Bathtub equipment

Abstract

To provide a bathtub apparatus capable of combining warming of a bather's body with suppression of a flush without making the bather feel discomfort.SOLUTION: A bathtub apparatus (1) with a water discharge device comprises: a bathtub body (2) for accumulating hot water; a water discharge device (8) provided above the bathtub body and provided with a water discharge port (8a) for discharging hot water toward the inside of the bathtub body; a temperature regulation device which regulates the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device; a body temperature detection device which detects or estimates the body temperature of the bather within the bathtub body; and a control device (16) which controls the temperature regulation device to regulate the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device. The control device determines the warming condition of the bather on the basis of the body temperature detected or estimated by the body temperature detection device and when a predetermined warming condition is satisfied, causes the water discharge device to discharge hot water of a temperature applying cold stimulation to the bather.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub device, and more particularly to a bathtub device equipped with a water discharge device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-121851 (Patent Document 1) describes a bathtub device. This bathtub device comprises a bathtub, a heating unit provided on the inner wall surface of the bathtub, and a control device for controlling the temperature of the heating unit. The control device controls the heating unit to perform a preparatory heating step, a first heating step, and a second heating step, and ensures that the average value of the amount of heat input per unit area of ​​the heating unit in the first heating step is greater than the average value of the amount of heat input per unit area of ​​the heating unit in the second heating step. In this way, the bathtub device described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to keep both the body temperature of the bather and the sensation of warmth (the temperature sensation felt by the brain) within a comfortable temperature zone by performing the first heating step and the second heating step. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-121851 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Bathers typically warm their bodies by immersing themselves in the bathwater. However, in the summer, some bathers find the resulting body heat uncomfortable and avoid immersing themselves in the bathtub. The bathtub device described in Patent Document 1 attempts to maintain both the bather's internal body temperature and their perceived warmth at a comfortable level by performing a first heating process and a second heating process. However, in the bathtub device described in Patent Document 1, the first heating process and the second heating process are switched based on time, so the switching does not necessarily correspond to the bather's physical condition. For example, if the amount of heat supplied by the heating unit is reduced before the bather's internal body temperature has risen sufficiently, it may cause discomfort to the bather.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a bathtub device that can achieve both warming of the bather's body and a comfortable exit from the bath by suppressing overheating, without causing discomfort to the bather. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a bathtub device equipped with a water discharge device, comprising: a bathtub body for storing hot water; a water discharge device provided above the bathtub body and equipped with a water outlet for discharging hot water inward into the bathtub body; a temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device; a body temperature detection device for detecting or estimating the body temperature of a bather inside the bathtub body; and a control device for controlling the temperature control device to adjust the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device. The control device determines the bather's warming state based on the body temperature detected or estimated by the body temperature detection device, and if predetermined warming conditions are met, it discharges hot water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather from the water discharge device.

[0007] In the present invention configured as described above, a water discharge device located above the bathtub body discharges hot water inward from the bathtub body, and the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device is adjusted by a temperature control device. In addition, a body temperature detection device detects or estimates the body temperature of the bather inside the bathtub body, and a control device determines the bather's warming state based on the body temperature. If predetermined warming conditions are met, the water discharge device discharges hot water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather.

[0008] According to the present invention configured in this way, the bather's warming state is determined based on the bather's body temperature detected or estimated by the body temperature detection device, and if predetermined warming conditions are met, water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather is discharged from the water discharge device. As a result, a cooling sensation can be applied to the bather at an appropriate time, and the bather's body warming and suppression of overheating can be achieved simultaneously without causing discomfort to the bather.

[0009] In the present invention, preferably, the body temperature detection device estimates the core body temperature of the bather based on the bather's vital information. According to the present invention configured in this way, the body temperature detection device estimates the bather's core body temperature based on the bather's vital information, making it less susceptible to the influence of the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub, and allowing for accurate estimation of the bather's core body temperature. As a result, a cooling stimulus can be applied to the bather at an appropriate time.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, after the control device determines that the bather has satisfied predetermined warming conditions, it discharges water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather from the water discharge device after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0011] According to the present invention configured in this way, a cold stimulus is applied to the bather after a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined warming conditions were met. Therefore, when the bathtub device of the present invention determines that "the bather is warm," but the bather does not feel warm, it is possible to suppress the discomfort caused to the bather.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, when the control device determines that the bather has met predetermined warming conditions while hot water is being discharged from the water discharge device, it continues to discharge hot water from the water discharge device while lowering the temperature of the hot water from the water discharge device, thereby providing a cold sensation to the bather.

[0013] According to the present invention configured in this way, the temperature of the water is lowered while continuing to discharge hot water from the water dispensing device, so that only a cold sensation is given to the bather without giving them any unnecessary stimulation, and a more comfortable cold sensation is given to the bather.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the water dispensing device is configured to draw in the hot water stored in the bathtub body and discharge it from the spout, the temperature control device is configured to lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the spout by injecting water supplied from the tap into the hot water drawn in from the bathtub body, and the control device gradually reduces the amount of water injected into the hot water drawn in from the bathtub body while the bather is being subjected to a cold sensation.

[0015] In the present invention configured as described above, while the bather is being subjected to a cooling sensation, water supplied from the tap is injected into the circulating water that is drawn in from the bathtub and discharged from the outlet, thereby lowering the temperature of the discharged water. As a result, while the bather is being subjected to a cooling sensation, the temperature of the water circulating from the outlet back into the bathtub decreases, and the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub also decreases. With the present invention configured as described above, while the bather is being subjected to a cooling sensation, the amount of water injected into the water drawn in from the bathtub is gradually reduced. Therefore, even if the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub decreases, the temperature of the water discharged from the outlet does not decrease too much, and the bather can be given an appropriate cooling sensation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the bathtub device of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both warming of the body during bathing and suppression of overheating without causing discomfort to the bather.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom in which the bathtub device according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 2] It is a full cross-sectional view of the bathtub device according to the embodiment of the present invention along the line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the circulation device and the temperature adjustment device provided in the bathtub device of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the circulation device and the temperature adjustment device provided in the bathtub device of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a front view showing the chamber and the water discharge device provided in the bathtub device of the embodiment of the present invention taken out. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the chamber and the water discharge device provided in the bathtub device of the embodiment of the present invention along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the negative electrode attached to the back surface of the bathtub body provided in the bathtub device of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device provided in the bathtub device of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of an electrocardiogram signal acquired by the negative electrode and the positive electrode provided in the bathtub body of the bathtub device of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the change in the heart rate with respect to the deep body temperature of the bather. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the process of cold stimulus control executed by the bathtub device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a time chart showing an example of cold stimulus control executed by the bathtub device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Next, a bathtub apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the entire bathroom with a bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention installed.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment of the present invention comprises a bathtub body 2, a negative electrode 5a, a positive electrode 5b, and a reference electrode 5c attached to the bathtub body 2, a control device 16 that processes signals acquired by the electrodes, and a water discharge device 8 provided on the upper edge of the bathtub body 2, and is installed in a bathroom R. A remote control 18 is attached to the wall of the bathroom R, and this remote control 18 allows operation of the electrocardiogram signal detection function of the bathtub device 1 and the water discharge device 8. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bathtub device 1 is positioned on one side of the bathroom R so as to be in contact with the wall.

