floor during the second time period, the washing device can be arranged at a position suitable for improving its convenience during the same time period.

[0012] In the building of the present invention, the washing device may include a signal output unit that outputs a signal according to the operating status of the washing device. In this case, based on the output signal from the signal output unit, the control unit determines the operating status of the washing device. When it is determined that the lift platform is on the first floor and the operation of the washing device has ended, the control unit may control the lifting mechanism to move the lift platform to the second floor. According to the above configuration, the arrangement position of the washing device can be appropriately switched according to the operating status of the washing device. Thereby, the operation of transporting the laundry after washing, strictly speaking, the operation of carrying the laundry to the upper floor can be omitted, and the burden can be reduced.

[0013] In the building of the present invention, water-using devices other than the washing device are placed on the lift platform together with the washing device, and it is preferable that a water supply pipe and a drain pipe that are detachably connected to both the washing device and the water-using devices are arranged in the lift platform space. According to the above configuration, since the washing device and water-using devices other than the washing device can be used on the lift platform, the convenience of the building of the present invention can be further improved.

[0014] Further, the building of the present invention may be provided on the first floor or the second floor and may be provided with a space for drying the laundry taken out from the washing device. In this case, it is preferable that the elevator space is adjacent to the above space on the floor where the above space is provided. According to the above configuration, since the laundry taken out from the washing device can be directly carried to the above space and dried, the burden of the work associated with washing can be further reduced.

[0015] Further, the building of the present invention may further include a bathroom unit installed in the building and capable of moving up and down between the first floor and the second floor. In this case, for example, according to the elevation of the washing device, the floor on which the bathroom unit is arranged can be appropriately switched.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a building capable of reducing the work of transporting the laundry after washing is realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] <<Regarding the Specific Embodiment of the Present Invention>> An example of a specific embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings referred to in the following description, for the sake of easy understanding, the illustration of equipment and devices in the room such as furniture (excluding the elevator and washing machine described later) is omitted, and they are illustrated in a simplified and schematic manner. Also, in FIGS. 5 and 6, for the convenience of illustration, parts that are originally hidden inside and cannot be confirmed from the outside are represented by broken lines.

[0019] [Overview of the Building] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the building (hereinafter, building 10) according to this embodiment is a two-story house. The first floor 1 of the building 10 corresponds to the "first floor" of the present invention, the second floor 2 of the building 10 corresponds to the "second floor" of the present invention, and is located above the first floor 1.

[0020] On the first floor 1 of the building 10, as shown in FIG. 3, a bathroom 11 and a dressing room 12 are provided. On the second floor 2, as shown in FIG. 4, a balcony 21, which is a space for drying the washed clothes (laundry C), is provided. Also, a washing machine 5 is installed inside the building 10, and the laundry C washed by the washing machine 5 is taken out from the washing machine 5 and dried by hanging it on a drying pole D on the balcony 21.

[0021] Inside the building 10, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an elevator space 3 is provided straddling the first floor 1 and the second floor 2 of the building 10. The elevator space 3 is a space in which an elevator car 40 including an elevator platform 43 can move up and down (ascend and descend). Hereinafter, among the elevator space 3, the space at the same level as the first floor 1, specifically, the space between the floor and the ceiling of the first floor 1 in the vertical direction, will be referred to as the first elevator space 13. Also, among the elevator space 3, the space at the same level as the second floor 2, specifically, the space above the space on the first floor side in the vertical direction, will be referred to as the second elevator space 23. The first elevator space 13 corresponds to the space on the first floor side of the elevator space 3, and the second elevator space 23 corresponds to the space on the second floor side.

[0022] Also, although residents who are users of the building 10 live in the building 10, during one day (for example, a normal day), there are a time period when the residents tend to live on the first floor 1 and a time period when they tend to live on the second floor 2. Hereinafter, the former time period will be referred to as the first time period, and the latter time period will be referred to as the second time period. Each of the first time period and the second time period is a different time period from each other and is preset. In other words, the first time period in this embodiment is a predetermined first time period, and the second time period is a predetermined second time period.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first time period is set as 6:00 to 12:00, during which washing is often done in the morning, and 18:00 to 24:00, during which bathing is often done in the bathroom 11 (see Fig. 3) installed on the first floor 1. On the other hand, the second time period is set as 0:00 to 6:00, during which one is sleeping in the bedroom on the second floor 2, and 12:00 to 18:00, during which laundry is often dried on the balcony 21 installed on the second floor 2. However, each of the first time period and the second time period is not particularly limited, and may be set to an appropriate time period according to the lifestyle of the residents, the structure of the building 10, etc. For example, when there is a bathroom 11 on the second floor 2, 18:00 to 24:00 may be set as the second time period, and when there is a bedroom on the first floor 1, 0:00 to 6:00 may be set as the first time period.

