【０００１】
【産業上の利用分野】
本発明は、身体障害者や養護老人等（以下、患者という）の入浴に供される入浴装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
【特許文献１】特許第３１８１８３７号
従来技術には、浴槽本体と、タンクと、配管系と、ポンプとを備えるタンク付き浴槽の湯管理装置において、温度センサによって検出したタンク内の湯温が設定温度から外れたときに、タンクから浴槽本体への給湯を停止させる制御部を備えるタンク付き浴槽の湯管理装置が開示されている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
前記従来装置は、介助者等がタンク内の湯が適温になっているか否かの確認を行う必要がなく、入浴者に快適な温度の湯をタンクから浴槽へ自動的に移送することができる。
しかしながら、タンク内に貯溜した湯が高温で湯量が多い場合には、該湯をタンクから浴槽本体へ移動させる為に、タンク内に低温の水を供給しタンク内の湯温が均一となるよう湯を攪拌し、タンク内の湯温を設定温度に至らせるといった介助者の作業が必要となり、該作業に労力と時間を要する。
【０００４】
本発明の目的は、上記課題を解決するものであり、患者に適温の湯を供給すると共に、介助者の負担を軽減できる入浴装置を提供することである。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
即ち本発明は、浴槽（１）と、該浴槽（１）に供給する湯を貯溜する貯湯槽（２）と、浴槽（１）と貯湯槽（２）とを接続する湯移動用配管系（３）と、該湯移動用配管系（３）に設けられ貯湯槽（２）から浴槽（１）へ湯を移動させるポンプ（４）と貯湯槽（２）内の湯を排出する排水用電磁弁（８）と、浴槽（１）及び貯湯槽（２）に湯を供給する給湯配管系（５）と、該給湯配管系（５）に配設され給湯配管内を流れる湯の温度を検知する温度センサ（６）と貯湯槽（２）へ湯を供給する給湯用電磁弁（７）とを有する入浴装置であって、貯湯槽（２）内への給湯時に給湯配管（２３）内の湯温が所定時間設定温度外になっていることを温度センサ（６）が検知すると、制御部（９）が給湯用電磁弁（７）を閉栓した後、排水用電磁弁（８）を開栓し、貯湯槽（２）内の湯を排出し、貯湯槽（２）内には設定温度の適温湯のみを貯溜することを特徴とする入浴装置である。
給湯配管（２３）内の湯温が設定温度外になり給湯停止してから暫くの時間が経過した後、排水用電磁弁（８）を開栓した状態で、貯湯槽（２）内への給湯を再開した際に、温度センサ（６）が給湯配管（２３）内の湯温が設定温度に復帰したことを検知すると、制御部（９）は、排水用電磁弁（８）を閉栓し、貯湯槽（２）内へ適温湯を貯溜する。
【０００６】
【作用】
浴槽１と貯湯槽２とを湯移動配管系３で連通接続する。
前記湯移動配管系３中に設けたポンプ４により湯を加圧し、貯湯槽２から浴槽１へ湯を移動供給する。
【０００７】
給湯配管系５は浴槽１又は貯湯槽２へ湯を供給する為の管路であり、前記給湯配管系５の給湯配管２３に配設された給湯用電磁弁７により、貯湯槽２への湯の供給、又は停止を制御する。
前記湯移動配管系３中に設けられた排水用電磁弁８は、貯湯槽２内の湯を入浴装置外へ排出する。
【０００８】
給湯配管系５に配設された温度センサ６は、給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温を検知する。
温度センサ６が、湯温が設定温度になっていることを検知した場合は、制御部９が給湯用電磁弁７の開栓状態及び排水用電磁弁８の閉栓状態を維持し、貯湯槽２内へ湯の貯溜を開始する。
温度センサ６が、湯温が所定時間Ｔ１以上設定温度外になっていることを検知した場合は、該検知信号を制御部９に送信する。
【０００９】
温度センサ６からの信号を受信した制御部９は、給湯用電磁弁７を閉栓した後、湯移動配管系３に設けられた排水用電磁弁８を開栓し、貯湯槽２内に貯溜された設定温度外の湯を入浴装置外へ排出する。
【００１０】
給湯配管２３内の湯温が設定温度外になり給湯停止してから暫くの時間が経過した後、排水用電磁弁８を開栓した状態で、給湯用電磁弁７を開栓し、所定時間Ｔ０、湯を流した後、温度センサ６が、給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が設定温度に復帰したことを検知すると、温度センサ６は当該検知信号を制御部９に送信する。
【００１１】
温度センサ６からの信号を受信した制御部９は、排水用電磁弁８を閉栓し、貯湯槽２内へ湯の貯溜を開始する。
【００１２】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。
図１は、本発明の第１実施例を示す配管図である。
