Bathing monitoring device

Abstract

This bath monitoring device allows for proper management of bathing time without requiring bathing assistants to prepare or operate measuring equipment. [Solution] Bath time is managed by providing a bath monitoring device 20 to a bathing assistance system 2 that uses a height-adjustable bath lift 11 to move bath users A into and out of the bath. The bath monitoring device 20 includes an entry determination means 21 that determines whether or not the user has entered the bath based on the amount the bath lift 11 has descended from a predetermined height, a bath time measurement means 22 that measures the bath time t after it has been determined that the user has entered the bath, an exit determination means 23 that determines whether or not the bath lift 11 has risen, i.e., whether or not the user has exited the bath after it has been determined that the user has entered the bath, and a bath monitoring device 20 that determines whether or not the bath time t has reached a predetermined time t without it being determined that the user has exited the bath. s It is equipped with a notification means 25 that is activated when a certain condition is reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bath monitoring device for managing the bathing time of bath users such as those requiring assistance, and particularly to a bath monitoring device provided in a bath assistance system for taking bath users in and out of a bathtub by means of a bath lift.

Background Art

[0002] A bath assistance system for taking bath users such as those requiring assistance in and out of a bathtub by means of a bath lift is known. For example, in the system of Patent Document 1, by pressing a button switch, the bath lift is raised from a cart placed in the washing area, traversed above the bathtub, and then lowered to enter the bathtub. After bathing, by pressing the same button switch, the bath lift is raised to exit the bathtub, traversed to the washing area, and then lowered to return to the cart. On the other hand, it does not manage or notify the bathing time of bath users.

[0003] In the system of Patent Document 2, when a load exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the bath lift, the lifting and lowering time is integrated by an integration counter, and when the set integrated value is reached, an alarm is issued to notify the maintenance time according to the usage frequency. On the other hand, it does not have a function of notifying the bathing time of bath users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] For example, in a nursing care facility, when assisting multiple residents with bathing each day, bathing time is managed using measuring devices such as clocks and timers. However, caregivers may forget to prepare the measuring devices or forget to activate them, resulting in improper management of bathing time. Since prolonged bathing can be physically taxing for residents, proper management of bathing time is essential. In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a bathing monitoring device that allows bathing time to be appropriately managed without the need for the bathing caregiver to prepare or operate measuring instruments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a bathing assistance system that uses a height-adjustable bathing lift to allow bath users to enter and exit the bath, and a bathing monitoring device that manages the bathing time, An entry determination means for determining whether or not to enter the bath based on the amount of descent of the bath lift from a predetermined height, A bath time measuring means for measuring the bath time after the bath entry determination means has determined that the person has entered the bath, A means for determining whether the bath lift has risen, i.e., whether or not the bath has been opened, after the determination that the bath has been opened, A notification means that is activated when the bathing time reaches a predetermined time without the bath being determined to have been removed, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0007] This bath monitoring device determines whether a person has entered the bath by using the difference between the amount of descent upon entering the bath and the amount of descent on the carrier or washing area at other times. The amount of descent includes the descent time and the descent stroke. If it is determined that the person has entered the bath, the bathing time from that point onward is measured until it is determined that the person has left the bath. If the bathing time reaches a predetermined time without it being determined that the person has left the bath, a notification device is activated. This allows bathing caregivers to be notified of the bathing time from the time the bath user entered the bath until the present time. Therefore, bathing caregivers can accurately grasp the bathing time of the bath user and perform appropriate bathing management so as not to burden the bath user's body. There is no need to prepare or operate measuring instruments such as clocks when bathing a bath user, and it is possible to avoid insufficient management of bathing time due to forgetting to prepare or operate measuring instruments.

[0008] Preferably, the entry tank determination means makes a determination based on the time it takes for the bath lift to descend from a predetermined height. Typically, the time required to descend when entering the bathtub is longer than the time required to descend on the carrier or washing area at other times. Therefore, by measuring the actual descent time of the bath lift and comparing it to either of these times, it is possible to determine whether or not the person is entering the bathtub. The aforementioned descent time refers to the time the bathing lift is descending. If the descent is interrupted during the descent period from the start to the end of the descent, that interrupted period will not be counted in the descent time.

[0009] Preferably, the bath lift is provided with an upward limit detection sensor that detects when it is at its upward limit. The tank entry determination means makes a determination based on the descent time from the release of detection by the upper limit detection sensor. This allows the bath lift's upper limit to be set to the predetermined height. When the bath lift begins to descend from its upper limit, the upper limit detection sensor is deactivated. In other words, the upper limit detection sensor detects that the bath lift has moved out of its upper limit. This allows for a determination of whether or not to enter the bath based on the descent time from the upper limit.

