Bathroom vanity and bathroom system

Abstract

We provide highly convenient bathroom vanity units. [Solution] The vanity unit includes a mixing unit that mixes water supplied from a water supply source and water supplied from a hot water supply source, a water discharge unit that discharges the water supplied from the mixing unit, an acquisition process that acquires opportunity information regarding the occasions when water discharge from the water discharge unit is expected, and a control unit that, based on the opportunity information, discharges the water accumulated from the hot water supply source to the water discharge unit and supplies water from the hot water supply source. Since hot water is prepared from the mixing unit to the water discharge unit before the user has the opportunity to dispense water, the user standing in front of the vanity unit does not need to wait for the hot water to be prepared when dispensing water and can use hot water.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathroom vanity and a washstand system. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, bathroom vanities and washstand systems that generate warm water by mixing water supplied from a cold water supply source and water supplied from a hot water supply source, and discharge the mixed water from a water discharge part have been known. In this type of bathroom vanity and washstand system, the cooled warm water remaining in the piping from the previous use is discharged first, and then the newly generated warm water is discharged.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic faucet device (bathroom vanity, washstand system) that discharges the warm water remaining in the piping from the previous use and performs a warm water preparation operation to newly generate warm water. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0004] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Patent No. 7022383 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0005] The automatic faucet device described in Patent Document 1 includes an operation unit, and the warm water preparation operation is performed when the operation unit is operated by a user. For this reason, a user standing in front of the bathroom vanity cannot use warm water immediately, and has to wait until the retained water is discharged and the warm water is prepared, which results in poor convenience.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a highly convenient bathroom vanity and washstand system. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the washbasin vanity according to the present invention comprises: a mixing unit that mixes water supplied from a water supply source and water supplied from a hot water supply source; a water discharge unit that discharges the water supplied from the mixing unit; an acquisition process that acquires opportunity information relating to the occasions when water discharge from the water discharge unit is predicted; and a control unit that, based on the opportunity information, discharges water accumulated from the hot water supply source to the water discharge unit and supplies water from the hot water supply source.

[0008] With this configuration, the control unit performs a supply process based on user opportunity information, allowing it to pre-discharge any stagnant, for example, cold water from the hot water source to the water outlet before the user is expected to dispense water from the water outlet, and to newly supply hot water from the hot water source to the mixing unit. As a result, hot water is prepared from the mixing unit to the water outlet before the user dispenses water, so the user standing in front of the vanity does not have to wait for the hot water to be prepared when they dispense water and can use hot water. Thus, the present invention can provide a highly convenient vanity.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, the opportunity information includes information about the user's actions performed prior to the discharge of water from the water outlet, such as waking up or returning home from going out, and the control unit stores patterns of information about the actions and executes the supply process when it acquires that the actions have been performed in the acquisition process.

[0010] With this configuration, the control unit performs supply processing based on the user's opportunity information, so that when the user takes an action prior to dispensing water, hot water is prepared from the mixing unit to the dispensing unit. As a result, the user can use hot water at the time they want to dispense water, providing a more convenient washbasin.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit performs a measurement process to measure the elapsed time from when the water discharge from the water outlet is stopped until the opportunity information is acquired, and performs the supply process based on the opportunity information and the elapsed time.

[0012] If not much time has passed since the last use of hot water at the water outlet, it can be assumed that the hot water remaining in the water outlet from the hot water source has not yet cooled down. In the above configuration, the time required for the remaining hot water to cool down is set in advance. The control unit then measures the elapsed time from the last use of the water outlet, i.e., from when the water outlet was stopped, until the acquisition of the necessary information, and compares this with the pre-set time to determine whether or not the remaining hot water has cooled down. As a result, if the control unit determines that the remaining hot water has not cooled down, it does not need to prepare hot water, thus saving energy.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a washbasin vanity unit that includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the stagnant water, and the control unit further performs the supply process based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit.

[0014] With this configuration, the temperature of the stagnant hot water can be directly detected by the temperature detection unit, allowing the control unit to directly determine whether or not the stagnant hot water has cooled down. Therefore, the control unit can determine with high accuracy whether or not it is necessary to prepare hot water, thereby effectively saving energy.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit further acquires environmental information relating to the external environment in the acquisition process and executes the supply process based on the opportunity information and the environmental information.

[0016] For example, on hot summer days or warm winter days, users are more likely to need cold water rather than hot water. With the above configuration, the control unit performs the supply process based on environmental information related to the external environment, such as season and temperature, in addition to opportunity information. Therefore, the control unit can determine with high accuracy whether hot water needs to be prepared, or in other words, whether the user needs hot or cold water, and can provide a more convenient washbasin.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit further acquires body temperature information relating to the user's body temperature in the acquisition process, and executes the supply process based on the machine information and the body temperature information.

