Bath function device and bath system

Abstract

To provide a bath function device and a bath system capable of suppressing the heat shock during bathing without changing the temperature of hot water in a bathtub.SOLUTION: A water heater 10 (a bath function device) includes: a bathroom remote controller 12 (a notification unit) installed in a bathroom; a human detection sensor 128 (detection unit) for detecting a predetermined bathing process for a bathtub; and a notification processing unit 123a for causing the bathroom remote controller 12 to perform the informing output which urges a bathing person to slow down the speed to be immersed in hot water in the bathtub based on a detection result of the human detection sensor 128.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bath function device that performs a specified bath function and a bath system that can communicate with a mobile terminal device via an external communication network. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, bath function devices that supply hot water from a water heater to a bathtub are known. In addition, bath function devices that circulate water stored in the bathtub to a burner to warm the water in the bathtub are also known. In these bath function devices, bath-related functions such as reheating and adding hot water are performed by multiple remote controllers installed in the bathroom or kitchen, for example. In addition to these bath-related functions, bath function devices can also be provided with functions to increase the safety of bathers.

[0003] For example, the following Patent Document 1 describes a bath water heater equipped with a structure for preventing heat shock during bathing. In this bath water heater, when the temperature in the bathroom is at a temperature where heat shock countermeasures are required, the water is filled at a target temperature lower than the target temperature set by the hot water supply remote control, etc. After that, when bathing is detected, reheating is performed and the temperature of the water in the bathtub is raised to the target temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-007662 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Heat shock is said to be a phenomenon in which a sudden change in temperature causes a change in blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease. As a method for preventing heat shock, a method of reducing the temperature difference between the room temperature in the bathroom and the temperature of the water in the bathtub, as in Patent Document 1, can be used. However, this method forces the bather to immerse himself in water that is lower than the set temperature, which may cause the bather to feel uncomfortable.

[0006] In view of such problems, the present invention aims to provide a bath function device and a bath system that can suppress heat shock during bathing without having to specifically change the temperature of the water in the bathtub. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a bath function device. The bath function device according to this aspect includes an alarm unit installed in a bathroom, a detection unit that detects a predetermined bathing process in the bathtub, and an alarm processing unit that causes the alarm unit to output an alarm encouraging the user to slow down the rate at which the user immerses themselves in the bathtub based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0008] One way to prevent heat shock is to not get into the bathtub too quickly. This can help prevent sudden changes in blood pressure caused by sudden changes in body temperature, and can prevent the onset of heart disease caused by changes in blood pressure.

[0009] According to the bath function device of this embodiment, during a specific bathing process in the bathtub, a notification output is made from the notification unit in the bathroom to encourage the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub. This encourages the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub, and by following this, the bather can prevent heat shock. Therefore, according to the bath function device of this embodiment, heat shock during bathing can be suppressed without particularly changing the temperature of the water in the bathtub.

[0010] In the bath function device of this embodiment, the detection unit is equipped with an entry sensor for detecting that a person has entered the bathroom, and the alarm processing unit may be configured to cause the alarm unit to output the alarm based on the output from the entry sensor detecting that a person has entered the bathroom.

[0011] According to this configuration, when the bather enters the bathroom, the notification unit in the bathroom outputs a notification to encourage the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses in the bathtub. This makes it possible to encourage the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses in the bathtub before he or she actually immerses in the bathtub. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock during the bath.

[0012] In the bath function device of this embodiment, the detection unit is equipped with a bathing sensor for detecting that a person has entered the bathtub, and the alarm processing unit may be configured to cause the alarm unit to output the alarm based on the output from the bathing sensor detecting that a bathing start action has been detected in the bathtub.

[0013] According to this configuration, when the bather starts bathing in the bathtub, the notification unit in the bathroom outputs a notification to encourage the bather to slow down the speed at which he or she is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub. This makes it possible to encourage the bather to slow down the speed at which he or she is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub before the bather is immersed in the hot water up to his or her torso. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock during the bath.

[0014] In this case, the bathing sensor may be, for example, a water level sensor that detects the water level of hot or cold water in the bathtub, and the alarm processing unit may be configured to detect the bathing start action based on the water level rising by more than a predetermined threshold amount within a predetermined period of time after the water level starts to rise.

[0015] According to this configuration, the threshold increase amount is set so that the bath start action can be distinguished from the bathtub topping up, so that the bath start action can be accurately detected. Therefore, when the bath start action is performed, a notification can be appropriately given to encourage the bather to take a gentle bath.

[0016] In the bath function device of this embodiment, the detection unit is equipped with a bathing sensor for detecting that a person has entered the bathtub, and the alarm processing unit can be configured to cause the alarm unit to output the alarm based on the output from the bathing sensor indicating that the speed at which the person is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed.

[0017] According to this configuration, while the bather is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub or immediately after he has completely immersed, the notification unit in the bathroom outputs a notification urging the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses in the hot water in the bathtub. This allows the bather to recognize that he or she has immersed in the hot water too quickly, and the bather is urged to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses in the hot water the next time he or she takes a bath. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock the next time he or she takes a bath.

[0018] In this case, the bathing sensor may be, for example, a water level sensor that detects the water level of hot or cold water in the bathtub, and the alarm processing unit may be configured to cause the alarm unit to output the alarm based on the water level rising by more than a predetermined threshold amount within a predetermined period of time after the water level begins to rise.

[0019] With this configuration, the threshold increase amount is set to be able to distinguish between the action of a person immersing themselves in hot water and the action of adding hot water, so that it is possible to accurately detect when the action of immersing yourself in hot water is too fast. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately notify the bather during or after the bathing action to encourage them to take a gentler bath.

[0020] In this configuration, the notification processing unit distinguishes between a first period in which the bather's feet are immersed in the hot water and a second period in which the bather's torso is immersed in the hot water immediately after the water level starts to rise, and notifies the user of the water level during a second predetermined period within the second period. The firstWhen the increase is equal to or greater than two threshold increase amounts, the notification unit is caused to output the notification.

[0021] If the bathing motion is too fast during the period when the torso is immersed in hot water after the feet are immersed in hot water, a large drop in blood pressure occurs, making it easier for heat shock to occur. With the above configuration, it is determined whether the bathing motion is too fast during the period when the torso, which is prone to heat shock, is immersed in hot water. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine the bathing motion that is likely to lead to heat shock, and to appropriately notify the bather to take a gentle bath.

[0022] In this case, the notification processing unit further notifies the water level during a first predetermined period that is shorter than the second predetermined period within the first period. The first The notification unit may be configured to output the notification when the increase is equal to or greater than one threshold increase amount.

[0023] According to this configuration, when the water level in the bathtub rises by more than the first threshold rise amount, i.e., when the bather immerses his / her feet in the water, a notification is output to encourage the bather to slow down the speed at which he / she immerses himself / herself in the water. This encourages the bather to slow down the speed at which he / she immerses himself / herself in the water before immersing his / her torso in the water. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock, which is likely to occur when immersing the torso in the water.

[0024] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a bath system including a server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal device via an external communication network, and a bath function device capable of communicating with the server via the external communication network. The bath system according to this aspect includes an alarm unit installed in the bathroom, a detection unit that detects a predetermined bathing process in the bathtub, and an alarm processing unit that causes the alarm unit to output an alarm encouraging the user to slow down the speed of immersion in hot water in the bathtub based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0025] According to the bath system of this aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect described above can be achieved.

