Electric drain plug device

Abstract

To provide an electrically-driven drain plug device capable of being actuated even if not touched by a user with a hand, in which action detecting means can be installed at any place where short-distance wireless communication with a control unit is possible.SOLUTION: An electrically-driven drain plug device includes: action detecting means 3 that detects a predetermined action and transmits drive information as a transmission signal that can be communicated wirelessly; an electrically driving section 4 that opens / closes a plug of a drainage port 11 in response to a control signal; and a control section 2 that receives the transmission signal wirelessly transmitted from the action detecting means 3 and outputs the control signal for controlling actuation of the electrically driving section 4 in response to the drive information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a remotely controlled electric drain valve device that is installed at the drain outlet of equipment such as a kitchen sink, a bathroom bathtub, or a washbasin, and that opens and closes the drain outlet. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric drain plug device that includes a water heater that supplies hot water to a bathtub, an electric operating unit that remotely controls the water heater, and an electric drain plug device that electrically opens and closes the valve body of the bathtub drain outlet, with the electric operating unit in the bathroom having a transmitter that transmits a signal to operate the drain plug device, and the signal from the transmitter is received by a receiver to operate the drain plug device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-49467 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Drain plug devices, which allow users to remotely operate the drain, use a release wire as a power transmission between the operating unit and the valve body of the drain. Operating the operating unit activates the release wire, which moves the valve body inside the drain up and down to open and close the drain valve. In addition to manual drain plug devices, electric drain plug devices that use an electric drive are also well known. The electric operating unit of these electric drain plug devices is fixedly attached to the bathroom wall or sink, while the drive unit and control unit of the electric drain plug device are located inside various equipment cabinets or aprons. Therefore, a wired connection from the electric operating unit to the drive unit or control unit of the drain plug device requires drilling wiring holes in the bathroom wall or the washbasin basin or other equipment. Furthermore, connecting the operating unit and control unit via a wire restricts the layout of the operating unit, limiting its placement within a fixed area and limiting the user's ability to operate it from any location.

[0005] To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infections, if an infected person covers their nose or sneeze with their hand and then touches the operating handles of various plumbing devices such as faucets and drain stoppers, the virus will be transferred to them. If other people touch the operating handles, the virus will be transferred to their hands, and if they then touch their mouths or noses with their hands, they may become infected through their mucous membranes. In particular, since operating handles for faucets and drain stoppers are touched by a large number of unspecified users, there is a risk that the virus will be transferred to the hands of users.

