Safety system for bathing support device

Abstract

To enhance safety of a bathing support device by sensing a risk of arms and legs being caught beforehand, and performing a safety processing operation when bathing a user such as a care-receiver in bathing with the bathing support device.SOLUTION: A user A such as a care-receiver in bathing is caused to be seated or laid in a movable support body 12 of a bathing support device 3, and is supported. The movable support body 12 is caused to be lifted or lowered between a predetermined position 7p above a bathtub 7 and the inside of the bathtub 7 by a lifting and lowering mechanism 5. It is detected whether the movable support body 12 is arranged at the predetermined position 7p by bathtub entry preparation detection means 71 of a safety system 9 for the bathing support device when it is put into the bathtub. It is detected whether there is a lifting / lowering obstacle a2 in a space 8h above a bathtub frame by lifting / lowering obstacle detection means 72 in a non-contact manner. When the lifting / lowering obstacle a2 is detected, the lifting and lowering mechanism 5 is stopped or an alarm is issued by safety processing means 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for ensuring the safety of a bathing assistance device that helps a person in need of bathing assistance soak in a bathtub. In particular, the present invention relates to a safety system for a bathing assistance device including a structure in which a movable support such as a chair on which a person in need of bathing assistance sits or a stretcher on which the person lies is lifted and lowered between above the bathtub and inside the bathtub by a lifting mechanism.

Background Art

[0002] In bathing assistance devices, it is known to detect the operating position of the device and the presence or absence of collisions with obstacles for the safety of users (see Patent Documents 1 to 3, etc.). In Patent Document 1, the height of a stretcher laid horizontally in a bathtub or a bathtub lift is detected by a limit switch sensor. In Patent Document 2, when a bathing lift descends to the bottom of the bathtub, when a contact body at the bottom of the bathing lift body comes into contact with an obstacle, a switch is actuated via a pulley, a wire, and a link mechanism, and the lift body is stopped urgently. In Patent Document 3, when a bathing chair descends to the bottom of the bathtub, when the lower end of a detection rod on the back of the bathing chair comes into contact with an obstacle, a switch is pressed by a cam mechanism, and the descent of the bathing chair is stopped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, it does not detect the case where the limbs of the bather requiring assistance extend outside the stretcher or the bathtub lift, and there is a risk that the limbs may be pinched between the stretcher or the bathtub lift and the bathtub. In Patent Document 2, when a limb extends outside the bathing lift and is pinched between the limb and the bathtub bottom, it can be detected as an obstacle. However, since it is a mechanical safety mechanism in which the switch is activated and stopped through the contact body, pulley, wire, and link mechanism by the force generated when the limb is pinched, a time lag occurs from when the limb is pinched until it stops, and it is impossible to prevent the limb from being pinched in the first place. In Patent Document 3, since it is a mechanical safety mechanism in which the switch is activated through a cam mechanism, the same time lag as in Patent Document 2 occurs. In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to enhance the safety of the bathing assistance device by detecting in advance that the limbs are pinched and performing a safety processing operation when bathing a bather requiring assistance or the like with the bathing assistance device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention is a safety system for a bathing assistance device that raises and lowers a movable support body that seats or reclines and supports a user between a predetermined position above the bathtub and inside the bathtub by a lifting mechanism, Bathtub entry preparation detection means for detecting whether the movable support body is disposed at the predetermined position, Lifting obstacle detection means for non-contact detection of the presence or absence of a lifting obstacle in the space above the bathtub frame on the upper side of the bathtub frame, Safety processing means for stopping the lifting mechanism or issuing an alarm when the lifting obstacle is detected characterized by comprising.

[0006] According to the safety system for the bathing assistance device, when the movable support descends from a predetermined position (the transfer end position on the bathtub side) above the bathtub and enters the bathtub, if a part of the body such as the hands and feet of the person in need of bathing assistance on the movable support protrudes from the movable support into the space above the bathtub frame and becomes an obstacle to lifting and lowering, the lifting and lowering obstacle detection means can non-contact detect the lifting and lowering obstacle before it hits or gets caught in the bathtub frame, and perform safety processing operations such as stopping the lifting mechanism and sounding an alarm. Therefore, there is no need to activate the mechanical safety mechanism by the force when the body hits or gets caught, and the safety can be enhanced. There is also no time lag from when it hits until the safety mechanism activates. As a result, users such as those in need of bathing assistance can take a bath safely. The detection means for preparation for entering the bathtub may be a contact type sensor such as a limit switch.

[0007] Preferably, the lifting and lowering obstacle detection means includes a light projecting unit that projects detection light so as to pass through the space above the bathtub frame, and a light receiving unit that receives the detection light. Thereby, the lifting and lowering obstacle can be optically and non-contact detected. When there is a lifting and lowering obstacle, at least a part of the detection light is blocked by the lifting and lowering obstacle. For this reason, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit decreases compared to when there is no lifting and lowering obstacle. Therefore, the presence or absence of a lifting and lowering obstacle can be determined based on the detection information of the amount of light received.