[0024] [Configuration of the elevator space] Next, the details of the aforementioned elevator space 3 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. The elevator space 3 is partitioned by a wall B within the building 10. In other words, the space around the elevator space 3 is adjacent to the wall B. More specifically, on the first floor 1, the dressing room 12 is adjacent to the first elevator space 13 with the wall B in between, and a sliding outer door A3 is provided on this wall B. The outer door A3 can be opened and closed only when the elevator car 40 is in the first elevator space 13. As shown in Fig. 3, the dressing room 12 is adjacent to the bathroom 11 via another wall B, and a door A1 that can be opened and closed at all times is provided on this wall B.

[0025] Also, on the second floor 2, as shown in Fig. 4, the balcony 21 is adjacent to the second elevator space 23 with the wall B in between, and a sliding outer door A3 is provided on this wall B. The outer door A3 can be opened and closed only when the elevator car 40 is in the second elevator space 23. As shown in Fig. 4, the balcony 21 is adjacent to a space (e.g., a corridor) different from the balcony 21 and the second elevator space 23 among the spaces existing on the second floor 2 via another wall B, and a door A1 that can be opened and closed at all times is provided on this wall B.

[0026] Inside the lifting platform space 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a lifting cage 40 is arranged in a state where it can be lifted and lowered. The lifting cage 40 has a lifting platform 43 as a floor, side walls rising from the lifting platform 43, and a ceiling. Inside the lifting cage 40, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a washing device 5 and a washbasin 6 are installed, and specifically, they are placed on the lifting platform 43. The washing device 5 is a known washing machine and has a weight and size that can be placed on the lifting platform 43. The washbasin 6 is a water-using device other than the washing device 5 and is a known washbasin (specifically, a dressing washbasin). Note that the device placed on the lifting platform 43 together with the washing device 5 is not limited to the washbasin 6, and any water-using device other than the washing device 5 may be used.

[0027] The washing device 5 and the washbasin 6 are each provided with a water supply port and a drain port (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cage internal water supply pipe 73 arranged inside the lifting cage 40 is connected to the water supply port, and a cage internal drain pipe 83 is connected to the drain port. In addition, a connection part 41 described later is attached to the tip parts of the cage internal water supply pipe 73 and the cage internal drain pipe 83.

[0028] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inside the lifting platform space 3, a lifting mechanism 42 as an accessory equipment of the lifting cage 40 is installed. The lifting mechanism 42 is a mechanism for lifting and lowering the lifting cage 40 including the lifting platform 43. In this embodiment, it is an elevator-type lifting mechanism. By winding up or paying out a wire fastened to the ceiling of the lifting cage 40 by the rotation of a rotating body, the lifting platform 43 is lifted and lowered. Note that the mechanism for lifting and lowering the lifting platform 43 may be a mechanism other than the above-described mechanism. For example, a known traction type (rope type) mechanism may be used, or a lift type or jack type lifting mechanism may also be used.

[0029] Further, the operation of the lifting mechanism 42 is controlled by the control unit 4 described later. In other words, the elevator car 40 moves up and down under the control of the control unit 4. The elevator car 40 can move between the first elevator platform space 13 and the second elevator platform space 23 in the elevator platform space 3. When the elevator car 40 is disposed in the first elevator platform space 13, the elevator platform 43 is at the same position (level) as the floor of the first floor 1. Also, when the elevator car 40 is disposed in the second elevator platform space 23, the elevator platform 43 is at the same position (level) as the floor of the second floor 2. Therefore, by moving the elevator car 40 (in other words, the elevator platform 43) up and down, the equipment placed on the elevator platform 43 and the items housed inside the equipment are transported between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2.

