Bath system

Abstract

This bathing system provides a solution that prevents situations where bathing cannot begin at the appropriate time due to the bathtub not being filled with hot water. [Solution] The bath system 1 includes a hot water supply device 10 capable of filling the bathtub 2 with hot water, and a portable terminal device 20 capable of communicating with the hot water supply device 10. The portable terminal device 20 accepts the setting of the planned bedtime and determines the bath start time and the bath notification time, which is when a notification prompting bathing will be given, based on the set bedtime. The hot water supply device 10 starts the hot water filling operation based on the determination that the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the bath start time. Furthermore, the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 give a notification prompting the closing of the bathtub drain plug 2a before the hot water filling operation starts, based on the determination that the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the bath start time.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , ,

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[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub system that executes a predetermined bathtub function.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a bathtub system equipped with a function of a sound sleep bathing mode that supports the sound sleep of a user has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the function of the sound sleep bathing mode, when the user sets the bedtime on the portable terminal device, a notification is made to prompt bathing at a time calculated backward from the bedtime so that the user after bathing is likely to be led to fall asleep. Then, when the user takes a bath in the bathtub, a notification to prompt leaving the bath is made from the bathroom remote control of the water supply device at the timing when the bathing time based on the hot water temperature in the bathtub during the bath has elapsed. Further, then, when approaching the set bedtime, a notification to prompt going to bed is made on the portable terminal device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above bathtub system, if the filling of hot water into the bathtub has not been completed when the notification to prompt bathing is made, there is a risk that the user may not be able to start bathing at an appropriate time.

[0005] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a bathtub system that can prevent the situation where bathing cannot be started at an appropriate time due to the incomplete filling of hot water into the bathtub.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main aspect of the present invention relates to a bath system comprising a bathing device capable of performing a bath filling operation, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the bathing device. In the bath system according to this aspect, the terminal device receives a setting of a planned bedtime and determines a bathing notification time when a notification prompting bathing will be given, based on the set planned bedtime. The bathing device starts the bath filling operation based on the determination that the bath will not be filled with hot water at the time of bathing start based on the notification prompting bathing.

[0007] A "notification encouraging bathing" is one that, as a result of the notification, prompts the user to take a bath, and does not explicitly urge the user to start bathing, such as a notification that the time to start bathing has arrived or is approaching.

[0008] For example, the hot water heater will start filling the bathtub when the time set based on the bath start time arrives and the bathtub filling operation has not yet begun.

[0009] According to the bath system of this embodiment, even if the user forgets to start the water filling operation, the bathtub will be filled with water by the time the user starts bathing. Therefore, the user can receive a notification prompting them to bathe and start bathing promptly at the appropriate time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, the present invention provides a bathing system that can prevent situations where bathing cannot be started at an appropriate time due to the bathtub not being filled with hot water.

[0011] The effects and significance of the present invention will become even clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how to implement the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to those described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bath system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the circuit blocks of each component constituting the hot water supply system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a circuit block of a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment of this model. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a bath time determination table according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in a mobile terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) shows an example of a bedtime setting screen according to an embodiment, and Figure 6(b) shows an example of a bath time notification screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) shows an example of a start operation screen according to the embodiment, and Figure 7(b) shows an example of a bedtime notification screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in a water heater according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in a bathroom remote control according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in a mobile terminal device according to Modification Example 1. Figure 10(b) is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in a water heater according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in a mobile terminal device according to Modification Example 2. Figure 11(b) is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in a water heater according to Modification Example 2.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a bathtub system 1.

[0015] The bathtub system 1 includes a water supply device 10 and a portable terminal device 20. The water supply device 10 can communicate with the portable terminal device 20 via a router 30, an external communication network 40, and a server 50.

[0016] As a bathtub device, the water supply device 10 executes operations related to bathtub functions such as filling operation, reheating operation, automatic bathtub operation, additional hot water operation, and additional water operation. The portable terminal device 20 is a terminal device that can communicate with the bathtub device.

[0017] The water supply device 10 includes a water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. The water heater 11 is a gas water heater that supplies hot water using gas as fuel. The hot water generated by the water heater 11 is supplied to the kitchen faucet, bathtub 2, showerhead, etc. via pipes respectively connected to the hot water outlets 11a. When the water heater 11 has a floor heating function, a bathroom heating function, and a heating function by a panel heater, hot water is supplied from the water heater 11 to the devices that realize these functions.

[0018] The remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to the water heater 11 and are used to perform various settings for each function of the water supply device 10. The remote controller 12 includes a display unit 121 and an input unit 122, and the remote controller 13 includes a display input unit 131 composed of a touch panel and an operation button 132. The operator can perform arbitrary settings for filling and hot water temperature adjustment, etc. by operating the input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on the display unit 121. Also, the operator can perform settings such as filling by operating the display input unit 131.

