JP2022170394A - Bathroom control system, computer-implemented method for controlling bathroom, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of preparing a comfortable bathroom space while suppressing energy consumption.SOLUTION: Processing executed by a remote controller of a bath system comprises: executing hot water filling operation (S525) when the hot water filling operation instruction is detected (YES in step S520) after it is determined that bathtub cleaning is completed (YES in step S515); starting a bathroom heating operation (S545) when the bathroom heating operation instruction is detected (YES in step S540); and stopping bathroom heating (S555) when a bathroom heating operation time is equal to or longer than a bathroom heating operation timer value (YES in step S550).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to technology for controlling a bathroom, and more particularly to technology for controlling a bathroom having a bathtub cleaning function, a bathroom heating function, and a bath filling function.

Conventionally, as a bath system, there is a bath preparation operation in which a hot water filling operation is combined with a bathtub cleaning operation or a bathroom heating operation.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-153583 (Patent Document 1) discloses a bathroom heating system for "improving convenience by efficiently heating the bathroom to a set temperature when taking a bath." Specifically, the bathroom heating system 1 includes a hot water supply device 2 capable of performing a hot water filling operation for supplying hot water to a bathtub BT installed in the bathroom BR, A bathtub cleaning device 3 capable of executing a bathtub cleaning operation for washing the inner wall of the bathtub BT by spraying a cleaning liquid mixed with , a control unit 8 for controlling the operation of the bathtub cleaning device 3 and the bathroom heating device 4, and when the hot water filling operation is instructed, the control unit 8 causes the bathtub cleaning operation and the bathroom heating operation to be executed in parallel. , the hot water filling operation is executed after the completion of the bathtub cleaning operation” (see [Summary]).

In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-304682 (Patent Document 2) discloses a method for "providing at low cost a means capable of instructing the start of heating operation of a bathroom heater in a bathroom while bathing". remote control” is disclosed. More specifically, "the bathroom remote controller 2 that remotely controls the water heater 3 that is installed in the bathroom and supplies hot water to the bathroom has a wireless signal receiving unit 17 that is installed in the bathroom and receives wireless signals. A radio signal transmission unit 62 capable of transmitting the heating start signal to the bathroom heater 5 that starts heating the bathroom in response to the heating start signal received by the radio signal reception unit 17, and the radio signal transmission unit. and a bathroom heater operation unit 41 including a heating start switch for instructing transmission of the heating start signal to 62." (See [Abstract]).

JP 2020-153583 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-304682

When bathtub cleaning, hot water filling and bathroom heating are instructed at the same time, bathtub cleaning and bathroom heating are started first, and with bathroom heating being performed, bath hot water filling is performed after completion of bathtub washing. In that case, the energy for bathroom heating may be consumed more than necessary. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for reducing energy consumption for bathroom heating.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the background as described above, and an object according to one aspect is to disclose a technique for suppressing energy consumption when bathtub cleaning, bath filling, and bathroom heating are instructed at the same time. That is.

According to one embodiment, there is provided a bathroom control system having a bathtub cleaning function, a bathroom heating function, and a bath filling function. This control system includes an input device for accepting input of commands to the bathroom, and a control device for controlling the bathtub cleaning device, the bathroom heating device, and the hot water supply device based on the command. When the control system detects an instruction to wash the bathtub, an instruction to heat the bathroom, and an instruction to fill the bath with hot water, the bathtub washing device starts washing the bathtub. A device is configured to initiate said bath filling.

In a control system according to an aspect, detecting a bathtub cleaning instruction, a bathroom heating instruction, and a bath filling instruction may be performed by detecting each instruction at the same time, or detecting any one instruction and then It involves detecting the remaining two indications within a defined period of time.

