Bath device

Abstract

The invention provides a bath device which brings positive comfort to a bather by giving the bather a sense of temperature and a sense of coolness. A bath device (1) according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a bath main body (2) for storing hot water; a water spraying device (8) for spraying hot water to a bather in the bath main body; a bath temperature sensor (46); a water spray temperature sensor (48) for detecting the temperature of the hot water to be sprayed from the water spray device; a high-temperature hot water supply pipe (40a) for supplying hot water having a temperature higher than that of the hot water stored in the bath main body; a low-temperature hot water supply pipe (40b) for supplying cold water or hot water having a temperature lower than the temperature of the hot water stored in the bath main body; and a control unit (6) for causing hot water or cold water to flow in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe or the low-temperature hot water supply pipe and causing hot water having a temperature higher or lower than the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor to be discharged from the water discharge device such that the temperature detected by the water discharge temperature sensor becomes a predetermined temperature.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following application:

[0002] Invention name: Bathtub device Application date: January 4, 2022 Application number: 202210001651.7 Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a bathtub device, in particular to a bathtub device which can bring a warm feeling and a cool feeling to a bather. Background Art

[0004] The "comfort" in human's sense of warmth can be divided into "passive comfort (Comfort)" and "positive comfort (Pleasantness)". The "comfort" commonly used in daily life refers to negative comfort, which can be defined as a range (temperature zone) with a low probability of feeling discomfort under its ambient temperature (air temperature / room temperature). However, the comfort that people feel about the sense of warmth is not only affected by the ambient temperature, but also strongly affected by the physiological temperature (skin temperature / deep body temperature) of the person at that time. For example, when you enter an air-conditioned room after spending time in the scorching sun in summer or after exercising, you can get a comfortable cool feeling. When you take a bath or enter a kotatsu in a cold state, you can get a comfortable warm feeling. The strong sense of comfort obtained in this way is called positive comfort, which can be defined as comfort different from negative comfort.

[0005] Japanese Patent No. 5886228 (Patent Document 1) describes a bathing system. The bathing system has: a reheating function, which sucks in and heats the hot water in the bathtub and returns the heated hot water to the bathtub; and a hot water spraying function, which sucks in the hot water in the bathtub and sprays the hot water into the bathtub from the hot water spray outlet. In this way, in a bathing system having a reheating function and a hot water spraying function, when the hot water sucked from the bathtub is directly sprayed into the bathtub, the hot water circulates in the hot water circulation loop, during which the temperature of the hot water decreases, so there is a problem of the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub decreasing. In the bathing system described in Patent Document 1, during the hot water spraying operation, the hot water sucked from the bathtub is heated by the heat source machine and sprayed from the hot water spray outlet, so the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub can be maintained even when the hot water spraying operation is performed.

[0006] In addition, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-150334 (Patent Document 2) describes a bathtub water circulation type water spray device. The bathtub water circulation type water spray device is configured to spray the introduced hot water toward the neck of the bather in the bathtub, and when the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray device is high, the total heat per unit time of the sprayed hot water is suppressed to below a specified heat. In this way, the heat brought to the bather can be limited, and the early congestion of the bather's head can be suppressed, so that the bather can bathe for a long time.

[0007] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 aims to prevent the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub from decreasing during the hot water spraying operation, thereby causing discomfort to the bather. Therefore, it can be said that the "comfort" brought by the bathing system described in Patent Document 1 is "passive comfort". In addition, the invention described in Patent Document 2 aims to prevent the bather's early head congestion caused by the bather setting the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray device too high. Therefore, it can be said that the "comfort" brought by the bathtub water circulation type water spray device described in Patent Document 2 is also "passive comfort".

[0008] Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Literature

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5886228

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-150334 Summary of the invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub device that provides a bather with a sense of warmth and a sense of coolness, thereby providing a bather with positive comfort.

[0014] Solutions for solving problems

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is a bathtub device that can give a bather a sense of warmth and coolness, characterized in that it comprises: a bathtub body for storing hot water; a water spraying device disposed above the bathtub body, so that the hot water is sprayed out at a position above the water surface of the hot water stored in the bathtub body in a manner that the hot water directly contacts the bather in the bathtub body; a bathtub temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body; a water spraying temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water to be sprayed out from the water spraying device; a high-temperature hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water having a temperature higher than that of the hot water stored in the bathtub body; a low-temperature hot water supply pipe for supplying cold water or hot water having a temperature lower than that of the hot water stored in the bathtub body; and a control unit for spraying hot water having a temperature higher or lower than that detected by the bathtub temperature sensor from the water spraying device by causing hot water or cold water to flow in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe or the low-temperature hot water supply pipe, so that the temperature detected by the water spraying temperature sensor becomes a specified temperature.

[0016] In the present invention thus constituted, the water spray device disposed above the bathtub body sprays hot water from a position above the water surface of the hot water in a manner that the hot water directly contacts the bather. In addition, the bathtub temperature sensor detects the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body, and the water spray temperature sensor detects the temperature of the hot water to be sprayed from the water spray device. Furthermore, the high-temperature hot water supply pipe supplies hot water having a higher temperature than the hot water stored in the bathtub body, and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe supplies cold water or hot water having a lower temperature than the hot water stored in the bathtub body. The control unit sprays hot water having a temperature higher or lower than the detection temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor from the water spray device by causing hot water or cold water to flow in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe or the low-temperature hot water supply pipe.

[0017] According to the present invention thus constituted, hot water having a temperature higher or lower than the detection temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor is sprayed from the water spray device through the control unit, thereby bringing positive comfort that could not be obtained in the previous bathtub bathing without damaging the relaxing effect of bathing in the bathtub. Here, the neck, shoulders, and back of the bather that are directly in contact with the hot water from the water spray device have many temperature receptors, and have thick blood vessels near the surface of the skin. By directly bringing warm or cool stimulation to these parts, even a slight temperature change can bring a large change in the sense of warmth or coldness for the bather, and can bring about an efficient increase / decrease in body temperature in a short time that cannot be achieved by the previous reheating of the bathtub water as a whole. Here, preferably, warm stimulation refers to a thermal stimulation in which the bather feels the warmth comfortably, and cool stimulation refers to a thermal stimulation in which the bather feels the coolness comfortably.

[0018] In the present invention, it is preferable that the control unit increases or decreases the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray device at a predetermined gradient from the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body.

[0019] According to the present invention thus constituted, the temperature of hot water sprayed from the water spray device rises or falls at a predetermined gradient from the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body, thereby preventing the bather from feeling uncomfortable warmth or coldness due to a sudden change in the spray water temperature.

[0020] In the present invention, preferably, the bathtub device further includes a circulation device for introducing hot water from the bathtub body, and the control unit is configured to: mix the hot water introduced by the circulation device with the hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe, thereby generating hot water having a temperature higher than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor, and mix the hot water introduced by the circulation device with the tap water flowing in from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe, thereby generating hot water having a temperature lower than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor.

[0021] According to the present invention thus constituted, the hot water introduced from the bathtub body is mixed with the hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe to generate high-temperature hot water, and the hot water introduced from the bathtub body is mixed with the tap water flowing in from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe to generate low-temperature hot water. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of hot water or cold water supplied from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe or the low-temperature hot water supply pipe, while making a large flow rate exceeding the flow rate that can be supplied from the hot water supply device etc. be ejected from the water spraying device. In addition, by mixing with the hot water introduced from the bathtub body, the change in the spray water temperature is slowed down, and by suppressing the drastic change in the spray water temperature, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the bather.

[0022] In the present invention, it is preferable that the circulation device is configured to directly eject a portion of the hot water introduced from the bathtub body from a bathtub water ejection port provided on an inner wall surface of the bathtub body.

[0023] According to the present invention thus constructed, a portion of the hot water introduced into the bathtub body is sprayed out from the bathtub water outlet, so that the hot water sprayed from the water spray device onto the neck, shoulders and back of the bather is stirred and convected in the bathtub body, so that the temperature change achieved by the hot water from the water spray device can spread throughout the entire body of the bather.

[0024] In the present invention, preferably, the bathtub device further comprises: a high-temperature side temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe; and / or a low-temperature side temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of cold water or hot water flowing in from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe, and the control unit controls the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spraying device with reference to the temperature detected by the high-temperature side temperature sensor and / or the low-temperature side temperature sensor.

[0025] According to the present invention thus constructed, the temperature of cold water or hot water flowing in from a high-temperature hot water supply pipe or a low-temperature hot water supply pipe is detected, and the spray temperature from the water spray device is controlled with reference to the detected temperature, so that the spray temperature can quickly reach the target temperature and the spray temperature can be accurately controlled.

