Bathroom remote controller

Abstract

To provide a bathroom remote controller excellent in convenience.SOLUTION: A bathroom remote controller 1 remotely operates a water supply apparatus 90 supplying water to a bathroom R1. The bathroom remote controller 1 includes a housing 11, attaching means 13, an operation unit 17, and a vibrator 19. The attachment means 13 attaches the housing 11 on a wall surface R10 of the bathroom R1. The operation unit 17 is provided in the housing 11. The operation unit 17 transmits a control signal to the water supply apparatus 90 based on a touch operation by a user 100. The vibrator 19 is provided inside the housing 11. The vibrator 19 vibrates the housing 11 when the operation unit 17 receives the touch operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathroom remote control. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional bathroom remote control. This bathroom remote control includes a housing and an operation unit. The housing is attached to the wall of the bathroom. The operation unit is provided on the housing.

[0003] With this bathroom remote control, when changing the temperature of the water supplied to the bathroom through the shower from a water supply device such as a hot water heater, the user touches the operating unit, which then sends a control signal to the water supply device. In this way, the bathroom remote control remotely controls the water supply device to change the temperature of the water supplied to the bathroom through the shower. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-125224 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when water is being supplied to the bathroom from a water supply device, for example, when changing the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply device through a shower or the like, the user may be unable to fully see the bathroom remote control, including the operation unit, due to the influence of the water being supplied to the bathroom from the shower or the steam in the bathroom, and may perform the touch operation on the operation unit. For this reason, it is conceivable to improve convenience by having the operation unit output an electronic sound or voice when a touch operation is accepted so that the user can recognize that the touch operation has been accepted.

[0006] However, when a large amount of water is being supplied to the bathroom from the water supply device, the sound of the water being dispensed becomes louder. In addition, the bathroom is an environment where such water sounds tend to reverberate. As a result, the sound of the water can drown out the electronic sounds and voices, and the user may not be able to fully recognize that their touch operation has been accepted. Therefore, a more convenient bathroom remote control is needed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and an object to be achieved is to provide a bathroom remote control that is highly convenient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The bathroom remote control of the present invention is a bathroom remote control for remotely operating a water supply device that supplies water to a bathroom, The housing and a mounting means for mounting the housing to a wall surface of the bathroom; an operation unit provided in the housing and configured to transmit a control signal to the water supply device based on a touch operation by a user; The touch panel is characterized in that it includes a vibrator provided inside the housing, which vibrates the housing when the operation unit receives the touch operation.

[0009] In the bathroom remote control of the present invention, the vibrator vibrates the housing when a user touches the operating unit. Therefore, in this bathroom remote control, the vibration of the housing is transmitted to the user who is performing the touch operation on the operating unit. Here, the vibrator may vibrate the entire housing or a part of the housing.

[0010] This allows the user to easily recognize that a touch operation has been received on the operating unit. Furthermore, by transmitting vibrations from the housing to the user, the user can easily recognize that a touch operation has been received on the operating unit even when the user is unable to fully see the bathroom remote control, including the operating unit, or when the sound of water being dispensed from the water dispenser is loud.

[0011] Therefore, the bathroom remote control of the present invention is highly convenient.

[0012] At least one of the housing and the mounting means preferably has a vibration assisting portion that assists vibration of the housing.

[0013] In this case, vibrations of the housing are transmitted to the user in an efficient manner, allowing the user to more easily recognize that a touch operation has been received by the operation unit. Here, the vibration support unit can allow the housing to move relative to the wall when the housing is attached to the wall. The vibration support unit can also suppress transmission of vibrations from the housing to the wall.

[0014] The housing may have a first case attached to a wall surface by an attachment means, and a second case provided with an operation unit and a vibrator and attached to the first case while covering at least the front surface of the first case. The vibration assist unit is preferably disposed between the first case and the second case.

[0015] In this case, the vibrator vibrates only the second case, so vibration is less likely to be obstructed. As a result, in this bathroom remote control, vibrations are transmitted from the second case to the user in an efficient manner, allowing the user to more easily recognize that a touch operation has been accepted by the operating unit. Furthermore, since the vibrator only needs to vibrate the second case, no large power is required for the vibrator. This allows the vibrator to be made smaller. Furthermore, in this bathroom remote control, the vibration of the second case is assisted by a vibration assistance unit arranged between the first case and the second case.

[0016] The mounting means may have a mounting fixture that is provided with a locking piece extending toward the housing and is fixed to a wall surface, and a lockable piece provided on the housing. An opening may be formed in the locking piece. Furthermore, the lockable piece may have a claw portion that can enter the opening and engage with the locking piece. It is also preferable that the opening and the claw portion that has entered the opening engage while being spaced from the edge of the opening, thereby forming a vibration assisting portion.

[0017] The mounting means may have a first connector fixed to the wall surface and protruding toward the housing, and a second connector provided on the housing and extending toward the first connector. Preferably, the second connector is movably connected to the first connector to form a vibration assist unit.

[0018] In these cases, the housing can be easily attached to a wall. In addition, since the vibration support unit can support the vibration of the housing while simplifying the configuration of the vibration support unit, the user can more easily recognize that a touch operation has been received by the operation unit.

[0019] In the bathroom remote control of the present invention, the operating unit can transmit a control signal to the water supply device based on a touch operation in the direction from the housing side to the wall side, and it is preferable that the vibrator vibrates the housing in a direction perpendicular to the operation direction.

[0020] In this case, the vibrating body can vibrate the housing in an appropriate manner, so that the degree of freedom in the arrangement position of the vibrating body within the housing can be increased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The bathroom remote control of the present invention is highly convenient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a bathroom or the like in which a bathroom remote control according to a first embodiment is provided. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a front view of the bathroom remote control of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view similar to FIG. 2 showing the bathroom remote control of the first embodiment in a standby state. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bathroom remote controller of the first embodiment taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the attachment for the bathroom remote control of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the bathroom remote control of Example 1, showing how the housing is attached to a wall. Fig. 6(A) shows the housing being brought close to the wall. Fig. 6(B) shows the housing attached to the wall. [Figure 7] 7 is a plan view of the first locking piece and the first locked piece of the bathroom remote control of the first embodiment, as viewed from the Z1 direction in FIG. 6(B). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing a bathroom remote controller according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing a bathroom remote controller according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of the bathroom remote controller of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the bathroom remote controller of the fourth embodiment, showing the cross section BB of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of the bathroom remote controller of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the bathroom remote controller of the fifth embodiment, showing the CC cross section of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 of the bathroom remote controller of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the bathroom remote controller of the sixth embodiment, showing the cross section DD of FIG. 14. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, Examples 1 to 6 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Example 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom remote control 1 of Example 1 is used in a bathroom R1 of a house H1. The bathroom R1 has a wall R10. The bathroom R1 is separated from the outside by the wall R10. The bathroom R1 is also provided with a bathtub 91, a mixer tap 92, and a shower 93. A water supply fixture 91a is attached to the bathtub 91. The mixer tap 92 is connected to a water source (not shown) by a pipe P1. The shower 93 is connected to the mixer tap 92.

