Hair catcher and drain unit

Abstract

We provide a hair catcher that combines excellent hair collection performance with efficient drainage performance. [Solution] A hair catcher to be placed in the drain of a washbasin, comprising a water-retaining portion extending in the circumferential direction and a collection portion extending radially inward from the water-retaining portion, wherein the collection portion is located in at least three of four quadrants that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes with the center of the hair catcher as the origin in a plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0003] , , ,

[0007] , , ,

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a hair catcher and a drainage unit.

Background Art

[0002] A hair catcher that collects hair flowing into the drainage part of a washbowl is known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is necessary for the hair catcher to balance the collection performance of hair and the drainage performance. In particular, when the diameter of the drainage part is small, poor drainage performance may cause water to accumulate in the washbowl, which may give discomfort to the user.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a hair catcher and a drainage unit that achieve both the collection performance of collecting hair and the drainage performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first invention is a hair catcher disposed in a drainage part of a washbowl, comprising a water retention part extending in a circumferential direction and a collection part extending radially inward from the water retention part, wherein the collection part is located in at least three of four quadrants divided by virtual coordinate axes orthogonal to each other with the center of the hair catcher as the origin in a plan view.

[0007] This hair catcher allows for the creation of a turbulent water pool above the collection area by splashing water from the water-retaining section. When drainage stops, the water pool swirls horizontally, reducing its water level as it drains. In this case, hair and other debris mixed in the bathwater also descends while maintaining a horizontal swirling motion. As a result, foreign matter such as hair is collected in the collection area so that it extends into three or more of the four quadrants. In this way, since hair and other debris are collected while supported on the collection area located in three or more quadrants, they are collected efficiently, and their dangling downwards from the hair catcher is suppressed. Therefore, the hair catcher can improve the cleanability of hair. As a result, it is possible to create a hair catcher that balances both collection performance for hair and other debris with drainage performance.

[0008] The second invention is a hair catcher characterized in that, in the first invention, the diameter of the hair catcher is 35 mm or less, the water-retaining portion has a first wall portion connected to the collection portion, a bottom portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, and a second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, and the dimension between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter of the hair catcher.

[0009] With this hair catcher, the hot and cold water that flows into the drain section in the initial stages of drainage forms a thin film of water on the inner wall of the drain section as it flows. By narrowing the distance between the first and second walls, even with a small flow rate in the initial stages of drainage, enough water to cause splashing can be retained in the water-retaining section. As a result, the water-retaining section can change the direction of the hot and cold water flow to a lateral direction in the initial stages of drainage. This reduces the amount of hair and other debris that drips from the hair catcher. Furthermore, since the water-retaining section is composed of a considerably small proportion compared to the diameter of the hair catcher, the remaining portion can be used as the drain section. Therefore, the hair catcher can maintain its drainage performance even if the drain section has a small diameter of, for example, 35 mm or less.

[0010] The third invention is a hair catcher characterized in that, in the first invention, the diameter of the hair catcher is 35 mm or less, the water-retaining portion has a first wall portion connected to the collection portion, a bottom portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, and a second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, and the height of the first wall portion is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter of the hair catcher.

[0011] With this hair catcher, the hot and cold water that flows into the drain section in the initial stages of drainage forms a thin film of water on the inner wall of the drain section as it flows. By lowering the height of the first wall, even with a small flow rate in the initial stages of drainage, enough water to cause splashing can be retained in the water-retaining section. As a result, the water-retaining section can change the direction of the hot and cold water flow to a lateral direction in the initial stages of drainage. This reduces the amount of hair and other debris that falls from the hair catcher.

[0012] The fourth invention is a hair catcher in which, in the first invention, the water-retaining portion has a first wall portion connected to the collection portion, a bottom portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, and a second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, wherein the height dimension of the second wall portion is greater than the height dimension of the first wall portion.

[0013] This hair catcher prevents hair collected in the collection section from falling outwards from the outer periphery of the second wall when the hair catcher is removed from the drain. Therefore, the hair catcher can be made easier to clean.

