JP7243446B2 - bathroom system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to bathroom systems.

A bathroom system is described in US Pat. The bathroom system described in Patent Literature 1 includes a bathroom dryer capable of blowing air toward the head of a bather, and a bathing state sensor that detects parameters related to the state of the bather in the bathtub. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the bathroom dryer blows air so as to cool the head of the bather who is bathing based on the output of the bathing state sensor. This suppresses hot flashes of the bather during bathing.

JP 2015-39598 A

When the inside of the bathroom is cool or the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub is high, the temperature difference between the air temperature in the bathroom and the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub increases. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the temperature difference between the temperature in the bathroom and the temperature in the bathtub is large, when the head of the bather is cooled, the blood vessels of the body used for the hot water expand. In this state, the blood vessels in the head contract rapidly. A bather whose blood vessels in the head are in a dilated state while the blood vessels in the head are rapidly constricted is likely to feel dizzy when getting out of the bathtub.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a bathroom system capable of suppressing hot flashes of a bather during bathing while reducing the risk of the bather becoming dizzy.

A bathroom system according to the present invention includes a hot water supply device that supplies hot water to a bathtub installed in the bathroom, a bathroom drying device that blows air into the bathroom, and parameters related to the amount of heat absorbed by the body of the bather from the hot water in the bathtub. and a control means for controlling the bathroom drying device and the hot water supply device so as to suppress an increase in body temperature of the bather and suppress hot flashes in accordance with the parameters detected by the bathing state detection means. and temperature difference detection means for detecting a temperature difference between the room temperature in the bathroom and the temperature of hot water in the bathtub. When the temperature difference is below the reference temperature difference, the control means causes the bathroom dryer to blow air, and when the temperature difference exceeds the reference temperature difference, the control means causes the hot water supply device to lower the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub. At least one of hot water in a bathtub is drained.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to the bathroom system which concerns on this invention, the hot flashes of the said bather can be suppressed during bathing, reducing the risk of a bather becoming dizzy.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of arrangement of elements that constitute the bathroom system of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a control system of the bathroom system of Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration that implements the functions of the control unit according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the bathroom system of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of arrangement of each element constituting the bathroom system of Embodiment 2; FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a control system of the bathroom system of Embodiment 2; 9 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the bathroom system of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of Embodiment 3; 10 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the bathroom system according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of Embodiment 4; 14 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the bathroom system of Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of Embodiment 5; 14 is a flow chart showing an example of control of the bathroom system of Embodiment 5. FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of Embodiment 6;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each figure indicate the same or corresponding parts. In addition, in the present disclosure, overlapping descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. It should be noted that the present invention can include all modifications and all combinations of the configurations disclosed by the following embodiments within the scope of the invention.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of arrangement of elements that constitute a bathroom system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a control system of the bathroom system of Embodiment 1. FIG. In addition, in order to clearly and concisely show the gist of the present disclosure, illustration of some of the components described in FIG. 2 is omitted in FIG. Also, in FIG. 2, illustration of some of the components shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.

The bathroom system of this embodiment includes a bathroom dryer 110 installed in a bathroom 100, as shown in FIGS. Bathroom 100 is a room in which a user takes a bath. A bathtub 120 is installed in the bathroom 100 . The bathroom system of this embodiment includes a water heater 130 that supplies hot water to bathtub 120, as shown in FIGS.

The bathroom drying device 110 is a device that blows air into the bathroom 100 . The bathroom drying device 110 can perform a heating operation for blowing warm air, an air blowing operation for blowing normal temperature air, and the like. The bathroom dryer 110 has, for example, a fan for blowing air and an outlet for blowing the air to the bathroom 100 . Note that the bathroom drying device 110 may have, for example, a function of performing cooling operation by blowing cold air.

The bathroom dryer 110 is installed, for example, on the ceiling of the bathroom 100 as shown in FIG. The bathroom dryer 110 is arranged above the bathtub 120, for example, as shown in FIG. Bathroom dryer 110 includes louvers 111 . The direction in which the bathroom dryer 110 blows air is adjusted by moving the louvers 111 . In the present embodiment, bathroom drying device 110 is configured to blow air toward a bather in bathtub 120 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom drying device 110 is provided with a biosensor 112 . The biosensor 112 is a sensor that can detect physical quantities related to humans without contact. The biosensor 112 uses at least one of ultrasonic waves, microwaves, and infrared rays to detect a physical quantity related to a person without contact, for example. Biosensor 112 detects physical quantities related to a person in bathroom 100 . Also, the biosensor 112 detects physical quantities related to the bather in the bathtub 120 .

A “physical quantity related to a person” detected by the biosensor 112 means a parameter related to the state of a user in the bathroom 100, that is, a bather. The biosensor 112 detects parameters for determining the state of the bather in the bathroom 100 . In the present embodiment, biosensor 112 detects parameters for determining the state of the bather in bathtub 120 . More specifically, biosensor 112 detects a parameter for determining whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather in bathtub 120 . For example, biosensor 112 detects at least one of skin temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure. In other words, parameters detected by biosensor 112 include at least one of skin temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure, as an example.

