Water discharge system, bathroom unit, control device, and control method

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of appropriately adjusting a mode of water discharged from a water discharge device.SOLUTION: A water discharge system may comprise a water discharge device provided with one or more water discharge portions having a discharge outlet, an adjustment device configured to adjust water supplied to the water discharge portions, and a control device configured to cause the adjustment device to adjust a mode of water discharged from the water discharge device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a water discharge system, a bathroom unit, a control device, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hot and cold water supply device that can be switched from a shower mode to a mist mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-346360 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A technique is provided that can appropriately adjust the manner in which water is discharged from a water discharge device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a water discharge system. The water discharge system may include a water discharger including one or more water discharge sections with discharge ports, an adjusting device that adjusts the water supplied to the water discharge sections, and a control device that causes the adjusting device to adjust the form of the water discharged from the water discharger.

[0006] Another technique disclosed in this specification relates to a bathroom unit. The bathroom unit may include a bathroom and the above-described water discharge system.

[0007] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device that controls a water discharger having one or more water dischargers with outlets and an adjusting device that adjusts the water supplied to the water dischargers, and may cause the adjusting device to adjust the form of water discharged from the water discharger.

[0008] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control method, which controls a water discharger including one or more water dischargers with outlets, and an adjusting device that adjusts the water supplied to the water dischargers, and may cause the adjusting device to adjust the form of water discharged from the water discharger. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] An oblique view of a bathroom unit of an embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] 1 shows a plan view of an overhead shower according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a water discharge system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a configuration block diagram of an adjustment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates information stored in a memory of an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 shows a graph illustrating periodic changes in temperature and flow rate in an eco mode according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 shows a flowchart of a water discharge start process according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 shows a flowchart of a water discharge change process according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 shows a flowchart of a function execution process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Bathroom unit configuration) As shown in Figure 1, bathroom unit 1 is defined by wall surface 4, floor surface 5, and ceiling surface 6 that surround bathroom 2. In addition to wall surface 4, floor surface 5, and ceiling surface 6, bathroom unit 1 also includes a bathtub 8, a water discharge system 10, and a seat portion 12.

[0011] The bathtub 8 stores water for the user to bathe in. In this specification, it is referred to as "water" regardless of the temperature. The bathtub 8 stores water supplied from the bathtub water supply unit 50. The bathtub 8 is located at one end of the bathroom 2. Next to the bathtub 8, there is a space for using the water discharge system 10. Next to the bathtub 8, there is a seat unit 12 on which the user sits when using the water discharge system 10. The upper surface of the seat unit 12 has a generally flat shape to make it easy for the user to sit on.

[0012] (Configuration of water discharge system 10) Water discharge system 10 comprises a portion exposed to bathroom 2 and a portion disposed outside bathroom 2. Water discharge system 10 comprises a hand shower unit 20, an overhead shower unit 30, a faucet unit 40, a bathtub water supply unit 50, a lighting device 60, and an operating device 200. As shown in FIG. 3 , water discharge system 10 further comprises a first adjusting device 70, a second adjusting device 80, a thermistor 90, and a control unit 100.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, hand shower unit 20 includes shower head 22, hose 24, and head holding member 26. Shower head 22 is connected to a water supply source such as a hot water heater via hose 24. Shower head 22 discharges water supplied via hose 24 from multiple outlets. Shower head 22 is held by head holding member 26, which is fixed to wall surface 4. Head holding member 26 holds shower head 22 in a manner that allows the user to remove it. A user can use shower head 22 while it is held by head holding member 26. A user can remove shower head 22 from head holding member 26 and use it while holding it in their hand.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the overhead shower unit 30 includes a water outlet 32. The water outlet 32 ​​is attached to the ceiling surface 6. The water outlet 32 ​​has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. Multiple types of outlets 34, 36, and 38 are arranged on the underside of the water outlet 32. The multiple outlets 34 are arranged at intervals on the water outlet 32. The multiple outlets 34 discharge water in shower form. Specifically, in shower form, each outlet 34 continuously discharges water droplets with a particle size of approximately 0.5 mm to 8.0 mm.

[0015] The water discharger 32 has a plurality of outlets 36 arranged at intervals. For example, four outlets 36 are arranged, one at each vertex of a square. The diameter of the outlets 36 is smaller than the diameter of the outlet 34. The plurality of outlets 36 discharge water in a mist state. Specifically, in the mist state, water droplets having a particle size of 350 μm or less, smaller than in the shower state, are dispersed in a mist. The particle size in the mist state may be less than approximately 1 μm.

[0016] One outlet 38 is arranged in the center of the water discharge section 32. The hole diameter of outlet 38 is larger than the hole diameters of outlets 34, 36. Outlet 38 discharges water in a cascading state. Specifically, in a cascading state, water is discharged from outlet 38 in a waterfall-like manner. The number of outlets 34, 36, 38 is not particularly limited. For example, the number of outlets 36 may be three or less, or five or more. The number of outlets 34 may be two or more.

[0017] The faucet unit 40 has a faucet 42 that discharges water. The bathtub water supply unit 50 is disposed in the bathtub 8 and has a discharge port 52 that discharges water.

[0018] (Control unit configuration) As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 includes a first control device 101 and a second control device 151. In FIG. 3, communication connections are indicated by dashed lines. In FIG. 3, paths through which water flows are indicated by solid lines. The first control device 101 controls the water discharge system 10 in accordance with a computer program. The first control device 101 includes a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, and a communication interface 106. Below and in the drawings, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0019] The control unit 102 includes a CPU. The control unit 102 executes processing in accordance with a computer program stored in the storage unit 104. The storage unit 104 is configured with a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 104 stores various programs. The storage unit 104 stores information and data necessary for the control unit 102 to execute processing, and information and data generated while the control unit 102 is executing processing.

[0020] The communication I / F 106 relays communication between the control unit 100 and an external device of the first control device 101. The communication I / F 106 includes at least one of a cable port and a signal transceiver used for at least one of wired and wireless communication. The first control device 101 is communicatively connected to each of the first adjustment device 70, the thermistor 90, the operating device 200, and the lighting device 60 via the communication I / F 106.

[0021] The second control device 151 has the same configuration as the first control device 101. The second control device 151 is connected to the second adjustment device 80, the thermistor 90, and the operating device 200 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0022] (Configuration of adjustment device) First adjustment device 70 is arranged between water supply source 300 and hand shower unit 20, and between water supply source 300 and overhead shower unit 30. As shown in FIG. 4 , first adjustment device 70 includes mixer 72 and switching device 74. Mixer 72 is arranged between switching device 74 and piping 302, which communicates with the clean water pipe. Mixer 72 is connected to each of piping 304 and 306. Water is supplied from piping 302 to piping 304. Water that has passed through water heater 301 is supplied from piping 302 to piping 306. Water heater 301 heats the water supplied from piping 302. Water that has passed through water heater 301 flows through piping 306.

[0023] The mixer 72 is provided with a temperature sensor 72a, a flow rate adjustment valve 72b, and a flow rate sensor 72c in the pipe 306. The temperature sensor 72a, the flow rate adjustment valve 72b, and the flow rate sensor 72c are arranged in this order from the upstream side. The mixer 72 is provided with a temperature sensor 72d, a flow rate adjustment valve 72e, and a flow rate sensor 72f in the pipe 304. The temperature sensor 72d, the flow rate adjustment valve 72e, and the flow rate sensor 72f are arranged in this order from the upstream side. The mixer 72 further is provided with a mixing pipe 72g and a temperature sensor 72h.

[0024] Temperature sensors 72a, 72d, and 72h are each a thermistor. Temperature sensor 72a detects the temperature of water passing through pipe 306. Temperature sensor 72d detects the temperature of water passing through pipe 304. Temperature sensor 72h detects the temperature of water passing through mixing tube 72g.

[0025] The flow rate control valves 72b and 72e are solenoid valves. The flow rate control valve 72b switches between communication and cut-off between the pipe 306 and the mixing pipe 72g. The flow rate control valve 72b adjusts its aperture. When the flow rate control valve 72b is closed, the path of the pipe 306 is cut off from the mixing pipe 72g. When the flow rate control valve 72b is open, the path of the pipe 306 is connected to the mixing pipe 72g. The flow rate of water flowing from the path of the pipe 306 into the mixing pipe 72g can be adjusted depending on the aperture of the flow rate control valve 72b. The aperture of the flow rate control valve 72b is adjusted by the first control device 101.