In a control system according to one aspect, detecting a bathtub flush instruction, a bathroom heating instruction, and a bath fill instruction will cause the bath tub to be heated within a predetermined time after bathtub flush and bath fill are simultaneously instructed. including detecting an indication of

In a control system according to an aspect, detecting a bathtub cleaning instruction, a bathroom heating instruction, and a bath filling instruction is performed by detecting a bathroom heating instruction during execution of a bathtub cleaning after bathtub cleaning and bath filling are instructed, respectively. including detecting

A control system according to an aspect further comprises a receiver for receiving signals from a communication terminal capable of communicating with the control system. Detecting the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath is performed by an operation screen displayed on the communication terminal to accept the instruction to wash the bathtub, and an operation screen displayed on the communication terminal to accept the instruction to heat the bathroom. including receiving from the communication terminal a signal transmitted in response to an operation given to either the displayed operation screen or the operation screen displayed on the communication terminal for accepting the bath filling instruction. .

According to another embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for controlling a bathroom having a tub cleaning function, a bathroom heating function, and a bath filling function. This method comprises the steps of: receiving an input of a command for a bathroom; detecting a bathtub cleaning instruction from the command; detecting a bathroom heating instruction from the command; detecting a bath filling instruction from the command. , a bathtub cleaning instruction, a bathroom heating instruction, and a bath water filling instruction are detected, the bathtub washing device is made to start bathtub washing, and after the bathtub washing is completed, the bathroom heating device is made to start bathroom heating, and the hot water supply device is made to make bath water. and initiating tension.

According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute a method of controlling a bathroom having a bathtub cleaning function, a bathroom heating function, and a bath filling function. This program instructs the computer to receive an input of a command for the bathroom, to detect a bathtub washing command from the command, to detect a bathroom heating command from the command, and to detect a bath filling command from the command. and the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath water, the bathtub washing device is caused to start washing the bathtub, and after the bathtub washing is completed, the bathroom heater is caused to start heating the bathroom, and the hot water supply device and a step of starting bath filling.

According to one embodiment, when the bathtub washing, bathroom heating, and hot water filling operations are instructed, the bathtub washing is performed first, and after the bathtub washing is completed, the bathroom heating and bath hot water filling are performed. Therefore, the timing of starting bathroom heating is not advanced, and the energy consumed for bathroom heating can be suppressed.

The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration of bath system 10 according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of remote controller 110 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 150 according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing the hardware configuration of smartphone 120 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing part of the process executed by bath system 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram (Part 1) showing one aspect of a screen displayed on monitor 250 of remote control 110 or monitor 35 of smartphone 120; FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) showing one aspect of a screen displayed on monitor 250 of remote control 110 or monitor 35 of smartphone 120; 3 is a diagram (part 3) showing one aspect of a screen displayed on monitor 250 of remote control 110 or monitor 35 of smartphone 120. FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

A manner of use of the bath system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration of bath system 10 according to an embodiment. The bath system 10 includes a bathroom 100, a bathtub 102, a bathroom heater 104, a water heater 106, and a bathtub cleaning device 108. - 特許庁The bathroom heater 104 and the bathtub cleaning device 108 are connected to the water heater 106 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

Water heater 106 is further connected to remote control 110 . Remote control 110 is connected to router 130 . Router 130 may be connected to server 150 via a gateway (not shown) and Internet 140 . Also, remote control 110 and router 130 can communicate with smartphone 120 .

Remote controller 110 controls operation of at least one of bathroom heater 104 , water heater 106 , and bathtub cleaning device 108 based on instructions from the user of bath system 10 . In one aspect, remote controller 110 controls operation of selected one of bathroom heater 104 , hot water heater 106 , and bathtub cleaning device 108 . In another aspect, the remote controller 110 controls the operation of selected two or three of the bathroom heater 104 , hot water heater 106 and bathtub cleaning device 108 . In this case, the timing at which the driving action is performed can be specified by the user or can be predetermined. In addition, remote control 110 can determine that a plurality of user instructions to bath system 10 have been given at the same time if they are given within a predetermined period of time. A bathroom heating operation instruction (signal) from remote controller 110 to bathroom heater 104 is sent from remote controller 110 to a controller (not shown) of bathroom heater 104 via a controller (not shown) of water heater 106. That is, the instruction is transmitted through communication between remote control 110 and the controller of water heater 106 and communication between the controller of hot water heater 106 and the controller of bathroom heater 104 .

