Bathroom vanity

Abstract

Properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin. [Solution] The washbasin has a sink with a water receiving section and a groove section provided continuously with the water receiving section, a faucet device that discharges hot and cold water toward the sink, and a disinfectant water discharge device that discharges disinfectant water toward the sink. The groove section is provided in a direction that intersects the direction in which the water receiving section and the groove section are aligned, and the disinfectant water discharge device discharges disinfectant water into a predetermined area including the lowest point of the groove section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a washbasin dressing table.

Background Art

[0002] As a plumbing product, a washbasin dressing table has become an essential plumbing product for daily life, such as for face washing, hand washing, and toothbrushing. In the washbasin of such a washbasin dressing table, a technology has been provided for smoothly flowing the water spreading on the bottom surface to the drain outlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has room for improvement. For example, although the above-mentioned conventional technology considers the drainage efficiency, it does not particularly consider the sterilization aspect, and there is room for improvement in the sterilization in the washbasin.

[0005] An object of the disclosed embodiment is to provide a washbasin dressing table that appropriately sterilizes the inside of the washbasin.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A washbasin dressing table according to an aspect of the embodiment includes a washbasin having a water receiving portion and a groove portion provided continuously to the water receiving portion, a faucet device that discharges hot and cold water toward the washbasin, and a sterilized water discharge device that discharges sterilized water toward the washbasin. The groove portion is provided across a direction intersecting the direction in which the water receiving portion and the groove portion are aligned. The sterilized water discharge device discharges sterilized water into a predetermined region including the lowest point of the groove portion.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the washbasin vanity, by discharging disinfectant water from the disinfectant water discharging device to a predetermined area including the lowest point of the groove, disinfectant water can be discharged to a position in the washbasin where a large amount of wastewater flows. Therefore, the washbasin vanity can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin. For example, the washbasin vanity can suppress the generation of pink stains caused by splashing water when wastewater flowing into the groove collides with it.

[0008] In one embodiment of the vanity, a drain plug is provided at a position overlapping at least a part of the predetermined area, and the disinfectant water spray area is set so as to overlap a part of the drain plug.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the washbasin vanity, the spray area of ​​the disinfectant water is set to overlap with a part of the drain plug, so that the drain plug can be disinfected when disinfecting a predetermined area including the lowest point of the groove. Therefore, the washbasin vanity can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin.

[0010] In one embodiment of the washbasin vanity, the disinfectant water dispensing device sprays the disinfectant water downward or in a direction away from the water receiving section.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the washbasin vanity, by discharging disinfectant water by spraying it downwards or away from the water receiving area (bottom surface) from below, it is possible to suppress the scattering of disinfectant water that bounces back from the spraying area toward the front side (for example, the side where the user is expected to be located). Therefore, the washbasin vanity can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin.

[0012] A washbasin vanity according to one embodiment is equipped with a sensor that detects a person staying in a predetermined area, and has a control unit that, based on the detection information of the sensor, sprays the disinfectant water after detecting the absence of a person.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the vanity unit, disinfectant water can be sprayed after detecting the absence of a person, and the disinfectant water can be discharged at an appropriate time. Therefore, the vanity unit can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin. For example, the vanity unit is highly user-friendly because it can discharge disinfectant water after the user leaves the space in which the vanity unit is installed (e.g., the washroom).

[0014] A washbasin vanity according to one embodiment has a drive unit that opens and closes a drain plug, and the control unit controls the drive unit so that the drain plug is in an open state when the disinfectant water is sprayed.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the washbasin vanity, the disinfectant water dispensing device opens the drain plug when spraying disinfectant water, allowing the dispensed disinfectant water to reach the inside of the drain. Therefore, the washbasin vanity can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one embodiment, the inside of the washbasin can be properly disinfected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a washbasin vanity according to an embodiment of this product. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a washbasin according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the washbasin. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the steps performed by a bathroom vanity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the washbasin and washstand disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and modifications shown below.

