Bath device

Abstract

To provide a bath device which can perform notification based on the increase in a deep part body temperature with high accuracy.SOLUTION: A hot water supply device 10 includes: a hot water temperature acquisition part 123a for acquiring hot water temperature data which shows the temperature of hot water stored in a bathtub, outputted from a temperature sensor S5 ; a temperature acquisition part 123b for acquiring temperature data which shows the temperature in a bathroom, outputted from a temperature sensor 127; a bathing detection part 111a for detecting bathing of a bather in the bathtub; a water immersion ratio detection part 123c for detecting a ratio of a body surface area of the bather immersed in the hot water in the bathtub as a water immersed body surface area ratio; immersing body surface area; a deep part body temperature estimation part 123d for estimating the deep part body temperature of the bather while bathing in the bathtub, based on the hot water temperature data, the temperature data and the water immersed body surface area ratio; a speaker 126; and a notification processing part 123e for allowing the speaker 126 to perform notification based on the fact that the increase value of the deep part body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub has exceeded the temperature increase threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bath device that performs a predetermined bath function. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe bathing devices that estimate the deep body temperature of a bather bathing in a bathtub based on the temperature of the water in the bathtub and the air temperature in the bathroom, and issue an alert to encourage the bather to leave the bath when the deep body temperature rises above a temperature rise threshold from the start of bathing.

[0003] In the bath device of Patent Document 1, the temperature rise threshold is set to a value that is effective in inducing sleep. This makes it easier for bathers to get a good night's sleep after bathing. In addition, in the bath device of Patent Document 2, the temperature rise threshold is set to a value that may cause health problems. This makes it less likely for bathers to experience health problems such as overheating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-115822 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-115825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The ratio of the bather's body parts submerged in water to the parts not submerged in water can change each time a bather bathes, depending on factors such as the bather's posture in the bathtub. Even if the temperature of the bathwater and the air temperature in the bathroom are the same, if the ratio of submerged to non-submerged parts changes as described above, the amount of heat absorbed by the bathwater and the amount of heat released from the body to the outside air will change, resulting in a different rate of rise in the bather's core body temperature. For this reason, in the bath devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, depending on the bather's position in the bathtub, a discrepancy may occur between the estimated rise in core body temperature and the actual rise in core body temperature, which may prevent the bather from providing a warning at the intended time.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a bath device that can provide highly accurate warnings based on increases in core body temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a bath apparatus. The bath apparatus according to this aspect includes a water temperature acquisition unit that acquires water temperature data indicating the temperature of water in a bathtub, output from a water temperature data output unit, a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature data indicating the temperature in the bathroom, output from a temperature data output unit, a bathing detection unit that detects when a bather enters the bathtub, a submerged body surface area detection unit that detects the proportion of the bather's body surface area submerged in the water in the bathtub as a submerged body surface area proportion, a core body temperature estimation unit that estimates the bather's core body temperature while bathing in the bathtub based on the water temperature data, the temperature data, and the submerged body surface area proportion, an alarm unit, and an alarm processing unit that causes the alarm unit to issue an alarm when the rise in the core body temperature since the start of bathing in the bathtub exceeds a temperature rise threshold or when the core body temperature exceeds a temperature threshold.

[0008] The bath device according to this aspect can estimate core body temperature with high accuracy, even if the volume of the bather's body immersed in hot water changes each time they enter the bathtub due to their posture, etc. Therefore, it is possible to issue highly accurate alerts based on an increase in core body temperature.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bath apparatus. The bath apparatus according to this aspect includes a water temperature acquisition unit that acquires water temperature data indicating the temperature of water in a bathtub output from a water temperature data output unit, a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature data indicating the temperature in the bathroom output from a temperature data output unit, a bathing detection unit that detects when a bather enters the bathtub, a submerged body surface area detection unit that detects the proportion of the bather's body surface area submerged in the water in the bathtub as a submerged body surface area proportion, a bathing time determination unit that determines, based on the water temperature data, the temperature data, and the submerged body surface area proportion, a bathing time at which the rise in core body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub will exceed a temperature rise threshold or the core body temperature will exceed a temperature threshold, an alarm unit, and an alarm processing unit that causes the alarm unit to issue an alarm when the bathing time has elapsed since the start of bathing in the bathtub.

[0010] With this bathing device, even if the volume of the bather's body immersed in hot water changes each time they enter the bathtub due to their posture, the bathing time can be determined taking this change into account, making it possible to issue highly accurate alerts based on the rise in core body temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, the present invention provides a bath device that can provide highly accurate warnings based on increases in core body temperature.

[0012] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a combustion system and piping of the water heater according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a human body thermal model according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a human body thermal model according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing related to the bath timer function performed by the bathroom remote controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams for explaining a method for detecting the water-submerged object surface area ratio. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a water heater according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing related to the bath timer function performed by the bathroom remote controller according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bathing time determination table according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the correspondence table according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing related to the bath timer function performed by the bathroom remote controller according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of water heater 10. As shown in FIG.

[0016] As a bath device, the hot water supply device 10 performs bath functions such as an automatic bath function, a reheating function, a hot water addition function, and a cold water addition function.

[0017] Water heater 10 includes water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. Water heater 11 is a gas water heater that uses gas as fuel to supply hot water. Hot water generated by water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, a bathtub, a faucet, etc. through pipes connected to hot water outlet 11a. If water heater 11 has a floor heating function, a bathroom heating function, or a heating function using a panel heater, hot water is supplied from water heater 11 to the devices that realize these functions.

[0018] Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to water heater 11 and are used to make various settings for each function of water heater 10. Remote controller 12 has display unit 121 and input unit 122, and remote controller 13 has display / input unit 131 consisting of a touch panel and operation button 132. The operator can make any settings for filling the tub with hot water, adjusting the hot water temperature, etc. by operating input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on display unit 121. The operator can also make settings for filling the tub with hot water, etc. by operating display / input unit 131.

[0019] The remote controller 12 is installed in a bathroom, and the remote controller 13 is installed in a kitchen, etc. The remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with audio windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting audio.

[0020] Hereinafter, the remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom will be referred to as the "bathroom remote control 12," and the remote controller 13 installed in the kitchen or the like will be referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13."

[0021] Input section 122 of bathroom remote control 12 includes operation button 122a. Operation buttons 122a and 132 are buttons for switching water heater 11 between an operation on state and an operation off state.

[0022] When bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 are in the operation-off state (a state in which water heater 11 will not perform hot water supply operation even if a hot water tap such as a faucet is opened and water flows at a rate greater than the reference flow rate), display unit 121 and display input unit 131 are turned off, and operation of operation buttons other than operation buttons 122a and 132 is not accepted. When operation buttons 122a and 132 are operated to switch to the operation-on state (a state in which water heater 11 can perform hot water supply operation when a hot water tap such as a faucet is opened and water flows at a rate greater than the reference flow rate), display unit 121 and display input unit 131 light up to display the setting contents, and operation of operation buttons other than operation buttons 122a and 132 can be accepted.