入浴装置２２は、浴槽１と、貯湯槽２と、貯湯槽２と浴槽１とを連通し、貯湯槽２から浴槽１へ湯を移動する湯移動配管系３と、浴槽１又は貯湯槽２に湯水を供給する給湯配管系５と、制御部９とを備える。
【００１３】
前記湯移動配管系３は、貯湯槽側接続口２８と浴槽側接続口２９とを連通する湯移動配管２４と、該湯移動配管２４中に設けられ貯湯槽２から浴槽１へ湯を移動させるポンプ４と、湯の移動・停止を制御する湯移動用電磁弁１８と、湯移動配管２４のうち貯湯槽側接続口２８とポンプ４の吸入口側を接続する配管を第一湯移動配管２４ａとし、該第一湯移動配管２４ａから分岐した配管中に設けられ貯湯槽２内の湯を排出する排水用電磁弁８とから構成される。
【００１４】
前記給湯配管系５には、給湯配管２３内を流れる湯の温度を検出する温度センサ６と、前記給湯配管２３の下流において浴槽１と貯湯槽２側の双方向へ分岐した給湯配管２３ａ・２３ｂのうち、貯湯槽２側へ分岐し延出した貯湯槽側給湯配管２３ａに設けられ貯湯槽側給湯口１３への湯の供給・停止を制御する給湯用電磁弁７とが具備される。
【００１５】
制御部９は、温度センサ６の検知信号を受け、給湯用電磁弁７及び排水用電磁弁８の開閉を行う他、ポンプ４の駆動、湯移動用電磁弁１８の開閉等の制御を行なう。
【００１６】
介助者は、ミキシングバルブ１０及び給湯用電磁弁７を開栓し、貯湯槽側給湯口１３から貯湯槽２への初期給湯を開始する。尚、貯湯槽２への初期給湯時には、排水用電磁弁８は閉栓されている。
貯湯槽側給湯配管２３ａ内を流れる湯温が設定温度（正常状態）の場合は、貯湯槽２への給湯は、槽２内の湯量が所定量に到達する時点まで行う。
【００１７】
給湯配管２３内に所定時間Ｔ０、湯を流した後、貯湯槽側給湯配管２３ａ内を流れる湯温が所定時間Ｔ１以上貯湯槽２内に貯溜すべき湯の設定温度から外れていること（異常状態）を温度センサ６が検知すると、該温度センサ６の検知信号が、制御部９に送信される。
【００１８】
制御部９は、給湯用電磁弁７を閉栓し貯湯槽２内への給湯を停止した後、排水用電磁弁８を開栓し、貯湯槽２及び湯移動配管系３内に貯溜された湯を、入浴装置２２外へ排出する。
【００１９】
従って、設定温度から外れた異常状態の湯（不適温湯）が貯湯槽２内に貯溜されることは無く、介助者は後述する貯溜槽２から浴槽１への湯の移動を、貯湯槽２内の湯温の確認作業をしなくても、貯湯槽２内に湯が所定量貯溜されていることを確認するだけで安心して実行できる。その結果、浴槽１には貯湯槽２から設定温度の適温湯のみを移動供給できる。
又、例えば、貯湯槽２内に高温の熱湯が貯溜されままの状態で放置され、介助者が誤って貯湯槽２内の熱湯に触れ火傷等をするといった危険も回避できる。
【００２０】
尚、前記所定時間Ｔ０は、給湯配管２３の寸法、入浴装置２２の使用環境等の条件を考慮し、例えば、給湯配管２３内が冷えきっている状態下で貯湯槽２への初期給湯を開始するような場合は、給湯配管２３内に湯を暫く流すことにより給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温を設定温度にまで到達させるのに障害とならない程度に給湯配管２３を充分に暖めることができる時間とする。
【００２１】
更に、貯湯槽２には該槽２内に貯溜された湯温を検出し表示する貯湯槽内温度表示器１７（具体的には、温度計）が設けられており、前記温度センサ６の故障等により万一、貯湯槽２内に設定温度外の不適温湯が貯溜された場合でも、介助者は貯湯槽内温度表示器１７の温度表示を確認することで、貯湯槽２から浴槽１への不適温湯の移動を中止できるよう入浴装置２２は設計されている。
【００２２】
温度センサ６から給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が異常状態にあるとの信号を受けた制御部９は、前述の入浴装置２２外へ湯を排出する制御を行うと同時に、報知器２０に異常状態である旨の信号を送信する。
制御部９からの異常状態信号を受信した報知器２０は、音及び／又は光を発生し、介助者に給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が異常状態にあることを伝える。
【００２３】
前述したように給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が所定時間Ｔ１以上設定温度から外れている異常状態にあることを温度センサ６が検知した場合には、制御部９が給湯用電磁弁７を閉栓し、排水用電磁弁８を開栓し、貯湯槽２内の湯を入浴装置２２外へ排出する。
この状態で暫くの時間が経過し、貯湯槽２内の湯が空になったことを介助者が確認した後、再度、給湯用電磁弁７を開栓し、給湯配管２３内に所定時間Ｔ０、湯を流す。給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が設定温度に復帰したことを温度センサ６が検知すると、制御部９が、排水用電磁弁８を閉栓し、貯湯槽２内への湯の貯溜を開始する。