[0019] <1. Embodiment> First, the washstand 1 according to the embodiment will be described below. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, the washstand 1 includes a mirror cabinet 2 and a washbasin 3. The washstand 1 is installed, for example, along the wall surface of a structure. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the washstand according to the embodiment. In this specification, when using the washstand 1, the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front-back direction are defined with reference to the user standing in front of the washstand 1 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] Also, hereinafter, the front-back direction will be used to define the configuration of components such as the washbasin 10 of the washstand 1. In this specification, the direction away from the user in the washstand 1 is defined as "front", and the direction approaching (heading towards) the user in the washstand 1 is defined as "back" to define the front-back direction. For example, the direction away from the user from the center in the front-back direction of the washbasin 10 is defined as "front", and the direction approaching (heading towards) the user from the center in the front-back direction of the washbasin 10 is defined as "back" to define the front-back direction. Thus, in the configuration of components such as the washbasin 10 of the washstand 1, the front side corresponds to the back side, and the back side corresponds to the front side. That is, hereinafter, "back" may be read as "front", "front" may be read as "back", "front" may be read as "back", and "back" may be read as "front".

[0021] The mirror cabinet 2 has a cabinet in which a plurality of mirrors arranged on the front (back) side can be opened and closed. Below the mirror cabinet 2, a washbasin 3 is arranged.

[0022] The washbasin 3 comprises a cabinet 4, a washbasin 10, and a faucet device 20. The faucet device 20 is located at the lower end of the mirror cabinet 2. The faucet device 20 discharges water from its spout. The faucet device 20 is located in the center of the washbasin vanity 1 in the left-right direction. The cabinet 4 is located at the lower end of the washbasin vanity 1. The cabinet 4 has multiple drawers. The cabinet 4 supports the washbasin 10. The washbasin 10 is located at the upper end of the cabinet 4.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the washbasin 10 comprises a bowl portion 30, a counter portion 60, and a drain plug 70. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the washbasin according to the embodiment. For example, in the washbasin 10, the bowl portion 30 and the counter portion 60 are molded as a single unit. Also, for example, in the washbasin 10, the bowl portion 30 and the counter portion 60 are molded from the same material. For example, the washbasin 10 may be made of at least one of the following materials: ceramic, resin, and metal.

[0024] The above is merely an example, and the washbasin 10 can be configured in any way that provides the desired function. For example, the bowl portion 30 and the counter portion 60 may be individually molded and then joined together. Also, for example, different materials may be used for the bowl portion 30 and the counter portion 60. For example, the counter portion 60 may be formed by individually molding and joining together each component of the counter portion 60. Also, for example, different materials may be used for each component of the counter portion 60.

[0025] The counter section 60 has a front counter section 61, which is the rear counter section located at the back; a side counter section 62, which is the left counter section located on the left side; a side counter section 63, which is the right counter section located on the right side; and a rear counter section 64, which is the front counter section located at the front. In Figure 2, the front part of the front wall of the washbasin 10 is the front counter section 61, which is the part above the surface passing over the top surfaces of the side counter sections 62, 63 and the rear counter section 64, and the part below the surface passing over the top surfaces of the side counter sections 62, 63 and the rear counter section 64 is the front wall section 51, which will be described later.

[0026] Thus, the counter sides 62 and 63 of the counter section 60 are located at both the left and right ends of the washbasin 10. The counter sides 62 and 63 of the counter section 60 have the same shape as each other. The upper surfaces of the counter sides 62 and 63 have a planar shape. In this case, the counter sides 62 and 63 are flat surfaces.

[0027] Furthermore, the upper surface of the rear counter portion 64 may have a planar shape. In this case, the rear counter portion 64 may be a flat portion. Note that if the bowl portion 30 (for example, the rear wall portion 54) extends to the front end, the washbasin 10 does not need to have a rear counter portion 64. The counter portion 60 of the bowl portion 30 does not need to include a rear counter portion 64.

[0028] The bowl portion 30 is positioned within the counter portion 60. As a result, the bowl portion 30 is positioned between a pair of counter side portions 62 and 63. The bowl portion 30 is positioned in the center of the washbasin 10 in the left-right direction. The bowl portion 30 has a shape that is recessed downward from the upper surfaces of the counter side portions 62 and 63 and the rear counter portion 64.