[0014] The fifth invention is a hair catcher characterized in that, in the first invention, it further has a holding portion located above the water-retaining portion.

[0015] With this hair catcher, users can remove it from the drain without touching hair or other debris as much as possible.

[0016] The sixth invention is a drainage unit comprising a washbasin having a drain section and a hair catcher disposed inside the drain section, wherein the hair catcher has a water-retaining section extending in the circumferential direction and a collection section extending radially inward from the water-retaining section, and the collection section is located in at least three of four quadrants that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes with the center of the hair catcher as the origin in a plan view.

[0017] This drainage unit allows the water-retaining section of the hair catcher to create a turbulent water pool above the collection section. When drainage stops, the water pool swirls horizontally, reducing its water level as it drains. In this case, hair and other foreign matter mixed in the water also descends while maintaining a horizontal swirling motion. As a result, foreign matter such as hair is collected in the collection section so that it extends into three or more of the four quadrants. In this way, since the hair and other foreign matter are collected while supported on the collection section located in three or more quadrants, they are collected efficiently, and their dangling below the hair catcher is suppressed. Therefore, the hair catcher can improve the cleanability of hair. As a result, a drainage unit can be created that has a hair catcher that balances both the collection performance for capturing hair and other foreign matter with the drainage performance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, a hair catcher and drainage unit are provided that achieve both a collection performance for collecting hair and the like, and a drainage performance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a drainage unit equipped with a hair catcher according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the drainage unit in Figure 1, taken from the direction indicated by the arrow DD. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the hair catcher from above. [Figure 4]It is a front view of the hair catcher seen from the front. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the hair catcher in FIG. 4 seen from the direction of arrow E-E. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the hair catcher alone. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory view showing the state when hot and cold water starts to flow into the drainage part. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory view showing the state when hot and cold water continues to flow into the drainage part. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view showing the hair catcher according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a plan view of the hair catcher seen from above. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view of the hair catcher in FIG. 10 seen from the direction of arrow F-F. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing the hair catcher and the drain plug according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a plan view of the hair catcher seen from above.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted as appropriate.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a drainage unit provided with a hair catcher according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drainage unit in FIG. 1 seen from the direction of arrow D-D. As shown in FIG. 1, the drainage unit 1 includes a washbowl 10 and a hair catcher 100. The washbowl 10 has a bowl portion 11 that is recessed in a concave shape, and a first attachment portion 12 to which a faucet device (not shown) for discharging hot and cold water toward the bowl portion 11 is attached.

[0022] The drainage unit 1 is, for example, a vanity unit installed in a washroom. Alternatively, the drainage unit 1 may be, for example, a hand basin for a toilet installed inside a toilet room.

[0023] In this specification, the front side of the washbasin 10, the back side, the upper side, the lower side, the right side, and the left side are described as "front," "back," "upper," "lower," and "right," respectively, from the perspective of the user facing the washbasin 10.

[0024] The bowl section 11 is the part that receives the hot and cold water discharged from the faucet. A drain section 11a is provided at the bottom of the bowl section 11 for draining the hot and cold water inside the bowl section 11. The drain section 11a is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends vertically. As shown in Figure 2, a drain fitting 17 is attached to the drain section 11a. The inner diameter (opening diameter) of the drain fitting 17 is, for example, 35 mm or less. The drain fitting 17 has a mounting section 17a on which a hair catcher 100 is placed. A drain pipe (drain trap), not shown, is connected to the lower end of the drain fitting 17. The hot and cold water inside the bowl section 11 flows from inside the drain fitting 17 towards the drain pipe. The hair catcher 100 may also be placed directly on the drain section 11a.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an opening 11b1 is provided at the upper end of the bowl portion 11, which communicates with the overflow channel 11b. Also, as shown in Figure 2, a communication port 11b2 is provided at the lower end of the overflow channel 11b, which connects the overflow channel 11b to the drain portion 11a.

[0026] The drain fitting 17 has a through hole at a position corresponding to the communication opening 11b2. As a result, the hot water accumulated in the bowl section 11 flows from the opening 11b1 through the overflow channel 11b and the communication opening 11b2 into the inside of the drain fitting 17. Consequently, overflow of hot water from the bowl section 11 is suppressed.

