NL2035410B1

NL2035410B1 - Vanity unit with air dehumidifier

Info

Publication number: NL2035410B1
Application number: NL2035410A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Louisa Catharina Sijbers Remi; Carlo Maria Bisschop Rick
Original assignee: Carlo Maria Bisschop Rick; Louisa Catharina Sijbers Remi
Priority date: 2023-07-18
Filing date: 2023-07-18
Publication date: 2025-01-30

Abstract

The present invention concerns a vanity unit (1) comprising a washbasin (2) and a cupboard (3), wherein the washbasin (2) is positioned on top of the cupboard (3), said cupboard (3) having at least one inlet (3h) configured for supplying humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the interior (3 a) of the cupboard (3) and at least one outlet (3i) configured for discharging dry air from the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) to the surroundings, said washbasin (2) having at least one outlet (2a) for discharging ﬂuid connected to a siphon system(4) which is configured to be connected to a wastewater drain of a sanitary room, wherein the vanity unit (1) further comprises an electric air dehumidifier (5) in the interior (3a) 10 of the cupboard (3) configured to dehumidify humid air resulting in dry air and condensate, wherein the electric air dehumidifier (5) has at least one outlet (5c) connected to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6c), configured for discharging condensate. The invention further concerns a sanitary room (10) having vertical walls and a ﬂoor, a socket (10a), a wastewater drain (10b) connected to a sewage system and the vanity unit (1), 15 wherein the electric air dehumidifier (5) is powered via the socket (10a) and wherein the siphon system (4) is connected to the wastewater drain (10b). Moreover, the invention concerns a process for dehumidifying air in said sanitary room (10).

Description

VANITY UNIT WITH AIR DEHUMIDIFIER

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a vanity unit with air dehumidifying capabilities and a sanitary room comprising said vanity unit. The invention further concerns a process for dehumidifying air in said sanitary room.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past, homes were ventilated naturally through seams and cracks, but this is no longer the case today as homes are increasingly well (thermally) insulated. As a result of this improved insulation and reduced ventilation, moisture may accumulate in houses, particularly in sanitary rooms. This moisture, such as warm humid air resulting from showering, may condense on cold surfaces, such as on walls, doors, windows and mirrors, leading to the formation of mold growth and/or corrosion.

Humid air is typically removed from houses, particularly from sanitary rooms, using mechanical ventilation systems, such as exhaust air fans, or via passive venting through an open window. These types of ventilation are typically insufficient to avoid the formation of mold growth. Moreover, they are typically associated with huge thermal losses because air with increased temperature is discharged to the outside environment.

The problem of insufficient ventilation in sanitary rooms has been addressed in various ways in the prior art.

DE102019111610A1 discloses a steam extraction system integrated with a shower installation. The shower system has a wall drain arranged in the floor area for draining wastewater. The wall drain further comprises a suction device for extracting steam-laden air from the shower aera. The suction device can comprise a dehumidification unit for converting the steam-laden air into dehumidified air which can be returned to the shower room, whereas the condensate is discharged along with the wastewater. It is described that the steam extraction system can be provided in the wall (flush mount installation) or in a construction on the wall (front-wall or pre-wall installation). As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the shower room, i.e. the place where the shower is positioned within a bathroom, does not comprise an electric power supply, for safety reasons. Accordingly, in case of flush mount installation, such a steam extraction system and electric power supply need to be provided in the wall of the bathroom in the showering area, leading to safety risks, considerable adaptations to the physical integrity of the walls, and lack of accessibility of the steam extraction system in case of failure.

In case of front-wall installation, such a steam extraction system and electric power supply need to be provided in a construction in front of the wall of the bathroom in the showering area, leading to safety risks and to a less appealing spatial layout of the sanitary room, both from an aesthetic point of view and in view of the use of the limited space.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system or apparatus and method for preventing superficial condensation of water vapour on surfaces or controlling the humidity in a sanitary room, which method can be carried out easily and which system or apparatus can be installed easily in any existing sanitary room.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for preventing superficial condensation of water vapour on surfaces or controlling the humidity in a sanitary room, which method can be carried out safely in any existing sanitary room.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system or apparatus for preventing superficial condensation of water vapour on surfaces or controlling the humidity in a sanitary room, that can be installed in a sanitary room with as little modifications as possible and which does not or hardly negatively affect the aesthetic design of the sanitary room.

