JP4427359B2 - Bathing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an auxiliary function of a bathing apparatus that has a bathtub and a hot water tank, inserts a wheelchair into the bathtub, transfers hot water from the hot water tank into the bathtub, and bathes a patient.

  The bathing apparatus for nursing care of the prior art has a single water supply pipe 65 for supplying water into the hot water supply tank 6, and the shower uses existing facilities. Hot water supply to the hot water supply tank 6 Multiple pipes are installed, and one of them is not shared with hand shower piping, and when not using the hand shower, the multiple pipes are used together to quickly store hot water in the hot water storage tank. Not done.

Therefore, in the conventional bathing equipment for nursing care, when the hand shower is not used, the hot water supply tank 6 cannot store hot water quickly, the hot water supply time to the hot water supply tank 6 cannot be shortened, and the waiting time and assistance for bathing by the bather It is impossible to shorten the time required for preparing a person to take a bath, and there is a problem that it is inefficient.
JP 2003-159299 A

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, shorten the waiting time for bathing of the bather and make it possible to bathe more comfortably, and can save labor required for the bathing work of the assistant, An object of the present invention is to provide a bathing apparatus that can reduce manufacturing costs.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a bathtub 1 and a hot water tank 5, a wheelchair 3 is inserted into the bathtub 1, and hot water is transferred from the hot water tank 5 into the bathtub 1 to bathe the patient. In the apparatus, a plurality of hot water storage pipes to the hot water storage tank 5 are arranged, and a part of one hot water storage pipe is shared with a hand shower pipe, and the hand shower 9 is not used for hot water storage in the hot water storage tank 5. In this case, rapid hot water storage means 13 for storing hot water using the hot water storage pipes of the plurality of systems is provided.
Further, the mixing ratio of hot water and water from the hot water supply source 46 is automatically adjusted according to the set temperature, and the hot water temperature to the hot water tank 5 and the hot water temperature discharged from the hand shower 9 are automatically controlled.

  In the present invention, a plurality of hot water storage pipes to the hot water storage tank 5 are arranged, and a part of one hot water storage pipe is shared with a hand shower pipe. In use, since the rapid hot water storage means 13 for storing hot water is used in combination with the hot water storage pipes of the plurality of systems, the waiting time for bathing of the bather can be shortened, and the bathing work of the assistant is also possible. Efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, when the hot water storage pipes to the hot water storage tank 5 have two systems, the manufacturing cost can be greatly increased compared to the conventional apparatus in which the hot water storage pipes and the hand shower pipes are arranged one by one. In addition, rapid hot water storage in the hot water tank 5 can be realized.

  The present invention automatically adjusts the mixing ratio of hot water and water supplied from the hot water supply source 46 according to the set temperature, and automatically adjusts the hot water temperature to the hot water tank 5 and the discharged hot water temperature from the hand shower 9. In the case of a conventional mixing valve, the knob position where the assistant adjusts the mixing ratio of hot water to bring the discharged hot water temperature closer to the set temperature whenever there is a change in the temperature environment of the hot water supply source. However, according to the present invention, when a change occurs in the temperature environment from the hot water supply source 46, the control unit 40 stores the change in the temperature environment and adjusts the mixing ratio of the hot water and the water. Since the temperature is automatically adjusted to the set temperature, the work burden related to the temperature adjustment of the assistant can be reduced. Inconvenience No.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a piping system diagram of the bathing device 45. The bathing device 45 includes a bathtub 1 and a hot water tank 5, and the bathtub 1 and the hot water tank 5 are connected to each other via a pump 10 through a hot water supply pipe 12. The hot water stored in the hot water tank 5 is transferred to the bathtub 1 by the pump 10.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state of the bathing device 45 before the wheelchair 3 is inserted into the bathtub 1.
The wheelchair 3 is provided on a backrest 62 fixed at a predetermined angle on a cart 65 having casters, a seat 66 fixed on the backrest 62, and left and right sides of the seat 66. It consists of left and right arms 71a and 71b that can be manually rotated and fixed, and a lower limb support portion 67 that is connected to the distal ends of the left and right arms 71a and 71b and supports the lower limbs of the bather.