[0027] Next, I will explain the Hair Catcher 100. Figure 3 is a plan view of the hair catcher from above. Figure 4 is a front view of the hair catcher, seen from the front. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the hair catcher shown in Figure 4, taken from the direction indicated by arrow EE. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the hair catcher on its own.

[0028] The hair catcher 100 is positioned in the drain section 11a of the washbasin 10. Specifically, the hair catcher 100 is located on the upper end opening side of the drain section 11a and is housed inside the drain fitting 17. As shown in Figure 3, the hair catcher 100 is formed in a circular shape in plan view. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the diameter X (outer diameter) of the hair catcher 100 is formed to correspond to the inner diameter of the drain fitting 17, and is, for example, 35 mm or less.

[0029] The hair catcher 100 is designed to collect foreign matter such as hair that gets mixed into the hot and cold water flowing into the drain section 11a. This prevents the drain unit 1 from becoming clogged with foreign matter in the drain pipes, etc.

[0030] The hair catcher 100 is configured to collect foreign matter such as hair and to efficiently allow hot water to flow. Furthermore, the hair catcher 100 is configured to generate turbulence in the hot water to efficiently collect foreign matter. The hair catcher 100 comprises a water-retaining section 110 and a collection section 120.

[0031] The water-retaining section 110 extends in the circumferential direction. The water-retaining section 110 is located at the radially outermost part of the hair catcher 100. The water-retaining section 110 is formed in an annular shape corresponding to the inner diameter of the drain fitting 17. That is, the water-retaining section 110 constitutes the outer frame of the hair catcher 100. The water-retaining section 110 is located radially outside the collection section 120 and extends in the circumferential direction. The water-retaining section 110 connects the tip ends of multiple collection sections 120.

[0032] The water-retaining section 110 changes the direction of the hot water flow, which flows from top to bottom, to the lateral (horizontal) direction. The water-retaining section 110 has a first wall section 110a, a bottom section 110b, and a second wall section 110c.

[0033] The first wall portion 110a is connected to the collection portion 120. That is, the first wall portion 110a is the inner wall portion of the water retention portion 110. In this example, the upper surface 120a of the collection portion 120 and the upper surface of the first wall portion 110 are formed continuously.

[0034] The bottom portion 110b extends radially outward from the first wall portion 110a. The bottom portion 110b connects the first wall portion 110a and the second wall portion 110c. In this example, the bottom portion 110b extends laterally from the lower end of the first wall portion 110a.

[0035] The second wall portion 110c is located radially outward from the first wall portion 110a and extends upward from the bottom portion 110b. That is, the second wall portion 110c faces the first wall portion 110a in the lateral direction. The water-retaining portion 110 is formed in a concave shape with an open top by the first wall portion 110a, the bottom portion 110b, and the second wall portion 110c. In other words, the water-retaining portion 110 is an annular groove.

[0036] Next, the dimensional relationship between the first wall portion 110a, the bottom portion 110b, and the second wall portion 110c will be described.

[0037] Here, for example, if the horizontal dimensions of the water retention section 110 are increased, more hot water will accumulate in the water retention section 110, and it will take longer for effective turbulence and water accumulation of hot water to occur above the hair catcher 100. Also, if the horizontal dimensions of the water retention section 110 are increased, the space for hot water to flow downward will decrease, which may worsen drainage performance.

[0038] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the dimension L between the first wall portion 110a and the second wall portion 110c is less than or equal to 1 / 10 of the diameter X of the hair catcher 100. As a result, the water retention portion 110 can forcefully splash the small amount of hot water in the initial stages of drainage from inside the water retention portion 110 to outside the water retention portion 110, thereby generating effective turbulence and water accumulation above the hair catcher 100. In addition, the space S between adjacent collection portions 120, which will be described later, can be secured as wide as possible, so that good drainage performance can be maintained.

