Water discharge system, bathroom unit, computer program, and control method

Abstract

This water discharge system may comprise: a water discharge part for discharging water in accordance with one or more types of water discharge modes; and an adjustment part for adjusting at least one of the flow rate and the temperature of water supplied to the water discharge part on the basis of at least one of the type of the water discharge mode and the distance between the water discharge part and a user.

Description

Water discharge system, bathroom unit, computer program, and control method

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hot water dispenser that can be switched from shower mode to mist mode. The hot water dispenser has a function that automatically raises the water temperature above the water temperature during shower operation and sprays high-temperature mist to promote sweating when the mode is switched from shower mode to mist mode.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-346360

[0004] In the above technology, the temperature of the water is changed in response to switching between shower mode and mist mode, but the flow rate and temperature of the discharged water are not considered apart from the mode switching.

[0005] The present specification provides a technique that can appropriately adjust the flow rate and temperature of the discharged water.

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a water discharge system. The water discharge system may include a water discharger that discharges water according to one or more water discharge modes, and an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the flow rate and temperature of water supplied to the water discharger based on at least one of the types of water discharge mode and the distance between the water discharger and a user.

[0007] Another technique disclosed in this specification relates to a bathroom unit. The bathroom unit may include a bathroom and the above-described water discharge system.

[0008] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a computer program for a water discharge system. The computer program may cause a computer installed in the water discharge system, which has a water discharger that discharges water in one or more water discharge modes, to function as an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the flow rate and temperature of water supplied to the water discharger based on at least one of the types of water discharge mode and the distance between the water discharger and the user.

[0009] Another technique disclosed in this specification relates to a control method for a water discharge system including a water discharge unit that discharges water according to one or more types of water discharge modes. The control method may adjust at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of water supplied to the water discharge unit based on at least one of the types of water discharge modes and a distance between the water discharge unit and a user.

[0010] A perspective view of a bathroom unit according to an embodiment is shown. A plan view of an overhead shower according to an embodiment is shown. A configuration block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment is shown. A temperature adjustment table according to an embodiment is shown. A flowchart of a water discharge start process according to an embodiment is shown. A flowchart of a water discharge change process according to an embodiment is shown. A configuration block diagram of a mixing device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0011] (Configuration of the bathroom unit) As shown in Figure 1, the bathroom unit 1 is defined by a wall surface 4 surrounding the bathroom 2, a floor surface 5, and a ceiling surface 6. In addition to the wall surface 4, the floor surface 5, and the ceiling surface 6, the bathroom unit 1 also includes a bathtub 8, a water discharge system 10, and a seat portion 12.

[0012] The bathtub 8 stores water for the user to bathe in. In this specification, the water is referred to as "water" regardless of its temperature. The bathtub 8 stores water supplied from a water inlet (not shown). The bathtub 8 is located at one end of the bathroom 2. Next to the bathtub 8, a space is provided for using the water discharge system 10. Next to the bathtub 8, a seat portion 12 is located on which the user sits when using the water discharge system 10. The upper surface of the seat portion 12 has a generally flat shape to make it easy for the user to sit.

[0013] A water discharge system 10 is disposed on the opposite side of the seat portion 12 from the bathtub 8. The water discharge system 10 is disposed along the wall surface 4 disposed on the opposite side of the bathtub 8. The water discharge system 10 discharges water in a plurality of water discharge modes. The plurality of water discharge modes includes a water discharge mode in which water droplets of different particle sizes are discharged. The water discharge system 10 comprises a water discharge device 11, a control device 50, a switching valve device 70, a distance sensor 72, a thermistor 74, and an operating device 100. The water discharge device 11 comprises a hand shower unit 20, an overhead shower unit 30, and a faucet unit 40.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , the hand shower unit 20 includes a shower head 22, a hose 24, and a head holding member 26. The shower head 22 is connected to a water supply source such as a water heater via the hose 24. The shower head 22 discharges water supplied via the hose 24 from multiple outlets. The shower head 22 is held by a head holding member 26. The head holding member 26 is fixed to a wall surface 4. The head holding member 26 holds the shower head 22 in a manner that allows the user to remove it. The user can use the shower head 22 while it is held by the head holding member 26. The user can also remove the shower head 22 from the head holding member 26 and use it while holding it in their hand.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2 , the overhead shower unit 30 includes a water discharge unit 32. The water discharge unit 32 is attached to the ceiling surface 6. The water discharge unit 32 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. Multiple types of outlets 34, 36, and 38 are arranged on the underside of the water discharge unit 32. The multiple outlets 34 are arranged at intervals on the water discharge unit 32. The multiple outlets 34 discharge water in shower mode. Specifically, in shower mode, water droplets with a particle size of approximately 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm are continuously discharged from each outlet 34. In shower mode, water droplets with a particle size of approximately 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm are discharged. In shower mode, water droplets with a particle size larger than those in mist mode, which will be described later, are discharged.