[0023] Furthermore, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include buttons for changing the hot water temperature. The operator can change the set hot water temperature by operating these buttons. In addition, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include buttons for controlling the operation of water heater 11, such as buttons for executing the automatic bath function, reheating function, hot water addition function, water addition function, etc.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting water heater 10. As shown in FIG.

[0025] Water heater 11 includes control unit 111, storage unit 112, communication unit 113, and detection unit 114. Control unit 111 includes a microcomputer, and controls each unit within water heater 11 in accordance with a program stored in storage unit 112. Storage unit 112 includes a memory, and stores a predetermined control program.

[0026] Communication unit 113 communicates with bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 111. Communication unit 113 is connected to communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 via two-core communication lines L1 and L2. In addition, two-core communication lines L1 and L2 are connected to each other inside communication unit 113. Therefore, communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 are connected to each other by two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Therefore, a signal transmitted from any of communication units 113, 125, and 135 is simultaneously transmitted to the other communication units.

[0027] Detection unit 114 includes various sensors arranged in water heater 11. For example, detection unit 114 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water, a flow rate sensor for detecting the supply of hot water, and the like.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combustion system and piping of water heater 11. As shown in FIG.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, in addition to the components shown in Fig. 2, water heater 11 includes hot water supply section 210, reheating section 220, and bypass section 230. Water heater 11 is installed outside bathroom 1 in which bathtub 2 is provided.

[0030] The hot water supply unit 210 includes a water supply pipe 211, a hot water heat exchanger 212, a hot water pipe 213, a hot water combustor 214, and an air supply fan 215. The water supply pipe 211 is connected to a water pipe and the hot water heat exchanger 212, and the hot water pipe 213 is connected to the hot water heat exchanger 212, the bathroom faucet 3, and the exterior faucet 4. A quantity of gas (fuel gas) corresponding to the opening degree of a proportional valve 216 is supplied to the hot water combustor 214 through a hot water gas pipe 217. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to the hot water gas pipe 217. The hot water combustor 214 burns the gas as fuel at an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied. The air supply fan 215 supplies air for combustion to the hot water combustor 214.

[0031] The reheating unit 220 includes a return pipe 221, a bath heat exchanger 222, an outgoing pipe 223, a bath burner 224, and a circulation pump 225. The return pipe 221 is connected to the circulation adapter 2a of the bathtub 2 and the bath heat exchanger 222, and the outgoing pipe 223 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 222 and the circulation adapter 2a.

[0032] A quantity of gas (fuel gas) corresponding to the opening of proportional valve 226 is supplied to bath combustor 224 through bath gas pipe 227. When a gas solenoid valve (not shown) is opened, gas is supplied to bath gas pipe 227. Bath combustor 224 burns gas as fuel at an intensity corresponding to the amount of gas supplied. Air supply fan 215 is shared between hot water supply section 210 and reheating section 220, and air for combustion is supplied from air supply fan 215 to bath combustor 224. A circulation pump 225 and a water level sensor S1 are arranged in return pipe 221. Water level sensor S1 detects the water level in bathtub 2 based on the water pressure in return pipe 221.

[0033] The bypass unit 230 includes a bypass pipe 231 and a hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232. The bypass pipe 231 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 213 and the return pipe 221. The hot water supply electromagnetic valve 232 opens and closes the bypass pipe 231.

[0034] In addition to water level sensor S1, water heater 11 is equipped with a flow rate sensor S2 for detecting the flow rate of water supply pipe 211, a temperature sensor S3 for detecting the temperature of water introduced into water supply pipe 211, and a temperature sensor S4 for detecting the temperature of the hot water after being heated by hot water heat exchanger 212. Water heater 11 is also equipped with a temperature sensor S5 for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in bathtub 2 by detecting the temperature of the hot water in return pipe 221. These sensors S1 to S5 are included in detection unit 114 in FIG. 2.

[0035] The control unit 111 controls the hot water combustor 214, the air supply fan 215 and the proportional valve 216 of the hot water supply unit 210, the bath combustor 224, the circulation pump 225 and the proportional valve 226 of the reheating unit 220, the hot water solenoid valve 232 of the bypass unit 230, and the like.

[0036] When bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 is opened, the hot water supply function is executed. Water from the water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211, and hot water combustor 214 combusts, heating hot water heat exchanger 212. The water introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 is heated to become hot water, which is then supplied to bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 through hot water pipe 213. When bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 is closed, the water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 stops, and the combustion in hot water combustor 214 stops.

[0037] Control unit 111 also controls hot water supply unit 210 to execute a hot water filling function (automatic bath function). In this case, hot water solenoid valve 232 is opened, and water from a water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211 and heated by hot water heat exchanger 212. Then, hot water from hot water heat exchanger 212 is introduced into return pipe 221 through hot water supply pipe 213 and bypass pipe 231.

[0038] A portion of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the circulation adapter 2a and is poured from the circulation adapter 2a into the bathtub 2. The remainder of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the bath heat exchanger 222, and then flows through the bath heat exchanger 222 and the outgoing pipe 223 before being poured into the bathtub 2 from the circulation adapter 2a.

[0039] When hot water is supplied and filled in bathtub 2, return pipe 221, bath heat exchanger 222, and supply pipe 223 are filled with hot water. This allows water level sensor S1 to detect the water level in bathtub 2. When water level sensor S1 detects that the water level in bathtub 2 has reached a preset level, hot water supply solenoid valve 232 is closed, stopping the water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 and stopping combustion in hot water supply combustor 214.

[0040] When the return pipe 221, the bath heat exchanger 222, and the supply pipe 223 are filled with hot water, the temperature of the hot water in the return pipe 221 becomes approximately equal to the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2. The temperature sensor S5 can detect the temperature of the hot water in the return pipe 221 as the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2. The temperature data detected by the temperature sensor S5 becomes hot water temperature data indicating the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2. The temperature sensor S5 outputs hot water temperature data as a hot water temperature data output unit. The hot water temperature data is input to the control unit 111.

[0041] In addition, control unit 111 controls reheating unit 220 to perform the reheating function. In this case, circulation pump 225 operates and bath combustor 224 starts combustion. The hot water in bathtub 2 circulates between bathtub 2 and a circulation path consisting of return pipe 221, bath heat exchanger 222, and forward pipe 223, and is heated by bath heat exchanger 222 during this circulating process. This causes the temperature of the hot water in bathtub 2 to rise.

[0042] Furthermore, the hot water addition function and the cold water addition function are executed by supplying hot water and cold water to bathtub 2 from hot water supply unit 210 under the control of control unit 111. In the cold water addition function, hot water supply combustor 214 does not combust.

[0043] The automatic bath function includes a filling function and a heat retention function that maintains the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 at a predetermined bath setting temperature after filling. In the heat retention function, control unit 111 performs reheating using reheating unit 220 based on water temperature data from temperature sensor S5 so that the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 becomes the bath setting temperature. The heat retention function makes the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 approximately equal to the bath setting temperature. The bath setting temperature can be set by operating the buttons on bathroom remote control 12.