[0008] Preferably, the lifting and lowering obstacle detection means includes a light projecting unit provided on one of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub frame for projecting detection light, and a light receiving unit provided on the other of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub frame for receiving the detection light. The detection light from the light projecting unit propagates along the space above the bathtub frame and is incident on the light receiving unit. Thereby, the lifting and lowering obstacle in the space above the bathtub frame can be surely and non-contact detected optically.

[0009] The detection light received by the light receiving unit may be the reflected light of the detection light from the light projecting unit. In this case, preferably, the lifting obstacle detection means includes a light projecting unit provided on one of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub frame for projecting detection light, a reflecting unit provided on the other of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub frame for reflecting the detection light, and a light receiving unit provided on the one for receiving the reflected light from the reflecting unit. The detection light from the light projecting unit propagates along the space above the bathtub frame, is incident on the reflecting unit and reflected, and the reflected light propagates along the space above the bathtub frame and is incident on the light receiving unit. Thereby, it is possible to optically and surely perform non-contact detection of the lifting obstacle in the space above the bathtub frame.

[0010] Preferably, the safety processing means includes a fixed-side control panel for controlling the lifting obstacle detection means, a movable-side control panel provided movably together with the movable support for controlling the lifting mechanism, and a wireless communication means for wirelessly connecting the fixed-side control panel and the movable-side control panel. Thereby, for example, the detection information of the lifting obstacle acquired by the fixed-side control panel can be wirelessly transmitted to the movable-side control panel. In the movable-side control panel, the lifting mechanism can be controlled based on the received detection information to perform safety processing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when a user such as a bathing assistance required person is bathed by a bathing assistance device, the safety of the bathing assistance device can be enhanced by detecting in advance that hands and feet are pinched and performing a safe operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 9)> FIGS. 1 and 2 show a bathing assistance system 2 installed in a bathroom 1 of a building such as a house or a nursing facility. The bathing assistance system 2 includes a bathing assistance device 3 and a safety system 9 for the bathing assistance device. The bathing assistance device 3 includes a bathing wheelchair 10 (movable support device) and a rail device 20 (bathtub-side support device).

[0014] As shown in Fig. 3, the bathing wheelchair 10 (shower carrier) includes a carrier 11 and a chair 12 (movable support). The chair 12 is detachably mounted on the carrier 11. The bathing caregiver A (user) is seated and supported on the chair 12. At the bottom of the seat portion 12a of the chair 12, a pair of left and right footrest arms 17 are provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction (left and right in Fig. 3) of the chair 12.

[0015] The chair 12 is horizontally moved between the washbasin side transfer end position 6p (Figs. 1 and 2) on the washbasin 6 in the bathroom 1 and the bathtub side transfer end position 7p (Figs. 5 and 6) directly above the bathtub 7 by the transfer mechanism 4, and is lifted and lowered between the bathtub side transfer end position 7p (Fig. 5) and inside the bathtub 7 (not shown) by the lifting mechanism 5. Thereby, the bathing caregiver A can be transferred from the washbasin 6 to the bathtub 7 for bathing, and then transferred from the bathtub 7 to the washbasin 6.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 3, a drive box 13 is provided on the back of the backrest 12b of the chair 12. As shown in Figs. 7(a) and 7(b), the drive box 13 houses a transfer drive motor 40 of the transfer mechanism 4, a lifting drive motor 50 of the lifting mechanism 5, a movable side control panel 81 for controlling these motors 40 and 50, and a power source 16.

[0017] Furthermore, the transfer mechanism 4 is configured as follows. As shown in Figs. 7(a) and 7(b), a transfer traveling body 41 is provided at the bottom of the drive box 13. As shown in Fig. 8, the output shaft of the transfer drive motor 40 is connected to the axle of the transfer traveling body 41 through one or a plurality of reduction mechanisms 42 so as to be torque-transmittable.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, a rail 14 constituting the transfer mechanism 4 is provided at the rear upper end of the carrier 11. The drive box 13 is mounted on the rail 14. The transfer traveling body 41 at the bottom of the drive box 13 is engaged with the rail 14 so as to be travelable and lockable.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, as a component of the transfer mechanism 4, a rail device 20 is attached to the bathtub 7 in the bathroom 1. The rail device 20 includes a rail 21 and support legs 22, and can be opened and closed between a storage state (not shown) folded and stored on the side of the bathtub 7 and a deployed state. In the deployed state, the rail 21 is horizontally arranged along the short-side frame portion 8a of the bathtub 7, and the support legs 22 are placed on the long-side frames 8b and 8d of the bathtub 7.

[0020] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, when the rail device 20 is in the deployed state and the carrier 11 is horizontally attached to the front wall 7w facing the washing area 6 of the bathtub 7, and the chair 12 is arranged at the transfer end position 6p on the washing area side, the rails 14 and 21 are connected in a straight line, and the chair 12 can move horizontally along the rails 14 and 21. As shown in Fig. 2, at this time, the chair 12 is arranged at a higher position than the bathtub 7 by the lifting mechanism 5. A bathtub-side space 7g is formed between the lower carrier 11 of the chair 12 and the outer surface of the front wall 7w of the bathtub 7.