[0029] The bowl portion 30 comprises a bottom portion 40 and an inner circumference portion 50. The bottom portion 40 is located at the very bottom of the bowl portion 30. As shown in Figure 3, the bottom portion 40 is surrounded by the inner circumference portion 50, which is the side portion (also called the "side portion") of the bowl portion 30. Figure 3 is a plan view of the washbasin.

[0030] The inner circumference 50 comprises a front wall portion 51 which is a rear side surface portion that is continuous with (connected to) the rear end (front end) of the bottom portion 40, a side wall portion 52 which is a left side surface portion that is continuous with the left end of the bottom portion 40, a side wall portion 53 which is a right side surface portion that is continuous with the right end of the bottom portion 40, and a rear wall portion 54 which is a front side surface portion that is continuous with the front end (rear end) of the bottom portion 40.

[0031] Each of the front wall portion 51, side wall portion 52, side wall portion 53, and rear wall portion 54 has a predetermined surface shape. For example, each of the front wall portion 51, side wall portion 52, side wall portion 53, and rear wall portion 54 may have a planar shape or a curved shape. For example, each of the front wall portion 51, side wall portion 52, side wall portion 53, and rear wall portion 54 may have a planar shape in part or a curved shape in other parts.

[0032] The bottom portion 40 is connected to the inner circumference portion 50 at both ends in the left-right direction and at both ends in the front-back direction. The bottom portion 40 comprises a bottom surface 41, a groove portion 42, and a drain opening 43. For example, the portion of the bottom portion 40 other than the groove portion 42 corresponds to the bottom surface 41. In Figure 3, the bottom surface 41 is shown distinguishing it from the surrounding portion by adding multiple dots, but these multiple dots are for indicating the range of the bottom surface 41 and do not indicate the shape of the bottom surface 41. Note that Figure 3 is merely an example, and the bottom surface 41 may be set to any range depending on the shape of the bowl portion 30.

[0033] The bottom surface 41 has a predetermined surface shape. The bottom surface 41 is a water receiving section that receives water from the faucet device 20, etc. The bottom surface 41 is continuous with the side wall 52, the side wall 53, and the rear wall 54. For example, the bottom surface 41 has a planar shape parallel to the left-right direction. In this case, the bottom surface 41 is not inclined in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 4, the bottom surface 41 is inclined downward toward the rear along the front-rear direction. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 3. For example, Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view with the drain plug 70 removed. Also, a groove 42 is connected to the rear edge of the bottom surface 41. Thus, a groove 42 is connected to the lowest edge of the bottom surface 41.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the groove 42 is formed parallel to the left-right direction along the front wall 51. The left end of the groove 42 is continuous with the side wall 52. The right end of the groove 42 is continuous with the side wall 53.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the groove 42 is recessed downward from the bottom surface 41. The groove 42 is located adjacent to the front wall 51. For example, the groove 42 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction in a plan view. The inner wall surface of the groove 42 is formed by the front wall 51. For example, in Figure 3, the area between the front wall 51 and the convex line below it corresponds to the groove 42. In Figure 3, parallel diagonal lines are used to distinguish the groove 42 from the surrounding area, but these parallel diagonal lines are only to indicate the range of the groove 42 and not to indicate the shape of the groove 42. Note that Figure 3 is merely an example, and the groove 42 may be set to any range depending on the shape of the bowl 30, the arrangement of the drain 43 (drain plug 70), etc.

[0036] The groove 42 has a groove surface that is formed as a curved surface in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction, i.e., a cross section along the front-back direction. For example, the groove 42 has a groove surface that is formed such that both ends are higher and it slopes downward towards the center in a cross section passing through the front-back and up-down directions.

[0037] For example, the groove 42 slopes downward from the left-right ends towards the center. The groove 42 is located at its highest point at each of the left-right ends and at its lowest point in the left-right center. A drain opening 43 is located in the center of the groove 42. The groove 42 slopes downward towards the drain opening 43 in the left-right direction.

[0038] The drain opening 43 penetrates the bowl portion 30. The drain opening 43 is connected to the drain pipe. For example, when viewed from above, the drain opening 43 has a circular shape. A portion of the rear side of the drain opening 43 overlaps with the groove portion 42. The rear surface portion 431 of the groove portion 42, which extends upward from the drain opening 43, is located on the front side of the drain opening 43.