Moreover, it is an object of the invention to provide a system or apparatus for preventing superficial condensation of water vapour on surfaces or controlling the humidity in a sanitary room, wherein the system or apparatus or a part thereof can be easily replaced in case of malfunctioning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have established that one or more of the objects can be met by providing a vanity unit with an electric air dehumidifier that is (configured to be) connected to a socket for powering and to a siphon system which is (configured to be) connected to a wastewater drain, preferably to a sewage system, of a sanitary room. A vanity unit is present in almost every sanitary room, has a wastewater drain and typically a socket for electric shaving. It can be easily adapted to include an electric air dehumidifier without changing the aesthetic design of the sanitary room. It is typically positioned outside of the showering area such that electric equipment can be safely used. Dehumidifying humid air in the electric air dehumidifier results in condensate that can be directly discharged via the wastewater drain and dry air can be returned to the sanitary room without losses in thermal energy to the environment. The vanity unit and the electric air dehumidifier can be easily replaced in case of malfunctioning.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a vanity unit (1) comprising a washbasin (2) and a cupboard (3), wherein the washbasin (2) is positioned on top of the cupboard (3), said cupboard (3) having an interior (3a) defined by two side walls (3b,3c), a front side (3d), a back side (3e), a top side (31) and a bottom wall (3g), said cupboard (3) comprising at least one inlet (3h) configured for supplying humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) and at least one outlet (31) configured for discharging dry air from the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1), said washbasin (2) having at least one outlet (2a) for discharging fluid, wherein the at least one outlet (2a) is connected to a siphon system (4) which is configured to be connected to a wastewater drain, preferably to a sewage system, of a sanitary room, characterized in that the vanity unit (1) further comprises an electric air dehumidifier (5) in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3), said electric air dehumidifier (5) being configured to dehumidify humid air resulting in dry air and condensate, wherein the electric air dehumidifier (5) has: © at least one inlet (5a) configured to receive humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit {1) and connected to the at least one inlet (3h) in the cupboard (3), for example via a tube or conduit (6a); ° at least one outlet (5b) configured for discharging dry air to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) and connected to the at least one outlet (31) in the cupboard (3), for example via a tube or conduit (6b); and ° at least one outlet (5¢) connected to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6c), configured for discharging condensate to the siphon system (4).

In a second aspect. the invention provides a sanitary room (10) having vertical walls and a floor, a socket (10a), a wastewater drain (10b) connected to a sewage system and a vanity unit (1) according to the first aspect, wherein the back side (3e) of the cupboard (3) is attached to a vertical wall of the sanitary room (10), wherein the electric air dehumidifier (5) is powered via the socket (10a) and wherein the siphon system (4) is connected to the wastewater drain (10b) wherein the bottom wall (3g) is preferably positioned at a distance from the floor, for example between 5 and 30 cm from the floor.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a process for dehumidifying air in a sanitary room (10) according to the second aspect, said process comprising the steps of:

1) switching on the electric air dehumidifier (5); (ii) taking in humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) via the at least one inlet (3h) in the cupboard (3) and the at least one inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5), for example via a tube or conduit (6a) connecting the at least one inlet (3h) and the at least one inlet (5a); (iti) dehumidifying the humid air in the electric air dehumidifier (5), resulting in dry air and condensate; (iv) discharging dry air to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) via the at least one outlet (5b) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) and via the at least one outlet (31) in the cupboard (3), for example via a tube or conduit (6b) connecting the at least one outlet (31) and the at least one outlet (5b); and v) discharging condensate via the at least one outlet (5c) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6¢).

DEFINITIONS

The term ‘vanity unit’ as used herein concerns the combination of a washbasin and a cupboard, wherein the washbasin is positioned on top of the cupboard. Such combinations are well known to the skilled person. Typically, the vanity unit also comprises a tap for supplying fresh water to the washbasin.

The term ‘washbasin’ as used herein is considered to be interchangeable with ‘sink’. The washbasin can cover the whole top surface/side of the cupboard but can also be a small bowl for washing hands.

The term ‘cupboard’ as used herein is considered to be interchangeable with ‘base cabinet’.