If an error is detected due to a malfunction of any of the devices that make up the bath system 10, and the operation is prohibited, the remote controller 110 will operate even if it detects an instruction to clean the bathtub. , do not accept the instructions.

Smartphone 120 can give instructions to remote control 110 from a remote location. In one aspect, when smartphone 120 is within a direct communication range with remote control 110 , smartphone 120 can instruct various driving by directly transmitting signals to remote control 110 . In this case, smartphone 120 may send instructions to remote control 110 using Bluetooth®, infrared, Wi-Fi® Direct, or other near-field communication technology.

In another aspect, when smartphone 120 is in a range where direct communication with remote control 110 is not possible, processing in server 150 via Internet 140 and router 130 (processing for converting into signals instructing various types of driving) , and (as well) via Internet 140 and router 130 to send signals to remote controller 110 to direct various operations. In this case, smartphone 120 executes an application program provided in advance to control bath system 10, and sends a packet containing a signal instructing the operation of bath system 10 to a mobile phone base station or an access point (not shown). ) to the remote control 110 .

In one aspect, server 150 holds information representing the operational status of bath system 10 or other bath systems provided by the business that manufactures bath system 10 . The information representing the operating state may include, for example, date and time of operation, temperature, pattern of operation, and the like. The operation pattern may include whether or not the bathroom heater 104 is operated, the set temperature and operation time, the set temperature and the amount of hot water poured into the bathtub 102 by the water heater 106, and the operation date and time of the bathtub cleaning device 108. but may contain other information.

[Configuration of remote control 110]
The configuration of remote control 110 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example hardware configuration of remote control 110 according to an embodiment. Remote controller 110 includes switch 210 , communication interface 220 , processor 230 , memory 240 , monitor 250 and speaker 270 .

Switch 210 accepts any one of an instruction to operate or stop bathroom heater 104 , an instruction to operate or stop water heater 106 , and an instruction to operate or stop bathtub washing device 108 . Switch 210 may be either a physical key or a software switch. If switch 210 is configured as a software switch, the software switch may be implemented in monitor 250 implemented as a touch panel.

Communication interface 220 realizes communication between remote control 110 and bath system 10 or communication between remote control 110 and smartphone 120 . The communication method used in the communication interface 220 may include, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark: Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, etc., but other communication methods may also be employed.

Processor 230 executes a program prepared in advance and commands bath system 10 to start or stop from remote controller 110 . In one aspect, processor 230 commands bath system 10 to turn on or off based on the operation given to switch 210 . In other aspects, processor 230 commands bath system 10 to turn on or off based on instructions contained in signals transmitted from smart phone 120 .

Memory 240 may hold programs or data pre-written by the manufacturer of bath system 10 and data acquired by processor 230 . Memory 240 may be implemented by non-volatile memory.

Monitor 250 displays information about bath system 10 . The displayed information includes a message to the user of the bath system 10 or information indicating the operating state of the bath system 10 . The information indicating the operating state includes, for example, the specified temperature of hot water to be filled into the bathtub 102, the amount of hot water to be poured into the bathtub 102, the time required to reach the specified amount of hot water to be poured, the temperature of the bathroom 100, and the temperature of the bathroom heater 104. set temperature, etc., but other information may also be displayed.

The speaker 270 notifies the state of the bath system 10 by voice. For example, when the cleaning of the bathtub 102 is completed, or when the specified filling of hot water is completed, the speaker 270 outputs a voice to that effect.

In another aspect, remote controller 110 may transmit a signal indicating the state of bath system 10 to smartphone 120 via communication interface 220 . In this case, smartphone 120 may display a message indicating the state or output a sound indicating the state.

[Configuration of server 150]
The configuration of the server 150 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing the hardware configuration of server 150 according to one embodiment.

