Bathtub equipment

Abstract

To provide a bathtub device capable of making it difficult to give to a bathing person a feeling of boredom and making it easy to give him or her a refresh feeling by a change in a temperature of discharged water.SOLUTION: A bathtub device includes: a water discharge part 8 provided above a bathtub body; a circulation pump 6 provided in a circulation flow passage; a temperature adjusting part 7 for adjusting a temperature of hot water supplied to the water discharge part; a detection part 22 for detecting the temperature of hot water in the bathtub body; and a control part 16 for controlling the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge part. The control unit has a temperature changing mode which combines temperature raising control for raising the temperature of hot water supplied to the water discharge part, and temperature lowing control for lowering the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge part, and which combines both a feeling of change when the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge part is raised and a feeling of change when the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge part is lowered so as to give a feeling of change in the temperature to the bathing person easily, and gives the combined feelings to him or her.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub device, and particularly to a bathtub device that supplies hot and cold water to a bathtub.

Background Art

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1, a bathroom system provided with a body temperature determination means for determining whether or not the body temperature of a bather has risen is known. In this bathroom system, when it is determined that the body temperature of the bather has risen, an operation for lowering the body temperature of the bather, for example, an operation such as blowing air or pouring cold water, is performed to prevent the bather from getting overheated or having their physical condition disrupted.

[0003] As shown in Patent Document 2, a bathtub device that warms the neck and back with a heating heater so as to keep the internal temperature of the bather within a comfortable temperature zone is known. The purpose of this bathtub device is to keep both the internal temperature and the sense of warmth within their respective comfortable temperature zones even during a long bath.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, while preventing overheating during bathing, it has been considered to raise the deep body temperature of the bather and improve the bathing effect by taking a bath for a relatively long time. However, in a bathtub water circulation type water dispensing system where bathwater is circulated and discharged from a dispensing device while bathing, if the bather wants to bathe for a relatively long time, the temperature of the water discharged from the dispensing device will also be the same as the temperature of the water in the bathtub. This means that the temperature of the water discharged from the dispensing device will remain constant at the temperature of the water in the bathtub, which could cause the bather to feel bored.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a bathtub device that can reduce boredom for bathers (users) and easily provide a refreshing feeling through changes in the temperature of the water discharged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a bathtub device for supplying hot water to a bathtub, comprising: a bathtub body for storing hot water; an intake port for taking in hot water from the bathtub body; a discharge port provided above the bathtub body for discharging the hot water taken in from the intake port into the bathtub body; a circulation channel connecting the intake port and the discharge port; a circulation pump provided in the circulation channel for sending the hot water taken in from the intake port through the circulation channel; a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting the temperature of the hot water supplied to the discharge port; and the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body. The device comprises a detection unit for detecting temperature and a control unit for controlling the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet. The control unit is characterized by having a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control for increasing the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet and a temperature fall control for decreasing the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet, and provides the bather with a temperature change mode that combines both the sensation of temperature rising and the sensation of temperature falling of the hot water discharged from the water outlet, in order to make it easier for the user to perceive a change in temperature. In the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit has a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control to raise the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet and a temperature fall control to lower the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet. This temperature change mode provides the bather with a combination of the sensation of a temperature increase in the hot water discharged from the water outlet and the sensation of a temperature decrease in the hot water discharged from the water outlet, making it easier for the bather to feel a change in temperature. This makes it easier for the bather to feel a change in the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water outlet, making it less likely for the bather to feel bored, and making it easier to provide a sense of refreshment and comfort due to the temperature change of the discharged water.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the temperature reduction control in the temperature change mode of the control unit reduces the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge unit in a predetermined number of intermittent operations. In this embodiment of the present invention, the temperature reduction control in the temperature change mode of the control unit reduces the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge unit in a predetermined number of intermittent operations. This prevents the water from being continuously applied to the bather for a long period of time, thereby reducing physical strain on the bather, and provides a cooling sensation that is less likely to tire the bather through intermittent temperature changes of the water. Furthermore, if the temperature adjustment unit is connected to the circulation channel and includes a water supply channel that supplies hot water or water from an external source, the temperature reduction control in the temperature change mode of the control unit will lower the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet by intermittently supplying water from the water supply channel to the circulation channel a predetermined number of times. This prevents the bather from being exposed to water continuously for a long period of time, thus avoiding physical strain on the bather, and provides a cooling sensation that is less likely to tire the bather through intermittent temperature changes of the hot water.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, in the temperature change mode of the control unit, the second water discharge time for the temperature decrease control is longer than the first water discharge time for the temperature increase control. In this embodiment of the present invention, in the temperature change mode of the control unit, the second water discharge time for temperature decrease control is longer than the first water discharge time for temperature increase control. This makes it easier for bathers whose bodies are already warm during bathing to experience a refreshing and comfortable feeling due to the decrease in water temperature.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, in the temperature change mode of the control unit, the time of one intermittent operation in the temperature decrease control is shorter than the first water discharge time of the temperature increase control. In the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, in the temperature change mode of the control unit, the duration of one intermittent operation in the temperature decrease control is shorter than the first water discharge time in the temperature increase control. When a bather whose body is already warmed by bathing is given water at a temperature increased by the temperature increase control, compared to when water at a lower temperature is given by the temperature decrease control, the bather is more likely to feel a temperature difference gap. Therefore, when water at a lower temperature is given by the temperature decrease control, by making one intermittent operation in the temperature decrease control shorter than the first water discharge time in the temperature increase control, it is possible to further reduce the burden on the bather's body.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the temperature change mode of the control unit includes a temperature change suppression control that causes the water to be discharged with a temperature change less than either the temperature change at the start of the first water discharge time for temperature rise control or the temperature change at the start of the second water discharge time for temperature fall control, between the first water discharge time for temperature rise control and the second water discharge time for temperature fall control. In this embodiment of the present invention, the temperature change mode of the control unit includes a temperature change suppression control that causes the water to be discharged with a temperature change less than either the temperature change at the start of the first water discharge time for temperature rise control or the temperature change at the start of the second water discharge time for temperature fall control, between the first water discharge time for temperature rise control and the second water discharge time for temperature fall control. This allows the water to be discharged with a smaller temperature change by the temperature change suppression control between the first water discharge time for temperature rise control and the second water discharge time for temperature fall control, giving the bather an opportunity to get used to the water temperature. This reduces the burden on the bather's body and makes it easier to provide a refreshing and comfortable feeling through the temperature change of the water.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the temperature control unit is connected to the circulation channel and includes a water supply channel for supplying hot water or water from an external source. In this embodiment of the present invention, the control unit has a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control that raises the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet using the hot water supplied from the water supply channel, and a temperature fall control that lowers the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet. This temperature change mode provides the bather with a combination of the sensation of a temperature increase in the hot water discharged from the water outlet and the sensation of a temperature decrease in the hot water discharged from the water outlet, in order to make it easier for the bather to feel a change in temperature. As a result, even when adjusting the temperature of the hot water discharged using hot water or water supplied from the water supply channel, it is possible to make it easier for the bather to feel a change in the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water outlet, making it less likely for the bather to feel bored, and making it easier to provide a sense of refreshment and comfort due to the change in the temperature of the discharged water. Furthermore, by employing a hot water supply system that supplies hot water or water to the circulation channel via a water supply channel, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the discharge port can be adjusted with higher efficiency compared to a system that provides a temperature control unit such as a heater in the circulation channel. For example, even when hot water is discharged from the discharge port at a relatively large flow rate, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the discharge port can be adjusted with relatively high efficiency.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, the control unit supplies hot water at a temperature higher than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body from the water supply channel during the temperature rise control, and supplies hot water or water at a temperature lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body from the water supply channel during the temperature fall control. In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the control unit provides a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control, which increases the temperature of the water supplied to the water outlet by supplying water at a higher temperature than the water temperature in the bathtub body from the water supply channel, and a temperature fall control, which decreases the temperature of the water supplied to the water outlet by supplying water or hot water at a lower temperature than the water temperature in the bathtub body from the water supply channel. This temperature change mode provides the bather with a combination of the sensation of a temperature increase in the water discharged from the water outlet and the sensation of a temperature decrease in the water discharged from the water outlet, in order to make it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature. As a result, even when adjusting the temperature of the water discharged using water or hot water supplied from the water supply channel, it is possible to make it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature of the water discharged from the water outlet relative to the temperature of the water in the bathtub body, making it less likely for the bather to feel bored and making it easier to give them a sense of refreshment and comfort due to the change in the temperature of the discharged water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the bathtub device of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of boredom for bathers and to easily provide a refreshing feeling through changes in the temperature of the water dispensed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom with a bathtub device according to one embodiment of the present invention installed. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the water discharge device, circulation channel, and chamber of a bathtub device according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side of the short side of the bathtub body. [Figure 4]It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing a circulation flow path, a water supply flow path, a storage portion, etc. arranged on the back side of a bathtub main body of a bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a hot water supply system in a bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the operation of a bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of a subroutine for temperature rise control among the temperature change modes of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart of a subroutine for temperature drop control among the temperature change modes of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of a subroutine for intermittent supply control among the subroutines for temperature drop control of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a time chart showing the relationship between the temperature and time of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device in the temperature change mode of FIG. 7. [Figure 12] It is a time chart showing an enlarged view of the relationship between the temperature and time of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device in a part of the temperature drop control among the temperature change modes of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a time chart showing the relationship between the temperature and time of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device in the temperature change mode of a bathtub device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a time chart showing the relationship between the temperature and time of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device in the temperature change mode of a bathtub device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Next, a bathtub apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described herein are illustrative and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, changes, and substitutions are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, and various modifications, changes, etc., are possible in its form and details without departing from the claims. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom with a bathtub device according to one embodiment of the present invention installed; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view showing the water discharge device, circulation channel, and chamber of the bathtub device according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from the side of the short side of the bathtub body; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the circulation channel, water supply channel, storage section, etc., located on the back side of the bathtub body of the bathtub device according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a diagram showing the hot and cold water supply system in the bathtub device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the bathtub device 1 of one embodiment of the present invention is a bathtub device installed in a bathroom R and that supplies hot water to the bathtub. The bathtub device 1 of one embodiment of the present invention comprises a bathtub body 2 for storing hot water, a water intake section (bathtub water intake) 9b for taking in hot water from the bathtub body 2, a water discharge device 8 provided above the bathtub body 2 and discharging the hot water taken in from the water intake section 9b into the bathtub body 2, a circulation channel 4 connecting the water intake section 9b and the water discharge device 8, a first pump (circulation pump) 6 provided in the circulation channel 4 and which is a circulation pump that sends the hot water taken in from the water intake section 9b through the circulation channel 4, and the water discharge device 8 The system includes a temperature adjustment unit 7 for adjusting the temperature of the supplied hot and cold water, a storage unit 12 provided in the water supply channel 10 for storing the supplied hot or cold water, a second pump (pressurizing pump) 14 provided downstream of the storage unit 12 in the water supply channel (supply pipeline) 10 for sending the hot or cold water in the storage unit 12 toward the circulation channel 4, a first temperature sensor (discharge temperature sensor) 22 provided in the circulation channel 4 for measuring the temperature of the hot or cold water in the circulation channel 4, and a control unit 16 for controlling the first pump 6 and the second pump 14.