[0016] The water discharger 32 has a plurality of outlets 36 arranged at intervals. For example, four outlets 36 are arranged, one at each vertex of a square. The diameter of the outlets 36 is smaller than the diameter of the outlet 34. The plurality of outlets 36 discharge water in a mist state. Specifically, in the mist state, water droplets having a particle size of approximately 100 μm to 350 μm are sprayed in a mist form from each outlet 36.

[0017] The water discharge section 32 has one discharge port 38 arranged in the center of the water discharge section 32. The hole diameter of the discharge port 38 is larger than the hole diameters of the discharge ports 34 and 36. The discharge port 38 discharges water in a cascading state. Specifically, in the cascading state, water is continuously discharged from the discharge port 38 in a waterfall-like manner.

[0018] The number of outlets 34, 36, 38 is not particularly limited. For example, the water discharger 32 may have one outlet 36. Furthermore, for example, the water discharger 32 may have multiple outlets 38. The arrangement of the outlets 34, 36, 38 is not particularly limited. For example, the outlet 38 may be arranged at a position shifted from the center of the water discharger 32. For example, one of the multiple outlets 34, 36 may be arranged at the center of the water discharger 32.

[0019] The faucet unit 40 includes a faucet 42 and a handle 44 that allows the user to adjust the temperature of the water discharged from the faucet 42 .

[0020] (Configuration of the control device) As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 50 controls the water discharge system 10 according to a computer program. The control device 50 includes a control unit 52, a storage unit 54, and a communication interface 56. Below and in the drawings, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0021] The control unit 52 includes a CPU. The control unit 52 executes processing in accordance with a computer program stored in the storage unit 54. The storage unit 54 is configured with a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 54 stores various programs. The storage unit 54 stores information and data necessary for the control unit 52 to execute processing, and information and data generated while the control unit 52 is executing processing.

[0022] The communication I / F 56 relays communication between the control device 50 and devices external to the control device 50. The communication I / F 56 includes at least one of a cable port and a signal transceiver used for at least one of wired and wireless communication. The control device 50 is communicatively connected to the faucet unit 40, the switching valve device 70, the distance measurement sensor 72, the thermistor 74, and the operating device 100 via the communication I / F 56.

[0023] Switching valve device 70 is arranged between the water supply source and hand shower unit 20, between the water supply source and overhead shower unit 30, and between the water supply source and faucet unit 40. Switching valve device 70 includes a plurality of solenoid valves 71 and a mixer 80. The plurality of solenoid valves 71 and the mixer 80 are controlled by control device 50.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 7 , the mixer 80 is disposed between a pipe 102 communicating with a drinking water pipe and the switching valve device 70. The mixer 80 is connected to each of the pipes 104, 106, and 110. Water is supplied from the pipe 102 to the water supply pipe 104. Water that has passed through the water heater 101 from the pipe 102 is supplied to the hot water supply pipe 106. The water heater 101 heats the water supplied from the pipe 102. Water that has passed through the water heater 101 flows through the hot water supply pipe 106. Hereinafter, the water passing through the hot water supply pipe 106 will be referred to as "hot water" to distinguish it from the water flowing through the water supply pipe 104. Water that has passed through the mixer 80 flows through the mixing pipe 110. Hereinafter, the water passing through the mixing pipe 110 will be referred to as "mixed water" to distinguish it from the water flowing through the water supply pipe 104. The temperature of the mixed water is not particularly limited. The upper end of the mixing pipe 110 is connected to the switching valve device 70.