[0019] Remote controller 12 is installed in bathroom 3, and remote controller 13 is installed in the kitchen, etc. 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 bathroom 3 will be referred to as the "bathroom remote control 12," and the remote controller 13 installed in the kitchen, etc., will be referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13."

[0021] The input section 122 of the bathroom remote control 12 includes an operation button 122a. The operation buttons 122a and 132 are used to switch the water heater 11 between the ON state and the OFF state.

[0022] When the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 are in the off state (a state in which the water heater 11 does not perform hot water supply operation even if a hot water tap such as a faucet is opened and water flows at a rate exceeding the standard flow rate), the display unit 121 and the display input unit 131 are off, and operation of buttons other than the operation buttons 122a and 132 is not accepted. When the operation buttons 122a and 132 are operated and the unit is in the on state (a state in which the 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 exceeding the standard flow rate), the display unit 121 and the display input unit 131 light up and the settings are displayed, and operation of buttons other than the operation buttons 122a and 132 becomes accepted.

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

[0024] The mobile terminal device 20 is, for example, a mobile phone (smartphone). In addition, the mobile terminal device 20 may be another portable terminal device such as a portable tablet terminal.

[0025] Router 30 is a communication relay device that connects each device located within the building (in this case, H10 inside the house) to the external communication network 40. The external communication network 40 is, for example, the internet. A server 50 is connected to the external communication network 40 for tasks such as remote control management of the water heater 10.

[0026] The kitchen remote control 13 communicates with the server 50 via the router 30 and the external communication network 40. When the mobile terminal device 20 is located inside the house H10, the mobile terminal device 20 communicates with the server 50 via the router 30 and the external communication network 40. When the mobile terminal device 20 is outside the house, the mobile terminal device 20 is connected to the external communication network 40 via an externally installed router 60 or base station 70 and communicates with the server 50.

[0027] The user of the mobile terminal device 20 can remotely control the water heater 10 using the mobile terminal device 20, both inside the house H10 and outside the house. Commands based on operations performed by the user on the mobile terminal device 20 are first transmitted to the server 50 via the external communication network 40. The server 50 transmits the received command to the water heater 10 that is pre-associated with the mobile terminal device 20 that received the command. The command from the server 50 is transmitted to the kitchen remote control 13 of the corresponding water heater 10 via the external communication network 40 and the router 30. In this way, the water heater 10 can be configured with settings requested by the user or functions requested by the user can be started through remote operation from the mobile terminal device 20.

[0028] Furthermore, status information of the water heater 10 is transmitted from the kitchen remote control 13 to the server 50 via the router 30 at predetermined intervals. The status information indicates the current settings and operating status of the water heater 10. The mobile terminal device 20 can obtain and display the latest status information from the server 50 using the application software of the bath system 1. This allows the user of the mobile terminal device 20 to monitor the status of the water heater 10 both inside the house (H10) and outside the house.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the circuit blocks of each component that make up the hot water supply system 10.

[0030] The water heater 11 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a hot water supply unit 113, a reheating unit 114, a water level sensor 115, a hot water temperature sensor 116, a bath temperature sensor 117, a flow rate sensor 118, and a communication unit 119.

[0031] The control unit 111 is equipped with a microcomputer and controls each part of the water heater 11 according to a program stored in the memory unit 112. The memory unit 112 is equipped with memory and stores a predetermined control program.

[0032] The hot water supply unit 113 includes a supply pipe connecting the water pipe, the bathtub 2, and the hot water tap, a hot water heat exchanger installed in the supply pipe, and a hot water combustion unit that heats the hot water heat exchanger. It heats water from the water pipe to produce hot water and supplies the produced hot water to the bathtub 2 and the hot water tap.

[0033] The reheating unit 114 includes a circulation pipe connected to the bathtub 2, a bath heat exchanger and circulation pump provided in the circulation pipe, and a bath combustion unit that heats the bath heat exchanger. By heating the hot water circulating between the bathtub 2 and the circulation pipe, it reheats the water in the bathtub 2.

[0034] For example, in hot water supply operation, the control unit 111 operates the hot water supply unit 113 to supply hot water at the set temperature to the hot water tap, such as a faucet. In bath filling operation, the control unit 111 operates the hot water supply unit 113 to fill the bathtub 2 with hot water. The temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 will be the set bath temperature. In reheating operation, the control unit 111 operates the reheating unit 114 to reheat the water in the bathtub 2. In automatic bath operation, after the bathtub is filled, reheating is performed as needed to maintain the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 at the set bath temperature. Before the bath filling operation, the user closes the bathtub drain plug 2a that blocks the drain of the bathtub 2.