[0018] The bathtub device 1 functions as a circulation device that takes in hot water from the bathtub body 2 through the intake port 9b and circulates it back into the bathtub body 2 through the water discharge device 8. A remote control 18 is mounted on the wall of the bathroom R, and the bathtub device 1 can be operated using this remote control 18. The remote control 18 is configured to receive operation input from the bather for temperature adjustment. The remote control 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 16 and can transmit operation input signals to the control unit 16. The remote control 18 is located inside the bathroom R, but may also be located outside the bathroom R. Furthermore, the remote control 18 allows the user to arbitrarily set the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8, the temperature TB of the hot water in the bathtub body 2, the temperature TH (described later), the temperature TL (described later), etc. Also, predetermined times such as th, tf, tj, and tg (described later) can be arbitrarily set. The control unit 16 can perform predetermined controls based on the set temperature and time. Furthermore, the remote control 18 allows users to freely change or select the order and number of combinations of temperature rise control and temperature fall control, as shown in Figure 7.

[0019] The bathtub body 2 is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape in plan view and is configured to store hot water inside. In this embodiment, the bathtub body 2 is positioned so that one of its long sides and the two short sides on either side are in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R. Furthermore, the inner wall surface constituting one of the short sides of the bathtub body 2 is configured as a backrest surface 2a, which is a first inner wall surface formed for the bather to lean against. The water intake section 9 is formed on the side wall surface 2b on the long side of the bathtub body 2.

[0020] The water discharge device 8 is provided on the upper edge of the bathtub body 2. The water discharge device 8 is provided on the upper part of the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2 and is configured to discharge hot water inward into the bathtub body 2. In this embodiment, the water discharge device 8 is equipped with a flat, wide spout 8a that extends along the upper edge of the backrest surface 2a, and is configured to perform shoulder-water discharge, which discharges hot water towards the neck, shoulders, and back of a bather leaning against the backrest surface 2a. Furthermore, the water discharge device 8 is configured to discharge a portion of the hot water drawn in from the intake port 9b from the spout 8a. As a result, the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is drawn in from the intake port 9b and discharged from the spout 8a, circulating into the bathtub body 2. In addition, a portion of the hot water drawn in from the intake port 9b is also discharged from the bathtub spout 9a provided on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the spout 8a of the water discharge device 8 is formed to be flat and wide, the hot water discharged from the spout 8a is discharged as a wide, band-shaped water film and lands on the water surface of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2 at a position away from the backrest surface 2a. In addition, in this embodiment, the water discharge device 8 is configured to allow switching between three levels of pressure applied by the first pump 6: "strong," "medium," and "weak."

[0022] The circulation channel 4 extends from the intake port 9b to the discharge port 8a of the discharge device 8. The bathtub device 1 is configured to draw in hot water from the bathtub body 2 through the intake port 9b provided on the inner wall surface of the bathtub body 2, and to discharge the hot water into the bathtub body 2 through the circulation channel 4 to the discharge port 8a of the discharge device 8. Downstream of the first pump 6, the circulation channel 4 branches into a channel on the side of the bathtub discharge port 9a provided on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2, and a channel extending toward the chamber 11. Therefore, a portion of the hot water drawn in from the intake port 9b is discharged through the circulation channel 4 to the bathtub discharge port 9a provided on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2.