[0018] For example, if a user has a high body temperature, such as after exercise or after leaving a warm room, they are more likely to need cold water rather than hot water. With the above configuration, the control unit performs the supply process based on body temperature information related to the user's body temperature in addition to machine information. Therefore, the control unit can determine with high accuracy whether hot water needs to be prepared, or in other words, whether the user needs hot or cold water, and can provide a more convenient washbasin.

[0019] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vanity unit equipped with a mirror that reflects the user, and the control unit performs an anti-fogging process that controls the mirror to prevent fogging based on the information provided.

[0020] With this configuration, the control unit can perform anti-fogging control of the mirror at the moment the user stands in front of the vanity to use hot water. This makes it possible to provide a more convenient vanity.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vanity unit equipped with an air conditioning device, wherein the control unit performs air conditioning processing to control the air conditioning around the user using the air conditioning device based on the machine information.

[0022] According to this configuration, the control unit can execute air conditioning control of the air conditioner at the timing when a user stands in front of the wash vanity to use hot water. Therefore, a more convenient wash vanity can be provided.

[0023] A wash vanity according to another aspect of the present invention includes a reception unit that receives information input from a user, and the control unit adjusts an interval from when the opportunity information is acquired to when the supply process is executed, based on the information input by the reception unit.

[0024] For example, the time from when a user wakes up to when they use the wash vanity, and the time from when they return home to when they use the wash vanity, vary depending on the user. According to the above configuration, for example, by having the user input in advance to the reception unit information about the time expected from the user's action performed prior to water discharge from the water discharge unit to the actual use of the wash vanity, the user can use hot water at the timing of water discharge with higher accuracy. Therefore, a more convenient wash vanity can be provided.

[0025] A wash vanity according to another aspect of the present invention includes a discharge unit that is provided separately from the water discharge unit and configured to discharge the retained water, and the control unit discharges the retained water from the discharge unit in the supply process.

[0026] According to this configuration, the water retained from the hot water supply source to the water discharge unit is discharged from a discharge unit different from the water discharge unit, so the user does not see the state of the retained water being discharged. Therefore, a pleasant impression can be given to the user regarding the operation of the wash vanity.

[0027] A wash system according to the present invention includes: a mixing unit that mixes water supplied from a water supply source and water supplied from a hot water supply source; a water discharge unit that discharges water supplied from the mixing unit; an acquisition unit that acquires opportunity information relating to an opportunity at which water discharge from the water discharge unit is predicted; and a supply unit that discharges water retained from the hot water supply source to the water discharge unit and supplies water from the hot water supply source based on the opportunity information.

[0028] With this configuration, hot water is prepared from the mixing unit to the water outlet before the user has a chance to dispense water. Therefore, a user standing in front of the vanity does not have to wait for the hot water to be prepared before dispensing water, and can use hot water immediately. This provides a highly convenient washbasin system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly convenient vanity unit and bathroom system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the vanity unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a washbasin vanity according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the flow of measurement processing performed by the control unit of the washbasin vanity according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the vanity unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of a washbasin vanity according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the washbasin vanity according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the vanity unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed by the control unit of the vanity unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This block diagram shows the electrical configuration of a washbasin vanity according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] <First Embodiment> A first embodiment of the washbasin vanity (washbasin system) 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 1, the washbasin vanity 10 of the first embodiment includes a water storage unit 12, a water discharge unit 14, and a drainage unit 16. The washbasin vanity 10 further includes a water supply source 20, a hot water supply source 22, a mixing unit 24, a control unit 30, and a temperature detector (temperature detection unit) 40. In the following description, the person using the washbasin vanity 10 will be referred to as the "user".

[0032] The water storage section 12 is bowl-shaped, and when the drain plug 16b is closed, water or hot water discharged from the water outlet section 14 is stored inside. The water outlet section 14 has a faucet-shaped spout 14a and a first solenoid valve 20v and a second solenoid valve 22v that open and close the spout 14a. The washbasin vanity 10 is an automatic faucet device, and the opening and closing operations of the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v are controlled by a control unit 30, which will be described later. The drain section 16 is located below the water storage section 12 and has a drain port 16a from which water in the water storage section 12 is discharged, and a drain plug 16b that opens and closes the drain port 16a.

[0033] The water source 20 supplies water to the mixing unit 24. The water source 20 and the mixing unit 24 are connected by a water supply pipe 20p. The first solenoid valve 20v is installed in the middle of the water supply pipe 20p. The first solenoid valve 20v is electrically connected to the control unit 30, and its opening and closing are controlled by the control unit 30. When the first solenoid valve 20v is opened, water flows between the water source 20 and the mixing unit 24.

[0034] The hot water source 22 supplies water (hot water) to the mixing unit 24. The hot water source 22 and the mixing unit 24 are connected by a hot water pipe 22p. The second solenoid valve 22v is installed in the middle of the hot water pipe 22p. The second solenoid valve 22v is electrically connected to the control unit 30, and its opening and closing are controlled by the control unit 30. When the second solenoid valve 22v is open, water flows between the hot water source 22 and the mixing unit 24.