[0030] Also, operation buttons 9 for raising and lowering the elevator car 40 are provided in the changing room 12 and the balcony 21 adjacent to the elevator platform space 3 via the wall B, respectively. For example, when the elevator car 40 is in the second elevator platform space 23 and the operation button 9 is pressed in the changing room 12, the elevator car 40 descends toward the first elevator platform space 13. When the elevator car 40 reaches the first elevator platform space 13, the sliding inner door A2 provided on the side wall of the elevator car 40 abuts against the outer door A3 provided on the wall B partitioning the first elevator platform space 13, and these two doors can be opened and closed. Then, when the inner door A2 and the outer door A3 are open, the resident can enter the elevator car 40 from the changing room 12 and use the washing machine 5 and the washstand 6 placed on the elevator platform 43. For example, the clothes taken off in the changing room 12 can be put into the washing machine 5.

[0031] Also, when the elevator car 40 is in the first elevator platform space 13, if the operation button 9 is pressed on the balcony 21, the elevator car 40 ascends toward the second elevator platform space 23. When the elevator car 40 reaches the second elevator platform space 23, the sliding inner door A2 provided on the side wall of the elevator car 40 abuts against the outer door A3 provided on the wall B partitioning the second elevator platform space 23, and these two doors can be opened and closed. And when the inner door A2 and the outer door A3 are open, the balcony 21 and the interior space of the elevator car 40 are continuous, and the resident can use the washing device 5 and the washbasin 6 inside the elevator car 40. For example, a resident on the balcony 21 can enter the elevator car 40, take out the laundry C from the washing device 5, and directly hang the laundry C on the drying pole D installed on the balcony 21 to dry it.

[0032] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a water supply pipe 7 and a drain pipe 8 are laid in the elevator platform space 3, and these pipes are connected to both the washing device 5 and the washbasin 6 in a detachable state (that is, a state where connection and separation are freely possible). And by connecting the water supply pipe 7 to the washing device 5 and the washbasin 6, water can be supplied to these devices, and by connecting the drain pipe 8 to the washing device 5 and the washbasin 6, drainage can be performed from these devices. Further, the water supply pipe 7 and the drain pipe 8 are connected to both the washing device 5 and the washbasin 6 in a detachable state.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water supply pipe 7 includes a first water supply pipe 71 and a second water supply pipe 72, and the drain pipe 8 includes a first drain pipe 81 and a second drain pipe 82. The first water supply pipe 71 is the part of the water supply pipe 7 laid in the first elevator platform space 13, and the second water supply pipe 72 is the part of the water supply pipe 7 laid in the second elevator platform space 23. The first drain pipe 81 is the part of the drain pipe 8 laid in the first elevator platform space 13, and the second drain pipe 82 is the part of the drain pipe 8 laid in the second elevator platform space 23. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first connection mechanism 45 is provided for the first water supply pipe 71 and the first drain pipe 81, and a second connection mechanism 46 is provided for the second water supply pipe 72 and the second drain pipe 82.

[0034] The first connection mechanism 45 is a mechanism for maintaining or releasing the connection state between the connection parts 41 provided on the washing device 5 and the washbasin 6, and the first water supply pipe 71 and the first drain pipe 81. As described above, the connection part 41 is attached to the tip parts of the water supply pipe 73 inside the cage and the drain pipe 83 inside the cage, and is constituted by an expansion and contraction pipe joint such as a bellows shape. Note that the connection part 41 is provided on the side of the washing device 5 rather than the first water supply pipe 71 and the second water supply pipe 72 in the water supply line, and is also provided on the side of the washing device 5 rather than the first drain pipe 81 and the second drain pipe 82 in the drain line.

[0035] The first connection mechanism 45 includes an actuator (not shown) that expands and contracts the expansion and contraction pipe joint that is the connection part 41, and a first switching part 47 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The first switching part 47 operates to switch the first state regarding the connection between the connection part 41 and the first water supply pipe 71 and the first drain pipe 81. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first switching part 47 has a cylindrical part 47a attached to the ends of the first water supply pipe 71 and the first drain pipe 81, and an engaging part 47b formed of a fragmentary member installed inside the cylindrical part 47a. The engaging part 47b is movable along the radial direction of the cylindrical part 47a by a driving force from a driving mechanism (not shown).

[0036] The first connection mechanism 45 switches the first state between a connection maintenance state and a connection release state. The connection maintenance state is a state in which the connection part 41 is connected to each of the first water supply pipe 71 and the first drain pipe 81. Specifically described, in the connection maintenance state, as shown in FIG. 5, the connection part 41 extends and enters the cylindrical part 47a, and in the cylindrical part 47a, the engaging part 47b enters and engages with a recess 50 formed on the outer peripheral part of the pipe forming the connection part 41. The connection release state is a state in which the connection part 41 is separated from each of the first water supply pipe 71 and the first drain pipe 81, and the connection between the two is released. Specifically described, in the connection release state, as shown in FIG. 6, the engaging part 47b comes out of the recess 50 and the engagement state between the engaging part 47b and the recess 50 is released, and the connection part 41 contracts and comes out of the cylindrical part 47a. Note that the configuration of the first connection mechanism 45 is not limited to the above content, and it may be any mechanism that can switch the first state between the connection maintenance state and the connection release state.