[0026] In the present invention, preferably, the bathtub device further includes a body temperature detection unit for detecting or estimating the body temperature of the bather, and when the rise in the body temperature of the bather detected or estimated by the body temperature detection unit is above a prescribed first temperature increment, the control unit causes hot water having a temperature lower than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor to be sprayed from the water spray device, and when the rise in the body temperature of the bather detected or estimated by the body temperature detection unit is below a prescribed second temperature increment, the control unit causes hot water having a temperature higher than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor to be sprayed from the water spray device.

[0027] According to the present invention thus constructed, the body temperature of the bather is detected or estimated, and based on the body temperature, hot water having a temperature higher or lower than the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor is sprayed from the water spray device, thereby providing the bather with a warm or cool feeling at an appropriate timing.

[0028] In addition, preferably, the present invention is a bathtub device that can provide a bather with a warm stimulation and a cool stimulation, and comprises: a bathtub main body for storing hot water; a body temperature detection unit for detecting or estimating the body temperature of the bather; a control unit for selecting a warm stimulation mode or a cool stimulation mode based on the body temperature of the bather detected or estimated by the body temperature detection unit; and a hot and cold device for providing a bather with a warm stimulation that is higher than the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub main body when the warm stimulation mode is selected by the control unit, and providing a cool stimulation that is lower than the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub main body when the cool stimulation mode is selected by the control unit.

[0029] In the present invention thus constituted, the body temperature of the bather is detected or estimated by the body temperature detection unit, and the control unit selects the warm stimulation mode or the cool stimulation mode based on the body temperature of the bather. When the warm stimulation mode is selected, the warm-cold-heat device provides the bather with a warm stimulation higher than the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body, and when the cool stimulation mode is selected, the warm-cold-heat device provides the bather with a cool stimulation lower than the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body.

[0030] According to the present invention thus constructed, when the warm stimulation mode is selected, a warm stimulation higher than the hot water temperature in the bathtub is provided, and when the cool stimulation mode is selected, a cool stimulation lower than the hot water temperature is provided, thereby providing positive comfort to the bather.

[0031] In the present invention, it is preferred that when the rise in the body temperature of the bather detected or estimated by the body temperature detection unit is greater than a prescribed first temperature increment, the control unit selects the cool stimulation mode, and when the rise in the body temperature of the bather detected or estimated by the body temperature detection unit is less than a prescribed second temperature increment, the control unit selects the warm stimulation mode.

[0032] According to the present invention thus constituted, when the rise in body temperature is greater than the first temperature increment, the cool stimulation mode is selected, and when the rise in body temperature is less than the second temperature increment, the warm stimulation mode is selected, so that it is possible to appropriately judge whether the bather wants cool stimulation or warm stimulation, and to provide positive comfort to the bather. Here, the rise in body temperature refers to a change in body temperature based on the body temperature at the beginning of bathing or at ordinary times.

[0033] In the present invention, preferably, the body temperature detection unit is configured to acquire an electrocardiographic signal of the bather through electrodes provided on the bathtub body, and estimate the body temperature of the bather based on the acquired electrocardiographic signal.

[0034] According to the present invention thus constituted, the body temperature of the bather is estimated based on the electrocardiographic signal acquired by the electrodes provided in the bathtub body, so that the body temperature of the bather immersed in the hot water in the bathtub body can be accurately estimated without placing a burden on the bather.

[0035] In the present invention, preferably, the bathtub device further comprises: a timing unit for detecting the elapsed time after the bather enters the bathtub body; and a bathtub temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water retained in the bathtub body, and the body temperature detection unit estimates the body temperature of the bather based on the elapsed time detected by the timing unit and the temperature of the hot water detected by the bathtub temperature sensor.

[0036] According to the present invention thus constituted, the body temperature detection unit estimates the body temperature of the bather based on the elapsed time detected by the timing unit and the temperature of the hot water detected by the bath temperature sensor. Therefore, the body temperature of the bather can be simply estimated by the timing unit and the bath temperature sensor.

[0037] In the present invention, preferably, the bathtub device has a mode setting operation unit that can set a cool stimulation mode or a warm stimulation mode based on the operation of the bather, the body temperature detection unit detects or estimates the body temperature of the bather at the time when the bather operates the mode setting operation unit, and the control unit determines a corrected setting condition that is obtained by correcting the setting condition of the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode based on the detected or estimated body temperature, and selects the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode based on the corrected setting condition.

[0038] According to the present invention thus constructed, the setting conditions of the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode are corrected based on the bather's body temperature at the time when the bather sets the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode through operation, thereby providing better cool stimulation or warm stimulation according to the bather's preference.

[0039] In the present invention, preferably, the bathtub device comprises: a storage device for storing correction setting conditions; and a bather identification device for identifying a bather, and the control unit selects the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode based on the correction setting conditions stored for the bather identified by the bather identification device.

[0040] According to the present invention thus constituted, the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode is selected based on the correction setting conditions stored for the bather identified by the bather identification device, thereby providing cool stimulation or warm stimulation in accordance with the preference of each bather using the bathtub device.

[0041] Effects of the Invention

[0042] According to the bathtub device of the present invention, it is possible to provide positive comfort to the bather by providing the bather with a sense of warmth and a sense of coolness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom in which the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0044] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a system for supplying hot water to a water spray device in a bathtub device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electrode included in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing processing of signals acquired by the electrodes and each temperature sensor of the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing changes in the spray water temperature when spraying water from the water spray device is started in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing a process of estimating the body temperature of a bather and selecting warm sensation stimulation or cool sensation stimulation in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of electrocardiographic waveforms acquired by the negative electrode and the positive electrode in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of normal heart rate estimation in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of changes in the heart rate and deep body temperature of a bather while bathing in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining correction of a reference for providing a cooling sensation stimulation in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a bathtub device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Description of reference numerals:

[0056] 1: Bathtub device;

[0057] 2: Bathtub body;

[0058] 2a: back side;

[0059] 2b: baffle;

[0060] 2c: side wall surface;

[0061] 2d: side wall surface;

[0062] 4a: negative electrode;

[0063] 4b: positive electrode;

[0064] 4c: reference electrode;

[0065] 6: Control department;

[0066] 6a: Remote control device;

[0067] 6b: Shell;

[0068] 8: Water spray device (warm and cold device);

[0069] 8a: water spout;

[0070] 9: Circulation device;

[0071] 9a: Bath water spout;

[0072] 9b: Bath water inlet;

[0073] 10: electrode part;

[0074] 10a: circular plate part;

[0075] 10b: shaft;

[0076] 12a: front gasket;

[0077] 12b: back gasket;

[0078] 14: flange;

[0079] 16: Moisture-proof pipe;

[0080] 18: Connecting terminal;

[0081] 20: fixing bolt;

[0082] 22: wire;

[0083] 24: sheath;

[0084] 26: Differential amplifier circuit;

[0085] 28: Filter circuit;

[0086] 30: Amplifier circuit;

[0087] 32: analog-to-digital converter;

[0088] 34: body temperature detection unit;

[0089] 36: water spray temperature setting unit;

[0090] 38: control signal output unit;

[0091] 40a: high temperature hot water supply pipe;

[0092] 40b: low-temperature hot water supply pipe;

[0093] 42a: High temperature side linear valve;

[0094] 42b: Low temperature side linear valve;

[0095] 44: Mixing chamber;

[0096] 46: Bath temperature sensor;

[0097] 48: water spray temperature sensor;

[0098] 50a: high temperature side temperature sensor;

[0099] 50b: low temperature side temperature sensor;

[0100] 52: hot water supplier;

[0101] 54: Water pipe;

[0102] 54a: branch;

[0103] 100: Bathtub device;

[0104] 102: Bathtub body;

[0105] 104: electrode;

[0106] 106: Control Department;

[0107] 106a: remote control device;

[0108] 108a: first heater / cooler (warm and cold device);

[0109] 108b: second heater / cooler (warm and cold device);

[0110] 110: Bath temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] Next, a bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0112] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom in which the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a system for supplying hot water to a water spray device in a bathtub device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electrode included in the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing processing of signals acquired by the electrodes and each temperature sensor of the bathtub device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] like Figure 1 As shown, a bathtub device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a bathtub body 2; a negative electrode 4a, a positive electrode 4b and a reference electrode 4c, which are mounted on the bathtub body 2; and a control unit 6, which processes signals acquired by the electrodes, and the bathtub device 1 is installed in a bathroom R. In addition, the bathtub device 1 comprises: a water spray device 8 as a warming and cooling device installed on the upper edge of the bathtub body 2; and a circulation device 9, which sprays hot water in the bathtub body 2 from the water spray device 8 and the bathtub water spray port 9a. In addition, a remote control device 6a is mounted on the wall surface of the bathroom R, and the water spray device 8 and the circulation device 9 of the bathtub device 1 can be operated by the remote control device 6a. In addition, in the present embodiment, the bathtub device 1 is arranged on one side of the bathroom R in a manner of being in contact with the wall surface.

