Communication system for plumbing equipment

Abstract

To provide a water section apparatus communication system capable of suppressing congestion of communication traffic and increase in communication costs.SOLUTION: A water section apparatus communication system comprises: a network apparatus connected to an external apparatus over a network; and a plurality of water section apparatuses that are installed in a toilet room and connected to the network apparatus. Each of the plurality of water section apparatuses includes an apparatus body and a communicator that is connected to the apparatus body and transmits information received from the apparatus body to the network apparatus. The network apparatus is disposed so that a water conduction unit through which water flows is positioned between the network apparatus and the communicator and transmits information received from the communicator to the external apparatus over the network. The network apparatus can execute a normal mode for transmitting the information and a filtering mode for transmitting partial information of information to be transmitted in the normal mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD Aspects of the present invention generally relate to a communication system for a plumbing device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, as an example of IoT (Internet of Things) in plumbing devices, plumbing devices are connected to a network via a network device such as a gateway. This allows information obtained in the plumbing devices to be stored in a server (cloud) connected to the network via the network device.

[0003] Since the information obtained from the plumbing devices has a wide range of uses, it is desirable to accumulate more information. However, if all the information obtained from the plumbing devices is sent to the server, in some cases, communication traffic may become congested, increasing the probability of data loss or data delay. In addition, if all the information obtained from the plumbing devices is sent to the server, the data volume may increase, which may increase communication costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6636892 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such problems, and has an object to provide a communication system for plumbing devices that can suppress congestion of communication traffic and increases in communication costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first invention is a communication system for bathroom equipment comprising a network device connected to an external device via a network, and a plurality of bathroom equipment installed in a toilet room and connected to the network device, each of the plurality of bathroom equipment having a device main body and a communication device connected to the device main body and transmitting information received from the device main body to the network equipment, the network equipment being arranged so that a water flowing section through which water flows is located between the communication device and the network equipment, the information received from the communication device being transmitted to the external equipment via the network, and the network equipment being capable of executing a normal mode in which the information is transmitted based on a command signal transmitted from the external equipment, and a filtering mode in which a portion of the information transmitted in the normal mode is transmitted.

[0007] According to this communication system for plumbing equipment, by providing a network device capable of executing a normal mode and a filtering mode, for example, when communication traffic is congested or data volume increases, information can be transmitted from the network device to an external device in a filtering mode in which the data volume and transmission frequency of the information transmitted is smaller than that of the normal mode. This allows the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted to be reduced. Therefore, congestion of communication traffic and an increase in communication costs can be suppressed. In addition, when the plumbing equipment is installed in a toilet room, it is considered that a water-passing section through which water flows is located between the communication device of the plumbing equipment and the network device. In this case, when an attempt is made to execute the filtering mode in the communication device, a command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the external device to the communication device via the network device may be interfered with by the water flowing in the water-passing section, which may cause malfunctions or problems such as failure to execute the filtering mode. In contrast, by making the filtering mode executable in the network device rather than the communication device, even if a water-passing section is located between the communication device and the network device, interference of the command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the external device by the water flowing in the water-passing section can be suppressed. Therefore, malfunctions or problems such as failure to execute the filtering mode can be suppressed.

[0008] A second invention is a communication system for plumbing equipment, characterized in that, in the first invention, one of the multiple plumbing equipment is an automatic faucet installed on a washbasin, the communication device of the automatic faucet is arranged below the washbasin section of the washbasin, and the network device is arranged above the washbasin section so that the washbasin section is located between the communication device of the automatic faucet and the network device.

[0009] According to this communication system for plumbing devices, by making it possible to execute the filtering mode in the network device rather than the communication device, even if the washbasin unit, which is the water-passing part, is located between the communication device of the automatic faucet and the network device, it is possible to prevent interference of the filtering mode command signal sent from the external device with the water flowing through the washbasin unit. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions and problems such as the filtering mode not being executed.

[0010] A third invention is a communication system for plumbing equipment, characterized in that, in the first invention, one of the multiple plumbing equipment is a urinal unit, the communication device of the urinal unit is arranged in front of the urinal bowl portion as seen from a user facing the urinal bowl portion of the urinal unit, and the network device is arranged behind the urinal bowl portion as seen from the user, so that the urinal bowl portion is located between the communication device of the urinal unit and the network device.

