Washbasin unit

Abstract

This invention provides technology to improve user convenience in a washbasin unit that includes a washbasin and a counter. [Solution] The washbasin unit may include a washbasin bowl, a washbasin counter supporting the washbasin bowl, and a shelf positioned below the washbasin counter with a gap between them. The space between the washbasin counter and the shelf, and the space between the shelf and the floor may be open at the front end. The front end of the shelf may be located further back than the front end of the washbasin counter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a washing unit.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hand-washing device including a bowl and a counter. The counter is a plate-shaped member extending in the horizontal direction. The counter supports the bowl.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a washing unit composed of a washbowl and a wash counter, there is little storage space for the items used by the user in the washing unit. A configuration in which the storage space is arranged outside the washing unit is inconvenient for the user.

[0005] This specification discloses a technology for improving the convenience of the user in a washing unit including a washbowl and a counter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a washing unit. The washing unit may include a washbowl, a wash counter that supports the washbowl, and a shelf board disposed with a gap below the wash counter. The space between the wash counter and the shelf board and the space between the shelf board and the floor may be open at the front end. The front end of the shelf board may be located deeper than the front end of the wash counter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] A front view of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of section III-III. [Figure 4] A top view of the shelf board of the embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] Figures 1 and 2 show cross-sectional views of the VV section. [Figure 6] A perspective view of a modified washbasin unit is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, the washbasin unit 10 comprises a washbasin bowl 12, a washbasin counter 20, a shelf 30, a faucet 50, and a plurality of brackets 60 (see Figure 2). The washbasin unit 10 is fixedly installed to the wall located at the back. In this specification, when using the washbasin unit 10, the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions are defined as shown in Figure 1, from the perspective of a user standing in front of the washbasin unit 10.

[0009] The washbasin 12 is supported by the washbasin counter 20. The washbasin 12 has a shape that is recessed downwards. As shown in Figure 3, the washbasin 12 comprises a bottom surface 14 located at the lower end of the washbasin 12 and side surfaces 16 surrounding the bottom surface 14. Hereinafter, the outer surface of the bottom surface 14 (i.e., the lower end surface) may be referred to as the bottom surface 14a. The outer surface of the side surface 16 on the side in front of the bottom surface 14 (i.e., the front surface) may be referred to as the front surface 16a. A faucet 50 is attached to the washbasin 12. The faucet 50 is installed above the recess of the washbasin 12. The faucet 50 is connected to a water supply pipe 54. A drain pipe 56 communicates with a drain (not shown) located on the bottom surface 14 of the washbasin 12. The water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 extend downwards from the washbasin 12.

[0010] The washbasin counter 20 is fixed to the wall surface by a plurality of brackets 60. In this embodiment, the washbasin counter 20 is spaced apart from the right wall surface. The right side of the washbasin counter 20 is visible to the user. The washbasin counter 20 is in contact with the left wall surface. The left side of the washbasin counter 20 is obscured by the wall surface. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the washbasin counter 20 comprises a counter section 22, a front section 24, and a side section 26.

[0011] The counter section 22 has a rectangular, flat shape. The top surface of the counter section 22 has a planar shape. The counter section 22 is usually positioned so that its top surface is horizontal. The front-to-back dimension of the counter section 22 is slightly larger than the front-to-back dimension of the washbasin 12. The left-to-right dimension of the counter section 22 is larger than the left-to-right dimension of the washbasin 12. The space to the left of the washbasin 12 on the counter section 22 is wider than the space to the right of the washbasin 12 on the counter section 22. Items can be placed in the spaces provided on the left and right of the washbasin 12 on the counter section 22. A through hole 28 is formed in the counter section 22. The washbasin 12 is positioned inside the through hole 28. The lower part of the washbasin 12 protrudes downward from the through hole 28 on the counter section 22.