  A left lock pin 63a and a right lock pin (not shown) project from a position above the left and right side walls of the backrest portion 62 so as to advance and retreat in the left-right direction. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the left lock pin 63a and the right lock pin are connected by the wire (you may use a link mechanism) inside the backrest part 62, and the left lock pin 63a and the right lock pin are respectively The spring is always urged in the left-right direction. On the back side of the backrest 62, a lock pin operating lever 74 is provided through the back of the backrest 62, and the lock pin operating lever 74 is connected to the wire inside the backrest 62. . When the assistant pulls the lock pin operating lever 74 forward, the wire is pulled in the forward direction in conjunction with the withdrawal of the lock pin operating lever 74, and the left lock pin 63a and the right lock pin resist the biasing force of the spring. Retreat in the inner direction of the backrest 62.

As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 2 is formed on one side of the bathtub 1, and a sealing material 80 is attached along the opening 2. In addition, the left and right long sides 1a and 1b of the bathtub 1 are provided so as to protrude forward from the opening 2 surface. A left hole (not shown) and a right hole 64b into which the left lock pin 63a and the right lock pin are fitted are provided at the end portions of the inner walls of the left and right long sides 1a and 1b that protrude from the surface of the opening part 2.
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the bathing device 45 as seen from the back surface direction. As shown in FIG. 4, a receiving member 79 provided at the lower back end of the backrest 62 of the wheelchair 3 inserted into the bathtub 1 is pressed outside the bottom of the bathtub 1, so that the wheelchair 3 and the bathtub 1 are pressed. There is provided a pressing and fixing means 72 for keeping the watertight.

  The pressing and fixing means 72 includes an electric actuator 68, and a pressing member 70 that is pivotally attached to the distal end portion of the telescopic rod 69 of the electric actuator 68 and the end surface of the bottom surface portion 1 d of the opening 2. When the rod 69 of the electric actuator 68 is extended, the distal end portion 70a of the pressing member 70 rotates and presses the receiving member 79, thereby pressing and fixing. When the rod 69 is contracted, the distal end portion 70a rotates in the reverse direction and the pressing and fixing by the pressing member 70 is released.

  Two pipes, a pipe 6 and a pipe 7, are provided as pipes for guiding hot water supplied from the hot water supply sources 46 a and 46 b to the hot water storage tank 5. As for the piping 6, the hot water discharge piping 6b is branched and extended in the middle of the hot water storage piping 6a. The pipe 7 is branched and extended in the middle of the pipe 7, and further, the pipe 8 is branched and extended into a pipe 8 a to which a hand shower 9 is connected at the tip and a pipe 8 b for draining hot water. It is. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, you may comprise so that two piping of the piping 6 and the piping 7 may be branched and extended from the hot water supply source provided in one place.

  An electric temperature control valve 41a, a temperature sensor 43a, and a hot water solenoid valve 19a are attached to the pipe 6a in this order from the upstream side of the pipe 6a, and a hot water solenoid valve 19b is attached to the pipe 6b. Similarly, an electric temperature control valve 41b, a temperature sensor 43b, and a solenoid valve 20 for hot water supply are attached to the pipe 7 in order from the upstream side of the pipe 7. An electromagnetic valve 18a for hand shower is attached to the pipe 8a, and an electromagnetic valve 18b for hot water discharge is attached to the pipe 8b.

  The suction port 27 of the hot water tank 5 and the hot water supply port 28 of the bathtub 1 are connected to each other through a hot water supply pipe 12 via a pump 10. A motor valve 24 a is provided in the hot water supply pipe 12 a that connects the suction port 27 and the suction port side of the pump 10, and a motor valve 24 b is provided in the hot water supply pipe 12 b that connects the discharge port side of the pump 10 and the hot water supply port 28. A remaining hot water discharge pipe 57 is branched and extended from the hot water supply pipe 12 a located on the upstream side of the motor valve 24 a, and an electromagnetic valve 56 is provided in the pipe 57.