[0011] According to this communication system for plumbing equipment, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device rather than the communication device, even if the urinal bowl part of the urinal unit, which is the water-passing part, is located between the communication device of the urinal unit and the network device, it is possible to prevent interference of the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the external device with water flowing through the urinal bowl part, thereby preventing malfunctions and problems such as the filtering mode not being executed. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, a communication system for plumbing equipment is provided that can suppress congestion of communication traffic and increases in communication costs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic overall communication system for a plumbing device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a part of a communication system for a plumbing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 4 is a table showing an example of information transmitted from a plumbing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an information transmission operation of a network device in a communication system for a plumbing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views each showing a schematic diagram of a network device and a communication device. [Figure 6] 11 is a front view showing an example of the positional relationship between a communication device, a network device, and a water passage section in the vicinity of the washbasin. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a front view showing another example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion in the vicinity of the washbasin. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between a communication device, a network device, and a water passage section in the periphery of the urinal unit. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between a communication device, a network device, and a water flow section in the vicinity of a urinal unit and a warm water washing toilet seat. [Figure 10] 11 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between a communication device, a network device, and a water passage section in the vicinity of a urinal unit and a hand dryer. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like elements are designated by like reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic overall communication system for a plumbing device according to an embodiment. 1, the network system 200 includes a server 5, an administrator terminal 6, a display unit 7, a network device 10, and a plumbing device 20. The network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 configure a communication system 100 for the plumbing devices.

[0015] The server 5 is connected to the network device 10 via a network 8, and communicates with the network device 10 via the network 8. The server 5 is, for example, a cloud server. The network 8 is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The network 8 may connect the server 5 and the network device 10 via a wired connection, may connect wirelessly, or may be a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection. The network 8 may be any network that enables communication between the server 5 and the network device 10.

[0016] In this specification, "connection" means a state in which communication is possible. In other words, "connection" means a state in which signals can be sent and received. The signals are, for example, command signals and data signals containing information.

[0017] The network device 10 is connected to the server 5 via a network 8. The network device 10 is also connected to a plurality of plumbing devices 20. The network device 10 communicates with the server 5 via the network 8, and also communicates with the plumbing devices 20. The network device 10 is, for example, a gateway that converts between a protocol of the network 8 on the server 5 side and a communication protocol on the plumbing device 20 side.

[0018] The plumbing devices 20 are, for example, a warm water washing toilet seat, a toilet unit, a urinal unit, an automatic soap dispenser, an automatic faucet, an electric water heater, a hand dryer, a paper roll holder, a remote control, a tablet, a human presence / queue sensor, a door / lock sensor, a stock shelf, lighting, a speaker, an audio player, a video display, a biosensor, etc. Each plumbing device 20 is connected to the network device 10. The plumbing devices 20 and the network device 10 are connected wirelessly.

[0019] The communication system 100 for bathroom equipment is used in association with, for example, a public toilet. The network device 10 and the bathroom equipment 20 are installed and used in, for example, the toilet. The server 5 may be installed in the toilet, or in a room separate from the toilet.

[0020] The communication system 100 for plumbing equipment has, for example, a plurality of network devices 10 and a plurality of plumbing equipment 20 connected to each network device 10. In other words, the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment has, for example, a plurality of groups, each of which consists of one network device 10 and a plurality of plumbing equipment 20 connected thereto. It is sufficient that the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment has at least one group. In other words, it is sufficient that the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment has at least one network device 10 and two or more plumbing equipment 20 connected to this network device 10.

[0021] In this example, the plumbing equipment communication system 100 has first to third groups GR1 to GR3. The first group GR1 has a network device 10a and a plurality of plumbing equipment 20a connected to the network device 10a. The second group GR2 has a network device 10b and a plurality of plumbing equipment 20b connected to the network device 10b. The third group GR3 has a network device 10c and a plurality of plumbing equipment 20c connected to the network device 10c. The network devices 10a to 10c are connected to the same router, for example, in order to connect to a network 8.

