Drainage system

Abstract

To provide a drainage system that improves a dirt removal rate.SOLUTION: A drainage system for draining water comprises: a bathtub and a washing place floor provided in a bath room; a bathtub drain port provided in the bathtub; a washing place floor drain port provided on the washing place floor; a drain part that is connected to the bathtub drain port and the washing place floor drain port to form sealing water in an inner flow channel; a bathtub drainage detection part for detecting water drain from the bathtub to the drain part; an ultrasonic oscillator for removing dirt attached to an inner wall of the drain part by radiating ultrasonic waves to the water in the drain part; and a control part for controlling the bathtub drainage detection part and the ultrasonic oscillator. The control part can execute control of driving the ultrasonic oscillator based on the information detected by the bathtub drainage detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drainage system, and more particularly to a drainage system for draining water. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, it is known that an ultrasonic oscillator is provided in a drainage device installed on the bathroom floor, and dirt near the seal water level in the main body is cleaned by ultrasonic cleaning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-176481 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the ultrasonic oscillator of Patent Document 1 simply emits ultrasonic waves to remove dirt from inside the drainage device, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art, and has an object to provide a drainage system that further improves the dirt removal rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a drainage system for draining water, comprising a bathtub and washing area floor installed in a bathroom, a bathtub drain outlet installed in the bathtub, a washing area floor drain outlet installed on the washing area floor, a drainage section connected to the bathtub drain outlet and the washing area floor drain outlet and forming a water seal in the internal flow path, a bathtub drainage detection section that detects drainage from the bathtub to the drainage section, an ultrasonic oscillator that removes dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drainage section by irradiating the water in the drainage section with ultrasonic waves, and a control section that controls the bathtub drainage detection section and the ultrasonic oscillator, and is characterized in that the control section is capable of executing control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator based on information detected by the bathtub drainage detection section. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, dirt adhering to the inner walls of the drain section is easily physically peeled off by the force of the water flow from the bathtub drain, and by operating ultrasonic cleaning, dirt can be easily removed.

[0007] In the present invention, the control section is preferably capable of executing control to drive an ultrasonic oscillator when the bathtub drain detection section detects drainage. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, dirt adhering to the inner walls of the drain section is easily physically peeled off by the force of the water flow from the bathtub drain, and by operating ultrasonic cleaning, dirt can be easily removed.

[0008] In the present invention, the control section is preferably capable of executing control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator after a predetermined time has elapsed since the bathtub drain detection section detected drainage. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, ultrasonic cleaning is activated when the force of the bathtub drain water flow makes it easy for dirt adhering to the inner walls of the drain section to physically peel off, and when the water sealing surface of the washing area floor drain section is moving up and down due to the bathtub drain water flow, making it easier to remove dirt from the washing area floor drain section while also being effective against dirt adhering to the water surface.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the device further includes a water level detection unit capable of detecting the level of water accumulated in the bathtub, and the control unit is capable of controlling the activation of the ultrasonic oscillator based on information that the bathtub drain detection unit has detected drainage and information that the water level detection unit has detected that the level of water accumulated in the bathtub has fallen below a predetermined value. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, ultrasonic cleaning is activated when the force of the bathtub drain water flow makes it easy for dirt adhering to the inner walls of the drain section to physically peel off, and when the water sealing surface of the washing area floor drain section is moving up and down due to the bathtub drain water flow, making it easier to remove dirt from the washing area floor drain section while also being effective against dirt adhering to the water surface.

[0010] In the present invention, the ultrasonic oscillator is preferably installed in a washing area floor drain section below the washing area floor drain outlet. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, dirt adhering to the inner walls of the drain section is easily physically peeled off by the force of the bathtub drain water flow, and by operating ultrasonic cleaning, it becomes easier to remove dirt from the washing area floor drain section.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, at least a portion of the drainage water from the bathtub flows into the washing area floor drain section. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, ultrasonic cleaning is activated when the force of the bathtub drain water flow makes it easy for dirt adhering to the inner walls of the drain section to physically peel off, and when the water sealing surface of the washing area floor drain section is moving up and down due to the bathtub drain water flow, making it easier to remove dirt from the washing area floor drain section while also being effective against dirt adhering to the water surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the drainage system of the present invention, it is possible to provide a drainage system that improves the dirt removal rate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom in which a drainage system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 2] 1 is a top view showing a bathroom in which a drainage system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used, with a bathroom drying device omitted. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the counter in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water supply device taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the nozzle portion of the water supply device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a ventilation damper is open in the bathroom drying device of the drainage system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a ventilation damper is closed in the bathroom drying device of the drainage system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the drainage system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the drainage system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating part of the principle of a drainage system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First, a bathroom in which a drainage system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom in which a drainage system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used, and Figure 2 is a top view showing a bathroom in which a drainage system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used, with the bathroom drying device omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, bathroom 1 comprises a first wall 2, a second wall 4, a third wall 6, and a fourth wall 8, which form the four sides of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. A bathtub 10 is provided next to second wall 4, and a washing area floor 12 is provided below between fourth wall 8 and bathtub 10. A water seal forming portion 14 is provided on washing area floor 12 near bathtub 10, and water is drained from this water seal forming portion 14 to the outside. The washing area floor 12 has a drainage slope that slopes downward toward water seal forming portion 14. Bathroom 1 is a room where users wash their bodies with water and also includes a shower room. The term "water" used in this embodiment refers not only to hot water obtained by mixing hot and cold water whose temperature is adjusted in a water supply source or an external water heater, but also to water supplied from an external water main without temperature adjustment, and to water heated to an appropriate temperature from a water supply source.

[0015] The bathtub 10 is provided with a bathtub drain 94 for draining bathwater. A drain plug (not shown) is installed in the bathtub drain 94, and its opening and closing operation is controlled by the control unit 29. The control unit 29 controls the opening and closing operation of the drain plug by detecting the user's operation of an operation button (not shown). Below the bathtub drain 94, a bathtub drain section 90 is installed, in which a water seal is formed. A bathtub drain detection unit 86 is installed in the bathtub drain 90 or above the bathtub drain section 90 (the area below the bathtub drain 94 where a water seal is not formed). The bathtub drain detection unit 86 is, for example, a flow rate detection sensor or flow velocity detection sensor that detects the flow of water. The bathtub drain detection unit 86 can detect when the bathtub water has been drained. The bathtub drain detection unit 86 may also be a water level detection sensor installed in the bathtub 10. The bathtub drain detection unit 86 may also detect when the drain plug is raised (open state).

[0016] An ultrasonic transmitter 64 is installed in the bathtub drain 90. Specifically, this ultrasonic transmitter 64 is installed on the underside of the flow path pipe 21 that connects the bathtub drain outlet 94 and the washing area floor drain 92. For example, the ultrasonic transmitter 64 is installed in a position where it partially overlaps the bathtub drain 90 or the drain stopper in a plan view. When bathwater flows through the flow path pipe 21, at least a portion of the drainage flows into the washing area floor drain 92.

[0017] A water level detector 88 is installed on the inner wall of the bathtub 10. The water level detector 88 detects a change in the water level in the bathtub, for example, a drop in the water level in the bathtub.

[0018] A washing area floor drain port 96 is provided on the washing area floor 12, and below the washing area floor drain port 96 is provided a washing area floor drain section 92, which is part of the water seal forming section 14. An ultrasonic transmitter 64 is also installed in the washing area floor drain section 92.

[0019] The control unit 29 executes control to drive the ultrasonic transmitter 64 based on information detected by the bathtub drain detection unit 86. Specifically, for example, the control unit 29 executes control to drive the ultrasonic transmitter 64 when the bathtub drain detection unit 86 detects that bathtub water is being drained from the bathtub 10 to the bathtub drain 90. This allows the ultrasonic transmitter 64 to apply vibration not only to the flow path pipe 21 or the vicinity thereof, but also to the bathtub drain outlet 94 or the vicinity thereof. The control unit 29 may also execute control to drive the ultrasonic transmitter 64 when a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) has elapsed since the bathtub drain detection unit 86 detected that bathtub water is being drained from the bathtub 10 to the bathtub drain 90. The control unit 29 executes control to stop driving the ultrasonic transmitter 64 when the bathtub drain detection unit 86 detects that bathtub water has been drained from the bathtub 10 to the bathtub drain 90, or after a predetermined time (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed since the bathtub drain detection unit 86 detected that bathtub water has been drained from the bathtub 10 to the bathtub drain 90.