[0006] In the electric drain plug shown in Patent Document 1, the drain plug is opened and closed by remote wireless control, but because the control unit is fixed to the wall, the user cannot freely change the layout of the control unit.In addition, if the user wants to open or close the drain plug of the drain outlet at will, the user must manually operate the electric control unit to give instructions to open or close the plug, which means that the user ultimately has to directly touch the electric control unit of the drain plug device.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an electric drain plug device that allows the user to operate the drain plug device without touching it with their hands, and further, allows the operation detection means to be installed in any location where short-range wireless communication with the control unit is possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The electric drain plug device of the present invention comprises: an operation detection means 3 that detects a predetermined operation and transmits drive information as a transmission signal that can be wirelessly communicated; an electric drive unit 4 that opens / closes the drain outlet 11 in response to a control signal; and a control unit 2 that receives the transmission signal wirelessly transmitted from the operation detection means 3 and outputs the control signal that controls the operation of the electric drive unit 4 in response to the drive information. The motion detection means 3 has a non-contact sensor, and the motion detection means 3 transmits the transmission signal by detecting a predetermined motion for a predetermined period of time. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The electric drain plug device of the present invention allows the user to open / close the drain outlet of the electric drain plug device by performing a predetermined action without touching the action detection means 3. Furthermore, since the transmission signals between the motion detection means 3 and the control unit 2 are wirelessly transmitted, the user can place the motion detection means 3 at any location within the range where wireless communication is possible, thereby expanding the range of layout options for installing the motion detection means 3. Furthermore, because the transmission signals between the operation detection means 3 and the control unit 2 are wirelessly communicated, there is no need to drill holes for wiring in the tank body, cabinet 12, apron 13, or wall, making it possible to install the electric drain plug device without the need for special construction work, etc. Furthermore, because this allows the operation detection means 3 to be easily installed without drilling holes in the tank body 1, it is possible to retrofit the electric drain plug device to an existing drain pipe 6. Furthermore, since the user can freely select between operating the manual operation unit 7 of the manual drain plug device and operating the electric drive unit 4 of the electric drain plug device, the user can select the manual operation unit 7 in the event of a failure in electrical components such as the electric drive unit 4, the motion detection means 3, or the control unit 2, or during a power outage or maintenance, thereby opening and closing the drain outlet 11 without relying on electricity. Conversely, when the manual drain plug device breaks down or during maintenance, the electric drive unit 4 can be operated to open and close the drain outlet 11 electrically without manual intervention. Furthermore, if the motion detection means 3 is a non-contact sensor, no force needs to be applied to operate it. Therefore, the motion detection means 3 does not need to be firmly attached, and can be easily attached by simply placing it on the tank body 1 or storage stand 15, or by simply fastening it to a wall. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a washbasin equipped with an electric drain valve device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the vicinity of a bathtub in a bathroom equipped with an electric drain plug device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric drain plug device in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a mounting portion of an electric drive unit of the electric drain plug device in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interior of a bathroom in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric drain plug device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the state in which the electric drive unit of the electric drain plug device in FIG. 6 has been removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electric drain plug device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electric drain plug device of this embodiment is used as a drain plug device for a washbasin shown in Figure 1. The washbasin is composed of a cabinet 12 and a tub body 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the washbasin includes a cabinet 12, a tub body 1 (washbowl), and an electric drain valve device. The cabinet 12 is formed in a box shape and is placed on the floor. Inside the cabinet 12, a storage section for storing items is formed. The tank body 1 is mounted on a cabinet 12. The tank body 1 is provided with a drain port 11 at the bottom, which is an opening for draining wastewater into a sewer pipe. In this embodiment, a spout tap mounting surface 121 is formed on the top surface of the cabinet 12. In this embodiment, the spout tap mounting surface 121 on which the spout tap 16 is mounted is formed on the top surface of the cabinet 12, but it may also be formed on the top surface of the tank body 1, for example. The object on which the spout tap 16 is mounted is not limited to a washbasin, and may be, for example, a kitchen counter. When the spout tap 16 is mounted on a kitchen counter, the spout tap 16 is mounted, for example, on the counter that forms the top surface of the kitchen counter, or near the sink.

[0013] The drain pipe 6 is a pipe for discharging wastewater generated in the tank body 1 into the sewer, and is disposed inside the cabinet 12. One end of the drain pipe 6 is connected to the drain outlet 11 of the tank body 1, and the other end is connected to a sewer pipe (not shown). In this embodiment, a conventionally known drain trap 61 is provided midway along the drain pipe 6. This drain trap 61 is made up of a pipe bent into a U-shape and is provided with a water seal that stores a portion of the wastewater inside. As the drain trap 61 is provided with a water seal inside, it has the function of preventing odors and pests from the sewer from flowing back into the room.

[0014] The water outlet faucet 16 switches water on and off. The water outlet faucet 16 may be electrically controlled to release or stop water, or the user may manually operate the water outlet faucet 16. The water outlet faucet 16 also includes a water outlet 162 for discharging water, a water supply pipe 163 for supplying water to the water outlet 162, and a handle 161 for changing the flow rate and temperature of water discharged from the water outlet 162. The user can change the flow rate and temperature of the water discharged by operating the handle 161. For example, the user can control the water discharge / stop and the water discharge flow rate by moving the handle 161 up and down, and can adjust the temperature of the water discharged by rotating the handle 161 left and right. The end of the water outlet 162 is positioned so that it protrudes into the interior of the tank body 1, so the water discharged from the water outlet 162 is discharged into the interior of the tank body 1.

