Hand-washing device, program, and method

Abstract

To provide a hand washing device which can simply perform sterilization treatment of carried articles along with washing of fingers.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A washing device includes: a housing; a hand washing tank provided in a part of the housing; a faucet having a water discharge port for discharging washing water; a circulation unit which is at least partially provided inside the housing, purifies discharged water from the hand washing tank, and circulates the purified discharged water as the washing water; and a UV sterilizer which irradiates an article of a person washing its hands with the washing water with ultraviolet light, and sterilizes the surface of the article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hand washing devices, programs, and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a need to improve hygiene due to the spread of large-scale infectious diseases. Hand washing can help prevent the spread of some infectious diseases. A portable and movable sterilizing hand-washing device is described in Patent Document 1. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, circulating water is purified by a water purification filter to remove dirt from hands or soap components mixed in the hand-washing water after hand-washing, and the purified water is re-sterilized by a sterilizing water generating means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-029439 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In addition to washing hands, disinfecting portable items is also an effective measure against infectious diseases. Generally, portable items such as smartphones that are always carried and operated by hands have a high rate of bacteria and viruses adhering to their surfaces, and habitual disinfection is required for hygiene reasons. For this reason, in addition to washing hands, there is a demand for a simple and easy way to sterilize these items.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a hand-washing device that can easily sterilize portable items in addition to washing hands. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a hand-washing basin provided in part of the housing, a faucet having a water outlet for discharging cleaning water, a circulation unit at least partly provided inside the housing, which purifies wastewater from the hand-washing basin and circulates it as cleaning water, and a UV sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet light onto objects used by a person to wash their hands with the cleaning water to sterilize the surfaces of the objects. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The hand-washing device disclosed herein allows users to easily sterilize personal items in addition to washing their hands. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hand washing device according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an external perspective view of a hand washing device according to the present invention; [Diagram 3] 3 is an external perspective view of the hand washing device shown in FIG. 2, seen from the rear. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hand washing unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of the external module shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device shown in FIG. 8 taken along the XZ plane. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the UV sterilization device shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stage of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 12] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device shown in FIG. 8 taken along the YZ plane. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of an opening / closing unit of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing operation of the lid. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a control process of the circulation unit. [Figure 16] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a control process of a hand-washing indicator. FIG. [Figure 17] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a display mode of a hand-washing indicator. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilization device in the step of inserting a smartphone. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilization device in the step of closing the lid of the housing and irradiating ultraviolet rays. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilization device in the step of removing the smartphone. [Figure 21] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a portable item is inserted into the UV sterilization device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the state when a smartphone is inserted into the housing of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 23] This figure shows the process of a smartphone being placed into the housing of a UV sterilization device. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a smartphone housed in the housing of a UV sterilization device. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device in the state shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane of a UV sterilization device when ultraviolet rays are being irradiated. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a smartphone is removed from the housing of the UV sterilization device. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a UV sterilization device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0010] <Summary> The hand-washing device 1 described in this embodiment can be installed in various locations, such as indoors and outdoors. The hand-washing device 1 is installed indoors, for example, near the entrance of a building, in the office space of a business operator who occupies the building, near the entrance of a store, etc. For example, if the building is a facility for accommodation, exercise, entertainment, etc. and check-in is required to use the facility, the hand-washing device 1 is installed in a location where check-in takes place. For example, it is assumed that a user will wash his or her hands with the hand-washing device 1 before or after filling out certain items with a shared writing instrument in order to check in.

[0011] The hand-washing device 1 has a function of sterilizing objects carried by a user who washes his or her hands. Examples of objects that the hand-washing device 1 sterilizes include smartphones, tablet devices, etc. Note that the hand-washing device 1 may also sterilize other objects. For example, when a person visiting a restaurant washes their hands upon entering the restaurant, the sterilization of objects by the hand-washing device 1 is performed at the same time as the person washes their hands.

[0012] <Overall composition> The overall configuration of the hand washing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the hand washing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the hand washing device 1 includes a hand washing unit 1A where a user washes his or her hands, and a UV sterilization device 80 that sterilizes items carried by the user.

[0013] The hand-washing unit 1A includes a control unit 60, a communication unit 63, a circulation unit 6, and a drug unit 5. The communication unit 63 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the control unit 60 can communicate with the UV sterilization device 80. Next, the structure of the housing 2 that constitutes the hand-washing unit 1A will be described.

[0014] Figures 2 and 3 are external perspective views of the hand-washing device 1 of this embodiment. Figure 4 is a top view of the hand-washing device 1. In the following description, the side on which a user who uses the hand-washing device 1 stands is referred to as the front side of the hand-washing device 1, and the opposite side is referred to as the back side of the hand-washing device. As shown in FIG. 2, the hand-washing device 1 includes a housing 2 and an external module 7. The housing 2 is provided with a hand washing basin 11, a water faucet 12, and a dispenser 14.

[0015] <Configuration of Chassis 2> The housing 2 has a cylindrical shape. The housing 2 is formed by processing, for example, a drum can. A top plate 10 is provided on the upper part of the housing 2. An installation hole penetrating the top plate 10 is formed in the center of the top plate 10.

[0016] A door 3 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of housing 2 for accessing circulation unit 6 provided inside housing 2. The manager of hand-washing device 1 can perform maintenance on circulation unit 6 with door 3 open. The circulation unit 6 is not entirely provided inside the housing 2, but at least a portion of it is disposed outside the housing 2 as a part of an external module 7.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the rear surface of the housing 2 is provided with a handle 4 extending laterally. A plurality of wheels 9 are provided on the bottom surface of the housing 2. A user can move the housing 2 by moving the wheels 9 while holding the handle 4.

[0018] 4, hand-washing basin 11 is provided in a part of housing 2, and has a circular bowl shape when viewed from above. In the illustrated example, hand-washing basin 11 is arranged so as to be fitted into an installation hole in top plate 10 provided in housing 2.

[0019] A drain port 17 is formed at the bottom of the hand-washing basin 11 to drain the wash water discharged into the basin. An overflow hole 18 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hand-washing basin 11 to drain the washing water when the washing water in the basin exceeds a predetermined water level and to prevent the washing water from overflowing onto the top plate 10.

[0020] A water outlet 13 for discharging flush water is formed at the tip of the faucet 12. The faucet 12 is provided with an infrared sensor 23 (see FIG. 5). The infrared sensor 23 is provided next to the water outlet 13 at the tip of the faucet 12. When the infrared sensor 23 detects an object, flush water is discharged from the water outlet 13 of the faucet 12. The position of the infrared sensor 23 provided on the faucet 12 is not limited to the tip, but can be changed arbitrarily.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the base of the faucet 12 is attached to the top plate 10. The faucet 12 extends upward from the base to the tip, and is curved in the middle so that the spout 13 located at the tip faces downward.

[0022] Dispenser 14 ejects a skin hygiene agent from a nozzle toward the inside of hand-washing basin 11. The skin hygiene agent includes a cleanser for washing the skin (e.g., a detergent such as soapy water) and a bactericidal liquid or hand lotion (e.g., a disinfectant containing an ingredient such as alcohol).

[0023] Dispenser 14 is provided with infrared sensor 52 (see FIG. 5). Infrared sensor 52 is provided, for example, near the base of the nozzle of dispenser 14 so as to be able to detect a hand approaching hand-washing tub 11. When an object is detected by the infrared sensor 52, the medicine is discharged from the nozzle tip of the dispenser 14.

[0024] 2, a hand-washing indicator 15, which is an indicator light that displays an estimate of the user's hand-washing time, is provided on the top surface of the housing 2. The hand-washing indicator 15 is disposed on the top surface of the top plate 10 of the housing 2. The hand-washing indicator 15 is disposed on the outer side of the hand-washing basin 11 on the upper surface of the top plate 10, and is formed on the upper edge of the hand-washing basin 11 so as to surround the hand-washing basin 11.

[0025] The hand-washing indicator 15 is composed of, for example, a plurality of LED lights. The plurality of LED lights are arranged, for example, on the upper edge of the hand-washing basin 11 at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the hand-washing indicator 15 is made up of 30 LED lights. The display mode of the hand-washing indicator 15 and the control process thereof will be described later.

[0026] <Composition of Drug Unit 5 and Circulation Unit 6> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the medicine unit 5, circulation unit 6, and control unit 60 of the hand-washing unit 1A. Inside the housing 2, a medicine unit 5 that supplies medicine, a circulation unit 6 that purifies and circulates the cleaning water, and a control unit 60 that controls the circulation unit 6 are provided.

[0027] The control unit 60 is realized by the processor reading out a program stored in the storage, expanding the program on the memory, and executing instructions included in the expanded program. The processor is hardware for executing an instruction set described in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, peripheral circuits, etc. The storage is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD). The memory is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the circulation unit 6 includes at least a water discharge unit 20, a drainage unit 30, and a purification unit .

[0029] The water discharge unit 20 has a function of discharging the water purified by the purification unit 40 from the water outlet 13 of the faucet 12 in the circulation unit 6 .

[0030] The water discharge unit 20 mainly includes a water discharge pump 21, a UV sterilization section 22, and an infrared sensor 23.

[0031] The discharge pump 21 is disposed downstream of the water storage tank 46 provided in the purification unit 40. The discharge pump 21 is operated under the control of the control unit 60, and sends out water stored in the water storage tank 46 to the UV sterilization unit 22. Specifically, the control unit 60 operates the discharge pump 21 in response to detection of an object by the infrared sensor 23. For example, the control unit 60 operates the discharge pump 21 while an object is detected by the infrared sensor 23. The control unit 60 stops the discharge pump 21 when an object is no longer detected by the infrared sensor 23.

