Mobile shower system

Abstract

Mobile shower system (1) with a portable and / or movable housing (2), a fresh water line (3) and a wastewater line (4) to which a wastewater pump (5) is provided. A scald protection device (6) is arranged in the fresh water line (3), which mechanically interrupts the flow through the fresh water line (3) when a protection temperature is exceeded.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile shower system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Mobile shower systems are used, for example, for washing bedridden patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and in residential care settings. To enable patients to be washed in bed, special nursing beds have been developed that create a waterproof tub without having to transfer the patient. This allows caregivers to wash a patient alone without having to transport them to a bathroom, which would often be impossible for a single caregiver. In some cases, the patient's health also prevents them from being moved to another room for washing.

[0003] Particularly in home care, the problem is that there is no washing infrastructure in the bed area. While there are special beds or bed covers that allow the patient to wash in bed (an example of this is disclosed in WO 08 / 024430 A2), the bedroom or patient room generally lacks the water connections, sinks, or drains required for body washing.

[0004] While it would be possible to supply fresh water from the nearest water supply to the patient via a long hose and collect the wastewater in a mobile container, this poses the problem that the temperature set at the water supply cannot be controlled from the bedside location. FR 2978348 A1, for example, discloses such a device. Such systems are also described in DE 197 50 478 A1 and DE 10 2008 030 899 A1, which may also include mixing units.

[0005] Mobile washing stations promise a solution to this problem. They have tanks for fresh water and wastewater, as well as the necessary wash basins, shower heads, and wastewater suction devices, and can be moved to the bed on casters. DE 295 14 097 U1 describes a mobile shower unit with tanks for fresh water and wastewater and an electric hot water heater, which can also incorporate an electric overtemperature safety circuit. DE 91 13 094 U1 shows a mobile shower system with a cold water tank and a hot water tank, as well as a mixing unit for mixing cold and hot water. Therefore, an additional cold water tank is required to mix hot and cold water.

[0006] Due to the tanks for fresh water and wastewater, such mobile washing stations are considerably heavy when ready for use. This is generally not a problem in hospitals, as there are no thresholds to overcome and sufficiently large elevators (e.g., bed lifts) are available. Hospitals also have the necessary infrastructure to fill the washing station tanks with fresh water, empty them after use, and clean and disinfect them in accordance with strict hygiene standards. In home care, on the other hand, door thresholds, steps, or staircases often have to be overcome between the bathroom and the bedroom or patient room, which can quickly become insurmountable obstacles for a heavy, water-filled washing cart.Such washing stations are particularly expensive due to hygiene requirements, making it impossible to provide such a washing station for a single patient in an apartment, simply for cost reasons. Fresh water heating devices are particularly problematic in terms of hygiene. Instantaneous water heaters, for example, are very difficult to disinfect and provide a favorable environment for harmful bacteria and hospital germs. Electronic controllers, such as those for temperature control, are also required, and must meet high safety standards. US 2016 / 0077530 A1 describes an intelligent valve that can be installed on a water outlet and interrupts the water flow if the temperature is too high.

[0007] There is therefore a need for mobile shower systems that can be used easily and safely in home care settings, that are easy to disinfect and clean, and whose cost also allows for use in home care settings.

[0008] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by a mobile shower system according to claim 1. This solves numerous problems of the prior art in a surprisingly simple way. Hot water systems with which the water temperature is difficult to regulate no longer pose a problem, since the scalding protection eliminates any risk to the patient. This significantly reduces the cost of manufacturing the mobile shower system.

[0009] It is also possible to implement the shower system according to the invention in conjunction with a heavy trolley. Here, too, the scalding protection allows for an advantageous and cost-effective design.

[0010] In an embodiment not according to the invention, the fresh water line can run from a fresh water connection accessible from the outside of the housing via the anti-scalding device to a washing hose connection accessible from the outside of the housing. This allows the hoses and fittings required for use to be easily connected to the shower system.

[0011] In a further embodiment not according to the invention, the wastewater line can run from a return connection accessible from the outside of the housing via the wastewater pump to a drain connection accessible from the outside of the housing. In the context of the present disclosure, "wastewater line" and "freshwater line" refer in particular to the sections of the corresponding lines that are located and installed in the housing. This designation serves merely to distinguish and improve the comprehensibility of the disclosure and is not to be interpreted in a restrictive manner.