[0021] The lifting mechanism 5 is configured as follows. As shown in Figs. 3 and 7, in addition to the lifting drive motor 50, a pinion 51 is accommodated in the drive box 13. The pinion 51 is connected to the output shaft of the lifting drive motor 50 via one or a plurality of reduction mechanisms 52 so as to be torque-transmittable.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 3, a rack 53 is provided on the back surface of the backrest 12b of the chair 12 so as to extend vertically. The pinion 51 meshes with the rack 53. Thus, by driving the lifting drive motor 50, the chair 12 is lifted and lowered with respect to the drive box 13.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4, the bathing assistance system 2 is provided with a safety system 9 for ensuring the safety of the transfer and bathing of the bathing-assisted person A (user). The safety system 9 includes a transfer safety confirmation means 60, a bathing safety confirmation means 70, and a safety processing means 80. The transfer safety confirmation means 60 has a transfer preparation detection means 61 and a transfer obstacle detection means 62.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer preparation detection means 61 detects whether the chair 12 is set to be horizontally movable to the transfer end position 6p on the washroom side. For example, the transfer preparation detection means 61 includes a limit switch 61a (contact type sensor) provided on the rail 14 and a dog 61b provided on the rail 21 of the rail device 20. When the chair 12 is set to the transfer end position 6p on the washroom side and the rail 14 is physically connected to the rail 21, the limit switch 61a hits the dog 61b and is pressed down.

[0025] Note that the limit switch 61a may be provided on the rail 21 and the dog 61b may be provided on the rail 14. The transfer preparation detection means 61 may include an optical distance meter that optically measures the distance between the bathroom wall 1w and the chair 12. Furthermore, the transfer preparation detection means 61 may include a height detection sensor that detects whether the chair 12 is placed at a position higher than the bathtub 7.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the chair 12 is at the transfer end position 6p on the washroom side, a part of the body such as the hands and feet of the bathing assistance required person A may protrude from the chair 12 and enter the bathtub side space 7g, resulting in a transfer obstacle a1. The transfer obstacle detection means 62 non - contactly, preferably optically, detects the presence or absence of the transfer obstacle a1 in the bathtub side space 7g. More preferably, the transfer obstacle detection means 62 is constituted by a transmissive photoelectric sensor including a light projecting part 63 and a light receiving part 64. The light projecting part 63 is provided in the bathroom 1, and the light receiving part 64 is provided on the chair 12.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light projecting part 63 is arranged at a height slightly above the bathtub 7 on the wall 1w on the back side of the bathroom 1 (the side opposite to the washroom 6 across the bathtub 7), and extends in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 7 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1). The light projecting part 63 includes a light projecting element (not shown) for the infrared ray L63 (detection light). The infrared ray L63 is projected along the short - hand direction of the bathtub 7 so as to pass through the vicinity above the bathtub side space 7g and head toward the washroom 6 side.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the outer surface of the side footrest arm 17A (transfer obstacle detection means arrangement part) of the pair of footrest arms 17 at the bottom of the chair 12, which is directed toward the bathtub 7 at the time of the setting, a light receiving part 64 is provided. As shown by the hatching in FIG. 3, the light receiving part 64 extends along the footrest arm 17A. The light receiving part 64 includes a light receiving element (not shown) that receives the infrared ray L63 and performs photoelectric conversion.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the chair 12 is set at the transfer end position 6p on the washroom side, the footrest arm 17 is arranged at the same height as the light projecting part 63, and the light receiving part 64 is opposed to the light projecting part 63. Thereby, the light receiving part 64 receives the infrared ray L63 from the light projecting part 63. In other words, the light projection direction of the light projecting part 63 is directed toward the position of the light receiving part 64 at the time of the setting.

[0030] Note that the light projecting part 63 and the light receiving part 64 may be provided so as to cover the range that can be reached by the hands and feet of the bather A who requires assistance on the chair 12. As shown in FIG. 3, in accordance with the footrest arm 17 and thus the light receiving part 64 being inclined upward toward the front, the optical axis of the light projecting part 63 may be inclined in accordance with the height of the corresponding part of the footrest arm 17. Alternatively, the light projecting part 63 itself may be inclined in accordance with the footrest arm 17.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the in-tank safety confirmation means 70 includes an in-tank preparation detection means 71 and a lifting obstacle detection means 72. The in-tank preparation detection means 71 detects whether the chair 12 is arranged at a predetermined position on the bathtub 7, that is, the bathtub side transfer end position 7p. As shown in FIG. 2, the in-tank preparation detection means 71 includes, for example, a limit switch 71a (contact type sensor) provided on the drive box 13 and a dog 71b provided on the rail 21. As shown in FIG. 6, when the chair 12 is moved integrally with the drive box 13 and reaches the bathtub side transfer end position 7p, the limit switch 71a hits the dog 71b and is pressed down. Note that the limit switch 71a may be provided on the rail 21, and the dog 71b may be provided on the drive box 13. The bathtub entry preparation detection means 71 may be constituted by an optical distance meter that optically measures the distance between the bathroom wall 1w and the chair 12.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the chair 12 is at the bathtub-side transfer end position 7p, the feet or hands of the bathing assistance required person A may protrude from the chair 12 into the bathtub frame upper space 8h above the bathtub frame 8 of the bathtub 7, becoming an ascending / descending obstacle a2. The ascending / descending obstacle detection means 72 non-contactedly, preferably optically, detects the presence or absence of the ascending / descending obstacle a2 at the bathtub-side transfer end position 7p. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the ascending / descending obstacle detection means 72 is constituted by a transmissive photoelectric sensor including a light projecting part 73 and a light receiving part 74.