[0032] The UV sterilization unit 22 is disposed between the discharge pump 21 and the faucet 12. The UV sterilization unit 22 irradiates the water discharged from the discharge pump 21 with ultraviolet light to sterilize the water. The water that has passed through the UV sterilization unit 22 is discharged from the water outlet 13 of the faucet 12 as wash water. An air vent 72 for removing air from the water discharged from the water discharge pump 21 is provided between the water discharge pump 21 and the UV sterilization unit 22.

[0033] Drainage unit 30 has the function of draining wash water discharged from faucet 12 toward hand-washing basin 11 in circulation unit 6.

[0034] The drainage unit 30 mainly includes a trap 35 , a capacitance sensor 31 , and a drainage pump 32 . Trap 35 is provided in the pipe that drains the wash water from hand-washing basin 11. Trap 35 prevents, for example, bad odors or gases from flowing back, and prevents foreign matter that has entered through drain outlet 17 from reaching purification unit 40.

[0035] The drainage pump 32 is disposed after the trap 35. The drainage pump 32 is operated under the control of the control unit 60, and sends the water that has passed through the trap 35 to a pre-treatment filter 41 provided in the purification unit 40. Specifically, the control unit 60 operates the drainage pump 32 in response to the detection of water by the capacitance sensor 31. For example, the control unit 60 operates the drainage pump 32 while water is detected by the capacitance sensor 31. The control unit 60 stops the drainage pump 32 when water is no longer detected by the capacitance sensor 31.

[0036] Capacitance sensor 31 is disposed between trap 35 and drain pump 32. Capacitance sensor 31 detects the capacitance in the drain pipe. This allows detection of water drained from hand-washing basin 11 and supplied via trap 35. Note that the sensor for detecting the water supply is not limited to capacitance sensor 31. The water supply may be detected by referring to other sensing results.

[0037] An air vent 70 is provided between the drainage pump 32 and the purification unit 40 to remove air from the water discharged from the drainage pump 32.

[0038] The purification unit 40 has a function of purifying the water supplied from the drainage unit 30 in the circulation unit 6.

[0039] The purification unit 40 mainly includes a pre-treatment filter 41 , a reverse osmosis membrane 42 , a post-treatment filter 43 , an intermediate tank 44 , a drainage tank 45 , a water storage tank 46 , and a membrane filtration pump 47 .

[0040] The pre-treatment filter 41 is disposed after the drainage pump 32. The pre-treatment filter 41 performs pre-treatment on the water discharged from the drainage pump 32 to remove solid matter, water pollutant components, low molecular weight surfactants, carbonic acid components (detergent components), and the like.

[0041] In this embodiment, an activated carbon filter is used as the pretreatment filter 41, but is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of a thread-wound filter, a sediment filter, a MF (microfiltration membrane), a UF (ultrafiltration membrane), a NF (nanofiltration membrane), a ceramic filter, an ion exchange filter, and a metal membrane may be selected. In this embodiment, the pretreatment filter 41 is disposed outside the housing 2 as a part of the external module 7.

[0042] A pressure sensor 33 is disposed upstream of the pre-treatment filter 41. The pressure sensor 33 detects the pressure of the water supplied to the pre-treatment filter 41.

[0043] A flow rate sensor 34 is disposed downstream of the pre-treatment filter 41. The flow rate sensor 34 detects the flow rate of the water that has been pre-treated by the pre-treatment filter 41.

[0044] The intermediate tank 44 is disposed after the pre-treatment filter 41. The intermediate tank 44 is a tank for storing the supplied water. Water that has been pre-treated by the pre-treatment filter 41 and concentrated water that has been separated by the reverse osmosis membrane 42 and passed through the two-way solenoid valve 74 flow into the intermediate tank 44. The intermediate tank 44 stores the water that flows in from the two systems. A water level sensor is disposed in the intermediate tank 44. The water level sensor detects the level of the water stored in the intermediate tank 44.

[0045] The membrane filtration pump 47 is disposed between the intermediate tank 44 and the reverse osmosis membrane 42 . The membrane filtration pump 47 is operated under the control of the control unit 60, and increases the pressure of the water stored in the intermediate tank 44 to a preset pressure, and supplies the water to the reverse osmosis membrane 42. Note that the preset pressure is, for example, a pressure that is at least higher than the osmotic pressure.

[0046] The reverse osmosis membrane 42 separates the water, which is pressurized and supplied by the membrane filtration pump 47, into permeated water from which dissolved components have been removed and concentrated water from which the dissolved components have been concentrated. The reverse osmosis membrane 42 is realized by, for example, a spiral reverse osmosis membrane.

[0047] The concentrated water separated by the reverse osmosis membrane 42 is discharged to the intermediate tank 44 via the two-way solenoid valve 74 and the pressure regulating valve 73 when the two-way solenoid valve 74 is open. The concentrated water separated by the reverse osmosis membrane 42 is discharged to the wastewater tank 45 via the two-way solenoid valve 75 when the two-way solenoid valve 75 is open. The permeated water separated by the reverse osmosis membrane 42 is discharged to the post-treatment filter 43.

[0048] The two-way solenoid valve 74 is a device that opens and closes the valve by the electromagnetic force of an electromagnetic coil. The two-way solenoid valve 74 is structured so that the valve is open in a normal state and closes in response to a signal from the control unit 60.

[0049] The pressure regulating valve 73 adjusts the flow rate or pressure of the concentrated water supplied to the intermediate tank 44 .

[0050] The two-way solenoid valve 75 is a device that opens and closes the valve by the electromagnetic force of an electromagnetic coil. The two-way solenoid valve 75 is structured so that the valve is closed in a normal state and opens in response to a signal from the control unit 60.

[0051] A sensor unit 61 is disposed upstream of the reverse osmosis membrane 42. In the illustrated example, the sensor unit 61 has a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, and an EC / temperature sensor.

[0052] The pressure sensor detects the pressure of the water supplied to the reverse osmosis membrane 42 .

[0053] The flow rate sensor detects the flow rate of water supplied to the reverse osmosis membrane 42 .

[0054] The EC / temperature sensor detects the electrical conductivity and temperature of the water supplied to the reverse osmosis membrane 42 . In addition to the above-mentioned sensors, the sensor unit 61 may have a sensor that senses at least one of the following: (1) pH, oxidation-reduction potential, alkalinity, ion concentration, hardness (2) Turbidity, color, viscosity, dissolved oxygen (3) Odor, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total nitrogen, residual chlorine, total phosphorus, total organic carbon, total inorganic carbon, total trihalomethanes (4) Detection results of microbial sensors, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand, (5) Cyanide, mercury, oil, surfactants (6) Detection results of optical sensors and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensors (7) Mass spectrometry results, fine particles, zeta potential, surface potential

[0055] An air vent 71 for removing air from the water discharged from the membrane filtration pump 47 is provided between the membrane filtration pump 47 and the sensor unit 61 .

[0056] The post-treatment filter 43 is disposed downstream of the reverse osmosis membrane 42. The post-treatment filter 43 performs post-treatment on the permeated water discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane 42 to remove impurities that could not be completely filtered by the reverse osmosis membrane 42.

[0057] In this embodiment, an activated carbon filter is used as the post-treatment filter 43, but is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of a thread-wound filter, a sediment filter, a MF (microfiltration membrane), a UF (ultrafiltration membrane), a NF (nanofiltration membrane), a ceramic filter, an ion exchange filter, and a metal membrane may be selected. In this embodiment, the post-treatment filter 43 is disposed outside the housing 2 as a part of the external module 7.

[0058] A sensor unit 62 is disposed in front of the post-processing filter 43. In the illustrated example, the sensor unit 62 has a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, and an EC / temperature sensor.

[0059] The pressure sensor detects the pressure of the permeated water supplied to the post-treatment filter 43 .

[0060] The flow rate sensor detects the flow rate of the permeated water supplied to the post-treatment filter 43 .

[0061] The EC / temperature sensor detects the electrical conductivity and temperature of the permeate supplied to the post-treatment filter 43. In addition, the sensor unit 62 may have a sensor that senses at least one of the sensors (1) to (7) shown in the sensor unit 61, in addition to the above sensors.

[0062] The drain tank 45 (second tank) is disposed downstream of the two-way electromagnetic valve 75. The drainage tank 45 is a tank for storing the drainage water to be supplied. The drainage tank 45 can be detached from the purification unit 40 and taken out from the door 3. The drainage tank 45 receives concentrated water that has been separated by the reverse osmosis membrane 42 and passed through the two-way electromagnetic valve 75. The drainage tank 45 stores the concentrated water that flows in.

[0063] A water level sensor is disposed in the drainage tank 45. The water level sensor detects the water level of the drainage water stored in the drainage tank 45. The water storage tank 46 (third tank) is disposed after the post-treatment filter 43. The water storage tank 46 is a tank for storing the supplied water.

[0064] Water that has been post-treated by the post-treatment filter 43 flows into the water storage tank 46. Hypochlorous acid water has been added to the water that flows into the water storage tank 46. The water storage tank 46 stores the water that has been added with hypochlorous acid water. A water level sensor is disposed in the water storage tank 46. The water level sensor detects the level of water stored in the water storage tank 46.

[0065] The purification unit 40 includes a chlorine tank 67 and a chlorine pump 68 . The chlorine tank 67 is a tank for storing hypochlorous acid water. The hypochlorous acid water is generated, for example, by dissolving a hypochlorous acid tablet in water supplied to the chlorine tank 67. Alternatively, the hypochlorous acid water may be generated by dissolving salt in water supplied to the chlorine tank 67 and electrolyzing the salt water. In addition, an electrolysis unit that performs electrolysis on saline water to generate hypochlorous acid water may be provided separately downstream of the chlorine tank 67.