[0020] A counter 16 is provided on a part of the side of the third wall 6. A mirror is provided above the counter 16 on the third wall 6. On the upper level of the counter 16, a water outlet 18 that spouts water, a shower 34 via a shower hose, and other faucet devices are provided.

[0021] The water discharge unit 18 and shower 34 are connected upstream via the hot and cold water mixer 7 to a water supply channel 9 to which water is supplied from a water supply source (not shown) and to a hot water supply channel 11 to which hot water is supplied from a water heater or the like connected to the water supply source (not shown). The hot and cold water mixer 7 can mix water from the water supply channel 9 and hot water from the hot water supply channel 11 in any ratio based on the user's operation, the settings of the control unit, etc. A water supply device 22 for discharging sterilized water and tap water (water) that constitutes part of the drainage system 20 according to this embodiment is provided on the underside of the counter 16.

[0022] A ceiling 24 is attached to the upper ends of the first to fourth walls 2 to 8, and a bathroom dryer device 27 is mounted on this ceiling 24. Furthermore, an operation panel 28 for operating the drainage system 20 and a control unit 29 (described later) are provided outside the bathroom 1. The operation panel 28 forms an operation unit that accepts operation inputs from the user. The operation panel 28 has buttons that accept manual operation inputs from the user, such as when the user manually operates the buttons. As a variation, the operation panel 28 may be configured as an operation screen displayed on the screen of an electronic device such as a smartphone or remote control. That is, the operation panel 28 may form an operation unit that accepts operation inputs from the user via operation buttons on such an operation screen. In this case, the operation panel 28 of the electronic device such as the smartphone or remote control is electrically connected to the control unit 29 via wireless communication, such as the Internet or infrared communication. As yet another variation, the operation panel 28 may be a voice operation unit that accepts operation input from the user by voice input, or a gesture operation unit that accepts operation input from the user by gesture operation input of the user's fingers, etc. (for example, the user holds their fingers, etc. over a specified space for a certain period of time, which detects the user's fingers, etc. as operation input and accepts the operation input).

[0023] Returning to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, counter 16 has top plate 16a and lower cover 16b, and is provided spaced above washing area floor 12. Bathroom 1 is provided with bathroom drying device 27 that reduces the amount of water vapor in bathroom 1, drain cover 15 that is attached above water seal forming portion 14 and to washing area floor 12 of the bathroom, and air blower 66 that sends air to drain cover 15.

[0024] Bathroom drying device 27 ventilates the air in bathroom 1, reducing the amount of water vapor within bathroom 1 and drying it out. Bathroom drying device 27 vaporizes the water vapor within bathroom 1 and reduces the amount of water vapor by blowing out hot air that is warmer than the room temperature, air that is approximately the same temperature as the room temperature, or cold air that is cooler than the room temperature. Bathroom drying device 27 also has the function of vaporizing sprayed disinfectant water, as described below. More preferably, bathroom drying device 27 has the function of blowing out hot air to increase the saturated water vapor content of the air within bathroom 1 and evaporate the water as water vapor.

[0025] Blower 66 creates a flow of air that flows from drain cover 15 into water seal forming section 14. Blower 66 may be formed by bathroom drying device 27. In this case, bathroom drying device 27 also functions as blower 66.

[0026] The drain cover 15 is formed to cover the connecting portion 14a of the water seal forming portion 14 and the upper portion of the mesh basket 19. The drain cover 15 is placed on the washing area floor 12 by means of square-shaped legs, and forms openings communicating with the water seal forming portion 14 in at least two directions, preferably four directions. Therefore, the drain cover 15 forms openings that are open in four directions between it and the water seal forming portion 14.

[0027] Drainage system 20 is a drainage system that drains water from, for example, the floor of a bathroom where a user washes. Drainage system 20 includes a water seal forming unit 14 that is provided on the floor of bathroom 1 where a user washes and that forms a water seal in an internal flow path, an ultrasonic oscillator 64 that irradiates ultrasonic waves to the water in water seal forming unit 14, a water supply device 22 that supplies water to water seal forming unit 14 via washing area floor 12 or via a direct route, and a control unit 29 that controls ultrasonic oscillator 64 and water supply device 22.

[0028] The water seal forming unit 14 is connected to the bottom of the washing area floor 12. The water seal forming unit 14 is formed as a drainage device with an ultrasonic cleaning function. The water seal forming unit 14 has the function of draining water discharged onto the washing area floor 12, and storing a portion of the water that flows in to form a water seal at a water seal level W0 inside it during normal times (standby state). Here, "water seal" refers to the water that is formed inside the trap in the water seal forming unit 14 to block odors and the like. Furthermore, "water seal during normal times" refers to the water seal that occurs when the bathroom water discharge unit is not in use (standby state) and no water is being discharged from the water discharge unit.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the water seal forming section 14 forms a trap-shaped flow path that forms a seal at the water seal level W0. The water seal forming section 14 includes a connection section 14a that is connected to the washing area floor 12 and opens, an ascending section 14b that is an ascending flow path that rises diagonally upward toward the downstream side to form a drain trap, a top section 14c that is a turning portion that connects to the ascending section 14b of the drain trap between the ascending section 14b and the descending section 14d, and a descending section 14d that is located downstream of the ascending section 14b and descends from the top section 14c. Thus, the water seal forming section 14 forms a trap-shaped flow path that turns back from the ascending section 14b to the descending section 14d. The top section 14c determines the water seal level W0. The descending section 14d forms a flow path that descends from the top section 14c and is connected to the drain flow path 17. The water seal forming part 14 forms the flow path of the drain trap as the flow path on the drain flow path 17 side, and by having any of the elements such as a small inner diameter of the flow path, a complex shape of the flow path, or a deep flow path, or a combination of at least some of these elements, it is more difficult for the user to insert their hands and fingers into it to clean it than the mesh basket 19.

[0030] The water seal forming portion 14 is made of resin. The water seal forming portion 14 is connected to a downstream drainage flow path 17. The drainage flow path 17 is further connected to a downstream drainage pipe (not shown). A water supply flow path separate from the flow path from the washing area floor 12 may be connected to the water seal forming portion 14. The separate water supply flow path is connected to a separate water supply source (not shown) or the same water supply source as in this embodiment. The water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14 includes water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14 from a water supply flow path separate from the flow path from the washing area floor 12. The water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14 includes water used by users to wash their bodies or the washing area floor, as well as water containing detergent, shampoo, body soap, etc. A mesh basket 19 is disposed between the connection portion 14a and the washing area floor 12. The mesh basket 19 has a mesh structure that makes it easy to collect debris such as hair.

[0031] The ultrasonic oscillator 64 is provided below the connection part 14a of the water seal forming part 14. The ultrasonic oscillator 64 is provided at the bottom of the water seal forming part 14 and is positioned so as to radiate ultrasonic waves upward. The ultrasonic oscillator 64 is electrically connected to the control part 29.

[0032] The water supply device 22 functions as a water discharge device and is capable of discharging tap water and disinfectant water horizontally into the space within the bathroom 1. The water supply device 22 may be configured to discharge water stored in a tank on the flow path before being discharged from the water supply device 22. The tank may be provided, for example, on the flow path 51 described below, and can temporarily store tap water. In this manner, the water supply device 22 supplies water to the water seal forming unit 14. The water supply device 22 is configured to supply water into the water seal forming unit 14 from above the water seal surface within the water seal forming unit 14. More specifically, the water supply device 22 discharges water onto the washing area floor 12, so that the water flows from the washing area floor 12 into the lower water seal forming unit 14 and flows down from above onto the water seal surface. Therefore, the water supply device 22 is configured to have a supply form that can supply water not used by the user for washing the body (water discharged in a manner that is not expected to be used by the user for washing the body) from the washing-area floor 12 to the water seal forming unit 14, separate from the water discharge form that discharges water for use by the user. The water supply device 22 discharges at least a portion of the water toward the water seal forming unit 14 when viewed from above. The water supply device 22 may discharge at least a portion of the discharged water toward the water seal forming unit 14 while its own water discharge direction is fixed. Alternatively, the water supply device 22 may discharge water while its own water discharge direction is movable, with at least a portion of the changing water discharge direction being toward the water seal forming unit 14.