[0044] Returning to Figure 2, bathroom remote control 12 includes, in addition to display unit 121 and input unit 122 described above, control unit 123, memory unit 124, communication unit 125, speaker 126, and temperature sensor 127. Display unit 121 is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal panel. Input unit 122 includes various operation buttons such as a temperature setting button. Display unit 121 may also be a touch panel.

[0045] The control unit 123 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 124. The storage unit 124 includes a memory and stores the predetermined control program.

[0046] Communication unit 125 communicates with water heater 11 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 123. Speaker 126 outputs audio based on an audio signal generated by control unit 123. Control unit 123 reads audio information stored in storage unit 124 as needed to generate an audio signal. The audio output from speaker 126 is output from audio window 12a in FIG. 1.

[0047] Temperature sensor 127 detects the temperature in bathroom 1. Temperature sensor 127 serves as a temperature data output section and outputs temperature data indicating the temperature in bathroom 1. The temperature data is input to control section 123.

[0048] In addition to the above-mentioned display input unit 131 and operation button 132, kitchen remote control 13 also includes control unit 133, storage unit 134, communication unit 135, and speaker 136. Control unit 133 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in storage unit 134. Storage unit 134 includes a memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0049] Communication unit 135 communicates with water heater 11 and bathroom remote control 12 under the control of control unit 133. Speaker 136 outputs audio based on an audio signal generated by control unit 133. Control unit 133 reads audio information stored in memory unit 134 as needed to generate an audio signal. The audio output from speaker 136 is output from audio window 13a in FIG. 1.

[0050] The water heater 10 is equipped with two types of bath timer functions: a good sleep bathing mode that helps the user sleep well, and a heatstroke prevention mode that prevents the bather from getting too hot and feeling unwell.

[0051] The bathing timer function estimates the deep body temperature of the bather while bathing in bathtub 2, and when the rise in deep body temperature since the start of bathing exceeds a predetermined temperature rise threshold, the bather is notified by bathroom remote control 12. The good sleep bathing mode and hot flash prevention mode have different purposes (effects), and therefore have different temperature rise thresholds.

[0052] In the pleasant bathing mode, the temperature rise threshold is set to a core body temperature rise value that is considered effective for inducing sleep. People become sleepy when their core body temperature drops. Because core body temperature tends to drop sharply as it rises, a significant increase in core body temperature through bathing leads to a correspondingly greater drop in core body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep. However, excessive increases in core body temperature through bathing can easily lead to health problems such as heatstroke. Therefore, an appropriate temperature rise threshold can be set by conducting tests while taking the above points into consideration. For example, the temperature rise threshold can be set to approximately +0.5°C. The temperature rise threshold can also be set within a range of +0.1 to +1.0°C. By exiting the bath in response to a notification from bathroom remote control 12, the user can more easily achieve a comfortable sleep when they subsequently go to bed.

[0053] In the hot flash prevention mode, the temperature rise threshold is set to a value of deep body temperature rise that may cause symptoms of poor health. For example, the bath timer function in the hot flash prevention mode is intended for elderly people. In this case, the temperature rise threshold is set to a value (for example, +1.0°C) lower than the value of deep body temperature rise that may cause symptoms of poor health in elderly people, so as to prevent elderly people from developing symptoms of poor health such as hot flashes. The temperature rise threshold can be set within a range of +0.5 to +2.0°C. Elderly users, for example, can avoid developing symptoms of poor health by exiting the bath in accordance with the notification from bathroom remote control 12.

[0054] The bath timer function of the hot flash prevention mode may be aimed at younger people rather than elderly people. In this case, the temperature rise threshold for younger people is set higher than that for elderly people, because younger people are less likely than elderly people to develop symptoms of poor health due to an increase in core body temperature.

[0055] 2, in order to execute the bathing timer function, in water heater 11, the control program stored in memory 112 gives control unit 111 the function of bathing detection unit 111a. Furthermore, in bathroom remote control 12, the control program stored in memory 124 gives control unit 123 the functions of water temperature acquisition unit 123a, air temperature acquisition unit 123b, water immersion ratio detection unit 123c, core body temperature estimation unit 123d, and notification processing unit 123e.

[0056] When a person enters bathtub 2 filled with hot water, the water level in bathtub 2 rises. The water level sensor S1 can detect the change in water level caused by the person immersed in the hot water in bathtub 2. Bathing detection unit 111a detects the bather entering bathtub 2 based on the detection result of water level sensor S1. The bathing detection result is sent from control unit 111 to bathroom remote control 12 as needed.

[0057] Hot water temperature acquisition unit 123a acquires hot water temperature data indicating the temperature of hot water stored in bathtub 2, output from temperature sensor S5, which is a hot water temperature data output unit, via control unit 111. Air temperature acquisition unit 123b acquires air temperature data indicating the air temperature in bathroom 1, output from temperature sensor 127, which is a air temperature data output unit.

[0058] The submersion ratio detection unit 123c detects the proportion of the bather's body surface area submerged in the hot water in the bathtub 2 as the submerged body surface area ratio. More specifically, the submersion ratio detection unit 123c detects the submerged body surface area ratio based on the pre-submersion water level detected by the water level sensor S1 before the bather immerses in the hot water in the bathtub 2, the post-submersion water level detected by the water level sensor S1 when the bather immerses in the hot water in the bathtub 2, and the bather's weight. The control unit 111 outputs the water level detected by the water level sensor S1 before the water level fluctuates to the control unit 123 as the pre-submersion water level, and outputs the water level detected by the water level sensor S1 when the water level fluctuates to the control unit 123 as the post-submersion water level. The input unit 122 of the bathroom remote control 12 accepts the bather's weight input, which is made as an initial setting for the bathing timer function. The accepted weight is stored in the memory unit 124.

[0059] Based on the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio, the deep body temperature estimation unit 123d estimates the bather's deep body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub 2. More specifically, the deep body temperature estimation unit 123d calculates the deep body temperature using the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio according to a calculation formula obtained from the human body thermal model HM.

[0060] When the rise in core body temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature rise threshold, notification processing section 123e causes the notification section to issue a notification. In this embodiment, speaker 126 of bathroom remote controller 12 serves as the notification section to issue a voice notification.

[0061] In this embodiment, a human body thermal model HM is used to estimate the deep body temperature of the bather. The human body thermal model HM is a physical model that divides the human body into multiple parts (layers) and calculates the body temperature based on the heat balance in each part.

[0062] 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining the human body heat model HM.

[0063] 4, in the human body thermal model HM of this embodiment, the human body is divided into a skin layer SK, a core layer CR that is closer to the center of the human body than the skin layer SK, and an intermediate layer MD between the skin layer SK and the core layer CR. The skin layer SK is further divided into a first skin layer SK1 that contacts the air in the bathroom 1 and a second skin layer SK2 that contacts the hot and cold water in the bathtub 2, and the intermediate layer MD is divided into a first intermediate layer MD1 that contacts the first skin layer SK1 and a second intermediate layer MD2 that contacts the second skin layer SK2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, in the first skin layer SK1, heat transfer occurs between the air in the bathroom 1 and the first skin layer SK1 through radiation and convection, and heat loss through evaporation. Heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the first intermediate layer MD1 occurs through tissue-to-tissue heat transfer. Furthermore, heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the core layer CR occurs through blood flow.