[0039] The rear section 431 surrounds the front portion of the drain opening 43. The rear section 431 is connected to the bottom section 40 (for example, the bottom surface 41) at its upper end. The drain opening 43 is positioned so as to be recessed downward from the bottom section 40 at the left and right center of the rear side of the bottom section 40. A drain plug 70 is inserted into the drain opening 43. Note that the configuration of the drain opening 43 and the drain plug 70 is the same as in conventional designs, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the vanity unit 1 includes a drive unit 75, a disinfectant water dispensing device 80, a sensor 90, and a control device 100. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and the vanity unit 1 can be configured in any way as long as the desired processing can be performed. For example, if the control device 100 receives detection information from other sensors and processes the information based on the received detection information, the sensor 90 may not be included.

[0041] Furthermore, the arrangement of the drive unit 75, disinfectant water dispensing device 80, sensor 90, and control device 100 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example, and the drive unit 75, disinfectant water dispensing device 80, sensor 90, and control device 100 may be arranged in any position in the vanity unit 1 as long as the desired processing is possible. For example, at least one of the sensor 90 and control device 100 may be placed in a location other than the mirror cabinet 2 in the vanity unit 1. For example, at least one of the sensor 90 and control device 100 may be placed in the washbasin 3 in the vanity unit 1.

[0042] The drive unit 75 opens and closes the drain plug 70. For example, the drive unit 75 has a drive source such as an actuator (motor, etc.) and controls the state of the drain plug 70. In response to instructions from the control device 100, the drive unit 75 moves the position of the drain plug 70 and performs control to open or close the drain port 43.

[0043] The drive unit 75 opens the drain port 43 by moving the drain plug 70 upward and opening it. The drive unit 75 also closes the drain port 43 by moving the drain plug 70 downward and closing it. Any method can be used for the automatic control of the drain plug 70 by the drive unit 75, as long as it can open or close the drain port 43 in response to instructions from the control device 100, and a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0044] The disinfectant water dispensing device 80 dispenses disinfectant water toward the washbasin 10. The disinfectant water dispensing device 80 dispenses disinfectant water toward a predetermined area within the bowl section 30. Details of the area toward which the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 dispenses disinfectant water will be described later.

[0045] For example, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 dispenses disinfectant water containing hypochlorous acid. For example, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 dispenses disinfectant water (such as water containing hypochlorous acid) that has a disinfecting component obtained by electrolyzing chloride ions contained in water. Note that hypochlorous acid is just one example, and the disinfectant water may contain any component as long as the desired disinfection is possible.

[0046] Sensor 90 has a sensor device that detects a person located within a predetermined range from the vanity unit 1. For example, sensor 90 may have a sensor device (such as a motion sensor) such as a pyroelectric sensor using infrared signals or a μ (microwave) sensor. For example, sensor 90 detects a person located in the space where the vanity unit 1 is located (e.g., a bathroom). Detection information (sensor information) indicating the presence or absence of a person detected by sensor 90 is used to control the disinfectant water dispensing device 80. Furthermore, detection information indicating the presence or absence of a person detected by sensor 90 is used to control the drain plug 70 by the drive unit 75.

[0047] Furthermore, the detection information indicating the presence or absence of a person detected by the sensor 90 is used to control the faucet device 20. For example, the sensor 90 may have a distance measuring sensor or the like and be used to control various components such as the drive unit 75, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80, and the faucet device 20. Note that the above is merely an example, and the washbasin vanity 1 may have sensors other than the sensor 90 for automatically controlling the water discharge of the faucet device 20.

[0048] The control device 100 is a control device that controls the discharge of disinfectant water from the disinfectant water dispensing device 80. For example, the control device 100 drives the drive unit 75 to control the drain plug 70 based on information detected by various sensors such as the sensor 90.

[0049] For example, the control device 100 drives the drive unit 75 based on information detected by each sensor, such as the sensor 90, to move the position of the drain plug 70 upward, thereby opening the drain port 43. Alternatively, the control device 100 drives the drive unit 75 based on information detected by each sensor, such as the sensor 90, to move the position of the drain plug 70 downward, thereby closing the drain port 43.

