Shower system, bathroom system provided with same, and shower room system

Abstract

Provided is a shower system that uses a radio wave radar and that can suppress the occurrence of erroneous detection of the operation of a user even when a shower spits water. The present invention is a shower system (1) provided in a room, comprising: a fixed shower head (6a) that is fixed to a side wall surface (2b) or a ceiling wall surface (2a) in the room (2) and that discharges shower water; a radio wave radar (14) that emits radio waves into the room and receives radio waves reflected by a user of the shower system; and a control unit (16) that detects, on the basis of a signal detected by the radio wave radar, the operation of a user of the shower system provided in a predetermined detection space (22) indoors, and that controls, on the basis of the detected operation of the user, the water spouting from the fixed shower head. The detection space is provided at a position at which an action of a user of the shower system can be detected even when shower water is spouted from the fixed shower head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shower system, and more particularly to a shower system installed indoors, a bathroom system including the shower system, and a shower room system including the shower system. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-338614 (Patent Document 1) discloses an operation input device. The operation input device captures an image of a bather through a camera unit built into a bathroom remote controller in a bathroom, and thereby recognizes the actions of the bather. Further, when the recognized action pattern of the bather matches a pre-registered action pattern, an operation signal is output to the bathroom remote controller or the shower device, and these are operated.

[0003] Patent Documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-338614 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in the operation input device described in Patent Document 1, since an image of the bather during bathing is obtained, there is a possibility that the privacy of the bather may be violated when the image information is stolen from the operation input device. Therefore, in the operation input device described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem of giving the bather a potential sense of uneasiness.

[0005] In addition, in order not to give the bather a potential sense of uneasiness, it is also possible to consider detecting the actions of the bather not by obtaining an image of the bather but by using radio waves. However, radio waves also react to shower water discharge, so when used for detecting actions in a bathroom where shower use is possible, the possibility of false detection increases.

[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a shower system, a bathroom system including the shower system, and a shower room system including the shower system that use a radio wave radar and can suppress false detection of the actions of a user even during shower water discharge.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a shower system installed indoors according to the present invention is characterized by including: a fixed shower head that is fixed to a side wall surface or a ceiling wall surface indoors and discharges shower water; a radio wave radar that irradiates radio waves into the room and receives radio waves reflected by a user of the shower system; and a control unit that detects the actions of the user of the shower system in a predetermined detection space set indoors based on a signal detected by the radio wave radar, and controls the water discharge from the fixed shower head based on the detected actions of the user. The detection space is set between a water discharge space formed by shower water discharge and a side wall surface to which the fixed shower head is fixed or a side wall surface near the fixed shower head fixed to the ceiling wall surface.

[0008] In the present invention configured as described above, a fixed showerhead that discharges shower water is fixed to a side wall surface or a ceiling wall surface inside a room. In addition, a radio wave radar irradiates radio waves into the room and receives the radio waves reflected by a user of the shower system. A control unit detects the actions of the user of the shower system within a prescribed detection space set in the room, and controls the water discharge from the fixed showerhead based on the detected actions of the user.

[0009] Generally speaking, a bather who is taking a shower with the shower water discharged from a fixed showerhead fixed inside a room has a limited space for actions to control the water discharge from the fixed showerhead to a prescribed space inside the room. According to the present invention configured as described above, since the detection space for detecting the actions of the user is provided between the water discharge space formed by the shower water discharge and the side wall surface where the fixed showerhead is fixed or the side wall surface near the fixed showerhead fixed to the ceiling wall surface, even when the shower water is being discharged, false detection of the user's actions can be suppressed.

[0010] In the present invention, it is preferable that the radio wave radar is configured to be able to receive the radio waves reflected by the user within a prescribed reception space inside the room, the detection space is provided inside the reception space, and at least when the water is being discharged from the fixed showerhead, the detection sensitivity for the actions of the user within the detection space is higher than the detection sensitivity within the reception space outside the detection space.

[0011] According to the present invention configured as described above, since the detection sensitivity for the actions of the user within the detection space provided inside the reception space is higher than the detection sensitivity within the reception space outside the detection space, even when the water is being discharged from the fixed showerhead, it is difficult to be affected by noise or the like, and false detection of the user's actions can be suppressed.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that when the water discharge from the fixed showerhead starts, the detection sensitivity for the actions of the user within the detection space is changed to be higher than the detection sensitivity within the reception space outside the detection space.

[0013] According to the present invention configured as described above, since the detection sensitivity within the detection space increases when the water discharge from the fixed showerhead starts, on the one hand, the actions of the user within the reception space can be widely detected when there is no water discharge. On the other hand, when water discharge is likely to cause false detection, the detection sensitivity within the detection space is increased, and false detection can be suppressed.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to detect the height or posture of the user based on the signal detected by the radio wave radar, and the control unit changes the height of the set detection space according to the detected height or posture of the user.

[0015] According to the present invention configured as such, since the height of the detection space is changed according to the detected height or posture of the user, it is possible to set the detection space at a height where the user's actions are anticipated, and it is possible to more surely detect the user's actions.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, the radio wave radar makes the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the detection space higher than the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the receivable space outside the detection space, or makes the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected in the detection space higher than the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected in the receivable space outside the detection space, thereby making the detection sensitivity of the user's actions in the detection space higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

[0017] According to the present invention configured as such, since the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the detection space is increased, or the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected in the detection space is increased, it is possible to more surely detect the user's actions in the detection space.

[0018] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit is configured to determine the radio wave below a specified intensity threshold received by the radio wave radar as noise, and set the intensity threshold applicable to the radio wave reflected in the detection space lower than the intensity threshold applicable to the radio wave reflected in the receivable space outside the detection space, thereby making the detection sensitivity of the user's actions in the detection space higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

[0019] According to the present invention configured as such, since the intensity threshold applicable to the radio wave reflected in the detection space is set lower, it is possible to detect even the reflected wave with a lower intensity reflected in the detection space as a signal, and it is possible to more surely detect the user's actions.

[0020] In the present invention, preferably, the radio wave radar is provided on a specified shower installation wall surface, thereby making the detection sensitivity of the user's actions in the detection space higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

[0021] According to the present invention configured as such, since the radio wave radar is provided on the shower installation wall surface, the detection sensitivity of the user's actions in the detection space will necessarily be increased, and there is no need to provide a special structure or process, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of false detection.

[0022] In addition, the present invention is a bathroom system, characterized by comprising: a bathroom having side wall surfaces, a ceiling wall surface, and a floor; a bathtub provided in the bathroom; and the shower system of the present invention.

[0023] In addition, the present invention is a shower room system, characterized by comprising: a shower room having side wall surfaces, a ceiling wall surface, and a floor; and the shower system of the present invention.

[0024] According to the shower system of the present invention, as well as the bathroom system and the shower room system equipped with the shower system, by using a radio wave radar, it is possible to suppress false detection of the user's actions even when the shower is discharging water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the interior of a bathroom equipped with the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a top view of a bathroom equipped with the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a dressing room adjacent to the bathroom. Figure 3 It is a front view of a shower device provided on a side wall surface in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an enlarged view of a target indication portion provided on a side wall surface in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A It is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of a radio wave radar on a side wall surface in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5B It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the mounting structure of a radio wave radar on a side wall surface. Figure 5C It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the mounting structure of a radio wave radar on a side wall surface. Figure 5D It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the mounting structure of a radio wave radar on a side wall surface. Figure 5E It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the mounting structure of a radio wave radar on a side wall surface. Figure 5F It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the mounting structure of a radio wave radar on a side wall surface. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the intensity distribution of radio waves received by a radio wave radar and the detected point cloud in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of the intensity distribution of radio waves received by a radio wave radar and the detected point cloud in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the intensity distribution of radio waves received by a radio wave radar and the detected point cloud in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9A This is a diagram showing an example of the intensity distribution of radio waves received by a radio wave radar and the detected point cloud in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9B This is a diagram showing an example of changing the reception sensitivity of radio waves in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the control unit provided in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 It is from Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a subroutine called from the flowchart shown. Figure 12 This is a side view showing the water discharge space and the detection space set in the bathroom in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 This is a side view showing the water discharge space and the detection space set in the bathroom in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a side view showing the detection space set in the bathroom in the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the shower system according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the shower room system including the shower system. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the shower system according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the shower room system including the shower system. Figure 17 This is a top view showing the bathroom including the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the dressing room adjacent to the bathroom. Figure 18 This is a diagram showing an example of the intensity distribution of radio waves received by a radio wave radar in the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the Doppler velocity of radio waves received by a radio wave radar in the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 This is a diagram showing an example of the point cloud detected by a radio wave radar in the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21This is a diagram showing an example of the irradiation direction of radio waves from a radio wave radar and the obtained Doppler velocity in the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 This is a diagram showing an example of the irradiation direction of radio waves from a radio wave radar and the obtained Doppler velocity according to a comparative example. Figure 23 This is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the control unit provided in the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 This is a side view showing the water discharge space, detection space, and the direction of the irradiated radio waves set in the bathroom in the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing the shower system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the bathroom system including the shower system. Figure 26 This is a perspective view showing the shower system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention and the bathroom system including the shower system. Symbol Explanation 1 - Shower system; 2 - Bathroom (room); 2a - Ceiling wall surface; 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e - Side wall surfaces; 2f - Floor; 4 - Bathtub; 6 - Shower device; 6a - Fixed shower head; 6b - Handheld shower head; 6c - Faucet; 6d - Solenoid valve; 6e - Temperature regulating valve; 6f - Flow regulating valve; 8 - Shower rod; 8a - Rod-shaped member; 8b - Shower head holding part; 9 - Target indication part; 9a - Overhead shower indication part; 9b - Faucet indication part; 9c - Temperature increase indication part; 9d - Temperature decrease indication part; 9e - Flow increase indication part; 9f - Flow decrease indication part; 10 - Mirror; 12 - Bathroom counter; 14 - Radio wave radar; 14a - Detection part; 14b - Radar housing; 16 - Control part; 18 - Dressing room (adjacent room); 18a - Door; 20 - Receiving space; 22 - Detection space; 24 - Water discharge space; 100 - Shower system; 102 - Shower room; 102a - Ceiling wall surface; 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e - Side wall surfaces; 102f - Floor; 200 - Shower system; 202 - Room; 203 - Shower room; 203a - Ceiling wall surface; 203b, 203c, 203d, 203e - Side wall surfaces; 203f - Floor; 204 - Flushing toilet; 205 - Washbasin dressing table; 218 - Door; 400 - Shower system; 422 - Detection space; 500 - Shower system; 502 - Shower room; 502a - Ceiling wall surface; 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e - Side wall surfaces; 502f - Floor; 600 - Shower system; 602 - Room; 603 - Shower room; 603a - Ceiling wall surface; 603b, 603c, 603d, 603e - Side wall surfaces; 603f - Floor; 604 - Flushing toilet; 605 - Washbasin dressing table; 618 - Door. Detailed implementation mode

[0026] Next, with reference to the drawings, the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the bathroom system including the shower system will be described. Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the interior of a bathroom including the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a top view of a bathroom including the shower system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a dressing room adjacent to the bathroom.