[0025] The house H1 is also provided with a water heater 90. The water heater 90 is located outside the bathroom R1 in the house H1. The water heater 90 is an example of the "water supply equipment" of the present invention. The water heater 90 is connected to a water supply source by a pipe P2. The water heater 90 is also connected to a mixer faucet 92 by a pipe P3, and to a water supply fixture 91a by a forward pipe P4 and a return pipe P5.

[0026] Although not shown in detail, the water heater 90 includes a gas burner, a heat exchanger, a circulation pump, etc. The gas burner burns fuel gas such as city gas to generate high-temperature combustion gas. The heat exchanger heats the water by exchanging heat between water supplied from a water supply source and the combustion gas generated by the gas burner.

[0027] A control unit 90a is provided within water heater 90. Control unit 90a controls the operation of the gas burner, the heat exchanger, the circulation pump, etc., that is, controls the operation of water heater 90.

[0028] The water heater 90 supplies water heated in the heat exchanger into the bathroom R1 through a mixer faucet 92 and a shower 93. The water heater 90 also supplies water from a water supply source or water heated in the heat exchanger to the bathtub 91 through a water supply fixture 91a. The water heater 90 also circulates water between the bathtub 91 and the water heater 90 through a supply pipe P4 and a return pipe P5. The mixer faucet 92 and the shower 93 can also supply water from the water supply source into the bathroom R1.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, bathroom remote control 1 includes housing 11, mounting means 13, display unit 15, operation unit 17, and haptic device 19. Haptic device 19 is an example of the "vibrator" of the present invention.

[0030] In this embodiment, the up-down and left-right directions of the bathroom remote control 1 are defined by the arrows shown in Figure 1. Then, in Figure 2 and subsequent figures, the up-down and left-right directions of the bathroom remote control 1 are defined in accordance with Figure 1. Also, in Figure 4 and other figures, the front-to-back direction, which is the thickness direction of the bathroom remote control 1, is defined. These up-down, left-to-right and front-to-back directions are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the up-down, left-to-right and front-to-back directions of the bathroom remote control 1 correspond to the up-down, left-to-right and front-to-back directions of the bathroom R1.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 11 has a first case 21 and a second case 23. The first case 21 is made of resin and has a rear wall 21a and a first peripheral wall 21b. The rear wall 21a is located at the rear end of the first case 21. The rear wall 21a has a rectangular plate shape extending in the up-down and left-right directions, and has a first surface 211 facing forward and a first back surface 212 located opposite the first surface 211 and facing rearward. The first surface 211 is an example of the "front surface" in the present invention. Here, the rear wall 21a is formed so that its length in the left-right direction is longer than its length in the up-down direction.

[0032] The first peripheral wall 21b is connected to the outer edge of the rear wall 21a and extends forward from the rear wall 21a. As a result, the first peripheral wall 21b surrounds the rear wall 21a from the outside. The rear wall 21a and the first peripheral wall 21b form the first case 21 in the shape of a rectangular box that is open at the front. The first case 21 may also be made of metal.

[0033] The first peripheral wall 21b is also provided with a plurality of engaging ribs 213. Each engaging rib 213 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 21b and is arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the first peripheral wall 21b. Each engaging rib 213 extends in the shape of a rectangular plate toward the outside of the first peripheral wall 21b. The first peripheral wall 21b is also provided with a first locked piece 27 and a second locked piece 29. Details of these first and second locked pieces 27, 29 will be described later.

[0034] The second case 23 is made of transparent resin and has a front wall 23a and a second peripheral wall 23b. The front wall 23a is located at the front end of the second case 23. The front wall 23a has a rectangular plate shape extending in the up-down and left-right directions, and has a second front surface 231 facing forward and a second back surface 232 located on the opposite side of the second front surface 231 and facing rearward. Here, the front wall 23a is also formed so that its length in the left-right direction is longer than its length in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the length of the front wall 23a in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the rear wall 21a in the up-down direction, and the length of the front wall 23a in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the rear wall 21a in the left-right direction.

[0035] The second peripheral wall 23b is connected to the outer edge of the front wall 23a and extends rearward from the front wall 23a. As a result, the second peripheral wall 23b surrounds the front wall 23a from the outside. The front wall 23a and the second peripheral wall 23b form the second case 23 in the shape of a rectangular box that is open at the rear.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second case 23 has a display area D1 and touch areas T1 to T11 provided on the front wall 23a. The display area D1 has a rectangular shape extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. The touch areas T1 to T11 are arranged on the front wall 23a at locations outside the display area D1. As shown in FIG. 4, the user 100 can perform touch operations on the touch areas T1 to T11 with the finger 100a. The number of touch areas T1 to T11 and their positions on the front wall 23a can be designed as appropriate.

[0037] Although not shown in detail, the second case 23 is provided with an exterior pattern printed layer and an operation mark printed layer. The exterior pattern printed layer is provided from the second back surface 232 of the front wall 23a to the second peripheral wall 23b, excluding the display transmissive portions of the display area D1 and the touch areas T1 to T11. The exterior pattern printed layer is colored an opaque color such as black or white. The operation mark printed layer is composed of letters, symbols, etc., and is laminated on the exterior pattern printed layer in areas corresponding to the touch areas T1 to T11.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, the first case 21 is oriented such that the first surface 211 of the rear wall 21a and the first peripheral wall 21b face forward. The second case 23 is oriented such that the second back surface 232 of the front wall 23a and the second peripheral wall 23b face backward. The first case 21 and the second case 23 are assembled in the front-to-rear direction by inserting the first peripheral wall 21b into the second peripheral wall 23b. At this time, the fitting ribs 213 of the first peripheral wall 21b fit into the second peripheral wall 23b from the inside, thereby fixing the first case 21 and the second case 23 together. In this manner, the housing 11 is formed. In other words, in the housing 11, the second case 23 covers the first case 21 from the front.

[0039] By assembling the first case 21 and the second case 23 in the front-to-rear direction in this manner, an accommodation space 11a is formed by the rear wall 21a, the first peripheral wall 21b, and the front wall 23a inside the housing 11. Although not shown in the drawings, the accommodation space 11a is sealed from the outside, preventing water and the like from entering the accommodation space 11a.

[0040] The mounting means 13 includes a mounting fixture 25 , a first fixing screw 253 , a first locked piece 27 , and a second locked piece 29 .

[0041] The mounting fixture 25 is made of sheet metal. The mounting fixture 25 has a mounting fixture main body 25a. As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting fixture main body 25a is formed in a rectangular shape in which the length in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the up-down direction. An abutment surface 251 is formed in the center of the mounting fixture main body 25a. The abutment surface 251 protrudes forward. Furthermore, four fixing holes 252 are formed in the mounting fixture main body 25a at locations outside the abutment surface 251. The number of fixing holes 252 can be designed as appropriate.

[0042] The upper edge of the mounting body 25a is formed with a first locking piece 26a located near the right end and a second locking piece 26b located near the left end. The lower edge of the mounting body 25a is formed with a third locking piece 26c located near the right end and a fourth locking piece 26d located near the left end. These first to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d are examples of the "locking piece" in the present invention.

[0043] First to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d each extend forward from mounting tool main body 25a, such that first locking piece 26a and third locking piece 26c face each other above and below, and second locking piece 26b and fourth locking piece 26d face each other above and below.