[0012] According to the invention, a fresh water pump is provided on the fresh water line. This allows the system to be used without a fresh water connection in the accessible area. In this case, the fresh water is drawn from a simple tank using the fresh water pump and brought to the required discharge pressure.

[0013] For this purpose, the shower system has a fresh water tank and a waste water tank, which are preferably detachably attached or fixed to the housing. The fresh water tank's volume can be connected or fixed to the fresh water connection, and the waste water tank's volume can be connected or fixed to the drain connection. This allows the shower system to be used "autonomously," i.e., independently of a water connection.

[0014] The housing can have a switch arrangement that can be operated from the outside of the housing. In a simple embodiment, a single switch that activates the wastewater pump (and, if necessary, the freshwater pump) is sufficient. More complex switching elements and displays can also be provided if desired. For example, a temperature display for the freshwater can be provided.

[0015] The housing can provide storage space for accessories, in particular a fresh water hose, a washing hose, a return hose, a drain hose, a suction head, and / or a shower head. This allows all the parts required for using the mobile shower system to be stored and transported within the housing.

[0016] Preferably, according to the invention, a color marking matching the corresponding connections of the washing hose and / or the return line connection can be provided on the washing hose connection and / or the return line connection. This prevents configuration errors and simplifies and accelerates commissioning of the shower system. Such color markings can also be provided in conjunction with a wastewater and / or freshwater tank, provided they can be connected to the corresponding connections.

[0017] Advantageously, the wash hose connection and / or the return line connection can be designed as quick-release fasteners and preferably have a water stop function. This simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the shower system and prevents water from leaking from the housing after the hoses have been removed.

[0018] The present invention is described below with reference to the Figures 1 to 12 which show exemplary, schematic and non-limiting advantageous embodiments of the invention. Fig. 1 a closed housing of a mobile shower system not covered by the scope of the claims in a diagrammatic representation; Fig. 2 the opened housing of the mobile shower system not covered by the scope of the claims with the system parts arranged therein in a diagrammatic representation; Fig. 3a diagrammatic representation of the opened housing, with the system parts covered with a cover plate to define a storage space for accessories; Fig. 4 an alternative arrangement of the system components in the housing; Fig. 5 a diagrammatic representation of the connections provided on the outside of the housing; Fig. 6 the mobile shower system not covered by the scope of the claims with hoses or fittings connected to it in a diagrammatic representation; Fig. 7 illustrates the use of the mobile shower system not covered by the scope of the claims according to a first variant; Fig. 8 illustrates the use of the mobile shower system not covered by the scope of the claims according to a second variant; Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the mobile shower system not covered by the scope of the claims in a diagrammatic representation; Fig. 10shows a diagrammatic representation of the Fig. 9 illustrated shower system not covered by the scope of the claims in a further view; Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of the mobile shower system according to the invention in a diagrammatic representation and Fig. 12 shows the system components inside the housing of the shower system from Fig. 11 .

[0019] Fig. 1shows a mobile shower system 1 according to a first embodiment not according to the invention in a stowed, transport-ready state. The entire mobile shower system 1 is housed in a housing 2 that has approximately the shape and size of a suitcase. The housing 2 can be manufactured from a cost-effective, yet stable and durable plastic molding that is also easy to clean. A fresh water connection 7 and a drain connection 10 are provided on the narrow sides of the housing 2 on the outside shown on the right in the image, and a wash hose connection 8 and a return line connection 9 are provided on the outside shown on the left. The housing 2 has a carrying handle 21 molded into the housing. A switch arrangement 13 is provided below the carrying handle in a protected position, whereby a single on / off switch is sufficient for a simple embodiment.The housing 2 is secured against unintentional opening by means of two case locks 22.

[0020] The Fig. 1 to 8 The illustrated non-inventive embodiments of the shower system 1 each have a housing in the form of a simple carrying case. However, the housing can also have more complex shapes and, for example, be designed in the form of a trolley case equipped with wheels and a handlebar to facilitate transport.