[0026] The bath system according to this aspect may further include a water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub. In this case, the notification processing unit may be configured to cause the notification unit to output the notification based on the output from the water level sensor indicating that the speed at which the user is immersed in the bathtub is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed, and to cause the server to store the determination result as to whether the speed at which the user is immersed in the bathtub is equal to or greater than the threshold speed, and the server may be configured to transmit the determination result to the mobile terminal device in response to a transmission request from the mobile terminal device.

[0027] With this configuration, the user of the mobile terminal device can appropriately send a transmission request to the server and obtain a judgment result from the server, thereby monitoring whether the bather is bathing safely by slowing down the rate at which they are immersed in the hot water.

[0028] In this case, the alarm processing unit can be configured to distinguish between a first period in which the bather's feet are immersed in the hot water and a second period in which the bather's torso is immersed in the hot water, immediately after the water level starts to rise, and to determine that the speed of immersion in the hot water was equal to or greater than the threshold speed based on the water level rising by more than a predetermined threshold amount during a specified period within the second period.

[0029] According to this configuration, as described above, it is determined whether the bathing action is too fast during the period when the torso, which is susceptible to heat shock, is immersed in hot water. Therefore, the bathing action that is likely to lead to heat shock can be more appropriately determined, and a notification encouraging the bather to take a gentle bath can be appropriately performed. In addition, an appropriate determination result can be provided to the user of the mobile terminal device. Therefore, the user of the mobile terminal device can appropriately watch the bathing action of the bather.

[0030] In this configuration, the server can be configured to transmit information associating the determination result with a calendar to the mobile terminal device.

[0031] With this configuration, the user of the mobile terminal device can check on a daily basis whether the bather's bathing movements are too fast, and can therefore grasp the bather's tendency to bathe and provide appropriate advice to the bather. Effect of the Invention

[0032] As described above, according to the present invention, a bath function device and a bath system can be provided that are capable of suppressing heat shock during bathing without having to specifically change the temperature of the water in the bathtub.

[0033] The effects and significance of the present invention will become clearer from the following description of the embodiment. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be put into practice, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a connection between a water heater and a bathtub according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of pairing information according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5(a) is a flowchart showing the notification process performed in the bathroom remote control according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing the operation executed in the bathroom remote control by the notification process according to embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Fig. 6(a) is a flowchart showing the notification process performed in the bathroom remote control according to embodiment 2. Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing the operation executed in the bathroom remote control by the notification process according to embodiment 2. [Figure 7]Fig. 7(a) is a graph showing a schematic relationship between time and water level when a bather starts to soak in the bathtub according to embodiment 2. Fig. 7(b) is a graph showing a schematic relationship between time and water level when hot and cold water is added to the bathtub. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a flowchart showing the notification process performed in the bathroom remote control according to embodiment 3. Fig. 8(b) is a diagram showing the operation executed in the bathroom remote control by the notification process according to embodiment 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a graph that typically illustrates the relationship between the time from when a bather starts immersing in the bathtub until he finishes immersing and the water level, and settings that are set in the graph in the notification process, according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing a schematic relationship between the time from when a bather starts immersing in the bathtub until he finishes immersing in the bathtub and the water level, and other setting values ​​that are set in the graph in the notification process, according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(a) is a flowchart showing a process related to notification performed in the bathroom remote control according to a modified example of embodiment 3. Fig. 11(b) is a flowchart showing a process for storing a determination result performed in the server according to a modified example of embodiment 3. [Figure 12] Fig. 12(a) is a flowchart showing a determination result transmission process performed in a server according to a modified example of embodiment 3. Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing a schematic display screen displayed on a display input unit of a mobile terminal device according to a modified example of embodiment 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] In the following embodiment, hot water supply system 1 corresponds to the "bath system" and hot water supply device 10 corresponds to the "bath function device" in the claims. Hot water supply device 10 performs hot water supply functions for a kitchen faucet, a bathroom faucet, etc., in addition to bath-related functions. Remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom corresponds to the "alarm unit" in the claims.

[0037] However, the above description is intended merely to match the configuration of the claims with the configuration of the embodiments, and the above correspondence does not in any way limit the invention described in the claims to the configuration of the embodiments.

[0038] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, hot water supply system 1 includes hot water supply device 10 and server 50, and is capable of communicating with mobile terminal device 30 via router 20 and external communication network 40.

[0040] Water heating device 10 includes water heater 11 and remote controllers 12 and 13. Water heater 11 is a gas water heater that supplies hot water using gas as fuel. Hot water generated by water heater 11 is supplied to a kitchen faucet, bathtub 2 (see FIG. 3), faucet, etc. through pipes connected to hot water outlet 11a. If water heater 11 has a floor heating function, a bathroom heating function, and a heating function using a panel heater, hot water is supplied from water heater 11 to devices that realize these functions.

[0041] Remote controllers 12 and 13 are connected to water heater 11 and are used to make various settings for each function of water heating apparatus 10. Remote controller 12 has a display unit 121 and an input unit 122, and remote controller 13 has a display input unit 131 consisting of a touch panel and an operation button 132. The operator can make any settings for filling the water tank, adjusting the hot water temperature, etc. by operating input unit 122 according to the screen displayed on display unit 121. The operator can also make settings for filling the water tank, etc. by operating display input unit 131.

[0042] The remote controller 12 is installed in the bathroom, and the remote controller 13 is installed outside the bathroom, for example, in a kitchen. The remote controllers 12 and 13 are provided with audio windows 12a and 13a for inputting and outputting audio.

[0043] Hereinafter, the remote controller 12 installed in the bathroom will be referred to as the "bathroom remote control 12," and the remote controller 13 installed in the kitchen or the like will be referred to as the "kitchen remote control 13."

[0044] An operation button 122a is included in the input section 122 of the bathroom remote control 12. The operation buttons 122a and 132 are buttons for switching the water heater 11 between an operation on state and an operation off state.

[0045] When bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 are in the operation off state, display unit 121 and display input unit 131 are in the off state, and no operation of operation buttons other than operation buttons 122a, 132 is accepted. When operation buttons 122a, 132 are operated to switch to the operation on state, display unit 121 and display input unit 131 light up, the setting contents are displayed, and operation of each operation button can be accepted.

[0046] Furthermore, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include a button for changing the hot water supply temperature. The operator can change the set hot water supply temperature by operating this button. In addition, input unit 122 and display input unit 131 include buttons for controlling the operation of water heater 11, such as buttons for executing a reheating function, adding hot water, adding cold water, an automatic bath function, and the like.

[0047] The router 20 is a communication repeater for connecting each device present in a building (here, inside the house H10) to an external communication network 40. When the mobile terminal device 30 is present in the house H10, the mobile terminal device 30 is connected to the router 20 by wireless communication and is capable of communicating with the server 50. The mobile terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile phone. Alternatively, the mobile terminal device 30 may be another portable terminal device such as a portable tablet terminal. The external communication network 40 is, for example, the Internet.

[0048] A server 50 for managing remote control of water heating apparatus 10 is connected to external communication network 40. Kitchen remote control 13 communicates with server 50 via router 20 and external communication network 40. When mobile terminal device 30 is present in home H10, mobile terminal device 30 communicates with server 50 via router 20 and external communication network 40. When mobile terminal device 30 is outside the home, mobile terminal device 30 is connected to external communication network 40 via router 60 or base station 70 installed externally, and communicates with server 50.

[0049] An application program for hot water supply system 1 is downloaded from server 50 and installed in kitchen remote control 13 and mobile terminal device 30. This application program includes address information (e.g., IP address) for accessing server 50. Kitchen remote control 13 and mobile terminal device 30 access server 50 and communicate with each other based on this address information.