[0022] Each of the plumbing devices 20 transmits, for example, a plurality of pieces of information relating to the usage state, operation, malfunction, etc. of each of the plumbing devices 20 to the server 5 via the network device 10 and the network 8. In this manner, each of the plumbing devices 20 transmits a plurality of pieces of information relating to each of the plumbing devices 20 to an external device such as the server 5.

[0023] As a result, the plumbing equipment communication system 100 allows information on a plurality of plumbing equipment 20 to be centrally managed by the server 5. In the plumbing equipment communication system 100, for example, information such as the frequency of use of the plumbing equipment 20 can be stored in the server 5. In addition, the plumbing equipment communication system 100 can notify a manager or the like of a malfunction of the plumbing equipment 20 via the server 5 based on information from the plumbing equipment 20. In addition, the plumbing equipment communication system 100 can notify a manager or the like of refilling or replacing consumables such as batteries and toilet paper based on information from the plumbing equipment 20. As a result, the plumbing equipment communication system 100 can make it easier to manage the plumbing equipment 20 even when the plumbing equipment 20 is installed in a public toilet or the like.

[0024] The communication between the network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 is sufficient as long as information can be transmitted from the plumbing device 20 to the network device 10. However, the communication between the network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 may be bidirectional. The communication between the server 5 and the network device 10 is bidirectional.

[0025] The external device as the destination to which information is transmitted from the plumbing device 20 is not limited to the server 5, and may be any device that requires the information.

[0026] The manager terminal 6 and the display unit 7 are each connected to the server 5 by wire or wirelessly. The manager terminal 6 and the display unit 7 display, for example, information from the plumbing devices 20 stored in the server 5. The manager terminal 6 may transmit signals, etc. to the plumbing devices 20 via, for example, the server 5, the network 8, and the network device 10.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a part of the communication system for the plumbing device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the network device 10 includes a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a control unit 13, and a storage unit .

[0028] The first communication unit 11 is connected to the plumbing device 20 and the control unit 13, and performs communication between the plumbing device 20 and the control unit 13. The first communication unit 11 has a transmission unit 11a and a reception unit 11b. The transmission unit 11a of the first communication unit 11 transmits information to the plumbing device 20. The reception unit 11b of the first communication unit 11 receives information from the plumbing device 20.

[0029] The second communication unit 12 is connected to the server 5 and the control unit 13, and performs communication between the server 5 and the control unit 13. The second communication unit 12 has a transmission unit 12a and a reception unit 12b. The transmission unit 12a of the second communication unit 12 transmits information to the server 5 directly or indirectly. The reception unit 12b of the second communication unit 12 receives information from the server 5.

[0030] The control unit 13 is connected to the first communication unit 11, the second communication unit 12, and the storage unit 14. The control unit 13 transmits information received from the plumbing device 20 via the first communication unit 11 to the server 5 via the second communication unit 12. In addition, the control unit 13 transmits information received from the server 5 via the second communication unit 12 to the plumbing device 20 via the first communication unit 11.

[0031] The storage unit 14 stores the mode settings of the network device 10. More specifically, the storage unit 14 stores the normal mode setting and the filtering mode setting.

[0032] The plumbing device 20 has an equipment main body 25, a communication device 26, and a human body detection sensor 28. The equipment main body 25 has a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the plumbing device 20. The equipment main body 25 is connected to the communication device 26 and the human body detection sensor 28.

[0033] The human body detection sensor 28 is connected to the device main body 25. The human body detection sensor 28 detects a human body in a space (e.g., a toilet room) in which the bathroom device 20 is installed, and transmits the detection result to the device main body 25. The device main body 25 transmits information such as the detection result of the human body detection sensor 28 to the communication device 26. The human body detection sensor 28 is provided as necessary and can be omitted.

[0034] The communication device 26 is, for example, a radio wave module that communicates with the network device 10 by radio waves. The communication device 26 is connected to the device body 25. The communication device 26 is, for example, attached to the device body 25. The communication device 26 has a first communication unit 21, a second communication unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0035] The first communication unit 21 is connected to the device body 25 and the control unit 23, and performs communication between the device body 25 and the control unit 23. The first communication unit 21 has a transmission unit 21a and a reception unit 21b. The transmission unit 21a of the first communication unit 21 transmits information to the device body 25. The reception unit 21b of the first communication unit 21 receives information from the device body 25.

