Liquid temperature control system

Abstract

To provide a liquid temperature control system that ensures user safety and is easy to install. [Solution] The liquid temperature control system 1 comprises a liquid temperature detection device 20 and a control device. The liquid temperature detection device 20 comprises an antenna, a battery, a control unit, a housing, and a detection unit. The control unit performs wireless communication via the antenna using power supplied from the battery. The housing is a hollow columnar body extending in the extending direction, with bottoms at both ends in the extending direction, and houses the antenna, battery, and control unit in its internal space. The detection unit detects the liquid temperature, which is the temperature of the liquid stored in the bathtub. The liquid temperature detection device 20 transmits liquid temperature information representing the detected liquid temperature via the antenna. The control device receives the liquid temperature information and controls the liquid temperature based on the received liquid temperature information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid temperature control system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a liquid temperature control system that detects the temperature of a liquid (e.g., hot water) stored in a bathtub and controls the liquid temperature based on the detected liquid temperature. As one such liquid temperature control system, the liquid temperature control system described in Patent Document 1 includes a temperature sensor, a control device, a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) access unit (in other words, a PAU), a hot water temperature control pump, and a management device.

[0003] The temperature sensor periodically measures the temperature of the liquid. The control device connected to the temperature sensor accumulates the measured temperature information. The temperature information is transmitted to the management device via the PHS network by being controlled by the PAU. The management device controls the hot water temperature control pump based on the received temperature information to control the liquid temperature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <A <00000,20>

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, it is known that the PAU in the above liquid temperature control system operates by being connected to a power source via a power cable. Also, in the above liquid temperature control system, the PAU and the control device are connected by wire.

[0006] Therefore, with the above-mentioned liquid temperature control system, installation is impossible without wiring work to install cables inside the bathroom. Furthermore, because the bathroom floor is slippery, there is a risk of users tripping over the cables and falling.

[0007] Thus, the above-mentioned liquid temperature control system had the problem of not being able to adequately ensure the safety of users, and the problem of not being able to easily install the liquid temperature control system.

[0008] One of the objectives of this invention is to ensure the safety of users while also being easy to install. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one respect, the liquid temperature control system comprises a liquid temperature detection device and a control device. The liquid temperature detection device comprises an antenna, a battery, a control unit, a housing, and a detection unit. The control unit performs wireless communication via the antenna using power supplied from the battery. The housing is a hollow columnar body extending in the direction of extension, with bottoms at both ends in the direction of extension, and houses the antenna, battery, and control unit in its internal space. The detection unit detects the liquid temperature, which is the temperature of the liquid stored in the bathtub. The liquid temperature detection device transmits liquid temperature information, representing the detected liquid temperature, via an antenna. The control device receives liquid temperature information and controls the liquid temperature based on the received liquid temperature information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] It ensures the safety of users while being easy to install. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the liquid temperature control system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Rear view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Front view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Side view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Side view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. <00者00073>Plan view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Bottom view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Perspective view of the first plug portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Perspective view of the first plug portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Perspective view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Perspective view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] Rear view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] Front view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. <00000�3>Side view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] Side view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] Plan view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] Bottom view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] Cross-sectional view of the flow rate adjustment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23]This is a perspective view of the flow rate adjustment device of the first embodiment with the housing removed. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of a modified liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of a modified liquid temperature detection device according to the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the liquid temperature control system of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 25.

[0013] <First Embodiment> (overview) The liquid temperature control system of the first embodiment comprises a liquid temperature detection device and a control device. The liquid temperature detection device comprises an antenna, a battery, a control unit, a housing, and a detection unit. The control unit performs wireless communication via the antenna using power supplied from the battery. The housing is a hollow columnar body extending in the direction of extension, with bottoms at both ends in the direction of extension, and houses the antenna, battery, and control unit in its internal space. The detection unit detects the liquid temperature, which is the temperature of the liquid stored in the bathtub. The liquid temperature detection device transmits liquid temperature information, representing the detected liquid temperature, via an antenna. The control device receives liquid temperature information and controls the liquid temperature based on the received liquid temperature information.

[0014] According to this design, the antenna, battery, and control unit are housed within the internal space of the housing of the liquid temperature detection device. This allows the liquid temperature control system to be installed without the need to install cables in the bathroom. Therefore, user safety is fully ensured, and the liquid temperature control system can be easily installed. Furthermore, since the housing of the liquid temperature detection device is columnar, the housing can be attached to a handrail, which is often installed inside a bathtub, allowing the detection unit to be easily positioned in the liquid. This enables high-precision detection of the liquid temperature. Next, the liquid temperature control system of the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0015] (composition) As shown in Figure 1, the liquid temperature control system 1 controls the liquid temperature, which is the temperature of the liquid stored in the bathtub. In this example, the liquid is sourced from a hot spring. The liquid may also be tap water. The liquid can be either water or hot water. The liquid may also contain additives such as bath salts.

[0016] The liquid temperature control system 1 comprises an information processing device 10, a liquid temperature detection device 20, and a flow rate adjustment device 30. In this example, the information processing device 10 and the flow rate adjustment device 30 correspond to control devices. The number of liquid temperature detection devices 20 provided in the liquid temperature control system 1 may be two or more. Furthermore, the number of flow rate adjustment devices 30 provided in the liquid temperature control system 1 may be two or more.

