Bathroom Systems

Abstract

To provide a bathroom system capable of sterilizing a bathroom efficiently by spreading an effective component of vaporized sterilization water over the bathroom.SOLUTION: A bathroom system 20 includes: a water discharge device 22 equipped with a nozzle part 32 for discharging sterilization water in an atomized state to the inside of a bathroom 1; a bathroom drying device 26 for executing a circulation operation for sucking air in the bathroom, discharging the sucked air to the inside of the bathroom, circulating the air in the bathroom, and vaporizing the sterilization water; a control device 30 for controlling the water discharge device and the bathroom drying device. The nozzle part 32 of the water discharge device 22 sprays the sterilization water so that it spreads vertically in a vertical plate shape with respect to a washing place floor surface of the bathroom. The control device controls the bathroom drying device so that the air discharged inside the bathroom hits the side face of the sterilization water sprayed in the vertical plate shape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathroom system for disinfecting a bathroom. [Background technology]

[0002] Bathroom users are very dissatisfied with bacterial and moldy stains. To combat this, a bathroom ventilation fan is known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example. The fan sprays a mist of electrolyzed water (sterilizing water) into the bathroom from an electrolyzed water sprayer attached to the ceiling of the bathroom to sterilize the bathroom, and then ventilates the bathroom.

[0003] Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 2, a bathroom heating and ventilation fan is known that sprays electrolyzed water from an electrolyzed water spray unit attached to the bathroom ceiling to suppress the formation of slime and other stains caused by yeast and other bacteria that grow on the bathroom floor, and then performs drying and fan operations to effectively suppress the growth of yeast and other bacteria in the bathroom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-292183 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-165831 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, which are the prior art mentioned above, electrolyzed water (sterilizing water) is sprayed from the ceiling of the bathroom, so the electrolyzed water accumulates on the visible parts and cannot be applied to the backsides or gaps of the objects to be sterilized.

[0006] Therefore, in conventional devices, after electrolyzed water is sprayed, it is considered to circulate the air in the bathroom using a ventilation fan to allow the electrolyzed water to act, but if the particle size of the sprayed electrolyzed water mist is small, the electrolyzed water vaporizes during circulation, reducing the concentration of the active ingredients in the electrolyzed water, and by the time it reaches the backside or gaps of the object to be sterilized, the sterilization effect is lost. Furthermore, the electrolyzed water mist adheres to various parts of the bathroom, causing problems such as limescale and marring the appearance.

[0007] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and have further developed the conventional method of sterilizing a bathroom by taking into consideration the spray distance, the concentration of the sterilizing water on contact, the amount of water that lands on contact, etc., and have discovered that by dissolving the "active ingredient of the sterilizing water that evaporates after spraying," which is not used for sterilization in the prior art, in the residual water remaining in the bathroom, it can be spread to every corner of the bathroom and sterilize a wider area in the bathroom.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art, and aims to provide a bathroom system that can efficiently disinfect the bathroom by spreading the active ingredients of vaporized disinfectant water throughout the bathroom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a bathroom system for sterilizing a bathroom, comprising a sterilizing water device equipped with a sterilizing water discharge section that discharges sterilizing water in the form of a spray into the bathroom, a circulation device that performs a circulation operation of sucking in air from the bathroom and discharging this sucked air into the bathroom, circulating the air in the bathroom and vaporizing the sterilizing water, and a control section that controls the sterilizing water device and the circulation device, wherein the sterilizing water discharge section of the sterilizing water device sprays the sterilizing water so that it spreads in the vertical direction onto the surface of the bathroom washing area floor and forms a vertical plate, and the control section controls the circulation device so that the air discharged into the bathroom by the circulation device hits the side of the sterilizing water sprayed in the form of the vertical plate. In the present invention configured as described above, the disinfecting water discharge unit of the disinfecting water device sprays disinfecting water in a vertical plate shape that spreads vertically across the bathroom wash area floor, and the control unit controls the circulation device so that the air discharged into the bathroom by the circulation device hits the sides of the disinfecting water sprayed in a vertical plate shape, so that the air discharged into the bathroom by the circulation device can be used to efficiently diffuse the sprayed disinfecting water throughout the bathroom. This allows the active ingredients in the disinfecting water to be vaporized and distributed throughout the bathroom more efficiently.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the disinfectant water discharge section of the disinfectant water device sprays disinfectant water in the form of a vertical plate so that it moves along the surface of the bathroom washing area floor, and the control section controls the circulation device so that a state in which air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in the form of a vertical plate, and a state in which air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom hits the surface of the washing area floor, bounces off, and hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in the form of a vertical plate, are repeated. In the present invention configured as described above, the disinfectant water discharge unit of the disinfectant water device sprays disinfectant water in a vertical plate shape so that it moves along the surface of the bathroom washing area floor, and the control unit controls the circulation device to repeat a state in which air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape, and a state in which air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom hits the floor of the washing area, bounces off, and hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape. Therefore, the air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom directly hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape, causing the disinfectant water to strongly disperse, and the air that hits the washing area floor and bounces off indirectly hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape, allowing the dispersed disinfectant water to diffuse upward in the bathroom. This allows the active ingredients of the disinfectant water to be more efficiently vaporized and distributed throughout the bathroom.

[0011] In the present invention, the control unit preferably controls the circulation device so that the circulation device continues the circulating operation even after the sterilizing water discharge unit of the sterilizing water device has finished spraying the sterilizing water. In the present invention configured in this manner, the control unit controls the circulation device so that the circulation device continues its circulating operation even after the disinfectant water spraying operation by the disinfectant water discharge unit of the disinfectant water device has ended, so that the active ingredients of the disinfectant water can be thoroughly diffused throughout the bathroom even after the disinfectant water has been sprayed.

[0012] The present invention preferably further comprises a windbreak that prevents the sterilizing water immediately after being discharged from the sterilizing water discharge portion of the cleaning water device from directly hitting the air being discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom. Because the disinfectant water immediately after being discharged from the disinfectant water discharge section spreads over a wide area, it is preferable to prevent it from being directly hit by the air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom. For this reason, in the present invention, a windbreak is provided to prevent the disinfectant water immediately after being discharged from the disinfectant water discharge section of the cleaning water device from being directly hit by the air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom, so that after the disinfectant water has spread well, the air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom can be directly hit by the disinfectant water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the bathroom system of the present invention, the active ingredients of the vaporized disinfecting water can be spread throughout the bathroom, thereby efficiently disinfecting the bathroom. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the basic principle of a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a bathroom in which a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the counter in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water discharger taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a nozzle portion of the water discharge device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which disinfecting water is being sprayed from a disinfecting water nozzle opening of a nozzle portion of the water discharge device. [Figure 8] 10 is a perspective view showing tap water being sprayed from a nozzle opening for stagnant water in a nozzle portion of the water discharge device. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the "ventilation damper open state (ventilation state)" of the bathroom drying device of the bathroom system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the bathroom drying device of the bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a "ventilation damper closed state (circulation state)" state. [Figure 11] 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the bathroom system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the bathroom system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram and table illustrating the "pre-washing operation" performed by a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are a configuration diagram and a table illustrating the "sterilizing water discharge operation" performed by a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an oblique view from the front showing the disinfecting water being discharged during the circulation operation performed by the bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is an oblique side view showing the disinfecting water being discharged during the circulation operation performed by the bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is an oblique view from the front showing the state of disinfecting water being discharged during the circulation operation in which the louvers oscillate, performed by the bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing the temporal change in the spatial concentration of disinfectant water in a bathroom during the disinfectant water discharge ON time and the disinfectant water OFF time when disinfectant water is continuously discharged by a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] First, the basic principle of a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the basic principle of a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, conventionally, disinfectant water with a free chlorine concentration of A was discharged from a nozzle, and when the disinfectant water reached the target point, it had to be at an "effective concentration of B." Furthermore, the "amount of disinfectant water that hits the target point" and the "duration of action" were also important.