The main components of the server 150 are a CPU 1 that executes a program, a mouse 2 and a keyboard 3 that receive instructions input by the user of the server 150, data generated by executing the program by the CPU 1, or the mouse 2 or the keyboard 3. a RAM 4 that temporarily stores data input via the , a hard disk 5 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, an optical disk drive 6 , a communication interface (I/F) 7 , and a monitor 8 . Each component is connected to each other by a data bus. The optical disk drive 6 can be loaded with a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) or other disk recording medium.

Processing in the server 150 is realized by cooperation of each hardware and software executed by the CPU 1 . Such software may be stored in the hard disk 5 in advance. Software may also be distributed as a computer program stored in a CD-ROM or other recording medium. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a downloadable application program by a so-called information provider connected to the Internet. Such software is temporarily stored in the hard disk 5 after being read from the recording medium by the optical disk drive 6 or other reading device, or downloaded via the communication interface 7 . The software is read from the hard disk 5 by the CPU 1 and stored in the RAM 4 in the form of an executable program. CPU1 executes the program.

Each component making up the server 150 shown in FIG. 3 is generic. Since the operation of each piece of hardware of server 150 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated. Note that the remote operation service according to the present embodiment may be provided using a server function provided by a so-called cloud service instead of the server 150 .

Recording media are not limited to CD-ROMs and hard disks, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), IC (Integrated Circuit) cards (including memory cards), optical cards, mask ROMs, EPROMs (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory). ), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash ROM, or other semiconductor memory that permanently stores the program.

The program here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU, but also a program in source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

[Configuration of smartphone 120]
A configuration of the smartphone 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 is a block diagram representing the hardware configuration of smartphone 120 according to an embodiment.

The smartphone 120 includes a CPU 20, an antenna 23, a communication device 24, an operation switch 25, a camera 26, a flash memory 27, a RAM (random access memory) 28, a ROM 29, a memory card drive device 30, a microphone. 32 , a speaker 33 , an audio signal processing circuit 34 , a monitor 35 , an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 36 , a data communication I/F 37 and a vibrator 38 . A memory card 31 can be attached to the memory card drive device 30 .

Antenna 23 receives a signal transmitted from a base station (not shown) or transmits a signal for communicating with another communication device via the base station. A signal received by the antenna 23 is subjected to front-end processing by the communication device 24 , and the processed signal is sent to the CPU 20 .

CPU 20 executes processing for controlling operations of smartphone 120 based on commands given to smartphone 120 . When smartphone 120 receives the signal, CPU 20 executes predetermined processing based on the signal sent from communication device 24 and sends the processed signal to audio signal processing circuit 34 . The audio signal processing circuit 34 performs predetermined signal processing on the signal and outputs the processed signal to the speaker 33 . The speaker 33 outputs sound based on the signal.

The microphone 32 receives an utterance to the smartphone 120 and sends a signal corresponding to the uttered voice to the audio signal processing circuit 34 . The audio signal processing circuit 34 executes predetermined processing for communication based on the signal, and sends the processed signal to the CPU 20 . The CPU 20 converts the signal into data for transmission and sends the converted data to the communication device 24 . The communication device 24 uses the data to generate a transmission signal and sends the signal to the antenna 23 .

Operation switch 25 receives an input of a command given by the user of smartphone 120 . The operation switch 25 can include physical keys and software keys. Software keys may be displayed on monitor 35 .

The flash memory 27 stores data sent from the CPU 20 . In addition, the CPU 20 reads data stored in the flash memory 27 and uses the data to execute predetermined processing.

RAM 28 temporarily holds data generated by CPU 20 or data given to CPU 20 . ROM 29 stores a program or data for causing smartphone 120 to perform a predetermined operation. The CPU 20 reads the program or data from the ROM 29 and controls the operation of the smart phone 120 .

The memory card drive device 30 reads data stored in the memory card 31 and sends it to the CPU 20 . The memory card drive device 30 writes the data output by the CPU 20 to the free space of the memory card 31 .

