JP2024180774A - Washbasin - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a wash stand for enabling a shower head to be arranged in the wash stand so as to jet water upward and enabling the shower head to be put in/out of a storage part.SOLUTION: A wash stand 1 is the wash stand for enabling a shower head 13 to be arranged to jet water upward. The wash stand 1 includes: the shower head 13; a water distribution pipe where one end is connected to the shower head 13 and the other end is connected to a water pipe; a storage part 12 having a storage port to store the shower head 13 and the water distribution pipe; a lid part 121 for covering the storage port; a sensor 18 and an operation part 16; a put-in/out device for allowing the shower head 13 to be put-in/out of the storage part 12 so as to be stopped; and a control part. The control part performs detection when a user operates the operation part 16 or places the hand over the sensor 18, so as to control the behavior of the put-in/out device and water quantity and temperature of the water to be jetted from the shower head 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a washbasin. In particular, the present invention relates to a washbasin that can be fitted with a shower head so that water is sprayed upward, and that can be inserted and removed from a storage compartment.

Generally, when washing your face at a washbasin, the water from the shower head of the faucet is directed downwards. Therefore, when washing your face, you have to collect water in your hands and wash your face with it. If you want to spray water directly onto your face, you pull out the shower hose from the faucet, point the shower head upwards, and hold it in one hand while spraying the water onto your face. In this case, you cannot use one hand, making it difficult to wash your face. In the past, various washbasins and shower heads have been developed to spray water directly onto the face while leaving both hands free.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washbasin that is provided with a water spout that stands in the sink recess and spouts water upwards, and also has a faucet that curves downwards. According to this invention, the face is washed with water that is directed upwards like a fountain, and the hands are washed under the faucet, which saves water when washing the face. In other words, if the water is sprayed upwards, all the water that comes out without collecting on the hands will splash onto the face, so no water is wasted and it is said to be useful for saving water.

Patent Document 2 also discloses a shower head that has an upward-facing jetting surface that sprays water upwards in addition to a downward-facing jetting surface that sprays water downwards when the shower head is attached to a washbasin. According to this invention, because the shower head has a jetting surface that sprays water upwards, there is no need to hold the shower head in an upward position with one hand when washing the face, which has the effect of making it possible to wash the face even if one hand is disabled.

Registered Utility Model No. 3009878 JP 2006-241898 A

The washbasin in Patent Document 1 and the shower head in Patent Document 2 both provide an upward water jet at the washbasin, allowing the water jet to hit the face without using hands, making face washing easy. However, in order to wash the face more efficiently, it is preferable to use a shower head with a larger jet surface area and higher water pressure.

It is conceivable to attach a shower head to the upward-facing jet of Patent Document 1, but in that case, the shower head would get in the way when using the washbasin without using the upward-facing jet (for example, when washing hands). It is also possible to change the shower head of Patent Document 2 to one with a larger jet surface area, but in that case too, it would be installed on the faucet and would get in the way. For this reason, a washbasin in which the shower head does not get in the way is desired. In particular, a washbasin in which the shower head can be moved back and forth to be inserted and removed from the washbasin's storage compartment is desired.

In consideration of the above problems, the present invention provides a washbasin in which a shower head can be installed on the washbasin so that water is sprayed upward, and the shower head can be inserted and removed from a storage compartment.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a washbasin on which a shower head can be installed so that water is sprayed upward, comprising: the shower head; a water supply pipe having one end connected to the shower head and the other end connected to a water pipe; a storage unit having a storage opening for storing the shower head and the water supply pipe; a lid for covering the storage opening; a sensor and an operating unit; an insertion/removal device for inserting and removing the shower head in and from the storage unit and stopping it; and a control unit.
The control unit controls the operation of the insertion/removal device and the amount and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head by detecting a user's operation of the operating unit or by holding a hand over the sensor.
The invention described in claim 2 is the washbasin described in claim 1, characterized in that the lid portion is one end portion of the shower head.
The invention as set forth in claim 3 is the washbasin as set forth in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a faucet.
The invention as set forth in claim 4 is the washbasin as set forth in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an airflow generating device, and the control device further controls the airflow generating device.

The washbasin of the present invention allows the shower head to be installed on the washbasin so that water is sprayed upwards, allowing the water to be sprayed directly onto the face and effectively washed without using both hands. In addition, the shower head can be inserted and removed from the storage compartment, allowing for more spacious use of the washbasin when not being used for washing the face.