【００２４】
次に、本実施例の入浴装置２２の使用方法を述べる。
介助者は、貯湯槽２内に供給する湯温をミキシングバルブ１０で設定した後、貯湯槽側給湯口１３から貯湯槽２への初期給湯を開始する。
貯湯槽側壁２ａの適宜位置には図示しない水位センサが固設されており、該水位センサにより貯湯槽２内の湯量が所定量に到達すると給湯が自動的に停止される。
前述したように、給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が設定温度から外れている異常状態時には、貯湯槽２内に湯は貯溜されず、更に、報知器２０により異常状態である旨が介助者に報知される。
【００２５】
介助者は貯湯槽２内に適温湯が貯溜されたことを確認した後、図示しない患者が着座した車椅子を浴槽１内に入れ、入浴可能状態にする。
【００２６】
次に、湯移動用電磁弁１８を開栓しポンプ４を駆動させ、貯湯槽２から患者の入った浴槽１へ湯を移動させ、入浴に供する。
尚、浴槽側壁１ａの適宜位置に固設された図示しない水位センサにより、浴槽１内の湯の水位が一定になると、自動的に貯湯槽２からの湯の移動又は浴槽側給湯口１２からの給湯が停止されるよう設計されている。
【００２７】
又、貯湯槽２内の湯が減少し、湯量が所定量以下になると、貯湯槽側壁２ａの適宜位置に固設された水位センサにより貯湯槽側給湯口１３から湯が所定の水位に至るまで自動的に補給されるようになっている。
【００２８】
入浴を終了した時は、介助者は浴槽排水用電磁弁１９を開栓し、浴槽１内の湯を排水した後、患者を車椅子ごと浴槽１から出し、退浴させる。
【００２９】
尚、詳細な説明は省略するが、入浴開始のスイッチを投入し、貯湯槽２への給湯を開始し、貯湯槽２へ貯溜された所定量の適温湯を浴槽１へ移動して一定時間が経過した後、介助者及び患者に排水の旨を報知し、浴槽排水用電磁弁１９を自動的に開栓し、浴槽１内の湯を排水するような自動シーケンス制御方式に設計してもよい。
【００３０】
尚、図１中、１１は増し湯バルブ、１６は浴槽内温度表示器、２１は緊急停止スイッチ、２３ｂは浴槽側給湯配管である。
【００３１】
図２に本発明の第２実施例を示す。
第２実施例の湯移動配管系３は、第１実施例の湯移動配管系３に、第一湯移動用電磁弁２５、第二湯移動用電磁弁２６、を付加設置し、排水用電磁弁８の代替に浴槽・貯湯槽排水用電磁弁３０を設置したものである。
即ち、貯湯槽側接続口２８とポンプ４の吸入口側とを接続する第一湯移動配管２４ａ中に第一湯移動用電磁弁２５を配設する。浴槽側接続口２９とポンプ４の吸入口側とを接続する第三湯移動配管２７を設け、該第三湯移動配管２７中に第二湯移動用電磁弁２６を配設する。更に、ポンプ４の吐出口側と湯移動用電磁弁１８とを繋ぐ第二湯移動配管２４ｂから分岐した第四湯移動配管３１中に、浴槽・貯湯槽排水用電磁弁３０を配設する。
【００３２】
第２実施例の湯移動配管系３を前記構成とし、給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が異常状態になった場合にポンプ４を駆動させ、貯湯槽２内の湯を浴槽・貯湯槽排水用電磁弁３０を経由させ強制的に排水させる。
【００３３】
即ち、給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が異常状態になった信号を温度センサ６から受信した制御部９は、第二湯移動用電磁弁２６、及び湯移動用電磁弁１８を閉栓し、第一湯移動用電磁弁２５及び浴槽・貯湯槽排水用電磁弁３０を開栓した後、ポンプ４を駆動させ、貯湯槽２内の湯を強制的に排水させる。
【００３４】
又、入浴が終了した後、浴槽１内に貯溜した湯をポンプ４で排水する際、湯移動用電磁弁１８及び第一湯移動用電磁弁２５を閉栓した後、第二湯移動用電磁弁２６及び浴槽・貯湯槽排水用電磁弁３０を開栓し、ポンプ４を駆動させ、浴槽１内の湯を強制的に排水させてもよい。
【００３５】
ポンプ４を駆動させ浴槽１又は貯湯槽２内の湯を強制的に排水することにより、浴槽側排水栓１４又は貯湯槽側排水栓１５からの通常排水に比して、排水に係る時間を短縮でき、故に、万一、貯湯槽２への給湯時に異常状態が発生した場合でも該状態を迅速に回避でき、又、毎回の退浴時に浴槽２内の湯を迅速に排水でき、患者の入退浴に係る待ち時間も短縮でき、入浴作業の能率を向上できる。
【００３６】
図３に、本発明の第３実施例を示す。
第３実施例は、第１実施例の貯湯槽側給湯配管２３ａに、第二排水用電磁弁３２を追加したものである。
【００３７】
貯湯槽２内への初期給湯に際して、最初に給湯用電磁弁７を閉栓し、第二排水用電磁弁３２を開栓し、給湯配管２３内に所定時間Ｔ０、湯を放流し、給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が所定時間Ｔ１以上異常状態に至っていないかを確認する。
【００３８】