[0033] The water supplied from the water supply device 22 to the water seal forming unit 14 forms flows that flow into the water seal forming unit 14 from multiple directions. The water discharged from the water supply device 22 onto the washing area floor 12 is discharged so as to spread over an area such as that shown in C in a top view, and then flows along the slope of the washing area floor 12 to form flows D1, D2, etc. as shown in FIG. 2, and flows into the water seal forming unit 14 from openings that open in four directions, which will be described later. In this way, the sloped shape of the washing area floor 12 may allow water to flow into the water seal forming unit 14 from multiple directions. On the other hand, water may be caused to flow into the water seal forming unit 14 from multiple directions by adjusting the water discharge angle of the water supply device 22.

[0034] In this embodiment, the water supply device 22 is not limited to a device provided on the underside of the counter 16 that also functions as a sterilization device, but may have other configurations that can supply water to the water seal forming unit 14. For example, the water supply device 22 may be the water outlet 18 or shower 34 that supplies water, or may be a water supply device (faucet device) for the bathtub that can supply water from a drainage flow path on the bathtub side to the water seal forming unit 14. When a water supply device (faucet device) for the bathtub that can supply water from a drainage flow path on the bathtub side to the water seal forming unit 14 is used as the water supply device, the water supplied to the water seal forming unit 14 may be supplied to the bathtub once and then supplied to the water seal forming unit 14 from the drainage flow path on the bathtub side.

[0035] The water supply device 22 also functions as a sterilization device that supplies sterilized water or sterilized gas to the water surface in the water seal forming unit 14, as described below. The water supply device 22 is configured to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas from above the drain cover 15. In this embodiment, the water supply device 22 is configured to discharge sterilized water and vaporize the sterilized water to generate sterilized gas. As a modified example, the water supply device 22 may be configured to discharge sterilized gas. As a further modified example, the water supply device 22 is not limited to directly discharging sterilized gas, and may be configured to discharge sterilized water in liquid form and supply it directly into the water seal forming unit 14.

[0036] Control unit 29 has a built-in CPU, memory, etc., and controls the operation of bathroom drying device 27, water supply device 22, ultrasonic oscillator 64, etc. based on a predetermined control program stored in the memory. Note that control is not limited to opening and closing a solenoid valve for discharging water from water supply device 22. A flow sensor may be provided to detect water flowing into water seal formation unit 14, and control unit 29 may control ultrasonic oscillator 64 to start emitting ultrasonic waves based on this detection. As a further variation, a flow sensor may be provided to detect water being discharged from water seal formation unit 14, and control unit 29 may control ultrasonic oscillator 64 to start emitting ultrasonic waves based on detection by the flow sensor.

[0037] Control unit 29 controls the operation of water supply device 22 and bathroom dryer device 27. Control unit 29 has a water seal replacement mode 82 that causes water supply device 22 to supply a total amount of water equal to or greater than seal water volume Q of seal water formation unit 14 to seal water formation unit 14, and a water seal replacement linkage mode 84 that links the operation of the water seal replacement mode with that of ultrasonic oscillator 64. In water seal replacement mode 82 of control unit 29, the water supply volume of water supply device 22 is set to be greater than seal water volume Q. Water seal replacement mode 82 does not have to be executed by control unit 29 from the beginning as a water seal replacement mode; even if the water supply device 22 supplies water for another purpose, control unit 29 may recognize that the water seal replacement mode has been executed when a predetermined total volume (or water supply volume) has been supplied as a result. In water seal replacement linkage mode 84, control unit 29 operates ultrasonic oscillator 64 for at least a portion of the period during which water is supplied in water seal replacement mode 82. The water seal replacement interlocking mode 84 links the water seal replacement mode 82 with the operation of the ultrasonic oscillator 64. The control unit 29 executes the water seal replacement mode 82 when a user is not present in the bathroom 1. The control unit 29 can determine that a user is not present in the bathroom 1, for example, based on the power status of the bathroom's electrical switch, the use status of the faucet device, or operation of the operation panel 28. The control unit 29 starts executing the water seal replacement mode 82 in response to an operation input from the operation panel 28. Note that the control unit 29 may execute the water seal replacement mode 82 even when a user is present in the bathroom 1. For example, if bathwater is used to supply water to the water seal forming unit 14 in the water seal replacement mode 82, the user will not get wet when water is supplied by the water seal replacement mode 82, even if the bathwater is drained in the bathroom 1. In this way, even when a user is present in the bathroom 1, the control unit 29 can execute the water seal replacement mode without getting the user wet when water is supplied by the water seal replacement mode 82.

[0038] 3 and 4, the water seal forming portion 14 is formed with a water level rising portion 26 that is formed so that the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 can be easily raised from a first water level to a second water level that is higher than the first water level by the water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14. The water level rising portion 26 is formed so that, for example, when the water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14 is at a predetermined flow rate or higher, the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 can be easily raised from the seal water level W0, which is the first water level in the water seal forming portion 14, to a second water level W2 that is higher than the seal water level W0 in the water seal forming portion 14 by the water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14. The water level rising portion 26 is disposed in the water seal forming portion 14 to adjust the water level. The water level rising section 26 is formed so that the amount of water discharged downstream when the water level in the water seal forming section 14 is between the water seal water level W0 and the second water level W2 is less than the amount of water discharged downstream after the water level in the water seal forming section 14 reaches the second water level W2.

[0039] The water level raising section 26 has the function of adjusting the water level by the structure of the flow path, rather than by opening and closing the flow path using an electric solenoid valve or the like, so the water level can be automatically adjusted in accordance with the flow of water into the water seal forming section 14, without the need for user operation, etc.

[0040] The water level rising portion 26 is formed on the top 14c, which is a water seal level determining portion that determines the water seal level W0 of the drain trap of the water seal forming portion 14. More specifically, the water level rising portion 26 is formed to protrude upward from the top 14c. As shown in FIG. 4, the water level rising portion 26 has a wall 30 that narrows the flow path within the water seal forming portion 14. The wall 30 forms a constriction that constricts the lower side of the flow path within the water seal forming portion 14. The wall 30 is formed to rise upward from the bottom surface of the top 14c of the flow path within the water seal forming portion 14. The rear surface 30b of the wall 30 extends downward. Therefore, the wall 30 is formed in a flat plate shape in cross section in the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow path (front-to-back direction). For example, the wall 30 may be formed to rise upward from the top 14c so that both side walls of the water seal forming portion 14 protrude inward.

[0041] The wall 30 extends in the left-right direction relative to the main flow direction of water reaching the water level rising section 26, and furthermore, the wall 30 is formed with a notch 30d extending downward from its upper end 30c. The left-right width A1 of this notch 30d is approximately constant in the up-down direction. The lower part of the notch 30d is formed by the apex 14c. In the front-to-rear direction, the notch 30d extends from the front to the rear. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the flow path within the water seal forming section 14 is formed in a T-shape in a cross section in the left-to-right direction.

