Bath system

Abstract

The present invention provides a bathing system that, when the bathing time is determined based on a set bath temperature at the start of bathing, ensures that the water temperature in the bathtub does not deviate significantly from the set bath temperature. [Solution] The bath system 1 includes a hot water supply device 10 that can detect the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 and perform temperature adjustment operation so that the temperature reaches a preset bath temperature, and a portable terminal device 20 that can communicate with the hot water supply device 10. The portable terminal device 20 accepts the setting of the planned bedtime and determines a bath notification time when a notification prompting bathing will be given based on the set bedtime. The hot water supply device 10 performs temperature adjustment operation so that the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath temperature when bathing begins in the bathtub 2 after a notification prompting bathing has been given, determines the bathing time based on the bath temperature when bathing begins in the bathtub 2, and gives a notification prompting the user to leave the bath when the bathing time has elapsed.

Description

Technical Field

[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 for supporting a user's sound sleep has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the function of the sound sleep bathing mode, in a portable terminal device, when a user sets a bedtime, a notification prompting bathing is given at a time calculated backward from the bedtime so that the user after bathing is likely to be led to fall asleep. After that, when the user takes a bath in the bathtub, the bathing time is determined based on the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub at the start of the bath, that is, the hot water temperature, and when the bathing time has elapsed, a notification prompting the end of the bath is given from the bathroom remote control of the water supply device. The bathing time is a time such that the deep body temperature of the bather rises to a predetermined temperature set to be effective for sleep induction. When the user finishes taking a bath and approaches the set bedtime, a notification prompting going to bed is given in the portable terminal device.

[0003] In the bathroom remote control, a bathtub set temperature is set. The water heater performs reheating so that the hot water temperature in the bathtub becomes the bathtub set temperature. Therefore, the hot water temperature in the bathtub is likely to be almost equal to the bathtub set temperature. Thus, the bathtub set temperature may be used as the hot water temperature for determining the bathing time instead of the actual hot water temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, as mentioned above, if the bathing time is determined based on the set bath temperature, and the water temperature in the bathtub is far from the set temperature, the bathing time will not be determined in a way that is appropriate for the actual water temperature. As a result, when the bath is taken for the set time, the bather's core body temperature may not rise as intended. In this case, it may become difficult to fall asleep properly at the set bedtime.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a bathing system that can prevent the water temperature in the bathtub from deviating from the set bath temperature when the bathing time is determined based on the set bath temperature at the start of bathing in the bathtub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main aspect of the present invention relates to a bath system comprising a bath device capable of detecting the temperature of the water in a bathtub and performing a temperature adjustment operation so that the temperature reaches a preset bath temperature, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the bath device. In the bath system according to this aspect, the terminal device accepts the setting of a planned bedtime and determines a bath notification time when a notification prompting bathing will be given based on the set planned bedtime. The bath device performs the temperature adjustment operation so that the temperature of the water in the bathtub reaches the preset bath temperature when bathing begins after the notification prompting bathing has been given, determines the bathing time based on the bath temperature when bathing begins, and gives a notification prompting the user to leave the bath when the bathing time has elapsed.

[0008] For example, if the temperature of the water in the bathtub is lower than the bath temperature, the bath system will perform a reheating operation as a temperature adjustment operation, and if the temperature of the water in the bathtub is higher than the bath temperature, it will perform a water replenishment operation as a temperature adjustment operation, which will add water to the bathtub.

[0009] According to the bathing system of this embodiment, when the user starts bathing in the bathtub, the water temperature in the bathtub is less likely to deviate from the bath temperature. Therefore, when bathing takes place during the scheduled time, the user's core body temperature is more likely to rise as intended, and the user is more likely to fall asleep smoothly at the scheduled bedtime. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] As described above, the present invention provides a bathing system that can prevent the water temperature in the bathtub from deviating significantly from the set bath temperature when the bathing time is determined based on the set bath temperature at the start of bathing in the bathtub.

[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]FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of a start operation screen according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a bedtime notification screen according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the functions of the sound sleep support mode performed in the bathroom remote controller according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the functions of the sound sleep support mode performed in the water heater according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the functions of the sound sleep support mode performed in the water heater according to an embodiment.