[0026] The flow rate control valve 72e switches between communication and cut-off between the pipe 304 and the mixing pipe 72g. The flow rate control valve 72e adjusts its opening. When the flow rate control valve 72e is closed, the path of the pipe 304 is cut off from the mixing pipe 72g. When the flow rate control valve 72e is open, the path of the pipe 304 is connected to the mixing pipe 72g. The flow rate of water flowing from the path of the pipe 304 into the mixing pipe 72g can be adjusted depending on the opening rate of the flow rate control valve 72e. The opening rate of the flow rate control valve 72e is adjusted by the first control device 101.

[0027] The flow rate sensor 72c is disposed in the pipe 306 and detects the flow rate of water passing through the pipe 306. The flow rate sensor 72f is disposed in the pipe 304 and detects the flow rate of water passing through the pipe 304.

[0028] The switching device 74 switches the supply destination of the water supplied from the mixer 72. The switching device 74 is equipped with switching valves 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, and 74e, and pipes 74f, 74g, 74h, 74j, and 74k. The pipe 74f communicates with the mixing pipe 72g. Water that has passed through the mixer 72 flows through the pipe 74f. A switching valve 74a is disposed in the middle of the pipe 74f. The switching valve 74a switches between opening and closing to switch the path within the pipe 74f between an open state and a closed state. The pipe 74f branches into pipes 74g, 74h, 74j, and 74k.

[0029] A switching valve 74b is disposed in pipe 74g. The switching valve 74b switches between an open state and a closed state of the path in pipe 74g by switching between an open state and a closed state. A switching valve 74c is disposed in pipe 74h. The switching valve 74c switches between an open state and a closed state of the path in pipe 74h by switching between an open state and a closed state. A switching valve 74d is disposed in pipe 74j. The switching valve 74d switches between an open state and a closed state of the path in pipe 74j by switching between an open state and a closed state. A switching valve 74e is disposed in pipe 74k. The switching valve 74e switches between an open state and a closed state of the path in pipe 74k by switching between an open state and a closed state.

[0030] The opening and closing of the switching valves 74a, 74b, 74c, 74d, and 74e is controlled by a first control device 101.

[0031] Pipe 74g communicates with shower head 22 via hose 24 of hand shower 20. Pipe 74h communicates with multiple outlets 34 of overhead shower 30. Pipe 74j communicates with multiple outlets 36 of overhead shower 30. Pipe 74k communicates with outlet 38 of overhead shower 30.

[0032] The first control device 101 adjusts the temperature and flow rate of the water flowing from the mixing device 72 to the switching device 74 by adjusting the flow control valves 72b and 72e using the detection values ​​of the temperature sensors 72a, 72d, and 72h and the flow rate sensors 72c and 72f.

[0033] The second adjustment device 80 is disposed between the water supply source 300 and the faucet unit 40, and between the water supply source 300 and the bathtub water supply unit 50. The second adjustment device 80 includes a mixer 82 and a switching device 84. The mixer 82 is disposed between the switching device 84 and a pipe 302 that communicates with the drinking water pipe. The mixer 82 has a configuration similar to that of the mixer 72. The flow rate adjustment valve disposed in the mixer 82 is controlled by the second control device 151.

[0034] The switching device 84 switches the supply destination of the water supplied from the mixer 82. The switching device 84 is equipped with switching valves 84a, 84b, and 84c, and pipes 84f, 84g, and 84h. Pipe 84f communicates with a mixing pipe extending from the mixer 82. Water that has passed through the mixer 82 flows through pipe 84f. Switching valve 84a is disposed in the middle of pipe 84f. Switching valve 84a switches between opening and closing, switching the path within pipe 84f between an open state and a closed state. Pipe 84f branches into pipes 84g and 84h.

[0035] A switching valve 84b is disposed in the pipe 84g. The switching valve 84b switches between an open state and a closed state of the path in the pipe 84g by switching between an open state and a closed state. A switching valve 84c is disposed in the pipe 84h. The switching valve 84c switches between an open state and a closed state of the path in the pipe 84h by switching between an open state and a closed state. The opening and closing of the switching valves 84a, 84b, and 84c is controlled by a second control device 151.

[0036] The pipe 84g communicates with the faucet 42 of the faucet unit 40. The pipe 84h communicates with the outlet 52 of the bathtub water supply unit 50.

[0037] Similar to the first control device 101, the second control device 151 adjusts the temperature and flow rate of the water flowing from the mixing device 82 to the switching device 84 by adjusting the flow control valve of the mixing device 82, similar to the flow control valves 72b and 72e, using the detection values ​​of the temperature sensors of the mixing device 82, similar to the temperature sensors 72a, 72d, and 72h, and the flow rate sensors of the mixing device 82, similar to the flow rate sensors 72c and 72f.

[0038] When discharging water from the hand shower, water is discharged from hand shower unit 20 via first adjustment device 70. When discharging water from the hand shower, control unit 100 supplies power to each of the multiple solenoid valves of switching devices 74, 84 to connect the supply source to hand shower unit 20 and to cut off the connection between the supply source and overhead shower unit 30, faucet unit 40, and bathtub water supply unit 50.

[0039] When mist-spouting water is performed, water is spouted from multiple outlets 36 via first adjustment device 70. When mist-spouting water is performed, control unit 100 supplies power to each of multiple solenoid valves of switching devices 74, 84 to disconnect the supply source from hand shower unit 20, faucet unit 40, and bathtub water supply unit 50, to disconnect the supply source from outlets 34, 38, and to connect the supply source to outlet 36.

[0040] During shower discharge, water is discharged from multiple outlets 34 via first adjustment device 70. During shower discharge, control unit 100 supplies power to each of the multiple solenoid valves of switching devices 74, 84 to disconnect the supply source from hand shower unit 20, faucet unit 40, and bathtub water supply unit 50, to disconnect the supply source from outlets 36, 38, and to connect the supply source to outlet 34.

[0041] In the case of waterfall water discharge, water is discharged from outlet 38 via first adjustment device 70. In the case of waterfall water discharge, control unit 100 supplies power to each of the multiple solenoid valves of switching devices 74, 84 to disconnect the supply source from hand shower unit 20, faucet unit 40, and bathtub water supply unit 50, to disconnect the supply source from outlets 34, 36, and to connect the supply source to outlet 38.

[0042] In the faucet discharge mode, water is discharged from the faucet unit 40 via the second adjustment device 80. In the faucet discharge mode, power is supplied to each of the multiple solenoid valves of the switching devices 74, 84 to disconnect the supply source from the hand shower unit 20, the overhead shower unit 30, and the bathtub water supply unit 50, and to connect the supply source to the faucet unit 40.

[0043] When discharging water into the bathtub, water is discharged from the bathtub water supply unit 50 via the second adjustment device 80. When discharging water into the bathtub, power is supplied to each of the multiple solenoid valves of the mixing device 82 and the switching device 84 to connect the supply source to the bathtub water supply unit 50 and to cut off the supply source from the hand shower unit 20, the overhead shower unit 30, and the faucet unit 40.

[0044] The control unit 100 can simultaneously perform two or more types of water discharge from among the hand shower water discharge, mist water discharge, shower water discharge, waterfall water discharge, faucet water discharge, and bathtub water discharge. The control unit 100 can simultaneously perform, for example, mist water discharge and faucet water discharge by controlling the solenoid valves of the mixers 72, 82 and the switching devices 74, 84.

[0045] (Storage section configuration) Various data used in the water discharge start process and the water discharge change process are stored in the storage unit 104. As shown in Fig. 5, the storage unit 104 stores a mode table 110, a user table 120, a temperature adjustment table 130, a correction value 140, and a range table 150. The mode table 110, the user table 120, the temperature adjustment table 130, the correction value 140, and the range table 150 are stored in the storage unit 104 in advance.