[0016] This conventional technology had the problem that the disinfectant water sprayed from the nozzle volatilized (evaporated) before reaching the destination, which reduced the concentration of the disinfectant water. Therefore, it was necessary to spray the disinfectant water taking into consideration the "concentration x amount of water applied x duration of action" at the destination, making it difficult to disinfect a wide area of the bathroom.

[0017] Since the active ingredients of the volatilized (vaporized) sterilizing water are not utilized in the sterilization work by the time the sterilizing water travels from the nozzle to the destination, the inventors have discovered that the active ingredients of this volatilized (vaporized) sterilizing water can be utilized in the sterilization work. That is, first, the bathroom is made into a closed space, and in this state, the volatilized (vaporized) sterilizing water is dissolved in the residual water remaining on the bathroom washing area floor, bathtub apron, behind the counter, walls, etc., thereby allowing the active ingredients of the vaporized sterilizing water to be distributed throughout the bathroom, thereby enabling the bathroom to be efficiently sterilized.

[0018] Next, a bathroom in which a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a bathroom in which a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used, and Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the area around the counter in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, bathroom 1 has a first wall 2, a second wall 4, a third wall 6, and a fourth wall 8, which form the four sides of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped. A bathtub 10 is provided next to second wall 4, and a washing area floor 12 is provided below and between fourth wall 8 and bathtub 10. A drain 14 is provided near bathtub 10 on this washing area floor 12, and hot water is discharged from this drain 14 to the outside.

[0019] A counter 16 is provided on a portion of the side of the third wall 6. A mirror, a water tap, a shower hose, etc. are provided above the counter 16 on the third wall 6. A water discharge device 22 for discharging sterilizing water and tap water (water), which constitutes part of the bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, is provided on the underside of the counter 16.

[0020] A ceiling 24 is attached to the upper ends of the first wall 2 to the fourth wall 8, and a bathroom drying device 26 is provided on this ceiling 24 for ventilating and drying the air in bathroom 1, which constitutes part of bathroom system 20. As will be described later, this bathroom drying device 26 is a device for ventilating and circulating the air in the bathroom, and also a device for vaporizing the discharged disinfecting water by circulating the air, and corresponds to a "ventilation and circulation device" and / or a "circulation device." Furthermore, outside bathroom 1, an operation panel 28 for operating bathroom system 20 and a control device 30 for controlling the operation of water discharger 22 and bathroom drying device 26 described above are provided.

[0021] As a modified example, 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, operation panel 28 may form an operation unit that accepts operation input from the user through operation buttons on such an operation screen. In this case, operation panel 28 of the electronic device such as a smartphone or a remote control is electrically connected to control unit 30 via wireless communication such as the Internet or infrared communication. In other variations, the operation panel 28 may be a voice operation unit that accepts operation input from the user by voice input, or a gesture operation unit that accepts operation input from the user by gesture operation input of the user's fingers, etc. (for example, the user holds their fingers, etc. over a specified space for a certain period of time, which detects the user's fingers, etc. as operation input and accepts the operation input).

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the counter 16 has a top plate 16a and a lower cover 16b, and is provided above and spaced apart from the washing area floor 12.

[0023] Next, the water discharger 22 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8. Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water discharger taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2, Figure 5 is a front view showing the nozzle portion of the water discharger, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 5, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing disinfecting water being sprayed from the disinfecting water nozzle opening of the nozzle portion of the water discharger, and Figure 8 is a perspective view showing tap water being sprayed from the stagnant water nozzle opening of the nozzle portion of the water discharger.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, a water discharger 22 is provided inside the counter 16 (between the top plate 16a and the lower cover 16b), and this water discharger 22 has a nozzle portion 32 that protrudes downward from the lower cover 16b of the counter 16. As also shown in Figure 3, the nozzle portion 32 is positioned below the counter 16, at a distance from the washing area floor 12, and further, the nozzle portion 32 is located near the center of the counter 16 in the horizontal direction, i.e., near the center of the washing area floor 12 in the horizontal direction.

[0025] Returning to Fig. 4, the water discharge device 22 is provided with a first strainer 36, a first solenoid valve 38, a second solenoid valve 40, a pressure regulating valve 42, a vacuum breaker 44, a check valve 46, a sterilized water generator 48, and a second strainer 50. The first strainer 36 is connected to an external water supply pipe (not shown), and the flow path for tap water branches into two downstream of the first strainer 36. Note that the vacuum breaker 44 need not be provided.

[0026] One of the flow paths 51 downstream of the first strainer 36 is configured to supply tap water directly to the nozzle portion 32 via the first solenoid valve 38. By opening the first solenoid valve 38, tap water is supplied to the nozzle portion 32. The first solenoid valve 38 and the nozzle portion 32 provided in this one of the flow paths 51 spray tap water onto the washing area floor 12, forming residual water on the washing area floor 12.

[0027] The other flow path 52 downstream of the first strainer 36 is connected to, in order from the upstream side, a second solenoid valve 40, a pressure regulating valve 42, a vacuum breaker 44, a check valve 46, a sterilized water generator 48, and a second strainer 50, so as to supply sterilized water to the nozzle section 32. The vacuum breaker 44 does not have to be provided.

[0028] The first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40 are configured to open the above-mentioned flow paths 51, 52 for tap water and close the flow paths 51, 52 for tap water, respectively.

[0029] The pressure regulating valve 42 controls the pressure of the tap water being supplied. This makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of tap water supplied to the sterilized water producing section 48, which will be described in detail later, to a desired value. By adjusting the flow rate of tap water supplied to the sterilized water producing section 48, the flow rate of sterilized water supplied to the nozzle section 32 is adjusted. Note that instead of or in addition to the pressure regulating valve 42, the flow rate of tap water may be adjusted by a second solenoid valve 40.

