JP7275681B2 - Bathroom vanity - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to mirrors with lighting devices.

Conventionally, for example, a mirror equipped with a lighting device equipped with a proximity sensor that turns on/off the lighting device provided on the mirror when the hand of the user using the mirror is detected as in Patent Document 1 It has been known.

A mirror equipped with such a lighting device does not require the user to touch an operation switch to turn on/off the lighting device, and thus is excellent in usability.

JP 2018-89179 A

However, in the configuration as in Patent Document 1, the proximity sensor is hidden in order to improve the design, so it is difficult for the user to understand the installation position of the sensor, and the detection area of the proximity sensor when operating. It's hard to know where to put your hand.
Therefore, it is conceivable to display the detection area of the proximity sensor with a label or a mark, but the design is not excellent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mirror equipped with an illumination device that conceals a proximity sensor and is excellent in usability.

In order to achieve the above object, a mirror equipped with an illumination device according to claim 1 is provided, comprising: a frame having a pair of side plates and a bottom plate; a mirror portion arranged in front of the frame; and a sensor unit arranged at the bottom of the frame for turning on/off the lighting device when a human body is detected, and a guide for emitting light capable of guiding a detection area of the sensor unit. It is characterized by having an optical output device.

For this reason, even if the proximity sensor for turning on/off the lighting device is provided at a position that is difficult for the user of the mirror equipped with the lighting device to visually recognize with respect to the frame located behind the mirror unit, By emitting the guide light for guiding the detection area of the proximity sensor, it is possible to guide the user to the detection area of the proximity sensor.
Therefore, when the user turns on/off the lighting device, the user can recognize the detection area of the proximity sensor, which is the operation switch, without hesitation. Further, the detection area of the proximity sensor does not need to be indicated by, for example, a label or mark, and the design is excellent.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a mirror equipped with an illuminating device that is excellent in design and easy to use.

Further, in the mirror equipped with the lighting device according to claim 2, the irradiation light from the guide light output device is irradiated so as to overlap the detection area of the sensor section.

As a result, the area overlapping the detection area of the proximity sensor is irradiated with the guide light for guiding the detection area of the proximity sensor, so that the user can be more accurately guided to the detection area of the proximity sensor. can.
Therefore, when the user turns on/off the lighting device, the user can recognize the detection area of the proximity sensor, which is the operation switch, without hesitation.

Further, in the bathroom vanity according to claim 3, a mirror having the lighting device according to claim 2 and a washbasin having a counter part are provided below the frame, and the guide light output device The illumination light from the is directed toward the counter section.

From this, for example, even if the surroundings of the bathroom vanity are in a bright environment, since the guide light is projected onto the counter section, the detection area of the sensor will appear to the user at the position where the counter section is illuminated. It is possible to notify that it is an upper space.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a bathroom vanity that can be recognized without hesitation and is excellent in usability.

Further, in the bathroom vanity according to claim 4, a mirror having the lighting device according to claim 2 and a washbasin having a counter part are provided below the frame, and the frame and the A plate-shaped back guard is provided between the counter section and the illumination light from the guide light output device is directed toward the back guard.

From this, for example, even if the surroundings of the bathroom vanity are in a bright environment, since the guide light is irradiated onto the back guard, the detection area of the sensor for the user is the position where the back guard is illuminated. It is possible to notify that it is an upper space.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a bathroom vanity that can be recognized without hesitation and is excellent in usability.

Further, in the bathroom vanity according to claim 5, the guide light output device comprises a light source for irradiating light, and data display means capable of projecting predetermined data on an irradiation surface by transmitting the light irradiated from the light source. and

As a result, the light emitted from the guide light output device functions as a guide representing the detection area of the sensor unit, and by displaying predetermined data such as video, characters, or images, the user can control the counter unit. The user can wash his or her hands on the bathroom vanity or get dressed while viewing information such as video or characters or images projected onto the user's face, which is excellent in usability.

Further, in the washstand according to claim 6, the data display means is a liquid crystal, and the washstand further has a control section capable of switching the predetermined data to be displayed on the data display means. and

As a result, predetermined data can be switched, and a plurality of data can be displayed under the control of the control unit.
Therefore, the display contents can be changed according to the user's needs, and the usability is excellent.