[0035] The water level sensor 115 detects the water level in the bathtub 2 and outputs water level data to the control unit 111. The hot water temperature sensor 116 detects the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 2 and the hot water tap and outputs water temperature data to the control unit 111. The bath temperature sensor 117 detects the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2 and outputs water temperature data to the control unit 111. The flow rate sensor 118 detects the flow rate of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 2 and the hot water tap and outputs flow rate data to the control unit 111.

[0036] The communication unit 119 communicates with the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 according to the control unit 111. The communication unit 119 is connected to the communication unit 125 of the bathroom remote control 12 and the communication unit 135 of the kitchen remote control 13 via two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Furthermore, the two-core communication lines L1 and L2 are connected to each other internally within the communication unit 119. Therefore, the communication unit 125 of the bathroom remote control 12 and the communication unit 135 of the kitchen remote control 13 are connected to each other by the two-core communication lines L1 and L2. As a result, a signal transmitted from any of the communication units 119, 125, or 135 is transmitted simultaneously to the other communication units.

[0037] The bathroom remote control 12 includes, in addition to the display unit 121 and input unit 122 described above, a control unit 123, a storage unit 124, a communication unit 125, a speaker 126, and a temperature sensor 127. The display unit 121 is, for example, made of a liquid crystal panel. The input unit 122 is equipped with various operation buttons such as a temperature setting button. The display unit 121 may also be a touch panel.

[0038] The control unit 123 is equipped with a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 124. The storage unit 124 is equipped with memory and stores predetermined control programs. The storage unit 124 stores water temperature data for the set bath temperature.

[0039] The communication unit 125 communicates with the water heater 11 and the kitchen remote control 13 according to the control unit 123. The speaker 126 outputs sound based on the audio signal generated by the control unit 123. The control unit 123 reads the audio information stored in the memory unit 124 as needed and generates an audio signal. The sound output from the speaker 126 is output from the audio window 12a in Figure 1.

[0040] The temperature sensor 127 detects the temperature inside the bathroom 3 and outputs temperature data indicating the temperature inside the bathroom 3 to the control unit 123.

[0041] The kitchen remote control 13 includes, in addition to the display input unit 131 and operation buttons 132 described above, a control unit 133, a storage unit 134, a communication unit 135, a speaker 136, and a wireless communication unit 137. The control unit 133 is equipped with a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 134. The storage unit 134 is equipped with memory and stores predetermined control programs.

[0042] The communication unit 135 communicates with the water heater 11 and the bathroom remote control 12 according to the control unit 133. The speaker 136 outputs sound based on the audio signal generated by the control unit 133. The control unit 133 reads the audio information stored in the memory unit 134 as needed and generates an audio signal. The sound output from the speaker 136 is output from the audio window 13a in Figure 1.

[0043] The wireless communication unit 137 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with the router 30. The server 50 registers the address information and ID information of the wireless communication unit 137 as the address information and ID information of the kitchen remote control 13 (water heater 10).

[0044] Figure 3 shows the circuit block of the mobile terminal device 20.

[0045] The mobile terminal device 20 comprises a display unit 201, an input unit 202, a speaker 203, a control unit 204, a storage unit 205, and a wireless communication unit 206. The display unit 201 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The input unit 202 comprises various operation buttons and a touch panel stacked on the display unit 201. The speaker 203 outputs sound such as voice.

[0046] The control unit 204 is equipped with a microcomputer and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 205. The storage unit 205 is equipped with memory and stores predetermined control programs.

[0047] When the mobile terminal device 20 is used inside the home H10, the wireless communication unit 206 communicates with the router 30 according to the control unit 204. When the mobile terminal device 20 is used outside the home, the wireless communication unit 206 communicates with the communication system outside the home (router 60, base station 70). The wireless communication unit 206 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with the router 30, etc.

[0048] Now, the bath system 1 is equipped with a sleep support mode function to help the user sleep soundly. The sleep support mode function is executed by a control program included in the remote control application software installed on the hot water heater 10 and the portable terminal device 20.

[0049] In the sleep support mode, when the user sets a planned bedtime on the mobile terminal device 20, a notification prompting the user to take a bath is sent at a time calculated backward from the set bedtime, making it easier for the user to fall asleep after bathing. After the user enters the bathtub 2, the bathing time is determined based on the water temperature in the bathtub 2 at the time of bathing, and when the bathing time has elapsed from the start of bathing, a notification prompting the user to leave the bath is sent from the bathroom remote control 12 of the water heater 10. Furthermore, as the set planned bedtime approaches, a notification prompting the user to go to sleep is sent from the mobile terminal device 20. This makes it easier for the user to get a comfortable sleep.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bathing time is defined as the time from the start of bathing in the bathtub 2 until the rise in the bather's core body temperature reaches a predetermined temperature rise value that is effective for inducing sleep.