[0042] In response to the amount of water discharged from the water discharge section 18, shower 34, or water supply device 22 (the amount of water flowing into the water seal forming section 14 per unit time), the water that cannot pass through the notch 30d raises the water level within the water seal forming section 14, and when the water level exceeds the upper end 30c, a flow that exceeds the upper end 30c across the entire width of the wall 30 portion is formed. The wall 30 forms a special weir that limits the amount of water discharged per unit time that passes through the notch 30d when the water level is at a height below the upper end 30c, and forms a flow that exceeds the upper end 30c when the water level exceeds the upper end 30c. The amount of water discharged per unit time (the amount of water discharged flow) that passes through the first region B1 of the notch 30d (the region cut out by the notch 30d) is determined by the width A1 of the notch 30d and the height h1 of the water level (the actual height of the water level from the top 14c). The amount of water discharged per unit time (water discharge flow rate) passing through the second region B2 is determined by the width A2 of the flow path of the water seal forming portion 14 and the height h2 of the water level above the upper end 30c (the actual height of the water level from the upper end 30c). The second region B2 is the region above the upper end 30c of the wall 30.

[0043] When the water level exceeds the upper end 30c, the water that cannot pass through the first region B1 of the notch 30d relative to the amount of water discharged from the water discharge section 6b (the inflow amount per unit time flowing into the water seal forming section 14) forms a flow that exceeds the upper end 30c of the wall 30 portion, thereby suppressing the rise in the water level. In this way, when the water level exceeds the upper end 30c, the water level rising section 26 discharges a second drainage amount that is the sum of the drainage amount per unit time passing through the first region B1 of the notch 30d and the drainage amount per unit time passing through the second region B2 relative to the inflow amount per unit time flowing into the water seal forming section 14.

[0044] Because the first region B1 of the notch 30d is relatively small, the water level easily rises to the top of the notch 30d, i.e., the second water level W2, which is the height of the upper end 30c. If the water level exceeds the second water level W2, the rise in the water level is suppressed by the discharge of the second drainage amount. Even if the water level exceeds the second water level W2, the water level rise is substantially stopped when the water level reaches the third water level W3 and the inflow amount per unit time into the water seal forming portion 14 becomes equal to the second drainage amount, which is the sum of the drainage amount per unit time passing through the first region B1 and the drainage amount per unit time passing through the second region B2. The ultrasonic cleaning water level is defined as a water level above the first water level, i.e., the second water level W2. The ultrasonic cleaning water level may also be the third water level W3.

[0045] The second water level W2 defined by the upper end 30c of the water level rising section 26 is located above the lower end of the mesh basket. The second water level W2 defined by the upper end 30c of the water level rising section 26 is located above the peripheral wall of the connection section 14a at the position of the seal water level W0. As a variant, the second water level W2 may be located below the lower end of the mesh basket.

[0046] Next, the water supply device 22 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figure 6, a water supply device 22 is provided inside the counter 16 (between the top plate 16a and the lower cover 16b), and this water supply device 22 has a nozzle portion 32 that protrudes downward from the lower cover 16b of the counter 16. As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle portion 32 is disposed below the counter 16 at a position spaced apart from the washing area floor 12, and furthermore, the nozzle portion 32 is provided near the center of the counter 16 in the horizontal direction, i.e., near the center of the washing area floor 12 in the horizontal direction.

[0047] 6, the water supply device 22 is provided with a first strainer 36, a first solenoid valve 38, a second solenoid valve 40, a pressure regulating valve 42, a vacuum breaker 44, a check valve 46, a sterilized water generator 48, and a second strainer 50. The first strainer 36 is connected to an external water supply pipe (such as a water supply passage 9) via a hot and cold water mixing valve 7, and downstream of the first strainer 36, the flow path for tap water branches into two.

[0048] One of the flow paths 51 downstream of the first strainer 36 is configured to supply tap water directly to the nozzle portion 32 via the first solenoid valve 38. The first strainer 36 is connected to the cold water supply path 9 and the hot water supply path 11 via the hot and cold water mixing valve 7. The first strainer 36 may be connected to a water supply or the like via another path. By opening the first solenoid valve 38, tap water is supplied to the nozzle portion 32. The first solenoid valve 38 and the nozzle portion 32 provided in this one of the flow paths 51 spray tap water onto the washing area floor 12, forming residual water on the washing area floor 12.

[0049] The other flow path 52 downstream of the first strainer 36 is connected to, in order from the upstream side, a second solenoid valve 40, a pressure regulating valve 42, a vacuum breaker 44, a check valve 46, a sterilized water generator 48, and a second strainer 50, so as to supply sterilized water to the nozzle section 32. The vacuum breaker 44 does not have to be provided.

[0050] The first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40 are configured to respectively open the above-mentioned flow paths 51, 52 for tap water and close the flow paths 51, 52 for tap water. Note that flow paths 51, 52 may be provided with flow rate sensors capable of detecting the flow rate of the water being discharged per unit time, and the discharge of water may be detected.

[0051] The pressure regulating valve 42 controls the pressure of the tap water being supplied. This makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of tap water supplied to the sterilized water producing section 48, which will be described in detail later, to a desired value. By adjusting the flow rate of tap water supplied to the sterilized water producing section 48, the flow rate of sterilized water supplied to the nozzle section 32 is adjusted. Note that instead of or in addition to the pressure regulating valve 42, the flow rate of tap water may be adjusted by a second solenoid valve 40.

[0052] The sterilized water generator 48 is an electrolysis chamber (electrolytic cell) having an anode and a cathode. The sterilized water generator 48 applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze tap water flowing between the electrodes, thereby generating sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid. Because tap water contains chloride ions, hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing the chloride ions.

[0053] The first solenoid valve 38, the second solenoid valve 40, the pressure regulating valve 42, and the sterilized water generating unit 48 are appropriately controlled by the control unit 29. This makes it possible to control the spraying of tap water from the nozzle unit 32 and the spraying of sterilized water from the nozzle unit 32 independently of each other.

[0054] Specifically, the first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40 open and close the tap water flow paths 51, 52 based on signals from the control unit 29. This controls the flow rate of tap water supplied downstream. The sterilized water generator 48 also switches the electrolysis chamber ON / OFF, etc., based on signals from the control unit 29. In this way, the control unit 29 can control the concentrations of various components in the sterilized water, the instantaneous flow rates (flow rate per unit time) of the tap water and sterilized water being discharged, and the total amount of sterilized water being discharged. The control unit 29 can also recognize the open states of the first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40, and therefore can recognize whether water is being discharged from the first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40.

[0055] The disinfecting water described above is functional water that has the function of reducing bacteria, mold, and yeast, and is, for example, water containing hypochlorous acid. Tap water contains chloride ions, and hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing these chloride ions. As a result, the electrolyzed water changes into a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This hypochlorous acid vaporizes and becomes dichlorine monoxide (ClO). This dichlorine monoxide is the disinfecting gas. The sterilized water may be metal ion water (e.g., water containing metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions) or water containing ozone. For example, when tap water is electrolyzed, an acid (H + ) is consumed, and the pH rises near the cathode. In other words, alkaline water is produced near the cathode. On the other hand, alkaline (OH) is produced near the anode. - ) is consumed, and the pH drops near the anode. That is, acidic water is produced near the anode. By changing the flow rate in the sterilized water generator 48, the concentrations of the components contained in the sterilized water can be controlled. In addition, the above-mentioned disinfected water generating unit 48 generates disinfected water by electrolysis, but this is not limited to this, and for example, disinfected water may be generated by dissolving a disinfectant in tap water. Sterilizing gas is a gas that has the function of reducing bacteria, mold, and yeast. Sterilizing gas may contain particulate sterilizing water. Here, "particulate" refers to a state of liquid particles large enough to float on an air current. Sterilizing gas containing such particulate sterilizing water is in the form of a mist. The function of the sterilizing gas to reduce bacteria, mold, and yeast may be achieved by the gas in the gas, by the liquid contained in the gas, or by both the gas and the liquid. The sterilizing gas is, for example, a gas containing dichlorine monoxide as an active ingredient. As described above, the gas containing dichlorine monoxide can be generated, for example, by vaporizing hypochlorous acid. The sterilizing gas may be generated, for example, by atomizing water containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The sterilizing gas may be, for example, a gas containing metal ion water (e.g., water containing metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions). In this case, the metal ion water is sterilized water in the form of fine particles. The sterilizing gas may also be a gas containing ozone (O3). As mentioned above, as a modified example, water supply device 22 may be configured to directly discharge sterilizing gas. When directly discharging sterilizing gas in this way, water supply device 22 may be configured, for example, to include a water-absorbing filter immersed in sterilized water stored in a tank, and to generate and discharge sterilizing gas by blowing air onto the filter. Furthermore, as another example, water supply device 22 may be configured to irradiate oxygen-containing air with ultraviolet rays and discharge the generated ozone (sterilizing gas) into the bathroom.