The terms ‘horizontal’, ‘horizontal direction’, ‘vertical’ and ‘vertical direction’ as used herein as regards the spatial arrangement of the vanity unit (1) when installed in a sanitary room (10) have their common meaning in the art. Hence, a horizontal arrangement concerns an arrangement substantially parallel to the floor or bottom and a vertical arrangement concerns an arrangement substantially perpendicular to the floor or bottom, i.e. parallel to the walls of the sanitary room (10).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figures 1A-1D depict a vanity unit (1) according to the invention.

Figure 2 depicts a sanitary room (10) comprising a vanity unit (1) according to the invention installed therein.

Figures 3A-5B depict vanity units (1) with different configurations of inlets (3h) for supplying humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the interior (3a) of the 5 cupboard (3) and outlets (3i) for discharging dry air from the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1).

Figures 6A and 6B depict the interior (3a) of the vanity unit (1).

Figure 7 depicts a typical electric air dehumidifier (5) for use in the vanity unit.

DETAILED DECRIPTION

In a first aspect, the invention provides a vanity unit (1) comprising a washbasin (2) and a cupboard (3), wherein the washbasin (2) is positioned on top of the cupboard (3), said cupboard (3) having an interior (3a) defined by two side walls (3b,3c¢), a front side (3d), a back side (3e), a top side (3f) and a bottom wall (3g), said cupboard (3) comprising at least one inlet (3h) configured for supplying humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the interior (32) of the cupboard (3) and at least one outlet (31) configured for discharging dry air from the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1), said washbasin (2) having at least one outlet (2a) for discharging fluid, wherein the at least one outlet (2a) is connected to a siphon system (4) which is configured to be connected to a wastewater drain, preferably to a sewage system, of a sanitary room, characterized in that the vanity unit (1) further comprises an electric air dehumidifier (5) in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3), said electric air dehumidifier (5) being configured to dehumidify humid air resulting in dry air and condensate, wherein the electric air dehumidifier (5) has: ° at least one inlet (5a) configured to receive humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) and connected to the at least one inlet (3h) in the cupboard (3), for example via a tube or conduit (6a); ° at least one outlet (5b) configured for discharging dry air to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) and connected to the at least one outlet (31) in the cupboard (3), for example via a tube or conduit (6b); and eo at least one outlet (5¢) connected to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6c), configured for discharging condensate to the siphon system (4).

Siphon system and washbasin

The term ‘siphon’ in the context of vanity units is well-known to the skilled person and concerns a water trap configured to prevent sewer gases from coming back out of sanitary sewer and enter the sanitary room wherein the vanity unit is installed. Although the term ‘siphon’ is often used in the context of vanity units, a more correct name is ‘inverted siphon’,

As explained hereinbefore, the siphon system (4) is configured to be connected to a wastewater drain (10b), preferably to a sewage system, of a sanitary room. The at least one outlet (2a) of the washbasin (2) for discharging fluid is also connected to the siphon system (4), for example via a tube or a flexible conduit.

Typically, the washbasin (2) has at least one outlet (2a) for discharging fluid and a second outlet or inlet (2b) that is positioned above the first outlet (2a) in a vertical direction. This second outlet or inlet (2b) preferably is also connected to the siphon system (4), for example via a tube or a flexible conduit, and is configured to counteract the formation of pressure differences when emptying the washbasin (2) via the at least one outlet (2a) and/or to prevent overflow of the washbasin (2) when the at least one outlet (2a) is closed.

As described hereinbefore, at least one outlet (5c) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) 1s also connected to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6c).

The siphon system (4) typically has an U-shaped flow path wherein the lower part of the

U-shaped flow path functions as the water trap. The at least one outlet (2a), the optional second outlet or inlet (2b) and the at least one outlet (Sc) are preferably fluidly connected to the siphon system (4) at one side of the U-shaped flow path above the lower part of the flow path, whereas the siphon system (4) is configured to be connected to a wastewater drain (10b) at the other side of the U-shaped tlow path above the lower part of the flow path. See for example Figures 6A and 6B.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the at least one outlet (2a) for discharging fluid is preferably positioned in the lowest part of the washbasin (2) in the vertical direction to enhance flow of fluid to the at least one outlet (2a) when emptying the washbasin (2).