[0035] The mixing unit 24 mixes water supplied from the water supply source 20 and water supplied from the hot water supply source 22 to produce hot water. The mixing unit 24 is connected to the water discharge unit 14 via a mixing pipe 24p. A temperature detector 40 is provided in the middle of the mixing pipe 24p. The temperature detector 40 detects the temperature of the hot water or water flowing through the mixing pipe 24p. The temperature detector 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 acquires information regarding the temperature detected by the temperature detector 40.

[0036] Next, the electrical configuration of the vanity unit 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0037] The control unit 30 is composed of a computer such as a CPU and controls the vanity unit 10. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 30 includes an acquisition unit 32, a measurement unit 34, and a supply unit 36. The control unit 30 also has a server function and acquires information from external sources, which will be described later. The control unit 30 also includes an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) and flash memory for temporarily storing various data, and stores various types of information.

[0038] The acquisition unit 32 executes an acquisition process. The acquisition process involves the acquisition unit 32 acquiring and storing the machine information I1 from outside the washbasin vanity 10.

[0039] The measurement unit 34 performs a measurement process. The measurement process involves the measurement unit 34 storing the time when the water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 was last stopped, and the time when the acquisition unit 32 subsequently acquired the opportunity information I1. The measurement process also involves the measurement unit 34 measuring (calculating) the elapsed time from the time when the water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 was stopped to the time when the acquisition unit 32 acquired the opportunity information I1.

[0040] The supply unit 36 ​​performs the supply processing described later. Based on the opportunity information I1, the supply unit 36 ​​performs the process of discharging water that has accumulated from the hot water source 22 to the water outlet 14 (hereinafter referred to as the "discharge processing"), and then performs the process of preparing hot water in the mixing pipe 24p by supplying new water (hot water) from the hot water source 22 (hereinafter referred to as the "hot water preparation processing"). In the first embodiment, the supply unit 36 ​​performs the discharge processing and the hot water preparation processing when the acquisition unit 32 acquires the opportunity information I1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the opportunity information I1 acquired by the acquisition unit 32 includes, as an example, wake-up information I1A, return-home information I1B, and bathroom exit information I1C. Wake-up information I1A is information about the user waking up and indicates that the user has woken up. Return-home information I1B is information about the user returning home and indicates that the user has returned home. Bathroom exit information I1C is information about the user leaving the bathroom and indicates that the user has left the bathroom. The control unit 30 has pre-stored patterns of this information about the user's actions as opportunity information I1. The control unit 30 then determines that it has acquired opportunity information I1 when it acquires (receives) this information from an external source.

[0042] It is assumed that the user will use the vanity unit 10 immediately after waking up. Therefore, the control unit 30 determines that the user has woken up when the acquisition unit 32 acquires the wake-up information I1A. In other words, the control unit 30 determines that water will be dispensed from the water dispenser 14 immediately afterward. The information that the acquisition unit 32 acquires as wake-up information I1A can include, for example, information from various applications such as sleep applications and alarm clock applications, information from various sensors such as wake-up sensors, pillow sensors, bedroom lighting sensors, bedroom door and curtain opening / closing sensors, and information regarding the activation of the user's watch or smartphone.

[0043] Furthermore, it is assumed that the user will use the vanity unit 10 immediately after returning home. Therefore, the control unit 30 determines that the user has returned home when the acquisition unit 32 acquires the return-home information I1B. In other words, the control unit 30 determines that water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 is expected immediately afterward. Examples of information that the acquisition unit 32 acquires as the return-home information I1B include information indicating that the front door has been unlocked, information indicating that the intercom has been used, information indicating that the GPS on the user's smartphone is approaching the user's home, and information regarding the user's return time acquired from the user's schedule and planned activities stored in the control unit 30.

[0044] Furthermore, since a vanity 10 is usually provided next to the bathroom, it is assumed that the vanity 10 will be used immediately after the user leaves the bathroom. The control unit 30 determines that the user has left the bathroom when the acquisition unit 32 acquires the bathroom exit information I1C. That is, the control unit 30 determines that water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 is expected immediately afterward. Examples of information that the acquisition unit 32 acquires as bathroom exit information I1C include information from the bathroom door opening / closing sensor, information from the bathroom lighting sensor, and information from sensors that detect human movement in the bathroom.