Further, in the washstand according to Claim 7, the frame or the guide light output device is provided with a focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting a focal length of predetermined data irradiated onto the irradiation surface. there is

As a result, when it is desired to project predetermined data onto the irradiation surface, clear predetermined data can be displayed on the irradiation surface without depending on the distance to the irradiation surface.

Further, in the bathroom vanity according to claim 8, when the detection state of the sensor unit continues beyond a predetermined time and the non-detection state continues, the light emitted from the guide light output device per unit time It is characterized by controlling so that the amount of light is reduced.

As a result, when the non-detection state of the sensor unit exceeds a predetermined time, the amount of light emitted from the guide light output device per unit time is reduced. If not, the power consumption of the irradiation light emitted from the guide light output device can be reduced, leading to extension of the life of the light source.

According to the aspect of the present invention, the proximity sensor for turning on/off the lighting device is provided at a position that is difficult for a user of the mirror equipped with the lighting device to visually recognize with respect to the frame located behind the mirror unit. Even so, since the guide light for guiding the detection area of the proximity sensor is emitted, it is possible to guide the user to the detection area of the proximity sensor.
Therefore, when the user turns on/off the lighting device, the user can recognize the detection area of the proximity sensor, which is the operation switch, without hesitation. Further, the detection area of the proximity sensor does not need to be indicated by, for example, a label or mark, and the design is excellent.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a mirror equipped with an illuminating device that is excellent in design and easy to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view showing the whole washstand in 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the mirror cabinet of FIG. 1 omitting a mirror unit; FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the mirror cabinet of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operation unit according to the first embodiment of the invention; It is a display example showing predetermined data output from the guide light output device in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an image diagram of light emitted from the guide light output device to the counter section according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart of the control section showing the operation of the illumination device and the guide light output device based on detection by the sensor section in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the whole washstand in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operation unit according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 is an image diagram of light emitted from the guide light output device to the back guard in the second embodiment of the present invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the entire bathroom vanity according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the mirror cabinet of FIG. 1 with the mirror unit omitted. 3 is a schematic bottom view of the mirror cabinet of FIG. 1; FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom vanity 1 according to the present embodiment includes a lower storage cabinet 100, a washbasin 200 provided above the lower storage cabinet 100, and a water dispenser for discharging water into the washbasin 200. A plug device 300 and a mirror cabinet 400 provided above the washbasin 200 are provided.

Here, in the specification of the present application, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right” and “left” are based on the person standing in front of the washstand 1 and using the washstand 1. above, below, right and left respectively. Further, in the specification of the present application, the direction from the bathroom vanity 1 toward the user positioned in front of the bathroom vanity 1 is defined as the "forward" direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the "rearward" direction.

The washbasin 200 has a bowl portion 210 having a downwardly recessed shape, and a counter portion 220 integrally formed with the bowl portion 210 .
The counter portion 220 has side counters 220a located in the lateral direction of the bowl portion and rear counters 220b located behind the bowl portion, each of which is formed of a substantially horizontal surface.
In this embodiment, the bowl portion 210 and the counter portion 220 are integrally molded, but they may be molded separately.

The faucet device 300 is placed on the upper end of the rear counter 220b, and the water discharger 310 protrudes forward to above the bowl 210. As shown in FIG.

The mirror cabinet 400 includes a mirror unit 410, a lighting device 420 for illuminating a user standing in front of the mirror unit 410, and a storage space provided behind the mirror unit 410 with the mirror unit 410 serving as an opening/closing door. and a mirror cabinet body 430 .

The mirror unit 410 has a central mirror 410 a provided in front of the mirror cabinet body 430 and side mirrors 410 b provided on both sides of the central mirror 411 .
Note that the mirror unit 410 may be a single mirror.

The illumination device 420 is provided above the mirror unit 410 and emits light forward. The irradiation of light forward may be, for example, an indirect irradiation using a reflector.
The installation position of the illumination device 420 is preferably installed at a position where light can be emitted forward, and may be installed between the central mirror 410a and the side mirror 410b, for example.