[0046] The mode table 110 records one or more water discharge modes for automatically changing the water discharge mode in the overhead shower unit 30. The mode table 110 records one or more mode combinations 112, 114, and 116. The mode combinations 112, 114, and 116 are each a combination of mode identification information 113 and transition information 115. The mode identification information 113 includes a character string identifying the mode, such as "first mode," "second mode," or "eco mode." The transition information 115 indicates the transition of the water discharge mode. The mode combination 112 first performs shower water discharge at a water temperature of T1 degrees, for a period of P1 seconds, and at a flow rate of Q1 liters / minute, followed by mist water discharge at a water temperature of T2 degrees, for a period of P2 seconds, and at a flow rate of Q2 liters / minute. The mode combination may also include transition information 115 that includes waterfall water discharge. The user can record a new mode combination in the mode table 110 by operating the operating device 200. The user can change an already recorded mode combination by operating the operating device 200. For example, the user can change the first mode shower water discharge from a water temperature of T1 degree, a duration of P1 second, and a flow rate of Q1 liters / minute to a water temperature of T11 degree, a duration of P11 seconds, and a flow rate of Q11 liters / minute.

[0047] (Eco mode) The mode combination 116 stores an eco mode. In the eco mode, the amount of energy consumed is reduced by changing the temperature and flow rate of the water. The eco mode is applied to mist water discharge. In a modified example, the eco mode may be applied to types of water discharge other than mist water discharge.

[0048] The first control device 101 periodically changes the temperature and flow rate of the water by adjusting the apertures of the flow rate control valves 72b and 72e of the mixer 72. As shown in FIG. 6, the water temperature 400 is periodically changed with an amplitude of a change amount CT1. The temperature 400 changes so that the set temperature 404 reaches its maximum value. The flow rate 402 is periodically changed with an amplitude of a change amount CQ1. The flow rate 402 changes so that the set flow rate 406 reaches its maximum value. The cycle of the temperature 400 and the cycle of the flow rate 402 match. The temperature 400 and the flow rate 402 are out of phase with each other by half a cycle. As a result, when the water temperature is high, the flow rate decreases, and when the water temperature is low, the flow rate increases. As a result, the user's discomfort caused by changes in temperature and flow rate can be reduced.

[0049] The amounts of change CT1, CQ1 and the period of the temperature 400 and the flow rate 402 are stored in advance in the storage unit 104. The user can change the amounts of change CT1 and CQ1 by operating the operation device 200. The user can also change the period of the temperature 400 and the flow rate 402 by operating the operation device 200. The first control device 101 updates the amounts of change CT1, CQ1 and the period of the temperature 400 and the flow rate 402 stored in the storage unit 104 in response to the user's operation.

[0050] The user table 120 records water discharge modes for setting the water discharge mode of the overhead shower unit 30 to suit each user's preferences. The user table 120 records a combination of user identification information 123 for identifying the user and mode information 125 representing the water discharge mode. The user identification information 123 includes a character string uniquely assigned to each user, such as "first user" or "second user." The mode information 125 is information that combines one of shower water discharge, mist water discharge, and waterfall water discharge with a water temperature T of 3 degrees, a duration P of 3 seconds, and a flow rate Q of 3 liters / minute. The mode information 125 may be any of the one or more mode identification information recorded in the mode table 110. A user can register a new user in the user table 120 by operating the operation device 200. A user can change the mode information 125 of an already recorded user by operating the operation device 200.

[0051] The temperature adjustment table 130 records combinations of set temperatures and the temperatures of the water to be discharged for each of the shower water discharge, mist water discharge, and waterfall water discharge of the overhead shower unit 30. The control unit 100 determines the temperature of the water to be discharged using the temperature adjustment table 130. The set temperature is set by the user operating the operation device 200. The control unit 100 has initial temperature information stored in advance that indicates the initial temperature. The user operates the operation device 200 to change the initial temperature and set the water temperature.

[0052] When mist water discharge is selected, the control unit 100 identifies the water temperature (i.e., WT1, WT2, etc.) recorded in the temperature adjustment table 130 in combination with the set temperature (i.e., temperatures ST1, ST2, etc.) and the bathroom temperature (i.e., temperatures less than T1, T1 to T2, higher than T2).

[0053] When either shower water spouting or waterfall water spouting is selected, the control unit 100 determines the water temperature calculated from a formula recorded in the temperature adjustment table 130 in combination with the set temperature and bathroom temperature. For example, when the set temperature is ST1 and is lower than the bathroom temperature T1, the water temperature of the shower water is determined to be ST1+TA. When the bathroom temperature is low, the temperature adjustment table 130 determines a water temperature higher than the set temperature. When the bathroom temperature is high, the temperature adjustment table 130 determines a water temperature lower than the set temperature.

[0054] The range table 150 records the type of water discharge, the temperature range, and the flow rate range in combination.

[0055] (Configuration of the operation device) The operating device 200 is attached to the wall surface 4. The operating device 200 has a plurality of buttons that are operated by the user. The user can select the water discharge mode of the water discharge system 10 by operating the buttons on the operating device 200. The water discharge modes include mist water discharge, shower water discharge, waterfall water discharge, hand shower water discharge, and faucet water discharge. The water discharge mode also includes the water temperature and flow rate. In other words, the user can set the temperature and flow rate of the discharged water by operating the buttons on the operating device 200. The user can select a mode recorded in the mode table 110 by operating the buttons on the operating device 200. When the user operates a button on the operating device 200, the operating device 200 transmits a signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 100.

[0056] The thermistor 90 measures the temperature inside the bathroom. The thermistor 90 is disposed inside the bathroom. In a variant, the thermistor 90 may measure the ambient temperature around the bathroom 2, such as the outside air temperature.

[0057] (Configuration of Function Execution Device) The water discharge system 10 includes a lighting device 60 as a function-performing device. The lighting device 60 emits light in the bathroom 2. The lighting device 60 includes one or more LEDs. In the lighting device 60, for example, a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a row between the ceiling surface 6 and the wall surface 4. The lighting device 60 is controlled by a first control device 101. The first control device 101 adjusts the power supplied to the lighting device 60 to turn the lighting device 60 on and off, and adjust the color and brightness of the emitted light. In a variant, the function-performing device may include a device other than the lighting device 60. For example, the function-performing device may include at least one of a speaker device and a display device.

[0058] (Water discharge start process) When a signal is received from the operating device 200, the control unit 100 executes either a water discharge start process or a water discharge change process. A user can cause water to be discharged from the water discharge system 10 by operating the operating device 200. A user can perform a mode selection operation to select one code from among the modes recorded in the mode table 110. A user can perform a user selection operation to select one user identification information from among the user identification information recorded in the user table 120. A user can perform a manual operation to select at least one type of water discharge from among mist water discharge, shower water discharge, waterfall water discharge, hand shower water discharge, faucet water discharge, and bathtub water discharge, as well as the temperature and flow rate of the discharged water. The operating device 200 supplies a signal representing the user's operation to the control unit 100.

[0059] In addition to discharging water, the user can change the recorded contents of each of the tables 110, 120, 130, and 150 by operating the operation device 200. The operation device 200 supplies the control unit 100 with a signal representing the user's operation.

[0060] When the control unit 100 receives a signal from the operation device 200, either the first control device 101 or the second control device 151 executes processing depending on the operation represented by the signal. If the operation represented by the signal received from the operation device 200 relates to the discharge of water from either the hand shower unit 20 or the overhead shower unit 30, the first control device 101 executes processing. If the operation represented by the signal received from the operation device 200 relates to the discharge of water from either the faucet unit 40 or the bathtub water supply unit 50, the second control device 151 executes processing. If the operation represented by the signal received from the operation device 200 relates to the discharge of water from either the faucet unit 40 or the bathtub water supply unit 50, the first control device 101 executes processing. If the operation represented by the signal received from the operation device 200 is an operation to change the recorded contents of each of the tables 110, 120, 130, or an operation to control the lighting device 60, the first control device 101 executes processing.

[0061] The user can simultaneously select multiple water discharges by operating the operation device 200. For example, the user can simultaneously select mist water discharge and faucet water discharge (for example, by selecting the "mist" button and the "faucet" button on the operation device 200).

[0062] 7, when the control unit 100 acquires a signal from the operating device 200, the first control device 101 determines in S12 whether or not a mode selection operation has been performed. If the signal acquired from the operating device 200 indicates a mode selection operation, it is determined that a mode selection operation has been performed (YES in S12), and the process proceeds to S14. If the signal acquired from the operating device 200 does not indicate a mode selection operation, it is determined that a mode selection operation has not been performed (NO in S12), and the process proceeds to S16.