[0023] The circulation channel 4 comprises a chamber 11 provided in the circulation channel for drawing in hot water from the bathtub body, an injection section side channel (first pipe) 4a where the first pump 6 is provided, an introduction channel (second pipe) 4b connected to the chamber 11 for introducing hot water from the bathtub body 2 into the chamber 11, and a water discharge device side channel (third pipe) 4c extending from the chamber 11 to the water discharge device 8.

[0024] A jet nozzle (nozzle) 20 is provided at the outlet of the injection section side flow path 4a to the chamber 11. The jet nozzle 20 is positioned downstream of the first pump 6 and forms an injection section that injects the hot water supplied from the first pump 6 through the chamber 11. The hot water injected by the jet nozzle 20 is drawn into the chamber 11 by the action of the jet pump, and the flow rate of the hot water drawn in from the chamber 11 is added to the flow rate of the hot water injected from the jet nozzle 20, so that a larger flow rate of hot water is supplied to the discharge device side flow path 4c. The discharge device side flow path 4c extends along the extension of the jet nozzle 20.

[0025] The first pump 6 pressurizes the hot water in the injection section side flow path 4a toward the jet nozzle 20, and injects the hot water supplied from the first pump 6 through the chamber 11. The first pump 6 is configured to have a variable rotation speed for its internal rotating body. Therefore, by changing the rotation speed of the internal rotating body, the first pump 6 can change the set flow rate of the hot water sent downstream.

[0026] Chamber 11 is located below the specified water level W1 in the bathtub body 2 (for example, the specified water level required when using the water discharge device 8), and the chamber 11 is filled with hot water from the bathtub body 2. Chamber 11 forms a storage chamber that can store hot water. Therefore, when the hot water sprayed by the jet nozzle 20 passes through Chamber 11, the hot water in Chamber 11 is drawn into the sprayed hot water, forming a larger flow rate. Chamber 11 is connected to a spray-side flow path 4a and a water discharge device-side flow path 4c on the upper surface opposite to the spray-side flow path 4a. The diameter of the water discharge device-side flow path 4c is larger than the diameter of the jet nozzle 20. Chamber 11 is further connected to an introduction flow path and a water supply flow path 10. Therefore, when the hot water sprayed by the jet nozzle 20 draws in the hot water in Chamber 11, the hot water in the introduction flow path 4b, the hot water in the water supply flow path 10, or water is drawn through Chamber 11 into the water discharge device-side flow path. The chamber 11, jet nozzle 20, and water discharge device side flow path 4c constitute a jet pump unit, and even when attempting to supply a relatively large flow rate of hot water to the water discharge device 8, a relatively large flow rate of hot water can be supplied with a relatively simple configuration and a relatively small structure. Therefore, a bathtub device 1 that can supply a relatively large flow rate of hot water can be formed in the constrained small space between the bathtub body 2 and its casing (apron) 2c in the bathroom R.

[0027] Furthermore, the chamber 11 mixes the hot water drawn in from the water intake 9b and pressurized by the first pump 6 with the hot water or water supplied from the water supply channel 10, and supplies the mixture to the downstream discharge device side channel 4c. When hot water is flowing through the circulation channel 4, the chamber 11 is almost completely filled with hot water.

[0028] The first temperature sensor 22 is installed in the water discharge device side flow path 4c and measures the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8. The first temperature sensor 22 also functions as a detection unit that detects the temperature of the hot water inside the bathtub body 2. The first temperature sensor 22 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0029] The temperature control unit 7 is connected to the circulation channel 4 and includes a water supply channel 10 that supplies hot water or water from an external source to adjust the temperature of the hot water in the circulation channel 4. The water supply channel 10 functions as a temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge section. The water supply channel 10 forms the hot water supply path to the circulation channel 4. The water supply channel 10 is connected to a negative pressure generating section 11a in the chamber 11, which generates negative pressure due to the flow of hot water in the circulation channel 4. In the chamber 11, the ceiling portion in front of the jet nozzle 20 (the inlet portion of the water discharge device side channel 4c) is a portion that generates positive pressure due to the flow of hot water. On the other hand, in the chamber 11, the ceiling portions other than the ceiling portion in front of the jet nozzle, the side wall portions, and the bottom portion constitute the negative pressure generating section 11a. The downstream end 10a of the water supply channel 10 connected to the chamber 11 is located in a portion other than the ceiling portion in front of the jet nozzle 20. The temperature control unit 7 may be composed of other devices that function as a temperature control unit instead of the water supply channel 10, such as a heater that raises the temperature of the hot water in the circulation channel 4, or a cooler that lowers the temperature of the hot water.

[0030] Upstream of the water supply channel 10, a high-temperature water supply pipe (hot water supply pipe) 40a is connected to supply water at a higher temperature than the water stored in the bathtub body 2, and a low-temperature water supply pipe (water supply pipe) 40b is connected to supply water at a lower temperature than the water stored in the bathtub body 2.

[0031] Furthermore, the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b are connected to the storage section 12 via a high-temperature side solenoid valve (hot water solenoid valve) 56 and a low-temperature side solenoid valve (cold water solenoid valve) 58, respectively, and the start and stop of the supply of hot water or cold water are controlled by the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 and the low-temperature side solenoid valve 58. In addition, the amount of hot water or cold water flowing from each supply pipe into the storage section 12 is controlled by a water volume proportional valve 26. Moreover, in this embodiment, the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a is supplied with hot water at a temperature higher than the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2, for example, hot water at the temperature set in the water heater 52, from the water heater 52. That is, tap water supplied from the water supply 54 as an external supply source is branched at the branching section 54a, with one branch supplied to the water heater 52 and the other flowing directly into the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b. The tap water supplied to the water heater 52 is heated to a temperature higher than the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub body 2 and supplied to the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a. The high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a is equipped with a check valve 45 to prevent backflow of hot water or water, and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b is equipped with a check valve 47 to prevent backflow of water.

[0032] As a result, when attempting to raise the temperature of the hot and cold water in the circulation channel 4 or the storage section 12, the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 opens, and hot and cold water is supplied to the storage section 12 from the water heater 52, which is an external supply source. On the other hand, when attempting to lower the temperature of the hot and cold water in the circulation channel 4 or the storage section 12, the low-temperature side solenoid valve 58 opens, and tap water supplied from the low-temperature hot and cold water supply pipe 40b is supplied to the storage section 12. Alternatively, the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 and the low-temperature side solenoid valve 58 may open at the same time, and the temperature may be adjusted while the hot and cold water are mixed and supplied to the storage section 12.

[0033] Furthermore, although the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub body 2 is measured by the first temperature sensor 22, it may also be detected by a bathtub temperature sensor attached to the bathtub body 2. In addition, although the temperature of each type of water may be detected, the temperature of each type of water may also be estimated based on the data obtained from each sensor.

[0034] The temperatures detected by these temperature sensors are sent to the control unit 16, which adjusts the rotation speed of the second pump 14 based on these detected temperatures to discharge hot water at the required temperature from the water discharge device 8.

[0035] The second pump 14 pressurizes and pumps the hot water or water stored in the storage section 12 within the water supply channel 10 toward the chamber 11. The second pump 14 is configured to have a variable rotation speed for its internal rotating body. Therefore, by changing the rotation speed of the internal rotating body, the second pump 14 can change the set flow rate of the hot water or water sent downstream.