The biosensor 112 includes, for example, a thermopile in which infrared sensors are arranged in an array. A thermopile can detect the surface temperature in a matrix. Biosensors 112, including thermopiles, can detect parameters for estimating a person's position and movement. Also, for example, a microwave-based biosensor 112 can detect estimates of heart rate and respiration rate.

Biosensor 112 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of bathing state detection means for detecting parameters related to the amount of heat absorbed by the body of the bather from hot water in bathtub 120 . The amount of heat absorbed by the bather's body from the hot water is related to the likelihood that the bather will get hot.

Further, biosensor 112 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of bathing detection means for detecting that a bather has bathed in bathtub 120 . The bathroom system of the present embodiment has a function of detecting that the bather has bathed in the bathtub 120 from thermal image data or the like acquired by the biosensor 112, for example. The bathroom system of the present embodiment also has a function of determining the position of the bather in bathtub 120 from the thermal image data or the like acquired by biosensor 112 .

The biosensor 112 communicates with the bathroom drying device 110 . As an example, a control device built into bathroom drying device 110 controls the operation of bathroom drying device 110 based on the detection result of biosensor 112 . The bathroom drying device 110 can blow air toward the bather based on the detection result of the biosensor 112, for example.

Water heater 130 has, for example, a heat pump unit or an electric water heater. Hot water supply device 130 is configured to be able to supply hot water to bathtub 120 via reheating pipe 131, for example, as shown in FIG.

Reheating pipe 131 is a pipe for circulating water in bathtub 120 to bathtub 120 and hot water supply device 130 . The reheating pipe 131 is provided with, for example, a pump (not shown). By driving this pump, water circulates in the bathtub 120 , the reheating pipe 131 , and the hot water supply device 130 .

For example, water heater 130 heats water guided from bathtub 120 to water heater 130 through reheating pipe 131 . Water heater 130 heats water to a set temperature set by the user. Water heater 130 supplies heated water to bathtub 120 via reheating pipe 131 .

Moreover, water heater 130 may heat water supplied from an external water source (not shown), for example, and then supply the heated water to bathtub 120 . Water heater 130 may, for example, supply water supplied from an external water source (not shown) to bathtub 120 without heating it. Moreover, hot water supply device 130 may be configured to be able to store water supplied from an external water source and heated hot water therein. Hot water supply device 130 may be a hot water type device or a hot water storage type device.

As described above, water heater 130 of the present embodiment has a function of supplying low-temperature water to bathtub 120 . Hot water supply device 130 of the present embodiment has a function of lowering the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, hot water supply apparatus 130 of the present embodiment includes automatic drain plug 132 . Hot water in the bathtub 120 is drained by opening the automatic drain plug 132 . Hot water supply device 130 of the present embodiment has a function of draining hot water in bathtub 120 .

As shown in FIG. 1, the bathroom 100 is provided with an operating device 140, for example. Operation device 140 is for a user to operate hot water supply device 130 . As an example, the operating device 140 is attached to the wall of the bathroom 100 . Note that the operation device 140 may be a wireless communication terminal or the like that is detachable from the wall of the bathroom 100 .

Operation device 140 is connected to hot water supply device 130 wirelessly or by wire. As an example, operation device 140 communicates with hot water supply device 130 . Operation device 140 has, for example, a display unit such as a liquid crystal screen for displaying the state of water heater 130 and an operation unit such as buttons for operating water heater 130 .

The operating device 140 may have components and functions for operating the bathroom dryer 110 by a user. A user may operate the bathroom drying apparatus 110 with the operating device 140 . Moreover, a device for the user to operate the bathroom drying device 110 may be provided separately from the operating device 140 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , the biosensor 112 may be provided on the operating device 140 . In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1 , the biosensor 112 is provided in both the bathroom drying device 110 and the operating device 140 . The biosensor 112 may be provided on one of the bathroom drying device 110 and the operating device 140 . Also, the biosensor 112 may be provided at a location different from the bathroom drying device 110 and the operation device 140 . The biosensor 112 may be installed, for example, on the wall of the bathroom 100 or the like. Biosensor 112 may be configured to be capable of detecting a physical quantity related to a person in bathroom 100 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 140 is provided with a temperature sensor 141 . Temperature sensor 141 is a sensor that detects the room temperature in bathroom 100 . Temperature sensor 141 is provided to detect the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 . The temperature difference is calculated based on, for example, the value detected by temperature sensor 141 and the set value of hot water supply device 130 .

The temperature sensor 141 may be provided at a location different from the operating device 140 . The temperature sensor 141 may be installed, for example, on the wall of the bathroom 100, the bathroom drying device 110, or the like. Temperature sensor 141 may be configured to detect the room temperature in bathroom 100 .

Temperature sensor 141 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of temperature difference detection means for detecting the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 . Note that the bathroom system according to the present disclosure may include, for example, a hot water temperature sensor that detects the hot water temperature in the bathtub 120 as a sensor that constitutes the temperature difference detection means. The hot water temperature sensor is provided, for example, in the bathtub 120, the reheating pipe 131, or the like.

The bathroom system of the present embodiment is a system having a function of determining the state of the bather based on parameters detected by biosensor 112 . Specifically, the presence or absence of a sign of hot flashes of the bather in the bathtub 120 is determined based on the parameters detected by the biosensor 112 . Bathroom drying device 110 and hot water supply device 130, which constitute the bathroom system of the present embodiment, are controlled according to the determination result of the presence/absence of signs of hot flashes of the bather.