Audio signal processing circuitry 34 performs signal processing for a call as described above. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 20 and the audio signal processing circuit 34 are shown as separate configurations. good.

The monitor 35 is realized as a touch panel type display device, but the mechanism of the touch panel is not particularly limited. The monitor 35 displays an image defined by the data obtained from the CPU 20 .

The LED 36 realizes a predetermined light emitting operation based on a signal from the CPU 20 .

Data communication I/F 37 communicates with other communication devices. The communication method by the data communication I/F 37 is WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), etc., but other communication methods may be employed. Data communication I/F 37 wirelessly transmits signals output from CPU 20 . Data communication I/F 37 also receives a signal transmitted from another communication device and sends the received signal to CPU 20 .

[Overview of functions]
(1) According to one embodiment, remote controller 110 accepts an operation to control a bathroom having a washing function of bathtub 102 and a heating function of bathroom 100 . Remote controller 110 includes a processor 230 that accepts operating instructions for bath system 10 , and a communication interface 220 for sending instructions to bathtub cleaning device 108 , bathroom heater 104 , and water heater 106 . Processor 230 detects an instruction to wash bathtub 102 (hereinafter also referred to as “bathtub washing instruction”), detects an instruction to heat bathroom 100 (hereinafter also referred to as “bathroom heating instruction”), and detects bathtub 102 Detects an instruction to supply hot water to the bath (hereinafter also referred to as an "instruction to fill the bath with hot water"). When the processor 230 detects a bathtub cleaning instruction, a bathroom heating instruction, and a bath filling instruction, it instructs the bathtub washing device 108 to start washing the bathtub, and after finishing the bathtub washing, the bathroom heating device starts heating the bathroom. 104 to instruct the water heater 106 to start filling the bath water.

In the remote control 110 according to one aspect, the detection of the bathtub cleaning instruction, the bathroom heating instruction, and the bath filling instruction may be performed by detecting each instruction at the same time, or by detecting any one instruction in advance. It involves detecting the remaining two indications within a defined period of time. In the present embodiment, detecting each instruction at the same time means, for example, detecting that remote controller 110 has been given an operation to execute each operation, or that the user is using another communication terminal capable of communicating with remote controller 110. This may include detecting successive input of each driving instruction to (eg, smart phone 120). For example, even when the processor 230 detects an instruction to fill the bath with hot water and the filling of the bath is started, the processor 230 issues an instruction to wash the bathtub and an instruction to heat the bathroom within a predetermined time. When it is detected, the bathtub cleaning device 108 is made to start bathtub cleaning by interrupting the bath filling, and after the bathtub cleaning is completed, the bathroom heating and the suspended bath filling are started.

(2) In one aspect, remote control 110 includes detecting an instruction to heat the bathroom within a predetermined time period after simultaneous instructions to clean the bathtub and fill the bath. The predetermined time is a time that can be set by the user or the manufacturer of the bath system 10, and can be set in units of seconds such as 10 seconds, 20 seconds, for example.

(3) In one aspect, remote controller 110 may detect an instruction to heat the bathroom during execution of bathtub cleaning after bathtub cleaning and bath filling are instructed, respectively.

(4) In one aspect, remote controller 110 can receive signals from a communication terminal capable of communicating with remote controller 110 via communication interface 220 . For example, the remote controller 110 has an operation screen displayed on the communication terminal for accepting an instruction to wash the bathtub, an operation screen displayed on the communication terminal for accepting an instruction to heat the bathroom, and an operation screen for accepting an instruction to fill the bath. through the communication interface 220, a signal transmitted according to an operation given to one of the operation screens displayed on the communication terminal. In this case, the communication terminal holds an application program prepared for controlling bath system 10, and by executing the application program, can implement processing similar to that executed by remote control 110.

[Control structure]
A control structure of the bath system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing part of the process executed by bath system 10 according to an embodiment.