[0025] The mixing device 80 is provided with a hot water side temperature sensor 82, a hot water side flow rate adjustment valve 84, and a hot water side flow rate sensor 86 in a hot water supply pipe 106. The hot water side temperature sensor 82, the hot water side flow rate adjustment valve 84, and the hot water side flow rate sensor 86 are arranged in this order from the upstream side. The mixing device 80 is provided with a cold water side temperature sensor 88, a cold water side flow rate adjustment valve 90, and a cold water side flow rate sensor 92 in a water supply pipe 104. The cold water side temperature sensor 88, the cold water side flow rate adjustment valve 90, and the cold water side flow rate sensor 92 are arranged in this order from the upstream side. The mixing device 80 is provided with a mixing pipe 110 and a mixing temperature sensor 94.

[0026] The hot water side temperature sensor 82, the cold water side temperature sensor 88, and the mixed water temperature sensor 94 are each a thermistor. The hot water side temperature sensor 82 detects the temperature of hot water passing through the hot water supply pipe 106. The cold water side temperature sensor 88 detects the temperature of water passing through the water supply pipe 104. The mixed water temperature sensor 94 detects the temperature of mixed water passing through the mixing pipe 110.

[0027] The hot water side flow rate control valve 84 switches between communication and blockage between the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 and the mixing pipe 110. The hot water side flow rate control valve 84 adjusts its opening. When the hot water side flow rate control valve 84 is closed, the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 is blocked from the mixing pipe 110. When the hot water side flow rate control valve 84 is opened, the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 is connected to the mixing pipe 110. The amount of hot water flowing from the path in the hot water supply pipe 106 into the mixing pipe 110 can be adjusted depending on the opening rate of the hot water side flow rate control valve 84.

[0028] The water-side flow rate control valve 90 switches between communication and blockage between the path in the water supply pipe 104 and the mixing pipe 110. The water-side flow rate control valve 90 adjusts its opening. When the water-side flow rate control valve 90 is closed, the path in the water supply pipe 104 is blocked from the mixing pipe 110. When the water-side flow rate control valve 90 is open, the path in the water supply pipe 104 is connected to the mixing pipe 110. The amount of hot water flowing from the path in the water supply pipe 104 into the mixing pipe 110 can be adjusted depending on the opening rate of the water-side flow rate control valve 90.

[0029] The hot water side flow rate sensor 86 is disposed in the hot water supply pipe 106 and detects the flow rate of hot water passing through the hot water supply pipe 106. The cold water side flow rate sensor 92 is disposed in the water supply pipe 104 and detects the flow rate of water passing through the water supply pipe 104.

[0030] Switching valve device 70 switches the supply destination of water supplied from mixer 80. Switching valve device 70 allows control device 50 to switch multiple solenoid valves 71 among a state in which water from the supply source is supplied to hand shower unit 20, a state in which water is supplied to outlet 34 of overhead shower unit 30, a state in which water is supplied to outlet 36 of overhead shower unit 30, a state in which water is supplied to outlet 38 of overhead shower unit 30, and a state in which water is supplied to faucet unit 40. Control device 50 may be capable of controlling multiple solenoid valves 71 so that two or more of the multiple states are concurrently established.

[0031] The operating device 100 is attached to the wall surface 4. The operating device 100 has a plurality of buttons that are operated by the user. The user can select the water discharge mode of the water discharge system 10 by operating the buttons on the operating device 100. The water discharge modes include hand shower mode, mist mode, shower mode, and waterfall mode. The user can further set the temperature and flow rate of the water to be discharged by operating the buttons on the operating device 100. When the user operates a button on the operating device 100, the operating device 100 transmits a signal corresponding to the operation to the control device 50. The user can further select the faucet mode as the water discharge mode of the water discharge system 10 by operating the handle 44 of the faucet unit 40.

[0032] In hand shower mode, water is discharged from hand shower unit 20. When hand shower mode is selected in operating device 100, control device 50 supplies power to each of multiple solenoid valves 71 of switching valve device 70 to connect the supply source to hand shower unit 20 and to cut off the supply source from overhead shower unit 30 and faucet unit 40.

[0033] In the mist mode, mist-like water is discharged from the plurality of outlets 36. When the mist mode is selected in the operating device 100, the control device 50 supplies power to each of the plurality of solenoid valves 71 of the switching valve device 70 to disconnect the supply source from the hand shower unit 20 and the faucet unit 40, to disconnect the supply source from the outlets 34, 38, and to connect the supply source to the outlets 36.