[0017] (Configuration: Information processing device) The information processing device 10 may also be referred to as a computer. For example, the information processing device 10 may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone. The information processing device 10 may also consist of multiple devices that are connected to each other in a communicative manner.

[0018] The information processing device 10 transmits and receives information by wirelessly communicating with the liquid temperature detection device 20 and the flow rate adjustment device 30, respectively. In this example, wireless communication may follow a communication method used in a communication network called LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area) or LPWAN (Low-Power Wide-Area Network).

[0019] In this example, wireless communication follows a communication method called LoRa ("LoRa" is a registered trademark) or LoRaWAN. However, wireless communication may also follow other communication methods (for example, communication methods called Sigfox ("SIGFOX" is a registered trademark), Wi-Fi HaLow, Wi-SUN, or LTE-M ("LTE" is a registered trademark), communication methods used in communication networks called wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or wireless PAN (Personal Area Network), or short-range wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth ("BLUETOOTH" is a registered trademark)).

[0020] The information processing device 10 receives liquid temperature information, described later, from the liquid temperature detection device 20, and displays the liquid temperature represented by the received liquid temperature information on the display. The information processing device 10 generates opening degree information based on the received liquid temperature information and transmits the generated opening degree information to the flow rate adjustment device 30. The opening degree information represents the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve, which is provided in the flow rate adjustment device 30 and will be described later.

[0021] In this example, the information processing device 10 generates opening degree information based on a pre-set target liquid temperature, which is a target value for the liquid temperature, the liquid temperature represented by the liquid temperature information, and pre-stored opening degree determination information. For example, the target liquid temperature is set by the user of the information processing device 10, when information is input into the information processing device 10. The opening degree determination information is information (for example, a data table or a function) that associates the target liquid temperature, the liquid temperature, and the opening degree with each other.

[0022] The information processing device 10 may generate opening degree information using machine learning such as a neural network. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may detect the temperature of the liquid supplied to the bathtub and generate opening degree information based on the detected temperature. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may generate opening degree information when information is input to the information processing device 10 by the user of the information processing device 10, and transmit the generated opening degree information to the flow rate adjustment device 30.

[0023] (Configuration: Liquid temperature detection device) The liquid temperature detection device 20 detects the liquid temperature and transmits the detected liquid temperature information to the information processing device 10. As shown in Figures 2 to 13, the liquid temperature detection device 20 comprises an antenna 21, a battery 22, a control unit 23, a housing 24, a detection unit 25, and a connection unit 26.

[0024] The liquid temperature detection device 20 will be described below using a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system with x, y, and z axes. In this example, the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and z-axis direction may also be expressed as the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction of the liquid temperature detection device 20, respectively. In addition, in this example, the positive x-axis direction, the negative x-axis direction, the positive y-axis direction, the negative y-axis direction, the positive z-axis direction, and the negative z-axis direction may also be expressed as the right direction, the left direction, the front direction, the rear direction, the up direction, and the down direction of the liquid temperature detection device 20, respectively.

[0025] In this example, the positive and negative directions of the z-axis coincide with the vertically upward direction (in other words, the upward direction) and the vertically downward direction (in other words, the downward direction), respectively.

[0026] Figure 2 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from a position to the right of the liquid temperature detection device 20, behind the liquid temperature detection device 20, and above the liquid temperature detection device 20 (in other words, a right rear upper perspective view). Figure 3 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from a position to the left of the liquid temperature detection device 20, in front of the liquid temperature detection device 20, and below the liquid temperature detection device 20 (in other words, a left front lower perspective view).

[0027] Figure 4 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from the rear (in other words, a rear view). Figure 5 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from the front (in other words, a front view). Figure 6 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from the right (in other words, a right side view). Figure 7 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from the left (in other words, a left side view).

[0028] Figure 8 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from above (in other words, a plan view). Figure 9 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 from below (in other words, a bottom view). Figure 10 is a view of the liquid temperature detection device 20 cut by the plane represented by line XX in Figure 6, viewed in the positive direction of the y-axis (in other words, a cross-sectional view). Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the area XI enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the first plug from the upper right rear. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the first plug from the lower left front.

[0029] In this example, the antenna 21, battery 22, and control unit 23 are sealed to be watertight. For example, the antenna 21, battery 22, and control unit 23 are sealed to be watertight by covering them with a resin such as a sealant. However, the antenna 21, battery 22, and control unit 23 do not necessarily have to be sealed to be watertight. The control unit 23 performs wireless communication via the antenna 21 using power supplied from the battery 22.

[0030] The housing 24 is a hollow columnar body extending in the direction of extension. In this example, the direction of extension is the z-axis direction. In this example, the columnar body is cylindrical. However, the columnar body may be a columnar body other than a cylindrical body (for example, a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, or an elliptical prism).

[0031] The housing 24 has bottoms at both ends in the extending direction. The housing 24 houses the antenna 21, battery 22, and control unit 23 in its internal space.

[0032] In this example, the antenna 21 extends from the vicinity of the vertically upward end of both ends of the housing 24 in the extending direction, to the central part of the housing 24 in the extending direction. In other words, at least a portion of the antenna 21 is located near the vertically upward end of both ends of the housing 24 in the extending direction.