When it is determined that there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather, bathroom drying device 110 and hot water supply device 130 operate to suppress hot flashes of the bather. For example, the bathroom drying apparatus 110 blows air to the bather to suppress the temperature rise of the bather and suppress hot flashes. In addition, hot water supply device 130, for example, lowers the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120, thereby suppressing an increase in body temperature of the bather and suppressing hot flashes.

In the bathroom system of the present embodiment, bathroom drying device 110 does not blow air to the bather when the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature in bathtub 120 is less than a preset reference temperature difference. controlled to be allowed. On the other hand, when the temperature difference between the room temperature in the bathroom 100 and the hot water temperature in the bathtub 120 exceeds a preset reference temperature difference, the bathroom drying device 110 controls to prohibit air blowing to the bather. be done. As a result, the bathroom system of the present embodiment can reduce the risk of lightheadedness in the bather while suppressing the hot flashes of the bather during bathing. A more specific operation example of the bathroom system will be described later.

The operation of the bathroom system configured as described above is controlled by the control unit 500 . In FIG. 1, illustration of the control unit 500 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 2 , control unit 500 is connected to bathroom dryer 110 , hot water supply 130 and operation device 140 . Control unit 500 in the present embodiment is an example of control means for controlling bathroom drying device 110 and hot water supply device 130 .

The control unit 500 has a function of causing the bathroom dryer 110 to blow air to the bather. Control unit 500 has a function of causing water heater 130 to lower the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 . Control unit 500 also has a function of causing water heater 130 to drain the hot water in bathtub 120 .

As an example, the control unit 500 acquires parameter information detected by the biosensor 112 via the bathroom dryer 110 . In addition, the control unit 500 acquires parameter information detected by the temperature sensor 141 via the operation device 140 . A control unit 500 , which is an example of control means, performs operations according to the parameters detected by the biosensor 112 and the parameters detected by the temperature sensor 141 .

Note that the control unit 500 may be connected to the biosensor 112 without going through the bathroom drying device 110 . The control unit 500 may directly acquire information on parameters detected by the biosensor 112 from the biosensor 112 . Similarly, the control unit 500 may be connected to the temperature sensor 141 without going through the operating device 140 . The control unit 500 may directly acquire the parameter information detected by the temperature sensor 141 from the temperature sensor 141 .

As an example, the control unit 500 has a calculation section 501 and a storage section 502 as shown in FIG. The calculation unit 501 has a function of performing various calculations. The storage unit 502 has a function of storing various information. In the storage unit 502, for example, algorithms for the calculation unit 501 to perform various calculations are stored as programs.

The storage unit 502 also stores information on parameters detected by the biosensor 112 and parameters detected by the temperature sensor 141 . In this embodiment, the calculation unit 501 performs various calculations from parameters detected by the biosensor 112 and parameters detected by the temperature sensor 141 .

The calculation unit 501 may have, for example, a function of calculating the difference between the skin temperature of the bather at the start of bathing and the skin temperature of the bather who is currently bathing. That is, the calculation unit 501 may have a function of calculating the skin temperature increased by bathing, for example. Further, the calculation unit 501 may have a function of calculating the bathing time of the bather, for example. The calculation unit 501 of the present embodiment has a function of calculating parameters for determining a sign of hot flashes.

Further, calculation unit 501 has a function of calculating the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 based on the parameter detected by temperature sensor 141 and the set temperature of hot water supply device 130 . Calculation unit 501 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of temperature difference detection means for detecting the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 . Note that, as described above, the calculation unit 501 determines the room temperature in the bathroom 100 and the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 120 from the detection result of the hot water temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 120 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 141. may be calculated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 500 has a determination section 503 and a control section 504 as an example. The determination unit 503 has a function of performing various determinations based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 501 and the information stored in the storage unit 502, for example. Control unit 504 also has a function of controlling bathroom drying device 110 , hot water supply device 130 and operating device 140 .

In the present embodiment, determination unit 503 has a function of determining whether the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 is below the reference temperature difference based on the calculation result of calculation unit 501. have. The determination unit 503 also has a function of determining the state of the bather in the bathroom 100 based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 501 .

The determination unit 503 determines whether or not the bather has started bathing in the bathtub 120 based on the detection result of the biosensor 112, for example. Determination unit 503 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of bathing detection means for detecting that a bather has bathed in bathtub 120 . Note that the bathroom system may include a sensor other than the biosensor 112 as a sensor for detecting that the bather has bathed in the bathtub 120 . For example, determination unit 503 may determine whether or not the bather has started bathing in bathtub 120 based on the amount of increase in water level detected by a water level sensor provided in bathtub 120 . Further, in bathroom 100, a human sensor or the like that detects a person who has taken a bath in bathtub 120 may be provided.

The determination unit 503 also has a function of determining whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather in the bathtub 120 . For example, the determination unit 503 may determine whether the skin temperature increased by bathing exceeds a preset determination value based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 501 . A case where the skin temperature increased by bathing exceeds a preset determination value means a case where there is a sign of hot flashes. Further, the determination unit 503 may determine whether the heart rate of the bather exceeds a preset determination value based on the detection result of the biosensor 112, for example. The case where the bather's heart rate exceeds the preset determination value means the case where there is a sign of hot flashes. Further, the determination unit 503 may determine whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes based on the bathing time.