[0037] While the hoist cage 40 is in the first hoistway space 13 (that is, while the hoistway platform 43 is on the first floor 1), the first connection mechanism 45 sets the first state to the connection maintenance state as shown in FIG. 5. Also, when the hoist cage 40 moves out of the first hoistway space 13 (that is, when the hoistway platform 43 moves out of the first floor 1), the first connection mechanism 45 switches the first state to the connection release state as shown in FIG. 6.

[0038] The second connection mechanism 46 includes an actuator (not shown) that expands and contracts the telescopic pipe joint that is the connection part 41, and a second switching part 48 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The second switching part 48 operates to switch the second state regarding the connection between the connection part 41 and the second water supply pipe 72 and the second drain pipe 82. Since the second switching part 48 has substantially the same configuration as the first switching part 47, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] The second connection mechanism 46 switches the second state between the connection maintenance state and the connection release state. The connection maintenance state is a state in which the connection part 41 is connected to each of the second water supply pipe 72 and the second drain pipe 82. The connection release state is a state in which the connection part 41 is separated from each of the second water supply pipe 72 and the second drain pipe 82, and the connection between the two is released. The connection maintenance state / connection release state as the second state is the same as the connection maintenance state / connection release state as the first state described above, except that the pipes to which the connection part 41 is connected / connection is released are different. Note that the configuration of the second connection mechanism 46 is not particularly limited, and any mechanism that can switch the second state between the connection maintenance state and the connection release state may be used.

[0040] While the hoist cage 40 is in the second lift platform space 23 (i.e., while the lift platform 43 is on the second floor 2), the second connection mechanism 46 sets the second state to the connection maintenance state as shown in FIG. 5. Also, when the hoist cage 40 moves from the second lift platform space 23 (i.e., when the lift platform 43 moves from the second floor 2), the second connection mechanism 46 switches the second state to the connection release state as shown in FIG. 6.

[0041] [Control System for Elevator Movement of the Lift Platform and Associated Operations] Next, a control system for the movement of the hoist cage 40 including the lift platform 43 and the operations associated (interlocked) therewith will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the building 10 of the present embodiment, a control system S shown in FIG. 7 is constructed, and the control unit 4 serves as the center of the control system S. The control unit 4 consists of a computer and a control circuit, and controls the aforementioned lifting mechanism 42 to move the hoist cage 40 including the lift platform 43 up and down. In the present embodiment, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 based on preset control conditions. The control conditions are, for example, the lifting and lowering timings of the hoist cage 40 defined as a time schedule, and the necessity of lifting and lowering determined based on signals received from the outside.

[0042] Specifically, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 based on the operations of the operation buttons 9 installed on the first floor 1 and the second floor 2. For example, when the operation button 9 installed in the changing room 12 on the first floor 1 is pressed, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to lower the hoist cage 40 so that the lift platform 43 is located on the first floor 1. Also, when the operation button 9 installed on the balcony 21 on the second floor 2 is pressed, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to raise the hoist cage 40 so that the lift platform 43 is located on the second floor 2.

[0043] In addition, the computer and control circuit that form the control unit 4 have a clock unit 44 as an internal clock, identify the current time (present time), and control the lifting mechanism 42 according to the identified present time. More specifically, while the present time is within the aforementioned first time period, if the lift platform 43 is not on the first floor 1, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to lower the elevator car 40 and move the lift platform 43 to the first floor 1. Conversely, while the present time is within the first time period, if the lift platform 43 is on the first floor 1, the control unit 4 causes the lift platform to remain on the first floor 1. Even if the operation button 9 on the second floor 2 is pressed during this period, the interlock operates and the lift platform 43 does not move to the second floor 2. In other words, the control unit 4 aborts the control to raise the elevator car 40.