[0039] Furthermore, if the height of the first wall section 110a is high, for example, hot water will overflow slowly from the water retention section 110, which may make it difficult to generate effective turbulence and water accumulation above the hair catcher 100.

[0040] Therefore, the height H1 of the first wall portion 110a is less than or equal to 1 / 10 of the diameter X of the hair catcher 100. As a result, the water retention portion 110 can forcefully splash the small amount of hot water in the initial stages of drainage from inside the water retention portion 110 outwards, thereby generating effective turbulence and water accumulation above the hair catcher 100. Consequently, the amount of hair mixed in with the hot water that falls downward from the hair catcher 100 can be reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, the height dimension H3 of the second wall 110c is greater than the height dimension H1 of the first wall 110a. That is, the upper surface of the second wall 110c is higher than the upper surface of the first wall 110a. This prevents hair and other debris collected in the collection section 120 from falling outside the second wall 110c when the hair catcher is removed from the drain. Note that the height dimension of the second wall 110c may be the same as the height dimension of the first wall 110a, or it may be lower.

[0042] The water-retaining section 110 has a dimension L between the first wall section 110a and the second wall section 110c that is approximately 5-10% of the outer diameter (diameter X) of the hair catcher 100 (for example, approximately 1-3 mm). That is, the width dimension L of the upper end opening of the water-retaining section 110 is approximately 5-10% of the outer diameter (diameter X) of the hair catcher 100 (for example, approximately 1-3 mm). The height dimensions of the first wall section 110a and the second wall section 110c are 0.1 mm or more. Note that the height dimensions of the first wall section 110a and the second wall section 110c may be different.

[0043] The collection section 120 extends radially inward from the water-retaining section 110. The collection section 120 is formed in the shape of a thin plate (rib) of, for example, about 1.0 to 1.5 mm thick, and multiple collection sections are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction. In this example, eight collection sections 120 are provided. As shown in Figure 3, the collection sections 120 extend radially outward from the center of the hair catcher 100. In this example, the upper surface 120a of the collection section 120 is a curved surface that is concave downward.

[0044] The water that reaches above the hair catcher 100 flows downward through the space S between adjacent collection units 120. The collection units 120 are the parts that collect hair and other debris mixed in the water. The hair and other debris are collected on multiple collection units 120.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the hair collection unit 120 is located in at least three of the four quadrants (Quadrant 100a to Quadrant 400d) that are divided by virtual coordinate axes O1-O1 and O2-O2 which are mutually orthogonal to each other with the center of the hair catcher 100 as the origin in a plan view. The virtual coordinate axis O1-O1 is an arbitrary virtual line passing through the center of the hair catcher 100. The virtual coordinate axis O2-O2 is a virtual line passing through the center of the hair catcher 100 and is orthogonal to the virtual coordinate axis O1-O1.

[0046] In this example, the collection unit 120 is located in all quadrants. As a result, hair mixed in with the water is collected over the collection unit 120 located in at least three quadrants. Therefore, it is possible to prevent hair from hanging down from the collection unit 120.

[0047] The hair catcher 100 preferably has, for example, three or more collection sections 120. The number and thickness of the collection sections 120 are determined by simulation, taking into account the drainage performance and foreign matter collection performance based on the inner diameter of the drain section 11a (drain fitting 17).

[0048] The hair catcher 100 further has a holding portion 130 located above the water-retaining portion 110. The holding portion 130 is a part that the user can grasp when attaching or detaching the hair catcher 100 to the drain portion 11a.

[0049] The retaining portion 130 is located in the center of the hair catcher 100 and is formed continuously with the collection portion 120. That is, the retaining portion 130 protrudes upward from the collection portion 120. As shown in Figure 4, the hair catcher 100 is formed in a mountain shape when viewed from the front by the water-retaining portion 110, the collection portion 120, and the retaining portion 130. The retaining portion 130 may be provided as needed. The hair catcher may also be formed in a disc shape, for example, without the retaining portion 130.

[0050] The hair catcher 100 has the configuration described above, and next, the flow of hot water (drainage) that flows into the drain section 11a (drain fitting 17) will be explained. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when hot and cold water begins to flow into the drain. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the state when hot and cold water continues to flow into the drain.