[0036] The second communication unit 22 is connected to the network device 10 and the control unit 23, and performs communication between the network device 10 and the control unit 23. The second communication unit 22 has a transmission unit 22a and a reception unit 22b. The transmission unit 22a of the second communication unit 22 transmits information to the network device 10. The reception unit 22b of the second communication unit 22 receives information from the network device 10.

[0037] The control unit 23 is connected to the first communication unit 21 and the second communication unit 22. The control unit 23 transmits information received from the device main body 25 via the first communication unit 21 to the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22. The control unit 23 also transmits information received from the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22 to the device main body 25 via the first communication unit 21.

[0038] When information is transmitted from the device main body 25, the communication device 26 receives the information via the first communication unit 21. When information is received from the device main body 25, the communication device 26 transmits the received information to the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22. When information is transmitted from the communication device 26, the network device 10 receives the information via the first communication unit 11. When information is received from the communication device 26, the network device 10 transmits the received information to the server 5 via the second communication unit 12. Note that when a signal is transmitted from the server 5 to the device main body 25 or the communication device 26, the signal is transmitted in the reverse order.

[0039] When transmitting information to the server 5, the network device 10 transmits information to the server 5 based on the normal mode setting or the filtering mode setting stored in the storage unit 14. That is, when transmitting information to the server 5, the network device 10 transmits information in the normal mode or the filtering mode. In other words, the network device 10 is capable of executing the normal mode and the filtering mode.

[0040] In the normal mode, the network device 10 transmits at least a portion of the information from the communicator 26. That is, in the normal mode, the network device 10 transmits a portion or all of the information from the communicator 26. In the normal mode, the network device 10 transmits, for example, all of the information from the communicator 26. In other words, in the normal mode, the network device 10 does not, for example, limit the information to be transmitted.

[0041] On the other hand, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits only a part of the information that is transmitted in the normal mode. That is, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits a part of the information that was transmitted in the normal mode, and does not transmit another part of the information that was transmitted in the normal mode. In other words, the network device 10 limits the information to be transmitted in the filtering mode. The data capacity of the information transmitted in the filtering mode is smaller than the data capacity of the information transmitted in the normal mode.

[0042] Hereinafter, information transmitted in normal mode that is not transmitted in filtering mode will be referred to as "filtered" information. Also, information transmitted in normal mode that is transmitted in filtering mode will be referred to as "non-filtered" information. "Non-filtered" information is, in other words, information transmitted in both normal mode and filtering mode, that is, information transmitted regardless of the mode.

[0043] In this way, by providing a network device 10 capable of executing the normal mode and the filtering mode, for example, when communication traffic is congested or data volume increases, information can be transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 in the filtering mode, which has a smaller data volume and transmission frequency than the normal mode. This makes it possible to reduce the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to suppress communication traffic congestion and increases in communication costs.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating an example of information transmitted from a plumbing device according to the embodiment. 3, information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 includes, for example, information on the usage state of the device main body 25 (usage information), information on the operation of the device main body 25 (operation information), information on a malfunction of the device main body 25 (malfunction information), etc. The usage information includes, for example, information on human body detection, sitting detection, rolling-up operation detection, entrance / exit detection, local cleaning, toilet flushing, discharge, air blowing, operation, main body linkage, playback, output, acquired biological information, etc. The operation information includes, for example, information on room temperature, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 may include, for example, information (remaining amount information) regarding the remaining amount of consumables used in the device main body 25. Furthermore, the information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 may include, for example, information regarding various usage histories of the device main body 25, various setting states, various remote settings, various information requests, and the like. The information transmitted from the plumbing device 20 differs depending on, for example, the type of the plumbing device 20 (device main body 25).

[0046] In the normal mode, the network device 10 transmits, for example, all of the information received from the plumbing device 20 to the server 5. On the other hand, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits, for example, only a part of the information received from the plumbing device 20 to the server 5.

[0047] The network device 10 can execute a normal mode and a filtering mode based on a command signal transmitted from the server 5. In other words, the network device 10 switches between the normal mode and the filtering mode based on a command signal transmitted from the server 5. The command signal refers to, for example, a signal for switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode, or a signal for changing or rewriting filtering information.