[0012] The front section 24 has a rectangular, flat shape. The front section 24 is positioned perpendicular to the counter section 22. The front section 24 extends downward from the front end of the counter section 22. The front section 24 is positioned in front of the washbasin 12. The front section 24 extends below the front end 14b of the lower end surface 14a of the washbasin 12 (i.e., the connection point between the lower end surface 14a and the front end surface 16a). The lower end of the front section 24 is located above the connection point 14c of the washbasin 12 to the drain pipe 56 (specifically, the lowest part of the lower end surface 14a). For example, the vertical dimension of the front section 24 is approximately 150 mm. The horizontal dimension of the front section 24 is the same as the horizontal dimension of the counter section 22.

[0013] The side portion 26 has a rectangular, flat shape. The side portion 26 is positioned perpendicular to the counter portion 22 and perpendicular to the front portion 24. The side portion 26 extends downward from the right end of the counter portion 22. The side portion 26 is positioned to the right of the washbasin 12. The front end of the side portion 26 is connected to the right end of the front portion 24. The vertical dimension of the side portion 26 is the same as the vertical dimension of the front portion 24. The front-to-back dimension of the side portion 26 is the same as the front-to-back dimension of the counter portion 22. As described above, in this embodiment, the washbasin counter 20 is spaced apart from the right wall, but not from the left wall. The side portion 26 is positioned only on the right side of the counter portion 22 and not on the left side. In a modified example, if the left end of the counter portion 22 is exposed, the side portion 26 may extend downward from the left end of the counter portion 22.

[0014] The shelf board 30 is fixed to the back wall surface by multiple brackets 60. The shelf board 30 is installed below the washbasin counter 20 with a gap. The shelf board 30 has a rectangular flat shape. The top surface of the shelf board 30 has a planar shape. The top surface of the shelf board 30 is installed parallel to the top surface of the counter section 22, i.e., horizontally. The space between the shelf board 30 and the counter section 22 is open at the front end of the shelf board 30. Also, the space between the shelf board 30 and the floor is open at the front end of the shelf board 30. Items can be placed on the top surface of the shelf board 30. The shelf board 30 only needs to be configured so that objects can be placed on its top surface. For example, the shelf board 30 may have one or more holes, or it may be a mesh with multiple holes arranged in a grid pattern. The top surface of the shelf board 30 may have irregularities. The front end 30a of the shelf board 30 is located further back than the front end 24a of the washbasin counter 20 (specifically, the front part 24). The front end 30a of the shelf board 30 is located between the front end 24a of the washbasin counter 20 (specifically, the front part 24) and the front end 12a of the washbasin bowl 12. For example, in this embodiment, the front-to-back dimension of the washbasin counter 20 is approximately 600 mm, and the front-to-back dimension of the shelf board 30 is approximately 580 mm. That is, the front end 30a of the shelf board 30 is located approximately 20 mm further back than the front end 24a of the washbasin counter 20.

[0015] The shelf board 30 is positioned at least below the washbasin 12. The right end of the shelf board 30 is located directly below the right end of the washbasin counter 20. The left end of the shelf board 30 is located to the right of the left end of the washbasin counter 20 and to the left of the left end of the washbasin 12. The top surface 30b of the shelf board 30 is positioned closer to the bottom end of the washbasin counter 20 (more specifically, the bottom end 24b of the front section 24) than the floor. For example, in this embodiment, the top surface 22a of the washbasin counter 20 is located approximately 750 mm from the floor, and as described above, the vertical dimension of the front section 24 is approximately 150 mm. That is, the bottom end of the washbasin counter 20 (i.e., the bottom end 24b of the front section 24) is located approximately 600 mm from the floor. The top surface 30b of the shelf board 30 is located approximately 350 mm from the floor. The distance between the upper surface 30b of the shelf board 30 and the lower end 24b of the front section 24 is approximately 250 mm. In other words, the upper surface 30b of the shelf board 30 is positioned closer to the lower end of the washbasin counter 20 (more specifically, the lower end 24b of the front section 24) than to the floor.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, the shelf board 30 is provided with a notch 32. The notch 32 is located below the washbasin 12. The notch 32 is positioned so that the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56, which extend downward from the washbasin 12, can pass through it. The water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 pass through the notch 32 and extend from the washbasin 12 to below the shelf board 30.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the washbasin unit 10 comprises a plurality of brackets 60 that support the washbasin counter 20 and a plurality of brackets 60 that support the shelf board 30. The brackets 60 comprising the washbasin unit 10 have the same shape. The bracket 60 comprises a first support portion 62, a second support portion 63, and a reinforcing portion 64. The first support portion 62 is positioned along the wall surface and fixed to the wall surface. The second support portion 63 extends forward from the upper end of the first support portion 62. The second support portion 63 is installed horizontally and supports either the counter portion 22 or the shelf board 30. As shown in Figure 5, the front end of the second support portion 63 is located forward of position X, which is halfway between the wall surface and the counter portion 22 (more specifically, the front portion 24). The second support portion 63 extends from the wall surface to position 16c where the washbasin bowl 12 protrudes from the counter portion 22. The reinforcing portion 64 is positioned between the first support portion 62 and the second support portion 63. One end of the reinforcing portion 64 is connected to the first support portion 62. The other end of the reinforcing portion 64 is connected to the lower surface of the second support portion 63. Furthermore, in the bracket 60 that supports the washbasin counter 20, the front position 60a of the reinforcing portion 64, which is at the same height as the lower end 24b of the front portion 24, is located behind the front end 32a of the notch 32 of the shelf board 30.