Control unit 504 has a function of controlling bathroom drying device 110 and hot water supply device 130 according to the determination result of determination unit 503 . When it is determined that there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather, control unit 504 operates bathroom drying device 110 and hot water supply device 130 so as to suppress the hot flashes of the bather.

Control unit 500 is connected to hot water supply device 130 and operation device 140 as an example, as shown in FIG. Control unit 500 acquires, for example, information on the setting value of water heater 130 from water heater 130 . The set values include the set temperature of hot water supplied from hot water supply device 130 to bathtub 120 and the like. Also, the control unit 500 receives, for example, from the operation device 140 a signal corresponding to the operation of the operation device 140 by the user. Control unit 500 operates based on this signal.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration that implements the functions of the control unit 500 according to the first embodiment. Functions of the calculation unit 501, the storage unit 502, the determination unit 503, and the control unit 504 of the control unit 500 are realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuitry may be dedicated hardware 600 . The processing circuitry may comprise processor 601 and memory 602 . A portion of the processing circuitry may be formed as dedicated hardware 600 and may further comprise a processor 601 and a memory 602 . In the example shown in FIG. 3, part of the processing circuitry is formed as dedicated hardware 600 . Also, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the processing circuit further comprises a processor 601 and a memory 602 in addition to the dedicated hardware 600 .

A processing circuit, part of which is at least one piece of dedicated hardware 600, can be, for example, a single circuit, multiple circuits, programmed processors, parallel programmed processors, ASICs, FPGAs, or combinations thereof. .

When the processing circuit comprises at least one processor 601 and at least one memory 602, each function of the control unit 500 is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 602 . The processor 601 implements the functions of each unit by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 602 . The processor 601 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory 602 corresponds to, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM and EEPROM, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini-disk and DVD.

As such, the processing circuitry may implement each function of the control unit 500 through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

It should be noted that FIG. 2 only shows an example of the control system of the bathroom system. The configuration of the control system of the bathroom system according to the present disclosure is not limited to that shown in FIG. The configuration of the bathroom system is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single device such as control unit 500 . The bathroom system may be configured such that operations are controlled by cooperation of a plurality of devices.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, control unit 500 is provided outside bathroom dryer 110 and water heater 130 . The function of control unit 500 may be provided in at least one of bathroom dryer 110 and water heater 130 . The function of control unit 500 may be realized, for example, by cooperation between a control device built in bathroom drying device 110 and a control device built in hot water supply device 130 .

Next, an example of control of the bathroom system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the bathroom system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. Note that FIG. 4 merely shows an example of the operation, and the operation of the bathroom system according to the present disclosure is not limited to that shown in FIG.

The flowchart of FIG. 4 shows an example of control in the operation of suppressing hot flashes of a bather. The flow chart of FIG. 4 assumes that the user is in the bathroom 100 at the start, that is, that there is a person taking a bath. First, the biosensor 112 detects the physical quantity of the bather in the bathroom 100 (step S101).

Based on the detection result of the biosensor 112 in step S101, it is determined whether or not the bather is bathing in the bathtub 120 (step S102). The determination in step S102 is performed by the determination unit 503 as described above. If the bather in bathroom 100 has not entered bathtub 120, the processing of steps S101 and S102 continues as shown in FIG.

When the bather enters the bathtub 120, the physical quantity of the bather is detected by the biosensor 112 (step S103). The physical quantity detected by biosensor 112 in step S103 is a parameter related to the amount of heat absorbed by the bather's body from hot water in bathtub 120 .

Based on the parameters detected by the biosensor 112 in step S103, it is determined whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather (step S104). The determination of the presence or absence of a sign of hot flashes is performed by the determination unit 503 as described above. If it is determined that there is no indication of the hot flashes of the bather, as shown in FIG. 4, the processing from step S101 to step S104 is executed again.

If it is determined that there is a sign of hot flashes, the temperature sensor 141 detects the room temperature of the bathroom 100 (step S105). Based on the parameters detected by temperature sensor 141 in step S105, it is determined whether or not the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 is below a reference temperature difference. This reference temperature difference is indicated as "threshold" in FIG. 4 (step S106). Information on the reference temperature difference is stored in advance in the storage unit 502, for example.

If the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 is less than the reference temperature, bathroom dryer 110 blows air to the bather (step S107). Bathroom dryer 110 is controlled by control unit 504 . By blowing air to the bathing person, the temperature rise of the bathing person is suppressed, and hot flashes are suppressed.

When the temperature difference between the room temperature in the bathroom 100 and the water temperature in the bathtub 120 is equal to or greater than the reference temperature difference, at least one of lowering the temperature of the hot water by the hot water supply device 130 and draining water is executed instead of air blowing by the bathroom drying device 110. (step S108). Water heater 130 is controlled by control unit 504 . By executing at least one of the hot water temperature reduction and the water discharge by hot water supply device 130, an increase in body temperature of the bathing person is suppressed, and hot flashes are suppressed. In addition, the head of the bather is not rapidly cooled, and the body temperature rise of the part immersed in the hot water is suppressed, so the risk of lightheadedness can be reduced.