[0051] First, as shown in Figure 7, the hot water W flows along the inner surface of the drain fitting 17 to the water retention section 110. The water retention section 110 is formed in a concave shape with an open top. The hot water W that flows into the water retention section 110 forms a puddle inside it. The flowing hot water W then splashes in the puddle inside the water retention section 110 and flies horizontally. Thus, the direction of flow changes from vertical to horizontal. In this way, the water retention section 110 changes the direction of the hot water W flowing from top to bottom to a horizontal direction.

[0052] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 8, the hot water W flowing from top to bottom and the hot water W flowing laterally mix together, forming a turbulent pool of water around the collection unit 120. In other words, the flow of the hot water W becomes an irregular, random flow above the collection unit 120.

[0053] Subsequently, the hot water W flows downward from the space S. Since the collection section 120 is formed in a thin plate shape, the space S can be made as wide as possible. As a result, the hair catcher 30 can ensure not only the ability to collect hair and other debris, but also the ability to drain it.

[0054] Here, for example, if the hot water W flows from top to bottom at the location of the collection unit 120, the hair will be collected hanging downwards from the collection unit 120. In such cases, it may become difficult to remove the hair. Also, if the hot water W flows from top to bottom at the location of the collection unit 120, there is a risk that the hair will not be collected by the collection unit 120 but will flow out of the space S.

[0055] Therefore, the hair catcher 100 uses the water retention section 110 to change the direction of the hot water W flowing from top to bottom to a lateral direction. The laterally flowing hot water W obstructs the hot water W that flows in afterwards, forming a turbulent pool of water on the collection section 120. Hair that flows in simultaneously with the hot water W changes direction from vertical to horizontal in this turbulent pool of water on the collection section 120, and then floats in this pool of water.

[0056] If drainage stops, the water puddle above the collection unit 120 is discharged downward from the space S while swirling horizontally.

[0057] Here, the collection section 120 is located in at least three of the four quadrants (quadrants 100a to 100d) that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes O1-O1 and O2-O2 with the center of the hair catcher 100 as the origin in a plan view. As a result, the hair is collected on the collection section 120 in a way that it wraps around the holding section 130. In other words, the hair catcher 30 can collect a large amount of hair in a planar manner across multiple collection sections 120. As a result, it is possible to suppress the collection of hair hanging down from the collection section 120.

[0058] Next, we will explain how to clean the hair catcher 100.

[0059] First, the user can remove the hair catcher 100 from the washbasin 10 by pinching the holding part 130 and pulling the hair catcher 100 upwards. In this case, since the holding part 130 protrudes upwards above the water-retaining part 110 and the collection part 120, the hair catcher 100 can be removed from the drain part 11a without touching any foreign matter (debris) such as hair.

[0060] Hair and other debris are collected flatly on the collection unit 120. This allows the user to easily remove hair and other debris by simply turning the hair catcher 100 upside down. The user can also easily pick up and remove the hair collected in the collection unit 120.

[0061] The hair catcher 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a water-retaining portion 110 extending in the circumferential direction and a collection portion 120 extending radially inward from the water-retaining portion 110. The collection portion 120 is located in at least three of the four quadrants (first to fourth quadrants 100a to 100d) that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes O1-O1 and O2-O2 with the center of the hair catcher 100 as the origin in a plan view.

[0062] As a result, when the flow rate of hot water W into the drain section 11a is low, it flows along the inner walls of the drain section 11a and the drain fitting 17 and into the water retention section 110, where it forms a puddle. Furthermore, the flowing hot water W splashes in the puddle within the water retention section 110, causing its flow direction to change from vertical to horizontal.

[0063] As the drainage flow rate increases, the hot water W flows not only through the inner walls of the drain section 11a and the drain fitting 17, but also into the central part of the drain section 11a. The hot water W that flows into the central part of the drain section 11a is obstructed by the hot water W splashed in the water retention section 110, creating a turbulent flow and forming a puddle on the collection section 120.