[0048] The switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode may be performed manually or automatically. For example, the administrator can manually switch between the normal mode and the filtering mode in the network device 10 by transmitting a command signal regarding switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode from the administrator terminal 6 to the network device 10 via the server 5 at any timing. The server 5 can automatically switch between the normal mode and the filtering mode in the network device 10 by transmitting a command signal regarding switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode to the network device 10 according to, for example, the amount of communication data.

[0049] In addition, the administrator can arbitrarily set information to be filtered and information not to be filtered. More specifically, for example, the administrator can rewrite the filtering mode setting stored in the storage unit 14 of the network device 10 by transmitting a signal related to a change in the filtering mode setting from the administrator terminal 6 to the network device 10 via the server 5. In this way, the filtering mode setting can be changed according to the usage status of the plumbing device 20 after the plumbing device 20 has been used. In the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the filtering information can be rewritten from the administrator terminal 6 after the network device 10 has been installed. Therefore, it is not necessary to go to the site and open an inspection hatch or the like to perform the work. This has the advantage that the schedule for the installation and construction of each device in this communication system and the date for confirming the filtering information can be promoted separately.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission operation of the network device according to the embodiment. 4, the network device 10 waits until it receives information from the communication device 26 (step S101: No). When it receives information from the communication device 26 (step S101: Yes), the network device 10 determines whether it is in the normal mode (step S102).

[0051] If the normal mode is selected (step S102: Yes), the network device 10 transmits the received information to the server 5 (step S103). If the filtering mode is selected (step S102: No), the network device 10 determines whether the received information is not subject to filtering (step S104).

[0052] If the received information is not subject to filtering (step S104: Yes), the network device 10 transmits the received information to the server 5 (step S103). If the received information is subject to filtering (step S104: No), the network device 10 does not transmit the received information to the server 5 and ends the process.

[0053] In addition, information that is not transmitted in the filtering mode may be deleted by the network device 10, or may be transmitted to the server 5 after being accumulated in the network device 10 under certain conditions, such as for a certain period of time, a certain volume, or a certain number of times.

[0054] For example, the server 5 may transmit a signal (mode information request signal) requesting the network device 10 to transmit information regarding the mode. By transmitting to the server 5 information regarding whether the network device 10 that received the mode information request signal is in the normal mode or the filtering mode, the server 5 can obtain information regarding the filtering state of the network device 10. The transmission of the mode information request signal from the server 5 to the network device 10 may be performed periodically at the lapse of a predetermined time, or may be performed every time the server 5 receives information from the network device 10, or may be performed at any timing by the administrator via the administrator terminal 6.

[0055] 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views each showing a schematic diagram of a network device and a communication device. As shown in Fig. 5(a), the network device 10 has a main body unit 51 and an antenna unit 52. The antenna unit 52 is provided with a first communication unit 11. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the communicator 26 has a main body unit 61 and an antenna unit 62. The antenna unit 62 is provided with a second communication unit 22. In other words, communication between the network device 10 and the communicator 26 is performed via the antenna unit 52 of the network device 10 and the antenna unit 62 of the communicator 26.

[0056] The network device 10 is disposed such that a water-passing portion through which water flows is located between the communication device 26 and the network device 10. That is, the network device 10 is disposed such that a water-passing portion is located on an imaginary line connecting the communication device 26 and the network device 10. More specifically, the network device 10 is disposed such that a water-passing portion is located between the antenna unit 62 of the communication device 26 and the antenna unit 52 of the network device 10. That is, the network device 10 is disposed such that a water-passing portion is located on an imaginary line connecting the antenna unit 62 of the communication device 26 and the antenna unit 52 of the network device 10.

[0057] The imaginary line is, for example, a line connecting imaginary line base point 52a of antenna unit 52 of network device 10 shown in Fig. 5(a) and imaginary line base point 62a of antenna unit 62 of communication device 26 shown in Fig. 5(b). Imaginary line base point 52a of antenna unit 52 is located, for example, at the center of gravity of antenna unit 52. Imaginary line base point 62a of antenna unit 62 is located, for example, at the center of gravity of antenna unit 62. Note that the imaginary line base point of the antenna unit in the present invention is not limited to the position of the center of gravity of the antenna unit, and may be, for example, the center, the center, or the antenna root (feed point) of the antenna unit.