[0034] In shower mode, water is discharged in shower form from multiple outlets 34. When shower mode is selected in operating device 100, control device 50 supplies power to each of multiple solenoid valves 71 of switching valve device 70 to disconnect the supply source from hand shower unit 20 and faucet unit 40, to disconnect the supply source from outlets 36, 38, and to connect the supply source to outlet 34.

[0035] In the waterfall mode, water in a waterfall state is discharged from the outlet 38. When the waterfall mode is selected in the operating device 100, the control device 50 supplies power to each of the multiple solenoid valves 71 of the switching valve device 70 to shut off the supply source from the hand shower unit 20 and the faucet unit 40, shut off the supply source from the outlets 34, 36, and connect the supply source to the outlet 38.

[0036] In the faucet mode, water is discharged from the faucet unit 40. When the control device 50 acquires the amount of vertical movement of the handle 44 and the rotation angle in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction from a detection unit disposed on the handle 44, the control device 50 supplies power to each of the multiple solenoid valves 71 of the switching valve device 70 to cut off communication between the supply source and the hand shower unit 20 and the overhead shower unit 30 and to connect the supply source to the faucet unit 40.

[0037] The distance measurement sensor 72 detects the distance between the user and the water discharge unit 32. The distance measurement sensor 72 detects the distance between the water discharge unit 32 and a part of the user that is located closest to the water discharge unit 32. The distance measurement sensor 72 is an optical sensor that is placed in the water discharge unit 32. In a modified example, the distance measurement sensor 72 may be a sensor other than an optical sensor. The location where the distance measurement sensor 72 is placed may be determined appropriately depending on the type and performance of the sensor. The thermistor 74 measures the temperature in the bathroom. The thermistor 74 is placed in the bathroom. In a modified example, the thermistor 74 may measure the ambient temperature around the bathroom 2, such as the outside air temperature.

[0038] (Configuration of Temperature Adjustment Table) As shown in FIG. 4 , the temperature adjustment table 60 records the above-mentioned modes, set temperatures, and the temperatures of the water to be dispensed in combination. The control device 50 determines the temperature of the water to be dispensed using the temperature adjustment table 60. The set temperature is set by the user operating the operation device 100. The control device 50 stores initial temperature information indicating the initial temperature in advance. The user operates the operation device 100 to change the initial temperature and set the water temperature.

[0039] When the mist mode is selected, the control device 50 identifies the water temperature (i.e., WT1, WT2, etc.) recorded in the temperature adjustment table 60 in combination with the set temperature (i.e., temperatures ST1, ST2, etc.), the distance D between the user and the water outlet 32 ​​(i.e., distance D1 to D2, D2 to D3, etc.), and the bathroom temperature (i.e., temperature less than T1, T1 to T2, higher than T2).

[0040] When one of the shower mode, shower head mode, hand shower mode, and faucet mode is selected, the control device 50 determines the water temperature calculated from a formula recorded in the temperature adjustment table 60 in combination with the set temperature and bathroom temperature. For example, when the set temperature is ST1 and is lower than the bathroom temperature T1, the water temperature in shower mode is determined to be ST1+TA. When the bathroom temperature is low, the temperature adjustment table 60 determines a water temperature higher than the set temperature. When the bathroom temperature is high, the temperature adjustment table 60 determines a water temperature lower than the set temperature. In the shower mode, shower head mode, hand shower mode, and faucet mode, the water temperature is determined regardless of the distance from the user.

[0041] (Water Discharge Start Process) The control device 50 executes a discharge start process when a water discharge operation is performed by the user. A water discharge operation is either an operation by the user selecting one of the mist mode, shower mode, waterfall mode, and hand shower mode on the operation device 100, or an operation by the user moving the handle 44 of the faucet unit 40 so that water is discharged from the faucet 42. When a water discharge operation is performed, the operation device 100 transmits a signal indicating the selected water discharge mode, the set temperature, and the set flow rate to the control device 50. When the handle 44 is operated, the faucet unit 40 transmits the amount of movement and rotation angle of the handle 44 to the control device 50.