[0030] The sterilized water generating unit 48 is an electrolysis chamber (electrolytic cell) having an anode and a cathode. The sterilized water generating unit 48 applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze tap water flowing between the electrodes, thereby generating sterilized water containing hypochlorous acid. Because tap water contains chloride ions, hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing the chloride ions. Here, the nozzle unit 32 corresponds to the "sterilized water discharge unit."

[0031] The first solenoid valve 38, the second solenoid valve 40, the pressure regulating valve 42, and the sterilized water generating section 48 are appropriately controlled by the control device 30. This makes it possible to control the spraying of tap water from the nozzle section 32 and the spraying of sterilized water from the nozzle section 32 independently of each other.

[0032] Specifically, the first solenoid valve 38 and the second solenoid valve 40 open and close the tap water flow paths 51, 52 based on signals from the control device 30. This controls the flow rate of tap water supplied downstream. The sterilized water generator 48 also switches the electrolysis chamber ON / OFF, etc., based on signals from the control device 30. In this way, the control device 30 can control the concentrations of various components in the sterilized water, the instantaneous flow rates (flow rate per unit time) of the tap water and sterilized water being discharged, and the total amount of sterilized water being discharged.

[0033] The above-mentioned disinfectant water is functional water that has the function of reducing bacteria, mold, and yeast, and is, for example, water containing hypochlorous acid. Tap water contains chloride ions, and hypochlorous acid is generated by electrolyzing these chloride ions. As a result, the electrolyzed water changes into a liquid containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This hypochlorous acid vaporizes and becomes disinfectant water gas (ClO). This dichlorine monoxide is the active ingredient of disinfectant water gas.

[0034] The sterilized water may be metal ion water (e.g., water containing metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions) or water containing ozone. For example, when tap water is electrolyzed, an acid (H + ) is consumed, and the pH rises near the cathode. In other words, alkaline water is produced near the cathode. On the other hand, alkaline (OH) is produced near the anode. - ) is consumed, and the pH drops near the anode. That is, acidic water is produced near the anode. By changing the flow rate in the sterilized water generator 48, the concentration of the components contained in the sterilized water can be controlled. In this case, the vaporized active ingredient is metal ions such as silver ions, copper ions, or zinc ions, or ozone (O3).

[0035] In addition, the above-mentioned disinfected water generating unit 48 generates disinfected water by electrolysis, but this is not limited to this, and for example, disinfected water may be generated by dissolving a disinfectant in tap water.

[0036] In this embodiment, the term "effective" in terms of the active ingredients of the vaporized disinfectant water refers to, for example, a reduction rate of 10% or more of bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to an object. More specifically, the vaporized disinfectant water is defined as being effective when the vaporized disinfectant water reduces the ratio of the amount of bacteria, mold, and yeast adhering to an object to 90% or less of the amount of bacteria, mold, and yeast that were adhering to the object.

[0037] In this embodiment, the nozzle unit 32 is rotated by an electric motor 53, which will be described in detail later. The electric motor 53 is, for example, a stepping motor. The electric motor 53 is controlled by the control device 30. As a result, the rotation angle and rotation speed of the nozzle unit 32 are changed by controlling the electric motor 53 based on signals from the control device 30 (see Figures 13 and 14). In addition, an operation panel 28 equipped with a switch for starting the sterilization operation is connected to the control device 30, allowing the bathroom user to perform appropriate operations other than the sterilization operation.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the nozzle section 32 has a first water passage section (stagnant water passage section) 54, a second water passage section (sterilizing water passage section) 56, a stagnant water nozzle opening 58 formed in the stagnant water passage section 54, and a sterilizing water nozzle opening 60 formed in the sterilizing water passage section 56.

[0039] The tap water that has passed through the first solenoid valve 38 is supplied into the first flow path section 54 and is discharged from the first nozzle opening 58. The sterilized water generated by the sterilized water generator 48 is supplied into the second flow path section 56 and is discharged from the second nozzle opening 60.

[0040] 7 and 8, tap water is discharged from the stagnant water nozzle opening 58 so as to spread in the vertical direction V relative to the surface of the washing area floor 12 and form a vertical plate, and similarly, sterilizing water is discharged (sprayed) from the sterilizing water nozzle opening 60 so as to spread in the vertical direction V relative to the surface of the washing area floor 12 and form a vertical plate. Furthermore, the nozzle part 32 is rotated about its axis by the electric motor 53, and the nozzle part 32 oscillates along the washing area floor 12 as shown by arrow S1, so that tap water and sterilizing water can be discharged over a wide horizontal range (e.g., 25 degrees to 335 degrees) (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0041] Next, bathroom drying device 26 installed on ceiling 24 of bathroom 1 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing bathroom drying device 26 in the "ventilation damper open state (ventilation state)," and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing bathroom drying device 26 in the "ventilation damper closed state (circulation state)." In this circulation state, heating is performed before bathing, heating is performed during bathing, and "discharge of sterilizing water" is performed by bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment. Note that the arrows in the figures indicate the air flow.

[0042] As shown in Figure 9, bathroom drying device 26 includes housing 70, the bottom of which communicates with the interior of bathroom 1 via opening 72. A fan 74 is provided within housing 70 and rotated by an electric motor (not shown), and the rotation of fan 74 draws air into bathroom 1. Furthermore, an exhaust damper 76 and a heater 78 are provided downstream of fan 74 within housing 70. Furthermore, an exhaust port 79 is provided downstream of exhaust damper 76.

[0043] As shown in Figure 9, when ventilating the bathroom 1 using the bathroom drying device 26, the exhaust damper 76 is opened and the air inside the bathroom 1 sucked in by the fan 74 is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 79.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 10, when bathroom 1 needs to be heated before and during bathing, exhaust damper 76 is closed, and air drawn into bathroom 1 by fan 74 is heated by heater 78. This heated air then passes through opening 72 and louver 80 and returns to bathroom 1. In this way, the air in bathroom 1 is circulated between bathroom dryer 26 and bathroom 1, maintaining the air at a desired temperature (e.g., 20°C).

[0045] Additionally, a louver 80 is attached to opening 72 downstream of heater 78, and this louver 80 has multiple blades 80a. These multiple blades 80a are linked by an electric motor 80b via a link mechanism, and the user can operate operation panel 28 to tilt the multiple blades 80a by a predetermined angle to adjust the direction of air being sent into bathroom 1. Furthermore, when drying and heating the interior of bathroom 1, the multiple blades 80a oscillate as shown by arrow S2.

[0046] When "sterilizing water dispensing" is performed using the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the exhaust damper 76 is closed, the air in the bathroom 1 sucked in by the fan 74 is heated by the heater 78, and this heated air returns to the bathroom 1 through the opening 72, and the air in the bathroom 1 is circulated between the bathroom system 20 and the bathroom drying device 26.