[0021] Fig. 2shows a view of the opened housing, with the system components of the mobile shower system 1 all arranged in one of the two case shells. Inside the housing 2 there is a fresh water line 3, which runs from the fresh water connection 7 to the wash hose connection 8, and a waste water line 4, which runs from the return line connection 9 to the drain connection 10. In the fresh water line 3 there is an anti-scalding device 6, which mechanically interrupts the flow through the fresh water line 3 if the fresh water flowing therein exceeds a protective temperature. The protective temperature is usually a maximum of 46 °C and can be adjusted using appropriate adjusting elements or electronically if necessary. In the simplest embodiment, the protective temperature is fixed and cannot be adjusted.The fresh water line 3 and the waste water line 4 each have simple, hygienic-quality hoses, which are attached to the corresponding connectors, for example, with hose clamps. This facilitates the installation and replacement of these pipe sections. Additionally, a water filter (not shown) can be installed in the fresh water line 3.

[0022] A wastewater pump 5 is arranged on the wastewater line, which pumps the wastewater from the return connection 9 to the drain connection 10. The wastewater pump 5 is equipped with a pressure switch for the wastewater, thus preventing dry running. A power supply unit 24 can be connected to the power grid via a power cable 23, which thus supplies the pump with power. The wiring between the power supply unit 24, the wastewater pump 5, and the switch assembly 12 can be limited to just a few cables. The power supply cable 23 can be stowed in the housing 2 for transport. To prevent the protruding power supply cable 23 from being crushed when the housing is closed, the housing 2 can have a recess for the cable. If necessary, an "external" power supply unit 24 can also be used.In this case, a socket can be arranged in or on the housing 2, into which the plug of the power supply unit 24 can be inserted, preferably in a fixable manner.

[0023] Several spacers 25 are arranged in the housing, extending upwards from the bottom of the housing beyond the maximum height of the system components. A cover plate 26 can be placed on the spacers 25 and secured, for example, using screws or bayonet fasteners.

[0024] In Fig. 3The mobile shower system 1 is shown again with the housing 2 open, with the cover plate 26 arranged and fastened to the spacers 25. Above the cover plate 26, the housing 2 defines a storage space 13 that is sufficiently large to store the accessories required for using the mobile shower system 1. Preferably, the power cable 23 can be guided laterally past the cover plate 26 or through a slot provided therein, so that it can also be arranged in the storage space 13. It is therefore not necessary to open the cover plate 26 in order to connect the shower system 1 to the power grid using the power cable 23.

[0025] The accessories required for using the mobile shower system may include, for example, a fresh water hose 14, a washing hose 15, a shower head 19, a return hose 16, a suction head 18 and a drain hose 17.

[0026] In the context of the present disclosure, all elements of the mobile shower system 1 that are (fixedly or detachably) installed in the housing 2 are referred to as "system parts." Other parts that are used in conjunction with the shower system 1 and can also be stored in the housing 2 are referred to as "accessories." However, this classification serves only to improve understanding and should not be interpreted in any way as limiting.

[0027] The fresh water hose 14 has a connector at one end that fits the fresh water connection 7. The connectors can be easily connected to one another by plugging them together, for example, in the form of a quick-release fastener. The connection can be secured using an additional screw sleeve if necessary. The other end of the fresh water hose 14 has a connector that can be connected to a conventional shower or household water connection. Adapters (not shown) can be provided if necessary to connect the fresh water hose 14 to different threads or systems.

[0028] The drain hose 17 has a connector that can be connected to the drain connector 10, which connector can also be designed as a quick-release fastener. The other end of the drain hose 17 is designed as a free end. This free end can, for example, be hooked into a bathtub, shower, sink, toilet, or other drain. If necessary, fastening means can be provided at the free end to prevent the end from slipping or falling out.

[0029] The wash hose 15 has a quick-release fastener at one end that fits the wash hose connector 8. The shower head 19 is located at the other end and can be removed or replaced if necessary. The shower head 19 has a water stop valve that is operated by the caregiver using a push button.

