JP7730083B2 - hand dryer - Google Patents

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to hand dryers.

Hand dryers that dry wet hands by blowing out air are known. For example, in the hand dryer integrated with a washbasin described in Patent Document 1, an air outlet unit, which is the air outlet part, is located above the washbasin. The air outlet unit is connected to an air blower box that generates air by an air duct.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-304926

In some hand dryers, the drying spout that blows out air is attached to a wall. In this case, the air duct that sends air to the drying spout is sometimes curved and arranged in the space behind the wall. In such hand dryers, for example, if the entire air duct is made thick, the ease of installing the air duct may be reduced.

The present invention was developed in recognition of these issues, and aims to provide a hand dryer that can be easily installed.

The first invention is a hand dryer comprising: a drying spout attached to a wall above the washbasin bowl and blowing out a wide stream of air; a functional unit positioned below the washbasin and having a blower; and an air supply duct connected to the drying spout with one end extending forward, which passes through a hole in the wall, curves downward, and passes through the space behind the wall, connecting the drying spout and the functional unit, and supplies air sent from the blower to the drying spout; the air supply duct has a first duct and a second duct positioned downstream of the first duct and connected to the drying spout; and the outer diameter of the second duct is smaller than the outer diameter of the first duct.

With this hand dryer, the second duct is relatively thin, making it easier to route the air supply duct and improving installation. Even if the air supply duct is curved and passes through the space behind the wall of the washbasin, using a second duct with a small outer diameter makes it easier to pass the air supply duct through the space behind the washbasin, improving installation. Furthermore, the first duct is relatively thick, making it possible to reduce pressure loss in the air sent from the blower to the drying spout. This reduces pressure loss across the entire air supply duct compared to when the entire air supply duct is made thin.

The second invention is a hand drying device according to the first invention, characterized in that the front end of the drying spout is located rearward of the center of the bowl surface of the washbasin in the front-to-rear direction when the drying spout is attached to the wall portion.

This hand dryer has a compact drying spout, improving its design. Furthermore, the relatively wide first duct reduces pressure loss in the air duct, making it easier to supply a sufficient volume of air to the drying spout. Therefore, even though the drying spout is compact, the air supplied from the air duct can be spread widely within the drying spout.

The third invention is a hand drying device according to the first or second invention, characterized in that, in a connected state in which the air supply duct connects the drying spout attached to the wall portion and the functional portion located below the washbasin, the lower end of the second duct protrudes downward from the washbasin.

With this hand dryer, the lower end of the second pipe protrudes downward from the washbasin, allowing the connection between the first and second pipes to be positioned below the washbasin. This improves ease of installation. For example, the first and second pipes can be connected in a relatively large space below the washbasin, rather than in a narrow space behind the washbasin. This also prevents the connection between the first and second pipes from getting caught on the back of the washbasin, reducing ease of installation.

The fourth invention is a hand dryer according to the third invention, wherein, in the connected state, the connection portion between the first pipe line and the second pipe line is located above the functional portion.

With this hand dryer, the connection between the first and second pipes is located above the functional part and below the washbasin, which improves the ease of construction when connecting the first and second pipes. Furthermore, because the connection is located above the functional part, the first pipe can be made longer and the second pipe shorter than when the connection is located below the top end of the functional part. Therefore, pressure loss due to the narrow second pipe can be minimized.

The fifth invention is a hand dryer according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that, before being installed in the washbasin, the second duct is curved to the shape of the second duct when installed in the washbasin.

With this hand dryer, the second pipe is already curved into a predetermined shape before installation (when not connected), so there is no need to bend the second pipe back and forth or left and right during installation, further improving ease of installation.

The sixth invention is a hand dryer according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, characterized in that the inner diameter of at least a portion of the connecting member connecting the first pipe line and the second pipe line gradually decreases from the first pipe line toward the second pipe line.

With this hand dryer, the inner diameter of the connecting member gradually decreases, preventing the inner diameter of the air supply duct from suddenly decreasing at the connection between the first and second ducts, thereby reducing pressure loss.

The seventh invention is a hand dryer according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, characterized in that the inner diameter of the second duct is greater than half the inner diameter of the first duct.

This hand dryer prevents the inner diameter of the air supply duct from suddenly narrowing at the connection between the first and second ducts, reducing pressure loss.

The eighth invention is a hand dryer according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, characterized in that the inner diameter of the first pipe is 1.5 to 3.0 times the inner diameter of the second pipe.

This hand dryer can efficiently reduce pressure loss while improving installation ease.

This aspect of the present invention provides a hand dryer that can improve installation ease.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a washbasin unit equipped with a hand drying device according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hand dryer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the washbasin unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the washbasin unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a drying spout of the hand drying device according to the embodiment. 6(a) to 6(c) are plan views illustrating examples of drying spouts of hand drying devices according to embodiments. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drying spout of a hand drying device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating a drying spout of the hand drying device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a portion of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment. 12(a) to 12(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of a method for installing a hand dryer according to an embodiment. 13(a) to 13(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of a method for installing a hand dryer according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating another washbasin unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating another washbasin unit according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.
1 is a perspective view illustrating a washbasin unit equipped with a hand dryer according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the washbasin unit (hand drying system) according to the embodiment includes a hand dryer 100, a water discharger 130, and a liquid soap dispenser 150.

The hand dryer 100 has a drying spout 10, a drying function unit 20, and an air supply duct 30. The water discharger 130 has a water discharge spout 40 and a water function unit 45. The liquid soap discharger 150 has a liquid soap spout 50 and a liquid soap function unit 55.

The drying spout 10, the water spout 40, and the liquid soap spout 50 are attached to the mounting structure 80. In this example, the mounting structure 80 is part of the washbasin 81. The washbasin 81 is, for example, a wall-mounted type made of ceramic and is attached to the wall W1 inside the room. The washbasin 81 is, for example, in contact with the wall W1. Alternatively, the washbasin 81 may be attached to the counter C1.