Cupboard

As explained hereinbefore, the cupboard (3) has an interior (3a) defined by two side walls (3b,3c), a front side (3d), a back side (3e), a top side (3f) and a bottom wall (3g). At least the two side walls (3b,3¢) and the bottom wall (3g) are made of rigid materials. The back side (3e) can be left open since it is intended to be attached to a vertical wall of the sanitary room (10).

In embodiments, however, the back side (3e) is made of rigid materials. If so, it typically contains an opening for a tube or conduit connecting the siphon system (4) to a wastewater drain (10b) and/or an opening for a socket (10a). The top side (31) can be left open because it can be covered and stabilized by the washbasin (2). In embodiments, however, the top side (31) is made of rigid materials. If so, it typically contains an opening for a tube or conduit connecting the at least one outlet (2a) for discharging fluid to the siphon system (4) and optionally a further opening abutting an inlet (3h) or outlet (31) in the washbasin (2).

The front side (3d) can be completely or party open. The front side (3d) can be, completely or partly, covered by a rigid material.

In a preferred embodiment, the vanity unit (1) has at least one drawer (8) for storage and configured to make the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) accessible via the front side (3d). In this embodiment, the front wall of the drawer (8) at least partly covers the front side (3d) when the drawer (8) is in a closed state.

In a preferred embodiment, the vanity unit (1) has at least one door (9) at the front side (3d) configured to make the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) accessible via the front side (3d).

In this embodiment, the door (9) at least partly covers the front side (3d) when the door (9) is in a closed state.

Combinations of these embodiments are also envisaged.

The term ‘rigid materials’ includes, but is not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, composites and wood veneer.

As explained hereinbefore, the cupboard (3) comprises at least one inlet (3h) and at least one outlet (31). The at least one inlet (3h) is configured for supplying humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). In preferred embodiments, each inlet (3h) concerns a through hole in a wall of the cupboard (3).

In embodiments, the vanity unit (1) comprises one inlet (3h). In other embodiments, the vanity unit (1) comprises two, three of four inlets (3h).

The at least one outlet (31) is configured for discharging dry air from the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1). In preferred embodiments, each outlet (31) concerns a through hole in a wall of the cupboard (3).

In embodiments, the vanity unit (1) comprises one outlet (31). In other embodiments, the vanity unit (1) comprises two, three of four outlets (31).

As explained hereinbefore, the at least one inlet (3h) in the cupboard (3) is connected to the at least one inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) positioned in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). Such a connection can be a tube or conduit (6a). The inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) can also directly abut a wall of the cupboard (3), meaning that the inlet (5a) is directly connected to the inlet (3h). In such an embodiment, no separate tube or conduit (6a) is present between inlet (5a) and inlet (3h).

If there are more than one inlets (3h) in the cupboard (3), they are all connected, for example via one or more tubes or conduits (6a), to an inlet (52) or to more than one inlets (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5). In a preferred embodiment, the cupboard (3) has one inlet (3h) connected to one inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) positioned in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). In another preferred embodiment, the cupboard (3) has two inlets (3h) connected, for example via two tubes or conduits (6a), to one inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) positioned in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). Accordingly, the electric air dehumidifier (5) can, when in use, suck humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the at least one inlet (5a) via the at least one inlet (3h).

As explained hereinbefore, the at least one outlet (31) in the cupboard (3) is connected to the at least one outlet (5b) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) positioned in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). Such a connection can be a tube or conduit (6b). The outlet (Sb) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) can also directly abut a wall of the cupboard (3), meaning that the outlet (5b) is directly connected to the outlet (31). In such an embodiment, no separate tube or conduit (6b) is present between outlet (5b) and outlet (31).

If there are more than one outlets (3i) in the cupboard (3), they are all connected, for example via one or more tubes or conduits (6b), to an outlet (5b) or to more than one outlets (5b) of the electric air dehumidifier (5).

In a preferred embodiment, the cupboard (3) has one outlet (3i) connected to one inlet (5b) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) positioned in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). In another preferred embodiment, the cupboard (3) has two outlets (31) connected, for example via two tubes or conduits (6b), to one outlet (5b) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) positioned in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). Accordingly, the electric air dehumidifier (5) can, when in use, discharge dry air to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) from the at least one outlet (5b) via the at least one outlet (3i) in the cupboard (3).