[0063] In S14, the first control device 101 acquires the transition information 115 recorded in the mode table 110 in combination with the selected mode indicated by the mode selection operation, and then proceeds to S26.

[0064] In S16, the first control device 101 determines whether a user selection operation has been performed. If the signal already acquired from the operation device 200 indicates a user selection operation, it is determined that a user selection operation has been performed (YES in S16), and the process proceeds to S18. If the signal already acquired from the operation device 200 does not indicate a user selection operation, it is determined that a user selection operation has not been performed (NO in S16), and the process proceeds to S20.

[0065] In S18, the first control device 101 acquires the behavior information 125 recorded in the user table 120 in combination with the selected user identification information 123 represented by the user selection operation, and then proceeds to S26.

[0066] In S20, the control unit 100 determines whether a manual operation has been performed. If the signal already acquired from the operating device 200 indicates a manual operation, it is determined that a manual operation has been performed (YES in S20), and the process proceeds to S22. If the signal already acquired from the operating device 200 does not indicate a manual operation, it is determined that a manual operation has not been performed (NO in S20), and the process proceeds to S24.

[0067] In S22, either the first control device 101 or the second control device 151 obtains the water discharge mode selected by the user from the obtained signal, i.e., the type of water discharge, the water temperature, and the flow rate, and then proceeds to S26. Hereinafter, when either the first control device 101 or the second control device 151 executes the process, it is referred to as "execution by the control unit 100." In this case, if the process relates to the water discharge of either the hand shower unit 20 or the overhead shower unit 30, the first control device 101 executes the process. If the process relates to the water discharge of either the faucet unit 40 or the bathtub water supply unit 50, the second control device 151 executes the process.

[0068] In S24, the control unit 100 executes processing according to the signal already acquired from the operation device 200. For example, the first control device 101 changes the recorded contents of each of the tables 110, 120, and 130. For example, the first control device 101 executes a function execution process, which will be described later.

[0069] In S26, control unit 100 acquires the temperature in bathroom 2 from thermistor 90. In a modified example, thermistor 90 need not be provided. In this case, the temperature of at least one of temperature sensors 72a, 72d, and 72h may be used, for example. Control unit 100 may acquire temperature-related information from an external device other than water discharge system 10 (for example, information about the outside air temperature may be acquired from an external server). In S28, control unit 100 determines the temperature of the water to be discharged. Control unit 100 determines the temperature using temperature adjustment table 130. Specifically, the temperature to be discharged is determined to be the temperature recorded in temperature adjustment table 130 in combination with the type of water discharge included in any of acquired transition information 115, mode information 125, and water discharge mode, the set water temperature, and the temperature of bathroom 2 acquired in S26.

[0070] In the temperature adjustment table 130, when the set temperature and the temperature of the bathroom 2 are the same, the temperature of the water to be discharged in mist mode is higher than the temperature of the water to be discharged in shower mode and waterfall mode. In the temperature adjustment table 130, when the set temperature and the temperature of the bathroom 2 are the same, the temperature of the water to be discharged in mist mode is higher than the temperature of the water to be discharged in modes other than mist mode. In the temperature adjustment table 130, the lower the temperature of the bathroom 2, the higher the temperature of the water to be discharged, regardless of the type of water to be discharged. In S28, if the determined temperature falls outside the temperature range recorded in the range table 150 in combination with the type of water to be discharged included in any of the acquired transition information 115, mode information 125, and water discharge mode, the control unit 100 identifies a temperature within the temperature range. In other words, if the determined temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range recorded in the range table 150, the upper limit temperature of the temperature range is changed to the determined temperature. If the determined temperature is higher than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range recorded in the range table 150, the lower limit temperature of the temperature range is changed to the determined temperature.

[0071] In S30, the control unit 100 determines the flow rate to be discharged. Specifically, when either transition information 115 or mode information 125 is acquired, and when the acquired water discharge mode is a type of water discharge other than mist water discharge, the control unit 100 determines the set flow rate included in the acquired transition information 115, mode information 125, or water discharge mode as the flow rate to be discharged. When the acquired water discharge mode is mist water discharge, the first control device 101 determines the flow rate to be the set flow rate included in the water discharge mode multiplied by a correction value 140 as the flow rate to be discharged. The correction value 140 is a positive constant less than 1. As a result, the flow rate for mist water discharge is lower than for types of water discharge other than mist water discharge. In a modified example, the correction value 140 may be a function of at least one of the water temperature determined in S28 and the temperature of the bathroom 2 acquired in S26. The correction value 140 may be larger the lower the water temperature determined in S28 and / or the temperature of the bathroom 2 acquired in S26.

[0072] In S30, the control unit 100 identifies a flow rate within the flow rate range when the identified flow rate falls outside the flow rate range recorded in the range table 150 in combination with the type of water discharge included in any of the acquired transition information 115, mode information 125, and water discharge mode. That is, when the identified flow rate is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range recorded in the range table 150, the control unit 100 changes the upper limit temperature of the temperature range to the determined flow rate. When the identified temperature is higher than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range recorded in the range table 150, the control unit 100 changes the lower limit temperature of the temperature range to the determined flow rate.

[0073] In S32, the control unit 100 starts water discharge based on the water temperature determined in S28, the flow rate determined in S30, and the type of water discharge included in the acquired transition information 115, mode information 125, and water discharge mode, and then ends the water discharge start process. When water discharge is controlled by the first control device 101, i.e., when water is being discharged from either the hand shower unit 20 or the overhead shower unit 30, the second control device 151 first controls the mixer 82 and the switching device 84 to discharge water from the faucet unit 40. The second control device 151 continues to discharge water from the faucet unit 40 until the thermistor in the mixer 82 detects that the temperature of the water supplied from the mixer 82 to the switching device 84 approximates the water temperature determined in S28. Immediately after water discharge begins, it takes time for the temperature of the discharged water to rise. This prevents water at a temperature lower than the water temperature determined in S28 from being discharged from either the hand shower unit 20 or the overhead shower unit 30. This eliminates the need for the user to check the temperature of the water being discharged from either the hand shower unit 20 or the overhead shower unit 30 by splashing water on a part of the body, such as their hand. The water temperature at which the water supplied from the mixer 82 to the switching device 84 approximates the water temperature determined in S28 includes a water temperature that is slightly lower (for example, about 1 to 2°C) than the water temperature determined in S28. When the temperature of the water supplied from the mixer 82 to the switching device 84 approximates the water temperature determined in S28, the second control device 151 stops water discharge from the faucet unit 40. The first control device 101 controls the mixer 72 and the switching device 74 to start water discharge. The water temperature and flow rate are adjusted by the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valves 72b and 72e of the mixer 72. When the second control device 151 controls water discharge, i.e., when water is being discharged from either the faucet unit 40 or the bathtub water supply unit 50, water discharge is started by controlling the mixer 82 and the switching device 84. The temperature and flow rate of the water are adjusted by the opening degree of the flow rate control valve of the mixer 82. In a modified example, the second control device 151 may control the mixer 82 and the switching device 84 to discharge water from the faucet unit 40 before the processing of S32, such as before a user selection.

[0074] When multiple types of water discharge are selected by the user, the control unit 100 executes the processes of S28, S30, and S32 for each of the multiple types of water discharge, thereby simultaneously executing multiple types of water discharge.

[0075] (Water discharge change processing) When the water discharge start process ends, the control unit 100 continues with the water discharge change process. In the water discharge change process, in S42, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the type of water discharge should be changed. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a signal indicating the type of water discharge has been acquired from the operation device 200 while water is being discharged. When the user manually selects the type of water discharge, the operation device 200 supplies the signal indicating the type of water discharge to the control unit 100. When the signal indicating the type of water discharge is executed (YES in S42), the process proceeds to S44. Furthermore, while water discharge according to the mode is being executed, if the first control device 101 determines that it is time to change the type of water discharge according to the transition information 115 (YES in S42), the process proceeds to S44. When the signal indicating the type of water discharge is not acquired and the time to change the type of water discharge according to the transition information 115 has not yet arrived (NO in S42), the process proceeds to S50.