[0050] The address information of kitchen remote control 13 is transmitted to server 50 during initial configuration and registered in server 50. At the same time, ID information (identification information) of kitchen remote control 13 is transmitted from kitchen remote control 13 to server 50 and registered in server 50. In addition, mobile terminal device 30 capable of remotely controlling water heating apparatus 10 is associated with water heating apparatus 10 and registered in server 50. Specifically, the ID information of water heating apparatus 10 (kitchen remote control 13) and the ID information and address information of mobile terminal device 30 are associated with each other and registered in server 50.

[0051] In this way, by registering information about the mobile terminal device 30 in the server 50, the user of the mobile terminal device 30 can use the mobile terminal device 30 to remotely control the water heating apparatus 10 both inside the home H10 and outside the home.

[0052] That is, whether mobile terminal device 30 is inside home H10 or outside the home, a setting request input by the user to mobile terminal device 30 is first transmitted to server 50 via external communication network 40. In response, server 50 transmits the received setting request to water heating apparatus 10 that is pre-associated with mobile terminal device 30 that received the setting request. As a result, the setting request is transmitted to kitchen remote control 13 of the corresponding water heating apparatus 10 via external communication network 40 and router 20. In this way, the settings requested by the user are applied to water heating apparatus 10 by remote control.

[0053] Furthermore, status information of water heating apparatus 10 is transmitted from kitchen remote control 13 to server 50 via router 20 at regular intervals. The status information is information indicating the current setting and operating status of water heating apparatus 10. Mobile terminal device 30 can obtain and display the latest status information from server 50 using the application program of hot water supply system 1. This allows the user of mobile terminal device 30 to monitor the status of water heating apparatus 10 both inside home H10 and outside the home.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing circuit blocks of each device constituting the hot water supply system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0055] Water heater 11 includes a control unit 111, a storage unit 112, a communication unit 113, and a water level sensor 114. Control unit 111 includes a microcomputer, and controls each unit in water heater 11 according to a program stored in storage unit 112. Storage unit 112 includes a memory, and stores a predetermined control program.

[0056] Communication unit 113 communicates with bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 according to control from control unit 111. Communication unit 113 is connected to communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 via two-core communication lines L1 and L2. In addition, two-core communication lines L1 and L2 are connected to each other inside communication unit 113. Therefore, communication unit 125 of bathroom remote control 12 and communication unit 135 of kitchen remote control 13 are connected to each other by two-core communication lines L1 and L2. Therefore, a signal transmitted from any of communication units 113, 125, 135 is simultaneously transmitted to the other communication unit.

[0057] As described below, water level sensor 114 is disposed in a pipe in water heater 11, and detects the water level in bathtub 2 (see FIG. 3) based on the water pressure in the pipe. Control unit 111 detects the water level in bathtub 2 based on the detection result of water level sensor 114. The detection result of the water level is transmitted from control unit 111 to bathroom remote control 12 and kitchen remote control 13 as needed via two-core communication lines L1 and L2.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a connection between the water heater 11 and the bathtub 2. As shown in FIG.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, water heater 11 includes a hot water supply section 210, a re-heating section 220, and a bypass section 230 in addition to the components shown in FIG.

[0060] The hot water supply section 210 includes a water supply pipe 211, a hot water supply heat exchanger 212, a hot water supply pipe 213, a hot water supply combustor 214, and an air supply fan 215. The water supply pipe 211 is connected to a water pipe and the hot water supply heat exchanger 212, and the hot water supply pipe 213 is connected to the hot water supply heat exchanger 212, the bathroom faucet 3, and the external faucet 4. Gas (fuel gas) is supplied to the hot water supply combustor 214 through a hot water supply gas pipe 217 that is opened and closed by a gas solenoid valve 216. The hot water supply combustor 214 burns gas as fuel. The air supply fan 215 supplies air for combustion to the hot water supply combustor 214.

[0061] 2, the reheating unit 220 includes a return pipe 221, a bath heat exchanger 222, an outgoing pipe 223, a bath burner 224, and a circulation pump 225. The return pipe 221 is connected to the circulation adapter 2a of the bathtub 2 and the bath heat exchanger 222, and the outgoing pipe 223 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 222 and the circulation adapter 2a.

[0062] Gas (fuel gas) is supplied to the bath combustor 224 through a bath gas pipe 227 that is opened and closed by a gas solenoid valve 226. The bath combustor 224 burns gas as fuel. An air supply fan 215 is shared between the hot water supply section 210 and the re-heating section 220, and air for combustion is supplied from the air supply fan 215 to the bath combustor 224. A circulation pump 225 and a water level sensor 114 are arranged in the return pipe 221. The water level sensor 114 detects the water level in the bathtub 2 based on the water pressure in the return pipe 221.

[0063] The bypass unit 230 includes a bypass pipe 231 and a hot water supply solenoid valve 232. The bypass pipe 231 is connected to the hot water supply pipe 213 and the return pipe 221. The hot water supply solenoid valve 232 opens and closes the bypass pipe 231.

[0064] The control unit 111 controls the hot water combustor 214, the air supply fan 215 and the gas solenoid valve 216 of the hot water supply unit 210, the bath combustor 224, the circulation pump 225, the water level sensor 114 and the gas solenoid valve 226 of the re-heating unit 220, the hot water solenoid valve 232 of the bypass unit 230, and the like.

[0065] When bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 is opened, the hot water supply function is executed. Water from the water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211, and hot water combustor 214 combusts, heating hot water heat exchanger 212. The water introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 is heated to become hot water, and the hot water is supplied to bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 through hot water pipe 213. When bathroom faucet 3 or external faucet 4 is closed, water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 stops, and combustion in hot water combustor 214 stops.

[0066] Furthermore, when a command to fill bathtub 2 with hot water is received from bathroom remote control 12 or kitchen remote control 13, control unit 111 executes the hot water filling function (automatic bath function). In this case, hot water solenoid valve 232 is opened, and water from the water pipe is introduced into hot water heat exchanger 212 through water supply pipe 211, and is heated in hot water heat exchanger 212. Then, the hot water from hot water heat exchanger 212 is introduced into return pipe 221 through hot water pipe 213 and bypass pipe 231.

[0067] A portion of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the circulation adapter 2a and is poured from the circulation adapter 2a into the bathtub 2. The rest of the hot water introduced into the return pipe 221 flows through the return pipe 221 toward the bath heat exchanger 222, and further flows through the bath heat exchanger 222 and the outgoing pipe 223 before being poured into the bathtub 2 from the circulation adapter 2a.

[0068] When hot water is supplied and filled in bathtub 2, return pipe 221, bath heat exchanger 222, and supply pipe 223 are filled with water. This allows water level sensor 114 to detect the water level in bathtub 2. When water level sensor 114 detects that the water level in bathtub 2 has reached a preset water level, hot water supply solenoid valve 232 is closed, water supply from the water pipe to water supply pipe 211 is stopped, and combustion in hot water supply combustor 214 is stopped.

[0069] When a person enters bathtub 2 filled with hot water, the water level in bathtub 2 rises. When a person leaves bathtub 2, the water level drops. The water level fluctuations based on people entering and exiting bathtub 2 can be detected by water level sensor 114.

[0070] When the reheating function is performed, the circulation pump 225 operates and the bath combustor 224 starts combustion. The hot water in the bathtub 2 circulates between the bathtub 2 and a circulation path consisting of the return pipe 221, the bath heat exchanger 222, and the forward pipe 223, and is heated in the bath heat exchanger 222 during the circulation. When the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 2 becomes higher than a preset upper limit temperature, the circulation pump 225 and the bath combustor 224 stop.