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 the 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] The water supply device 10, as a bathtub device, executes operations related to bathtub functions such as hot water filling operation, reheating operation, automatic bathtub operation, additional hot water operation, and additional water operation. The portable terminal device 20 is a terminal device capable of communicating 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, the bathtub 2, the 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] Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to the water heater 11 and are used to make 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 formed of a touch panel and an operation button 132. The operator can make arbitrary settings for water filling, hot water supply temperature adjustment, etc. by operating the input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on the display unit 121. Also, the operator can make settings such as water filling by operating the display input unit 131.

[0019] The remote controller 12 is installed in the bathroom 3, and the remote controller 13 is installed in the kitchen or the like. The remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with voice windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting voices.

[0020] Hereinafter, the remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom 3 is referred to as the "bathroom remote control 12", and the remote controller 13 installed in the kitchen or the like is referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13".

[0021] The input unit 122 of the bathroom remote control 12 includes an operation button 122a. The operation buttons 122a and 132 are buttons for switching the water heater 11 between the operation-on state and the operation-off state. [[ID=十七]]

[0022] When the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 are in the operation-off state (a state in which the water heater 11 does not perform a hot water supply operation even if a hot water tap such as a calan is opened and water flows at a rate equal to or greater than the reference flow rate), the display unit 12,1 and the display input unit 131 are in the off state, and operations of operation buttons other than the operation buttons 122a and 132 are not accepted. When the operation buttons 122a and 132 are operated and the operation-on state (a state in which the water heater 11 can perform a hot water supply operation when a hot water tap such as a calan is opened and water flows at a rate equal to or greater than the reference flow rate) is reached, the display unit 121 and the display input unit 131 light up and the set contents are displayed, and operations of operation buttons other than the operation buttons 122a and 132 can be 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, during 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. During 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. Before the bath filling operation, the user closes the drain plug 2a that blocks the drain of the bathtub 2.

[0035] During reheating operation, the control unit 111 operates the reheating unit 114 to reheat the water in the bathtub 2. When reheating operation is performed based on button operation, the operation stops when the temperature rises by a predetermined amount (for example, 1°C) from the current temperature, regardless of the bath temperature.

[0036] In automatic bath operation mode, after the bathtub is filled, the water is reheated at predetermined intervals (for example, every 15 to 20 minutes) to maintain the water temperature in the bathtub at the set bath temperature.

[0037] In the hot water replenishment operation, the control unit 111 operates the hot water supply unit 113 to supply a predetermined amount of hot water into the bathtub 2. In the cold water replenishment operation, the control unit 111 operates the hot water supply unit 113 to supply water into the bathtub 2 so that the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 reaches the set bath temperature.

[0038] The reheating and adding hot water functions performed by the sleep support mode described later are temperature adjustment operations that adjust the water temperature so that the water temperature in bathtub 2 becomes the bath temperature.

[0039] 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 hot water temperature data to the control unit 111. The bath temperature sensor 117 detects the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2, i.e., the water temperature, and outputs hot 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.

[0040] In this embodiment, the bath temperature sensor 117 is located in the circulation piping of the reheating unit 114. Therefore, when the bath temperature sensor 117 detects the water temperature in the bathtub 2, the circulation pump in the reheating unit 114 operates, and hot water circulates between the bathtub 2 and the circulation piping. In other words, the water temperature in the bathtub 2 is detected by the bath temperature sensor 117 inside the water heater 11 by circulating the hot water between the bathtub 2 and the water heater 11.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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, a temperature sensor 127, and a human presence sensor 128. 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The motion sensor 128 detects a person present in the bathroom 3. By detecting the change from a state where no one is present to a state where someone is present, the motion sensor 128 can detect a person entering the bathroom 3. Therefore, the motion sensor 128 functions as an entry detection unit that detects when a person enters the bathroom 3.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] Figure 3 shows the circuit block of the mobile terminal device 20.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the bath time determination table 124a.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The bathing time determination table 124a can be created, for example, using the method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-148124.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] When the user activates the sleep support mode function on the mobile terminal device 20, the process shown in Figure 5 begins.

[0065] 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.

[0066] The user sets their planned bedtime on the mobile terminal device 20, and then operates the bathroom remote control 12 or kitchen remote control 13 to start the bath filling process. This starts the bath filling process, and the bathtub 2 is filled with hot water. The water temperature in the bathtub 2 becomes the set bath temperature.

[0067] Once the scheduled bedtime has been set, the control unit 204 determines the bathing notification time and the bedtime notification time based on the set scheduled bedtime (S102).