[0036] The bathtub device 1 further includes, between the storage section 12 of the water supply channel 10 and the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 and the low-temperature side solenoid valve 58, a water flow rate sensor 24 for measuring the flow rate of hot water or cold water, a water flow rate proportional valve (flow control valve) 26 for controlling the flow rate of hot water or cold water, a constant flow valve 28 for limiting the maximum flow rate of water through the water channel regardless of water pressure, a second temperature sensor (inlet side temperature sensor) 30 for measuring the temperature of hot water in the water supply channel 10 leading to the storage section 12, a third temperature sensor (storage tank temperature sensor) 32 provided inside the storage section 12, a fourth temperature sensor (outlet side temperature sensor) 34 for measuring the temperature of hot water or cold water flowing downstream from the storage section 12, a water flow rate sensor 36 provided downstream of the second pump 14, a check valve 38 for preventing backflow of hot water or cold water, and a solenoid valve 40 for electromagnetically opening and closing the flow path.

[0037] The water flow sensor 24, water flow proportional valve 26, constant flow valve 28, and second temperature sensor 30 are installed between the storage section 12 of the water supply channel 10 and the confluence section 43 downstream of the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 and the low-temperature side solenoid valve 58. The confluence section 43 is the part where the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b are connected and the flows of both pipes merge.

[0038] The second temperature sensor 30 is installed in the water supply channel 10 upstream of the storage section 12 and measures the temperature of the hot water or water supplied to the storage section 12 from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a and the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b. The second temperature sensor 30 is, for example, a thermistor. The third temperature sensor 32 measures the temperature of the hot water or water stored in the storage section 12. The third temperature sensor 32 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0039] The fourth temperature sensor 34, the water flow sensor 36, the check valve 38, and the solenoid valve 40 are installed between the storage section 12 and the chamber 11 of the water supply channel 10. The fourth temperature sensor 34 is configured to measure the temperature of the hot water or water that flows downstream from the storage section 12. The fourth temperature sensor 34 is, for example, a thermistor. The water flow sensor 36 can measure the flow rate of the hot water or water flowing through the water supply channel 10.

[0040] The control unit 16 controls the temperature of the hot and cold water supplied to the water discharge device 8. The control unit 16 controls the supply of hot or cold water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4. The control unit 16 is electrically connected to the first pump 6, the second pump 14, the remote control 18, the first temperature sensor 22, the water volume sensor 24, the water volume proportional valve 26, the second temperature sensor 30, the third temperature sensor 32, the fourth temperature sensor 34, the water volume sensor 36, the solenoid valve 40, the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56, and the low-temperature side solenoid valve 58. These electrical connections may be made in whole or in part by wireless communication such as infrared communication or other methods. The control unit 16 has a built-in computing device such as a CPU and a storage device such as memory, and can control electrically connected devices based on predetermined control programs stored therein. For example, the control unit 16 stores control programs for temperature adjustment preparation control, temperature adjustment control, and other control programs for supplying hot and cold water to the bathtub in its storage device.

[0041] The control unit 16 has a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control (temperature rise control mode) that raises the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8 and a temperature fall control (temperature fall control mode) that lowers the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8. In order to make it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature, the control unit 16 has a temperature change mode that combines the feeling of a change in the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 and the feeling of a change in the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge unit to give the bather the sensation of a change in temperature.

[0042] Next, the storage section 12 will be described in detail. The storage section 12 is formed to separate the flow path between the upstream and downstream sides of the water supply channel 10. The storage section 12 is designed to store hot water or water up to a predetermined water level defined by the float switch 42. Therefore, an upper space 12a is formed in the upper part of the storage section 12, and the storage section 12 is formed such that the downstream end 10b, which forms the water supply channel inlet, is connected to the upper space 12a. On the other hand, the water supply channel outlet 10c is connected to the bottom surface of the storage section 12.

[0043] The storage section 12 is equipped with a float switch 42 and an overflow pipe 44, both located inside the storage section 12. The float switch 42 comprises a stem 42a that forms the rod-shaped shaft of the float switch 42, and a float portion (float) 42b that moves up and down along the stem 42a while receiving buoyancy corresponding to the water level fluctuation in the storage section 12. Therefore, the float switch 42 can detect that the hot water or water in the storage section 12 has reached a predetermined upper water level when the float portion 42b rises along the stem 42a to the water level detection position in accordance with the water level. When the float switch 42 detects that the hot water or water has reached a predetermined upper water level, the water level in the storage section 12 is at least at the predetermined upper water level, and the control unit 16 can determine that a predetermined amount of hot water or water is stored in the storage section 12. The float switch 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 16.

[0044] The overflow pipe 44 is formed to extend vertically within the storage section 12. The overflow pipe 44 opens at the top of the storage section 12 and extends from inside the storage section 12 onto the drainage channel outside the storage section 12. Therefore, the overflow pipe 44 is provided to prevent hot water or water from overflowing from the storage section 12, and when the water level in the storage section 12 exceeds the height of the upper end opening 44a of the overflow pipe 44, the hot water or water flows into the overflow pipe 44 and is drained into the drainage channel.

[0045] Hot water supplied from the high-temperature hot water supply pipe 40a and water supplied from the low-temperature hot water supply pipe 40b are guided to the storage section 12 and temporarily stored in a mixed state within the storage section 12. The storage section 12 is formed to a size that can store a predetermined amount of water. The predetermined amount of water defined as the storage capacity below the upper end opening 44a of the overflow pipe 44 in the storage section 12 is greater than the volume of the chamber 11. For example, the storage section 12 has a storage capacity of a predetermined amount of water in the range of approximately 0.5 L to approximately 3.0 L. Also, the storage section 12 is located above the chamber 11.

[0046] When the control unit 16 attempts to store hot water or water in the storage unit 12, it controls the water flow proportional valve 26 so that the flow rate (flow rate per unit time) of hot water or water flowing downstream from the storage unit 12 is less than the flow rate (flow rate per unit time) of hot water or water flowing into the storage unit 12 from the upstream side. If the amount of water stored in the storage unit 12 increases further than the predetermined water level W0, the overflow pipe 44 is used to maintain a constant water level at the top of the storage unit 12.

[0047] When the control unit 16 attempts to supply hot water or water from the storage unit 12 to the chamber 11 without depleting the storage unit 12, it controls the water flow rate proportional valve 26 so that the flow rate of hot water or water flowing downstream from the storage unit 12 is less than the flow rate of hot water or water flowing into the storage unit 12 from the upstream side of the storage unit 12, or so that the flow rate of hot water or water flowing downstream from the storage unit 12 is approximately the same as the flow rate of hot water or water flowing into the storage unit 12.

[0048] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the operation of the bathtub device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of a bathtub device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a flowchart of the subroutine for temperature rise control among the temperature change modes in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a flowchart of the subroutine for temperature fall control among the temperature change modes in Figure 7; Figure 10 is a flowchart of the subroutine for intermittent supply control among the subroutine for temperature fall control in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a time chart showing the relationship between the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device and the time in the temperature change modes of Figure 7; and Figure 12 is a time chart showing an enlarged view of the relationship between the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device and the time in a part of the temperature fall control among the temperature change modes of Figure 11.

[0049] The flowchart shown in Figure 7 illustrates the control flow by the control unit 16. In Figure 7, S represents each step. First, at the start, the control unit 16 receives an input from the bather to select a temperature change mode on the remote control 18 and starts controlling the temperature change mode of the bathtub device 1, then proceeds to step S1. The control unit 16 may also start the temperature change mode at its own discretion using a control program stored in its memory, without relying on the bather's operation of the remote control 18. At the start, the solenoid valve 40, the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56, and the low-temperature side solenoid valve 58 are in a closed state, but the temperature change mode may be started even when water is already being discharged from the water discharge device 8 in the bathtub device 1.