[0047] At this time, the plurality of blades 80a of the louver 80 may be fixed at a predetermined angle and perform the circulating action (see FIGS. 15 and 16), or may perform the circulating action by swinging motion as indicated by arrow S2 (see FIG. 17). When this "discharge of disinfecting water" is performed, bathroom 1 is not ventilated, so the air inside bathroom 1 is trapped inside bathroom 1. Because bathroom 1 is an enclosed space, the active ingredients of the disinfecting water that are sprayed into bathroom 1 and vaporized can be distributed throughout the bathroom without being discharged outside.

[0048] Here, one period (cycle) in the oscillating motion of multiple blades 80a of louver 80 of bathroom drying device 26 is preferably in the range of 10 to 60 seconds. One period (cycle) is the time it takes for the blades to make one reciprocating movement.

[0049] Furthermore, as mentioned above, nozzle portion 32 that discharges sterilizing water is located below counter 16, and therefore acts as a "windbreak" against the flow of air discharged from bathroom drying device 26 located on ceiling 24. This prevents sterilizing water immediately after being discharged from nozzle portion 32 from directly hitting the air discharged from bathroom drying device 26.

[0050] Next, the "pre-wash" and "disinfecting water discharge" performed by bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a time chart showing the operation of the bathroom system according to this embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the bathroom system according to this embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] First, as shown in Figure 11, bathroom drying device 26 ventilates the air in bathroom 1 for a "predetermined time" of 12 minutes after operation starts (see Figure 9). This ventilation operation is preferably carried out for a period of 1 to 60 minutes, including the 12-minute period. During this ventilation state, water discharger 22 sprays water onto bathroom 1's washing area floor 12 to perform a "pre-wash." During the 12 minutes during which the ventilation and pre-washing operations are performed, disinfecting water is not discharged.

[0052] Next, 12 minutes after the start, bathroom drying device 26 closes exhaust damper 76 to stop ventilation for 34 minutes (see Figure 10), and with the bathroom now in a closed space, heater 78 is turned on to heat the air in bathroom 1 and circulate the heated air within bathroom 1. When 12 minutes have passed since the start, the water discharger 22 stops discharging water and waits for 4 minutes. After that, the water discharger 22 intermittently "discharges sterilizing water" for 30 minutes, and then stops "discharge of sterilizing water." Details of this intermittent discharge of sterilizing water will be described later.

[0053] As is clear from Figure 11, the time for circulating air with the heater on is 34 minutes, and the time for intermittent disinfectant water discharge is 30 minutes, with the two time periods overlapping by 30 minutes, and the circulation operation and disinfectant water discharge are controlled to be performed simultaneously during this overlapping time period.

[0054] When water discharger 22 is "discharging disinfecting water," as described above, bathroom drying device 26 closes exhaust damper 76 to stop ventilation, heats the air in bathroom 1 with heater 78, and circulates the heated air, causing the discharged disinfecting water to volatilize and vaporize due to this circulating air. Circulating heated air is effective in vaporizing the disinfecting water, but disinfecting water can also be vaporized by simply blowing air with heater 78 turned off. It is not necessary for all of the disinfecting water to vaporize; a mixture of atomized disinfecting water and vaporized disinfecting water may be used.

[0055] After the heater-on circulation and disinfectant water discharge described above are completed, bathroom drying device 26 continues to close exhaust damper 76 and stop ventilation for a "predetermined time" of 26 minutes, i.e., bathroom 1 remains an enclosed space, while heater 78 is turned off to circulate air within bathroom 1. This heater-off circulation operation is preferably performed within the range of 0 to 54 minutes, including the 26 minute period.

[0056] After this 26-minute heater-off circulation operation is completed, bathtub drying device 26 opens exhaust damper 76 to ventilate the air in bathroom 1 for 24 hours (see FIG. 9), and then ends the ventilation. In this embodiment, it is important that this ventilation operation is performed 26 minutes (0 to 54 minutes) after the heater-on circulation and disinfecting water discharge have ended. Therefore, the heater-off circulation operation may not be performed.

[0057] Next, the control flow executed by the bathroom system according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 12. The control flow shown in Figure 12 and the explanation given above with reference to Figure 11 have the same basic operation. In Figure 12, "S" indicates each step.

[0058] As shown in Figure 12, in S1, a switch for starting operation of the bathroom system provided on operation panel 26 is turned ON. Proceeding to S2, ventilation operation by bathroom drying device 26 is started, and at the same time, a "pre-wash" operation by water discharger 22 is also started. Details of this "pre-wash" operation will be described later. Next, the process proceeds to S3, where it is determined whether 12 minutes have passed. Until 12 minutes have passed, the operation of S2 continues.

[0059] The "pre-wash" operation using this water discharge device 22 allows the necessary amount of residual water to be formed on the washing area floor 12, and the active ingredients of the evaporated disinfecting water dissolve in this residual water, thereby achieving further disinfecting effects.

[0060] If it is determined in S3 that 12 minutes have elapsed, the process proceeds to S4, where the ventilation operation by the drying device 26 is stopped (the exhaust damper is closed), and the "pre-wash" operation by the water discharger 22 is also stopped.

[0061] Next, the process proceeds to S5, where it is determined whether water discharger 22 has stopped the "pre-wash" operation and waited for four minutes. Until the four-minute wait has been reached, the process proceeds to S6, where it determines whether the temperature in the bathroom is 20°C or higher. If it is not 20°C or higher, the process proceeds to S7, where heater 78 of dryer 26 is turned on to perform a circulation operation that warms and circulates the air in the bathroom. This operation in S7 is performed immediately after exhaust from the dryer is stopped in S4 if the temperature in the bathroom is not 20°C or higher. Furthermore, if it is determined in S6 that the temperature in the bathroom is 20°C or higher, the process proceeds to S8, where the dryer performs a circulation operation that circulates the air with the exhaust damper closed.

[0062] If it is determined in S5 that the water discharger 22 has waited for four minutes, the process proceeds to S9, where the water discharger 22 starts "discharging sterilizing water." Details of this "discharging sterilizing water" will be described later.

[0063] Next, the process proceeds to S10, where it is determined whether 30 minutes have passed since the water discharger 22 began "discharge of sterilizing water." If 30 minutes have not passed, the process proceeds to S11, 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 S12, where the drying device 26 performs a circulation operation with the exhaust damper 76 closed and the heater 78 turned on to heat and circulate the air in the bathroom. If the temperature in the bathroom is not 20°C or higher, this operation in S12 is performed immediately after the water discharger 22 discharges sterilizing water in S9. Furthermore, if it is determined in S11 that the temperature in the bathroom is 20°C or higher, the process proceeds to S13, where the drying device 26 performs a circulation operation with the exhaust damper 76 closed to circulate the air.

[0064] In this way, the sterilizing water "discharged" from the water discharger 22 is acted upon by the circulating air warmed by the dryer 26, which vaporizes the sterilizing water, and the active ingredients of this vaporized sterilizing water dissolve in the residual water remaining on the washing area floor 12, improving the sterilizing effect. Note that when the temperature in the bathroom is 20°C or higher, the sterilizing water can be easily vaporized even when the heater 78 is turned off.