[0033] The light projecting part 73 forms a U-shaped shape in plan view overlapping the three bathtub frame parts 8b, 8c, 8d excluding the bathtub frame part 8a on the rail device 20 side, and is arranged on the bathroom ceiling 1f directly above these bathtub frame parts 8b, 8c, 8d. The light projecting part 73 includes a light projecting element (not shown) for the infrared ray L73 (detection light). The infrared ray L73 is projected vertically downward from the light projecting part 73 and passes through the bathtub frame upper space 8h.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the light receiving part 74 is installed on the upper surfaces of the three bathtub frame parts 8b, 8c, 8d of the bathtub frame 8. The light projecting part 73 and the light receiving part 74 face each other in the vertical direction. The light receiving part 74 includes a light receiving element (not shown) that receives the infrared ray L73 and performs photoelectric conversion.

[0035] Note that the installation ranges of the light projecting part 73 and the light receiving part 74 may be set in consideration of the reach range of the feet or hands of the bathing assistance required person A. The light projecting part 73 may be provided only directly above the long-side bathtub frame parts 8b, 8d, and the light receiving part 74 may be provided only on the long-side bathtub frame parts 8b, 8d. Also, since the short-side bathtub frame part 8a side hits the back side of the bathing assistance required person A and it can be said that the hands and feet of the bathing assistance required person A cannot protrude there, it is not necessary to provide a light projecting part and a light receiving part directly above and on the bathtub frame part 8a. The light projecting unit 73 may be provided on the bathtub frame 8, and the light receiving unit 74 may be provided on the bathroom ceiling 1f.

[0036] In the safety system 9, there is provided a safety processing means 80 for performing a safety ensuring process according to the detection information by the safety confirmation means 60 and 70. As shown in FIG. 4, the safety processing means 80 includes two control panels 81 and 82 for executing the safety ensuring process and a wireless communication means 83. As described above, the movable side control panel 81 (movable side control means) is housed in the drive box 13 and is movable together with the chair 12. Connected to the movable side control panel 81 are a transfer drive motor 40 and its operation switch 45, a lifting drive motor 50 and its operation switch 55, a limit switch 61a of the transfer preparation detection means 61, a light receiving part 64 of the transfer obstacle detection means 62, a limit switch 71a of the bathtub entry preparation detection means 71, and the like.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the safety processing means 80 includes an alarm reporting means 84. The alarm reporting means 84 includes a light emitter 84a and a speaker 84b. The alarm reporting means 84 may be provided on the drive box 13 of the wheelchair 10 for bathing or the like, or may be provided in the bathroom 1. The alarm reporting means 84 provided on the drive box 13 is preferably connected to the movable side control panel 81 by wire (FIG. 4) and is controlled by the movable side control panel 81. Although not shown, the alarm reporting means 84 provided in the bathroom 1 is preferably connected to the fixed side control panel 82 by wire and is controlled by the fixed side control panel 82.

[0038] The fixed side control panel 82 (fixed side control means) is fixed, for example, by being provided on the bathroom ceiling 1f. Connected to the fixed side control panel 82 are a light projecting part 63 of the transfer obstacle detection means 62, a light projecting part 73 and a light receiving part 74 of the lifting obstacle detection means 72, and the like.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, the movable-side control panel 81 and the fixed-side control panel 82 are wirelessly connected via wireless communication means 83. The wireless communication means 83 includes a movable-side communicator 83a and a fixed-side communicator 83b. As shown in Fig. 2, the movable-side communicator 83a is provided, for example, in the drive box 13 and is wired-connected to the movable-side control panel 81. The fixed-side communicator 83b is arranged, for example, slightly above the side of the rail device 20 on the bathroom wall 1w and is wired-connected to the fixed-side control panel 82. Control information and detection information of the control panels 81 and 82 are wirelessly communicated between these communicators 83a and 83b by a communication signal L83 such as infrared rays.

[0040] As shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9, a bather assistant (not shown) can assist a bather A in bathing as follows using the bathing assistance system 2. Introduce the bathing wheelchair device 10 with the bather A seated into the bathroom 1. Also, deploy the rail device 20 on the frame 8 of the bathtub 7. Then, while aligning the rail 14 of the bathing wheelchair device 10 with the rail 21 of the rail device 20 in a straight line, set the chair 12 at the transfer end position 6p on the washroom side and connect the rails 14 and 21 to each other. As a result, the chair 12 can move horizontally along the rails 14 and 21 (step 101).

[0041] Due to the connection of the rails 14 and 21, the limit switch 61a of the transfer preparation detection means 61 hits the dog 61b and is pressed, and a set detection signal is output from the limit switch 61a (step 102).