[0056] In this embodiment, "effective" in terms of the active ingredient of vaporized disinfectant water means, for example, that the sterilization rate of bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to an object is 10% or more. More specifically, the vaporized disinfectant water is defined as being effective when the ratio of the amount of bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to an object due to the vaporized disinfectant water to the amount of bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object is 90% or less relative to the amount of bacteria, mold, and yeast that were adhering to the object. The disinfectant water or disinfectant gas is, for example, a disinfectant water or disinfectant gas that has a sterilization rate of 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, of bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object.

[0057] In this embodiment, the nozzle unit 32 is rotated by an electric motor 53, which will be described in detail later. The electric motor 53 is, for example, a stepping motor. The electric motor 53 is controlled by the control unit 29. As a result, the rotation angle and rotation speed of the nozzle unit 32 are changed by controlling the electric motor 53 based on signals from the control unit 29. In addition, the control unit 29 is connected to an operation panel 28 equipped with a switch for starting the sterilization operation, allowing the bathroom user to perform appropriate operations other than the sterilization operation.

[0058] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the nozzle section 32 has a stagnant water flow section 54, a second water flow section (sterilizing water flow section) 56, a stagnant water nozzle opening 58 formed in the stagnant water flow section 54, and a sterilizing water nozzle opening 60 formed in the sterilizing water flow section 56.

[0059] The tap water that has passed through the first solenoid valve 38 is supplied into the stagnant water flow section 54 and is discharged from the stagnant water nozzle opening 58, which is the first nozzle opening. The sterilizing water generated by the sterilizing water generation section 48 is supplied into the sterilizing water flow section 56 and is discharged from the sterilizing water nozzle opening 60, which is the second nozzle opening. The tap water is discharged from the stagnant water nozzle opening 58 so as to spread in the vertical direction, and the sterilizing water is discharged from the sterilizing water nozzle opening 60 so as to spread in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the nozzle section 32 is rotated about its axis by the electric motor 53, so that the tap water and sterilizing water can be discharged over a wide horizontal range. As described above, the water supply device 22 also functions as a water supply device that supplies water to the water seal formation section 14. In addition to the water supply device 22, the drainage system may be provided with a separate water supply device that supplies water to the water seal formation section 14. For example, a water supply device may be provided that forms a water supply path that supplies water directly into the water seal forming section 14 without passing through the washing area floor 12.

[0060] Next, bathroom drying device 27 installed on ceiling 24 of bathroom 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows the state in which bathroom 1 is being ventilated by bathroom drying device 27, and Figure 10 shows the state when heating is performed before bathing, heating is performed during bathing, and "discharge of sterilizing water" is performed by drainage system 20 according to this embodiment. The arrows in the figures indicate the air flow.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, bathroom drying device 27 has housing 70, the bottom of which is connected to the interior of bathroom 1 via opening 72. A fan 74 is provided within housing 70 and rotated by an electric motor, and the rotation of fan 74 draws air into bathroom 1. Furthermore, an exhaust damper 76 and a heater 78 are provided downstream of fan 74 within housing 70. Furthermore, an exhaust port 80 is provided downstream of exhaust damper 76.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, when ventilating the bathroom 1 using the bathroom drying device 27, the exhaust damper 76 is opened and the air inside the bathroom 1 sucked in by the fan 74 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 80.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 10, when bathroom 1 needs to be heated before and during bathing, exhaust damper 76 is closed, and the air drawn into bathroom 1 by fan 74 is heated by heater 78, and this heated air returns to bathroom 1 through opening 72. In this way, the air in bathroom 1 is circulated between bathroom dryer 27 and bathroom 1, maintaining the air at a desired temperature (e.g., 20°C).

[0064] When disinfecting water is discharged using drainage system 20 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, exhaust damper 76 is closed, the air in bathroom 1 sucked in by fan 74 is heated by heater 78, and this heated air returns to bathroom 1 through opening 72, circulating the air in bathroom 1 between bathroom drying device 27. At this time, bathroom 1 is not ventilated, so the air in bathroom 1 is trapped within it.

[0065] Next, the operation of the drainage system 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a time chart showing the operation of the drainage system according to this embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the drainage system according to this embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] First, as shown in FIG. 11, control unit 29 receives input from operation panel 28 and drives bathroom drying device 27 and water supply device 22. Bathroom drying device 27 ventilates the air in bathroom 1 for 12 minutes after operation starts (see FIG. 9). During this state, water supply device 22 performs a "pre-wash" by spraying water onto washing area floor 12 of bathroom 1. Control unit 29 then executes water seal replacement mode 82, causing water supply device 22 to supply water to water seal formation unit 14. In this embodiment, the water supply in seal replacement mode 82 also functions as a "pre-wash" as described above. The water supply in seal replacement mode 82 is not limited to performing a "pre-wash" function. Because water supply device 22 discharges water toward washing area floor 12, the water discharge flow rate [L / min] from water supply device 22 increases to 3 [L / min] as shown in FIG. 11 and is then maintained constant.

[0067] When the water discharged onto the washing area floor 12 flows into the water seal forming section 14, the water level raising section 26 raises the water level in the water seal forming section 14 from the water seal level W0 to the third water level W3, passing the second water level W2. In this manner, when the water level in the water seal forming section 14 is higher than the first water level, the control section 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64, as will be described later.

[0068] The water supply device 22 continues to discharge water from the start of discharge, supplying a total amount of water equal to or greater than the seal water amount Q of the water seal forming unit 14 to the water seal forming unit 14. For example, when the seal water amount Q stored as seal water in the standby state of the water seal forming unit 14 is about 1 L, the water supply device 22 discharges water at a discharge flow rate of 3 L / min for 12 minutes. In other words, the water supply amount of the water supply device 22 is 36 L, which is greater than the seal water amount Q of about 1 L.

[0069] The control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 in the seal water replacement linked mode after a predetermined time has elapsed since the water supply device 22 started to discharge water, and the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven for 13 minutes to emit ultrasonic waves and perform ultrasonic cleaning of the inner walls, etc. that are in contact with water in the water seal forming unit 14. The control unit 29 operates the ultrasonic oscillator 64 in the seal water replacement linked mode in conjunction with the seal water replacement operation in the seal water replacement mode. This makes it possible to more effectively discharge foam dirt floating in the water seal forming unit from the water seal forming unit 14.

[0070] The control unit 29 operates the ultrasonic oscillator 64 in the seal water replacement linked mode 84 for at least a part of the period during which water is supplied in the seal water replacement mode 82. This not only makes it easier to discharge foam dirt floating in the seal water forming unit 14 from the seal water forming unit 14, but also makes it easier to discharge dirt that has been released into the water by the ultrasonic cleaning of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 together with the replacement of the seal water. As a variant, the control unit 29 may operate the ultrasonic oscillator 64 in the seal water replacement linked mode 84 after terminating the supply of water to the water seal forming unit 14 in the seal water replacement mode 82. In this way, by prioritizing the execution of the seal water replacement mode 82, bubbles and foam-like dirt that obstruct the transmission of ultrasonic waves can be expelled from the water seal forming unit 14 first, thereby further improving the cleaning efficiency of ultrasonic cleaning. In another modified example, the control unit 29 may operate the ultrasonic oscillator 64 in the seal water replacement linked mode 84 and then terminate the operation before supplying water to the seal water forming unit 14 in the seal water replacement mode 82. By operating the ultrasonic oscillator 64 first in this way, it is possible to efficiently discharge dirt that has been removed by ultrasonic cleaning, and since the dirt in the water is discharged together with the seal water, it is possible to prevent dirt from remaining in the seal water and re-adhering to the inner wall, etc.