[0020] 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 the inner wall surface in the direction of the short side of the bathtub body 2 that is formed so that the bather can lean against it. In addition, an apron 2c is detachably attached to the long side of the bathtub body 2 that is not in contact with the inner wall surface of the bathroom R. Here, the backrest surface is the inner wall surface that the bather's back comes into contact with when bathing.

[0021] The water discharge device 8 is installed 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 has a flat, wide spout 8a that extends along the upper edge of the backrest surface 2a and is configured to discharge hot water toward the shoulders of a bather leaning against the backrest surface 2a.

[0022] The negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b are a pair of electrodes attached to the bathtub body 2 to detect the bather's electrocardiogram signal via the water stored in the bathtub body 2. The bather's electrocardiogram signal is acquired as a potential difference signal between the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b. The pair of electrodes, consisting of the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b, are both positioned on the backrest surface 2a extending in the short-side direction of the bathtub body 2. The reference electrode 5c is an electrode for acquiring a reference potential of the potential detected by the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b, and this electrode is also positioned on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2. In this embodiment, the bather's body temperature is estimated based on the electrocardiogram signal acquired by the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b. Then, based on the estimated body temperature, the temperature of the water discharged from the water dispenser 8 is controlled to provide the bather with a comfortable bath. The estimation of the bather's body temperature and the control of the temperature of the water discharged from the water dispenser 8 will be described later.

[0023] In this embodiment, the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line in the horizontal direction (width direction) of the backrest surface 2a. That is, the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are positioned on the backrest surface 2a, spaced apart from the center line in the left and right directions. Furthermore, the reference electrode 5c is positioned at the lower part of the backrest surface 2a, on the center line in the width direction of the backrest surface 2a. In addition, the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are positioned below the water surface in the bathtub body 2. The negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are below the water surface in the bathtub body 2 and can be installed at a height above the reference electrode 5c. Furthermore, the reference electrode 5c is not necessarily required and can be omitted.

[0024] The bathtub device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to draw in hot water stored in the bathtub body 2 through a bathtub water intake port 9b, which is a water intake port provided in the bathtub body 2, and discharge it from a discharge port 8a of the discharge device 8. That is, the hot water in the bathtub body 2 is drawn in through the bathtub water intake port 9b and circulated back into the bathtub body 2 through the discharge port 8a of the discharge device 8. On the other hand, in order to raise or lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the discharge port 8a, the device is configured to mix hot water supplied from a water heater or water supplied from the tap with the circulating hot water.

[0025] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, the configuration of a circulation device that circulates the hot water in the bathtub body 2 through the outlet 8a of the water discharge device 8, and a temperature control device that mixes hot or cold water at a predetermined temperature into the circulating hot water to adjust the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device will be explained. Figure 2 is a full cross-sectional view of a bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the circulation device and temperature control device provided in the bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the circulation device and temperature control device provided in the bathtub device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] First, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the circulation device for circulating the hot water in the bathtub body 2 includes two bathtub water inlets 9b provided on the side wall surface 2b (Figure 2) of the bathtub body 2, a chamber 11 into which the hot water drawn in from these bathtub water inlets 9b flows, and a circulation pump 6 that pressurizes the hot water into the chamber 11.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, one of the two bathtub water intakes 9b is connected to the chamber 11 by a first pipe 4a. A circulation pump 6 is installed in the middle of the first pipe 4a and is configured to pressurize the hot water drawn in from the bathtub water intake 9b and send it to the chamber 11. Furthermore, the first pipe 4a is branched downstream of the circulation pump 6, with one branch connected to the chamber 11 and the other connected to a bathtub water outlet 9a provided on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2. Therefore, a portion of the hot water pressurized by the circulation pump 6 recirculates into the bathtub body 2 from below the water surface through the bathtub water outlet 9a.

[0028] One of the two bathtub water inlets 9b is directly connected to the chamber 11 by a second pipe 4b. As will be described later, when pressurized hot water from the circulation pump 6 flows into the chamber 11 from the first pipe 4a, negative pressure is generated inside the chamber 11, and this negative pressure draws hot water into the chamber 11 from the second pipe 4b. Furthermore, a third pipe 4c is connected to the top surface of the chamber 11, and the hot water flowing out of the chamber 11 is supplied to the discharge device 8 through the third pipe 4c. Thus, the first pipe 4a, the second pipe 4b, the third pipe 4c, and the chamber 11 constitute a circulation path connected to the bathtub water inlet 9b and the discharge outlet 8a.

[0029] Next, the configuration of chamber 11 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 5 is a front view showing the chamber 11 and water discharge device 8, which are provided in the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, separated from the main unit. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 5.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the chamber 11 is generally constructed in the shape of a rectangular box, with the first pipe 4a and the second pipe 4b connected to its bottom surface. A third pipe 4c is connected to the top surface of the chamber 11, opposite the first pipe 4a. Furthermore, a supply pipe 10, which allows hot water supplied from a temperature control device (described later) to flow in, is also connected to the top surface of the chamber 11. Specifically, the first pipe 4a and the second pipe 4b are connected side by side to the bottom surface of the chamber 11, and the third pipe 4c is connected to the top surface of the chamber 11, opposite the first pipe 4a. The supply pipe 10 is located on the top surface of the chamber 11, between the first pipe 4a and the second pipe 4b.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the chamber 11 is positioned relatively low relative to the bathtub body 2, and is located below the water level of the hot water stored in the bathtub body 2. Therefore, during normal use of the bathtub device 1, the chamber 11, the entirety of the first pipe 4a and the second pipe 4b, and the lower part of the third pipe 4c are filled with hot water.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a nozzle 20 is provided at the end of the first conduit 4a connected to the bottom of the chamber 11, narrowing the flow path of the hot water flowing from the first conduit 4a into the chamber 11. This increases the flow velocity of the hot water pressurized by the circulation pump 6 (Figures 3 and 4) as it flows from the first conduit 4a through the nozzle 20 into the chamber 11. As a result, the hot water flowing from the first conduit 4a into the chamber 11 flows vigorously into the third conduit 4c, which is connected opposite the first conduit 4a, and the hot water that was filling the chamber 11 is also drawn into the third conduit 4c.