[0042] The set detection signal is input to the movable-side control panel 81. In response to this, the movable-side control panel 81 activates the transfer obstacle detection means 62 (step 103).

[0043] In the transfer obstacle detection means 62, the light projecting unit 63 projects infrared rays L63 under the control of the fixed-side control panel 82. The light receiving unit 64 receives the infrared rays L63. Detection information on the amount of received infrared rays L63 is input to the movable-side control panel 81.

[0044] When a part of the body of the bather A requiring assistance protrudes from the chair 12 into the bathtub-side space 7g, causing a transfer obstacle a1, at least a part of the infrared ray L63 passing near the upper part of the bathtub-side space 7g is blocked by the transfer obstacle a1. For this reason, the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 64 decreases compared to the case where there is no obstacle. As a result, the presence or absence of the transfer obstacle a1 in the bathtub-side space 7g can be detected non-contact.

[0045] The movable-side control panel 81 determines the presence or absence of the transfer obstacle a1 based on whether the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 64 is below a threshold value (step 104). When it is determined by the movable-side control panel 81 that there is a transfer obstacle, that is, when the transfer obstacle a1 is detected by the transfer obstacle detection means 62, the safety processing function of the movable-side control panel 81 is activated (step 105). As a result, the transfer mechanism 4 is stopped. For this reason, even if the bather assistant presses the operation switch 45 of the transfer drive motor 40, the transfer drive motor 40 does not operate, and the sliding of the chair 12 toward the bathtub 7 is prevented. The sliding of the chair 12 may be prevented by operating a slide lock mechanism (not shown). This can prevent a part of the body (transfer obstacle a1) of the bather A requiring assistance from being pinched between the chair 12 and the bathtub 7.

[0046] In addition, the movable-side control panel 81 issues an alarm by causing the light emitter 84a to emit light or by emitting an alarm sound from the speaker 34b. As a result, the bather assistant can be notified of the presence of the transfer obstacle a1.

[0047] The bather assistant removes the transfer obstacle by correcting the posture of the bather A requiring assistance. Then, the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 64 for the infrared ray L63 exceeds the threshold value. In response to this, the movable-side control panel 81 permits the operation of the transfer mechanism 4 (step 106). Accordingly, when the bathing assistant presses the operation switch 45, the transfer drive motor 40 operates, and the chair 12 slides along the rails 14 and 21 toward the bathtub 7. Alternatively, a slide lock mechanism (not shown) may be unlocked so that the chair 12 can slide.

[0048] According to the safety system 9, before the body of the bathing assistant A hits or gets caught in the bathtub 7, the transfer obstacle a1 can be detected non - contactlessly, and a safety processing operation can be performed. Therefore, it is not necessary to activate a mechanical safety mechanism (see Patent Documents 2, 3, etc. cited above) with the force when the body hits or gets caught, and the safety can be enhanced. There is no time lag from when the body hits until the safety mechanism operates.

[0049] When the chair 12 moves to the bathtub - side transfer end position 7p, the limit switch 71a of the in - tank preparation detection means 71 hits the dog 71b and is pressed, and an in - tank preparation detection signal is output from the limit switch 71a (step 107). The in - tank preparation detection signal is input to the movable - side control panel 81. In response to this, the movable - side control panel 81 stops the operation of the transfer obstacle detection means 62 and, in cooperation with the fixed - side control panel 82 via the wireless communication means 83, activates the lifting - and - lowering obstacle detection means 72 (step 108).

[0050] The light - emitting part 73 of the lifting - and - lowering obstacle detection means 72 projects the infrared ray L73 under the control of the fixed - side control panel 82. The light - receiving part 74 receives the infrared ray L73. Detection information on the amount of received light of the infrared ray L73 is input to the fixed - side control panel 82.

[0051] If a part of the body such as the hands or feet of the bathing - required assistant A protrudes from the chair 12 into the space 8h above the bathtub frame and becomes a lifting - and - lowering obstacle a2, at least a part of the infrared ray L73 is blocked by the lifting - and - lowering obstacle a2. For this reason, the amount of received light at the light - receiving part 74 decreases compared to the case where there is no obstacle. Thus, the presence or absence of the lifting - and - lowering obstacle a2 in the space 8h above the bathtub frame can be detected non - contactlessly.

[0052] The fixed-side control panel 82 determines the presence or absence of the lifting obstacle a2 based on whether the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 74 is equal to or less than the threshold value (step 109). The determination result is transmitted to the movable-side control panel 81 via the wireless communication means 83. Note that the fixed-side control panel 82 may transmit the detection information of the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 74 to the movable-side control panel 81 via the wireless communication means 83, and the movable-side control panel 81 may determine the presence or absence of the lifting obstacle a2 based on the received detection information of the amount of light received.

[0053] When it is determined by the control panel 82 or 81 that there is a lifting obstacle, that is, when the lifting obstacle a2 is detected by the lifting obstacle detection means 72, the safety processing function of the movable-side control panel 81 is activated (step 110), and the lifting mechanism 5 is stopped. For this reason, even if the bathing assistant presses the operation switch 55 of the lifting drive motor 50, the lifting drive motor 50 does not operate, and the chair 12 is prevented from descending into the bathtub 7. As a result, it is possible to prevent a part of the body (lifting obstacle a2) of the bathing assistance required person A from hitting the bathtub frame 8.