[0071] Again, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven intermittently. For example, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is turned on at time t1, then turned off at time t2, then turned on at time t3, and then turned off at time t4. Similarly, from time t5 to time t8, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is controlled to alternate between the on and off states. The control unit 29 starts driving the ultrasonic oscillator 64 before the water level in the water seal forming unit 14 rises, but it may also start driving it after the water level begins to rise. Because the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven when the water level is higher than the water seal level W0, the inner wall of the water seal forming unit 14 at the height of the water seal level W0, which is easily soiled and difficult to clean when the water seal level W0 is maintained, can be effectively cleaned with ultrasonic waves.

[0072] Next, 12 minutes after the start, bathroom drying device 27 closes exhaust damper 76 to stop ventilation for 34 minutes (see Figure 10), and in this state turns heater 78 ON to heat the air in bathroom 1 and circulate the heated air. When 12 minutes have passed since the start, the water supply device 22 stops discharging water and waits for 4 minutes. After that, the water supply device 22 intermittently performs "discharge of sterilized water" for 30 minutes, and then stops "discharge of sterilized water."

[0073] The discharge flow rate [L / min] is increased to 0.5 [L / min] and then kept constant due to the discharge of "sterilizing water" from the water supply device 22. The discharge of "sterilizing water" from the water supply device 22 slightly raises the water level in the water seal forming part 14 from the water seal level W0 toward the second water level W2.

[0074] The control unit 29 keeps the ultrasonic oscillator 64 in a standby state without driving it for a predetermined period of time after the water supply device 22 starts to discharge the "sterilized water".

[0075] The control unit 29 causes the ultrasonic oscillator 64 to irradiate ultrasonic waves during a predetermined period after the sterilization device starts discharging sterilized water or sterilization gas. For example, the control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 at time t10 while the water supply device 22 is discharging "sterilized water discharging." The driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 continues beyond the end of the discharging of "sterilized water discharging" from the water supply device 22 (time t11). The driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 ends at time t12. By driving the ultrasonic oscillator 64 from time t11 to time t12, the water surface ripples, which tends to promote the flow of air within the water seal formation unit 14 and makes it easier to supply the sterilization gas to the water surface within the water seal formation unit. Furthermore, by applying ultrasonic waves to the water surface within the water seal forming unit 14, the water temperature within the water seal forming unit 14 is raised, facilitating the generation of an updraft due to the water, which in turn promotes airflow within the water seal forming unit 14 and facilitates the supply of sterilizing gas up to the inner wall 14e at the water level within the water seal forming unit 14. Furthermore, by rippling the water surface within the water seal forming unit 14, the sterilizing gas can also act on the peripheral wall below the water seal level exposed by the rippling, further expanding the area in which the growth of bacteria and mold can be suppressed. The predetermined period is, for example, the period from time t9 when the sterilizing water starts to be discharged to time t13, which is sufficient for the sterilizing gas to act within the bathroom, and is preferably approximately one hour (56 minutes) from the start of discharge of the sterilizing water, etc. The predetermined period may be approximately one hour to two hours, or may be set to the time until the bathroom drying device 27 starts ventilation operation.

[0076] While water supply device 22 is "discharging disinfecting water," bathroom drying device 27 closes exhaust damper 76 to stop ventilation, heats the air in bathroom 1 with heater 78, and circulates the warmed air. This circulating air volatilizes the discharged disinfecting water. While circulating warm air is effective in evaporating disinfecting water, turning heater 78 off and simply blowing air can also evaporate disinfecting water. For the next 26 minutes, bathroom drying device 27 continues to close exhaust damper 76 to stop ventilation, turns heater 78 off, and circulates air in bathroom 1. Therefore, from the time water supply device 22 starts discharging disinfecting water at time t9 until the end of air circulation with bathroom drying device 27's heater 78 turned off (until time t13), disinfecting gas is supplied to areas of the bathroom that are difficult to clean with hands, etc., and is supplied to inner wall 14e at the water level within water seal forming section 14. The sterilization gas dissolves in the water adhering to the object (for example, the inner wall near the water seal level), thereby effectively sterilizing the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object.

[0077] After ending the air circulation with heater 78 of bathroom drying device 27 turned off, control unit 29 causes water supply device 22 to spray water for a "post-wash" again toward washing area floor 12 from time t13. Control unit 29 causes water supply device 22 to discharge water at a discharge flow rate of 3 [L / min], which is the same as that for a "pre-wash." The discharge flow rate of water supplied by water supply device 22 may be changed. After causing water supply device 22 to discharge water for five minutes, control unit 29 stops the discharge of water at time t14 and puts it into standby mode.

[0078] For 26 minutes after t11, bathroom drying device 27 keeps exhaust damper 76 closed to stop ventilation, and turns heater 78 off to circulate air in bathroom 1. After that, for 24 hours, bathroom drying device 27 opens exhaust damper 76 to ventilate the air in bathroom 1 (see Figure 9), after which ventilation ends.

[0079] Next, a control flow executed by the drainage system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The control flow shown in Fig. 12 and the above description of Fig. 11 have the same basic operation. In Fig. 12, "S" indicates each step.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 12, in S1, a switch for starting operation of the drainage system provided on operation panel 28 is turned ON. Proceeding to S2, control unit 29 starts ventilation operation by bathtub drying device (drying device) 26, and at the same time, starts "pre-wash" operation by water supply device 22. That is, control unit 29 executes seal water replacement mode 82, causing water supply device 22 to supply water to seal water formation unit 14. Such water supply functions as the "pre-wash" described above.

[0081] After executing S2, the control unit 29 executes S3 and also executes S4 independently and in parallel. First, in S3, the control unit 29 determines whether one minute has passed since the start of execution of S2. The control unit 29 operates the ultrasonic oscillator 64 in the seal water replacement linked mode 84 in conjunction with the seal water replacement operation in the seal water replacement mode 82. Until one minute has passed, the water level in the water seal forming unit 14 has not started to rise, and it is determined that it is difficult to clean positions higher than the seal water level W0 using the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic oscillator 64. Therefore, the control unit 29 continues the determination in S3 to wait until the water level starts to rise. If the control unit 29 determines in S3 that one minute has passed, it can determine that the water level in the water seal forming unit 14 has started to rise and that it is now easy to clean positions higher than the seal water level W0 using the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic oscillator 64, so it proceeds to S5, activates the ultrasonic oscillator 64, and performs ultrasonic cleaning.

[0082] In S5, the control unit 29 intermittently drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64. Specifically, the control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 for a predetermined time (for example, from t1 to t2), stops it for a predetermined time (for example, from t2 to t3), and then drives it again for a predetermined time (for example, from t3 to t4). Next, the control unit 29 proceeds to S6 and determines whether 13 minutes have elapsed. The operation of S6 continues until 13 minutes have elapsed. If the control unit 29 determines in S6 that 13 minutes have elapsed, it can determine that sufficient time has elapsed to effectively perform ultrasonic cleaning of the walls, etc. that are in contact with water within the water seal forming unit 14, so the control unit 29 proceeds to S7 and stops driving the ultrasonic oscillator 64.

[0083] After executing S2, the control unit 29 also executes S4 independently of S3, and in S4 determines whether 12 minutes have elapsed since the start of execution of S2. Until 12 minutes have elapsed, the control unit 29 continues to execute S2 and continues to make the determination in S4.

[0084] The "pre-wash" operation by the water supply device 22 allows the necessary amount of residual water to be formed on the washing area floor 12, and the sterilization gas described below dissolves in this residual water, thereby achieving an even greater sterilization effect. Furthermore, the "pre-wash" operation raises the water level in the water seal forming section 14, allowing water to adhere to the inner wall of the water seal forming section 14 at a height from the water seal water level W0 to the third water level W3 (a wet state). Therefore, the active ingredient of the vaporized sterilization water dissolves in this water, resulting in an even greater sterilization effect.

[0085] If it is determined in S4 that 12 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to S8, in which the ventilation operation by bathroom drying device 27 is stopped (the exhaust damper is closed), and the "pre-wash" operation by water supply device 22 is also stopped.