The mirror cabinet main body 430 has a box-like shape with an open front, and includes a rear plate 431 and a top plate 432 on the upper side and a pair of side plates 433 on the right and left sides in a manner surrounding the rear plate 431 . and a bottom plate 434 below. A partition plate 435 that connects the upper plate 432 and the bottom plate 434 is provided at a location positioned at the connecting portion between the central mirror 410a and the side mirrors 410b.

A bottom plate 434 of the mirror cabinet main body 430 is provided with an operation unit 450 containing a sensor section 451 for turning on/off the lighting device 420 .
The bottom surface of the operation unit 450 is exposed outside from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 434 .

Next, details of the operation unit 450 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation unit in the first embodiment of the invention.

The operation unit 450 includes a sensor unit 451, which is a non-contact infrared sensor that detects a human body, and a guide light output device 452 that is arranged near the sensor unit 451 and emits predetermined data such as video or images downward. , a control unit 453 for controlling predetermined data emitted from the guide light output device 452, an operation cover 454 for covering the lower surface exposed to the outside from the bottom plate 434, and a guide light output device for the control unit 453. and a data changeover switch 455 capable of switching predetermined data to be output to.
Other non-contact sensors include, for example, radio sensors, cameras, electrostatic sensors, and pyroelectric sensors.

The guide light output device 452 includes a light source 452a that emits light downward, a liquid crystal 452b positioned below the light source 452a and serving as data display means for displaying predetermined data controlled by the controller 453, and the liquid crystal 452b. It has a lens 452c which is located lower and forms an image of predetermined data obtained from the liquid crystal 452b, and a focal length adjustment mechanism 452d which can adjust the focal length of the predetermined data projected on the irradiation surface. .
The light source 452a is, for example, an LED, and the light emitted from the light source 452a passes through the liquid crystal 452b to acquire predetermined data, and then passes through the lens 452c to form an image, which is directed toward the counter section 220. be irradiated.

The control unit 453 controls the lighting/lighting out state of the illumination device 420 and the lighting/flashing state of the guide light output device 452 . Furthermore, it controls predetermined data output from the guide light output device 452 . Specifically, it controls predetermined data to be displayed on the liquid crystal 452a.
As described above, the data display means preferably has a configuration that can switch predetermined data displayed by the control unit 453 using the liquid crystal 452a, for example. You may let

The operation cover 454 is provided with an opening 454a for passing light to irradiate the counter portion 220 with predetermined data emitted downward from the guide light output device 452, and for detecting the sensor portion 451. and an opening 454b.

Since the focal length adjustment mechanism 452d is located inside the operation unit 450, for example, a maintenance worker removes the operation cover 454 during maintenance and directly operates the focal length adjustment mechanism 452d to adjust the focal length.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously changing the focal length.
In addition, it is preferable to set the focal length adjustment mechanism 452d so that the user cannot operate it as described above. A switch for operating the adjustment mechanism 452d may be provided on the frame.

The data changeover switch 455 is a push-type switch, and the push portion slightly protrudes downward from the lower surface of the operation cover 454 .
The data switching switch 455 inputs a signal to the control unit 453 to switch predetermined data to be displayed on the liquid crystal 452b.
Note that the data changeover switch 455 is not limited to a push-type switch, and for example, a control method based on the detection time of the sensor section 451 can be considered.

In addition, the irradiation area S1 of the light emitted from the light source 452a toward the counter section 220 has a guide area S3 that overlaps the detection area S2 of the sensor section 451. As shown in FIG.
The detection range of the detection region S2 is set shorter than the irradiation range of the irradiation region S1, and is, for example, up to a position 200 mm upward from the upper surface of the counter section 220 . This prevents erroneous detection by the sensor unit 451 when the user cleans the counter unit 220, for example.

Next, display of predetermined data will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a display example showing predetermined data output from the guide light output device. As shown in FIG. 5, the predetermined data includes, for example, (a) time display, (b) weather display, (c) temperature/humidity, and (d) blond logo.
For example, by displaying the time on the counter part 220 as the predetermined data, the clock can be displayed on the bathroom vanity without making the presence of the clock excessively conspicuous to the user who is washing the face.