1 is a perspective view of a washbasin according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2A is a plan view showing the shower head of FIG. 1 in a pulled-out state, and FIG. 2B is a plan view showing the shower head of FIG. 1 in a retracted state. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the washbasin unit of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage state of the washbasin of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation panel of the washbasin unit of FIG. 1 .

Below, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter abbreviated as an embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, common parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations of parts with the same reference numerals will be omitted.

A washbasin 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the washbasin 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 (A) is a plan view of the washbasin 1 with the shower head 13 extended, and (B) is a plan view of the washbasin 1 with the shower head 13 stored. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the washbasin 1. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing how the washbasin is used, and Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation panel of the washbasin 1. Note that the faucet 14, sensor 18, and operation panel 16 are not shown in Figure 4.

The washbasin 1 of this embodiment is a washbasin 1 on which a shower head can be installed so that water is sprayed upward. The washbasin 1 is equipped with a shower head, water pipes 132-134 connected at one end to the shower head and at the other end to a water pipe, a storage unit with a storage opening for storing the shower head 13 and the water pipes 132-134, a lid 121 that covers the storage opening, a sensor 18 and an operating unit, an insertion/removal device that inserts and removes the shower head 13 from the storage unit and stops it, and a control unit.

[Main body 10]
As shown in FIG. 3, the washbasin 1 has a washbowl 11 and a storage section 12 on the upper part of the main body 10. The washbowl 11 may have any size and shape as long as it is capable of washing hands and face and has space for storing water. The storage section 12 may have any size and shape as long as it has space for storing the shower head 13 and the water pipes 132 to 134. The storage opening of the storage section 12 is provided with a lid 121 that covers the storage opening, and as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 121 is opened when the shower head 13 is taken out, and the lid 121 is closed when the shower head 13 is stored in the storage section 12. One end of the shower head 13 may be designed to function as the lid 121. That is, one end of the shower head 13 may be designed to fit the size of the storage opening, and the storage opening may be closed when the shower head 13 is stored in the storage section 12. The washbowl 11 is made of a rust-resistant material such as ceramic or stainless steel. The main body 10 may have a storage space underneath like a normal washstand, or may have a cabinet with a door, a shelf, a drawer, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, a water pipe 17 and a drain pipe 19 are arranged inside the main body 10. These pipes are connected to the wall and floor. The water pipe 17 supplies water from the shower head 13 or the faucet 14, and the drain pipe 19 drains water that has flowed from the washbasin 11 via the drain outlet 15. Furthermore, wiring for the insertion/removal device, wiring for the control unit, wiring for electrical appliances, etc. are arranged inside the main body 10 (not shown).

The main body 10, the washbasin 11, and the storage section 12 may be constructed separately, or they may be constructed integrally. For example, the washbasin 11 and the storage section 12 may be constructed integrally, or the main body 10 and the washbasin 11, or the main body 10 and the storage section 12 may be constructed integrally. Furthermore, the main body 10, the washbasin 11, and the storage section 12 may be constructed integrally. In this embodiment, the washbasin 11 and the storage section 12 are constructed integrally.

[Shower head 13]
As shown in Fig. 1, the shower head 13 of this embodiment is installed in the approximate center of the washbasin 11 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow so as to spray water upward. Generally, a shower is equipped with a hose for connecting a water pipe to the shower head, and one end of the hose is attached to the shower head and the other end is connected to the water pipe. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, water pipes 132 to 134 are used, one end of which is connected to the shower head 13 and the other end of which is connected to the water pipe 17.

The shower head 13 is composed of a shower section 130 and a main body section 131. In addition to the spray surface, the shower section 130 may be equipped with a switch handle that allows the user to change the way water is dispensed. The shower head 13 may be any shower head that is commercially available. The shape and type of shower head may be any type as long as it can be stored in the storage section 12. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a thin shower head 13 is used so that it can be easily stored in the storage section 12.

The shower head itself may have the ability to adjust the water pressure and flow rate, and may also have the ability to provide a massage effect. To make it easier to wash your face with the water sprayed from the upward-facing shower head 13, it is necessary to use a shower head 13 with a certain level of water pressure and flow rate. By spraying water on your face with the right water pressure and flow rate for washing your face, you can wash your face effectively and also achieve a relaxing effect.

In addition, a shower head 13 that generates micro-nano bubbles or nano bubbles can also be used. Micro-nano bubbles or nano bubbles have high cleaning power because the fine bubbles effectively remove dirt, and can promote blood flow. Because of their high cleaning power, the time it takes to rinse with the shower can be shortened, resulting in water saving effects.