  A hot and cold hot water supply pipe 26 is branched from the hot water supply pipe 12a on the downstream side of the motor valve 24a. The hot and cold hot water supply pipe 26 is branched at a midway position and connected to the hot and cold hot water outlet 29 of the bathtub 1. A motor valve 24c and a motor valve 24d for draining hot water are disposed in the hot water supply / discharge pipe 26. A hot water discharge pipe 25 is branched from the hot water supply pipe 12b upstream of the motor valve 24b, and a hot water discharge motor valve 24e is provided in the hot water discharge pipe 25.

  When the power of the bathing device 45 is turned ON, all motor valve groups and electromagnetic valve groups related to the bathing device 45 except the motor valves 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e are set to an initial state in which they are closed.

In the bathing device 45, as a means for storing hot water from the hot water supply sources 46a and 46b in the hot water storage tank 5, the basic hot water storage means 17 for storing hot water using only the pipe 6 and the pipe 6 and the pipe 7 are used in combination. Rapid hot water storage means 13 for storing hot water is provided.
In the hot water storage operation control using the basic hot water storage means 17, when the automatic hot water storage switch 21 is depressed and hot water storage is started, the hot water storage electromagnetic valve 19a is closed and the hot water discharge electromagnetic valve 19b is opened. The thermo valve of the temperature control valve 41a is moved to a set temperature of hot water to be stored in the hot water tank 5, and hot water supplied from the hot water supply source 46a flows through the pipe 6a and is discharged via the pipe 6b.

  During the discharge operation, the temperature sensor 43a indicates that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the pipe 6a continuously for a predetermined time (= specifically 5 seconds or more) has converged within a range of ± 2 ° C. with respect to the set temperature. When detected, the solenoid valve 19b is closed, the solenoid valve 19a is opened, and hot water storage in the hot water tank 5 is started (basic hot water storage). When hot water storage is continued by the basic hot water storage means 17, the hand shower 9 can be used.

  When the temperature sensor 43a detects that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the pipe 6a does not converge within the range of ± 2 ° C. of the set temperature during hot water storage, the solenoid valve 19a is closed and the solenoid valve 19b is closed. Is opened and the hot water is discharged. If the hot water temperature in the pipe 6a does not converge within the range of ± 2 ° C. of the set temperature even after continuing the hot water for a predetermined time (= specifically 5 minutes), the solenoid valve 19b is closed and the hot water is stored. Operation is stopped.

The hot water storage operation control using the rapid hot water storage means 13 performs rapid hot water storage in the hot water storage tank 5 by simultaneously using the pipe 6 and the pipe 7 when the hand shower 9 is not used.
Simultaneously with the hot water storage operation control using the pipe 6 described above, the rapid hot water storage operation control using the pipe 7 described later is performed.

  When the automatic hot water storage switch 21 is pressed to start hot water storage, the solenoid valve 18a for hand shower and the electromagnetic valve 20 for hot water storage are closed and the solenoid valve 18b for hot water discharge is opened, and the electric temperature control valve The thermo valve 41b is moved to a set temperature of hot water to be stored in the hot water tank 5, and hot water supplied from the hot water supply source 46b flows through the pipe 7 and is discharged via the pipe 8b.

  During the discharge operation, the temperature sensor 43b indicates that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the pipe 7 continuously for a predetermined time (= specifically 5 seconds or more) has converged within a range of ± 2 ° C. with respect to the set temperature. When detected, the solenoid valve 18b is closed, the solenoid valve 20 is opened, and hot water storage in the hot water tank 5 is started (rapid hot water storage).

  When the temperature sensor 43b detects that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the pipe 7 does not converge within the range of ± 2 ° C of the set temperature during hot water storage, the solenoid valve 20 is closed and the solenoid valve 18b is opened. Valve is drained and drained. If the hot water temperature in the pipe 6a does not converge within the range of ± 2 ° C. of the set temperature even after continuing the hot water discharge for a predetermined time (= specifically 5 minutes), the solenoid valve 18b is closed and the hot water storage is performed. Operation is stopped.

  When the hand shower switch 22 is pressed and turned on while hot water storage by the rapid hot water storage means 13 is continued, the electromagnetic valve 20 is closed and hot water storage from the pipe 7 to the hot water tank 5 is stopped, and then the electromagnetic valve 18a is opened. Hot water can be discharged from the hand shower 9. At this time, hot water storage from the pipe 6 to the hot water storage tank 5 is not interrupted.