[0018] The brackets 60 are installed in positions where the washbasin 12 is not located in the left-right direction. Two or more brackets 60 are installed at the same height. The washbasin counter 20 and the shelf board 30 are supported by two or more brackets 60 installed at the same height, respectively. In this embodiment, the left-right dimension of the washbasin counter 20 is larger than the left-right dimension of the shelf board 30. Therefore, the washbasin counter 20 is supported by three brackets 60, and the shelf board 30 is supported by two brackets 60.

[0019] (effect) Since the shelf board 30 is arranged below the counter part 22, the storage space increases. Also, since the front end of the shelf board 30 on the front side is located deeper than the front end of the wash counter 20 (specifically, the front part 24) on the front side, when the user uses the wash unit 10, it is difficult for the user's feet to contact the shelf board 30, and it becomes easier for the user to use the wash unit 10. Further, since the front end of the shelf board 30 on the front side is located on the front side of the front end of the wash bowl 12 on the front side, it is possible to prevent the dimension in the front-rear direction of the shelf board 30 from becoming too small. It is possible to prevent the storage space of the shelf board 30 from becoming small.

[0020] Also, since the notch 32 is provided in the shelf board 30, the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 can be appropriately arranged. For this reason, the shelf board 30 can be arranged below the wash bowl 12 without interfering with the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56.

[0021] The lower end of the front part 24 is located below the front end 14b of the lower end surface 14a of the wash bowl 12. The lower part of the wash bowl 12, the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 located below the counter part 22 are difficult for the user to see. The aesthetic appearance of the wash unit 10 is improved. Also, the lower end of the front part 24 is located above the connection part 14c with the drain pipe 56 of the wash bowl 12. It is possible to avoid the front part 24 from becoming too low. For this reason, when the user uses the wash unit 10, the user's feet do not need to contact the front part 24. It becomes easier for the user to use the wash unit 10.

[0022] Also, by arranging the side part 26, the lower part of the wash bowl 12, the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 are difficult to be seen from the side of the wash counter 20.

[0023] Since the wash bowl 12 protrudes below the counter part 22, it is possible to prevent the wash bowl 12 from being arranged at a high position from the upper surface of the counter part 22. When the user uses the wash bowl 12, it becomes easier to use the items placed on the upper surface of the counter part 22.

[0024] Since the washbasin counter 20 and the shelf board 30 are supported by the bracket 60, the washbasin counter 20 and the shelf board 30 can be properly fixed to the wall. In addition, since the washbasin counter 20, the shelf board 30 and the bracket 60 are fixed (i.e., assembled) at the installation site, the washbasin counter 20, the shelf board 30 and the bracket 60 can be transported separately.