[0076] In S44, the control unit 100 identifies the type of water discharge to be changed. In S46, the control unit 100 switches the type of water discharge. In this case, the control unit 100 gradually decreases the flow rate of the type of water discharge before the switch, while gradually increasing the flow rate of the type of water discharge after the switch. For example, when switching from mist water discharge to shower water discharge, the first control device 101 gradually reduces the aperture of the switching valve 74c of the switching device 74, thereby switching the path in the pipe 74h from an open state to a closed state by gradually reducing the path area. In parallel with this, the first control device 101 gradually increases the aperture of the switching valve 74b of the switching device 74, thereby switching the path in the pipe 74g from a closed state to an open state by gradually increasing the path area, and then returns to S42.

[0077] With this configuration, when changing the type of water discharge, it is possible to avoid a sudden change, thereby reducing discomfort felt by the user.

[0078] In S50, the control unit 100 determines whether or not at least one of the set flow rate and temperature has been changed by the user. Specifically, when the control unit 100 acquires a signal representing an operation to change at least one of the flow rate and temperature from the operation device 200, it determines that at least one of the set flow rate and temperature has been changed (YES in S50). If YES in S50, it executes the processes of S52, S54, and S56. The processes of S52, S54, and S56 are the same as the processes of S22, S26, and S28 of the water discharge start process. When the process of S56 ends, the process returns to S42.

[0079] If the control unit 100 does not receive a signal from the operating device 200 representing an operation to change at least one of the flow rate and the temperature, it determines that at least one of the set flow rate and the temperature will not be changed (NO in S50) and proceeds to S60.

[0080] In S60, the control unit 100 determines whether or not water discharge should be stopped. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines that water discharge should be stopped when a signal indicating that a stop button for stopping water discharge has been operated is acquired from the operating device 200 (YES in S60). The control unit 100 determines that water discharge should be stopped when water discharge has continued for a long period of time (YES in S60). The control unit 100 determines that water discharge should be stopped when the flow rate of discharged water exceeds a predetermined value (YES in S60). If the result is YES in S60, the control unit 100 operates either one of the switching devices 74, 84 to stop water discharge in S62, and ends the water discharge change process.

[0081] When water discharge continues for a long period of time and / or when the flow rate of water discharge exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 100 notifies the user of the situation in which water discharge continues for a long period of time and / or when the flow rate of water discharge exceeds a predetermined value. The control unit 100, for example, causes the lighting device 60 to at least one of light up and flash with a light of a predetermined color. As a result, when a function executing device other than the lighting device 60 is installed, the control unit 100 may, for example, emit a warning sound or display an image indicating a warning.

[0082] If the control unit 100 does not want to stop the water discharge (NO in S60), the process returns to S42.

[0083] (Function execution processing) As shown in Fig. 9, the first control device 101 executes a function execution process to control the lighting device 60. The first control device 101 is executed continuously while the power of the water discharge system 10 is on. In the function execution process, in S72, the first control device 101 determines whether a switching operation for switching the lighting device 60 on and off has been executed from the operation device 200. If a switching signal representing a switching operation is acquired from the operation device 200, it determines that a switching operation has been executed (YES in S72), and in S74, the first control device 101 switches the lighting device 60 on and off in accordance with the switching signal, and returns to S72.

[0084] If the switching signal is not acquired (NO in S72), in S76 the first control device 101 determines whether the type of water discharge has been acquired. Specifically, if YES is determined in any of steps S12, S16, and S20 of the water discharge start processing, and YES is determined in S42 of the water discharge change processing, the first control device 101 determines that the type of water discharge has been acquired (YES in S76), and in S78 identifies the acquired type of water discharge, similar to S14, S18, S22, and S44.

[0085] If the answer is YES in any of steps S12, S16, and S20 of the water discharge start processing and NO in S42 of the water discharge change processing, the first control device 101 determines that the type of water discharge has not been acquired (NO in S76) and returns to S72.

[0086] In S80, the first control device 101 controls the lighting device 60 according to the type of water discharge acquired in S78. Specifically, the storage unit 104 has stored in advance combinations of the type of water discharge and the lighting mode. The lighting mode includes the color, intensity, and lighting period of the light. The lighting period includes continuous lighting and intermittent lighting, i.e., blinking. The first control device 101 controls the lighting device 60 according to the lighting mode stored in combination with the type of water discharge acquired in S78.

[0087] In S82, the first control device 101 determines whether or not a water discharge stop operation has been performed, similar to S60. If a water discharge stop operation has been performed (YES in S82), the first control device 101 switches off the lighting device 60 in S84 and returns to S72. If a water discharge stop operation has not been performed (NO in S82), returns to S72.

[0088] The operating device 200 may be equipped with a display unit such as a liquid crystal display. The first control device 101 may cause the display unit to display various images. For example, the first control device 101 may cumulatively store changes over time in the water discharge of the water discharge system 10. The first control device 101 may cause the display unit to display the cumulative amount of water used, the usage status (for example, changes in the water discharge pattern), etc.

[0089] (Anti-freezing structure) The water discharge system 10 includes water stop devices 401, 501 on the upstream side of the first adjustment device 70 and the upstream side of the second adjustment device 80, respectively. The water stop device 401 includes a check valve, a stop valve, a strainer, and a drain plug, which are arranged on each of the pipes 304, 306. The check valve allows water to flow toward the first adjustment device 70 and prevents backflow from the first adjustment device 70. The stop valve stops the supply of water from the pipe 302 to the pipe 304 by closing it. If an abnormality occurs downstream of the water stop device 401, repairs can be easily performed by stopping the water supply. The strainer has a mesh shape that captures foreign matter, etc. The drain plug discharges water from the pipe 304. From upstream to downstream, the drain plug, stop valve, strainer, and check valve are arranged in this order. The drain plug is arranged at the bottom in the vertical direction.

[0090] The water stop device 501 has a similar configuration to the water stop device 401. The first control device 101 issues a notification to prevent freezing in accordance with the temperature acquired from at least one thermistor of the temperature sensors 72a, 72d, and 72h. For example, the first control device 101 may cause the user's mobile device to display an image indicating the possibility of freezing. The first control device 101 may issue a notification to prevent freezing in accordance with the temperature acquired from the thermistor 90. The user can perform anti-freezing work by confirming the notification. Specifically, first, the user shuts off the connection between the piping 302 and the drinking water pipe. The user then performs a predetermined water draining operation on the operation device 200. For example, the user presses an anti-freeze button arranged on the operation device 200. When the first control device 101 receives a signal from the operating device 200 indicating that a water draining operation has been performed, it opens the corresponding solenoid valves among the hand shower unit 20, the overhead shower unit 30, the faucet unit 40, and the bathtub water supply unit 50, sequentially, starting with the solenoid valve whose water outlet is located at the bottom. In this embodiment, when the first control device 101 receives a signal from the operating device 200 indicating that a water draining operation has been performed, it sends a signal to the second control device 151 indicating that a water draining operation has been performed. When the second control device 151 receives a signal from the first control device 101 indicating that a water draining operation has been performed, it opens all of the switching valves 84b, 84c of the second adjustment device 80, sequentially, starting with the solenoid valve whose water outlet is located at the bottom. For example, when the opening from the faucet unit 40 and the bathtub water supply unit 50 from which water is discharged is located at the bottom, it first opens the switching valve 84c corresponding to the bathtub water supply unit 50, and then opens the switching valve 84b corresponding to the faucet unit 40. If the opening through which water is discharged from the faucet section 40 is located downward, between the faucet section 40 and the bathtub water supply section 50, the first control device 101 then opens all of the switching valves 84b, 84c of the second adjustment device 80, and then opens all of the multiple switching valves 74b, 74c, 74d, and 74e included in the first adjustment device 70, starting with the solenoid valve whose opening through which water is discharged is located downward.Specifically, selector valve 74b corresponding to the lower hand shower unit 20 of the hand shower unit 20 and overhead shower unit 30 is opened first, followed by selector valves 74c, 74d, and 74e corresponding to the overhead shower unit 30. When the selector valves 74c, 74d, and 74e are vertically misaligned, they are opened in order from the bottom up. When they are not vertically misaligned, they may be opened simultaneously. The user allows backflow from the first adjustment device 70 by opening the check valve of water stop device 401. The user opens the drain valve of water stop device 401, connecting pipes 304 and 306, and the drain valve of water stop device 401, allowing water from pipes 304 and 306 to be discharged from the drain valve. Similarly, the user opens the check valve of water stop device 501 and the drain valve, discharging water from the pipe on the second adjustment device 80 side. The drain plug and check valve may be electromagnetic valves that can be controlled by the first control device 101. This can prevent water from remaining in the piping. The drain plug is opened after the check valve located below is opened. This allows the water to be properly drained.