[0044] In addition, while the present time is within the aforementioned second time period, if the lift platform 43 is not on the second floor 2, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to raise the elevator car 40 and move the lift platform 43 to the second floor 2. Conversely, while the present time is within the second time period, if the lift platform 43 is on the second floor 2, the control unit 4 causes the lift platform 43 to remain on the second floor 2. Even if the operation button 9 on the first floor 1 is pressed during this period, the interlock operates and the lift platform 43 does not move to the first floor 1. In other words, the control unit 4 aborts the control to lower the elevator car 40.

[0045] In addition, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 5 is provided with a signal output unit 49 composed of a microcomputer or a control circuit. The signal output unit 49 outputs a signal according to the current operation status of the washing machine 5 to the control unit 4. The control unit 4 determines based on the signal received from the signal output unit 49 whether washing is in progress or washing has ended (for a washing machine 5 that performs a drying process after washing, whether drying has ended), and controls the lifting mechanism 42 according to the determination result. More specifically, when the control unit 4 determines that washing (that is, the operation of the washing machine 5) has ended and the lift platform 43 is on the first floor 1, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to raise the elevator car 40 and move the lift platform 43 to the second floor 2.

[0046] Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit 4 controls the aforementioned first switching unit 47 and second switching unit 48 in accordance with the control of the elevating mechanism 42 to switch between the first state and the second state. Specifically, while the elevator car 40 is in the first elevator platform space 13 (while the elevator platform 43 is on the first floor 1), the first state is in the connection maintenance state and the second state is in the connection release state. When the elevating mechanism 42 is controlled to raise the elevator car 40 from this state, the control unit 4 controls the first switching unit 47 to switch the first state to the connection release state. Then, when the elevator car 40 reaches the second elevator platform space 23, the control unit 4 controls the second switching unit 48 to connect the connection unit 41 to the second water supply pipe 72 and the second drain pipe 82, and switches the second state to the connection maintenance state.

[0047] Conversely, when the elevating mechanism 42 is controlled to lower the elevator car 40 from the state where the elevator platform 43 is located on the second floor 2, the control unit 4 controls the second switching unit 48 to switch the second state to the connection release state. Then, when the elevator car 40 reaches the first elevator platform space 13, the control unit 4 controls the first switching unit 47 to connect the connection unit 41 to the first water supply pipe 71 and the first drain pipe 81, and switches the first state to the connection maintenance state.

[0048] [Control Flow Related to Washing] Next, the processing flow (control flow) by the aforementioned control system S will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Note that the flow shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the execution order of the steps may be changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0049] Each step in the control flow is mainly executed by the control unit 4. Hereinafter, a case where the control flow is started with the elevator car 40 in the first elevator platform space 13 will be described as an example.

[0050] When the occupant of Building 10 performs a start operation of the control flow on an operation panel (not shown), the control flow starts with this as a trigger. Note that the trigger for starting the control flow is not limited to this. For example, when a human presence sensor installed at a predetermined location in Building 10 detects an occupant and outputs a signal, and the control unit 4 receives the signal, the control flow may start with this as an opportunity.

[0051] In the control flow, first, the control unit 4 specifies the current time and determines whether the current time is in the first time zone (S001). And when the current time is in the first time zone, the lift table 43 is held at the first floor 1 by the interlock for the ascent of the elevator car 40. On the other hand, when the current time is not in the first time zone, the process proceeds to step S005.

[0052] While the current time is in the first time zone, when the occupant starts the washing machine 5 to start washing, the signal output unit 49 outputs a signal to the control unit 4 along with the start of washing, and the control unit 4 receives the signal and specifies the start of washing (S002). During washing, the control unit 4 specifies the operating state of the washing machine 5 based on the output signal from the signal output unit 49 and determines whether the operation (i.e., washing) has ended (S003).

[0053] And when the washing is completed and the operation of the washing machine 5 ends, the signal output unit 49 outputs a signal at that time, and the control unit 4 receives the output signal from the signal output unit 49 and specifies the end of the operation of the washing machine 5 from the received signal (Yes in S003). After that, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 to raise the elevator car 40 and move the lift table 43 to the second floor 2 (S004). When this time is in the first time zone, the control unit 4 releases the interlock for the ascent of the elevator car 40 and then controls the lifting mechanism 42 to raise the lift table 43 to the second floor 2.

[0054] Also, along with the ascent of the elevator car 40, the control unit 4 controls the first switching unit 47 to switch the first state to the disconnected state, and when the lift table 43 reaches the second floor 2, controls the second switching unit 48 to switch the second state to the connection maintained state.

