JP2022115372A - Water section apparatus communication system - Google Patents

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

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to communication systems for plumbing equipment.

In recent years, as IoT (Internet of Things) in plumbing equipment, for example, plumbing equipment is connected to a network via a network device such as a gateway. As a result, the information obtained by the plumbing equipment can be stored in a server (cloud) connected to the network via the network equipment.

Since the information obtained from plumbing equipment has a wide range of uses, it is desirable to accumulate more information. However, if all the information obtained by the plumbing equipment is transmitted to the server, the communication traffic may be congested, and the probability of data loss or data delay may increase. In addition, if all the information obtained by the plumbing equipment is transmitted to the server, the data volume will increase, and there is a risk that the communication cost will increase.

Japanese Patent No. 6636892

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system for plumbing equipment capable of suppressing communication traffic congestion and an increase in communication costs.

A first invention comprises a network device connected to an external device via a network, and a plurality of plumbing devices installed in a toilet room and connected to the network device, wherein the plurality of plumbing devices are and a communication device connected to the device body for transmitting information received from the device body to the network device, wherein the network device is connected between the communication device and the network device. and transmits the information received from the communication device to the external device via the network, and the network device transmits a command signal transmitted from the external device a normal mode for transmitting the information, and a filtering mode for transmitting part of the information transmitted in the normal mode, based on is.

According to this communication system for plumbing equipment, by providing a network device capable of executing the normal mode and the filtering mode, for example, when communication traffic is congested or when the data volume increases, more transmission than in the normal mode is possible. Information can be transmitted from the network device to the external device in a filtering mode that reduces the data volume and transmission frequency of the information to be transmitted. This makes it possible to reduce the data volume of information to be transmitted and the frequency of transmission. Therefore, congestion of communication traffic and an increase in communication costs can be suppressed. Further, when the plumbing equipment is installed in a toilet room, it is conceivable that a water passing part through which water flows is located between the communication device of the plumbing equipment and the network equipment. In this case, if you try to execute the filtering mode on the communication device, the filtering mode command signal sent from the external device to the communication device via the network device will interfere with the water flowing through the water passage, causing malfunction or filtering mode. may cause problems such as not being executed. On the other hand, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device instead of the communication device, even if the water passage part is located between the communication device and the network device, the filtering transmitted from the external device It is possible to suppress the mode command signal from interfering with the water flowing through the water passage. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions such as malfunction and failure to execute the filtering mode.

A second invention is based on the first invention, wherein one of the plurality of plumbing devices is an automatic faucet provided in a washstand, and the communication device of the automatic faucet is a washbasin of the washstand. The network device is positioned below the bowl portion, and the network device is positioned above the washbowl portion such that the washbowl portion is positioned between the communication device of the automatic faucet and the network device. A communication system for plumbing equipment characterized by

According to this communication system for plumbing equipment, the filtering mode can be executed not in the communication device but in the network device, so that the washbowl portion, which is the water passing portion, between the communication device of the automatic faucet and the network device. is located, it is possible to suppress interference with the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the external device due to the water flowing in the washbowl portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

In a third aspect based on the first aspect, one of the plurality of plumbing devices is a urinal unit, and the communication device of the urinal unit is directed to the urinal bowl portion of the urinal unit. The urinal bowl portion is positioned in front of the urinal bowl portion when viewed from a user, and the network device is positioned in the urinal bowl portion such that the urinal bowl portion is positioned between the communicator of the urinal unit and the network device. The communication system for plumbing equipment is arranged behind the urinal bowl portion as seen from a person.

According to this communication system for plumbing equipment, the filtering mode can be executed not in the communication device but in the network device. Even when the urinal bowl portion is positioned, it is possible to prevent the water flowing through the urinal bowl portion from interfering with the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the external device. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication system for plumbing equipment capable of suppressing congestion of communication traffic and an increase in communication costs.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire communication system for plumbing equipment according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a block diagram which represents typically a part of communication system of the plumbing equipment which concerns on embodiment. It is a table showing an example of information transmitted from plumbing equipment according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an information transmission operation of a network device of the communication system for plumbing equipment according to the embodiment; 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views schematically showing a network device and a communication device, respectively. FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the positional relationship among the communication device, the network device, and the water passage around the washbasin. FIG. 11 is a front view showing another example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water passage around the washbasin. FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship among the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion around the urinal unit; FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship among the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion around the urinal unit and the warm-water bidet toilet seat. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship among the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion around the urinal unit and the hand dryer;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the entire communication system for plumbing equipment according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1 , network system 200 includes server 5 , administrator terminal 6 , display unit 7 , network equipment 10 , and plumbing equipment 20 . The network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 constitute a plumbing device communication system 100 .