[0010] Preferably, the bottom of the bath lift is provided with a lowering limit detection sensor that detects when it has reached its lowering limit due to hitting a lowering restricting body including the bottom of the bathtub. The tank exit determination means determines whether or not to exit the tank based on whether or not the lower limit detection sensor has been deactivated. When entering the bath, the bottom of the bath lift abuts against the bottom of the bathtub (downward restrictor), and the downward limit detection sensor detects that it has reached its downward limit. When exiting the bath, the bath lift moves upward from the bottom of the bathtub, and the downward limit detection sensor is deactivated. In other words, the downward limit detection sensor detects that the bath lift has moved out of its downward limit. This allows the system to determine that the bath has been exited.

[0011] Preferably, the bath entry determination means makes a determination based on the descent time caused by the operation of the bath lift's descent operation input unit. The bath lift is lowered by operating the lowering operation input unit. This allows the lowering time of the bath lift to be measured, and a determination can be made as to whether or not the user is entering the bath.

[0012] Preferably, the tank exit determination means makes a determination based on whether or not the lifting operation input unit for the bath lift has been operated. The bath lift is raised and the bath is released by operating the lifting operation input unit. Therefore, whether or not the bath is released can be accurately determined by whether or not the lifting operation input unit is operated.

[0013] Preferably, the system includes a current change detection means for detecting a sudden increase in the current supplied to the lifting motor for the bath lift from its normal value, The bath entry determination means makes a determination based on the driving time for the lowering of the bath lift by the lifting motor until the rapid rise occurs. When the bath lift, while descending, hits a descent restricting body such as the bottom of the bathtub and reaches its descent limit, the load on the lifting motor increases, causing a sharp rise in the supplied current. By detecting this sharp rise with a current change detection means, it can be determined that the bath lift has reached its descent limit. The driving time of the lifting motor up to the sharp rise corresponds to the amount the bath lift has descended. This allows for the determination of whether or not to enter the bath based on the amount the bath lift has descended.

[0014] Preferably, the notification means includes an audio output unit that outputs the bathing time at the time of operation in an automated voice. This allows bathing caregivers and others to be notified of bathing time via voice.

[0015] Preferably, the bath monitoring device further includes a storage means for storing the measured value of the bathing time measured by the pre-recorded bathing time measurement means until the bath exit determination means determines that the bath has been exited. This allows us to record the bathing time of each bath user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the bath monitoring device of the present invention, bath time can be appropriately managed without the caregiver having to prepare or operate measuring instruments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bathroom equipped with a bathing assistance system including a bathing monitoring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the bathing monitoring device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the control board that constitutes the bathing monitoring device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing the bathing lift device of the bathing assistance system at its maximum lifting height on the carrier. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view showing the bathing lift device at its lowest possible height on the carrier. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view showing the bath lift device at its maximum height above the bathtub. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing the bath lift device in its lowest possible height in the bathtub, i.e., in the tub-entry state. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the bathing monitoring device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side view showing the bathing lift device of a bathing assistance system including a bathing monitoring device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, at its maximum lifting height on the carrier. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view showing the bath lift device of the second embodiment in the state where it is in the lowering limit height in the bathtub, i.e., the state where it is submerged in the bathtub. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a block diagram of the control board that constitutes the bathing monitoring device of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a graph showing an example of the change in the current supplied to the lifting motor of a bath lift device over time. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment (Figures 1-8)> As shown in Figure 1, a bathing assistance system 2 is installed in a bathroom 1, for example, in a nursing home. The bathing assistance system 2 comprises a carrier 3, a rail device 4, and a bathing lift device 10. The carrier 3 has a chassis 3a, wheels 3b, and a carrier rail 3c, and is moved by pushing. The carrier rail 3c is horizontally supported at the upper end of the chassis 3a.

[0019] The rail device 4 has a frame 4a and a bathtub rail 4c. The frame 4a is installed on the side of the bathtub 1a in the bathroom 1. The bathtub rail 4c is horizontally supported at the upper end of the frame 4a. The bathtub rail 4c and the carry rail 3c can be connected and separated in a straight line.

[0020] The bathing lift device 10 has a bathing lift 11 with a chair structure and a box-shaped lifting unit 12. A bathing user A, such as a person requiring assistance, is seated on the bathing lift 11. The bathing lift 11 holds the bathing user A in a seated position.

[0021] The lifting unit 12 is slidably mounted on rails 3c and 4c. This allows the bathing lift device 10 to be transferred between the carrier 3 and the rail device 4. Furthermore, the bathing lift 11 can be raised and lowered by the lifting unit 12. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, with the bathing lift device 10 supported by the rail device 4, the bathing lift 11 is raised and lowered, allowing bath user A (Figure 1) to enter and exit the bath.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the side of the lifting unit 12 is provided with a lifting operation input section 13 for raising and lowering the bathing lift 11. The lifting operation input section 13 includes an upward operation button switch 13a and a downward operation button switch 13b. Inside the lifting unit 12 are a lifting motor 14, a control board 15, and a battery (not shown).

[0023] Although not shown in the diagram, a pinion is connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor 14 via a reduction mechanism so as to be able to transmit torque. The bathing lift 11 is supported by the lifting unit 12 so as to be able to move up and down. A rack (not shown) extending vertically is provided on the back of the chair-like bathing lift 11. The pinion and the rack are meshed together.