FIG. 6 shows an example of irradiation light emitted from the guide light output device to the counter section.
As shown in FIG. 6, as a guide for the detection area S2 of the sensor section 451, the time display is projected onto the counter section 220. As shown in FIG.

Next, a control flow when an object is detected by the sensor unit will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart of the control section showing the operation of the illumination device and the guide light output device based on detection by the sensor section in the first embodiment of the present invention.
As a premise, the flowchart of the control unit shown in FIG. 7 is a flowchart that is activated when the sensor unit 451 detects an object to be detected while the operation unit is powered on (not shown).

The control unit 453 controls so that light is emitted from the guide light output device 452 toward the counter unit 220 in a blinking state (step S101). After that, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S<b>102 , the control unit 453 determines whether or not an object to be detected such as a human hand is detected in the detection area S<b>2 of the sensor unit 451 . When a non-detectable object is not detected (S102N), the determination in step S102 is repeated, and when a detected object is detected (S102Y), the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the control unit 453 controls the light emitted from the guide light output device 452 to switch from the blinking state to the lighting state. After that, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the control unit 453 controls a timer (not shown) to start counting in order to measure the standby time in the non-detection state. After that, the process proceeds to step S105.

In step S<b>105 , the control unit 453 turns on the lighting device 420 . After that, the process proceeds to step S106.

In step S<b>106 , the control unit 453 determines whether or not an object is detected in the detection area S<b>2 of the sensor unit 451 . When the non-detected object is not detected (S106N), the process proceeds to step S120, and when the detected object is detected (S106Y), the process proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the control unit 453 resets the count of the timer. In other words, the controller 453 restarts the timer count from 0 seconds. After that, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the controller 453 turns off the illumination device 420. FIG. After that, the process proceeds to step S109.

In step S<b>109 , the control unit 453 determines whether or not an object is detected in the detection area S<b>2 of the sensor unit 451 . When the non-detected object is not detected (S109N), the process proceeds to step S110, and when the detected object is detected (S109Y), the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S110, control unit 453 determines whether or not the timer count is one minute or more. When the count exceeds one minute (S110Y), the process proceeds to step S111, and when the count is less than one minute (S110N), the process returns to step S109.

In step S111, the control unit 453 stops counting and resets the timer. In other words, the control unit 453 stops counting the timer at 0 seconds. After that, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the control unit 453 controls the light emitted from the guide light output device 452 to switch from the lighting state to the blinking state.

At step S113, the control unit 453 resets the count of the timer. In other words, the controller 453 restarts the timer count from 0 seconds. After that, the process returns to step S105.

In step S120, control unit 453 determines whether or not the count of the timer is 10 minutes or longer. When the count exceeds 10 minutes (S120Y), the process proceeds to step S121, and when the count is less than 10 minutes (S120N), the process returns to step S106.

At step S121, the control unit 453 resets the count of the timer. In other words, the controller 453 restarts the timer count from 0 seconds. After that, the process proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the control unit 453 controls the light emitted from the guide light output device 452 to switch from the lighting state to the blinking state. After that, the process proceeds to step S123.
As a result, when the non-detection state of the sensor unit 451 exceeds a predetermined time, the amount of light emitted from the guide light output device 452 per unit time is reduced. When not used by a person, the power consumption of the irradiation light emitted from the guide light output device 452 can be reduced, leading to extension of the life of the light source.
In addition, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the amount of light emitted from the guide light output device 452 per unit time (total amount of light output from the light source), the illumination state of the guide light output device 452 is changed from lighting to blinking. Although the switching means is employed, the same effect can be obtained by controlling to reduce the luminosity of the light emitted from the guide light output device 452 .

In step S<b>123 , control unit 453 determines whether or not an object is detected in detection area S<b>2 of sensor unit 451 . When the non-detected object is not detected (S123N), the determination in step S123 is repeated, and when the detected object is detected (S123Y), the process proceeds to step S124.

In step S124, the control unit 453 controls the light emitted from the guide light output device 452 to switch from the blinking state to the lighting state. After that, the process proceeds to step S125.