[0044] A first opening 261 is formed in the first locking piece 26a, and a second opening 262 is formed in the second locking piece 26b. A third opening 263 is formed in the third locking piece 26c, and a fourth opening 264 is formed in the fourth locking piece 26d. These first to fourth openings 261 to 264 are examples of the "opening" in the present invention.

[0045] The first to fourth openings 261 to 264 have the same shape and are formed into a rectangular shape whose front-to-rear length is longer than its left-to-right length. The first to fourth openings 261 to 264 penetrate the first to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d in the up-down direction, respectively.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4, fixture 25 has fixture body 25a abutting against wall surface R10 of bathroom R1 with first to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d facing forward. In this state, fixture 25 is fixed to wall surface R10 by first fixing screws 253 inserted into each fixing hole 252. As a result, first to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d each extend forward from wall surface R10, i.e., toward housing 11.

[0047] The first locked pieces 27 are formed integrally with the upper edge of the first peripheral wall 21b. Although not shown, two first locked pieces 27 are formed on the upper edge of the first peripheral wall 21b and are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. Each first locked piece 27 has a base 27a and a claw 27b.

[0048] The base 27a is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-rear direction, and its rear end is connected to the upper edge of the first peripheral wall 21b. The base 27a is spaced upward from the first peripheral wall 21b as it extends forward. The claws 27b are formed integrally with the base 27a and protrude upward from the base 27a.

[0049] The second locked pieces 29 are formed integrally with the lower edge of the first peripheral wall 21b. Although not shown, two second locked pieces 29 are formed on the lower edge of the first peripheral wall 21b and are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The second locked pieces 29 are shaped symmetrically to the first locked piece 27 in the up-down direction and have a base 29a and a claw 29b.

[0050] The base 29a is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-to-rear direction, and its rear end is connected to the lower edge of the first peripheral wall 21b. The base 29a is spaced downward from the first peripheral wall 21b as it extends forward. The claws 29b are formed integrally with the base 29a and protrude downward from the base 29a.

[0051] When mounting the housing 11 on the wall surface R10, the first back surface 212 of the rear wall 21a faces the wall surface R10. Then, in this state, the housing 11 is moved backward toward the wall surface R10 (see the black arrows in FIG. 6A). As a result, the claw portions 27b of the first locked pieces 27 approach the first and second locking pieces 26a and 26b of the mounting fixture 25 from the front, and the claw portions 29b of the second locked pieces 29 approach the third and fourth locking pieces 26c and 26d of the mounting fixture 25 from the front.

[0052] Here, in the attachment means 13, the claw portions 29b are brought into contact with the third and fourth locking pieces 26c and 26d before the claw portions 27b are brought into contact with the first and second locking pieces 26a and 26b. Then, as the claw portions 29b come into contact with the third and fourth locking pieces 26c and 26d, the base portions 29a of the second locked pieces 29 are elastically deformed upward. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the claw portions 29b enter the third and fourth openings 263 and 264, respectively. Furthermore, as the claw portions 29b enter the third and fourth openings 263 and 264, the base portions 29a return to their original state before elastic deformation. Therefore, the base portions 29a come into contact with the third and fourth locking pieces 26c and 26d from above. In this way, the second locked pieces 29 are engaged with the third and fourth locking pieces 26c, 26d, and the housing 11 is positioned relative to the fixture 25.

[0053] After the second locked pieces 29 are engaged with the third and fourth locking pieces 26c and 26d, the claws 27b are brought into contact with the first and second locking pieces 26a and 26b. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the bases 27a of the first locked pieces 27 are elastically deformed downward, and the claws 27b enter the first and second openings 261 and 262, respectively. Furthermore, as the claws 27b enter the first and second openings 261 and 262, the bases 27a return to their original state before elastic deformation. Therefore, the bases 27a come into contact with the first and second locking pieces 26a and 26b from below. Thus, the first locked pieces 27 are engaged with the first and second locking pieces 26a and 26b.

[0054] In this way, the first engaging pieces 27 engage with the first and second engaging pieces 26a, 26b, and the second engaging pieces 29 engage with the third and fourth engaging pieces 26c, 26d, so that the abutment surface 251 of the mounting fixture body 25a of the mounting fixture 25 abuts against the first back surface 212 of the rear wall 21a from the front. In this way, in this bathroom remote control 1, the housing 11 is attached to the wall surface R10 by the mounting means 13.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, when the claw portion 27b is positioned within the first opening 261, it is spaced forward from the edge 265 of the first opening 261 by a gap S1. When the claw portion 27b is positioned within the first opening 261, it is spaced leftward from the edge 265 by a gap S2 and spaced rightward from the edge 265 by a gap S3. The sizes of the gaps S2 and S3 are substantially the same. The gaps S2 and S3 are larger than the gap S1. Although not shown, the same applies to the claw portion 27b positioned within the second opening 262 and the claw portions 29b positioned within the third and fourth openings 263 and 264. The gaps S1 to S3 may be substantially the same.

[0056] In other words, when first engaging pieces 27 are engaged with first and second engaging pieces 26a and 26b, each claw portion 27b has a certain degree of "play" relative to first and second openings 261 and 262. Also, when second engaging pieces 29 are engaged with third and fourth engaging pieces 26c and 26d, each claw portion 29b has a certain degree of "play" relative to third and fourth openings 263 and 264. Thus, in this bathroom remote control 1, each claw portion 27b and each claw portion 29b are engaged with each opening 261-264 with "play" to form vibration assist section 13a. In other words, in this bathroom remote control 1, mounting means 13 has vibration assist section 13a.

[0057] 2, the display unit 15 is provided in the accommodation space 11a at a position corresponding to the display region D1. The display unit 15 is a dot-matrix display panel in which pixels that can be switched on and off are two-dimensionally arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and specifically, is a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like.

[0058] Display unit 15 displays various information such as text and images. As a result, display unit 15 notifies user 100, via display area D1, of the temperature of water heated by water heater 90 and supplied to bathroom R1, as well as operational status such as filling operation and reheating operation.

[0059] The operation unit 17 has the above-mentioned touch areas T1 to T11, the touch switch 31 shown in Fig. 4, and the control device 33. The touch switch 31 and the control device 33 are provided in the accommodation space 11a.

[0060] The touch switch 31 is a capacitance switch having a well-known configuration, and is in contact with the second rear surface 232 of the front wall 23a in positions within the accommodation space 11a corresponding to the touch areas T1 to T11. This allows the touch switch 31 to detect touch operations by the user 100 on the touch areas T1 to T11. The touch switch 31 may also be a resistive switch, a pressure-sensitive switch, or the like.

[0061] Control device 33 is composed of a control board and a plurality of semiconductors provided on the control board. Control device 33 is connected to touch switch 31. Control device 33 is also connected to control unit 90a of water heating device 90 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly. Control device 33 is also connected to display unit 15. Control device 33 and control unit 90a may also be connected to be able to communicate by wire.

[0062] In the operation unit 17, the touch switch 31 detects an operation input to each of the touch areas T1 to T11 and transmits the detection result to the control device 33 as an operation input to the touch areas T1 to T11. As a result, the control device 33 accepts the operation input and transmits a control signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 90a. In addition, the control device 33 accepts the operation input and transmits an operation signal to the haptic device 19. Furthermore, the control device 33 controls the operation of the display unit 15.