[0045] Here, if sufficient time has not elapsed between the last time the discharge of hot water from the discharge unit 14 is stopped and the acquisition unit 32 acquires the opportunity information I1, for example, if family members living together use it continuously, it is assumed that the water (hot water) remaining in the area from the mixing unit 24 to the discharge unit 14 will not have cooled down. For this reason, if the elapsed time measured in the above measurement process is less than the time it takes for the remaining hot water to cool down, the user can use the hot water without the control unit 30 having to perform the discharge process and the hot water preparation process. Therefore, the control unit 30 has a threshold value (for example, 30 minutes in winter, 2 hours in summer) stored in advance to determine whether the elapsed time measured in the measurement process exceeds the time it takes for the remaining hot water to cool down.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 30 has a pre-stored set temperature (for example, 40°C) for determining whether the temperature of the stagnant water detected by the temperature detector 40 is hot water or not.

[0047] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the flow of the measurement process performed by the measurement unit 34 of the control unit 30 will be explained. In Figure 3, an example is shown in which the acquisition unit 32 acquires wake-up information I1A as opportunity information I1.

[0048] The process shown in Figure 3 begins when water is discharged from the water outlet 14, that is, when the control unit 30 switches the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v from the closed state to the open state. As an example, the washbasin vanity 10 is equipped with a human sensor (not shown), and when the human sensor detects a user, the control unit 30 switches the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v from the closed state to the open state. Also, when the human sensor no longer detects a user, the control unit 30 switches the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v from the open state to the closed state.

[0049] (Step S10) The control unit 30 determines whether or not the water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 has stopped, that is, whether or not the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v have switched from the open state to the closed state. If the control unit 30 determines that the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v have switched to the closed state, the process proceeds to step S12. If the control unit 30 determines that the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v have not switched to the closed state, the process repeats the process of step S10.

[0050] (Step S12) The control unit 30 stores the time when the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v switched to the closed state as time t1. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0051] (Step S14) The control unit 30 determines whether or not water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 has started, that is, whether or not the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v have switched from a closed state to an open state. If the control unit 30 determines that the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v have switched to an open state, the process returns to the process of step S10. If the control unit 30 determines that the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v have not switched to an open state, the process proceeds to the process of step S16.

[0052] (Step S16) The control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 32 has acquired wake-up information I1A from an external source. If the control unit 30 determines that wake-up information I1A has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S18. If the control unit 30 determines that wake-up information I1A has not been acquired, the process returns to step S14.

[0053] (Step S18) The control unit 30 stores the time when the acquisition unit 32 acquired the wake-up information I1A as time t2. Subsequently, the control unit 30 calculates the time elapsed from time t1 to time t2, i.e., t2-t1, and stores the calculated time as "elapsed time". Then, the control unit 30 completes the series of processes shown in Figure 3.

[0054] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the processing flow executed by the control unit 30 will be explained. In the processing shown in Figure 4, the case in which the acquisition unit 32 acquires wake-up information I1A as opportunity information I1 is illustrated.

[0055] (Step S20) The control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 32 has acquired wake-up information I1A from an external source. If the control unit 30 determines that wake-up information I1A has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S22. If the control unit 30 determines that wake-up information I1A has not been acquired, the process in step S20 is repeated.

[0056] (Step S22) The control unit 30 reads the "elapsed time," i.e., "t2-t1," stored in the measurement process shown in Figure 3. Next, the control unit 30 determines whether "t2-t1" is greater than a threshold stored in the control unit 30, that is, whether the elapsed time exceeds the time it takes for the stagnant hot water to cool down. If the control unit 30 determines that "t2-t1" is greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S26. If the control unit 30 determines that "t2-t1" is less than or equal to the threshold, the process returns to the process in step S20.

[0057] (Step S24) The control unit 30 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature detector 40 and determines whether the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature stored in the control unit 30, that is, whether the temperature of the stagnant water is considered to be hot water. If the detected temperature is lower than the set temperature stored in the control unit 30, the process proceeds to step S26. If the detected temperature is higher than the set temperature stored in the control unit 30, the process returns to step S20.

[0058] (Step S26) The control unit 30 opens the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v, and discharges the water that has accumulated from the hot water source 22 to the discharge unit 14, in other words, the water that has accumulated in the hot water pipe 22p (see area E1 in Figure 1) and the mixing pipe 24p (see area E2 in Figure 1) from the discharge unit 14. That is, the control unit 30 performs the discharge process. Then the process proceeds to step S28.

[0059] (Step S28) The control unit 30 prepares hot water in the mixing pipe 24p after the discharge process is performed by supplying new water (hot water) from the hot water source 22. In other words, the control unit 30 performs the hot water preparation process. The processes performed by the control unit 30 in steps S26 and S28 are an example of the supply process. Then, the control unit 30 completes the process shown in Figure 4.

[0060] As described above, the washbasin vanity 10 of the first embodiment includes a mixing unit 24 that mixes water supplied from a water supply source 20 and water supplied from a hot water supply source 22, a water discharge unit 14 that discharges the water supplied from the mixing unit 24, an acquisition process that acquires opportunity information I1 related to the occasions when water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 is predicted, and a supply process that, based on the opportunity information I1, discharges the water accumulated from the hot water supply source 22 to the water discharge unit 14 and supplies water from the hot water supply source 22.