[0042] In S12, the control device 50 identifies the selected water discharge mode. Specifically, when a signal is acquired from the operating device 100, the control device 50 identifies the selected water discharge mode using the signal acquired from the operating device 100. When the direction and amount of movement of the handle 44 are acquired from the faucet unit 40, the control device 50 identifies the faucet mode as the water discharge mode.

[0043] In S14, the control device 50 identifies the set flow rate and temperature. When a signal is acquired from the operation device 100, the control device 50 identifies the set flow rate and temperature using the signal acquired from the operation device 100. When the direction and amount of movement of the handle 44 are acquired from the faucet unit 40, the control device 50 identifies the set flow rate and temperature from the direction and amount of movement of the handle 44.

[0044] In S16, the control device 50 obtains the temperature inside the bathroom 2 from the thermistor 74. In S18, the control device 50 determines whether or not the distance between the water discharger and the user should be obtained. Specifically, if the water discharge mode identified in S12 is mist mode, the control device 50 determines that the distance should be obtained (YES in S18). If the water discharge mode identified in S12 is a mode other than mist mode, the control device 50 determines that the distance should not be obtained (NO in S18). If YES in S18, the process proceeds to S20. If NO in S18, the process proceeds to S22.

[0045] In S20, the control device 50 acquires the distance between the user and the water discharger 32 from the distance measurement sensor 72. In S22, the control device 50 determines the temperature of the water to be discharged. The control device 50 determines the temperature using the temperature adjustment table 60. Specifically, the control device 50 determines the temperature of the water to be discharged as the temperature recorded in the temperature adjustment table 60 in combination with the water discharge mode identified in S12, the set water temperature identified in S14, the temperature of the bathroom 2 acquired in S16, and the distance acquired in S20.

[0046] In the temperature adjustment table 60, when the set temperature is the same and the temperature of the bathroom 2 is the same, the temperature of the water to be discharged in the mist mode is higher than the temperature of the water to be discharged in the shower mode and the waterfall mode. In the temperature adjustment table 60, when the set temperature is the same and the temperature of the bathroom 2 is the same, the temperature of the water to be discharged in the mist mode is higher than the temperature of the water to be discharged in modes other than the mist mode. In the temperature adjustment table 60, the temperature of the water to be discharged is set so that the lower the temperature of the bathroom 2, the higher the temperature of the water to be discharged, regardless of the water discharge mode.

[0047] In the temperature adjustment table 60, when the mist mode is selected, the set temperature is the same, and the temperature of the bathroom 2 is the same, the temperature of the water to be discharged increases as the distance between the user and the water discharger 32 increases. In this embodiment, the temperature of the water to be discharged changes in stages depending on the distance between the user and the water discharger 32. In a modified example, the temperature of the water to be discharged may change continuously depending on the distance between the user and the water discharger 32. The temperature of the water to be discharged may be calculated as a function of the distance between the user and the water discharger 32. In the temperature adjustment table 60 and the water discharge start process, in water discharge modes other than the mist mode, the distance between the user and the water discharger 32 is not taken into account when determining the temperature of the water to be discharged. In a modified example, the distance between the user and the water discharger 32 may be taken into account when determining the temperature of the water to be discharged.

[0048] In S23, the control device 50 determines the flow rate to be discharged. Specifically, when the water discharge mode is other than mist mode, the control device 50 determines the set flow rate determined in S14 as the flow rate to be discharged. When the water discharge mode is mist mode, the control device 50 determines the flow rate to be the set flow rate determined in S14 multiplied by a correction value X as the flow rate to be discharged. The correction value X is a positive constant less than 1. As a result, the flow rate in mist mode is lower than in water discharge modes other than mist mode. In a modified example, the correction value X may be a function of at least one of the water temperature determined in S22 and the temperature of the bathroom 2 obtained in S16. The correction value X may be larger the lower the water temperature determined in S22 and / or the temperature of the bathroom 2 obtained in S16.

[0049] In S24, the control device 50 starts water discharge based on the water temperature determined in S22, the flow rate determined in S24, and the water discharge mode specified in S12, and then ends the water discharge start process. The control device 50 starts water discharge by controlling the switching valve device 70.

