Bathroom unit

Abstract

To provide a bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter having excellent design.SOLUTION: A bathroom unit 1 according to the present invention comprises a bathroom counter 14 attached to a wall surface of a bathroom, and an illuminating device 16 for illuminating a bathroom space. The bathroom counter 14 comprises: a cover member 22 having a top plate part 28 having an almost flat upper surface 28a, and a side surface part 30 having a side surface 30a extending downward from an outer peripheral edge of the top plate part; and a supporting member attached to the wall surface, and for supporting the cover member. The cover member has: a transparent layer that is transparent; and a design layer that is arranged on the back side of the transparent layer, and is opaque. The cover member 22 is constituted so that light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the upper surface 28a of the top plate part 28 is reflected by the design layer 34 and emitted from the side surface 30a of the side surface part 30, and light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the side surface 30a of the side surface part 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and emitted from the upper surface 28a of the top plate part 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathroom unit including a bathroom counter attached to a wall surface of a bathroom and a lighting device for irradiating a bathroom space.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a bathroom counter, there are known a faucet counter having a faucet for discharging hot and cold water built therein and allowing articles to be placed on its upper surface, and a washbasin counter arranged below the faucet counter and allowing a washbasin or the like to be placed on its upper surface (for example, Patent Document 1). These bathroom counters and faucet counters each include a cover member formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a top plate portion and side plate portions.

[0003] On the other hand, a kitchen counter having a top plate formed in a plate shape is known (for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). The top plate of this kitchen counter is composed of a transparent layer and a design layer adjacent to the back side of the transparent layer. The top plate composed of the transparent layer and the design layer has an advantage of good design because the transparent layer is subjected to a roughening treatment and the design layer is provided with colors, patterns, or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the cover member for the bathroom counter described in Patent Document 1 is constructed from a transparent layer and a design layer, the cover member is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a top plate portion and side portions. For example, the edges of the design layer would be formed at the corners between the top plate portion and the side portions. Since these edges of the design layer are visible from the outside through the transparent layer, there is a problem in that the aesthetic appearance of the bathroom counter is impaired.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve the aforementioned conventional problems and aims to provide a bathroom unit equipped with a bathroom counter with excellent design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter attached to the wall of a bathroom and a lighting device for illuminating the bathroom space, wherein the bathroom counter comprises a cover member having a top plate portion having a substantially flat top surface and a side portion having a side surface extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion, and a support member attached to the wall for supporting the cover member, wherein the cover member has a transparent layer which is transparent and an opaque design layer which is disposed on the back of the transparent layer, and the cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the top surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side surface of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the side surface of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the top surface of the top plate portion.

[0008] In the present invention configured as described above, light incident on the transparent layer from the top surface of the top plate and the sides of the side panels is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the top surface of the top plate and the sides of the side panels, thereby brightly illuminating the bathroom counter. This makes the edges of the design layer less noticeable, and provides a bathroom unit with a bathroom counter that is aesthetically pleasing.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the side portion has a lower end surface extending from the lower end of the side portion toward the inside of the cover member, and the cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side and lower end surfaces of the side portion, light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion and the lower end surfaces of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the lower end surface of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion and the side of the side portion. With the present invention configured in this way, light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion, the side and lower end surfaces of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion, the side and lower end surfaces of the side portion, so that the bathroom counter can be illuminated more brightly.

[0010] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the top plate portion and the side portion are integrally formed. With the present invention configured in this way, since the top plate portion and the side portion are integrally formed, light can easily pass through the transparent layer, making the bathroom counter brighter.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the top plate portion and the side portion are formed from separate materials, and the transparent layer of the top plate portion and the transparent layer of the side portion are arranged in contact or in close proximity so that light incident on the transparent layer is transmitted through it. With the present invention configured in this way, since the transparent layer of the top plate portion and the transparent layer of the side portion are arranged in contact or in close proximity so that light incident on the transparent layer is transmitted through it, even if the top plate portion and the side portion are formed from separate materials, light is more easily transmitted through the transparent layer, making the bathroom counter brighter.

