Sterilization system

Abstract

To provide a sterilization system which removes dirt of an inner wall in the vicinity of a seal water level of a seal water formation part by ultrasonic waves, then can supply sterilization water or sterilization gas to the inner wall after cleaning, and can suppress propagation of bacteria and molds in the inner wall.SOLUTION: A sterilization system 20 includes a seal water formation part 14, a water level elevation part 26 formed so that the water level in the seal water formation part is easily increased to a second water level W2 higher than a first water level from the first water level by water flowing in the seal water formation part, an ultrasonic oscillator 64, a sterilization device 22 for supplying sterilization water or sterilization gas to an inner wall 14e of a water level height in the seal water formation part, and a control part 29. The control part 29 emits irradiation of ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic irradiator in at least a partial period in the state where the water level is increased to be higher than the first water level and stops supply of the sterilization water or the sterilization gas by the sterilization device 22 after at least the end of the increase in the water level toward the second water level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization system for sterilizing a bathroom.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, it is known that an ultrasonic oscillator is provided in a drainage device provided on the floor of a bathroom. In this drainage device, a water level adjustment unit is provided, and the water level adjustment unit raises the water level in the drainage main body in response to the inflow of water to clean the dirt on the inner wall near the water seal level.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, even if the dirt on the inner wall near the water seal level is removed, the dirt remains in the water seal forming portion, and there is a risk that the dirt will reattach to the inner wall near the water seal level. When dirt reattaches to the inner wall after cleaning in this way, there is a problem that bacteria and mold grow on the inner wall.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art, and after removing the dirt on the inner wall near the water seal level of the water seal forming portion by ultrasonic waves, sterilized water or sterilized gas can be supplied to the inner wall after cleaning, and the present invention aims to provide a sterilization system capable of suppressing the growth of bacteria and mold on the inner wall.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a disinfection system for disinfecting the inside of a water-sealing formation portion provided on the downstream side of the washing floor of a bathroom, the water-sealing formation portion forming a water-sealing level at a first level, and the water flowing into the water-sealing formation portion being formed so that the water level in the water-sealing formation portion is likely to rise from the first level to a second level higher than the first level. A water level rising portion, an ultrasonic oscillator for irradiating ultrasonic waves to the water in the water-sealing formation portion, a disinfection device for supplying disinfected water or disinfected gas to the water surface in the water-sealing formation portion, and a control unit for controlling the ultrasonic oscillator and the disinfection device. The control unit causes the ultrasonic oscillator to irradiate ultrasonic waves during at least a part of a period in which the water level is higher than the first level, and stops the supply of disinfected water or disinfected gas by the disinfection device after at least the end of the water level rise toward the second level. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit causes the ultrasonic oscillator to irradiate ultrasonic waves during at least a part of the period during which the water level is rising toward the second level. Therefore, ultrasonic waves are irradiated in a state where the water level in the water-sealing formation portion has risen to a level higher than the first level, which is the water-sealing level, and the inner wall of the water-sealing formation portion, which is likely to get dirty and difficult to clean at the water-sealing level, can be effectively cleaned by ultrasonic waves. Further, since the control unit stops the supply of disinfected water or disinfected gas by the disinfection device after at least the end of the water level rise toward the second level, the dirt on the inner wall near the water-sealing level of the water-sealing formation portion is removed by ultrasonic waves, and after the water level rise ends, disinfected water or disinfected gas can be supplied to the inner wall after cleaning. Thereby, even if the dirt peeled off by ultrasonic cleaning reattaches to the inner wall, the growth of bacteria and mold on the inner wall can be suppressed.

[0007] In the present invention, preferably, a water supply device for supplying water to the water-sealing formation portion is further provided, and the control unit causes the water supply device to supply water to the water-sealing formation portion after stopping the supply of disinfected water or disinfected gas by the disinfection device. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, further provided is a water supply device that supplies water to the water seal forming portion after the supply of the sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device is stopped. Thereby, dirt such as bacteria and mold sterilized by the sterilized water or sterilized gas supplied by the sterilization device can be discharged, adhesion of such dirt to the inner wall can be suppressed, and growth of bacteria and mold on the inner wall can be further suppressed.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the sterilization device is configured to generate a sterilized gas by discharging the sterilized gas or discharging the sterilized water and then vaporizing the sterilized water. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the sterilization device is configured to generate a sterilized gas by discharging the sterilized gas or discharging the sterilized water and then vaporizing the sterilized water. If the sterilized water is directly supplied to the water surface in the water seal forming portion while remaining in a liquid state, the concentration of the sterilized water may decay due to, for example, water and dirt remaining on the floor surface or the like in the path until it reaches the inner wall of the water seal forming portion. In comparison, in the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult for the sterilized gas to come into contact with the water and dirt remaining on the floor surface or the like. That is, the sterilized gas can be supplied to the inner wall of the water level height in the water seal forming portion while maintaining a relatively high concentration. Thereby, the sterilized gas can be utilized more effectively to further suppress the growth of bacteria and mold.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit causes the sterilization device to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas before a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of water to the water seal forming portion was stopped. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the sterilization device is configured to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas before the inner wall of the water seal forming portion above the first water level, which becomes wet due to the water level in the water seal forming portion being raised by the water level rising portion, dries. Thereby, the sterilization device can supply sterilized gas to the inner wall of the water seal forming portion while the inner wall of the water seal forming portion above the first water level is in a wet state. As a result, unlike the case where the inner wall is in a dry state, sterilized gas can be supplied to the wet inner wall, so that the sterilized gas can be dissolved in the moisture on the inner wall. Therefore, the sterilized gas can be dissolved in the moisture according to the surface area of the water droplets on the wet inner wall rather than directly reacting with the object on the dry inner wall, making it easier to act effectively on the object.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, a bathroom drying device for reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom is further provided, and the control unit causes the sterilization device to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas after reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom by the bathroom drying device. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, a bathroom drying device for reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom is further provided, and the control unit causes the sterilization device to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas after reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom by the bathroom drying device. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the sterilized gas from being dissolved in the water vapor in the bathroom and the efficiency of the sterilized gas acting on the inner wall near the water seal level from decreasing.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, a drain cover attached to the floor of the washing area of the bathroom above the water seal forming portion is further provided, the sterilization device is configured to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas from above the drain cover, and the drain cover is formed with openings communicating with the water seal forming portion facing at least two directions. Unlike the present embodiment, when the sterilization device discharges sterilized water or sterilized gas from above the drain cover, depending on the form of the drain cover, there is a possibility that the sterilized gas or the like supplied from the sterilization device may not easily reach the water sealing formation part by the drain cover. On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the drain cover is formed with openings communicating with the water sealing formation part facing at least two directions. Therefore, it is easy to form an air flow from the drain cover to the water sealing formation part. Thus, even when the drain cover is provided, it is possible to easily supply the sterilized water or the sterilized gas to the inner wall in the water sealing formation part.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit causes the ultrasonic oscillator to irradiate ultrasonic waves during any period within a predetermined period after the sterilization device starts discharging sterilized water or sterilized gas. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit causes the ultrasonic oscillator to irradiate ultrasonic waves during any period within a predetermined period after the sterilization device starts discharging sterilized water or sterilized gas. As a result, when the water surface in the water sealing formation part is irradiated with ultrasonic waves, the water surface is rippled, and the air flow in the water sealing formation part is easily promoted, and the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the inner wall at the water level height in the water sealing formation part. Further, when the water surface in the water sealing formation part is irradiated with ultrasonic waves, the water temperature in the water sealing formation part rises, and an upward air flow due to the water is easily generated, and the air flow in the water sealing formation part is easily promoted, and the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the inner wall at the water level height in the water sealing formation part. Furthermore, when the water surface in the water sealing formation part is rippled, the sterilized gas can also act on the inner wall below the water sealing level, and the area where the growth of bacteria and mold can be suppressed can be further expanded.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, further, a blower device for sending air to the drain cover is provided, and the control unit sends air to the drain cover by the blower device during any period within a predetermined period after the sterilization device starts discharging sterilized water or sterilized gas. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, during any period within a predetermined period after the start of discharge of sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device, the air blower sends air to the drain cover. As a result, the flow of air in the water seal forming portion is easily promoted, and the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the inner wall at the water level height in the water seal forming portion.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, a washroom floor having a drainage slope inclined downward toward the water seal forming portion is further provided. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, a washroom floor having a drainage slope inclined downward toward the water seal forming portion is further provided. As a result, the water on the washroom floor can be easily discharged to the water seal forming portion due to the drainage slope, and it is possible to suppress the sterilized gas from being dissolved in the moisture on the washroom floor and reducing the efficiency of the sterilized gas acting on the inner wall near the water seal level.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the sterilization system of the present invention, after removing the dirt on the inner wall near the water seal level of the water seal forming portion by ultrasonic waves, sterilized water or sterilized gas can be supplied to the inner wall after cleaning, and the growth of bacteria and mold on the inner wall can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bathroom in which a sterilization system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom in which a sterilization system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used, and FIG. 2 is a top view showing the bathroom in which the sterilization system according to the embodiment of the present invention is used with the bathroom drying device omitted. As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom 1 includes a first wall 2, a second wall 4, a third wall 6, and a fourth wall 8 that form substantially rectangular parallelepiped four side surfaces. A bathtub 10 is provided on the side of the second wall 4, and a washbasin floor 12 is provided below between the fourth wall 8 and the bathtub 10. A water sealing formation part 14 is provided in the vicinity of the bathtub 10 on the washbasin floor 12, and water is discharged to the outside from this water sealing formation part 14. The bathroom 1 is a room where a user washes the body with water and includes a shower room. The term "water" used in the present embodiment means not only hot water in which the temperature is adjusted and hot water and water are mixed in a water supply source or an external water heater, etc., but also water supplied without temperature adjustment from an external water supply, hot water obtained by heating water from a water supply source to an appropriate temperature, etc.