[0071] In the hot water addition function, a predetermined amount of hot water is injected into the bathtub 2 by the same control as the hot water filling function (automatic bath function). When the hot water addition function is executed, the hot water supply burner 214 and the bath burner 224 are stopped, and the same control as the hot water filling function (automatic bath function) is executed, and a predetermined amount of water is injected into the bathtub 2.

[0072] Returning to Fig. 2, bathroom remote control 12 includes, in addition to display unit 121 and input unit 122 described above, control unit 123, memory unit 124, communication unit 125, speaker 126, microphone 127, human presence sensor 128, and temperature sensor 129. Display unit 121 is formed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. Input unit 122 includes various operation buttons such as a temperature setting button. Display unit 121 may be a touch panel.

[0073] The control unit 123 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 124. The storage unit 124 includes a memory and stores the predetermined control program.

[0074] In this embodiment, the function of the notification processor 123a is imparted to the controller 123 by a control program stored in the memory unit 124. The notification processor 123a in this embodiment issues a notification encouraging the user to slow down the rate at which the user immerses themselves in the water in the bathtub 2 when it is determined that a person has entered the bathroom based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 128, as described below.

[0075] Communication unit 125 communicates with water heater 11 and kitchen remote control 13 under the control of control unit 123. Speaker 126 outputs sound based on the sound signal generated by control unit 123. Control unit 123 reads out sound information stored in storage unit 124 as needed to generate the sound signal. The sound output from speaker 126 is output from sound window 12a in FIG. 1. Microphone 127 collects the sound via sound window 12a in FIG. 1.

[0076] Human presence sensor 128 detects human movement in the bathroom. Human presence sensor 128 is, for example, a pyroelectric sensor that uses infrared rays. The detection range of human presence sensor 128 is set to cover the washing area and bathtub 2 in the bathroom. Human presence sensor 128 may be capable of detecting the range of the washing area and the range of bathtub 2 separately. Temperature sensor 129 detects the temperature in the bathroom. Note that, here, temperature sensor 129 is installed in bathroom remote control 12, but a temperature sensor may also be installed in other equipment installed in the bathroom, such as a bathroom heater / dryer, and the detection result may be transmitted to bathroom remote control 12.

[0077] In addition to the above-mentioned display input unit 131 and operation button 132, kitchen remote control 13 includes a control unit 133, a memory unit 134, a communication unit 135, a speaker 136, a microphone 137, and a wireless communication unit 138.

[0078] The control unit 133 includes a microcomputer and performs predetermined control in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 134. The storage unit 134 includes a memory and stores the predetermined control program.

[0079] Communication unit 135 communicates with water heater 11 and bathroom remote control 12 under the control of control unit 133. Speaker 136 outputs sound based on the audio signal generated by control unit 133. Control unit 133 reads out audio information stored in memory unit 134 as needed to generate an audio signal. The audio output from speaker 136 is output from audio window 13a in FIG. 1. Microphone 137 collects the audio via audio window 13a in FIG. 1.

[0080] Wireless communication unit 138 is a wireless communication module capable of wireless communication with router 20. In server 50, address information and ID information of wireless communication unit 138 are registered as address information and ID information of kitchen remote control 13 (hot water heating apparatus 10).

[0081] The server 50 includes a control unit 501, a storage unit 502, and a communication unit 503. The control unit 501 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and performs predetermined control according to a program stored in the storage unit 502. The storage unit 502 includes a memory and a hard disk, and stores a predetermined control program and a database. The communication unit 503 performs predetermined control according to the control from the control unit 501.

[0082] 4 (pairing information). The pairing information is information that associates ID information of kitchen remote control 13 with ID information and address information of mobile terminal device 30. The pairing information is managed for each kitchen remote control 13 (hot water heating device 10).

[0083] Incidentally, when a bather immerses his / her cold body in the hot water of the bathtub 2, the temperature of the bather's body changes suddenly. In this case, the bather's blood pressure rises suddenly, causing so-called heat shock, which may lead to heart disease. One method for preventing heat shock is to not immerse oneself in the hot water of the bathtub 2 too quickly. This can suppress a sudden change in blood pressure caused by a sudden change in body temperature, and prevent the onset of heart disease caused by changes in blood pressure.

[0084] Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is determined that a bather has entered the bathroom based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 128, a notification is given to the bather from the speaker 126 to encourage the bather to slowly soak in the hot water in the bathtub 2. This process will be described below.

[0085] 5(a) is a flow chart showing the notification process performed in bathroom remote control 12. This process is performed by control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 using the function of notification processing unit 123a.

[0086] The control unit 123 determines whether or not a bather has entered the bathroom based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 128 (S101). If it is determined that a bather has entered the bathroom (S101: YES), the control unit 123 determines whether or not the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value Tm based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 129 (S102). If it is determined that the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than the threshold value Tm (S102: YES), the control unit 123 executes a notification process to encourage the bather to slowly soak in the hot water in the bathtub 2 (S103). On the other hand, if the temperature in the bathroom is higher than the threshold value Tm (S102: NO), the process of step S103 is skipped.

[0087] When the process of FIG. 5(a) is thus completed, the process returns to S101, and the process of FIG. 5(a) is repeated.

[0088] FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing the operation executed by the notification process in step S103 in FIG. 5(a).

[0089] As shown in Fig. 5(b), in the notification process, control unit 123 outputs an audio message from speaker 126 of bathroom remote control 12 (see Fig. 2) encouraging the bather to slowly immerse himself / herself in the hot water in bathtub 2 when taking a bath. This audio message encourages the bather to be careful when bathing and to slowly immerse himself / herself in the hot water in bathtub 2. This prevents the bather's body temperature from changing suddenly, and prevents the bather from experiencing heat shock.

[0090] In this example, a predetermined voice message is output from speaker 126 in the notification process, but the method of notifying the bather is not limited to this. For example, a message text may be displayed on display unit 121 together with the voice message, or a chime sound may be included at the beginning of the voice message to alert the bather.

[0091] In addition, the contents of the message voice output in the notification process are not limited to those shown in Fig. 5(b) and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the message voice may include contents such as the need to be careful about how you bathe, that a significant rise in blood pressure may occur depending on how you bathe, and that immersing yourself in the bathtub 2 too quickly may result in heat shock.

[0092] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the following effects can be achieved.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 5(a), upon detection of a predetermined bathing process for bathtub 2 (S101: YES), control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123a) causes speaker 126 (alarm unit) to output an alarm output (audio message) encouraging the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses himself or herself in the hot water in bathtub 2 (S103). This makes it possible to encourage the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses himself or herself in the hot water in bathtub 2 when taking a bath, and by having the bather follow this, heat shock can be prevented. Therefore, heat shock during bathing can be suppressed without any particular change to the temperature of the water in bathtub 2.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123a) causes the speaker 126 (alarm unit) to output an alarm when a human presence sensor 128 (entrance sensor) detects that a person has entered the bathroom. With this configuration, when the bather enters the bathroom, the speaker 126 in the bathroom outputs an alarm to encourage the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses himself or herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2. This makes it possible to encourage the bather to slow down the rate at which he or she immerses himself or herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2 before he or she actually immerses himself or herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock during the current bath.

[0095] <Embodiment 2> In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the notification process is executed when the bather enters the bathroom, but in the second embodiment, the notification process is executed when a bathing start action in the bathtub 2 is detected.