After the process of step S108, for example, if it is determined that the bather's body temperature has fallen below the standard body temperature based on the detection result of the biosensor 101, air is blown to the bather in the same manner as in step S107. may be broken. As a result, hot flashes can be suppressed more effectively while reducing the risk of lightheadedness on standing up.

As described above, the bathroom system of the present embodiment includes biosensor 112 that detects parameters related to the amount of heat absorbed by the bather's body from hot water in bathtub 120, and the amount of heat detected by biosensor 112. A control unit 500 that controls the bathroom drying device 110 and the hot water supply device 130 so as to suppress an increase in the body temperature of the bather and suppress hot flashes according to the parameters, and the room temperature in the bathroom 100 and the hot water temperature in the bathtub 120. and a temperature sensor 141 for detecting a temperature difference between. Control unit 500 causes bathroom dryer 110 to blow air when the temperature difference is below the reference temperature difference, and causes hot water supply device 130 to adjust the temperature of hot water in bathtub 120 when the temperature difference exceeds the reference temperature difference. and at least one of hot water in the bathtub 120 is drained. According to the bathroom system configured as described above, it is possible to suppress the hot flashes of the bather during bathing while reducing the risk of the bather becoming dizzy.

Embodiment 2.
Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are simplified or omitted. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the control system of the bathroom system according to the second embodiment.

The bathroom system of the present embodiment includes a dressing room air conditioner 210 installed in the dressing room 200 in addition to the configuration of the bathroom system of the first embodiment. The dressing room air conditioner 210 is an air conditioner that air-conditions the dressing room 200 . The dressing room air conditioner 210 adjusts the air temperature using, for example, a heat pump unit or an electric heating water heater. The dressing room air conditioner 210 can perform a heating operation that blows hot air, a cooling operation that blows cold air, and a blowing operation that blows normal temperature air.

As shown in FIG. 5, the changing room air conditioner 210 is provided with a biosensor 211 . The biosensor 211, like the biosensor 112, is a sensor that can detect a physical quantity related to a person without contact. The biosensor 211 detects parameters for determining the state of the user in the dressing room 200 . For example, biosensor 211 detects at least one of skin temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure, similar to biosensor 112 .

The biosensor 211 includes, for example, a thermopile in which infrared sensors are arranged in an array. A thermopile can detect the surface temperature in a matrix. Biosensors 211, including thermopiles, can detect parameters for estimating a person's position and movement. Also, for example, a microwave-based biosensor 211 can detect estimates of heart rate and respiration rate.

As shown in FIG. 5, the dressing room 200 is adjacent to the bathroom 100 in this embodiment. A user who has finished bathing in the bathroom 100 , in other words, a bather after taking a bath leaves the bathroom 100 and moves to the dressing room 200 . The biosensor 211 configured to detect physical quantities related to a person in the dressing room 200 can detect parameters relating to the state of the bather who has left the bathroom 100 and moved to the dressing room 200 . The biosensor 211 detects parameters for determining the presence or absence of signs of hot flashes of the bather after taking a bath. The biosensor 211 of the present embodiment is an example of bathing state detection means for detecting physical quantities related to the bather after bathing.

Further, biosensor 211 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of bathing detection means for detecting that the bather has moved from bathroom 100 to dressing room 200, that is, has taken a bath. The bathroom system of the present embodiment has a function of detecting that a bather has taken a bath from, for example, thermal image data acquired by the biosensor 211 . Further, the bathroom system of the present embodiment has a function of determining the position of the bather in the dressing room 200 after taking a bath from thermal image data or the like acquired by the biosensor 211 .

The biosensor 211 communicates with the changing room air conditioner 210 . As an example, the control device built into the dressing room air conditioner 210 controls the operation of the dressing room air conditioner 210 based on the detection result of the biosensor 211 . The dressing room air conditioner 210 can blow air toward the bather after taking a bath, for example, based on the detection result of the biosensor 211 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the dressing room 200 is provided with an operating device 220, for example. The operating device 220 is for the user to operate the dressing room air conditioner 210 . As an example, the operating device 220 is attached to the wall of the dressing room 200 . Note that the operating device 220 may be a wireless communication terminal or the like that is detachable from the wall of the bathroom 100 .

The operating device 220 is connected to the dressing room air conditioner 210 wirelessly or by wire. As an example, the operating device 220 communicates with the dressing room air conditioner 210 . The operation device 220 has, for example, a display unit such as a liquid crystal screen for displaying the state of the dressing room air conditioner 210 and an operation unit such as buttons for operating the dressing room air conditioner 210 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the biosensor 211 may be provided on the operating device 220 . In the configuration example shown in FIG. 5, the biosensor 211 is provided in both the dressing room air conditioner 210 and the operating device 220 . The biosensor 211 may be provided in one of the changing room air conditioner 210 and the operating device 220 . Also, the biosensor 211 may be provided in a different location from the dressing room air conditioner 210 and the operating device 220 . The biosensor 211 may be installed on the wall of the dressing room 200, for example. The biosensor 211 may be configured to be capable of detecting physical quantities related to a person in the dressing room 200 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the operating device 220 is provided with a dressing room sensor 221 . A dressing room sensor 221 is a sensor that detects the temperature and humidity in the dressing room 200 . The changing room sensor 221 may be a sensor that detects one of the temperature and humidity in the changing room 200 . In the present disclosure, the value of the physical quantity detected by the dressing room sensor 221 may also be referred to as the "dressing room sensor detection value".