[0065] If it is determined in S10 that 30 minutes have passed since the water discharger 22 started discharging disinfecting water, the process proceeds to S14, where the heater 78 of the drying device 26 is turned off and circulation operation is performed with the exhaust damper 76 closed. At this time, the "discharge of disinfecting water" by the water discharger 22 is stopped.

[0066] Next, the process proceeds to S15, where it is determined whether 26 minutes have passed since heater 78 of drying device 26 was turned off in S14. If 26 minutes have passed, the process proceeds to S16, where circulation operation with exhaust damper 76 of drying device 26 closed is stopped. Next, the process proceeds to S17, where ventilation operation in drying device 26 is continued for 24 hours with exhaust damper 76 open. This completes the bathroom sterilization operation by the bathroom system according to this embodiment.

[0067] Next, the "pre-wash" operation performed by water discharger 22 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a configuration diagram and table illustrating the "pre-wash" operation performed by the bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 13, tap water is discharged (sprinkled) from stagnant water nozzle opening 58 of nozzle portion 32 of water discharger 22 toward washing area floor 12 of bathroom 1. At this time, nozzle portion 32 can rotate (oscillate), so it executes action 1 → action 2 → action 3 → action 4 → action 5 → action 6 → action 7 → action 8 → action 9 in this order. At this time, tap water is not discharged (water discharge OFF) in actions 6 and 9. The discharge range of tap water is from 25 degrees to 335 degrees. The angular velocity at which nozzle portion 32 rotates is slow in the central region of washing area floor 12 (actions 3, 4, 5) and fast in both side regions (actions 1, 2, 7, 8) when tap water is being discharged, so that as much tap water as possible is sprayed toward the central region of washing area floor 12. Furthermore, actions 1 to 9 are performed for approximately four minutes, and this water discharge action of the water discharger 22 is performed over three revolutions, so tap water is discharged for a total of approximately 12 minutes.

[0069] Here, the washing area floor 12 of the bathroom 1 has a drainage gradient (for example, 0.1 to 11 degrees) that slopes downward toward the drain outlet 14 so that a predetermined amount of retained tap water remains. This allows the amount of tap water retained on the washing area floor 12 to be adjusted to a desired amount that will dissolve the active ingredients of the vaporized sterilized water.

[0070] Next, the "sterilizing water discharge" operation performed by the water discharger 22 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 14. Figure 14 is a configuration diagram and table explaining the "sterilizing water discharge operation" performed by the bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 14, disinfectant water is discharged from the disinfectant water nozzle opening 60 of the nozzle portion 32 of the water discharger 22 toward the washing area floor 12 of the bathroom 1. At this time, the nozzle portion 32 can rotate (oscillate), so it executes the following in order: action 1 → action 2 → action 3 → action 4 → action 5 → action 6 → action 7. Actions 1 to 7 constitute one cycle (period). The disinfectant water discharge range is from 25 degrees to 335 degrees. The angular velocity at which the nozzle portion 32 rotates is slow in the central region of the washing area floor 12 (actions 2 and 5) and fast in both side regions (actions 1, 3, 4, and 6), so that as much disinfectant water as possible is discharged toward the central region of the washing area floor 12. Furthermore, in action 7, the discharge of disinfectant water is turned off. As a result, the nozzle part 32 of the water discharger 22 discharges sterilizing water for 30 seconds (=0.5 minutes) in actions 1 to 6, and then in action 7, the nozzle part 32 stops for 45 seconds (=0.75 minutes) and enters a standby state without discharging sterilizing water (water discharge OFF). This action is repeated 24 times. In other words, the nozzle part 32 operates in 24 cycles (periods).

[0072] Next, the relationship between the disinfecting water sprayed from the disinfecting water nozzle opening 60 and the flow of air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom drying device 26 when the ventilation damper is closed (circulation state) will be explained using Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a perspective view from the front showing disinfecting water being discharged during the circulation operation performed by a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16 is a perspective view from the side showing disinfecting water being discharged during the circulation operation performed by a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] First, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, disinfecting water is sprayed from disinfecting water nozzle opening 60 so that it spreads out in the vertical direction relative to the surface of washing area floor 12, forming a vertical plate. Furthermore, disinfecting water nozzle opening 60 oscillates along the surface of bathroom washing area floor 12, as shown by arrow S1. At this time, the angle of blades 80a of louver 80 of bathroom drying device 26 is set at an angle such that air flow F1 discharged from bathroom drying device 26 into bathroom 1 hits the side of the disinfecting water sprayed in the vertical plate shape when the disinfecting water sprayed in the vertical plate shape moves near the center position (near the 180-degree position in Figure 14).

[0074] In this state, when the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape moves near the center position (near the 180-degree position in Figure 14), air flow F1 directly hits the side of the vertical plate-shaped disinfectant water, effectively diffusing the disinfectant water within bathroom 1. In addition, air exhausted from bathroom drying device 26 hits washing area floor 12 and bounces off, and this bounced air flow F2 hits the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape. In this way, the state in which air flow F1 directly hits the side of the vertical plate-shaped disinfectant water and the state in which the bounced air flow F2 indirectly hits the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape are repeated.

[0075] Furthermore, in this state, nozzle portion 32 of water discharger 22 is located below top plate 16a of counter 16, at a position recessed further back than the tip of top plate 16a (see Figure 4), so that air flow F1 discharged from bathroom drying device 26 does not directly hit the disinfecting water immediately after it is sprayed from disinfecting water nozzle opening 60 of nozzle portion 32. In this way, top plate 16a of counter 16 functions as a "windbreak."

[0076] Next, with reference to Figure 17, we will explain the case where blades 80a of louvers 80 of bathroom drying device 26 perform the oscillating motion shown by arrow S2 in Figure 10. Figure 17 is a front perspective view showing disinfecting water being discharged during a circulating operation in which the louvers perform an oscillating motion, as performed by a bathroom system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] 17, multiple blades 80a of louver 80 of bathroom drying device 26 oscillate as indicated by arrow S2, causing air F1 discharged from warm air heater 26 into bathroom 1 to oscillate as well. As a result, air F1 strikes the side of the vertical plate of disinfecting water sprayed from disinfecting water nozzle opening 60, and the position at which it strikes the side of the disinfecting water changes in the vertical direction.

[0078] At this time, as described above, the disinfectant water sprayed from the disinfectant water nozzle opening 60 in the form of a vertical plate undergoes an oscillating motion as indicated by arrow S1, so that the state in which the air flow F1 directly hits the side of the vertical plate of disinfectant water and the rebounded air flow F2 indirectly hits the disinfectant water sprayed in the form of a vertical plate are repeated, and in addition, the air F1 discharged from the bathroom drying device 26 into the bathroom 1 also oscillates, changing the position at which it hits the side of the disinfectant water.