[0068] Generally, the average bathing time is said to be around 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 approximately two hours before going to bed. In this embodiment, the prescribed time (for example, 2 hours and 10 minutes) calculated backward from the planned bedtime is set by adding the time required to prepare for bathing (for example, 10 minutes) to two hours so that bathing starts two hours before going to bed. In other words, the prescribed time is set taking into account the time required for bathing and the time required for the core body temperature to return to normal.

[0069] The control unit 204 determines the bathing notification time by subtracting a specified time from the set bedtime schedule and stores the determined bathing notification time in the storage unit 205. Furthermore, the control unit 204 determines the bedtime notification time by subtracting the time required to prepare for bed (for example, 10 minutes) from the set bedtime schedule and stores the determined bedtime notification time in the storage unit 205.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Next, the control unit 204 transmits the determined bathing notification time to the water heater 10 via the server 50 (S103). The kitchen remote control 13 of the water heater 10 receives the bathing notification time and transmits it to the water heater 11. As a result, the water heater 11 receives the bathing notification time.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 to bathe. This registers the start operation. The start operation can be said to be an operation in which the user expresses their intention to take a bath.

[0077] 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 water heater 11 and the bathroom remote control 12. As a result, the water heater 11 and the bathroom remote control 12 receive the start command.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the bathroom remote control 12.

[0084] Referring to Figure 8, the control unit 123 monitors whether or not it has received a start command from the mobile terminal device 20 (S201). As described above, a start command is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20 based on the start operation performed by the user.

[0085] When the control unit 123 receives a start command (S201: YES), it starts the bath timer function and monitors whether or not someone has entered the bathtub 2 (S202). 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.

[0086] When the control unit 123 detects that someone has entered the bathtub 2 (S202: YES), it acquires the bath temperature data stored in the memory unit 124 and also acquires the ambient temperature data from the temperature sensor 127 (S203). As will be described later, if the water temperature in the bathtub 2 is far from the bath temperature when the start command is received, the water heater 11 performs a water temperature adjustment operation so that the water temperature in the bathtub 2 becomes the bath temperature. For this reason, the set bath temperature is approximately equal to the water temperature in the bathtub 2 and can be considered as the water temperature in the bathtub 2.

[0087] The control unit 123 refers to the bathing time determination table 124a and determines the bathing time based on the acquired water temperature data and air temperature data (S204). That is, the control unit 123 extracts the bathing time from the bathing time determination table 124a when the water temperature is as indicated by the acquired water temperature data and the air temperature is as indicated by the acquired air temperature data.

[0088] In this embodiment, the hot water supply system 10 circulates the water from the bathtub 2 between the system and the water heater 11 using a circulation pump, and the water temperature is detected by a bath temperature sensor 117 inside the water heater 11. Therefore, it is difficult to quickly detect the water temperature in the bathtub 2 at the moment when bathing begins. For this reason, the bath temperature, rather than the actual water temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 117, is used as the water temperature for determining the bathing time.

[0089] The control unit 123 causes the speaker 126 to provide an audio notification of the bathing time (S205). 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.

[0090] 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 (S206).

[0091] If the control unit 123 determines that the bathing time has elapsed (S206: YES), it causes the speaker 126 to make an audible notification prompting the user to leave the bath (S207). 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The control unit 123 causes the speaker 126 to make an audible announcement 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 (S208: NO → S209: YES → S207). 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.

[0094] Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the processing related to the sleep support mode function performed in the water heater 11.

[0095] If, after a notification prompting bathing is issued on the mobile terminal device 20, the bathwater temperature in the bathtub 2 is far from the set bath temperature when bathing begins, the bathing time appropriate to the actual water temperature will not be determined. As a result, when bathing for the specified time takes place, the bather's core body temperature may not rise as intended. Therefore, the hot water supply device 10, through the control unit 111 of the water heater 11, performs the control processes shown in Figures 9 and 10 to adjust the water temperature in the bathtub, i.e., reheat or add water, so that the water temperature in the bathtub reaches the bath temperature when bathing begins in the bathtub 2 after the notification prompting bathing is issued.

[0096] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the control unit 111 monitors whether or not it has received a bathing notification time from the mobile terminal device 20 (S301). As described above, when the bathing notification time is determined in the mobile terminal device 20 based on the set bedtime, the determined bathing notification time is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20 to the water heater 10. The water heater 11 receives the bathing notification time via the kitchen remote control 13.