[0066] A water level sensor is disposed in the chlorine tank 67. The water level sensor detects the water level of the hypochlorous acid water stored in the chlorine tank 67. The chlorine pump 68 is disposed downstream of the chlorine tank 67. The chlorine pump 68 is operated under the control of the control unit 60, and adds hypochlorous acid water stored in the chlorine tank 67 to the water that has been post-treated by the post-treatment filter 43.

[0067] Inside the housing 2, a drug tank 50 and a drug pump 51 are provided as the drug unit 5.

[0068] The chemical pump 51 is disposed after the chemical tank 50. The chemical pump 51 is operated under the control of the control unit 60, and delivers the chemical (e.g., soapy water, etc.) stored in the chemical tank 50 to the nozzle of the dispenser 14.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 60 operates the drug pump 51 in response to detection of an object by the infrared sensor 52 of the dispenser 14. For example, the control unit 60 operates the drug pump 51 while an object is detected by the infrared sensor 52. The control unit 60 stops the drug pump 51 when the object is no longer detected by the infrared sensor 52.

[0070] The drug tank 50 is a tank for storing a drug. A water level sensor is disposed in the drug tank 50. The water level sensor detects the water level of the drug stored in the drug tank 50. When the water level of the drug falls below a predetermined value, the drug is replenished.

[0071] <External module 7 configuration> FIG. 6 is a front view of the external module 7 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the external module 7 includes a pre-processing filter 41 and a post-processing filter 43 .

[0072] The pre-treatment filter 41 and the post-treatment filter 43 are arranged side by side outside the housing 2. More specifically, the pre-treatment filter 41 and the post-treatment filter 43 are arranged side by side horizontally outside the housing 2. The pre-treatment filter 41 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 91. The post-treatment filter 43 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 92.

[0073] The pre-treatment filter 41 and the post-treatment filter 43 are stored in a container with permeability and a visible interior. Therefore, the pre-treatment of water by the pre-treatment filter 41 and the post-treatment of water by the post-treatment filter 43 are visible from the outside. In the pre-treatment with the pre-treatment filter 41, turbid water can be visually confirmed. Also, in the post-treatment with the post-treatment filter 43, it can be visually confirmed that the water is purified into clean water.

[0074] <Configuration of the UV sterilization device 80> The UV sterilization device 80 (sterilization device) has a function of irradiating ultraviolet rays to objects of a person who washes hands with washing water to sterilize the surfaces of the objects. Examples of the user's carried items include (1) items worn on the user's body such as glasses and watches, (2) items held by the user's hand and used for other items or devices such as keys and cards (for example, keys used to lock or unlock a door, cards with a communication chip built in for communicating with a payment device, etc.), and (3) devices operated by the user's hand such as smartphones. In this embodiment, as an example of a carried item, a smartphone carried by the user will be described.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, the UV sterilization device 80 is provided inside the housing 2. A hole leading to the insertion port 88A of the UV sterilization device 80 is formed in the top plate 10. The hole is formed at a position on the opposite side of the external module 7 with the handwashing sink 11 interposed therebetween. Here, although the UV sterilization device 80 is open upward as shown in the figure, it may be opened in other directions such as the side.

[0076] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of UV sterilization device 80 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of UV sterilization device 80 according to this embodiment. UV sterilization device 80 shown in Figure 7 includes a control unit 81, a communication unit 82, an irradiation unit 83, an opening / closing unit 84, a lifting unit 85, and a sensor unit 86.

[0077] The control unit 81 controls the UV sterilization device 80. The control unit 81 is realized by a processor reading out a program stored in a storage, expanding the program on a memory, and executing instructions included in the expanded program. The processor is hardware for executing a set of instructions written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc. The storage is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or a HDD. The memory is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, etc., and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM, for example.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 81 executes a program stored in the memory to realize functions as a signal receiving unit 81A, a drive command generating unit 81B, and an irradiation command generating unit 81C. The signal receiving unit 81A receives a signal from the outside. The signal from the outside includes, for example, a signal detected by the sensor unit 86 regarding insertion or removal of an object (for example, a smartphone).

[0079] Drive command generator 81B generates drive commands for other units in UV sterilization device 80. Specifically, drive command generator 81B generates, for example, a drive command for opening / closing unit 84 to open and close lid 84A. Drive command generator 81B generates, for example, a drive command for lifting unit 85 to lift and lower stage 85A, which guides an object inserted into opening 87A to the vicinity of ultraviolet light source 83A.

[0080] The irradiation command generating section 81C generates a drive command for causing the irradiation unit 83 to irradiate ultraviolet light.

[0081] The communication unit 82 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the control unit 81 can communicate with the hand-washing unit 1A.

[0082] The irradiation unit 83 is a device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto portable items inserted into the UV sterilization device 80. The irradiation unit 83 includes a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A. The configuration of the irradiation unit 83 will be described in detail later.

[0083] The opening / closing unit 84 has a function of opening and closing a lid 84A of the UV sterilization device 80. The configuration of the opening / closing unit 84 will be described later.

[0084] The lifting unit 85 is a device that lifts and lowers the stage 85A in the vertical direction Z. The configuration of the lifting unit 85 will be described later.

[0085] The sensor unit 86 is a device that detects that a portable item is inserted into the UV sterilization device 80. The sensor unit 86 includes a plurality of optical sensors 86A. The configuration of the sensor unit 86 will be described in detail later.

[0086] The structure of UV sterilization device 80 will be described. In describing the structure of UV sterilization device 80, the horizontal direction along the long side of UV sterilization device 80 will be referred to as the longitudinal direction X, and the horizontal direction along the short side perpendicular to the long side will be referred to as the width direction Y. In addition, the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y will be referred to as the up-down direction Z. As shown in FIG. 8, the UV sterilization device 80 has a housing 87, a cap 88, and a lid 84A. Housing 87 is formed into a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape with a storage space for storing a smartphone formed inside. An opening 87A (see FIG. 14) that opens upward is formed at the upper end of housing 87 in the up-down direction Z. UV sterilization device 80 is disposed at a position where opening 87A is connected to a hole formed in top plate 10.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 87 has a generally rectangular shape with long sides extending in the longitudinal direction X and short sides extending in the width direction Y in a plan view seen from above.

[0088] The cap 88 is attached to the top of the housing 87 along the XY plane. The cap 88 is formed with an insertion opening 88A penetrating in the vertical direction Z. The insertion opening 88A has approximately the same size as the opening 87A of the housing 87. The cap 88 is fixed at a position spaced above the housing 87 so that the insertion opening 88A and the opening 87A of the housing 87 communicate with each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0089] The lid 84A is a part of the opening / closing unit 84, and is disposed along the XY plane between the cap 88 and the housing 87. The lid 84A is attached to the housing 87 so as to be slidable in the Y-axis direction relative to the housing 87 and the cap 88 (see FIG. 14). That is, the cap 88 is fixed to the housing 87 with the lid 84A sandwiched therebetween.

[0090] 8, a protrusion 88B that protrudes upward (outward) is formed on the periphery of the opening of the insertion opening 88A on the upper surface of the cap 88. The protrusion 88B is formed around the entire periphery of the opening of the insertion opening 88A. The protruding portion 88B protrudes gradually upward as it approaches the inside of the insertion opening 88A.

[0091] The housing 87 is composed of two members (a first member 87B and a second member 87C) disposed opposite each other in the width direction Y. The first member 87B and the second member 87C are both substantially square in front view in the width direction Y and have the same size. A hinge portion 87D that connects the first member 87B and the second member 87C to each other is provided at one end of each of the first member 87B and the second member 87C in the longitudinal direction X.

[0092] The hinge portion 87D has a rotation axis that extends in the up-down direction Z. The first member 87B and the second member 87C are connected to each other so as to move closer to or farther away from each other in the width direction Y around the rotation axis of the hinge portion 87D.

[0093] A snap lock 87E for fixing the first member 87B and the second member 87C is provided at the other end of the first member 87B and the second member 87C in the longitudinal direction X. The first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed by locking the snap lock 87E. Two snap locks 87E are provided at an interval in the vertical direction Z.

[0094] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane of UV sterilization device 80. Fig. 9A shows a BB cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 shown in Fig. 8, and Fig. 9B shows an AA cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 shown in Fig. 8.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 9A, a first plate 87F having a plate shape and a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged thereon is installed on the first member 87B. The first plate 87F is one of a pair of plates forming the storage space. The first plate 87F is formed with grooves 87H extending in the up-down direction Z. That is, the first plate 87F has a plurality of grooves 87H on the surface facing the storage space.

[0096] The grooves 87H are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction X. In the illustrated example, six grooves 87H are formed in the first plate 87F. In the first plate 87F, the six grooves 87H are formed in parallel. Linear apexes 87J extending in the up-down direction are formed between adjacent grooves 87H.

[0097] At the bottom of the groove 87H in the Y-axis direction, a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction Z. The ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction Z.

[0098] The ultraviolet light source 83A is a light source that emits ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light source 83A is designed to generate deep ultraviolet light capable of inactivating almost all viruses in the time it takes to wash your hands. Specifically, for example, the ultraviolet light source 83A is designed to generate deep ultraviolet light capable of inactivating approximately 99% of viruses in 20 seconds. Specifically, the intensity of the ultraviolet light generated by the ultraviolet light source 83A is 14 mJ / cm. 2 It is preferable that the wavelength of the ultraviolet light generated from the ultraviolet light source 83A is 200 to 280 nm.

[0099] 9A, the upper end of the groove 87H in the Z-axis direction is formed in an arc shape. The arc shape is aligned with the irradiation range of the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A. In this embodiment, the upper end of the groove 87H is formed in an arc shape with a radius of 14 mm. The same number of ultraviolet ray light sources 83A are arranged at the same height for each of the multiple grooves 87H. In the illustrated example, six ultraviolet ray light sources 83A are arranged for one groove 87H. That is, the multiple ultraviolet ray light sources 83A are regularly arranged at a predetermined interval. More specifically, the interval in the vertical direction Z of the multiple ultraviolet ray light sources 83A arranged in a lattice shape is shorter than the interval in the longitudinal direction X. The arrangement of the ultraviolet light sources 83A is not limited to this arrangement structure. For example, the arrangement structure may be a combination of two types of lattice arrangements such that the positions in the longitudinal direction X are alternately different along the order of positions in the vertical direction Z. In this case, the shape of the grooves 87H may be changed as appropriate.