[0012] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the lower end surface of the side portion is inclined downward toward the inside of the cover member. With the present invention configured in this way, since the lower end surface of the side portion is inclined downward toward the inside of the cover member, more light can be incident on the transparent layer from the lower end surface, making the bathroom counter light up more brightly.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, the lower end surface of the side portion is curved in an arc shape toward the outside of the cover member. With the present invention configured in this way, since the lower end surface of the side portion is curved in an arc shape toward the outside of the cover member, light incident from the lower end surface can be scattered, making the bathroom counter brighter.

[0014] Furthermore, in the present invention, preferably, the surface of the transparent layer on the top plate and the surface of the transparent layer on the side are subjected to a roughening treatment. With the present invention configured in this way, since the surface of the transparent layer on the top plate and the surface of the transparent layer on the side are subjected to a roughening treatment, light is diffusely reflected as it passes through the roughened surface, making the bathroom counter brighter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the bathroom unit of the present invention, it is possible to provide a bathroom unit equipped with a bathroom counter that has excellent design. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view of the bathroom counter of a bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a right side view of the bathroom counter of a bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the bathroom counter of a bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical path of light when light is incident from the upper surface of the countertop of the bathroom counter in the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B]It is a schematic diagram for explaining the optical path of light when light is incident from the side surface of the side surface of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the optical path of light when light is incident from the lower end surface of the side surface of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an image of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit shining according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Hereinafter, the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the bathroom unit 1 provided with the bathroom counter according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present specification, when the user is facing the front of the bathroom counter, the front side is defined as "front", the back side as "rear", the upper side as "upper", the lower side as "lower", the right side as "right", and the left side as "left". Also, when the user looks at the bathroom counter, the surface that the user can visually recognize is defined as the "front surface", and the surface that the user cannot visually recognize is defined as the "back surface". Further, the outside of the outer peripheral edge of the bathroom counter is defined as "outside", and the inside of the outer peripheral edge of the bathroom counter is defined as "inside".

[0018] The bathroom unit 1 comprises a floor surface 2, multiple wall surfaces 4 extending vertically from the floor surface 2, and a ceiling surface 6 extending horizontally from the upper ends of the wall surfaces 4. The bathroom unit 1 is a so-called unit bath, and the bathroom space is formed by the wall surfaces 4, the floor surface 2, and the ceiling surface 6. A bathtub 8 is provided on the floor surface 2, and a washing area 10 is provided adjacent to the bathtub 8. A mirror 12 is attached to the wall surface 4 of the washing area 10, and a bathroom counter 14 is attached below the mirror 12. In addition, multiple lighting devices 16 that illuminate the bathroom space are provided on the ceiling surface 6.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the bathroom counter 14 consists of, for example, a faucet counter 18 and a washbasin counter 20. The faucet counter 18 is equipped with a faucet that dispenses hot and cold water, and is a counter for placing shampoo bottles, soap, etc. The washbasin counter 20 is a counter for placing a washbasin, etc. The washbasin counter 20 is positioned below the faucet counter 18, and by placing the washbasin on the washbasin counter 20, the hot and cold water dispensed from the faucet can be received in the washbasin. In this embodiment, the bathroom counter is provided with both a faucet counter 18 and a washbasin counter 20, but it is not limited to this, and only one of the faucet counter 18 or the washbasin counter 20 may be provided, or a counter other than the faucet counter 18 and the washbasin counter 20 may be provided.

[0020] The lighting fixtures 16 are so-called downlights. The lighting fixtures 16 are installed at multiple locations on the ceiling surface 6 and are designed to emit light downwards. At least one of the multiple lighting fixtures 16 is positioned to illuminate the bathroom counter 14 and the washing area 10 in front of the bathroom counter 14.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, a portion of the light emitted from the lighting device 16 is directed onto the washbasin counter 20 from above (see symbol A in Figure 1). In addition, a portion of the light emitted from the lighting device 16 is reflected by the wall surface 4 and then indirectly incident onto the washbasin counter 20 from the side (see symbol B in Figure 1). Furthermore, a portion of the light emitted from the lighting device 16 is reflected by the floor surface 2 and then indirectly incident onto the washbasin counter 20 from below (see symbol C in Figure 1).