[0054] In addition, the movable-side control panel 81 issues an alarm by causing the light emitter 84a to emit light or by emitting an alarm sound from the speaker 34b. Thereby, it is possible to notify the bathing assistant that there is a lifting obstacle a2.

[0055] The bathing assistant removes the lifting obstacle by correcting the posture of the bathing assistance required person A. Then, the amount of infrared light L73 received by the light-receiving unit 74 exceeds the threshold value. In response to this, the movable-side control panel 81 permits the operation of the lifting mechanism 5 (step 111). As a result, when the bathing assistant presses the operation switch 55, the lifting drive motor 50 operates, and the chair 12 is lowered into the bathtub 7. During the descent, the detection of the presence or absence of the lifting obstacle a2 by the lifting obstacle detection means 72 is continued. When the lifting obstacle a2 is detected, the operation of the lifting mechanism 5 is immediately stopped, and an alarm is issued by the light emitter 84a or the speaker 34b. Thereby, even when a part of the body (lifting obstacle a2) of the bathing assistance required person A protrudes outside the chair 12 during the descent, safety can be ensured.

[0056] According to the safety system 9, it is possible to detect the lifting obstacle a2 non - contactingly and perform a safety processing operation before the body of the bath assistant hits the bathtub frame 8. Therefore, it is not necessary to activate the mechanical safety mechanism (see the above - mentioned Patent Documents 2, 3, etc.) with the force when the body hits, and the safety can be enhanced. There is no time lag from the hitting until the safety mechanism is activated.

[0057] When the chair 12 has been lowered until it reaches the bottom surface of the bathtub 7 (step 112), the lifting mechanism 5 and the lifting obstacle detection means 72 are stopped (step 113). In this way, the bath - needing assistant A can be put into the bathtub 7 and bathed.

[0058] After bathing, the chair 12 is raised by the lifting mechanism 5 to the bathtub - side transfer end position 7p. As a result, the chair 12 is set to be horizontally movable toward the washing - area - side transfer end position 6p. At this time, it may be detected by a transfer - preparation detection means for getting out of the tub (not shown) whether the chair 12 is correctly set. The transfer - preparation detection means for getting out of the tub and the transfer - preparation detection means for getting into the tub may be constituted by a common sensor (not shown). Further, in the bathtub - side space 7g' (Fig. 5) between the lower part of the chair 12 and the inner wall surface of the front wall 7w of the bathtub 7, it may be non - contactingly detected by a transfer - obstacle detection means for getting out of the tub (not shown) whether a part of the body such as the hands and feet of the bath - needing assistant A has entered and become a transfer obstacle, and a safety process may be performed. The transfer - obstacle detection means 62 for getting into the tub may also have the function of the transfer - obstacle detection means for getting out of the tub. After safety is confirmed, the chair is slid by the transfer mechanism 4 to the washing - area - side transfer end position 6p. As a result, the bath - needing assistant A can be transferred to the washing area 6.

[0059] Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Regarding the configurations overlapping with those in the above - described embodiments in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given in the drawings and the description thereof is omitted. <Second Embodiment (Figs. 10 to 12)> As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the safety system 9B for a bathing assistance device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the transfer obstacle detection means 62B is constituted by a reflection type photoelectric sensor.

[0060] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the transfer obstacle detection means 62B has a light projecting and receiving unit 65 provided in the bathroom 1 and a reflecting portion 66 provided on the chair 12 (movable support). The light projecting and receiving unit 65 is disposed at a height slightly above the bathtub 1 on the back wall 1w of the bathroom and extends in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 7 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 10). The light projecting and receiving unit 65 includes a light projecting portion 65a and a light receiving portion 65b. The light projecting portion 65a includes a light projecting element (not shown) for the infrared ray L65 (detection light). The infrared ray L65 is projected along the short side direction of the bathtub 7 so as to pass near the upper side of the bathtub side space 7g and go toward the washbasin 6 side. The light receiving portion 65b includes a light receiving element (not shown) that receives the reflected light L65' of the infrared ray L65 and performs photoelectric conversion. Preferably, the direction of the light projecting portion 65a is set so that the reflected light L65' is incident on the light receiving portion 65b.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 10, a reflecting portion 66 for reflecting the infrared ray L65 is provided on the outer surface of the footrest arm 17A. The reflecting portion 66 is constituted by a reflecting plate having a mirror surface and extends along the footrest arm 17A.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11, the light projecting and receiving unit 65 is controlled by the fixed side control panel 82. As shown in FIG. 10, when the chair 12 is set at the transfer end position 6p on the washbasin side in order to transfer the bathing assistance required person A from the washbasin 6 to the bathtub 7, the footrest arm 17a is disposed at the same height as the light projecting and receiving unit 65, and the reflecting portion 66 is opposed to the light projecting and receiving unit 65. Therefore, the light projecting direction of the infrared ray L65 by the light projecting portion 65a is directed to the position of the reflecting portion 66 at the time of the above setting.