The water level control means 61 that controls the hot water storage operation to the hot water tank 5 and automatically manages and controls the adjustment of the hot water level in the hot water tank 5 is provided with two water levels fixed respectively above and below the side walls in the hot water tank 5. Sensors (= specifically, capacitive proximity sensors) 16b and 16a, and a control unit 40 that controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve group related to the signals of the water level sensors 16b and 16a.
After the hot water storage in the hot water storage tank 5 is started using the basic hot water storage means 17 and a while has passed, when the hot water level stored in the hot water storage tank 5 rises to the height position of the water level sensor 16b, the water level sensor 16b. The solenoid valve 19a is closed by the control unit 40 that has received the operation signal of the water level sensor 16b, the operation of the basic hot water storage means 17 is automatically stopped, and the hot water storage in the hot water storage tank 5 is completed. When hot water is stored using the rapid hot water storage means 13, when the hot water level in the hot water tank 5 rises to the height position of the water level sensor 16b, the control unit 40 closes the solenoid valve 19a and the solenoid valve 20. The operation of the rapid hot water storage means 13 is automatically stopped.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the operation panel 49 of the bathing device 45. As shown in FIG. 5, three hot water tank water level display LEDs 48 for displaying the water level in the hot water tank 5 are vertically provided on the operation panel 49. When the water level sensors 16a and 16b are activated, that is, when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 is full, the full LED 48c is lit. When the water level sensors 16a and 16b are not operated, that is, when the hot water in the hot water tank 5 is empty. The empty LED 48a lights up. When the water level sensor 16a is activated and the water level sensor 16b is not activated, the middle LED 48b indicating that the water level in the hot water storage tank 5 is an intermediate water level between full water and air is turned on.

  The water level control means 61 that controls the hot water supply operation to the bathtub 1 and automatically manages and controls the water level adjustment of the hot water in the bathtub 1 includes six water level sensors 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f (specifically, a capacitive proximity sensor) and a control unit 40 for controlling the opening / closing of the motor valve 24 group and the ON / OFF of the pump 10 which are related to the signals of the six water level sensors 14 group. It consists of. The six water level sensors 14 are fixed in the order of the height positions of the water level sensors 14a <14b <14c <14d <14e <14f with the floor surface 44 as a reference plane. The water level sensor 14 a is for detecting the lower limit water level in the bathtub 1, and the water level sensor 14 f is for detecting the upper limit water level in the bathtub 1. When the water level of the water level sensor 14f is detected, the motor valve 24d is opened, the hot water in the bathtub 1 is drained from the hot water supply / discharge port 29 via the hot water supply / discharge pipe 26, and the water level in the bathtub 1 is the water level of the water level sensor 14f. It descends to the undetected position. The water level sensor 14 b is for detecting the water level in the bathtub 1 that allows the operation of the pump 10.

  The water level sensors 14c, 14d, and 14e detect the water levels in the bathtub 1 as “low”, “medium”, and “high” levels, respectively. That is, when the water level in the bathtub 1 is detected by the water level sensor 14c, the water level in the bathtub 1 is recognized as a "low" level water level, and when the water level in the bathtub 1 is detected by the water level sensor 14d, the water level in the bathtub 1 is detected. Is recognized as the “medium” level water level, and the water level in the bathtub 1 is recognized as the “high” level water level when the water level sensor 14e detects the water level in the bathtub 1.

  Compared to a conventional water level detection means using a mechanical float switch and a float pipe to which the float switch is attached, the first embodiment employs a capacitance type proximity sensor as the water level detection means 61, thereby The capacitive proximity sensor can be directly attached to the bathtub 1 and the hot water tank 5, and the structure relating to the water level detection means 61 can be simplified, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

At the time of bathing, the assistant manually raises the lower limb support portion 67 in the lowered state and fixes it at the upper limit position. In this state, the assistant operates the push handle 73 of the wheelchair 3 to cause the wheelchair 3 to enter the bathtub 1 from the opening 2 while keeping the cart 65 along the guide rail 75. When the wheelchair 3 reaches a predetermined position in the bathtub 1, the lock pin 63 is fitted into the hole 64, and the wheelchair 3 and the bathtub 1 are temporarily fixed. (Temporarily fixed state)
When the lock pin 63 is inserted into the hole 64, a limit switch (not shown) is turned ON, and the motor valves 24d and 24e are closed.