[0033] Furthermore, as the hot water in the chamber 11 is drawn in and flows into the third pipe 4c, negative pressure is created in at least the portion N1 to which the second pipe 4b is connected and the portion N2 to which the supply pipe 10 is connected within the chamber 11. In other words, the second pipe 4b and the supply pipe 10 are connected to the negative pressure portion within the chamber 11, which is part of the circulation flow path. As a result, the hot water in the second pipe 4b and the hot water in the supply pipe 10 are drawn into the chamber 11 by the negative pressure and flow into the third pipe 4c together with the hot water that flows in from the first pipe 4a.

[0034] Specifically, the nozzle 20 installed in the chamber 11, and the third pipe 4c connected to it, act like a jet pump, causing the hot water supplied from the second pipe 4b and the supply pipe 10, respectively, to flow into the third pipe 4c. The hot water that flows into the third pipe 4c flows into the water discharge device 8 connected to the upper end of the third pipe 4c, and is discharged from its outlet 8a toward the inside of the bathtub body 2. As shown in Figure 5, the outlet 8a of the water discharge device 8 is thin and wide, so the hot water discharged from the outlet 8a comes into a thin film and hits the neck and shoulders of the bather.

[0035] Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the temperature control device provided in the bathtub device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The temperature control device is configured to allow hot water at a predetermined temperature to flow into the circulation channel from the bathtub water intake 9b of the bathtub body 2 to the water outlet 8a of the water outlet device 8. This allows the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water outlet device 8 to be raised or lowered, providing the bather with a hot or cold sensation.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the temperature control device includes a storage tank 12 that receives and temporarily stores hot water supplied from an external hot water source or water supplied from an external water source, and a pressure pump 14 that controls the flow rate of hot water or water that flows from the storage tank 12 into the chamber 11. In this embodiment, a water heater 52 is connected as an external hot water source, and water supplied from the water supply 54 is branched at the branching section 54a and supplied to the water heater 52.

[0037] The hot water generated in the water heater 52 is supplied to the storage tank 12 through the hot water pipe 40a and the hot water solenoid valve 56. Additionally, water supplied from the external water source, the tap water 54, is supplied to the storage tank 12 through the cold water pipe 40b and the cold water solenoid valve 58. Furthermore, a check valve 41a is provided upstream of the hot water solenoid valve 56 in the hot water pipe 40a, and a check valve 41b is provided upstream of the cold water solenoid valve 58 in the cold water pipe 40b. The hot water pipe 40a and the cold water pipe 40b are joined at a junction 43a located downstream of the hot water solenoid valve 56 and the cold water solenoid valve 58.

[0038] A shared pipe 43 is connected to the downstream side of the confluence section 43a and extends to the storage tank 12. This shared pipe 43 is equipped with, in order from the upstream side, a water flow sensor 24, a flow control valve 26, a constant flow valve 28, and an inlet side temperature sensor 30. The water flow sensor 24 is configured to detect the volumetric flow rate [L / min] of hot and cold water flowing through the shared pipe 43 per unit time and output a detection signal to the control device 16.

[0039] The flow control valve 26 is a water volume proportional valve that controls the flow rate of hot and cold water flowing through the common pipe 43 based on a control signal from the control device 16. The constant flow valve 28 is configured to adjust the flow rate of hot and cold water flowing through the common pipe 43 so as not to exceed a predetermined flow rate. The inlet-side temperature sensor 30 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of the hot water flowing into the storage tank 12 through the common pipe 43 and output a detection signal to the control device 16.

[0040] The storage tank 12 is configured to temporarily store hot water that will flow into the chamber 11, which is a circulation channel, in order to raise or lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the outlet 8a. That is, water or hot water supplied through the common pipe 43 flows into the storage tank 12 and is temporarily stored there, and then flows into the chamber 11 through the supply pipeline 10. The storage tank 12 is a rectangular tank, the common pipe 43 is connected to the top surface of the storage tank 12, and the supply pipeline 10 is connected to the bottom surface of the storage tank 12. That is, the common pipe 43 allows hot water or water to flow into the storage tank 12 from above the water level W0 of the water or hot water stored in the storage tank 12 with a predetermined air gap. For this reason, the water heater 52 and the water supply 54 connected to the storage tank 12 are isolated from the downstream side of the storage tank 12.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the storage tank 12 is equipped with a storage tank temperature sensor 32, a float switch 42, and an overflow pipe 44. The storage tank temperature sensor 32 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of the hot water stored in the storage tank 12 and output a detection signal to the control device 16. The float switch 42 comprises a stem 42a and a float 42b that can move up and down along the stem 42a. The float 42b moves up and down according to the water level in the storage tank 12, and when the water level in the storage tank 12 reaches a predetermined level, a detection signal is output from the float switch 42 to the control device 16.

[0042] The overflow pipe 44 is an open pipe that extends upward into the storage tank 12 from the bottom of the storage tank 12. Because the overflow pipe 44 is provided, when the water level in the storage tank 12 rises above a predetermined level, the hot water or water in the storage tank 12 flows into the overflow pipe 44 from the top and is discharged through the overflow pipe 44. The hot water or water discharged from the storage tank 12 through the overflow pipe 44 falls onto a drain pan (not shown) located below the bathtub body 2 and is drained into the sewer.

[0043] Next, the storage tank 12 is connected to the chamber 11 via the supply pipeline 10. The supply pipeline 10 is also equipped with, in order from upstream, an outlet temperature sensor 34, a pressure pump 14, a water volume sensor 36, a check valve 38, and a solenoid valve 39. The hot or cold water flowing into the chamber 11 from the supply pipeline 10 is mixed with the hot or cold water flowing into the chamber 11 from the bathtub body 2 through the first pipeline 4a and the second pipeline 4b, and then discharged from the outlet 8a of the water discharge device 8. The temperature of the hot or cold water discharged from the water discharge device 8 is detected by the water discharge temperature sensor 22. The temperature of the hot or cold water stored in the bathtub body 2 is detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 23.