[0096] 6(a) is a flowchart showing the notification process performed by bathroom remote control 12 in embodiment 2. As in embodiment 1, this process is performed by control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 using the function of notification processing unit 123a.

[0097] The control unit 123 judges whether or not the bather has started bathing based on the detection result of the water level sensor 114 received from the water heater 11 at any time (S201). The judgment in step S201 will be described later with reference to Figs. 7(a) and (b). If it is judged that the bather has started bathing (S201: YES), the control unit 123 judges whether or not the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value Tm based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 129 (S202). If it is judged that the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than the threshold value Tm (S202: YES), the control unit 123 executes a notification process to encourage the bather to slowly soak in the hot water in the bathtub 2 (S203). On the other hand, if the temperature in the bathroom is higher than the threshold value Tm (S202: NO), the process in step S203 is skipped.

[0098] When the process of FIG. 6(a) is thus completed, the process returns to S201, and the process of FIG. 6(a) is repeated.

[0099] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing the operation executed by the notification process in step S203 in FIG.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6(b), in the notification process, the control unit 123 outputs an audio message from the speaker 126, encouraging the bather to slowly immerse himself / herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2. In the second embodiment, the audio message is output at the timing when the bather starts bathing. Therefore, the audio message encourages the bather to carefully and slowly immerse himself / herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2 in the subsequent bathing action. This prevents the bather's body temperature from changing suddenly, and prevents the bather from experiencing heat shock.

[0101] As in the first embodiment, in the notification process, a message text may be displayed on the display unit 121 together with the voice message, and a chime sound may be included at the beginning of the voice message to call attention. The contents of the voice message to be output are not limited to those shown in Fig. 6(b), and may include, for example, the voice message to be careful about how one bathes, that a significant rise in blood pressure may occur depending on how one bathes, that immersing in the bathtub 2 too quickly may cause heat shock, etc.

[0102] Figures 7(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams for explaining the determination method of step S201 in Figure 6(a). Figure 7(a) is a graph showing a schematic relationship between time and water level when a bather begins to soak in bathtub 2, and Figure 7(b) is a graph showing a schematic relationship between time and water level when hot and cold water is added to bathtub 2. In Figures 7(a) and (b), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the water level in bathtub 2.

[0103] As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), there are two situations in which the water level in the bathtub 2 rises. That is, the water level rises when the bather starts to immerse himself in the bathtub 2 (bathing start action), as shown in Figure 7(a), and when hot water is added to the bathtub 2 (water adding action), as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0104] When a bather immerses in bathtub 2, the feet are first immersed in the hot water. This causes the water level to rise from WL0 to WL1 between time T11 and time T13, as shown in Figure 7(a). Once the feet are fully immersed in the hot water, there is usually a period ΔPs during which the water level does not change as a preparation period for the bather to move on to the next action, after which the torso is immersed in the hot water in bathtub 2, causing the water level to rise further. On the other hand, when hot water is added to bathtub 2, the rise in the water level is much more gradual than when the bather's feet are immersed in the hot water, as shown in Figure 7(b).

[0105] In step S201 in Fig. 6(a), the control unit 123 acquires the amount of rise ΔWL1 of the water level during a predetermined period ΔP1 (for example, 2 seconds) from time T11 when the water level starts to rise. The amount of rise ΔWL1 in Fig. 7(a) is the amount of rise in the water level from time T11 to time T12, and the amount of rise ΔWL1 in Fig. 7(b) is the amount of rise in the water level from time T14 to time T15. The control unit 123 determines whether the acquired amount of rise ΔWL1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold amount of rise ΔWLth1. The threshold amount of rise ΔWLth1 is set to a value that can distinguish between a person's bathing start action and adding hot water to the bathtub 2.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 7(a), if the amount of increase ΔWL1 is equal to or greater than the threshold amount of increase ΔWLth1, the control unit 123 determines that the bathing start action has been performed (S201: YES in FIG. 6(a)). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(b), if the amount of increase ΔWL1 is smaller than the threshold amount of increase ΔWLth1, the control unit 123 determines that the bathing start action has not been performed (S201: NO in FIG. 6(a)). In this manner, the determination of step S201 in FIG. 6(a) is performed.

[0107] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the following effects can be achieved.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123a) outputs an audio message from the speaker 126 encouraging the user to slow down the rate at which the user is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub 2, based on the detection of the user's bathing start action in the bathtub 2 (S201: YES) (S203). With this configuration, when the user starts bathing in the bathtub 2, the speaker 126 (alarm unit) in the bathroom outputs an alarm encouraging the user to slow down the rate at which the user is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub 2. This makes it possible to encourage the user to slow down the rate at which the user is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub 2, before the user is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub 2 up to his / her torso. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock during the current bath.

[0109] 7(a) and (b), the control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123a) detects the action of starting a bath based on the detection result from the water level sensor 114 that the water level has risen by more than the threshold increase amount ΔWLth1 during the period ΔP1 after the water level started to rise. With this configuration, the threshold increase amount ΔWLth1 is set so that the action of starting a bath by a person can be distinguished from the action of adding water to the bathtub 2, so that the action of starting a bath can be accurately detected. Therefore, at the time of the action of starting a bath, an appropriate alarm can be issued to encourage the bather to take a gentle bath.

[0110] <Embodiment 3> In the first and second embodiments, the notification process is executed based on the fact that a person has entered the bathroom or the action of starting to take a bath in the bathtub 2 has been detected, whereas in the third embodiment, the notification process is executed based on the speed at which the person is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub 2 being equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed.

[0111] 8(a) is a flowchart showing the notification-related processing performed by bathroom remote control 12 in embodiment 3. As in embodiments 1 and 2 above, this processing is performed by control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 using the function of notification processing unit 123a.

[0112] Based on the detection result of the water level sensor 114, the control unit 123 judges whether the bathing speed (the speed at which the bather is immersed in the hot water) in the bathtub 2 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (S301). The judgment in step S301 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9. If it is judged that the bathing speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold (S301: YES), the control unit 123 judges whether the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold Tm (S302) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 129. If it is judged that the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than the threshold Tm (S302: YES), the control unit 123 executes a notification process to encourage the bather to slowly immerse himself / herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2 (S303). On the other hand, if the temperature in the bathroom is higher than the threshold Tm (S302: NO), the process in step S303 is skipped.

[0113] When the process of FIG. 8(a) is thus completed, the process returns to S301, and the process of FIG. 8(a) is repeated.

[0114] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the operation executed by the notification process in step S303 in FIG.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 8(b), in the notification process, the control unit 123 outputs an audio message from the speaker 126, encouraging the bather to slowly immerse himself / herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2. In the third embodiment, the audio message is output after the bather's torso has begun to be immersed in the hot water, so the bather will understand from this audio message that he / she is bathing too quickly and will be encouraged to be careful when bathing and slowly immerse himself / herself in the hot water in the bathtub 2, at least from the next time onwards. This prevents the bather's body temperature from changing suddenly in the next and subsequent baths, and prevents the bather from suffering from heat shock.

[0116] As in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, in the notification process, a message text may be displayed on the display unit 121 together with the voice message, and a chime sound may be included at the beginning of the voice message to call attention. The contents of the voice message to be output are not limited to those shown in Fig. 8(b), and may include, for example, the voice message to be careful about how one bathes, that a significant rise in blood pressure may occur depending on how one bathes, that immersing in the bathtub 2 too quickly may cause heat shock, etc.