[0061] With this configuration, the control unit 30 performs a supply process based on the user's opportunity information I1, thereby pre-discharging any cold water, for example, that has accumulated from the hot water source 22 to the water outlet 14 before the user is expected to dispense water from the water outlet 14, and newly supplying hot water from the hot water source 22 to the mixing unit 24. As a result, hot water is prepared from the mixing unit 24 to the water outlet 14 before the user is expected to dispense water, so the user standing in front of the vanity 10 does not need to wait for the hot water to be prepared when they dispense water and can use hot water. Thus, in this first embodiment, a highly convenient vanity 10 can be provided.

[0062] Furthermore, the vanity unit 10 includes information on user actions performed prior to water discharge from the water outlet 14, such as wake-up information I1A, return-home information I1B, and bathroom exit information I1C. The control unit 30 stores patterns of information on user actions related to the opportunity information I1 and executes a supply process when it is determined through the acquisition process that a user action related to the opportunity information I1 has occurred.

[0063] With this configuration, the control unit 30 performs a supply process based on the user's opportunity information I1, so that when the user takes an action prior to dispensing water, hot water is prepared from the mixing unit 24 to the water dispensing unit 14. As a result, the user can use hot water at the time of dispensing water, providing a more convenient washbasin vanity 10.

[0064] Furthermore, the washbasin vanity 10, specifically the control unit 30, performs a measurement process to measure the elapsed time from when the water discharge from the water outlet 14 is stopped until the acquisition of the opportunity information I1, and also performs a supply process based on the opportunity information I1 and the elapsed time.

[0065] If not much time has passed since the hot water was used at the water outlet 14, it is assumed that the hot water remaining in the water outlet 14 from the hot water source 22 has not yet cooled down. In the above configuration, the time required for the remaining hot water to cool down is set in advance. The control unit 30 then measures the elapsed time from when the water outlet 14 is used, that is, from when the water discharge is stopped, until the acquisition of the opportunity information I1, and by comparing this with the pre-set time, it can determine whether or not the remaining hot water has cooled down. As a result, if the control unit 30 determines that the remaining hot water has not cooled down, it does not need to prepare hot water, thus saving energy.

[0066] Furthermore, the washbasin vanity 10 is equipped with a temperature detector 40 that detects the temperature of the stagnant water, and the control unit 30 further performs a supply process based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector 40.

[0067] With this configuration, the temperature of the stagnant hot water can be directly detected by the temperature detector 40, allowing the control unit 30 to directly determine whether or not the stagnant hot water is cooling down. Therefore, the control unit 30 can determine with high accuracy whether or not it is necessary to prepare hot water, thereby effectively saving energy.

[0068] Furthermore, the washbasin vanity 10 functions as a washbasin system comprising: a mixing unit 24 that mixes water supplied from a water supply source 20 with water supplied from a hot water supply source 22; a water discharge unit 14 that discharges the water supplied from the mixing unit 24; an acquisition unit 32 that acquires opportunity information I1 regarding the occasions when water discharge from the water discharge unit 14 is predicted; and a supply unit 36 ​​that, based on the opportunity information I1, discharges the water accumulated from the hot water supply source 22 to the water discharge unit 14 and supplies water from the hot water supply source 22.

[0069] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5, the vanity unit 110 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in its electrical configuration and the processing performed by the control unit 130. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted or simplified. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 130 of the vanity unit 110 according to the second embodiment does not include the measuring unit 34 of the first embodiment, but instead includes an acquisition unit 132 and a supply unit 136.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the acquisition unit 132 performs an acquisition process to acquire environmental information I2 and body temperature information I3 in addition to the opportunity information I1. During the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 132 acquires and stores the opportunity information I1, environmental information I2, and body temperature information I3 from outside the washbasin vanity 110. The opportunity information I1 acquired by the acquisition unit 132 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0072] The environmental information I2 acquired by the acquisition unit 132 includes, for example, seasonal information I2A and temperature information I2B. Seasonal information I2A is information about the external season. Temperature information I2B is information about the external temperature. In the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 132 acquires (receives) this environmental information I2 from the outside.

[0073] During hot summer months, it is expected that users will not use hot water. Similarly, on warm winter days, it is expected that users will not use hot water. On the other hand, on cold summer days, it is expected that users will use hot water. Therefore, the control unit 130 determines whether or not to perform discharge treatment and hot water preparation treatment based on the acquired environmental information I2.

[0074] The information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 as seasonal information I2A and temperature information I2B includes, in addition to weather forecasts, in the summer, for example, heat index, discomfort index, extreme heat day information, and ultraviolet index, and in the winter, for example, perceived temperature index, moisture index, cold-catching index, and temperature difference skin irritation index.