[0050] Furthermore, the control device 100 controls the discharge of disinfectant water from the disinfectant water dispensing device 80. For example, the control device 100 controls the discharge of disinfectant water from the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 based on information detected by each sensor, such as the sensor 90. For example, the control device 100 causes the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 to discharge disinfectant water by instructing it to do so.

[0051] Furthermore, the control device 100 controls the water discharge from the faucet device 20. Based on the information detected by each sensor, such as the sensor 90, the control device 100 controls the water discharge from the faucet device 20. For example, the control device 100 instructs the faucet device 20 to discharge water, causing water (or hot water) to be discharged from the faucet device 20.

[0052] For example, the control device 100 is an information processing device (computer) used to control various configurations and processes. The control device 100 may have, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and may be implemented by executing a program (for example, a control program for various configurations) stored inside the control device 100 using RAM or the like as a working area. Alternatively, the control device 100 may have an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0053] Furthermore, the control device 100 is connected to devices such as the faucet device 20, the drive unit 75, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80, and the sensor 90 via wired or wireless communication. For example, the control device 100 has a communication function (communication unit) for sending and receiving information with other devices. The communication function (communication unit) of the control device 100 is realized by a communication device, a communication circuit, etc. Through its communication function, the control device 100 is connected to any network via wired or wireless, and sends and receives information with devices such as the faucet device 20, the drive unit 75, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80, and the sensor 90.

[0054] <1-1. Dispensing of disinfectant water> From here, based on the configuration described above, we will detail the configuration and control (processing) related to the discharge of disinfectant water by the vanity unit 1. In the following, the front-to-back direction will be referred to as the first direction, and the left-to-right direction as the second direction.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the vanity unit 1 has a drain 43 at the bottom of the groove 42. For example, in the vanity unit 1, the drain 43 is located in the center of the groove 42 in the second direction (left-right direction). As shown in Figure 2, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 dispenses disinfectant water into the region DR which includes the location of the drain plug 70 (drain 43) positioned at the bottom of the groove 42. The region DR of the disinfectant water dispensed (sprayed) from the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 includes at least a part of the location of the drain plug 70 (drain 43) and at least a part of the front wall 51. For example, the region DR of the disinfectant water dispensed (sprayed) from the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 includes the central part of the front wall 51 in the second direction (left-right direction).

[0056] In this way, the vanity unit 1 discharges disinfectant water into the region DR that includes the lowest point of the groove 42. This allows the vanity unit 1 to discharge disinfectant water into a position in the washbasin 10 where a large amount of wastewater flows. Therefore, the vanity unit can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin 10.

[0057] Furthermore, in the aforementioned vanity unit 1, the drain plug 70 can be disinfected by making the area including at least a part of the drain plug 70 part of the area DR of disinfectant water discharged (sprayed) from the disinfectant water discharge device 80. Therefore, the vanity unit can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin 10.

[0058] In the vanity unit 1 described above, the wastewater that flows from the bottom surface 41 in the first direction (front-to-back direction) towards the groove 42 is drained from the second direction (left-to-right direction) of the groove 42 towards the drain 43. In the vanity unit 1, the drain 43 is located in the center, which is the lowest part of the groove 42, so the wastewater that flows in from both ends in the second direction (left-to-right direction) collides in the center of the groove 42 in the second direction (left-to-right direction). For example, in the vanity unit 1, in the second direction (left-to-right direction) of the groove 42, the water flow from the side wall 52, which is the left side (also called the "first flow"), and the water flow from the side wall 53, which is the right side (also called the "second flow") collide in the center of the second direction (left-to-right direction). In other words, in the washbasin vanity 1 described above, the central part of the groove 42 in the second direction (left-right direction) is the point where the first flow from the side wall 52 and the second flow from the right side side wall 53 merge (also called the "merging point").

[0059] In the central part of the groove 42 in the second direction (left-right direction), the collision of the first flow from the side wall 52 and the second flow from the right side side wall 53 at the confluence point increases the likelihood of wastewater adhering to the front wall 51. As a result, wastewater adheres to the central part of the front wall 51 in the second direction (left-right direction) corresponding to the confluence point, increasing the likelihood of contamination (pink stains, etc.) due to bacterial growth.