[0055] After that, the control unit 4 identifies the current time again and determines whether the current time is in the second time period (S005). If the current time is in the second time period, the landing 43 is fixed to the second floor 2 by the interlock for the descent of the elevator car 40, and the control unit 4 enters the standby state. On the other hand, if the current time is not in the second time period, for example, when the operation button 9 on the first floor 1 is pressed (S006), the control unit 4 controls the elevator mechanism 42 to lower the elevator car 40 and move the landing 43 to the first floor 1 (S007).

[0056] Also, as the elevator car 40 descends, the control unit 4 controls the second switching unit 48 to switch the second state to the disconnected state, and when the landing 43 reaches the first floor 1, the control unit 4 controls the first switching unit 47 to switch the first state to the connected and maintained state.

[0057] After that, when the resident performs an end operation of the control flow on an operation panel (not shown) (S008), the control flow ends at that point.

[0058] [Regarding the effectiveness of the building according to the present embodiment] The effectiveness of the building 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. In a conventional building, generally, a washing device 5 is installed on the first floor 1. After the washing is completed, the resident takes out the laundry C from the washing device 5, carries it from the first floor to the second floor, and hangs it on a drying pole D or the like on the balcony 21 provided on the second floor for drying. Thus, in a conventional building, since the resident had to move between floors (between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2) to carry the laundry C, the burden of housework associated with washing was large.

[0059] In contrast, in the building 10 according to the present embodiment, a washing machine 5 is placed on a lift table 43 that can move up and down between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2. In other words, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 5 can move up and down between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2, and specifically, it moves up and down together with the lift table 43. Thereby, the washing machine 5 and the laundry C inside it can be moved between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2. As a result, after the washing is completed, the resident can save the trouble of taking out the laundry C in the washing machine 5 and carrying it to the second floor 2. Thereby, the burden of housework associated with washing can be reduced.

[0060] Moreover, in the building 10 according to the present embodiment, due to the provision of the aforementioned first connection mechanism 45 and second connection mechanism 46, even if the lift table 43 moves (ascends and descends), the water supply pipe 7 and the drain pipe 8 can be connected to the washing machine 5 placed on the lift table 43. As a result, regardless of whether the lift table 43 is on the first floor 1 or the second floor 2, water supply to the washing machine 5 and drainage from the washing machine 5 can be appropriately carried out.

[0061] Furthermore, in the building 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 4 controls the lifting mechanism 42 based on the aforementioned control conditions. Thereby, the control unit 4 can place the lift table 43 at an appropriate position at each time point and move (ascend and descend) it at an appropriate timing, taking into account the lifestyle of the resident, the structure of the building 10, and the operating status of the washing machine 5, etc. As a result, the convenience regarding the use of the washing machine 5 in the building 10, or more simply put, the usability of the washing machine 5 can be improved.

[0062] In addition, in the building 10 according to the present embodiment, a washbasin 6 as a water-using device is placed on the lift table 43 together with the washing machine 5, and the washbasin 6 can be used on the lift table 43. Thereby, the resident of the building 10 can effectively utilize the space on the lift table 43 on which the washing machine 5 is placed and wash their hands, face, etc. at the washbasin 6. As a result, the convenience of the building 10 can be further improved.

[0063] In addition, in the building 10 according to the present embodiment, the elevator space 3 (specifically, the second elevator space 23) and the balcony 21 which is an outdoor drying space are adjacent to each other via the wall B, and when the inner door A2 and the outer door A3 are opened, the space on the elevator 43 and the balcony 21 are continuous with each other. Thereby, since the laundry C taken out from the washing device 5 can be directly carried to the balcony 21 and dried, the burden of housework associated with washing can be further reduced.

[0064] <<Other Embodiments>> One embodiment (this embodiment) of the present invention described above is merely an example for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed or improved without departing from its gist. Also, it goes without saying that equivalents of the present invention are included.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the connection portion 41 provided on the washing device 5 side is detachable from the water supply pipe 7 and the drain pipe 8. Specifically, the connection state between each of the water supply pipe 7 and the drain pipe 8 and the connection portion 41 can be switched by the first switching portion 47 of the first connection mechanism 45 and the second switching portion 48 of the second connection mechanism 46. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a form in which the water supply pipe 7 and the drain pipe 8 are constantly connected to the washing device 5 by configuring at least a part of each of the water supply pipe 7 and the drain pipe 8 with a flexible hose 90 (hereinafter, the first modification example) can be considered.