[0075] Furthermore, the body temperature information I3 acquired by the acquisition unit 132 includes, as an example, measurement information I3A, activity information I3B, and behavioral information I3C. Measurement information I3A is information regarding the measurement result when the user's body temperature is directly measured. Activity information I3B is information regarding the user's activity, such as whether the user (returning home) is walking, running, or in a car. Behavioral information I3C is information regarding the user's behavior, such as where the user (returning home) has been. In the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 132 acquires (receives) this body temperature information I3 from an external source.

[0076] For example, if a user stands in front of the vanity 110 after returning home and their body temperature is high, it is assumed that the user will not use the hot water. Therefore, the control unit 130 determines whether or not to perform the discharge process and the hot water preparation process based on the acquired body temperature information I3.

[0077] Examples of information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 as measurement information I3A include information from a body temperature sensor worn by the user. Examples of information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 as activity information I3B include information from a smartwatch or smartphone app worn by the user, and information from the car navigation system of the car the user is driving. Examples of information acquired by the acquisition unit 132 as behavioral information I3C include information related to the user's planned activities.

[0078] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the processing flow executed by the control unit 130 will be explained. In the processing shown in Figure 6, the case in which the acquisition unit 132 acquires return-home information I1B as opportunity information I1 is illustrated.

[0079] (Step S120) The control unit 130 determines whether the acquisition unit 132 has acquired the return-home information I1B from an external source. If the control unit 130 determines that the return-home information I1B has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S122. If the control unit 130 determines that the return-home information I1B has not been acquired, the process in step S120 is repeatedly executed.

[0080] (Step S122) The acquisition unit 132 acquires environmental information I2 from an external source. Based on the acquired environmental information I2, the acquisition unit 132 (control unit 130) determines whether discharge treatment and hot water preparation treatment are necessary, that is, whether to perform supply treatment. If the acquisition unit 132 determines that discharge treatment and hot water preparation treatment are necessary, the process proceeds to step S124. If the acquisition unit 132 determines that discharge treatment and hot water preparation treatment are not necessary, the process returns to step S120.

[0081] (Step S124) The acquisition unit 132 acquires body temperature information I3 from an external source. Based on the acquired body temperature information I3, the acquisition unit 132 (control unit 130) determines whether discharge processing and hot water preparation processing are necessary, that is, whether to perform supply processing. If the acquisition unit 132 determines that discharge processing and hot water preparation processing are necessary, the process proceeds to step S126. If the acquisition unit 132 determines that discharge processing and hot water preparation processing are not necessary, the process returns to step S120.

[0082] (Step S126) The control unit 130 opens the first solenoid valve 20v and the second solenoid valve 22v, and discharges the water that has accumulated from the hot water source 22 to the discharge unit 14, in other words, the water that has accumulated in the hot water pipe 22p and the mixing pipe 24p, from the discharge unit 14. Then the process proceeds to step S128.

[0083] (Step S128) The control unit 130 prepares hot water in the mixing pipe 24p after the discharge process is performed by supplying new water (hot water) from the hot water source 22. The processes performed by the control unit 130 in steps S126 and S128 are an example of the supply process. Then, the control unit 130 completes the process shown in Figure 6.

[0084] As described above, in the second embodiment of the washbasin vanity 110, the control unit 130 further acquires environmental information I2 regarding the external environment in the acquisition process, and executes a supply process based on the opportunity information I1 and the environmental information I2.

[0085] For example, on hot summer days or warm winter days, users are more likely to need cold water rather than hot water. With the above configuration, the control unit 130 performs the supply process based on environmental information I2 related to the external environment, such as season and temperature, in addition to opportunity information I1. As a result, the control unit 130 can determine with high accuracy whether hot water needs to be prepared, or in other words, whether the user needs hot or cold water, and can provide a more convenient washbasin vanity 110.

[0086] In addition, in the washbasin vanity 110, the control unit 130 further acquires body temperature information I3 related to the user's body temperature during the acquisition process, and executes a supply process based on the equipment information I1 and the body temperature information I3.

[0087] For example, if a user has a high body temperature, such as after exercise or after leaving a warm room, they are more likely to need cold water rather than hot water. With the above configuration, the control unit 130 performs the supply process based on body temperature information I3 related to the user's body temperature in addition to the opportunity information I1. Therefore, the control unit 130 can determine with high accuracy whether hot water needs to be prepared, or in other words, whether the user needs hot or cold water, and can provide a more convenient washbasin vanity 110.

[0088] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7, the vanity unit 210 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in its configuration and the processing performed by the control unit 230. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their explanation will be omitted or simplified. As shown in Figure 7, the vanity unit 210 according to the third embodiment further includes, in addition to the configuration of the vanity unit 10 of the first embodiment, an outlet (discharge section) 26, a discharge valve (three-way valve) 24v, a mirror 250, and an air conditioning unit 260.