[0064] This puddle obstructs the flow of hot water W into the drain section 11a, causing the puddle to remain in a turbulent state. Subsequently, drainage continues while maintaining the water level in the puddle through a balance between the head pressure caused by the water level in the puddle and the opening area of ​​the space S in the hair catcher 100.

[0065] If drainage stops afterward, the puddle will drain away while swirling horizontally and decreasing in water level. In this case, any hair mixed in the hot water W will also descend while maintaining a horizontal position in a swirling motion.

[0066] As a result, hair and other debris are collected in the collection unit 120 so as to extend into three or more areas among the first to fourth quadrants 100a to 100d. In this way, since the hair and other debris are collected while being supported on the collection unit 120 located in three or more quadrants, they are collected efficiently, and drooping downwards from the hair catcher 100 is suppressed. Therefore, the hair catcher 100 can improve the cleanability of hair.

[0067] Furthermore, the diameter X of the hair catcher 100 is 35 mm or less. The water-retaining section 110 has a first wall section 110a connected to the collection section 120, a bottom section 110b extending radially outward from the first wall section 110a, and a second wall section 11c located radially outward from the first wall section 110a and extending upward from the bottom section 110b. The dimension L between the first wall section 110a and the second wall section 110c is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter X of the hair catcher 100. Also, the height H1 of the first wall section 110a is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter X of the hair catcher 100.

[0068] In the initial stages of drainage, the hot water W flowing into the drain section 11a forms a thin film of water on the inner wall of the drain section 11a as it flows. By narrowing the dimension L between the first wall section 110a and the second wall section 110c, or by lowering the height of the first wall section 110a, enough water to cause splashing can be stored in the water retention section 110 even with a small flow rate in the initial stages of drainage. The water retention section 110 changes the direction of the hot water W flow to a lateral direction in the initial stages of drainage.

[0069] This obstructs the subsequent inflow of hot water W, making it possible to create a puddle of water in the drain section 11a that maintains a turbulent flow. Hair that flows in at the same time as the hot water W floats in this turbulent puddle.

[0070] Subsequently, the hair and other debris descend while maintaining a horizontal orientation in a swirling state, similar to how water in a puddle is drained while swirling horizontally. As a result, the collection unit 120 can efficiently collect hair and other debris, and the amount of hair hanging from the hair catcher 100 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the water-retaining unit 110 is composed of a considerably smaller proportion compared to the diameter X of the hair catcher 100, the portion other than the water-retaining unit 110 can be used as a drainage unit. Therefore, the hair catcher 100 can maintain its drainage performance even if, for example, the drainage unit 11a has a small diameter of 35 mm or less.

[0071] Furthermore, the height dimension H3 of the second wall portion 110c is greater than the height dimension H1 of the first wall portion 110a. This prevents hair collected by the collection portion 120 from hanging outwards from the outer circumference of the second wall portion 110c when the hair catcher 100 is removed from the drain portion 11a. Therefore, the hair catcher 100 can be made easier to clean.

[0072] Furthermore, the hair catcher 100 has a holding part 130 located above the water-retaining part 110. This allows the user to remove the hair catcher 100 from inside the drain part 11a with minimal contact with hair and other debris.

[0073] Next, Figures 9 to 11 show a hair catcher according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a hair catcher according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a plan view of the hair catcher seen from above. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the hair catcher in Figure 10, taken from the direction indicated by the arrow FF.

[0074] The hair catcher 150 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the diameter X (outer diameter) of the hair catcher 150 is formed to correspond to the inner diameter of the drain fitting 17, and is, for example, 35 mm or less.

[0075] The hair catcher 150 is configured to collect foreign matter such as hair and to efficiently allow hot water to flow. Furthermore, the hair catcher 150 is configured to generate turbulence in the hot water to efficiently collect foreign matter. The hair catcher 150 comprises a water-retaining section 110 and a collection section 160.