[0065] In the second skin layer SK2, heat transfer occurs due to convection between the hot and cold water in the bathtub 2 and the second skin layer SK2. Heat transfer between the second skin layer SK2 and the second intermediate layer MD2 occurs as heat transfer between tissues. Heat transfer due to blood flow occurs between the second skin layer SK2 and the core layer CR.

[0066] In the first intermediate layer MD1, heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the first intermediate layer MD1 occurs as heat transfer between tissues, and heat transfer between the first intermediate layer MD1 and the core layer CR occurs as heat transfer between tissues and heat transfer due to blood flow.

[0067] In the second intermediate layer MD2, heat transfer between the second skin layer SK2 and the second intermediate layer MD2 occurs as heat transfer between tissues, and heat transfer due to blood flow occurs as heat transfer between the second intermediate layer MD2 and the core layer CR.

[0068] In the core layer CR, heat transfer between the first intermediate layer MD1 and the core layer CR occurs through tissue-to-tissue heat transfer and heat transfer due to blood flow. Heat transfer between the second intermediate layer MD2 and the core layer CR occurs through tissue-to-tissue heat transfer and heat transfer due to blood flow. Heat transfer between the first skin layer SK1 and the core layer CR occurs through blood flow. Heat transfer between the second skin layer SK2 and the core layer CR occurs through blood flow. Heat transfer also occurs through metabolic heat production, respiration heat loss, and external work.

[0069] The heat balance equations (heat balance relational equations) in the first intermediate layer MD1, second intermediate layer MD2, core layer CR, first skin layer SK1 and second skin layer SK2 obtained by the human body thermal model HM of this embodiment are respectively expressed by the following equations (1) to (5).

[0070]

number

[0071]

number

[0072]

number

[0073]

number

[0074]

number

[0075] The symbols in these formulas have the following meanings: c md : Specific heat of the intermediate layer MD (first intermediate layer MD1, second intermediate layer MD2) [J / kg·℃] ccr : specific heat of core layer CR [J / kg·℃] c sk :Specific heat of skin layer SK (first skin layer SK1, second skin layer SK2) [J / kg·℃] c bl :Specific heat of blood flow [[J / kg·℃] m md_a : Mass of the first intermediate layer MD1 [kg] m md_b : Mass of the second intermediate layer MD2 [kg] m sk_a : Mass of the first skin layer SK1 [kg] m sk_b : Mass of the second skin layer SK2 [kg] m cr : Mass of core layer CR [kg] T md_a :Temperature of the first intermediate layer MD1 [℃] T md_b :Temperature of the second intermediate layer MD2 [℃] T sk_a :Temperature of the first skin layer SK1 [℃] T sk_b :Temperature of the second skin layer SK2 [℃] T cr : Temperature of core layer CR [℃] α: Body surface area in contact with hot water [%] K cm : Thermal conductance between the core layer CR and the intermediate layer MD [W / (m 2 ·℃)] K ms : Thermal conductance between the middle layer MD and the skin layer SK [W / (m 2 ·℃)] M: metabolic productivity [W / m 2 ] W: External work [W / m 2 ] E res : Heat loss to the outside due to respiration [W / m 2 ] E sk : Heat loss by evaporation on the skin surface [W / m 2 ] R a : Radiative heat transfer to air [W / m 2 ] Ca : Convective heat transfer to air [W / m 2 ] C hw : Heat transfer by convection to hot water [W / m 2 ] V bl :Blood flow [m 2 / (m 2 ·S)] A: Body surface area [m 2 ]

[0076] c md , c cr , c sk , c bl , m md_a , m md_b , m sk_a , m sk_b , m cr , K. cm , K. ms , M, W, and A are predetermined.

[0077] That is, since there is no significant difference in the specific heat of the middle layer MD, the core layer CR, and the skin layer SK, for example, c md , c cr , c sk The same value is used for the specific heat of the human body. For example, m md_a , m md_b , m sk_a , m sk_b , m cr is determined by defining the mass ratios of the first intermediate layer MD1, the second intermediate layer MD2, the core layer CR, the first skin layer SK1 and the second skin layer SK2, and is based on the standard weight of Japanese people and the mass ratios of each layer.

[0078] Also, K cm and K. ms For example, the thermal resistance of each layer can be calculated using height, weight, and the density, thermal conductivity, and mass ratio of each of the core layer CR, intermediate layer MD, and skin layer SK, and the reciprocal of these thermal resistances can be obtained from these thermal resistances.

[0079] Furthermore, for M, the standard basal metabolic rate for Japanese people is used. W is set to 0 because the bather hardly moves during the bath. For A, the standard body surface area for Japanese people is used.

[0080] E res and E sk can be calculated using the formula shown in the literature on human body temperature physiological models, "Gagge, AP, Stolwijk, JAJ and Nishi, Y.: An Effective Temperature Scale Based on a Simple Model of Human Physiological Regulatory Response, ASHRAE Trans., 77, 247-262, 1971." That is, E res is the temperature T in bathroom 1 a It can be calculated using the saturated water vapor pressure at the temperature, the relative humidity in the air, and metabolic productivity M. sk is the heat of diffusion of water vapor E diff and the heat of evaporation from sweating E rsw It is calculated by adding up the E diff is the heat transfer coefficient of air, and T is the temperature of the skin layer SK sk Saturated water vapor pressure at the temperature T a It can be calculated using the saturated water vapor pressure at the temperature, the relative humidity in the air, etc. rsw is the temperature of the skin layer SK, T sk , the temperature T of the core layer CR cr It can be found using the following:

[0081] R a is T sk_a and the temperature in bathroom 1, T a It is calculated by multiplying the difference between C and C by the radiation heat transfer coefficient. a is T sk_a and T a It is calculated by multiplying the difference between the two by the convective heat transfer coefficient. hw is T sk_b and the water temperature in bathtub 2, T b It is calculated by multiplying the difference between the two by the convective heat transfer coefficient.

[0082] V bl The value is calculated using the following formula (6).

[0083]

number

[0084] The symbols in this formula have the following meanings: T sk : Temperature of the skin layer SK [℃] T sk_sp : Set point of skin layer SK [℃] T cr_sp : Core layer CR set point [℃]

[0085] T sk is T based on α sk_a and T sk_b is the weighted average of the temperature of the skin layer SK. sk_sp is determined based on the average temperature of the skin layer SK.

[0086] α is detected as the submerged body surface area ratio by the function of the submerged ratio detection unit 123c of the control unit 123 based on the water level in the bathtub 2 before submersion, the water level in the bathtub 2 after submersion, and the weight of the bather.

