Bath apparatus

Abstract

To provide a bath device capable of providing a user with a heat retaining operation matched with a bathing pattern of the user.SOLUTION: A hot water supply device 1 (bath device) includes a bathing detection unit 111a for detecting bathing in a bathtub, a bathing learning unit 111a for learning a predicted bathing time zone of a user using a bathing time zone based on a detection result of the bathing detection unit 111b as learned data, and a temperature-maintenance operation execution unit 111b for executing a temperature-maintenance operation for maintaining hot water in the bathtub at a predetermined temperature from a predetermined time before the predicted bathing time zone learned by the bathing learning unit 111c. When the number of times of bathing in a prescribed period of a certain day is different from the number of times of bathing in the prescribed period based on the predicted bathing time zone, the bathing learning part 111b excludes the bathing time zone of the day from a learning object.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] Conventionally, bathtub devices have a heat retention function to maintain the temperature of the water in the bathtub at a set temperature. However, this heat retention function keeps the water warm even when the user is not using the bath, which can result in unnecessary energy consumption.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 describes a method for controlling scheduled operation of a bath system that learns the start and stop times of automatic bath operation and controls the scheduled operation of the automatic bath based on the learning results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4100293 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The energy consumption problem caused by the keep-warm function can be solved by learning the user's bathing time and limiting the keep-warm function to that time. However, even with this control, if the user takes an irregular bath, the bathing time will be reflected in the learning, and there is a risk that the keep-warm function will not be executed as intended by the user.

[0006] In view of the above problem, the present invention aims to provide a bath device that can provide a user with a heat retention operation that is more in line with the user's bathing pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a bath apparatus. The bath apparatus includes a bathing detection unit for detecting bathing in the bathtub, a bathing learning unit for learning a user's predicted bathing time slots based on the detection results of the bathing detection unit as learning data, and a heat retention operation execution unit for executing a heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub at a predetermined temperature starting a predetermined time before the predicted bathing time slot learned by the bathing learning unit. If the number of baths taken in a predetermined period on a certain day differs from the number of baths taken in the predetermined period based on the predicted bathing time slots, the bathing learning unit excludes the bathing time slot on that day from the learning target.

[0008] With the bath device of this embodiment, irregular bathing, in which the number of baths taken in a specified period differs from the number of baths taken in a specified period in past learning, is excluded from the learning target, thereby providing the user with heat retention operation that is more consistent with the user's bathing pattern.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bath apparatus. This bath apparatus includes a bathing detection unit for detecting bathing in the bathtub, a bathing learning unit for learning a user's predicted bathing time slot using the bathing time slot detected by the bathing detection unit as learning data, and a heat retention operation execution unit for executing a heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub at a predetermined temperature starting a predetermined time before the predicted bathing time slot learned by the bathing learning unit. If the bather's bathing time slot for a predetermined period on a certain day differs from the predicted bathing time slot for the predetermined period, the bathing learning unit excludes the bathing time slot for that day from the learning targets.

[0010] With the bath device of this embodiment, irregular bathing, such as when the bather's bathing time during a specified period differs from the bather's bathing time during a specified period in past learning, is excluded from the learning target, thereby providing the user with heat retention operation that is more consistent with the user's bathing pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the user with a keep-warm operation that is more suited to the user's bathing pattern.

[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 an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the water heater according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a combustion system and piping of a water heater according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(a) is a timing chart showing a user's past bathing time periods and a predicted bathing time period generated based on the past bathing time periods, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4(b) is a timing chart showing a relationship between the actual bathing time period of the day and the warming operation for the bathtub, according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 5(a) and 5(b) are timing charts showing the relationship between the actual bathing time slots on the day that are excluded from the learning target and the warming operation for the bathtub, according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of heat retention operation executed by the control unit of the water heater according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0016] The hot water supply device 1, as a bath device, performs bath functions such as an automatic bath function, a reheating function, a hot water addition function, and a cold water addition function.