[0060] Therefore, in the aforementioned vanity unit 1, by making the area including the central part of the front wall 51 in the second direction (left-right direction) the area DR of disinfectant water discharged (sprayed) from the disinfectant water discharge device 80, the occurrence of dirt (pink stains, etc.) on the front wall 51 can be suppressed. Thus, the vanity unit 1 can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin 10.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in the vanity unit 1, the area DR of the disinfectant water discharged (sprayed) from the disinfectant water discharge device 80 may be set downwards or away from the bottom surface 41 from below. For example, Figure 4 shows an example where the center of area DR (for example, the central axis passing from the disinfectant water discharge device 80 through the center of area DR) is set away from the bottom surface 41 from below. In this case, the center of area DR is set toward the back. That is, the center of area DR is set downwards or away from the bottom surface 41 (towards the back) in the first direction (front-back direction). The disinfectant water discharge device 80 discharges disinfectant water downwards or away from the bottom surface 41 from below. Note that area DR may be positioned so that its center faces downwards, as shown in Figure 2. That is, in the vanity unit 1, area DR may be set downwards or in any direction away from the bottom surface 41 from below.

[0062] In this way, the vanity unit 1 can suppress the discharge of disinfectant water from the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 toward the front, thereby preventing the disinfectant water splashing back from the bowl portion 30 toward the front (for example, toward the side where the user is expected to be located). Therefore, the vanity unit can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin. In addition, in the vanity unit 1, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 is positioned away from the center of the groove portion 42 in the second direction (left-right direction). For example, in the vanity unit 1, as shown in Figure 3, the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 is positioned to the right of the center of the groove portion 42 in the second direction (left-right direction).

[0063] <1-2. Processing Flow> From here, the processing flow of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing performed by the vanity unit. In the following explanation, the vanity unit 1 will be described as the processing unit, but the processing shown in Figure 5 may be performed by any device, such as the sensor 90 or the control device 100, depending on the configuration included in the vanity unit 1.

[0064] First, the vanity unit 1 determines whether or not it has detected a person (step S101). For example, the control device 100 of the vanity unit 1 determines whether or not it has detected a person around the vanity unit 1 based on the detection information detected by the sensor 90. If the vanity unit 1 determines that it has detected a person (step S101: Yes), it repeats the process in step S101.

[0065] If the vanity unit 1 determines that it has not detected a person (step S101: No), it controls the drain plug 70 to the open state (step S102). For example, if the control device 100 of the vanity unit 1 determines that it has not detected a person, it drives the drive unit 75 to move the position of the drain plug 70 upward, thereby controlling the drain outlet 43 to the open state.

[0066] Then, the vanity unit 1 sprays disinfectant water (step S103). For example, the control device 100 of the vanity unit 1 instructs the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 to dispense disinfectant water, causing the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 to dispense disinfectant water.

[0067] As described above, the vanity unit 1 can dispense disinfectant water when it does not detect a person, that is, when there is no one around the vanity unit 1, and can dispense disinfectant water at the appropriate time. Therefore, the vanity unit 1 can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin. For example, the vanity unit 1 is convenient to use because it can dispense disinfectant water after the user leaves the space in which the vanity unit 1 is installed (e.g., the washroom).

[0068] As described above, the vanity unit 1 controls the drive unit 75 so that the drain plug 70 is open when the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 sprays (dispenses) disinfectant water. This allows the vanity unit 1 to distribute the disinfectant water dispensed by the disinfectant water dispensing device 80 all the way into the drain 43. Therefore, the vanity unit 1 can properly disinfect the inside of the washbasin.

[0069] Furthermore, the amount of exposure of the drain opening 43 when the vanity unit 1 is open may be changed. For example, the vanity unit 1 may have a different open state for the drain plug 70 when spraying (discharging) disinfectant water (also called the "disinfection-time open state") than the open state for the drain plug 70 under normal circumstances (also called the "normally open state").