[0087] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the bath timer function performed by bathroom remote control 12. This processing is performed by control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 using the functions of water temperature acquisition unit 123a, air temperature acquisition unit 123b, water immersion ratio detection unit 123c, core body temperature estimation unit 123d, and notification processing unit 123e.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, control unit 123 monitors whether bathing in bathtub 2 has begun (S101). When bathing begins, control unit 111 of water heater 11 transmits a bathing start notification to bathroom remote control 12 based on bathing detection by bathing detection unit 111a. When control unit 123 determines that bathing has begun based on the notification from water heater 11 (S101: YES), it acquires from control unit 111 of water heater 11 a pre-immersion water level H1 before the bather is immersed in the hot water in bathtub 2 and a post-immersion water level H2 when the bather is immersed in the hot water in bathtub 2 (S102). Control unit 123 (immersion proportion detection unit 123c) then reads the bather's weight, which was input in advance, from memory unit 124 and detects the immersion body surface area proportion based on pre-immersion water level H1, post-immersion water level H2, and the bather's weight (S103). The waterlogged body surface area ratio is determined as follows.

[0089] 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams for explaining a method for detecting the water-submerged object surface area ratio.

[0090] First, the control unit 123 calculates the submerged volume Vf of the bather (human body) submerged in water. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the submerged volume Vf is equal to the internal volume Vi of the bathtub 2 from the pre-submersion water level H1 to the post-submersion water level H2. Therefore, the submerged volume Vf, i.e., the internal volume Vi of the bathtub 2, can be calculated by integrating the internal cross-sectional area D(h) of the bathtub 2, which is expressed as a constant, linear function, or quadratic function depending on the internal shape of the bathtub 2, from the pre-submersion water level H1 to the post-submersion water level H2. For example, if the internal shape of the bathtub 2 is considered to be a rectangular parallelepiped, the internal cross-sectional area D(h) becomes a constant and becomes the area of ​​the internal bottom, and the submerged volume Vf is calculated by multiplying the area of ​​the internal bottom of the bathtub 2 by the water level difference (H2 - H1).

[0091] The flooded volume Vf can also be calculated using the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-204965, which calculates the volume from the rise in water level when a human body is submerged in the bathtub. In this method, hot water is continuously poured into the bathtub in advance to detect the amount of water per unit water level and store this information in a memory unit. Then, when a human body is submerged in the bathtub, the volume of the water rise between the water level at the start of the water rise (corresponding to the pre-submersion water level H1) and the water level at the end of the water rise (corresponding to the post-submersion water level H2) (internal volume Vi, corresponding to the flooded volume Vf) is calculated by adding the amount of water at the unit water levels between the two water levels.

[0092] Next, the control unit 123 calculates the total volume Vt of the bather by dividing the bather's weight by the specific gravity of the human body or by the specific gravity of water, which is approximately equal to the specific gravity of the human body.The control unit 123 then calculates the submerged volume ratio Vf by the total volume Vt.

[0093] Next, the control unit 123 calculates the flooded body surface area ratio based on the flooded volume ratio. The memory unit 124 stores data of a conversion graph for converting the flooded volume ratio into the flooded body surface area ratio. As shown in Figure 7(b), by assuming that the area between the pelvis, armpits, and neck is cylindrical, the conversion graph is expressed as a linear equation as shown in Figure 7(c). In the conversion graph, the conversion rate (gradient of the graph) varies between each area. The control unit 123 uses the conversion graph to convert the flooded volume ratio into the flooded body surface area ratio.

[0094] In this manner, the waterlogged body surface area ratio is detected.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 6, the control unit 123 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S104). The predetermined time is the time interval (period) at which the bather's deep body temperature is periodically estimated while bathing, and may be, for example, one minute. In S104, first, it is determined whether the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of bathing, and thereafter, it is determined whether the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous deep body temperature estimation.

[0096] When a predetermined time has elapsed (S104: YES), the control unit 123 (hot water temperature acquisition unit 123a, air temperature acquisition unit 123b) acquires hot water temperature data from the temperature sensor S5 through the control unit 111 of the water heater 11, and also acquires air temperature data from the temperature sensor 127 (S105).

[0097] Then, the control unit 123 (core body temperature estimation unit 123d) executes a process to estimate the current (present) core body temperature of the bather (S106). The core body temperature is estimated using the human body heat model HM of Figures 4 and 5 described above, i.e., the calculation formula (heat balance formula) obtained by the human body heat model HM.

[0098] First, the control unit 123 calculates the temperature gradient dT of the core layer CR based on the above formula (3). cr Calculate / dt.

[0099] At this time, the temperature T md_a , the temperature T of the second intermediate layer MD2 md_b , the temperature T of the first skin layer SK1 sk_a , the temperature T of the second skin layer SK2 sk_b , the temperature T of the core layer CR cr If this is the first time, the initial value is used. The initial value is the temperature before bathing. md_a and T md_b , i.e., T md_a and T md_b The initial value of is assumed to be the same, and T sk_a and T sk_b , i.e., T sk_a and T sk_b The initial value of is assumed to be the same. For example, if the average core body temperature of Japanese people is T before bathing, cr , i.e., T cr The initial value of the average skin temperature of Japanese people is T sk_a , T sk_b , i.e., T sk_a , T sk_b Based on these average core body temperature and average skin temperature, T md_a , T md_b The initial value of T md_a , T md_b , T sk_a , Tsk_b , T cr If this is not the first time, then σ is set to the value calculated when the core body temperature was estimated the previous time. This also applies to the above formulas (1), (2), (4), and (5).

[0100] Next, the control unit 123 calculates the calculated dT cr The control unit 123 then integrates T cr The initial value of (first time) or the previous T cr If it is not the first time, add the temperature rise value to the value of T cr Find the T cr is the estimated deep body temperature of the bather.

[0101] As mentioned above, T cr In order to calculate this, the previous T md_a , T md_b , T sk_a , T sk_b Therefore, the next T cr In order to use it for the calculation of the deep body temperature, that is, for the estimation of the deep body temperature, the control unit 123 further calculates the current (present) T md_a , T md_b , T sk_a , T sk_b Calculate.

[0102] That is, the control unit 123 calculates the temperature gradient dT of the first intermediate layer MD1 based on the above formula (1). md_a Calculate / dt and md_a / dt is integrated over a given time to determine the temperature rise, and T md_a The initial value of or the previous T md_a Add the temperature rise value to the value of this (current) T md_a Similarly, the control unit 123 calculates the temperature gradient dT of the second intermediate layer MD2 based on the above formula (2). md_b Calculate / dt and md_b / dt is integrated over a given time to determine the temperature rise, and T md_b The initial value of or the previous T md_bAdd the temperature rise value to the value of this (current) T md_b Ask for.

[0103] Furthermore, the control unit 123 calculates the temperature gradient dT of the first skin layer SK1 based on the above formula (4). sk_a Calculate / dt and sk_a / dt is integrated over a given time to determine the temperature rise, and T sk_a The initial value of or the previous T sk_a Add the temperature rise value to the value of this (current) T sk_a Similarly, the control unit 123 calculates the temperature gradient dT of the second skin layer SK2 based on the above formula (5). sk_b Calculate / dt and sk_b / dt is integrated over a given time to determine the temperature rise, and T sk_b The initial value of or the previous T sk_b Add the temperature rise value to the value of this (current) T sk_b Ask for.