[0015] The electric drain plug device comprises a motion detection means 3, an electric drive unit 4, and a control unit 2. It switches between opening and closing the drain outlet 11 of the tank body 1 based on the detection results of the motion detection means 3. The opening and closing of the drain outlet 11 is controlled by the control unit 2 provided inside the cabinet 12. As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve element 5 is provided inside the drain outlet 11 formed at the bottom of the tank body 1 and includes the valve element 5 for opening and closing the drain outlet 11, a drain pipe 6 connected to the drain outlet 11, and an electric drive unit 4 for moving the valve element 5 up and down. The electric drive unit 4 is activated upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 2, and moves the valve element 5 up and down using an electric drive means such as a motor. The control unit 2 is disposed and attached near the electric drive unit 4 inside the cabinet 12. When the valve disc 5 rises, the drain outlet 11 and the valve disc 5 separate, opening the drain outlet 11, and when the valve disc 5 descends, the valve disc 5 seats on the drain outlet 11, closing the drain outlet 11. Although a manual operation unit for the valve disc 5 is not configured in this embodiment, a manual operation unit may be configured as appropriate. If a manual operation unit is configured, in the event of a failure of electrical components such as the electric drive unit 4, the motion detection means 3, or the control unit 2, the user can operate the manual operation unit to independently open / close the drain outlet 11 without relying on electricity.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , the motion detection means 3 is attached to the wall using double-sided tape, magnets, hooks, or the like, allowing the user to customize its layout. While the motion detection means 3 is mounted on the wall in this embodiment, it is not limited to the wall. It may be mounted on the inner or outer periphery of the tank body 1, or on the tap mounting surface 121 of the tank body 1 or cabinet 12. Furthermore, if the motion detection means 3 is mounted somewhere other than the tank body 1, there is no need to drill a wiring hole in the tank body 1. In this embodiment, the motion detection means 3 includes a wireless transmitter (not shown) that detects a predetermined user action, such as an intended opening of the drain valve, and transmits drive information for opening the electric drain valve to the control unit as a transmission signal via short-range wireless communication. This wireless communication is, for example, short-range wireless communication compliant with communication standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). Wireless communication can also be performed via a specific cloud service on the Internet using a smart speaker or the like. Furthermore, the transmission signal sent from the motion detection means 3 can be sent to the control unit 2 for wireless communication, but because communication between the control unit 2 and the motion detection means 3 is wireless, there is no need to drill holes for wiring in the tank body 1, cabinet 12, or wall to wire the communication means to the tank body 1. Furthermore, the motion detection means 3 can be installed anywhere the user desires within a range where short-range wireless communication is possible, so the motion detection means 3 can be set by the user as appropriate. Furthermore, the motion detection means 3 of this embodiment has a non-contact sensor, which allows the user to operate the electric drain plug device without directly touching the motion detection means 3 or the manual operation unit 7. The motion detection means 3 can be powered by a dry cell battery, a small solar panel, or the like, in addition to being powered from an outlet or the like.

[0017] The control unit 2 is disposed inside the cabinet 12 of the washbasin as shown in FIG. 1, and includes a power plug (not shown) to be connected to a power source, and a wireless receiving unit (not shown) that receives a transmission signal wirelessly transmitted from the motion detection means 3. The control unit 2 is also capable of wireless communication with the motion detection means 3. The control unit 2 receives a transmission signal wirelessly transmitted from the motion detection means 3 based on the detection result of the motion detection means 3, and outputs a control signal that controls the operation of the electric drive unit 4 in accordance with the information, thereby controlling the opening / closing of the drain outlet 11. Note that, although in this embodiment, the control unit 2 and the electric drive unit 4 communicate via a wired connection, the control unit 2 and the electric drive unit 4 may also communicate wirelessly. Furthermore, the control unit 2 is capable of wireless communication with the operation detection means 3. The control unit 2 receives a transmission signal wirelessly transmitted by the operation detection means 3, and transmits a control signal corresponding to drive information intended to open / close the drain outlet 11, which is included in the transmission signal, to the electric drive unit 4, thereby controlling the opening / closing of the drain outlet 11. Note that, in this embodiment, the control unit 2 and the electric drive unit 4 communicate with each other via a wire, but the control unit 2 and the electric drive unit 4 may also communicate with each other wirelessly.