[0051] Sleepiness occurs when a person's core body temperature drops. Core body temperature tends to drop significantly in proportion to its rise; therefore, if core body temperature is greatly increased by bathing, the decrease in core body temperature will also be greater, making it easier to fall asleep. However, if core body temperature rises excessively by bathing, it can easily lead to the onset of health problems such as heatstroke. Therefore, by considering the above points and conducting tests, an appropriate predetermined temperature rise value can be selected. For example, the predetermined temperature rise value may be approximately +0.5°C. The predetermined temperature rise value can be selected within the range of +0.1 to 1.0°C.

[0052] The memory unit 124 of the bathroom remote control 12 stores a bath time determination table 124a, which is referenced to determine the bath time in the sleep support mode function.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the bath time determination table 124a.

[0054] The bathing time determination table 124a registers the bathing time at which the core body temperature rise reaches a predetermined temperature rise value, corresponding to the water temperature in the bathtub 2 and the air temperature in the bathroom 3. In the bathing time determination table 124a, the bathing time becomes shorter as the water temperature in the bathtub 2 increases and as the air temperature in the bathroom 3 increases.

[0055] The bathing time determination table 124a can be created, for example, using the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-148124.

[0056] The operations performed by the mobile terminal device 20 and the hot water supply device 10 for the function of the sleep support mode will be described in detail below.

[0057] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the mobile terminal device 20. Figure 6(a) is an example of the bedtime setting screen 310, and Figure 6(b) is an example of the bath time notification screen 320. Figure 7(a) is an example of the start operation screen 330, and Figure 7(b) is an example of the bedtime notification screen 340.

[0058] When the user activates the sleep support mode function on the mobile terminal device 20, the process shown in Figure 5 begins.

[0059] Referring to Figure 5, the control unit 204 displays the bedtime setting screen 310 on the display unit 201 and accepts the setting of the planned bedtime on the bedtime setting screen 310 via the input unit 202 (S101). As shown in Figure 6(a), the bedtime setting screen 310 includes a message 311 prompting the user to set the planned bedtime, a time input field 312, and a complete button 313. The user enters the planned bedtime in the time input field 312 and presses the complete button 313 when the user has finished entering the time. When entering time in the time input field 312, a keyboard for time input appears on the bedtime setting screen 310. The bedtime setting screen 310 is closed based on the operation of the complete button 313.

[0060] Once the scheduled bedtime has been set, the control unit 204 determines the bath start time, bath notification time, and bedtime notification time based on the set scheduled bedtime (S102).

[0061] Generally, the average bathing time is said to be about 30 minutes, and it takes about 90 minutes for the core body temperature, which rises after bathing, to return to normal. Therefore, the recommended time to start bathing is two hours before going to bed. In this embodiment, the control unit 204 determines the bathing start time by subtracting two hours from the planned bedtime so that bathing begins two hours before going to bed. The control unit 204 also determines the bathing notification time by subtracting the time required to prepare for bathing (for example, 10 minutes) from the bathing start time. Furthermore, the control unit 204 determines the bedtime notification time by subtracting the time required to prepare for bedtime (for example, 10 minutes) from the planned bedtime. The control unit 204 stores the bathing start time, bathing notification time, and bedtime notification time in the storage unit 205.

[0062] Furthermore, the estimated start time of bathing may be used as the bathing notification time, without considering the time required for preparation, and the scheduled bedtime may be used as the bedtime notification time.

[0063] Next, the control unit 204 transmits the determined bath start time to the water heater 10 via the server 50 (S103). The kitchen remote control 13 of the water heater 10 receives the bath start time and transmits it to the water heater 11. As a result, the water heater 11 receives the bath start time.

[0064] Next, the control unit 204 monitors whether or not the bath time notification time has arrived (S104). When the bath time notification time has arrived (S104: YES), the control unit 204 causes the display unit 201 to display a notification prompting the user to take a bath (S105). The bath time notification screen 320 is displayed on the display unit 201, for example, by a push notification function, as shown in Figure 6(b), so as to overlap with the screen 300 that is displayed on the display unit 201 at the time of notification, such as the home screen. If the screen 300 is not displayed on the display unit 201, only the bath time notification screen 320 is displayed on the display unit 201.

[0065] The bath time notification screen 320 includes, for example, a message 321 indicating that the bath time is approaching. This message 321 may then include a message prompting the user to press the start button 332 on the start operation screen 330 displayed on the display unit 201. When the bath time notification screen 320 is displayed, an alarm sound is output from the speaker 203.

[0066] Furthermore, a notification clearly prompting the user to begin bathing, such as "Please begin bathing," may be given. In addition, the control unit 204 may cause the speaker 203 to make an audible notification prompting the user to begin bathing.