[0030] The return hose 16 has a quick-release fastener at one end that fits the return connection 9. At the other end, a suction head 18 is arranged, which can be placed in a collecting basin of a bed shower to suck out the wastewater from there.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows the system components arranged in the housing 2 of the mobile shower system 1 according to an alternative embodiment. This essentially corresponds to the Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, however, a fresh water pump 11 is arranged on the fresh water line 4, with which the fresh water can be pumped from the fresh water connection 7 to the washing hose connection 8. This allows the mobile shower system 7 to also be used with a pressure-free fresh water tank. The other Fig. 4 The system components shown do not differ significantly from the representation in Fig. 2, whereby the detailed description in connection with Fig. 2 is referred to.

[0032] Fig. 5shows a more detailed representation of the connections on one side, namely the fresh water connection 7 and the drain connection 10, as well as the ends of the fresh water hose 14 and the drain hose 17 to be connected to them. The fresh water connection 7 and the quick-release fastener of the fresh water hose 14 as well as the drain connection 10 and the quick-release fastener of the drain hose 17 are each provided with matching color markings 20, 20' to make it easier to quickly find the correct connection. The wash hose connection 8 and the quick-release fastener of the wash hose 15 as well as the return line connection 9 and the quick-release fastener of the return line hose 16 are also provided with corresponding color markings. Additionally, the connections can have different diameters or configurations so that confusion of the connections can be ruled out.

[0033] Fig. 6shows the mobile shower system 1 with closed housing 2, to which the fresh water hose 14, the washing hose 15, the return hose 16 and the drain hose 17 are connected.

[0034] In Fig. 7 The use of the mobile shower system 1 is schematically outlined, with the fresh water hose 14 connected directly to a faucet 27 (for hot water). This configuration works with both the mobile shower system 1, which is installed in Fig. 2 shown, as well as with the Fig. 4 system shown.

[0035] The fresh water (warm) flows from the faucet 27 via the fresh water hose 14 and passes through the fresh water line 3 arranged in the housing 2 and the anti-scalding device 6 to the wash hose 15. The pressure from the faucet 27 is applied to the shower head 19. The caregiver can then switch the flow of warm water from the faucet 27 on or off for washing the patient using the push button located on the shower head 19. The patient is, for example, in a bedpan provided for this purpose.

[0036] The wastewater flowing from the patient is sucked away by the wastewater pump 5 via the suction head 18. The suction head 18 can be positioned, for example, in the lowest area of ​​the bedpan. From the suction head 18, the wastewater enters the return hose 16, flows through the wastewater line 4 and the wastewater pump 5, and via the drain hose 17 into a sink 28, from where it flows into the drain. The free end of the drain hose 17 was previously placed in the sink 28 and secured there if necessary. Alternatively, the wastewater can also be pumped into a wastewater container, which is then emptied.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows an alternative application of the mobile shower system 1, which is equipped with a fresh water pump 11, such as the one in Fig. 4The fresh water can therefore also be pumped via the fresh water hose 14 from a pressure-free fresh water container 29 to the shower head 19. The fresh water container can be a simple, clean bucket or canister that has been previously filled with warm water. This allows the use of the mobile shower system 1 even in environments that are too far away from a water connection. The waste water is discharged into the Fig. 8 In the illustrated application, the water is pumped into a wastewater tank 30, so that no nearby drain is required. If necessary, the mobile shower system 1 can also be provided and sold with a specially designed wastewater tank 30 and a freshwater tank 29, which may also have connections for the drain hose 17 and the freshwater hose 14, respectively.

[0038] Figs. 9 and 10show a mobile shower system 1 according to another embodiment not according to the invention. The housing 2 in this case consists of a metal housing, in particular made of stainless steel, mounted on steerable rollers 31, in which the corresponding pumps and lines are arranged. The rollers 31 are preferably lockable to secure the positioned shower system 1 in its position. The rollers have a sufficiently large diameter to ensure comfortable transport and to be able to safely overcome even small thresholds.

[0039] A fresh water tank 29 and a waste water tank 30 are fixedly or detachably mounted on the outside of the housing 2. Each of these can be closed with quick-release lids 32, 33. These can be quickly and easily secured and opened with snap-on fasteners 39.