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the one or more inlets (3h) on the one hand and the one or more outlets (3i) on the other hand should preferably be positioned a minimum distance away to prevent dry air exiting the one or more outlets (3i) from directly entering the one or more inlets (3h) for humid air. The one or more inlets (3h) on the one hand and the one or more outlets (31) on the other hand could theoretically be positioned in the same wall of the cupboard (3), although this is not preferred. If the one or more inlets (3h) on the one hand and the one or more outlets (3i) on the other hand are positioned in the same wall of the cupboard (3), they are preferably positioned at least 30 cm apart. The skilled person will understand that the distance between the at least one inlet (3h) and the at least one outlet (31) is less relevant if the at least one inlet (3h) and the at least one outlet (3i) are positioned in different walls, such as in opposite walls or in mutually perpendicular walls. Hence, in such embodiments, the at least one inlet (3h) and the at least one outlet (31) are preferably positioned at least 4 cm apart, more preferably at least 10 cm apart.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one inlet (3h) and/or the at least one outlet (31) comprise a means for filtering air (7), more preferably the at least one inlet (3h).

In embodiments, the vanity unit (1) as defined herein has the following features: (a) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in one of the two side walls (3b,3c) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in the other side wall (3b,3c), in the bottom wall (3g), in the front side (3d) or in the washbasin (2) on top of the cupboard (3); (b) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in one of the two side walls (3b,3c), in the front side (3d) or in the washbasin (2) on top of the cupboard (3); (c) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the front side (3d) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g), in one of the two side walls (3b,3c) or in the washbasin (2) on top of the cupboard (3); or (d) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the washbasin (2) on top of the cupboard (3) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in one of the two side walls (3b,3c). in the bottom wall (3g) or in the front side (3d).

For safety reasons, an inlet (3h) or outlet (31) in the washbasin (2) on top of the cupboard (3) is less preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in one of the two side walls (3b,3c) and the at least one outlet (3i) is positioned in either the other side wall (3b,3¢) or in the bottom wall (3g).

In another preferred embodiment, the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g) and the at least one outlet (3i) is positioned in a side wall (3b,3c).

In a less preferred embodiment, the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the washbasin (2) on top of the cupboard (3) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g).

Electric air dehumidifier

The electric air dehumidifier {5) for use in the vanity unit (1) is not particularly limited.

It typically comprises a vapour-compression cooling system wherein in each cycle evaporation, compression, condensation, and throttling or a refrigerant take place. Evaporation of the refrigerant at low temperature absorbs heat from the humid air causing condensation whereas condensation of compressed refrigerant releases heat at higher temperature to the dry air.

In an embodiment, the electric air dehumidifier (5) further comprises a replenishable or replaceable container (5k) configured to supply air refreshener via the at least one outlet (5b).

Sanitary room

In a second aspect, the invention concerns a sanitary room (10) having vertical walls and a floor, a socket (10a), a wastewater drain (10b) connected to a sewage system and a vanity unit (1) according to the first aspect, wherein the back side (3e) of the cupboard (3) is attached to a vertical wall of the sanitary room (10), wherein the electric air dehumidifier (5) is powered via the socket (10a) and wherein the siphon system (4) is connected to the wastewater drain (10b) wherein the bottom wall (3g) is preferably positioned at a distance from the floor, for example between 5 and 30 cm from the floor.

In a preferred embodiment, the vanity unit covers the socket (10a), such that the socket is not visible from the outside. The wastewater drain (10b) can be provided in the vertical wall or in the floor. In a preferred embodiment, the wastewater drain (10b) is provided in the vertical wall and is covered by the vanity unit, such that the wastewater drain (10b) is not visible from the outside.

If the bottom wall (3g) is positioned at a distance from the floor, for example between 5 and 30 cm from the floor, the vanity unit (1) can be stabilized using legs between the bottom wall (3g) of the cupboard (3) and the floor. The skilled person understands that the bottom side (3g) of the vanity unit (1) is necessarily positioned at a distance from the floor if the vanity unit (1) has at least one inlet (3h) or at least one outlet (31) in the bottom wall (3g).