[0114] The bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that when a bather operates the water spray device 8, hot water having a higher or lower temperature than the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2 is sprayed from the water spray device 8, which can give the bather a warm or cool feeling. In addition, in the present embodiment, the bathtub device 1 is configured such that the body temperature of the bather or a change in the body temperature is estimated based on the electrocardiogram signal obtained by the negative electrode 4a, the positive electrode 4b, and the reference electrode 4c, and the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray device 8 is set based on the selection of the warm feeling or the cool feeling.

[0115] The bathtub body 2 is formed into a substantially rectangular box shape when viewed from above, and is configured to store hot water inside. In the present embodiment, the bathtub body 2 is configured such that one long side and two short sides on both sides thereof are in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R as a whole. In addition, the inner wall surface constituting one short side of the bathtub body 2 is configured as a backrest surface 2a, and the backrest surface 2a is a first inner wall surface formed in a manner for a bather to lean against. In addition, a baffle 2b is detachably mounted on the long side of the bathtub body 2 on the side not in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R.

[0116] The water spray device 8 is provided at the upper part of the backrest 2a of the bathtub body 2, and is configured to spray hot water toward the inside of the bathtub body 2. In the present embodiment, the water spray device 8 includes a flat and wide water spray port 8a extending along the upper edge of the backrest 2a, and the water spray device 8 is configured to spray hot water toward the neck, shoulders, and back of the bather leaning on the backrest 2a. In addition, the water spray device 8 is configured to spray a part of the hot water introduced from the bathtub water inlet 9b by the circulation device 9 from the water spray port 8a. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub body 2 circulates in a manner such that it is sucked into the circulation device 9 and sprayed from the water spray port 8a to flow into the bathtub body 2. Moreover, a part of the hot water introduced from the bathtub water inlet 9b by the circulation device 9 is also sprayed from the bathtub water spray port 9a provided on the backrest 2a of the bathtub body 2.

[0117] In addition, in the present embodiment, the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8 is formed flat and wide, so the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a is sprayed in the form of a wide belt-shaped water film and falls on the water surface of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2 at a position away from the backrest 2a. In addition, in the present embodiment, the water spray device 8 is configured to be able to switch the pressure strength achieved by the pump (not shown) between three levels of "strong", "medium" and "weak".

[0118] The negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b are a set of electrodes mounted on the bathtub body 2 in order to detect the electrocardiogram signal of the bather via the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2. The electrocardiogram signal of the bather is obtained as a signal of the potential difference between the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b. The set of electrodes consisting of the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b are all arranged on the backrest surface 2a constituting the short side of the bathtub body 2. In addition, the reference electrode 4c is an electrode for obtaining a reference potential of the potential detected by the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b, and is also arranged on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2.

[0119] In addition, the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b are arranged on the left and right sides of the center line of the horizontal direction (width direction) of the backrest 2a and are symmetrical with respect to the center line. That is, the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b are arranged on the backrest 2a in a manner separated from the center line to the left and right directions, and in this embodiment, the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b are arranged to be separated by about 380mm in the horizontal direction. Moreover, the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b are respectively arranged at a height position of about 300mm from the bottom surface of the bathtub body 2 so that they are located below the water surface in the bathtub body 2. The negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b can be assembled at a height position below the water surface in the bathtub body 2 and above the reference electrode 4c.

[0120] On the other hand, the reference electrode 4c is arranged on the center line of the backrest surface 2a and is lower than the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b. In the present embodiment, the reference electrode 4c is arranged at a height of about 150 mm from the bottom surface of the bathtub body 2 so as to be located below the water surface in the bathtub body 2. In addition, the reference electrode 4c is not necessarily required and can be omitted.

[0121] Next, refer to Figure 2 , a hot water supply system to the water spray device 8 is described.

[0122] First, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the circulation device 9 is configured to suck hot water in the bathtub main body 2 from the bathtub water inlet 9b provided on the inner wall surface of the bathtub main body 2, and to spray the hot water from the water spraying port 8a of the water spraying device 8 into the bathtub main body 2. In addition, a part of the hot water sucked from the bathtub water inlet 9b is sprayed from the bathtub water spraying port 9a provided on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub main body 2. Specifically, the circulation device 9 is configured by a pump that sucks hot water from the bathtub water inlet 9b and sprays the hot water from the water spraying port 8a and the bathtub water spraying port 9a.

[0123] On the other hand, the water spray device 8 also supplies hot water and cold water from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b, wherein the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a supplies hot water having a higher temperature than the hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2, and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b supplies cold water having a lower temperature than the hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2. That is, the hot water sucked from the bathtub water intake port 9b and pressurized by the circulation device 9, the hot water supplied from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a, and the cold water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b are all guided to the mixing chamber 44, where they are mixed and sprayed from the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8. It should be noted that the hot water from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a and the cold water from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b can be merged and mixed in the pipe without providing a large-volume special mixing chamber.

[0124] In addition, the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b are connected to the mixing chamber 44 via the high-temperature side linear valve (linear valve) 42a and the low-temperature side linear valve 42b, respectively, and the amount of hot water or cold water flowing from each supply pipe into the mixing chamber 44 can be controlled. Moreover, in the present embodiment, for the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a, hot water having a temperature higher than that of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2 is supplied from the hot water supplier 52. That is, the tap water supplied from the tap water pipe 54 is branched at the branching portion 54a, one of which is supplied to the hot water supplier 52, and the other directly flows into the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b. The tap water supplied to the hot water supplier 52 is heated to a temperature higher than that of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2, and is supplied to the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a.

[0125] Thus, when hot water having a temperature higher than that of the hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2 is ejected, the high-temperature-side linear valve 42a is opened, and the hot water sucked from the bathtub main body 2 and the hot water supplied from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a are mixed in the mixing chamber 44 and ejected from the water ejection device 8. On the other hand, when hot water having a temperature lower than that of the hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2 is ejected, the low-temperature-side linear valve 42b is opened, and the hot water sucked from the bathtub main body 2 and the tap water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b are mixed in the mixing chamber 44 and ejected from the water ejection device 8.

[0126] Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2 is detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 installed in the bathtub body 2. In addition, the temperature of the hot water to be sprayed from the water spray device 8 is detected by the water spray temperature sensor 48 installed in the water spray device 8. Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a is detected by the high-temperature side temperature sensor 50a, and the temperature of the cold water flowing in from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe is detected by the low-temperature side temperature sensor 50b. It should be noted that the high-temperature side temperature sensor 50a and the low-temperature side temperature sensor 50b may also be omitted. It should be noted that although the temperature of each hot water and cold water is detected, the temperature of each hot water and cold water may also be estimated based on the data obtained by each sensor.

[0127] The temperatures detected by these temperature sensors are sent to the control unit 6, and the control unit 6 controls the openings of the high-temperature side linear valve 42a and the low-temperature side linear valve 42b based on these detected temperatures, so that hot water of a desired temperature is sprayed from the water spray device 8. That is, the control unit 6 controls the openings of the high-temperature side linear valve 42a and the low-temperature side linear valve 42b so that the temperature detected by the water spray temperature sensor 48 becomes the desired temperature. The details of the control performed by the control unit 6 will be described later.

[0128] Next, refer to Figure 3, the structure of each electrode is explained.

[0129] It should be noted that, although the structure of the negative electrode 4 a is described here, in the present embodiment, the negative electrode 4 a , the positive electrode 4 b , and the reference electrode 4 c all have the same structure.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, the negative electrode 4a includes an electrode portion 10, a front gasket 12a, a back gasket 12b, a flange 14, a moisture-proof tube 16, a connection terminal 18, a fixing bolt 20, a lead 22, and a sheath 24. The negative electrode 4a is mounted on the surface of the backrest surface 2a of the bath body 2 in an exposed manner, and the watertightness between the negative electrode 4a and the backrest surface 2a is ensured by the gasket.

[0131] The electrode part 10 is a part made of conductive metal, which is composed of a circular plate part 10a formed into a circular plate shape and a shaft part 10b vertically protruding from the back side of the circular plate part 10a. The circular plate part 10a is a thin circular plate-shaped part, which is formed so that the front surface of the circular plate part 10a exposes the surface of the backrest 2a and detects the potential. That is, in the present embodiment, the circular plate part 10a is formed into a diameter of about 15mm and a thickness of about 2.5mm, and the circular plate part 10a is configured on the surface of the backrest 2a as a whole. The shaft part 10b is a round rod-shaped part extending at a right angle from the back center of the circular plate part 10a, passes through the through hole formed in the backrest 2a, and protrudes to the back side of the backrest 2a. In addition, an external thread is formed in the middle part of the shaft part 10b, and a fixing part for fixing the connection terminal 18 is formed at the top end of the shaft part 10b.