[0025] The bracket 60 extends to the front of the halfway point between the wall and the counter section 22 (specifically, the front section 24). Even if a load is applied to the front of the washbasin counter 20, the bracket 60 can properly support the washbasin counter 20. Furthermore, in the bracket 60 that supports the washbasin counter 20, the front position 60a, which is at the same height as the lower end 24b of the front section 24 of the reinforcing section 64, is located behind the front end 32a of the notch 32 of the shelf board 30. The bracket 60 prevents the storage space on the front side of the notch 32 from being reduced.

[0026] The top surface of the shelf board 30 is positioned closer to the bottom edge of the washbasin counter 20 than to the floor. This prevents the shelf board 30 from being too low. Users can easily place items on the top surface of the shelf board 30 and take out items placed on the top surface of the shelf board 30. It also prevents the bracket 60, which is installed below the shelf board 30, from becoming difficult to install.

[0027] (Correspondence) The notch 32 is an example of a "relief shape". The bracket 60 is an example of a "first support member" and a "second support member".

[0028] The following are aspects of the technology disclosed herein.

[0029] The first embodiment is a washbasin unit. The washbasin unit may include a washbasin bowl, a washbasin counter supporting the washbasin bowl, and a shelf positioned below the washbasin counter with a gap between them. The space between the washbasin counter and the shelf, and the space between the shelf and the floor, may be open at the front end. The front end of the shelf may be located further back than the front end of the washbasin counter.

[0030] In a second embodiment, the washbasin counter may comprise a flat counter portion and a front portion extending downward from the front end of the counter portion.

[0031] In a third embodiment, the washbasin counter may have a through hole in any one of the first to second embodiments described above. The washbasin bowl may protrude downward from the through hole in the washbasin counter.

[0032] A fourth embodiment is that, in any one of the first to third embodiments, the washbasin counter may have a front portion extending downward from the front end of the washbasin counter. The washbasin bowl may be located further back than the front portion. The front end of the lower end surface of the washbasin bowl may be located above the lower end of the front portion.

[0033] A fifth embodiment is that, in any one of the second and fourth embodiments described above, the front end of the shelf board may be located further back than the front end of the front section.

[0034] A sixth embodiment is that, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the washbasin unit may further include a drain pipe extending downward from the washbasin bowl. The shelf may have a relief shape through which the drain pipe passes.

[0035] In the seventh embodiment, the washbasin unit may further include, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, a first support member fixed to the wall and supporting the washbasin counter, and a second support member fixed to the wall and supporting the shelf.

[0036] In the eighth embodiment, the first support member may support the washbasin counter at a point in front of the halfway point from the wall to the front end of the washbasin counter.

[0037] The ninth embodiment is that, in any one of the first to eighth embodiments described above, the upper surface of the shelf may be positioned at a height closer to the lower end of the washbasin counter than the floor surface.

[0038] The specific examples of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above. These are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0039] (modified version) (1) The left-right dimensions of the washbasin counter 20 can be changed as appropriate depending on the installation location and the user's preference. For example, the space to the right of the washbasin bowl 12 on the counter section 22 may be wider than the space to the left of the washbasin bowl 12 on the counter section 22. Also, as shown in Figure 6, in the washbasin unit 110, the length of the washbasin counter 120 extending from the washbasin bowl 12 may be approximately the same in the left-right direction. When the washbasin counter 20 is spaced away from the wall, a side section 26 is provided. The side section 26 may be provided on both the left and right sides of the counter section 22, or on only one side. Also, when the washbasin counter 20 is not spaced away from the wall, the side section 26 is not provided. The side section 26 does not have to be provided on both the left and right sides of the counter section 22. Also, the side section 26 may be provided on only one side of the counter section 22, and not on the other side.

[0040] (2) The left-right dimension of the front section 24 may be smaller than the left-right dimension of the counter section 22. For example, the front section 24 may be positioned only below (and around) the washbasin 12. In this case as well, the front section 24 makes the lower part of the washbasin 12, the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 difficult for the user to see.

[0041] (3) The left-right dimension of the shelf board 30 may be the same as the left-right dimension of the washbasin counter 20. The left-right dimension of the shelf board 30 can be changed as appropriate depending on the installation location and the user's preference.