[0067] Normally, when a user sets their planned bedtime on the mobile terminal device 20, they operate the bathroom remote control 12 or kitchen remote control 13 to start filling the bathtub 2 with hot water so that it is filled by the time they start bathing. However, it is possible that the user may forget to operate the hot water filling system. In such cases, as will be described later, the hot water supply system 10 determines that the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the time the user starts bathing, and the water heater 11 automatically starts filling the bathtub. As a result, when the user starts bathing based on the notification prompting them to bathe on the mobile terminal device 20, the bathtub 2 will be filled with hot water.

[0068] When the bath time notification screen 320 is closed based on a predetermined operation by the user, the control unit 204 displays the start operation screen 330 on the display unit 201 and accepts the start operation on the start operation screen 330 via the input unit 202 (S106). The start operation is an operation to start the bath timer function of the hot water supply device 10. The bath timer function is included in the functions of the sleep support mode.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7(a), the start operation screen 330 includes a message 331 prompting the user to start the bath and a start button 332. When a user notices the notification prompting them to take a bath, they press the start button 332 as the start operation before starting their bath. This registers the start operation.

[0070] When the control unit 204 receives the start operation, it sends a start command to the water heater 10 via the server 50 to start the bath timer function (S107). The kitchen remote control 13 of the water heater 10 receives the start command and sends it to the bathroom remote control 12. As a result, the bathroom remote control 12 receives the start command.

[0071] After the user performs the start operation, they enter the bath. Therefore, the user finishes bathing before the bedtime notification time arrives. During bathing, as described later, the bath timer function of the hot water heater 10 causes an announcement from the speaker 126 of the bathroom remote control 12 prompting the user to leave the bath based on the elapsed bathing time. Upon receiving this announcement, the user leaves the bathtub 2. At this time, the user's core body temperature may be elevated to a temperature that is effective for inducing sleep. Subsequently, around the time the bedtime notification time arrives, the user's elevated core body temperature may return to normal. This makes it easier for the user to fall asleep smoothly.

[0072] When the bedtime notification time arrives (S108:YES), the control unit 204 causes the display unit 201 to display a notification prompting the user to go to bed (S109). The display unit 201 displays the bedtime notification screen 340, for example, by a push notification function, so as shown in Figure 7(b), superimposed on the screen 300 that is displayed at the time of the notification. If the screen 300 is not displayed on the display unit 201, only the bedtime notification screen 340 is displayed on the display unit 201.

[0073] The bedtime notification screen 340 includes, for example, a message 341 indicating that the scheduled bedtime is approaching. When the bedtime notification screen 340 is displayed, an alarm sound is emitted from the speaker 203. The bedtime notification screen 340 is closed based on a predetermined operation by the user.

[0074] Furthermore, a notification clearly encouraging bedtime, such as "Please go to sleep," may be given. In addition, the control unit 204 may cause the speaker 203 to make an audible notification encouraging bedtime.

[0075] When users notice the notification prompting them to go to sleep, they prepare for bed, such as brushing their teeth, before going to sleep. This makes it easier for users to get a comfortable night's sleep.

[0076] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the water heater 11.

[0077] Referring to Figure 8, the control unit 111 monitors whether or not it has received the bath start time from the mobile terminal device 20 (S201). As described above, when the bath start time is determined in the mobile terminal device 20 based on the set bedtime, the determined bath start time is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20 to the water heater 10. The water heater 11 receives the bath start time via the kitchen remote control 13.

[0078] When the control unit 111 receives the bath start time (S201:YES), it obtains the bath filling start time based on the received bath start time (S202). The bath filling start time is the time when the water heater 11 automatically starts filling the bath.

[0079] For example, the time when the bath is to begin filling can be obtained by counting back the time required to fill the bathtub 2 with hot water from the time the bath is to begin. The time required to fill the bathtub is determined by performing a test run to fill the bathtub 2 with hot water when the hot water supply device 10 is installed. This is because the amount of water at the same water level will differ if the size (capacity) of the bathtub 2 is different. Alternatively, the time when the bath is to begin filling can be set to a time that is earlier than the time required to fill the bathtub from the time the bath is to begin, but is close to that time.

[0080] Next, the control unit 111 determines whether the bath filling start time used for the determination has already been set (S203). When multiple users utilize the sleep support mode function and the water heater 11 receives bath start times from multiple mobile terminal devices 20, the bath filling start time for the determination is already set when the bath start time is received for the second time or later.

[0081] If the control unit 111 has not yet set a start time for filling the bathtub for determination, it sets the acquired start time for filling the bathtub for determination as the start time for filling the bathtub for determination (S204). On the other hand, if the control unit 111 has already set a start time for filling the bathtub for determination (S203:YES), it determines whether the acquired start time for filling the bathtub for determination is earlier than the set start time for filling the bathtub (S205). Then, if the acquired start time for filling the bathtub for determination is earlier than the set start time for filling the bathtub (S205:YES), the control unit 111 sets the acquired start time for filling the bathtub for determination in place of the set start time for filling the bathtub (S204).