[0100] An optical sensor 86A is disposed at the upper end of the first plate 87F, i.e., near the opening 87A of the housing 87. The optical sensors 86A are disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction X, which is the direction in which the grooves 87H are arranged, above the vertical direction Z of the region of the first plate 87F in which the grooves 87H are formed. The interval between the optical sensors 86A is preferably 20 mm to 35 mm. In the illustrated example, five optical sensors 86A are disposed at intervals of 30 mm. The interval between the optical sensors 86A is equal to the interval between the ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged in a lattice pattern in the longitudinal direction X. The number of optical sensors 86A can be changed as desired. Sensor unit 86 including optical sensor 86A detects the insertion of an object into opening 87A of housing 87 and the storage of the inserted object in UV sterilization device 80, using optical sensor 86A.

[0101] A pair of linear guides 85B of the lifting unit 85 are arranged on the outer side of the first plate 87F in the longitudinal direction X. The linear guides 85B are guide devices for use when the stage 85A of the lifting unit 85 is raised and lowered. The linear guide 85B includes a rail extending in the vertical direction Z and a block that slides on the rail. The stage 85A is fixed to the block.

[0102] Of the pair of linear guides 85B, in the linear guide 85B on the hinge portion 87D side, a ball screw 85C is arranged in parallel with the linear guide 85B at a predetermined interval in the width direction Y. The ball screw 85C includes a shaft extending in the vertical direction Z, and a nut that moves in the vertical direction Z as the shaft rotates.

[0103] The nut is connected to a block of linear guide 85B. When the shaft of ball screw 85C rotates with the rotation of motor 85D connected to the lower end of ball screw 85C, the nut moves in the vertical direction Z. Accordingly, the block of linear guide 85B to which the nut is connected slides on the rail, and stage 85A rises and falls in the vertical direction Z.

[0104] A stopper sensor 85E is provided at the lower end of the first plate 87F. The stopper sensor 85E is provided between the fifth groove 87H and the sixth groove 87H from the hinge portion 87D side. The stopper sensor 85E detects that the stage 85A is positioned at the lower end.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 9B, the second member 87C has a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged thereon, similar to the first member 87B. The second member 87C includes a second plate 87G on which a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged. The second plate 87G is the other of a pair of plates that form the storage space. The second plate 87G has six grooves 87H formed therein, similar to the first plate 87F. That is, the second plate 87G has a plurality of grooves 87H on the surface facing the storage space. Linear apexes 87J extending in the up-down direction Z are formed between adjacent grooves 87H.

[0106] The grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G have the same structure. The grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G are formed to face each other in the width direction Y when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed. The grooves 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G do not necessarily have to face each other in the width direction Y when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed. For example, the positions where the grooves 87H are formed may be shifted between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G.

[0107] The ultraviolet light sources 83A on the second plate 87G are disposed at the bottom of the groove 87H at intervals in the vertical direction Z. The number of ultraviolet light sources 83A on the first plate 87F and the number of ultraviolet light sources 83A on the second plate 87G are the same.

[0108] The multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged on the first plate 87F and the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged on the second plate 87G are arranged in positions facing each other in the width direction Y when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed.

[0109] The second plate 87G is provided with an optical sensor 86A and a stopper sensor 85E, similar to the first plate 87F. The stopper sensor 85E is provided between the first groove 87H and the second groove 87H from the hinge portion 87D side. The stopper sensor 85E is a sensor that limits the descent of the stage 85A.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the UV sterilization device 80 shown in FIG.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 10, when the first member 87B and the second member 87C are fixed, the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G are disposed in the housing 87 such that the grooves 87H face each other in the width direction Y. In a cross-sectional view, the wall surface 87I of the groove 87H of the first plate 87F is inclined along the irradiation direction of the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light source 83A. Specifically, the wall surface 87I is formed so as to expand in the longitudinal direction X from the bottom where the ultraviolet light source 83A is provided toward the second plate 87G along the width direction Y. The inclination of the wall surface 87I is formed at an angle that does not block the irradiation light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 83A. Such an angle that does not block the irradiation light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 83A is preferably, for example, 100° or more. Therefore, the irradiation light irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 83A reaches the second plate 87G without being blocked by the wall surface 87I of the groove 87H.

[0112] Additionally, a wall surface 87I of the groove 87H of the second plate 87G is formed so as to widen in the longitudinal direction X from the bottom where the ultraviolet light source 83A is provided toward the first plate 87F along the width direction Y. The inclination of the wall surface 87I is formed at an angle that does not block the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A. Therefore, the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source 83A reaches the first plate 87F without being blocked by the wall surface 87I of the groove 87H.

[0113] 10, a stage 85A is disposed between a first plate 87F and a second plate 87G. The stage 85A is raised and lowered in the vertical direction Z by a lifting unit 85. The distance in the width direction Y from the center of the stage 85A to the ultraviolet light source 83A is approximately 22 mm.

[0114] The mounting plate 85G of the stage 85A is formed to conform to the inner wall shape of the groove 87H so as to minimize gaps between the stage 85A and the groove 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G. In other words, the stage 85A is formed to match the wall shape of the groove 87H. As a result, the gaps between the stage 85A and the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G are constant regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction X of the stage 85A.

[0115] This makes it possible to prevent the gap in the width direction Y between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G and the stage 85A from becoming partially large, even when the groove 87H is formed in the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G. Also, by raising and lowering the stage 85A, which is formed to match the wall shape of the groove 87H, in the direction in which the groove 87H is formed, it is possible to prevent an accessory such as a strap attached to the smartphone from being caught in the gap in the width direction Y between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G and the stage 85A.

[0116] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the stage 85A. As shown in Fig. 11, the stage 85A includes a mounting plate 85G having its front and back surfaces facing in the vertical direction Z, and a support plate 85H having its front and back surfaces facing in the width direction Y.

[0117] The mounting plate 85G has a protruding portion 85I that protrudes in the width direction Y in accordance with the shape of the groove 87H of the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G. A groove portion 85J that is recessed downward in the up-down direction Z is formed in the center of the mounting plate 85G in the width direction Y. A smartphone, which is a portable item, is placed on the mounting plate 85G so that the bottom end of the smartphone comes into contact with the groove portion 85J.

[0118] The support plate 85H supports the placement plate 85G. Both ends of the support plate 85H in the longitudinal direction X are connected to blocks of the linear guide 85B in the lifting unit 85. When the ball screw 85C is driven in the vertical direction Z by the drive of the motor 85D, the stage 85A moves up and down while being guided in the vertical direction Z by the linear guide 85B.

[0119] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view in the YZ plane of the UV sterilization device 80. Fig. 12A shows a DD cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device 80 shown in Fig. 8, and Fig. 12B shows an EE cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device 80 shown in Fig. 8. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the size of a mounting plate 85G of a stage 85A in a width direction Y varies depending on the position in the longitudinal direction X. As shown in FIG.

[0120] That is, the portion of the mounting plate 85G where the protruding portion 85I is formed is formed larger in the width direction Y than the portion where the protruding portion 85I is not formed. As a result, as described above, the gap between the first plate 87F and the second plate 87G and the stage 85A is constant regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction X of the stage 85A.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of the opening / closing unit 84 that drives the cover 84A. As shown in FIG. 13, the opening / closing unit 84 includes a cover 84A, a connecting plate 84B, a linear guide 84C, a rack 84D, a pinion 84E, a motor 84F, and a driver (not shown).

[0122] A through hole 84G penetrating the lid 84A in the up-down direction Z is formed in the lid 84A (see FIG. 14). The lid 84A is connected to a connecting plate 84B. The lid 84A is provided so as to be freely movable in the width direction Y, and when the through hole 84G is positioned over an opening 87A of the housing 87, the opening 87A is in an open state, and when an area other than the through hole 84G is positioned over the opening 87A of the housing 87, the opening 87A is in a closed state.

[0123] The connecting plate 84B is further connected to a block of a linear guide 84C and a rack 84D. The rails of the linear guide 84C extend in the width direction Y. Therefore, the linear guide 84C guides in the width direction Y the connecting plate 84B connected to the block.

[0124] The rack 84D has a lower end formed with teeth extending in the width direction Y. The teeth of the rack 84D mesh with the pinion 84E, which is a gear. Therefore, the rack 84D moves in the width direction Y as the pinion 84E rotates.

[0125] The motor 84F is driven by electric power from a driver to drive the pinion 84E. The rotation shafts of the motor 84F and the pinion 84E extend along the longitudinal direction X. Based on a drive command from the control unit 81, the driver supplies the necessary power to the motor 84F.

[0126] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing operation of lid 84A. Fig. 14A is a diagram illustrating a state in which opening 87A of housing 87 is closed, and Fig. 14B is a diagram illustrating a state in which opening 87A of housing 87 is opened by lid 84A. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the area other than the through hole 84G of the lid 84A is positioned between the opening 87A of the housing 87 and the insertion opening 88A of the cap 88 in the vertical direction Z, the opening 87A is closed.

[0127] On the other hand, when the pinion 84E rotates as the motor 84F is driven based on a drive command, the rack 84D moves in the width direction Y. As a result, as shown in Fig. 14B, the connecting plate 84B connected to the rack 84D moves in the width direction Y while being guided by the linear guide 84C. As a result, the lid 84A moves toward the second member 87C in the width direction Y, and the through hole 84G formed in the lid 84A is positioned between the opening 87A of the housing 87 and the insertion opening 88A of the cap 88 in the vertical direction Z, thereby opening 87A of the cap 88 becoming open.