[0033] In this example, the battery 22 extends from the vicinity of the vertically downward end of both ends of the housing 24 in the extending direction, to the central part of the housing 24 in the extending direction.

[0034] The housing 24 comprises a side wall portion 24a, a first plug portion 24b, and a second plug portion 24c. The side wall portion 24a constitutes the side wall of the columnar body. In other words, the side wall portion 24a is a hollow columnar body with no bottom at both ends in the direction of extension.

[0035] The side wall portion 24a is provided with a plurality (two in this example) of protrusions 24a1. The protrusions 24a1 are annular in shape and project outward in the radial direction from the outer wall surface of the side wall portion 24a. The plurality of protrusions 24a1 are separated from each other in the direction of extension.

[0036] In this example, the projection 24a1 has an annular recess in its central part in the direction of extension. However, the projection 24a1 does not necessarily have to have a recess. Furthermore, the number of projections 24a1 on the side wall 24a may be one or three or more. In this example, the side wall portion 24a has a shape that mimics bamboo. Note that the side wall portion 24a does not necessarily have to include the protruding portion 24a1.

[0037] As shown in Figure 10, the first plug portion 24b constitutes the bottom of the vertically downward end of the housing 24 in the extending direction. The portion of the first plug portion 24b other than the vertically downward end is detachably fixed to the side wall portion 24a with the plug portion 24b inserted into the internal space of the side wall portion 24a. Alternatively, the entire first plug portion 24b may be detachably fixed to the side wall portion 24a with the plug portion 24b inserted into the internal space of the side wall portion 24a.

[0038] As shown in Figure 11, the first plug portion 24b comprises an elastic body 241, a first clamping body 242, a second clamping body 243, a plurality (four in this example) of bolts 244, and a plurality (four in this example) of nuts 245. The number of bolts 244 and nuts 245 may be two, three, or five or more. In this example, the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 correspond to a pair of clamping bodies.

[0039] In this example, the elastic body 241 is made of rubber. For example, the rubber is silicone rubber. The rubber may also be urethane rubber, synthetic rubber, or natural rubber. Furthermore, the elastic body 241 may be made of an elastomer.

[0040] The elastic body 241 is a cylindrical body whose central axis extends in the direction of extension. When the elastic body 241 is not being compressed, it has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 24a.

[0041] The elastic body 241 has a through-hole 2411 for a connecting portion that penetrates the elastic body 241 in the direction of extension. The through-hole 2411 for the connecting portion is cylindrical in shape, with its central axis extending in the direction of extension. When the elastic body 241 is not compressed, the through-hole 2411 for the connecting portion has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the connecting portion 26. In this example, as will be described later, the connecting portion 26 is a cable with a circular cross-section. The through-hole 2411 for the connecting portion is located in the central part of the elastic body 241 in the horizontal direction.

[0042] The elastic body 241 has multiple (four in this example) bolt through-holes 2412. The bolt through-holes 2412 penetrate the elastic body 241 in the direction of extension. The bolt through-holes 2412 are cylindrical in shape with a central axis extending in the direction of extension. When the elastic body 241 is not compressed, the bolt through-holes 2412 have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft portion of the bolt 244. The multiple bolt through-holes 2412 are positioned to surround the connecting through-hole 2411.

[0043] The first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 are both cylindrical bodies with a central axis extending in the direction of extension. The first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 each have a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 24a. The first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 clamp the elastic body 241 in the direction of extension.

[0044] The first clamping body 242 has a through-hole 2421 for a connecting portion that penetrates the first clamping body 242 in the extending direction. The through-hole 2421 for the connecting portion is cylindrical in shape with its central axis extending in the extending direction. The through-hole 2421 for the connecting portion has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the connecting portion 26. The through-hole 2421 for the connecting portion is coaxial with the through-hole 2411 for the connecting portion.

[0045] The first clamping body 242 has a plurality (four in this example) of bolt through holes 2422. The bolt through holes 2422 penetrate the first clamping body 242 in the extending direction. The bolt through holes 2422 are cylindrical in shape with a central axis extending in the extending direction. The bolt through holes 2422 have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft portion of the bolt 244. The bolt through holes 2422 have a counterbore portion at the vertically downward end of the bolt through hole 2422 into which the head of the bolt 244 is accommodated. The plurality of bolt through holes 2422 are each located coaxially with the plurality of bolt through holes 2412.

[0046] The second clamping body 243 has a through-hole 2431 for a connecting portion that penetrates the second clamping body 243 in the extending direction. The through-hole 2431 for the connecting portion is cylindrical in shape with its central axis extending in the extending direction. The through-hole 2431 for the connecting portion has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the connecting portion 26. The through-hole 2431 for the connecting portion is coaxial with the through-hole 2411 for the connecting portion.

[0047] The second clamping body 243 has a plurality (four in this example) of bolt through holes 2432. The bolt through holes 2432 penetrate the second clamping body 243 in the extending direction. The bolt through holes 2432 are cylindrical in shape with a central axis extending in the extending direction. The bolt through holes 2432 have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft portion of the bolt 244. The bolt through holes 2432 have a counterbore portion at the vertically upward end of the bolt through hole 2432 into which a nut 245 is loosely fitted. The plurality of bolt through holes 2432 are each located coaxially with the plurality of bolt through holes 2412.