[0082] Next, the control unit 111 monitors whether the set time for filling the bathtub has arrived (S206). Furthermore, the control unit 111 monitors whether the bathtub filling operation has started based on the user's operation (S207). If the bathtub filling operation starts before the set time has arrived (S206: NO → S207: YES), the control unit 111 terminates the process.

[0083] On the other hand, if the time to start filling the bathtub arrives without the bath filling operation being performed (S206: YES), the control unit 111 determines that, under the current circumstances, the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the time bathing begins. It then instructs the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 to make an audible notification prompting them to close the bathtub drain plug 2a (S208), and then starts the bath filling operation (S209). The bath filling operation is started after waiting for the time required for the user to close the plug after the notification to close the plug has been given.

[0084] In this way, the water heater 11, or hot water supply device 10, automatically starts the hot water filling operation based on the determination that the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the time bathing begins. As a result, even if the user forgets to start the hot water filling operation, the bathtub 2 will be filled with hot water when bathing begins.

[0085] Furthermore, if the hot water heater 10 receives multiple bath start times determined by multiple users utilizing the sleep support mode function, it will adopt the earliest bath filling start time and automatically start the bath filling operation so that the bathtub 2 is filled with hot water by the earliest bath start time.

[0086] In the control process shown in Figure 8, instead of monitoring whether the user has initiated the hot water filling operation while monitoring whether the set start time for filling the bathtub has arrived, the control unit 111 may determine whether the hot water filling operation has already started when the start time arrives, and if the hot water filling operation has not yet started, it may initiate the automatic hot water filling operation.

[0087] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the bathroom remote control 12.

[0088] Referring to Figure 9, the control unit 123 monitors whether or not it has received a start command from the mobile terminal device 20 (S301). As described above, a start command is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20 based on the start operation performed by the user.

[0089] When the control unit 123 receives a start command (S301: YES), it starts the bath timer function and monitors whether or not someone has entered the bathtub 2 (S302). When a person enters the bathtub 2, which is filled with water, the water level in the bathtub 2 rises. This change in water level due to a person entering the bathtub 2 can be detected by the water level sensor 115. The control unit 111 of the water heater 11, acting as a bath detection unit, detects when a person has entered the bathtub 2 based on the detection result of the water level sensor 115. The bath detection result is transmitted from the control unit 111 to the bathroom remote control 12 as it occurs.

[0090] When the control unit 123 detects that a person has entered the bathtub 2 (S302: YES), it acquires the bath water temperature data stored in the memory unit 124 and the ambient temperature data from the temperature sensor 127 (S303). The set bath water temperature can be considered as the water temperature in the bathtub 2. The control unit 123 refers to the bath time determination table 124a and determines the bath time based on the acquired water water temperature data and ambient temperature data (S304). That is, the control unit 123 extracts the bath time from the bath time determination table 124a that corresponds to the water temperature indicated by the acquired water water temperature data and the ambient temperature indicated by the acquired ambient temperature data. Alternatively, the control unit 123 may acquire the water water temperature data detected by the bath water temperature sensor 117 and use that water water temperature data to determine the bath time.

[0091] The control unit 123 causes the speaker 126 to provide an audio notification to inform the user of the bathing time (S305). For example, an audio message such as "The estimated bathing time is XX minutes" is output from the audio window 12a of the bathroom remote control 12. Alternatively, the control unit 123 may cause the display unit 121 to display the bathing time.

[0092] When the control unit 123 detects that the user has entered the bathtub 2, it starts timing using a bath timer unit (not shown) provided in the control unit 123. The control unit 123 monitors whether the measured time has reached the bathing time, that is, whether the bathing time has elapsed since the start of bathing (S306).

[0093] If the control unit 123 determines that the bathing time has elapsed (S306: YES), it causes the speaker 126 to make an audible notification prompting the user to leave the bath (S307). For example, the voice window 12a of the bathroom remote control 12 outputs a voice message indicating that the bathing time has elapsed, such as "The estimated bathing time has elapsed." The user notices the notification prompting them to leave the bath and leaves the bathtub 2.

[0094] Furthermore, a notification clearly urging the user to leave the bath, such as "Please leave the bath," may be issued. In addition, as a notification to encourage leaving the bath, the control unit 123 may cause the display unit 121 to display an indication of the elapsed bathing time.

[0095] The control unit 123 causes the speaker 126 to make an audible notification prompting the user to leave the bathtub 2 each time a predetermined waiting period (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed until it is detected that the user has left the bathtub 2 (S308: NO → S309: YES → S307). At this time, the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 detects that the user has left the bathtub 2 based on the detection of water level fluctuations by the water level sensor 115, and notifies the control unit 123 of the detection result.