[0063] A light-emitting unit L is also provided within the accommodation space 11a. The light-emitting unit L is composed of a circuit board and a plurality of light-emitting diodes corresponding to the touch areas T1 to T11. The light-emitting unit L is connected to the control device 33. This allows the control device 33 to control the operation of the light-emitting unit L. The light-emitting unit L causes each light-emitting diode to emit light, thereby displaying characters, symbols, etc. printed on the operation mark printing layer in the touch areas T1 to T11 (see FIG. 2).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the haptic device 19 is provided within the accommodation space 11a. More specifically, the haptic device 19 is attached to the front wall 23a, i.e., the second case 23, in a state in which the haptic device 19 abuts against the second back surface 232 of the front wall 23a within the accommodation space 11a. The haptic device 19 is also connected to the control device 33. Upon receiving an operation signal from the control device 33, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23, including the front wall 23a. At this time, as indicated by the white arrows in FIG. 2, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23 in the left-right direction of the bathroom remote control 1, thereby providing tactile feedback to the user 100. The haptic device 19 can have various configurations depending on the required vibration magnitude, type of vibration, etc.

[0065] Although not shown, a power supply unit (not shown) is provided within the accommodation space 11a to supply power to the control device 33, the display unit 15, the light-emitting unit L, the haptic device 19, etc. The power supply unit may be, for example, a dry cell battery or a rechargeable battery. Power may also be supplied to the control device 33, etc., via a wired connection from outside the bathroom remote control 1.

[0066] Bathroom remote control 1 configured as described above is installed in bathroom R1 by attaching housing 11 to wall R10 of bathroom R1 using attachment means 13. Bathroom remote control 1 remotely controls water heater 90 by user 100 touching touch areas T1-T11. In this way, user 100 can change the temperature of water supplied to bathroom R1 through mixer faucet 92 and shower 93, and can cause water heater 90 to fill bathtub 91 or perform reheating operations, while remaining in bathroom R1. The operation of bathroom remote control 1 will be specifically described below, using the example of changing the temperature of water supplied to bathroom R1 through shower 93.

[0067] To start operating the bathroom remote control 1, the user 100 touches the touch area T6 with his or her finger 100a. At this time, the user 100 performs the touch operation in a direction from the housing 11 toward the wall R10, i.e., from the front to the rear of the bathroom remote control 1. In other words, the user 100 performs the touch operation by pressing the touch area T6 backward with the finger 100a. As a result, the touch switch 31 detects the touch operation by the user 100 through the front wall 23a, and the control device 33 controls the operation of the haptic device 19. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23 in the left-right direction. In other words, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23 in a direction perpendicular to the operation direction when touching the touch area T6. The control device 33 also starts supplying power to the light-emitting unit L while controlling the operation of the haptic device 19. As a result, the characters and symbols printed on the operation mark printing layer are displayed in touch areas T1 to T11 (see FIG. 2). Bathroom remote control 1 is thus ready to accept operations by user 100.

[0068] When user 100 wants to increase the water temperature above the currently set temperature, he or she touches touch area T1 with finger 100a, as shown in FIG. 4. In this case, user 100 also touches touch area T1 in a direction from housing 11 toward wall R10. This causes a response from a location on touch switch 31 that corresponds to touch area T1, and control device 33 accepts user 100's touch operation on touch area T1. This causes a control signal to be sent to control unit 90a of water heater 90 to increase the amount of water to be heated. As a result, water heater 90 increases the amount of water to be heated, raising the temperature of the water supplied to bathroom R1 through shower 93. At this time, display unit 15 displays the changed water temperature.

[0069] Furthermore, the control device 33 receives a touch operation by the user 100 on the touch area T1, thereby transmitting a control signal to the control unit 90a and simultaneously controlling the operation of the haptic device 19. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23 in the left-right direction.

[0070] User 100 then repeatedly performs touch operations on touch area T1 until the temperature of the water supplied from shower 93 reaches the desired temperature. For this reason, in this bathroom remote control 1, haptic device 19 vibrates second case 23 each time control device 33 accepts a touch operation from user 100. To lower the water temperature below the currently set temperature, user 100 touches touch area T2 with finger 100a. In this case, control device 33 accepts user 100's touch operation, causing haptic device 19 to vibrate second case 23. When a certain period of time has passed without user 100 performing a touch operation, control device 33 stops supplying power to light-emitting unit L. This causes bathroom remote control 1 to transition to a standby state (see FIG. 3).

[0071] Thus, in bathroom remote control 1, haptic device 19 vibrates second case 23 in the left-right direction, and the vibration of second case 23 is transmitted to user 100 through finger 100a touching touch areas T1 to T11. As a result, user 100 can recognize that the touch operation performed by user 100, i.e., the touch operation on touch areas T1 to T11, has been accepted by control device 33. In other words, if haptic device 19 does not vibrate second case 23 in the left-right direction despite user 100 performing a touch operation, user 100 can recognize that his or her touch operation has not been accepted by control device 33, for example, because the user is touching a location on front wall 23a of second case 23 other than touch areas T1 to T11.

[0072] Furthermore, by transmitting vibrations from the second case 23 to the user 100, with this bathroom remote control 1, the user 100 can easily recognize that his or her touch operation has been accepted by the control device 33 and, ultimately, the operating unit 17, even when the user performs a touch operation on the touch areas T1 to T11 in a state where the user cannot fully see the bathroom remote control 1, including the touch areas T1 to T11, or when the sound of water is loud when water is supplied from the water heater 90 to the bathroom R1 through the shower 93 or mixer tap 92.

[0073] As described above, because second case 23 is assembled to first case 21, first case 21 also vibrates left and right in response to vibration of second case 23. That is, in this bathroom remote control 1, housing 11 as a whole vibrates left and right. In this bathroom remote control 1, each claw portion 27b and each claw portion 29b form vibration support portion 13a, and when each first locked piece 27 is engaged with first and second locking pieces 26a and 26b, each claw portion 27b has a certain degree of "play" with respect to first and second openings 261 and 262. Similarly, when each second locked piece 29 is engaged with third and fourth locking pieces 26c and 26d, each claw portion 29b has a certain degree of "play" with respect to third and fourth openings 263 and 264.

[0074] Therefore, in this bathroom remote control 1, when the housing 11 is attached to the wall R10, the vibration support unit 13a allows the housing 11 to move relative to the wall R10 within the range of the above-mentioned "play." As a result, in this bathroom remote control 1, the second case 23, and therefore the housing 11, are more likely to vibrate left and right. Also, as described above, the existence of "play" makes it difficult for the wall R10 to absorb the vibrations of the second case 23 in this bathroom remote control 1. In other words, in this bathroom remote control 1, each of the claws 27b and 29b, which serve as the vibration support unit 13a, supports the vibration of the second case 23 caused by the haptic device 19. As a result, in this bathroom remote control 1, vibrations are preferably transmitted from the second case 23 to the user 100. In this respect, too, in this bathroom remote control 1, the user 100 can preferably recognize that his or her touch operation has been accepted.