[0044] The outlet-side temperature sensor 34 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of the hot water flowing out of the storage tank 12 and output a detection signal to the control device 16. The pressurizing pump 14 is configured to control the flow rate of hot water or cold water flowing from the storage tank 12 into the chamber 11 based on a control signal from the control device 16. The water flow sensor 36 is configured to detect the volumetric flow rate [L / min] of hot or cold water flowing through the supply pipeline 10 per unit time and to output a detection signal to the control device 16.

[0045] The check valve 38 is configured to prevent hot water or cold water from flowing back from the chamber 11 to the storage tank 12 through the supply pipeline 10. The solenoid valve 39 is opened and closed based on a control signal from the control device 16, and is configured to open when hot water or cold water is to flow into the chamber 11. When hot water or cold water is not supplied to the chamber 11, the solenoid valve 39 is closed, and even if negative pressure is generated in the chamber 11, hot water or cold water will not flow into the chamber 11 from the supply pipeline 10.

[0046] The water discharge temperature sensor 22 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8 and output a detection signal to the control device 16. The bathtub temperature sensor 23 is a thermistor configured to detect the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub body 2 and output a detection signal to the control device 16. Note that the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub body 2 can also be detected by the discharge water temperature sensor 22 when no water is flowing from the supply pipe 10 into the chamber 11. Therefore, the discharge water temperature sensor 22 can be used as the bathtub temperature sensor 23, and in this case, the bathtub temperature sensor 23 can be omitted.

[0047] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the structure of each electrode attached to the bathtub body 2 and the mounting parts for each electrode will be described. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the negative electrode 5a attached to the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2. In this description, the structure of the negative electrode 5a and its mounting portion will be explained. However, in this embodiment, the negative electrode 5a, the positive electrode 5b, and the reference electrode 5c all have the same structure.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the negative electrode 5a includes an electrode section 60, a front packing 62a, a rear packing 62b, a flange 64, a moisture-proof tube 66, a connection terminal 68, a fixing screw 70, a conductor 72, and a sheath 74. The negative electrode 5a is mounted so that its surface is exposed on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2. Furthermore, watertightness between the negative electrode 5a and the backrest surface 2a is ensured by the packing.

[0049] The electrode portion 60 is a conductive metal component and consists of a disc-shaped disc portion 60a and a shaft portion 60b that protrudes vertically from the back surface of the disc portion 60a. The disc portion 60a is a thin disc-shaped part and is positioned on the backrest surface 2a, with the front surface of the disc portion 60a exposed to the surface of the backrest surface 2a to detect the electric potential. In this embodiment, the disc portion 60a is formed to have a diameter of approximately 15 mm and a thickness of approximately 2.5 mm, and the entire disc portion 60a is positioned on the surface of the backrest surface 2a. The shaft portion 60b is a round rod-shaped part that extends perpendicularly from the center of the back surface of the disc portion 60a and protrudes to the back side of the backrest surface 2a through a through hole formed in the backrest surface 2a. In addition, a male screw thread is formed in the middle part of the shaft portion 60b, and a fixing part for fixing a connection terminal 68 is formed at the tip.

[0050] The front packing 62a is a disc-shaped component made of rubber, with a circular hole formed in the center for the shaft portion 60b of the electrode portion 60 to pass through. The front packing 62a has approximately the same diameter as the disc portion 60a of the electrode portion 60 and is positioned on the back side of the disc portion 60a. When the negative electrode 5a is attached to the backrest surface 2a, the front packing 62a is sandwiched between the back of the disc portion 60a and the backrest surface 2a, ensuring watertightness between the backrest surface 2a and the negative electrode 5a.

[0051] The rear packing 62b is a disc-shaped component made of rubber, with a circular hole formed in the center for the shaft portion 60b of the electrode portion 60 to pass through. The rear packing 62b is larger than the front packing 62a and has approximately the same diameter as the large-diameter portion of the flange 64, and is positioned on the rear side of the backrest surface 2a. When the negative electrode 5a is attached to the backrest surface 2a, the rear packing 62b is sandwiched between the back surface of the backrest surface 2a and the end face of the flange 64, ensuring watertightness between the back surface of the backrest surface 2a and the negative electrode 5a. Note that the front packing 62a and the rear packing 62b may be made of resin.

[0052] The flange 64 is a stepped cylindrical member consisting of a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section, and has a female thread in its center for the shaft 60b of the electrode section 60 to pass through. The large-diameter section of the flange 64 is formed to have approximately the same diameter as the back packing 62b, and the small-diameter section is formed on the back side of the large-diameter section. By screwing the female thread formed to pass through the flange 64 and the male thread formed on the shaft 60b of the electrode section 60 into each other and tightening, the end face on the large-diameter side of the flange 64 presses the back packing 62b against the back surface of the backrest 2a, ensuring watertightness.

[0053] The moisture-proof tube 66 is a long, slender rubber tube positioned to cover the tip of the shaft portion 60b of the electrode portion 60, the connection terminal 68, the conductor 72, etc. A small-diameter flange 64 is fitted to the tip of the moisture-proof tube 66 to prevent moisture from entering the moisture-proof tube 66. The moisture-proof tube 66 may also be made of resin.

[0054] The connector terminal 68 is a component made of conductive metal and is crimped to the end of the conductor 72. The tip of the connector terminal 68 has a hole for passing a fixing screw 70 through. By screwing the fixing screw 70 through this hole into a female thread provided at the end of the shaft portion 60b of the electrode portion 60, the connector terminal 68 can be fixed to the electrode portion 60. This allows the electrode portion 60 and the conductor 72 to be electrically connected in a detachable manner.

[0055] The conductor 72 is a conductive wire for electrically connecting the electrode section 60 and the control device 16 (Figure 3), and extends from the negative electrode 5a to the control device 16. Furthermore, the conductor 72 is covered with a sheath 74 made of insulating material to ensure its electrical insulation. In this embodiment, the conductors 72 extending from the negative electrode 5a, the positive electrode 5b, and the reference electrode 5c are connected to the control device 16, and the electrocardiogram signal is input to the control device 16.

[0056] Next, the configuration of the control device 16 will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 16. The control device 16 is connected to each electrode and temperature sensor and is located on the back side of the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2. The electrocardiogram signals acquired by the negative electrode 5a, positive electrode 5b, and reference electrode 5c are input to the control device 16, and the bather's body temperature is estimated based on these signals. In addition, the temperatures detected by the water outlet temperature sensor 22, bathtub temperature sensor 23, inlet side temperature sensor 30, storage tank temperature sensor 32, and outlet side temperature sensor 34 are also input to the control device 16. Furthermore, command signals from the remote control 18, and detection signals from the water volume sensor 24, water volume sensor 36, and float switch 42 are also input to the control device 16.