[0096] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0097] The hot water supply system 10 starts filling the bathtub 2 with hot water based on the determination that the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the time the user starts bathing. As a result, even if the user forgets to start filling the bathtub, the bathtub 2 will be filled with hot water when the user starts bathing. Therefore, the user can receive a notification prompting them to bathe and start bathing promptly at the appropriate time.

[0098] Furthermore, based on the determination that the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the time bathing begins, the notification units, the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13, issue a notification prompting the closing of the bathtub drain plug 2a before the hot water filling operation starts. This prevents the bathtub 2 from not being filled with hot water by the time bathing begins due to the bathtub drain plug 2a not being closed during the hot water filling operation.

[0099] Furthermore, if multiple bath start times are determined by the mobile terminal device 20, the hot water supply device 10 starts filling the bathtub 2 with hot water so that it is filled by the earliest bath start time. This allows the bathtub 2 to be filled with hot water according to the user who will be bathing earliest, so that any user can start bathing promptly at a suitable time.

[0100] <Example of change 1> Figure 10(a) is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the mobile terminal device 20 according to Modification Example 1. Figure 10(b) is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the water heater 11 according to Modification Example 1.

[0101] In the process shown in Figure 10(a), processes S111 to S113 are executed instead of process S103 in the process shown in Figure 5. Also, in the process shown in Figure 10(b), processes S211 and S212 are executed instead of processes S201 to S207 in the process shown in Figure 8.

[0102] As shown in Figure 10(a), in the portable terminal device 20, the control unit 204 determines the bath start time, bath notification time, and bedtime notification time (S102), and then obtains the bath filling start time based on the determined bath start time (S111). Subsequently, when the bath filling start time arrives (S112: YES), the control unit 204 transmits a bath filling instruction to the hot water supply device 10 (S113). The kitchen remote control 13 of the hot water supply device 10 receives the bath filling instruction and transmits it to the water heater 11. As a result, the water heater 11 receives the bath filling instruction.

[0103] As shown in Figure 10(b), in the water heater 11, the control unit 111 monitors whether or not it has received a water filling instruction from the portable terminal device 20 (S211). When the control unit 111 receives a water filling instruction (S211: YES), it determines whether or not the water filling operation has already started (S212).

[0104] If the bath filling operation has already started (S212: YES), the control unit 111 terminates the process. On the other hand, if the bath filling operation has not yet started (S212: NO), the control unit 111 determines that, as things stand, the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the time bathing begins. It then instructs the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 to make an audible notification prompting them to close the bathtub drain plug 2a (S208), and then starts the bath filling operation (S209). Thus, the process shown in Figure 10(b) is completed.

[0105] If multiple bath start times are determined by the mobile terminal device 20, a bath filling instruction is sent to the water heater 11 at the time based on the earliest bath start time. Therefore, if the bath filling operation has not yet started in the water heater 11, the operation will be started so that the bath filling will be completed in time for the earliest bath start time.

[0106] According to this modified example, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0107] <Example of change 2> Figure 11(a) is a flowchart illustrating the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the mobile terminal device 20 according to Modification Example 2. Figure 11(b) is a flowchart illustrating the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the water heater 11 according to Modification Example 2. Note that, for convenience, the processing from S104 onwards is omitted in Figure 11(a).

[0108] In the process shown in Figure 11(a), processes S121 to S1125 are executed instead of process S103 in the process shown in Figure 5. Also, in the process shown in Figure 11(b), processes S221 to S223 are executed instead of processes S201 to S207 in the process shown in Figure 8.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11(a), in the mobile terminal device 20, the control unit 204 determines the bath start time, bath notification time, and bedtime notification time (S102), and then obtains the bath filling start time based on the determined bath start time (S121).

[0110] Next, the control unit 204 starts receiving periodic hot water filling information by sending a transmission instruction to the hot water supply device 10, i.e., the water heater 11 (S122). The hot water filling information includes started information indicating that the hot water filling operation based on the user's operation has started, and not started information indicating that the hot water filling operation has not started. Started information or not started information is transmitted periodically (for example, at 10-minute intervals) from the portable terminal device 20.

[0111] When the time to start filling the bathtub arrives (S123:YES), the control unit 204 determines whether the bathtub filling operation has already started or not based on whether the latest bathtub filling information is either started or not (S124). If the bathtub filling operation has not yet started (S124:NO), the control unit 204 sends a bathtub filling instruction to the hot water supply device 10 (S125).

[0112] As shown in Figure 11(b), in the water heater 11, the control unit 111 monitors whether or not it has received a transmission instruction for hot water filling information from the portable terminal device 20 (S221). When the control unit 111 receives a transmission instruction for hot water filling information (S221: YES), it starts transmitting periodic hot water filling information (S222). That is, when transmitting periodically, the control unit 111 transmits "started" information if the hot water filling operation based on the user's operation has already started, and transmits "not started" information if the hot water filling operation has not yet started.