[0048] The connecting portion 26 is inserted through the through-holes formed by the connecting portion through-holes 2411, 2421, and 2431. In other words, the connecting portion through-holes 2411, 2421, and 2431 correspond to the through-holes through which the connecting portion 26 penetrates the first plug portion 24b in the extending direction.

[0049] Multiple bolts 244 are inserted through multiple through holes, each formed by multiple bolt through holes 2412, multiple bolt through holes 2422, and multiple bolt through holes 2432. The heads of the bolts 244 are housed in the counterbores of the bolt through holes 2422. Nuts 245 are fastened to the vertically upward end of the shaft of the bolt 244, loosely fitted into the counterbores of the bolt through holes 2432.

[0050] With this configuration, in this example, the distance between the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 can be changed in the extending direction by moving the bolt 244 and the nut 245 forward or backward.

[0051] In this example, the first plug portion 24b shortens the distance between the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 by advancing the screwing of the bolt 244 and the nut 245. As this distance is shortened, the first plug portion 24b causes the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 to press against the elastic body 241 in the extending direction.

[0052] As a result, the elastic body 241 closes the gap between the inner wall of the side wall portion 24a and the outer wall of the elastic body 241, the gap between the elastic body 241 and the shaft portion of the bolt 244 in the bolt through hole 2412, and the gap between the elastic body 241 and the connecting portion 26 in the connecting portion through hole 2411. In other words, the first plug portion 24b separates the internal space of the housing 24 from the outside of the housing 24.

[0053] The second plug portion 24c has the same configuration as the first plug portion 24b, except that it is symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane with respect to the first plug portion 24b, does not have through holes 2411, 2421, and 2431 for connection, and is attached to the end of the side wall portion 24a in the vertical upward direction.

[0054] The detection unit 25 detects the liquid temperature, which is the temperature of the liquid stored in the bathtub. The detection unit 25 is located outside the housing 24. The control unit 23 transmits liquid temperature information, which represents the liquid temperature detected by the detection unit 25, to the information processing device 10 via the antenna 21.

[0055] The connecting part 26 connects the detection unit 25 and the control unit 23. In this example, the connecting part 26 is a cable with a circular cross-section. However, the connecting part 26 may also be a rod-shaped or string-shaped body with a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the cross-section of the connecting part 26 may have a shape other than a circle (for example, a polygon, an ellipse, or a star shape).

[0056] In this example, the liquid temperature detection device 20 is mounted on a handrail installed in the bathtub such that the housing 24 extends vertically and the first plug portion 24b is positioned vertically downward. For example, the housing 24 may be attached to the handrail by wrapping a strip or string, such as a cable tie, around the housing 24 and the handrail. As a result, the detection unit 25 of the liquid temperature detection device 20 is located in the liquid stored in the bathtub, and the antenna 21 is positioned vertically above the liquid.

[0057] (Configuration: Flow rate adjustment device) The flow rate adjustment device 30 receives opening degree information from the information processing device 10 and adjusts the flow rate of liquid flowing into the bathtub by rotating a lever for driving the flow rate adjustment valve (described later) based on the received opening degree information.

[0058] As shown in Figures 14 to 23, the flow rate adjustment device 30 comprises a housing 31, a lever grip portion 32, a shaft portion 33, a drive portion 34, and a fixed portion 35.

[0059] The flow rate adjustment device 30 will be described below using a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system with x, y, and z axes. In this example, the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and z-axis direction may also be expressed as the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction of the flow rate adjustment device 30, respectively. Furthermore, in this example, the positive x-axis direction, the negative x-axis direction, the positive y-axis direction, the negative y-axis direction, the positive z-axis direction, and the negative z-axis direction may also be expressed as the right direction, the left direction, the front direction, the rear direction, the up direction, and the down direction of the flow rate adjustment device 30, respectively.

[0060] In this example, the positive and negative directions of the z-axis coincide with the vertically upward direction (in other words, the upward direction) and the vertically downward direction (in other words, the downward direction), respectively.

[0061] Figure 14 is a right rear upper perspective view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 15 is a left front lower perspective view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 16 is a rear view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 17 is a front view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 18 is a right side view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 19 is a left side view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 20 is a top view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 21 is a bottom view of the flow rate regulator 30. Figure 22 is a view of the flow rate regulator 30 in the positive y-axis direction (in other words, a cross-sectional view) of the flow rate regulator 30 cut by the plane represented by the line XXII-XXII in Figure 18. Figure 23 is a right rear upper perspective view of the flow rate regulator 30 with the housing 31 removed.

[0062] First, let's describe the piping 40 to which the flow rate adjustment device 30 is attached. As shown in Figure 22, the piping 40 comprises a flow rate adjustment section 41 and two pipe sections 42a. The flow rate adjustment section 41 is a hollow cylindrical body with a central axis extending in the direction of flow. In this example, the direction of flow coincides with the x-axis direction. In this example, the flow rate adjustment section 41 is made of metal. Two pipe sections 42a are connected to both ends of the flow rate adjustment section 41 in the direction of flow.