[0079] Furthermore, one cycle of the oscillating motion of the sterilizing water indicated by arrow S1 and one cycle of the oscillating motion of the blades 80a of the louver 80 indicated by arrow S2 are set to be different values. Provided that the values of both cycles are different, one cycle of the oscillating motion of the sterilizing water is preferably in the range of 10 to 400 seconds, and one cycle of the oscillating motion of the louver 80 is preferably in the range of 10 to 60 seconds. In this case, one cycle of the oscillating motion of the sterilizing water may be shorter than one cycle of the oscillating motion of the louver 80.

[0080] Next, referring again to Figure 11, the volume of air discharged from bathroom drying device 26 into bathroom 1 will be described. First, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, while disinfecting water is being discharged (intermittent disinfecting water discharge for 30 minutes) and even after disinfecting water discharge has ended, bathroom drying device 26 circulates air in the bathroom for "heater-on circulation for 34 minutes" and "heater-off circulation for 26 minutes."

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the air circulation volume during "34 minutes of heater-on circulation" performed by bathroom drying device 26 when the water discharge device is performing "30 minutes of intermittent disinfectant water discharge," is taken as first circulation air volume Q1, and the air circulation volume during "26 minutes of heater-off circulation" performed by bathroom drying device 26 after disinfectant water discharge has ended is taken as second circulation air volume Q2, bathroom drying device 26 is controlled so that the relationship is "first circulation air volume Q1 > second circulation air volume Q2."

[0082] At this time, the circulating air volume during the "sterilizing water OFF time" (corresponding to 45 seconds of standby) when the water discharger is performing "intermittent sterilizing water discharge for 30 minutes" is set to third circulating air volume Q3. In this case, bathroom drying device 26 is controlled so that the relationship between these three circulation air volumes is "first circulation air volume Q1≧third circulation air volume Q3>second circulation air volume Q2."

[0083] Here, the first circulation air volume Q1, the second circulation air volume Q2, and the third circulation air volume Q3 satisfy the relationship of the above formula, and the first circulation air volume Q1 is 50 m 3 / h~250m 3 / h range, the second circulation air volume Q2 is 1m 3 / h~99m 3 / h range, the third circulation air volume Q3 is 2m 3 / h~250m 3 / h range is preferred.

[0084] Next, referring to Figure 11, we will explain the operation of circulating air in the bathroom by bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment. After bathroom drying device 26 performs a 12-minute ventilation operation, bathroom drying device 26 circulates air for 34 minutes (34 minutes of circulation with heater on) while water discharger 22 discharges disinfectant water (30 minutes of intermittent disinfectant water discharge). Of these 30 minutes of intermittent disinfectant water discharge, the time during which disinfectant water is discharged is 12 minutes (= 30 seconds of water discharge × 24 cycles). Therefore, if the time during which disinfectant water is discharged while air is circulated is defined as a first predetermined time, then the first predetermined time is 12 minutes. Here, this first predetermined time is preferably in the range of 6 to 60 minutes, including 12 minutes.

[0085] Furthermore, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, air is circulated without discharging sterilizing water. This time is the 26 minutes of heater-off circulation plus 18 minutes (= 45-second wait × 24 cycles = 1,080 seconds) during which sterilizing water is not discharged during 24 cycles of the 30-minute period during which intermittent sterilizing water discharge is performed after a 4-minute wait. In this embodiment, for a "second predetermined time" of 44 minutes, which is the 26 minutes plus 18 minutes, air is circulated without discharging sterilizing water after the initial discharge of sterilizing water. This second predetermined time is preferably in the range of 7 to 61 minutes, including 44 minutes.

[0086] In bathroom system 20 according to the present embodiment, bathroom drying device 26 and water discharger 22 are controlled so that the second predetermined time is longer than the first predetermined time.

[0087] As a variant, the disinfectant water may be continuously discharged rather than intermittently, in which case the second predetermined time, the "heater OFF circulation" time, during which disinfectant water is discharged while air is circulating, must be set to a time longer than the first predetermined time.

[0088] Figure 18 is a diagram showing the temporal change in the spatial concentration of disinfectant water in the bathroom during disinfectant water discharge ON and OFF periods when disinfectant water is continuously discharged by the bathroom system according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 18, when disinfectant water is continuously discharged (sprayed), by making the disinfectant water discharge OFF time longer than the disinfectant water ON time, disinfectant water remains in the bathroom even after the disinfectant water has been sprayed (disinfectant water OFF time), and the active ingredients remaining in the bathroom can be distributed throughout the bathroom.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, after 30 minutes of intermittent sterilizing water discharge, "24-hour ventilation" is performed by bathroom drying device 26. Here, this ventilation operation is preferably performed for a period of 1 to 24 hours, including 24 hours.

[0090] Next, the basic operation of the bathroom system according to this embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. First, after use, the bathroom 1 is in a high humidity state and everything is wet. Furthermore, dirt (keratin) remains on the surface of the bathroom floor 12. Therefore, ventilation is first performed. Ventilation reduces the humidity in the bathroom. Next, after a certain amount of ventilation, for example, after 12 minutes, ventilation is stopped.

[0091] Next, while performing ventilation, water is discharged from the water discharger 22 to perform a pre-washing operation on the floor of the washing area for, for example, 12 minutes, and dirt (keratin) on the floor surface is washed away into the drain outlet 14. Next, bathroom drying device 26 circulates hot air (heater ON circulation) for, for example, 34 minutes to raise the temperature in the bathroom and create an environment in which the sterilizing water can easily evaporate.

[0092] While the warm air is circulating, the water discharger 22 intermittently discharges (sprays) the sterilizing water. As the temperature in the bathroom rises, the sterilizing water becomes more likely to vaporize, and the circulation of warm air allows the active ingredients in the vaporized sterilizing water to reach every corner of the bathroom 1. Furthermore, the active ingredients in the sterilizing water dissolve in the remaining water in the bathroom, thereby exerting a sterilizing effect.

[0093] Next, the warm air circulation and disinfecting water discharge operation are stopped. After that, bathroom drying device 26 performs heater-off circulation for, for example, 26 minutes. At this time, heater-on circulation may be performed instead of heater-off circulation. Furthermore, ventilation operation may be performed during heater-on circulation.

[0094] Finally, the bathroom is ventilated for, for example, 24 hours using bathroom drying device 26 to dry the entire bathroom, completing the sterilization process.

[0095] Next, the effects of the bathroom system according to this embodiment will be described. First, in the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, when the control device 30 receives a control command from the user, it controls the water discharge device 22 and the bathroom drying device 26 so that the bathroom drying device 26 performs a ventilation operation for a predetermined time, and then the bathroom drying device 26 performs a circulation operation and the water discharge device 22 performs a disinfectant water spray operation to vaporize the disinfectant water.Therefore, first, the moist air in the bathroom 1 is discharged to the outside to make it easier for the disinfectant water to vaporize, and then the sprayed (misted) disinfectant water is circulated within the bathroom 1, so that the active ingredients of the vaporized disinfectant water are distributed throughout the bathroom 1, thereby efficiently disinfecting the bathroom 1.