The washbasin 81 has a bowl portion 82 (washbowl) and a wall portion 83. The bowl portion 82 has a downwardly curved, concave bowl surface 82f. The bowl surface 82f receives water discharged from the spout 40. A drain hole 82p is provided at the bottom of the bowl surface 82f, and water discharged onto the bowl surface 82f is drained through the drain hole 82p. The wall portion 83 extends upward from the rear end of the bowl surface 82f. The wall portion 83 has a wall surface 83f facing forward.

The drying spout 10, the water spout 40, and the liquid soap spout 50 are each attached to the wall 83 above the washbasin. The drying spout 10, the water spout 40, and the liquid soap spout 50 are located above the bowl surface 82f and are arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction.

Each spout (drying spout 10, water spout 40, liquid soap spout 50) has a cylindrical or box-shaped appearance and is provided with a discharge port for discharging liquid or gas and an internal flow path for guiding the supplied liquid or gas to the discharge port. Each spout extends forward from wall surface 83f.

In the description of the embodiment, the direction in which the drying spout 10 attached to a wall extends from the wall is referred to as "forward." In other words, "forward" is the direction in which the wall surface on which the drying spout 10 is provided faces. "Rear," "left side," and "right side" are directions seen from a user facing "forward." Furthermore, "upper" and "lower" are directions seen from a user standing in front of the drying spout 10.

The mounting structure 80 to which the drying spout 10 of the hand dryer 100 according to the embodiment is attached does not necessarily have to be a washbasin. The mounting structure 80 may be, for example, an appropriately provided panel or cabinet. That is, the wall to which the drying spout 10 is attached may be the wall of a panel or the wall of a cabinet. In this example, the wall surface of the wall to which the drying spout 10 is attached extends vertically. However, the wall surface of the wall to which the drying spout 10 is attached is not limited to a surface extending vertically. For example, the angle between the wall surface of the wall to which the drying spout 10 is attached and the vertical direction is ±50° or less.

The drying function unit 20, water function unit 45, and liquid soap function unit 55 are each attached to the wall W1 below the washbasin 81. In this example, in the space below the washbasin 81, the drying function unit 20 is located on the lower right side, the liquid soap function unit 55 is located on the upper right side, and the water function unit 45 is located on the left side. However, the arrangement of the drying function unit 20, water function unit 45, and liquid soap function unit 55 is not limited to this. For example, the drying function unit 20, water function unit 45, and liquid soap function unit 55 may be placed on the floor.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hand dryer according to an embodiment.
The drying spout 10 has an air outlet 10a and a sensor 10s. The air outlet 10a discharges a wide air stream F diagonally downward and forward. As will be described later, discharging a wide air stream corresponds to the length of the air outlet 10a in the left-right direction being longer than the length of the air outlet 10a in the front-to-rear direction.

Sensor 10s detects the user's hands. Sensor 10s (and sensors 40s and 50s, described below) can be, for example, a microwave sensor, an infrared light-emitting/receiving distance sensor, or a pyroelectric sensor. Sensor 10s is positioned so that it can detect the user's hands, for example, within the range where air is blown out from drying spout 10. The detection range D of sensor 10s faces, for example, diagonally downward and forward.

The drying function unit 20 has a heater 21, a blower 22 (electric blower), and a control unit 23 (drying control unit). The control unit 23 is electrically connected to the sensor 10s, the heater 21, and the blower 22, and controls the operation of the sensor 10s, the heater 21, and the blower 22. The control unit 23 uses an electrical circuit including, for example, a microcomputer.

The blower 22 has, for example, an electric fan, and sends air to the drying spout 10 via the air duct 30. The heater 21 is provided in the air passage between the blower 22 and the air duct 30, and appropriately heats the air sent from the blower 22 to the air duct 30. The air duct 30 connects the drying function unit 20 and the drying spout 10, and supplies the air sent from the blower 22 to the drying spout 10.

For example, when a user holds their hand below the drying spout 10, the sensor 10s enters a detection state, detecting the user's hand. The control unit 23 then operates the blower 22 and heater 21 based on the detection result (output signal indicating the detection state) of the sensor 10s. This causes air (warm air) to be supplied from the blower 22 to the air supply duct 30. The air supply duct 30 directs the supplied air toward the drying spout 10. The air supplied to the drying spout 10 passes through an air passage within the drying spout 10 and is discharged from the air outlet 10a. The user can dry their wet hands by blowing the air over their hands. For example, air continues to be discharged while the sensor 10s detects the presence of the user's hand. If the user moves their hand from below the drying spout 10 out of the detection range of the sensor 10s, the sensor 10s no longer detects the user's hand and enters a non-detection state. Then, based on the detection result of the sensor 10s (output signal indicating a non-detection state), the control unit 23 stops the operation of the blower 22 and heater 21. This stops the supply of air to the drying spout 10, and stops the discharge of air from the air outlet 10a.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the washbasin unit according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the water function unit 45 is connected to the water spout 40 via a water supply pipe 46. The water spout 40 is equipped with a water outlet 40a that discharges water downward and a sensor 40s that detects the user's hand. The water function unit 45 includes a control circuit, a hot water heater, a solenoid valve, and other components. When a user holds their hand below the sensor 40s, the sensor 40s enters a detection state, detecting the user's hand. The control circuit then controls the solenoid valve and hot water heater based on the output of the sensor 40s (an output signal indicating the detection state). This allows water (hot water) to be supplied from the water function unit 45 to the water spout 40 via the water supply pipe 46. The water supplied to the water spout 40 is then discharged from the water outlet 40a. For example, water continues to be discharged while the sensor 40s detects the presence of the user's hand. When the user moves their hand from below the water spout 40 out of the detection range of the sensor 40s, the sensor 40s no longer detects the user's hand and enters a non-detection state. In the water function unit 45, the control circuit controls the solenoid valve, hot water heater, etc. based on the detection result of the sensor 40s (the output signal indicating the non-detection state). This stops the discharge of water from the water outlet 40a.