[0113] The control unit 111 monitors whether or not it has received a bath filling instruction from the mobile terminal device 20 (S223). If the control unit 111 receives a bath filling instruction (S223: YES), it determines that, under the current circumstances, the bathtub 2 will not be filled with hot water by the time bathing begins. It then instructs the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 to make an audible notification prompting them to close the bathtub drain plug 2a (S208), and then starts the bath filling operation (S209). Thus, the process shown in Figure 11(b) is completed.

[0114] Furthermore, if multiple bath start times are determined by the mobile terminal device 20, and the bath filling operation has not yet started by the bath filling start time based on the earliest bath start time, a bath filling instruction will be sent to the water heater 11. Therefore, the water heater 11 will start the bath filling operation in order to complete the bath filling by the earliest bath start time.

[0115] According to this modified example, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0116] In addition, instead of the water heater 11 periodically transmitting water filling information after receiving an instruction to transmit water filling information, the control unit 111 may transmit "started" information to the portable terminal device 20 when the water filling operation based on the user's operation is started. In this case, when the water filling start time arrives, if the portable terminal device 20 has not received "started" information by then, the control unit 204 transmits a water filling instruction to the water heater 10, i.e., the water heater 11.

[0117] <Other examples of changes> The processes shown in Figures 5, 10(b), and 11(b) may be performed not by the control unit 111 of the water heater 11, but by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote control 12 or the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13. In this case, in process S209, the control units 123 and 133 instruct the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 to start the bath filling operation.

[0118] Furthermore, based on the arrival of the bathing notification time, a notification encouraging bathing may be given not only by the portable terminal device 20, but also by the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13. Similarly, based on the arrival of the bedtime notification time, a notification encouraging bedtime may be given not only by the portable terminal device 20, but also by the kitchen remote control 13.

[0119] Furthermore, the notification of the valve closing in S208 of the process shown in Figures 5, 10(b), and 11(b) may be given by the portable terminal device 20 in addition to the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13. Moreover, the notification of the valve closing may be given by the bathroom remote control 12 alone.

[0120] Furthermore, in the sleep support mode, at least one of the following functions may be disabled: setting the bedtime notification time and sending notifications to encourage bedtime on the mobile terminal device 20, and the bathing timer function on the hot water heater 10.

[0121] Furthermore, in the bath timer function of the hot water supply device 10, temperature data may be excluded from determining the bathing time.

[0122] Furthermore, the mobile terminal device 20 may be connected to the hot water supply device 10 via short-range wireless communication without going through the server 50.

[0123] Furthermore, the bathtub 2 is equipped with an automatic drain plug device that automatically closes the bathtub drain plug 2a, and if the automatic drain plug device is controlled by the control unit 111 of the water heater 11, the control unit 111 will not send a notification to the bathroom remote control 12 or the like prompting the water heater to close the drain plug before the start of the water filling operation, and will instead have the automatic drain plug device close the drain plug.

[0124] Furthermore, the configuration of the water heater 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2, and other configurations are also possible. For example, the water heater 11 may have only the configuration corresponding to the hot water supply unit 113, and can fill the bathtub 2 with hot water or add hot water, but cannot reheat the water. Alternatively, it may have only the configuration corresponding to the reheating unit 114, and when filling the bathtub 2, it may circulate the water stored in the bathtub 2 through a heat exchanger to heat it.

[0125] Furthermore, the hot water supply system 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, but may also be a hot water supply system that uses oil as fuel. The hot water supply system 10 may be a storage type that uses a storage tank, and may also be configured to include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

[0126] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. Bath System 2 Bathtub 2a Bathtub drain plug 10. Hot water supply system (bath system) 20. Mobile terminal devices (terminal devices) 12 Bathroom remote control (Notification Department) 13. Kitchen remote control (Notification Department)

Claims

1. A bath system comprising a bath device capable of filling a bathtub with hot water, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the said bath device, The aforementioned terminal device is We accept the setting of your planned bedtime. Based on the set scheduled bedtime, the bath start time and the bath notification time, when a notification prompting bathing is issued, are determined. The bathing device starts the water filling operation based on the determination that the bathtub will not be filled with hot water by the time bathing is to begin. A bath system characterized by the following.

2. In the bath system according to claim 1, Equipped with a news department, Based on the determination that the bathtub will not be filled with hot water by the aforementioned bathing start time, the notification unit will issue a notification prompting the closing of the bathtub drain plug before the hot water filling operation begins. A bath system characterized by the following.

3. In the bath system according to claim 1 or 2, The bathing device, when multiple bathing start times are determined by the terminal device, starts the water filling operation so that the bathtub is filled with hot water at the earliest bathing start time. A bath system characterized by the following.

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