[0017] The water heater 1 includes a water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. The water heater 11 is a gas water heater that uses gas as fuel to supply hot water. The hot water generated by the water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, a bathtub, a faucet, etc. through pipes connected to the hot water outlet 11a. If the water heater 11 has a floor heating function, a bathroom heating function, or a heating function using a panel heater, the hot water is supplied from the 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 1. 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 hot water filling, hot water supply temperature, hot water filling temperature, etc. by operating input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on display unit 121. The operator can also make settings for hot water filling, hot water filling temperature, 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] Furthermore, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include buttons for changing the hot water supply temperature and the hot water filling temperature. By operating these buttons, the operator can change the set temperatures for hot water supply and hot water filling. 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., and a button for setting the time from when the automatic bath function is turned on until it is automatically turned off.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting water heater 1. As shown in FIG.

[0024] The water heater 11 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication unit 113, and a detection unit 114.

[0025] Control unit 111 includes a microcomputer and controls each unit in 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. When control unit 111 executes the predetermined program stored in storage unit 112, the functions of bathing detection unit 111a, bathing learning unit 111b, and heat retention operation execution unit 111c are imparted to control unit 111. The processes performed by bathing detection unit 111a, bathing learning unit 111b, and heat retention operation execution unit 111c will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 6.

[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, as will be described later in FIG. 3, detection unit 114 includes a water level sensor S1 for detecting the water level in bathtub 2, a flow rate sensor S2 for detecting the flow rate of water entering water heater 11, a temperature sensor S3 for detecting the temperature of water entering water heater 11, a temperature sensor S4 for detecting the temperature of the hot water after heating, and a temperature sensor S5 for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in bathtub 2.

[0028] Bathroom remote control 12 includes not only display unit 121 and input unit 122 described above, but also control unit 123, memory unit 124, communication unit 125, speaker 126, and pyroelectric sensor 127. Display unit 121 is configured, for example, with 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Pyroelectric sensor 127 detects human movement in bathroom 3 (see FIG. 3) where bathtub 2 is installed. The detection range of pyroelectric sensor 127 includes both bathtub 2 and the washing area. Pyroelectric sensor 127 outputs a detection signal to control unit 123. Based on the input detection signal, control unit 123 detects people entering and exiting bathroom 3 and people's movement within bathroom 3. Control unit 123 transmits these detection results to water heater 11 and kitchen remote control 13 as needed.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the combustion system and piping of water heater 11. As shown in FIG.

[0035] Water heater 11 includes, as components of its combustion system, a water heating section 210, a reheating section 220, and a bypass section 230. Water heater 11 is installed outside bathroom 3 in which bathtub 2 is provided.

[0036] 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 4, and the exterior faucet 5. 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.

[0037] The reheating section 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. The return pipe 221, the bath heat exchanger 222, and the outgoing pipe 223 form a circulation path P1 for circulating hot water in the bathtub 2 between the water heater 11 and the bathtub 2.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] In addition to water level sensor S1, water heater 11 is equipped with flow rate sensor S2 for detecting the flow rate in water supply pipe 211, temperature sensor S3 for detecting the temperature of water introduced into water supply pipe 211 (the temperature of water entering water heater 11), and 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 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 Figure 2. The detection results of sensors S1 to S5 are transmitted to bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 as needed.

[0041] 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.

[0042] When bathroom faucet 4 or external faucet 5 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 4 or external faucet 5 through hot water pipe 213. When bathroom faucet 4 or external faucet 5 is closed, the water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 stops, and the combustion in hot water combustor 214 stops.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 is 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 detected by the temperature sensor S5 is used as the temperature of the hot water (water temperature) in the bathtub 2. The temperature sensor S5 outputs the detected water temperature to the control unit 111.

[0047] 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 circulation path P1, which is made up 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 the bath. In the heat retention function, the heat retention operation execution unit 111c (see Figure 2) of the control unit 111 references the water temperature from the temperature sensor S5 at a predetermined timing and, based on the referenced water temperature, performs reheating by the reheating unit 220 so that the water temperature in bathtub 2 becomes the bath setting temperature. The heat retention function causes the water temperature in bathtub 2 to follow the bath setting temperature. The bath setting temperature is set by operating the buttons on the bathroom remote control 12.