[0070] For example, the vanity unit 1 may increase the amount of the drain opening 43 exposed when it is open for disinfection compared to the normal state. In this case, the vanity unit 1 may increase the amount of the drain opening 43 exposed when it is open for disinfection compared to the normal state by controlling the position of the drain stopper 70 to be higher when it is open for disinfection compared to the normal state. For example, the vanity unit 1 may increase the amount of the drain opening 43 exposed when it is open for disinfection compared to the normal state by controlling the position of the drain stopper 70 to be higher when it is open for disinfection compared to the normal state.

[0071] In this way, the vanity unit 1 can ensure a sufficient amount of disinfectant water is sprayed directly onto the drain 43 by increasing the amount of the drain 43 exposed when it is open for disinfection compared to when it is open under normal conditions.

[0072] It should be noted that the embodiments described above are merely examples, and any configuration can be adopted for the washbasin and vanity unit as long as they have the desired functions.

[0073] Further effects and modifications can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, broader aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments expressed and described above. Accordingly, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0074] The embodiments and modifications described above may also have the following configurations, but are not limited to them. (1) A washbasin having a water receiving section and a groove section provided continuously with the water receiving section, A faucet device that discharges hot and cold water toward the washbasin, A disinfectant water dispensing device that dispenses disinfectant water toward the washbasin, It has, The groove portion is It is provided in a direction that intersects the direction in which the water receiving portion and the groove portion are aligned, The disinfectant water dispensing device is, Disinfectant water is discharged into a predetermined area including the lowest point of the groove. A vanity unit characterized by the following features. (2) A drain plug is provided in a position that overlaps with at least a part of the aforementioned predetermined area. The spray area for the disinfectant water is, The drain plug is set so that a portion of it overlaps. The vanity unit according to (1), characterized in that it is a washbasin vanity. (3) The disinfectant water dispensing device sprays the disinfectant water downward or in a direction away from the water receiving section from below. A washbasin vanity according to (1) or (2), characterized in that it is the same as described in (1) or (2). (4) A sensor is installed to detect people staying in a designated area. A washbasin vanity according to any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that it has a control unit that sprays the disinfectant water after detecting the absence of a person based on the detection information of the sensor. (5) It has a drive unit that opens and closes the drain plug, The control unit, The drive unit is controlled so that the drain plug is open when the disinfectant water is sprayed. The vanity unit according to (4), characterized by having a control unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Vanity 2 Mirror Cabinet 3. Washbasin 4 cabinets 10 wash basin 20 Faucet devices 30 Bowl section 40 bottom 41 Bottom 42 Groove 43 Drain 50 Inner circumference (sides, lateral surfaces) 51 Front wall (back side) 52 Side wall section (left side section) 53 Side wall part (right side part) 54 Rear wall section (front side section) 60 Counter section 61 Front of the counter (back of the counter) 62 Counter side (left counter section) 63 Counter side (right counter section) 64. Rear of the counter (front of the counter) 70 Drain plug 75 Drive Unit 80 Sterilizing water discharge device 90 sensors 100 Control device

Claims

1. A washbasin having a water receiving section and a groove section provided continuously with the water receiving section, A faucet device that discharges hot and cold water toward the washbasin, A disinfectant water dispensing device that dispenses disinfectant water toward the washbasin, It has, The groove portion is It is provided in a direction that intersects the direction in which the water receiving portion and the groove portion are aligned, The disinfectant water dispensing device is, Disinfectant water is discharged into a predetermined area including the lowest point of the groove. A vanity unit characterized by the following features.

2. A drain plug is provided in a position that overlaps with at least a part of the aforementioned predetermined area. The spray area for the disinfectant water is, The drain plug is set so that a portion of it overlaps. The vanity unit according to feature 1.

3. The disinfectant water dispensing device sprays the disinfectant water downward or in a direction away from the water receiving section from below. The vanity unit according to feature 1.

4. A sensor is installed to detect people staying in a designated area. The washbasin vanity according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a control unit that performs the spraying of the disinfectant water after detecting the absence of a person based on the detection information of the sensor.

5. It has a drive unit that opens and closes the drain plug, The control unit, The drive unit is controlled so that the drain plug is open when the disinfectant water is sprayed. The washbasin vanity according to claim 4, characterized by having a control unit.

Images