[0132] The front gasket 12a is a rubber disc-shaped member, and a circular hole is formed in the center thereof for passing the shaft portion 10b of the electrode portion 10. The front gasket 12a has a diameter substantially the same as that of the disc portion 10a of the electrode portion 10, and is disposed on the back side of the disc portion 10a. When the negative electrode 4a is mounted on the backrest surface 2a, the front gasket 12a is sandwiched between the back side of the disc portion 10a and the surface of the backrest surface 2a, thereby ensuring water tightness between the backrest surface 2a and the negative electrode 4a.

[0133] The back gasket 12b is a rubber disc-shaped member, and a circular hole is formed in the center thereof for passing the shaft portion 10b of the electrode portion 10. The back gasket 12b is larger than the front gasket 12a, has a diameter substantially the same as the large diameter portion of the flange 14, and is disposed on the back side of the back surface 2a. When the negative electrode 4a is assembled on the back surface 2a, the back gasket 12b is sandwiched between the back surface of the back surface 2a and the end face of the flange 14, ensuring the watertightness between the surface of the back side of the back surface 2a and the negative electrode 4a. It should be noted that the front gasket 12a and the back gasket 12b can also be made of resin.

[0134] The flange 14 is a stepped cylindrical member composed of a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and an internal thread for passing the shaft portion 10b of the electrode portion 10 is formed at its center. The large diameter portion of the flange 14 is formed to have a diameter substantially the same as that of the back gasket 12b, and the small diameter portion is formed on the back side of the large diameter portion. By screwing and tightening the internal thread formed to pass through the flange 14 and the external thread formed on the shaft portion 10b of the electrode portion 10, the back gasket 12b is pressed against the back side of the backrest 2a by the end face on the large diameter side of the flange 14, thereby ensuring watertightness.

[0135] The moisture-proof tube 16 is a long and narrow tube made of rubber, and is arranged to cover the top of the shaft portion 10b of the electrode portion 10, the connection terminal 18, the lead wire 22, etc. The small diameter portion of the flange 14 is embedded in the top of the moisture-proof tube 16 to prevent moisture from entering the moisture-proof tube 16. It should be noted that the moisture-proof tube 16 can also be made of resin.

[0136] The connection terminal 18 is a conductive metal part, and is crimped and connected to the top of the lead wire 22. A hole for passing the fixing bolt 20 is provided at the top of the connection terminal 18, and the connection terminal 18 can be fixed to the electrode part 10 by screwing the fixing bolt 20 passing through the hole into the internal thread provided at the top of the shaft part 10b of the electrode part 10. Thus, the electrode part 10 and the lead wire 22 can be electrically connected so as to be freely attachable and detachable.

[0137] The wire 22 is used to connect the electrode unit 10 and the control unit 6 ( Figure 1 ) is a conductive wire electrically connected to the negative electrode 4a, extending from the negative electrode 4a to the control unit 6. In addition, the wire 22 is covered with a sheath 24 made of an insulating material to ensure the electrical insulation of the wire 22. In this embodiment, the wires 22 extending from the negative electrode 4a, the positive electrode 4b and the reference electrode 4c are connected to the control unit 6, and the electrocardiographic signal is input to the control unit 6.

[0138] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the structure of the control unit 6 is explained.

[0139] The control unit 6 is a circuit connected to each electrode and each temperature sensor, and is arranged on the back side of the backrest 2a of the bath body 2. The electrocardiogram signal obtained by the negative electrode 4a, the positive electrode 4b and the reference electrode 4c is input to the control unit 6, and the body temperature of the bather is estimated based on this. In addition, the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 46, the spray water temperature sensor 48, the high temperature side temperature sensor 50a and the low temperature side temperature sensor 50b is also input to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 is configured to set the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the spray device 8 based on the estimated body temperature of the bather, and control the temperature of the sprayed hot water based on the detected temperature of each temperature sensor.

[0140] Specifically, the control unit 6 sends control signals to the circulation device 9, the high temperature side linear valve 42a, and the low temperature side linear valve 42b, and controls the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray device 8 to be the set temperature. In this way, the control unit 6 is configured to spray hot water having a temperature higher or lower than the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 46 from the water spray device 8 by causing hot water or cold water to flow from the high temperature hot water supply pipe 40a or the low temperature hot water supply pipe 40b, so that the temperature detected by the water spray temperature sensor 48 is the specified temperature.

[0141] Moreover, if Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 6 has a differential amplifier circuit 26, a filter circuit 28, an amplifier circuit 30, and an analog-to-digital converter (A / D Converter) 32, and these circuits are built into the housing 6b. In addition, the control unit 6 has built-in: a body temperature detection unit 34 for estimating the body temperature of the bather; a spray water temperature setting unit 36 ​​for setting the spray water temperature based on the detection signals input from each temperature sensor and the estimated body temperature; and a control signal output unit 38 for outputting a control signal so that hot water of the set temperature is sprayed from the spray device 8. Specifically, the body temperature detection unit 34, the spray water temperature setting unit 36, and the control signal output unit 38 are composed of a microprocessor, a memory, software for operating them, an interface circuit (not shown above), etc.

[0142] Here, the lead wires 22 extending from the electrodes and the control unit 6 connected to the lead wires 22 are accommodated in the space on the back side of the backrest surface 2a of the bath body 2. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the space behind the back surface 2a can be accessed from the bathroom side of the bathroom R by removing the baffle 2b of the bathtub body 2. Therefore, by removing the baffle 2b of the bathtub body 2, it is easy to perform maintenance such as adjustment and repair of each electrode and the control unit 6. That is, the negative electrode 4a, the positive electrode 4b, the reference electrode 4c, and the control unit 6 are collectively arranged in an easily accessible space, thereby improving the maintainability.

[0143] like Figure 4 As shown, the differential amplifier circuit 26 is an amplifier circuit to which the lead wires 22 extending from the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b are connected, respectively, and is configured to amplify the differential voltage between the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b.

[0144] The filter circuit 28 is configured to receive the differential voltage amplified by the differential amplifier circuit 26, remove components of unnecessary frequency bands such as hum, and pass signal components of necessary frequency bands.

[0145] The amplifier circuit 30 is configured to amplify the input signal after the filter circuit 28 removes unnecessary frequency components such as hum. The lead wire 22 extending from the reference electrode 4c is connected to the differential amplifier circuit 26, the filter circuit 28, and the ground of the amplifier circuit 30.

[0146] The analog-to-digital converter 32 is configured to convert the analog signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 30 into a digital signal.

[0147] The body temperature detection unit 34 is configured to estimate the body temperature of the bather based on the electrocardiogram signal of the bather detected by the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b and converted into a digital signal by the analog-to-digital converter 32. The method for estimating the body temperature of the bather based on the electrocardiogram signal will be described later. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the deep body temperature of the bather is estimated as the body temperature of the bather by the body temperature detection unit 34. Here, the deep body temperature refers to the temperature inside the body of the bather, and the sublingual temperature, rectal temperature, tympanic membrane temperature, etc. are usually measured as the deep temperature. However, there is a certain correlation between the deep body temperature of the bather and the skin temperature of the part not immersed in the hot water, etc., so the skin temperature of the bather can also be set as the body temperature to constitute the present invention.

[0148] The water spray temperature setting unit 36 ​​is configured to first determine whether to give the bather a warm feeling or a cool feeling based on the body temperature of the bather estimated by the body temperature detection unit 34. In the case of giving the bather a warm feeling, the water spray temperature setting unit 36 ​​sets a temperature higher than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 as the water spray temperature. On the other hand, in the case of giving the bather a cool feeling, the water spray temperature setting unit 36 ​​sets a temperature lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 as the water spray temperature.

[0149] The control signal output unit 38 is configured to control the circulation device 9, the high temperature side linear valve 42a, and the low temperature side linear valve 42b so that the spray water temperature detected by the spray water temperature sensor 48 is the set temperature set by the spray water temperature setting unit 36. That is, when the hot water having a temperature higher than that of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is sprayed, the low temperature side linear valve 42b is closed and the high temperature side linear valve 42a is opened. As a result, the hot water sucked from the bathtub water inlet 9b and the hot water supplied from the high temperature hot water supply pipe 40a are mixed in the mixing chamber 44, and the hot water having a temperature higher than that of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is sprayed from the spray device 8. On the other hand, when the hot water having a temperature lower than that of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is sprayed, the high temperature side linear valve 42a is closed and the low temperature side linear valve 42b is opened. As a result, the hot water sucked from the bathtub water inlet 9b and the tap water supplied from the low temperature hot water supply pipe 40b are mixed in the mixing chamber 44, and the hot water having a temperature lower than that of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is sprayed from the spray device 8.