[0050] In the conventional keep-warm function, the automatic bath function is continuously activated during the operating time set by the user. However, this control causes the keep-warm function to continue even when the user is not using the bath, which can result in unnecessary energy consumption.

[0051] Therefore, in this embodiment, bathing learning unit 111b of control unit 111 learns the user's bathing time slot (predicted input time slot), and heat retention operation execution unit 111c controls the ON / OFF of heat retention operation based on the learning result (predicted bathing time slot). Specifically, heat retention operation execution unit 111c starts heat retention operation a predetermined time before the start of the learned predicted bathing time slot so that reheating for heat retention is completed at the start of the learned predicted bathing time slot, and then stops heat retention operation when the user leaves bathtub 2.

[0052] FIG. 4(a) is a timing chart showing past bathing time periods of users in bathtub 2 and predicted bathing time periods generated based on the past bathing time periods.

[0053] In the example shown below, the predicted bathing time slot for the current day is generated using bathing time slots on the same day of the week for the past three weeks. The predicted bathing time slot is not limited to three bathing time slots for the past three weeks, but may also be generated using four or more bathing time slots for the past four weeks or more. Furthermore, the predicted bathing period for the current day may be generated using bathing time slots on consecutive days from the past to the day before, regardless of the day of the week. Furthermore, if the current day is a weekday, the bathing time slots on past weekdays may be used, and if the current day is a holiday, the bathing time on past holiday days may be used.

[0054] The first row of Figure 4(a) shows three bathing time slots for Bathtub 2 on Friday three weeks ago. Similarly, the second row of Figure 4(a) shows three bathing time slots for Bathtub 2 on Friday two weeks ago, and the third row of Figure 4(a) shows three bathing time slots for Bathtub 2 on Friday one week ago.

[0055] The bathing detection unit 111a of the control unit 111 detects entry into and exit from the bathtub 2 based on the detection signal of the water level sensor S1, and stores the detection results (start and end timings of each bathing time period) in the memory unit 112.

[0056] The bathing learning unit 111b of the control unit 111 uses the detection results from one to three weeks ago (detection results for the past three weeks) as learning data to learn the user's predicted bathing time slot. That is, as shown in the fourth row of FIG. 4(a), the bathing learning unit 111b generates a predicted bathing time slot for the current day (Friday) based on the learning data from Fridays one to three weeks ago. Specifically, the bathing learning unit 111b sets the time slot from the earliest start time to the latest end time among the first bathing time slots on Fridays one to three weeks ago as the first predicted bathing time slot Tp1. Similarly, the bathing learning unit 111b sets the second predicted bathing time slot Tp2 and the third predicted bathing time slot Tp3.

[0057] FIG. 4(b) is a timing chart showing the relationship between the actual bathing time on the day and the warming operation for bathtub 2.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 4(b), predicted bathing time slots Tp1, Tp2, and Tp3 for that day are shown, similar to the fourth row in Figure 4(a). The actual start and end times of the first bathing time slot are Ta11 and Ta12, the actual start and end times of the second bathing time slot are Ta21 and Ta12, and the actual start and end times of the third bathing time slot are Ta31 and Ta32.

[0059] In this case, the heat retention operation execution unit 111c of the control unit 111 executes heat retention operation to maintain the water in the bathtub 2 at a predetermined temperature (bath set temperature) for the predicted bathing time periods Tp1, Tp2, and Tp3 generated by the bathing learning unit 111b, starting a predetermined time period Tw11, Tw21, and Tw31 before the predicted bathing time periods Tp1, Tp2, and Tp3, respectively. The predetermined time periods Tw11, Tw21, and Tw31 are the time required for reheating to begin from the current water temperature and for the water temperature in the bathtub 2 to reach the predetermined temperature at least at the start of the bathing time period. In FIG. 4(b), for convenience, the period during which reheating is performed is indicated by diagonal lines, and the period during which the predetermined temperature is maintained after reheating is indicated by dots.