[0097] When the control unit 111 receives a bathing notification time (S301:YES), it sets a water temperature confirmation time based on the received bathing notification time (S302). The water temperature confirmation time is the time to check the water temperature in the bathtub 2, and is a predetermined time before the bathing notification time. For example, the water temperature confirmation time may be set to a time when the water temperature in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath temperature around the bathing notification time, when the temperature adjustment operation is performed while there is a temperature difference greater than a first threshold (for example, 5°C) described later between the water temperature in the bathtub 2 and the bath temperature.

[0098] The control unit 111 monitors whether the set time for checking the water temperature has arrived (S303). If the time for checking the water temperature has arrived (S303: YES), the control unit 111 detects the water temperature in the bathtub 2 using the bath temperature sensor 117 (S304). At this time, the control unit 111 operates the circulation pump in the reheating unit 114 to circulate the hot water between the bathtub 2 and the circulation piping.

[0099] Next, the control unit 111 obtains the temperature difference between the detected water temperature and the set bath temperature (S305), and determines whether the temperature difference is greater than a first threshold (for example, ±5℃) (S306).

[0100] For example, if the automatic bath function is not activated and no reheating is performed after the bathtub 2 is filled with water, the water temperature in bathtub 2 may drop significantly below the bath temperature by more than the first threshold, resulting in a temperature difference greater than the first threshold. It is highly unlikely that the water temperature in bathtub 2 will rise significantly above the bath temperature by more than the first threshold, resulting in a temperature difference greater than the first threshold.

[0101] The control unit 111 starts temperature adjustment operation (S307) if the temperature difference is greater than the first threshold (S306: YES). In this case, the reheating operation is usually started as the temperature adjustment operation. The control unit 111 then monitors the water temperature with the bath temperature sensor 117, and when the water temperature in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath temperature (S308: YES), the temperature adjustment operation ends (S309).

[0102] Subsequently, the control unit 111 causes the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 to announce by voice that the temperature adjustment is complete (S310). For example, the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 will announce by voice, "The bath water is now at the correct temperature."

[0103] If it takes time for the water temperature in bathtub 2 to reach the bath temperature, the user who initiated the start operation may enter bathroom 3 to take a bath before the temperature adjustment is complete. If the control unit 111 detects that a person has entered bathroom 3 by the motion sensor 128 while the water temperature in bathtub 2 is still reaching the bath temperature (S311: YES), it will have the notification unit, the bathroom remote control 12, make a notification requesting that the user refrain from entering bathtub 2 until the water temperature adjustment operation is complete (S312). For example, the bathroom remote control 12 will make a voice notification such as, "Please wait to enter the bath until the bath water reaches the bath temperature."

[0104] Returning to S306, the control unit 111 monitors whether a start command has been received from the mobile terminal device 20 if the temperature difference between the detected water temperature and the set bath temperature is less than or equal to the first threshold (S306: NO) (S313). As described above, a start command is transmitted from the mobile terminal device 20 based on the start operation by the user.

[0105] When the control unit 123 receives a start command (S313: YES), it detects the water temperature in the bathtub 2 using the bath temperature sensor 117 (S314). The control unit 111 then obtains the temperature difference between the detected water temperature and the set bath temperature (S315) and determines whether the temperature difference is greater than a second threshold (for example, ±1°C) (S316). The first threshold used in the determination in S306 prior to this determination is a value greater than the second threshold.

[0106] For example, even when the automatic bath operation is running, if the temperature inside the bathroom 3 is low, such as in winter, the water temperature in the bathtub 2 may drop significantly below the bath temperature by more than the second threshold during the reheating operation at predetermined intervals for heat retention, resulting in a temperature difference greater than the second threshold. Also, if the automatic bath operation stops shortly before the start command is received, the temperature difference may also exceed the second threshold. Furthermore, if the reheating operation is repeated multiple times by pressing a button, the water temperature in the bathtub 2 may rise significantly above the bath temperature by more than the second threshold, resulting in a temperature difference greater than the second threshold.

[0107] The control unit 111 starts temperature adjustment operation (S317) if the temperature difference is greater than the second threshold (S316: YES). If the water temperature in the bathtub 2 is lower than the bath temperature, reheating operation is started as a temperature adjustment operation. On the other hand, if the water temperature in the bathtub 2 is higher than the bath temperature, water replenishment operation is started as a temperature adjustment operation.