[0042] (4) The washbasin 12 may be positioned on the upper surface of the counter section 22 without protruding downward from the counter section 22. In this case, the counter section 22 is provided with a through hole large enough for the drain pipe 56 to pass through. The drain pipe 56 is connected to the drain plug 52 of the washbasin 12 positioned on the upper surface of the counter section 22 via the through hole provided in the counter section 22.

[0043] (5) The relief shape provided in the shelf board 30 for passing the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 may be a shape other than the notch 32 shown in Figure 4. For example, the shelf board 30 may be provided with multiple notches through which the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 can each pass. Alternatively, the shelf board 30 may be provided with through holes for passing the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56. The number of through holes provided in the shelf board 30 is also not limited. The shelf board 30 may be provided with one through hole through which the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 can both pass, or it may be provided with multiple through holes through which the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56 can each pass separately. Additionally, a shower hose (not shown) may be connected to the faucet 50. If a shower hose is installed, the shower hose is also positioned below the washbasin 12. The relief shape provided in the shelf board 30 is formed to allow the shower hose to pass through along with the water supply pipe 54 and the drain pipe 56. For example, the shelf board 30 may have one notch (or one through-hole) through which the water supply pipe 54, the drain pipe 56, and the shower hose can all pass. Alternatively, the shelf board 30 may have multiple notches (or multiple through-holes) through which the water supply pipe 54, the drain pipe 56, and the shower hose can each pass.

[0044] (6) The number of brackets 60 is not limited. The washbasin counter 20 and the shelf board 30 may each be supported by two or more brackets 60, or they may each be supported by three or more brackets 60.

[0045] (7) The shape of the bracket 60 is not limited as long as it can support the washbasin counter 20 and the shelf board 30, respectively. For example, there may or may not be a space between the first support part 62 and the second support part 63 and the reinforcing part 64. Alternatively, it may be an L-shaped bracket without the reinforcing part 64. Furthermore, the bracket 60 supporting the counter part 22 and the bracket 60 supporting the shelf board 30 may have different shapes or different load capacities.

[0046] The technical elements described in at least one of this specification and the drawings exhibit technical utility individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies illustrated in at least one of this specification and the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical utility. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 10, 110: Washbasin unit, 12: Washbasin bowl, 14a: Bottom surface of washbasin bowl, 16b: Front surface of washbasin bowl, 20: Washbasin counter, 22: Counter section, 24: Front section, 26: Side section, 30: Shelf board, 32: Notch, 54: Water supply pipe, 56: Drain pipe, 60: Bracket

Claims

1. Washbasin and A washbasin counter supporting the aforementioned washbasin bowl, The washbasin counter is provided with a shelf board positioned below it with a gap, The space between the washbasin counter and the shelf, and the space between the shelf and the floor, are open at the front end. The front end of the shelf board is located further back than the front end of the washbasin counter in the washbasin unit.

2. The aforementioned washbasin counter is A flat counter section, The washbasin unit according to claim 1, further comprising a front portion extending downward from the front end of the counter portion.

3. The aforementioned washbasin counter is provided with a through hole, The washbasin unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the washbasin bowl protrudes downward from the through hole to the washbasin counter.

4. The washbasin is located further back than the front section. The washbasin unit according to claim 2, wherein the front end of the lower end surface of the washbasin bowl is located above the lower end of the front portion.

5. The washbasin unit according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the front end of the shelf is located further back than the front end of the front section.

6. The washbasin is further provided with a drain pipe extending downward from it. The washbasin unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the shelf board has a relief shape through which the drain pipe passes.

7. A first support member fixed to the wall and supporting the washbasin counter, The washbasin unit according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a second support member fixed to the wall and supporting the shelf board.

8. The washbasin unit according to claim 7, wherein the first support member supports the washbasin counter at a point in front of the halfway point from the wall to the front end of the washbasin counter.

9. The washbasin unit according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the shelf is positioned at a height closer to the lower end of the washbasin counter than the floor surface.

Images