At step S125, the control unit 453 starts the timer counting. After that, the process proceeds to step S108.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the bathroom vanity in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the bathroom vanity 10, between the washbasin 200 and the mirror cabinet 400, a vertically rising plate-like back guard 500 connecting the washbasin 200 and the mirror cabinet 400 is provided. there is
It should be noted that, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the elements that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment in terms of function and configuration, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, predetermined data output from the guide light output device 452 is projected onto the back guard 500. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an example of irradiation light irradiated to the back guard from the guide light output device in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, the time display is projected onto the back guard 500 as a guide for the detection area S2 of the sensor section 451 .

As a result, for example, even if the environment around the bathroom vanity is bright, the back guard 500 shines in the detection area S2 of the sensor for the user by irradiating the guide light onto the back guard 500. It is possible to notify that the space is above the current position.
Therefore, it is possible to provide a bathroom vanity that can be recognized without hesitation and is excellent in usability.

In each of the above embodiments, the controller 453 is provided to irradiate the counter unit 220 or the back guard 500 with predetermined data as a guide for the detection area S2 of the sensor unit 451, but the irradiation position can be freely set. Alternatively, for example, the guide light may be applied to a member other than the bathroom vanity.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, predetermined data is displayed on the irradiation surface. The irradiation surface may be directly irradiated with light from the light source 452a without displaying .

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the mirror cabinet main body 430 is provided behind the mirror unit 410, but the sensor section 451 may be provided behind the mirror unit 410. It is only necessary to provide a frame having a pair of side plates 433 positioned at the bottom and a bottom plate 434 positioned below.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the vanities 1 and 10 are not limited to those illustrated and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

1, 10 bathroom vanity 100 lower storage cabinet 200 washbasin 210 bowl portion 220 counter portion 300 faucet device 400 mirror cabinet 410 mirror unit 410a central mirror 410b side mirror 420 lighting device 430 mirror cabinet main body 431 rear plate 432 upper plate 433 Side plate 434 Bottom plate 435 Partition plate 450 Operation unit 451 Sensor unit 452 Guide light output device 452a Light source 452b Liquid crystal (data display means)
452c lens 452d focal length adjustment mechanism 453 control unit 454 operation covers 454a, 454b opening 455 data changeover switch 500 back guard S1 irradiation area S2 detection area S3 guide area

Claims (6)

A washstand equipped with a lighting device,
a frame body having a pair of side plates and a bottom plate;
a mirror portion arranged on the front surface of the frame;
A sensor unit that is arranged behind the mirror unit and below the frame body and turns on/off the lighting device when a human body is detected , and emits light that can guide the detection area of the sensor unit. a guide light output device for
a washbasin having a counter portion installed below the frame;
with
A washstand equipped with a lighting device, wherein the illumination light from the guide light output device is emitted so as to overlap with the detection area of the sensor section and is emitted toward the counter section. A washstand equipped with a lighting device,
a frame body having a pair of side plates and a bottom plate;
a mirror portion arranged on the front surface of the frame;
A sensor unit that is arranged behind the mirror unit and below the frame body and turns on/off the lighting device when a human body is detected , and emits light that can guide the detection area of the sensor unit. a guide light output device for
a washbasin having a counter portion installed under the frame;
a plate-shaped back guard installed between the frame and the counter;
with
A washstand equipped with a lighting device, wherein the light emitted from the guide light output device is emitted so as to overlap with the detection area of the sensor unit and is emitted toward the back guard. The guide light output device is characterized by comprising a light source for irradiating light, and data display means capable of projecting predetermined data on an irradiation surface by transmitting the light irradiated from the light source. A bathroom vanity according to claim 1 or 2 . 4. The washstand according to claim 3 , wherein said data display means is a liquid crystal, and said washstand further comprises a control section capable of switching said predetermined data to be displayed on said data display means. 5. The washcloth according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the frame or the guide light output device is provided with a focus adjustment mechanism for adjusting a focal length of predetermined data irradiated onto the irradiation surface. stand. The control unit controls to reduce the amount of light emitted from the guide light output device per unit time when the detection state of the sensor unit continues beyond a predetermined time and the non-detection state continues. 5. A bathroom vanity according to claim 4 .

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