[0076] The water-retaining section 110 of the hair catcher 150 has a first wall section 110a, a bottom section 110b, and a second wall section 110c, similar to the water-retaining section 110 of the hair catcher 100. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the hair catcher 150 has two collection sections 160. The upper surface of the collection section 160 is on the same plane as the upper surface of the first wall section 110a. The upper surface of the collection section 160 may be higher or lower than the upper surface of the first wall section 110a.

[0077] The collection unit 160 is a rod-shaped body that extends in a straight line from one end to the other of the first wall portion 110a. As shown in Figure 10, the collection units 160 are located on both the left and right sides of the center of the hair catcher 150. Hot water is discharged from the space S between each collection unit 160 and the first wall portion 110a and the space S between adjacent collection units 160. The collection units 160 are located in at least three of the four quadrants (first to fourth quadrants 150a to 150d) that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes O1-O1 and O2-O2 with the center of the hair catcher 150 as the origin in a plan view. In this example, the collection units 160 are located in all of the first to fourth quadrants 150a to 150d.

[0078] The hair catcher 150 further has a holding portion 170. As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the holding portion 170 protrudes upward from the second wall portion 110c. The holding portion 170 is located above the water-retaining portion 110 and is a rod-shaped body that can be grasped by the user. The upper end of the holding portion 170 is located, for example, near the upper opening of the drain portion 11a. The user can attach and detach the hair catcher 150 to the drain portion 11a by grasping the holding portion 170. The holding portion 170 may also protrude upward from, for example, the bottom portion 110b or the first wall portion 110a.

[0079] Similar to the hair catcher 100 in the first embodiment, this hair catcher 150 also generates a turbulent flow state and a water puddle of hot water W using the water retention section 110, allowing hair and other debris to be collected on the collection section 160. Furthermore, the user can remove the hair catcher 150 from inside the drain section 11a without touching the hair and other debris as much as possible.

[0080] In the embodiments described above, the case in which the opening of the drain section 11a is exposed was used as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and may also be a hair catcher 30 that is detachably attached to the drain plug 20, such as the hair catcher 30 of the third embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a hair catcher and drain plug according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a plan view of the hair catcher seen from above.

[0081] The drain plug 20 is located in the drain section 11a of the washbasin 10. The drain plug 20 has a cover portion 21 and a plug shaft 23. The cover portion 21 is formed to be larger than the upper end opening of the drain section 11a. The cover portion 21 is designed to be able to close the upper end opening of the drain section 11a.

[0082] The hair catcher 30 is detachably attached to the plug shaft 23 of the drain plug 20. The hair catcher 30 comprises a cylindrical portion 31, a collection portion 33, and a water-retaining portion 35. The hair catcher 30 is detachably attached to the plug shaft 23, for example, by press-fitting the plug shaft 23 into the cylindrical portion 31. The hair catcher 30 can be removed from the washbasin 10 together with the drain plug 20 by pulling the lid portion 21 upward from the drain portion 11a.

[0083] The hair catcher 30 has a first part 32 and a second part 37. The first part 32 has a collection part 33 and a water-retaining part 35. The collection part 33 and the water-retaining part 35 have the same configuration as the collection part 120 and the water-retaining part 110 of the hair catcher 100 according to the first embodiment. That is, the hair catcher 30 has a cylindrical part 31 in the center of the hair catcher 100. In this example, the hair catcher 30 has a second part 37 that collects foreign matter such as hair mixed in with the hot water flowing through the overflow channel 11b. The hair catcher 30 does not necessarily have to have the second part 37. The second part 37 is provided as needed.

[0084] Similar to the hair catcher 100 according to the first embodiment, this hair catcher 30 also generates turbulent water flow and water puddles using the water retention section 35, allowing hair and other debris to be collected on the collection section 33 located in at least three quadrants.

[0085] In the embodiments described above, the case in which collection units are located in all four quadrants was used as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, there may be a hair catcher in which three collection units extending radially from the center are each located in a different quadrant, and there is no collection unit in one quadrant.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the collection portion 120 was described as being formed as a thin plate-shaped rib. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, the collection portion may be formed in a wide shape with increased thickness. In this case, for example, one collection portion may extend across multiple quadrants.