[0018] A counter 16 is provided in a part on the side of the third wall 6. A mirror is provided above the counter 16 on the third wall 6. Above the upper stage of the counter 16, a water discharging part 18 that discharges water, a faucet device such as a shower 34 via a shower hose, etc. are provided.

[0019] The water discharging unit 18 and the shower 34 are connected, on the upstream side, via the hot and cold water mixing faucet 7, to the water supply water passage 9 through which water is supplied from a water supply source (not shown) and to the hot water supply water passage 11 through which hot water is supplied from a water heater or the like connected to the water supply source (not shown). The hot and cold water mixing faucet 7 can mix the water from the water supply water passage 9 and the hot water from the hot water supply water passage 11 at an arbitrary ratio based on the operation by the user, the settings of the control unit, or the like. On the lower surface side of the counter 16, a sterilization device 22, which is a water discharging device for discharging sterilized water and tap water (water) that form part of the sterilization system 20 according to the present embodiment, is provided.

[0020] A ceiling 24 is attached to the upper ends of the above-described first wall 2 to fourth wall 8, and a bathroom drying device 27 is provided on the ceiling 24. Further, outside the bathroom 1, an operation panel 28 for operating the sterilization system 20 and a control unit 29 described later are provided. The operation panel 28 forms an operation unit that receives operation inputs from the user. The operation panel 28 is provided with buttons and receives manual operation inputs from the user such that the user manually operates the buttons. As a modification, the operation panel 28 may be formed as an operation screen displayed on the screen of an electronic device such as a smartphone or a remote control. That is, the operation panel 28 may form an operation unit that receives operation inputs from the user at the operation buttons on such an operation screen. At this time, the operation panel 28 of an electronic device such as a smartphone or a remote control is electrically connected to the control unit 29 by wireless communication such as the Internet or infrared communication. Further, as still another modification, the operation panel 28 may be a voice operation unit that receives operation inputs from the user by voice input or a gesture operation unit that receives operation inputs from the user by gesture operation inputs such as the user's fingers (for example, detecting the user's fingers by the user holding the fingers or the like in a predetermined space for a certain period of time and detecting and receiving the operation input as an operation input).

[0021] Returning to the present embodiment again, as shown in FIG. 5, the counter 16 has a top plate 16a and a lower cover 16b and is provided spaced above the washroom floor 12.

[0022] The sterilization system 20 sterilizes at least a part of the inner wall 14e at a height near the water seal formed in the water seal forming portion 14 provided on the downstream side of the washing floor 12 of the bathroom 1, for example, in the water seal forming portion 14. The sterilization system 20 includes a washing floor 12 having a drainage slope inclined downward toward the water seal forming portion 14, a bathroom drying device 27 for reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom 1, a water seal forming portion 14 for forming a water seal level W0 at a first water level, a drainage cover 15 attached above the water seal forming portion 14 and to the washing floor 12 of the bathroom, a water level rising portion 26 formed such that the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 is likely to rise from the first water level to a second water level higher than the first water level by the water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14, an ultrasonic oscillator 64 for irradiating ultrasonic waves to the water in the water seal forming portion 14, a sterilization device 22 for supplying sterilized water or sterilized gas to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water seal forming portion 14, a blower device 66 for sending air to the drainage cover 15, and a control unit 29 for controlling the ultrasonic oscillator 64 and the sterilization device 22.

[0023] The bathroom drying device 27 can ventilate the air in the bathroom 1 to reduce the amount of water vapor in the bathroom 1 and dry the inside of the bathroom 1. The bathroom drying device 27 can vaporize the water vapor in the bathroom 1 and reduce the amount of water vapor by sending out warm air warmer than the indoor temperature, air at approximately the same temperature as the indoor temperature, or cold air colder than the indoor temperature. The bathroom drying device 27 also has a function of vaporizing the sprayed sterilized water, as will be described later. More preferably, the bathroom drying device 27 can increase the temperature in the bathroom 1 by sending out warm air, and thus has a function of increasing the saturated water vapor amount of the air in the bathroom 1 and vaporizing water as water vapor.

[0024] The water seal forming part 14 is connected to the lower part of the washroom floor 12. The water seal forming part 14 is formed as a drainage device with an ultrasonic cleaning function. The water seal forming part 14 has a function of draining the water discharged onto the washroom floor 12 and storing a part of the inflowing water to form a water seal at the normal time (standby state) at the water seal level W0 inside. Here, "water seal" refers to the water formed in the trap inside the water seal forming part 14 to block odors and the like. Also, "normal water seal" refers to the water seal when the water discharging part of the bathroom is not discharging water (standby state).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the water seal forming part 14 forms a trap-shaped flow path for forming a water seal at the water seal level W0. The water seal forming part 14 includes a connection part 14a connected to open to the washroom floor 12, a rising part 14b which is a rising flow path rising obliquely upward toward the downstream side to form a drainage trap, a top part 14c which is a folded-back part connecting to the rising part 14b of the drainage trap between the rising part 14b and a descending part 14d, and a descending part 14d provided on the downstream side of the rising part 14b and descending from the top part 14c. Therefore, the water seal forming part 14 forms a trap-shaped flow path that folds back from the rising part 14b toward the descending part 14d. The top part 14c defines the water seal level W0. The descending part 14d forms a flow path descending from the top part 14c and is connected to the drainage flow path 17. The water seal forming part 14 forms the flow path of the drainage trap as the flow path on the drainage flow path 17 side, and has any one of elements such as a small inner diameter of the flow path, a complex shape of the flow path, a deep depth of the flow path, or a combination of at least some of these elements, etc., making it difficult for the user to put their fingers in and clean compared to the wire basket 19.

[0026] The water-sealing formation part 14 is formed of resin. The water-sealing formation part 14 is connected to the downstream drainage channel 17. The drainage channel 17 is further connected to a downstream drainage pipe (not shown). A water supply channel different from the channel from the washroom floor 12 may be connected to the water-sealing formation part 14. The different water supply channel is connected to a different water supply source (not shown) or the same water supply source as in this embodiment. The water flowing into the water-sealing formation part 14 includes the water flowing into the water-sealing formation part 14 from a water supply channel different from the channel from the washroom floor 12. The water flowing into the water-sealing formation part 14 also includes water such as the water used by the user to wash the body, washroom floor, etc., and water containing detergents, shampoos, body soaps, etc. A wire basket 19 is arranged between the connection part 14a and the washroom floor 12. The wire basket 19 forms meshes and is made easy to collect garbage such as hair.

[0027] The ultrasonic oscillator 64 is provided below the connection part 14a of the water-sealing formation part 14. The ultrasonic oscillator 64 is provided at the bottom of the water-sealing formation part 14 and is arranged to irradiate ultrasonic waves upward. The ultrasonic oscillator 64 is electrically connected to the control part 29.

[0028] The blower 66 forms an air flow flowing into the water-sealing formation part 14 from the drain cover 15. The blower 66 may be formed by the bathroom drying device 27. In this case, the bathroom drying device 27 also functions as the blower 66.

[0029] The drain cover 15 is formed to cover the connection part 14a of the water-sealing formation part 14 and the upper part of the wire basket 19. The drain cover 15 is arranged on the washroom floor 12 by legs formed in a square shape, and forms openings communicating with the water-sealing formation part 14 in at least two directions, preferably four directions. In this embodiment, the drain cover 15 forms an opening that opens in four directions between it and the water-sealing formation part 14.

[0030] The sterilization device 22 is configured to supply the sterilization gas up to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water seal forming portion 14. The sterilization device 22 is configured to discharge sterilized water or sterilization gas from above the drain cover 15. In the present embodiment, the sterilization device 22 is configured to discharge sterilized water and generate sterilization gas by vaporizing this sterilized water. As a modification, the sterilization device 22 may be configured to discharge sterilization gas. Further, as a further modification, the sterilization device 22 is not limited to directly discharging sterilization gas, and may be configured to discharge sterilized water in a liquid state and directly supply it into the water seal forming portion 14.

[0031] The control unit 29 incorporates a CPU, a memory, etc., and controls the operations of the bathroom drying device 27, the sterilization device 22, the ultrasonic oscillator 64, etc. based on a predetermined control program etc. stored in the memory. Note that it is not limited to the water discharge from the sterilization device 22, and when a flow rate sensor is arranged, the water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14 is detected, and the control unit 29 may perform control to start the irradiation of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic oscillator 64 based on such detection. Further, as a further modification, the flow rate sensor may be arranged to detect the water discharged from the water seal forming portion 14, and the control unit 29 may perform control to start the irradiation of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic oscillator 64 based on the detection by such a flow rate sensor.

[0032] The control unit 29 controls the operations of the sterilization device 22 and the bathroom drying device 27 described above. The control unit 29 causes the ultrasonic oscillator 64 to irradiate ultrasonic waves during at least a part of the period while the water level is rising toward the second water level W2, and stops the supply of sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device 22 after the water level rise toward the second water level W2 has at least ended. After stopping the supply of sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device 22, the control unit 29 causes the sterilization device 22, which is a water supply device, to supply water to the water seal forming portion 14. The control unit 29 causes the sterilization device 22 to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas before a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of water to the water seal forming portion 14 stopped (or the start of the water level drop) (for example, before the inner wall 14e of the water seal forming portion 14 above the water seal level W0, which is the first water level, becomes dry due to the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 rising by the water level rising portion 26 and becoming wet). After reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom 1 by the bathroom drying device 27, the control unit 29 causes the sterilization device 22 to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas. The control unit 29 causes the ultrasonic oscillator 64 to irradiate ultrasonic waves during any period within a predetermined period after the sterilization device 22 starts discharging sterilized water or sterilized gas. The control unit 29 causes the blower to send air to the drain cover 15 during any period within a predetermined period after the sterilization device 22 starts discharging sterilized water or sterilized gas.