[0050] (Water Discharge Change Process) When the water discharge start process is completed, the control device 50 executes a water discharge change process. In the water discharge change process, in S32, the control device 50 determines whether or not the water discharge mode should be changed. Specifically, the control device 50 determines whether or not a water discharge operation has been performed on either the operating device 100 or the handle 44 while water is being discharged. If a water discharge operation has been performed (YES in S32), the process proceeds to S34. If a water discharge operation has not been performed (NO in S32), the process proceeds to S50.

[0051] In S34, the control device 50 identifies the selected water discharge mode, as in S12. The processes from S38 to S44 are the same as the processes from S14 to S20 of the discharge start process. The process of S46 is the same as the processes of S22 and S23. In S48, the control device 50 controls the switching valve device 70 to change at least one of the water discharge mode, water temperature, and flow rate.

[0052] In S50, the control device 50 determines whether the user has changed at least one of the set flow rate and temperature. Specifically, the control device 50 determines that at least one of the set flow rate and temperature has been changed if it receives a signal from the operating device 100 indicating an operation to change at least one of the flow rate and temperature (YES in S50). The control device 50 determines that at least one of the set flow rate and temperature has been changed if either the rotation angle or the movement amount obtained from the handle 44 has been changed (YES in S50). If the result in S50 is YES, the control device 50 proceeds to S38. If the control device 50 does not receive a signal from the operating device 100 indicating an operation to change at least one of the flow rate and temperature, and neither the rotation angle nor the movement amount obtained from the handle 44 has been changed, the control device 50 determines that at least one of the set flow rate and temperature has not been changed (NO in S50) and proceeds to S52.

[0053] In S52, the control device 50 determines whether a water discharge stop operation has been performed. Specifically, the control device 50 determines that a water discharge stop operation has been performed when it receives a signal from the operating device 100 indicating that the stop button for stopping water discharge has been operated (YES in S52). The control device 50 determines that a water discharge stop operation has been performed when it determines, based on the rotation angle and movement amount obtained from the handle 44, that the handle 44 has been moved to a stop position for stopping water discharge (YES in S52). If the result in S52 is YES, in S54 the control device 50 operates the switching valve device 70 to stop water discharge and terminates the water discharge change process.

[0054] If the water discharge stop operation is not performed (NO in S52), the control device 50 returns to S32.

[0055] (Effects) In the water discharge system 10, the water temperature and flow rate are adjusted according to the type of water discharge mode. This allows the water temperature and flow rate to be automatically adjusted according to the water discharge mode without the user having to change the set temperature and set flow rate. This reduces the user's discomfort depending on the type of water discharge mode. Furthermore, when the water discharge mode is switched, the water temperature and flow rate can be automatically adjusted without user operation. The adjustment is performed by the control device 50 and the switching valve device 70. The control device 50 and the switching valve device 70 are examples of an "adjustment unit." This prevents the user's perceived temperature from changing when the water discharge mode is switched, as in the past, and reduces the user's discomfort. In other words, the water temperature and flow rate are automatically adjusted to an appropriate level according to the water discharge mode, allowing the user to shower comfortably.

[0056] In the water discharge system 10, the overhead shower unit 30 allows selection of water discharge modes among mist mode, shower mode, and waterfall mode. In mist mode, the water droplets are small, so the water temperature tends to drop from the time the water is discharged until it reaches the user. In mist mode, the water temperature is specified to be higher than in shower mode and waterfall mode. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the user is hit by water droplets with a low water temperature in mist mode. In mist mode, the flow rate is specified to be lower than in shower mode and waterfall mode. This makes it possible to set an appropriate flow rate in mist mode.

[0057] In mist mode, the particle size of the water droplets is small, so the water temperature is more likely to drop the farther the distance between the water discharger 32 and the user. In the water discharge system 10, in mist mode, the water temperature is specified to be higher the farther the distance between the water discharger 32 and the user. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the user is hit by water droplets with a low water temperature in mist mode.

[0058] Second Embodiment The differences between the water discharge system 10 of this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the control device 50 stores model identification information (e.g., product number information) that identifies the model of the overhead shower unit 30. The model identification information is stored in advance when the control device 50 is applied to the water discharge system 10. The control device 50 stores in advance a table that records combinations of set flow rate, water pressure, and water discharge mode for each of multiple model identification information. By storing a table in advance for each of multiple model identification information, it is not necessary to store a table for each model of the overhead shower unit 30 of the water discharge device 11 to which the control device 50 is applied.