The server 5 is connected to the network device 10 via the network 8 and communicates with the network device 10 via the network 8 . 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 by wire, may be connected by radio, or may be a combination of wire and radio. Network 8 may be any network that allows communication between server 5 and network appliance 10 .

In the specification of the present application, "connected" means to be in a communicable state. In other words, "connection" means to be in a state in which transmission and reception of signals are possible. The signals are, for example, command signals or data signals containing information.

Network device 10 is connected to server 5 via 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 communicates with the plumbing device 20 . The network device 10 is, for example, a gateway that performs conversion between the protocol of the network 8 on the server 5 side and the communication protocol on the plumbing device 20 side.

The plumbing equipment 20 includes, 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 controller, a tablet, a human sensor/line sensor, These include door/key sensors, stock shelves, lighting, speakers, audio players, video display devices, and biosensors. Each plumbing device 20 is connected to the network device 10 respectively. The plumbing device 20 and the network device 10 are wirelessly connected.

The plumbing appliance communication system 100 is used, for example, in connection with public restrooms. The network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 are installed and used in a toilet room, for example. The server 5 may be installed in the toilet room, or may be installed in a room separate from the toilet room.

A communication system 100 for plumbing equipment includes, for example, a plurality of network equipments 10 and a plurality of plumbing equipments 20 connected to each network equipment 10 . In other words, the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment has, for example, a plurality of groups, and each group consists of one network equipment 10 and a plurality of plumbing equipment 20 connected thereto. The communication system 100 for plumbing equipment may have at least one group. In other words, the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment should have at least one network equipment 10 and two or more plumbing equipment 20 connected to this network equipment 10 .

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

Each plumbing device 20 transmits, for example, a plurality of pieces of information regarding the usage state, operation, failure, etc. of each plumbing device 20 to the server 5 via the network device 10 and the network 8 . Thus, each plumbing device 20 transmits a plurality of pieces of information about each plumbing device 20 to an external device such as the server 5 .

As a result, in the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment, the server 5 can centrally manage information about a plurality of plumbing equipment 20 . In the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment, for example, information such as the frequency of use of the plumbing equipment 20 can be accumulated in the server 5 . Further, in the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment, for example, based on the information from the plumbing equipment 20, the failure of the plumbing equipment 20 can be notified to the administrator or the like via the server 5. FIG. Further, in the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment, for example, based on the information from the plumbing equipment 20, it is possible to notify the administrator or the like of replenishment or replacement of consumables such as batteries and toilet paper. As a result, the communication system 100 for plumbing equipment can facilitate management of the plumbing equipment 20 even when the plumbing equipment 20 is installed in a public toilet room or the like.

Communication between the network device 10 and the plumbing device 20 should be at least transmission of information 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 communication. Communication between the server 5 and the network device 10 is bi-directional communication.

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

The administrator terminal 6 and the display unit 7 are connected to the server 5 by wire or wirelessly. The administrator terminal 6 and the display unit 7 display information from the plumbing equipment 20 accumulated in the server 5, for example. The administrator terminal 6 may transmit a signal or the like to the plumbing equipment 20 via the server 5, the network 8, and the network equipment 10, for example.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing part of the communication system for plumbing equipment according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the network device 10 has a first communication section 11, a second communication section 12, a control section 13, and a storage section .

The first communication unit 11 is connected to the water-related equipment 20 and the control unit 13 and performs communication between the water-related equipment 20 and the control unit 13 . The first communication unit 11 has a transmission unit 11a and a reception unit 11b. The transmission unit 11 a of the first communication unit 11 transmits information to the plumbing equipment 20 . The receiving unit 11 b of the first communication unit 11 receives information from the plumbing equipment 20 .

The second communication section 12 is connected to the server 5 and the control section 13 and performs communication between the server 5 and the control section 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 receiving section 12 b of the second communication section 12 receives information from the server 5 .

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 equipment 20 via the first communication unit 11 to the server 5 via the second communication unit 12 . Further, the control unit 13 transmits information received from the server 5 via the second communication unit 12 to the plumbing equipment 20 via the first communication unit 11 .