[0150] Furthermore, when hot water having a higher temperature than the hot water in the bath body 2 is ejected, the flow rate of the hot water circulated by the circulation device 9 and the opening degree of the high-temperature-side linear valve 42a are set based on the detected temperatures of the bath temperature sensor 46, the spray water temperature sensor 48, and the high-temperature-side temperature sensor 50a through the control signal output unit 38. On the other hand, when hot water having a lower temperature than the hot water in the bath body 2 is ejected, the flow rate of the hot water circulated by the circulation device 9 and the opening degree of the low-temperature-side linear valve 42b are set based on the detected temperatures of the bath temperature sensor 46, the spray water temperature sensor 48, and the low-temperature-side temperature sensor 50b through the control signal output unit 38.

[0151] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the operation of the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0152] Figure 5 It is a flowchart showing the operation of the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing changes in the spray water temperature when the spray water from the spray water device 8 is started in the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Figure 5 The flowchart shown is a flow chart showing control performed by the control unit 6 , and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals during the operation of the bathtub device 1 .

[0154] First, in step S1, it is determined whether the bather has operated the remote control device 6a. That is, it is determined whether the bather has operated to operate the water spray device 8. If so, the process proceeds to step S2. If not, the process ends. Figure 5 One processing of the flowchart shown.

[0155] Next, in step S2, the detection signals from each temperature sensor are read by the control unit 6. Specifically, the temperature of the hot water stored in the bath body 2 is read from the bath temperature sensor 46, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a is read from the high-temperature side temperature sensor 50a, and the temperature of the tap water supplied to the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b is read from the low-temperature side temperature sensor 50b. In addition, the signal of the potential difference between the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b is read by the control unit 6 as an electrocardiogram signal of the bather.

[0156] Next, in step S3, the body temperature of the bather is estimated by the body temperature detection unit 34 of the control unit 6 based on the electrocardiographic signals acquired by the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b. The estimation in step S3 will be described later.

[0157] Moreover, in step S4, it is determined whether the warm stimulation mode or the cool stimulation mode is set for the hot water to be sprayed from the water spray device 8 through the water spray temperature setting unit 36 ​​of the control unit 6. That is, when it is determined based on the body temperature of the bather estimated in step S3 that the bather wants to feel warm, the warm stimulation mode is automatically set through the water spray temperature setting unit 36 ​​in order to give the bather a sense of warmth. On the other hand, when it is determined based on the body temperature of the bather estimated in step S3 that the bather wants to feel cool, the cool stimulation mode is automatically set through the water spray temperature setting unit 36 ​​in order to give the bather a sense of cool. When the warm stimulation mode or the cool stimulation mode is set, the process proceeds to step S5, and when no mode is set, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the control signal output unit 38 of the control unit 6 sends a control signal to the circulation device 9, so that the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is directly sprayed out from the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8, and the process ends. Figure 5 The setting of the warm stimulation mode or the cool stimulation mode based on the estimated body temperature of the bather will be described later.

[0158] Here, in the warm stimulation mode, hot water having a higher temperature than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 is sprayed, and in the cool stimulation mode, hot water having a lower temperature than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is sprayed. As described below, in the present embodiment, when the warm stimulation mode is set, the spray water temperature is set higher than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46, and when the cool stimulation mode is set, the spray water temperature is set lower than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46. Preferably, in the warm stimulation mode, the spray water temperature is set such that the relative temperature is about 2°C higher than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 and the absolute temperature is below 45°C, and in the cool stimulation mode, the spray water temperature is set such that the relative temperature is about 2°C lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 and the absolute temperature is higher than the temperature of tap water.

[0159] Then, in step S5, it is determined whether the set mode is the warm stimulation mode. If it is the warm stimulation mode, the process proceeds to S6, and if it is not the warm stimulation mode (it is the cool stimulation mode), the process proceeds to S7.

[0160] In step S6, the control signal output unit 38 of the control unit 6 sends a control signal to the circulation device 9 and the high temperature side linear valve 42a, so that hot water with a temperature higher than that of the hot water in the bath body 2 is sprayed out from the spray port 8a of the spray device 8, and the process ends. Figure 5 That is, the control signal output unit 38 controls the circulation device 9 and the high temperature side linear valve 42a so that the spray water temperature detected by the spray water temperature sensor 48 becomes the spray water temperature set as the thermal stimulation mode.

[0161] First, the control signal output unit 38 operates the circulation device 9, thereby sucking the hot water in the bath body 2 from the bath water inlet 9b, causing a part of the sucked hot water to be ejected from the bath water ejection port 9a, and sending the remaining hot water to the mixing chamber 44. Then, the control signal output unit 38 sends a control signal to the high temperature side linear valve 42a to open the high temperature side linear valve 42a, thereby causing the hot water supplied from the high temperature hot water supply pipe 40a to flow into the mixing chamber 44. Here, the hot water supplied from the high temperature hot water supply pipe 40a has been heated by the hot water supplier 52 to a temperature higher than that of the hot water stored in the bath body 2. Therefore, by mixing the hot water sucked from the bath body 2 and the hot water supplied from the high temperature hot water supply pipe 40a in the mixing chamber 44, the hot water having a higher temperature than that of the hot water in the bath body 2 can be ejected from the water ejection device 8.

[0162] In addition, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a is detected by the high-temperature side temperature sensor 50a, and the temperature and flow rate of the hot water flowing into the mixing chamber 44 through the circulation device 9 are also known. Therefore, the control signal output unit 38 can calculate in advance the amount of hot water flowing from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a required to make the hot water mixed in the mixing chamber 44 have a predetermined temperature, and control the opening of the high-temperature side linear valve 42a based on this. In this way, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a can be detected by the high-temperature side temperature sensor 50a, thereby quickly making the temperature of the hot water actually sprayed from the spray port 8a consistent with the target temperature.

[0163] On the other hand, in step S5, if the cooling stimulation mode is set, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control signal output unit 38 of the control unit 6 sends a control signal to the circulation device 9 and the low-temperature side linear valve 42, so that hot water with a lower temperature than the hot water in the bath body 2 is sprayed from the spray port 8a of the spray device 8, and the process ends. Figure 5 That is, the control signal output unit 38 controls the circulation device 9 and the low temperature side linear valve 42b so that the spray water temperature detected by the spray water temperature sensor 48 becomes the spray water temperature set as the cooling stimulation mode.

[0164] First, the control signal output unit 38 operates the circulation device 9, thereby causing a portion of the hot water sucked from the bath water inlet 9b to be ejected from the bath water ejection port 9a, and the remaining hot water is sent to the mixing chamber 44. Furthermore, the control signal output unit 38 sends a control signal to the low-temperature side linear valve 42b to open the low-temperature side linear valve 42b, thereby causing cold water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b to flow into the mixing chamber 44. Here, the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b is directly connected to the tap water pipe, so that hot water sucked from the bath body 2 and tap water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b can be mixed, so that hot water with a lower temperature than the hot water in the bath body 2 can be ejected from the water ejection device 8.

[0165] In addition, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b is detected by the low-temperature side temperature sensor 50b, so the control signal output unit 38 calculates in advance the amount of tap water flowing from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b required to make the hot water mixed in the mixing chamber 44 have a predetermined temperature, and controls the opening of the low-temperature side linear valve 42b. In this way, the temperature of the hot water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b can be detected by the low-temperature side temperature sensor 50b, thereby quickly making the temperature of the hot water actually sprayed from the water spray port 8a consistent with the target temperature.

[0166] In addition, in steps S6 and S7, if Figure 6As shown in FIG. 1 , the control signal output unit 38 is configured to increase or decrease the target temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8 at a predetermined gradient from the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2. That is, in step S6, the control signal output unit 38 gradually increases the opening of the high temperature side linear valve 42a from zero to a predetermined opening within a predetermined transition time T, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown by the solid line, the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a is raised to the predetermined temperature set as the temperature stimulation mode. That is, by gradually increasing the opening of the high-temperature side linear valve 42a from zero, the flow rate of the high-temperature hot water flowing from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a to the mixing chamber 44 is increased, and the temperature of the sprayed hot water is gradually raised from the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2.

[0167] Similarly, in step S7, the control signal output unit 38 causes the opening of the low-temperature side linear valve 42b to gradually increase from zero to a predetermined opening within a predetermined transition time T, such as Figure 6 As shown by the dotted line, the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a is lowered to the specified temperature set as the cool stimulation mode. That is, by gradually increasing the opening of the low-temperature side linear valve 42b from zero, the flow rate of the tap water flowing from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b to the mixing chamber 44 is increased, and the temperature of the sprayed hot water is gradually reduced from the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2. In this way, in this embodiment, the spray temperature of the hot water from the water spray device 8 rises or falls at a specified gradient from the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2, so that the bather can be prevented from feeling uncomfortable warmth / coolness due to a drastic change in the spray water temperature. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the transition time T is set to about 2 seconds (sec), thereby providing the bather with a comfortable warm stimulation or cool stimulation. Preferably, the transition time T is set in such a way that the change in the spray water temperature is about 1°C / sec to about 2°C / sec. Alternatively, the transition time T may not be set (transition time T=0).