[0108] When the water temperature in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath temperature (S318: YES), the control unit 111 terminates the temperature adjustment operation (S319) and causes the bathroom remote control 12 and the kitchen remote control 13 to announce by voice that the temperature adjustment is complete (S320).

[0109] Furthermore, if the control unit 111 detects that a person has entered the bathroom 3 by the motion sensor 128 while the water temperature in the bathtub 2 is still warming up to the bath temperature (S321: YES), it causes the bathroom remote control 12 to send a notification requesting that the person refrain from entering the bathtub 2 until the water temperature adjustment operation is complete (S322).

[0110] In addition, in S310 and S320, when the completion of temperature adjustment is notified to the mobile terminal device 20, the mobile terminal device 20 may make an audible notification that the temperature adjustment is complete. Furthermore, the bathroom remote control 12, kitchen remote control 13, etc. may make a notification that the temperature adjustment is complete, in addition to audible notification. Moreover, in S312 and S322, a notification requesting that bathing in the bathtub 2 be refrained from until the water temperature adjustment operation is complete may be made, in addition to audible notification, by display.

[0111] <Effects of the Embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0112] The hot water supply device 10 adjusts the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 so that it reaches the set bath temperature when the user starts bathing in the bathtub 2 after being notified to take a bath. At the start of bathing in the bathtub 2, it determines the bathing time based on the bath temperature and notifies the user to leave the bath when the bathing time has elapsed. As a result, when the user starts bathing in the bathtub 2, the water temperature in the bathtub 2 is less likely to deviate from the set bath temperature. Therefore, when the user bathes for the set time, their core body temperature is more likely to rise as intended, and they are more likely to fall asleep at the set scheduled bedtime.

[0113] Furthermore, if the motion sensor 128 detects a person entering the bathroom 3 while the water temperature adjustment operation is being performed to ensure the water temperature in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath temperature at the start of bathing, the bathroom remote control 12 will issue a notification requesting the person to refrain from entering the bathtub 2 until the water temperature adjustment operation is completed. This prevents the user from starting to bathe in the bathtub 2 before the water temperature in the bathtub 2 reaches the bath temperature.

[0114] Furthermore, the portable terminal device 20 transmits the bathing notification time to the hot water supply device 10, and the hot water supply device 10 detects the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2 at a predetermined time prior to the bathing notification time, i.e., the water temperature confirmation time, and starts the water temperature adjustment operation if the temperature difference between the detected temperature and the bath temperature is greater than the first threshold. This ensures that even if there is a temperature difference between the water temperature in the bathtub 2 and the bath temperature that would prevent temperature adjustment from being completed in time after the notification prompting bathing, the water temperature in the bathtub 2 will reach the bath temperature by the time bathing begins.

[0115] Furthermore, after a notification prompting the user to take a bath is issued, the portable terminal device 20 receives a start command and transmits a start command to the hot water supply device 10. Based on the receipt of the start command, the hot water supply device 10 detects the temperature of the water in the bathtub 2, and if the temperature difference between the detected temperature and the bath temperature is greater than the second threshold, it starts the water temperature adjustment operation. This allows temperature adjustment to be performed only after confirming that the user intends to take a bath through the start command, making it less likely that the temperature adjustment will be wasted if the user does not take a bath.

[0116] <Example of changes> The processes in Figures 9 and 10 may be performed by the control unit 123 of the bathroom remote control 12 or the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13, instead of the control unit 111 of the water heater 11. In this case, in processes S304, S308, S314, and S318, the control unit 111 transmits the water temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 117 to the control units 123 and 133. Also, in processes S307 and S317, the control units 123 and 133 instruct the control unit 111 to start the water temperature adjustment operation, and in processes S309 and S319, the control units 123 and 133 instruct the control unit 111 to end the water temperature adjustment operation. Similarly, the process in Figure 8 may be performed by the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 or the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13, instead of the control unit 111 of the bathroom remote control 12.