温度センサ６が異常状態であること検知した場合には、制御部９が前記第二排水用電磁弁３２を閉栓し、湯の供給を停止する。そして、必要に応じて湯水の供給源、ミキシングバルブ１０、その他を適正化する等の適宜な処置を行う。
前記異常状態時、貯湯槽側給湯配管２３ａ内を流れた不適温湯は、第二排水用電磁弁３２から入浴装置２２外へ排出されるので、貯湯槽２内へ不適温湯が供給されることはない。
【００３９】
温度センサ６が給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が所定時間Ｔ１以上異常状態に至らなかったことを確認した場合は、温度センサ６の前記確認信号を受けた制御部９が第二排水用電磁弁３２を閉栓した後、給湯用電磁弁７を開栓し、貯湯槽２内への初期給湯を開始する。
【００４０】
又、温度センサ６が異常状態であること検知し、制御部９が湯の供給を停止してから暫くの時間が経過した後、再度、前記第二排水用電磁弁３２を開栓し、給湯配管２３内に湯を放流し、温度センサ６が給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が所定時間Ｔ１以上異常状態になっていないことを確認した場合には、制御部９が第二排水用電磁弁３２を閉栓した後、給湯用電磁弁７を開栓し、貯湯槽側給湯口１３から貯湯槽２内への初期給湯を開始する。
【００４１】
尚、貯湯槽２内への貯溜が開始した以降に、温度センサ６が給湯配管２３内を流れる湯温が所定時間Ｔ１以上異常状態であることを検知した場合は、制御部９が給湯用電磁弁７を閉栓した後、排水用電磁弁８を開栓し、貯湯槽２内に貯溜した湯を排出する。
従って、設定温度から外れた異常状態にある不適温湯が貯湯槽２内に貯溜されることは無い。
【発明の効果】
【００４２】
本発明は、貯湯槽２内への給湯時に給湯配管内の湯温が所定時間以上設定温度外になっていることを温度センサ６が検知すると、制御部９が給湯用電磁弁７を閉栓した後、排水用電磁弁８を開栓し、湯を排出するようにしているから貯湯槽２内に貯溜される湯は適温湯であり、介助者は貯湯槽２内の湯温の確認作業をすることなく、貯湯槽２内に湯が所定量貯溜されていることを確認するだけで、貯湯槽２から浴槽１へ湯の移動ができ、又、不適温湯を浴槽１へ供給することはなく患者を安全に入浴させることができ、好都合である。
【００４３】
又、本発明では貯湯槽２内に貯溜される湯は適温湯であるので、貯湯槽２内に多量の不適温湯を貯溜した後、該槽２内の湯温を適温に調整する（例えば、貯湯槽２内の湯が高温湯の場合は水を供給し、貯湯槽２内の湯温が均一となるよう、貯湯槽２内の湯を攪拌する）といった作業に労力と時間を要することがなく、故に介助者の負担を軽減でき、好都合である。
更に、介助者は、貯湯槽２内に湯が貯溜されたことを確認するだけで、前述した湯温の調整作業をすることなく、迅速に患者の入浴準備に移行することができる。
【００４４】
更に又、温度センサによりタンク内の湯温を検出し、湯温が設定温度から外れるとタンクから浴槽への湯の移動を禁止する従来技術では、例えば、タンク内に貯溜した不適温湯と、該湯を適温湯とする為に供給する湯が十分に攪拌、混合されず、その結果、温度センサが正確にタンク内の湯温を検知できず、貯湯槽から浴槽への湯移動が円滑に進行しないといったトラブルが発生したが、本発明では、給湯用電磁弁７から供給される不適温湯は貯湯槽２外へ排出され、貯湯槽２内には貯溜されないので、前述のトラブルの発生が回避でき、好都合である。
【００４５】
本発明は、温度センサ６が給湯配管内の湯温が設定温度外から設定温度に復帰したことを検知すると、制御部９が、排水用電磁弁８を閉栓し、貯湯槽２内へ湯の貯溜を開始するようにしているから、貯湯槽２内に貯溜される湯は適温湯であり、介助者は湯温の確認作業をしなくても、安全に貯湯槽２から浴槽１へ湯の移動ができ、又、不適温湯を、患者の入った浴槽１へ供給することによって生じる患者への不快感は、本発明には無く、好都合である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施例を示す配管図である。
【図２】本発明の第２実施例を示す配管図である。
【図３】本発明の第３実施例を示す配管図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 浴槽
２ 貯湯槽
３ 湯移動配管系
４ ポンプ
５ 給湯配管系
６ 温度センサ
７ 給湯用電磁弁
８ 排水用電磁弁
９ 制御部
２３ 給湯配管[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a bathing apparatus that is used for bathing physically disabled people, nursing elderly people, etc. (hereinafter referred to as patients).