[0128] <Control process of hand washing device 1> Next, a description will be given of the control process of the hand-washing device 1. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the hand-washing device 1.

[0129] <Hand-washing unit control process> (Water discharge process of the water discharge unit 20) First, the water discharge process from the faucet 12 in the water discharge unit 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15A, the control unit 60 turns off the water discharge pump 21 (step S11).

[0130] The control unit 60 determines whether or not an object has been detected by the infrared sensor 23 (step S12). When using the hand-washing device 1, the user places his / her hand in the hand-washing basin 11 and causes the infrared sensor 23 disposed at the tip of the faucet 12 to detect the hand and fingers.

[0131] In response to the detection of the finger by the infrared sensor 23 (YES in step S12), the control unit 60 operates the water discharge pump 21 (step S13). The discharge pump 21 passes the water stored in the water storage tank 46 through the UV sterilization unit 22. The UV sterilization unit 22 sterilizes the water discharged from the discharge pump 21 by irradiating the water with ultraviolet rays. The water that has passed through the UV sterilization unit 22 is discharged from the outlet 13 of the faucet 12 as cleaning water. On the other hand, in step S12, if the infrared sensor 23 does not detect a finger (NO in step S12), the water discharge pump 21 does not operate (step S11).

[0132] The control unit 60 determines whether or not an object has been detected by the infrared sensor 23 (step S14). When the user wants to end the hand-washing device 1 or to cause the dispenser 14 to dispense the medicine, the user moves his or her fingers away from the infrared sensor 23 disposed at the tip of the faucet 12. The control unit 60 stops the water discharge pump 21 (step S11) in response to non-detection of a finger by the infrared sensor 23 (NO in step S14).

[0133] On the other hand, in step S14, if the infrared sensor 23 does not detect the finger (YES in step S14), the control unit 60 continues to operate the water discharge pump 21 (step S13). The water discharge unit 20 repeats these processes to discharge flush water from the faucet 12. The control unit 60 may stop the discharge of water when the hand is detected for a certain period of time by measuring the time that the infrared sensor 23 detects the hand. Furthermore, the control unit 60 may stop the discharge of water in response to the completion of sterilization by the UV sterilization device 80 while discharging water.

[0134] (Drainage treatment of drainage unit 30) Next, the drainage treatment in the drainage unit 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15B, when there is no drainage from hand-washing basin 11, drainage pump 32 is stopped (Step S21). Then, when the wash water discharged from faucet 12 toward hand-washing basin 11 is drained from drain outlet 17 of hand-washing basin 11, capacitance sensor 31 detects the drainage (step S22).

[0135] When the capacitance sensor 31 detects drainage (YES in step S22), the control unit 60 operates the drainage pump 32 (step S23). On the other hand, if the capacitance sensor 31 does not detect drainage (NO in step S22), the control unit 60 does not operate the drainage pump 32 (step S21).

[0136] In step S23, the drain pump 32 sends out wastewater to the pre-treatment filter 41. The water that has been pre-treated in the pre-treatment filter 41 flows into the intermediate tank 44 and is stored in the intermediate tank 44. The pressure sensor 33 detects the pressure of the water sent to the pre-treatment filter 41. The flow rate sensor 34 detects the flow rate of the water that has been pre-treated in the pre-treatment filter 41.

[0137] After step S23, when the capacitance sensor 31 detects that no more wastewater is flowing in from the drain outlet 17 (NO in step S24), the control unit 60 stops the drain pump 32 (step S21). On the other hand, in step S24, if the capacitance sensor 31 detects that wastewater continues to flow in from the drain outlet 17 (YES in step S24), the control unit 60 continues to operate the drain pump 32 (step S23).

[0138] The drainage unit 30 repeats these processes, and supplies the water discharged from the drain outlet 17 of the hand-washing basin 11 to the pre-treatment filter 41.

[0139] (Control process of purification unit 40) Next, the cleaning process in the purification unit 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15C, initially, the membrane filtration pump 47 is stopped (step S31).

[0140] The control unit 60 determines whether the drain pump 32 is operating (step S32). If the drainage pump 32 is operating (YES in step S32), the control unit 60 operates the membrane filtration pump 47 (step S33). As a result, the water stored in the intermediate tank 44 is supplied to the reverse osmosis membrane 42 at high pressure by the membrane filtration pump 47.

[0141] On the other hand, when the drainage pump 32 is not operating (NO in step S32), the control unit 60 keeps the membrane filtration pump 47 not operating (step S31).

[0142] In step S33, the water supplied to the reverse osmosis membrane 42 is separated into concentrated water and permeated water by the reverse osmosis membrane 42. The permeated water is supplied to the post-treatment filter 43. The concentrated water flows into the intermediate tank 44 through the two-way electromagnetic valve 74. The concentrated water does not flow into the drain tank 45 because the two-way electromagnetic valve 75 is in a closed state.

[0143] In the post-treatment filter 43, post-treatment is performed on the permeated water. Then, the permeated water that has been post-treated in the post-treatment filter 43 flows into the water storage tank 46 after hypochlorous acid water is added thereto.

[0144] After step S33, the control unit 60 determines whether the electrical conductivity detected by the EC / temperature sensor of the sensor unit 61 arranged upstream of the reverse osmosis membrane 42 is less than a predetermined value (step S34). If the electrical conductivity detected by the EC / temperature sensor is less than the predetermined value (YES in S34), the control unit 60 determines whether the drainage pump 32 is operating (step S35). If the drainage pump 32 is operating (YES in step S35), the control unit 60 continues to operate the membrane filtration pump 47 (step S33).

[0145] On the other hand, in step S34, when the electrical conductivity detected by the EC / temperature sensor becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value (NO in step S34), the control unit 60 turns on the two-way solenoid valve 74 and the two-way solenoid valve 75 (step S36). As a result, the two-way solenoid valve 74 is closed and the two-way solenoid valve 75 is opened.

[0146] By closing the two-way solenoid valve 74 and opening the two-way solenoid valve 75, the concentrated water separated by the reverse osmosis membrane 42 flows into the drain tank 45 via the two-way solenoid valve 75. That is, the control unit 60 determines the amount of impurities in the concentrated water based on the change in electrical conductivity detected by the EC / temperature sensor. Concentrated water determined to have a large amount of impurities is discharged into the drain tank 45.

[0147] When the water level of the concentrated water stored in drainage tank 45 reaches a predetermined value, an alert is issued, for example, to a manager of hand-washing device 1. When the manager confirms the alert, he or she discards the water stored in drainage tank 45.

[0148] The control unit 60 continues the process of step S36 for a predetermined time (step S37), and after the predetermined time has elapsed, turns off the two-way solenoid valves 74 and 75. As a result, the two-way solenoid valve 74 is opened and the two-way solenoid valve 75 is closed. In this way, the two-way solenoid valve 74 is opened and the two-way solenoid valve 75 is closed, so that the concentrated water separated by the reverse osmosis membrane 42 flows into the intermediate tank 44 through the two-way solenoid valve 74. Then, the control unit 60 stops the membrane filtration pump 47 (step S31).

[0149] In step S35, when the drainage pump 32 is stopped (NO in step S35), the control unit 60 stops the membrane filtration pump 47 (step S31) after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S38).

[0150] The purification unit 40 repeats these processes, purifying the water drained by the drainage unit 30 and storing it in the water storage tank 46.

[0151] (Control process and display mode of hand-washing indicator 15) Next, a description will be given of the display mode and control process of hand-washing indicator 15. Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of hand-washing indicator 15. Fig. 17 is a diagram explaining the display mode of hand-washing indicator 15.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 16, when the hand-washing device 1 is not in use, the LED light constituting the hand-washing indicator 15 is turned off (step S41). Next, control unit 60 determines whether dispenser 14 has been operated (step S42). When a user using hand-washing device 1 holds his / her hand under dispenser 14, infrared sensor 52 of dispenser 14 detects the hand. When infrared sensor 52 detects the hand, control unit 60 operates drug pump 51 to eject drug from dispenser 14. When dispenser 14 is operating (YES in step S42), control unit 60 turns on hand-washing indicator 15 (steps S43 to S44).

[0153] Specifically, the control unit 60 turns on the 30 LED lights constituting the hand-washing indicator 15 in order clockwise from the LED light located near the base of the faucet 12 in top view as shown in Fig. 17A. At this time, the control unit 60 turns on all the LED lights in, for example, about 1 to 2 seconds (step S43 in Fig. 16).

[0154] Then, as shown in Fig. 17B, when all the LED lights are turned on (step S44 in Fig. 16), the control unit 60 maintains the turned-on state for a predetermined time thereafter. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 60 turns off the LED lights in clockwise order, starting with the LED light located near the base of the faucet 12, as shown in Fig. 17C (step S45 in Fig. 16). At this time, the control unit 60 controls so that all the LED lights are turned off in about 30 to 40 seconds, for example.

[0155] The hand-washing device 1 may detect the user's fingers with the infrared sensor 23 and sequentially turn off the hand-washing indicators 15 over time as described above in response to the discharge of water from the water outlet 13. This allows the hand-washing indicators 15 to change their illuminated state as water is discharged from the water outlet 13, allowing the user to recognize the time from the discharge of water to the completion of hand-washing. In addition, when the hand-washing device 1 does not detect a user's hands or fingers using the infrared sensor 23, it may notify users around the hand-washing device 1 to encourage them to wash their hands by, for example, lighting up the hand-washing indicator 15 in a predetermined manner (such as by emitting light in a predetermined color).