[0027] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in the figure, in the bathroom 2 equipped with the shower system 1 of the present embodiment, a bathtub 4, a shower device 6, a shower rod 8 provided on the side wall surface 2b of the bathroom 2, a mirror 10 fixed to the side wall surface 2b, and a bathroom counter 12 are provided. In addition, the fixed shower head 6a of the shower device 6 is fixed to the ceiling wall surface 2a of the bathroom 2 as an overhead shower head. Moreover, on the side wall surface 2b of the bathroom 2, there are provided: a radio wave radar 14 that irradiates radio waves into the bathroom 2; and a control unit 16 that controls the water discharge of the shower device 6 according to the signal detected by the radio wave radar 14. In addition, an adjacent room, i.e., a dressing room 18 ( Figure 2 ) is provided adjacent to the bathroom 2, and the bathroom 2 can be entered from the dressing room 18 through a door 18a. And in this specification, a "fixed shower head" means a shower head or a pipe supporting the shower head that is fixed to the ceiling wall surface or the side wall surface, and includes not only a shower head with a fixed water discharge direction but also a shower head with a changeable water discharge direction.

[0028] Here, the fixed shower head 6a of the shower device 6, the radio wave radar 14, and the control unit 16 constitute the shower system 1 of the present embodiment. In addition, the shower system 1, the bathroom 2, and the bathtub 4 constitute the bathroom system of the present embodiment.

[0029] The bathroom 2 is a room composed of a ceiling wall surface 2a, four side wall surfaces 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, and a floor 2f. As described above, the fixed shower head 6a as an overhead shower head is fixed to the ceiling wall surface 2a. In addition, on one side wall surface 2b of the bathroom 2, a shower rod 8, a mirror 10, and a bathroom counter 12 are installed. In addition, inside the side wall surface 2b, a radio wave radar 14 and a control unit 16 are provided. Moreover, the bathtub 4 is arranged along the side wall surface 2c adjacent to the side wall surface 2b. On the side wall surface 2e opposite to the side wall surface 2c, a door 18a leading to the dressing room 18 is provided.

[0030] The bathtub 4 is arranged along the side wall surface 2c of the bathroom 2, extending from the side wall surface 2b adjacent to the side wall surface 2c to the other side wall surface 2d, and is substantially rectangular when viewed from above.

[0031] The mirror 10 is installed on the side of the shower rod 8 on the side wall surface 2b and is formed in a vertically long rectangular shape. The bathroom counter 12 is a shelf installed below the shower rod 8 and the mirror 10 on the side wall surface 2b, extending horizontally at a specified height. The dressing room 18 is an adjacent room adjacent to the bathroom 2, and the bathroom 2 can be entered and exited through a door 18a provided on the side wall surface 2e.

[0032] Next, newly referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4The shower device 6 will be described. Figure 3 It is a front view of the shower device 6 provided on the side wall surface 2b. Figure 4 It is a view showing an enlarged target indication part provided on the side wall surface 2b. The shower device 6 is a shower device capable of performing shower water discharge and faucet water discharge, and has: a fixed shower head 6a fixed to the ceiling wall surface 2a; a hand-held shower head 6b held on the shower rod 8; and a faucet 6c installed on the side wall surface 2b. Moreover, the shower device 6 includes: a solenoid valve 6d that switches the water discharge and water stop from the fixed shower head 6a, the hand-held shower head 6b, and the faucet 6c; a temperature regulating valve 6e that regulates the temperature of the cold and hot water discharged; and a flow regulating valve 6f that regulates the flow rate of the cold and hot water discharged.

[0033] The fixed shower head 6a is fixed to the ceiling wall surface 2a of the bathroom 2 and is configured to discharge shower water from above to the bather. And, in the present embodiment, the fixed shower head 6a is provided on the ceiling wall surface 2a near the corner of the bathroom 2. That is, the fixed shower head 6a is provided near the corner where the side wall surface 2b provided with the mirror 10 etc. and the side wall surface 2e on the opposite side of the bathtub 4 intersect, and is configured to discharge shower water from above the head of the bather in front of the mirror 10.

[0034] The shower rod 8 is provided on the side wall surface 2b and has: a rod-shaped member 8a; and a shower head holding part 8b that holds the hand-held shower head 6b. The rod-shaped member 8a is a rod-shaped member fixed to the side wall surface 2b so as to extend in the vertical direction and extends parallel to the side wall surface 2b at a predetermined interval from the side wall surface 2b. The shower head holding part 8b is slidably mounted on the rod-shaped member 8a and is configured to be able to adjust to any height on the rod-shaped member 8a. The shower head holding part 8b is configured to be able to hold the hand-held shower head 6b and the hand-held shower head 6b can be removed from the shower head holding part 8b and used. That is, the hand-held shower head 6b is not fixed to the side wall surface 2b. And, the hand-held shower head 6b can be used in a state where the user holds it by hand or in a state of being held by the shower head holding part 8b.

[0035] Moreover, the target indication part 9 is provided on the side of the mirror 10 on the side wall surface 2b. As Figure 4 shown, the target indication part 9 has a head shower indication part 9a, a faucet indication part 9b, a temperature rise indication part 9c, a temperature fall indication part 9d, a flow rate increase indication part 9e, and a flow rate decrease indication part 9f. These target indication parts 9 are provided to indicate the position where the user should perform an action when the user wants to operate the shower device 6 by an action.

[0036] That is, when the user wants to start the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a, the user makes a movement of reaching a finger towards the overhead shower indication part 9a. This movement is detected by the radio wave radar 14 and the control part 16, and the control part 16 opens the solenoid valve 6d of the shower device 6 to start the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a. In addition, during the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a, if the user makes a movement of reaching a finger towards the overhead shower indication part 9a again, this movement is detected and the shower water discharge is stopped. Similarly, when the user makes a movement of reaching a finger towards the faucet indication part 9b, the water discharge and water stop from the faucet 6c are switched thereby.

[0037] Moreover, when the user wants to increase the water discharge temperature from the fixed shower head 6a or the like, the user makes a movement of reaching a finger towards the temperature increase indication part 9c, and thereby the temperature regulating valve 6e is controlled by the control part 16, and the water discharge temperature from the fixed shower head 6a or the like rises. Similarly, when the user wants to lower the water discharge temperature, the user makes a movement of reaching a finger towards the temperature decrease indication part 9d, and thereby the temperature regulating valve 6e is controlled, and the water discharge temperature from the fixed shower head 6a or the like decreases.

[0038] In addition, when the user wants to increase the water discharge flow rate from the fixed shower head 6a or the like, the user makes a movement of reaching a finger towards the flow rate increase indication part 9e, and the flow rate regulating valve 6f is controlled by the control part 16, and the water discharge flow rate from the fixed shower head 6a or the like increases. Similarly, when the user wants to lower the water discharge flow rate, the user makes a movement of reaching a finger towards the flow rate decrease indication part 9f, and thereby the flow rate regulating valve 6f is controlled, and the water discharge flow rate from the fixed shower head 6a or the like decreases.

[0039] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the target indication part 9 only has the function of indicating the position where the user should make the movement of extending a finger, and is only composed of marks attached to the side wall surface 2b. In contrast, as a modification example, the target indication part 9 can also only have the function of displaying the water discharge states such as temperature and flow rate related to the fixed shower head 6a, and the target indication part 9 can also have the function of being an actual operation button. That is, the present invention can also be configured such that the target indication part 9 can not only function as indicating the position where the user should make the movement of extending a finger, but also function as a display part for indicating the water discharge state. In addition, the present invention can also be configured such that each target indication part 9, in addition to functioning as indicating the position where the action should be performed, also functions as an operation button for executing each function. At this time, the user can operate the shower device 6 by reaching a finger towards each target indication part 9, and at the same time, in case of a failure or a power outage, etc., the shower device 6 can also be manually operated by pressing each target indication part 9.

[0040] On the other hand, by manually operating the flow control valve 6f, the user can operate and adjust the water discharge, water stop, and discharge flow rate from the hand-held shower head 6b. In addition, by manually operating the temperature control valve 6e, the user can adjust the temperature of the cold and hot water discharged from the hand-held shower head 6b. Further, as a modified example, the present invention may be configured such that a target indication unit (not shown) for operating the hand-held shower head 6b is provided on the side wall surface 2b of the bathroom 2, and the hand-held shower head 6b can be operated by the user's action of extending a finger toward the target indication unit. Alternatively, as another modified example, the present invention may be configured such that, while the hand-held shower head 6b is held by the shower head holding unit 8b, the user manually operates the flow control valve 6f and the temperature control valve 6e, and when the hand-held shower head 6b is removed from the shower head holding unit 8b, various operations can be performed by the user's action.