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

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

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 (for example, a toilet room) in which the plumbing device 20 is provided, 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 required and can be omitted.

The communication device 26 is, for example, a radio 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 attached to the device main body 25, for example. The communication device 26 has a first communication section 21 , a second communication section 22 and a control section 23 .

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

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

The control section 23 is connected to the first communication section 21 and the second communication section 22 . The control unit 23 transmits information received from the device body 25 via the first communication unit 21 to the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22 . Also, the control unit 23 transmits information received from the network device 10 via the second communication unit 22 to the device body 25 via the first communication unit 21 .

When information is transmitted from the device body 25 , the communication device 26 receives the information via the first communication section 21 . Upon receiving information from the device body 25 , the communication device 26 transmits the received information to the network device 10 via the second communication section 22 . When information is transmitted from the communication device 26 , the network device 10 receives the information via the first communication section 11 . Upon receiving information from the communication device 26 , the network device 10 transmits the received information to the server 5 via the second communication section 12 . When signals are transmitted from the server 5 to the device body 25 and the communication device 26, the signals are transmitted in the reverse order.

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

Network appliance 10 transmits at least a portion of the information from communicator 26 in normal mode. That is, the network device 10 transmits part or all of the information from the communication device 26 in normal mode. The network appliance 10, for example, transmits all of the information from the communicator 26 in normal mode. In other words, the network device 10, in normal mode, for example, does not limit the information it transmits.

On the other hand, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits only part of the information transmitted in the normal mode. That is, in the filtering mode, the network device 10 transmits 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, network device 10 limits the information it transmits in the filtering mode. The data volume of information transmitted in filtering mode is smaller than the data volume of information transmitted in normal mode.

Hereinafter, among the information transmitted in the normal mode, information that is not transmitted in the filtering mode will be referred to as "filtering target" information. Among the information transmitted in the normal mode, the information transmitted in the filtering mode is referred to as "non-filtering" information. "Unfiltered" information is, in other words, information that is transmitted in both the normal mode and the filtering mode, that is, information that is transmitted regardless of the mode.

Thus, by providing the network device 10 capable of executing the normal mode and the filtering mode, for example, when the communication traffic is congested or the data volume is increased, the data volume and the amount of information to be transmitted are larger than those in the normal mode. Information can be transmitted from the network device 10 to the server 5 in a filtering mode in which transmission frequency is low. This makes it possible to reduce the data volume of information to be transmitted and the frequency of transmission. Therefore, congestion of communication traffic and an increase in communication costs can be suppressed.

FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of information transmitted from plumbing equipment according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the information transmitted from the plumbing equipment 20 includes, for example, information about the usage state of the equipment body 25 (usage information), information about the operation of the equipment body 25 (operation information), It includes information about failures (failure information). The usage information includes, for example, human body detection, seating detection, winding motion detection, entrance/exit detection, local washing, toilet bowl washing, discharge, air blowing, operation, main unit interlocking, reproduction, output, acquisition biometric information, and the like. The operational information includes, for example, information regarding room temperature.

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

The network device 10, for example, transmits all of these pieces of information received from the plumbing device 20 to the server 5 in the normal mode. On the other hand, the network device 10 transmits only part of the information received from the plumbing device 20 to the server 5 in the filtering mode, for example.

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

Note that switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode may be performed manually or automatically. The administrator can, for example, send a command signal for switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode from the administrator terminal 6 to the network device 10 via the server 5 at an arbitrary timing, so that the normal mode and the filtering mode in the network device 10 can be changed. can be switched manually. The server 5 automatically switches the network device 10 between the normal mode and the filtering mode by transmitting a command signal for switching between the normal mode and the filtering mode to the network device 10 according to, for example, the amount of communication data. be able to.

In addition, the administrator can arbitrarily set information to be filtered and information not to be filtered. More specifically, for example, the administrator transmits a signal regarding a change in the filtering mode setting from the administrator terminal 6 to the network device 10 via the server 5 , so that the signal is stored in the storage unit 14 of the network device 10 . Filtering mode settings can be rewritten. In this way, the setting of the filtering mode can be changed according to the usage status of the plumbing equipment 20 after the plumbing equipment 20 is started to be used. In the communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, filtering information can be rewritten from the administrator terminal 6 after installation of the network device 10 . Therefore, it is not necessary to go to the site and open an inspection door or the like for work. As a result, there is an advantage that the schedule for installation of each device of the communication system and the fixed date of the filtering information can be separated from each other.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing information transmission operation of the network device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the network device 10 waits until information is received from the communication device 26 (step S101: No). When information is received from the communication device 26 (step S101: Yes), the network device 10 determines whether it is in the normal mode (step S102).