[0002]
[Prior art]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3181737 In the prior art, in a hot water management apparatus for a bathtub with a tank comprising a bathtub body, a tank, a piping system, and a pump, the hot water temperature in the tank detected by a temperature sensor is set. A hot water management apparatus for a bathtub with a tank is disclosed that includes a control unit that stops hot water supply from a tank to a bathtub body when the temperature deviates from the temperature.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The conventional apparatus does not require an assistant or the like to check whether the hot water in the tank is at an appropriate temperature, and can automatically transfer hot water having a comfortable temperature to the bather from the tank to the bathtub. .
However, when the hot water stored in the tank is hot and the amount of hot water is large, in order to move the hot water from the tank to the bathtub body, low temperature water is supplied into the tank so that the hot water temperature in the tank becomes uniform. The work of an assistant such as stirring the hot water and bringing the hot water temperature in the tank to the set temperature is required, and the work requires labor and time.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a bathing apparatus that can supply hot water at a suitable temperature to a patient and can reduce the burden on an assistant.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the present invention relates to a hot water moving piping system (1), a hot water storage tank (2) for storing hot water to be supplied to the bathtub (1), and a hot water moving piping system for connecting the bathtub (1) and the hot water storage tank (2). 3) and a pump (4) provided in the hot water transfer piping system (3) for moving hot water from the hot water storage tank (2) to the bathtub (1) and an electromagnetic for drainage discharging hot water in the hot water storage tank (2) The valve (8), the hot water supply pipe system (5) for supplying hot water to the bathtub (1) and the hot water tank (2), and the temperature of the hot water disposed in the hot water supply pipe system (5) are detected. A hot water supply solenoid valve (7) for supplying hot water to the hot water storage tank (2), and a hot water supply pipe (23) in the hot water supply pipe (23) When the temperature sensor (6) detects that the hot water temperature is outside the set temperature for a predetermined time, the controller (9) closes the hot water supply solenoid valve (7), and then the drainage solenoid valve. 8) unplugging and discharges the hot water in the hot water storage tank (2), the hot water storage tank (2) in a bath apparatus characterized by reserving a suitable temperature teacup set temperature.
After a while has passed since the hot water temperature in the hot water supply pipe (23) became outside the set temperature and the hot water supply was stopped, the drainage solenoid valve (8) was opened and the hot water supply pipe (23) was put into the hot water storage tank (2). When the temperature sensor (6) detects that the hot water temperature in the hot water supply pipe (23) has returned to the set temperature when the hot water supply is resumed, the controller (9) closes the electromagnetic valve for drainage (8). The hot water is stored in the hot water tank (2).
[0006]
[Action]
The bathtub 1 and the hot water tank 2 are connected in communication by a hot water moving piping system 3.
Hot water is pressurized by a pump 4 provided in the hot water moving piping system 3, and hot water is transferred from the hot water tank 2 to the bathtub 1.
[0007]
The hot water supply piping system 5 is a pipe for supplying hot water to the bathtub 1 or the hot water storage tank 2, and hot water to the hot water storage tank 2 is provided by a hot water supply electromagnetic valve 7 disposed in the hot water supply piping 23 of the hot water supply piping system 5. To control the supply or stoppage.
A drain electromagnetic valve 8 provided in the hot water moving piping system 3 discharges hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 to the outside of the bathing apparatus.
[0008]
A temperature sensor 6 disposed in the hot water supply piping system 5 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply piping 23.
When the temperature sensor 6 detects that the hot water temperature has reached the set temperature, the controller 9 maintains the open state of the hot water solenoid valve 7 and the closed state of the drain electromagnetic valve 8, and the hot water tank 2. Start storing hot water inside.
When the temperature sensor 6 detects that the hot water temperature is outside the set temperature for a predetermined time T1 or more, the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit 9.
[0009]
The controller 9 that has received the signal from the temperature sensor 6 closes the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 7, then opens the drainage electromagnetic valve 8 provided in the hot water moving piping system 3, and is stored in the hot water storage tank 2. The hot water outside the set temperature is discharged out of the bathing device.
[0010]
After a while has passed since the hot water temperature in the hot water supply pipe 23 became outside the set temperature and the hot water supply was stopped, the electromagnetic valve 7 for hot water supply was opened with the electromagnetic valve 8 for drainage opened, for a predetermined time. When the temperature sensor 6 detects that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 has returned to the set temperature after flowing the T0 hot water, the temperature sensor 6 transmits the detection signal to the control unit 9.
[0011]
The control unit 9 that has received the signal from the temperature sensor 6 closes the drain electromagnetic valve 8 and starts storing hot water into the hot water storage tank 2.
[0012]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
The bathing device 22 communicates the bathtub 1, the hot water tank 2, the hot water tank 2 and the bathtub 1, and moves the hot water from the hot water tank 2 to the bathtub 1. A hot water supply piping system 5 for supplying hot water and a control unit 9 are provided.
[0013]
The hot water moving piping system 3 moves the hot water from the hot water tank 2 to the bathtub 1 provided in the hot water moving pipe 24 and the hot water moving pipe 24 communicating the hot water tank side connecting port 28 and the bathtub side connecting port 29. The first hot water moving pipe 24a is connected to the pump 4, the hot water moving solenoid valve 18 for controlling the movement / stop of hot water, and the hot water moving pipe 24 connecting the hot water tank side connection port 28 and the suction port side of the pump 4. The drainage solenoid valve 8 is provided in a pipe branched from the first hot water transfer pipe 24a and discharges hot water in the hot water storage tank 2.