[0018] The control of the electric drain plug device will now be described in detail. When drain outlet 11 is in a closed state, and motion detection means 3 detects a predetermined motion intended to open the drain, control unit 2 causes the wireless transmission unit of motion detection means 3 to transmit drive information for opening drain outlet 11 as a transmission signal to control unit 2 via wireless communication. Upon receiving the transmission signal, control unit 2 outputs a control signal to electric drive unit 4 to lift valve element 5. Upon receiving this control signal, electric drive unit 4 performs an operation to lift valve element 5, thereby opening drain outlet 11. Note that when the drain is opened in this way, control unit 2 maintains the open state until motion detection means 3 again detects a predetermined motion intended to close the drain. Furthermore, when the control unit 2 detects a predetermined action intended to close the drain outlet 11 using the action detection means 3 in the open state, the wireless transmission unit of the action detection means 3 transmits drive information for closing the drain outlet 11 as a transmission signal to the control unit 2 via wireless communication. Upon receiving the transmission signal, the control unit 2 outputs a control signal to the electric drive unit 4 to lower the valve body 5. Upon receiving this control signal, the electric drive unit 4 executes an operation to lower the valve body 5, thereby closing the drain outlet 11. That is, in this embodiment, the control unit 2 controls the switching between raising or lowering (opening / closing) of the valve body 5 based on the detection result of the action detection means 3.

[0019] Furthermore, the motion detection means 3 controls the electric drain plug device when it detects a predetermined action by the user. In this embodiment, for example, a transmission signal is output only when the user holds their hand over the motion detection means 3 for five seconds or more. When the user does not intend to do so, the motion detection means 3 does not send a transmission signal of drive information, and therefore the drain outlet 11 is not opened or closed. This prevents the drain outlet 11 from being accidentally opened and the water stored in the tank body 1 from being drained. Note that, while this embodiment employs a means of holding a hand over the motion detection means 3 for five seconds or more as a method of preventing false detection, the detection by the motion detection means 3 is not limited to the above, as long as it is possible to prevent the detection of a user's action when the user does not intend to do so.

[0020] To open drain 11, the user holds their hand over motion detection means 3 for at least five seconds. This causes motion detection means 3 to detect a predetermined user action, and the wireless transmitter of motion detection means 3 transmits drive information for opening / closing drain 11 as a transmission signal via wireless communication. The wireless receiver of control unit 2 located in cabinet 12 receives the transmission signal, and control unit 2 outputs a control signal to electric drive unit 4 via wired communication to control the operation of electric drive unit 4 to open drain 11. Upon receiving the control signal to open drain 11, electric drive unit 4 lifts valve body 5 inside drain 11, opening drain 11. To close drain 11, the user performs the predetermined action of holding their hand over motion detection means 3 for at least five seconds, just as when opening drain 11. As a result, the predetermined action is detected by the action detection means 3, a transmission signal for drive information to open / close drain outlet 11 is output by wireless communication from the wireless transmitting unit of the action detection means 3, the transmission signal is received by the wireless receiving unit of the control unit 2 located in the cabinet 12, and the control unit 2 transmits a control signal to the electric drive unit 4 via a wired transmission path to control the operation of the electric drive unit and close drain outlet 11. Having received the control signal to close drain outlet 11, the electric drive unit 4 raises the valve body 5 inside drain outlet 11, closing drain outlet 11. The electric drain plug device of the present invention operates as described above.