[0022] Next, the bathroom counter 14 of the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 is a front view of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a right side view of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a top view of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along VV in Figure 4.

[0023] The washbasin counter 20 is a counter for placing washbasins and the like, and is set at a height that is easy for a user seated in the washing area 10 to use. The washbasin counter 20 includes a shelf-shaped cover member 22, a support member 24 attached to the wall 4 to support the cover member 22, and an auxiliary cover member 26 to cover the exposed rear portion of the support member 24.

[0024] The cover member 22 is made of resin and is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cover member 22 comprises a top plate portion 28 having a substantially flat upper surface 28a and a side portion 30 having a side surface 30a extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 28. The top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30 are formed integrally and continuously. The top plate portion 28 has an upper surface 28a that extends horizontally, allowing a washbasin or the like to be placed on this upper surface 28a.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30 are composed of two layers: a transparent layer 32 which is colorless and transparent, and a colored and opaque design layer 34. The transparent layer 32 and the design layer 34 are formed integrally by two-color molding (double molding). In the embodiments of the present invention, "transparent" is not limited to being completely transparent, but is sufficient if the design (shape, pattern, or color, or combination thereof) of the design layer 34, which is placed on the back side of the transparent layer 32, is visible from the front side of the transparent layer 32, for example, if the transmittance is 85% or more. On the other hand, "opaque" is not limited to being completely opaque, but is sufficient if the design of the design layer 34 is colored to the extent that it is recognizable.

[0026] The transparent layer 32 is provided on the entire front surface of the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30. The thickness of the transparent layer 32 is set to, for example, 3 to 10 mm, more preferably 4 to 5 mm. The design layer 34 is provided adjacent to the transparent layer 32 on the entire back surface of the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30. The thickness of the design layer 34 is set to be smaller than that of the transparent layer 32. Patterns and colors applied to the design layer 34 are visible from the outside through the transparent layer 32. The transparent layer 32 is preferably a molded article whose main component is resin. The main component is preferably 50% by mass or more of resin in the resin molded article, and more preferably 60% by mass or more. Either a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin can be used as the resin. When the resin molded article is large and high strength and heat resistance are required, it is preferable to use a thermosetting resin. On the other hand, when the resin molded article is small and has a complex shape, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin. As a thermosetting resin, one or more can be selected from urea resin, melamine resin, phenolic resin, unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin, and silicon resin. As a thermoplastic resin, one or more can be selected from polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), polyacetal resin (POM), polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT), polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), polystyrene resin (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET), polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA), polyamide resin (PA), polyether ether ketone resin (PEEK), polytrimethylene terephthalate resin (PTT), polycarbonate resin (PC), and polytetrafluoroethylene tetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE). In the present invention, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin as the resin. More preferably, the resin used is one or more selected from PP, PE, POM, PBT, PVC, ABS, PPS, PET, PMMA, PA, and PC. Of these, one or more selected from PP, POM, PBT, ABS, and PMMA are even more preferred.