[0117] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the determination method in step S301 in Fig. 8(a). Fig. 9 is a graph showing a schematic relationship between the time from when a bather starts to soak in bathtub 2 until he finishes soaking and the water level. In Fig. 9, the horizontal axis shows time, and the vertical axis shows the water level in bathtub 2.

[0118] As shown in Fig. 9, when a bather soaks in bathtub 2, the water level rises during a period in which the feet are submerged and a period in which the torso is submerged. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the period from time T11 to time T13 is the period in which the water level rises from WL0 to WL1 as the feet are submerged, and the period from time T21 onwards is the period in which the water level rises from WL1 as the torso is submerged.

[0119] In this case, in step S301 in Fig. 8(a), the control unit 123 acquires the amount of rise ΔWL2 of the water level during a predetermined period ΔP2 (for example, 10 seconds) from time T11 when the water level starts to rise. As shown in Fig. 9, the amount of rise ΔWL2 is the amount of rise in the water level from time T11 to time T22. The control unit 123 determines whether the acquired amount of rise ΔWL2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold amount of rise ΔWLth2. The threshold amount of rise ΔWLth2 is set to a value that can distinguish between a person's bathing start action and adding hot water to the bathtub 2.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 9, if the amount of increase ΔWL2 is equal to or greater than the threshold amount of increase ΔWLth2, the control unit 123 determines that the speed of bathing in the bathtub 2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (S301 in FIG. 8(a): YES). On the other hand, if the amount of increase ΔWL2 is less than the threshold amount of increase ΔWLth2, the control unit 123 determines that the speed of bathing in the bathtub 2 is less than the predetermined threshold (S301 in FIG. 8(a): NO). In this manner, the determination of step S301 in FIG. 8(a) is performed.

[0121] In Fig. 9, the period ΔP2 is set to include at least a part of the period (T21-T22) when the bather's torso is immersed in hot water as well as the period (T11-T13) when the bather's feet are immersed in hot water. In other words, heat shock is likely to occur if the temperature of the bather's body changes suddenly when the bather's torso is immersed in hot water. For this reason, it is preferable that the speed of bathing in the bathtub 2 used to determine whether or not to perform the notification process is determined during a period that includes the period when the bather's torso is immersed in hot water. In this sense, the period ΔP2 is set to include at least a part of the period (T21-T22) when the bather's torso is immersed in hot water as well as the period (T11-T13) when the bather's feet are immersed in hot water.

[0122] From the above viewpoint, it is preferable that the period for determining the bathing speed, i.e., the period for determining the possibility of heat shock, is only the period during which the bather's torso is immersed in hot water. In this case, the determination method in step S301 in Fig. 8(a) is replaced by the determination method described with reference to Fig. 10.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining another determination method in step S301 of FIG. 8(a).

[0124] In the example shown in Figure 10, the period from time T11 to time T13 (first period) is the period during which the water level rises from WL0 to WL1 as the feet are immersed, and the period from time T21 to time T23 (second period) is the period during which the water level rises from WL1 to WL2 as the torso is immersed.

[0125] In this case, in step S301 in Fig. 8(a), the control unit 123 first detects the start time T21 of the second period. In this detection, the control unit 123 first detects the start of the bathing action by the method described with reference to Figs. 7(a) and (b), and then detects the period during which the water level does not rise as the period ΔPs. The control unit 123 then sets the timing when the water level rises again after the period ΔPs (time T21 in Fig. 10) as the start time of the second period.

[0126] The control unit 123 acquires the amount of rise ΔWL2 of the water level during a predetermined period ΔP2 (e.g., 5 seconds) after the start time T21 of the second period. As shown in Fig. 10, the amount of rise ΔWL2 in this case is the amount of rise in the water level from time T21 to time T22. The control unit 123 determines whether the acquired amount of rise ΔWL2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold amount of rise ΔWLth2. The threshold amount of rise ΔWLth2 is set to a value that allows a distinction to be made between a person starting to take a bath and adding hot water to the bathtub 2.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 10, if the amount of increase ΔWL2 is equal to or greater than the threshold amount of increase ΔWLth2, the control unit 123 determines that the speed of bathing in the bathtub 2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (S301 in FIG. 8(a): YES). On the other hand, if the amount of increase ΔWL2 is less than the threshold amount of increase ΔWLth2, the control unit 123 determines that the speed of bathing in the bathtub 2 is less than the predetermined threshold (S301 in FIG. 8(a): NO). In this manner, the determination of step S301 in FIG. 8(a) is performed.

[0128] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> According to the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the following effects can be achieved.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123a) outputs an audio message from the speaker 126 encouraging the bather to slow down the speed of immersion in the hot water in the bathtub 2 based on the fact that the speed of immersion in the hot water in the bathtub 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed (S301: YES) (S303). With this configuration, while the bather is immersing in the hot water in the bathtub 2 or immediately after the bather is completely immersed, an alarm output is made from the speaker 126 (alarm unit) in the bathroom encouraging the bather to slow down the speed of immersion in the hot water in the bathtub 2. This allows the bather to recognize that the speed of immersion in the hot water is too fast, and the bather is encouraged to slow down the speed of immersion in the hot water from the next time onwards. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock from the next time onwards when bathing.

[0130] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123a) causes the speaker 126 (alarm unit) to output an alarm based on the detection result from the water level sensor 114 indicating that the water level has risen by a predetermined threshold rise amount (ΔWLth2 in Figures 9 and 10) or more during a predetermined period (ΔP2 in Figures 9 and 10) after the water level started to rise. With this configuration, the threshold rise amount ΔWLth2 is set so that the action of a person immersing themselves in hot water can be distinguished from the action of adding hot water, so that it is possible to accurately detect if the action of immersing themselves in hot water is too fast. Therefore, an appropriate alarm can be issued during or after the bathing action to encourage the bather to take a gentler bath.

[0131] In the determination method described with reference to FIG. 10, the control unit 123 (alarm processing unit 123a) distinguishes between a first period in which the bather's feet are immersed in the hot water and a second period in which the bather's torso is immersed in the hot water immediately after the water level starts to rise, and causes the speaker 126 (alarm unit) to output an alarm based on the fact that the water level has risen by more than a threshold rise amount ΔWLth2 (second threshold rise amount) during a period ΔP2 (second predetermined period) in the second period. If the bathing action is too fast during the period in which the torso is immersed in the hot water after the feet are immersed in the hot water, a large drop in blood pressure occurs, making it easy for a heat shock to occur. According to the determination method of FIG. 10, it is determined whether the bathing action is too fast during the period in which the torso, which is easy to cause a heat shock, is immersed in the hot water. Therefore, the bathing action that is easy to cause a heat shock can be more appropriately determined, and an alarm can be appropriately performed to encourage the bather to take a gentle bath.

[0132] <Modification of the third embodiment> In the third embodiment, after the notification process is performed, the server 50 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) may store the result of the determination as to whether the speed at which the user is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed. In this case, the server 50 transmits the result of the determination in response to a transmission request from the mobile terminal device 30.

[0133] 11(a) is a flowchart showing the notification process according to this modified example, which is performed by bathroom remote control 12. As in the first and second embodiments, this process is performed by control unit 123 of bathroom remote control 12 using the function of notification processing unit 123a.

[0134] In the process shown in Fig. 11(a), step S304 is added before step S301, and step S305 is added after step S303, compared to the process of embodiment 3 shown in Fig. 8(a). For convenience, only the processes of steps S304 and S305 will be described below.