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

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 to be filtered (step S104: No), the network device 10 terminates without transmitting the received information to the server 5. FIG.

Information that has not been transmitted in the filtering mode may be deleted in the network device 10, or stored in the network device 10 under certain conditions, such as for a certain period of time, a certain amount, or a certain number of times, before being transmitted to the server 5. may

The server 5 may, for example, send a signal (mode information request signal) requesting the network device 10 to send information about the mode. By transmitting to the server 5 information about whether the network device 10 that has received the mode information request signal is in the normal mode or the filtering mode, the server 5 can obtain information about the filtering state of the network device 10. can be done. The transmission of the mode information request signal from the server 5 to the network device 10 may be performed periodically each time a predetermined time elapses, or may be performed each time the server 5 receives information from the network device 10. Alternatively, the administrator may perform this operation via the administrator terminal 6 at any timing.

5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views schematically showing a network device and a communication device, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the network device 10 has a main unit 51 and an antenna unit 52 . The first communication section 11 is provided in the antenna section 52 . As shown in FIG. 5B, the communication device 26 has a body portion 61 and an antenna portion 62 . The antenna section 62 is provided with the second communication section 22 . That is, communication between the network device 10 and the communication device 26 is performed via the antenna section 52 of the network device 10 and the antenna section 62 of the communication device 26 .

The network device 10 is arranged such that a water passage portion through which water flows is positioned between the communication device 26 and the network device 10 . In other words, the network device 10 is arranged so that the water passage portion is positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the communication device 26 and the network device 10 . More specifically, the network device 10 is arranged such that the water passage portion is positioned between the antenna portion 62 of the communication device 26 and the antenna portion 52 of the network device 10 . In other words, the network device 10 is arranged such that the water passage portion is positioned on a virtual straight line connecting the antenna portion 62 of the communication device 26 and the antenna portion 52 of the network device 10 .

The virtual straight lines are, for example, the virtual straight line base point 52a of the antenna section 52 of the network device 10 shown in FIG. is a straight line connecting The virtual straight line base point 52a of the antenna section 52 is positioned at the center of gravity of the antenna section 52, for example. The virtual straight line base point 62a of the antenna section 62 is positioned at the center of gravity of the antenna section 62, for example. Note that the virtual straight line base point of the antenna section in the present invention is not limited to the position of the center of gravity of the antenna section, and may be, for example, the center, center, or base of the antenna (feeding point) of the antenna section.

It should be noted that the water passage portion may be a portion through which water flows during use, and may be a part of the plumbing equipment 20 having the communication device 26, or may be provided separately from the plumbing equipment 20 having the communication device 26. It may have been obtained. The water flow part includes, 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 in the washstand, a urinal bowl part of a urinal unit, It is either a drain pipe for draining water from the urinal bowl portion or a water supply pipe for supplying water to the urinal bowl portion.

As described above, when the water passage portion is positioned between the communication device 26 and the network device 10, if the filtering mode is to be executed in the communication device 26, communication from the server 5 (external device) via the network device 10 will occur. The water flowing through the water passage interferes with the filtering mode command signal sent to the machine 26, which may cause problems such as malfunction and failure to execute the filtering mode. In addition, the communication device 26 is often exposed to electrical noise, such as when the user touches it when using plumbing equipment. Therefore, when the filtering mode is executed in the communication device 26, there is a possibility that the filtering information will be erroneously rewritten by electrical noise or the data will be garbled. Therefore, when the filtering mode is executed in the communication device 26, for example, it is necessary to periodically confirm that the filtering information is correct or overwrite it with the correct filtering information. However, since such communication for confirmation and overwriting is also hindered by the water flow part, stable operation is more difficult.

On the other hand, according to the embodiment, the filtering mode can be executed not in the communication device 26 but in the network device 10, so that the water passage part is positioned between the communication device 26 and the network device 10. Even so, it is possible to suppress interference with the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 (external device) due to the water flowing through the water passage. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the positional relationship among the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion around the washbasin.
As shown in FIG. 6, the washstand 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 for discharging hot water, an automatic water A washbowl part 304 for receiving hot water discharged from the tap 303 is provided. In this example, the plumbing equipment 20 is an automatic faucet 303 . Functional units including a valve mechanism for controlling water discharge stoppage of the automatic water faucet 303 and the communication device 26 of the automatic water faucet 303 are arranged inside the cabinet unit 302 . That is, the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 is arranged below the washbowl portion 304 .