[0058] The water-passing part may be any part through which water flows during use, and may be a part of the plumbing device 20 having the communication device 26, or may be provided separately from the plumbing device 20 having the communication device 26. The water-passing part may be, for example, a washbowl part of a washstand, a drain pipe for draining water from the washbowl part, a water supply pipe for supplying water to a faucet provided on the washstand, a urinal part of a urinal unit, a drain pipe for draining water from the urinal part, or a water supply pipe for supplying water to the urinal part.

[0059] In this way, when a water-passing section is located between the communication device 26 and the network device 10, if the communication device 26 is to execute the filtering mode, the command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the server 5 (external device) to the communication device 26 via the network device 10 may be interfered with by water flowing through the water-passing section, which may cause malfunction or failure to execute the filtering mode. In addition, the communication device 26 is often exposed to electrical noise, for example, when a user touches it when using a water-related device. Therefore, when the filtering mode is executed in the communication device 26, there is a possibility that the filtering information may be erroneously rewritten or data may be corrupted due to electrical noise. Therefore, when the filtering mode is executed in the communication device 26, it is necessary to operate the communication device 26 by, for example, periodically checking that the filtering information is correct or overwriting it with the correct filtering information. However, the communication for such checking or overwriting is also hindered by the water-passing section, making stable operation more difficult.

[0060] In contrast, according to the embodiment, by making it possible to execute the filtering mode in the network device 10, rather than in the communication device 26, it is possible to prevent interference of the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 (external device) with water flowing through the water-passing part, even if the water-passing part is located between the communication device 26 and the network device 10. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions and problems such as the filtering mode not being executed.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion in the vicinity of the washstand. 6, the washbasin 300 includes a counter portion 301, a cabinet portion 302 provided below the counter portion 301, an automatic faucet 303 provided on the counter portion 301 and discharging hot and cold water, and a washbowl portion 304 that receives the hot and cold water discharged from the automatic faucet 303. In this example, the plumbing device 20 is the automatic faucet 303. Functional portions including a valve mechanism that controls the water discharge and stop of the automatic faucet 303 and a communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 are disposed inside the cabinet portion 302. In other words, the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 is disposed below the washbowl portion 304.

[0062] The network device 10 is disposed, for example, in the ceiling space above the washbasin section 304. In other words, the network device 10 is disposed so that the washbasin section 304, which is the water passage section, is located between the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 and the network device 10. In the communication system of the present invention, the washbasin section 304, which is the water passage section, is disposed so that it is located in the Fresnel zone between the communication device 26 and the network device 10.

[0063] 6, an imaginary straight line VL connecting the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 and the network device 10 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The washbasin section 304 is located on the imaginary straight line VL.

[0064] Even in the case of such an arrangement, by making it possible to execute the filtering mode in the network device 10, rather than in the communication device 26, it is possible to prevent interference of the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 with the water flowing in the washbasin section 304. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and problems such as failure to execute the filtering mode from occurring.

[0065] In this example, the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 has been described as an example, but even if the washbasin section 304 is located between the communication device 26 of the automatic soap dispenser and the network device 10, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device 10, it is possible to prevent the command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the server 5 from being interfered with by the water flowing through the washbasin section 304. Also, even if the washbasin section 304 is located between the communication device 26 of the electric water heater and the network device 10, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device 10, it is possible to prevent the command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the server 5 from being interfered with by the water flowing through the washbasin section 304.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a front view showing another example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion in the vicinity of the washstand. As shown in Fig. 7, in this example, the washbasins 300a-300e are arranged side by side. Each of the washbasins 300a-300e includes a counter section 301a-301e, a cabinet section 302a-302e, an automatic faucet 303a-303e, and a washbowl section 304a-304e. In this example, the plumbing equipment 20 is the automatic faucet 303a-303e. The communication devices 26a-26e of the automatic faucets 303a-303e are disposed below the washbowl sections 304a-304e.