The liquid soap function unit 55 is connected to the liquid soap spout 50 via a liquid soap supply pipe 56 and an air supply pipe 57. The liquid soap spout 50 is equipped with a discharge port 50a that discharges liquid soap downward and a sensor 50s that detects the user's hand. The liquid soap function unit 55 includes a control circuit, a liquid soap tank, a pump, and other components. When a user holds their hand below the sensor 50s, the sensor 50s enters a detection state, detecting the user's hand. In the liquid soap function unit 55, the control circuit then controls the pump and other components based on the output result (output signal indicating the detection state) of the sensor 50s. This causes liquid soap to be supplied from the liquid soap tank to the liquid soap spout 50 via the liquid soap supply pipe 56. The liquid soap supplied to the liquid soap spout 50 is discharged from the discharge port 50a. For example, liquid soap is discharged each time the sensor 50s detects the user's hand.

The height (vertical position) of the top end of the drying spout 10, the height of the top end of the water spout 40, and the height of the top end of the liquid soap spout 50 are, for example, the same. By aligning the top ends, the design can be improved.

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating the washbasin unit according to the embodiment.
4, the front end 10f of the drying spout 10 is located rearward of the center 82C in the front-to-rear direction of the bowl surface 82f when the drying spout 10 is attached to the wall surface 83f side of the wall portion 83. In other words, the length L10 in the front-to-rear direction of the drying spout 10 is shorter than half the length L82C of the bowl surface 82f in the front-to-rear direction.

Similarly, in Figure 4, the front end 40f of the water spout 40 and the front end 50f of the liquid soap spout 50 are located rearward of the center 82C. For example, the front ends 10f, 40f, and 50f are all located at the same front-to-rear positions. In this manner, each spout in this embodiment is compactly arranged on the bowl portion 82. The spouts extend forward from the wall surface 83f and are lined up on the left and right sides of the bowl portion 82, improving usability, while the compactness of the spouts improves design.

In this example, the drying spout 10 is positioned to the left of the liquid soap spout 50 and the water-dispensing spout 40. The water-dispensing spout 40 is also positioned between the drying spout 10 and the liquid soap spout 50. However, the order of the spouts is not limited to this. For example, the drying spout 10 may be positioned to the right of the liquid soap spout 50 and the water-dispensing spout 40. The liquid soap spout 50 may also be positioned between the drying spout 10 and the water-dispensing spout 40.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a drying spout of the hand drying device according to the embodiment.
6(a) to 6(c) are plan views illustrating examples of drying spouts of hand drying devices according to embodiments.
6(a) is a top view, FIG. 6(b) is a front view, and FIG. 6(c) is a bottom view.

The drying spout 10 is attached to the wall 83 of the washbasin 81 by a holding member 61 (mounting member 60). Note that the washbasin 81 is omitted from Figure 5.

The drying spout 10 has a flat, box-shaped configuration. That is, the drying spout 10 has a flat, box-shaped cover 11 (outer shell member). In other words, when the drying spout 10 is viewed from the front as shown in FIG. 6(b), the length L1 in the left-right direction of the cover 11 is longer than the length L2 in the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction of the cover 11 (e.g., the up-down direction).

The cover 11 has a front surface 11f, a top surface 11t, a bottom surface 11b, a right side surface 11m, and a left side surface 11h.
The top surface 11t is a generally rectangular surface that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions and faces upward.
The front surface 11f extends downward from the front end of the top surface 11t and faces forward.
The right side surface 11m extends downward from the right end of the top surface 11t and faces rightward. The left side surface 11h extends downward from the left end of the top surface 11t and faces leftward. In this example, the right side surface 11m is a curved surface that convex to the right, and the left side surface 11h is a curved surface that convex to the left.

The lower surface 11b has a front region 11p, a left region 11q, and a right region 11r. The front region 11p extends rearward from the lower end of the front surface 11f and faces downward. The front region 11p has an inclined surface that slopes downward from the front to the rear.
The left region 11q extends from the lower end of the left side surface 11h toward the right and faces downward. The left region 11q is inclined downward from the left side toward the right side.
The right region 11r extends leftward from the lower end of the right side surface 11m and faces downward. The right region 11r is inclined downward from the right side to the left side.
The left region 11q and the right region 11r intersect at the center of the cover 11 in the left-right direction.

The air outlet 10a is located in the front part of the underside 11b. For example, as shown in Figure 6(c), the left-right length L3 of the air outlet 10a is longer than the front-rear length L4 of the air outlet 10a. In this example, the air outlet 10a is divided into five outlets 10b in the left-right direction. However, the number of outlets 10b is not limited to five and can be any number. Furthermore, the air outlet 10a does not have to be divided into multiple outlets.

One end 30a of the air duct 30 (see Figure 6(a)) extends forward and is connected to the rear side of the drying spout 10. In other words, the opening of one end 30a of the air duct 30 faces forward and is connected to the drying spout 10. The inner diameter L5 of one end 30a of the air duct 30 is shorter than the left-right length L3 of the air outlet 10a. The air supplied to the drying spout 10 from one end 30a of the air duct 30 spreads left-right in the air path within the drying spout 10 and is discharged from the air outlet 10a, which is long left-right. In this way, the air outlet 10a discharges a wide shaped wind.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment.
Fig. 7 shows a portion of the washbasin unit as seen from behind the washbasin 81. That is, Fig. 7 shows the back side of the washbasin 81. Note that Fig. 7 omits the illustration of some elements such as the water discharge spout 40, the liquid soap spout 50, the water supply pipe 46, and the liquid soap supply pipe 56.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a drying spout of the hand drying device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 shows a cross section taken along line A1-A1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is an exploded view illustrating the drying spout of the hand drying device according to the embodiment.
7, a recess 83c recessed forward is provided on the rear side of the wall 83 of the washbasin 81. As a result, a space SP1 (space within the recess 83c) is formed between the indoor wall W1 (see FIG. 1) and the washbasin 81 on the back side of the wall surface 83f.