[0086] Next, the process proceeds to S9, where it determines whether water supply device 22 has stopped "pre-wash" operation and waited four minutes. Until the four-minute wait has occurred, the process proceeds to S10, where it determines whether the temperature in the bathroom is above 20°C. If it is not above 20°C, the process proceeds to S11, where heater 78 of bathroom drying device 27 is turned on to perform circulation operation, which warms and circulates the air in the bathroom. This operation in S11 is performed immediately after the drying device's exhaust is stopped in S8 if the bathroom temperature is not above 20°C. Furthermore, if it is determined in S10 that the bathroom temperature is above 20°C, the process proceeds to S12, where the drying device performs circulation operation, circulating the air with the exhaust damper closed.

[0087] If it is determined in S9 that the water supply device 22 has waited for four minutes, the process proceeds to S13, where the water supply device 22 starts "discharging sterilized water." The sterilized water "discharged" from the water supply device 22 is acted upon by circulating air warmed by the bathroom drying device 27, causing the sterilized water to vaporize. The sterilizing gas generated by the vaporization of the sterilized water dissolves in the residual water remaining on the washing area floor 12 and in the water adhering to the inner wall of the water seal forming section 14, improving the sterilization effect. Note that if the temperature in the bathroom is 20°C or higher, the sterilized water can be easily vaporized even if the heater 78 is turned off.

[0088] After executing S13, the control unit 29 executes S14 and also executes S15 independently and in parallel. First, in S14, the control unit 29 determines whether 25 minutes have elapsed since the start of execution of S13. The control unit 29 determines that it is necessary to wait until 25 minutes have elapsed in order to more effectively sterilize the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object by dissolving the sterilizing gas in the water adhering to the object, and therefore continues the determination in S14. Although a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained before 25 minutes have elapsed, the control unit 29 determines in S14 whether 25 minutes have elapsed in order to achieve a more effective sterilization effect. If the control unit 29 determines in S14 that 25 minutes have elapsed, it can determine that the sterilizing gas has more effectively sterilized the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object by dissolving the sterilizing gas in the water adhering to the object, and therefore proceeds to S16, where it drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 and performs ultrasonic cleaning. In S16, the control unit 29 continuously drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 from time t10 to time t12.

[0089] Next, the control unit 29 proceeds to S17, where it determines whether 10 minutes (from time t10 to time t12) have elapsed. The operation of S17 continues until 10 minutes have elapsed. If the control unit 29 determines in S17 that 10 minutes have elapsed, it can determine that a sufficient amount of time has elapsed to cause the air in the water seal forming unit to circulate, and therefore proceeds to S18, where it stops driving the ultrasonic oscillator 64.

[0090] After executing S13, control unit 29 also executes S15 independently of S14. In S15, it determines whether 30 minutes have passed since execution of S13 began. If 30 minutes have passed, it proceeds to S19, where it determines whether the bathroom temperature is above 20°C. If it is not above 20°C, it proceeds to S20, where it turns on heater 78 of bathroom drying device 27 and performs circulation operation to warm and circulate the air in the bathroom. Furthermore, if it is determined in S19 that the bathroom temperature is above 20°C, it proceeds to S21, where the drying device performs circulation operation to circulate the air with the exhaust damper closed.

[0091] If it is determined in S15 that the discharge of sterilized water from water supply device 22 has continued for 30 minutes, the process proceeds to S22, where control unit 29 turns off heater 78 of bathroom drying device 27 to stop circulation operation. Control unit 29 also stops the discharge of sterilized water from water supply device 22.

[0092] Next, in S23, the control unit 29 determines whether 26 minutes have elapsed since the execution of S22. The control unit 29 determines to wait until another 26 minutes have elapsed in order to more effectively sterilize the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object by dissolving the sterilization gas in the water adhering to the object, and therefore continues the determination of S23. Note that although a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained even before 26 minutes have elapsed, the control unit 29 determines in S23 whether 26 minutes have elapsed in order to further achieve a sterilization effect. If the control unit 29 determines in S23 that 26 minutes have elapsed, it executes S24 and independently executes S25 in parallel. In S24, the water supply device 22 starts the "post-wash" operation. This "post-wash" operation by the water supply device 22 washes away the bacteria and the like that have been sterilized in the washing area floor 12 and the water seal forming portion 14, thereby further enhancing the sterilization effect.

[0093] After starting execution of S24, it is determined in S26 whether five minutes have passed. Until five minutes have passed, execution of S24 continues while the determination of S26 continues. If it is determined in S26 that five minutes have passed, the process proceeds to S27, and the control unit 29 stops the "post-wash" operation by the water supply device 22.

[0094] In S25, circulation operation by bathroom drying device 27 with exhaust damper 76 closed is stopped, and the process proceeds to S28. In S28, control unit 29 starts 24-hour ventilation operation of bathroom drying device 27. Control unit 29 continues ventilation operation for 24 hours in bathroom drying device 27 with exhaust damper 76 open. This completes the bathroom sterilization operation by the drainage system according to this embodiment.

[0095] The operation of the drainage system 20 according to this embodiment as shown in FIG. 11 and a modified example of the operation of the control flow executed by the drainage system according to this embodiment as shown in FIG. 12 will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is started to be driven at a time (time t1) slightly later than the timing (time t0) when the water supply device 22 starts to discharge water toward the washing area floor 12. In contrast to this, as a modified example, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 may be started to be driven at a time before the water supply device 22 starts to discharge water, or may be started to be driven at the same time as the water supply device 22 starts to discharge water. In other words, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 may be started to be driven at a time before the start of execution of the water seal replacement mode 82, or may be started to be driven at the same time as the start of execution of the water seal replacement mode 82. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing (time t8) at which the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is terminated is later than the end of the pre-washing water discharge from the water supply device 22. In contrast to this, as a modified example, the timing at which the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is terminated may be earlier than the end of the pre-washing water discharge from the water supply device 22, or may be simultaneous with the end of the pre-washing water discharge from the water supply device 22. In other words, the timing at which the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is terminated may be earlier than the end of the execution of the sealing water replacement mode 82, or may be simultaneous with the end of the execution of the sealing water replacement mode 82. Furthermore, the timing at which the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is terminated may be a time after the start of the "discharge of disinfecting water" from the water supply device 22. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven intermittently from the start of driving to the end of driving. In contrast, in a modified example, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 may be driven continuously from the start of driving (time t1) to the end of driving (time t8).

[0096] Next, the basic principle of sterilization in the drainage system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining part of the principle of sterilization in the drainage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 13, conventionally, disinfecting water with a chlorine concentration of A was sprayed from a nozzle, and when the disinfecting water reached the target point for disinfection, it was necessary for the water to be at an "effective concentration of B." Furthermore, the "amount of disinfecting water that hits the target point" and the "duration of action" were also important.

[0097] This conventional technology had the problem that the disinfectant water sprayed from the nozzle volatilized (evaporated) before reaching the destination, which reduced the concentration of the disinfectant water. Therefore, it was necessary to spray the disinfectant water taking into consideration the "concentration x amount of water applied x duration of action" at the destination, making it difficult to disinfect a wide area of ​​the bathroom.

[0098] Here, the sterilizing gas generated by volatilizing (vaporizing) the sterilizing water while it is flowing from the nozzle to the destination is not utilized in the sterilization work, so the inventors discovered that this sterilizing gas can be utilized in the sterilization work. That is, the sterilizing gas is dissolved in the residual water remaining on the washing area floor, bathtub apron, behind the counter, walls, etc. by the above-mentioned "pre-wash" operation, and the sterilizing gas is utilized to sterilize a wide area.

[0099] The effects of the drainage system according to this embodiment will be described below. Generally, stagnant water (residual water) in bathroom 1 is undesirable because it can cause bacterial and mold stains. However, in this embodiment, residual water is intentionally left in bathroom 1, and in this state, sterilizing water is discharged into bathroom 1, and this discharged sterilizing water is vaporized by bathroom dryer 27. In this way, the sterilizing gas generated by vaporizing the sterilizing water is dissolved in the residual water, so the sterilizing effect can be achieved even in areas where sterilizing water cannot be directly applied (corners, seams, the back of the counter, the ceiling, the top of the wall, storage shelves, etc.). As a result, this embodiment can sterilize a wide area within the bathroom.