[0027] The surfaces of the transparent layer 32 on the top plate portion 28 and the transparent layer 32 on the side portions 30 are roughened to create a matte texture. This causes light incident on the transparent layer 32 to be diffusely reflected, making the edges of the design layer 34 less noticeable from the outside. Roughening methods include, for example, methods using textured processing such as mold transfer, polishing methods such as shot blasting and sandpaper grinding, chemical treatments such as frosting (shot blasting and hydrofluoric acid treatment) and etching, physical treatments such as plasma treatment and laser treatment, and coating treatments such as matte paint. In this embodiment, a method of providing a surface layer by coating treatment such as painting is preferred. Specifically, it is preferable to form the surface layer by spray painting, spin coating, etc., with a paint containing acrylic particles in an acrylic resin which is the main component of the surface layer, and then curing it. In this case, it is preferable that the surface of the surface layer is exposed to the surface of the cured acrylic resin. As a result, light irradiated onto the surface layer from lighting fixtures, etc., is diffusely reflected as it passes through the surface, making the bathroom counter brighter. Furthermore, hydrophilicity may be imparted to the surface layer. As a method for imparting hydrophilicity to the surface, it is preferable to include hydrophilic functional groups in the surface layer. It is preferable to include anionic functional groups as the hydrophilic functional groups. As anionic functional groups, one or more can be selected from sulfonic acid groups, carboxyl groups, and phosphate groups. It is preferable for the hydrophilic surface layer to contain sulfonic acid groups. This makes it possible to further enhance the hydrophilicity of the surface layer.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the transparent layer 32 has an inclined surface 36 formed at the corner between the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30, which slopes downward toward the outside (front side) of the cover member 22. The inclined surface 36 is a nearly flat surface and is provided around the entire circumference of the outer edge of the top plate portion 28 on the front side. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 36 is set in the range of 30 to 50 degrees relative to the horizontal direction, and the width in the inclination direction is set in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0029] The design layer 34 has a curved portion 38 formed at the corner between the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30, which curves in an arc shape with a predetermined radius of curvature toward the outside (front side) of the cover member 22. The curved portion 38 is provided around the entire outer edge of the back side of the top plate portion 28. The curved portion 38 is positioned to overlap with the area obtained by projecting the inclined surface 36 perpendicular to the inclined surface 36. As a result, when the cover member 22 is viewed from above, the edge of the design layer 34 at the corner between the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30 is not visible from the outside.

[0030] The upper end 36a of the inclined surface 36 is positioned outside the upper end 38a of the curved portion 38 and inside the lower end 38b of the curved portion 38. The lower end 36b of the inclined surface 36 is positioned outside both the upper end 38a and the lower end 38b of the curved portion 38. As a result, the inclined surface 36 and the curved portion 38 overlap in a plan view, so that the edges of the design layer 34 at the corner between the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30 are not visible from the outside.

[0031] The side portion 30 has a lower end surface 40 that extends from its lower end to the inside (back side) of the cover member 22. The lower end surface 40 is inclined downward toward the inside of the cover member 22. The lower end surface 40 is a nearly flat surface and is provided around the entire circumference of the lower end of the side portion 30. The inclination angle of the lower end surface 40, which is inclined downward with respect to the horizontal direction, is set in the range of 30 to 50 degrees, and the width in the inclination direction is set in the range of 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0032] The support member 24 is attached to the wall surface 4 and is configured to support the cover member 22. The support member 24 has a plurality of metal fixing frames (not shown) inside. The rear end of each fixing frame is attached to the wall surface 4, and the cover member 22 is placed on the upper surface of each fixing frame. The support member 24 fixes the cover member 22 at a predetermined distance from the wall surface 4, so that the cover member 22 appears to be floating. An auxiliary cover member 26 is placed between the cover member 22 and the wall surface 4, and this auxiliary cover member 26 covers the exposed rear portion of the support member 24. In this embodiment, the bathroom counter is equipped with an auxiliary cover member 26, but the auxiliary cover member 26 can be omitted if necessary, and other components such as lighting fixtures can be added as needed. Also, in this embodiment, the support member of the bathroom counter is made of a metal fixing frame, but a resin fixing frame may also be used.

[0033] Next, the cover member 22 of the bathroom counter 14 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6A to 6C. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical path of light when light is incident from the upper surface of the top plate portion of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical path of light when light is incident from the side of the side portion of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating the optical path of light when light is incident from the lower end surface of the side portion of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 6A to 6C, solid arrows indicate incident light, and dotted arrows indicate reflected light.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6A, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 (see reference numeral a1 in Figure 6A), and is also reflected by the curved portion 38 of the design layer 34 and exits from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 (see reference numeral a2 in Figure 6A). In addition, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the inclined surface 36 of the top plate portion 28 is reflected by the curved portion 38 of the design layer 34 and exits from the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30 (see reference numeral a3 in Figure 6A). Thus, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28, as well as from the side surface 30a and the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6B, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 is reflected by the curved portion 38 of the design layer 34 and exits from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 (see reference numeral b1 in Figure 6B), as well as from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 (see reference numeral b2 in Figure 6B). In addition, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30 (see reference numeral b3 in Figure 6B). Thus, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30, as well as from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 and the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6C, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the inclined surface 36 of the top plate portion 28 (see reference numeral c1 in Figure 6C) and also exits from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 (see reference numeral c2 in Figure 6C). In this way, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the inclined surface 36 of the top plate portion 28 and the side surface 30a of the side portion 30.