The network device 10 is arranged, for example, in the ceiling space above the washbowl section 304 . In other words, the network device 10 is arranged so that the washbowl portion 304 as a water passage portion is positioned between the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 and the network device 10 . In the communication system of the present invention, the washbowl portion 304, which is a water passage portion, is positioned in the Fresnel zone between the communication device 26 and the network device 10. FIG.

In FIG. 6, a virtual straight line VL connecting the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 and the network device 10 is represented by a chain double-dashed line. The washbowl portion 304 is positioned on the imaginary straight line VL.

Even in such an arrangement, the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 can be executed by the network device 10 instead of the communication device 26 . can be suppressed to interfere with flowing water. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

In this example, the communication device 26 of the automatic faucet 303 has been described as an example, but the washbowl unit 304 is arranged so as to be positioned between the communication device 26 of the auto soap dispenser and the network device 10. By enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device 10 even when there is water flowing through the washbowl 304, interference with the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 can be suppressed. Further, even when the washbowl unit 304 is positioned 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, the server 5 Interference with the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the water flowing through the washbowl portion 304 can be suppressed.

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

The network device 10 is arranged in the ceiling space above the washbowl portion 304a. That is, between the communication device 26a of the automatic faucet 303a and the network device 10, the washbowl portion 304a, which is a water passing portion, is positioned. Between the communication device 26b of the automatic faucet 303b and the network device 10, a washbowl portion 304b, which is a water passing portion, is positioned. Between the communication device 26c of the automatic faucet 303c and the network device 10, a washbowl portion 304c, which is a water passing portion, is positioned. Between the communication device 26d of the automatic faucet 303d and the network device 10, a washbowl portion 304c, which is a water passing portion, is positioned. Between the communication device 26e of the automatic faucet 303e and the network device 10, a washbowl portion 304d as a water passage portion is positioned.

In FIG. 7, imaginary straight lines VL1 to VL5 connecting the communication devices 26a to 26e of the automatic faucets 303a to 303e and the network device 10 are indicated by chain double-dashed lines. The washbowl portion 304a is positioned on the imaginary straight line VL1. The washbowl portion 304b is positioned on the imaginary straight line VL2. The washbowl portion 304c is positioned on the imaginary straight lines VL3 and VL4. The washbowl portion 304d is positioned on the imaginary straight line VL5.

Even in such an arrangement, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device 10 rather than in each of the communication devices 26a to 26e, the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 can be Interference by water flowing through the washbowl portions 304a to 304d can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

In this example, between the communication device 26d and the network device 10, not the washbowl portion 304d but the washbowl portion 304c is positioned. Also, between the communication device 26e and the network device 10, not the washbowl portion 304e but the washbowl portion 304d is positioned. In this way, the washbowl portion of the adjacent washbasin may serve as a water passage portion located between the communication device 26 and the network device 10 .

FIG. 8 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship among the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion around the urinal unit.
As shown in FIG. 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 a urinal unit 400 . The communicator 26 of the urinal unit 400 is arranged in front of the urinal bowl portion 401 (that is, on the back side of the urinal bowl portion 401) when viewed from the user facing the urinal bowl portion 401. FIG.

The network device 10 is arranged behind and above the ceiling when viewed from the user facing the urinal bowl portion 401 . In other words, the network device 10 is arranged so that the urinal bowl portion 401, which is a water passing portion, is positioned between the communication device 26 of the urinal unit 400 and the network device 10. FIG.

In FIG. 8, a virtual straight line connecting the communication device 26 of the urinal unit 400 and the network device 10 is represented by a chain double-dashed line. The urinal bowl portion 401 is positioned on the imaginary straight line VL.

Even in such an arrangement, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device 10 instead of the communication device 26, the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 can be applied to the urinal bowl portion. Interference by water flowing through 401 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water passage part around the urinal unit and the warm-water bidet toilet seat.
As shown in FIG. 9, the warm water washing toilet seat 500 is provided with the communication device 26 . In this example, the plumbing equipment 20 is a warm water washing toilet seat 500 . The warm water washing toilet seat 500 is arranged in front of the urinal bowl portion 401 (that is, on the back side of the urinal bowl portion 401) when viewed from the user facing the urinal bowl portion 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 .