[0066] Specifically, in the building 10A according to the first modification example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the line branched from the water supply pipe 7 is composed of a flexible hose 90, and its end is connected to the water supply pipe 73 inside the cage. Similarly, the line branched from the drain pipe 8 is composed of a flexible hose 90, and its end is connected to the drain pipe 83 inside the cage. Further, each flexible hose 90 deforms as the lift platform 43 moves up and down, specifically, it expands and contracts as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Thereby, the washing device 5 and the washbasin 6 can maintain a state of being constantly connected to these pipes following the movement of the lift platform 43 without being separated from the water supply pipe 7 and the drain pipe 8.

[0067] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the two-story building 10 was taken as an example for explanation, but the present invention is also applicable to buildings with three or more stories. For example, when assuming a three-story building as the building of the present invention, a dressing room 12 may be provided on the first floor 1 as the first floor, and a balcony 21 may be provided on the third floor as the second floor.

[0068] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, in the second floor where the balcony 21 is provided, the lift platform space 3 (strictly speaking, the second lift platform space 23) and the balcony 21 are adjacent to each other via the wall B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another space, for example, a corridor or the like may be interposed between the second lift platform space 23 and the balcony 21.

[0069] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the lift platform 43 is moved up and down according to the time zones of a day (the first time zone and the second time zone), but the lift platform 43 may be moved up and down according to elements other than the time zones. For example, when it is likely that laundry is generated on the first floor 1 or the second floor 2, or when the size of the laundry becomes large, the lift platform 43 may be made to stay on that floor for a relatively long time.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, after installing the washing device 5 on the first floor 1 and performing washing, the lift table 43 is raised to move the washing device 5 to the second floor 2, and the laundry C is dried on the balcony 21 on the second floor. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after installing the washing device 5 on the second floor 2 and performing washing, the lift table 43 is lowered to move the washing device 5 to the first floor 1, and the laundry C may be dried in the indoor drying space provided on the first floor 1.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the washing device 5 is housed in the lift cage 40 installed in the lift space 3 and placed on the lift table 43, and is configured to move up and down together with the lift table 43 as the lift cage 40 moves up and down. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lift cage 40 may not be installed, and the washing device 5 may be able to move up and down alone in the lift space 3. Specifically, the washing device 5 is a self-propelled device, and for example, it may be provided with a known mechanism that can freely climb up and down the inner wall surface, which is a vertical surface, by wheels that rotate while contacting the inner wall surface extending vertically in the lift space 3.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, while the washing device 5 is configured to move up and down between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2, the devices and facilities in the bathroom 11 are installed in a fixed position without moving. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and like the building 10B shown in FIG. 11, the bathroom unit 51 may be able to move up and down between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2 in the same manner as the washing device 5. In the building 10B shown in FIG. 11, the bathroom unit 51 includes a booth 52 surrounded by a ceiling wall, a floor wall, and side walls. This booth 52 is installed in the bathroom lift space 53 and, like the lift cage 40, can move up and down between the first floor 1 and the second floor 2. Specifically, it can travel between the first bathroom lift space 55 located on the first floor 1 side and the second bathroom lift space 56 located on the second floor 2 side in the bathroom lift space 53. The mechanism for raising and lowering the booth 52 may have the same configuration as the lift mechanism 42 for the lift cage 40. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, a bathtub 54 and accessory equipment including waterproof equipment are accommodated in the booth 52, and a water supply pipe 7 and a drain pipe 8 are detachably connected to the bathtub 54. The switching of the connection state between these pipes and the bathtub 54 may be carried out by a mechanism similar to the above-described connection mechanism (the first connection mechanism 45 and the second connection mechanism 46). Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the bathroom lifting space 53 is adjacent to the lifting platform space 3. Specifically, the first lifting platform space 13 and the first bathroom lifting space 55 are continuous, and the second lifting platform space 23 and the second bathroom lifting space 56 are continuous. With the above configuration, according to the lifting of the washing device 5, the floor on which the bathroom unit 51 is arranged can be appropriately switched. For example, when using the remaining hot water in the bathtub 54 as washing water, by arranging the bathroom unit 51 on the same floor as the floor where the washing device 5 is arranged, the remaining hot water in the bathtub 54 can be easily transferred to the washing device 5. Note that regardless of the position of the washing device 5, the bathroom unit 51 may be lifted independently. For example, the bathroom unit 51 may be lifted according to the actions of the user after taking a bath.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0073] A1 Door A2 Inner Door A3 Outer Door B Wall C Laundry D Clothes Drying Pole S Control System 1 First Floor 2 Second Floor 3 Lifting Platform Space 4 Control Unit 5 Washing Device 6 Washbasin (Water-using Equipment) 7 Water Supply Pipe 8 Drain Pipe 9 Operation Button 10, 10A, 10B Building 11 Bathroom 12 Dressing Room 13 First Lifting Platform Space 21 Balcony (Space) 23 Second lifting platform space 40 Lifting cage 41 Connection part 42 Lifting mechanism 43 Lifting platform 44 Clock part 45 First connection mechanism 46 Second connection mechanism 47 First switching part 47a Cylindrical part 47b Engaging part 48 Second switching part 49 Signal output part 50 Concave part 51 Bathroom unit 52 Booth 53 Bathroom lifting space 54 Bathtub 55 First bathroom lifting space 56 Second bathroom lifting space 71 First water supply pipe 72 Second water supply pipe 73 Water supply pipe inside the cage 81 First drain pipe 82 Second drain pipe 83 Drain pipe inside the cage 90 Flexible hose