[0033] Next, the water level rising portion of the water seal forming portion 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The water level rising portion 26 is formed such that when the water flowing into the water seal forming portion 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate, for example, the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 easily rises from the water seal level W0, which is the first water level in the water seal forming portion 14, to the second water level W2, which is higher than the water seal level W0 in the water seal forming portion 14. The water level rising portion 26 adjusts the water level by being disposed in the water seal forming portion 14. The water level rising portion 26 is formed such that the drainage volume to the downstream side when the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 is between the water seal level W0 and the second water level W2 is less than the drainage volume to the downstream side after the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 reaches the second water level W2.

[0034] Since the water level rising part 26 has a function of adjusting the water level according to the structure of the flow path without depending on the opening and closing of the flow path by an electric solenoid valve or the like, the water level can be automatically adjusted according to the inflow into the water sealing formation part 14 without depending on the operation of the user or the like.

[0035] The water level rising part 26 is formed at the top part 14c which is a water sealing level defining part that defines the water sealing level W0 of the drain trap of the water sealing formation part 14. More specifically, the water level rising part 26 is formed so as to protrude upward from the top part 14c. As shown in FIG. 4, the water level rising part 26 includes a wall 30 that narrows the flow path in the water sealing formation part 14. The wall 30 forms a throttle part that constricts the lower side of the flow path in the water sealing formation part 14. The wall 30 is formed so as to rise upward from the bottom surface of the top part 14c of the flow path in the water sealing formation part 14. The rear surface 30b of the wall 30 extends downward. Therefore, the wall 30 is formed in a flat plate shape in a cross section in the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow path (front-rear direction). For example, the wall 30 may be formed such that the side walls on both sides of the water sealing formation part 14 protrude inward and rise upward from the top part 14c.

[0036] The wall 30 extends in the left-right direction with respect to the main water flow direction reaching the water level rising part 26, and further, a notch 30d extending downward from the upper end 30c thereof is formed in the wall 30. The width A1 in the left-right direction of this notch 30d is substantially constant in the up-down direction. The lower part of the notch 30d is formed by the top part 14c. The notch 30d extends from the front surface to the rear surface in the front-rear direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow path in the water sealing formation part 14 is formed in a T shape in a cross section in the left-right direction.

[0037] The amount of water discharged from the water discharging section 18, the shower 34, or the sterilizing device 22 (the inflow amount per unit time flowing into the water sealing formation section 14) causes the water that cannot pass through the notch 30d to raise the water level in the water sealing formation section 14. When the water level exceeds the upper end 30c, a flow that exceeds the upper end 30c in the entire width direction of the wall 30 portion is formed. When the water level is at a height below the upper end 30c, the wall 30 limits the drainage amount per unit time passing through the notch 30d and forms a special weir that forms a flow exceeding the upper end 30c when the water level is at a height exceeding the upper end 30c. The drainage amount (drainage flow rate) per unit time passing through the first region B1 (the region cut out by the notch 30d) of the notch 30d is determined by the width A1 of the notch 30d and the height h1 of the water level (the actual height of the water level from the top 14c). Also, the drainage amount (drainage flow rate) per unit time passing through the second region B2 is determined by the width A2 of the flow path of the water sealing formation section 14 and the height h2 of the water level above the upper end 30c (the actual height of the water level from the upper end 30c). The second region B2 is the region above the upper end 30c of the wall 30.

[0038] When the water level exceeds the upper end 30c, with respect to the amount of water discharged from the water discharging section 6b (the inflow amount per unit time flowing into the water sealing formation section 14), the water that cannot pass through the first region B1 of the notch 30d forms a flow that exceeds the upper end 30c of the wall 30 portion, so the rise of the water level is suppressed. Thus, when the water level exceeds the upper end 30c, with respect to the inflow amount per unit time flowing into the water sealing formation section 14, the second drainage amount, which is the sum of the drainage amount per unit time passing through the first region B1 of the notch 30d and the drainage amount per unit time passing through the second region B2, is discharged by the water level rising portion 26.

[0039] Thus, since the first region B1 of the notch 30d is formed to be relatively small, the water level is likely to rise up to the top of the notch 30d, that is, the second water level W2 at the height of the upper end 30c. When the water level exceeds the second water level W2, the rise of the water level is suppressed by the discharge of the second drainage volume. Even if the water level exceeds the second water level W2, when the water level reaches the third water level W3 and the inflow rate per unit time flowing into the water sealing formation part 14 is the same as the total second drainage volume of the drainage volume per unit time passing through the first region B1 and the drainage volume per unit time passing through the second region B2, the rise of the water level is substantially stopped. The ultrasonic cleaning water level is defined as a water level above the water sealing water level W0 which is the first water level, for example, the second water level W2. The ultrasonic cleaning water level may be the third water level W3.

[0040] The second water level W2 defined by the upper end 30c of the water level rising part 26 is located above the lower end of the wire basket. Further, the second water level W2 defined by the upper end 30c of the water level rising part 26 is located above the peripheral wall of the connection part 14a at the position of the water sealing water level W0. Incidentally, as a modification, the second water level W2 may be located below the lower end of the wire basket.

[0041] Next, the sterilization device 22 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. As shown in FIG. 6, a sterilization device 22 is provided inside the counter 16 (between the top plate 16a and the lower cover 16b), and this sterilization device 22 includes a nozzle part 32 protruding downward from the lower cover 16b of the counter 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the nozzle part 32 is arranged at a position separated from the washing floor 12 at the lower part of the counter 16. Further, the nozzle part 32 is provided near the center in the lateral direction of the counter 16, that is, near the center in the lateral direction of the washing floor 12. The nozzle part 32 of the sterilization device 22 is provided on the upper side of the drain cover 15.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 6, the sterilization device 22 includes a first strainer 36, a first electromagnetic valve 38, a second electromagnetic valve 40, a pressure regulating valve 42, a vacuum breaker 44, a check valve 46, a sterilized water generation unit 48, and a second strainer 50. The first strainer 36 is connected to an external water supply pipe (such as the water supply channel 9) via the hot and cold water mixing faucet 7. Downstream of the first strainer 36, the water supply path of the tap water branches into two paths.

[0043] One of the downstream channels 51 of the first strainer 36 is configured to directly supply tap water to the nozzle portion 32 via the first electromagnetic valve 38. The first strainer 36 is connected to the water supply channel 9 and the hot water supply channel 11 via the hot and cold water mixing faucet 7. The first strainer 36 may be connected to a water supply or the like by another route. By opening the first electromagnetic valve 38, tap water is supplied to the nozzle portion 32. The first electromagnetic valve 38 and the nozzle portion 32 provided in this one channel 51 sprinkle tap water on the washing floor 12 to form residual water on the washing floor 12.

[0044] In the other downstream channel 52 of the first strainer 36, in order from the upstream side, a second electromagnetic valve 40, a pressure regulating valve 42, a vacuum breaker 44, a check valve 46, a sterilized water generation unit 48, and a second strainer 50 are connected, and sterilized water is supplied to the nozzle portion 32. Note that the vacuum breaker 44 may not be provided.

[0045] The first electromagnetic valve 38 and the second electromagnetic valve 40 are each configured to perform an operation of opening the above-described channels 51 and 52 of the tap water and an operation of closing the channels 51 and 52 of the tap water. Note that flow rate sensors capable of detecting the flow rate per unit time of the discharged water are provided in the channels 51 and 52, and it may be detected that water is discharged.

[0046] The pressure regulating valve 42 is configured to control the pressure of the supplied tap water. Thereby, the flow rate of the tap water supplied to the sterilized water generation unit 48, the details of which will be described later, can be adjusted to a desired value. By adjusting the flow rate of the tap water supplied to the sterilized water generation unit 48, the flow rate of the sterilized water supplied to the nozzle unit 32 is adjusted. Note that, instead of or in addition to the pressure regulating valve 42, the flow rate of the tap water may be adjusted by the second solenoid valve 40.

[0047] The sterilized water generation unit 48 is an electrolysis chamber (electrolyzer) having an anode and a cathode. The sterilized water generation unit 48 is configured to generate sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid by applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode and electrolyzing the tap water flowing between these electrodes. Since the tap water contains chloride ions, hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing the chloride ions.

[0048] The first solenoid valve 38, the second solenoid valve 40, the pressure regulating valve 42, and the sterilized water generation unit 48 are appropriately controlled by the control unit 29. Thereby, the watering of the tap water from the nozzle unit 32 and the watering of the sterilized water from the nozzle unit 32 can be controlled independently of each other.

[0049] Specifically, the first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40 open and close the flow paths 51 and 52 of the tap water based on a signal from the control unit 29. Thereby, the flow rate of the tap water supplied to the downstream side is controlled. Further, the sterilized water generation unit 48 switches the ON / OFF of the electrolysis chamber based on a signal from the control unit 29. In this way, the control unit 29 can control the concentrations of various components in the sterilized water, the instantaneous flow rates of the tap water and the sterilized water being discharged (flow rate per unit time), and the total amount of the sterilized water being discharged. Further, since the control unit 29 can recognize the open states of the first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40, respectively, the control unit 29 can recognize whether or not water is being discharged from the first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40.