[0057] The control device 16 controls the temperature control device so that water at the bather's desired temperature is discharged from the water dispenser 8, based on the bather's operation of the remote control 18. The control device 16 also determines the bather's warming state based on the estimated body temperature of the bather and sets the temperature of the water to be discharged from the water dispenser 8 according to the determined warming state. The temperature of the water discharged from the water dispenser 8 is controlled based on the temperature detected by each temperature sensor.

[0058] Specifically, the control device 16 sends control signals to the circulation pump 6, the pressure pump 14, the flow control valve 26, the solenoid valve 39, the hot water solenoid valve 56, and the cold water solenoid valve 58, controlling them so that the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge device 8 reaches a set temperature. That is, the control device 16 introduces hot or cold water from the storage tank 12 into the hot and cold water circulating in the circulation channel so that the temperature detected by the water discharge temperature sensor 22 reaches a predetermined temperature. This allows the water discharge device 8 to discharge hot or cold water at a temperature higher or lower than the temperature detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 23.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the control device 16 includes a differential amplifier circuit 76, a filter circuit 78, an amplifier circuit 80, and an A / D converter 82, and these circuits are built into the housing. In addition, the control device 16 incorporates a body temperature detection unit 84 for estimating the bather's body temperature and a warming state determination unit 85 for determining the bather's warming state based on the estimated body temperature. The control device 16 also incorporates a water discharge temperature setting unit 86 for setting the water discharge temperature based on the bather's warming state and a control signal output unit 88 for outputting a control signal so that water at the set temperature is discharged from the water discharge device 8. Specifically, the body temperature detection unit 84, the warming state determination unit 85, the water discharge temperature setting unit 86, and the control signal output unit 88 are composed of a microprocessor, memory, software to operate them, interface circuits (not shown), etc.

[0060] Here, the conductors 72 extending from each electrode, and the control device 16 to which these conductors 72 are connected, are all housed in the space behind the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2. As shown in Figure 1, the space behind the backrest surface 2a can be accessed from the washing area side of the bathroom R by removing the apron 2c of the bathtub body 2. Therefore, by simply removing the apron 2c of the bathtub body 2, maintenance such as adjustment and repair of each electrode and the control device 16 can be easily performed. In other words, by consolidating the negative electrode 5a, positive electrode 5b, reference electrode 5c, and control device 16 in an easily accessible space, maintainability can be improved.

[0061] The differential amplifier circuit 76 is an amplifier circuit to which the wires 72 extending from the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b are connected, and is configured to amplify the differential voltage between the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b.

[0062] The filter circuit 78 receives the differential voltage amplified by the differential amplifier circuit 76 as input, and is configured to remove unwanted frequency band components such as hum, while allowing signal components in the required frequency band to pass through. The amplifier circuit 80 is configured to receive a signal from which unwanted frequency band components such as hum have been removed by the filter circuit 78, and then amplify the input signal. In addition, the conductor 72 extending from the reference electrode 5c is connected to the ground of the differential amplifier circuit 76, the filter circuit 78, and the amplifier circuit 80. The A / D converter 82 is configured to convert the analog signal amplified by the amplification circuit 80 into a digital signal.

[0063] The body temperature detection unit 84 is configured to estimate the bather's body temperature based on the bather's electrocardiogram signal, which is detected by the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b and converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 82. Therefore, the negative electrode 5a, the positive electrode 5b, and the body temperature detection unit 84 function as a body temperature detection device that estimates the bather's body temperature in the bathtub body 2. The method for estimating the bather's body temperature based on the electrocardiogram signal will be described later.

[0064] In this embodiment, the bather's core body temperature is estimated by the body temperature detection unit 84 as the bather's body temperature. Here, core body temperature refers to the temperature inside the bather's body, and is usually measured as sublingual temperature, rectal temperature, tympanic membrane temperature, etc. However, since there is a certain correlation between the bather's core body temperature and the skin temperature of the part not immersed in the water, the present invention can also be constructed using the bather's skin temperature as the body temperature.

[0065] The water discharge temperature setting unit 86 first sets the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge device based on the operation of the remote control 18 by the bather. The control signal output unit 88 controls the temperature control device so that the water discharge temperature detected by the water discharge temperature sensor 22 becomes the set temperature set by the water discharge temperature setting unit 86. Specifically, the control signal output unit 88 is configured to control the hot water solenoid valve 56, cold water solenoid valve 58, flow control valve 26, pressure pump 14, solenoid valve 39, and circulation pump 6 that make up the temperature control device so that the water discharge temperature becomes the set temperature. In this way, the control device 16, which is equipped with the water discharge temperature setting unit 86 and the control signal output unit 88, controls the temperature control device to adjust the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge device 8.

[0066] Specifically, when discharging water at a temperature higher than the water temperature in the bathtub body 2, the control signal output unit 88 closes the water solenoid valve 58 and opens the hot water solenoid valve 56, causing the hot water at a higher temperature than the water in the bathtub body 2 to be stored in the storage tank 12. Next, the solenoid valve 39 is opened and the pressure pump 14 is activated to allow the hot water from the storage tank 12 to flow into the chamber 11. As a result, the hot water from the storage tank 12 is mixed with the water in the bathtub body 2 that is circulating through the circulation channel, and the temperature of the water discharged from the outlet 8a of the water discharge device 8 rises.

[0067] The temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the outlet 8a is detected by the water outlet temperature sensor 22. If the temperature detected by the water outlet temperature sensor 22 is lower than the set temperature, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 14 is increased while the rotation speed of the circulation pump 6 is decreased, increasing the proportion of hotter water mixed in. If the temperature of the hot and cold water detected by the water outlet temperature sensor 22 is higher than the set temperature, the rotation speed of the pressurizing pump 14 is decreased while the rotation speed of the circulation pump 6 is increased, decreasing the proportion of hotter water mixed in. In addition, the control device 16 controls the flow control valve 26 based on the detection signals from the water volume sensor 24 and the water volume sensor 36 so that the amount of hot water stored in the storage tank 12 is appropriate.

[0068] On the other hand, when discharging water at a lower temperature than the water temperature in the bathtub body 2, the control signal output unit 88 opens the water solenoid valve 58 and closes the hot water solenoid valve 56, causing water at a lower temperature than the water temperature in the bathtub body 2 to be stored in the storage tank 12. Next, the solenoid valve 39 is opened and the pressurizing pump 14 is activated to allow the lower temperature water from the storage tank 12 to flow into the chamber 11. As a result, the lower temperature water from the storage tank 12 is mixed with the water in the bathtub body 2 that is circulating through the circulation channel, and the temperature of the water discharged from the outlet 8a of the water discharge device 8 decreases.