[0168] The hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8 directly contacts the neck, shoulders, and back of the bather, giving the bather a warm or cool sensation. In addition, when a certain period of time has passed since the start of bathing, the skin temperature of the bather is roughly equal to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2. However, since the hot water sprayed from the water spray device 8 is set to a temperature higher or lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2, it can reliably give the bather a warm or cool sensation.

[0169] Here, the heat flux flowing between the hot water sprayed from the water outlet 8a and the skin of the bather is proportional to the temperature difference between the hot water and the skin. The proportional constant k that regulates the heat flux between the hot water and the skin is hundreds of times larger than the proportional constant that regulates the heat flux between the air and the skin. The heat transfer rate between the hot water and the skin is extremely large, which can quickly bring heat to the bather or take away heat from the bather. In addition, by making the hot water contact with the bather, the bather's entire body is wrapped in hot water, which can more effectively bring a warm or cool stimulation to the bather compared to the case of heat transfer through a solid. In this embodiment, hot water is used as a medium that brings temperature stimulation, but it is not limited to this. For example, an air medium whose flow rate is increased to increase the proportional constant k, or a solid medium whose shape matches the human body can also be used to bring temperature stimulation.

[0170] Furthermore, the neck, shoulders, and back of the human body are filled with temperature receptors and blood vessels, and by making the hot water from the water jet 8a contact these areas, the bather can effectively feel the temperature change. In addition, when hot water is sprayed from the bathtub water jet 9a provided on the inner wall of the bathtub body 2, the sprayed hot water becomes close to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub before contacting the bather. In contrast, the hot water sprayed from the water jet device 8 above the bathtub body 2 contacts the bather at a temperature substantially equal to the spray temperature. Therefore, the water sprayed from the water jet device 8 can effectively provide temperature stimulation to the bather.

[0171] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, hot water is sprayed from the bathtub water outlet 9a simultaneously with the spraying of water from the water spray device 8, so that the hot water sprayed from the water spray device 8 is stirred and convected in the bathtub body 2, and the temperature change achieved by the hot water from the water spray device 8 can be spread over the entire body of the bather. In addition, as a modified example, the present invention can also be configured as follows: a switch valve (not shown) that can be opened and closed based on a control signal from the remote control device 6a is provided in advance between the circulation device 9 and the bathtub water outlet 9a, and the presence or absence of the spraying of hot water from the bathtub water outlet 9a can be switched.

[0172] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 11 , the process of estimating the body temperature of the bather and the process of selecting the warm stimulation mode or the cool stimulation mode are explained.

[0173] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the process of estimating the body temperature of a bather and selecting a warm stimulation mode or a cool stimulation mode. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electrocardiographic waveform acquired by the negative electrode 4 a and the positive electrode 4 b . Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of normal heart rate estimation. Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of changes in the heart rate and deep body temperature of a bather during bathing. Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the correction of the reference that should provide a cooling sensation stimulation.

[0174] During operation of the bath device 1, Figure 7 The process implemented by the flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the control unit 6. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the warm stimulation mode and the cool stimulation mode may be manually set by operating a mode setting operation unit (not shown) provided on the remote control device 6a. Figure 7 The flowchart of FIG. 1 represents a process for automatically setting a warm stimulation mode or a cool stimulation mode.

[0175] First, in Figure 7 In step S11, it is determined whether someone is about to enter the bathroom R. If there is a bather, proceed to step S12, and if there is no bather, end. Figure 7 One processing of the flowchart shown.

[0176] Next, in step S12, the bather is identified. For example, in the case of a bathtub device 1 provided in a residence, family members are registered in advance in the remote control device 6a, and when the bather takes a bath, the bather selects who the bather is on the remote control device 6a, whereby the bathtub device 1 can identify the bather. In this case, the remote control device 6a functions as a bather identification device. Alternatively, the present invention may be constructed in the following manner: various sensors such as an image sensor (not shown) provided in the bathroom R are used as a bather identification device to automatically identify the bather. In addition, the present invention may be constructed in the following manner: by communicating with a smartphone held by the bather, it is identified who has entered the dressing room adjacent to the bathroom R.

[0177] Then, in step S13, the electrocardiogram signal of the bather in the bathtub body 2 of the bathtub device 1 is acquired by the body temperature detection unit 34 built in the control unit 6. That is, the electrocardiogram signal of the bather is acquired as a signal of a potential difference through the negative electrode 4a and the positive electrode 4b disposed on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2 via the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2. Figure 8 An example of the electrocardiographic signal acquired in this way is shown.

[0178] Next, in step S14, the normal heart rate of the bather is obtained based on the electrocardiogram signal obtained in step S13. That is, in the electrocardiogram waveform, the heartbeat of the bather is detected as a pulse-shaped R wave with a large amplitude, and the heart rate of the bather can be obtained by counting the number of R waves per unit time. In addition, in this embodiment, the body temperature detection unit 34 obtains and stores the minimum value of the heart rate of the bather 1 to 3 minutes immediately after entering the bathtub body 2 as the normal heart rate of the bather.

[0179] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the heart rate of a bather relative to the deep body temperature. First, vital signs such as heart rate may sometimes temporarily increase due to the action of bathing, but since they will not drop significantly compared to normal times, the minimum value within a specified period immediately after bathing can be set as the normal heart rate. In this embodiment, the heart rate of the bather after a specified time has passed since entering the bathtub body 2 is used as the bather's normal heart rate. Alternatively, the average heart rate within a specified period immediately after bathing may be set as the normal heart rate. In addition, as a modified example, Fig. 9 As shown, for a specific bather identified in step S12, the average of the heart rates obtained in the past few days can be set as the bather's usual heart rate. In addition, the heart rate obtained from an external device such as a wearable terminal can also be used as the usual heart rate.

[0180] Moreover, in Figure 7 In step S15, the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 is acquired.

[0181] Next, in step S16, the change in the heart rate of the bather is obtained. That is, the change in the heart rate of the bather relative to the normal heart rate obtained in step S14 immediately after bathing is obtained. Generally, when the bather soaks in the hot water in the bathtub body 2, the body temperature rises and the heart rate also rises. In step S16, the change in the heart rate is obtained by the body temperature detection unit 34.

[0182] Normally, the deep body temperature of a bather gradually rises after the bath begins. Fig.10 As shown in an example in , it is known that the change in the deep body temperature of the bather after the start of the bath has a strong correlation with the change in the heart rate of the bather, and the change in the deep body temperature of the bather can be estimated based on the change in the heart rate of the bather. In this embodiment, the body temperature detection unit 34 estimates the change in the deep body temperature of the bather based on the change in the heart rate of the bather. As an example, when the heart rate of a bather whose normal heart rate is 70 beats / minute rises to 80 beats / minute after the start of the bath, it can be estimated that the deep body temperature of the bather has risen by about 0.4°C.

[0183] In addition, Fig. 9 In the variation shown, the average heart rate of a bather detected in the past 5 days is 62 beats / minute, and the heart rate detected on the day is 70 beats / minute. In this case, the body temperature detection unit 34 determines that the bather's heart rate has increased by 8 beats / minute compared to the usual heart rate, and can estimate the increase in the bather's deep body temperature based on the increase in heart rate.

[0184] Furthermore, as another modification, the present invention may be configured as follows: the body temperature of the bather is estimated based on the time elapsed after the bather enters the bathtub body 2 and the temperature of the hot water detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46. Specifically, a timing unit (not shown) is provided in advance inside the remote control device 6a, and the timing unit detects the time elapsed after the bather enters the bathtub body 2. Furthermore, the body temperature detection unit 34 estimates the deep body temperature of the bather based on the time elapsed detected by the timing unit and the temperature of the hot water detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46. That is, there is a strong correlation between the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 and the time elapsed after the bather immerses in the hot water and the rise in the deep body temperature of the bather, so the rise in the deep body temperature of the bather can be estimated based on the temperature of the hot water and the elapsed time. According to this modification, the rise in the body temperature of the bather can be simply estimated by providing a timing unit (not shown).

[0185] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the body temperature detection unit 34 estimates the change in the deep body temperature of the bather based on the change in the heart rate of the bather, but the present invention may also be constructed in a manner of directly measuring the body temperature of the bather. For example, the bather may be photographed by a thermal imager (not shown), and the body temperature of the bather immediately after bathing and the body temperature after bathing may be measured based on the detection signal of the thermal imager, thereby detecting the change in the body temperature of the bather. In addition, the body temperature detected by the thermal imager is the surface temperature of the bather, but the prescribed relationship between the surface temperature and the deep body temperature is known, so the deep body temperature can be estimated based on the detected surface temperature. Alternatively, the present invention may be constructed in the following manner: the bather wears a thermometer while bathing, thereby measuring the body temperature of the bather.