The larger the area of the spray surface of the shower head 13, the more effective it is at dispersing the shower water flow over a wider area. In this embodiment, it is desirable for the area of the spray surface of the shower head 13 to be large in order to make it easier to wash your face over the washbasin 11. For example, in the case of a circular or rectangular shower head 13, it is preferable that the diameter or one side is 50 mm or more. It is more preferable that the diameter or one side of the shower head 13 is 100 mm or more. This allows water to be easily sprayed over the entire face without using hands, as shown in FIG. 4, and allows for efficient face washing.

The shower head 13 can be installed so that it touches the bottom of the washbasin 11, but it can also be installed so that it does not touch the bottom. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the shower head 13 is installed so that it does not touch the bottom of the washbasin 11. Installing it in this way makes it easier for water to flow, and the shower head 13 and washbasin 11 are less likely to get dirty.

[Water pipes 132-134]
As described above, one end of each of the water supply pipes 132 to 134 is attached to the shower head 13, and the other end is connected to the water pipe 17. The water supply pipes 132 and 133 have strength to support the shower head 13. The water pipe 134 is a hose. The material of the water pipe is not limited to that of this embodiment, and any material can be used as long as it can support the shower head 13 and can be inserted into and removed from the storage section 12. For example, the water pipes may all be made of stainless steel, or all may be hoses. The number of water pipes is not limited to that in this embodiment, and may be any number.

In this embodiment, the showerhead 13's main body 131, water distribution pipe 132, and water distribution pipe 133 are arranged in a triple nested structure from the inside out so that the showerhead 13 can fit inside the storage section 12. That is, when stored, the showerhead 13's main body 131 fits inside the water distribution pipe 132, and the water distribution pipe 132 fits inside the water distribution pipe 133 (see FIG. 3). This allows the showerhead 13 to be stored compactly in the storage section 12. As long as the showerhead 13 can fit inside the storage section 12, the main body 131 and the water distribution pipes 132 and 133 do not have to have a triple nested structure, and any structure is acceptable.

[Insertion and removal device]
The insertion/removal device (not shown) is a device that inserts and removes the shower head 13 from the storage section 12 and stops it. The insertion/removal device is configured with a mechanism similar to that of the nozzle insertion/removal mechanism of existing warm water washing toilet seats. The shower head 13 is normally stored inside the storage section 12 and is only extended when it is used. When the user operates the operation panel 16 (see FIG. 5) or holds their hand over the sensor 18 and it is detected, the insertion/removal device extends the shower head 13 to an appropriate position. The insertion/removal device for the shower head 13 is configured with a motor and a drive mechanism (not shown) and is controlled by the control section.

When the user activates the insertion/removal device using a sensor 18 or the like, the motor and drive mechanism are activated. The motor and drive mechanism move the shower head 13 forward from inside the storage section 12, move it to an appropriate position, and stop it. The stopping position is approximately the center of the washbasin 11 (see Figure 1). After the shower head 13 stops, water is sprayed from the shower section to wash the area. The user can adjust the water temperature, strength, and position using the operation panel 16.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, the user can easily use the shower and wash their face without using their hands. After the user has finished using the shower, they operate the operation panel 16 or hold their hand over the sensor 18 and the insertion/removal device moves the shower head 13 inside the storage section 12 and stores it there. This allows the washbasin 11 to be used more widely. For example, when filling the washbasin 11 with water and washing clothes by hand, the shower head does not get in the way and makes washing easier.

〔faucet〕
The washbasin 1 may be equipped with a faucet 14. The faucet 14 is not a required component of the present invention, and may not be provided. In this embodiment, the washbasin 1 is provided with a faucet 14. Providing the faucet 14 is convenient, for example, when washing clothes by hand in the washbasin 11. Also, by providing the faucet 14, water can be used to clean dirt from the washbasin 11 while the shower head 13 is stored in the storage section 12. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 etc., the washbasin 14 is provided to spray water downward.

The user can turn water on and off the faucet by operating the operation panel 16, or by directly turning the faucet handle. A so-called sensor faucet may also be used. A sensor faucet turns on water when you hold your hand in front of the faucet sensor, and stops the water when you hold your hand in front of the sensor again. In this embodiment, a sensor faucet is used. The faucet is not limited to the one in this embodiment, and any faucet may be used.

[Wind generation function]
The washbasin 1 may further include a wind generator (not shown). The wind generator is not a required component of the present invention and may not be included. In this embodiment, the washbasin 1 is configured to include a wind generator. By including the wind generator, the user can use wind to remove moisture from the face and hands after washing the face, making it easy to dry them. The wind generator is mainly composed of a heater and a fan. The wind generator can be an existing device. As with the shower head 13, the wind generator may be removable from the storage section 12, or may be configured to be included on the side or back of the washbasin 11.