At step S510, bath system 10 starts the bathtub cleaning operation. For example, when the user selects the bathtub cleaning operation from the soft switches displayed on the monitor 250 of the remote controller 110, the processor 230 of the remote controller 110 instructs the bathtub cleaning device 108 to operate. In another aspect, the processor 230 commands the bathtub cleaning device 108 to operate when the remote control 110 detects that a predetermined condition has been met to initiate operation to clean the bathtub 102 . Here, the predetermined condition may include, for example, that a predetermined time has arrived, that the user has designated in advance that the bathtub 102 should be washed before supplying hot water, and the like.

At step S515, processor 230 determines whether or not cleaning of bathtub 102 is complete. This determination is made, for example, based on whether or not the bathtub 102 has been washed for a preset time. In another aspect, completion of cleaning may be determined based on a cleaning sequence completion signal output by a controller (not shown) of bathtub cleaning device 108 . When processor 230 determines that cleaning of bathtub 102 is completed (YES in step S515), processor 230 switches control to step S520. Otherwise (NO in step S515), processor 230 returns control to step S515, and makes the determination again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

In step S520, processor 230 determines whether or not an instruction for hot water filling operation has been detected. This determination is made, for example, based on the type of signal sent from switch 210 to processor 230 . When processor 230 determines that the hot water filling operation instruction has been detected (YES in step S520), it switches control to step S525. Otherwise (NO in step S520), processor 230 switches control to step S522.

In step S522, processor 230 determines whether the hot water filling reservation setting is valid. This determination is made based on whether the hot water filling reservation setting is on or off. When processor 230 determines that the hot water filling reservation setting is valid (YES in step S522), processor 230 switches control to step S530. Otherwise (NO in step S522), processor 230 switches control to step S525.

At step S525, bath system 10 performs hot water filling operation. More specifically, processor 230 sends an instruction signal to water heater 106 to supply hot water at a preset temperature to bathtub 102 . Hot water supply device 106 operates the combustion mechanism in response to the instruction signal to adjust the hot water to a preset temperature and supply hot water to bathtub 102 .

In step S530, processor 230 determines whether or not the current time is a preset time before the reserved hot water filling time. When processor 230 determines that the current time is earlier than the hot water filling reserved time by the preset time (YES in step S530), processor 230 switches control to step S525. Otherwise (NO in step S530), processor 230 switches control to step S540.

In step S535, processor 230 determines whether bathroom 100 is in heating operation. This determination is made based on data held in memory 240 representing the state of bathroom heater 104 or based on such data received from bathroom heater 104 . When processor 230 determines that bathroom 100 is in heating operation (YES in step S535), it switches control to step S550. Otherwise (NO in step S535), processor 230 switches control to step S540.

In step S540, processor 230 determines whether or not a bathroom heating operation instruction has been detected. This determination is made, for example, based on the type of signal sent from switch 210 to processor 230 . When processor 230 determines that a bathroom heating operation instruction has been detected (YES in step S540), processor 230 switches control to step S545. Otherwise (NO in step S540), processor 230 switches control to step S560.

At step S545, bath system 10 starts the bathroom heating operation. More specifically, remote controller 110 transmits an instruction signal to bathroom heater 104 to heat bathroom 100 . Upon receiving the instruction signal, the bathroom heater 104 drives a heater (not shown) and a fan (not shown) so as to supply hot air at a preset temperature. For example, in a certain aspect, when hot water supply device 106 is configured with a hot water heat source with a hot water heating function, a hot water heating circuit (not shown) of hot water supply device 106 responds to a bathroom heating instruction for bathroom heating device 104. When the hot water circulated and supplied from the bathroom passes through the heat exchanger (not shown) of the bathroom heater 104, the air blown by the fan (not shown) of the bathroom heater 104 is heated and supplied as warm air into the bathroom. . Therefore, the heat exchanger of the bathroom heater 104 can serve as a heater.