[0060] The predetermined times Tw11, Tw21, and Tw31 may be set individually based on the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub 2, or may be set to predetermined equal times.

[0061] In this way, the temperature of the water in bathtub 2 is set to a predetermined temperature during the user's actual bathing time. After that, when bathing detection unit 111a detects that the user has left bathtub 2, heat retention operation execution unit 111c stops reheating by reheating unit 220 and sets the heat retention function to off (standby state).

[0062] In this way, the first warming period Tw1 is set based on the start timing of the predicted bathing time slot Tp1, the predetermined time Tw11, and the actual end timing Ta12 of the bath. Similarly, the second warming period Tw2 and the third warming period Tw3 are set. This allows the warming operation to be performed only during the period corresponding to the user's bathing, thereby reducing energy consumption due to the warming function.

[0063] As mentioned above, the operating time (for example, 6 hours) from when the automatic bath function is turned on until it is automatically turned off is preset. As a result, when the end timing Te of the operating time arrives, the automatic bath function is set to off.

[0064] The bathing learning unit 111b updates the predicted bathing time slots for the corresponding days of the next week using the first to third bathing time slots of the current day, the first to third bathing time slots of one week ago, and the first to third bathing time slots of two weeks ago as learning data, i.e., the bathing time slots for the past three weeks as learning data.

[0065] As shown in the upper part of Figure 4(b), if the bathing time slot for the current day matches the predicted bathing time slots Tp1 to Tp3, the predicted bathing time slot for the next week can be set appropriately by using the bathing time slots for the past three weeks, including the bathing time slot for the current day, as learning data. However, the user may take an irregular bath that day due to visitors or the absence of family members. In this case, if the irregular bathing time slot for that day is reflected in the learning, the predicted input time slot may deviate from the original bathing time slot (bathing pattern), and the keep-warm operation intended by the user may not be performed.

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, such irregular bathing time periods are excluded from the learning of predicted bathing time periods. This allows for a heat retention operation that is consistent with the user's bathing pattern. This process will be described below.

[0067] 5(a) and 5(b) are timing charts showing the relationship between the actual bathing time slots on the day that are excluded from the learning target and the warming operation for bathtub 2.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 5(a), the fourth bathing is taken as an irregular bathing. In this way, if the actual number of bathing trips exceeds the number of bathing trips based on the predicted bathing time slots (three times in the example of FIG. 5(a)), the bathing learning unit 111b excludes all bathing time slots for that day from the learning targets. Specifically, the bathing learning unit 111b does not store each timing of the bathing time slots for that day in the memory unit 112. In addition, if the number of bathing trips for that day is lower than the number of bathing trips based on the predicted bathing time slots, the bathing learning unit 111b also excludes all bathing time slots for that day from the learning targets.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5(a), when the bathing detection unit 111a detects an excessive number of baths, the heat retention operation execution unit 111c then executes heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub 2 at a predetermined temperature (bath setting temperature) until the end timing Te arrives.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), the second bathing time slot does not match the predicted bathing time slot Tp2, and is therefore determined to be an irregular bathing session.

[0071] In this example, the start timing of the actual bathing time slot deviates significantly from the start timing of the corresponding predicted bathing time slot. In this case, if the time difference between these timings is not within a predetermined tolerance, the actual bathing is determined to be irregular. This tolerance is set to, for example, approximately ±30 minutes, taking into account fluctuations in the user's bathing timing. In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), the start timing Ta21 of the second bathing time slot deviates from the tolerance range of the start timing of the second predicted bathing time slot Tp2, so the bathing learning unit 111b excludes all bathing time slots for that day from the learning target. Specifically, the bathing learning unit 111b does not store the timings of the bathing time slots for that day in the memory unit 112.