[0063] The pipe section 42a is a tubular body extending in the direction of flow. In this example, the pipe section 42a is made of resin. However, the pipe section 42a may also be made of metal. The pipe section 42a is connected to the flow rate adjustment section 41 by inserting its end in the direction of flow into the internal space of the flow rate adjustment section 41. The internal space of the flow rate adjustment section 41 and the internal spaces of the two pipe sections 42a constitute a flow path through which the liquid flowing into the bathtub passes.

[0064] The flow rate adjustment unit 41 comprises a flow rate adjustment valve 411 and a lever 412. The flow control valve 411 is located in the flow path, which is the internal space of the flow control unit 41, and is rotatably supported by the flow control unit 41 such that its central axis of rotation extends in the z-axis direction. The flow control valve 411 changes the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path as it rotates. In this example, the flow control valve 411 is a circular flat plate. The flow control valve 411 may also have a streamlined shape.

[0065] The lever 412 is rotatably supported on the flow rate adjustment unit 41 such that its pivot axis extends in the z-axis direction. The lever 412 is connected to the flow rate adjustment valve 411 so as to rotate together with the flow rate adjustment valve 411 (in this example, it is linked). In other words, the lever 412 drives the flow rate adjustment valve 411 to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path as the lever 412 rotates.

[0066] The housing 31 is a hollow columnar body extending in the direction of extension. In this example, the direction of extension is the z-axis direction. In this example, the columnar body is cylindrical. However, the columnar body may be a columnar body other than a cylindrical body (for example, a triangular prism, a rectangular prism, or an elliptical prism, etc.).

[0067] The housing 31 has a bottom at the vertically upward end and a bottomless end at the vertically downward end of both ends in the extending direction. The housing 31 houses the lever grip portion 32, the shaft portion 33, the drive portion 34, and the portion of the fixing portion 35 that is vertically above the piping 40 in its internal space.

[0068] The housing 31 is provided with a plurality (two in this example) of protrusions 31a. The protrusions 31a are annular in shape and project outward in the radial direction from the outer wall surface of the housing 31. The plurality of protrusions 31a are separated from each other in the direction of extension.

[0069] In this example, the protrusion 31a has an annular recess in its central part in the direction of extension. However, the protrusion 31a does not necessarily have to have a recess. Furthermore, the number of protrusions 31a on the housing 31 may be one or three or more. In this example, the housing 31 has a shape that mimics bamboo. The housing 31 does not necessarily have to have a protruding portion 31a.

[0070] The lever grip portion 32 is fixed to the lever 412 so as to grip the lever 412 in the rotational direction. For example, in the state shown in Figures 22 and 23, the rotational direction coincides with the y-axis direction. Therefore, in the state shown in Figures 22 and 23, the lever grip portion 32 grips the lever 412 in the y-axis direction.

[0071] In this example, the lever grip portion 32 includes an adapter 321 that covers a part of the lever 412. This allows the lever grip portion 32 to be fixed to levers 412 of different sizes by changing the adapter 321. Note that the lever grip portion 32 does not necessarily have to include the adapter 321.

[0072] The shaft portion 33 comprises a main body portion 331, a connecting portion 332, and an engaging portion 333. The main body 331 extends vertically along the central axis of rotation of the lever 412. In this example, the main body 331 is a hollow rectangular prism. However, the main body 331 may be a prismatic shape other than a rectangular prism. Furthermore, the main body 331 may be a solid rod.

[0073] The connecting portion 332 extends in the vertical direction. The connecting portion 332 rotates integrally with the main body 331 by having its vertically upward end housed in the internal space of the main body 331 at its vertically downward end. The vertically downward end of the connecting portion 332 connects to (in this example, is linked to) the lever grip portion 32. In this example, the connecting portion 332 is rotatably supported by the fixing portion 35. With this configuration, the shaft portion 33 rotates integrally with the lever grip portion 32.

[0074] The engaging portion 333 extends in the vertical direction. The engaging portion 333 rotates integrally with the main body 331, as the end of the engaging portion 333 in the vertical downward direction is housed in the internal space of the main body 331 at the end of the main body 331 in the vertical upward direction. The engaging portion 333 rotates integrally with the output shaft 341 of the drive unit 34, which will be described later. With this configuration, the shaft portion 33 rotates integrally with the output shaft 341 of the drive unit 34.

[0075] The drive unit 34 is supported by a fixed part 35 vertically above the shaft part 33. The drive unit 34 comprises an output shaft 341 and an engaging part 342.

[0076] The output shaft 341 outputs a driving force that rotates the shaft portion 33. The output shaft 341 extends along the central axis of rotation of the lever 412. The engaging portion 342 engages with the output shaft 341 so as to rotate integrally with the output shaft 341, and also engages with the engaging portion 333 so as to rotate integrally with the engaging portion 333. With this configuration, the drive unit 34 rotates the shaft portion 33 around the central axis of rotation of the lever 412.

[0077] The drive unit 34 may also include a reduction gear that reduces the rotational speed of the driving force output by the output shaft 341. For example, the reduction gear may be a harmonic drive gear or a planetary gear reducer. Furthermore, the output shaft 341 may be located at a different position from the pivot axis of the lever 412.