Claims

1. A building, comprising a washing device installed inside the building and capable of moving up and down between a first floor of the building and a second floor located above the first floor.

2. An elevator platform installed inside the building and capable of moving up and down between the first floor and the second floor with the washing device placed thereon, an elevator platform space in which the elevator platform can move up and down, a first water supply pipe and a first drain pipe installed in a portion of the elevator platform space located on the first floor side, a second water supply pipe and a second drain pipe installed in a portion of the elevator platform space located on the second floor side, a first connection mechanism that connects the first water supply pipe and the first drain pipe to the washing device while the elevator platform is on the first floor, and separates the first water supply pipe and the first drain pipe from the washing device when the elevator platform moves to the second floor, a second connection mechanism that connects the second water supply pipe and the second drain pipe to the washing device while the elevator platform is on the second floor, and separates the second water supply pipe and the second drain pipe from the washing device when the elevator platform moves to the first floor. The building according to Claim 1.

3. An elevator platform installed inside the building and capable of moving up and down between the first floor and the second floor with the washing device placed thereon, an elevator platform space in which the elevator platform can move up and down, comprising a water supply pipe and a drain pipe arranged in the elevator platform space and connected to the washing device, wherein at least a part of each of the water supply pipe and the drain pipe is made of a flexible hose and deforms as the elevator platform moves up and down. The building according to Claim 1.

4. a lifting mechanism installed in the elevator platform space and performing an operation of moving the elevator platform up and down, a control unit that controls the lifting mechanism to move the elevator platform up and down, wherein the control unit controls the lifting mechanism based on preset control conditions. The building according to Claim 2.

5. The first connection mechanism includes a first switching unit that operates to switch a first state regarding the connection between a connection portion provided on the washing device side and the first water supply pipe and the first drain pipe between a connection maintenance state and a connection release state, and the second connection mechanism includes a second switching unit that operates to switch a second state regarding the connection between the connection portion and the second water supply pipe and the second drain pipe between a connection maintenance state and a connection release state. The building according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the first switching unit and the second switching unit to switch between the first state and the second state in accordance with the control of the elevating mechanism.

6. The control unit controls the elevating mechanism to move the lift platform to the first floor when the lift platform is not on the first floor while the current time is within a predetermined first time zone, and causes the lift platform to stay on the first floor when the lift platform is on the first floor. The building according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the elevating mechanism to move the lift platform to the second floor when the lift platform is not on the second floor while the current time is within a predetermined second time zone, and causes the lift platform to stay on the second floor when the lift platform is on the second floor.

7. The washing device includes a signal output unit that outputs a signal according to the operating status of the washing device. The control unit determines the operating status of the washing device based on the output signal from the signal output unit. The building according to claim 5, wherein when it is determined that the lift platform is on the first floor and the operation of the washing device has ended, the control unit controls the elevating mechanism to move the lift platform to the second floor.

8. Water-using devices other than the washing device are placed on the lift platform together with the washing device. In the lift platform space, a water supply pipe and a drain pipe that are detachably connected to both the washing device and the water-using devices are arranged. The building according to claim 2 or 3.

9. It is provided on the first floor or the second floor and includes a space for drying the laundry taken out from the washing device. The lift platform space is adjacent to the space on the floor where the space is provided. The building according to claim 2 or 3.

10. The building according to claim 1, further comprising a bathroom unit installed in the building and capable of moving up and down between the first floor and the second floor.

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