The network device 10 is arranged behind and above the ceiling when viewed from the user facing the urinal bowl portion 401 . In other words, the network device 10 is arranged so that the urinal bowl portion 401, which is the water passage portion, is positioned between the communication device 26 of the warm water bidet toilet seat 500 and the network device 10 .

In FIG. 9, a virtual straight line VL connecting the communication device 26 of the warm-water bidet toilet seat 500 and the network device 10 is represented by a chain double-dashed line. The urinal bowl portion 401 is positioned on the imaginary straight line VL.

Even in such an arrangement, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device 10 instead of the communication device 26, the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 can be applied to the urinal bowl portion. Interference by water flowing through 401 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of the positional relationship between the communication device, the network device, and the water passage portion around the urinal unit and the hand dryer.
As shown in FIG. 10, hand dryer 600 includes communicator 26 . In this example, the plumbing equipment 20 is a hand dryer 600 . The hand dryer 600 is arranged in front of the urinal bowl portion 401 (that is, on the back side of the urinal bowl portion 401 ) as seen from the 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 .

The network device 10 is arranged behind and above the ceiling when viewed from the user facing the urinal bowl portion 401 . In other words, the network device 10 is arranged so that the urinal bowl portion 401 as a water passage portion is positioned between the communication device 26 of the hand dryer 600 and the network device 10 .

In FIG. 10, a virtual straight line VL connecting the communication device 26 of the hand dryer 600 and the network device 10 is represented by a chain double-dashed line. The urinal bowl portion 401 is positioned on the imaginary straight line VL.

Even in such an arrangement, by enabling the filtering mode to be executed in the network device 10 instead of the communication device 26, the filtering mode command signal transmitted from the server 5 can be applied to the urinal bowl portion. Interference by water flowing through 401 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as erroneous operation and failure to execute the filtering mode.

As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a communication system for plumbing equipment that can suppress communication traffic congestion and an increase in communication costs.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, and the like of each element included in the communication system for plumbing equipment are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
Moreover, each element provided in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and a combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

5 server, 6 administrator terminal, 7 display unit, 8 network, 10, 10a to 10c network devices, 11, 12 first and second communication units, 11a, 12a transmission unit, 11b, 12b reception unit, 13 control unit, 14 storage unit 20, 20a to 20c plumbing equipment 21, 22 first and second communication units 21a, 22a transmission unit 21b, 22b reception unit 23 control unit 25 device main body 26 communication device 28 human body detection sensor 51 main unit 52 antenna unit 52a virtual straight line base point 61 main unit 62 antenna unit 62a virtual straight line base point 100 communication system for plumbing equipment 200 network system 300, 300a to 300e washbasin 301 , 301a to 301e counter part 302, 302a to 302e cabinet part 303, 303a to 303e automatic faucet 304, 304a to 304e washbowl part 400 urinal unit 401 urinal bowl part 500 warm water washing toilet seat 600 Hand dryer, GR1 to GR3 1st to 3rd groups, VL, VL1 to VL5 virtual straight line

Claims (3)

a network device connected to an external device via a network;
a plurality of plumbing equipment installed in a toilet room and connected to the network equipment;
with
each of the plurality of plumbing devices has a device main body and a communication device connected to the device main body and configured to transmit information received from the device main body to the network device;
The network device is arranged such that a water passage portion through which water flows is positioned between the communication device and the network device, and transmits the information received from the communication device to the external device via the network. ,
The network device, based on a command signal transmitted from the external device,
a normal mode for transmitting said information;
a filtering mode for transmitting part of the information transmitted in the normal mode;
A communication system for plumbing equipment, characterized in that it is capable of executing one of the plurality of plumbing equipment is an automatic faucet provided in a washbasin;
The communication device of the automatic faucet is arranged below the washbowl portion of the washbasin,
2. The network device is arranged above the washbowl portion so that the washbowl portion is positioned between the communication device of the automatic faucet and the network device. communication system for plumbing equipment. one of the plurality of plumbing equipment is a urinal unit;
the communicator of the urinal unit is disposed in front of the urinal bowl portion as seen from a user facing the urinal bowl portion of the urinal unit;
The network device is positioned behind the urinal bowl portion as viewed from the user such that the urinal bowl portion is positioned between the communicator of the urinal unit and the network device. The communication system for plumbing equipment according to claim 1, characterized by:

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