[0041] Next, with reference to Figures 5A to 5F , the radio wave radar 14 will be described. Figures 5A to 5F FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting structure of the radio wave radar on the side wall surface. The radio wave radar 14 is configured to irradiate radio waves into the bathroom 2 and receive the radio waves reflected by the user of the shower system 1. Specifically, the radio wave radar 14 is provided on the side of the mirror 10 on the side wall surface 2b, and is configured to irradiate radio waves into the bathroom 2 in a radial pattern and detect the radio waves reflected and returned. In addition, the radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves into the bathroom 2 at a predetermined time interval to detect the user of the shower system 1. In the present embodiment, the radio wave radar 14 is configured to irradiate millimeter waves in the 60 GHz band and receive the reflected waves. It is preferable to use a radio wave radar that irradiates radio waves in the 24 GHz band to 3 THz band, and more preferably to use a radio wave radar that irradiates radio waves in the 60 GHz band to 79 GHz band.

[0042] The radio wave radar 14 receives the radio waves reflected and returned, and thereby can detect the coordinates of the point where the radio waves are reflected, the intensity of the reflected radio waves, and the speed (Doppler speed) of the point where the radio waves are reflected in the radio wave propagation direction. Thus, from the detection signal of the radio wave radar 14, coordinate information of the point group where the radio waves are reflected, intensity information of the reflected waves from each point, and information on the moving speed of each point can be obtained. For example, when the user has entered the bathroom 2, the radio wave radar 14 detects the radio waves reflected by the user and detects information on the point group representing the user.

[0043] In addition, the radio waves emitted from the radio wave radar 14 are also reflected by the wall surface of the bathroom 2 or the like. However, since each wall surface is far from the radio wave radar 14 and the reflectivity of the radio waves is low, the intensity of the radio waves reflected by the wall surface and received is low. Moreover, a part of the radio waves emitted from the radio wave radar 14 penetrates the side wall surface 2e and enters the dressing room 18 adjacent to the bathroom 2. Therefore, even when someone has entered the dressing room 18, the radio wave radar 14 can detect this situation. Thus, in the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the receivable space 20 that can receive the radio waves emitted from the radio wave radar 14 and reflected covers substantially the entire area inside the bathroom 2 and inside the dressing room 18.

[0044] Moreover, in the present embodiment, as Figure 5A shown, the detection unit 14a (the part that emits and receives radio waves) of the radio wave radar 14 is installed inside the side wall surface 2b (outside the bathroom 2), and the detection unit 14a is covered by the radar housing 14b installed inside the side wall surface 2b. In contrast, as a modification example, as Figure 5B shown, the present invention can also be configured such that the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 is installed on the surface side (inside the bathroom 2) of the side wall surface 2b, and the detection unit 14a is covered by the radar housing 14b installed on the surface side of the side wall surface 2b.

[0045] Furthermore, as Figure 5C shown, when the entire detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 is covered by the radar housing 14b, an opening can be provided at the portion of the side wall surface 2b where the radio wave radar 14 is installed, and the radar housing 14b can be embedded in the opening, thereby installing the radio wave radar 14 on the side wall surface 2b. In addition, the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 can be installed inside the bathroom 2 in the radar housing 14b as Figure 5C shown, or can be installed outside the bathroom 2 in the radar housing 14b as Figure 5D shown.

[0046] Alternatively, as Figure 5E shown, the radar housing 14b that covers the entire detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 can be installed inside the side wall surface 2b, or as Figure 5F shown, the radar housing 14b can also be installed on the surface side of the side wall surface 2b. And in this specification, "installing the radio wave radar on the wall surface" includes Figures 5A to 5F all forms. In addition, the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 can also be provided inside the housing (not shown) of the bathroom counter 12 or the shower device 6.

[0047] The control unit 16 is configured to detect the actions of the user of the shower system 1 within a specified detection space set in the bathroom 2 based on the signal detected by the radio wave radar 14, and to control the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a according to the detected actions of the user. That is, within the bathroom 2, a specified detection space 22 ( Figure 2 ) is set within the receivable space 20. The signal detected by the radio wave radar 14 is sent to the control unit 16, and the control unit 16 determines whether the user has performed a specified action within the set detection space 22 based on the input signal. When the specified action has been performed, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the shower device 6 to start or stop the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a. In the present embodiment, the detection space 22 is set as a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space in front of the radio wave radar 14 ( Figure 2 ) and above the bathroom counter 12 ( Figure 12 ). And specifically, the control unit 16 is composed of a microprocessor, a memory, an interface circuit, and software for operating these (the above are not shown).

[0048] Next, with reference to Figures 6 to 9B , the process of detecting the actions of the user performed in the control unit 16 will be described. First, as described above, the radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves in all directions within the bathroom 2. The radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 are directed in all directions so as to cover Figure 2 the entire receivable space 20 shown. Moreover, the radio wave radar 14 receives the reflected waves of the irradiated radio waves. Here, since the walls and the floor of the bathroom 2 are far from the radio wave radar 14 and the reflectivity of the radio waves is also low, when there is no user in the bathroom 2, the intensity of the reflected waves received by the radio wave radar 14 is low.

[0049] On the other hand, when the user enters the dressing room 18 or the bathroom 2, the human body strongly reflects radio waves, so the radio wave radar 14 receives the stronger reflected waves reflected by the user. Here, the radio wave radar 14 can detect how far the radio waves directed in all directions travel before being reflected. Thereby, the coordinate information of the points where the radio waves are reflected can be obtained, and the user entering the bathroom 2 is detected by the radio wave radar 14 as a point group as shown in the left column of Figure 6 .

[0050] In addition, Figure 6The right column shows a graph that represents the intensity of the radio waves reflected from each point on the horizontal axis and patterns the frequency (number of points) of the points representing the intensity on the vertical axis. As described above, the intensity of the reflected waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 and reflected by the respective wall surfaces of the bathroom 2 and the like is low. In addition, since most of the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 are reflected by the respective wall surfaces of the bathroom 2 and the like, the frequency (number of points) of such radio waves is large. Thus, in the graph in the right column of Figure 6 a peak appears in the region where the intensity of the reflected wave is low. On the other hand, the intensity of the reflected waves reflected by the user who enters the bathroom 2 is high. Therefore, in the graph in the right column of Figure 6 another peak appears in the region where the intensity of the reflected wave is high due to the reflected waves reflected by the user. Moreover, among the received reflected waves, radio waves below a specified intensity threshold are determined as noise and deleted from the detection data. Through this process, the point group shown in the left column of Figure 6 can be detected.

[0051] Here, based on the detected reflected waves, the intensity threshold I for determining the received radio waves as noise can be changed th . In this embodiment, the intensity threshold I is determined by the Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) method th . Generally speaking, the lower the intensity threshold I is set th , the higher the detection probability of the target to be detected, but the false alarm (detection) probability also increases. On the other hand, if the intensity threshold I is set th to be higher, although the false alarm probability can be reduced, the detection probability of the target decreases. In this way, the detection probability of the target and the false alarm probability change due to the setting of the intensity threshold I th and are in a trade-off relationship. It is generally well-known that the CFAR method is a method of setting the intensity threshold I in such a way that the false alarm probability remains constant according to the intensity distribution of the received reflected waves th .

[0052] More specifically, the radio wave radar 14 can also detect the speed (Doppler speed) of the point where the irradiated radio wave is reflected in the direction of the radio wave propagation. Therefore, the speed zero is detected from the radio waves reflected by the wall surfaces of the bathroom 2 and the like, and a positive (direction away from the radio wave radar 14) speed or a negative (direction approaching the radio wave radar 14) speed is detected from the radio waves reflected by the user moving in the bathroom 2.

[0053] By combining the intensity information of the radio waves reflected from each point and the velocity information of each point obtained in this way, it is possible to more accurately detect the users in the dressing room 18 or the bathroom 2 as a point group. Moreover, by calculating the centroid position of the point group where the radio waves are reflected, it is possible to obtain the position information of the users in the bathroom 2 or the like. In addition, according to the height of the highest point in the point group, it is possible to obtain information such as the height of the user and the posture of the user.

[0054] However, when shower water is being discharged from the fixed shower head 6a in the bathroom 2, it is difficult for the radio wave radar 14 to detect the user taking a shower. That is, since the shower water discharged from the fixed shower head 6a also reflects radio waves, the radio wave radar 14 also recognizes the radio waves reflected by the shower water as a point group of the detection target object.

[0055] Figure 7 The left column of [Figure] schematically shows an example of the point group detected in such a state. In addition, Figure 7 The right column of [Figure] is a graph schematically showing the intensity of the radio waves reflected from each point on the horizontal axis and the frequency (number of points) of the points representing the intensity on the vertical axis. In addition, in the graph in the right column of [Figure], the frequency of the points reflected by the shower water or the user's body is indicated by a dotted line, and the frequency of the points reflected by the finger of the user reaching for the target indicating unit 9 is indicated by a solid line. Figure 7 The right column of [Figure] is a graph schematically showing the intensity of the radio waves reflected from each point on the horizontal axis and the frequency (number of points) of the points representing the intensity on the vertical axis. In addition, in the graph in the right column of [Figure], the frequency of the points reflected by the shower water or the user's body is indicated by a dotted line, and the frequency of the points reflected by the finger of the user reaching for the target indicating unit 9 is indicated by a solid line.

[0056] As Figure 7 shown in the right column of [Figure], in terms of the intensity and frequency (number of points) of the point group detected by the radio wave radar 14, the radio waves reflected by the shower water or the user's body ( Figure 7 indicated by a dotted line in [Figure]) dominate, and the radio waves reflected by the finger of the user reaching for the target indicating unit 9 ( Figure 7 indicated by a solid line in [Figure]) are low in both intensity and frequency. Therefore, the radio waves reflected from the finger are submerged in noise (for example, the intensity of the radio waves reflected from the finger is lower than the intensity threshold), and it is difficult for the radio wave radar 14 to detect the finger of the user reaching for the target indicating unit 9.

[0057] Then, in the present embodiment, the detection sensitivity of the user's actions in the detection space 22 ( Figure 2 ) is higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22. More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the shower water starts to be discharged from the fixed shower head 6a, the detection sensitivity of the user's actions in the detection space 22 is changed to be higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22.