[0050] Next, in step S1, the control unit 16 estimates that the bather has started bathing and proceeds to S2. Alternatively, the control unit 16 may detect that the bather has started bathing using a motion sensor or the like and determine that the bather has started bathing. At the time of S1, the bathtub body 2 may be filled with hot water up to a predetermined water level W1, or, if there is no hot water in the bathtub body 2 at the time of S1, the control unit 16 may, up to S2, have the water heater 52 supply hot water to the bathtub body 2 and supply hot water up to the predetermined water level W1.

[0051] In step S2, the control unit 16 starts discharging water from the water discharge device 8 at time t0, starts the shoulder bath circulation operation, and proceeds to step S3. In step S2, the control unit 16 starts the first pump 6 to start discharging water from the water discharge device 8, takes in hot water from the bathtub body 2 through the intake port 9b, and pumps it downstream using the first pump 6. When the hot water sprayed by the jet nozzle 20 draws in the hot water in the chamber 11, the hot water in the introduction channel 4b, or if the solenoid valve 40 is open, the hot water in the water supply channel 10, or water is drawn through the chamber 11 into the water discharge device side channel 4c. The hot water that flows into the water discharge device side channel 4c is discharged from the water discharge device 8 towards the bathtub body 2 and circulated within the bathtub body 2. The hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge device 8 will, for example, fall on the upper body of a bather sitting with their back against the backrest surface 2a inside the bathtub body 2, such as their neck and shoulders, allowing the bather to enjoy a shoulder bath.

[0052] In step S12, the control unit 16 obtains the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 as the temperature TB of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 using the first temperature sensor 22. At this time, no hot water or water is supplied from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4, and the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is circulated so that it is discharged from the water discharge device 8 via the circulation channel 4 and returns to the bathtub body 2. Therefore, the first temperature sensor 22 can detect the temperature TB of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 on the circulation channel 4. Note that the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 may be detected at another location, for example, inside the bathtub body 2, by a temperature detection means other than the first temperature sensor 22.

[0053] In step S3, the control unit 16 starts the temperature rise control subroutine shown in Figure 8 in order to execute the temperature rise control subroutine. Next, in step S11, the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined time tf has elapsed from the time t0 (see Figure 11) when the control started until time t1. The predetermined time tf is predetermined by the control unit 16. Preferably, the predetermined time tf is set to a time in the range of 30 seconds to 120 seconds, for example, 30 seconds. If the predetermined time tf from time t0 has not elapsed, the control unit 16 determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of water discharge from the water discharge device 8, and returns to S11 to suppress a sudden temperature change for the naked bather. If the predetermined time tf from time t0 has elapsed, the control unit 16 determines that a predetermined time tf has elapsed since the start of water discharge from the water discharge device 8, and the naked bather has become accustomed to the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge device 8, and proceeds to S12. While the elapsed time in step S11 has not exceeded time t1, the control unit 16 determines the temperature of the hot water or water stored in the storage unit 12 in order to raise the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 from temperature TB to temperature TH in the bathtub body 2 in the subsequent S12, and controls the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 and / or low-temperature side solenoid valve 58 to store the hot water or water at the determined temperature in the storage unit 12. The control unit 16 can estimate the flow rate of hot water flowing through the circulation channel 4, for example, the flow rate of hot water in the injection side channel 4a and the water discharge device side channel 4c, from the rotation speed or output of the rotating body of the first pump 6. The control unit 16 can estimate, for example, the flow rate of hot water flowing through the water discharge device side channel 4c and obtain it as the circulation flow rate. In addition, the control unit 16 can also estimate the amount of water supplied from the water supply channel 10, such as hot water, from the rotation speed or output of the rotating body of the second pump 14. Therefore, the control unit 16 can determine the temperature of the hot water or water in the storage unit 12 necessary to change the temperature of the hot water in the circulation channel 4 from TB to TH in the later S12. In this embodiment, the temperature TB of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is preferably set to a temperature within the range of about 38°C to about 40°C, for example, about 38°C.

[0054] In step S12, the control unit 16 supplies hot water at a temperature higher than the temperature TB of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the first temperature sensor 22 from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4, thereby changing the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 to temperature TH. Temperature TH is a temperature higher than temperature TB (for example, about 2°C higher), preferably within the temperature range of about 40°C to about 42°C, for example, about 40°C. During S11, the control unit 16 determines the temperature of the hot water or water stored in the storage section 12 necessary to raise the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 from temperature TB to temperature TH, and controls the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 and / or low-temperature side solenoid valve 58 to store the hot water or water at the determined temperature in the storage section 12. Therefore, the control unit 16 changes the solenoid valve 40 from the closed state to the open state and drives the second pump 14 to supply water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4. As a result, the temperature TB of the hot water in the circulation channel 4 is raised to temperature TH by the supply of hot water or water from the water supply channel 10, which has a higher temperature. The control unit 16 has prepared hot water or water at a predetermined temperature in the storage section 12 while the elapsed time in step S11 does not exceed time tf, so it can raise the temperature of the hot water discharged in S12 from temperature TB to temperature TH relatively early. After the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 reaches temperature TH, the control unit 16 continues to supply hot water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 to maintain the temperature of the discharged water at temperature TH, and proceeds to step S13.

[0055] In step S13, the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined time th (see Figure 11) has elapsed from time t1 to time t2. The predetermined time th is the first water discharge time C1 in the temperature rise control, and is predetermined by the control unit 16. Preferably, the predetermined time th is set to a time within the range of 30 seconds to 120 seconds, for example, 30 seconds. If the predetermined time th has not elapsed from time t1, the control unit 16 returns to S13. If the predetermined time th has elapsed from time t1, the control unit 16 determines that the bather's neck, shoulders, and other upper body parts have been warmed by the discharge of water at a temperature TH higher than the water temperature TB in the bathtub body 2 due to the temperature rise control, and that the bather has been given a certain degree of warming effect. Therefore, in order to stop the temperature rise control, the control unit 16 stops the second pump 14 and closes the solenoid valve 40, and proceeds to the return of the temperature rise control subroutine.

[0056] When the control unit 16 reaches the return of the temperature rise control subroutine, it returns to S3 in Figure 7. The control unit 16 continues to drive the first pump 6 with the water supply from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 stopped. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is taken in from the water intake 9b, passes through the circulation channel 4, is discharged from the water discharge device 8 into the bathtub body 2, and circulates within the bathtub body 2. The control unit 16 proceeds to S4 to continue the subsequent processing.