In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary room (10) according to the first aspect further comprises one or more of a shower (10¢), a bathtub (10d) and a toilet (10e), preferably a shower (10c). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the at least one inlet (3h) configured for supplying humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3) is preferably directed towards those places in the sanitary room where humid air is produced. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in a side wall (3b,3c) facing one or more of a shower (10c), a bathtub (10d) and a toilet (10e), more preferably facing a shower (10c).

Process for dehumidifying air

In a third aspect, the invention concerns a process for dehumidifying air in a sanitary room (10) according to the second aspect, said process comprising the steps of: (1) switching on the electric air dehumidifier (5); (ii) taking in humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) via the at least one inlet (3h) in the cupboard (3) and the at least one inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5): (ii) dehumidifying the humid air in the electric air dehumidifier (5), resulting in dry air and condensate; (iv) discharging dry air to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) via the at least one outlet (5b) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) and via the at least one outlet (31) in the cupboard (3): and (v) discharging condensate via the at least one outlet (5c) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) and the tube or conduit {6c) to the siphon system (4).

In a preferred embodiment, the humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) in step (ii) has a temperature of between 18 and 25°C and a relative humidity of between more than 60 and 100% and the dry air discharged to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) in step (iv) has a temperature of between 18 and 25°C and a relative humidity of between 40 and 60%.

Preferred features disclosed in the context of the first and the second aspect equally apply to the third aspect.

Detailed description of the drawings

Reference will now be made to the following embodiments depicted in the figures.

Combined Figures 1A to 1D depict a vanity unit (1) comprising a washbasin (2) and a cupboard (3), wherein the washbasin (2) is positioned on top of the cupboard (3), said cupboard (3) having an interior (3a) defined by two side walls (3b,3¢) a front side (3d), a back side (3e), a top side (3f) and a bottom wall (3g). The top side (3f) of the cupboard (3) is not clearly visible in the figures because it is covered by the washbasin (2). The back side (3e) is open. The cupboard (3) has a door (9) at the front side (3d) to be able to close the interior (3a) and to make it accessible. The cupboard (3) comprises an inlet (3h) in side wall (3b) configured for supplying humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) to the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3), more particularly to an inlet (5a) of an electric air dehumidifier (5), and an outlet (31) in side wall (3c) configured for discharging dry air from the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3). more particularly from an outlet (5b) of an electric air dehumidifier (5), to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1). The washbasin (2) has an outlet (2a) for discharging fluid which is connected to a siphon system (4) and is provided with a tap for supplying potable water to the washbasin (2). The vanity unit (1) comprises an electric air dehumidifier (5) in the interior (3a) of the cupboard (3), said electric air dehumidifier (5) being configured to dehumidify humid air resulting in dry air and condensate. The electric air dehumidifier (5) has an inlet (5a) (not visible) configured to receive humid air from the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) via the inlet (3h) in the cupboard (3). In Figures 1A to 1D, the inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) abuts the side wall (3b), meaning that the inlet (5a) is directly connected to the inlet (3h).

In other words, no separate tube or conduit is present between inlet (5a) and inlet (3h). The electric air dehumidifier (5) further has an outlet (5b) {not visible) configured for discharging dry air to the surroundings of the vanity unit (1) via outlet (31) in the cupboard (3). In Figures 1A to 1D, the outlet (5b) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) abuts the side wall (3¢), meaning that the outlet (5b) is directly connected to the outlet (31). In other words, no separate tube or conduit is present between outlet (Sb) and outlet (31). Moreover, the electric air dehumidifier (5) has an outlet {5¢) connected to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6¢), configured for discharging condensate. When installed in a sanitary room (10), the siphon system (4) is connected to a wastewater drain (10b) so that any condensate formed can immediately flow to the sewage system (see also Figure 2). In the vanity unit (1) of Figures 1A to ID, a removable means for filtering air (7) abutting the inner surface of side wall (3b)/inlet (3h) is present.

Hence, when in use, humid air entering the cupboard via opening (3h) is filtered. The removable means for filtering air (7) can for example be removably put in front of the inlet (5a) of the electric air dehumidifier (5) (see the arrow in Figure 7).