[0075] Therefore, the bathroom remote control 1 of the first embodiment is highly convenient.

[0076] In particular, in this bathroom remote control 1, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23 in the left-right direction perpendicular to the operating direction of the touch operation. This allows the haptic device 19 to suitably vibrate the second case 23 while minimizing the effect of the position of the haptic device 19 within the storage space 11a. Therefore, in this bathroom remote control 1, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the placement position of the haptic device 19 within the storage space 11a.

[0077] Example 2 As shown in Figure 8, the bathroom remote control 2 of Example 2 has a housing 11 that has a first elastic body 24 in addition to a first case 21 and a second case 23. The first elastic body 24 is an example of the "vibration support section" of the present invention. In addition, this bathroom remote control 2 has an attachment means 14 instead of the attachment means 13 in the bathroom remote control 1 of Example 2.

[0078] The first elastic body 24 is made of a resin material such as synthetic rubber and is elastically deformable. The first elastic body 24 has water-tight properties and is capable of absorbing vibrations through elastic deformation. The first elastic body 24 is formed in a rectangular frame shape and is attached to the front end of the first peripheral wall 21b of the first case 21.

[0079] When the first case 21 and the second case 23 are assembled in the front-to-rear direction, the first elastic body 24 is sandwiched in the front-to-rear direction between the front wall 23a and the first peripheral wall 21b while abutting against the second back surface 232 of the front wall 23a. In this way, the first elastic body 24 is disposed between the front wall 23a and the first peripheral wall 21b to surround the storage space 11a and seal the storage space 11a from the outside.

[0080] The mounting means 14 is composed of a mounting fixture 250, a first fixing screw 253, a first locked piece 27, and a second locked piece 29. Like the mounting fixture 25, the mounting fixture 250 has a mounting fixture main body 25a and first to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d. The mounting fixture main body 25a is formed with a contact surface 251 and a fixing hole 252. Note that the mounting means 14 may be a method in which the second case 23 is directly fixed to the wall surface R10 with the first fixing screw 253 without using the mounting fixture 250, or a method in which the housing 11 is attached to the wall surface R10 with double-sided tape or the like. Mounting means having a different configuration may also be employed.

[0081] In the mounting fixture 250, a locking opening 141 is formed for each of the first to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the locking opening 141 is formed smaller in the front-rear and left-right directions than the first to fourth openings 261 to 264.

[0082] Like mounting fixture 25, mounting fixture 250 is fixed to wall surface R10 by first fixing screws 253 inserted through each fixing hole 252. And, like mounting means 13, in this mounting means 14, first engaging pieces 27 are engaged with first and second engaging pieces 26a and 26b, and second engaging pieces 29 are engaged with third and fourth engaging pieces 26c and 26d. In this way, in this bathroom remote control 2, housing 11 is attached to wall surface R10 by mounting means 14.

[0083] Here, in this mounting means 14, when each first engaged piece 27 is engaged with the first and second engaging pieces 26a, 26b, at least one of the front end, right end and left end of the claw portion 27b inside the engaging opening 141 abuts against the edge of the engaging opening 141.

[0084] Similarly, in this mounting means 14, when each second engageable piece 29 is engaged with the third and fourth engageable pieces 26c and 26d, at least one of the front end, right end and left end of the claw portion 29b inside the engageable opening 141 abuts against the edge of the engageable opening 141.

[0085] In other words, unlike mounting means 13, mounting means 14 fixes housing 11 to wall surface R10 with almost no "play." The other configurations of bathroom remote control 2 are the same as those of bathroom remote control 1, and the same components are given the same symbols and detailed explanations of the configurations are omitted.

[0086] In this bathroom remote control 2, when a touch operation by the user 100 is received by the control device 33, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23. Here, in this bathroom remote control 2, the first elastic body 24 elastically deforms to support the vibration of the second case 23 by the haptic device 19. As a result, in this bathroom remote control 2, vibrations are also suitably transmitted from the second case 23 to the user 100. In addition, the first elastic body 24 absorbs a portion of the vibrations transmitted from the second case 23 to the first case 21. As a result, the first elastic body 24 minimizes the transmission of vibrations of the second case 23 to the wall surface R10 via the first case 21 and the mounting means 14.

[0087] Furthermore, in this bathroom remote control 2, the haptic device 19 only needs to vibrate the second case 23, so the power required for the haptic device 19 can be reduced compared to vibrating both the first case 21 and the second case 23. This also makes it possible to miniaturize the haptic device 19 in this bathroom remote control 2. This allows for greater freedom in the placement position of the haptic device 19 within the housing space 11a in this bathroom remote control 2. Furthermore, in this bathroom remote control 2, it is possible to increase the number of types of haptic devices that can be used as vibrating bodies.

[0088] Furthermore, in this bathroom remote control 2, the storage space 11a can be sealed by the first elastic body 24. This eliminates the need for a dedicated component for sealing the storage space 11a in the bathroom remote control 2. Other functions of this bathroom remote control 2 are the same as those of the bathroom remote control 1.

[0089] Example 3 As shown in Figure 9, the bathroom remote control 3 of Example 3 differs from the bathroom remote control 2 in that the housing 11 does not have a first elastic body 24. On the other hand, in this bathroom remote control 3, the mounting means 14 has a second elastic body 145. The second elastic body 145 is also an example of a "vibration support unit" in the present invention. Also, in this bathroom remote control 3, the mounting means 14 has double-sided tape 146, 147 instead of a first fixing screw 253. Furthermore, in this bathroom remote control 3, a fixing hole 252 is not formed in the mounting fixture 250.

[0090] The second elastic body 145 is formed of a resin material such as synthetic rubber, similar to the first elastic body 24. This allows the second elastic body 145 to be elastically deformable and to absorb vibrations. The second elastic body 145 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The shape of the second elastic body 145 can be designed as appropriate; for example, the second elastic body 145 may be formed in a frame shape, or may be divided into two parts in the vertical direction.

[0091] Second elastic body 145 is disposed between mounting fixture 250 and wall surface R10. Second elastic body 145 is attached to mounting fixture 250 with double-sided tape 146. Second elastic body 145 is further attached to wall surface R10 with double-sided tape 147. As a result, second elastic body 145 is held in the front-to-rear direction between mounting fixture main body 25a of mounting fixture 250 and wall surface R10 while abutting against mounting fixture main body 25a and wall surface R10 with double-sided tapes 146 and 147 interposed therebetween. The other configurations of bathroom remote control 3 are the same as those of bathroom remote control 2.

[0092] In this bathroom remote control 3, the elastic deformation of the second elastic body 145 supports the vibration of the second case 23 caused by the haptic device 19. As a result, in this bathroom remote control 3, vibrations are also transmitted effectively from the second case 23 to the user 100. In addition, the second elastic body 145 minimizes the transmission of vibrations of the second case 23 to the wall surface R10 via the first case 21 and the mounting fixture 250. Other functions of this bathroom remote control 3 are the same as those of the bathroom remote control 1.

[0093] Example 4 As shown in FIG. 10, bathroom remote control 4 of the fourth embodiment has attachment means 16 instead of attachment means 13 in bathroom remote control 1 of the embodiment.