A downward-facing opening 83d is provided at the bottom of the washbasin 81. Space SP1 is connected to the space below the washbasin 81 via opening 83d.

The wall portion 83 (wall surface 83f) is provided with first to third mounting portions 71 to 73 to which spouts are attached. In this example, the first to third mounting portions 71 to 73 are holes that penetrate the wall portion 83. The first to third mounting portions 71 to 73 are aligned in a straight line extending in the left-right direction. The water spout 40 is attached to the first mounting portion 71, the liquid soap spout 50 is attached to the second mounting portion 72, and the drying spout 10 is attached to the third mounting portion 73.

As shown in FIG. 8, the hand dryer 100 has an attachment member 60 that attaches the drying spout 10 to the wall portion 83. The attachment member 60 has a retaining member 61, a setscrew 64 (a pull-out prevention member), and a spacer 65 (a spacer member). The retaining member 61 is attached to the third attachment portion 73, and the drying spout 10 is held (supported) by the retaining member 61. The retaining member 61 is composed of a base 62, which is a cylindrical metal fitting, and a nut 63 for fixing the metal fitting. The base 62 has a cylindrical portion 62a and a flange portion 62b provided at the rear end of the cylindrical portion 62a. The nut 63 threads onto the cylindrical portion 62a. The inner diameter of the through hole that is the third attachment portion 73 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 62a and smaller than the outer diameter of the flange portion 62b. When the cylindrical portion 62a is inserted into the third mounting portion 73 from the rear of the wall portion 83, the flange portion 62b on the rear end abuts against the rear surface of the wall portion 83 via the O-ring 61r. With the cylindrical portion 62a inserted into the third mounting portion 73 (hole in the wall surface 83f) from the rear of the wall portion 83 in this manner, the wall portion 83 is sandwiched between the flange portion 62b on the rear side of the wall portion 83 and the nut 63 on the front side of the wall portion 83. In this way, the holding member 61 is attached to the wall portion 83. The drying spout 10 is attached to the holding member 61 using a set screw or the like.

When attached to the third mounting portion 73, the holding member 61 has a protruding portion 61p (see Figure 8) that protrudes from the wall portion 83. In this example, the protruding portion 61p is the tip of the cylindrical portion 62a and the nut 63. For example, an opening is provided at the rear end of the cover 11, and the rear end of the cover 11 covers the protruding portion 61p. In other words, the protruding portion 61p is inserted into the opening at the rear end of the cover 11. In this state, the holding member 61 holds the cover 11. The rear end of the cover 11 is in contact with, for example, the wall surface 83f.

Set screws 64 (see Figure 8) are inserted into the cover 11 from the circumferential direction of the cover 11. The circumferential direction of the cover 11 is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, and in this example, is downward. The tip of the set screw 64 abuts against the nut 63. For example, the set screw 64 is a retaining member (set screw) that prevents the cover 11 from coming loose from the retaining member 61. The set screw 64 determines the position of the cover 11 relative to the retaining member 61, and secures the cover 11 to the retaining member 61.

As shown in FIG. 7, the air supply duct 30 connected to the rear side of the drying spout 10 passes inside the third mounting portion 73 (and the holding member 61) and curves downward and to the right from the third mounting portion 73 in the space SP1. The air supply duct 30 curves further downward within the space SP1 and extends through the opening 83d to the drying function unit 20. In this way, the air supply duct 30 curves up and down and left and right in the space SP1 behind the wall surface 83f, connecting the drying spout 10 and the drying function unit 20 after passing through the space SP1.

Similarly, the water spout 40, liquid soap spout 50, water supply pipe 46, and liquid soap supply pipe 56 are also attached. That is, the water spout 40 is attached to the first mounting part 71 using a retaining member 61w (e.g., a cylindrical metal fitting and nut). The rear end of the outer member of the water spout 40 is in contact with, for example, wall surface 83f. The water supply pipe 46 is connected from the rear side of the water spout 40 to the water function part 45, passing through the inside of the first mounting part 71 (and the retaining member 61w inserted into the first mounting part 71), space SP1, and opening 83d.
The liquid soap spout 50 is attached to the second mounting portion 72 using a retaining member 61s (e.g., a cylindrical metal fitting and nut). The rear end of the outer casing of the liquid soap spout 50 is in contact with, for example, the wall surface 83f. The liquid soap supply pipe 56 passes from the rear side of the liquid soap spout 50 through the inside of the second mounting portion 72 (and the retaining member 61s inserted into the second mounting portion 72), the space SP1, and the opening 83d, and is connected to the liquid soap function portion 55.

Note that at least a portion of each spout may be attached directly or indirectly to the wall portion 83. In the above example, each spout is indirectly attached to the wall portion 83 via a retaining member. In other words, each spout is indirectly held (supported) by the wall portion 83 via a retaining member. However, the method of attaching each spout to the wall portion 83 is not limited to the above. Each spout may also be held (supported) directly by the wall portion 83.