[0057] In step S4, the control unit 16 starts the temperature decrease control subroutine shown in Figure 9 in order to execute the temperature decrease control subroutine. Next, in step S21, the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined time tf has elapsed from time t2 to time t3. The predetermined time tf is the same as the predetermined time tf in temperature rise control, however, the predetermined time tf in temperature fall control may be set to a different time than the predetermined time tf in temperature rise control. The predetermined time tf from time t2 to time t3 is preferably set to a time in the range of 30 seconds to 120 seconds, for example, 30 seconds. If the predetermined time tf has not elapsed from time t2, the control unit 16 returns to S21 to suppress the rapid temperature change from being applied to a naked bather in the bath. While the elapsed time in step S21 does not exceed time tf, the control unit 16 determines the temperature of the hot water or water stored in the storage unit 12 in order to lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 from temperature TB to temperature TL in the bathtub body 2 in the subsequent S22, and controls the high-temperature side solenoid valve 56 and / or low-temperature side solenoid valve 58 to store hot water or water at the determined temperature in the storage unit 12. At this time, if there is already hot water or the like stored in the storage unit 12 at a different temperature, the control unit 16 adjusts the temperature of the hot water or the like to the determined temperature. The control unit 16 can estimate the flow rate of hot water flowing through the circulation channel 4, for example, the flow rate of hot water in the injection side channel 4a and the water discharge device side channel 4c, from the rotation speed or output of the rotating body of the first pump 6. The control unit 16 can estimate the flow rate of hot water flowing through the water discharge device side channel 4c, for example, and obtain it as the circulation flow rate. In response to this, the control unit 16 can also estimate the amount of water supplied from the water supply channel 10, such as hot water, from the rotation speed or output of the rotating body of the second pump 14. Therefore, the control unit 16 can determine the temperature of the hot water or water in the storage unit 12 necessary to change the temperature of the hot water in the circulation channel 4 from TB to TL in a later step such as S22. If a predetermined time tf has elapsed from time t2, the control unit 16 can determine that a predetermined time tf has elapsed since the start of water discharge from the water discharge device 8, and that the naked bather has become accustomed to the decrease in the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8, so the process proceeds to S22.

[0058] In step S21, the control unit 16 continues to discharge water from the water dispensing device 8, maintaining the temperature of the discharged water at approximately constant temperature TB, from time t2 until time t3. In this way, the control unit 16, in the temperature change mode, provides temperature change suppression control to discharge water with a temperature change less than either the temperature change at the start of the first water dispensing time C1 in the temperature rise control (from temperature TB to temperature TH) or the temperature change at the start of the second water dispensing time C2 in the temperature fall control (from temperature TB to temperature TL), between the first water dispensing time C1 in the temperature rise control and the second water dispensing time C2 in the temperature fall control described later. In the temperature change suppression control, the control unit 16 continues to discharge water from the water dispensing device 8, maintaining the temperature of the discharged water at approximately constant temperature TB. The temperature change suppression control is performed during the third water dispensing time C3 between the first water dispensing time C1 and the second water dispensing time C2. The third water dispensing time C3 is a predetermined time tf. The temperature change suppression control achieves water discharge with little or no temperature change during the third water discharge time C3. The temperature change suppression control is set so that the temperature change during the third water discharge time C3 is preferably within the range of temperature TB+0.5℃ to temperature TB-0.5℃, for example, within the range of approximately 40.5℃ to approximately 39.5℃. In the temperature change mode of the control unit 16, the second water discharge time C2 in the temperature decrease control is longer than the first water discharge time C1 in the temperature rise control. In the temperature change mode of the control unit 16, the third water discharge time C3 in the temperature change suppression control is shorter than the temperature change suppression control.

[0059] In step S22, the control unit 16 starts the intermittent supply control subroutine shown in Figure 10. The control unit 16 proceeds to step S31 and supplies hot water or water at a temperature lower than the temperature TB of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the first temperature sensor 22 from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4, thereby changing the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 to temperature TL. Since the control unit 16 has prepared hot water or water at a predetermined temperature in the storage section 12 in advance, it can lower the temperature of the discharged hot water from temperature TB to temperature TL relatively quickly in S31. After the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 reaches temperature TL, the control unit 16 continues to supply hot water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 to maintain the temperature of the discharged water at temperature TL, and proceeds to step S32. Temperature TL is a temperature lower than temperature TB (for example, about 3°C ​​to about 4°C lower), preferably within the temperature range of about 34°C to about 37°C, for example, 36°C.

[0060] Next, in step S32, as shown in Figure 12, the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined time tj has elapsed from time t3 to time t4. The predetermined time tj is the supply time of one intermittent supply in the temperature decrease control. The predetermined time tj is the execution time of low-temperature water discharge at temperature TL by one intermittent operation (intermittent water discharge operation) out of a predetermined number of intermittent operations. The predetermined time tj is predetermined in the control unit 16. Preferably, the predetermined time tj is set to a time in the range of 5 seconds to 30 seconds, for example, 5 seconds. If the predetermined time tj has not elapsed from time t3, the control unit 16 can determine that the water discharge has not continued to the extent that it gives the bather a feeling of coolness, and returns to S32. During the period when the predetermined time tj in step S32 has not elapsed, the control unit 16 continues to discharge water from the water discharge device 8, maintaining the temperature of the discharged water at approximately constant temperature TL, from time t3 to time t4. When a predetermined time tj has elapsed from time t3, the control unit 16 proceeds to S33 to continue discharging water to a degree that gives the bather a cooling sensation, and further to suppress the physical burden on the bather by continuously applying relatively low-temperature water to the bather for a long period of time. In the temperature change mode of the control unit 16, the predetermined time tj, which is the supply time of one intermittent supply in the temperature decrease control, is shorter than the first water discharge time C1 in the temperature increase control.

[0061] In step S33, the control unit 16 changes the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 from temperature TL to temperature TB. The control unit 16 then returns the temperature of the discharged hot water from temperature TL back to temperature TB during a predetermined number of intermittent operations, thereby performing intermittent temperature control.

[0062] Next, in step S34, the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined time tg has elapsed from time t4 to time t5. The predetermined time tg is the execution time for one water discharge at temperature TB corresponding to the intermittent operation (intermittent water discharge operation) that discharges low-temperature water. The predetermined time tg is predetermined in the control unit 16. Preferably, the predetermined time tg is set to a time in the range of 5 seconds to 30 seconds, for example, 5 seconds. If the predetermined time tg has not elapsed from time t4, the control unit 16 returns to S34 so that the bather can again be given the sensation of warmth at temperature TB of the water in the bathtub body 2 for the predetermined time tg in order to suppress the physical burden on the bather. During the period when the predetermined time tg in step S34 has not elapsed, the control unit 16 continues to discharge water from the water discharge device 8 at a nearly constant temperature TB from time t4 to time t5. When a predetermined time tg has elapsed, the control unit 16 proceeds to the return of the intermittent supply control subroutine, thereby giving the bather a feeling of temperature change by again providing a cooling sensation to the bather.

[0063] When the control unit 16 reaches the return of the intermittent supply control subroutine, it returns to S22 in Figure 7.

[0064] Next, the control unit 16 proceeds from step S22 to step S23, and in step S23, it executes the intermittent supply control subroutine as shown in steps S31 to S34 in Figure 10. The processing of the intermittent supply control subroutine in step S23 is the same as the processing of the intermittent supply control subroutine in step S22, so the explanation is omitted. Once the processing of the intermittent supply control subroutine in step S23 is completed, it returns to S23 in Figure 7 and proceeds to step S24 in the same manner. Thereafter, the processing of the intermittent supply control subroutine is repeated in steps S24, S25, and S26.

[0065] As shown in steps S22 to S26 of Figure 9, Figure 11, etc., the temperature reduction control in the temperature change mode of the control unit 16 lowers the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8 by intermittently supplying hot water or water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 a predetermined number of times. In this embodiment, five intermittent supplies are performed, but the number of intermittent supplies can be arbitrarily changed to one or more times. Preferably, the number of intermittent supplies is in the range of 2 to 10 times.