[0059] In this embodiment, the water discharge start process is different. Specifically, when the hand shower mode or faucet mode is selected, the control device 50 discharges water at the set temperature and set water temperature without executing the water discharge start process. The control device 50 executes the water discharge start process when water is discharged from the overhead shower unit 30. In the water discharge start process, the control device 50 first executes the process of S14 and starts water discharge at the set flow rate and set water temperature acquired in S14. Next, the control device 50 determines the water discharge mode using the set flow rate, the pressure of water passing through the switching valve device 70, and the model identification information. Specifically, the control device 50 determines the water discharge mode recorded in association with the set flow rate and water pressure in a table corresponding to the model identification information of the overhead shower unit 30. Next, the processes of S16 to S23 are executed, and in S24, the control device 50 discharges water at the water temperature determined in S22 and the flow rate determined in S23.

[0060] With this configuration, it is not necessary to acquire the water discharge mode from the operating device 100 .

[0061] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0062] A first aspect relates to a water discharge system. The water discharge system may include a water discharger that discharges water according to one or more water discharge modes, and an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of water supplied to the water discharger based on at least one of the types of water discharge mode and a distance between the water discharger and a user.

[0063] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the one or more types of water discharge modes may include at least two types of water discharge modes: a first water discharge mode in which water droplets of a first particle size are discharged, a second water discharge mode in which water droplets of a second particle size larger than the first particle size are discharged, and a third water discharge mode in which water is discharged in a waterfall-like manner.

[0064] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, the water discharge system further includes an acquisition unit that acquires the type of water discharge pattern discharged by the water discharge unit, and the adjustment unit may adjust at least one of the flow rate and the temperature according to the type of water discharge pattern that has been acquired.

[0065] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the acquisition unit may acquire the type of water discharge mode using at least one of the flow rate and pressure of water set to be discharged from the water discharge unit.

[0066] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, the acquisition unit may further use a type of the water discharger to acquire the type of the water discharge mode.

[0067] A sixth aspect is any one of the first and fifth aspects, wherein the one or more types of water discharge modes include a first water discharge mode in which water droplets of a first particle size are discharged, and a second water discharge mode in which water droplets of a second particle size larger than the first particle size are discharged, and the adjustment unit may adjust the flow rate to a first flow rate when the type of water discharge mode is the first water discharge mode, and adjust the flow rate to a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate when the type of water discharge mode is the second water discharge mode.

[0068] A seventh aspect is any one of the first and sixth aspects, wherein the one or more types of water discharge modes include a first water discharge mode in which water droplets of a first particle size are discharged, and a second water discharge mode in which water droplets of a second particle size larger than the first particle size are discharged, and the adjustment unit may adjust the temperature to a first temperature when the type of water discharge mode is the first water discharge mode, and adjust the temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature when the type of water discharge mode is the second water discharge mode.

[0069] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first and seventh aspects, the adjustment unit may adjust the temperature to a third temperature when the distance between the water discharge unit and the user is a first distance, and to a fourth temperature lower than the third temperature when the distance is a second distance closer than the first distance.

[0070] A ninth aspect relates to a bathroom unit. The bathroom unit may include a bathroom and the water discharge system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects.

[0071] A tenth aspect relates to a computer program for a water discharge system. The computer program may cause a computer installed in the water discharge system, which includes a water discharger that discharges water in one or more water discharge modes, to function as an adjusting unit that adjusts at least one of the flow rate and temperature of water supplied to the water discharger based on at least one of the types of water discharge mode and the distance between the water discharger and the user.

[0072] An eleventh aspect relates to a control method for a water discharge system, the control method being a control method for a water discharge system including a water discharge unit that discharges water according to one or more types of water discharge modes, and may adjust at least one of a flow rate and a temperature of water supplied to the water discharge unit based on at least one of the types of water discharge modes and a distance between the water discharge unit and a user.

[0073] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0074] (1) The control device 50 may store, for each water discharge mode, a function of the temperature of the discharged water and at least one of the set temperature, bathroom temperature, and distance from the user, instead of the temperature adjustment tables 60 and 62. The control device 50 may use the function to determine the water temperature in the water discharge start process and the water discharge change process.