Furthermore, each holding member may hold the cover of each spout directly or indirectly. That is, for example, the holding member may directly hold the spout cover by contacting the spout cover. Alternatively, for example, a spacer member may be provided between the cover and the holding member, and the holding member may indirectly hold the spout cover via the spacer member. For example, in Figure 8, a spacer 65 is disposed between the inner periphery of the cover 11 and the nut 63. The spacer 65 is attached to the cover 11 with screws 66a and 66b (see Figure 9). The holding member 61 holds the spacer 65 by contacting it. At least a portion of the cover 11 is held by the holding member 61 via the spacer 65.

Furthermore, the first to third mounting portions 71 to 73 may have any configuration to which each spout can be attached. For example, the first to third mounting portions 71 to 73 are not limited to circular through-holes. The mounting portion to which the spout is attached may be one to which the spout is indirectly attached via a holding member or the like, as described above, or one to which the spout is directly attached. The mounting portion may directly hold the spout by contacting it; for example, the mounting portion may be configured so that part of the spout is inserted into the through-hole that serves as the mounting portion.

As shown in FIG. 7, the air supply duct 30 has a first duct 31 and a second duct 32. The air supply duct 30 may further have a connecting member 33 (connecting duct) and a cylindrical connecting member 34 (elbow duct) (see FIG. 3).

The second pipe 32 is connected downstream of the first pipe 31 in the air path for air sent from the blower 22 to the drying spout 10. At least a portion of the second pipe 32 is disposed in the space SP1. One end of the second pipe 32 is connected to the drying spout 10, and the other end of the second pipe 32 is connected to one end of the first pipe 31 via a connecting member 33. The other end of the first pipe 31 is connected to the drying function unit 20 via a connecting member 34. A member such as a hose clamp is used as appropriate for the connection.

The first pipeline 31, the second pipeline 32, and the connecting members 33 and 34 may be made of materials such as rubber or resin. For example, a corrugated hose may be used for the first pipeline 31, and a rubber hose may be used for the second pipeline 32.

As shown in FIG. 8, the drying spout 10 has a cover 11 and an air passage member 12 provided inside the cover 11. A nozzle cover 18 (lid) is provided on top of the air passage member 12 via a sealing member 17, making it airtight. The air passage member 12 serves as an air passage that guides air supplied from the air supply duct 30 to the air outlet 10a.

The air passage member 12 has a connection portion 13, an air outlet 10a, and an air diffusion chamber 15. The connection portion 13 is located at the rear end of the air passage member 12 and is the portion to which the air supply duct 30 is connected. One end 30a of the air supply duct 30 is connected to the connection portion 13 while extending forward. The connection portion 13 is, for example, cylindrical, and the outer diameter of the connection portion 13 is smaller than the inner diameter of the one end 30a of the air supply duct 30. The connection portion 13 is inserted into the opening of the air supply duct 30. In this state, the connection portion 13 is secured by a clamp 13p.

The air outlet 10a is located at the tip of the air passage member 12 and blows out air supplied to the air passage member 12 from the air supply duct 30. The air diffusion chamber 15 is located between the connection part 13 and the air outlet 10a, on the air path for the air blown out from the air outlet 10a. The air diffusion chamber 15 guides the air supplied from the connection part 13 to the air outlet 10a.

The left-right width of the air diffusion chamber 15 and the left-right width of the air outlet 10a are each larger than the inner diameter of one end 30a of the air supply duct 30. Air supplied to the air diffusion chamber 15 from the air supply duct 30 via the connection part 13 spreads vertically and horizontally within the air diffusion chamber 15 and is blown out from the air outlet 10a.

For example, a barrier portion 47 is provided within the air diffusion chamber 15. In this example, the barrier portion 47 is a portion of the bottom surface of the air passage member 12 that protrudes upward. The barrier portion 47 is located in front of the opening at one end 30a of the air supply duct 30. As a result, at least a portion of the air that flows into the air diffusion chamber 15 from the air supply duct 30 hits the barrier portion 47 and spreads in the vertical and horizontal directions. By providing the barrier portion 47 in this manner, the air can be spread efficiently within the air diffusion chamber 15. This makes it easier to discharge a uniformly wide airflow in the horizontal direction from the air outlet 10a.

The sensor 10s is positioned below the barrier portion 47 within the cover 11. The sensor 10s is covered from below by a first sensor cover 19a. A second sensor cover 19b is further attached around the first sensor cover 19a. The lower surfaces of the first sensor cover 19a and second sensor cover 19b form part of the lower surface 11b of the cover 11.

As mentioned above, in this example, the air outlet 11a, connection portion 13, and air diffusion chamber 15 are provided in the air passage member 12, which is separate from the cover 11. However, this is not limited to the above, and each portion of the drying spout 10 may be molded as a single unit as appropriate. The drying spout 10 may also be divided into multiple components as appropriate and assembled.

FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment.
10 shows a part of the washbasin unit as seen from behind the washbasin 81. Note that some elements such as the water discharge spout 40, the liquid soap spout 50, the water supply pipe 46, and the liquid soap supply pipe 56 are not shown.

In this example, the connecting member 34 is connected to the lower side of the side of the drying function unit 20, and a portion of the first duct 31 is located to the side of the drying function unit 20. However, the arrangement of the first duct 31 is not limited to this. For example, the air supply duct 30 may be connected to the top surface of the drying function unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pipe diameter R32 of the second pipe is smaller than the pipe diameter R31 of the first pipe. That is, the outer diameter of the second pipe 32 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first pipe 31. Also, the inner diameter of the second pipe 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first pipe 31.