[0066] When the processing of the intermittent supply control subroutine in step S26 is completed, the control unit 16 stops the second pump 14 and closes the solenoid valve 40 to stop the temperature decrease control, and then proceeds to the return of the temperature decrease control subroutine.

[0067] When the control unit 16 reaches the return of the temperature decrease control subroutine, it returns to S4 in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 16 continues to drive the first pump 6 with the supply from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 stopped from time t8. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is taken in from the water intake 9b, passes through the circulation channel 4, is discharged from the water discharge device 8 into the bathtub body 2, and circulates within the bathtub body 2. The control unit 16 proceeds to S5 to continue the subsequent processing.

[0068] In step S5, the control unit 16 executes a subroutine for temperature rise control. The subroutine for temperature rise control in step S5 is the same as the subroutine for temperature rise control in step S3, so its explanation is omitted. Note that time t8 in the subroutine for temperature rise control in step S5 corresponds to time t0 in the subroutine for temperature rise control in step S3. When a predetermined time th has elapsed from time t9 to time t10, the control unit 16 stops the second pump 14 and closes the solenoid valve 40 to stop the temperature rise control, and proceeds to the return of the subroutine for temperature rise control.

[0069] When the control unit 16 reaches the return of the temperature rise control subroutine, it returns to S5 in Figure 7. The control unit 16 continues to drive the first pump 6 with the water supply from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 stopped. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is taken in from the water intake 9b, passes through the circulation channel 4, is discharged from the water discharge device 8 into the bathtub body 2, and circulates within the bathtub body 2. The control unit 16 proceeds to S6 to continue the subsequent processing.

[0070] In step S6, the control unit 16 executes the temperature decrease control subroutine shown in Figure 9. The temperature decrease control subroutine in step S6 is the same as the temperature decrease control subroutine in step S4, so its explanation is omitted. Note that time t10 in the temperature decrease control subroutine in step S6 corresponds to time t2 in the temperature decrease control subroutine in step S4. When the processing of the intermittent supply control subroutine in step S26 is completed, the control unit 16 stops the second pump 14 and closes the solenoid valve 40 to stop the temperature decrease control, and proceeds to the return of the temperature decrease control subroutine.

[0071] If the control unit 16 reaches the return of the temperature decrease control subroutine at time t11, it returns to S6 in Figure 7. After executing the temperature increase control and temperature decrease control in combination in this way, the control unit 16 proceeds to step S7. The control unit 16 executes at least the temperature increase control and temperature decrease control in combination. The control unit 16 can change the number of times and the order of steps S3 to S6 based on the combination of temperature increase control and temperature decrease control, etc. As a modified example, the control unit 16 may execute steps S3 and S4 and then proceed to step S7.

[0072] In step S7, the control unit 16 stops the first pump 6, stops the discharge of water from the water discharge device 8, and proceeds to the end.

[0073] The control unit 16 terminates the series of control processes when it reaches the end.

[0074] In this embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 16 has a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control to raise the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8 and a temperature fall control to lower the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8. This mode provides the bather with a temperature change mode that combines the sensation of a temperature rise in the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 and the sensation of a temperature fall in the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8, making it easier for the bather to feel a change in temperature. This makes it easier for the bather to feel a change in the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8, making it less likely for the bather to feel bored, and making it easier to provide a sense of refreshment and comfort due to the temperature change of the discharged water.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the temperature reduction control in the temperature change mode of the control unit 16 reduces the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 in a predetermined number of intermittent operations. This suppresses the physical burden on the bather caused by continuously applying water to the bather for a long period of time during the temperature reduction control, and provides a cooling sensation that is less likely to tire the bather through intermittent temperature changes of the hot water. Furthermore, for example, if the temperature adjustment unit 7 is connected to the circulation channel 4 and includes a water supply channel 10 that supplies hot water or water from an external supply source, the temperature reduction control in the temperature change mode of the control unit 16 reduces the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8 by intermittently supplying water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 a predetermined number of times. This suppresses the physical burden on the bather caused by continuously applying water to the bather for a long period of time during the temperature reduction control, and provides a cooling sensation that is less likely to tire the bather through intermittent temperature changes of the hot water.

[0076] In this embodiment of the present invention, in the temperature change mode of the control unit 16, the second water discharge time for temperature decrease control is longer than the first water discharge time for temperature increase control. This makes it easier for bathers whose bodies are already warm during bathing to experience a refreshing and comfortable feeling due to the decrease in water temperature.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, in the temperature change mode of the control unit 16, the time of one intermittent operation in temperature decrease control is shorter than the first water discharge time in temperature increase control. When a bather whose body is already warmed by bathing is given water at a temperature increased by temperature increase control, compared to when water at a lower temperature is given by temperature decrease control, the bather is more likely to feel a temperature difference gap. Therefore, when water at a lower temperature is given by temperature decrease control, by making one intermittent operation in temperature decrease control shorter than the first water discharge time in temperature increase control, it is possible to further reduce the burden on the bather's body.

[0078] In this embodiment of the present invention, the temperature change mode of the control unit 16 includes a temperature change suppression control that causes the water to be discharged with a temperature change less than either the temperature change at the start of the first water discharge time for temperature rise control or the temperature change at the start of the second water discharge time for temperature fall control, between the first water discharge time for temperature rise control and the second water discharge time for temperature fall control. This allows the water to be discharged with a smaller temperature change by the temperature change suppression control between the first water discharge time for temperature rise control and the second water discharge time for temperature fall control, giving the bather an opportunity to get used to the water temperature. This makes it less strenuous on the bather's body and makes it easier to provide a refreshing and comfortable feeling through the temperature change of the water.

[0079] In this embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 16 has a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control that raises the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8 using the hot water supplied from the water supply channel 10, and a temperature fall control that lowers the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8. This mode combines the sensation of temperature change from rising to falling of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 and provides the bather with a temperature change mode that makes it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature. As a result, even when adjusting the temperature of the hot water discharged using hot water or water supplied from the water supply channel 10, it is possible to make it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8, making it less likely for the bather to feel bored, and making it easier to provide a sense of refreshment and comfort due to the change in the temperature of the discharged water. Furthermore, by employing a hot water supply system that supplies hot water or water to the circulation channel 4 via the water supply channel 10, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 can be adjusted with higher efficiency compared to a system that provides a temperature control unit such as a heater in the circulation channel 4. For example, even when hot water is discharged from the discharge unit at a relatively large flow rate, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the discharge unit can be adjusted with relatively high efficiency.

[0080] In this embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 16 provides a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control, which increases the temperature of the water supplied to the water discharge device 8 by supplying water at a higher temperature than the water temperature in the bathtub body 2 from the water supply channel 10, and a temperature fall control, which decreases the temperature of the water supplied to the water discharge device 8 by supplying water or hot water at a lower temperature than the water temperature in the bathtub body 2 from the water supply channel 10. This temperature change mode provides the bather with a combination of the sensation of a temperature increase in the water discharged from the water discharge device 8 and the sensation of a temperature decrease in the water discharged from the water discharge device 8, in order to make it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature. As a result, even when adjusting the temperature of the water discharged using water or hot water supplied from the water supply channel 10, it is possible to make it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature, as well as to make it easier for the bather to feel the change in temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge device 8 relative to the temperature of the water in the bathtub body 2, making it less likely for the bather to feel bored and making it easier to make the bather feel refreshed and comfortable due to the change in the temperature of the discharged water.