[0021] The electric drain plug device of the first embodiment described above can open / close drain outlet 11 by detecting a predetermined user action via motion detection means 3, allowing the user to open / close drain outlet 11 without directly touching motion detection means 3. Furthermore, by using wireless communication between motion detection means 3 and control unit 2, there is no need to drill a hole for wiring in the wall on which motion detection means 3 is mounted or in sink tub 1 or cabinet 12. This allows the user to retrofit the electric drain plug device of the present invention to a drain outlet to which an existing drain plug device has been installed, at their discretion. Furthermore, by using short-range wireless communication for the signal transmitted between motion detection means 3 and control unit 2, the motion detection means 3 can be positioned within a range where short-range wireless communication is possible, allowing the motion detection means 3 to be installed anywhere the user desires. Furthermore, the motion detection means 3 can be freely moved within a range where short-range wireless communication with control unit 2 is possible, improving the layout flexibility of motion detection means 3.

[0022] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The electric drain plug device of this embodiment is used as a drain plug device for a bathtub in a bathroom, as shown in Figures 2 to 5. The bathroom is composed of an apron 13, a bathtub body 1, a washing area 14, and a storage stand 15, as shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the bathroom is equipped with an apron 13, a tub body 1 (bathtub), a washing area 14, a storage stand 15, and an electric drain valve device. Apron 13 is a panel that watertightly covers the area from the top of tub 1 to the floor of the washing area, and is configured to separate the washing area 14 space in the bathroom from the space behind the apron. Apron 13 is also detachable by the user, and the user can remove it as needed for cleaning, etc. However, because apron 13 is large and difficult to handle, users do not attach or remove it frequently, but rather attach and remove it a few times a year for cleaning and maintenance. The tank body 1 is a box-shaped bathtub that is installed in a bathroom. The tank body 1 has a drain outlet 11 at the bottom, which is an opening for draining wastewater into a sewer pipe. The washing area 14 is a space outside the bathtub in the bathroom where the user washes, and has an opening at the bottom for drainage. The storage stand 15 is a stand constructed on the wall of the washing area 14 in the bathroom, and is a stand for placing small items such as a wash tub when the user washes in the washing area 14.

[0024] The drain plug device is equipped with a manual drain plug device that manually plugs / closes the drain. This manual drain plug device connects a manual operation unit 7 configured on the top surface of the tank body 1 and the valve body 5 of the drain outlet 11 with a release wire as a power transmission member 71, and operation of the manual operation unit 7 activates the release wire, causing the valve body 5 in the drain outlet 11 to move up and down, thereby opening / closing the drain outlet 11. By configuring this manual operation unit 7, if electrical components such as the electric drive unit 4, motion detection means 3, and control unit 2 fail, the user can operate the manual operation unit 7 to independently open / close the drain outlet 11 without relying on electricity.