[0094] The mounting means 16 has a first protrusion 41, a second protrusion 42, a second fixing screw 402, a first storage section 43, a second storage section 44, and four holders 45. The holders 45 are an example of the "vibration assist section" of the present invention. Note that Fig. 10 illustrates two of the four holders 45.

[0095] The first protrusions 41 and the second protrusions 42 are both made of metal. Although not shown, the attachment means 16 has two first protrusions 41 and two second protrusions 42.

[0096] The first protrusion 41 is composed of a first main body portion 41a and a first protruding portion 41b. The first main body portion 41a extends in the up-down and left-right directions along the wall surface R10. A through-hole 401 is formed in the first main body portion 41a. The first protruding portion 41b is integral with the first main body portion 41a and protrudes forward from the upper end of the first main body portion 41a.

[0097] The second protrusion 42 is composed of a second main body portion 42a and a second protrusion portion 42b. The second protrusion 42 has a shape that is symmetrical in the up-down direction to the first protrusion 41. In other words, the second main body portion 42a has a shape that is symmetrical in the up-down direction to the first main body portion 41a, and the second protrusion portion 42b has a shape that is symmetrical in the up-down direction to the first protrusion portion 41b.

[0098] The first protrusion 41 has a second fixing screw 402 inserted into the through-hole 401 with the first protrusion 41b facing forward. The first protrusion 41 is fixed to the wall surface R10 by the second fixing screw 402. The first protrusions 41 are fixed to the wall surface R10 while being spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0099] The second protrusion 42 is disposed at a position spaced below the first protrusion 41. The second protrusion 42 is fixed to the wall surface R10 by a second fixing screw 402 inserted into the through hole 401, with the second protrusion 42b facing forward. The second protrusions 42 are also fixed to the wall surface R10 while spaced apart in the left-right direction. Although not shown in the figure, one of the first protrusions 41 and one of the second protrusions 42 are aligned in the vertical direction, and the other of the first protrusion 41 and the other of the second protrusion 42 are aligned in the vertical direction. The arrangement and number of the first protrusions 41 and the second protrusions 42 can be designed as appropriate.

[0100] The first storage section 43 and the second storage section 44 are formed in the first case 21. Specifically, the first storage section 43 is integrally formed on the upper edge of the first peripheral wall 21b. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first storage section 43 has a recess 403 recessed from the rear to the front. This gives the first storage section 43 a generally rectangular box shape with an open rear end. Although not shown, two first storage sections 43 are formed on the upper edge of the first peripheral wall 21b, and are arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction to correspond to the first protrusions 41.

[0101] 10, the second storage section 44 is integrally formed on the lower edge of the first peripheral wall 21b. The second storage section 44 has a shape that is symmetrical to the first storage section 43 in the up-down direction. As a result, a recess 404 similar to the recess 403 is formed in the second storage section 44. Although not shown, two second storage sections 44 are formed on the lower edge of the first peripheral wall 21b, and are arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction to correspond to the second protrusions 42.

[0102] The first storage section 43 and the second storage section 44 are disposed inside the second peripheral wall 23b by assembling the first case 21 and the second case 23 in the front-to-rear direction. Note that the first storage section 43 and the second storage section 44 may be fitted inside the second peripheral wall 23b to fix the first case 21 and the second case 23 together.

[0103] The holder 45 is made of a resin material such as synthetic rubber and is elastically deformable. The holder 45 is disposed in the recess 403 of the first storage section 43 and the recess 404 of the second storage section 44. As shown in Fig. 11, the holder 45 is formed with a notch 45a that opens rearward.

[0104] In this bathroom remote control 4, by moving the housing 11 backward toward the wall R10, as shown in FIG. 10, the first protrusion 41 approaches the first storage section 43 and the second protrusion 42 approaches the second storage section 44. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, in the first protrusion 41, the first protrusion 41b approaches the holder 45 in the recess 403 and enters the notch 45a of the holder 45. As a result, the first protrusion 41b is held by the holder 45 and stored in the first storage section 43. Similarly, the second protrusion 42b is stored in the second storage section 44. In this way, in this bathroom remote control 4, the housing 11 is attached to the wall R10 by the attachment means 16. Other configurations of this bathroom remote control 4 are the same as those of the bathroom remote control 1 of Example 1.

[0105] In this bathroom remote control 4, the holder 45 elastically deforms while holding the first protrusion 41b and the second protrusion 42b, allowing the housing 11 to move relative to the wall R10 when the housing 11 is attached to the wall R10. In other words, the holder 45 elastically deforms left and right as the second case 23, i.e., the housing 11, vibrates, allowing the housing 11 to move left and right relative to the wall R10. Furthermore, the holder 45 elastically deforms to support the vibration of the second case 23 caused by the haptic device 19. As a result, in this bathroom remote control 4, vibrations are preferably transmitted from the second case 23 to the user 100. Furthermore, the holder 45 minimizes the transmission of vibrations of the second case 23 to the wall R10 via the first protrusion 41 and the second protrusion 42. Other functions of this bathroom remote control 4 are similar to those of the bathroom remote control 1.

[0106] Example 5 As shown in FIG. 12, bathroom remote control 5 of the fifth embodiment has attachment means 18 instead of attachment means 13 in bathroom remote control 1 of the first embodiment.

[0107] The attachment means 18 has an upper first connector 51, a lower first connector 53, a third fixing screw 503, an upper second connector 55, and a lower second connector 57. The upper first connector 51 and the lower first connector 53 are examples of the "first connector" in the present invention. The upper second connector 55 and the lower second connector 57 are examples of the "second connector" in the present invention.

[0108] The upper first connectors 51 and the lower first connectors 53 are both made of metal. Although not shown, the attachment means 18 has two upper first connectors 51 and two lower first connectors 53.

[0109] The upper first connecting body 51 is composed of a connecting base 51a and a connecting body 51b. The connecting base 51a extends in the up-down and left-right directions along the wall surface R10. A through-hole 501 is formed in the connecting base 51a. The connecting body 51b is integral with the connecting base 51a and protrudes forward from the upper end of the connecting base 51a. As shown in FIG. 13, a connecting hole 502 is formed in the connecting body 51b. The connecting hole 502 passes through the connecting body 51b in the up-down direction. The connecting hole 502 is formed in the shape of an elongated hole that extends long in the left-right direction.

[0110] 12, the lower first connector 53 is made up of a connecting base 53a and a connecting main body 53b. The lower first connector 53 has a shape that is vertically symmetrical to the upper first connector 51. In other words, the connecting base 53a has a shape that is vertically symmetrical to the connecting base 51a, and the connecting main body 53b has a shape that is vertically symmetrical to the connecting main body 51b.

[0111] The upper first connector 51 has the third fixing screw 503 inserted into the through-hole 501 with the connector main body 51b facing forward. The upper first connector 51 is fixed to the wall surface R10 by the third fixing screw 503. The upper first connectors 51 are fixed to the wall surface R10 while being spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0112] The lower first connector 53 is disposed at a position spaced below the upper first connector 51. The lower first connector 53 is fixed to the wall surface R10 by a third fixing screw 503 inserted through the through hole 501, with the connector body 53b facing forward. The lower first connectors 53 are also fixed to the wall surface R10 while spaced apart in the left-right direction. Although not shown in the figure, one of the upper first connectors 51 and one of the lower first connectors 53 are aligned in the vertical direction, and the other of the upper first connectors 51 and the other of the lower first connectors 53 are aligned in the vertical direction. The arrangement and number of the upper first connectors 51 and the lower first connectors 53 can be designed as appropriate.