[0156] Then, as shown in FIG. 17D, when all the LED lights are turned off (step S45 in FIG. 16), the process returns to the initial state (step S41). The time taken for the hand-washing indicators 15 to turn on and off in sequence is set to a generally recommended hand-washing time, for example, about 40 seconds, so that the hand-washing device 1 can present the user with a rough guide for the hand-washing time that can be expected to produce a sufficient washing effect.

[0157] (Control process of UV sterilizer 80) Next, the control process of the UV sterilization device 80 will be described. 22 to 28 used in the following description, in order to facilitate understanding of the structure, the hand-washing device 1 is omitted, and only the UV sterilization device 80 and the smartphone 100 are illustrated. In addition, in order to explain the internal structure, the internal structure of the housing 87 is illustrated.

[0158] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilization device 80 in the step of inserting the smartphone 100. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilization device 80 in the step of closing the lid 84A of the housing 87 and irradiating ultraviolet rays. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the control process of the UV sterilization device 80 in the step in which the smartphone 100 is removed.

[0159] Figure 21 is a diagram showing the state when smartphone 100 is inserted into hand-washing device 1. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the state when smartphone 100 is inserted into UV sterilization device 80. First, as shown in Fig. 21, the user inserts the smartphone 100 into the hole in the top panel 10. Then, as shown in Fig. 22, the smartphone 100 is inserted into the UV sterilization device 80 with the lid 84A opening the opening 87A.

[0160] 18, the sensor unit 86 detects the insertion of the smartphone 100 into the opening 87A using the optical sensor 86A (step S101). Specifically, the amount of light incident on the light receiving element of the optical sensor 86A changes as a result of the light emitted from the light emitting element of the optical sensor 86A being reflected by the smartphone 100. The optical sensor 86A detects this change to detect the entry of the smartphone 100.

[0161] After step S101, the sensor unit 86 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81 (step S102).

[0162] After step S102, the control unit 81 receives a detection signal (step S201). After step S201, the control unit 81 generates a drive signal and transmits it to the lifting unit 85 (step S202).

[0163] After step S202, the lifting unit 85 receives a drive signal (step S301). After step S301, the lifting unit 85 drives the motor 85D in accordance with the received drive signal to lower the stage 85A and guide the smartphone 100 into the housing 87 (step S302). Specifically, the controller of the lifting unit 85 causes the driver to generate a current to be supplied to the motor 85D based on the drive signal. When the driver supplies a current to the motor 85D, the motor 85D is driven and the stage 85A is lowered.

[0164] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing the process of smartphone 100 being accommodated in housing 87 of UV sterilization device 80. As shown in Fig. 23, smartphone 100 placed on stage 85A is accommodated in the accommodation space of housing 87 as stage 85A descends. In this way, stage 85A moves the placed object into the accommodation space of housing 87 when insertion of an object into opening 87A is detected.

[0165] 18, after step S302, the sensor unit 86 determines that the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the housing 87 (step S103). The smartphone 100 being completely accommodated in the housing 87 can be expressed in other words as moving the smartphone 100 to the vicinity of the ultraviolet light source 83A. Specifically, the position of the upper end of the smartphone 100 is positioned below the optical sensor 86A, so that the amount of light rays from the light-emitting element of the optical sensor 86A reflected to the smartphone 100 changes. This change is detected by the light-receiving element of the optical sensor 86A, so that the optical sensor 86A detects that the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the housing 87.

[0166] After step S103, the sensor unit 86 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81 (step S104). After step S104, the control unit 81 receives a detection signal from the sensor unit 86 (step S203).

[0167] After step S203, the control unit 81 transmits a drive signal to the lifting unit 85 (step S204). Specifically, the control unit 81 transmits a drive signal to the lifting unit 85 to stop the descent of the stage 85A. When the stopper sensor 85E detects the stage 85A, the control unit 81 may transmit a drive signal to the lifting unit 85 to stop the descent of the stage 85A.

[0168] After step S204, the lifting unit 85 receives a drive signal transmitted from the control unit 81 (step S303). After step S303, the lifting unit 85 controls the motor 85D to stop the lowering of the stage 85A.

[0169] Figure 24 is a diagram showing a state in which smartphone 100 is housed in UV sterilization device 80. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 in the state shown in Figure 24. Figure 25A shows a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 in the YZ plane, and Figure 25B shows a cross-sectional view of UV sterilization device 80 in the XY plane.

[0170] 24, when the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 87, the amount of light detected by the optical sensor 86A changes. The lifting unit 85 stops in a state where the smartphone 100 is completely accommodated in the accommodation space of the housing 87. In this state, as shown in Fig. 25A, the lower edge of the smartphone 100 is placed so as to fit into the groove 85J in the placement plate 85G of the stage 85A. Therefore, the upper end of the smartphone 100 comes into contact with the top 87J of the wall surface 87I of either the first plate 87F or the second plate 87G, and is in an inclined state so as to lean against the wall surface 87I. In this case, the distance in the width direction Y from the ultraviolet light source 83A to the smartphone 100 is approximately 12 mm.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 25B, in a top cross-sectional view, a gap is formed between the smartphone 100 and the wall surface 87I according to the space of the groove 87H. Therefore, a certain gap is secured between the ultraviolet light source 83A located on both sides in the width direction Y and the surface of the smartphone 100. As a result, the surface of the smartphone 100 does not come into contact with the ultraviolet light source 83A arranged at the bottom of the groove 87H. In addition, at this time, the smartphone 100 is supported at points by the tops 87J between the grooves 87H provided on the wall surface 87I. As a result, the supported area is minimized, so that there is almost no area where light does not reach. In other words, the smartphone 100 is sterilized without any gaps.

[0172] 19, after step S304, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to the opening / closing unit 84. Specifically, when the control unit 81 determines that the smartphone 100 has been moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A (step S205).

[0173] After step S205, the opening / closing unit 84 receives a drive command from the control unit 81 (step S105). After step S105, the opening / closing unit 84 drives the motor 84F to close the lid 84A (step S106).

[0174] After step S205, the control unit 81 transmits an irradiation command to the irradiation unit 83 (step S206). After step S206, the irradiation unit 83 receives an irradiation command (step S305).

[0175] After step S305, the irradiation unit 83 causes the ultraviolet light source 83A to emit light and irradiate the smartphone 100 with ultraviolet light (step S306). Specifically, ultraviolet light is emitted from the ultraviolet light sources 83A simultaneously toward the smartphone 100. At this time, the ultraviolet light source 83A is caused to emit light for a preset time, that is, a time assumed to be required for hand washing. That is, when the smartphone 100 placed on the stage 85A reaches the accommodation space, the ultraviolet light source 83A emits ultraviolet light for a preset period of time.

[0176] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the UV sterilization device 80 in the XY plane in the state where ultraviolet rays are being irradiated. As shown in FIG. 26, the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet light source 83A are irradiated radially from the light source along the shape of the wall surface 87I. At this time, as described above, the surface of the smartphone 100 is not in contact with the ultraviolet light source 83A arranged at the bottom of the groove 87H, so that the irradiation range is not limited by the surface of the smartphone 100 contacting the ultraviolet light source 83A, and ultraviolet rays can be irradiated over a wide range of the surface of the smartphone 100. In addition, since the wall surface 87I is formed so as to spread from the bottom of the groove 87H toward the inside in the width direction Y, the ultraviolet rays generated from the adjacent ultraviolet light sources 83A overlap each other near the top 87J. The distance from the ultraviolet light source 83A to the smartphone 100 located near the top 87J is longer than the distance to the smartphone 100 located in front of the ultraviolet light source 83A. Therefore, the ultraviolet light irradiated to the surface of the smartphone 100 located near the top 87J is weaker than the ultraviolet light irradiated to the surface of the smartphone 100 located in front of the ultraviolet light source 83A. The ultraviolet light from adjacent ultraviolet light sources 83A overlaps near the top 87J, increasing the intensity of the ultraviolet light, so that the entire surface of the smartphone 100 is irradiated with ultraviolet light evenly and effectively.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 20, after step S306, when the irradiation unit 83 stops the emission of the ultraviolet light source 83A, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to each of the opening / closing unit 84 and the lifting / lowering unit 85 (step S207).

[0178] After step S207, the opening / closing unit 84 receives the drive command transmitted from the control unit 81 (step S107). After step S107, the opening / closing unit 84 drives the motor 84F to open the cover 84A (S108).

[0179] After step S207, the lifting unit 85 receives a drive command from the control unit 81 (step S307). After step S307, the lifting unit 85 drives the motor 84F to raise the slide and take the smartphone 100 out of the housing 2 (S308). Specifically, for example, the lifting unit 85 drives the motor 84F to raise the stage 85A to a predetermined height. The predetermined height is, for example, a height at which the upper part of the smartphone 100 protrudes from the top board 10 by an area that can be held by a user. That is, when the emission of the ultraviolet light source 83A ends, the stage 85A moves the object placed thereon to the opening 87A.

[0180] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state in which the smartphone 100 protrudes from the UV sterilization device 80. As shown in FIG. 27, as stage 85A rises, a part of smartphone 100 protrudes upward from opening 87A of housing 87. The user grasps the part of smartphone 100 protruding from top plate 10 through opening 87A and removes smartphone 100 from UV sterilizer 80, thereby completing the UV sterilization process.

[0181] As described above, the hand-washing device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a UV sterilization device 80. By inserting the smartphone 100 into the UV sterilization device 80 in parallel with starting to wash the hands, the user can easily sterilize his / her belongings in addition to washing his / her hands.

[0182] Furthermore, UV sterilization device 80 detects the insertion of smartphone 100, automatically stores smartphone 100 inside, and sterilizes smartphone 100. Then, when sterilization is complete, smartphone 100 is automatically removed to the outside. This allows the user to insert and remove smartphone 100 while sterilizing smartphone 100 without touching UV sterilization device 80.