[0069] If the temperature of the hot and cold water detected by the water discharge temperature sensor 22 is higher than the set temperature, the rotation speed of the booster pump 14 is increased while the rotation speed of the circulation pump 6 is decreased, increasing the proportion of lower-temperature water being mixed. If the temperature of the hot and cold water detected by the water discharge temperature sensor 22 is lower than the set temperature, the rotation speed of the booster pump 14 is decreased while the rotation speed of the circulation pump 6 is increased, decreasing the proportion of lower-temperature water being mixed.

[0070] Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the detection of the bather's body temperature by the body temperature detection unit 84 built into the control device 16 will be explained. Figure 9 shows an example of electrocardiogram signals acquired by the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b provided on the bathtub body 2. Figure 10 shows an example of the change in heart rate in relation to the core body temperature of a bather.

[0071] First, the body temperature detection unit 84 built into the control device 16 acquires the electrocardiogram signal of the bather who is inside the bathtub body 2 of the bathtub device 1. That is, the bather's electrocardiogram signal is acquired as a potential difference signal via the water stored inside the bathtub body 2 by the negative electrode 5a and positive electrode 5b placed on the backrest surface 2a of the bathtub body 2. Figure 9 shows an example of an electrocardiogram signal acquired in this way.

[0072] Next, the bather's resting heart rate is obtained from the acquired electrocardiogram signal. That is, the bather's heartbeat is detected as a large-amplitude impulse-like R wave in the electrocardiogram waveform, and the bather's heart rate can be obtained by counting the number of R waves per unit time. In this embodiment, the body temperature detection unit 84 acquires and stores the minimum value of the heart rate during the 1 to 3 minutes immediately after the bather enters the bathtub body 2 as the bather's resting heart rate.

[0073] First, vital indicators such as heart rate may temporarily increase due to the act of bathing, but they do not decrease significantly below normal levels. Therefore, the minimum value during a predetermined period immediately after bathing can be used as the resting heart rate. In this embodiment, the heart rate after a predetermined time has elapsed since the bather entered the bathtub 2 is used as the bather's resting heart rate. Alternatively, the average heart rate during a predetermined period immediately after bathing can also be used as the resting heart rate.

[0074] Furthermore, the body temperature detection unit 84 acquires the change in the bather's heart rate from their resting heart rate, which is acquired immediately after bathing. Generally, when a bather immerses themselves in the water in the bathtub 2, their body temperature rises, and their heart rate also rises. This change in heart rate is acquired by the body temperature detection unit 84.

[0075] Normally, a bather's core body temperature gradually rises after they start bathing. This change in core body temperature after bathing is known to have a strong correlation with changes in the bather's heart rate, as shown in Figure 10 as an example, and changes in the bather's core body temperature can be estimated based on changes in the bather's heart rate. In this embodiment, the body temperature detection unit 84 estimates changes in the bather's core body temperature based on changes in the bather's heart rate. For example, if a bather with a resting heart rate of 70 beats / minute has a heart rate that rises to 80 beats / minute after bathing, it can be estimated that the bather's core body temperature has risen by about 0.4°C. Thus, in this embodiment, the bather's core body temperature is estimated based on heart rate, which is one of the bather's vital signs.

[0076] Furthermore, as a modification, the present invention can be configured to estimate the bather's body temperature based on the elapsed time after the bather enters the bathtub body 2 and the temperature of the bathwater detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 23. Specifically, a timing unit (not shown) for detecting the elapsed time after the bather enters the bathtub body 2 is provided inside the remote control 18. Furthermore, the body temperature detection unit 84 estimates the bather's core body temperature based on the elapsed time detected by the timing unit and the temperature of the bathwater detected by the bathtub temperature sensor 23. That is, since there is a strong correlation between the temperature of the bathwater in the bathtub body 2, the elapsed time the bather has been immersed in the water, and the rise in the bather's core body temperature, the rise in the bather's core body temperature can be estimated from the temperature of the water and the elapsed time. According to this modification, the rise in the bather's body temperature can be easily estimated by providing a timing unit (not shown).

[0077] In this embodiment, the body temperature detection unit 84 estimates the change in the bather's core body temperature based on the change in the bather's heart rate. However, the present invention can also be configured to measure or estimate the bather's body temperature, such as their surface temperature or core body temperature. For example, the bather can be imaged using a thermograph (not shown), and the bather's body temperature immediately after bathing and after bathing can be measured based on the detection signal from the thermograph to detect changes in the bather's body temperature. Furthermore, although the body temperature detected by the thermograph is the bather's surface temperature, a predetermined relationship between surface temperature and core body temperature is known, so the core body temperature can be estimated from the detected surface temperature. In addition, the present invention can also be configured to estimate the bather's body temperature based on vital information such as blood pressure, blood flow, and complexion, in addition to heart rate. Alternatively, the present invention can be configured to measure the bather's body temperature by having the bather wear a thermometer while bathing.

[0078] Next, the control of cold stimulation by the control device 16 will be explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The bathtub device 1 of this embodiment is configured to perform cold stimulation control for the purpose of preventing bathers from overheating and providing bathers with a refreshing cold sensation. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the process of cold stimulation control performed by the bathtub device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a time chart showing an example of cold stimulation control performed by the bathtub device 1. The flowchart shown in Figure 11 is configured to be repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals by the control device 16 while the bathtub device 1 is in operation.

[0079] First, in step S1 of Figure 11, it is determined whether or not the bather has started to enter the bathtub 2, and the process of step S1 is repeatedly executed until the bather starts to enter the bath. In this embodiment, the bather's bathing is detected by whether or not the bather's electrocardiogram signal is detected by the negative electrode 5a and the positive electrode 5b.

[0080] Next, in step S2, the warming state determination unit 85 of the control device 16 determines the warming state of the bather. That is, the warming state determination unit 85 determines whether the bather has become too warm from bathing and is approaching a state of so-called "overheating" (whether the bather is warm enough to feel a comfortable cold sensation). Specifically, in this embodiment, when the core body temperature of the bather, estimated based on the bather's electrocardiogram signal, rises by approximately 0.6°C or more from the start of bathing, the warming state determination unit 85 determines that the predetermined warming conditions have been met and that the bather is warm enough to feel a comfortable cold sensation. If the predetermined warming conditions have not been met, the process in step S2 is repeated.