The rod 69 of the electric actuator 68 is extended, the receiving member 79 of the backrest 62 of the wheelchair 3 is pressed by the pressing member 70, and the wheelchair 3 and the bathtub 1 are fixed (fixed state). The rod 69 extends only when the water level in the hot water storage tank 5 is equal to or higher than the height position of the water level sensor 16b and the wheelchair 3 and the bathtub 1 are in a temporarily fixed state.
As described above, the wheelchair 3 and the bathtub 1 are fixed by the two lock pins 63 and the one electric actuator 68, so that the opening 2 is watertightly held by the backrest 62 of the wheelchair 3.

Next, initial hot water supply operation control from the hot water tank 5 to the bathtub 1 will be described.
When the opening 2 is kept watertight by the wheelchair 3, the motor valves 24a, 24d, and 24e are closed, and the motor valves 24b and 24c are opened. During the initial hot water supply, the assistant operates the water level setting switch 32 of the operation panel 49 to set the water level for supplying hot water into the bathtub 1. The initial value of the set water level in the bathtub 1 is set to the “medium” level, and the water level is switched from “medium” → “low” → “high” → “medium” →... Each time the water level setting switch 32 is pressed. It is like that. The set water level can be recognized by the assistant by lighting one of the three high-level, middle-level, and low-level bathtub water level display LEDs 47 that are vertically arranged above the water level setting switch 32. It has become.

  When the hot water supply switch 23 is pressed to start hot water supply, the motor valve 24a is opened, and hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 is transferred into the bathtub 1 through the hot water supply pipe 12 and the hot water supply / discharge hot water pipe 26. The pump 10 does not operate until the water level sensor 14b detects the water level of the hot water transferred into the bathtub 1.

At the same time that the water level sensor 14b detects the hot water level, the motor valve 24c is closed and the operation of the pump 10 is started, and hot water enters the bathtub 1 via the hot water supply pipe 12 by the operation of the pump 10 (hot water transfer function 36). Transfers are made. When hot water in the bathtub 1 reaches the set water level, the control unit 40 closes the motor valve 24a, opens the motor valve 24c, stops the operation of the pump 10, and completes the initial hot water supply.
When an assistant selects and sets a low water level with the water level setting switch 32 at the time of initial hot water supply, when the hot water level in the bathtub 1 reaches the height position of the water level sensor 14c, the hot water supply is automatically set. Stops, and when the assistant selects and sets the set water level of “medium”, the hot water level reaches the level of the water level sensor 14d, and when the set water level of “high” is selected and set, the hot water level becomes the water level. When the sensor 14e reaches the height position, the hot water supply is automatically stopped.

Next, the hot water supply operation control when raising the water level of hot water stored in the bathtub 1 at the initial hot water supply, that is, when adding hot water will be described.
When the water level in the bathtub 1 is higher than the water level sensor 14b and lower than the water level sensor 14f, and the water level in the hot water tank 5 is higher than the water level sensor 16a, the bathtub hot water switch 23 is pressed. Then, after the operation of the pump 10 is started, the motor valve 24a is opened, the motor valve 24c is closed, and the operation of the pump 10 supplies hot water to a water level that is one rank higher than the current water level. Is made.
When the water level in the bathtub 1 reaches a level higher than the current water level, the controller 40 closes the motor valve 24a, opens the motor valve 24c, stops the operation of the pump 10, and increases. Hot water is complete.
In addition, the bathtub water level display LED 47 is in a state in which the portion corresponding to the water level set at the time of initial hot water supply is lit even after completion of the increase in hot water.

  When the current water level is not less than the height position of the water level sensor 14c and less than the height position of the water level sensor 14d ("low" level water level), the water level is not less than the height position of the water level sensor 14d and less than the height position of the water level sensor 14e (" When the current water level is “medium” level water level, the hot water is automatically increased to a level higher than the water level sensor 14e and below the water level sensor 14f (“high” level water level). Will continue.