Figure 2 depicts the vanity unit (1) installed in a sanitary room (10) wherein the back side (3e) of the cupboard (3) is attached to a vertical wall of the sanitary room (10). The vertical wall of the sanitary room (10) comprises a socket (10a). The floor of the sanitary room (10) comprises a wastewater drain (10b) connected to a sewage system (not shown). The electric air dehumidifier (5) is powered via the socket (10a) and the siphon system (4) is connected to the wastewater drain (10b). Figure 2 further indicates the direction of humid air entering inlet (3h) in side wall (3b) and the direction of dry air leaving outlet (31) in side wall (3c).

Figures 3A and 3B respectively depict front and rear views of a vanity unit (1) wherein the cupboard (3) comprises an inlet (3h) in side wall (3b) and an outlet (31) in the washbasin (2) on top of the cupboard (3).

Figures 4A and 4B respectively depict front and rear views of a vanity unit (1) wherein the cupboard (3) comprises an inlet (3h) in the bottom wall (3g) and an outlet (3i) in the side wall (3¢).

Figures SA and 5B respectively depict front and rear views of a vanity unit (1) wherein the cupboard (3) comprises an inlet (3h) in the bottom wall (3g) and an outlet (31) in the front side (3d).

Figures 6A and 6B depict the interior (3a) of the vanity unit (1) comprising a siphon system (4) and an electric air dehumidifier (5) having an outlet (5c) connected to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6c).

Figure 7 depicts an example of an electric air dehumidifier (5) for use in the vanity unit (1). In this example, the electric air dehumidifier (5) comprises a condensation chamber (51) with an open front end forming the inlet (5a) for humid air. A heat exchanging unit (5h), absorbing heat at the front end to cause condensation in humid air and releasing heat at the back end to dry air, is to be placed in the condensation chamber (51) (see the arrow in Figure 7). Air filter (7) can be removably placed in front of the inlet (5a) via slit (5j) in condensation chamber (5i). The condensation chamber (51) also has an opening at the back side where a rotating fan (Se) is placed, sucking the humid air via the inlet (Sa) into the condensation chamber (51) where condensation takes place and where condensate and dry air at increased temperature are formed. The rotating fan (Se) further transports the dry air to outlet (5b). The condensation chamber (51) also has an opening in the bottom side where a condensate collector

(5%) is placed having an outlet (5c} to be connected to a siphon system (4). The cooling system causing condensation typically is a vapour-compression cooling system wherein in each cycle evaporation, compression, condensation, and throttling or a refrigerant take place. Evaporation of the refrigerant at low temperature absorbs heat from the humid air causing condensation whereas condensation of compressed refrigerant releases heat at higher temperature to the dry air. The compressor is indicated in Figure 7 with (5g).

Thus, the invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art.

Furthermore, for a proper understanding of this document and its claims, it is to be understood that the verb ‘to comprise’ and its conjugations are used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. In addition, reference to an element by the indefinite article ‘a’ or ‘an’ does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article ‘a’ or ‘an’ thus usually means ‘at least one’.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

I. Bathroom furniture (1) comprising a washbasin (2) and a cabinet (3), wherein the washbasin (2) is positioned on top of the cabinet (3), wherein the cabinet (3) has an interior (3a) defined by two side walls (3b,3c), a front (3d), a rear side (3e), a top (3f) and a bottom wall (3g), wherein the cabinet (3) comprises at least one inlet (3h) adapted to supply moist air from the environment of the bathroom furniture (1) to the interior (3a) of the cabinet (3) and at least one outlet (31) adapted to discharge dry air from the interior (3a) of the cabinet (3) to the environment of the bathroom furniture (1), wherein the washbasin (2) has at least one outlet (2a) for discharging liquid, wherein the at least one outlet (2a) is connected to a siphon system (4) adapted to be connected to a waste water drain, preferably with a sewerage system, of a sanitary room, characterised in that the bathroom furniture (1) further comprises an electric dehumidifier (5) in the interior (3a) of the cabinet (3), the electric dehumidifier (5) being designed to dehumidify moist air, resulting in dry air and condensate, wherein the electric dehumidifier (5):

20 . has at least one inlet (5a) designed to receive moist air from the environment of the bathroom furniture (1) and which is connected to the at least one inlet (3h) in the cabinet (3), for example via a tube or conduit (6a); ° has at least one outlet (5b) designed to discharge dry air to the environment of the bathroom furniture (1) and connected to the at least one outlet (31) in the cabinet (3), for example via a tube or conduit (6b); and ° has at least one outlet (Sc) connected to the siphon system (4) via a tube or conduit (6c) designed to discharge condensate to the siphon system (4).