[0104] At this time, the body surface area ratio detected in S103 is applied as the body surface area ratio α in contact with the hot water included in equations (1) to (5). Also, the heat transfer R due to radiation to the air included in equation (4) is applied. a and convective heat transfer to air C a The temperature T used to calculate a The temperature data acquired in S105 is applied to the above. Furthermore, the heat transfer coefficient C for hot water due to convection included in Eq. (5) is hw The water temperature T used to calculate b The water temperature data acquired in S105 is applied to the core layer CR temperature T cr In other words, the calculation of deep body temperature uses water temperature data, air temperature data, and the proportion of the submerged body surface area, and the deep body temperature is estimated based on the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the proportion of the submerged body surface area.

[0105] In this way, when the deep body temperature of the current bather is estimated in S106, the control unit 123 then calculates the difference between the estimated deep body temperature and a predetermined deep body temperature before bathing, i.e., at the start of bathing, to estimate the increase in deep body temperature since the start of bathing (S107). For example, the deep body temperature at the start of bathing is calculated as the temperature T cr is the initial value of

[0106] Then, the control unit 123 (notification processing unit 123e) determines whether the rise in core body temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature rise threshold (S108). As described above, in the pleasant sleep bathing mode, the temperature rise threshold is set to a value that is effective for inducing sleep, and in the hot flash prevention mode, the temperature rise threshold is set to a value lower than the rise in core body temperature that may cause the bather to develop symptoms of poor health.

[0107] When the control unit 123 (notification processing unit 123e) determines that the rise in core body temperature has not exceeded the temperature rise threshold (S108: NO), the process returns to S104. In this way, the processes of S104 to S108 are repeated until the rise in core body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold.

[0108] As the bather's body is warmed by the hot water in bathtub 2, the bather's core body temperature rises, and eventually the rise in core body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold. The bathing time (time from the start of bathing) at which the rise in core body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold becomes shorter the higher the water temperature in bathtub 2, the higher the air temperature in bathroom 1, and the larger the proportion of the body surface area submerged in water.

[0109] When the control unit 123 (alert processing unit 123e) determines that the rise in core body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold (S108: YES), it causes the speaker 126 to make a predetermined alert. For example, in the pleasant sleep bathing mode, an audio alert is made to encourage the user to leave the bath, such as "It's time to leave the bath" or "Please leave the bath." For example, in the heatstroke prevention mode, an audio alert is made to encourage caution while bathing, such as "XX minutes have passed. Please be careful when entering the bath from this point onward," or an audio alert is made to encourage the user to leave the bath, such as "XX minutes have passed. It may be time to leave the bath." Note that the alerts that encourage caution can also be considered, in a broad sense, as alerts that encourage the user to leave the bath, because the alerts serve as an opportunity to leave the bath.

[0110] In this way, the process related to the bathing timer function is completed. The bather is alerted by the notification and leaves the bathtub 2.

[0111] 6, the current bather's deep body temperature is estimated at predetermined intervals during bathing. However, the bather's deep body temperature at a predetermined time from the present may also be estimated at predetermined intervals during bathing.

[0112] In this case, rather than waiting for a predetermined time to elapse after starting bathing as in the process of Figure 6, the initial bathwater temperature data and air temperature data are acquired (S105), the deep body temperature is estimated (S106), and the deep body temperature rise value is estimated (S107) immediately after starting bathing. Thereafter, the processes of S105 to S107 are repeated every predetermined time until the rise value exceeds the temperature rise threshold. If the execution timing of the processes of S105 to S107 is shifted forward by a predetermined time in this way, the deep body temperature estimated in S106 will be the deep body temperature a predetermined time from now, and the deep body temperature rise value estimated in S107 will be the deep body temperature a predetermined time from now. Therefore, if control unit 123 determines in S108 that the rise value of the deep body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold, it causes speaker 126 to make an announcement after a predetermined time.

[0113] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0114] The deep body temperature of the bather bathing in bathtub 2 is estimated based on not only the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 and the air temperature in bathroom 1, but also the proportion of the body surface area submerged in water, and an alert is issued when the rise in deep body temperature since the bather began bathing in bathtub 2 exceeds the temperature rise threshold. This allows for highly accurate estimation of deep body temperature, even if the volume of the bather's submerged body part changes each time they bathe in bathtub 2 due to their posture, etc., and makes it possible to issue highly accurate alerts based on the rise in deep body temperature.

[0115] Furthermore, the deep body temperature is calculated using the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio with a formula obtained from the human body thermal model HM. This allows for highly accurate estimation of deep body temperature using the human body thermal model HM.

[0116] Furthermore, the submerged body surface area ratio is detected based on the pre-submersion water level H1 detected by the water level sensor S1 before the bather is submerged in the hot water in the bathtub 2, the post-submersion water level H2 detected by the water level sensor S1 when the bather is submerged in the hot water in the bathtub 2, and the bather's weight received by the input unit 122. This makes it possible to detect the submerged body surface area ratio when the bather is actually submerged in the hot water in the bathtub 2.

[0117] <Embodiment 2> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of water heater 10. As shown in FIG.

[0118] In the bathing timer function in the first embodiment, the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote control 12 uses the function of the deep body temperature estimation unit 123d to estimate the rise in the deep body temperature of the bather from the start of bathing in the bathtub 2 based on the water temperature data, the air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio. Then, the control unit 123 uses the function of the notification processing unit 123e to cause the notification unit (speaker 126) to issue a notification when the rise in the deep body temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature rise threshold.

[0119] In contrast, in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 123 is provided with the function of a bathing time determination unit 123f instead of the function of the deep body temperature estimation unit 123d. The control unit 123 then determines, using the function of the bathing time determination unit 123f, the bathing time at which the rise in the bather's deep body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub 2 exceeds a predetermined temperature rise threshold, based on the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio. More specifically, at the start of bathing in the bathtub 2, the bathing time determination unit 123f uses the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio to calculate the deep body temperature at predetermined time intervals from the start of bathing based on a calculation formula obtained from the human body thermal model HM, and determines the bathing time at which the rise in the deep body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold under the conditions of the water temperature indicated by the water temperature data, the air temperature indicated by the air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio. Then, the control unit 123, by using the function of the notification processing unit 123e, causes the notification unit (speaker 126) to make a notification based on the fact that the bathing time has elapsed since the start of bathing in the bathtub 2.

[0120] In the second embodiment, the temperature data of the bath set temperature is water temperature data indicating the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2. Because the automatic bath function (heat retention function) makes the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 approximately equal to the bath set temperature, the bath set temperature can be regarded as the water temperature in the bathtub 2. The temperature data of the bath set temperature is stored in the memory unit 124 of the bathroom remote control 12. Therefore, the memory unit 124, as a temperature data output unit, outputs water temperature data indicating the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2.

[0121] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the bath timer function performed by bathroom remote controller 12.

[0122] 9, when the control unit 123 determines that bathing in the bathtub 2 has begun (S201: YES), it acquires the pre-submersion water level H1 and the post-submersion water level H2 (S202). Then, the control unit 123 (submersion ratio detection unit 123c) detects the submerged body surface area ratio based on the pre-submersion water level H1, the post-submersion water level H2, and the weight of the bather read from the memory unit 124 (S203).