[0058] Figures 8 to 9BThis is a diagram showing an example of the detection of a user's finger when the detection sensitivity is changed in a way that increases the detection sensitivity within the detection space 22. Figure 8 The example shown represents an example of the detection result when the detection sensitivity is set to zero on the outside of the detection space 22. That is, in Figure 8 the example shown, the radio wave radar 14 changes the emission direction of the radio wave by controlling the emission angle of the radio wave, and thus emits the radio wave only in the direction passing through the detection space 22 and does not emit the radio wave in the direction not passing through the detection space 22.

[0059] At this time, as Figure 2 shown, the radio wave that has passed through the detection space 22 does not pass through the space below the fixed shower head 6a that is discharging shower water, so the radio wave reflected by the shower water discharge is not detected by the radio wave radar 14. Therefore, in Figure 8 the example shown, only the reflected wave reflected within the detection space 22 ( Figure 8 shown by the solid line in the right column) is detected by the radio wave radar 14. That is, by making the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the detection space 22 higher than the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22 (in the case of Figure 8 , the intensity = 0), the detection sensitivity to the user's actions within the detection space 22 is made higher than the detection sensitivity within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22. Thus, as Figure 8 shown in the left column, the reflected wave reflected by the user's finger extended into the detection space 22 can be detected.

[0060] Alternatively, the radio wave radar 14 can irradiate the entire receivable space 20 with radio waves, and at the same time set the reception sensitivity of the radio wave emitted and reflected in the direction outside the detection space 22 to zero. By doing so, the same result as Figure 8 can also be obtained. In this way, the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected within the detection space 22 can also be made higher than the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22 (in the above example, the reception sensitivity = 0).

[0061] Next, Figure 9A the example shown represents an example of the detection result when the detection sensitivity is reduced on the outside of the detection space 22. That is, in Figure 9A the example shown, the radio wave radar 14 makes the intensity of the radio wave emitted in the direction passing through the detection space 22 higher than the intensity of the radio wave emitted in the direction not passing through the detection space 22. As a result, the detection sensitivity to the user's actions within the detection space 22 is higher than the detection sensitivity within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22.

[0062] Thus, as shown in the right column of Figure 9A , the intensity of the reflected wave ( Figure 9A shown by the solid line in the right column of Figure 9A ) reflected by the user's finger within the detection space 22 is detected to be higher than the intensity of the reflected wave ( Figure 9A shown by the dashed line in the right column of

[0063] ) reflected by the user's body and the shower water within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22. As a result, even when deleting the radio waves with an intensity below the specified intensity threshold as noise, the reflected wave reflected by the user's finger will not be deleted. Thus, as shown in the left column of Figure 9A , it is possible to detect the reflected wave reflected by the user's finger extended into the detection space 22 as a point group.

[0064] Alternatively, while the radio wave radar 14 irradiates the entire receivable space 20 with radio waves of a constant intensity, the reception sensitivity of the radio waves emitted and reflected in directions other than the detection space 22 is reduced (for example, multiplying the intensity of the received reflected wave by a weight less than 1). By doing so, the same result as Figure 9B can also be obtained. Figure 9B That is, as shown in

[0065] , the radio wave radar 14 irradiates the entire receivable space 20 with radio waves of a constant intensity. Moreover, when this radio wave is reflected at point P1 within the detection space 22, the radio wave radar 14 increases the weight of the received radio wave (for example, weight = 1). In contrast, when the received radio wave is reflected at point P2 or point P3 outside the detection space 22, the radio wave radar 14 reduces the weight of the received radio wave (for example, weight = 0). At this time, since the influence of the radio wave reflected within the water discharge space 24 (for example, the radio wave reflected at point P2) can be reduced, as shown in Figure 7 , the detection space 22 can also be set relatively large. In this way, the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected within the detection space 22 can also be made higher than the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22. th Moreover, in the example shown in Figure 7 above, regarding the reflected wave received by the radio wave radar 14, the reflected wave with an intensity lower than the intensity threshold I determined by the CFAR method thCompared with the lower specified value. That is, the intensity threshold I applicable to detecting the intensity of the radio wave reflected within the detection space 22 th , is set to be lower than the intensity threshold I applicable to detecting the radio wave reflected within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22 th . Thus, the reflected wave reflected by the user's finger within the detection space 22 is difficult to be deleted as noise, and the user's finger can be detected. As a result, the detection sensitivity for the user's actions within the detection space 22 is higher than that within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22.

[0066] In addition, in the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the radio wave radar 14 is provided on the shower installation wall surface, i.e., the side wall surface 2b. Therefore, the detection space 22 will be set near the radio wave radar 14, and the reflected wave reflected within the detection space 22 will be received by the radio wave radar 14 with a relatively strong intensity. On this basis, in the present embodiment, the detection space 22 is set between the side wall surface 2b and the water discharge space 24 below the fixed shower head 6a. Thus, even when the shower discharges water, the radio wave incident on the detection space 22 will not be blocked by the shower water on the way, and the actions of the user within the detection space 22 can be surely detected. In addition, since the detection space 22 is set between the side wall surface 2b provided with the target indication part ( Figure 3 ) and the water discharge space 24 below the fixed shower head 6a, the radio wave incident on the detection space 22 will not be blocked by the shower water on the way, and at the same time, the detection area can be naturally set in the direction the user faces when the shower discharges water, and the usability is excellent. And when the fixed shower head 6a is fixed to the side wall surface, the "water discharge space 24" refers to the space through which the cold and hot water discharged from the fixed shower head 6a passes.

[0067] That is, in the present embodiment, the radio wave radar 14 is provided on the "shower installation wall surface", i.e., the side wall surface 2b, so that even when the shower discharges water from the fixed shower head 6a, the detection space 22 can be set at a position where the actions of the user of the shower system 1 can be detected. On this basis, by providing the radio wave radar 14 on the "shower installation wall surface", the detection sensitivity for the user's actions within the detection space 22 is higher than that within the receivable space 20 outside the detection space 22.

[0068] And, in this specification, when the fixed shower head is provided on the side wall surface, the "shower installation wall surface" refers to the side wall surface provided with the fixed shower head. In addition, when the fixed shower head is provided on the ceiling surface, on the side wall surface near the fixed shower head (at Figure 2In the example shown, in the side wall surfaces 2b and 2e) and the ceiling wall surface 2a, the area extending between the side wall surface near the fixed shower head and the fixed shower head conforms to the "shower setting wall surface". In addition, the "side wall surface near the fixed shower head" refers to the side wall surface within about 60 cm from the center of the fixed shower head.

[0069] Next, with reference to Figures 10 to 14 , the operation of the shower system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the control unit 16 provided in the shower system 1. Figure 11 It is from Figure 10 The flowchart of the subroutine called from the shown flowchart. Figure 12 And Figure 13 It is a side view showing the water discharge space and the detection space provided in the bathroom 2. And, in a state where the power supply of the shower system 1 is turned on, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 10 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined time interval.

[0070] First, in Figure 10 step S1, the inside of the receivable space 20 ( Figure 2 ) is checked. Specifically, the subroutine shown in Figure 11 is executed to check whether the user has entered the receivable space 20.

[0071] Next, in Figure 11 step S11, the control unit 16 acquires various data from the radio wave radar 14. Specifically, radio waves are emitted from the detection unit 14a ( Figure 5A ) of the radio wave radar 14 to the entire receivable space 20, and various data are derived from the received reflected waves. In the present embodiment, the distance from the point where the radio wave is reflected to the detection unit 14a, the azimuth angle of the point where the radio wave is reflected, the elevation angle of the point where the radio wave is reflected, the intensity of the received radio wave, and the Doppler velocity of the point where the radio wave is reflected are derived.

[0072] Next, in step S12, low-intensity noise is removed according to the intensity of the reflected waves reflected from each point. In the present embodiment, the intensity threshold I th is calculated using the CFAR method, and the reflected waves with an intensity lower than the intensity threshold I th are determined as noise, and their data is removed ( Figure 6 the shaded part in the right column).

[0073] Moreover, in step S13, points with a relatively low Doppler velocity among the points where the reflected radio waves are removed are removed. Generally speaking, the Doppler velocities of the respective points of the reflected radio waves are centered around a velocity of zero and are distributed from a negative value (points closer to the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14) to a positive value (points farther from the detection unit 14a). Among these points, the points where the Doppler velocity is particularly close to zero are highly likely to be points reflected from a stationary wall surface or the ground. Therefore, in the present embodiment, points whose absolute value of the Doppler velocity is less than a specified velocity threshold V th are determined as noise and removed.

[0074] Next, in step S14, by combining the processing in step S12 and the processing in step S13, a point group that is considered to represent the user is calculated. In the present embodiment, among the points detected by the reflected wave, points where the intensity of the reflected wave is equal to or greater than an intensity threshold I th and the absolute value of the Doppler velocity is equal to or greater than a specified velocity threshold V th are extracted as the point group representing the user.

[0075] Moreover, in step S15, the centroid position of the point group extracted in step S14 is calculated, and the processing of the subroutine shown in Figure 11 ends. That is, the centroid position of each point extracted in step S14 is calculated, and it is determined that the user is located at this centroid position.

[0076] When Figure 11 the processing of the subroutine ends, the processing of the control unit 16 proceeds to Figure 10 step S2. In step S2, it is determined whether the calculated centroid position (the position of the user) is within the bathroom 2 in the receivable space 20. When the calculated centroid position is within the bathroom 2, the process proceeds to step S3, and when it is outside the bathroom 2, the one-time processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 10 ends. That is, when the user is not within the bathroom 2, the control of the shower device 6 based on the user's actions is not performed as a matter of course.

[0077] On the other hand, in step S3, it is determined whether the calculated centroid position is within the water discharge space 24 in the bathroom 2. That is, as shown in Figure 12 , Figure 13 , the space directly below the fixed shower head 6a in the bathroom 2 is set as the water discharge space 24 where the shower water discharged from the fixed shower head 6a falls, and it is determined whether the centroid position of the point group is within this space.