[0040] The arrangement of the pumps essentially corresponds to that in Fig. 4illustrated embodiment with a fresh water pump 11 and a waste water pump 5. For reasons of clarity, Figs. 9 and 10 The system components are not shown, as they are enclosed in the housing. However, it is within the skill of an average person skilled in the art to provide a corresponding arrangement of lines and system components. Therefore, the previously used reference numerals will continue to be used below, even if individual components are identified in Figs. 9 and 10 are shown or hidden.

[0041] The wastewater tank 30 is fixedly or detachably connected to the drain connection 10, either directly or via a drain hose 17, so that the wastewater is pumped from the return hose 16 via the wastewater line 4 into the wastewater tank 30. The freshwater tank 29, in turn, is fixedly or detachably connected to the freshwater connection 7, either directly or via a freshwater hose 14.

[0042] The wastewater tank 30 and the fresh water tank 29 are preferably each made of stainless steel and have a cylindrical, saucepan-like shape that is very easy and thorough to clean and disinfect. The tanks can be double-walled with thermal insulation in between. The fresh water tank 29 can be provided with a heater, for example, a controllable heating device that is not in direct contact with the fresh water. This can be achieved, for example, with an induction heater acting on the base plate, which can heat the fresh water in the fresh water tank 29 and / or maintain it at a constant temperature.

[0043] The waste water tank 30 and / or the fresh water tank 29 can be fixedly mounted on the housing 2, or they can also be detachably attached so that they can be removed, for example for cleaning purposes.

[0044] All functions of the shower system 1 can be controlled via a control console 34. This can be designed, for example, as a color touchscreen display, allowing for simple and intuitive operation. For example, a water temperature indicator or other useful displays can be provided on the control console 34. The control console 34 can also record data in the background, such as operating hours, water temperature, etc.

[0045] A float switch 35 is arranged in the waste water tank 30 ( Fig. 10 ), via which a full wastewater tank 30 can be detected. It is not necessary to provide a separate drainage system for the wastewater tank 30, since the contents of the wastewater tank 30 can be pumped out via the return hose 16 by simply reversing the pumping power of the wastewater pump 5, with the suction head 18 simply being placed in a sink or other drain beforehand.

[0046] A temperature sensor is provided in the fresh water tank 29 in the area of ​​the fresh water connection 7, so that the temperature is measured directly at the outlet, enabling precise measurement of the temperature supplied to the shower hose. Additionally, a scalding protection device 6 is arranged in the fresh water line 3. If necessary, the protective temperature of the scalding protection device 6 can be electronically controlled via the control console 34. Additionally or optionally, electronic scalding protection can be implemented via the temperature sensor and the control of the fresh water pump 11. Furthermore, a water filter can also be provided in the fresh water line 3.

[0047] The lines and system components of the Figs. 9 and 10 The shower system 1 shown is arranged in such a way that the circuits for dirty water and fresh water are separated from each other, which is advantageous for reasons of hygiene.

[0048] In Figs. 11 and 12 1 shows two views of a shower system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. As in the previously described embodiment, this shower system has a fresh water tank 29 and a waste water tank 30, which, however, are recessed into the top of the housing 2 in a tub-like manner, similar to a washbasin. Lids (not shown) can be provided for the fresh water tank 29 and / or the waste water tank 30, with which the upwardly open containers can be closed, for example for transport. The water in the fresh water tank 29 can, if necessary, be temperature-controlled using a heating device. Preferably, the heating device can not be in direct contact with the fresh water, for example in the form of an induction heater.

[0049] The fresh water tank 29 has a connection connected to the fresh water line 3 inside the housing, and the waste water tank 30 has a connection connected to the waste water line 4 inside the housing. The fresh water tank 29 and the waste water tank 30 can be fixedly or removably mounted on the housing and the corresponding connections.

[0050] The housing 2 is designed in the form of a sturdy rolling box, with the rollers 31 designed to support considerable weight, allowing the trolley to be easily transported even when full, i.e., filled with fresh water or wastewater. The rollers 31 have locking devices that can be used to secure the position. The housing can be made of metal or plastic, for example.

[0051] The control panel 34 is located in an elevated, easily accessible position above the water-carrying components. The fresh water temperature and / or the protection temperature can be adjusted via the control panel 34, as already described in the previous embodiments.