[0113] The upper second connector 55 and the lower second connector 57 are formed on the rear wall 21a of the first case 21. Specifically, the upper second connector 55 is formed on the upper part of the rear wall 21a, and the lower second connector 57 is formed on the lower part of the rear wall 21a. As a result, the upper second connector 55 and the lower second connector 57 are arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0114] The upper second connector 55 is composed of an extending portion 55a and a shaft portion 55b. The extending portion 55a is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 21b and extends rearward from the first back surface 212 of the first peripheral wall 21b. The shaft portion 55b is formed integrally with the extending portion 55a and extends upward from the extending portion 55a in a cylindrical shape. Although not shown, two upper second connectors 55 are formed for the rear wall 21a, and the upper second connectors 55 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the upper first connectors 51. The extending portion 55a may be formed separately from the first peripheral wall 21b and attached to the first peripheral wall 21b.

[0115] The lower second connector 57 is composed of an extension 57a ​​and a shaft 57b. The lower second connector 57 has a shape that is symmetrical in the up-down direction to the upper second connector 55. As a result, the shaft 57b extends downward from the extension 57a. Although not shown, two lower second connectors 57 are also formed on the rear wall 21a, and the lower second connectors 57 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction to correspond to the lower first connectors 53.

[0116] In this bathroom remote control 5, by moving housing 11 backward toward wall R10, upper first connecting body 51 and upper second connecting body 55 approach each other, and lower first connecting body 53 and lower second connecting body 57 approach each other. Then, in upper second connecting body 55, shaft 55b abuts connecting body 51b, causing extension 57a ​​to elastically deform downward. As a result, shaft 55b enters connecting hole 502 of connecting body 51b, connecting upper first connecting body 51 and upper second connecting body 55. Similarly, shaft 57b enters connecting hole 502 of connecting body 53b, connecting lower first connecting body 53 and lower second connecting body 57. Thus, in this bathroom remote control 5, housing 11 is attached to wall R10 by mounting means 18.

[0117] Here, as shown in Figure 13, connecting hole 502 is formed as an elongated hole extending long in the left-right direction, so that shafts 55b, 57b are allowed to move left-right within connecting hole 502. In other words, in mounting means 18, upper second connecting body 55 is connected to upper first connecting body 51 so as to be movable left-right, and lower second connecting body 57 is connected to lower first connecting body 53 so as to be movable left-right. In this way, upper second connecting body 55 and lower second connecting body 57 form vibration assistance section 18a. Other configurations of this bathroom remote control 5 are the same as those of bathroom remote control 1 of Example 1.

[0118] In this bathroom remote control 5, as shown by the white arrows in FIG. 13 , when the first case 21 vibrates left and right in response to the left and right vibration of the second case 23, the upper second connector 55 moves left and right relative to the upper first connector 51. At this time, the lower second connector 57 also moves left and right relative to the lower first connector 53. As a result, the upper second connector 55 and the lower second connector 57 allow the housing 11 to move left and right relative to the wall surface R10 when the housing 11 is attached to the wall surface R10. In this way, the upper second connector 55 and the lower second connector 57 assist the vibration of the second case 23 caused by the haptic device 19, making it easier for the second case 23 to vibrate left and right. As a result, in this bathroom remote control 5, vibrations are also transmitted from the second case 23 to the user 100 in an optimal manner. Other functions of this bathroom remote control 5 are similar to those of the bathroom remote control 1.

[0119] Example 6 As shown in FIG. 14, bathroom remote control 6 of the sixth embodiment has attachment means 20 instead of attachment means 13 in bathroom remote control 1 of the embodiment.

[0120] The attachment means 20 has an upper first connector 61, a lower first connector 63, a fourth fixing screw 602, an upper second connector 65, and a lower second connector 67. The upper first connector 61 and the lower first connector 63 are examples of the "first connector" in the present invention. The upper second connector 65 and the lower second connector 67 are examples of the "second connector" in the present invention.

[0121] The upper first connector 61 and the lower first connector 63 are both made of metal. The upper first connector 61 and the lower first connector 63 have the same shape, and their vertical cross sections are generally U-shaped. Furthermore, the upper first connector 61 and the lower first connector 63 are formed with pin holes 601 that penetrate in the vertical direction.

[0122] The upper first connector 61 and the lower first connector 63 are fixed to the wall surface R10 by fourth fixing screws 602. At this time, the upper first connector 61 and the lower first connector 63 are fixed to the wall surface R10 in a state in which they protrude forward from the wall surface R10.

[0123] Although not shown in the figures, the mounting means 18 has two upper first connectors 61 and two lower first connectors 63. The upper first connectors 61 are fixed to the wall surface R10 while being spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the lower first connectors 63 are fixed to the wall surface R10 while being spaced apart in the left-right direction. Here, one of the upper first connectors 61 and one of the lower first connectors 63 are aligned in the vertical direction, and the other of the upper first connectors 61 and the other of the lower first connectors 63 are aligned in the vertical direction. The arrangement and number of the upper first connectors 61 and lower first connectors 63 can be designed as appropriate.

[0124] The upper second connector 65 is composed of a metal connector plate 65a and a metal mounting pin 65b. The connector plate 65a is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. A hole through which the mounting pin 65b can be inserted is formed in the front portion of the connector plate 65a, and a hole through which the connector pin 604 can be inserted is formed in the rear portion of the connector plate 65a. The connector plate 65a is attached to the upper edge of the first peripheral wall 21b by the mounting pin 65b. As a result, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 15, the connector plate 65a is rotatable around the axis O1 of the mounting pin 65b relative to the first peripheral wall 21b.

[0125] As shown in Figure 14, the lower second connector 67 is made up of a metal connector plate 67a and a metal mounting pin 67b. The connector plate 67a is formed in a plate shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. A hole through which the mounting pin 67b can be inserted is formed in the front portion of the connector plate 67a, and a hole through which the connector pin 604 can be inserted is formed in the rear portion of the connector plate 67a. The connector plate 67a is attached to the lower edge of the first peripheral wall 21b by the mounting pin 67b. This allows the connector plate 67a to rotate around the axis of the mounting pin 67b relative to the first peripheral wall 21b.

[0126] Although not shown, two upper second connectors 65 are attached to the upper edge of the first peripheral wall 21b, and the upper second connectors 65 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction to correspond to the upper first connectors 61. Similarly, two lower second connectors 67 are attached to the lower edge of the first peripheral wall 21b, and the lower second connectors 67 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction to correspond to the lower first connectors 63.

[0127] In this bathroom remote control 6, the connecting plate 65a of the upper second connecting body 65 is inserted into the upper first connecting body 61, and the connecting pin 604 is press-fit into the pin hole 601 of the upper first connecting body 61. As a result, the connecting plate 65a is connected to the upper first connecting body 61 by the connecting pin 604, thereby connecting the upper first connecting body 61 and the upper second connecting body 65. Similarly, the connecting plate 67a of the lower second connecting body 67 is inserted into the lower first connecting body 63, and the connecting pin 604 is press-fit into the pin hole 601 of the lower first connecting body 63, thereby connecting the lower first connecting body 63 and the lower second connecting body 67. In this way, in this bathroom remote control 6, the housing 11 is attached to the wall surface R10 by the attachment means 20.