[0050] The above-mentioned germicidal water is functional water having the function of reducing bacteria, molds, and yeasts, and is, for example, water containing hypochlorous acid. Since tap water contains chloride ions, hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing the chloride ions. As a result, the electrolyzed water changes into a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This hypochlorous acid vaporizes to become dichlorine monoxide (Cl2O). This dichlorine monoxide is a germicidal gas. The germicidal water may be metal ion water (for example, water containing metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions) or water containing ozone. For example, when tap water is electrolyzed, at the cathode, an acid (H + ) is consumed, and the pH increases in the vicinity of the cathode. That is, alkaline water is generated in the vicinity of the cathode. On the other hand, at the anode, an alkali (OH - ) is consumed, and the pH decreases in the vicinity of the anode. That is, acidic water is generated in the vicinity of the anode. By changing the flow rate in the germicidal water generation unit 48, the concentration of the components contained in the germicidal water can be controlled. Note that in the above-mentioned germicidal water generation unit 48, germicidal water is generated by electrolysis, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a germicide may be dissolved in tap water to generate germicidal water. The germicidal gas is a gas having the function of reducing bacteria, molds, and yeasts. The germicidal gas may contain particulate germicidal water. Here, "particulate" refers to a state of liquid particles having a size that can float along with an air stream. The germicidal gas containing such particulate germicidal water is in a mist state. Note that the function of the germicidal gas to reduce bacteria, molds, and yeasts may be exhibited by the gas in the gas, may be exhibited by the liquid contained in the gas, or may be exhibited by both the gas and the liquid. The sterilizing gas is, for example, a gas containing chlorine dioxide as an active ingredient. The gas containing chlorine dioxide can be produced, for example, by vaporizing hypochlorous acid as described above. The sterilizing gas may be produced, for example, by atomizing water containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The sterilizing gas may be, for example, a gas containing metal ion water (for example, water containing metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions or zinc ions). In this case, the metal ion water is particulate sterilizing water. Further, the sterilizing gas may be a gas containing ozone (O3). As described above, as a modification, the sterilizing device 22 may be configured to directly discharge the sterilizing gas. When the sterilizing gas is directly discharged in this way, for example, the sterilizing device 22 may include a water-absorbing filter immersed in sterilizing water stored in a tank, and may be configured to generate and discharge the sterilizing gas by blowing air onto the filter. Further, for example, the sterilizing device 22 may be configured to irradiate air containing oxygen with ultraviolet rays and discharge the generated ozone (sterilizing gas) into the bathroom.

[0051] In the present embodiment, "effective" in the active ingredient of the vaporized sterilizing water means, for example, that the sterilization rate of bacteria, molds, and yeasts attached to the object is 10% or more. More specifically, when the ratio of the amount of bacteria, molds, and yeasts attached to the object to the amount of bacteria, molds, and yeasts attached to the object by the vaporized sterilizing water becomes 90% or less, the vaporized sterilizing water is defined as effective. The sterilizing water and the sterilizing gas are, for example, sterilizing water and sterilizing gas having a sterilization rate of 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, of bacteria, molds, and yeasts attached to the object.

[0052] In this embodiment, although details will be described later, the nozzle unit 32 is configured to be rotationally driven by an electric motor 53. The electric motor 53 is, for example, a stepping motor. The electric motor 53 is configured to be controlled by the control unit 29. Thereby, the rotation angle and the rotation speed of the nozzle unit 32 are changed by controlling the electric motor 53 based on a signal from the control unit 29. Further, an operation panel 28 having a switch for starting the sterilization operation is connected to the control unit 29, and the bathroom user can perform appropriate operations for other than the sterilization operation.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the nozzle unit 32 includes a stagnant water passage portion 54, a second water passage portion (sterilized water passage portion) 56, a stagnant water nozzle opening 58 formed in the stagnant water passage portion 54, and a sterilized water nozzle opening 60 formed in the sterilized water passage portion 56.

[0054] The tap water that has passed through the first electromagnetic valve 38 is supplied into the stagnant water passage portion 54 and discharged from the stagnant water nozzle opening 58 which is the first nozzle opening. The sterilized water generated by the sterilized water generation unit 48 is supplied into the sterilized water passage portion 56 and discharged from the sterilized water nozzle opening 60 which is the second nozzle opening. The tap water is discharged from the stagnant water nozzle opening 58 so as to spread in the vertical direction, and the sterilized water is discharged from the sterilized water nozzle opening 60 so as to spread in the vertical direction. Further, by rotating the nozzle unit 32 about its axis by the electric motor 53, the tap water and the sterilized water can be discharged over a wide horizontal range. As described above, the sterilization device 22 also functions as a water supply device for supplying water to the water sealing formation portion 14. Note that, in addition to the sterilization device 22, the sterilization system may separately include a water supply device for supplying water to the water sealing formation portion 14. For example, it may include a water supply device that forms a water supply path for directly supplying water into the water sealing formation portion 14 without passing through the washroom floor 12.

[0055] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the bathroom drying device 27 provided on the ceiling 24 of the bathroom 1 will be described. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the inside of the bathroom 1 is being ventilated by the bathroom drying device 27, and FIG. 10 shows a state of heating before bathing, heating during bathing, and "sterilized water spraying" being executed by the sterilization system 20 according to the present embodiment. In the figures, the arrows indicate the flow of air.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, the bathroom drying device 27 includes a housing 70, and the lower part of this housing 70 communicates with the inside of the bathroom 1 through an opening 72. A fan 74 is provided in the housing 70 and rotates by an electric motor, and due to the rotation of this fan 74, the air in the bathroom 1 is sucked. Further, an exhaust damper 76 and a heater 78 are provided on the downstream side of the fan 74 in the housing 70. Further, an exhaust port 80 is provided on the downstream side of the exhaust damper 76.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9, when ventilating the inside of the bathroom 1 by the bathroom drying device 27, the exhaust damper 76 is opened, and the air in the bathroom 1 sucked by the fan 74 is discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 80.

[0058] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, first, when heating the inside of the bathroom 1 before and during bathing, the exhaust damper 76 is closed, and the air in the bathroom 1 sucked by the fan 74 is heated by the heater 78, and this heated air returns to the inside of the bathroom 1 from the opening 72. In this way, the air in the bathroom 1 is circulated between the bathroom drying device 27, and the air in the bathroom 1 is maintained at a desired temperature (for example, 20°C).

[0059] When the sterilization system 20 according to this embodiment performs sterilized water discharge, as shown in FIG. 10, the exhaust damper 76 is closed, and the air in the bathroom 1 sucked by the fan 74 is heated by the heater 78. This heated air returns into the bathroom 1 from the opening 72, and the air in the bathroom 1 is circulated with the bathroom drying device 27. At this time, since the inside of the bathroom 1 is not ventilated, the air in the bathroom 1 is confined within the bathroom 1.

[0060] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the operation of the sterilization system 20 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the operation by the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation by the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] First, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 29 receives the input from the operation panel 28 and drives the bathroom drying device 27 and the sterilization device 22. The bathroom drying device 27 ventilates the air in the bathroom 1 for 12 minutes from the start of operation (see FIG. 9). In this state, the sterilization device 22 sprays water toward the washroom floor 12 of the bathroom 1 to execute "pre-washing". Since the sterilization device 22 discharges water toward the washroom floor 12, as shown in FIG. 11, the water discharge flow rate [L / min] from the sterilization device 22 rises to 3 [L / min] and then is kept constant.

[0062] When the water discharged onto the washroom floor 12 flows into the water sealing formation part 14, the water level in the water sealing formation part 14 is raised from the water sealing level W0 to exceed the second water level W2 and reach the third water level W3 by the water level rising part 26. In this way, with the water level in the water sealing formation part 14 being higher than the first water level, as will be described later, the control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64.

[0063] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of water discharge by the sterilization device 22, the control unit 29 oscillates the ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic oscillator 64. The ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven for 13 minutes to irradiate ultrasonic waves and perform ultrasonic cleaning on the inner wall 14e etc. with which the water in the water seal formation part 14 is in contact. At this time, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven intermittently. For example, after the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is set to the ON state at time t1, it is set to the OFF state at time t2, then after being set to the ON state at time t3, it is set to the OFF state at time t4. Similarly thereafter, at times t5 to t8, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is controlled so that the ON state and the OFF state are switched. The control unit 29 starts driving the ultrasonic oscillator 64 before the water level in the water seal formation part 14 rises, but it may also start driving after the water level starts to rise. Since the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven in a state where the water level has risen above the water seal level W0, the inner wall 14e near the height of the water seal level W0, which is likely to get dirty in the water seal formation part 14 and is difficult to clean at the water seal level W0, can be effectively cleaned by ultrasonic waves.

[0064] Next, when 12 minutes have elapsed since the start, for 34 minutes, the bathroom drying device 27 closes the exhaust damper 76 to stop ventilation (see FIG. 10), and in that state, turns on the heater 78 to warm the air in the bathroom 1 and circulate the warmed air. When 12 minutes have elapsed since the start, the sterilization device 22 stops discharging water by the sterilization device 22 for 4 minutes and waits. Thereafter, for 30 minutes, the sterilization device 22 intermittently performs "sterilized water discharge", and then ends the "sterilized water discharge".

[0065] Due to the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22, the water discharge flow rate [L / min] rises to 0.5 [L / min] and then is kept constant. Due to the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22, the water level in the water seal formation part 14 rises slightly from the water seal level W0 toward the second water level W2.

[0066] The control unit 29 waits in a standby state without driving the ultrasonic oscillator 64 for a predetermined period after starting the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22.