In step S550, processor 230 determines whether or not the time during which bathroom 100 has been heated has exceeded a predetermined time. For example, the processor 230 determines whether the bathroom heating operation time is equal to or greater than the bathroom heating operation timer value. When processor 230 determines that the bathroom heating operation time is equal to or longer than the timer value (YES in step S550), processor 230 switches control to step S555. Otherwise (NO in step S550), processor 230 returns control to step S520.

At step S555, bath system 10 stops bathroom heating. More specifically, remote controller 110 transmits an instruction signal to bathroom heater 104 to stop heating the bathroom. The bathroom heater 104 stops bathroom heating upon receiving the instruction signal.

In step S560, processor 230 determines whether hot water filling is completed. This determination is made, for example, based on whether or not a preset amount of hot water has been supplied from hot water supply device 106 . When processor 230 determines that hot water filling is completed (YES at step S560), the process ends. Otherwise (NO in step S560), processor 230 returns control to step S535. It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not hot water filling has been completed is not limited to the above mode. For example, in another aspect, when hot water supply device 106 or bathtub 102 or the like is configured to detect the bathtub water level, the determination of completion of hot water filling is performed until the hot water from hot water supply device 106 reaches a predetermined bathtub water level. It may be done based on whether it has been poured or not. Alternatively, in still another aspect, when a preset amount of hot water is supplied from hot water supply device 106, or when hot water from hot water supply device 106 is supplied to a preset bathtub water level, hot water in bathtub 102 Based on the temperature reaching the preset temperature, processor 230 may determine that hot water filling is complete.

[Monitor operation screen]
Control screens displayed on a monitor according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams showing one mode of a screen displayed on monitor 250 of remote control 110 or monitor 35 of smartphone 120, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 6, the monitors 250 and 35 display screens for instructing automatic operation of the bath. This screen includes a message 610 to call attention to bath automatic operation, bath set temperature (eg, 40°C) and hot water volume (eg, 8 levels) 620, and check boxes 630, 640, 650 is displayed. When the user presses the "start" button on this screen, automatic operation of the bath is started.

Referring to FIG. 7, monitors 250 and 35 display screens for instructing cleaning of bathtub 102 . More specifically, the monitors 250 and 35 display a message 710 calling attention to washing the bath, a message 720 indicating an operation for instructing other operation, and a check box 730 for accepting the selection of the other operation. , 740 are displayed. When the user selects one of the check boxes 730, 740 and presses the start button, the designated operation is started.

Referring to FIG. 8, monitors 250 and 35 display a bath reservation screen. More specifically, the monitors 250 and 35 display a message 810 indicating the content of the automatic operation, an appointment time 820 designated to automatically start the bath, and check boxes 830 and 840 for accepting other operation selections. is displayed. When the user selects one of the check boxes 830, 840 and presses the start button, the designated operation is started.

As described above, according to bath system 10 according to the present embodiment, when the bathtub cleaning operation, the hot water filling operation, and the bathroom heating operation are instructed, remote controller 110 first performs bathtub cleaning, and then performs bathtub cleaning. After the completion of the above, hot water filling and bathroom heating are performed. As a result, even if there is a time interval between the completion of bathtub cleaning and bathing, the greenhouse is heated before bathing, so that a comfortable bathroom space can be provided at the time of bathing.

In addition, the user does not have to be conscious of the timing of bathroom heating and hot water filling, and the bathroom heating and hot water filling are performed after the bathtub cleaning is performed. A proper bathroom space is prepared in a timely manner.

When the smartphone 120 or other communication terminal operates in place of the remote controller 110, when the user instructs bathtub cleaning, bathroom heating, and hot water filling, the bathtub is washed first, and then bathroom heating and hot water filling are performed. . As a result, even if the user instructs the operation of the bath system 10 just before returning home, for example, the heating of the bathroom and the filling of the hot water are performed after the bathtub is washed without being conscious of the operation timing of each operation. It is also possible to instruct the provision of a comfortable bathroom space.