[0014]
The hot water supply pipe system 5 includes a temperature sensor 6 for detecting the temperature of hot water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 23, and hot water supply pipes 23a and 23b branched in both directions downstream of the hot water supply pipe 23 on the bathtub 1 and hot water tank 2 side. Among them, there is provided a hot water supply solenoid valve 7 which is provided in a hot water tank side hot water supply pipe 23 a branched and extended to the hot water tank 2 side and which controls supply / stop of hot water to the hot water tank side hot water supply port 13.
[0015]
The control unit 9 receives the detection signal from the temperature sensor 6 and opens and closes the hot water supply solenoid valve 7 and the drainage electromagnetic valve 8 and controls the driving of the pump 4 and the opening and closing of the hot water transfer electromagnetic valve 18.
[0016]
The assistant opens the mixing valve 10 and the electromagnetic valve 7 for hot water supply, and starts the initial hot water supply from the hot water tank side hot water outlet 13 to the hot water tank 2. In addition, at the time of the initial hot water supply to the hot water tank 2, the electromagnetic valve 8 for drainage is closed.
When the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water tank side hot water supply pipe 23a is a set temperature (normal state), hot water is supplied to the hot water tank 2 until the amount of hot water in the tank 2 reaches a predetermined amount.
[0017]
After flowing hot water in the hot water supply pipe 23 for a predetermined time T0, the temperature of the hot water flowing in the hot water tank side hot water supply pipe 23a deviates from the set temperature of hot water to be stored in the hot water tank 2 for a predetermined time T1 or more (abnormal State) is detected by the temperature sensor 6, a detection signal from the temperature sensor 6 is transmitted to the control unit 9.
[0018]
The controller 9 closes the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 7 and stops hot water supply into the hot water storage tank 2, then opens the drainage electromagnetic valve 8, and stores hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 2 and the hot water transfer piping system 3. Is discharged out of the bathing apparatus 22.
[0019]
Accordingly, the hot water in an abnormal state deviating from the set temperature (unsuitable hot water) is not stored in the hot water storage tank 2, and the assistant moves the hot water from the storage tank 2 to the bathtub 1 to be described later in the hot water storage tank 2. Even without checking the temperature of the hot water, it can be carried out with confidence only by confirming that a predetermined amount of hot water is stored in the hot water tank 2. As a result, only hot water having a set temperature can be moved and supplied to the bathtub 1 from the hot water tank 2.
Further, for example, it is possible to avoid the risk that the hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 is left in a state where it is stored and the caregiver accidentally touches the hot water in the hot water tank 2 to cause a burn.
[0020]
The predetermined time T0 takes into consideration the conditions such as the dimensions of the hot water supply pipe 23 and the use environment of the bathing device 22, and for example, the initial hot water supply to the hot water storage tank 2 is started in a state where the hot water supply pipe 23 is completely cooled. In such a case, it is possible to sufficiently warm the hot water supply pipe 23 to such an extent that the hot water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 23 does not become an obstacle to reaching the set temperature by flowing hot water through the hot water supply pipe 23 for a while. And
[0021]
Further, the hot water tank 2 is provided with a hot water tank temperature indicator 17 (specifically, a thermometer) for detecting and displaying the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank 2, and the temperature sensor 6 fails. Even if inadequate hot water outside the set temperature is stored in the hot water tank 2 due to the above, etc., the assistant can check the temperature display on the hot water tank temperature indicator 17 to transfer the hot water tank 2 to the bathtub 1. Bathing device 22 is designed so that the movement of improper hot water can be stopped.
[0022]
Upon receiving a signal from the temperature sensor 6 that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 is in an abnormal state, the control unit 9 performs control for discharging the hot water out of the bathing device 22 described above, and at the same time, abnormally notifies the alarm 20 A signal indicating the state is transmitted.
The alarm device 20 that has received the abnormal state signal from the control unit 9 generates sound and / or light and informs the assistant that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 is in an abnormal state.
[0023]
As described above, when the temperature sensor 6 detects that the temperature of the hot water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 23 is out of the set temperature for a predetermined time T1 or more, the control unit 9 closes the hot water supply electromagnetic valve 7. Then, the electromagnetic valve 8 for drainage is opened, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 is discharged out of the bathing device 22.
After a while has passed in this state and the assistant has confirmed that the hot water in the hot water tank 2 has been emptied, the hot water solenoid valve 7 is opened again and the hot water supply pipe 23 is filled with the predetermined time T0. Pour hot water. When the temperature sensor 6 detects that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 has returned to the set temperature, the control unit 9 closes the drain electromagnetic valve 8 and starts storing hot water in the hot water tank 2.
[0024]
Next, the usage method of the bathing apparatus 22 of a present Example is described.
The assistant starts the initial hot water supply from the hot water tank side hot water supply port 13 to the hot water tank 2 after setting the hot water temperature to be supplied into the hot water tank 2 with the mixing valve 10.