[0075] (2) The water discharge system 10 may be capable of executing one or more water discharge modes among mist mode, shower mode, waterfall mode, hand shower mode, and faucet mode.

[0076] (3) The bathroom unit 1 does not have to have a seat portion 12. The user may use the water discharge system 10 while standing or while sitting on a chair that is provided separately from the bathroom unit 1.

[0077] (4) In shower mode, the control device 50 may vary the water temperature depending on the distance between the user and the water discharge unit 32. In this case, the temperature adjustment table 60 may record a combination of the shower mode, the set temperature, the distance between the user and the water discharge unit 32, the bathroom temperature, and the water temperature. In S18, the control device 50 may determine that the distance should be acquired if the water discharge mode identified in S12 is shower mode (YES in S18). In this case, in S22, the control device 50 may further use the distance acquired in S20 to determine the water temperature to be discharged from the temperature adjustment table 60. The same may be true for the waterfall mode. Similarly, in hand shower mode, the control device 50 may vary the water temperature depending on the distance between the user and the shower head 22. Similarly, in faucet mode, the control device 50 may vary the water temperature depending on the distance between the user and the faucet 42.

[0078] The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technologies exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful.

[0079] 1: bathroom unit, 2: bathroom, 10: water discharge system, 20: hand shower section, 30: overhead shower section, 32: water discharge section, 34, 36, 38: outlet, 40: faucet section, 50: control device, 60, 62: temperature adjustment table, 70: switching valve device

Claims

1. A water discharge system comprising: a water discharge unit that discharges water according to one or more types of water discharge patterns; and an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the flow rate and temperature of water supplied to the water discharge unit based on at least one of the type of water discharge pattern and the distance between the water discharge unit and the user.

2. The water discharge system described in claim 1, wherein the one or more types of water discharge modes include at least two types of water discharge modes: a first water discharge mode in which water droplets of a first particle size are discharged; a second water discharge mode in which water droplets of a second particle size larger than the first particle size are discharged; and a third water discharge mode in which water is discharged in the form of a waterfall.

3. A water discharge system as described in claim 2, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the type of water discharge pattern discharged by the water discharge unit, and the adjustment unit adjusts at least one of the flow rate and the temperature according to the acquired type of water discharge pattern.

4. A water discharge system as described in claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the type of water discharge mode using at least one of the flow rate and pressure of water set to be discharged from the water discharge unit.

5. The water discharge system according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit further uses the type of the water discharge unit to acquire the type of the water discharge mode.

6. A water discharge system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more types of water discharge modes include a first water discharge mode in which water droplets of a first particle size are discharged, and a second water discharge mode in which water droplets of a second particle size larger than the first particle size are discharged, and the adjustment unit adjusts the flow rate to a first flow rate when the type of water discharge mode is the first water discharge mode, and adjusts the flow rate to a second flow rate larger than the first flow rate when the type of water discharge mode is the second water discharge mode.

7. A water discharge system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more types of water discharge modes include a first water discharge mode in which water droplets of a first particle size are discharged, and a second water discharge mode in which water droplets of a second particle size larger than the first particle size are discharged, and the adjustment unit adjusts the temperature to a first temperature when the type of water discharge mode is the first water discharge mode, and adjusts the temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature when the type of water discharge mode is the second water discharge mode.

8. A water discharge system described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the adjustment unit adjusts the temperature to a third temperature when the distance between the water discharge unit and the user is a first distance, and adjusts the temperature to a fourth temperature lower than the third temperature when the distance is a second distance closer than the first distance.

9. A bathroom unit comprising: a bathroom; and a water discharge system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is disposed in the bathroom.

10. A computer program for a water discharge system, which causes a computer installed in a water discharge system having a water discharge unit that discharges water according to one or more types of water discharge patterns to function as an adjustment unit that adjusts at least one of the flow rate and temperature of water supplied to the water discharge unit based on at least one of the type of water discharge pattern and the distance between the water discharge unit and the user.

11. A control method for a water discharge system having a water discharge unit that discharges water according to one or more types of water discharge patterns, the control method adjusting at least one of the flow rate and temperature of water supplied to the water discharge unit based on at least one of the type of water discharge pattern and the distance between the water discharge unit and the user.

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