[0063] At this time, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, if there is no transfer obstacle a1 in the bathtub-side space 7g, the infrared ray L65 hits the reflecting portion 66 and is reflected. The reflected light L65' is received by the light receiving portion 65b. That is, the light receiving portion 65b is arranged to receive the reflected light L65' from the reflecting portion 66 at the time of the setting.

[0064] On the other hand, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10, when a part of the body of the bather assistance recipient A protrudes from the chair 12 into the bathtub-side space 7g to become a transfer obstacle a1, at least a part of the infrared ray L65 or at least a part of the reflected light L65' is blocked by the transfer obstacle a1. For this reason, the amount of light received by the light receiving portion 65b decreases compared to when there is no transfer obstacle a1. Thereby, the presence or absence of the transfer obstacle a1 can be detected non-contact.

[0065] The fixed-side control panel 82 determines the presence or absence of the transfer obstacle a1 based on whether the amount of light received by the light receiving portion 65 is less than or equal to a threshold value. The determination result is transmitted to the movable-side control panel 81 via the wireless communication means 83. Note that the fixed-side control panel 82 may transmit the detection information of the amount of light received by the light receiving portion 65 to the movable-side control panel 81 via the wireless communication means 83, or the movable-side control panel 81 may determine the presence or absence of the transfer obstacle a1 based on the received detection information of the amount of light received.

[0066] When it is determined that there is no transfer obstacle, the slide of the chair 12 is permitted. When it is determined that there is a transfer obstacle, the safety processing function of the movable-side control panel 81 is activated, and the transfer mechanism 4 is stopped or an alarm is issued.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the bathing assistance device safety system 9B, the lifting obstacle detection means 72B is constituted by a reflection type photoelectric sensor. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the lifting obstacle detection means 72B has a light projecting and receiving unit 75 and a reflecting portion 76.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the light projecting and receiving unit 75 is disposed on the bathroom ceiling 1f directly above the three bathtub frame portions 8b, 8c, and 8d. The light projecting and receiving unit 75 includes a light projecting portion 75a and a light receiving portion 75b. The light projecting portion 75a includes a light projecting element (not shown) for projecting infrared rays L75 (detection light). The infrared rays L75 are projected from the light projecting portion 75a vertically downward so as to pass through the bathtub frame upper space 8h. The light receiving portion 75b includes a light receiving element (not shown) that receives the reflected light L75' of the infrared rays L75 and performs photoelectric conversion. Preferably, the orientation of the light projecting portion 75a is set such that the reflected light L75' is incident on the light receiving portion 75b.

[0069] On the upper surfaces of the three bathtub frame portions 8b, 8c, and 8d of the bathtub frame 8, a reflecting portion 76 for reflecting the infrared rays L75 is provided. The reflecting portion 76 is constituted by a reflecting plate having a mirror surface. The light projecting and receiving unit 75 and the reflecting portion 76 face each other in the vertical direction. Note that the light projecting and receiving unit 75 may be provided only directly above the bathtub frame portions 8b and 8d on the long side, and the reflecting portion 76 may be provided only on the bathtub frame portions 8b and 8d on the long side. The light projecting and receiving unit 75 may be provided on the bathroom frame 8, and the reflecting portion 76 may be provided on the bathroom ceiling 1f.

[0070] The light projecting and receiving unit 75 is controlled by the fixed-side control panel 82. As shown by the solid line in FIG. 12, when the chair 12 carrying the bather assistance recipient A reaches the bathtub-side transfer end position 7p, if there is no lifting obstacle a1 in the bathtub frame upper space 8h, the infrared rays L75 from the light projecting portion 75a hit the reflecting portion 76 and are reflected. The reflected light L75' is received by the light receiving portion 75b.

[0071] On the other hand, as shown by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 12, when a part of the body of the bather assistance recipient A protrudes from the chair 12 into the bathtub frame upper space 8h and becomes a lifting obstacle a2, at least a part of the infrared rays L75 or at least a part of the reflected light L75' is blocked by the lifting obstacle a2. For this reason, the amount of light received by the light receiving portion 75b decreases compared to when there is no lifting obstacle a2. Thereby, the presence or absence of the lifting obstacle a2 can be detected non-contact.

[0072] The fixed-side control panel 82 determines the presence or absence of the lifting obstacle a1 based on the received light amount, transmits the determination result to the movable-side control panel 81 via the wireless communication means 83, and performs safety processing according to the determination result received by the movable-side control panel 8, which is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the movable support may be a stretcher that supports a user such as a bathing-assisted person A in a lying position. The bathing assistance device 3 may be a stretcher including a liftable and transferable stretcher.

[0074] The transfer mechanism 4 may be a hand-pushed slide type, and in this case, the drive motor 40 for transfer may be omitted. The safety processing means 80 may include a slide lock mechanism that permits or prohibits the hand-pushed slide. Alternatively, the safety processing means 80 may be composed only of the alarm reporting means 84.