[0072] In addition, the method of determining whether the actual bathing time period matches the predicted bathing time period is not limited to the above method, i.e., the method of determining whether the time difference between the start timing of the nth predicted bathing time period (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) and the actual bathing time period is within an acceptable range.

[0073] For example, whether the actual bathing time slot matches the predicted bathing time slot may be determined based on whether the time difference between the nth predicted bathing time slot and the end timing of the actual bathing time slot is within an acceptable range, or whether the actual bathing time slot matches the predicted bathing time slot may be determined based on whether at least one of the time difference between the start timings and the time difference between the end timings is within a corresponding acceptable range. The acceptable range applied to the time difference between the start timings and the acceptable range applied to the time difference between the end timings may be different; for example, the latter acceptable range may be set longer than the former acceptable range, taking into account that the desired duration of bathing may vary.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the heat retention operation execution unit 111c determines that the actual bathing time zone does not match the predicted bathing time zone, it executes heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub 2 at a predetermined temperature (bath setting temperature) until the end timing Te arrives.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), in this embodiment, if the bathing time slot of the day is irregular, the bathing time slot of that day is excluded from the learning target. As a result, when generating the predicted bathing time slot for the next week, for example, the bathing time slots for three weeks prior to the next week (two to four weeks prior to the next week) are used as learning data. In this way, the bathing time slot of the day on which the irregular bathing occurred is not used to learn the predicted bathing time slots for the following week, so that appropriate predicted bathing time slots can be generated even thereafter. This makes it possible to achieve a keep-warm operation that is consistent with the user's bathing pattern.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of heat retention operation executed by control unit 111 of water heater 11.

[0077] 6, steps S101 to S104, S109, S110, S113, and S114 are executed by the function of heat retention operation execution unit 111c of control unit 111, steps S105 and S108 are executed by the function of bathing detection unit 111a of control unit 111, and steps S106, S107, S111, and S112 are executed by the function of bathing learning unit 111b of control unit 111. The following description will be given assuming that control unit 111 performs the processing of FIG. 6 using these functions.

[0078] The process in Figure 6 is executed when the automatic bath function is set to ON on the day of the determination. When the automatic bath function is set to ON, the bathing learning unit 111b generates a predicted bathing time slot for that day using past bathing time slots stored in the memory unit 112 as learning data.

[0079] The control unit 111 determines whether the current time is a predetermined time before the predicted bathing time slot (S101). If the current time is a predetermined time before the predicted bathing time slot (S101: YES), the control unit 111 starts a heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub 2 at a predetermined temperature (bath set temperature) (S102). For example, in the case of FIG. 5(a), the heat retention operation starts when the current time is a predetermined time Tw11, Tw21, or Tw31 before the start of the predicted bathing time slots Tp1, Tp2, and Tp3, respectively.

[0080] Next, the control unit 111 executes the reheating function (S103) and continues reheating until the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath setting temperature (S104). When the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath setting temperature (S104: YES), the control unit 111 puts the process on hold until it detects bathing in the bathtub 2 (S105).

[0081] When the control unit 111 detects bathing in the bathtub 2 (S105: YES), it determines whether the number of baths on that day exceeds the number of baths based on the predicted bathing time zone (S106), and determines whether the bathing time zone matches the corresponding predicted bathing time zone (S107).

[0082] If the determination in step S106 is NO and the determination in step S107 is YES, control unit 111 puts the process on hold until it detects that a person has left bathtub 2 (S108). When control unit 111 detects that a person has left bathtub 2 (S108: YES), it ends the heat retention function (S109). Then, control unit 111 determines whether a preset operating time has elapsed from when the automatic bath function was turned on until it is automatically turned off (S110).

[0083] If the operation time has not elapsed (S110: NO), the control unit 111 returns the process to step S101. On the other hand, if the operation time has elapsed (S110: YES), the control unit 111 determines whether the number of baths on that day matches the number of baths based on the predicted bathing time slot (S111). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the control unit 111 stops the automatic bath function at the end timing Te, stores the actual bathing time slot on that day as learning data in the memory unit 112 (S112), and ends the process of FIG. 6.