[0037] Next, the effects of the bathroom counter 14 of the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention when it is illuminated. Figure 7(a) is a view of the bathroom counter from an oblique angle above when light is irradiated from above, and Figure 7(b) is a view of the bathroom counter from above when light is irradiated from above. In Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the white parts are the illuminated parts.

[0038] Referring to Figures 7(a) and 7(b), light irradiated from above toward the bathroom counter 14 enters the transparent layer 32 directly or indirectly from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28, the inclined surface 36, the side surface 30a of the side portion 30, and the lower end surface 40, and is reflected by the design layer 34, resulting in the light being emitted from the upper surface 28a, the inclined surface 36, the side surface 30a, and the lower end surface 40 of the top plate portion 28. In particular, the area near the outer edge of the top plate portion 28 is strongly illuminated (see the white areas in Figures 7(a) and 7(b)), so that the edges of the design layer 34 at the corner between the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30 are not visible from the outside.

[0039] In the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 22 is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 is reflected by the design layer 34 and emitted from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30, and light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and emitted from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28. As a result, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 and the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and emitted from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 and the side surface 30a of the side portion 30, making it possible to brightly illuminate the bathroom counter 14. This makes the edges of the design layer 34 less noticeable, and provides a bathroom unit 1 equipped with a bathroom counter 14 with excellent design.

[0040] Furthermore, in the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the side surface 30a and lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30, and light incident on the transparent layer 32 from the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 is reflected by the design layer 34 and exits from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 and the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30, and enters the transparent layer 32 from the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30. Since the light that shines on it is reflected by the design layer 34 and emitted from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28 and the side surface 30a of the side portion 30, the light that enters the transparent layer 32 from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28, the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 and the lower end surface 40 is reflected by the design layer 34 and emitted from the upper surface 28a of the top plate portion 28, the side surface 30a of the side portion 30 and the lower end surface 40, the bathroom counter 14 can be illuminated more brightly.

[0041] In the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the top plate portion 28 and the side portion 30 are integrally formed, so that light can easily pass through the transparent layer 32, and the bathroom counter 14 can be illuminated more brightly.

[0042] Furthermore, in the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the lower end surface 40 of the side portion 30 is inclined downward toward the inside of the cover member 22, so that more light can be incident on the transparent layer 32 from the lower end surface 40, and the bathroom counter 14 can be illuminated more brightly.

[0043] In the bathroom unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the transparent layer 32 of the top plate portion 28 and the surface of the transparent layer 32 of the side portion 30 are subjected to a roughening treatment. As light passes through the roughened surface, it is diffusely reflected, making the bathroom counter 14 shine brighter.

[0044] Next, the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 8. The basic configuration of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described below. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bathroom counter of a bathroom unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to Figure 5 in the first embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the cover member 122 is formed from separate members, the top plate member 128 and the side member 130.

[0046] The cover member 122 comprises a top plate member 128 having a substantially flat top surface 128a, and a side member 130 having a side surface 130a extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate member 128. Furthermore, the side member 130 comprises an upwardly inclined surface 130b that slopes upward from the upper end of the side surface 130a toward the inside (back side) of the cover member 122, and a downwardly inclined surface 130c that slopes downward from the lower end of the side surface 130a toward the inside (back side) of the cover member 122.

[0047] The top plate member 128 and the side member 130 each comprise a first transparent layer 132 and a second transparent layer 133, which are colorless and transparent, and a first design layer 134 and a second design layer 135, which are colored and opaque. The second design layer 135 of the side member 130 has a mounting portion 142 for attaching the side member 130 to the support member 124.