[0078] The drive unit 34 receives opening degree information from the information processing device 10, determines the amount of drive to rotate the output shaft 341 based on the received opening degree information, and rotates the output shaft 341 by the determined amount. In this way, the flow rate adjustment device 30 adjusts the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the bathtub.

[0079] The fixing portion 35 is a hollow rectangular prism-shaped body that extends vertically so as to surround the shaft portion 33. The fixing portion 35 has bottoms at both ends in the vertical direction. The fixing portion 35 supports the drive portion 34 at its end in the vertically upward direction.

[0080] The fixing section 35 is equipped with a plurality of (two in this example) fasteners 351a. The end of the fixing section 35 in the vertical direction is fixed to the flow rate adjustment section 41 of the piping 40 by the plurality of fasteners 351a. For example, the fasteners 351a are U-shaped brackets or saddles.

[0081] (operation) Next, the operation of the liquid temperature control system 1 will be described. The liquid temperature detection device 20 detects the liquid temperature and transmits the detected liquid temperature information to the information processing device 10.

[0082] The information processing device 10 receives liquid temperature information from the liquid temperature detection device 20 and displays the liquid temperature represented by the received liquid temperature information on the display. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 generates opening degree information based on the received liquid temperature information and transmits the generated opening degree information to the flow rate adjustment device 30.

[0083] The flow rate adjustment device 30 receives opening degree information from the information processing device 10, determines the amount of drive to rotate the output shaft 341 based on the received opening degree information, and rotates the output shaft 341 by the determined amount. In this way, the flow rate adjustment device 30 adjusts the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the bathtub. In this way, the liquid temperature is controlled by the liquid temperature control system 1.

[0084] Next, we will explain the operation of the liquid temperature detection device 20 when replacing the battery 22 of the liquid temperature detection device 20.

[0085] First, the distance between the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 is increased by retracting the screw engagement of the bolt 244 and nut 245 in the first plug portion 24b. This increases the gap between the inner wall of the side wall portion 24a and the outer wall of the elastic body 241, the gap between the elastic body 241 and the shaft portion of the bolt 244 in the bolt through hole 2412, and the gap between the elastic body 241 and the connecting portion 26 in the connecting portion through hole 2411.

[0086] Next, the first plug portion 24b is removed from the side wall portion 24a, and the battery 22 is replaced. Subsequently, the first plug portion 24b is attached to the side wall portion 24a. Next, the bolt 244 and nut 245 of the first plug portion 24b are screwed forward, thereby shortening the distance between the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243. As this distance shortens, the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 press against the elastic body 241 in the extending direction.

[0087] As a result, the elastic body 241 closes the gap between the inner wall of the side wall portion 24a and the outer wall of the elastic body 241, the gap between the elastic body 241 and the shaft portion of the bolt 244 in the bolt through hole 2412, and the gap between the elastic body 241 and the connecting portion 26 in the connecting portion through hole 2411. In other words, the first plug portion 24b separates the internal space of the housing 24 from the outside of the housing 24. In this way, the replacement of the battery 22 of the liquid temperature detection device 20 is completed.

[0088] As described above, the liquid temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment comprises a liquid temperature detection device 20 and a control device (in this example, an information processing device 10 and a flow rate adjustment device 30).

[0089] The liquid temperature detection device 20 comprises an antenna 21, a battery 22, a control unit 23, a housing 24, and a detection unit 25. The control unit 23 performs wireless communication via the antenna 21 using power supplied from the battery 22. The housing 24 is a hollow columnar body extending in the extending direction, with bottoms at both ends in the extending direction, and houses the antenna 21, battery 22, and control unit 23 in its internal space. The detection unit 25 detects the liquid temperature, which is the temperature of the liquid stored in the bathtub.

[0090] The liquid temperature detection device 20 transmits liquid temperature information, which represents the detected liquid temperature, via the antenna 21. The control device receives the liquid temperature information and controls the liquid temperature based on the received liquid temperature information.

[0091] According to this design, the antenna 21, battery 22, and control unit 23 are housed within the internal space of the housing 24 of the liquid temperature detection device 20. This allows the liquid temperature control system 1 to be installed without installing cables in the bathroom. Therefore, the safety of users is fully ensured, and the liquid temperature control system 1 can be easily installed. Furthermore, since the housing 24 of the liquid temperature detection device 20 is columnar, the detection unit 25 can be easily positioned in the liquid by attaching the housing 24 to a handrail, which is often installed inside a bathtub. This allows for highly accurate detection of the liquid temperature.

[0092] Furthermore, in the liquid temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment, the liquid temperature detection device 20 has a detection unit 25 located outside the housing 24, and includes a connection unit 26 that connects the detection unit 25 and the control unit 23.

[0093] The housing 24 comprises a side wall portion 24a and a first plug portion 24b. The side wall portion 24a constitutes the side wall of the columnar body. The first plug portion 24b constitutes the bottom of one of the ends of the housing 24 in the extending direction (in this example, the end of the housing 24 in the vertical downward direction), and has a through hole through which the connecting portion 26 penetrates in the extending direction, and is detachably fixed to the side wall portion 24a with at least a part of it inserted into the internal space of the side wall portion 24a.