2. Bathroom furniture (1) according to claim 1, wherein: (a) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in one of the two side walls (3b,3c) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in the other side wall

{3b.3¢), in the bottom wall (3g), in the front (3d) or in the sink (2) on top of the cabinet (3): (b) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in one of the two side walls {3b,3c). in the front (3d) or in the sink (2) on top of the cabinet (3): ©) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the front (3d) and the at least one outlet (3i) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g), in one of the two side walls (3b,3c) or in the sink (2) on top of the cabinet (3); or (d) the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the sink (2) on top of the cabinet (3) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in one of the two side walls (3b,3c), in the bottom wall (3g) or in the front (3d).

Bathroom furniture (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one inlet (3h) and the at least one outlet (31) are positioned at least 4 cm apart, preferably at least 10 cm apart.

Bathroom furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in one of the two side walls (3b,3c) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in either the other side wall (3b,3c) or in the bottom wall (39).

5. Bathroom furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in a side wall (3b,3c).

6. Bathroom furniture (1) according to any one of claims | to 3, wherein the at least one inlet (3h) is positioned in the washbasin (2) on top of the cabinet (3) and the at least one outlet (31) is positioned in the bottom wall (3g).

7. Bathroom furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having at least one drawer (8) for storage and being designed to make the interior (3a) of the cabinet (3) accessible via the front (3d).

8. Bathroom furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, having at least one door (9) at the front (3d) arranged to make the interior (3a) of the cabinet (3) accessible via the front (3d).

9 Bathroom furniture (1) according to any one of claims | to 8, wherein the at least one inlet (3h) and/or the at least one outlet (3i) comprise means for filtering air (7).

10. Bathroom furniture (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electric air dehumidifier (5) further comprises a refillable or replaceable container (Sk) adapted to supply air freshener via the at least one outlet (5b).

11. Sanitary room (10) with vertical walls and a floor, a socket (10a), a waste water drain (10b) connected to a sewer and a bathroom cabinet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rear side (3e) of the cabinet (3) is attached to a vertical wall of the sanitary room (10), wherein the electric dehumidifier (5) is powered via the socket (10a) and wherein the siphon system (4) is connected to the waste water drain {10b), wherein the bottom wall (3g) is preferably positioned at a distance from the floor, for example between 5 and 30 cm from the floor.

12. Sanitary room according to claim 11, further comprising one or more of a shower (10c), a bathtub (10d) and a toilet (10e), preferably further comprising a shower (10c¢).

Sanitary room according to claim 12, wherein the at least one entrance (3h) is positioned in a side wall (3b,3c) facing one or more of the shower (10c), the bathtub (10d) and the toilet (10e), preferably facing the shower (100).

14. A method for dehumidifying air in a sanitary room (10) as defined in any one of claims 11 to 13, the method comprising the following steps: {i) switching on the electric air dehumidifier (5);

(it) taking in moist air from the environment of the bathroom furniture (1) via the at least one inlet (3h) in the cabinet (3) and the at least one inlet (5a) of the electric dehumidifier (5); (ij) dehumidifying moist air in the electric dehumidifier (5). resulting in dry air and condensate. (iv) _ discharging dry air to the environment of the bathroom furniture (1) via the at least one outlet (5b) of the electric dehumidifier (5) and via the at least one outlet (31) in the cabinet (3); and {v) discharging condensate via the at least one outlet (5¢) of the electric dehumidifier (5) and the pipe or conduit (6¢) to the siphon system (4).

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the moist air in the environment of the bathroom furniture (1) in step (ii) has a temperature between 18 and 25°C and a relative humidity between more than 60 and 100% and wherein the dry air discharged to the environment of the bathroom furniture (1) in step (iv) has a temperature between 18 and 25°C and a relative humidity between 40 and 60%.