[0096] Next, the control device 30 controls the water discharge device 22 and the bathroom drying device 26 so that at least part of the time period during which the circulation operation of the bathroom drying device 26 and the disinfectant water spray operation of the water discharge device 22 overlap, so that the circulation operation and the disinfectant water spray operation can be performed simultaneously, thereby actively vaporizing the disinfectant water and efficiently distributing the active ingredients of the vaporized disinfectant water throughout the bathroom 1 in a short period of time.

[0097] Next, the sterilizing water sprayed into bathroom 1 increases the humidity in bathroom 1, but ending the ventilation operation while the humidity remains elevated undesirably could lead to the growth of mold and other growths in bathroom 1. For this reason, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, control device 30 controls water discharger 22 and bathroom dryer 26 so that bathroom dryer 26 performs ventilation again after the circulation operation of bathroom dryer 26 and the sterilizing water spraying operation of the sterilizing water device have finished, thereby preventing the growth of mold and other growths in bathroom 1.

[0098] Next, if ventilation is performed immediately after water discharger 22 finishes spraying disinfectant water, the active ingredients of the disinfectant water that have been so carefully distributed will be immediately discharged outside bathroom 1, which is undesirable. For this reason, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, control device 30 controls water discharger 22 and bathroom dryer 26 so that bathroom dryer 26 performs ventilation again a predetermined time after the circulating operation of bathroom dryer 26 and the disinfectant water spraying operation of water discharger 22 have finished, so that the active ingredients of the disinfectant water are not wasted.

[0099] Next, the control device 30 controls the water discharge device 22 and the bathroom drying device 26 so that the water discharge device 22 does not perform the disinfectant water spray operation during the first ventilation operation performed by the bathroom drying device 26, thereby preventing the wasteful use of disinfectant water.

[0100] Next, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, water discharger 22 discharges water onto the bathroom washing area floor, and control device 30 controls bathroom drying device 26 and water discharger 22 so that the water discharger discharges water onto bathroom washing area floor 12 during the first ventilation operation performed by bathroom drying device 26. This allows water to be sprayed onto washing area floor 12 during the ventilation operation, removing sebum stains and hair, and preparing for the subsequent spraying of disinfectant water. Furthermore, because water is sprayed during the ventilation operation, not only is the overall work time required to disinfect bathroom 1 shortened, but the increase in humidity caused by water spraying can also be suppressed.

[0101] Secondly, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, disinfectant water is sprayed from nozzle 32 of water discharger 22 so that it spreads out in the vertical direction onto the surface of washing area floor 12 of bathroom 1, forming a vertical plate, and furthermore, control device 30 controls bathroom drying device 26 so that the air discharged into bathroom 1 by bathroom drying device 26 hits the sides of the disinfectant water sprayed in the vertical plate shape, so that the air discharged into bathroom 1 by bathroom drying device 26 can be used to efficiently diffuse the sprayed disinfectant water within bathroom 1. As a result, according to this embodiment, the active ingredients of the disinfectant water can be vaporized and distributed throughout bathroom 1 more efficiently.

[0102] Next, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, nozzle portion 32 of water discharge device 22 sprays disinfectant water in the form of a vertical plate along the surface of washing area floor 12 of bathroom 1, and control device 30 controls bathroom drying device 26 so that the air discharged from bathroom drying device 26 into bathroom 1 repeatedly strikes the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in the form of a vertical plate, and the air discharged from bathroom drying device 26 into bathroom 1 strikes washing area floor 12, bounces back, and strikes the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in the form of a vertical plate. This allows the air discharged from bathroom drying device 26 into bathroom 1 to directly strike the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in the form of a vertical plate, causing the disinfectant water to strongly dissipate, and the air that strikes washing area floor 12 and bounces back to indirectly strike the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in the form of a vertical plate, diffusing the dispersed disinfectant water toward the upper part of bathroom 1. This allows the active ingredients in the disinfectant water to be more efficiently vaporized and distributed throughout the bathroom, according to this embodiment.

[0103] In the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, the control device 30 controls the bathroom drying device 26 so that the bathroom drying device 26 continues its circulating operation even after the nozzle portion 32 of the water discharge device 22 has finished spraying the disinfectant water, so that the active ingredients of the disinfectant water can be thoroughly diffused within the bathroom 1 even after the disinfectant water has been sprayed.

[0104] Because sterilized water spreads over a wide area immediately after being discharged from the sterilized water discharge unit, it is preferable to prevent it from being directly hit by the air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom dryer 26. For this reason, in this embodiment, counter (windbreak) 16 is provided to prevent sterilized water immediately after being discharged from nozzle 32 of water discharger 22 from being directly hit by the air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom dryer 26, so that after the sterilized water has spread well, the air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom dryer 26 can be directly hit by the sterilized water.

[0105] Third, in bathroom system 20 according to the present embodiment, control device 30 controls bathroom drying device 26 so that the air discharged into bathroom 1 by bathroom drying device 26 strikes the side of the sprayed disinfectant water and the position at which the air strikes the side of the disinfectant water varies in the vertical direction, so that the air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom drying device 26 can be used to efficiently diffuse the sprayed disinfectant water throughout bathroom 1. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the active ingredients in the disinfectant water can be more efficiently vaporized and distributed throughout the bathroom.

[0106] In bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, sterilizing water is sprayed from nozzle 32 of water discharger 22 so that it moves along the surface of bathroom 1's washing area floor 12, and the air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom dryer 26 can be used to more efficiently diffuse the sprayed sterilizing water within bathroom 1. As a result, according to this embodiment, the active ingredients in the sterilizing water can be vaporized and distributed throughout the bathroom more efficiently.

[0107] In the bathroom system of this embodiment, control device 30 controls bathroom drying device 26 and water discharger 22 so that the time for one cycle of the oscillation of louver 80 of bathroom drying device 26 differs from the time for one cycle of the operation of changing the spray direction of disinfectant water nozzle opening 60 of nozzle section 32, so that the location where the disinfectant water and air collide changes over time, thereby more efficiently diffusing the disinfectant water within bathroom 1. As a result, this embodiment makes it possible to more efficiently vaporize the active ingredients in the disinfectant water and distribute them throughout the bathroom.

[0108] In the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, the control device 30 controls the bathroom drying device 26 so that the bathroom drying device 26 continues its circulating operation even after the nozzle portion 32 of the water discharge device 22 has finished spraying the disinfectant water, so that the active ingredients of the disinfectant water can be thoroughly diffused throughout the bathroom even after the disinfectant water has been sprayed.