[0081] If it is determined that the predetermined heating conditions have been met, the process in step S3 is executed. In step S3, it is determined whether or not hot water is being discharged from the spout 8a of the water discharge device 8. If hot water is being discharged, the process proceeds to step S4; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S5. In the example shown in Figure 12, at time t0, it is determined that the predetermined heating conditions have been met while hot water at temperature T0 is being discharged from the water discharge device 8.

[0082] In step S4, the temperature adjustment of the hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge device 8 is initiated. Specifically, the control device 16 sends control signals to the hot water solenoid valve 56 and the cold water solenoid valve 58, causing the hot water solenoid valve 56 to close (or remain closed if already closed) and the cold water solenoid valve 58 to open, allowing water supplied from the water supply 54 to flow into the storage tank 12. If hot water is stored in the storage tank 12, the control device 16 allows the hot water in the storage tank 12 to overflow from the overflow pipe 44 by allowing water to flow into the storage tank 12, thereby sufficiently lowering the temperature of the hot water in the storage tank 12.

[0083] Next, in step S5, after it is determined that the predetermined heating conditions have been met, at time t1, after a predetermined preparation time has elapsed, the set temperature is T L The discharge of the changed hot and cold water begins. Thus, in this embodiment, after determining that the bather has met the predetermined warming conditions, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, hot and cold water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather is discharged from the water discharge device 8. Specifically, the control device 16 opens the solenoid valve 39 and operates the pressurizing pump 14, allowing water (low-temperature hot and cold water) from the storage tank 12 to flow into the chamber 11, thereby lowering the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from the water discharge device 8. In this way, if the control device 16 determines that the bather has met the predetermined warming conditions while hot and cold water is being discharged from the water discharge device 8, it continues to discharge the hot and cold water from the water discharge device 8 while lowering the temperature of the hot and cold water.

[0084] The control device 16 determines that the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water discharge device 8, as detected by the water discharge temperature sensor 22, is T L The control device 16 controls the circulation pump 6 and the pressure pump 14 to maintain a temperature of °C. The control device 16 also adjusts the opening of the flow control valve 26 to prevent the water stored in the storage tank 12 from running out. In this way, the control device 16 determines the bather's warming state based on the body temperature estimated by the body temperature detection device, and if the predetermined warming conditions are met, it discharges water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather from the water discharge device 8.

[0085] In this embodiment, the predetermined preparation time (time t0~t1) is set to approximately 30 seconds. Also, in this embodiment, the temperature used to provide a cold sensation to the bather is the changed set temperature T L The temperature is set lower than the temperature T0 of the hot water discharged from the water outlet device 8. For example, the changed set temperature T L The temperature is set to be approximately 3°C lower than the temperature T0 of the hot water discharged from the water outlet device 8. Preferably, the preparation time is set to approximately 5 seconds to approximately 60 seconds, and the changed set temperature T L The temperature is set to be approximately 2°C to 8°C lower than the water discharged from the water outlet 8. Alternatively, the changed setting temperature T is set to a temperature that provides a cold sensation to the bather. L The present invention can also be configured to set the temperature to approximately 30°C to 35°C, which is lower than the body temperature of the person bathing.

[0086] In this way, the system determines the bather's warming state, and when the bather is approaching a state of overheating, it dispenses cool water from the water dispenser 8 towards the bather's shoulders and neck, thereby providing the bather with a cooling sensation. This gives the bather a pleasant cooling feeling and a sense of refreshment.

[0087] Next, in step S6, the set temperature is T L After the time t1 in which the temperature was changed, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S10, in which step S10 it is determined whether the bather has stopped the cold stimulation using the remote control 18. If the bather does not stop the stimulation, the process returns to step S6, and the steps S6→S10→S6 are repeatedly executed until a predetermined time has elapsed after time t1. Note that if the set temperature is T L When this is changed and the bather is subjected to a cold stimulus, water (low-temperature hot water) is injected from the storage tank 12 into the chamber 11, but during this time, the amount of water that is drawn in from the bathtub water intake 9b and injected into the hot water circulating in the circulation channel is gradually reduced.

[0088] That is, by lowering the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water spraying device 8, the temperature of the hot water stored in the bathtub main body 2 and sucked from the bathtub water intake 9b also gradually decreases. Therefore, if the amount of water injected from the storage tank 12 into the chamber 11 is kept constant, the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water spraying device 8 will drop below the set temperature T L and an excessive cold stimulus will be given to the bather. Therefore, by gradually reducing the amount of water injected into the hot water circulating in the circulation passage, the set temperature T L can be surely maintained.

[0089] Next, after time t1, when step S7 is executed at time t2 when a predetermined cold stimulus time has elapsed, the discharge of hot water from the water spraying device 8 stops, and one round of processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 ends. Also, when the bather stops the cold stimulus with the remote control 18 before the predetermined cold stimulus time elapses, step S7 is executed and the discharge of hot water from the water spraying device 8 stops. That is, although a refreshing feeling can be given to the bather by discharging hot water with the set temperature lowered from the water spraying device 8 when the bather is sufficiently warmed by bathing, if that state continues for a long time, the bather will feel cold and an uncomfortable feeling will be given to the bather. Therefore, in this embodiment, after giving the bather a cold stimulus for a predetermined cold stimulus time (time t1 to t2), the discharge of hot water from the water spraying device 8 is automatically stopped so that the bather does not feel cold.

[0090] In this embodiment, the cold stimulus time for giving the bather a cold stimulus is about 120 seconds. Preferably, the cold stimulus time for giving the bather a cold stimulus is set to about 30 seconds to about 300 seconds. In addition, in summer or the like, when the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply pipe 54 is high and is above a predetermined temperature, the present invention can also be configured so that the cold stimulus time becomes longer. Or, when the temperature of the supplied water is above a predetermined temperature, the present invention can also be configured to perform air blowing from a bathroom dryer (not shown) provided in the bathroom R.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that no hot or cold water is being discharged from the water discharge device 8, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the discharge of hot and cold water from the water discharge device 8 begins. Specifically, the control device 16 sends a control signal to the circulation pump 6, which then operates. As a result, hot and cold water is drawn in from the bathtub intake port 9b of the bathtub body 2 and discharged from the outlet 8a of the water discharge device 8. The control device 16 also sends a control signal to the water solenoid valve 58, which opens (the hot water solenoid valve 56 is closed). However, in step S8, the solenoid valve 39 does not open, and hot and cold water at the same temperature as the hot and cold water in the bathtub body 2 is discharged from the water discharge device 8.