[0123] Next, the control unit 123 (hot water temperature acquisition unit 123a, air temperature acquisition unit 123b) acquires hot water temperature data from the memory unit 124 and air temperature data from the temperature sensor 127 (S204). The control unit 123 (bathing time determination unit 123f) then estimates the bather's deep body temperature at predetermined time intervals from the start of bathing and executes a process to determine the bathing time (S205). As in the first embodiment, the deep body temperature is estimated using the human body heat model HM shown in Figures 4 and 5, i.e., the calculation formula (heat balance formula) obtained by the human body heat model HM. The hot water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio are used to calculate the deep body temperature using the calculation formula.

[0124] That is, in S205, the control unit 123 sequentially calculates the deep body temperature at each predetermined time interval since the start of bathing, and sequentially determines the rise in deep body temperature from the start of bathing at each predetermined time interval. The control unit 123 then determines the bathing time as the time elapsed from the start of bathing when this rise exceeds the temperature rise threshold. For example, if the predetermined time is set to 1 minute, and the calculated rise in deep body temperature after 15 minutes exceeds the temperature rise threshold, the bathing time is determined to be 15 minutes. The higher the water temperature in the bathtub 2, the higher the air temperature in the bathroom 1, and the larger the submerged body surface area ratio, the shorter the bathing time will be.

[0125] The control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123e) monitors whether the bathing time has elapsed since the start of bathing (S206). Measurement of the bathing time begins when the bather starts bathing in the bathtub 2. If the control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123e) determines that the bathing time has elapsed (S206: YES), it causes the speaker 126 to make a predetermined announcement (S207).

[0126] According to the second embodiment, the bathing time at which the rise in the bather's core body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub 2 exceeds the temperature rise threshold is determined based not only on the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 and the air temperature in the bathroom 1, but also on the proportion of the bather's body surface area submerged in water, and an alert is issued when the bathing time has elapsed since the bather began bathing in the bathtub 2. As a result, even if the volume of the bather's submerged part changes each time they bathe in the bathtub 2 due to their posture, etc., the bathing time can be determined taking this change into account, and an alert based on the rise in core body temperature can be issued with high accuracy.

[0127] <Embodiment 3> In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the control unit 123, using the function of the bathing time determination unit 123f, determines the bathing time at which the rise in the bather's core body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub 2 exceeds a predetermined temperature rise threshold, based on the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio. Then, using the function of the notification processing unit 123e, the control unit 123 causes the notification unit (speaker 126) to issue a notification when the bathing time has elapsed since the start of bathing in the bathtub 2.

[0128] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, as a more specific configuration, the bathing time determination unit 123f, at the start of bathing in the bathtub 2, uses the water temperature data, air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio to calculate the deep body temperature at each predetermined time elapsed from the start of bathing based on a calculation formula obtained by the human body thermal model HM, and determines the bathing time at which the rise in deep body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold under the conditions of the water temperature indicated by the water temperature data, the air temperature indicated by the air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio.

[0129] In contrast to this, in embodiment 3, in order to determine the bathing time, bathing time determination table 124a and correspondence table 124b are stored in memory unit 124 of bathroom remote control 12. Then, control unit 123 determines the bathing time by referring to bathing time determination table 124a and correspondence table 124b.

[0130] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the bathing time determination table 124a, and Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the correspondence table 124b.

[0131] As shown in Fig. 10, bathing time determination table 124a is registered in correspondence with the water temperature in bathtub 2 and the air temperature in bathroom 1, and the bathing time at which the rise in core body temperature from the start of bathing in bathtub 2 exceeds the temperature rise threshold at these water temperatures and air temperatures. Multiple bathing time determination tables 124a are created for different submerged body surface area ratios. As shown in Fig. 11, correspondence table 124b is registered with different submerged body surface area ratios and the bathing time determination tables 124a applicable to those submerged body surface area ratios.

[0132] Bathing time determination table 124a is created, for example, as follows: By estimating (calculating using a formula) the deep body temperature at each predetermined time interval from the start of bathing, multiple data (graphs) showing the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of bathing and the deep body temperature are created for different water temperatures in bathtub 2, air temperatures in bathroom 1, and submerged body surface area ratios. From each of the created data (graphs), the time at which the rise in deep body temperature exceeds the temperature rise threshold is extracted as the bathing time, and bathing time determination table 124a is created for each different submerged body surface area ratio.

[0133] In bathing time determination table 124a, the bathing time becomes shorter the higher the water temperature in bathtub 2 and the higher the air temperature in bathroom 1. Furthermore, the bathing time determination table 124a for a higher submerged body surface area ratio will be shorter for the same water temperature and air temperature.

[0134] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the bath timer function performed by bathroom remote controller 12.

[0135] 12, when the control unit 123 determines that bathing in the bathtub 2 has begun (S301: YES), it acquires the pre-submersion water level H1 and the post-submersion water level H2 (S302). Then, the control unit 123 (submersion ratio detection unit 123c) detects the submerged body surface area ratio based on the pre-submersion water level H1, the post-submersion water level H2, and the weight of the bather read from the memory unit 124 (S303).

[0136] Next, control unit 123 (bath temperature acquisition unit 123a, air temperature acquisition unit 123b) acquires water temperature data from memory unit 124 and air temperature data from temperature sensor 127 (S304). Then, control unit 123 (bathing time determination unit 123f) refers to correspondence table 124b and determines bathing time determination table 124a corresponding to the submerged body surface area detected in S303 as the table to be used, and refers to the determined bathing time determination table 124a to determine the bathing time based on the water temperature data and air temperature data acquired in S304 (S305).

[0137] When it is determined that the bathing time has elapsed since the start of bathing (S306: YES), the control unit 123 (notification processing unit 123e) causes the speaker 126 to make a predetermined notification (S307).

[0138] In the third embodiment, the same effects as those in the second embodiment can be achieved.

[0139] <Example of change> In the first embodiment, the notification processor 123e may cause the notification unit (speaker 126) to issue a notification when the bather's core body temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold while bathing in the bathtub 2. In this case, in the pleasant-sleep bathing mode, the temperature threshold may be set to 37.5°C, for example. The temperature threshold may be set within a range of 37.1 to 38.0°C. In the hot flash prevention mode, the temperature threshold may be set to 38°C, for example. The temperature threshold may be set within a range of 37.5 to 39.0°C. In the process related to the bathing timer function shown in FIG. 6, the process of S107 is omitted, and in the process of S108, it is determined whether the core body temperature exceeds the temperature threshold.

[0140] Similarly, in the above-mentioned second and third embodiments, the bathing time determination unit 123f may determine the bathing time at which the deep body temperature of the bather bathing in the bathtub 2 exceeds the temperature threshold based on the water temperature data, the air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio. In the above-mentioned third embodiment, a bathing time determination table is created to determine the bathing time at which the deep body temperature exceeds the temperature threshold.

[0141] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the control unit 123 may acquire temperature data of the bath set temperature stored in the memory unit 124 as the hot water temperature data indicating the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiments 2 and 3, the control unit 123 may acquire temperature data of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor S5 as the hot water temperature data.