[0081] Next, a bathtub device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 13. The second embodiment is an example in which the temperature decrease control of the bathtub device according to the present invention is performed at different timings. Figure 13 is a time chart showing the relationship between the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device and the time in the temperature change mode of the bathtub device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Since the bathtub device 1 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same structure as the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be explained, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings and their explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, since the bathtub device 1 according to the second embodiment has substantially the same structure as the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the structural illustrations will be omitted, and visitors will be asked to refer to Figures 1 to 6 of the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] At the start, the control unit 16 initiates control of the temperature change mode of the bathtub device 1 and executes steps S1 and S2 as shown in Figure 7. Steps S1 and S2 are the same as steps S1 and S2 of the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0083] In step S3, the control unit 16 executes a subroutine for temperature rise control. The control unit 16 starts the temperature rise control subroutine as shown in Figure 8, and in step S11, the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined time tf (see Figure 13) has elapsed from time t0 to time t1 (see Figure 13). If the predetermined time tf from time t0 has not elapsed, the control unit 16 determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of water discharge from the water discharge device 8, and returns to S11 to suppress a sudden temperature change for the naked bather. If the predetermined time tf from time t0 has elapsed, the control unit 16 determines that a predetermined time tf has elapsed since the start of water discharge from the water discharge device 8, and the naked bather has become accustomed to the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge device 8, and proceeds to S12. In step S12, the control unit 16 supplies hot water at a temperature higher than the temperature TB of the hot water in the bathtub body 2 detected by the first temperature sensor 22 from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4, thereby changing the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 to temperature TH. After the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 reaches temperature TH, the control unit 16 continues to supply hot water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 to maintain the temperature of the discharged water at temperature TH, and proceeds to step S13.

[0084] In step S13, the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined time th has elapsed from time t1 to time t2. The predetermined time th is the first water discharge time C1 in the temperature rise control, and is predetermined by the control unit 16. If the predetermined time th has not elapsed from time t1, the control unit 16 returns to S13. If the predetermined time th has elapsed from time t1, the control unit 16 determines that the bather's neck, shoulders, and other upper body parts have been warmed by the discharge of water at a temperature TH higher than the water temperature TB in the bathtub body 2 due to the temperature rise control, and that the bather has been given a certain degree of warming effect. Therefore, in order to stop the temperature rise control, the control unit 16 stops the second pump 14 and closes the solenoid valve 40, and proceeds to the return of the temperature rise control subroutine.

[0085] In the second embodiment, the solenoid valve 40 is closed, stopping the supply of hot water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4, thereby initiating temperature reduction control to lower the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8. In this embodiment, the supply of hot water from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4 is stopped while hot water from the intake port 9b is discharged from the water discharge device 8 via the circulation channel 4. Therefore, the control unit 16 starts the temperature reduction control at time t2 and continues it until time t12. During this time, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 is gradually reduced from temperature TH to temperature TB by circulation. The temperature reduction control of the control unit 16 controls the temperature of the discharged hot water to return it to TB. The temperature reduction control is configured to cause a temperature change within the range of, for example, 0.4°C / second to 4°C / second. Thus, the control unit 16 can execute a temperature change mode that combines temperature rise control, which raises the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8, and temperature fall control, which lowers the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water discharge device 8. This mode allows the bather to easily perceive a change in temperature by combining the sensation of a temperature increase in the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 with the sensation of a temperature decrease in the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8. After executing the temperature fall control, the control unit 16 continues to discharge water from the water discharge device 8 while stopping the supply from the water supply channel 10 to the circulation channel 4.

[0086] Next, a bathtub device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 14. The third embodiment is an example in which the temperature rise control and temperature fall control of the bathtub device according to the present invention are performed in a different order. Figure 14 is a time chart showing the relationship between the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device and the time in the temperature change mode of the bathtub device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Since the bathtub device 1 according to the third embodiment has substantially the same structure as the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the third embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be explained, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings and their explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, since the bathtub device 1 according to the third embodiment has substantially the same structure as the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the structural illustrations will be omitted, and visitors will be asked to refer to Figures 1 to 6 of the bathtub device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0087] In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 7 and 11, the control unit 16 executes temperature rise control (step S3), temperature fall control (step S4), temperature rise control (step S5), and temperature fall control (step S6) in this order. In contrast, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the control unit 16 executes temperature rise control three times consecutively, and then executes the temperature fall control as described in the first embodiment. Thus, the order and number of times the temperature rise control and temperature fall control combinations in the temperature change mode can be changed. For example, in another modification, the control unit 16 may execute temperature rise control once and temperature fall control once to end the control of the temperature change mode. Furthermore, in yet another modification, the control unit 16 may execute temperature fall control first, and then temperature rise control, after the start of control of the temperature change mode. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1: Bathtub equipment 2: Bathtub body 4: Circulation channel 6: First pump (circulation pump) 7: Temperature adjustment section 9: Water intake section 9b: Water intake section (bathtub water intake) 10: Water supply channel (supply pipe) 16: Control Unit 52: Water heater

Claims

1. A bathtub device that supplies hot water to the bathtub, The bathtub body for storing hot water, The above-mentioned bathtub body includes a water intake section for drawing in hot and cold water, A water outlet is provided above the main body of the bathtub, which directly discharges the hot water taken from the water intake from above the water level in the bathtub towards the bather inside the bathtub, A circulation channel connecting the above-mentioned water intake section and the above-mentioned water discharge section, A circulation pump is provided in the above-mentioned circulation channel and sends the hot water taken from the above-mentioned intake section through the above-mentioned circulation channel. A temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the hot and cold water supplied to the above-mentioned water outlet, A detection unit for detecting the temperature of the water inside the bathtub body, The system includes a control unit that controls the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet, The control unit is a temperature change mode that combines a temperature rise control that raises the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet and a temperature fall control that lowers the temperature of the hot water supplied to the water outlet, and is characterized by having a temperature change mode that combines both the sensation of a temperature rise in the hot water discharged from the water outlet and the sensation of a temperature fall in the hot water discharged from the water outlet to give the bather a sense of temperature change, in order to make it easier for the user to feel the change in temperature.

2. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature decrease control in the temperature change mode of the control unit lowers the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge unit in a predetermined number of intermittent operations.

3. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the temperature change mode of the control unit, the second water discharge time for performing a predetermined number of intermittent operations in the temperature decrease control is longer than the first water discharge time for the temperature increase control.

4. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the temperature change mode of the control unit, the time of one intermittent operation in the temperature decrease control is shorter than the first water discharge time of the temperature increase control.

5. The bathtub apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature change mode of the control unit includes a temperature change suppression control that causes the water to be discharged with a temperature change less than either the temperature change at the start of the first water discharge time for temperature rise control or the temperature change at the start of the second water discharge time for temperature fall control, between the first water discharge time for temperature rise control and the second water discharge time for temperature fall control.

6. The bathtub apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature control unit is connected to the circulation channel and includes a water supply channel for supplying hot water or water from an external source.

7. In the temperature rise control, the control unit supplies water at a temperature higher than the water temperature inside the bathtub body through the water supply channel. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, in the above temperature reduction control, hot water or water at a temperature lower than the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub body is supplied from the water supply channel.

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