A water level sensor (not shown) is fixed at an appropriate position on the hot water tank side wall 2a, and hot water supply is automatically stopped when the amount of hot water in the hot water tank 2 reaches a predetermined amount.
As described above, when the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 deviates from the set temperature, hot water is not stored in the hot water storage tank 2, and the annunciator 20 informs the assistant that the hot water is in an abnormal state. Informed.
[0025]
After confirming that hot water has been stored in the hot water storage tank 2, the assistant places a wheelchair in which a patient (not shown) is seated in the bathtub 1 and makes the bath ready.
[0026]
Next, the hot water moving electromagnetic valve 18 is opened and the pump 4 is driven to move the hot water from the hot water storage tank 2 to the bathtub 1 containing the patient for bathing.
In addition, when the water level of the hot water in the bathtub 1 becomes constant by a water level sensor (not shown) fixed at an appropriate position on the bathtub side wall 1a, the hot water from the hot water storage tank 2 automatically moves from the hot water tank 12 or from the hot water inlet 12 on the bathtub side. Designed to stop hot water supply.
[0027]
When the hot water in the hot water tank 2 decreases and the amount of hot water becomes a predetermined amount or less, the hot water reaches the predetermined water level from the hot water tank side hot water supply port 13 by the water level sensor fixed at an appropriate position of the hot water tank side wall 2a. It is designed to be replenished automatically.
[0028]
When the bathing is completed, the assistant opens the bathtub drain electromagnetic valve 19 and drains the hot water in the bathtub 1, and then removes the patient from the bathtub 1 together with the wheelchair and makes the bather retreat.
[0029]
Although detailed explanation is omitted, the switch for starting bathing is turned on, hot water supply to the hot water tank 2 is started, a predetermined amount of appropriate temperature hot water stored in the hot water tank 2 is moved to the bathtub 1, and a predetermined time is passed. After elapse of time, it may be designed in an automatic sequence control system that informs the caregiver and the patient of drainage, automatically opens the bathtub drain electromagnetic valve 19 and drains the hot water in the bathtub 1. .
[0030]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes an additional hot water valve, 16 denotes a bathtub temperature indicator, 21 denotes an emergency stop switch, and 23 b denotes a bathtub side hot water supply pipe.
[0031]
FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
In the hot water moving piping system 3 of the second embodiment, a first hot water moving electromagnetic valve 25 and a second hot water moving electromagnetic valve 26 are additionally installed in the hot water moving piping system 3 of the first embodiment, so that the electromagnetic water for drainage is provided. Instead of the valve 8, a solenoid valve 30 for draining a bathtub / hot water tank is provided.
That is, the first hot water moving electromagnetic valve 25 is disposed in the first hot water moving pipe 24 a that connects the hot water tank side connection port 28 and the suction port side of the pump 4. A third hot water moving pipe 27 for connecting the bathtub side connection port 29 and the suction port side of the pump 4 is provided, and a second hot water moving electromagnetic valve 26 is disposed in the third hot water moving pipe 27. Further, a bathtub / hot water tank drain electromagnetic valve 30 is disposed in a fourth hot water moving pipe 31 branched from a second hot water moving pipe 24 b connecting the discharge port side of the pump 4 and the hot water moving electromagnetic valve 18.
[0032]
The hot water moving piping system 3 of the second embodiment is configured as described above, and the pump 4 is driven when the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 becomes abnormal, and the hot water in the hot water tank 2 is used for draining the bathtub and hot water tank. The water is forcibly drained through the electromagnetic valve 30.
[0033]
That is, the control unit 9 that has received a signal indicating that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 has become abnormal from the temperature sensor 6 closes the second hot water moving electromagnetic valve 26 and the hot water moving electromagnetic valve 18, After opening the solenoid valve for moving hot water 25 and the solenoid valve for draining the bathtub / hot water tank 30, the pump 4 is driven to forcibly drain the hot water in the hot water tank 2.
[0034]
When the hot water stored in the bathtub 1 is drained by the pump 4 after the bathing is completed, the hot water moving solenoid valve 18 and the first hot water moving solenoid valve 25 are closed, and then the second hot water moving solenoid valve. 26 and the bathtub / hot water tank drain electromagnetic valve 30 may be opened, and the pump 4 may be driven to forcibly drain the hot water in the bathtub 1.
[0035]
By driving the pump 4 and forcibly draining the hot water in the bathtub 1 or the hot water tank 2, the time required for draining is shortened compared to the normal drainage from the bathtub side drain plug 14 or the hot water tank side drain tap 15. Therefore, in the unlikely event that an abnormal condition occurs when hot water is supplied to the hot water tank 2, this condition can be quickly avoided, and the hot water in the bathtub 2 can be quickly drained at every bathing, so that the patient can enter The waiting time for bathing can be shortened, and the efficiency of bathing work can be improved.
[0036]
FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
In the third embodiment, a second drainage electromagnetic valve 32 is added to the hot water tank side hot water supply pipe 23a of the first embodiment.