The dressing room sensor 221 may be provided at a location different from the operating device 220 . The dressing room sensor 221 may be installed, for example, on the wall of the dressing room 200, the dressing room air conditioner 210, or the like. Changing room sensor 221 may be configured to detect at least one of temperature and humidity in bathroom 100 . Changing room sensor 221 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of changing room information detecting means for detecting at least one of temperature and humidity in bathroom 100 .

Note that the functions of the operation device 220 may be provided in the operation device 140 . The functions of the operation device 140 may be provided in the operation device 220 . The bathroom system of the present embodiment may include only one of operating device 140 and operating device 220 .

The bathroom system of the present embodiment is a system having a function of determining the state of the bather based on the parameters detected by the biosensor 211 . Specifically, the presence or absence of a sign of hot flashes of the bather in the dressing room 200 is determined based on the parameters detected by the biosensor 211 . The dressing room air conditioner 210, which constitutes the bathroom system of the present embodiment, is controlled according to the determination result of whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather. When it is determined that there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather, the dressing room air conditioner 210 operates to suppress the hot flashes of the bather. The dressing room air conditioner 210 controls the temperature rise of the bather by blowing air to the bather, thereby suppressing hot flashes.

In the bathroom system of the present embodiment, when the value detected by the changing room sensor 221 is below a preset reference value, the changing room air conditioner 210 controls the bather to prevent overcooling. It is controlled to perform air blowing operation for On the other hand, when the value detected by the changing room sensor detected by the changing room sensor 221 exceeds the preset reference value, the changing room air conditioner 210 blows cold air to the bather to efficiently cool the bather. do.

As in Embodiment 1, the operation of the bathroom system is controlled by control unit 500 . The control unit 500 has a function of causing the dressing room air conditioner 210 to blow air to the bather after taking a bath. In this embodiment, the control unit 504 controls the operation of the changing room air conditioner 210 .

In the present embodiment, determination unit 503 has a function of determining whether or not the bather has gone out of bathroom 100 to dressing room 200 based on parameters detected by biosensor 211 . The determination unit 503 in the present embodiment constitutes an example of bathing detection means for detecting that the bather has taken a bath.

Note that the bathroom system may include a sensor other than the biosensor 211 as a sensor for detecting that the bather has taken a bath. For example, the dressing room 200 may be provided with a human sensor or the like that detects an entry into the dressing room 200 . Further, the determination unit 503 may determine whether or not the bather has taken a bath based on the amount of change in the detection value of the dressing room sensor 221, for example.

Further, the determination unit 503 of the present embodiment has a function of determining whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather in the dressing room 200 after taking a bath. The determination unit 503 determines, for example, from the detection result of the biosensor 211 whether the heart rate of the bather exceeds a preset determination value. The case where the bather's heart rate exceeds the preset determination value means the case where there is a sign of hot flashes. Further, the determination unit 503 may determine whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather after taking a bath, based on both the detection result of the biosensor 112 and the detection result of the biosensor 211 . For example, the determination unit 503 may determine whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes based on the amount of change in the physical quantity of the bather. Further, similarly to the first embodiment, the determination unit 503 may determine the presence or absence of a sign of hot flashes from the detection result of the biosensor 112 .

The control unit 504 has a function of controlling the changing room air conditioner 210 according to the determination result of the determination unit 503 . When it is determined that there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather, the control unit 504 operates the dressing room air conditioner 210 to suppress the hot flashes of the bather.

Each function of the control unit 500 of the present embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit as in the first embodiment. Also, at least part of the functions of the control unit 500 may be implemented by a control device built into the dressing room air conditioner 210 .

Next, an example of control of the bathroom system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the bathroom system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. Note that FIG. 7 merely shows an example of the operation, and the operation of the bathroom system according to the present disclosure is not limited to that shown in FIG.

The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows an example of control in the operation of suppressing the hot flashes of the bather after taking a bath. First, the inside of the dressing room 200 is detected by the biosensor 211 . (Step S201).

Based on the detection result of the biosensor 211 in step S201, it is determined whether or not the bather has gone out of the bathroom 100 to the dressing room 200 (step S202). The determination in step S202 is performed by the determination unit 503 as described above. If the bather has not taken a bath, the processing of steps S201 and S202 continues as shown in FIG.

When the bather takes a bath, the biosensor 211 detects the physical quantity of the bather (step S203). The physical quantity detected by the biosensor 211 in step S<b>203 is a parameter related to hot flashes in the dressing room 200 .