[0067] The control unit 29 causes the ultrasonic oscillator 64 to irradiate ultrasonic waves during any period within a predetermined period after the start of discharge of the sterilized water or the sterilized gas by the sterilization device. For example, the control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 at time t10 while the "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22 is being executed. The driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 continues beyond the end of the "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22 (time t11). The driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 ends at time t12. By driving the ultrasonic oscillator 64 from time t11 to time t12, the water surface is agitated, the flow of air in the water seal formation part is easily promoted, and the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the water surface in the water seal formation part. Further, by irradiating ultrasonic waves on the water surface in the water seal formation part 14, the water temperature in the water seal formation part 14 rises, an upward airflow due to the water is easily generated, the flow of air in the water seal formation part 14 is easily promoted, and the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water seal formation part 14. Furthermore, due to the agitation of the water surface in the water seal formation part 14, the sterilized gas can also act on the peripheral wall below the water seal level exposed by the agitation, and the region where the growth of bacteria and mold can be suppressed can be further expanded. The predetermined period is, for example, the period from time t9 when the sterilized water starts to be discharged to time t13 which is sufficient for the sterilized gas to act in the bathroom, and preferably about 1 hour (56 minutes) from the start of discharge of the sterilized water or the like. The predetermined period may be about 1 hour to about 2 hours, and may be set as the time until the start of the ventilation operation of the bathroom drying device 27.

[0068] When the sterilization device 22 is performing "sterilized water discharge", the bathroom drying device 27 closes the exhaust damper 76 to stop ventilation, warms the air in the bathroom 1 with the heater 78, and circulates the warmed air. Therefore, the discharged sterilized water volatilizes and vaporizes due to this circulated air. The circulation of the warmed air is effective for the vaporization of the sterilized water. However, even if the heater 78 is turned off and only air is blown, the sterilized water can be vaporized. The bathroom drying device 27 then continues to keep the exhaust damper 76 closed and ventilation stopped for 26 minutes, turns off the heater 78, and circulates the air in the bathroom 1. Therefore, between the start of the "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22 at time t9 and the end of the air circulation with the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 turned off (until time t13), the sterilizing gas is supplied to places in the bathroom that are difficult to clean with fingers, etc., and is supplied up to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water seal forming portion 14. When the sterilizing gas dissolves in the water adhering to the object (for example, the inner wall 14e near the water seal level), the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object can be effectively sterilized.

[0069] After the control unit 29 finishes the air circulation with the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 turned off, at time t13, the control unit 29 sprays water for "post - washing" again onto the bathroom floor 12 by the sterilization device 22. The control unit 29 makes the sterilization device 22 perform water discharge with a water discharge flow rate of 3 [L / min], which is about the same as that for "pre - washing". The water discharge flow rate by the sterilization device 22 may be changed. After the control unit 29 makes the sterilization device 22 perform water discharge for 5 minutes, at time t14, the water discharge is stopped and the device is set to the standby state.

[0070] After time t11, the bathroom drying device 27 continues to keep the exhaust damper 76 closed and ventilation stopped for 26 minutes, turns off the heater 78, and circulates the air in the bathroom 1. Thereafter, for 24 hours, the bathroom drying device 27 opens the exhaust damper 76 to ventilate the air in the bathroom 1 (see Fig. 9), and then ends the ventilation.

[0071] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the control flow executed by the sterilization system according to the present embodiment will be described. The basic operation of the control flow shown in FIG. 12 is the same as the description according to FIG. 11 described above. In FIG. 12, "S" indicates each step.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 12, in S1, the switch for starting the operation of the sterilization system provided on the operation panel 28 is turned ON. Proceeding to S2, the control unit 29 starts the ventilation operation by the bathtub drying device (drying device) 26, and at the same time, also starts the "pre-washing" operation by the sterilization device 22.

[0073] After executing S2, the control unit 29 causes S3 to be executed and, independently and in parallel, also causes S4 to be executed. First, in S3, the control unit 29 determines whether one minute has elapsed after the start of the execution of S2. Until one minute has elapsed, since the rise in the water level in the water seal forming section 14 has not started and it is determined that it is difficult to clean a position higher than the water seal level W0 by the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic oscillator 64, in order to wait until the start of the rise in the water level, the determination in S3 is continued. In S3, when the control unit 29 determines that one minute has elapsed, it can be determined that the rise in the water level in the water seal forming section 14 has started and a state has been reached where it is easy to clean a position higher than the water seal level W0 by the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic oscillator 64. Therefore, it proceeds to S5, drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64, and executes ultrasonic cleaning. In S5, the control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 intermittently. Specifically, the control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 for a predetermined time (for example, t1 to t2), then stops it for a predetermined time (for example, t2 to t3), and then drives it again for a predetermined time (for example, t3 to t4). Next, the control unit 29 proceeds to S6 and determines whether 13 minutes have elapsed. Until 13 minutes have elapsed, the operation in S6 is continued. In S6, when the control unit 29 determines that 13 minutes have elapsed, it can be determined that sufficient time has elapsed to execute ultrasonic cleaning of the walls etc. with which the water in the water seal forming section 14 is in contact. Therefore, it proceeds to S7 and stops the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64.

[0074] After executing S2, the control unit 29 independently executes S4 as well. In S4, it is determined whether 12 minutes have elapsed since the start of the execution of S2. Until 12 minutes have elapsed, the determination in S4 is continued while the execution of S2 is continued.

[0075] By the "pre-washing" operation of this sterilization device 22, a necessary amount of residual water can be formed on the washing floor 12, and the sterilization gas described later can be dissolved in this residual water to obtain a further sterilization effect. Also, by the "pre-washing" operation, the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 can be raised to make the inner wall 14e at a height from the water seal level W0 to the third water level W3 in the water seal forming portion 14 in a state where water adheres (wet state). Therefore, the sterilization gas can be dissolved in this water to obtain a further sterilization effect.

[0076] In S4, if it is determined that 12 minutes have elapsed, the process proceeds to S8, the ventilation operation by the bathroom drying device 27 is stopped (the exhaust damper is closed), and the "pre-washing" operation by the sterilization device 22 is also stopped.

[0077] Next, the process proceeds to S9, and it is determined whether the sterilization device 22 has stopped the "pre-washing" operation and waited for 4 minutes. Until waiting for 4 minutes, the process proceeds to S10, and it is determined whether the temperature in the bathroom is 20 °C or higher. If it is not 20 °C or higher, the process proceeds to S11, the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 is turned on, and a circulation operation is performed to warm and circulate the air in the bathroom. The operation in this S11 is executed immediately after the exhaust of the drying device is stopped in S8 when the temperature in the bathroom is not 20 °C or higher. Further, in S10, if it is determined that the temperature in the bathroom is 20 °C or higher, the process proceeds to S12, and the drying device performs a circulation operation to circulate the air with the exhaust damper closed.

[0078] In S9, if it is determined that the sterilization device 22 has waited for 4 minutes, the process proceeds to S13, and the sterilization device 22 starts "sterilized water discharge". The sterilized water discharged from the sterilization device 22 is acted upon by the circulating air heated by the bathroom drying device 27. As a result, the sterilized water vaporizes, and the sterilizing gas generated by the vaporization of the sterilized water dissolves in the residual water remaining on the above-mentioned washroom floor 12 and the water adhering to the inner wall within the water seal forming portion 14, thereby improving the sterilization effect. When the temperature in the bathroom is 20 °C or higher, even if the heater 78 is turned off, the sterilized water can be easily vaporized.

[0079] After executing S13, the control unit 29 causes S14 to be executed and, independently and in parallel, also causes S15 to be executed. First, in S14, the control unit 29 determines whether 25 minutes have elapsed after the start of execution of S13. The control unit 29 needs to wait until 25 minutes have elapsed in order to more effectively sterilize the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object by dissolving the sterilizing gas in the water adhering to the object. Therefore, the determination in S14 is continued. Although a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained even before 25 minutes have elapsed, the control unit 29 makes a determination of the elapse of 25 minutes in S14 in order to obtain a better sterilization effect. In S14, if the control unit 29 determines that 25 minutes have elapsed, it can be determined that the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object can be more effectively sterilized by dissolving the sterilizing gas in the water adhering to the object. Therefore, the process proceeds to S16, and the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven to perform ultrasonic cleaning. In S16, the control unit 29 continuously drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 from time t10 to time t12.

[0080] Next, the control unit 29 proceeds to S17 and determines whether 10 minutes (from time t10 to time t12) have elapsed. Until 10 minutes have elapsed, the operation of S17 is continued. In S17, if the control unit 29 determines that 10 minutes have elapsed, it can be determined that sufficient time has elapsed to allow the air within the water seal forming portion to flow. Therefore, the process proceeds to S18, and the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is stopped.

[0081] After executing S13, the control unit 29 independently executes S15 as well. In S15, it is determined whether 30 minutes have elapsed since the start of the execution of S13. Until 30 minutes have elapsed, the process proceeds to S19, where it is determined whether the temperature in the bathroom is 20°C or higher. If it is not 20°C or higher, the process proceeds to S20, where the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 is turned on, and a circulation operation is performed to warm and circulate the air in the bathroom. Further, in S19, if it is determined that the temperature in the bathroom is 20°C or higher, the process proceeds to S21, where the drying device performs a circulation operation to circulate the air with the exhaust damper closed.

[0082] In S15, if it is determined that the water discharge of the sterilizing water by the sterilizing device 22 has continued for 30 minutes, the process proceeds to S22, where the control unit 29 turns off the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 and stops the circulation operation. Also, the control unit 29 stops the water discharge of the sterilizing water by the sterilizing device 22.