[0078] When the center-of-gravity position is not within the water-spraying space 24, the process advances to step S9, in which the detection sensitivity of the electric-wave radar 14 within the reception space 20 is set to the reference value. Further, in step S10, the detection sensitivity of the electric-wave radar 14 within the detection space 22 is also set to the reference value. Figure 10 The process in the flowchart returns to step S1.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the reference value of the detection sensitivity within the reception space 20 is the same as the reference value of the detection sensitivity within the detection space 22. In this state, the detection sensitivity for the user's actions within the detection space 22 is the same as the detection sensitivity within the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22. That is, when the user is not within the water-spraying space 24, the possibility that the user operates the shower device 6 by an action is low. Therefore, the detection sensitivities of the reception space 20 and the detection space 22 are made the same to detect the user's actions within a wide range.

[0080] On the other hand, in step S3, when it is determined that the center-of-gravity position is within the water-spraying space 24, the process advances to step S4. In step S4, it is determined whether shower water is being sprayed from the fixed shower head 6a. When shower water is being sprayed, the process advances to step S5, and when shower water is not being sprayed, the process advances to step S6. Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 16 determines whether shower water is being sprayed based on the control signal for the electromagnetic valve 6d. That is, in a state where the control unit 16 issues a control signal to open the electromagnetic valve 6d, cold and hot water pass through the electromagnetic valve 6d and are sprayed from the fixed shower head 6a, and thus it is determined that shower water is being sprayed. Additionally, as a modification example, it is also possible to determine whether shower water is being sprayed based on the point group data detected by the electric-wave radar 14.

[0081] On the other hand, when shower water is being sprayed, the process advances to step S5. In step S5, the detection sensitivity for the user's actions within the detection space 22 is changed to be higher than the detection sensitivity within the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22. That is, in a state where shower water is not being sprayed, as Figure 12 shown, even when the user is within the water-spraying space 24, the detection sensitivity within the detection space 22 is the same as the detection sensitivity within the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22. On the other hand, in a state where shower water is being sprayed, as Figure 13 shown, the detection sensitivity within the detection space 22 is higher than the detection sensitivity within the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22.

[0082] Further, in the present embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the detection space 22 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space that extends from above the bathroom counter 12 along the side wall surface 2b to a specified height, and is set at a position that does not overlap with the water discharge space 24. According to the height of the user detected by the radio wave radar 14, the height of the detection space 22 can also be appropriately changed. That is, when the user is tall, the height of the detection space 22 can be increased, and when the user is short, the height of the detection space 22 can be decreased. Moreover, the height of the detection space 22 can be changed according to the user's posture. For example, as Figure 14 shown, when the user is sitting, the height of the detection space 22 can be set lower. In this way, by changing the height of the detection space 22 according to the user's height or posture, the actions performed by the user can be surely detected.

[0083] And, as Figures 7 to 9A described, the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22 is made higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20 by various methods. In the present embodiment, the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the detection space 22 is made higher than the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22, thereby making the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22 higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20.

[0084] That is, in the present embodiment, the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the detection space 22 is made higher than the reference value, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22. On the contrary, as a modified example, the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22 can also be relatively increased by making the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22 lower than the reference value. Or, the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the detection space 22 can be made higher than the reference value while the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22 is made lower than the reference value. Moreover, in addition to the method of changing the intensity of the irradiated radio wave, the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22 can also be made higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20 by other methods.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, when shower water is being discharged, the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22 is changed to be higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22. On the contrary, as a modified example, the detection sensitivity can also be set such that the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22 is always higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22. In this way, by setting the detection sensitivity in the detection space 22 to be higher than the detection sensitivity in the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22, even when water is discharged from the fixed shower head 6a, false detection due to radio waves reflected by the shower water can be suppressed.

[0086] Next, in step S6, it is determined whether the user has performed a specified action within the detection space 22. That is, it is determined whether a point group is detected within the detection space 22, and whether the center of gravity of the point group detected within the detection space 22 moves toward the target indication portion 9 provided on the side wall surface 2b. When the center of gravity of the point group moves toward the target indication portion 9, it is determined that the user is performing the specified action of operating the shower system 1, and the process proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, when no point group is detected within the detection space 22, and when the center of gravity of the detected point group does not move toward the target indication portion 9, it is determined that the user has not performed the specified action, and the process in the flowchart returns to step S1.

[0087] Moreover, in step S7, it is identified which indication portion among the target indication portions 9 the center of gravity of the point group detected within the detection space 22 faces. That is, based on the position of the point group detected within the detection space 22, it is identified which indication portion the user's finger reaches.

[0088] Next, in step S8, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the shower device 6 according to the target indication portion 9 identified in step S7, and the process in the flowchart returns to step S1. For example, when it is determined that the user's finger reaches the overhead shower indication portion 9a, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the electromagnetic valve 6d to switch the water discharge state and the water stop state from the fixed shower head 6a. That is, in the state where water is being discharged from the fixed shower head 6a, when the user's finger reaches the overhead shower indication portion 9a, the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a stops. In addition, in the state where the water has been stopped, when the user's finger reaches the overhead shower indication portion 9a, the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a starts.

[0089] Moreover, when the control unit 16 determines that the user's finger reaches the faucet indication portion 9b, the electromagnetic valve 6d connected to the faucet 6c is opened and closed. In addition, when it is determined that the user's finger reaches the temperature increase indication portion 9c or the temperature decrease indication portion 9d, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the temperature regulating valve 6e to change the temperature setting. Moreover, when it is determined that the user's finger reaches the flow rate increase indication portion 9e or the flow rate decrease indication portion 9f, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the flow rate regulating valve 6f to change the flow rate setting. By repeatedly performing the above processes, the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a is controlled according to the user's actions.

[0090] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the user controls the shower device 6 by moving a finger toward the target indicating portion 9. In contrast, as a modified example, the present invention may also be configured such that, instead of using the target indicating portion 9, the shower device 6 is controlled based on any preset arbitrary movement such as waving a finger in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction within the detection space 22.

[0091] In the shower system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since the detection space 22 for detecting the movement of the user is provided between the water discharge space 24 formed by the shower water discharge and the side wall surface 2b near the fixed shower head 6a fixed to the ceiling wall surface 2a, even when the shower is discharging water, false detection of the user's movement can be suppressed.

[0092] Further, in the shower system 1 according to the present embodiment, since the detection sensitivity for the movement of the user within the detection space 22 provided inside the reception space 20 is higher than the detection sensitivity within the reception space 20 outside the detection space 22, even when water is being discharged from the fixed shower head 6a, it is difficult to be affected by noise or the like, and false detection of the user's movement can be suppressed.

[0093] In addition, in the shower system 1 according to the present embodiment, since the detection sensitivity within the detection space 22 is increased when the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a starts, the movement of the user within the reception space 20 can be widely detected when there is no water discharge. On the other hand, during water discharge when false detection is likely to occur, the detection sensitivity within the detection space 22 is increased, and false detection can be suppressed.

[0094] Moreover, in the shower system 1 according to the present embodiment, since the height of the detection space 22 is changed according to the detected height or posture of the user, the height of the detection space 22 can be set at a height where the user is expected to move, and the movement of the user can be detected more reliably.

[0095] Moreover, in the shower system 1 according to the present embodiment, since the intensity of the radio wave irradiated into the detection space 22 is increased, or the reception sensitivity of the radio wave reflected within the detection space 22 is increased, the movement of the user within the detection space 22 can be detected more reliably.

[0096] Further, in the shower system 1 according to the present embodiment, since the intensity threshold I applicable to the radio wave reflected within the detection space 22 is set low th , the reflected wave with a low intensity reflected within the detection space 22 can also be detected as a signal, and the movement of the user can be detected more reliably.

[0097] In addition, in the shower system 1 according to the present embodiment, since the radio wave radar 14 is provided on the shower installation wall surface, i.e., the side wall surface 2b, the detection sensitivity of the actions of the user in the detection space 22 will inevitably increase. Without the need to provide a special structure or process, false detection can be suppressed.

[0098] Next, Figure 15 A shower system according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a shower room system including the shower system will be described. In the shower system of the present embodiment, the shower device is provided in the shower room, which is different from the first embodiment described above. Therefore, only the parts of the second embodiment of the present invention that are different from the first embodiment will be described below, and the description of the same structures, operations, and effects will be omitted. Figure 15 It is a perspective view of the inside of a shower room including the shower system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] As Figure 15 shown, the shower system 100 of the present embodiment is provided in the shower room 102. The room, i.e., the shower room 102, includes a ceiling wall surface 102a, four side wall surfaces 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, and a floor 102f. In addition, the shower system 100 is provided on the side wall surface 102b, and substantially the entire surface of the side wall surface 102d opposite to the side wall surface 102b serves as a door for entering and exiting the shower room 102. Moreover, the shower system 100 of the present embodiment includes a shower device 6, a radio wave radar 14, and a control unit 16.

[0100] The shower device 6 includes a fixed shower head 6a, a hand-held shower head 6b, a solenoid valve 6d, a temperature regulating valve 6e, and a flow regulating valve 6f. The fixed shower head 6a is a shower head for overhead showering, is fixed to the ceiling wall surface 102a, and is configured to shower water from above the user's head. In addition, the fixed shower head 6a is provided on the ceiling wall surface 102a near the side wall surfaces 102b and 102e.

[0101] The hand-held shower head 6b is held by a shower head holding portion 8b of a shower rod 8 installed on the side wall surface 102b, and the shower head holding portion 8b is slidably mounted on a rod-shaped member 8a. In addition, the temperature regulating valve 6e and the flow regulating valve 6f are provided on the side wall surface 102b, and the solenoid valve 6d is provided inside the side wall surface 102b.

[0102] The radio wave radar 14 is provided inside the shower installation wall surface, i.e., the side wall surface 102b, irradiates radio waves into the shower room 102 and an adjacent room (not shown) adjacent to the shower room 102, and is configured to receive radio waves reflected by the user of the shower system 100.

[0103] The control unit 16 is configured to detect the actions of the user of the shower system 100 in a specified detection space provided in the shower room 102 based on the signal detected by the radio wave radar 14, and control the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a according to the detected actions of the user. That is, it is configured such that when the user extends a finger toward the target indicating portion 9 provided on the side wall surface 102b, the water discharge and water stop from the fixed shower head 6a can be controlled.