As already mentioned, in the case of a drying spout attached to the wall of a washbasin, the air duct that sends air to the drying spout passes through the space behind the wall of the washbasin. However, if the air duct is thick, it may be difficult to install the hand dryer. For example, if the air duct is thick, it may be difficult to route the air duct in the limited space behind the wall of the washbasin. Also, for example, if the air duct is thick, the bending radius may be large. In addition, the space behind the wall of the washbasin is difficult for the installer to see directly. Therefore, if the air duct is thick, it may be difficult to install the air duct from the hole in the wall into the space behind the wall of the washbasin. In particular, if the washbasin is wall-mounted and made of ceramic, the space behind the wall of the washbasin is narrow, which may significantly reduce workability.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the air supply duct 30 connecting the drying spout 10 and the drying function unit 20 has a relatively narrow second duct 32. The relatively narrow second duct 32 makes the air supply duct 30 easier to handle, improving workability. Even when the air supply duct 30 curves and passes through the space SP1 behind the wall surface 83f of the washbasin 81, using the second duct 32 with a small outer diameter makes it easier to pass the air supply duct 30 through the space SP1 behind the washbasin, improving workability. Furthermore, the relatively wide first duct 31 reduces pressure loss in the air sent from the blower 22 to the drying spout 10. This reduces pressure loss across the entire air supply duct 30 compared to when the entire air supply duct 30 is narrow.

Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 4 , the front end 10f of the drying spout 10 is located rearward of the center 82C in the front-to-rear direction of the washbasin when the drying spout 10 is attached to the wall portion 83. The compactness of the drying spout 10 improves design. When the drying spout 10 is compact, the distance from the wall surface 83f to the air outlet 10a is short, thereby shortening the length of the air path within the drying spout 10. When the air path within the drying spout 10 is short, it is desirable to supply a sufficient volume of air from the air supply duct 30 to the drying spout 10 so that the air supplied from the air supply duct 30 easily spreads widely within the air path. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize pressure loss in the air supply duct 30. In contrast, according to the embodiment, the first duct 31 is relatively thick, thereby reducing pressure loss in the air supply duct 30 and making it easier to supply a sufficient volume of air to the drying spout 10. Therefore, even if the drying spout 10 is compact, the air supplied from the air supply duct 30 can be spread widely within the drying spout 10.

In the connected state shown in FIG. 10 (a state in which the air supply duct 30 connects the drying spout 10 attached to the wall portion 83 and the drying function unit 20 arranged below the washbasin 81), the lower end 32b of the second duct 32 protrudes downward from the washbasin 81. That is, the lower end 32b is located below the opening 83d. In this example, the lower end 32b is located below the lower end 81b of the washbasin 81. The connecting member 33 and the entire first duct 31 are below the opening 83d and the lower end 81b. That is, the connecting member 33 and the entire first duct 31 are not located in the space SP1.

By having the lower end 32b of the second pipeline 32 protrude downward from the washbasin 81 in this way, the connection between the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32 can be positioned below the washbasin. This improves workability. For example, the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32 can be connected in the relatively large space below the washbasin 81, rather than in the narrow space SP1 behind the washbasin 81. This also prevents the connection between the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32 from getting caught on the back of the washbasin 81, which could reduce workability.

In the connected state shown in Figure 10, the connection portion (connecting member 33) between the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32 is located above the drying function unit 20. That is, the connection portion between the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32 is located above the drying function unit 20 and below the washbasin 81. This improves the ease of construction of the process of connecting the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32. Furthermore, because the connection portion is located above the drying function unit 20, the first pipeline 31 can be made longer and the second pipeline 32 can be made shorter than when the connection portion is located below the upper end 20t of the drying function unit 20. Therefore, pressure loss due to the narrowness of the second pipeline 32 can be minimized.

For example, it is desirable that the vertical distance L6 between the upper end 20t of the drying function unit 20 and the upper end of the first pipe line 31 be longer than the vertical distance L7 between the lower end of the second pipe line 32 and the opening 83d. It is desirable that the distance L6 be longer than the vertical distance L8 between the upper end of the first pipe line 31 and the opening 83d.

It is desirable that the first pipeline 31 has a degree of flexibility that allows the installer to bend it during installation. The second pipeline 32 may or may not have a degree of flexibility that allows the installer to bend it during installation. For example, the bending rigidity of the second pipeline 32 may be higher or lower than the bending rigidity of the first pipeline 31.

For example, the second duct 32 may be pre-formed into a curved shape to match the shape of the washbasin 81. That is, before the second duct 32 is installed in the washbasin 81 (e.g., before the air supply duct 30 connects the drying spout 10 attached to the wall portion 83 and the drying function unit 20 arranged below the washbasin 81), the second duct 32 may be curved to the shape of the second duct 32 when installed in the washbasin (the connected state shown in FIG. 10 ). In other words, the curved shape of the second duct 32 before installation in the washbasin 81 may be substantially the same as the curved shape of the second duct 32 in the connected state. Because the second duct 32 is already curved into a predetermined shape before installation (in an unconnected state), there is no need to bend the second duct 32 back and forth or left and right during installation, which further improves ease of installation.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a part of the washbasin unit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 shows an example of the first pipeline 31, the second pipeline 32, and the connecting member 33.
The outer diameter D32 of the second pipeline 32 is smaller than the outer diameter D31 of the first pipeline 31. The inner diameter d32 of the second pipeline 32 is smaller than the inner diameter d31 of the first pipeline 31. For example, the inner diameter d31 of the first pipeline 31 is 1.5 to 3.0 times the inner diameter d32 of the second pipeline 32. This improves workability and efficiently reduces pressure loss.

The inner and outer diameters of at least a portion of the connecting member 33 (e.g., the portion between the first pipeline 31 and the second pipeline 32) gradually decrease from the first pipeline 31 to the second pipeline 32, corresponding to the diameters of the first and second pipelines 31, 32.

By gradually reducing the inner diameter of the connecting member 33, a sudden decrease in the inner diameter of the air supply duct 30 at the connection between the first duct 31 and the second duct 32 is prevented, thereby reducing pressure loss. Note that the range in which the diameter gradually decreases does not only include cases in which the diameter changes continuously, but also cases in which the diameter changes in stages, for example, with multiple steps.