[0083] Next, in S23, the control unit 29 determines whether 26 minutes have elapsed after the execution of S22. The control unit 29 determines to wait until another 26 minutes have elapsed in order to more effectively sterilize the bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to the object by dissolving the sterilizing gas in the water adhering to the object. Therefore, the determination in S23 continues. Although a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained even before 26 minutes have elapsed, the control unit 29 performs the determination of 26 minutes elapsed in S23 in order to further obtain the sterilization effect. In S23, if the control unit 29 determines that 26 minutes have elapsed, it causes S24 to be executed and independently and concurrently causes S25 to be executed as well. In S24, the sterilizing device 22 starts the "post-washing" operation. By this "post-washing" operation of the sterilizing device 22, the sterilized bacteria, etc. in the washing floor 12 and the water seal forming portion 14 can be washed away to further enhance the sterilization effect.

[0084] After the start of the execution of S24, it is determined in S26 whether 5 minutes have elapsed. Until 5 minutes have elapsed, the determination in S26 continues while continuing the execution of S24. In S26, if it is determined that 5 minutes have elapsed, the process proceeds to S27, where the control unit 29 stops the "post-washing" operation by the sterilizing device 22.

[0085] In S25, the circulation operation with the damper 76 closed by the bathroom drying device 27 is stopped, and the process proceeds to S28. In S28, the control unit 29 starts the 24-hour ventilation operation of the bathroom drying device 27. The control unit 29 continues the ventilation operation for 24 hours with the exhaust damper 76 open in the bathroom drying device 27. Thereby, the disinfection operation of the bathroom by the disinfection system according to the present embodiment ends.

[0086] A modification in the operation of the disinfection system 20 according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 11 and the operation of the control flow executed by the disinfection system according to the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 12 will be described. In the above-described first embodiment, the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is started at a point in time (time t1) slightly later than the timing (time t0) when the disinfection device 22 starts discharging water toward the washroom floor 12. On the other hand, as a modification, the driving start of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 may be at a point in time before the water discharge start of the disinfection device 22, or may be at the same point in time as the water discharge start of the disinfection device 22. Also, in the present embodiment, the timing (time t8) at which the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 ends is a point in time later than the end point of the water discharge of the pre-washing of the disinfection device 22. On the other hand, as a modification, the timing at which the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 ends may be a point in time earlier than the end point of the water discharge of the pre-washing of the disinfection device 22, or may be at the same point in time as the end point of the water discharge of the pre-washing of the disinfection device 22. Further, the timing at which the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 ends may be a point in time after starting the water discharge of "disinfection water discharge" from the disinfection device 22. Also, in the present embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is driven intermittently from the start of driving to the end of driving. On the other hand, in a modification, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 may be continuously driven from the start of driving (time t1) to the end of driving (time t8).

[0087] Further, in the present embodiment, after the air circulation in the state where the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 is turned off is terminated, the control unit 29 causes the disinfection device 22 to spray "post - washing" water again toward the bathroom floor 12 from time t13. On the other hand, as a modified example, the control unit 29 may cause the disinfection device 22 to spray "post - washing" water again toward the bathroom floor 12 immediately after the end of the water spraying of "disinfection water spraying" from the disinfection device 22. Also, during the execution of the air circulation in the state where the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 is turned off, the disinfection device 22 may spray "post - washing" water again toward the bathroom floor 12.

[0088] Further, in the present embodiment, during the execution of the water spraying of "disinfection water spraying" from the disinfection device 22, the control unit 29 drives the ultrasonic oscillator 64 at time t10 and terminates the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 after the end of the water spraying of "disinfection water spraying". On the other hand, as a modified example, during the execution of the water spraying of "disinfection water spraying" from the disinfection device 22, the control unit 29 may start the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 and terminate the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 before the end of the water spraying of "disinfection water spraying". Also, as another modified example, after the end of the water spraying of "disinfection water spraying" from the disinfection device 22, the control unit 29 may start the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 and terminate the driving of the ultrasonic oscillator 64 before the end of the air circulation in the bathroom 1 with the heater 78 turned off. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 is continuously driven from the start of driving (time t10) to the end of driving (time t12). On the other hand, in a modified example, the ultrasonic oscillator 64 may be intermittently driven from the start of driving to the end of driving.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the control unit 29 sends air to the drain cover 15 by air circulation in a state where the heater 78 of the bathroom drying device 27 functioning as the blower device 66 is turned off during any period within a predetermined period after the start of discharge of the sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device 22. On the other hand, as a modification, the control unit 29 may send air to the drain cover 15 by a blower device 66 provided separately from the bathroom drying device 27 during any period within a predetermined period after the start of discharge of the sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device 22. The drive of the blower device may be started during the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22, and the drive of the blower device may be terminated before the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22 ends. As a further modification, the drive of the blower device may be started during the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22, and the drive of the blower device may be terminated after the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22 ends. Also, as a further modification, the drive of the blower device may be started after the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22 ends, and the drive of the blower device 66 may be terminated until the end of the air circulation in the bathroom 1 with the heater 78 turned off. Note that the drive of the blower device 66 may be terminated after the water discharge of "sterilized water discharge" from the sterilization device 22 ends.

[0090] Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the basic principle of the sterilization system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a part of the principle of the sterilization system according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, conventionally, sterilized water with a chlorine concentration A is sprayed from a nozzle, and when the sterilized water reaches the reach point of the object to be sterilized, it is necessary to be "concentration B that exhibits an effect". Further, the "water deposition amount" and "action time" at the reach point of the sterilized water were also important.

[0091] In this prior art, there was a problem that the sterilized water sprayed from the nozzle volatilized (vaporized) before reaching the reach point, thereby reducing the concentration of the sterilized water. Therefore, it was necessary to spray the sterilized water in consideration of "concentration × water deposition amount × action time" at the arrival point, and it was difficult to sterilize the bathroom over a wide range.

[0092] Here, until the sterilizing water reaches the arrival point from the nozzle, the sterilizing gas generated by volatilizing (vaporizing) the sterilizing water is not utilized for any sterilization work. Therefore, the inventors have found that this sterilizing gas can be utilized for sterilization work. That is, the sterilizing gas is dissolved in the residual water remaining on the washroom floor, bathtub apron, back of the counter, wall, etc. by the above-described "pre-washing" operation, thereby enabling the utilization of the sterilizing gas and achieving a wide range of sterilization.

[0093] Hereinafter, the effects of the sterilization system according to this embodiment will be described. Generally, it is not preferable to have water (residual water) staying in the bathroom 1 because it causes bacteria and mold contamination. However, in this embodiment, residual water is deliberately left in the bathroom 1, and in this state, sterilizing water is sprayed into the bathroom 1, and the sprayed sterilizing water is vaporized by the bathroom drying device 27. As a result, the sterilizing gas generated by vaporizing the sterilizing water is dissolved in the residual water, so that a sterilizing effect can be obtained even at parts where the sterilizing water cannot be directly attached (corners, joints, back of the counter, ceiling, upper part of the wall, storage shelf, etc.). As a result, according to this embodiment, the inside of the bathroom can be sterilized in a wide range.

[0094] The sterilization system 20 according to this embodiment further includes a washroom floor 12 having a drainage slope that slopes downward toward the water seal forming portion 14. Thereby, the water on the washroom floor 12 can be easily discharged to the water seal forming portion 14 by the drainage slope, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the efficiency of the sterilizing gas acting on the peripheral wall near the water seal level due to the dissolution of the sterilizing gas in the moisture of the washroom floor.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, the sterilized water discharged into the bathroom 1 is vaporized by the air flow or the heated air flow of the bathroom drying device 27, and the vaporized sterilized gas is dissolved in the residual water remaining in the bathroom 1. However, in this embodiment, it is not necessary for all of the sterilized water to be vaporized, and it may be a mixture of atomized sterilized water (sterilized gas) and gaseous sterilized gas. Further, as another modification, the sterilization device 22 may be configured to discharge mist-like sterilized gas containing particulate sterilized water.

[0096] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit 29 causes the ultrasonic oscillator 64 to perform irradiation during at least a part of the period when the water level is rising toward the second water level W2. Therefore, ultrasonic waves are irradiated in a state where the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 has risen to a level higher than the water seal water level W0 which is the first water level, and the inner wall 14e at the height of the water seal which is likely to get dirty in the water seal forming portion 14 and is difficult to clean with the water seal water level remaining at W0 can be effectively cleaned by ultrasonic waves. Further, since the control unit 29 stops the supply of the sterilized water or the sterilized gas by the sterilization device 22 after at least the end of the water level rise toward the second water level W2, the dirt on the inner wall 14e near the water seal water level W0 of the water seal forming portion 14 is removed by ultrasonic waves, and after the water level rise is completed, the sterilized water or the sterilized gas can be supplied to the inner wall after cleaning. Thereby, even if the dirt peeled off by ultrasonic cleaning reattaches to the inner wall 14e, the growth of bacteria and mold on the inner wall 14e can be suppressed.

[0097] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, further, a water supply device for supplying water to the water seal forming portion 14 is provided after the supply of the sterilized water or the sterilized gas by the sterilization device 22 is stopped. Thereby, dirt such as bacteria and mold sterilized by the sterilized water or the sterilized gas supplied by the sterilization device 22 can be discharged, adhesion of such dirt to the inner wall 14e can be suppressed, and growth of bacteria and mold on the inner wall 14e can be further suppressed.