[0183] Furthermore, UV sterilization device 80 sandwiches smartphone 100 between regularly arranged ultraviolet light sources 83A and irradiates ultraviolet light onto smartphone 100. This allows UV sterilization device 80 to sterilize smartphone 100 evenly across both the front and back sides.

[0184] Furthermore, wall surface 87I of groove 87H formed inside UV sterilization device 80 has a shape that does not block the ultraviolet rays generated from ultraviolet light source 83A. This allows the ultraviolet rays to be delivered to smartphone 100 efficiently.

[0185] The hand-washing device 1 may be configured to discharge water from the water outlet 13 in response to the insertion of a portable item into the UV sterilization device 80. This makes it possible to prevent the user from forgetting to sterilize the portable item with the UV sterilization device 80.

[0186] In addition, in UV sterilization device 80, ultraviolet light sources 83A are arranged in a grid pattern at regular intervals on the surfaces of plates 87F and 87G that form the storage space, facing the storage space. This makes it possible to irradiate smartphone 100 stored in the storage space with ultraviolet light from all directions. This makes it possible to sterilize all areas of smartphone 100 with a single UV sterilization, improving the convenience of UV sterilization device 80. In addition, since the intervals in the vertical direction Z of the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged in a lattice pattern are shorter than the intervals in the longitudinal direction X, even in the position farthest from the ultraviolet light source 83A (for example, the central area of ​​a quadrangle with four ultraviolet light sources 83A as vertices), ultraviolet rays overlap each other, so that a sufficient amount of light can be expected. In other words, ultraviolet rays can be uniformly irradiated onto the surface of the smartphone 100. In addition, the interval between the multiple optical sensors 86A is equal to the interval between the multiple ultraviolet light sources 83A arranged in a lattice pattern in the longitudinal direction X. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the ultraviolet light source 83A corresponding to the position in the longitudinal direction A where the smartphone 100 is placed. This allows the ultraviolet light source 83A to effectively irradiate the smartphone 100 according to the position of the smartphone 100.

[0187] <Modification> Next, a modified example will be described. FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a UV sterilization device 80 according to a modified example. Fig. 28A is a diagram showing a state in which the smartphone 100 is inserted in a landscape orientation, and Fig. 28B is a diagram showing a state in which the smartphone 100 is inserted with the case attached.

[0188] 28A, the smartphone 100 may be stored sideways in the storage space of the housing 87 so that the long side extends horizontally. In this case, the smartphone 100 is completely stored in the storage space before the stage 85A reaches the bottom end.

[0189] 28B, when the smartphone 100 is stored in a case that is generally called a notebook type case and has a cover that covers the display screen side, the smartphone 100 can be stored in the storage space with the cover unfolded. This allows the front and back surfaces of the cover to be sterilized at the same time.

[0190] Furthermore, in the case of a user who uses a plurality of smartphones 100, two smartphones 100 can be placed in parallel on the stage 85A, and two smartphones 100 can be sterilized simultaneously.

[0191] Furthermore, the UV sterilization device 80 according to the above embodiment may have a function for detecting things other than the smartphone 100, that is, foreign objects.

[0192] Specifically, for example, unless the multiple optical sensors 86A detect an object, the sensor unit 86 does not transmit a detection signal to the control unit 81. For example, even if one optical sensor 86A detects an object, the sensor unit 86 does not generate a detection signal. As a result, even if one finger is inserted into the opening 87A, a detection signal is not generated, so the stage 85A does not descend and the lid 84A is not closed.

[0193] Furthermore, when an object that has been detected by the multiple optical sensors 86A is no longer detected, the sensor unit 86 transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81. The control unit 81 grasps the height of the stage 85A based on the drive signal transmitted to the lifting unit 85. When the height of the stage 85A when the control unit 81 receives the detection signal is higher than a predetermined value, the control unit 81 controls the lifting unit 85 to return the stage 85A to its original height. As a result, when an object that can be detected by the multiple optical sensors 86A, such as a hand, is inserted into the opening 87A and the object is immediately pulled out of the opening 87A, the stage 85A is returned to its original position. In other words, the lid 84A is not closed.

[0194] In addition, the UV sterilization device 80 may open the lid 84A and raise the stage 85A when the lid 84A hits an object while being closed. For example, the opening / closing unit 84 detects contact between the lid 84A and the object by detecting a fluctuation in the power consumption of the motor 84F. When the opening / closing unit 84 detects contact between the lid 84A and the object, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 81. When the control unit 81 receives the detection signal, it causes the opening / closing unit 84 to open the lid 84A and causes the lifting unit 85 to lift the stage 85A. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, a smartphone or tablet exceeding a prescribed size from being pinched and damaged by the lid 84A even when the smartphone or tablet is placed on the stage 85A. It also makes it possible to prevent the UV sterilization device 80 from breaking.

[0195] In the above embodiment, the housing 87 of the UV sterilization device 80 is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape of the housing 87 is not limited to a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The shape can be changed as desired as long as a storage space capable of storing a smartphone is formed inside.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 83A radiates ultraviolet rays all at once (uniformly), but the ultraviolet light source 83A may not radiate ultraviolet rays uniformly. The ultraviolet light source 83A may radiate ultraviolet rays with directionality toward a specific area of ​​the smartphone 100 that is likely to be particularly dirty, such as the vicinity of the home button or the center area of ​​the display. The specific position may be set statistically based on a typical operation example of the smartphone 100.

[0197] The predetermined position may be set based on the operation log of the inserted smartphone 100. In this way, the time required for sterilization can be shortened by concentrating the ultraviolet light on a particularly dirty area.

[0198] For example, the hand-washing device 1 may communicate with a user's carried item (for example, a device having a communication function such as the smartphone 100) to obtain information about the carried item or information about the user.

[0199] Specifically, (1) when the hand-washing device 1 is provided with a communication unit that communicates with the smartphone 100 or the like by short-range wireless communication (NFC (Near Field Communication) using an IC chip or the like, high-speed wireless communication standard, etc.), the user first places the smartphone 100 in a predetermined position on the hand-washing device 1 before sterilizing the smartphone 100 with the UV sterilization device 80 in the hand-washing device 1. This causes the smartphone 100 to transmit predetermined information to the hand-washing device 1.

[0200] Here, the specified information may include information on the model of smartphone 100, information on the attributes of the user of smartphone 100 (for example, an employee code if the user is an employee, etc., an age group of the user if the user is a general consumer, membership number information if registered for a service provided by a store, etc., information used when processing payment (user identification information for the payment application, credit card information, etc.), and an operation log of the user's operation of smartphone 100 (coordinates of contact with the touch screen, application operation history, etc.). In this way, the user may be able to set the range in which information is provided from smartphone 100 to the hand-washing device 1), etc., and the like may be read by the hand-washing device 1.

[0201] Also, (2) the hand-washing device 1 is assumed to be managed by an external server or the like and to be capable of communicating with the external server or the like. A two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) containing information for identifying the hand-washing device 1 (for example, a URL containing the identification information of the hand-washing device 1) is attached to the hand-washing device 1 or displayed on the screen. The two-dimensional code is read by the user's smartphone 100, and the smartphone 100 communicates information containing the identification information of the hand-washing device 1 with the external server or the like, so that the external server or the like can transmit information such as the model of the smartphone 100 to the hand-washing device 1.

[0202] In addition, (3) if the hand-washing device 1 has a reading unit (such as an optical scanner) that reads a two-dimensional code (including information about the model of the smartphone 100) displayed on a smartphone 100 or the like, the user may display the two-dimensional code on the screen of the smartphone 100 and have the hand-washing device 1 read it.

[0203] Although an example in which the hand-washing device 1 and the smartphone 100 communicate wirelessly has been described above, (4) the hand-washing device 1 and the smartphone 100, etc. may be directly connected. The hand-washing device 1 may determine the range in which the UV sterilization device 80 irradiates the smartphone 100 with ultraviolet light based on information on the model of the smartphone 100. For example, the hand-washing device 1 may preferentially irradiate the position of the home button on the smartphone 100 (the size of the smartphone 100 and the position of the home button are determined depending on the model of the smartphone 100), the area from the bottom to the center of the screen when the user operates the smartphone 100 while holding it vertically (the area where the user's fingers frequently touch when the user operates the smartphone 100 while holding it vertically), and the areas near the left and right sides of the screen when the user operates the smartphone 100 while holding it horizontally, compared with other areas. For example, when the time for sterilization by the UV sterilization device 80 (time for ultraviolet light irradiation) is set to a fixed time in conjunction with the time for hand-washing, the hand-washing device 1 may determine the range to be preferentially irradiated by the UV sterilization device 80 within the fixed time as described above.

[0204] The hand-washing device 1 may also determine the time for hand-washing and the time for sterilization by the UV sterilization device 80 based on information on the attributes of the user. For example, when the hand-washing device 1 is used by an employee or other related person of the facility where the hand-washing device 1 is installed, the hand-washing device 1 may read the information of the related person, and the hand-washing time and the time for sterilization by the UV sterilization device 80 may be set according to the attributes of the related person. Some users may be in a profession that is expected to involve a lot of contact with people, and may particularly require hand-washing and sterilization of their belongings. In this way, the hand-washing device 1 transmits a log of the time when the employee washed their hands and sterilized their belongings with the hand-washing device 1 to an external server or the like. If the external server or the like manages entry and exit to the facility, entry and exit may be controlled based on the history of the user washing their hands with the hand-washing device 1. For example, there may be some rooms where the user can enter even if they have not washed their hands with the hand-washing device 1, and there may be other rooms where the user cannot enter if they have not washed their hands. In this way, the facility manager can restrict entry and exit based on the history of the user washing their hands with the hand-washing device 1.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the sensor unit 86 detects the insertion of the smartphone 100 into the opening 87A by using the optical sensor 86A. At this time, the sensor unit 86 may acquire which of the five optical sensors 86A installed has detected the entrance of the smartphone 100. The irradiation unit 83 causes the ultraviolet light source 83A at a position corresponding to the optical sensor 86A that detected the smartphone 100 to emit light. In other words, when at least one of the optical sensors 86A among the multiple optical sensors 86A detects the insertion of an object, the ultraviolet light source 83A installed in the groove 87H located near the optical sensor 86A may emit ultraviolet light.