The bath system 10 disclosed above is one example of a bathroom control system. Switch 210 or communication interface 230 is an example of an input device that accepts input of commands to the bathroom. The processor 230 is an embodiment of a control device or computer that detects instructions for cleaning the bathtub, instructions for heating the bathroom, and instructions for filling the bath with hot water from the instructions, and controls the bathtub cleaning device, the bathroom heating device, and the hot water supply device. is.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalents of the scope of the claims.

The disclosed technique is applicable to a bath system (bathroom system) having a bathtub cleaning function, a hot water supply function, and a bathroom heating function.

2 mouse, 3 keyboard, 4, 28 RAM, 5 hard disk, 6 optical disk drive, 7, 220 communication interface, 8 monitor, 10 bath system, 23 antenna, 24 communication device, 25 operation switch, 27 flash memory, 29 ROM, 30 memory card drive device, 31 memory card, 32 microphone, 33,270 speaker, 34 audio signal processing circuit, 35,250 monitor, 100 bathroom, 102 bathtub, 104 bathroom heater, 106 water heater, 108 bathtub cleaning device, 110 Remote control, 120 smart phone, 130 router, 140 internet, 150 server, 210 switch, 230 processor, 240 memory, 610,710,720,810 messages, 630,640,650,730,740,830,840 checkboxes.

Claims (7)

A bathroom control system having a bathtub cleaning function, a bathroom heating function, and a bath filling function,
an input device for receiving input of commands for the bathroom;
A control device for controlling the bathtub cleaning device, the bathroom heating device, and the hot water supply device based on the command,
The control device is
configured to detect bathtub cleaning instructions, bathroom heating instructions, and bath water filling instructions,
When the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath water are detected, the bathtub cleaning device starts washing the bathtub, and after the bathtub washing is completed, the bathroom heater starts heating the bathroom. , a control system for a bathroom in which said water heater initiates said bath filling. Detecting the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath with hot water is to detect each instruction at the same time, or detect any one of the instructions at a predetermined time. 2. The bathroom control system of claim 1, including detecting the remaining two indications within. Detecting the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath with hot water means that the heating of the bathroom is started within a predetermined time after the instructions for washing the bathtub and filling the bath are simultaneously given. 3. A bathroom control system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising detecting an indication. Detecting the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath water means that the instruction to heat the bathroom is performed during execution of the bathtub washing after the instruction to wash the bathtub and the instruction to fill the bath water are respectively given. 3. A bathroom control system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising detecting the . Further comprising a receiving device for receiving a signal from a communication terminal capable of communicating with the control system,
Detecting the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath with hot water,
an operation screen displayed on the communication terminal for accepting an instruction to wash the bathtub;
an operation screen displayed on the communication terminal for accepting an instruction to heat the bathroom;
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from the communication terminal, a signal transmitted in response to an operation given to one of an operation screen displayed on the communication terminal for accepting the bath filling instruction. Or the bathroom control system according to 2. A computer-implemented method for controlling a bathroom having a bathtub cleaning function, a bathroom heating function, and a bath filling function, comprising:
receiving input of instructions for the bathroom;
detecting from said instructions an indication of tub cleaning;
detecting a bathroom heating indication from the instructions;
detecting a bath water fill indication from the command;
When the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath water are detected, the bathtub washing device is caused to start washing the bathtub, and after finishing the bathtub washing, the bathroom heater is caused to start heating the bathroom, and the water heater is made to start heating the bathroom. and a step of starting said bath filling. A program for causing a computer to execute a method for controlling a bathroom having a bathtub cleaning function, a bathroom heating function, and a bath filling function, the program comprising:
receiving input of instructions for the bathroom;
detecting from said instructions an indication of tub cleaning;
detecting a bathroom heating indication from the instructions;
detecting a bath water fill indication from the command;
When the instruction to wash the bathtub, the instruction to heat the bathroom, and the instruction to fill the bath water are detected, the bathtub washing device is caused to start washing the bathtub, and after finishing the bathtub washing, the bathroom heater is caused to start heating the bathroom, and the water heater is made to start heating the bathroom. a step of starting said bath filling.

Images