[0100] The drainage system 20 according to this embodiment further includes a washing area floor 12 having a drainage slope that slopes downward toward the water seal forming section 14. This makes it easier for the water in the washing area floor 12 to be discharged to the water seal forming section 14 due to the drainage slope, and prevents the sterilizing gas from being dissolved in the water in the washing area floor, which reduces the efficiency with which the sterilizing gas acts on the peripheral wall near the water seal level.

[0101] In the present embodiment described above, the sterilized water discharged into bathroom 1 is vaporized by the air flow or heated air flow of bathroom drying device 27, and this vaporized sterilizing gas is dissolved in the residual water remaining in bathroom 1. However, in this embodiment, it is not necessary for all of the sterilized water to be vaporized; a mixture of atomized sterilized water (sterilizing gas) and gaseous sterilizing gas may be used. In another variation, water supply device 22 may discharge a mist of sterilizing gas containing finely divided sterilized water.

[0102] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a drainage system for draining water includes a bathtub and a washing area floor in a bathroom, a bathtub drain in the bathtub, a washing area floor drain in the washing area floor, a drainage section connected to the bathtub drain and the washing area floor drain and forming a water seal in the internal flow path, a bathtub drainage detection section that detects the water discharged from the bathtub to the drainage section, an ultrasonic oscillator that irradiates ultrasonic waves into the water in the drainage section to remove dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drainage section, and a control section that controls the bathtub drainage detection section and the ultrasonic oscillator, and the control section can execute control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator based on information detected by the bathtub drainage detection section. Therefore, by driving ultrasonic cleaning when dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drainage section is easily physically peeled off by the force of the water flow from the bathtub drain, dirt can be easily removed.

[0103] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit can execute control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator when the bathtub drain detector detects drainage. Therefore, by driving the ultrasonic cleaning when the force of the bathtub drain water flow makes it easy to physically peel off dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drain unit, dirt can be easily removed.

[0104] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit can execute control to activate the ultrasonic oscillator a predetermined time after the bathtub drain detection unit detects drainage. Therefore, by activating ultrasonic cleaning when the force of the bathtub drain water flow makes it easy for dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drain unit to physically peel off and when the water seal surface of the washing area floor drain unit is moving up and down due to the bathtub drain water flow, it is possible to easily remove dirt from the washing area floor drain unit while also being effective against dirt adhering to the water surface.

[0105] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, a water level detector capable of detecting the water level of the bathtub is further provided, and the control unit can execute control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator based on information that the bathtub drain detector detects drainage and information that the water level detector detects that the water level of the bathtub has fallen below a predetermined value. Therefore, by driving ultrasonic cleaning when the force of the bathtub drain water flow makes it easy to physically peel off dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drain unit and when the water seal surface of the washing area floor drain unit is moving up and down due to the bathtub drain water flow, it is possible to easily remove dirt from the washing area floor drain unit while also being effective against dirt adhering to the water surface.

[0106] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the ultrasonic oscillator is installed in the washing area floor drain section below the washing area floor drain outlet. Therefore, by driving ultrasonic cleaning in a state where dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drain section is easily physically peeled off by the force of the bathtub drain water flow, dirt in the washing area floor drain section can be easily removed.

[0107] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, at least a portion of the drainage water from the bathtub flows into the washing area floor drain. Therefore, by driving ultrasonic cleaning in a state where dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drainage section is easily physically peeled off by the force of the bathtub drainage water flow and the water sealing surface of the washing area floor drainage section is moving up and down due to the bathtub drainage water flow, it is possible to easily remove dirt from the washing area floor drainage section and also to effectively remove dirt adhering to the water surface.

[0108] In the first embodiment of the present invention, control unit 29 controls ultrasonic transmitter 64 to operate based solely on information detected by bathtub drain detection unit 86, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, control unit 29 may control ultrasonic transmitter 64 to operate based on information that bathtub drain detection unit 86 detects drainage and information that water level detection unit 88 indicates that the level of bathwater in bathtub 10 has fallen below a predetermined value. Specifically, control unit 29 may control ultrasonic transmitter 64 to operate when it receives both information that bathtub drain detection unit 86 detects drainage and information that water level detection unit 88 indicates that the level of bathwater in bathtub 10 has fallen below a predetermined value. Furthermore, control unit 29 may control ultrasonic transmitter 64 to terminate operation when it receives information that bathtub drain detection unit 86 detects the completion of drainage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1:Bathroom 2, 102: 1st wall 4, 104: 2nd wall 6, 106: Third wall 6b: Water outlet 7: Hot water mixing faucet 8, 108: 4th wall 9: Water supply channel 10: Bathtub 11:Hot water supply channel 12, 112: Washing area floor 14, 114: Water seal formation part (drainage part) 14a: Connection part 14b: Ascending section 14c:Top 14d: Descending part 14e :Inner wall 15: Drainage cover 16, 116: Counter 16a: Top plate 16b: Lower cover 17: Drainage route 18: Water outlet 19: Mesh basket 20, 120: Drainage system 22: Water supply device 24: Ceiling 26: Water level rise section 27:Bathroom drying device 28: Operation panel 29: Control unit 30: Wall 30b: Rear side 30c: Upper end 30d: Notch 32: Nozzle part 34: Shower 36: First strainer 38: First solenoid valve 40: Second solenoid valve 42: Pressure regulating valve 44: Vacuum breaker 46: Check valve 48: Sterilization water generation section 50: Second strainer 51, 52: flow path 53: Electric motor 54: Retained water flow section 56:Second water flow section 58: Nozzle opening for stagnant water (first nozzle opening) 60: Nozzle opening for disinfecting water (second nozzle opening) 64: Ultrasonic oscillator 66: Air blower 70: Housing 72 :Aperture 74: Fan 76: Exhaust damper 78: Heater 80: Outlet 82: Sealing water replacement mode 84: Seal water replacement interlocking mode 86: Bathtub drain detector 88: Water level detection unit 90: Bathtub drain 92: Washing area floor drain 94: Bathtub drain 96: Washing area floor drain 101: Shower room 114: Water seal formation part 120: Drainage system A1, A2: Width B1: 1st area B2 :Second area D1, D2: Flow h1, h2: Water level Q: Water sealing amount W0: Seal water level (1st water level) W2: 2nd water level W3: 3rd water level

Claims

1. A bathtub and a washing area floor provided in the bathroom; A bathtub drain provided in the bathtub; A washing area floor drain provided on the washing area floor; A drainage section connected to the bathtub drain outlet and the washing area floor drain outlet and forming a water seal in the internal flow path; a bathtub drain detection unit that detects drainage from the bathtub to the drain unit; an ultrasonic oscillator that irradiates ultrasonic waves into the water in the drainage section to remove dirt adhering to the inner wall of the drainage section; a control unit that controls the bathtub drain detection unit and the ultrasonic oscillator; Equipped with The drainage system is characterized in that the control unit is capable of executing control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator based on information detected by the bathtub drainage detection unit.

2. The drainage system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of executing control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator when the bathtub drainage detection unit detects drainage.

3. The drainage system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of executing control to drive the ultrasonic oscillator after a predetermined time has elapsed since the bathtub drainage detection unit detected drainage.

4. Further provided is a water level detection unit capable of detecting the water level of the water accumulated in the bathtub, The drainage system described in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is capable of controlling the activation of the ultrasonic oscillator based on information that the bathtub drainage detection unit has detected drainage and information that the water level detection unit has detected that the water level of the water accumulated in the bathtub has fallen below a predetermined value.

5. The drainage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ultrasonic oscillator is installed in a washing area floor drain section below the washing area floor drain outlet.

6. The drainage system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least a portion of the drainage water from the bathtub flows into the washing area floor drain section.

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