[0186] Then, in Figure 7 In step S17, it is determined whether the bather has performed an operation to start the water spray device 8 through the remote control device 6a. If the start operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step S18, and if the start operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S15. Thereafter, the process of steps S15→S16→S17→S15 is repeated to monitor the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 and the change in the heart rate (body temperature change) of the bather until the bather performs the start operation of the water spray device 8.

[0187] When the bather starts the water spray device 8, step S18 is executed. In step S18, based on the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub obtained in step S15 and the estimated temperature change of the bather, it is determined whether the specified warm stimulation condition or cool stimulation condition is met. In the case that neither the warm stimulation condition nor the cool stimulation condition is met, the process in the flowchart returns to step S15, and the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 and the change in the heart rate (body temperature change) of the bather are continuously monitored, and the warm stimulation mode and the cool stimulation mode are not set.

[0188] On the other hand, in step S18, if it is determined that the predetermined warm stimulation condition or cool stimulation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S19, and in step S19, it is determined whether the satisfied condition is cool stimulation. If the satisfied condition is cool stimulation, the process proceeds to step S20, and if the satisfied condition is not cool stimulation (it is warm stimulation), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0189] For example, when the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 measured by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 is 38°C or higher, and the rise of the body temperature of the bather after a predetermined time after the start of bathing is greater than the predetermined first temperature increment, it is considered that the bather has been immersed in hot water with a relatively high temperature for a long time and the body of the bather is very warm. In this embodiment, the first temperature increment is set to 0.6°C, and when the body temperature of the bather rises to 0.6°C or higher, it is determined in step S18 that the cool stimulation condition is satisfied. When the cool stimulation condition is satisfied, a cool stimulation mode is set in step S20, and the cool stimulation mode causes hot water with a temperature lower than that of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 to be sprayed from the spray port 8a of the spray device 8. In this embodiment, as an example, the first temperature increment is set to 0.6°C, but it is not limited thereto and can be set appropriately. Specifically, it can be set as the first temperature increment based on a database that obtains the relationship between the comfortable warm and cold feeling felt by the bather and the body temperature at that time. The predetermined time here refers to the time from the start of bathing until the heartbeat stabilizes or the shaking of the hot water in the bathtub stabilizes, and may be set, for example, to 1 to 3 minutes immediately after the bather enters the bathtub body.

[0190] When the cool stimulation mode is set, execute Figure 5The processing in step S7 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 4 . That is, the control unit 6 sends a signal to the low-temperature side linear valve 42b, so that the tap water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b is mixed with the hot water circulated by the circulation device 9, and the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8 is reduced to about 34°C. In this case, the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is higher than the deep body temperature of the bather, and the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a is lower than the deep body temperature. Thus, the bather can feel comfortable coolness. Preferably, in the case of providing a cool stimulation to the bather, hot water having a temperature lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 by more than 2°C is sprayed from the water spray port 8a. In this way, a cool stimulation is provided under the condition that the body temperature of the bather rises, thereby providing positive comfort to the bather.

[0191] In addition, according to Fig. 9 As described above, if the bather's usual heart rate is stored and the bather's heart rate continues to be higher than the usual heart rate immediately after bathing, it is assumed that the bather started bathing while feeling the heat due to exercise and high temperature. In such a case, it is determined in step S18 that the prescribed cool stimulation condition is met, and the cool stimulation mode is set in step S20.

[0192] On the other hand, when the temperature of the hot water in the bath body 2 measured by the bath temperature sensor 46 is below 37°C, and the body temperature of the bather hardly rises even after a predetermined time has passed since the start of bathing, it is assumed that the bather feels cold while bathing in hot water at a relatively low temperature. In the present embodiment, when the rise in the body temperature of the bather is below 0.3°C as the second temperature increment, it is determined in step S18 that the temperature stimulation condition is satisfied. When the temperature stimulation condition is satisfied, a temperature stimulation mode is set in step S21, and the temperature stimulation mode causes hot water having a temperature higher than that of the hot water in the bath body 2 to be sprayed from the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8. In the present embodiment, as an example, the second temperature increment is set to 0.3°C, but it is not limited thereto and can be set appropriately. Specifically, it can be set as the second temperature increment based on a database that obtains the relationship between the comfortable temperature and coldness felt by the bather and the body temperature at that time.

[0193] When the temperature stimulation mode is set, execute Figure 5The process in step S6 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 4 . That is, the control unit 6 sends a signal to the high temperature side linear valve 42a, so that the hot water supplied from the high temperature hot water supply pipe 40a is mixed with the hot water circulated by the circulation device 9, and the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a of the water spray device 8 is raised to about 39°C. In this case, the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is lower or slightly higher than the deep body temperature of the bather, and the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray port 8a is higher than the deep body temperature and the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2. Thus, the bather can feel comfortable warmth. Preferably, in the case of providing a thermal stimulation to the bather, hot water having a temperature higher than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 by more than 2°C is sprayed from the water spray port 8a. In this way, in the case where the body temperature of the bather does not rise after bathing and the bather feels cold, a thermal stimulation is provided, thereby providing positive comfort to the bather.

[0194] In addition, as a modified example, Fig.11 As shown, the cool stimulation condition or the warm stimulation condition can be corrected based on the past operation record of a certain bather. As described above, the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the bather can select the cool stimulation mode and the warm stimulation mode implemented by the water spray device 8 by operating the mode setting operation unit (not shown). Based on the manual operation performed by the bather, the setting conditions of the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode are corrected by the control unit 6. That is, the body temperature detection unit 34 estimates the body temperature of the bather at the time when the bather operates the mode setting operation unit (not shown). The control unit 6 is configured such that a correction setting condition is determined based on the estimated body temperature to correct the setting conditions of the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode, and the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode is selected based on the correction setting condition. The correction setting condition is stored in a storage device (not shown) built into the control unit 6. The control unit 6 is configured to select the cool stimulation mode or the warm stimulation mode based on the correction setting conditions stored for the bather identified by the bather identification device (not shown).

[0195] In such Fig.11 In the example shown, the usual heart rate of a bather is stored as 62 beats / minute based on the average value of the past five days since the start of bathing. Fig.11As shown, the default specification of the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment is configured as follows: when the body temperature reaches a temperature at which the bather's heart rate increases by 10 beats / minute compared to the heart rate at the beginning of the bath, the cool stimulation mode is automatically set. On the other hand, the bather has performed the following operation in the past 5 days: when the body temperature reaches a temperature at which the bather's heart rate increases by an average of 15 beats / minute compared to the heart rate at the beginning of the bath, the cool stimulation is manually started. Based on the body temperature, the setting conditions of the cool stimulation mode are corrected. For example, it is assumed that the bather starts bathing after exercise, and the heart rate at the beginning of the bath is 70 beats / minute, which is more than usual. In this case, in the default setting, when the bather's heart rate increases by 10 beats / minute compared to the beginning of the bath and reaches 80 beats / minute, the cool stimulation mode is automatically set. In contrast, a correction setting condition is determined by correcting the setting condition of the cool stimulation mode, so that in the corrected setting condition, when the heart rate of the bather rises to 77 beats / minute, which is 15 beats / minute higher than the usual heart rate, the cool stimulation mode is set. In this way, the setting conditions of the cool stimulation mode and / or the warm stimulation mode can be corrected based on the past manual operation performed by the bather, and the cool stimulation or warm stimulation suitable for the physical condition and preference of each bather on that day can be provided.

[0196] The bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention provides a warm stimulation higher than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub when the warm stimulation mode is selected, and provides a cool stimulation lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub when the cool stimulation mode is selected, thereby providing positive comfort to the bather.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment, when the rise in body temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature increment, the cooling stimulation mode ( Figure 7 Step S19→S20), when the body temperature rises below the second temperature increment, the temperature stimulation mode is selected ( Figure 7 Steps S19→S21), therefore, it is possible to appropriately judge whether the bather wants cool stimulation or warm stimulation, thereby providing positive comfort to the bather.

[0198] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment, based on the electrocardiographic signal ( Figure 8 ) is used to estimate the body temperature of the bather, so the body temperature of the bather immersed in the hot water in the bathtub main body 2 can be accurately estimated without imposing a burden on the bather.

[0199] According to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, hot water having a temperature higher or lower than the detection temperature obtained by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 is sprayed from the water spray device 8 through the control unit 6, thereby providing positive comfort that could not be obtained in conventional bathing in a manner that does not impair the relaxing effect of bathing in the bathtub.

[0200] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment, the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray device 8 increases or decreases at a predetermined gradient from the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 ( Figure 6 ), thus preventing the bather from feeling uncomfortable warmth / coldness due to drastic changes in the spray water temperature.