[0104] As Figure 15 shown, in the present embodiment, the detection space 22 is set as a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space adjacent to the side wall surfaces 102b and 102e of the shower room 102. In addition, a reception space (not shown) that can receive radio waves reflected by the user is set to cover the entire interior of the shower room 102 and an adjacent room (not shown) adjacent thereto.

[0105] Next, with reference to Figure 16 the shower system according to the third embodiment of the present invention and the shower room system including the shower system will be described. In the shower system of the present embodiment, the shower device is provided in a so-called three-in-one type toilet, which is different from the first embodiment described above. Therefore, only the parts of the third embodiment of the present invention that are different from the first embodiment will be described below, and the description of the same structures, operations, and effects will be omitted. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the interior of a room including the shower system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] As Figure 16 shown, the shower system 200 of the present embodiment is provided in the room 202. The room 202 is a so-called three-in-one type toilet, and in addition to the shower system 200, a flush toilet 204 and a washbasin vanity 205 are also arranged inside. One corner of the room 202 is partitioned by a glass or resin partition, and the shower system 200 is provided inside the partition. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the room 202, the shower room 203 is formed by the partition, and the shower room system of the present embodiment is constituted by the shower room 203 and the shower system 200.

[0107] The room, that is, the shower room 203, includes: a ceiling wall surface 203a; two side wall surfaces 203b and 203c that form a part of the room 202; two side wall surfaces 203d and 203e formed by the partition; and a floor 203f. In addition, the shower system 200 is provided on the side wall surface 203b, and a door 218 for entering and exiting the shower room 203 is provided on the side wall surface 203d opposite to the side wall surface 203b. Moreover, the shower system 200 of the present embodiment includes a shower device 6, a radio wave radar 14, and a control unit 16.

[0108] The shower device 6 includes a fixed shower head 6a, a hand-held shower head 6b, a solenoid valve 6d, a temperature regulating valve 6e, and a flow regulating valve 6f. The fixed shower head 6a is a shower head for overhead shower, which is fixed to the top end of a pipe extending horizontally from the side wall surface 203b, and is configured to spray water for shower from above the user's head. Thus, the fixed shower head 6a is fixed to the shower installation wall surface, i.e., the side wall surface 203b.

[0109] The hand-held shower head 6b is held by a shower head holding portion 8b of a shower rod 8 installed on the side wall surface 203b, and the shower head holding portion 8b is slidably installed on a rod-shaped member 8a. In addition, the temperature regulating valve 6e and the flow regulating valve 6f are provided on the side wall surface 203b, and the solenoid valve 6d is provided inside the side wall surface 203b.

[0110] The radio wave radar 14 is provided inside the side wall surface 203b, irradiates radio waves into the shower room 203 and the adjacent room, i.e., the room 202 adjacent to the shower room 203, and is configured to receive the radio waves reflected by the user of the shower system 200.

[0111] The control unit 16 is configured to detect the actions of the user of the shower system 200 in a specified detection space inside the shower room 203 based on the signals detected by the radio wave radar 14, and control the water spraying from the fixed shower head 6a according to the detected actions of the user. That is, it is configured that when the user extends a finger towards the target indicating portion 9 provided on the side wall surface 203b, the water spraying and stopping from the fixed shower head 6a can be controlled.

[0112] As Figure 16 shown, in this embodiment, the detection space 22 is set as a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space adjacent to the side wall surface 203b of the shower room 203. In addition, a receivable space (not shown) that can receive the radio waves reflected by the user is set to cover the entire interior of the shower room 203 and the room 202.

[0113] Moreover, the shower system 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is provided in a shower room, and this shower room is formed at a corner inside the room 202 where a flushing toilet 204 and a washbasin 205 are arranged. In contrast, as a modification, the shower system can also be provided in a bathroom equipped with a bathtub, a flushing toilet, a washbasin, etc. to form a bathroom system.

[0114] Next, with reference to Figures 17 to 24 , the shower system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the bathroom system including this shower system will be described. In the shower system 400 of the present embodiment, the setting and control executed in the detection space setting and control unit in the bathroom are different from those in the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts different from the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below, and the description of the same structures, operations, and effects will be omitted. Figure 17 FIG. is a plan view of a bathroom including the shower system 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention and a dressing room adjacent to the bathroom.

[0115] Even in the shower system 400 of the present embodiment, the control unit 16 is configured to detect the actions of the user of the shower system 400 within a specified detection space provided in the bathroom 2 based on the signal detected by the radio wave radar 14, and to control the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a according to the detected actions of the user. That is, as Figure 17 shown, within the bathroom 2, a specified detection space 422 is set inside the receivable space 20. The signal detected by the radio wave radar 14 is sent to the control unit 16, and the control unit 16 determines whether the user has performed a specified action within the set detection space 422 based on the input signal. When the specified action has been performed, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the shower device 6 to start or stop the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a. In the present embodiment, the detection space 422 is set to be a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space located between the side wall surface 2b and the fixed shower head 6a and above the bathroom counter 12 when viewed from above ( Figure 24 ). And specifically, the control unit 16 is composed of a microprocessor, a memory, an interface circuit, and software for operating these (not shown above).

[0116] Next, with reference to Figures 18 to 22 , the process of detecting the actions of the user executed in the control unit 16 will be described. First, as described above, the radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves in various directions within the bathroom 2. The radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 are directed in various directions so as to cover Figure 17 the entire receivable space 20 shown. In addition, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 is configured such that the center line of the irradiated radio waves is directed obliquely downward. Moreover, the radio wave radar 14 receives the reflected waves of the irradiated radio waves. Here, since the respective wall surfaces and the floor of the bathroom 2 are far from the radio wave radar 14 and the reflectivity of the radio waves is also low, when there is no user in the bathroom 2, the intensity of the reflected waves received by the radio wave radar 14 is low.

[0117] On the other hand, when the user enters the dressing room 18 or the bathroom 2, the human body strongly reflects radio waves, so the strong reflected waves reflected by the user are received by the radio wave radar 14. Here, the radio wave radar 14 can detect how far the radio waves emitted in various directions travel before being reflected. Thus, the coordinate information of the points where the radio waves are reflected can be obtained, and the user entering the bathroom 2 is detected as a point group by the radio wave radar 14( Figure 20 ).

[0118] In addition, Figure 18 is a graph that represents the intensity of the radio waves reflected from each point on the horizontal axis and the frequency (number of points) of the points representing the intensity on the vertical axis. As described above, the intensity of the reflected waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 and reflected by the walls of the bathroom 2 and the like is low. In addition, since most of the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 are reflected by the walls of the bathroom 2 and the like, the frequency (number of points) of such radio waves is large. Thus, in Figure 18 's graph, a peak appears in the region where the intensity of the reflected waves is low. On the other hand, the intensity of the reflected waves reflected by the user entering the bathroom 2 is high, so in Figure 18 's graph, another peak appears in the region where the intensity of the reflected waves is high due to the reflected waves reflected by the user. Moreover, among the received reflected waves, radio waves with an intensity below a specified intensity threshold are determined as noise and deleted from the detection data. Here, regarding the setting of the intensity threshold I th for determining the received radio waves as noise, since it is the same as the first embodiment described above, the description is omitted.

[0119] Next, Figure 19 is a graph that represents the Doppler velocity of each point of the reflected radio waves on the horizontal axis and the frequency (number of points) of the points representing the velocity on the vertical axis. Here, the Doppler velocity obtained from the reflected waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 and reflected by the stationary walls of the bathroom 2 and the like is almost zero. In addition, since most of the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 are reflected by the walls of the bathroom 2 and the like, the frequency (number of points) of such radio waves is large. Thus, in Figure 19 's graph, a peak appears near where the Doppler velocity is close to zero. On the other hand, the user entering the bathroom 2 moves, so the reflected waves reflected by the user are distributed from the region where the Doppler velocity is negative (the direction approaching the radio wave radar 14) to the region where the Doppler velocity is positive (the direction away from the radio wave radar 14). Moreover, among the received reflected waves, radio waves with an absolute value of the Doppler velocity less than or equal to a specified velocity threshold V th are determined as noise and deleted from the detection data.

[0120] By combining the intensity information of the reflected radio waves from each point and the velocity information of each point obtained in this way, it is possible to more accurately detect the users in the dressing room 18 or the bathroom 2 as a point group. Figure 20 An example of a user detected as a point group like this is shown. Moreover, by calculating the centroid position of the point group of the reflected radio waves, it is possible to obtain the position information of the user in the bathroom 2 or the like. In addition, based on the height of the highest point in the point group, information such as the height of the user and the posture of the user can be obtained.

[0121] However, when shower water is being discharged from the fixed shower head 6a in the bathroom 2, it is difficult for the radio wave radar 14 to detect the user taking a shower. That is, since the shower water discharged from the fixed shower head 6a also reflects radio waves, the radio wave radar 14 will also recognize the radio waves reflected by the shower water as a point group of the detection object. Moreover, since the shower water falls from above to below, the Doppler velocity obtained from the reflected wave reflected by the shower water will not be approximately zero. Therefore, even using the Doppler velocity, it is difficult to distinguish between the shower water and the user.

[0122] Thus, in the present embodiment, the radio wave radar 14 is arranged such that the center line of the irradiated radio wave is inclined with respect to the flow direction of the shower water discharged from the fixed shower head 6a. Figure 21 The left column of is a diagram schematically showing the irradiation direction pattern of the radio waves from the radio wave radar 14 in the present embodiment, and the right column is a diagram showing an example of the distribution of the Doppler velocity obtained by the irradiation of this radio wave.

[0123] As Figure 21 shown in the left column of, in the present embodiment, with respect to the side wall surface 2b facing the vertical direction, the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 irradiates the radio wave obliquely downward such that the center line C of the radio wave faces an angle of about 60 degrees. As a result, with respect to the shower water discharged from the fixed shower head 6a, the radio wave irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 enters at an angle of about 60 degrees. Thereby, the velocity component of the falling shower water is detected as the Doppler velocity by the irradiated radio wave. That is, the radio wave radar 14 detects the velocity component in the irradiated radio wave direction as the Doppler velocity. Since the falling shower water has a velocity component toward the lower right, a Doppler velocity of a certain magnitude with respect to the shower water will be detected.