[0142] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 3, a notification based on a rise in core body temperature (a notification encouraging the user to leave the bath) may be made by displaying on the screen of display unit 121. Also, a speaker serving as a notification unit may be installed in bathroom 1 in addition to bathroom remote control 12, and the notification may be made by this speaker.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the notification based on the rise in core body temperature (the notification encouraging the user to leave the bath) may be made not only by bathroom remote control 12 but also by kitchen remote control 13, by voice from speaker 136 or by screen display from display input unit 131. Alternatively, if a mobile terminal device can be connected to water heating apparatus 10 for communication, the notification may be made by voice or screen display on the mobile terminal device.

[0144] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, a so-called three-node human body thermal model HM is used to estimate the core body temperature, in which the human body is divided into a skin layer SK, a core layer CR located closer to the center of the human body than the skin layer SK, and a middle layer MD between the skin layer SK and the core layer CR. However, a so-called two-node human body thermal model in which the human body is divided into a skin layer and a core layer may also be used to estimate the core body temperature.

[0145] Furthermore, in the above-described third embodiment, the bathing time determination table 124a and the correspondence table 124b are created by estimating the deep body temperature of the bather immersed in the bathtub 2 using the human body heat model HM. However, the bathing time determination table 124a and the correspondence table 124b may be created for different submerged body surface area ratios by actually measuring the deep body temperature of the subject bathing in the bathtub 2 using a thermometer under different conditions, such as the water temperature in the bathtub 2, the air temperature in the bathroom 1, and the amount of submersion of the bather in the water in the bathtub 2.

[0146] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, bathing time determination table 124a is stored in memory 124, and bathing time is determined by referring to bathing time determination table 124a. However, a regression equation may be created using bathing time determination table 124a for each different submerged body surface area ratio, with bathing time as the dependent variable and water temperature in bathtub 2 and air temperature in bathroom 1 as the explanatory variables, and the regression equation may be stored in memory 124. In this case, bathing time is determined by calculation using the regression equation and water temperature data and air temperature data.

[0147] Furthermore, if the mobile terminal device can communicate with water heating apparatus 10, a bath system including water heating apparatus 10 and the mobile terminal device may have a pleasant-sleep bathing mode function that includes a bathing timer function in pleasant-sleep bathing mode. In the pleasant-sleep bathing mode function, a bedtime is set by the user on the mobile terminal device, and a notification is issued encouraging the user to take a bath at a time calculated backwards so that the user is more likely to fall asleep at the set bedtime. When a start operation is performed on the mobile terminal device based on the notification, the bathing timer function in pleasant-sleep bathing mode is initiated on water heating apparatus 10. Thereafter, the mobile terminal device issues a notification encouraging the user to go to bed as the set bedtime approaches.

[0148] Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, bathing detection unit 111a detects a person bathing in bathtub 2 based on fluctuations in the water level in bathtub 2 detected by water level sensor S1. However, for example, a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person in bathtub 2 may be provided as the bathing detection sensor, and bathing detection unit 111a may detect that a person has bathed in bathtub 2 when the human presence sensor detects a person.

[0149] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 3, the bathing detection unit 111a is provided in the water heater 11, and the water temperature acquisition unit 123a, the air temperature acquisition unit 123b, the immersion rate detection unit 123c, the core body temperature estimation unit 123d (bathing time determination unit 123f), and the notification processing unit 123e are provided in the bathroom remote control 12, but the arrangement of these units is not limited to this. For example, all of the units may be provided in the bathroom remote control 12, or in the water heater 11. When the bathing detection unit 111a is provided in the bathroom remote control 12, the detection results of the water level sensor S1 are sequentially transmitted from the water heater 11 to the bathroom remote control 12. When the water temperature acquisition unit 123a, the air temperature acquisition unit 123b, the immersion ratio detection unit 123c, the deep body temperature estimation unit 123d (bathing time determination unit 123f), and the notification processing unit 123e are provided in the water heater 11, a command to have the speaker 126 or the like notify the user that it is time to leave the bath is sent from the water heater 11 to the bathroom remote control 12 via the control unit 123.

[0150] Furthermore, the configuration of water heater 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 2 and may be other configurations. For example, water heater 11 may have only a configuration equivalent to hot water supply unit 210 and be able to fill or add hot water by supplying hot water to bathtub 2 but not be able to reheat water, or may have only a configuration equivalent to reheating unit 220 and circulate the water stored in bathtub 2 through a heat exchanger to heat it when filling the bathtub.

[0151] Furthermore, water heater 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heater that uses oil as fuel. Water heater 10 may be a storage type that uses a storage tank, and may further include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

[0152] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1 bathroom 2 bathtubs 10 Hot water supply equipment (bath equipment) 111a Bathing detection unit 122 Input section 123a Water temperature acquisition unit 123b Temperature acquisition section 123c Water ingress detection unit 123d Core body temperature estimation section 123e Notification processing unit 123f Bath time determination unit 124 Memory unit (hot water temperature data output unit) 126 Speaker (notification unit) 127 Temperature sensor (temperature data output part) S1 Water Level Sensor S5 Temperature sensor (water temperature data output section) HM Human Body Thermal Model

Claims

1. a water temperature acquisition unit that acquires water temperature data indicating the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub, output from the water temperature data output unit; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature data indicating the temperature inside the bathroom outputted from the temperature data output unit; a bathing detection unit that detects a bather entering the bathtub; a submerged body surface area detection unit that detects the proportion of the bather's body surface area submerged in the hot water in the bathtub as a submerged body surface area proportion; a deep body temperature estimation unit that estimates the deep body temperature of a person bathing in the bathtub based on the water temperature data, the air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio; The notification department, a notification processing unit that causes the notification unit to issue a notification when the rise in the deep body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub exceeds a temperature rise threshold or when the deep body temperature exceeds a temperature threshold; A bath device characterized by comprising:

2. The bath device according to claim 1, The deep body temperature estimation unit calculates the deep body temperature using the hot water temperature data, the air temperature data, and the submerged body surface area ratio according to a calculation formula obtained by a human body thermal model. A bath device characterized by the above.

3. a water temperature acquisition unit that acquires water temperature data indicating the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub, output from the water temperature data output unit; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature data indicating the temperature inside the bathroom outputted from the temperature data output unit; a bathing detection unit that detects a bather entering the bathtub; a submerged body surface area detection unit that detects the proportion of the bather's body surface area submerged in the hot water in the bathtub as a submerged body surface area proportion; a bathing time determination unit that determines the bathing time at which the rise in the deep body temperature from the start of bathing in the bathtub exceeds a temperature rise threshold or the deep body temperature exceeds a temperature threshold based on the water temperature data, the air temperature data, and the immersion body surface area ratio; The notification department, a notification processing unit that causes the notification unit to issue a notification based on the elapse of the bathing time from the start of bathing in the bathtub; A bath device characterized by comprising:

4. The bath device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub; and an input unit for receiving input of the weight of the bather. The submerged body surface area ratio detection unit detects the submerged body surface area ratio based on a pre-submersion water level detected by the water level sensor before the bather is submerged in the hot water in the bathtub, a post-submersion water level detected by the water level sensor when the bather is submerged in the hot water in the bathtub, and the bather's weight. A bath device characterized by the above.

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