[0091] (effect) In the water discharge system 10, the first adjustment device 70 and the second adjustment device 80 are controlled by the control unit 100. As a result, the control unit 100 adjusts the water discharge mode, including the type, temperature, and flow rate of each water discharge. The user can discharge water in the desired water discharge mode by operating the operating device 200.

[0092] The water discharge system 10 is equipped with multiple water discharge units, including a hand shower unit 20, multiple types of outlets 34, 36, 38 of the overhead shower unit 30, a faucet unit 40, and a bathtub water supply unit 50. The water discharge system 10 can provide the user with multiple water discharge units.

[0093] The control unit 100 includes a first control device 101 and a second control device 151. The first control device 101 and the second control device 151 can be arranged in separate, appropriate locations. This allows for a simpler wiring arrangement for the water discharge system 10. Even if an abnormality occurs in either the first control device 101 or the second control device 151, the other control device can adjust either the first adjustment device 70 or the second adjustment device 80. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which water cannot be discharged from the water discharge system 10 even if an abnormality occurs in either the first control device 101 or the second control device 151.

[0094] In the water discharge system 10, when a user selects a plurality of types of water discharge, the plurality of types of water discharge are simultaneously performed. Water discharge can be performed in accordance with the user's operation.

[0095] In the water discharge system 10, when switching the type of water discharge, the flow rate of the type of water discharge before the switch is gradually decreased while the flow rate of the type of water discharge after the switch is gradually increased. This makes it possible to avoid a sudden switch in the type of water discharge. Furthermore, the water temperature and flow rate are adjusted in the water discharge system 10 before and after the switch. The water temperature and flow rate can be adjusted while the two types of water discharge before and after the switch are being executed in parallel. When the type of water discharge is switched, the water temperature has already been changed to correspond to the type of water discharge after the switch. This makes it possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user when the water discharge is switched. In a modified example, the manner in which the water discharge changes may differ depending on the type of water discharge before and after the switch. For example, the switch from shower water discharge to hand shower water discharge may be performed without executing the two types of water discharge before and after the switch in parallel. In a modified example, the water temperature may be changed after the type of water discharge is switched.

[0096] In water discharge system 10, range table 150 predetermines the temperature and flow rate ranges permitted for each type of water discharge. This configuration prevents water from being discharged at temperatures and flow rates that exceed the appropriate ranges for each type of water discharge. For example, in mist discharge, water discharged from outlet 36 is more likely to be cooled by the air in bathroom 2 before reaching the user. In cascading water discharge, compared to mist discharge, water discharged from outlet 38 is less likely to be cooled by the air in bathroom 2 before reaching the user. Different temperature ranges can be set for mist discharge and cascading water discharge to match the user's perceived temperature. Furthermore, water that is too hot or too cold can be prevented from being discharged to the user. Controlling the flow rate can prevent hand shower unit 20 from falling off head holder 26 due to water pressure. Setting a lower limit for the flow rate can prevent water heater 301 from igniting. In a modified example, the user may be able to cancel the temperature or flow rate restriction by operating operating device 200.

[0097] When a water discharge mode is selected by the user, the water discharge system 10 transitions the water discharge in accordance with the transition information 115 recorded in the mode table 110. This allows the water discharge to transition automatically without the user having to switch the water discharge by operating the operation device 200. By recording mode combinations in advance, water discharge in a preset mode can be performed without the user having to set it.

[0098] The water discharge system 10 can adjust the temperature and flow rate of water in response to user operation. This allows water to be discharged according to the user's preferences. The water discharge system 10 can also adjust the water temperature in response to the temperature of the bathroom 2.

[0099] The eco mode can reduce energy consumption, and by shifting the phase of the temperature and flow rate, it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user.

[0100] The lighting device 60 is controlled by the first control device 101. The lighting device 60 changes depending on the water discharge mode. This allows the water discharge mode and lighting to be linked, thereby providing a comfortable space.

[0101] In the water discharge system 10, different water discharge modes can be recorded in advance for each user using the user table 120. This eliminates the need for the user to adjust the water discharge to suit their own preferences every time they use the water discharge system 10.

[0102] In the temperature adjustment table 130, the water temperature and flow rate are adjusted in the water discharge system 10 according to the type of water discharge mode. This allows the water temperature and flow rate to be automatically adjusted according to the discharge mode without the user having to change the set temperature and set flow rate. This makes it possible to reduce the user's discomfort depending on the type of discharge mode.

[0103] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0104] The first aspect relates to a water discharge system. The water discharge system may include a water discharger including one or more water dischargers with outlets, an adjusting device that adjusts the water supplied to the water dischargers, and a control device that causes the adjusting device to adjust the form of the water discharged from the water discharger.

[0105] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the water discharger may include a plurality of the water discharge portions.

[0106] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the control device may include a first control unit that controls a first water discharge section among the plurality of water discharge sections, and a second control unit that controls a second water discharge section among the plurality of water discharge sections that is different from the first water discharge section, and the second control unit is different from the first control unit.

[0107] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the second to third aspects, the control device may cause water to be discharged simultaneously from two or more of the plurality of water dischargers using the adjustment device.

[0108] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect described above, when the control device changes the destination of the water supply from a third water outlet among the plurality of water outlets to a fourth water outlet different from the third water outlet, the adjustment device may cause water to be discharged from the third water outlet and the fourth water outlet simultaneously, and then cause water to be discharged from the fourth water outlet.

[0109] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the control device may cause the adjustment device to simultaneously discharge water from the third water discharge section and the fourth water discharge section, and then change at least one of the temperature and flow rate of the water supplied while water is being discharged from the fourth water discharge section.

[0110] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the second and sixth aspects, the control device may control the adjustment device so that water that satisfies a first condition that limits the range of at least one of temperature and flow rate is supplied to a fifth water outlet of the plurality of water outlets, and may control the adjustment device so that water that satisfies a second condition that limits the range of at least one of temperature and flow rate is supplied to a sixth water outlet of the plurality of water outlets, different from the fifth water outlet, and different from the first condition.

[0111] An eighth aspect may be any one of the first and seventh aspects, further comprising a storage device for storing a control program for the control device for changing the state of the water over time using the adjustment device, and the control device may be capable of controlling the adjustment device in accordance with the control program.

[0112] A ninth aspect is the eighth aspect, further comprising an operating device operated by a user, wherein the control program includes water discharge information indicating at least one of the water discharge temperature and flow rate, and wherein when a user performs a change operation on the operating device to change the water discharge information, the control device changes the water discharge information in accordance with the change operation and is capable of controlling the adjustment device in accordance with the changed control program.

[0113] In a tenth aspect, in any one of the first and ninth aspects, the device may further include an operation device that is operated by a user.

[0114] An eleventh aspect is a water discharge system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in any one of the first and tenth aspects, the control device periodically changes at least one of the temperature and flow rate of the water discharged by the adjustment device.

[0115] A twelfth aspect is the eleventh aspect, further comprising an operating device operated by a user, and when a designation operation is performed by the user to the operating device to specify a change in at least one of the temperature, the flow rate, and the period of change of the water being ejected, the control device may change at least one of the temperature, the flow rate, and the period of change of the water being ejected in accordance with the designation operation.

[0116] In a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first and twelfth aspects, the control device may periodically change the temperature and flow rate of the water being discharged using the adjustment device, and may adjust the temperature period of the water and the flow rate period of the water so that they are different from each other using the adjustment device.

[0117] In a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first and thirteenth aspects, the control device may further control a function executing device that executes a function other than water discharge.

[0118] In a fifteenth aspect, in the above fourteenth aspect, when the control device causes the adjustment device to eject the water from the water discharge device in a first aspect, the control device may cause the function execution device to perform a function linked to the first aspect.

[0119] In a sixteenth aspect, in any one of the first and fifteenth aspects, the control device may change the state of the water by the adjustment device in accordance with a surrounding environment.