[0025] The electric drain plug device comprises an operation detection means 3, an electric drive unit 4, and a control unit 2, and is a device that switches between opening and closing the drain outlet 11 of the tank body 1 based on the detection results of the operation detection means 3. The opening and closing of the drain outlet 11 is controlled by the control unit 2 that is provided in the internal space sealed by an apron 13. In this embodiment, the electric drive unit 4 and the control unit 2 are configured as an integrated unit. 3 and 4, the electric drive unit 4, which is integrally configured with the control unit 2, has mounting portions 41 at its upstream and downstream ends that can be attached to an existing drain pipe 6. In this embodiment, a female screw nut that is non-detachably attached to the upstream end of the electric drive unit 4 constitutes the mounting portion 41A, and a male screw is threaded into the downstream end of the electric drive unit 4 as mounting portion 41B. Furthermore, a male screw that threads into the mounting portion 41A at the upstream end of the electric drive unit 4 is configured as the mounted portion 72A at the end of the operating power transmission member 71 of the manual operating unit 7 of the manual drain plug device, which is the existing drain pipe 6. Furthermore, a female screw nut that threads into the mounting portion 41B at the downstream end of the electric drive unit 4 is configured as the mounted portion 72B at the end of the manual operating unit 7 of the manual drain plug device. Furthermore, when the electric drive unit 4 is not attached, the female screw nut of the attachment portion 72B of the power transmission member 71 is screwed onto the male screw of the attachment portion 72A of the manual operation unit 7 to connect them. Note that in this embodiment, the attachment portion 41 and the attachment portion 72 are configured with female and male screws, but are not limited to this structure, and from the perspective of ease of attachment, a connection structure using a quick fastener or a connection structure using a snap fit may also be used. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0026] By configuring the mounting portion 41 as the electric drive unit 4, it is possible to retrofit the electric drive unit 4 to the manual operation unit 7 of the manual drain plug device, which is the existing drain pipe 6, and the mounting portion 72 of the power transmission member 71. This makes it possible to retrofit the electric drain plug device to an existing manual drain plug device without the need for special construction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the manual drain plug device and the electric drain plug device can be used together. Therefore, if either the electric drain plug device or the manual drain plug device breaks down, the user can select and use the remaining drain plug device at their own discretion. Furthermore, if the electric drain plug device does not work due to a power outage or other power problem, the user can select and operate the manual drain plug device at their own discretion to open and close the drain outlet 11.

[0027] 5, the motion detection means 3 is a portable cylindrical box that can be installed by the user as appropriate within a range where short-range communication with the control unit 2 is possible. In this embodiment, since short-range communication with the control unit 2 in the apron 13 is possible within the bathroom, the motion detection means 3 can be installed anywhere within the bathroom, and is therefore set by the user by placing it on a storage stand 15. Therefore, for example, if it is desired to prevent erroneous operation by children, the user can install the motion detection means 3 within a range where short-range communication is possible but out of reach of children.

[0028] The control unit 2 is provided in the space inside the bathroom apron 13. The control unit 2 is integrally configured with a power cord 42 having a power plug that connects to a power source, and the electric drive unit 4. Note that "integrally configured" means that the electric drive unit 4 and the control unit 2 are arranged together on a single frame. Furthermore, the control of the electric drain plug device in this embodiment is the same as in the previous embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] To open drain 11, the user holds their hand over motion detection means 3 for at least five seconds. This causes motion detection means 3 to detect a predetermined user action, and the wireless transmitter of motion detection means 3 transmits drive information for opening / closing drain 11 as a transmission signal via wireless communication. The wireless receiver of control unit 2 located in apron 13 receives the transmission signal, and control unit 2 transmits a control signal to electric drive unit 4 via wired communication to control the operation of the electric drive unit to open drain 11. Upon receiving the control signal to open drain 11, electric drive unit 4 raises valve body 5 inside drain 11, opening drain 11. To close drain 11, the user performs the predetermined action of holding their hand over motion detection means 3 for at least five seconds, just as when opening drain 11. As a result, a predetermined action is detected by the action detection means 3, a transmission signal for drive information for opening / closing drain outlet 11 is transmitted via wireless communication from the wireless transmitting unit of the action detection means 3, the transmitted signal is received by the wireless receiving unit of the control unit 2 located in the cabinet 12, and the control unit 2 outputs a control signal to the electric drive unit 4 via wired communication to control the operation of the electric drive unit and close drain outlet 11. Having received the control signal for closing drain outlet 11, the electric drive unit 4 raises the valve body 5 inside drain outlet 11, thereby closing drain outlet 11. The electric drain plug device of the present invention operates as described above.