[0094] The first plug portion 24b comprises an elastic body 241 and a pair of clamping bodies (in this example, a first clamping body 242 and a second clamping body 243) that clamp the elastic body 241 in the extending direction. The distance between the pair of clamping bodies of the first plug portion 24b can be changed in the extending direction, and as the distance is shortened, the pair of clamping bodies press against the elastic body 241, thereby blocking the space between the inside of the housing 24 and the outside of the housing 24.

[0095] According to this design, the detection unit 25 located outside the housing 24 and the control unit 23 located inside the housing 24 are connected by the connection unit 26, while simultaneously blocking the space between the inside of the housing 24 and the outside of the housing 24. This allows the detection unit 25 to detect the liquid temperature while preventing liquid from flowing into the inside of the housing 24. Furthermore, since the first plug 24b can be easily removed, components housed inside the housing 24 (e.g., the battery 22) can be easily replaced.

[0096] Furthermore, in the liquid temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment, at least a portion of the antenna 21 of the liquid temperature detection device 20 is located near the other end of the housing 24 in the extending direction (in this example, the end of the housing 24 in the vertical upward direction).

[0097] Incidentally, wireless signals do not propagate easily through liquids. Therefore, if the antenna is located in the liquid, the control device may not be able to receive liquid temperature information. On the other hand, if the detection unit is located outside the liquid, it may not be possible to detect the liquid temperature with high accuracy.

[0098] In contrast, the liquid temperature control system 1 allows one end of the housing 24 in the extending direction to be positioned in the liquid, while the other end of the housing 24 in the extending direction is positioned outside the liquid. This enables the control device to receive liquid temperature information, and the liquid temperature detection device 20 to detect the liquid temperature with high accuracy.

[0099] Furthermore, in the liquid temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment, the housing 24 is cylindrical. In addition, the housing 24 has an annular projection 24a1 on its outer wall surface that protrudes in the outer diameter direction.

[0100] According to this, for example, if the housing 24 is fixed to a handrail or the like by a string-like or strip-like body so as to extend vertically, the string-like or strip-like body is locked in place by the protruding part 24a1, thereby preventing the housing 24 from falling off.

[0101] Furthermore, in the liquid temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment, the control device includes a flow rate adjustment device 30. The flow rate adjustment device 30 is rotatably supported in a pipe 40 having a flow path through which liquid flowing into the bathtub flows, and adjusts the flow rate of liquid flowing into the bathtub by rotating a lever 412 that drives a flow rate adjustment valve 411 to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path as it rotates.

[0102] The flow rate adjustment device 30 comprises a lever grip portion 32, a shaft portion 33, and a drive unit 34. The lever grip portion 32 is fixed to the lever 412 so as to grip the lever 412 in the rotational direction. The shaft portion 33 extends vertically along the rotational axis of the lever 412, and its end in the vertical downward direction is connected to the lever grip portion 32 and is supported so as to be rotatable around the rotational axis of the lever 412. The drive unit 34 rotates the shaft portion 33 around the rotational axis of the lever 412.

[0103] Incidentally, the piping 40 is often buried underground. When the drive unit is located underground, water is more likely to flow into the drive unit, which could cause it to malfunction. In contrast, the liquid temperature control system 1 allows the drive unit 34 to be located above ground. This helps to prevent the drive unit 34 from malfunctioning.

[0104] Furthermore, in the liquid temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment, the flow rate adjustment device 30 includes a fixing part 35 that fixes the drive unit 34 to the piping 40.

[0105] According to this, the reaction force received by the drive unit 34 as it rotates the shaft unit 33 can be received by the piping 40 via the fixed unit 35. Therefore, the amount by which the drive unit 34 rotates the shaft unit 33 can be controlled with sufficiently high precision.

[0106] Furthermore, in the liquid temperature control system 1 of the first embodiment, the drive unit 34 has an output shaft 341 that outputs a driving force to rotate the shaft unit 33, and the output shaft 341 extends along the central axis of rotation of the lever 412.

[0107] According to this, the area in which the flow rate adjustment device 30 extends horizontally can be reduced.

[0108] Furthermore, the side wall portion 24a of the housing 24 may have a bottom at its end in the vertically upward direction. In this case, the liquid temperature detection device 20 does not need to have a second plug portion 24c. Furthermore, the liquid temperature control system 1 may be configured to control the temperature of the liquid flowing into the bathtub, either in place of or in addition to the flow rate adjustment device 30.

[0109] Incidentally, the first plug portion 24b of the liquid temperature detection device 20 can change the distance between the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 in the extending direction by advancing or retracting the screwing of the bolt 244 and the nut 245. Alternatively, the first plug portion 24b may also change the distance between the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 in the extending direction by other mechanisms instead of the bolt 244 and the nut 245.

[0110] For example, the inner wall of the side wall portion 24a may have a projection that restricts the vertical upward movement of the second clamping body 243, and the end of the inner wall of the side wall portion 24a in the vertical downward direction may have a female screw, and the outer wall surface of the first clamping body 242 may have a male screw, and the distance between the first clamping body 242 and the second clamping body 243 may be changed in the extending direction by advancing or retracting the screw engagement of the first clamping body 242 and the side wall portion 24a.