[0201] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment, the hot water introduced from the bathtub body 2 is mixed with the hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a to generate hot water with a temperature higher than that of the bath water, and the hot water introduced from the bathtub body 2 is mixed with the tap water flowing in from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b to generate low-temperature hot water ( Figure 2 ). Therefore, while reducing the amount of hot water or cold water supplied from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a or the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b, a large flow rate exceeding the flow rate that can be supplied from the hot water supply device etc. can be ejected from the water spray device 8. In addition, by mixing with the hot water introduced from the bathtub body 2, the change in the spray water temperature is slowed down, and by suppressing the drastic change in the spray water temperature, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the bather.

[0202] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment, a part of the hot water introduced from the bathtub main body 2 is sprayed from the bathtub water spray port 9a, so that the hot water sprayed from the water spray device to the neck, shoulders, and back of the bather is stirred and convected in the bathtub main body 2, and the temperature change achieved by the hot water from the water spray device 8 can be spread over the entire body of the bather. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the water spray device has a flat and wide water spray port extending along the upper edge of the backrest and is configured to spray hot water toward the neck, shoulders, and back of the bather leaning on the backrest, but it is not limited to this example, as long as the water spray port is provided on the inner wall of the bathtub main body. Specifically, a part of the water spray device may be exposed from the backrest, and since the water spray device is easy to be detached from the bathtub main body, maintenance work becomes easy. In addition, the water spray outlet in the water spray device is not limited to being provided only at the upper edge of the backrest, but may also be provided in a manner extending horizontally from the backrest to form a flat and wide water spray outlet on the side wall surface, which is roughly U-shaped when viewed from above. This can spray a strip-shaped water film over a wide area of ​​the bather's neck, shoulders, and back, thereby providing active comfort to the bather.

[0203] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment, the temperature of the cold water or hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a or the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b is detected ( Figure 2 ), with reference to the detected temperature, the spray temperature from the water spray device 8 is controlled, so that the spray temperature can quickly reach the target temperature and the spray temperature can be accurately controlled.

[0204] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of the present embodiment, the body temperature of the bather is detected or estimated, and based on the body temperature, hot water having a temperature higher or lower than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 46 is sprayed from the water spray device 8, thereby providing the bather with a warm or cool feeling at an appropriate timing.

[0205] Next, refer to Fig.12 , a bathtub device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0206] The bathtub device of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment of the present invention in that the hot / cold device for providing the bather with cool stimulation and warm stimulation is composed of a heater / cooler. Therefore, only the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are described here, and the description of the same structure, function, and effect is omitted. Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a bathtub device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0207] like Fig.12 As shown, the bathtub device 100 of this embodiment includes: a bathtub body 102; an electrode 104 (only one is shown in the figure) for obtaining the electrocardiogram signal of the bather; a control unit 106; a first heater / cooler 108a and a second heater / cooler 108b for providing cool stimulation and warm stimulation to the bather; and a bathtub temperature sensor 110 for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 102.

[0208] The bathtub body 102 is configured to store hot water so that a bather can soak in the hot water.

[0209] The electrode 104 is provided on the backrest of the bathtub body 102 and is configured to detect the electrocardiogram signal of the bather in the bathtub body 102 via the hot water. Fig.12 Although only one electrode 104 is shown, the electrode 104 is composed of a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a reference electrode, and the configuration for acquiring an electrocardiographic signal of a bather is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0210] Bath temperature sensor 110 is provided on the inner wall surface of bath body 102 , and is configured to detect the temperature of hot water stored in bath body 102 .

[0211] The control unit 106 is configured to control the first heating / cooling device 108a and the second heating / cooling device 108b to provide a cool sensation or a warm sensation to the bather based on the detection signal obtained by the bath temperature sensor 110 and the detection signal obtained by the electrode 104. Specifically, the control unit 106 is composed of a microprocessor, an interface circuit, a memory, and software for operating them (not shown in the figure).

[0212] Furthermore, a remote control device 106a mounted on the wall of the bathroom is connected to the control unit 106, and the bather in the bathtub body 2 operates the remote control device 106a to operate various functions of the bathtub device 100. That is, the bather operates the remote control device 106a to operate functions such as adding hot water in the bathtub body 2, reheating, cooling stimulation, or warm stimulation.

[0213] The first heater / cooler 108a is provided on the upper part of the backrest of the bathtub body 2, and contacts the neck and shoulders of the bather who leans on the backrest of the bathtub body 2. The second heater / cooler 108b is provided on the backrest of the bathtub body 2, lower than the first heater / cooler 108a, and contacts the back of the bather who leans on the backrest of the bathtub body 2. In the present embodiment, the first heater / cooler 108a and the second heater / cooler 108b have built-in Peltier elements, and the surface in contact with the body of the bather is heated or cooled by supplying current from the control unit 106 to the Peltier elements.

[0214] In this embodiment, the bather operates the mode setting operation unit (not shown) of the remote control device 106a, thereby supplying current to the first heater / cooler 108a and the second heater / cooler 108b, manually bringing about a cool sensation or a warm sensation. When the cool sensation stimulation mode is selected, the surfaces of the first heater / cooler 108a and the second heater / cooler 108b are cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 110, bringing a cool sensation to the bather. When the warm sensation stimulation mode is selected, the surfaces of the first heater / cooler 108a and the second heater / cooler 108b are heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 110, bringing a warm sensation to the bather.

[0215] Moreover, by setting the mode setting operation unit to "automatic" in advance, the warm stimulation mode or the cool stimulation mode is automatically selected based on the body temperature of the bather, giving the bather a cool stimulation or warm stimulation. The estimation of the bather's body temperature and the setting conditions of the warm stimulation mode and the cool stimulation mode are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so the description is omitted.

[0216] In addition, in the present embodiment, a warm-cold-heat device using a Peltier element is used for the first heater / cooler 108a and the second heater / cooler 108b. In contrast, as a modified example, a heat exchanger (not shown) may be used for the first heater / cooler 108a and the second heater / cooler 108b. Alternatively, the present invention may be configured in the following manner: the heat exchanger is cooled or heated by flowing hot water having a lower temperature than the hot water in the bathtub body 2 or hot water having a higher temperature than the hot water in the bathtub body 2 to the heat exchanger. In this way, any device that can provide a cool sensation or a warm sensation to the bather can be used as a warm-cold-heat device.

[0217] Furthermore, the present invention may be configured by appropriately combining the configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention and the configuration of the modified example of the first embodiment with the bathtub device of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0218] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, various changes can be added to the said embodiment.

Claims

1. A bathtub device, which can provide a warm feeling to a bather, characterized in that: have: The main body of the bathtub is used to store hot water; a water spray device disposed above the bathtub body, spraying hot water at a position above the water surface of the hot water stored in the bathtub body so as to directly contact a bather in the bathtub body; A bath temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water stored in the bath body; a water spray temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the hot water to be sprayed from the water spray device; a high-temperature hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water at a temperature higher than that of the hot water stored in the bath body; as well as The control unit causes hot water with a temperature higher than the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor to be sprayed from the water spray device by causing hot water to flow from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe so that the temperature detected by the water spray temperature sensor becomes a predetermined temperature. The bathtub device also has: a circulation device for introducing hot water from the bathtub body, The control unit is configured to mix the hot water introduced by the circulation device with the hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe, thereby generating hot water having a temperature higher than the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor. The control unit controls the amount of hot water flowing in from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe based on the temperature of the hot water stored in the bath body detected by the bath temperature sensor so that the temperature detected by the spray water temperature sensor becomes a predetermined temperature.

2. The bathtub device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit increases the temperature of the hot water sprayed from the water spray device at a predetermined gradient from the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body.

3. The bathtub device according to claim 1, wherein: The circulation device is configured to cause a portion of the hot water introduced from the bathtub body to be directly ejected from a bathtub water ejection port provided on an inner wall surface of the bathtub body.

4. The bathtub device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Also features: The high temperature side temperature sensor detects the temperature of the hot water flowing from the high temperature hot water supply pipe. The control unit controls the temperature of hot water sprayed from the water spray device with reference to the temperature detected by the high temperature side temperature sensor.

5. The bathtub device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The body temperature detection unit detects or estimates the body temperature of the bather. When the increase in the body temperature of the bather detected or estimated by the body temperature detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined second temperature increment, the control unit causes hot water having a temperature higher than the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor to be sprayed from the water spray device.

6. The bathtub device according to claim 5, wherein: The body temperature detection unit is configured to acquire an electrocardiographic signal of a bather through electrodes provided on the bathtub body, and estimate the body temperature of the bather based on the acquired electrocardiographic signal.

7. The bathtub device according to claim 5, further comprising: The timer detects the elapsed time after the bather enters the bath body, and the body temperature detector estimates the body temperature of the bather based on the elapsed time detected by the timer and the temperature of the hot water detected by the bath temperature sensor.

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