[0084] On the other hand, if the determination in step S106 is YES or the determination result in step S107 is NO, the control unit 111 continues the keep-warm function (S113). Then, when the operation time of the automatic bath function has elapsed and the end timing Te arrives (S114: YES), the control unit 111 stops the automatic bath function and ends the processing in Figure 6. Also, if the determination in step S111 is NO, the control unit 111 stops the automatic bath function at the end timing Te and ends the processing in Figure 6.

[0085] If the determination in step S106 is YES or the determinations in steps S107 and S111 are NO, step S112 is not executed, and the bathing time slots acquired on that day are not stored in the memory unit 112 and are excluded from the learning data.

[0086] 6, if step S112 is skipped a predetermined number of times (for example, about 5 to 10 times), the control unit 111 (bathing learning unit 111b) may reset the learned data (bathing time slots) up to that point and newly learn the predicted bathing time slots. As a result, for example, if the user's family composition changes and their bathing patterns change, a predicted bathing time slot can be set according to the new bathing pattern.

[0087] When learning is performed anew, for example, bathing time periods for the past several weeks (for example, about 5 to 10 weeks), which is more than the case of Figure 4(a), are accumulated, and from these, those that deviate significantly from the average number of baths and bathing time periods are excluded, and the predicted bathing time periods are set in the same manner as Figure 4(a). This is also the case when learning is performed for the first time after water heating apparatus 1 is installed.

[0088] <Effects of the embodiment> According to the embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0089] The water heater 1 (bath device) includes a bathing detection unit 111a for detecting bathing in the bathtub 2, a bathing learning unit 111b for learning the user's predicted bathing time periods Tp1, Tp2, and Tp3 using the bathing time periods based on the detection results of the bathing detection unit 111a as learning data, and a heat retention operation execution unit 111c for executing heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub 2 at a predetermined temperature from a predetermined time Tw11, Tw21, or Tw31 before the predicted bathing time periods Tp1, Tp2, or Tp3 learned by the bathing learning unit 111b.

[0090] Then, if the number of baths taken during the preset operating time (a specified period on a certain day) from when the automatic bath function is turned on until it is automatically turned off differs from the number of baths taken based on the predicted bathing time periods Tp1, Tp2, and Tp3 (S106: YES, S111: NO), the bathing learning unit 111b excludes the bathing time periods based on the detection results for that day from the learning targets.

[0091] With this configuration, irregular bathing, in which the number of baths taken in a specified period differs from the number of baths taken in a specified period in past learning, is excluded from the learning target, thereby providing the user with heat retention operation that is more consistent with the user's bathing pattern.

[0092] In addition, if the bathing time period of the bather during the preset operating time of the day (a specified period on a certain day) from when the automatic bath function is turned on until it is automatically turned off differs from the predicted bathing time periods Tp1, Tp2, and Tp3 (S107: NO), the bathing learning unit 111b excludes the bathing time period based on the detection results of the day (that day) from the learning target.

[0093] With this configuration, irregular bathing, in which the bather's bathing time during a specified period differs from the bather's bathing time during a specified period in past learning, is excluded from the learning target, thereby providing the user with heat retention operation that is more consistent with the user's bathing pattern.

[0094] The heat-retention operation execution unit 111c can be configured to stop the heat-retention operation when it is determined from the detection result of the bathing detection unit 111a that the bather has left the bathtub 2 (S109).

[0095] According to this configuration, the execution of the heat-retention operation is limited to the bathing time, so that energy consumption due to the heat-retention operation can be reduced.

[0096] <Example of change> In the above embodiment, if the number of bathing times and the bathing time periods are irregular (S106: YES, S107: NO, S111: NO), the bathing time periods acquired on that day are excluded from the learning data by not being stored in the memory unit 112. However, this is not limiting, and the bathing time periods acquired on that day may be excluded from the learning data by being stored in the memory unit 112 together with an invalid flag. In this case, the bathing learning unit 111b generates the predicted bathing time periods for that day using past bathing time periods that do not have an invalid flag assigned.