[0087] Furthermore, the hair catcher 150 according to the second embodiment described above was explained using the example of having two parallel collection sections 160. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, a hair catcher formed in a grid shape by the intersection of multiple collection sections may also be used.

[0088] The embodiment may include the following configurations. (Composition 1) A hair catcher that is placed in the drain of a washbasin, A water-retaining section extending in the circumferential direction, A collection section extending radially inward from the water-retaining section, Equipped with, The hair catcher is characterized in that the collection portion is located in at least three of four quadrants that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes with the center of the hair catcher as the origin in a plan view. (Configuration 2) The diameter of the aforementioned hair catcher is 35 mm or less. The water retention section is, The first wall portion connected to the collection section, A bottom surface portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, A second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, It has, The hair catcher according to configuration 1, characterized in that the distance between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter of the hair catcher. (Composition 3) The diameter of the aforementioned hair catcher is 35 mm or less. The water retention section is, The first wall portion connected to the collection section, A bottom surface portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, A second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, It has, The hair catcher according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the height of the first wall portion is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter of the hair catcher. (Composition 4) The water retention section is, The first wall portion connected to the collection section, A bottom surface portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, A second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, It has, The hair catcher according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the height dimension of the second wall portion is greater than the height dimension of the first wall portion. (Composition 5) A hair catcher according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising a retaining portion located above the water-retaining portion. (Composition 6) A washbasin with a drain, A hair catcher is placed inside the drain section, Equipped with, The aforementioned hair catcher is A water-retaining section extending in the circumferential direction, A collection section extending radially inward from the water-retaining section, It has, The drainage unit is characterized in that the collection section is located in at least three of the four quadrants that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes with the center of the hair catcher as the origin in a plan view.

[0089] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Modifications made by those skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, and arrangement of each element of the hair catcher and drainage unit are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically feasible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 1 Drainage unit 10 Washbasin 11 Bowl Section 11a Drainage section 11b Overflow channel 11b1 opening 11b2 Communication port 12. First mounting section 17 Drain fittings 17a Mounting section 20 Drain plug 21 Lid 23 Stopper shaft 30 Hair Catchers 31 Cylinder part 32 Part 1 33 Collection section 35 Water retention section 37 Part 2 100 Hair Catchers 100a~100d Quadrants 1~4 110 Water retention section 110a 1st wall 110b Bottom part 110c 2nd wall section 120 Collection section 120a top 130 Holding part 150 Hair Catchers 150a~150d 1st~4th quadrant 160 Collection section 170 Maintenance Section S Space W soup

Claims

1. A hair catcher that is placed in the drain of a washbasin, A water-retaining section extending in the circumferential direction, A collection section extending radially inward from the water-retaining section, Equipped with, The hair catcher is characterized in that the collection portion is located in at least three of the four quadrants that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes with the center of the hair catcher as the origin in a plan view.

2. The diameter of the aforementioned hair catcher is 35 mm or less. The water retention section is, The first wall portion connected to the collection section, A bottom surface portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, A second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, It has, The hair catcher according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter of the hair catcher.

3. The diameter of the aforementioned hair catcher is 35 mm or less. The water retention section is, The first wall portion connected to the collection section, A bottom surface portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, A second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, It has, The hair catcher according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the first wall portion is 1 / 10 or less of the diameter of the hair catcher.

4. The water retention section is, The first wall portion connected to the collection section, A bottom surface portion extending radially outward from the first wall portion, A second wall portion located radially outward from the first wall portion and extending upward from the bottom portion, It has, The hair catcher according to claim 1, characterized in that the height dimension of the second wall is greater than the height dimension of the first wall.

5. The hair catcher according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining portion located above the water-retaining portion.

6. A washbasin with a drain, A hair catcher is placed inside the drain section, Equipped with, The aforementioned hair catcher is A water-retaining section extending in the circumferential direction, A collection section extending radially inward from the water-retaining section, It has, The drainage unit is characterized in that the collection section is located in at least three of the four quadrants that are divided by mutually orthogonal virtual coordinate axes with the center of the hair catcher as the origin in a plan view.

Images