[0120] A 17th aspect is any one of the above 1st and 16th aspects, further comprising a storage device that stores a combination of identification information that identifies a user and pattern information that represents the pattern of the water, and the control device may, by the adjustment device, discharge the water in the pattern of the water represented by the pattern information stored in the storage device in combination with the identification information that identifies the user using the water discharge device.

[0121] In an 18th aspect, in any one of the above-mentioned 1st and 17th aspects, the device further includes a storage device that stores a first related value related to at least one of the temperature and flow rate of water to be discharged from a seventh water discharge section among the one or more water discharge sections, and the control device may use the first related value to discharge the water from the seventh water discharge section using the adjustment device.

[0122] In a 19th aspect, in the above 18th aspect, the storage device further stores a second related value related to at least one of the temperature and flow rate of water to be discharged at an eighth water discharge section different from the seventh water discharge section among the one or more water discharge sections, and the control device may use the second related value to discharge the water from the eighth water discharge section using the adjustment device.

[0123] In a twentieth aspect, in the above-mentioned nineteenth aspect, the storage device stores a first temperature of water to be discharged at the seventh water discharge section and a second temperature of water to be discharged at the eighth water discharge section, and when changing from the seventh water discharge section to the eighth water discharge section, the control device may cause the adjustment device to change the temperature of the water from the first temperature to the second temperature, and then change from the seventh water discharge section to the eighth water discharge section.

[0124] A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is the twentieth aspect, wherein the second temperature may be higher than the first temperature.

[0125] In a 22nd aspect, in any one of the above-mentioned 1st and 21st aspects, the storage device stores a third temperature of water to be discharged at a 9th water discharge section among the one or more water discharge sections, and a fourth temperature of water to be discharged at a 10th water discharge section different from the 9th water discharge section, and when changing from the 9th water discharge section to the 10th water discharge section, the control device may change the temperature of the water from the third temperature to the fourth temperature after causing the adjustment device to change from the 9th water discharge section to the 10th water discharge section.

[0126] A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the twenty-second aspect, wherein the third temperature may be higher than the fourth temperature.

[0127] In a 24th aspect, in any one of the above 1st and 23rd aspects, when the water to be discharged from an 11th water discharge section among the one or more water discharge sections is at a fifth temperature, the control device may cause water to be discharged from an 12th water discharge section among the one or more water discharge sections until the water temperature approaches the fifth temperature.

[0128] A twenty-fifth aspect relates to a bathroom unit. The bathroom unit may include a bathroom and the water discharge system according to any one of the first to twenty-fourth aspects.

[0129] A 26th aspect relates to a control device that controls a water discharger including one or more water dischargers with outlets and an adjusting device that adjusts the water supplied to the water dischargers, and may cause the adjusting device to adjust the state of the water discharged from the water discharger.

[0130] A 27th aspect relates to a control method, which controls a water discharger including one or more water dischargers with outlets, and an adjusting device that adjusts the water supplied to the water dischargers, and may cause the adjusting device to adjust the state of the water discharged from the water discharger.

[0131] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0132] (1) The control unit 100 may be either one control device or three or more control devices. The control unit 100 may be configured integrally with at least one of the first adjustment device 70 and the second adjustment device 80. The control unit 100 may be configured integrally with any one of the discharge devices of the hand shower unit 20, the overhead shower unit 30, the faucet unit 40, and the bathtub water supply unit 50. Any one of the discharge devices of the hand shower unit 20, the overhead shower unit 30, the faucet unit 40, and the bathtub water supply unit 50, the control unit 100, and at least one of the first adjustment device 70 and the second adjustment device 80 may be configured integrally. The first adjustment device 70 and the second adjustment device 80 may be configured integrally.

[0133] (2) The control unit 100 is not particularly limited in the method of switching the type of water discharge. For example, when switching from mist water discharge to shower water discharge, the control unit 100 may gradually allocate the flow rate to the shower water discharge, starting from a state in which the entire flow rate of water is being used for mist water discharge. For example, the flow rate may be allocated to the shower water discharge in increments of X% (X is a positive value) of the total flow rate.

[0134] (3) The operation device 200 does not have to be attached to the wall surface 4. The operation device 200 may be a mobile terminal capable of wireless communication with the control unit 100. The mobile terminal may be a terminal dedicated to the water discharge system 10 or a general-purpose terminal. For example, the mobile terminal may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone personal to the user. Two or more operation devices may be provided. In this case, the operation device may be attached to the wall surface 4 and the mobile terminal may be provided. The operation device 200 may be a button-type device, a handle-type device, a touch-type device, or a non-contact type device. When the operation device 200 is a mobile terminal, the user may cause the water discharge system 10 to discharge water before entering the bathroom 2. For example, the bathroom 2 may be heated or cooled by mist discharge.

[0135] The control unit 100 may cause the water discharge system 10 to discharge water in advance, without any operation by the user, before the user enters the bathroom 2. The control unit 100 may also cause the water to be discharged after the user has used the bathroom 2.

[0136] (4) The water discharge system 10 may be provided with a stop valve that blocks the piping 302 from the supply source 300 to the first adjusting device 70 and the second adjusting device 80.

[0137] (5) The control unit 100 may change at least one of the temperature and flow rate of the discharged water according to the user's condition. For example, the control unit 100 may determine a higher water temperature the farther the user is from the water discharge unit. For example, the control unit 100 may determine a lower water temperature the higher the user's body temperature (e.g., core body temperature). If the core body temperature rises, the control unit 100 may stop discharging water.

[0138] (6) The water discharge system 10 may further include other types of water discharge, such as a foot bath water discharge that discharges water near the bottom of the bathroom 2, and a shoulder bath water discharge that discharges water from near the top of the bathtub 8 toward the shoulders of the user in the bathtub. The control unit 100 may adjust at least one of the temperature and flow rate of the water for the other types of water discharge.

[0139] (7) The water discharge system 10 may further include a discharge unit that discharges detergent, lotion, air, etc. in addition to water. The control unit 100 may adjust the detergent, etc., discharged from the discharge unit.

[0140] (8) The water discharge system 10 may be provided with a drain pipe that discharges water toward the drain of the bathroom 2 until the temperature of the water that has passed through the mixers 72, 82 reaches a predetermined temperature. The control unit 100 may communicate the mixers 72, 82 with the drain pipe until the temperature of the water that has passed through the mixers 72, 82 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0141] (9) The water discharge system 10 may include an alarm unit that alerts the user when an abnormality occurs. The alarm unit may be, for example, a speaker device, a light-emitting device, the light-emitting color of the operating device 200, or the light-emitting color of the overhead shower unit 30. The control unit 100 may close the solenoid valves of the mixers 72, 82 and the switching devices 74, 84 when no flow rate is detected in the mixers 72, 82 even after opening the solenoid valves. In this case, the control unit 100 may alert the user to the abnormality via the alarm unit. The control unit 100 may close the solenoid valves of the mixers 72, 82 when the water temperature cannot be adjusted even after adjusting the solenoid valves of the mixers 72, 82. In this case, the control unit 100 may alert the user to the abnormality via the alarm unit. The timing of closing the valves and issuing the alarm may be determined appropriately. When the flow rate is high and / or the water discharge period is long, the control unit 100 may display a warning on the display unit that excessive water is being discharged. The control unit 100 may stop water discharge when the flow rate is high or when the water discharge period is long. The control unit 100 may detect a water leak by detecting the flow rate while water discharge is stopped. In this case, the first control device 101 may display a water leakage warning on the display unit. The timing of issuing the warning or stopping water discharge when an abnormality occurs does not matter. When an abnormality occurs, water discharge may be stopped by closing and stopping the first adjustment device 70 and the second adjustment device 80.

[0142] The notification unit may be at least one of the lighting device 60, the operating device 200, and the water discharge unit 32. The notification unit may be a communication device that transmits a signal indicating an abnormality to a user's mobile terminal. The control unit 100 may identify at least one of the location and content of the abnormality. The notification unit may notify at least one of the location and content of the abnormality.

[0143] (10) At least one of the water discharger 32 and the operating device 200 may include a light-emitting unit that changes color depending on the temperature of the discharged water. The control unit 100 may control the light-emitting unit.

[0144] (11) The operating device 200 may be provided with a child lock button that does not cause water to be discharged even when the operating device 200 is operated. When the child lock button is operated by a user, the control unit 100 may not cause water to be discharged even if any button other than the child lock button on the operating device 200 is operated until the child lock is released (for example, until the child lock button is operated again).