[0135] When the process starts, the control unit 123 judges whether or not a bathing start action has been performed, similarly to step S201 in FIG. 6(a) (S304). When it is judged that a bathing start action has been performed (S304: YES), the control unit 123 performs the same process as steps S301 to S303 in FIG. 8(a). In this case, in step S301, it is judged whether or not the speed of immersion in hot water is equal to or higher than a threshold speed, based on the judgment method described with reference to FIG. 10. When the process of steps S301 to S304 is completed, the control unit 123 transmits the judgment result of step S301 to the server 50 via the kitchen remote control 13 (S305). The judgment result transmitted in step S305 is information indicating whether or not the bathing speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0136] FIG. 11B is a flowchart showing the process of storing the determination result, which is performed in the server 50. As shown in FIG.

[0137] When the control unit 501 of the server 50 (see FIG. 2) receives a determination result from the bathroom remote control 12 (S401: YES), it stores the received determination result in the memory unit 502 in association with the date on which the determination result was received (S402).

[0138] FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing the determination result transmission process performed by the server 50. As shown in FIG.

[0139] When the control unit 501 of the server 50 receives information (transmission request) requesting the determination result from the mobile terminal device 30 (S411: YES), it transmits information associating the determination result with a calendar (date) to the mobile terminal device 30 that sent the transmission request (S412). The mobile terminal device 30 displays the determination result associated with the calendar on the display input unit based on the information received from the server 50.

[0140] 12(b) is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a display screen 31 displayed on the display input section of the mobile terminal device 30. The display input section is configured by, for example, a touch panel.

[0141] The display screen 31 includes a calendar area 31a, a month selection area 31b, and a switching button 31c. The calendar area 31a displays today's date and a calendar for the month selected by the month selection area 31b. This calendar displays the determination results received from the server 50. If the determination result indicates that the bathing speed was below a predetermined threshold (determination result that the bather was immersed in hot water too slowly), a circle is displayed in the area for each date, and if the determination result indicates that the bathing speed was equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (determination result that the bather was immersed in hot water too quickly), a cross is displayed in the area for each date.

[0142] The month of the calendar displayed in the calendar area 31a is switched by operating the button in the month selection area 31b. The time when the judgment result for each date was received, etc. is displayed by operating the switching button 31c.

[0143] <Effects of the modified example of the third embodiment> According to the above modification, the following effects can be achieved.

[0144] As shown in Fig. 11(a), the result of the determination as to whether the speed of immersion in hot water is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed is transmitted to the server 50 (S305), and as shown in Fig. 11(b), the result of the determination is stored in the server 50 (S402). Then, as shown in Fig. 12(a), in response to a transmission request from the mobile terminal device 30 (S411: YES), the server 50 transmits the result of the determination to the mobile terminal device 30 (S412). With this configuration, the user of the mobile terminal device 30 can appropriately transmit a transmission request to the server 50 and obtain the result of the determination from the server 50, thereby watching over whether the bather is bathing safely by slowing down the speed of immersion in hot water.

[0145] In the above modification, as in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the speed of immersion in hot water is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold speed based on the fact that the water level rises by the threshold rise amount ΔWLth2 or more during the period ΔP2 of the second period. With this configuration, as described above, it is determined whether the bathing action is too fast during the period in which the torso, which is prone to heat shock, is immersed in hot water. Therefore, the bathing action that is likely to lead to heat shock can be more appropriately determined, and a notification encouraging the bather to take a gentle bath can be appropriately performed. In addition, an appropriate judgment result can be provided to the user of the mobile terminal device 30. Therefore, the user of the mobile terminal device 30 can appropriately watch the bathing action of the bather.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 12(a), the server 50 transmits information associating the determination result with a calendar to the mobile terminal device 30 (S412). With this configuration, the user of the mobile terminal device 30 can check each day whether the bathing motion was too fast. Therefore, the user can grasp the tendency of the bather's bathing motion and can send appropriate advice to the bather.

[0147] <Other changes> In the above-mentioned embodiment 3, the process of the above-mentioned embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 6(a) may be executed before the process of FIG. 8(a) is started. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the period ΔP1 is set shorter than the period ΔP2, and the period ΔP2 is set to the second period. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the bathing start action has been performed at the timing when the period ΔP1 has elapsed, and a notification process is executed as appropriate. Also, it is determined whether or not the bathing speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value at the timing when the period ΔP2 has elapsed, and a notification process is executed as appropriate.

[0148] According to this configuration, when the water level in the bathtub 2 rises by more than the threshold rise amount ΔWLth1 (first threshold rise amount), that is, when the bather immerses his / her feet in the hot water, a notification is output to encourage the bather to slow down the speed of immersion in the hot water in the bathtub 2. As a result, the bather is encouraged to slow down the speed of immersion in the hot water before immersing the torso in the hot water. This makes it possible to prevent heat shock, which is likely to occur when immersing the torso in the hot water. Then, the process of the above-mentioned embodiment 3 determines whether the speed of immersion in the hot water is actually too fast, and if it is too fast, a notification to that effect is issued. As a result, the bather can understand that the speed of bathing after being encouraged to slow down the speed of immersion in the hot water is still too fast. This motivates the bather to take a bath more slowly the next time, and as a result, heat shock can be more reliably prevented.

[0149] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the period ΔP1 shown in Figs. 7(a) and (b) is set to 2 seconds, but the period ΔP1 is not limited to 2 seconds and may be, for example, about 1 to 3 seconds. The period ΔP1 may be set to a length that is included in the first period (see Fig. 10) in which the feet are immersed in hot water and that allows determination of whether the feet are immersed in hot water or not. In addition, the start timing of the period ΔP1 is set to the timing when the water level starts to rise (time T11), but it may be set after the timing when the water level starts to rise. However, if the start of the period ΔP1 is delayed, the end timing of the period ΔP1 is likely to overlap with the period ΔPs (see Fig. 7(a)), so it is preferable to set the start timing of the period ΔP1 to the timing when the water level starts to rise.

[0150] In the third embodiment, the period ΔP2 shown in Fig. 9 is set to 10 seconds, but the period ΔP2 is not limited to 10 seconds and may be, for example, about 5 to 15 seconds. In this case, the period ΔP2 includes at least a part of the second period (see Fig. 10) in which the torso is immersed in hot water, and is set to a length that allows the speed at which the torso is immersed in hot water to be determined. In this case, the start timing of the period ΔP2 is set to the timing (time T11) when the water level starts to rise, but it may be set to a time later than the timing when the water level starts to rise.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 3, when the determination method shown in FIG. 10 is used, the period ΔP2 shown in FIG. 10 is set to 5 seconds, but the period ΔP2 is not limited to 5 seconds and may be, for example, about 2 to 8 seconds. In this case, the period ΔP2 is included in the second period in which the body is immersed in hot water, and may be set to a length that allows the speed at which the body is immersed in hot water to be determined. In addition, in this case, the start timing of the period ΔP2 is set to the start timing of the second period (time T21), but it may be set after the start timing of the second period. However, if the start of the period ΔP2 is delayed, there is a high possibility that the end timing of the period ΔP2 will be after the end timing of the second period (time T23), so it is preferable to set the start timing of the period ΔP2 to the start timing of the second period.

[0152] In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, whether or not a bather has entered the bathroom is determined based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 128, but the method for determining whether or not a bather has entered the bathroom is not limited to this. For example, an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the bathroom door may be installed, and whether or not a bather has entered the bathroom may be determined based on the detection result of the opening / closing sensor.