[0090] The outlet 26 is provided separately from the water outlet 14 on the mixing pipe 24p, closer to the water outlet 14. The outlet 26 is equipped with a discharge valve 24v that opens and closes the outlet 26. The discharge valve 24v is electrically connected to the control unit 230, which controls the flow path to the water outlet (14a) / outlet (26). When the discharge process is executed, the water accumulated in the hot water supply pipe 22p and the mixing pipe 24p is discharged from the outlet 26. Except when the discharge process is executed by the control unit 230, the accumulated water is discharged from the water outlet 14a.

[0091] The mirror 250 is positioned above the water outlet 14 on the vanity 210 so as to reflect the image of the user standing in front of the vanity 210. The mirror 250 is electrically connected to the control unit 230, and the control unit 230 performs anti-fogging control.

[0092] The air conditioning unit 260 is positioned above the user standing in front of the vanity unit 210. The air conditioning unit 260 is electrically connected to the control unit 230, which controls the air conditioning around the user.

[0093] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the processing flow executed by the control unit 230 will be explained. In the processing shown in Figure 8, the case in which the acquisition unit 32 acquires bathroom exit information I1C as opportunity information I1 is illustrated.

[0094] (Step S220) The control unit 230 determines whether the acquisition unit 32 has acquired bathroom exit information I1C from an external source. If the control unit 230 determines that bathroom exit information I1C has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S222. If the control unit 230 determines that bathroom exit information I1C has not been acquired, the process in step S220 is repeatedly executed.

[0095] (Step S222) The control unit 230 performs anti-fogging control on the mirror 250. In the example shown in Figure 8, the acquisition unit 32 acquires bathroom exit information I1C, so it is assumed that the user has just left the bathroom. Normally, the mirror 250 would fog up easily, but with this anti-fogging control, the user who has left the bathroom and is standing in front of the vanity 210 can use the mirror 250 comfortably. The process then proceeds to step S224. The process that the control unit 230 performs in step S222 is an example of anti-fogging treatment.

[0096] (Step S224) The control unit 230 controls the air conditioning around the user via the air conditioning unit 260. Because the control unit 230 controls the air conditioning around the user, the user can feel comfortable when they leave the bathroom and stand in front of the vanity 210. The process then proceeds to step S226. The process performed by the control unit 230 in step S224 is an example of air conditioning processing.

[0097] (Step S226) The control unit 230 opens the discharge valve 24v and discharges the water that has accumulated from the hot water source 22 to the water outlet 14, in other words, the water that has accumulated in the hot water pipe 22p and the mixing pipe 24p, from a different outlet 26 than the water outlet 14. That is, the control unit 230 performs the discharge process. Then the process moves on to step S228.

[0098] (Step S228) The control unit 230 prepares hot water in the mixing pipe 24p after the discharge treatment is performed by supplying new water (hot water) from the hot water source 22. In other words, the control unit 230 performs the hot water preparation process. The processes performed by the control unit 230 in steps S226 and S228 are an example of the supply process. Then, the control unit 230 completes the process shown in Figure 8.

[0099] As described above, the vanity unit 210 of the third embodiment is equipped with a mirror 250 that reflects the user, and the control unit 230 performs an anti-fogging process that controls the mirror 250 to prevent fogging based on the opportunity information I1. With this configuration, the control unit 230 can perform anti-fogging control of the mirror 250 at the moment the user stands in front of the vanity unit 210 to use hot water. Therefore, a more convenient vanity unit 210 can be provided.

[0100] Furthermore, the vanity unit 210 is equipped with an air conditioning unit 260, and the control unit 230 performs air conditioning processing that controls the air conditioning around the user using the air conditioning unit 260 based on opportunity information I1. With this configuration, the control unit 230 can perform air conditioning control of the air conditioning unit 260 at the moment the user stands in front of the vanity unit 210 to use hot water. Therefore, a more convenient vanity unit 210 can be provided.

[0101] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 9.

[0102] As shown in Figure 9, the vanity unit 310 according to the fourth embodiment has a different electrical configuration from that of the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted or simplified. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 330 includes an acquisition unit 32 and a measurement unit 34, similar to those of the first embodiment, and in addition, it includes a supply unit 336 and a reception unit 338.

[0103] The reception unit 338 is equipped with, for example, an operation panel that can be operated by the user, and accepts information input from the user. The control unit 330 (supply unit 336) adjusts the interval between acquiring the machine information I1 and executing the supply process based on the information input by the reception unit 338.

[0104] Specifically, for example, if opportunity information I1 is wake-up information I1A, and the user has any habitual actions they perform between waking up and standing in front of the vanity 310, input information I4 regarding the time (e.g., 5 minutes) the user takes to perform those habitual actions is pre-entered into the reception unit 338. Based on this input information I4, the control unit 330 adds the time included in the input information I4 to the time between acquiring opportunity information I1 and performing the supply process. For example, the control unit 330 executes the supply process 5 minutes after acquiring opportunity information I1.