[0075] The light projecting part 63 of the transfer obstacle detection means 62 may be provided on the front wall 7w of the bathtub 7 or the like. The light projecting part 63 may be arranged so that the detection light L63 passes through the bathtub-side space 7g. A light receiving part 64 may be provided in the bathroom 1 (including the bathtub 7), and the light projecting part 63 may be provided on the chair 12.

[0076] When the transfer obstacle a1 or the lifting obstacle a2 is detected, the safety processing means 80 may execute only the stop of the transfer mechanism 4 or only the stop of the lifting mechanism 5, and the alarm reporting may be omitted. Alternatively, only the alarm reporting may be executed, and the stop of the transfer mechanism 4 or the stop of the lifting mechanism 5 may be omitted.

[0077] One of the transfer obstacle detection means 62 and the lifting obstacle detection means 72 may be a reflection type photoelectric sensor, and the other may be a transmission type photoelectric sensor. The detection lights L63, L73, L65, and L75 are not limited to infrared rays and may be visible light. The transfer obstacle detection means 62, 62B may non - contact detect the transfer obstacle a1 by ultrasonic waves. The lifting obstacle detection means 72, 72B may non - contact detect the lifting obstacle a2 by ultrasonic waves.

Industrial Applicability

[0078] The present invention can be applied to a safety system for bathing assistance devices such as a shower carrier or a stretcher for assisting a bathing - required person in bathing.

Explanation of Signs

[0079] A Bathing - required person (user) a1 Transfer obstacle a2 Lifting obstacle 1 Bathroom 2 Bathing assistance system 3 Bathing assistance device 4 Transfer mechanism 5 Lifting mechanism 6 Washing area 6p Transfer end position on the washing area side 7 Bathtub 7g Space on the bathtub side 7g’ Space on the bathtub side 7p Transfer end position on the bathtub side (predetermined position) 7w Front wall 8 Bathtub frame 8h Space above the bathtub frame 9 Safety system for bathing assistance devices 9B Safety system for bathing assistance devices 10 Wheelchair for bathing (movable support device) 12 Chair (movable support) 13 Drive box 14 Rail 17A Footrest arm (transfer obstacle detection means arrangement part on the movable support side) 20 Rail device (bathtub - side support device) 21 Rail 40 Transfer drive motor 41 Transfer running body 50 Lifting drive motor 60 Safety confirmation means during transfer 61 Transfer Preparation Detection Means 61a Limit Switch (Contact Sensor) 62 Transfer Obstruction Detection Means 62B Transfer Obstruction Detection Means 63 Light Projection Unit L63 Infrared Ray (Detection Light) 64 Light Receiving Unit 65 Light Projection and Receiving Unit 65a Light Projection Unit 65b Light Receiving Unit L65 Infrared Ray (Detection Light) L65’ Reflected Light 66 Reflection Unit 70 Safety Confirmation Means at the Time of Insertion into the Tank 71 Insertion Preparation Detection Means 71a Limit Switch (Contact Sensor) 72 Lifting and Lowering Obstruction Detection Means 72B Lifting and Lowering Obstruction Detection Means 73 Light Projection Unit L73 Infrared Ray (Detection Light) 74 Light Receiving Unit 75 Light Projection and Receiving Unit 75a Light Projection Unit 75b Light Receiving Unit L75 Infrared Ray (Detection Light) L75’ Reflected Light 76 Reflection Unit 80 Safety Processing Means 81 Movable Side Control Panel (Movable Side Control Means) 82 Fixed Side Control Panel (Fixed Side Control Means) 83 Wireless Communication Means 83a Movable Side Communicator 83b Fixed Side Communicator L83 Infrared Ray Signal 84 Alarm Reporting Means 84a Light Emitter 84b Speaker

Claims

1. A safety system for a bathing assistance device that raises and lowers a movable support for seating or lying down and supporting a user between a predetermined position above the bathtub and inside the bathtub by a lifting mechanism, an in-bathtub preparation detection means for detecting whether the movable support is disposed at the predetermined position, a lifting obstacle detection means for non-contact detection of the presence or absence of a lifting obstacle in a bathtub rim upper space above the rim of the bathtub, and a safety processing means for stopping the lifting mechanism or giving an alarm when the lifting obstacle is detected, characterized by comprising the above. A safety system for a bathing assistance device.

2. The safety system for a bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting obstacle detection means includes a light projecting unit that projects detection light so as to pass through the bathtub rim upper space, and a light receiving unit that receives the detection light.

3. The safety system for a bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting obstacle detection means includes a light projecting unit that is provided on one of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub rim and projects detection light, and a light receiving unit that is provided on the other of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub rim and receives the detection light.

4. The safety system for a bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting obstacle detection means includes a light projecting unit that is provided on one of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub rim and projects detection light, a reflecting unit that is provided on the other of the bathroom ceiling and the bathtub rim and reflects the detection light, and a light receiving unit that is provided on the one and receives the reflected light from the reflecting unit.

5. The safety system for a bathing assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the safety processing means includes a fixed-side control panel that controls the lifting obstacle detection means, a movable-side control panel that is movably provided together with the movable support and controls the lifting mechanism, and a wireless communication means that wirelessly connects the fixed-side control panel and the movable-side control panel.

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