[0097] In the above embodiment, in steps S110 and S114, it was determined whether the preset operating time of the automatic bath function had elapsed, but if the automatic bath function was stopped via the bathroom remote control 12 or the kitchen remote control 13, steps S110 and S114 may be determined to be YES in response to this stopping.

[0098] In the above embodiment, if no bathing in bathtub 2 is detected even after a significant amount of time (for example, two hours) has passed since the start of the predicted bathing time period, control unit 111 may terminate the heat retention function. In this case, bathing learning unit 111b also excludes the bathing time period acquired on that day from the learning targets.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the bathing detection unit 111a detected entry and exit of a bath into the bathtub 2 based on the detection signal of the water level sensor S1, but this is not limited to this. If the detection range of the pyroelectric sensor 127 includes only the bathtub 2, entry and exit of a bath into the bathtub 2 may be detected based on the detection signal of the pyroelectric sensor 127.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the functions of bathing detection unit 111a, bathing learning unit 111b, and keep-warm operation execution unit 111c are assigned to control unit 111 of water heater 11, but these functions may also be assigned to control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 or control unit 133 of kitchen remote control 13. In these cases, the corresponding remote control executes the functions of the bathing detection unit and bathing learning unit based on the detection results of water level sensor S1 transmitted from water heater 11 at any time, and further sends a command to perform / stop keep-warm operation to water heater 11 using the function of the keep-warm operation execution unit. The functions of bathing detection unit 111a, bathing learning unit 111b, and keep-warm operation execution unit 111c may be shared between water heater 11 and bathroom remote control 12 or kitchen remote control 13.

[0101] Furthermore, the method for learning the predicted input time slot is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment, and other methods may be used. For example, the predicted input time slot may be acquired by machine learning using AI or the like, which inputs past bathing time slots (start time, end time) and outputs predicted bathing time slots (start time, end time).

[0102] Furthermore, when hot water supply apparatus 1 includes another control device in addition to the configuration of FIG. 1, the other control device may execute the functions of bathing detection unit 111a, bathing learning unit 111b, and heat retention operation execution unit 111c.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the configuration of water heater 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3, and may be other configurations. Furthermore, water heater 1 (bath device) is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heater that uses oil as fuel. Water heater 1 may be a storage type that uses a storage tank, and may be configured to further include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

[0104] 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]

[0105] 1. Hot water supply equipment (bath equipment) 2 bathtubs 111a Bathing detection unit 111b Bathing Learning Club 111c Heat retention operation execution unit

Claims

1. a bathing detection unit for detecting bathing in the bathtub; a bathing learning unit that learns the user's predicted bathing time period using the bathing time period based on the detection result of the bathing detection unit as learning data; a heat retention operation execution unit that executes a heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub at a predetermined temperature from a predetermined time before the predicted bathing time period learned by the bathing learning unit, the bathing learning unit excludes the bathing time slot of a certain day from the learning target when the number of bathing times in a predetermined period of time on that day differs from the number of bathing times in the predetermined period based on the predicted bathing time slot; A bath device characterized by the above.

2. a bathing detection unit for detecting bathing in the bathtub; a bathing learning unit that learns the user's predicted bathing time period using the bathing time period based on the detection result of the bathing detection unit as learning data; a heat retention operation execution unit that executes a heat retention operation to keep the water in the bathtub at a predetermined temperature from a predetermined time before the predicted bathing time period learned by the bathing learning unit, the bathing learning unit excludes a bathing time period of a bather on a certain day from learning targets when the bathing time period of the bather on that day differs from a predicted bathing time period for the predetermined period; A bath device characterized by the above.

3. The bath device according to claim 1 or 2, The heat retention operation execution unit stops the heat retention operation in response to determining that the bather has left the bathtub based on the detection result of the bathing detection unit. A bath device characterized by the above.

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