[0109] Because sterilized water spreads over a wide area immediately after being discharged from the sterilized water discharge unit, it is preferable to prevent it from directly hitting the air discharged into the bathroom from bathroom dryer 26. For this reason, bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment is provided with counter (windbreak) 16 that prevents sterilized water immediately after being discharged from nozzle 32 of water discharger 22 from directly hitting the air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom dryer 26, so that after the sterilized water has spread well, the air discharged into bathroom 1 from bathroom dryer 26 can hit the sterilized water directly.

[0110] Fourth, in bathroom system 20 according to this embodiment, control device 30 controls nozzle portion 32 of water discharger 22 and bathroom dryer 26 so that bathroom dryer 26 continues circulating air in bathroom 1 while disinfecting water is being discharged from nozzle portion 32 of water discharger 22 and after the discharge of disinfecting water has ended. Furthermore, control device 30 controls bathroom dryer 26 so that the first circulating air volume of bathroom dryer 26 while disinfecting water is being discharged is greater than the second circulating air volume after the discharge of disinfecting water has ended. This increases the circulating air volume while a large amount of the discharged disinfecting water is present in bathroom 1, thereby enabling the active ingredient of the highly concentrated disinfecting water to vaporize. Meanwhile, there is a problem of disinfecting water leaking to the outside even during the circulation operation. However, in this embodiment, the circulating air volume is reduced after the discharge of disinfecting water has ended, thereby reducing the amount of the active ingredient of the disinfecting water leaking to the outside of bathroom 1. The vaporized active ingredient of the disinfecting water can be deposited throughout bathroom 1, even during the time after the disinfecting water has finished being discharged.

[0111] If disinfectant water is continuously sprayed, the disinfectant water density (defined as "disinfectant water concentration" or "amount of disinfectant water that can dissolve in the air") near the disinfectant water spray area will become saturated. This will result in a decrease in the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant water. To solve this problem, in this embodiment, disinfectant water is discharged intermittently, i.e., disinfectant water OFF periods (periods during which disinfectant water is not sprayed) are periodically provided. During these disinfectant water OFF periods, saturated or nearly saturated air near the disinfectant water spray area is replaced, thereby preventing a decrease in the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant water. As a result, this embodiment allows disinfectant water to be distributed throughout the bathroom without spraying an unnecessarily large amount of disinfectant water. In addition, by intermittently discharging disinfectant water, disinfectant water can be saved compared to continuous spraying, and further, electrode wear in the disinfectant water generating device and power consumption can be reduced.

[0112] In the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, the control device 30 controls the bathroom drying device 26 so that the third circulating air volume by the bathroom drying device 28 is greater than the second circulating air volume during the disinfectant water OFF time when the nozzle portion 32 of the water discharge device 22 is intermittently spraying disinfectant water. This makes it easier to replace saturated or nearly saturated air near the disinfectant water spray area even in a short time, and more effectively prevents a decrease in the evaporation efficiency of the disinfectant water.

[0113] In the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, the control device 30 circulates the air in the bathroom 1 after the nozzle portion 32 of the water discharge device 22 discharges the disinfectant water, and then controls the bathroom drying device 26 to ventilate the bathroom 1, thereby preventing an increase in humidity due to disinfectant water remaining in the bathroom 1 and suppressing mold stains.

[0114] Fifth, in the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, the control device 30 controls the bathroom drying device 26 and the nozzle part 32 of the water discharge device 22 so that disinfectant water is discharged while circulating air during a first predetermined time, and further controls the bathroom drying device 26 and the nozzle part 32 of the water discharge device 22 so that, after initially discharging disinfectant water, air is circulated without discharging disinfectant water during a second predetermined time.Therefore, any active ingredients remaining in the bathroom 1 after the disinfectant water is sprayed can be distributed throughout the bathroom 1, and the active ingredients of the disinfectant water can be distributed efficiently throughout the bathroom even with a small amount of disinfectant water without spraying disinfectant water unnecessarily.

[0115] In the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, the control device 30 controls the bathroom drying device 26 and the nozzle portion 32 of the water discharge device 22 so that the second predetermined time (the time during which air is circulated without discharging disinfectant water after the initial discharge of disinfectant water) is longer than the first predetermined time (the time during which disinfectant water is discharged while circulating air). This allows the time for circulating disinfectant water to be longer than the time for discharging disinfectant water, and as a result, the active ingredient can be adhered to the entire bathroom over time without spraying an unnecessarily large amount of disinfectant water, allowing the active ingredient to be adhered to every corner of the bathroom 1 and suppressing bacterial and mold stains.

[0116] In the bathroom system 20 of this embodiment, the control device 30 discharges disinfectant water from the nozzle portion 32 of the water discharge device 22, then circulates the air in the bathroom 1, and then controls the bathroom drying device 26 to ventilate the bathroom 1, thereby preventing an increase in humidity due to disinfectant water remaining in the bathroom 1 and suppressing mold stains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1 bathroom 10 Bathtub 12 Washing area floor 14 Drain 16 Counter (windbreak) 20 Bathroom System 22 Water discharge device 26 Bathroom drying equipment 30 Control device 32 Nozzle section 48 Sterilized water generation section 58 Nozzle opening for stagnant water 60 Nozzle opening for disinfecting water 74 fans 76 Exhaust damper 78 Heater 79 Outlet 80 louvers 80a feather 80b Electric motor

Claims

1. A bathroom system for disinfecting a bathroom, a disinfecting water device having a disinfecting water discharge unit that discharges disinfecting water in the form of a spray into the bathroom; a circulation device that performs a circulation operation of sucking in air in the bathroom and discharging the sucked air into the bathroom to circulate the air in the bathroom and vaporize the sterilizing water; A control unit that controls the sterilized water device and the circulation device, The disinfecting water discharge unit of the disinfecting water device sprays disinfecting water so that the disinfecting water spreads in the vertical direction onto the surface of the bathroom washing area floor in a vertical plate shape, A bathroom system characterized in that the control unit controls the circulation device so that the air discharged into the bathroom by the circulation device hits the side of the disinfecting water sprayed in the vertical plate shape.

2. The bathroom system of claim 1, wherein the disinfectant water discharge section of the disinfectant water device sprays disinfectant water in a vertical plate shape so that it moves along the surface of the bathroom washing area floor, and the control section controls the circulation device so that a state in which air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape, and a state in which air discharged from the circulation device into the bathroom hits the surface of the washing area floor, bounces off, and hits the side of the disinfectant water sprayed in a vertical plate shape are repeated.

3. The bathroom system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the circulation device so that the circulation device continues its circulating operation even after the disinfecting water discharge unit of the disinfecting water device has finished spraying disinfecting water.

4. A bathroom system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a windbreak section that prevents the sterilizing water immediately after being discharged from the sterilizing water discharge section of the sterilizing water device from directly coming into contact with the air discharged into the bathroom from the circulation device.

Images