[0117] Furthermore, the start operation performed on the mobile terminal device 20 may also be performed on the kitchen remote control 13. In this case, when the control unit 133 of the kitchen remote control 13 receives the start operation, it transmits a start command to the water heater 11 and the bathroom remote control 12.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 111 of the water heater 11 detects the water temperature in the bathtub 2 in S314 when it receives a start command in S313 of Figure 10. However, in S313, the control unit 111 may monitor the arrival of the bathing notification time instead of the start command. In this case, the arrival of the bathing notification time is notified to the water heater 11 from the portable terminal device 20. Then, when the bathing notification time arrives, the control unit 111 detects the water temperature in the bathtub 2 in S314.

[0119] Furthermore, in the processes shown in Figures 9 and 10, if bathing in the bathtub 2 does not begin even after a predetermined time limit has elapsed since notification of the start command or notification of completion of water temperature adjustment, the control unit 111 may repeat the processes S314 to S322 to adjust the water temperature in the bathtub 2.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the processes shown in Figures 9 and 10, if entry into the bathroom 3 is detected while the water temperature adjustment operation is in progress, the bathroom remote control 12 will issue a notification requesting that the person refrain from entering the bathtub 2 until the water temperature adjustment is complete. However, if entry into the bathroom 3 is detected while the water temperature adjustment operation is in progress, the water temperature adjustment operation may be stopped. This is because if hot water is circulating between the bathtub 2 and the circulation pipe due to the reheating operation, the water level sensor 115 cannot detect entry into the bathtub 2. Therefore, if the water replenishment operation is being performed as the water temperature adjustment operation, the water temperature adjustment operation may not be stopped. Furthermore, if the water temperature adjustment operation, i.e., the reheating operation, is stopped, the reheating operation may be restarted after entry into the bathtub 2 is detected.

[0121] 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.

[0122] Furthermore, in the sleep support mode, the setting of the bedtime notification time and the notification prompting bedtime on the mobile terminal device 20 may be disabled.

[0123] Furthermore, in the bath timer function of the hot water supply device 10, temperature data may be excluded from determining the bathing time.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 a 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] Furthermore, the hot water supply system 10 may be a heat pump type that heats water in a storage tank using a heat pump unit. In a heat pump type hot water supply system 10, as a water temperature adjustment operation, instead of adding water, a heat recovery operation is performed in which hot water is circulated between the bathtub 2 and the hot water supply system 10 and heat is recovered from the hot water by the heat pump unit in order to lower the water temperature in the bathtub 2.

[0128] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 1. Bath System 2 Bathtub 3 Bathroom 10. Hot water supply system (bath system) 20. Mobile terminal devices (terminal devices) 12 Bathroom remote control (Notification Department) 128 Human motion sensor (entry detection unit)

Claims

1. A bath system comprising a bath device capable of detecting the temperature of the bathwater and performing temperature adjustment operation so that the temperature reaches a preset bath temperature, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the bath device, The aforementioned terminal device is We accept the setting of your planned bedtime. Based on the set bedtime, the bathing notification time is determined, in which a notification prompting bathing will be issued. The aforementioned bathing device is The temperature adjustment operation is performed so that the temperature of the water in the bathtub reaches the bath temperature when bathing begins after the notification encouraging bathing has been given. When bathing begins in the aforementioned bathtub, the bathing time is determined based on the bath temperature, and when the bathing time has elapsed, a notification is issued prompting the user to leave the bath. A bath system characterized by the following.

2. In the bath system according to claim 1, It comprises an entry detection unit that detects when a person enters the bathroom, and a notification unit, If the entry detection unit detects a person entering the bathroom while the water temperature adjustment operation is being performed to ensure the water temperature in the bathtub reaches the bath temperature at the start of bathing, the notification unit will issue a notification requesting that the person refrain from entering the bathtub until the water temperature adjustment operation is completed. A bath system characterized by the following.

3. In the bath system according to claim 1 or 2, The terminal device transmits the bathing notification time to the bathing device. The aforementioned bathing device is The temperature of the water in the bathtub is detected at a predetermined time prior to the bathing notification time. The water temperature adjustment operation is started when the temperature difference between the detected temperature and the bath water temperature is greater than the first threshold. A bath system characterized by the following.

4. In the bath system according to claim 1 or 2, After the notification prompting bathing is given, the terminal device receives the start operation and transmits a start command to the bathing device. The aforementioned bathing device is Based on the receipt of the aforementioned start command, the temperature of the water in the bathtub is detected. The water temperature adjustment operation is started when the temperature difference between the detected temperature and the bath water temperature is greater than the second threshold. A bath system characterized by the following.

Images