[0030] The electric drain plug device of the second embodiment described above can open / close drain outlet 11 by detecting a predetermined user action using the motion detection means, allowing the user to open / close drain outlet 11 without directly touching motion detection means 3. Furthermore, by using wireless communication between motion detection means 3 and control unit 2, there is no need to drill holes for wiring in the wall on which motion detection means 3 is mounted or in the bathroom tub 1 or apron 13. This allows the user to retrofit the electric drain plug device of the present invention to a drain outlet already equipped with an existing drain plug device. Furthermore, by using short-range wireless communication to transmit signals between motion detection means 3 and control unit 2, the motion detection means 3 can be positioned within a range where short-range wireless communication is possible, allowing the motion detection means 3 to be installed anywhere the user desires. Furthermore, the motion detection means 3 can be freely moved within a range where short-range communication with control unit 2 is possible, improving the layout flexibility of motion detection means 3.

[0031] As another embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the control unit 2 and the electric drive unit 4 can be integrally configured, and the electric drive unit 4 can be provided with an attachment portion 41 that can be attached to an existing drain pipe 6, and can be detachably attached to an attachment portion 72 of the existing drain pipe 6. In this case, power for the electric drive unit 4 is supplied by a dry cell or battery placed within the electric drive unit 4. With this configuration, the electric drive unit 4 can be easily retrofitted to an existing drain pipe 6 by the user, and can be installed at the user's discretion without the need for special construction work. Furthermore, because the motion detection means 3 and the control unit 2 communicate via short-range wireless communication, the motion detection means 3 can be installed at the user's discretion, and there is no need to drill a hole in the tank body 1 for inserting wires.

[0032] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the motion detection means 3 can be configured on the top surface of the valve body 5 provided at the drain outlet 11 of the tank body 1. With this configuration, when a user performs a predetermined action on the top surface of the valve body 5 inside the tank body 1, the drain outlet can be electrically opened / closed.

[0033] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention. However, various modifications other than those described above are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the motion detection means 3 includes a non-contact sensor, but is not limited to this. For example, the motion detection means 3 may include a touch panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1 tank body 11 Drain 12 Cabinet 121 Faucet mounting surface 13 Apron 14 Washing area 15 Storage stand 16 Water Faucet 161 Handle 162 Water outlet 163 Water supply pipe 2. Control section 3. Motion detection means 4 Electric drive unit 41 Mounting part 41A Mounting part 41B Mounting part 42 power cord 5 Valve body 6 Drain pipe 61 Drain trap 7 Manual operation section 71 Power transmission components 72 Mounting part 72A Mounting part 72B Mounting part

Claims

1. a motion detection means 3 for detecting a predetermined motion and transmitting drive information as a wirelessly communicable transmission signal; an electric drive unit 4 that opens / closes the drain outlet 11 in response to a control signal; a control unit (2) that receives the transmission signal wirelessly transmitted from the operation detection means (3) and outputs the control signal that controls the operation of the electric drive unit (4) in accordance with the drive information; The motion detection means 3 has a non-contact sensor, The electric drain plug device is characterized in that the operation detection means 3 transmits the transmission signal by detecting a predetermined operation for a predetermined period of time.

2. 2. The electric drain plug device according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection means (3) can be installed in a location where short-range wireless communication with the control unit (2) is possible.

3. The tank body 1 is provided with the control unit 2 and the electric drive unit 4, 3. The electric drain plug device according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection means is provided at a location other than the tank body.

4. 4. The electric drain plug device according to claim 1, wherein the operation detection means is configured in a valve body provided in the drain outlet.

5. 5. The electric drain plug device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is arranged in the vicinity of the electric drive unit or integrally with the electric drive unit.

6. 6. The electric drain plug device according to claim 1, wherein the electric drive unit (4) is provided with a mounting portion (41) that can be mounted to an existing drain pipe (6).

7. A manual operation unit 7 is provided for opening and closing the drain outlet 11, 7. The electric drain plug device according to claim 1, wherein the electric drive unit 4 and the manual operation unit 7 can be selected to be operated.

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