In this example, the connecting member 33 has a small diameter portion 33a, a large diameter portion 33b, and an intermediate portion 33c. The inner diameter d33a and outer diameter D33a of the small diameter portion 33a are approximately constant in the longitudinal direction. The inner diameter d33b and outer diameter D33b of the large diameter portion 33b are approximately constant in the longitudinal direction. The outer diameter D33a of the small diameter portion 33a is smaller than the outer diameter D33b of the large diameter portion 33b. The inner diameter d33a of the small diameter portion 33a is smaller than the inner diameter d33b of the large diameter portion 33b.

The intermediate portion 33c connects the small diameter portion 33a and the large diameter portion 33b. The inner diameter d33c and outer diameter D33c of the intermediate portion 33c continuously decrease from the large diameter portion 33b toward the small diameter portion 33a.

On the outer surface of the connecting member 33, a protrusion 33p is provided at the boundary between the large diameter portion 33b and the intermediate portion 33c, and a protrusion 33q is provided at the boundary between the intermediate portion 33c and the small diameter portion 33a.

For example, the outer diameter D33b of the large diameter portion 33b is smaller than the inner diameter d31 of the first pipeline 31. The large diameter portion 33b is inserted into the first pipeline 31 up to the protrusion 33p and secured with the clamp 31p. This connects the first pipeline 31 and the connecting member 33.

For example, the outer diameter D33a of the small diameter portion 33a is smaller than the inner diameter d32 of the second pipeline 32. The small diameter portion 33a is inserted into the second pipeline 32 up to the protrusion 33q and secured with the clamp 32p. This connects the second pipeline 32 and the connecting member 33.

It is desirable that the inner diameter d32 of the second duct 32 be larger than half the inner diameter d31 of the first duct 31. This prevents the inner diameter of the air supply duct 30 from suddenly decreasing at the connection (intermediate portion 33c) between the first duct 31 and the second duct 32, thereby reducing pressure loss.

In this example, the air supply duct 30 is composed of the first duct 31, the second duct 32, the connecting member 33, and the connecting member 34, but the configuration of the air supply duct 30 in this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to omit the connecting member 34 and connect the second duct 32 directly to the drying function unit 20. Alternatively, the duct constituting the air supply duct 30 may be divided into multiple parts and connected as appropriate. For example, the second duct 32 connected to the drying spout 10 may not only be directly connected to the drying spout 10, but may also be indirectly connected to the drying spout 10 via a fitting (connecting duct).

The inner and outer peripheries of each pipe in cross section are approximately circular. However, the inner and outer peripheries of each pipe in cross section do not necessarily have to be circular and may be, for example, elliptical. If the cross section of the pipe is not circular, the inner and outer diameters of the pipe may be expressed as equivalent circular diameters. In other words, the inner diameter may be the diameter of a circle having the same area as the area enclosed by the inner periphery in the cross section of the pipe. Furthermore, the outer diameter may be the diameter of a circle having the same area as the area enclosed by the outer periphery in the cross section of the pipe.

12(a) to 12(c) and 13(a) to 13(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the steps of a method for installing a hand dryer according to an embodiment.
12A, the holding member 61 is attached to a hole provided in the wall surface 83f of the washbasin 81. Specifically, a metal fitting having a cylindrical portion is inserted into the hole in the wall surface 83f and fixed with a nut using a tool such as a wrench.

As shown in Figure 12(b), the second pipeline 32 is connected in advance to the rear side of the drying spout 10 using a clamp or the like. At this time, the connecting member 33 and the first pipeline 31 are not connected to the second pipeline 32.

The end of the second conduit 32 opposite the drying spout 10 is passed from the front side of the wall surface 83f through the hole in the wall surface 83f (the cylindrical portion of the holding member 61). Then, the second conduit 32 that has passed through the hole in the wall surface 83f is passed through the space SP1 on the back side of the wall surface 83f and the opening 83d (see Figure 7).

As shown in Figure 12(c), the drying spout 10 is fixed to the holding member 61 with screws on the front side of the wall surface 83f.

As shown in Figure 13(a), the drying function unit 20 is attached to the wall W1 below the washbasin 81. For example, a metal fitting is attached to the wall W1, and the drying function unit 20 is attached to the metal fitting. Here, the first pipe 31 is pre-connected to the drying function unit 20. If the first pipe 31 is too long, the installer may cut it as appropriate.

As shown in Figure 13(b), one end of the connecting member 33 (joint) is inserted into the upper end of the first pipeline 31 and secured with a hose band 33g (clamp).

As shown in FIG. 13(c), at the lower end of the washbasin 81, the other end of the connecting member 33 is inserted into the lower end of the second pipe 32 and fixed with a hose band 33h (clamp).
As described above, the washbasin unit 200 can be assembled to the washbasin 81.

14 and 15 are front views illustrating another washbasin unit according to the embodiment.
The washbasin unit 201 shown in FIG. 14 and the washbasin unit 202 shown in FIG. 15 differ from the washbasin unit 200 shown in FIG. 3 etc. in the arrangement of the drying function unit 20, the water function unit 45, the liquid soap function unit 55, etc.

In the washbasin unit 201 shown in Figure 14, the liquid soap function unit 55 is located in the lower right-hand side of the space below the washbasin 81, the water function unit 45 is located in the upper right-hand side, and the drying function unit 20 is located on the left-hand side. The drying function unit 20, water function unit 45, and liquid soap function unit 55 are attached to the wall W1. In addition, the air supply duct 30 is connected to the upper surface 20p of the drying function unit 20.