  Before the current water level in the bathtub 1 ("low" level water level) reaches a higher level ("medium" level water level), the stop switch 50 is depressed and the hot water level is adjusted manually. Is also possible. When the stop switch 50 is pressed, the motor valve 24a is closed and the motor valve 24c is opened. Then, the operation of the pump 10 is stopped and the hot water is stopped. When the water level has reached the “high” level water level, the hot water hot water operation is not executed even if the bathtub hot water supply switch 23 is pressed.

One jet nozzle 11a / 11b is provided on the inner side wall of each of the left and right long sides 1a / 1b of the bathtub 1, and two jet nozzles 11c / 11d are arranged in the left / right direction on the inner side wall of the short side 1c. The
The four jet nozzles 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are connected to jet pipes 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d that branch out from the hot water supply pipe 12b on the upstream side of the motor valve 24b. Solenoid valves 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d are disposed in the jet pipes 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, respectively.

  When the water level sensor 14c detects the water level in the bathtub 1, jet discharge from the four jet nozzles 11 is possible. At this time, when the jet switch 30 is pressed, the motor valve 24b is closed, the electromagnetic valves 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d are opened, and the operation of the pump 10 is started.

The hot water in the bathtub 1 is absorbed from the hot water supply / discharge port 29 by the operation of the pump 10 (jet discharge function 37), flows in the hot water supply / discharge pipe 26 and the hot water supply pipe 12a, and is branched and extended into four pipes by the hot water supply pipe 12b. It is discharged as a jet from the jet nozzles 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d through the jet pipes 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, respectively. The air mixed in the hot water in the bathtub 1 and discharged from the jet nozzles 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d is taken in from the air suction ports 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d, respectively.
During jet discharge, the jet discharge display LED 53 provided at the upper left position of the jet switch 30 is turned on, and during jet stop, the jet discharge display LED 53 is turned off.

  When the jet switch 30 is pressed again or the water level in the bathtub 1 falls to the water level non-detection position of the water level sensor 14c, the electromagnetic valves 51a, 51b, 51c and 51d are closed and the motor valve 24b is opened. The operation of the pump 10 is stopped, and the jet discharge from the four jet nozzles 11 is stopped.

Next, the 1st automatic discharge means 39 which discharges the hot water in the bathtub 1 with which the bathing apparatus 45 is equipped automatically is described.
When the bathtub water drain switch 55 is pressed when the current water level in the bathtub 1 is equal to or higher than the height position of the water level sensor 14b, the motor valve 24b is closed, the motor valve 24e is opened, and the operation of the pump 10 is started. After the operation of the pump 10 (forced discharge function 38), the hot water in the bathtub 1 is led from the hot water supply / discharge port 29 to the hot water supply pipe 25 via the hot water supply / discharge pipe 26 and the hot water supply pipe 12, It is forcibly discharged out of the bathing device 45.

  When the water level in the bathtub 1 falls below the height position of the water level sensor 14b by the forced discharge operation, the operation of the pump 10 is stopped, the motor valves 24b and 24d are opened, and hot water in the bathtub 1 is supplied and discharged. At the same time as passing through the hot water supply port 26 through the hot water supply pipe 26, the hot water supply port 28 is naturally discharged out of the bath 45 via the hot water supply pipe 25.

  When hot water remains in the hot water tank 5 in a predetermined amount or more, forced discharge using the pump 10 is possible. That is, the water level in the hot water storage tank 5 is equal to or higher than the height position of the water level sensor 16a, the hot water supply operation from the hot water storage tank 5 to the bathtub 1, the jet discharge operation from the jet nozzle 11, and the discharge of hot water in the bathtub 1. If the hot water tank drain switch 58 is pressed in any state that is not in operation, the motor valves 24a, 24e are opened, the motor valves 24b, 24c, 24d are closed, and the pump 10 is activated ( The forced discharge function 38) starts.

Hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 is forcibly discharged from the hot water supply pipe 12 to the outside of the bath apparatus 45 via the hot water supply pipe 25 by the operation of the pump 10. When the water level in the hot water tank 5 falls below the height position of the water level sensor 16a, the forced discharge operation stops.
The conventional method for discharging hot water in a hot water tank in a wheelchair bathing device is to pull out the drain plug provided in the hot water tank, or transfer the hot water in the hot water tank to the bathtub side, and then remove the drain tap on the bathtub side. It was either unplugging or discharging. Therefore, the assistant needs to work to remove the drain plug of the hot water tank or bathtub, or has the disadvantage that extra waiting time is required for discharging the hot water in the hot water tank to the tub side. However, the hot water in the hot water tank 5 is automatically discharged out of the bath device 45 by simply pressing the hot water tank drain switch 58 as described above. This eliminates the need for work and reduces the labor of the caregiver. Furthermore, when the hot water in the hot water storage tank is discharged, the hot water in the hot water storage tank does not need to be transferred to the bathtub side, and the hot water is forced out of the bathing device 45 by the operation of the pump 10. The time required for hot water discharge work can be shortened.

  When performing the discarded hot water that lowers the level of the hot water in the bathtub 1, the assistant presses the discarded hot water switch 81. Thereby, the discharge operation of the hot water in the bathtub 1 described above is started, and the water level is lowered to a water level one rank lower than the current water level. When the hot water in the bathtub 1 reaches a lower level, the discharge operation is automatically stopped and the discarded hot water is completed.

  More specifically, when the current water level is the “high” level water level, the hot water decreases to the “medium” level water level by the forced discharge operation described above. At this time, the operation of the pump 10 is stopped by the control unit 40, the motor valve 24b is opened, the motor valve 24e is closed, and the forced discharge operation is stopped. Similarly, when the current water level is the “medium” level water level, the hot water decreases to the “low” level water level by the forced discharge operation. When the current water level is a “low” level water level, the hot water decreases to a level below the level of the water level sensor 14a by the forced discharge operation and the natural discharge operation. In addition, the bathtub water level display LED 47 is in a state in which the portion corresponding to the water level set at the time of initial hot water supply is lit even after completion of the discarded hot water.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an electrical configuration related to the bathing apparatus 45.
Temperatures set by a hot water tank temperature setting switch 77 for setting the temperature of hot water to be stored in the hot water tank 5 and a hand shower temperature setting switch 78 for setting the temperature of hot water discharged from the hand shower 9 are provided in the control unit 40. Stored in the parameter storage unit 76.

  When a temperature environment change occurs in the hot water supplied from the hot water supply sources 46a and 46b, the temperature of the hot water flowing in the pipes 6 and 7 changes. When the temperature sensors 43a and 43b detect this temperature change, the detection signals are transmitted to and stored in the parameter storage unit 76, and the temperature detected by the temperature storage units 43a and 43b and the hot water tank temperature setting switch 77 are detected. Then, the control unit 40 automatically adjusts the mixing ratio of hot water and water of the electric temperature control valves 41a and 41b, and the hot water at the set temperature enters the hot water storage tank 5. Control to store hot water.

  In addition, after the parameter storage unit 76 compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 43b with the temperature set by the hand shower temperature setting switch 78, the control unit 40 performs hot water and water of the electric temperature control valve 41b. The mixture ratio is automatically adjusted, and control is performed so that hot water at a set temperature is discharged from the hand shower 9.

Shoulder shower nozzles 34a and 34b for spraying bath water toward the bather's shoulders are pivotally attached to the upper positions of the inner side walls of the left and right long sides 1a and 1b of the bathtub 1 near the opening 2 respectively. The shoulder shower nozzles 34 a and 34 b and the bath water inlet 31 provided on the bottom wall of the bathtub 1 are connected by a shoulder shower pipe 35 via a shoulder pump 42.
A flow rate adjusting valve 59 for manually adjusting the discharge amount of hot water discharged from the shoulder shower nozzle 34 is provided in the pipe 35 on the discharge port side of the shoulder pump 42.

  When using the shoulder shower 34, the assistant first presses the ejection pressure setting switch 4 to set the ejection pressure of the hot water discharged from the shoulder shower nozzle 34. The initial value of the ejection pressure is set to the “medium” level, and every time the ejection pressure setting switch 4 is pressed, the ejection pressure is switched from “medium” → “weak” → “strong” → “medium” →. It has become. The set ejection pressure is determined by the helper by lighting one of the three “strong”, “medium”, and “weak” ejection pressure display LEDs 15 vertically disposed above the ejection pressure setting switch 4. It can be recognized.