[0048] An opaque film 144 is provided on the upward inclined surface 130b of the side member 130. The film 144 is made of synthetic resin, is formed in the form of a thin sheet, and is adhered to the upward inclined surface 130b. As a result, the boundary between the first design layer 134 and the second design layer 135 is concealed by the film 144.

[0049] The outer (front) end of the first transparent layer 132 of the top plate member 128 and the inner (back) end of the second transparent layer 133 of the side member 130 are positioned in contact without any gaps forming. As a result, light incident on the first transparent layer 132 from the upper surface 128a of the top plate member 128 exits from the side surface 130a of the side member 130 via the second transparent layer 133 (see reference numeral d1 in Figure 8). Similarly, light incident on the second transparent layer 133 from the side surface 130a of the top plate member 128 exits from the top plate member 128 via the first transparent layer 132 (see reference numeral d2 in Figure 8). In the second embodiment of the present invention, the first transparent layer 132 of the top plate member 128 and the second transparent layer 133 of the side member 130 are arranged in contact with each other. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the first transparent layer 132 of the top plate member 128 and the second transparent layer 133 of the side member 130 may be placed close together, for example, about 1 to 5 mm apart, as long as light incident on the transparent layers can be transmitted.

[0050] In the bathroom unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the top plate member 128 and the side member 130 are formed from separate materials, and the first transparent layer 132 of the top plate member 128 and the second transparent layer 133 of the side member 130 are arranged in contact or close proximity so that light incident on the transparent layer is transmitted through them. Therefore, even when the top plate member 128 and the side member 130 are formed from separate materials, light is more easily transmitted through the transparent layer, making it possible to illuminate the bathroom counter more brightly.

[0051] Next, the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of the bathroom counter of the bathroom unit according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, so only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described below. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bathroom counter of a bathroom unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to Figure 5 in the first embodiment.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the lower end surface 240 of the side portion 230 of the cover member 222 is curved.

[0053] The lower end surface 240 of the side portion 230 of the cover member 222 is formed to curve in an arc shape with a predetermined radius of curvature toward the outside (front side) of the cover member 222. As a result, light incident on the transparent layer 232 from the lower end surface 240 of the side portion 230 passes through the curved lower end surface 240, causing the light's path to scatter and the light to exit from all directions.

[0054] In the bathroom unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the lower end surface 240 of the side portion 230 is curved in an arc shape toward the outside of the cover member 222, so that light incident from the lower end surface 240 can be scattered, making the bathroom counter brighter.

[0055] In the embodiments of the present invention, a washbasin counter 20 was described as a bathroom counter, but the faucet counter 18 also has a cover member that is configured in the same way as the cover member 22 of the washbasin counter 20 described above.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1: Bathroom unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention 2: Floor surface 4: Wall surface 6: Ceiling surface 8: Bathtub 10: Washing area 12: Mirror 14: Bathroom counter 16: Lighting equipment 18: Faucet Counter 20: Washbasin counter 22: Cover component 24: Support member 26: Auxiliary cover member 28: Top panel 28a: Top surface of the tabletop 30: Side part 30a: Side view of the side section 32: Transparent layer 34: Design layer 36: Inclined surface 38: Curved section 40: Bottom end surface 122: Cover member according to a second embodiment of the present invention 124: Support member 128: Top plate component 128a: Top surface of the top panel component 130: Side member 130a: Side of the side member 130b: Upward slope 130c: Downward slope 132: The first transparent layer 133: The second transparent layer 134: First design layer 135: The second design layer 222: Cover member according to a second embodiment of the present invention 230: Side part 232: Transparent layer 240: Bottom end surface

Claims

1. A bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter mounted on the wall of the bathroom and a lighting device that illuminates the bathroom space, The aforementioned bathroom counter is A cover member having a top plate portion having a nearly flat upper surface, and a side portion having a side surface extending downward from the outer edge of the top plate portion below the lower surface of the top plate portion, A support member attached to the wall surface for supporting the cover member, Equipped with, The cover member has a transparent layer which is transparent and an opaque design layer which is placed on the back side of the transparent layer. The cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion. A bathroom unit characterized in that the thickness of the transparent layer is set to a thickness of 3 mm or more.