In the washbasin unit 202 shown in Figure 15, the liquid soap function unit 55 is located on the lower right side in the space below the washbasin 81, the water function unit 45 is located on the upper right side, and the drying function unit 20 is located on the left side. The water function unit 45 is attached to the wall W1. The drying function unit 20 and liquid soap function unit 55 are placed on the floor F1. The air supply duct 30 is connected to the upper surface 20p of the drying function unit 20.

In the washbasin units 201 and 202, the air supply duct 30 also has a first duct 31 and a second duct 32, and the connection between the first duct 31 and the second duct 32 is above the drying function unit 20 and below the washbasin 81. This improves installation ease, just like the washbasin unit 200.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they incorporate the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, installation form, etc. of each element of the washbasin unit are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate.
Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Drying spout, 10a Air outlet, 10b Discharge outlet, 10f Front end, 10s Sensor, 11 Cover, 11a Air outlet, 11b Bottom surface, 11f Front surface, 11h Left side surface, 11m Right side surface, 11p Front region, 11q Left region, 11r Right region, 11t Top surface, 12 Air passage member, 13 Connection portion, 13p Clamp, 15 Air diffusion chamber, 17 Sealing member, 19a First sensor cover, 19b Second sensor cover, 20 Drying function portion, 20p Top surface, 20t Top end, 21 Heater, 22 Fan, 23 Control unit, 30 Air supply duct, 30a One end, 31 First duct, 31p Clamp, 32 Second pipeline, 32b Lower end, 32p Clamp, 33 Connecting member, 33a Small diameter portion, 33b Large diameter portion, 33c Middle portion, 33g Hose band, 33h Hose band, 33p Protrusion, 33q Protrusion, 34 Connecting member, 40 Water spout, 40a Water outlet, 40f Front end, 40s Sensor, 45 Water function portion, 46 Water supply pipe, 47 Barrier portion, 50 Liquid soap spout, 50a Discharge outlet, 50f Front end, 50s Sensor, 55 Liquid soap function portion, 56 Liquid soap supply pipe, 57 Air supply pipe, 58 Nozzle cover, 60 Mounting member, 61 Holding member, 61p Protrusion, 61r Ring, 61s Holding member, 61w Holding member, 62 Base, 62a Cylindrical portion, 62b Flange portion, 63 Nut, 65 Spacer, 71-73 First to third mounting portions, 80 Mounting structure, 81 Washbasin, 81b Lower end, 82 Bowl portion, 82C Center, 82f Bowl surface, 82p Drain hole, 83 Wall portion, 83c Recess, 83d Opening, 83f Wall surface, 100 Hand dryer, 130 Water discharge device, 150 Liquid soap discharge device, 200, 201, 202 Washbasin unit, C1 Counter, D31, D32, D33a, D33b, D33c Outer diameter, F1 Floor, L1-L4, L10, L82C Length, L5 Inner diameter, L6 to L8 distance, R31, R32 pipe diameter, SP1 space, W1 wall, d31, d32, d33a, d33b, d33c inner diameter

Claims (9)

A drying spout that is attached to the wall above the washbasin bowl and blows out a wide shaped airflow;
A functional part disposed below the washbasin and having a blower;
an air duct having one end extending forward and connected to the drying spout, the air duct passing through the hole in the wall portion, bending downward, and passing through a space behind the wall portion, connecting the drying spout and the functional portion, and supplying air sent from the blower to the drying spout;
Equipped with
the air supply duct includes a first duct and a second duct disposed downstream of the first duct and connected to the drying spout;
The outer diameter of the second pipe is smaller than the outer diameter of the first pipe,
A hand drying device characterized in that, when the air supply duct is connected between the drying spout attached to the wall portion and the functional portion located below the washbasin, the lower end of the second duct protrudes downward from the washbasin . The hand dryer of claim 1, characterized in that the front end of the drying spout is located rearward of the center of the bowl surface of the washbasin in the front-to-rear direction when the drying spout is attached to the wall portion. The hand dryer according to claim 1 , wherein in the connected state, a connection portion between the first pipe line and the second pipe line is located above the functional portion. The hand drying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that before being installed in the washbasin, the second duct is curved to the shape of the second duct when installed in the washbasin. A drying spout that is attached to the wall above the washbasin bowl and blows out a wide shaped airflow;
A functional part disposed below the washbasin and having a blower;
an air duct having one end extending forward and connected to the drying spout, the air duct passing through the hole in the wall portion, bending downward, and passing through a space behind the wall portion, connecting the drying spout and the functional portion, and supplying air sent from the blower to the drying spout;
Equipped with
the air supply duct includes a first duct and a second duct disposed downstream of the first duct and connected to the drying spout;
The outer diameter of the second pipe is smaller than the outer diameter of the first pipe,
A hand drying device characterized in that, before being installed in the washbasin, the second duct is curved to the shape of the second duct when installed in the washbasin. A hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the inner diameter of at least a portion of the connecting member connecting the first conduit and the second conduit gradually decreases from the first conduit toward the second conduit. A drying spout that is attached to the wall above the washbasin bowl and blows out a wide shaped airflow;
A functional part disposed below the washbasin and having a blower;
an air duct having one end extending forward and connected to the drying spout, the air duct passing through the hole in the wall portion, bending downward, and passing through a space behind the wall portion, connecting the drying spout and the functional portion, and supplying air sent from the blower to the drying spout;
Equipped with
the air supply duct includes a first duct and a second duct disposed downstream of the first duct and connected to the drying spout;
The outer diameter of the second pipe is smaller than the outer diameter of the first pipe,
A hand dryer, characterized in that an inner diameter of at least a part of a connecting member connecting the first pipe line and the second pipe line gradually decreases from the first pipe line toward the second pipe line. The hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the inner diameter of the second duct is larger than half the inner diameter of the first duct. The hand dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the inner diameter of the first pipe is 1.5 to 3.0 times the inner diameter of the second pipe.