[0067] The network device 10 is disposed in the ceiling above the washbasin portion 304a. In other words, the washbasin portion 304a, which is a water passage portion, is located between the communication device 26a of the automatic faucet 303a and the network device 10. The washbasin portion 304b, which is a water passage portion, is located between the communication device 26b of the automatic faucet 303b and the network device 10. The washbasin portion 304c, which is a water passage portion, is located between the communication device 26c of the automatic faucet 303c and the network device 10. The washbasin portion 304c, which is a water passage portion, is located between the communication device 26d of the automatic faucet 303d and the network device 10. The washbasin portion 304d, which is a water passage portion, is located between the communication device 26e of the automatic faucet 303e and the network device 10.

[0068] 7, imaginary straight lines VL1-VL5 connecting the communication units 26a-26e of the automatic faucets 303a-303e to the network device 10 are indicated by two-dot chain lines. The washbasin section 304a is located on the imaginary straight line VL1. The washbasin section 304b is located on the imaginary straight line VL2. The washbasin section 304c is located on the imaginary straight lines VL3 and VL4. The washbasin section 304d is located on the imaginary straight line VL5.

[0069] Even in the case of such an arrangement, by making the filtering mode executable in the network device 10, instead of in each of the communication devices 26a-26e, it is possible to prevent interference of the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 with the water flowing through each of the wash basin sections 304a-304d. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions and problems such as failure to execute the filtering mode from occurring.

[0070] In this example, a washbowl section 304c, not a washbowl section 304d, is located between the communication device 26d and the network device 10. Also, a washbowl section 304d, not a washbowl section 304e, is located between the communication device 26e and the network device 10. In this way, the washbowl section of the adjacent washbasin may be the water passage section located between the communication device 26 and the network device 10.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water passage section in the periphery of the urinal unit. 8, the urinal unit 400 includes a urinal bowl portion 401 that receives urine, and a communication device 26. In this example, the plumbing equipment 20 is the urinal unit 400. The communication device 26 of the urinal unit 400 is disposed in front of the urinal bowl portion 401 (i.e., on the back side of the urinal bowl portion 401) when viewed from a user facing the urinal bowl portion 401.

[0072] The network device 10 is disposed in the ceiling space behind and above the urinal bowl section 401 as seen by a user facing the urinal bowl section 401. In other words, the network device 10 is disposed such that the urinal bowl section 401, which is a water-passing section, is located between the communication device 26 of the urinal unit 400 and the network device 10.

[0073] 8, the imaginary line connecting the communication device 26 of the urinal unit 400 and the network device 10 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The urinal bowl section 401 is located on the imaginary line VL.

[0074] Even in the case of such an arrangement, by making it possible to execute the filtering mode in the network device 10, rather than in the communication device 26, it is possible to prevent the command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the server 5 from being interfered with by the water flowing through the urinal bowl portion 401. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions and problems such as failure to execute the filtering mode from occurring.

[0075] FIG. 9 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water flow section in the vicinity of the urinal unit and the warm water washing toilet seat. As shown in Fig. 9, the warm water washing toilet seat 500 is equipped with a communication device 26. In this example, the plumbing equipment 20 is the warm water washing toilet seat 500. The warm water washing toilet seat 500 is disposed in front of the urinal bowl part 401 (i.e., behind the urinal bowl part 401) when viewed from a user facing the urinal bowl part 401 of the urinal unit 400. Also, in this example, a wall is provided between the warm water washing toilet seat 500 and the urinal unit 400.

[0076] The network device 10 is disposed in the ceiling space behind and above the user facing the urinal bowl section 401. In other words, the network device 10 is disposed such that the urinal bowl section 401, which is a water passage section, is located between the communication device 26 of the warm water washing toilet seat 500 and the network device 10.

[0077] 9, an imaginary straight line VL connecting the communication device 26 of the warm water washing toilet seat 500 and the network device 10 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The urinal bowl section 401 is located on the imaginary straight line VL.

[0078] Even in the case of such an arrangement, by making it possible to execute the filtering mode in the network device 10, rather than in the communication device 26, it is possible to prevent the command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the server 5 from being interfered with by the water flowing through the urinal bowl portion 401. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions and problems such as failure to execute the filtering mode from occurring.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water conveying section in the vicinity of the urinal unit and the hand dryer. 10, the hand dryer 600 is equipped with a communication device 26. In this example, the plumbing equipment 20 is the hand dryer 600. The hand dryer 600 is disposed in front of the urinal bowl portion 401 (i.e., behind the urinal bowl portion 401) as viewed from a user facing the urinal bowl portion 401 of the urinal unit 400. Also, in this example, a wall is provided between the hand dryer 600 and the urinal unit 400.