[0098] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the sterilization device 22 is configured to generate a sterilization gas by discharging a sterilization gas or discharging sterilization water and then vaporizing the sterilization water. If the sterilization water is directly supplied to the water surface in the water seal forming portion 14 while remaining in a liquid state, there is a possibility that the sterilization water may be attenuated due to, for example, water or dirt remaining on the floor surface or the like in the path until it reaches the inner wall 14e of the water seal forming portion 14. Compared with that, in the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult for the sterilization gas to come into contact with the water or dirt remaining on the floor surface or the like. That is, the sterilization gas can be supplied to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water seal forming portion 14 while maintaining a relatively high concentration state. Thereby, the sterilization gas can be utilized more effectively to more suppress the growth of bacteria and mold.

[0099] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the sterilization device 22 is configured to discharge sterilization water or a sterilization gas before the inner wall 14e of the water seal forming portion 14 above the first water level, which becomes wet due to the water level in the water seal forming portion 14 being raised by the water level raising portion 26, becomes dry. Thereby, the sterilization device 22 can supply the sterilization gas to the inner wall 14e of the water seal forming portion 14 while the inner wall 14e of the water seal forming portion 14 above the first water level is in a wet state. Thereby, different from the case where the inner wall 14e is in a dry state, since the sterilization gas can be supplied to the wet inner wall 14e, the sterilization gas can be dissolved in the moisture of the inner wall 14e. Therefore, the sterilization gas can be dissolved in the moisture according to the surface area of the water droplets on the wet inner wall 14e rather than directly reacting with the object on the dry inner wall 14e, and it can be made easier to act effectively on the object.

[0100] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, further, a bathroom drying device 27 for reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom is provided, and the control unit 29 causes the sterilization device 22 to discharge sterilization water or a sterilization gas after reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom by the bathroom drying device 27. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the sterilization gas from being dissolved in the water vapor in the bathroom and the efficiency of the sterilization gas acting on the inner wall 14e near the water seal water level W0 from decreasing.

[0101] Unlike this embodiment, when the sterilization device 22 discharges sterilized water or sterilized gas from above the drain cover 15, depending on the form of the drain cover 15, the sterilized gas or the like supplied from the sterilization device 22 may be less likely to reach the water sealing formation portion 14 due to the drain cover 15. According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the drain cover 15 is formed with openings communicating with the water sealing formation portion 14 facing at least two directions. Therefore, it is easy to form an air flow from the drain cover 15 to the water sealing formation portion 14. Thus, even when the drain cover 15 is provided, it is possible to easily supply the sterilized water or sterilized gas to the inner wall 14e in the water sealing formation portion 14.

[0102] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit 29 causes the ultrasonic oscillator 64 to irradiate ultrasonic waves during any period within a predetermined period after the sterilization device 22 starts discharging the sterilized water or sterilized gas. As a result, when the water surface in the water sealing formation portion 14 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves, the water surface is rippled, and the air flow in the water sealing formation portion 14 is easily promoted, so that the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water sealing formation portion 14. Further, when the water surface in the water sealing formation portion 14 is irradiated with ultrasonic waves, the water temperature in the water sealing formation portion 14 rises, and an upward air flow due to the water is easily generated, and the air flow in the water sealing formation portion 14 is easily promoted, so that the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water sealing formation portion 14. Furthermore, when the water surface in the water sealing formation portion 14 is rippled, the sterilized gas can also act on the inner wall 14e below the water sealing level W0, and the region where the growth of bacteria and mold can be suppressed can be further expanded.

[0103] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit 29 sends air to the drain cover 15 by the blower 66 during any period within a predetermined period after the sterilization device 22 starts discharging the sterilized water or sterilized gas. As a result, the air flow in the water sealing formation portion 14 is easily promoted, and the sterilized gas can be easily supplied to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water sealing formation portion 14.

[0104] According to the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, further, a washroom floor 12 having a drainage slope inclined downward toward the water seal forming portion 14 is provided. Thereby, the water on the washroom floor 12 can be easily discharged to the water seal forming portion 14 due to the drainage slope, the sterilization gas is dissolved in the moisture on the washroom floor 12, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of the sterilization gas acting on the inner wall 14e near the water seal level W0.

[0105] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first modification of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be described. Regarding the modification of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, only the points different from the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same parts and the description thereof will be omitted. Regarding the operation (action) of the modification of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since it is the same as the operation (action) of the water level rising of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the movable weir is in a standby state in the water level rising portion in the first modification of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the movable weir is rising in the water level rising portion in the first modification of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] In the first modification, the point that the water level rising portion 26 includes the movable weir 31 at the top 14c is different from the structure in which the wall 30 of the water level rising portion 26 forms a throttle portion that constricts the lower side of the flow path in the water seal forming portion 14 in the present embodiment.

[0107] In this modified example, the water level rising part 26 includes a movable weir 31 provided at the top part 14c. The water level rising part 26 can be formed by an electric flow path adjustment valve or the like. The water sealing level W0 is defined by the top part 14c. Such a water level rising part 26 is configured to raise the height of the top part 14c that defines the water sealing level of the flow path. The movable weir 31 includes a movable wall 31b that rotates around a shaft part 31a provided at the top part 14c. The movable weir 31 extends in the left - right direction and forms a wall part (a wall part that extends in the left - right direction with respect to the flow path) that serves as a weir of the flow path together with the side walls of the water sealing formation part 14. The movable weir 31 is electrically connected to the control part 29 and is driven by a command from the control part 29. As shown in FIG. 14, when the movable wall 31b of the movable weir 31 takes a horizontal posture where it extends horizontally, the water sealing level W0 is the height of this horizontally extending movable weir 31. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, when the movable wall 31b of the movable weir 31 takes a vertical posture where it stands vertically, the water sealing level is the height of the top part 31c of this vertically extending movable weir 31 (the second water level W2).

[0108] When the control part 29 determines that water has flowed into the water sealing formation part 14, such as when the first solenoid valve 38 or the second solenoid valve 40 is in an open state, the control part 29 rotates the movable weir 31 so as to raise it from the horizontal. Therefore, the water level rising part 26 is formed so that the water flowing into the water sealing formation part 14 easily raises the water level in the water sealing formation part 14 from the water sealing level W0, which is the first water level, to the second water level W2, which is higher than the water sealing level W0. Based on the control part 29 determining the start of water discharge, the control part 29 may rotate the movable weir 31 to raise the water level in the water sealing formation part 14 and control it to raise the water level toward the second water level W2. Further, for example, after the water level has risen to the second water level W2, the control part 29 may perform control such as returning the movable weir 31 etc. to its original state so as to suppress the rise of the water level in the water sealing formation part 14 so that water does not flow back to the washing floor 12 side.

[0109] Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a second modified example of the water level rising part of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained. Regarding the second modification example of the water level rising section of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, only the points different from the water level rising section of the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted. Regarding the operation (function) of the modification example of the water level rising section of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since it is the same as the operation (function) of the water level rising of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment, the description will be omitted. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the movable weir is in a standby state in the water level rising section in the second modification example of the water level rising section of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the movable weir is descending in the water level rising section in the second modification example of the water level rising section of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] In this second modification example, the water level rising section 26 is different from the structure in which the wall 30 of the water level rising section 26 in the present embodiment forms a throttle section that constricts the lower side of the flow path in the water sealing formation section 14 in that the water level rising section 26 is provided with a valve body 33 capable of changing the opening degree of the flow path in the water sealing formation section 14.

[0111] In this modification example, the water level rising section 26 is provided with a movable valve body 33 in the water sealing formation section 14. The valve body is electrically connected to the control unit 29 and can change the opening degree of the flow path in the water sealing formation section 14 in response to a control command from the control unit 29. Such a water level rising section 26 is configured to make it easier to raise the water level in the water sealing formation section 14 by temporarily reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow path. The movable valve body 33 includes a movable wall 33b that rotates around a shaft portion 33a attached in the water sealing formation section 14. The movable wall 33b extends in the left-right direction and forms a wall portion that extends in the left-right direction with respect to the flow path together with the side walls of the water sealing formation section 14. The valve body 33 is provided at the top of the pipe upstream of the top 14c. The valve body 33 may be provided in the pipe downstream of the top 14c, and is not limited to the top of the pipe, and may be provided on the side or bottom. The valve body 33 is electrically connected to the control unit 29 and is driven by a command from the control unit 29.

[0112] As shown in Fig. 16, when the movable wall 33b of the valve body 33 extends horizontally from the shaft portion 33a, the flow path in the water sealing formation portion 14 is in a state where it is not narrowed. At this time, the water sealing level W0 is the height of the top portion 14c. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 17, when the movable wall 33b of the valve body 33 is moved to a position where it narrows the flow path in the water sealing formation portion 14, the water passing area is temporarily reduced, making it easier for the water level in the water sealing formation portion 14 to rise. When the control unit 29 determines that water has flowed into the water sealing formation portion 14, such as when the first solenoid valve 38 or the second solenoid valve 40 is in an open state, the control unit 29 rotates the valve body 33 so as to narrow the flow path in the water sealing formation portion 14. Therefore, the water level rising portion 26 is formed so that the water level in the water sealing formation portion 14 is more likely to rise from the water sealing level W0, which is the first water level, to the second water level W2, which is higher than the water sealing level W0, due to the water flowing into the water sealing formation portion 14. Based on the control unit 29 determining the start of water discharge, the control unit 29 may rotate the valve body 33 to raise the water level in the water sealing formation portion 14 and control it to raise the water level toward the second water level W2. Further, for example, after the water level has risen to the second water level W2, the control unit 29 may perform control such as returning the valve body 33 etc. to its original state so that water does not flow backward to the washroom floor 12 side, thereby suppressing the rise in the water level in the water sealing formation portion 14.