[0124] Figure 21 The right column of shows an example of the distribution of the Doppler velocity detected when the user moves in the detection space 422 during shower water discharge. First, the shower water has a relatively large velocity component in the direction away from the radio wave radar 14 in the irradiation direction of the radio wave from the radio wave radar 14. Therefore, as Figure 21As shown in the right column, the radio waves reflected by the shower water spray are distributed in the positive region with a relatively large Doppler velocity. On the other hand, since the user's movement is generally slower than the falling shower water spray, the radio waves reflected by the user are distributed in the region with a relatively small Doppler velocity.

[0125] Moreover, when the user extends a finger toward the target indicating portion 9 provided on the side wall surface 2b, there is a velocity component in the direction approaching the radio wave radar 14. Therefore, the reflected waves reflected from the user's finger are distributed in the region with a negative Doppler velocity. In contrast, the shower water spray always flows from above to below, and the Doppler velocity detected accordingly is always distributed in the positive region. Therefore, the velocity difference between the user's movement and the shower water spray is large. In the present embodiment, by using this characteristic, the point group with a Doppler velocity greater than a specified positive value is removed as noise. As a result, even when the shower water is spraying, the user's movement can be effectively recognized.

[0126] In this way, in the shower system 400 of the present embodiment, the radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves into the detection space 422 in such a manner that the movement of the user taking a shower from the fixed shower head 6a and the shower water spray can be recognized. In other words, relative to the flow direction of the shower water spray ejected from the fixed shower head 6a, the radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves in such a manner that the center line C of the irradiated radio waves is inclined. As a result, the difference between the velocity detected from the radio waves reflected by the shower water spray and the velocity detected from the radio waves reflected by the user is large.

[0127] In contrast, as a comparative example, in Figure 22 the left column, the center line C of the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 is perpendicular to the shower water spray ejected from the fixed shower head 6a. At this time, as Figure 22 shown in the right column, the Doppler velocity detected from the reflected waves from the shower water spray becomes a relatively small value. That is, since the falling shower water spray hardly has a velocity component in the horizontal direction toward which the center line C is directed, the detected Doppler velocity is approximately zero. Therefore, as Figure 22 shown in the right column, it overlaps with the distribution of the Doppler velocity of the user's movement, which is detected as a relatively low Doppler velocity due to the slow speed, and it is difficult to recognize the user's movement and the shower water spray.

[0128] Next, with reference to Figure 23 and Figure 24 , the operating principle of the shower system 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the processing executed in the control unit 16 provided in the shower system 400. Figure 24It is a side view showing the water spouting space, the detection space, and the direction of the radiated radio wave in the bathroom 2. And, in a state where the power supply of the shower system 400 is turned on, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 23 is repeatedly executed at a prescribed time interval.

[0129] First, in Figure 23 step S21, the control unit 16 acquires various data from the radio wave radar 14. That is, in order to check whether the user has entered the reception space 20, the control unit 16 obtains various data from the radio wave radar 14. At this time, a radio wave is emitted from the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 so as to scan the entire reception space 20, and various data are derived from the received reflected wave. In the present embodiment, the distance from the point where the radio wave is reflected to the detection unit 14a, the azimuth angle of the point where the radio wave is reflected, the elevation angle of the point where the radio wave is reflected, the intensity of the received radio wave, and the Doppler velocity of the point where the radio wave is reflected are derived.

[0130] Next, in step S22, low-intensity noise is removed according to the intensity of the reflected wave reflected from each point. In the present embodiment, the intensity threshold I th is calculated using the CFAR method, and the reflected wave whose intensity is lower than the intensity threshold I th is determined as noise, and its data ( Figure 18 the shaded part) is removed.

[0131] Moreover, in step S23, the points with a relatively low Doppler velocity among the points where the radio wave is reflected are removed. Generally speaking, the Doppler velocity of each point where the radio wave is reflected is centered around a velocity of zero and is distributed from a negative value (the point close to the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14) to a positive value (the point away from the detection unit 14a). Among these points, the points whose Doppler velocity is particularly close to zero are more likely to be points reflected from a stationary wall or ground. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the points whose absolute value of the Doppler velocity is less than the prescribed velocity threshold V th are determined as noise and removed.

[0132] Next, in step S24, a point group considered to represent the user is calculated by combining the processing in step S22 and the processing in step S23. In the present embodiment, among the points detected by the reflected wave, the points whose reflected wave intensity is equal to or higher than the intensity threshold I th and whose absolute value of the Doppler velocity is equal to or higher than the prescribed velocity threshold V th are extracted as the point group representing the user.

[0133] Moreover, in step S25, the centroid position of the point group extracted in step S24 is calculated. That is, the centroid position of each point extracted in step S24 is calculated, and it is determined that the user is located at the centroid position.

[0134] Next, in step S26, it is determined whether the calculated center-of-gravity position (the position of the user) is within the bathroom 2 in the reception space 20. When the calculated center-of-gravity position is within the bathroom 2, the process advances to step S27. When it is outside the bathroom 2, the process returns to step S21 and the above processing is repeated. That is, when the user is not within the bathroom 2, control of the shower device 6 based on the user's actions is not performed as a matter of course.

[0135] On the other hand, in step S27, it is determined whether the user has performed a specified action within the detection space 422. That is, it is determined whether a point group is detected within the detection space 422, and whether the center of gravity of the point group detected within this detection space 422 moves toward the target indicating portion 9 provided on the side wall surface 2b. When the center of gravity of the point group moves toward the target indicating portion 9, it is determined that the user is performing the specified action of operating the shower system 400, and the process advances to step S28. On the other hand, when no point group is detected within the detection space 422, and when the center of gravity of the detected point group does not move toward the target indicating portion 9, it is determined that the user has not performed the specified action, and the processing in the flowchart returns to step S21.

[0136] Here, as Figure 24 shown, the detection unit 14a of the radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves into the detection space 422 from the upper part of the side wall surface 2b in a downward oblique direction. Since this radio wave also passes through the water discharge space 24 below the fixed shower head 6a, when shower water is being discharged from the fixed shower head 6a, the radio wave irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 is also reflected by the shower water.

[0137] Here, since the shower water falls from above downward, it has a velocity component in the advancing direction of the radio wave irradiated from the radio wave radar 14. Thus, the Doppler velocity detected from the reflected wave reflected by the shower water has a relatively large positive (direction away from the radio wave radar 14) value. On the other hand, the action of the user reaching for the target indicating portion 9 is usually relatively slow and is in the opposite direction to the advancing direction of the irradiated radio wave. Therefore, the absolute value of the Doppler velocity detected from the reflected wave reflected by the user's finger is small and is distributed in the region of negative (direction approaching the radio wave radar 14) values. Utilizing this tendency, for example, detection values of the Doppler velocity greater than a specified positive value are removed as noise, whereby even when water is being discharged from the fixed shower head 6a, the user's actions can be correctly identified.

[0138] Moreover, in step S28, it is identified which indicating portion in the target indicating portion 9 the center of gravity of the point group detected within the detection space 422 is directed toward. That is, based on the position of the point group detected within the detection space 422, it is identified which indicating portion the user's finger is reaching for.

[0139] Next, in step S29, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the shower device 6 based on the target indicating unit 9 that has been recognized in step S28, and ends Figure 23 one process of the flowchart shown. For example, when it is determined that the user's finger reaches for the overhead shower indicating unit 9a, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the electromagnetic valve 6d to switch the water discharge state and the water stop state from the fixed shower head 6a. That is, in the state where the fixed shower head 6a is discharging water, when the user's finger reaches for the overhead shower indicating unit 9a, the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a stops. In addition, in the state where the water has been stopped, when the user's finger reaches for the overhead shower indicating unit 9a, the shower water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a starts.

[0140] Moreover, when the control unit 16 determines that the user's finger reaches for the faucet indicating unit 9b, the electromagnetic valve 6d connected to the faucet 6c is opened and closed. In addition, when it is determined that the user's finger reaches for the temperature increase indicating unit 9c or the temperature decrease indicating unit 9d, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the temperature regulating valve 6e to change the temperature setting. Moreover, when it is determined that the user's finger reaches for the flow rate increase indicating unit 9e or the flow rate decrease indicating unit 9f, the control unit 16 sends a control signal to the flow rate regulating valve 6f to change the flow rate setting. By repeatedly executing Figure 23 the process of the flowchart shown, the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a is controlled according to the user's actions.

[0141] Also, in the present embodiment described above, the user controls the shower device 6 by the action of reaching the finger for the target indicating unit 9. In contrast, as a modification, the present invention can also be configured such that, instead of using the target indicating unit 9, the shower device 6 is controlled according to any preset action such as waving the finger in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction within the detection space 422.

[0142] In the shower system 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, since the radio wave radar 14 radiates radio waves into the detection space 422 in such a manner that the actions of the user taking a shower can be recognized and the shower water discharge can be detected ( Figure 21 、 Figure 24 ), even during the user's shower use, false detection of the user's actions can be suppressed.

[0143] Moreover, in the shower system 400 according to the present embodiment, since the radio wave radar 14 radiates radio waves into the detection space 422 in such a manner that the difference between the speed detected from the shower water discharge and the speed detected from the user is large ( Figure 21 ), it is easy to identify the radio waves reflected by the shower water discharge and the radio waves reflected by the user, and false detection of the user's actions can be suppressed.

[0144] Moreover, in the shower system 400 according to the present embodiment, since the radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves such that the center line C is inclined with respect to the flow direction of the shower water discharge ( Figure 24 ), it is easier to detect the falling speed of the shower water discharge through the reflected wave. As a result, it is easier to identify a stationary or slowly moving user and the shower water discharge through the reflected wave, and false detection of the user's movement can be suppressed.