[0153] In the second embodiment, whether or not the bathing start action has been performed is determined based on the detection result of the water level sensor 114, but the method for determining whether or not the bathing start action has been performed is not limited to this. For example, an illuminance sensor may be placed on the backrest of the bathtub 2, and whether or not the bathing start action has been performed may be determined based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor. In addition, if the human presence sensor 128 can detect the range of the bathtub 2 individually, whether or not the bathing start action has been performed may be determined based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 128 for the range of the bathtub 2.

[0154] In the modification of the third embodiment, the determination in step S301 is performed by the determination method in FIG. 10. However, the determination in step S301 may be performed by the determination method in FIG.

[0155] 10, the first period and the second period are distinguished by detecting the period ΔPs, but the method of distinguishing the first period and the second period is not limited to this. For example, two periods in which the rate of change of the water level is constant within a predetermined allowable range (excluding the period in which the rate of change of the water level is 0) may be identified, and the earlier period may be set as the first period and the later period as the second period.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 to 3 and the modified example, temperature sensor 129 is installed inside the bathroom, but it may be installed outside the bathroom. In this case as well, because heat shock is likely to occur when the temperature outside the bathroom is low, it is preferable that the notification process be performed based on the temperature detected by temperature sensor 129 as described above. Furthermore, temperature sensor 129 is configured as part of bathroom remote control 12, but bathroom remote control 12 may obtain the detected temperature from a thermometer separately installed in the bathroom.

[0157] In the above first to third embodiments and the modified example, in steps S102, S202, and S302, it is determined whether the temperature in the bathroom is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value Tm. However, this is not limiting, and in steps S102, S202, and S302, it may be determined whether the temperature difference between the set temperature of the hot and cold water in the bathtub 2 and the temperature in the bathroom detected by the temperature sensor 129 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the threshold value may be set near the lower limit of the range of temperature differences that are expected to cause a heat shock. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the day of bathing is within a cold period (calendar or season) when a heat shock is likely to occur, without determining the temperature in the bathroom or the temperature difference between the hot and cold water in the bathroom and the bathtub.

[0158] In the above first to third embodiments and the modified examples, the notification processing unit 123a does not necessarily have to be realized as a function based on a program, and may be realized by hardware based on a logic circuit.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above first to third embodiments and modified example, kitchen remote control 13 constituting water heating apparatus 10 is provided with wireless communication unit 138 for communicating with router 20, but a wireless communication unit may be provided in water heater 11 or bathroom remote control 12, and water heater 11 or bathroom remote control 12 may be connected to router 20. Alternatively, a control unit equipped with a wireless communication unit may be arranged in water heating apparatus 10 in addition to water heater 11, bathroom remote control 12, and kitchen remote control 13, and this control unit may be connected to router 20.

[0160] Furthermore, the configuration of water heater 11 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3, and other configurations are also possible. For example, in the configuration of Fig. 3, the hot water in bathtub 2 is reheated by circulating the hot water in bathtub 2 through bath heat exchanger 222, but the reheating function may be performed by water heater 11 adding high-temperature hot water to bathtub 2.

[0161] Furthermore, water heating apparatus 10 is not limited to one that uses gas fuel, and may be a water heating apparatus that uses oil as fuel. Water heating apparatus 10 may be of a storage type that uses a storage tank, and may further include a power generation unit such as a fuel cell.

[0162] In addition, in the above first to third embodiments and the modified example, the water heating device 10 equipped with a hot water supply function as well as a bath-related function is exemplified as a bath function device that performs a predetermined bath function for the bathtub 2, but the bath function device may be a device that can perform only the bath-related function. For example, the bath system may be configured to include a bath function device that has only the function of circulating water stored in the bathtub 2 through a heat exchanger to heat it. In this case, the bath function device only needs to have a configuration for heating the bath and a configuration for communicating with the server of the bath system.

[0163] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. Hot water system (bath system) 2 Bathtub 10 Hot water supply equipment (bath function equipment) 12 Bathroom remote control (alarm section) 30 Portable terminal device 40 External communication network 50 Servers 114 Water level sensor (detection part, bathing sensor) 123a Notification processing unit 128 Human Sensor (Detection Unit, Entry Sensor)

Claims

1. A notification unit installed in the bathroom; A detection unit that detects a predetermined bathing process in the bathtub; and a notification processing unit that causes the notification unit to output a notification encouraging the user to slow down the speed at which the user is immersed in the bathtub based on the detection result of the detection unit. A bath function device characterized by the above.

2. The bath function device according to claim 1, The detection unit includes an entrance sensor for detecting when a person enters the bathroom, The notification processing unit causes the notification unit to output the notification when it is detected that a person has entered the bathroom based on an output from the entrance sensor. A bath function device characterized by the above.

3. The bath function device according to claim 1, The detection unit includes a bathing sensor for detecting when a person enters the bathtub, The notification processing unit causes the notification unit to output the notification when a bathing start action in the bathtub is detected by an output from the bathing sensor. A bath function device characterized by the above.

4. The bath function device according to claim 3, The bathing sensor is a water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub, The notification processing unit detects the bathing start action based on the fact that the water level has risen by a predetermined threshold rise amount or more within a predetermined period of time after the water level has started to rise. A bath function device characterized by the above.

5. The bath function device according to claim 1, The detection unit includes a bathing sensor for detecting when a person enters the bathtub, The notification processing unit causes the notification unit to output the notification based on the output from the bathing sensor indicating that the speed at which the user is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed. A bath function device characterized by the above.

6. The bath function device according to claim 5, The bathing sensor is a water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub, The notification processing unit causes the notification unit to output the notification based on the fact that the water level has risen by a predetermined threshold rise amount or more during a predetermined period after the water level starts to rise. A bath function device characterized by the above.

7. The bath function device according to claim 6, the notification processing unit distinguishes between a first period in which the bather's feet are immersed in the hot water and a second period in which the bather's torso is immersed in the hot water immediately after the water level starts to rise, and causes the notification unit to output the notification based on the fact that the water level has risen by a second threshold rise amount or more during a second predetermined period within the second period. A bath function device characterized by the above.

8. The bath function device according to claim 7, The notification processing unit causes the notification unit to output the notification based on the fact that the water level has risen by a first threshold rise amount or more during a first predetermined period within the first period, the first predetermined period being shorter than the second predetermined period. A bath function device characterized by the above.

9. A bath system including a server capable of communicating with a mobile terminal device via an external communication network, and a bath function device capable of communicating with the server via the external communication network, A notification unit installed in the bathroom; A detection unit that detects a predetermined bathing process in the bathtub; and a notification processing unit that causes the notification unit to output a notification encouraging the user to slow down the speed at which the user is immersed in the bathtub based on the detection result of the detection unit. A bath system characterized by the above.

10. The bath system according to claim 9, A water level sensor is further provided to detect the water level in the bathtub. The notification processing unit causes the notification unit to output the notification based on the output from the water level sensor indicating that the speed at which the user is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold speed, and causes the server to store the result of the determination as to whether or not the speed at which the user is immersed in the hot water is equal to or greater than the threshold speed. The server transmits the determination result to the mobile terminal device in response to a transmission request from the mobile terminal device. A bath system characterized by the above.

11. The bath system according to claim 10, The notification processing unit distinguishes between a first period in which the bather's feet are immersed in the hot water and a second period in which the bather's torso is immersed in the hot water immediately after the water level starts to rise, and determines that the speed of immersion in the hot water is equal to or greater than the threshold speed based on the fact that the water level has risen by more than a predetermined threshold rise amount during a predetermined period within the second period. A bath system characterized by the above.

12. In the bath system according to claim 10 or 11, The server transmits information associating the determination result with a calendar to the mobile terminal device. A bath system characterized by the above.

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