Based on the parameters detected by the biosensor 211 in step S203, it is determined whether or not there is a sign of hot flashes of the bather (step S204). Determination of the presence or absence of a sign of hot flashes is performed by the determination unit 503 . As described above, the determination of the presence or absence of a sign of hot flashes may be made based on the parameters of the bather detected by the biosensor 112 during bathing. The determination of the presence or absence of a sign of hot flashes may be made based on both the detection result of the biosensor 112 and the detection result of the biosensor 211 . If it is determined that there is no sign of hot flashes in the bather after taking a bath, the process from step S201 to step S204 is executed again as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a sign of hot flashes, the changing room sensor 221 detects the temperature and humidity of the changing room 200 (step S205). Then, in step S205, it is determined whether or not the value detected by the changing room sensor 221 is below the reference value. This reference value is indicated as "threshold" in FIG. 7 (step S206). Information on this reference value is stored in advance in the storage unit 502, for example.

When the detected value of the changing room sensor is less than the reference value, the changing room air conditioner 210 blows air to the bather after taking a bath (step S207). By blowing air to the bathing person, the temperature rise of the bathing person is suppressed, and hot flashes are suppressed. Moreover, the bather is not cooled too much.

When the detection value of the changing room sensor is equal to or greater than the reference value, the changing room air conditioner 210 blows cool air to the bather after taking a bath (step S208). As a result, the bather who is likely to get hot is efficiently cooled after taking a bath.

According to the bathroom system of the present embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to suppress hot flashes after taking a bath. Both the operation shown in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment and the operation shown in FIG. 7 in the present embodiment may be performed, or only one of them may be performed. When both actions, that is, the action of suppressing hot flashes in bathroom 100 and the action of suppressing hot flashes in dressing room 200 are performed, the user's hot flashes can be suppressed more effectively.

Embodiment 3.
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those in each of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are simplified or omitted. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of elements that constitute the bathroom system of Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG.

The configuration of the bathroom system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the bathroom system of the first embodiment. In the bathroom system of this embodiment, bathroom dryer 110 has a function of ventilating bathroom 100 . That is, bathroom drying device 110 is configured to be able to take in outside air and supply it into bathroom 100 . As an example, the bathroom dryer 110 has a ventilator 113 that supplies outside air and blows it into the bathroom 100, as shown in FIG. Moreover, the bathroom system of the embodiment includes an outside air temperature sensor 114 that detects outside air temperature. Note that the ventilation unit 113 that supplies the outside air and blows it into the bathroom 100 may be formed separately from the equipment for heating or the like, as shown in FIG. 8, or may be integrated therewith.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a control example of the bathroom system according to the third embodiment. In each flow shown in FIG. 9, the processing from step S301 to step S306 is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S106 in the first embodiment. Further, the process of step S307 is the same as the process of step S108 in the first embodiment. A description of steps S301 to S307 is omitted.

If it is determined in step S306 that the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the water temperature in bathtub 120 is less than the reference temperature, it is determined whether or not the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature in bathroom 100. is executed (step S308). The determination in step S308 is made based on the detection result of the outside air temperature sensor 114 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 141, for example.

When the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature in the bathroom 100, the bathroom drying device 110 blows air to the bather and at the same time blows outside air into the bathroom with the ventilation unit 113 (step S309). That is, the bathroom dryer 110 simultaneously blows and ventilates the bather. By lowering the room temperature in the bathroom 100 through ventilation, an increase in body temperature of the bather is suppressed more effectively. If the outside air temperature is not lower than the room temperature in bathroom 100 in step S308, bathroom drying device 110 blows air to the bather (step S310), as in step S107 in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 4.
Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those in each of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are simplified or omitted. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of the fourth embodiment.

The configuration of the bathroom system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the bathroom system of the second embodiment. In the bathroom system of this embodiment, the dressing room air conditioner 210 has a function of ventilating the dressing room 200 . In other words, the dressing room air conditioner 210 is configured to take in outside air and supply it into the dressing room 200 . As an example, the dressing room air conditioner 210 has a ventilation unit 113 that supplies outside air and blows it into the bathroom 100, like the bathroom dryer 110 of the third embodiment. Further, the bathroom system of this embodiment includes an outside temperature sensor 114 that detects the outside temperature.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a control example of the bathroom system according to the fourth embodiment. In each flow shown in FIG. 11, the processing from step S401 to step S406 is the same as the processing from step S201 to step S206 in the second embodiment. The processing of step S407 is the same as the processing of step S208 in the second embodiment. Description of steps S401 to S407 is omitted.

If it is determined in step S406 that the detected value of the changing room sensor is less than the reference value, it is determined whether the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature in bathroom 100 (step S408). The determination in step S408 is made, for example, based on the detection result of the outside air temperature sensor 114 and the detection result of the dressing room sensor 221.

When the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature inside the dressing room 200, the dressing room air conditioner 210 blows air to the bather and at the same time blows outside air into the bathroom through the ventilation unit 113 (step S409). The dressing room air conditioner 210 blows and ventilates the bathers at the same time. Since the room temperature in the dressing room 200 is lowered by ventilation, the body temperature rise of the bather is suppressed more effectively. Further, when the outside air temperature is not lower than the room temperature in the dressing room 200 in step S408, the dressing room air conditioner 210 blows air to the bather (step S410), as in step S207 in the second embodiment. ).

Embodiment 5.
Next, Embodiment 5 will be described. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those in each of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are simplified or omitted. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG.