[0111] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, the flow rate adjustment device 30 of the modified embodiment of the first embodiment includes a cover 24d. Figure 24 is a right rear upper perspective view of the liquid temperature detection device 20. Figure 25 is a left front lower perspective view of the liquid temperature detection device 20.

[0112] The cover 24d is detachably fixed to one of the ends of the housing 24 in the extending direction (in this example, the end in the vertically downward direction). The cover 24d has an internal space that houses the detection unit 25 and the connection unit 26. In this example, the cover 24d is a hollow cylindrical body that extends in the extending direction. The cover 24d has no bottom at both ends in the extending direction.

[0113] The cover 24d has multiple (four in this example) through-holes 24d1 that penetrate the side wall of the cover 24d. The number of through-holes 24d1 in the cover 24d may be two, three, or five or more.

[0114] According to the modified flow rate adjustment device 30 of the first embodiment, the detection unit 25 can be covered by the cover 24d. This prevents the detection unit 25 from being visible. As a result, the atmosphere of the bathroom can be prevented from being spoiled. Furthermore, the cover 24d has multiple through holes 24d1. Therefore, the liquid stored in the bathtub can easily pass between the outside and inside of the cover 24d. As a result, the liquid temperature can be detected with high accuracy.

[0115] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above that are understandable to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1. Liquid temperature control system 10 Information Processing Devices 20 Liquid temperature detection device 21 Antennas 22 Batteries 23 Control Unit 24 cabinets 24a Side wall part 24a1 Protrusion 24b 1st plug part 24c 2nd plug part 24d cover 24d1 Through hole 241 Elastic body 2411 Through hole for connection 2412 Through hole for bolt 242 First clamping body 2421 Through hole for connection 2422 Through-hole for bolt 243 Second clamping body 2431 Through hole for connection 2432 Through hole for bolt 244 volts 245 nuts 25 Detection unit 26 Connection part 30 Flow rate adjustment device 31 cabinets 31a Protrusion 32 Lever grip section 321 Adapter 33 Shaft section 331 Main body 332 Connection part 333 Engaging part 34 Drive unit 341 Output shaft 342 Engaging part 35 Fixed part 351a Fixtures 40 Piping 41 Flow rate adjustment section 411 Flow control valve 412 Lever 42a pipe section

Claims

1. A liquid temperature detection device comprising an antenna, a battery, a control unit that performs wireless communication via the antenna using power supplied from the battery, a housing that is a hollow columnar body extending in the extending direction, with bottoms at both ends in the extending direction, and housing the antenna, the battery, and the control unit in its internal space, and a detection unit that detects the liquid temperature, which is the temperature of the liquid stored in the bathtub, and transmits liquid temperature information representing the detected liquid temperature via the antenna, A control device that receives the liquid temperature information and controls the liquid temperature based on the received liquid temperature information, A liquid temperature control system equipped with the following features.

2. A liquid temperature control system according to claim 1, The liquid temperature detection device is provided with a detection unit located outside the housing and a connection unit connecting the detection unit and the control unit. The aforementioned enclosure is The side wall portion that constitutes the side wall of the columnar body, A plug portion is formed at the bottom of one end of the housing in the extending direction, the connecting portion has a through hole through which it penetrates in the extending direction, and at least a part of it is inserted into the internal space of the side wall portion and is removably fixed to the side wall portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned plug portion is A liquid temperature control system comprising an elastic body and a pair of clamping bodies that clamp the elastic body in the extending direction, wherein the distance between the pair of clamping bodies can be changed in the extending direction, and as the distance is shortened, the pair of clamping bodies press against the elastic body, thereby blocking the space between the internal space of the housing and the outside of the housing.

3. A liquid temperature control system according to claim 2, The liquid temperature detection device is a liquid temperature control system in which at least a portion of the antenna is located near the other end of the housing in the extending direction.

4. A liquid temperature control system according to claim 2 or claim 3, A liquid temperature control system comprising a liquid temperature detection device that is detachably fixed to one of the ends of the housing in the extending direction, has an internal space for housing the detection unit, and includes a cover having a plurality of through holes.

5. A liquid temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The columnar body is a cylindrical body, The aforementioned housing is a liquid temperature control system having an annular projection on its outer wall surface that protrudes in the radial direction.

6. A liquid temperature control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control device is The device includes a flow rate adjustment device that is rotatably supported in a pipe having a flow path through which liquid flows into the bathtub, and adjusts the flow rate of liquid flowing into the bathtub by rotating a lever that drives a valve to change the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path as the pipe rotates. The aforementioned flow rate adjustment device is A lever grip portion is fixed to the lever so as to grip the lever in the rotational direction, A shaft portion extends vertically along the central axis of rotation of the lever, with its end in the vertically downward direction connected to the lever grip portion and supported so as to be rotatable around the central axis, A drive unit that rotates the shaft portion around the central axis, A liquid temperature control system equipped with the following features.

7. A liquid temperature control system according to claim 6, The flow rate adjustment device is a liquid temperature control system comprising a fixing part for fixing the drive unit to the piping.

8. A liquid temperature control system according to claim 6, The drive unit has an output shaft that outputs a driving force to rotate the shaft, and the output shaft extends along the central axis, in a liquid temperature control system.

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