[0113] Next, with reference to Fig. 18, a third modification example of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained. Regarding the modification example of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, only the points different from the water level rising portion of the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment will be explained, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the explanation will be omitted. The operation (action) of the third modification example of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is the same as the operation (action) of the water level rising of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the water level rising portion in the third modification example of the water level rising portion of the sterilization system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] In this third modification example, the water level rising part 26 does not include the wall 30, and the water sealing formation part 14 is connected to the drain channel 21 of the bathtub 10, which is different from the structure in the present embodiment where the wall 30 of the water level rising part 26 forms a throttle part that constricts the lower side of the channel in the water sealing formation part 14.

[0115] In this modification example, the water level rising part 26 includes the drain channel 21, the water sealing formation part 14 is connected to the drain channel 21 of the bathtub 10, and the water level rises due to drainage of a relatively large flow rate from the bathtub 10. When draining the water stored in the bathtub 10, the flow rate per unit time of the water supplied from the bathtub 10 to the water sealing formation part 14 exceeds the flow rate per unit time discharged to the downstream side from the water sealing formation part 14, so the water level in the water sealing formation part 14 rises. The water level rising part 26 is configured to raise the water level by the drainage flow rate based on the normally assumed water storage volume in the bathtub 10. Therefore, the water level rising part 26 is formed such that the water flowing into the water sealing formation part 14 easily raises the water level in the water sealing formation part 14 from the water sealing level W0, which is the first water level, to the second water level W2 that is higher than the water sealing level W0. The second water level W2 may be defined by the balance between the assumed drainage flow rate from the bathtub 10 and the drainage flow rate discharged to the downstream side from the water sealing formation part 14, or may be defined by the structure in the drain channel including the water sealing formation part 14.

[0116] Next, with reference to FIG. 19, a shower room device equipped with a sterilization system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which the sterilization system according to the present invention is applied to a shower room. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a shower room device equipped with a sterilization system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] The sterilization system according to the second embodiment is similar in basic structure to the sterilization system according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, only the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment of the present invention will be described, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings or the illustration will be omitted and the description will be omitted. Regarding the operation (function) of the shower room device and each measurement method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, etc., since they are the same as the operation (function) of the bathtub device and each measurement method according to the first embodiment, etc., the description will be omitted.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 19, the shower room 101 includes a first wall 102, a second wall 104, a third wall 106, and a fourth wall 108 that form four substantially rectangular side surfaces. A washing floor 112 is provided below the shower room 101. A water sealing formation part 114 is provided below this washing floor 112, and hot and cold water is discharged to the outside from this water sealing formation part 114. The washing floor 112 has a drainage slope that slopes downward toward the water sealing formation part 114.

[0119] A counter 116 in the shape of a seat is provided on a part of the side of the third wall 106. The counter 116 extends horizontally from the third wall 106 so that a user can sit on it. The second wall 104 is provided with a water discharging part 18 that discharges hot and cold water, a faucet device such as a shower 34, and the like.

[0120] A sterilization device 22, which is a water discharging device for discharging sterilized water and tap water (water), which are part of the sterilization system 20 according to the present embodiment, is provided on the lower surface side of the counter 116. The counter 116 is provided at a distance above the washing floor 112.

[0121] The sterilization system 120 sterilizes the inner wall 14e near the height of the water seal formed in the water sealing formation part 114 provided on the downstream side of the washing floor 112 of the shower room 101. The sterilization system 120 includes a washroom floor 112 having a drainage slope that slopes downward toward the water seal forming section 114, a water seal forming section 114 that forms a water seal level W0 at the first water level, a water level rising section 26 that is formed such that the water level in the water seal forming section 114 is easily raised from the water seal level W0, which is the first water level, to a second water level W2 higher than the first water level by the water flowing into the water seal forming section 114, a sterilization device 22 that supplies sterilized water or sterilized gas to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water seal forming section 114, and a control section 29 that controls the ultrasonic oscillator 64 and the sterilization device 22.

[0122] The water seal forming section 114 is connected to the lower part of the washroom floor 112. The water seal forming section 114 is formed as a drainage device with an ultrasonic cleaning function. The water seal forming section 114 has a function of draining the water ejected onto the washroom floor 112 and storing a part of the inflowing water to form a water seal at the water seal level W0 in the normal state (standby state) inside. As shown in FIG. 20, the water seal forming section 14 forms a trap-shaped flow path for forming a water seal at the water seal level W0. A water supply flow path different from the flow path from the washroom floor 112 may be connected to the water seal forming section 114.

[0123] The sterilization device 22 is configured to supply sterilized gas to the inner wall 14e at the water level height in the water seal forming section 114. The sterilization device 22 is configured to eject sterilized water or sterilized gas from above the drain cover 15.

[0124] Next, the water level rising section of the water seal forming section 114 will be described with reference to FIG. 20. The water level rising part 26 is formed such that when the water flowing into the water seal forming part 114 is equal to or more than a predetermined flow rate, for example, the water level in the water seal forming part 114 easily rises from the water seal level W0 which is the first water level in the water seal forming part 114 to the second water level W2 which is higher than the water seal level W0 in the water seal forming part 114 by the water flowing into the water seal forming part 114. The water level rising part 26 adjusts the water level by being disposed in the water seal forming part 114. The water level rising part 26 is formed such that the drainage amount to the downstream side when the water level in the water seal forming part 14 is between the water seal level W0 and the second water level W2 is less than the drainage amount to the downstream side after the water level in the water seal forming part 114 reaches the second water level W2. The water level rising part 26 is formed at the top part 14c which is a water seal level defining part that defines the water seal level W0 of the drain trap of the water seal forming part 114.

[0125] Next, as shown in FIG. 19, a sterilization device 22 is provided inside the counter 116, and this sterilization device 22 includes a nozzle part 32 that protrudes downward from the lower cover 16b of the counter 16. Regarding the operation and effects of the sterilization system 120 according to the second embodiment, since they are the same as those of the sterilization system 20 according to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Explanation of Signs

[0126] 1: Bathroom 12: Washroom floor 14: Water seal forming part 14b: Rising part 15: Drain cover 20: Sterilization system 22: Sterilization device 26: Water level rising part 27: Bathroom drying device 29: Control part 30: Wall 62: Water level rising part 64: Ultrasonic oscillator 66: Blower 112: Washroom floor 114: Water seal forming part 120: Sterilization system W0: Water sealing level W2: The second water level

Claims

1. A disinfection system for disinfecting the inside of a water-sealing formation portion provided on the downstream side of the washing floor in a bathroom, comprising: the water-sealing formation portion that forms a water-sealing level at a first level; a water level rising portion formed such that the water level in the water-sealing formation portion is likely to rise from the first level to a second level higher than the first level by water flowing into the water-sealing formation portion; an ultrasonic oscillator that irradiates ultrasonic waves to the water in the water-sealing formation portion; a disinfection device that supplies disinfected water or disinfected gas to the inner wall at the water level height in the water-sealing formation portion; a control unit that controls the ultrasonic oscillator and the disinfection device; and the control unit causes the ultrasonic oscillator to irradiate ultrasonic waves during at least a part of a period in which the water level is higher than the first level, and stops the supply of disinfected water or disinfected gas by the disinfection device after at least the water level rise toward the second level ends; the disinfection device is configured to generate disinfected gas by discharging disinfected gas or discharging disinfected water and then vaporizing the disinfected water; the control unit causes the disinfection device to discharge disinfected water or disinfected gas by the disinfection device before a predetermined time elapses after the supply of water to the water-sealing formation portion stops. A disinfection system.

2. A disinfection system for disinfecting the inside of a water-sealing formation portion provided on the downstream side of the washing floor in a bathroom, comprising: the water-sealing formation portion that forms a water-sealing level at a first level; a water level rising portion formed such that the water level in the water-sealing formation portion is likely to rise from the first level to a second level higher than the first level by water flowing into the water-sealing formation portion; an ultrasonic oscillator that irradiates ultrasonic waves to the water in the water-sealing formation portion; a disinfection device that supplies disinfected water or disinfected gas to the inner wall at the water level height in the water-sealing formation portion; a control unit that controls the ultrasonic oscillator and the disinfection device; and the control unit causes the ultrasonic oscillator to irradiate ultrasonic waves during at least a part of a period in which the water level is higher than the first level, and stops the supply of disinfected water or disinfected gas by the disinfection device after at least the water level rise toward the second level ends; further comprising a water supply device that supplies water to the water-sealing formation portion; the control unit causes the water supply device to supply water to the water-sealing formation portion after the supply of disinfected water or disinfected gas by the disinfection device stops. A disinfection system.

3. further comprising a bathroom drying device that reduces the amount of water vapor in the bathroom The sterilization system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the sterilization device to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas after reducing the amount of water vapor in the bathroom by the bathroom drying device.

4. Furthermore, it includes a drain cover attached to the floor of the washing area of the bathroom above the water seal forming part, The sterilization device is configured to discharge sterilized water or sterilized gas from above the drain cover, The drain cover is formed with openings communicating with the water seal forming part in at least two directions, and the sterilization system according to claim 1 or 3.

5. The control unit causes the ultrasonic oscillator to irradiate ultrasonic waves during any period within a predetermined period after the start of discharge of sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device, and the sterilization system according to claim 4.

6. Furthermore, it includes a blower device that sends air to the drain cover, The control unit causes the blower device to send air to the drain cover during any period within a predetermined period after the start of discharge of sterilized water or sterilized gas by the sterilization device, and the sterilization system according to claim 4.

7. Furthermore, it includes a washing area floor having a drainage slope inclined downward toward the water seal forming part, and the sterilization system according to claim 1.

8. Furthermore, it includes a bathroom temperature raising means capable of raising the temperature of the bathroom. The sterilization device raises the temperature in the bathroom by the bathroom temperature raising means to vaporize the discharged sterilized water, and the sterilization system according to claim 1.

Images