[0037]
At the time of initial hot water supply into the hot water storage tank 2, the hot water solenoid valve 7 is first closed, the second drain electromagnetic valve 32 is opened, hot water is discharged into the hot water pipe 23 for a predetermined time T0, and the hot water pipe 23 It is checked whether the temperature of the hot water flowing inside has reached an abnormal state for a predetermined time T1 or more.
[0038]
When it is detected that the temperature sensor 6 is in an abnormal state, the control unit 9 closes the second drain electromagnetic valve 32 and stops supplying hot water. Then, appropriate measures such as optimizing the hot water supply source, the mixing valve 10 and others are performed as necessary.
Inappropriate hot water that has flowed in the hot water tank side hot water supply pipe 23a in the abnormal state is discharged from the second drain electromagnetic valve 32 to the outside of the bathing device 22, so that inappropriate hot water is supplied into the hot water tank 2. Absent.
[0039]
When the temperature sensor 6 confirms that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 has not reached an abnormal state for a predetermined time T1 or longer, the control unit 9 that has received the confirmation signal from the temperature sensor 6 performs the second drain solenoid valve. After closing 32, the solenoid valve 7 for hot water supply is opened, and initial hot water supply into the hot water tank 2 is started.
[0040]
Further, after detecting that the temperature sensor 6 is in an abnormal state and the controller 9 has stopped supplying hot water for some time, the second drainage electromagnetic valve 32 is opened again to supply hot water. When the hot water is discharged into the pipe 23 and the temperature sensor 6 confirms that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 has not been in an abnormal state for a predetermined time T1 or longer, the controller 9 controls the second drainage solenoid valve. After closing 32, the hot water solenoid valve 7 is opened, and the initial hot water supply from the hot water tank side hot water inlet 13 into the hot water tank 2 is started.
[0041]
When the temperature sensor 6 detects that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 23 is abnormal for a predetermined time T1 or more after the storage in the hot water tank 2 is started, the control unit 9 is an electromagnetic for hot water supply. After closing the valve 7, the electromagnetic valve 8 for drainage is opened and the hot water stored in the hot water tank 2 is discharged.
Therefore, unsuitable hot water in an abnormal state deviating from the set temperature is not stored in the hot water tank 2.
【The invention's effect】
[0042]
In the present invention, when the temperature sensor 6 detects that the hot water temperature in the hot water supply pipe is outside the set temperature for a predetermined time or more when hot water is supplied into the hot water storage tank 2, the controller 9 closes the hot water supply solenoid valve 7. After that, the electromagnetic valve 8 for drainage is opened and the hot water is discharged, so the hot water stored in the hot water tank 2 is an appropriate temperature hot water, and the assistant checks the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 2. Without checking, it is possible to move hot water from the hot water tank 2 to the bathtub 1 only by confirming that a predetermined amount of hot water is stored in the hot water tank 2, and to supply unsuitable hot water to the bathtub 1. Conveniently allows the patient to bathe safely.
[0043]
Further, in the present invention, the hot water stored in the hot water tank 2 is the appropriate temperature hot water, and therefore, after storing a large amount of unsuitable hot water in the hot water tank 2, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 2 is adjusted to an appropriate temperature (for example, If the hot water in the hot water tank 2 is high-temperature hot water, it may take labor and time to supply water and to stir the hot water in the hot water tank 2 so that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 2 is uniform. Therefore, the burden on the caregiver can be reduced, which is convenient.
Furthermore, the assistant can confirm that hot water has been stored in the hot water tank 2 and can quickly shift to preparation for bathing of the patient without performing the above-described hot water temperature adjustment operation.
[0044]
Furthermore, in the prior art in which the temperature of the hot water in the tank is detected by a temperature sensor and the movement of the hot water from the tank to the bathtub is prohibited when the hot water temperature deviates from the set temperature, for example, inappropriate hot water stored in the tank, The hot water supplied to make the hot water suitable temperature is not sufficiently stirred and mixed. As a result, the temperature sensor cannot accurately detect the hot water temperature in the tank, and the hot water moves smoothly from the hot water tank to the bathtub. However, in the present invention, the inappropriate hot water supplied from the hot water solenoid valve 7 is discharged out of the hot water tank 2 and is not stored in the hot water tank 2, so that the above trouble can be avoided. Convenient.
[0045]
In the present invention, when the temperature sensor 6 detects that the hot water temperature in the hot water supply pipe has returned from the outside of the set temperature to the set temperature, the control unit 9 closes the electromagnetic valve 8 for drainage and supplies hot water into the hot water tank 2. Since the storage is started, the hot water stored in the hot water tank 2 is hot water, and the assistant can safely transfer the hot water from the hot water tank 2 to the bathtub 1 without checking the hot water temperature. There is no patient discomfort caused by supplying improper hot water to the bathtub 1 containing the patient, which is movable and is advantageous.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a piping diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a piping diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Bathtub 2 Hot water storage tank 3 Hot water moving piping system 4 Pump 5 Hot water supply piping system 6 Temperature sensor 7 Solenoid valve for hot water supply 8 Solenoid valve for drainage 9 Control part 23 Hot water supply piping