[0206] Specifically, for example, the sensor unit 86 detects the smartphone 100 with three optical sensors 86A located in the center. At this time, for example, the irradiation unit 83 causes the 48 ultraviolet light sources 83A installed at the bottoms of the four grooves 87H located in the center to emit light.

[0207] In the above embodiment, all the ultraviolet light sources 83A are caused to emit light regardless of the lowered position of the stage 85A. However, the irradiation unit 83 may change the number of ultraviolet light sources 83A that emit light depending on the position of the stage 85A. Specifically, for example, when the smartphone 100 is inserted sideways, the irradiation unit 83 causes the ultraviolet light sources 83A in the top four rows to emit light.

[0208] In this way, by controlling the number of ultraviolet light sources 83A to be turned on, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the control unit 81 transmits a drive command to the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A when the smartphone 100 is moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A. However, the timing when the control unit 81 causes the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A is not limited to when the stage 85A is moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A. The control unit 81 may cause the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A even when the user washes his / her hands without sterilizing his / her belongings.

[0210] Specifically, for example, the control unit 81 may cause the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A when the infrared sensor 52 of the dispenser 14 that ejects the medicine detects a finger. This makes it possible to prevent water used when washing hands from flowing into the UV sterilization device 80. Also, by causing the opening / closing unit 84 to close the lid 84A in response to the operation of the dispenser 14, rather than in response to the discharge of wash water from the faucet 12, it becomes possible to capture the action of washing hands with high accuracy and close the lid 84A.

[0211] The shape, structure, display mode, and control process of the hand-washing indicator 15 may be changed as desired. In addition, the hand-washing device 1 does not necessarily have to include the hand-washing indicator 15.

[0212] UV sterilization device 80 may also have an indicator that indicates that sterilization is in progress. The indicator operates, for example, when lid 84A is closed, and indicates that UV sterilization device 80 is performing a sterilization process. The indicator is realized, for example, by an LED. The indicator is installed so as to illuminate lid 84A in the closed state from diagonally above. The indicator may also be embedded in lid 84A.

[0213] Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiment, and the present disclosure includes the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. In addition, the configurations of the devices described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0214] The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0215] (Appendix 1) The hand-washing device 1 comprises a housing 2, a hand-washing basin 11 provided in part of the housing 2, a faucet 12 having a water outlet 13 for discharging wash water, a circulation unit 6 at least a part of which is provided inside the housing 872, which purifies wastewater from the hand-washing basin 11 and circulates it as wash water, and a UV sterilization device 80 which irradiates ultraviolet light onto an object of a person washing his or her hands with the wash water to sterilize the surface of the object.

[0216] (Appendix 2) The UV sterilization device 80 is a hand-washing device 1 as described in (Appendix 1) in which an opening 87A for inserting an object is disposed in a hole formed in a top plate 10 on which a hand-washing basin 11 is provided.

[0217] (Appendix 3) The UV sterilization device 80 is provided inside a housing 87 and comprises an ultraviolet light source 83A that emits ultraviolet light, and a stage 85A that guides an object inserted into an opening 87A to the vicinity of the ultraviolet light source 83A (hand washing device 1 described in Appendix 2).

[0218] (Appendix 4) A program to be executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the program causing the processor to execute the following steps: using an optical sensor 86A to detect the insertion of an object into an opening 87A located in a top plate 10 on which a hand-washing basin 11 of the hand-washing device 1 is provided (step S101); when the object is detected, guiding the object into the inside of the housing 2 of the hand-washing device 1 (step S302); using the optical sensor 86A to determine that the object has been moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A (step S103); and when it is determined that the object has been moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A, illuminating the ultraviolet light source 83A (step S306).

[0219] (Appendix 5) The program according to (Appendix 4), in which in the step of causing ultraviolet light source 83A to emit light (step S306), ultraviolet light source 83A is caused to emit light for a period of time that is estimated to be required for hand washing.

[0220] (Appendix 6) The program according to (Supplementary Note 4) or (Supplementary Note 5), which causes a processor to execute a step (step S308) of removing the object from the housing 87 when the emission of the ultraviolet light source 83A is stopped.

[0221] (Appendix 7) A program described in any one of (Appendix 4) to (Appendix 6), which causes a processor to execute a step (step S106) of closing the opening 87A when it is determined that an object has been moved near the ultraviolet light source 83A, and a step (step S108) of opening the opening 87A when light emission from the ultraviolet light source 83A is stopped.

[0222] (Appendix 8) A program described in any one of (Appendix 4) to (Appendix 7), in which in a step of detecting the insertion of an object into the opening 87A (step S101), the insertion of the object is detected using multiple optical sensors 86A, and in a step of illuminating the ultraviolet light source 83A (step S306), the ultraviolet light source 83A is illuminated in response to the optical sensor 86A that detected the insertion of the object.

[0223] (Appendix 9) A program described in any of (Appendix 4) to (Appendix 8), in which, in a step (step S302) of guiding an object inside the housing 2 of the hand-washing device 1, the inserted object is guided to a position corresponding to the size of the object, and in a step (step S306) of illuminating the ultraviolet light source 83A, the ultraviolet light source 83A is illuminated according to the guided position.

[0224] (Appendix 10) A method executed by a computer having a processor and a memory, the method comprising the steps of: using an optical sensor 86A to detect the insertion of an object into an opening 87A located in a top plate 10 on which a hand-washing basin 11 of a hand-washing device 1 is provided (step S101); when the object is detected, guiding the object into the inside of a housing 87 of the hand-washing device 1 (step S302); using the optical sensor 86A to determine that the object has been moved near an ultraviolet light source 83A (step S103); and when it is determined that the object has been moved near an ultraviolet light source 83A, illuminating the ultraviolet light source 83A (step S306). [Explanation of symbols]

[0225] 1 hand washing device, 2 housing 87, 3 door, 6 circulation unit, 11 hand washing basin, 12 faucet, 13 water outlet, 14 dispenser, 15 hand washing indicator, 20 water outlet unit, 21 water outlet pump, 30 drainage unit, 32 drainage pump, 40 purification unit, 41 pre-treatment filter, 42 reverse osmosis membrane, 43 post-treatment filter, 44 intermediate tank, 45 drainage tank, 46 water storage tank, 47 membrane filtration pump, 50 chemical tank, 60 control unit, 80 UV sterilization device, 81 control unit, 83 irradiation unit, 84 opening / closing unit, 85 lifting unit, 86 sensor unit, 87 housing

Claims

1. A housing and A hand washing tub provided in a part of the housing; A faucet having a water outlet for discharging flush water; a circulation unit at least a portion of which is provided inside the housing, which purifies wastewater from the hand-washing tub and circulates the purified water as the wash water; A UV sterilization device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto an object of a person who washes his / her hands with the cleaning water to sterilize the surface of the object; Equipped with The UV sterilization device is a hand-washing device that irradiates ultraviolet rays onto the objects of a person washing his / her hands in conjunction with the time the person washes his / her hands.

2. The UV sterilization device is The hand-washing device according to claim 1 , wherein an opening through which the object is inserted is disposed in a hole formed in a top plate on which the hand-washing tub is provided.

3. The UV sterilization device is an ultraviolet light source provided inside the housing and emitting the ultraviolet light; a stage for guiding an object inserted into the opening to the vicinity of the ultraviolet light source; The hand washing device according to claim 2 .

4. A program for causing a computer having a processor and a memory to execute the program, the program causing the processor to: A step of detecting, by using an optical sensor, the insertion of an object into an opening disposed in a top plate on which a hand washing basin of the hand washing device is provided; When the object is detected, guiding the object into an interior of a housing of the hand washing device; determining, using the optical sensor, that the object has been moved proximate to an ultraviolet light source; When it is determined that the object has been moved near the ultraviolet light source, the program causes the ultraviolet light source to emit light.

5. The program according to claim 4 , wherein in the step of causing the ultraviolet light source to emit light, the ultraviolet light source is caused to emit light for a period of time that is estimated to be required for hand washing.

6. The program according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising causing the processor to execute a step of removing the object from the housing when the emission of the ultraviolet light source is stopped.

7. closing the opening when it is determined that the object has been moved near the ultraviolet light source; When the ultraviolet light source stops emitting light, the opening is opened. The program according to claim 4 , which causes the processor to execute the following:

8. In the step of detecting insertion of an object into the opening, a plurality of optical sensors are used to detect the insertion of the object; 8. The program according to claim 4, wherein in the step of causing the ultraviolet light source to emit light, the ultraviolet light source is caused to emit light in accordance with a position of an optical sensor that detects the insertion of the object.

9. In the step of guiding the object into the housing of the hand washing device, the inserted object is guided to a position according to the size of the object; 9. The program according to claim 4, wherein in the step of causing the ultraviolet light source to emit light, the ultraviolet light source is caused to emit light in accordance with the guided position.

10. 1. A method implemented by a computer having a processor and a memory, the method comprising: A step of detecting, by using an optical sensor, the insertion of an object into an opening disposed in a top plate on which a hand washing basin of the hand washing device is provided; When the object is detected, guiding the object into an interior of a housing of the hand washing device; determining, using the optical sensor, that the object has been moved proximate to an ultraviolet light source; and upon determining that the object has been moved near the ultraviolet light source, illuminating the ultraviolet light source.

Images