[0092] Next, in step S9, it is determined whether a predetermined preparation time has elapsed since the discharge of hot and cold water from the water discharge device 8 began in step S8, and the process in step S9 is repeatedly executed until the predetermined preparation time has elapsed. Once the predetermined preparation time has elapsed, the processes from step S4 onwards described above are executed, and one cycle of the flowchart shown in Figure 11 is performed. That is, once the predetermined preparation time has elapsed since the discharge of hot and cold water from the water discharge device 8 began, the set temperature is T L The hot and cold water that has been changed is dispensed. Furthermore, the set temperature T L After the water discharge continues for a predetermined cold stimulation time, the discharge of hot and cold water from the water discharge device 8 is stopped.

[0093] Thus, when the cold stimulus is automatically initiated from a state where no hot or cold water is being discharged from the water discharge device 8, the system first discharges hot or cold water at the same temperature as the hot or cold water in the bathtub body 2 for a predetermined preparation time, and then starts discharging water at a lower temperature to provide a cold stimulus to the bather. This prevents the bather from becoming accustomed to the discharge of hot or cold water from the water discharge device 8, and from experiencing discomfort due to the sudden discharge of cold or cold water. In this embodiment, the bathtub body 2 can also be equipped with a drain valve (not shown) that can be opened and closed by the control device 16, so that a predetermined amount of hot or cold water is discharged from the bathtub body 2 after the bather has left the bath. This reduces the amount of hot or cold water in the bathtub body 2 that has increased due to the discharge of hot or cold water from the water discharge device 8. In this case, the bather's departure from the bath can be detected based on electrocardiogram signals or the like acquired by electrodes provided in the bathtub body 2.

[0094] According to the bathtub device 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, the bather's warming state is determined based on the body temperature of the bather in the bathtub body 2 estimated by the body temperature detection unit 84 that constitutes the body temperature detection device, and if predetermined warming conditions are met, water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather is discharged from the water discharge device 8. As a result, a cooling sensation can be applied to the bather at an appropriate time, and even with the cooling sensation, the bather's body can be warmed and the overheating suppressed without causing discomfort to the bather.

[0095] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, the bather's core body temperature is estimated by the body temperature detection unit 84, which constitutes the body temperature detection device, based on the bather's vital information. Therefore, it is less affected by the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub body 2, and the bather's core body temperature can be accurately estimated. As a result, a cooling stimulus can be applied to the bather at an appropriate time.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, a cold sensation is applied to the bather after a predetermined time has elapsed since the predetermined warming conditions were met (Figure 12). Therefore, if the bathtub device 1 determines that the bather is warm but the bather does not feel warm, discomfort to the bather can be suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, the temperature of the bathwater is lowered while continuing to discharge hot water from the water discharge device 8, so that only a cold sensation is given to the bather without giving them any unnecessary stimulation, and a more comfortable cold sensation is given to the bather.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the bathtub device 1 of this embodiment, while the bather is being given a cold sensation, the amount of water injected into the bathtub body 2 is gradually reduced. Therefore, even if the temperature of the bathwater stored in the bathtub body 2 decreases, the temperature of the bathwater discharged from the outlet 8a does not decrease too much, and an appropriate cold sensation can be given to the bather.

[0099] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above. In particular, in the embodiments described above, the core body temperature of the bather was estimated based on the bather's heart rate, but the present invention can also be configured to directly detect the body temperature of the bather, such as surface temperature and core body temperature, using a body temperature detection device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Bathtub equipment 2 Bathtub body 2a Backrest surface 2b Side wall 2c Apron 4a 1st pipeline 4b 2nd pipeline 4c 3rd pipeline 5a negative electrode 5b Positive electrode 5c reference electrode 6. Circulation pump (circulation device) 8. Water discharge device (hot / cold heating device) 8a Spout 9a Bathtub spout 9b Bathtub water intake (inlet) 10 Supply line 11 Chambers 12 Storage tanks 14. Pressure pump 16 Control device (control unit) 18 Remote control 20 nozzles 22. Water discharge temperature sensor 23 Bathtub temperature sensor 24 Water volume sensor 26 Flow control valve 28 Constant flow valve 30 Inlet temperature sensor 32 Storage tank temperature sensor 34 Outlet temperature sensor 36 Water volume sensor 38 Check valve 39 Solenoid valve 40a hot water pipe 40b Water supply pipe 41a Check valve 41b Check valve 42 Float switch 42a Stem 42b Float 43 Common pipe 43a Confluence 44 Overflow pipe 52 Water heater 54. Water supply 54a Branch 56. Solenoid valve for hot water 58 Water Solenoid Valve 60 Electrode section 60a Disc section 60b Shaft 62a Front gasket 62b Rear gasket 64 Flange 66 Moisture-proof tubing 68 connection terminals 70 Fixing screws 72 Conductor 74 Sheath 76 Differential Amplifier Circuit 78 Filter Circuit 80 Amplifier Circuit 82 A / D converters 84 Body temperature detection unit 85. Warming state determination unit 86 Water discharge temperature setting unit 88 Control signal output section

Claims

1. A bathtub device equipped with a water discharge device, The bathtub body that stores hot water, A water discharge device is provided above the bathtub body and has a spout that discharges hot water inward from the bathtub body. This water outlet device includes a temperature control device that adjusts the temperature of the hot and cold water discharged from it, A body temperature detection device that detects or estimates the body temperature of a bather inside the bathtub, The system includes a control device that controls the above-mentioned temperature control device to adjust the temperature of the hot water discharged from the above-mentioned water discharge device, The control device determines the bather's warming state based on the body temperature detected or estimated by the body temperature detection device, and if the predetermined warming conditions are met, it discharges water at a temperature that provides a cooling sensation to the bather from the water discharge device. The bathtub apparatus is characterized in that the water discharge device is configured to draw in the hot water stored in the bathtub body and discharge it from the water outlet, the temperature control device is configured to lower the temperature of the hot water discharged from the water outlet by injecting water supplied from the tap into the hot water drawn in from the bathtub body, and the control device gradually reduces the amount of water injected into the hot water drawn in from the bathtub body while the bather is being subjected to a cold sensation.

2. The above-mentioned body temperature detection device estimates the core body temperature of a bather based on the bather's vital information, as described in claim 1.

3. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device, when it determines that the bather has satisfied predetermined warming conditions while hot water is being discharged from the water discharge device, continues to discharge hot water from the water discharge device while lowering the temperature of the hot water from the water discharge device to provide a cold sensation to the bather.

Images