2. A bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter mounted on the wall of the bathroom and a lighting device that illuminates the bathroom space, The aforementioned bathroom counter is A cover member having a top plate portion with a nearly flat top surface, a corner portion that bends downward from the outer edge of the top plate portion, and a side portion that has a side surface extending downward from this corner portion, A support member attached to the wall surface for supporting the cover member, Equipped with, The cover member has a transparent layer which is transparent and an opaque design layer which is placed on the back side of the transparent layer. The cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion. A bathroom unit characterized in that the thickness of the transparent layer is set to a thickness of 3 mm or more.

3. A bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter mounted on the wall of the bathroom and a lighting device that illuminates the bathroom space, The aforementioned bathroom counter is A cover member having a top plate portion having a nearly flat top surface, and a side portion having a side surface that extends downward from the outer edge of the top plate portion to a position that overlaps with at least a part of the support member, A support member attached to the wall surface for supporting the cover member, Equipped with, The cover member has a transparent layer which is transparent and an opaque design layer which is placed on the back side of the transparent layer. The cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion. A bathroom unit characterized in that the thickness of the transparent layer is set to a thickness of 3 mm or more.

4. A bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter mounted on the wall of the bathroom and a lighting device that illuminates the bathroom space, The aforementioned bathroom counter is A cover member having a top plate portion having a nearly flat upper surface, and a side portion having a side surface extending downward from the outer edge of the top plate portion below the lower surface of the top plate portion, A support member attached to the wall surface for supporting the cover member, Equipped with, The cover member has a transparent layer which is transparent and an opaque design layer which is placed on the back side of the transparent layer. The cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion. A bathroom unit characterized in that the thickness of the transparent layer is set to be thicker than the design layer.

5. A bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter mounted on the wall of the bathroom and a lighting device that illuminates the bathroom space, The aforementioned bathroom counter is A cover member having a top plate portion with a nearly flat top surface, a corner portion that bends downward from the outer edge of the top plate portion, and a side portion that has a side surface extending downward from this corner portion, A support member attached to the wall surface for supporting the cover member, Equipped with, The cover member has a transparent layer which is transparent and an opaque design layer which is placed on the back side of the transparent layer. The cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion. A bathroom unit characterized in that the thickness of the transparent layer is set to be thicker than the design layer.

6. A bathroom unit comprising a bathroom counter mounted on the wall of the bathroom and a lighting device that illuminates the bathroom space, The aforementioned bathroom counter is A cover member having a top plate portion having a nearly flat top surface, and a side portion having a side surface that extends downward from the outer edge of the top plate portion to a position that overlaps with at least a part of the support member, A support member attached to the wall surface for supporting the cover member, Equipped with, The cover member has a transparent layer which is transparent and an opaque design layer which is placed on the back side of the transparent layer. The cover member is configured such that light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side of the side portion, and light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion. A bathroom unit characterized in that the thickness of the transparent layer is set to be thicker than the design layer.

7. The side portion has a lower end surface that extends from the lower end of the side portion toward the inside of the cover member, The cover member is Light incident on the transparent layer from the upper surface of the top plate portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the side and lower end surfaces of the side portion, Light incident on the transparent layer from the side of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion and the lower end surface of the side portion. The bathroom unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein light incident on the transparent layer from the lower end surface of the side portion is reflected by the design layer and emitted from the upper surface of the top plate portion and the side portion.

8. The bathroom unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the top plate portion and the side portion are integrally formed.

9. The bathroom unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the top plate portion and the side portion are formed from separate members, and the transparent layer of the top plate portion and the transparent layer of the side portion are arranged in contact with or close proximity to each other so that light incident on the transparent layer is transmitted through them.

10. The bathroom unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower end surface of the side portion is inclined downward toward the inside of the cover member.

11. The bathroom unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower end surface of the side portion is curved in an arc shape toward the outside of the cover member.

12. The bathroom unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the surface of the transparent layer on the top plate and the surface of the transparent layer on the side are subjected to a roughening treatment.

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