When the water level in the bathtub 1 is equal to or higher than the level of the water level sensor 14b (shoulderable water level), when the shoulder shower switch 60 is pressed, the operation of the shoulder pump 42 is started, and hot water is supplied from the bath hot water inlet 31. Inhaled, hot water is discharged from the two shoulder shower nozzles 34 toward the shoulder of the bather via the shoulder shower pipe 35.
In accordance with the ejection pressure set by the ejection pressure setting switch 4, the rotation speed of the shoulder pump 42 is controlled by the control unit 40 by the inverter 33. Therefore, the jet pressure of the bath water discharged from the shoulder shower nozzles 34a and 34b can be controlled in intensity, and compared with the conventional one that discharges the hot water from the shoulder shower monotonously and keeps the bather warm. A massage function such as can be added.

  When the shoulder shower switch 60 is pressed again or the water level in the bathtub 1 falls below the height position of the water level sensor 14b, the operation of the shoulder pump 42 is stopped and the hot water discharge operation is stopped.

When the hot water in the bathtub 1 is discharged and the water level falls below the height position of the water level sensor 14a, the rod 69 of the electric actuator 68 can be contracted.
When taking care of the bather, the caregiver contracts the rod 69, releases the fixation of the backrest 62 of the wheelchair 3 and the bathtub 1 by the pressing and fixing means 72, pulls the lock pin operating lever 74 forward, and pulls the lock pin 63. The wheelchair 3 is removed from the hole 64, the wheelchair 3 and the bathtub 1 are separated, and the wheelchair 3 is withdrawn from the bathtub 1.

  When the assistant turns off the power of the bathing device 45, the second automatic discharge means 82 is activated and the remaining hot water remaining in the hot water supply pipe 12 from the hot water storage tank 5 is automatically discharged. The second automatic discharge means 82 includes a remaining hot water discharge pipe 57 and a solenoid valve 56. The solenoid valve 56 is a normally open solenoid valve that opens when not energized and closes when energized. . Therefore, when the bathing device 45 is turned on, the solenoid valve 56 is normally closed. However, when the bathing device 45 is turned off, the solenoid valve 56 is automatically opened, and the hot water tank 5 and the hot water storage are stored. Residual hot water staying in the hot water supply pipe 12 a extending from the inlet 27 of the tank 5 to the upstream side of the motor valve 24 a goes out of the bath apparatus 45 via the residual hot water discharge pipe 57 when the power of the bath apparatus 45 is turned off. Automatically discharged. Note that a latch-type solenoid valve may be used as the solenoid valve 56.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to a bathing apparatus in which a wheelchair is inserted into a bathtub, hot water is transferred from the hot water tank into the bathtub, and the patient is bathed.

The figure which shows the piping system which concerns on the bathing apparatus of Example 1. The perspective view which shows the state of the bathing apparatus before inserting a wheelchair in a bathtub Left side view showing the state of the bathing device after inserting the wheelchair into the bathtub Partial enlarged perspective view of bathing device viewed from the back side Top view showing the operation panel of the bathing device Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the bathing device

1
Bathtub 3
Wheelchair 5
Hot water tank 9
Hand shower 10 Pump 11 Jet nozzle 12 Hot water supply pipe 13 Rapid hot water storage means 45 Bathing device 46 Hot water supply source

Claims (2)

In the bathing apparatus which has the bathtub 1 and the hot water tank 5, inserts the wheelchair 3 in the bathtub 1, transfers hot water from the hot water tank 5 into the bathtub 1, and bathes a patient,
Multiple hot water storage pipes to the hot water tank 5 are arranged,
Among them, a part of one hot water storage piping is shared with piping for hand showers,
A bathing apparatus comprising quick hot water storage means 13 for storing hot water in combination with the plurality of hot water storage pipes when the hand shower 9 is not used when hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 5.
The mixing ratio of hot water and water from the hot water supply source 46 is automatically adjusted according to the set temperature, and the hot water temperature to the hot water tank 5 and the hot water temperature discharged from the hand shower 9 are automatically controlled. The bathing apparatus according to claim 1.

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