The heater in the wind generating device heats the air to generate warm wind. The fan in the wind generating device draws in air and sends it to the heater, circulating the heated air inside the washbasin 1. The user can adjust the temperature and volume of the wind by operating the operation panel 16.

[Operation Panel 16]
The operation unit of this embodiment is an operation panel 16. As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 16 is an operation unit for the shower head 13, the faucet 12, and the wind generating device. Turning the shower head 13 on and off corresponds to turning on and off the device for inserting and removing the shower head 13. Pressing the on button moves the shower head 13 forward from the storage section 12 to stop it and spray the shower, and pressing the off button stops the shower and moves it into the storage section 12 and stores it. Turning the shower head 13 on and off can also be done by holding a hand over the sensor 18. Similarly, turning the faucet 12 and the wind generating device on and off can also be done by holding a hand over the sensor.

The temperature of the shower from the shower head 13, the force of the water (volume, pressure), and the position of the shower head 13 can be adjusted by operating the buttons on the operation panel 16. Similarly, the water temperature of the faucet 12 and the temperature of the air from the air generator can be adjusted by operating the buttons on the operation panel 16. The volume of the air may also be adjustable. The water temperature of the faucet 12 may also be controlled by a handle attached to the faucet 12. The operation panel 16 may be configured to be attached to the washbasin 1, or may be a removable remote controller.

[Control device (control unit)]
The control device (not shown) is composed of electronic circuits using an MCU or the like, and functions as control, calculation, and memory means, controlling the operation of the insertion and removal device and the amount and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head based on detection data from sensor 18 and operation panel 16. The optimal values for the amount of water, temperature, and position of the shower head 13 are stored in the memory means, and are set to achieve the optimal water amount, temperature, and position.

When the washbasin 1 is equipped with a fan generating device, the control device has a fan motor drive circuit using an MCU and controls the fan generating device. Control of the temperature and volume of the air from the fan generating device is performed based on detection data from the sensor 18 and the operation panel 16. The optimal values for the temperature and volume of the air from the fan generating device are stored in the memory means and are set to provide the optimal temperature and volume.

As explained above, the washbasin of the present invention can be equipped with a shower head that sprays water upwards, allowing the face to be washed efficiently without using both hands by spraying the water directly onto the face. As the water does not pool in the hands but sprays directly onto the face, it saves time and water. In addition, the shower head can be inserted and removed from the storage compartment, allowing for more spacious use of the washbasin when not being used to wash the face.

The washbasin in the above embodiment is merely an example, and its configuration can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 Washbasin 10 Washbasin body 11 Washbasin 12 Storage section 13 Shower head 14 Faucet 15 Drain 16 Operation panel 17 Water pipe 18 Sensor 19 Drain pipe 121 Lid section 130 Shower section 131 Main body section 132 to 4 Water pipe

In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a washbasin on which a shower head can be installed so that water is sprayed upward, comprising: the shower head; a drainage pipe having one end connected to the shower head and the other end connected to a water pipe; a storage section having a storage opening for storing the shower head and the drainage pipe; a lid covering the storage opening; a sensor and an operating section; an insertion/removal device for inserting and removing the shower head from the storage section and stopping it; and a control section, wherein the control section controls the operation of the insertion/removal device and the amount and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head by detecting operation of the operating section by a user or by holding a hand over the sensor.
The invention described in claim 2 is the washbasin described in claim 1, characterized in that the lid portion is one end portion of the shower head.
The invention as set forth in claim 3 is the washbasin as set forth in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a faucet.
The invention as set forth in claim 4 is the washbasin as set forth in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an airflow generating device, and the control unit further controls the airflow generating device.

Claims (4)

A washbasin on which a shower head can be installed so that water is sprayed upward,
The shower head;
A water pipe having one end connected to the shower head and the other end connected to a water pipe;
A storage section having a storage opening for storing the shower head and the water pipe;
A lid portion for covering the storage opening;
A sensor and an operation unit,
an insertion/removal device that inserts and removes the shower head from the storage unit and stops the operation;
A control unit;
Equipped with
A washbasin characterized in that the control unit controls the operation of the insertion/removal device and the amount and temperature of water sprayed from the shower head by detecting a user's operation of the operating unit or by holding a hand over the sensor. The washbasin according to claim 1, wherein the lid is one end of the shower head. The washstand according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a faucet. 3. The washbasin according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an airflow generating device, wherein the control device further controls the airflow generating device.

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