The configuration of the bathroom system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the bathroom system of the first embodiment. In the bathroom system of the present embodiment, hot water supply device 130 includes shower terminal 133 capable of spraying water into bathroom 100 . The shower terminal 133 is an example of a water discharge unit that discharges water into the bathroom 100 .

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a control example of the bathroom system according to the fifth embodiment. In each flow shown in FIG. 13, the processing from step S501 to step S506 is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S106 in the first embodiment. Also, the process of step S507 is the same as the process of step S108 in the first embodiment. Description of steps S501 to S507 is omitted.

If it is determined in step S506 that the temperature difference between the room temperature in bathroom 100 and the water temperature in bathtub 120 is less than the reference temperature, bathroom dryer 110 blows air to the bather and shower terminal 133 is executed (step S508). The shower terminal 133 emits cold water. As a result, the room temperature in the bathroom 100 is lowered, and an increase in body temperature of the bather is suppressed more effectively.

Embodiment 6.
Next, Embodiment 6 will be described. Parts that are the same as or correspond to those in each of the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof are simplified or omitted. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement of elements constituting the bathroom system of the sixth embodiment.

The configuration of the bathroom system of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the bathroom system of the first embodiment. The bathroom system of the present embodiment includes an operation device 301 provided in a room 300 separate from the bathroom 100. Room 300 corresponds to, for example, a living room and a kitchen. Also, the room 300 may be the dressing room 200 in the second embodiment. The operation device 301 in this embodiment may be the operation device 220 in the second embodiment.

The operating device 301 described above is similar to the operating device 140 in the first embodiment, the operating device 220 in the second embodiment, and the like. The operating device 301 has a function of giving various notifications to the user. The operating device 301 of the present embodiment is an example of notification means.

The operation device 301 notifies when the determining unit 503 determines that there is a sign of hot flashes. The operating device 301, for example, notifies the bather's housemate that the bather may get hot. Note that the operation device 301 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

Also, the notification means may be, for example, the operating device 140 in the bathroom 100 . The operating device 140 may notify the bather that there is a possibility of being overwhelmed and how to deal with it. For example, the operation device 140 can be used as follows: "I will be hot in 5 minutes. Please be careful.", "I am hot. Please get out of the bath." and lie down and rest.” may be displayed on the screen or by voice. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility of hot flashes, and to quickly deal with hot flashes.

100 Bathroom 110 Bathroom Drying Device 111 Louver 112 Biosensor 113 Ventilation Part 114 Outside Air Temperature Sensor 120 Bathtub 130 Hot Water Supply Device 131 Reheating Piping 132 Automatic Drain Plug 133 Shower Terminal 140 Operating Device 141 Temperature sensor 200 Changing room 210 Changing room air conditioner 211 Biosensor 220 Operating device 221 Changing room sensor 300 Room 301 Operating device 500 Control unit 501 Calculation unit 502 Storage unit 503 Judging unit 504 Control Unit 600 Dedicated Hardware 601 Processor 602 Memory

Claims (7)

a water heater for supplying hot water to a bathtub installed in a bathroom;
a bathroom drying device that blows air into the bathroom;
bathing state detection means for detecting a parameter related to the amount of heat absorbed by the body of the bather from hot water in the bathtub;
a control means for controlling the bathroom drying device and the hot water supply device in accordance with the parameters detected by the bathing state detection means so as to suppress an increase in body temperature of the bather and suppress hot flashes;
temperature difference detection means for detecting a temperature difference between a room temperature in the bathroom and a temperature of hot water in the bathtub;
with
The control means causes the bathroom drying device to blow air when the temperature difference is below the reference temperature difference, and causes the hot water supply device to increase the temperature of hot water in the bathtub when the temperature difference exceeds the reference temperature difference. A bathroom system for at least one of lowering and draining hot water in said bathtub. Equipped with a dressing room air conditioner that air-conditions the dressing room,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control means controls said changing room air conditioner in accordance with the parameter detected by said bathing state detection means so as to suppress an increase in body temperature of said bather and suppress hot flashes. bathroom system. A dressing room air conditioner that air-conditions the dressing room,
bathing state detection means for detecting a physical quantity related to the bather after bathing;
with
2. The controlling device according to the parameter detected by the bathing condition detecting device, according to the parameter detected by the bathing state detecting device, according to claim 1, wherein the controlling device controls the air conditioner of the dressing room so as to suppress the temperature rise of the bathing person and suppress the hot flashes. bathroom system. Equipped with an outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air,
The bathroom drying device has a function of taking in outside air and blowing the outside air into the bathroom,
4. The control means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when causing the bathroom dryer to blow air, if the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature in the bathroom, the control means takes in outside air and blows the outside air. The bathroom system according to item 1. Equipped with an outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air,
The dressing room air conditioner has a function of taking in outside air and blowing the outside air into the dressing room,
4. The control means according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, when causing the air conditioner of the dressing room to blow air, if the outside air temperature is lower than the room temperature in the dressing room, the control means takes in the outside air and blows the outside air. bathroom system. The water heater has water discharge means for discharging water into the bathroom,
6. The bathroom system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when causing the bathroom dryer to blow air, the control means causes the water discharge means to discharge water. 7. The bathroom system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising reporting means for reporting information on hot flashes in bathing in accordance with the parameter detected by said bathing state detection means.

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