[0145] (12) The control unit 100 may include a notification unit that notifies the user of the timing for maintenance of the water discharge system 10. The notification unit may be, for example, a speaker device, a light-emitting device, or the like.

[0146] (13) The control unit 100 may increase the types of water discharge without changing the discharge port by varying the flow rate, changing the discharge direction, etc. The control unit 100 may increase the types of water discharge by alternately executing multiple types of water discharge.

[0147] (14) The bathroom unit 1 does not have to be equipped with a seat portion 12. The user may use the water discharge system 10 while standing or while sitting on a chair that is provided separately from the bathroom unit 1.

[0148] (15) The control unit 100 may be capable of discharging only a specified amount of water and then stopping the water discharge, so that the water discharge stops when a predetermined amount of water is discharged into the bathtub 8.

[0149] (16) The control unit 100 may vary the amount of water discharged from the overhead shower unit 30 over time by adjusting the opening of the solenoid valves of the first adjustment device 70 and the second adjustment device 80. For example, the amount of water discharged may be increased or decreased continuously. The same applies to the hand shower unit 20.

[0150] (17) The control unit 100 may intermittently execute shower water discharge while continuously executing mist water discharge in the overhead shower unit 30. Similarly, in the mist water discharge, shower water discharge, and waterfall water discharge, one or more water discharges may be executed continuously and one or more other water discharges may be executed intermittently.

[0151] (18) While the user is away from bathroom 2, control unit 100 may cause water to be discharged from at least one of hand shower unit 20, overhead shower unit 30, faucet unit 40, and bathtub water supply unit 50. For example, bathroom 2 may be heated by discharging warm mist in winter. For example, bathroom 2 may be cooled by discharging cold mist in summer. After the user leaves bathroom 2, water may be discharged from at least one of hand shower unit 20, overhead shower unit 30, faucet unit 40, and bathtub water supply unit 50 to prevent mold, etc.

[0152] The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1: bathroom unit, 2: bathroom, 10: water discharge system, 20: hand shower section, 30: overhead shower section, 34, 36, 38: outlet, 40: faucet section, 50: bathtub water supply section, 60: lighting device, 70: first adjustment device, 72: mixing device, 74: switching device, 80: second adjustment device, 82: mixing device, 84: switching device, 90: thermistor, 100: control unit, 101: first control device, 110: mode table, 120: user table, 130: temperature adjustment table, 140: correction value, 150: range table, 151: second control device, 200: operating device

Claims

1. a water discharge device including one or more water discharge units each having a discharge port; an adjusting device for adjusting the water supplied to the water discharge portion; A water discharge system comprising: a control device that causes the adjustment device to adjust the manner in which water is discharged from the water discharge device.

2. The water discharge system according to claim 1 , wherein the water discharge device comprises a plurality of the water discharge sections.

3. The control device is a water discharge system as described in claim 2, comprising a first control unit that controls a first water discharge unit among the plurality of water discharge units, and a second control unit that controls a second water discharge unit among the plurality of water discharge units that is different from the first water discharge unit, the second control unit being different from the first control unit.

4. The water discharge system according to claim 2 , wherein the control device causes the adjustment device to simultaneously discharge water from two or more of the plurality of water dischargers.

5. The water discharge system described in claim 4, wherein when the control device changes the destination of the water supply from a third water discharge section among the plurality of water discharge sections to a fourth water discharge section different from the third water discharge section, the control device causes the adjustment device to discharge water simultaneously from the third water discharge section and the fourth water discharge section, and then causes water to be discharged from the fourth water discharge section.

6. The control device is a water discharge system as described in claim 5, wherein the adjustment device causes water to be discharged simultaneously from the third water discharge section and the fourth water discharge section, and then changes at least one of the temperature and flow rate of the water supplied while water is being discharged from the fourth water discharge section.

7. A water discharge system described in any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the control device controls the adjustment device so that water that satisfies a first condition that limits the range of at least one of the temperature and flow rate is supplied to a fifth water discharge section among the plurality of water discharge sections, and controls the adjustment device so that water that satisfies a second condition that limits the range of at least one of the temperature and flow rate is supplied to a sixth water discharge section among the plurality of water discharge sections, which is different from the fifth water discharge section, and which is different from the first condition.

8. a storage device for storing a control program for the control device for changing the state of the water over time by the adjusting device; The water discharge system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device is capable of controlling the adjustment device in accordance with the control program.

9. Further comprising an operation device operated by a user, the control program includes water discharge information indicating at least one of a discharge temperature and a flow rate of the water, The control device When a change operation for changing the water discharge information is executed by the user on the operation device, the water discharge information is changed in accordance with the change operation; The water discharge system according to claim 8 , wherein the adjusting device is controllable according to the modified control program.

10. The water discharge system according to claim 1 , further comprising an operating device that is operated by a user.

11. The water discharge system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device periodically changes at least one of the temperature and the flow rate of the discharged water by the adjustment device.

12. Further comprising an operation device operated by a user, The water discharge system described in claim 11, wherein when a user performs a designation operation to specify a change in at least one of the temperature, flow rate, and period of change of the water discharged on the operating device, the control device changes at least one of the temperature, flow rate, and period of change of the water discharged in accordance with the designation operation.

13. The control device the adjusting device periodically varies the temperature and the flow rate of the water being dispensed; The water discharge system according to claim 1 , wherein the adjusting device adjusts the cycle of the temperature of the water and the cycle of the flow rate of the water so that they are different from each other.

14. The water discharge system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device further controls a function executing device that executes a function other than water discharge.

15. The water discharge system according to claim 14, wherein when the control device causes the adjustment device to discharge the water from the water discharge device in a first manner, the control device causes the function execution device to perform a function linked to the first manner.

16. The water discharge system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device changes the state of the water by the adjustment device in accordance with a surrounding environment.

17. a storage device that stores a combination of identification information for identifying a user and aspect information representing the aspect of the water; The control device, using the adjustment device, ejects the water in the state of the water represented by the state information stored in the storage device in combination with the identification information that identifies the user using the water ejection device.

18. a storage device for storing a first related value related to at least one of the temperature and flow rate of water to be discharged from a seventh water discharger among the one or more water dischargers, The water discharge system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device uses the first related value to cause the adjustment device to discharge the water from the seventh water discharger.

19. the storage device further stores a second related value related to at least one of the temperature and flow rate of water to be discharged from an eighth water discharger different from the seventh water discharger among the one or more water dischargers; The water discharge system according to claim 18, wherein the control device uses the second related value to cause the adjustment device to discharge the water from the eighth water discharger.

20. The storage device stores a first temperature of water to be discharged from the seventh water discharger and a second temperature of water to be discharged from the eighth water discharger, The water discharge system described in claim 19, wherein when changing from the 7th water discharge section to the 8th water discharge section, the control device causes the adjustment device to change the temperature of the water from the first temperature to the second temperature, and then changes from the 7th water discharge section to the 8th water discharge section.

21. The water discharge system of claim 20, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

22. The storage device stores a third temperature of water to be discharged at a ninth water discharge portion among the one or more water discharge portions and a fourth temperature of water to be discharged at a tenth water discharge portion different from the ninth water discharge portion, A water discharge system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when changing from the 9th water discharge section to the 10th water discharge section, the control device causes the adjustment device to change from the 9th water discharge section to the 10th water discharge section, and then changes the temperature of the water from the third temperature to the fourth temperature.

23. The water discharge system of claim 22, wherein the third temperature is higher than the fourth temperature.

24. A water discharge system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device, when the water to be discharged from the 11th water discharge section of the one or more water discharge sections is at a fifth temperature, causes water to be discharged from the 12th water discharge section of the one or more water discharge sections until the water temperature approaches the fifth temperature.

25. The bathroom and A bathroom unit comprising the water discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

26. A control device for controlling a water discharger having one or more water discharge sections with discharge ports and an adjusting device for adjusting water supplied to the water discharge sections, A control device that causes the adjustment device to adjust the manner of water discharged from the water discharge device.

27. A control method for controlling a water discharger including one or more water dischargers with discharge ports and an adjusting device that adjusts the water supplied to the water dischargers, comprising: A control method for causing the adjustment device to adjust the manner of water discharged from the water discharge device.

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