[0105] As described above, the washbasin vanity 310 of the fourth embodiment is equipped with a reception unit 338 that receives information input from the user, and the control unit 330 adjusts the interval from when it acquires the machine information I1 to when it executes the supply process based on the information input by the reception unit 338.

[0106] For example, the time from waking up to using the vanity 310, or the time from returning home to using the vanity 310, varies from user to user. With the above configuration, for example, by having the user input information into the reception unit 338 in advance about the time it is expected to take from the user's actions prior to water being dispensed from the water outlet 14 until the actual use of the vanity 310, the user can use hot water at the right time with greater precision. This makes it possible to provide a more convenient vanity 310.

[0107] <Variation> The embodiments described above are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and essence of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0108] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the temperature detector 40 is provided in the middle of the mixing pipe 24p, but for example, the temperature detector 40 may be provided in the middle of the hot water supply pipe 22p. With this configuration, the temperature detector 40 can directly detect the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water supply source 22 before it mixes with the water supplied from the water supply source 20, thereby improving the accuracy of determining whether the temperature of the stagnant water is hot enough to be considered hot water.

[0109] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the control unit 130 is configured to determine whether or not discharge treatment and hot water preparation treatment are necessary based on the acquired environmental information I2 and body temperature information I3, but the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 130 may be configured to adjust the set temperature of the water supplied from the hot water source 22 based on the acquired environmental information I2 and body temperature information I3.

[0110] Furthermore, although the third embodiment described above illustrates a configuration in which the outlet 26 and the discharge valve 24v are provided on the mixing pipe 24p, the outlet 26 and the discharge valve 24v may also be provided on the hot water supply pipe 22p, or the outlet 26 and the discharge valve 24v may be directly connected to the drain outlet 16a.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, in the third embodiment described above, a configuration was illustrated in which anti-fogging treatment and air conditioning treatment are performed and supply treatment is performed based on the opportunity information I1. However, a configuration in which anti-fogging treatment and air conditioning treatment are performed based on the opportunity information I1 without the supply treatment being performed may also be possible. With this configuration, the convenience of the washbasin vanity 210 can be enhanced even when the user does not use the water outlet 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10,110,210,310: Washbasin vanity, 12: Water outlet, 20: Water supply source, 22: Hot water supply source, 24: Mixing unit, 30,130,230,330: Control unit, I1: Machine information

Claims

1. A mixing unit that mixes water supplied from a water supply source and water supplied from a hot water supply source, A water discharge unit that discharges water supplied from the mixing unit, A control unit that performs an acquisition process to acquire opportunity information relating to the occasions when water discharge from the water discharge unit is predicted, and a supply process that, based on the opportunity information, discharges water accumulated from the hot water source to the water discharge unit and supplies water from the hot water source. A vanity unit equipped with a sink.

2. The aforementioned opportunity information includes information regarding the user's actions taken prior to the discharge of water from the water outlet, The control unit stores a pattern of information relating to the action, and when it obtains that the action has been performed in the acquisition process, it executes the supply process. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

3. The control unit performs a measurement process to measure the elapsed time from when the water discharge from the water discharge unit is stopped until the opportunity information is acquired, and performs the supply process based on the opportunity information and the elapsed time. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

4. The system includes a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the stagnant water, The control unit further executes the supply process based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

5. The control unit further acquires environmental information relating to the external environment in the acquisition process, and executes the supply process based on the opportunity information and the environmental information. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

6. The control unit further acquires body temperature information relating to the user's body temperature in the acquisition process, and executes the supply process based on the machine information and the body temperature information. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

7. Equipped with a mirror that reflects the user, The control unit performs an anti-fogging process to control the fogging of the mirror based on the information provided. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

8. Equipped with air conditioning, The control unit performs air conditioning processing to control the air conditioning around the user using the air conditioning device based on the opportunity information. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

9. It is equipped with a reception area that accepts information input from users, The control unit adjusts the interval between acquiring the opportunity information and executing the supply process based on the information input by the reception unit. The vanity unit according to claim 1.

10. A separate discharge section is provided from the aforementioned water discharge section, and is equipped with a discharge section for discharging the stagnant water. The control unit discharges the water that remains in the supply process from the discharge unit. A washbasin vanity according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A mixing unit that mixes water supplied from a water supply source and water supplied from a hot water supply source, A water discharge unit that discharges water supplied from the mixing unit, An acquisition unit that acquires opportunity information regarding the occasions when water discharge from the water discharge unit is predicted, Based on the aforementioned opportunity information, a supply unit discharges water that has accumulated from the hot water source to the water outlet and supplies water from the hot water source, A washbasin system equipped with a sink.

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