[0080] Network device 10 is disposed in the ceiling space behind and above as seen by a user facing urinal bowl section 401. In other words, network device 10 is disposed such that urinal bowl section 401, which is a water-passing section, is located between communication device 26 of hand dryer 600 and network device 10.

[0081] 10, an imaginary line VL connecting the communication device 26 of the hand dryer 600 and the network device 10 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The urinal bowl section 401 is located on the imaginary line VL.

[0082] Even in the case of such an arrangement, by making it possible to execute the filtering mode in the network device 10, rather than in the communication device 26, it is possible to prevent the command signal for the filtering mode transmitted from the server 5 from being interfered with by the water flowing through the urinal bowl portion 401. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions and problems such as failure to execute the filtering mode from occurring.

[0083] As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a communication system for plumbing devices that can suppress congestion of communication traffic and increases in communication costs.

[0084] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Any design modifications made by a person skilled in the art to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, materials, arrangement, etc. of each element of the communication system for plumbing equipment are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the elements of each of the above-described embodiments can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 5 server, 6 administrator terminal, 7 display unit, 8 network, 10, 10a to 10c network device, 11, 12 first and second communication units, 11a, 12a transmission unit, 11b, 12b reception unit, 13 control unit, 14 memory unit, 20, 20a to 20c plumbing device, 21, 22 first and second communication units, 21a, 22a transmission unit, 21b, 22b reception unit, 23 control unit, 25 device body, 26 communication device, 28 human body detection sensor, 51 main body unit, 52 antenna unit, 52a virtual straight line base point, 61 main body unit, 62 antenna unit, 62a virtual straight line base point, 100 plumbing device communication system, 200 network system, 300, 300a to 300e Washstand, 301, 301a to 301e Counter section, 302, 302a to 302e Cabinet section, 303, 303a to 303e Automatic faucet, 304, 304a to 304e Washbowl section, 400 Urinal unit, 401 Urinal bowl section, 500 Warm water washing toilet seat, 600 Hand dryer, GR1 to GR3 1st to 3rd groups, VL, VL1 to VL5 Virtual straight line

Claims

1. a network device connected to an external device via a network; a plurality of plumbing devices installed in a toilet room and connected to the network device; Equipped with Each of the plurality of plumbing devices has a device body and a communication device connected to the device body and configured to transmit information received from the device body to the network device; the network device is disposed such that a water passage portion through which water flows is located between the communication device and the network device, and the information received from the communication device is transmitted to the external device via the network; The network device, based on a command signal transmitted from the external device, a normal mode of transmitting said information; a filtering mode for transmitting a part of information among the information transmitted in the normal mode; It is possible to execute One of the plurality of plumbing devices is an automatic faucet provided at a washbasin, The communication device of the automatic faucet is disposed below a washbowl portion of the washbasin, A communication system for plumbing equipment, characterized in that the network device is arranged above the washbasin unit so that the washbasin unit is located between the communication unit of the automatic faucet and the network device.

2. a network device connected to an external device via a network; a plurality of plumbing devices installed in a toilet room and connected to the network device; Equipped with Each of the plurality of plumbing devices has a device body and a communication device connected to the device body and configured to transmit information received from the device body to the network device; the network device is disposed such that a water passage portion through which water flows is located between the communication device and the network device, and the information received from the communication device is transmitted to the external device via the network; The network device, based on a command signal transmitted from the external device, a normal mode of transmitting said information; a filtering mode for transmitting a part of information among the information transmitted in the normal mode; It is possible to execute one of the plurality of plumbing devices is a urinal unit, the communication device of the urinal unit is disposed in front of the urinal bowl portion as viewed from a user facing the urinal bowl portion of the urinal unit, A communication system for plumbing equipment, characterized in that the network device is arranged behind the urinal bowl portion as viewed from the user, so that the urinal bowl portion is located between the communication unit of the urinal unit and the network device.

Images