[0052] Storage compartments are provided below the control console 34, in which, for example, soaps, towels, etc., can be stored and transported. The housing 2 is provided with large handles on three sides at the top, which can be used to move or guide the shower system 1.

[0053] On the front of the housing 2, a wash hose connection 8 for a wash hose 15 and a return connection 9 for a return hose 16 are provided. These connections are each designed as quick-release fasteners with a water stop function. Mounting hooks are provided on the front for the return hose 16 and the wash hose 15. A drip tray 36 is arranged at the lower edge of the front of the housing 2 to collect water droplets from the connections or hoses.

[0054] Fig. 12 shows the inside of the housing 2 as seen from the rear. The rear can, for example, have a removable or hinged cover through which the internal system components and cables can be accessed. The arrangement of the cables and system components essentially corresponds to the previously described cable arrangement and is shown in Fig. 12Simplified and schematically illustrated. In addition to the previously described embodiments, a drain pump 38 is provided for emptying the fresh water tank. This allows the fresh water tank to be quickly emptied after showering without having to drain the water via the wash hose 15 and the shower head 19. If necessary, a separate drain pump can also be provided for the waste water tank 30. Alternatively, the waste water can be pumped out via the return hose 16 by reversing the waste water pump 5. The pump arrangement makes it possible to empty the waste water tank 30 and the fresh water tank 29 without having to lift these containers.

[0055] The two containers, ie the fresh water container 29 and the waste water container 30, each have an emergency drain cock 37, with which the containers can also be emptied manually in the event of operational malfunctions.

[0056] Particularly in the last-described embodiment, but also in the other embodiments, an automatic detergent dosing system can be provided in the fresh water line 3, which can preferably be arranged downstream of the anti-scalding device 6 and, if appropriate, the fresh water pump 11. Detergent dosing systems are known in the art, but they are particularly advantageous in conjunction with the previously described shower systems, as they allow the caregiver to work with their hands free. The detergent dosing can be operated and adjusted, for example, via the control console 34. Reference symbol:

[0057] Shower system 1 Housing 2 Fresh water line 3 Waste water line 4 Waste water pump 5 Scalding protection device 6 Fresh water connection 7 Wash hose connection 8 Return line connection 9 Drain connection 10 Fresh water pump 11 Switch arrangement 12 Storage space 13 Fresh water hose 14 Wash hose 15 Return hose 16 Drain hose 17 Suction head 18 Shower head 19 Color marking 20 Carrying handle 21 Case lock 22 Power cable 23 Power supply unit 24 Spacer 25 Cover plate 26 Faucet 27 Sink 28 Fresh water tank 29 Waste water tank 30 Castors 31 Quick-release lid 32, 33 Control panel 34 Float switch 35 Drip tray 36 Emergency drain cock 37 Drain pump 38 Folding clamp 39

Claims

1. Mobile shower system (1) comprising a movable housing (2), a fresh water tank (29), a waste water tank (30), a fresh water line (3) on which a fresh water pump (11) is provided, and a waste water line (4) on which a waste water pump (5) is provided, wherein a washing hose connection (8) for a washing hose (15) and a return line connection (9) for a return line hose (16) are provided on a front side of the housing (2), and the connections are each configured as quick-release fasteners having a water stop function, wherein the fresh water tank (29) has a connection which is connected to the fresh water line (3) in the interior of the housing, and wherein the waste water tank (30) has a connection which is connected to the waste water line (4) in the interior of the housing, and wherein the fresh water line (3) leads via the fresh water pump (11) to the washing hose connection (8) and the waste water line (4) leads via the waste water pump (5) to the return line connection (9), characterized in that the fresh water tank (29) and the waste water tank (30) are fitted so that they are recessed into the top of the housing (2) in a trough-like manner and each have an emergency drain tap (37) for emptying the tanks, in that an emptying pump (38) is provided for emptying the fresh water tank (29), and in that a scalding protection device (6) is arranged in the fresh water line (3), which device mechanically interrupts the flow through the fresh water line (3) when a protective temperature is exceeded.

2. Mobile shower system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a control console (34) is provided above the water-conveying components.

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