[0145] In addition, in the shower system 400 according to the present embodiment, since the center line C of the irradiated radio wave is inclined with respect to the side wall surface 2b ( Figure 24 ), the center line C of the radio wave enters the shower water discharge that falls substantially parallel to the side wall surface 2b in an inclined state, and it is easier to detect the falling speed of the shower water discharge through the reflected wave. As a result, it is easier to identify a stationary or slowly moving user and the shower water discharge ( Figure 21 ) through the reflected wave, and false detection of the user's movement can be suppressed.

[0146] Moreover, in the shower system 400 according to the present embodiment, since the center line C of the irradiated radio wave is directed obliquely downward ( Figure 24 ), it is easier to identify the user and the shower water discharge through the reflected wave, and at the same time, since the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 easily cover the entire floor 2f in the bathroom 2, users in the bathroom 2 can be detected in a larger range.

[0147] Next, with reference to Figure 25 a shower system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and a bathroom system including the shower system will be described. In the shower system of the present embodiment, the shower device is provided in the bathroom, which is different from the fourth embodiment described above. Therefore, only the parts of the fifth embodiment of the present invention that are different from the fourth embodiment will be described below, and the description of the same structures, functions, and effects will be omitted. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the inside of a bathroom including the shower system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] As Figure 25 shown, the shower system 500 of the present embodiment is provided in the bathroom 502. The bathroom 502 has a ceiling wall surface 502a, four side wall surfaces 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e, and a floor 502f. In addition, the shower system 500 is provided on the side wall surface 502b, and substantially the entire surface of the side wall surface 502d opposite to the side wall surface 502b serves as a door for entering and exiting the bathroom 502. Moreover, the shower system 500 of the present embodiment includes a shower device 6, a radio wave radar 14, and a control unit 16.

[0149] The shower device 6 includes a fixed shower head 6a, a hand-held shower head 6b, a solenoid valve 6d, a temperature regulating valve 6e, and a flow regulating valve 6f. The fixed shower head 6a is a shower head for overhead showering, which is fixed to the ceiling wall surface 502a and configured to discharge shower water from above the user's head. In addition, the fixed shower head 6a is provided on the ceiling wall surface 502a near the side wall surfaces 502b and 502e.

[0150] The hand-held shower head 6b is held by a shower head holding portion 8b of a shower rod 8 mounted on the side wall surface 502b, and the shower head holding portion 8b is slidably mounted on a rod-shaped member 8a. In addition, the temperature regulating valve 6e and the flow regulating valve 6f are provided on the side wall surface 502b, and the solenoid valve 6d is provided inside the side wall surface 502b.

[0151] The radio wave radar 14 is provided inside the side wall surface 502b, which is the shower installation wall surface. The radio wave radar 14 irradiates radio waves obliquely downward from the upper part of the side wall surface 502b into the shower room 502 and an adjacent room (not shown) adjacent to the shower room 502, and is configured to receive the radio waves reflected by the user of the shower system 500.

[0152] The control unit 16 is configured to detect the actions of the user of the shower system 500 in a specified detection space inside the shower room 502 based on the signal detected by the radio wave radar 14, and control the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a according to the detected actions of the user. That is, it is configured that when the user extends a finger towards the target indicating portion 9 provided on the side wall surface 502b, the water discharge and water stop from the fixed shower head 6a can be controlled.

[0153] As Figure 25 shown, in the present embodiment, the detection space 422 is set as a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space adjacent to the side wall surfaces 502b and 502e of the shower room 502. The center line of the radio waves irradiated from the radio wave radar 14 passes obliquely downward through the detection space 422. In addition, a receivable space (not shown) that can receive the radio waves reflected by the user is set to cover the entire interior of the shower room 502 and an adjacent room (not shown) adjacent to it.

[0154] Next, with reference to Figure 26 the shower system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention and the shower room system including the shower system will be described. In the shower system of the present embodiment, the shower device is provided in a so-called three-in-one bathroom, which is different from the above-described fourth embodiment. Therefore, only the parts of the sixth embodiment of the present invention that are different from the fourth embodiment will be described below, and the description of the same structures, operations, and effects will be omitted.Figure 26 It is a perspective view of the interior of a shower system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] As Figure 26 shown, the shower system 600 of the present embodiment is provided in the room 602. The room 602 is a so-called three-in-one toilet, and in addition to the shower system 600, a flush toilet 604 and a washbasin 605 are also provided inside. A corner of the room 602 is partitioned by a glass or resin partition, and the shower system 600 is provided inside the partition. Thus, in the present embodiment, in the room 602, a shower room 603 is formed by the partition, and the shower room system of the present embodiment is constituted by the shower room 603 and the shower system 600.

[0156] The room, that is, the shower room 603 includes: a ceiling wall surface 603a; two side wall surfaces 603b, 603c that form a part of the room 602; two side wall surfaces 603d, 603e formed by the partition; and a floor 603f. In addition, the shower system 600 is provided on the side wall surface 603b, and a door 618 for entering and exiting the shower room 603 is provided on the side wall surface 603d opposite to the side wall surface 603b. Moreover, the shower system 600 of the present embodiment has a shower device 6, a radio wave radar 14, and a control unit 16.

[0157] The shower device 6 has a fixed shower head 6a, a hand-held shower head 6b, a solenoid valve 6d, a temperature regulating valve 6e, and a flow regulating valve 6f. The fixed shower head 6a is a shower head for overhead shower, and is fixed to the top of a pipe extending horizontally from the side wall surface 603b, and is configured to shower water from above the user's head. Thus, the fixed shower head 6a is fixed to the shower installation wall surface, that is, the side wall surface 603b.

[0158] The hand-held shower head 6b is held at a shower head holding portion 8b of a shower rod 8 installed on the side wall surface 603b, and the shower head holding portion 8b is slidably installed on a rod-shaped member 8a. In addition, the temperature regulating valve 6e and the flow regulating valve 6f are provided on the side wall surface 603b, and the solenoid valve 6d is provided inside the side wall surface 603b.

[0159] The radio wave radar 14 is provided at the upper part inside the side wall surface 603b, irradiates radio waves into the shower room 603 and into the adjacent room, that is, the room 602 adjacent to the shower room 603, and is configured to receive radio waves reflected by the user of the shower system 600.

[0160] The control unit 16 is configured to detect the actions of the user of the shower system 600 within a specified detection space provided in the shower room 603 based on the signals detected by the microwave radar 14, and control the water discharge from the fixed shower head 6a according to the detected actions of the user. That is, it is configured such that when the user extends a finger toward the target indicating unit 9 provided on the side wall surface 603b, the water discharge and water stop from the fixed shower head 6a can be controlled.

[0161] As Figure 26 shown, in the present embodiment, the detection space 422 is set as a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space adjacent to the side wall surface 603b of the shower room 603. Moreover, the center line of the radio wave irradiated from the microwave radar 14 passes obliquely downward through the detection space 422. In addition, a receivable space (not shown) that can receive the radio waves reflected by the user is set to cover the entire interior of the shower room 603 and the room 602.

[0162] Furthermore, the shower system 600 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is provided in a shower room and constitutes a shower room system, and this shower room is formed at a corner within the room 602 in which a flush toilet 604 and a washstand 605 are arranged. In contrast, as a modification, the shower system can also be provided in a bathroom in which a bathtub, a flush toilet, a washstand, etc. are arranged to constitute a bathroom system.

[0163] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but various changes can be added to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the actions of the user during bathing are detected by the microwave radar and the shower device is controlled, but the present invention can also be configured such that, on the basis of this function, the microwave radar is used to monitor whether an accident or a sudden change in the physical condition of the user in the bathroom has occurred.

Claims

1. A shower system is installed indoors. It is characterized in that it has: a fixed shower head, which is fixed on the side wall or ceiling wall of the indoor space and discharges water for showering; a radio wave radar, which irradiates radio waves into the indoor space and receives the radio waves reflected by the user of the shower system; and a control unit, which detects the actions of the user of the shower system in a specified detection space in the indoor space according to the signal detected by the radio wave radar, and controls the water discharge from the fixed shower head according to the detected actions of the user. The detection space is set between the water discharge space formed by the shower water discharge and the side wall where the fixed shower head is fixed or the side wall near the fixed shower head fixed on the ceiling wall.

2. The shower system according to claim 1, it is characterized in that the radio wave radar is configured to be able to receive the radio waves reflected by the user in a specified receivable space in the indoor space, the detection space is set inside the receivable space, and at least when water is being discharged from the fixed shower head, the detection sensitivity of the actions of the user in the detection space is higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

3. The shower system according to claim 2, it is characterized in that when the water discharge from the fixed shower head starts, the detection sensitivity of the actions of the user in the detection space is changed to be higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

4. The shower system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, it is characterized in that the control unit is configured to detect the height or posture of the user according to the signal detected by the radio wave radar, and the control unit changes the height of the set detection space according to the detected height or posture of the user.

5. The shower system according to claim 2 or 3, it is characterized in that the radio wave radar makes the intensity of the radio waves irradiated into the detection space higher than the intensity of the radio waves irradiated into the receivable space outside the detection space, or makes the reception sensitivity of the radio waves reflected in the detection space higher than the reception sensitivity of the radio waves reflected in the receivable space outside the detection space, thereby making the detection sensitivity of the actions of the user in the detection space higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

6. The shower system according to claim 2 or 3, it is characterized in that the control unit is configured to determine the radio waves below a specified intensity threshold received by the radio wave radar as noise, and set the intensity threshold applicable to the radio waves reflected in the detection space to be lower than the intensity threshold applicable to the radio waves reflected in the receivable space outside the detection space, thereby making the detection sensitivity of the actions of the user in the detection space higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

7. The shower system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, the electric wave type radar is provided on a prescribed shower setting wall surface, whereby the detection sensitivity of the actions of the user in the detection space is higher than the detection sensitivity in the receivable space outside the detection space.

8. A bathroom system, wherein, it includes: a bathroom having side wall surfaces, a ceiling wall surface and a floor; a bathtub disposed in the bathroom; and the shower system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A shower room system, wherein, it includes: a shower room having side wall surfaces, a ceiling wall surface and a floor; and the shower system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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