[0128] 15, the connecting plate 65a is connected to the upper first connecting body 61 by the connecting pin 604, and is thereby rotatable about the axis O2 of the connecting pin 604 relative to the upper first connecting body 61. Here, as described above, the connecting plate 67a is also rotatable relative to the first peripheral wall 21b. Similarly, the connecting plate 67a is rotatable relative to the lower first connecting body 63 and the first peripheral wall 21b.

[0129] That is, in the mounting means 20, the upper second connecting body 65 is rotatably connected to the upper first connecting body 61 and the first case 21, and the lower second connecting body 67 is rotatably connected to the lower first connecting body 63 and the first case 21. In this way, the upper second connecting body 65 and the lower second connecting body 67 form the vibration assistance section 20a. The other configurations of this bathroom remote control 6 are the same as those of the bathroom remote control 1 of Example 1.

[0130] In this bathroom remote control 5, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 14 , when the first case 21 vibrates left and right in response to the left and right vibration of the second case 23, the upper second connector 65 rotates relative to the upper first connector 61 and the first case 21. The lower second connector 67 also rotates relative to the lower first connector 63 and the first case 21. As a result, the upper second connector 65 and the lower second connector 67 allow the housing 11 to move left and right relative to the wall surface R10 when the housing 11 is attached to the wall surface R10. In this way, the upper second connector 65 and the lower second connector 67 assist the vibration of the second case 23 caused by the haptic device 19, making it easier for the second case 23 to vibrate left and right. As a result, in this bathroom remote control 6, vibrations are also transmitted from the second case 23 to the user 100 in an optimal manner. Other functions of this bathroom remote control 6 are similar to those of the bathroom remote control 1.

[0131] The present invention has been described above in accordance with Examples 1 to 6, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above Examples 1 to 6 and can be modified and applied as appropriate within the scope of the invention.

[0132] For example, by appropriately combining bathroom remote controls 1 to 6 of Examples 1 to 6, a bathroom remote control may be configured in which both the housing and the mounting means have a vibration support section.

[0133] Furthermore, the bathroom remote control 1 of Example 1 has the housing 11 attached to the wall surface R10 by the attachment means 13. However, this is not limited to this, and double-sided tape may be used as the attachment means, and the housing 11 may be attached to the wall surface R10 by the double-sided tape. In this case, since the double-sided tape has elasticity, the double-sided tape may also serve as the "vibration support section" of the present invention.

[0134] Furthermore, in the bathroom remote control 1 of Example 1, the haptic device 19 vibrates the second case 23 in the left-right direction. However, this is not limited to this, and the haptic device 19 may also vibrate the second case 23 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the haptic device 19 may switch between vibrating the second case 23 in the left-right direction and vibrating the second case 23 in the up-down direction in response to switch operations on the touch areas T1 to T11. Furthermore, the haptic device 19 may also vibrate the second case 23 in the front-back direction. The same applies to the bathroom remote controls 2 to 6 of Examples 2 to 6.

[0135] Furthermore, in the bathroom remote control 1 of Example 1, the distance between the first and second locking pieces 26a, 26b and the third and fourth locking pieces 26c, 26d may be configured to be greater than the distance between the base 27a of the first lockable piece 27 and the base 29a of the second lockable piece 29, and shorter than the distance between the tip of the claw portion 27b of the first lockable piece 27 and the tip of the claw portion 29b of the second lockable piece 29. Furthermore, a resin material such as synthetic rubber may be inserted into the engagement points between the first to fourth locking pieces 26a to 26d and the first and second lockable pieces 27, 29.

[0136] Furthermore, in the bathroom remote control 3 of Example 3, instead of the second elastic body 145 and double-sided tape 146, 147, a resin material such as synthetic rubber can be attached around the first fixing screw 253, and the mounting fixture 250 can be fixed to the wall surface R10 by the first fixing screw 253, so that the resin material attached to the first fixing screw 253 can be used as the ``vibration support part'' in the present invention.

[0137] In addition, in the bathroom remote control 3 of Example 3, the second elastic body 145 is arranged between the mounting fixture 250 and the wall surface R10. However, this is not limited to this, and the second elastic body 145 may also be arranged between the abutment surface 251 of the mounting fixture 250 and the rear wall 21a of the first case 21. [Industrial Applicability]

[0138] The present invention can be used in bathrooms in homes and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1~6...Bathroom remote control 11...Housing 13, 14, 16, 18, 20...Mounting means 17...Operation unit 19...Haptic device (vibrator) 21...First case 23...Second Case 24...First elastic body (vibration support part) 25...Mounting fixture 26a~26d...1st~4th locking piece (locking piece) 27...First locked piece (locked piece) 27b, 29b...Claw part (vibration support part) 29…Second locked piece (locked piece) 45...Holding body (vibration support part) 51, 61... Upper first connecting body (first connecting body) 53, 63...Lower first connection body (first connection body) 55, 65...Upper second connecting body (second connecting body, vibration support part) 57, 67... Lower second connecting body (second connecting body, vibration support part) 90...Hot water supply equipment (water supply equipment) 145...Second elastic body (vibration support part) 211...1st surface (front) 261~264...1st~4th openings (openings) 265...Edge R1...Bathroom R10...wall

Claims

1. A bathroom remote control for remotely controlling a water supply device that supplies water to a bathroom, The housing and a mounting means for mounting the housing to a wall surface of the bathroom; an operation unit provided in the housing and configured to transmit a control signal to the water supply device based on a touch operation by a user; A bathroom remote control characterized by having a vibrator provided inside the housing and causing the housing to vibrate when the operation unit receives the touch operation.

2. 2. The bathroom remote control according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the housing and the mounting means has a vibration support portion that supports vibration of the housing.

3. the housing includes a first case attached to the wall surface by the attachment means, and a second case in which the operation unit and the vibrator are provided and which is attached to the first case while covering at least a front surface of the first case; The bathroom remote control according to claim 2 , wherein the vibration support unit is disposed between the first case and the second case.

4. the mounting means is a mounting fixture provided with a locking piece extending toward the housing and fixed to the wall surface; a locking piece provided on the housing, An opening is formed in the locking piece, The latched piece is formed with a claw portion that can enter the opening and engage with the latching piece, The bathroom remote control according to claim 2, wherein the vibration support portion is formed by the opening and the claw portion that has entered the opening engaging with each other while being spaced apart from the edge of the opening.

5. The mounting means includes a first connector fixed to the wall surface and protruding toward the housing; a second connector provided on the housing and extending toward the first connector; The bathroom remote control according to claim 2 , wherein the second connecting member is movably connected to the first connecting member to form the vibration support unit.

6. the operation unit transmits the control signal to the water supply equipment based on the touch operation in an operation direction from the housing side toward the wall surface side, The bathroom remote controller according to claim 1 , wherein the vibrator vibrates the housing in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction.

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