[0024] When the lifting operation button switch 13a is pressed, a lifting drive command is sent from the control board 15 to the lifting motor 14. This causes the lifting motor 14 to rotate upward, and the bath lift 11 is raised via the pinion rack mechanism.

[0025] Pressing the lowering operation button switch 13b sends a downward drive command from the control board 15 to the lifting motor 14. This causes the lifting motor 14 to rotate downward, and the bath lift 11 is lowered via a pinion rack mechanism (not shown). Preferably, the lowering speed of the bath lift 11 is constant.

[0026] <Bathing monitoring device 20> As shown in Figure 2, the bathing lift device 10 is equipped with a bathing monitoring device 20. The bathing monitoring device 20 manages the bathing time of bath user A and includes an entry detection means 21, a bathing time measurement means 22, an exit detection means 23, a notification detection means 24, and a notification means 25.

[0027] The bath entry determination means 21 determines whether bath user A has entered the bath based on the amount the bath lift 11 has descended from a predetermined height. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, preferably, the predetermined height is the upper limit height of the bath lift 11. Whether or not the bath lift 11 is at the upper limit height can be detected by the upper limit detection sensor 41 described later.

[0028] Whether the bath lift 11 has started to descend from its upper limit height can be determined by whether the upper limit detection sensor 41 (described later) has canceled detection (switched from on to off), or by whether the descent operation button switch 13b has been pressed. Whether the bath lift 11 is descending (whether it has been interrupted) can be determined by whether the descent operation button switch 13b has been pressed or whether the lifting motor 14 has been driven.

[0029] Preferably, the bath entry determination means 21 determines whether or not to enter the bath based on the time it takes for the bath lift 11 to descend from its upper limit height (a predetermined height). More preferably, the bath entry determination means 21 makes the determination based on the time it takes for the upper limit to be deactivated by the upper limit detection sensor 41 described later.

[0030] The bathtub entry determination means 21 has a function of counting the descent time of the bath lift 11. When the descent of the bath lift 11 is interrupted halfway, the counting of the descent time is stopped during the interruption period. After that, when the descent is resumed, the counting of the descent time is resumed.

[0031] Preferably, the bathtub entry determination means 21 performs a bathtub entry determination when the bath lift 11 reaches the descent limit. As shown in FIG. 5, the descent limit of the bath lift 11 in the state where the bath lift device 10 is supported by the carrier 3 is the height when the bottom of the bath lift 11 abuts against the descent restricting body 44 at the bottom 3d of the vehicle body 3a.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, the descent limit of the bath lift 11 in the state where the bath lift device 10 is supported by the rail device 4 is the height when the bottom of the bath lift 11 abuts against the bottom 1d (descent restricting body) of the bathtub 1a.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, normally, the bottom 1d of the bathtub is lower than the bottom 3d of the carrier. Therefore, the descent stroke L d1 during bathtub entry is longer than the descent stroke L d3 on the carrier 3 (L d1 > L d3 ), and the descent time t d1 during bathtub entry is longer than the descent time t d3 on the carrier 3 (t d1 > t d3 ). Therefore, by counting the descent time t d of the bath lift 11 and determining whether the count value t d is longer than the required descent time t d3 on the carrier 3, it is possible to determine whether or not the bathtub has been entered.

[0034] Note that the bathtub entry determination means 21 may perform a bathtub entry determination based on the pressing operation time of the descent operation button switch 13b. During the pressing operation of the descent operation button switch 13b, the bath lift 11 is lowered. Therefore, the pressing operation time of the descent operation button switch 13b corresponds to the descent time t d of the bath lift 11. Alternatively, the tank entry determination means 21 determines the driving time of the lifting motor 14 to be the lowering time t d Therefore, a decision on whether to enter the tank may be made.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the bathing time measurement means 22 measures the bathing time t after the bathing entry determination means 21 determines that the person has entered the bath.

[0036] The exit determination means 23 determines whether the bath lift 11 has risen, i.e., whether the bath has been exited, after the start of measurement by the bath time measurement means 22. Preferably, the exit determination means 23 determines whether the bath has been exited based on whether the detection of the lower limit by the lower limit detection sensor 42 (described later) has been released (switched from on to off). Alternatively, the tank departure determination means 23 may determine whether or not to depart based on whether or not the tank has been departed.

[0037] The notification determination means 24 determines whether a notification state has been reached. The notification state is defined as a state in which the bathing time t measured by the bathing time measurement means 22 has not been detected by the bath exit determination means 23 and the bathing time t has reached a predetermined time t. s This refers to the state reached after a predetermined time t s This is not limited to just one. For example, multiple predetermined time intervals t at intervals of several minutes. s1 ,t s2 ,t s3 ...may be set.

[0038] The notification means 25 is activated when the notification determination means 24 determines that a notification is required. Preferably, the notification means 25 is activated when the bathing time, i.e., a predetermined time t s It includes an audio output unit 25a (speaker) that automatically outputs voice. The notification means 25 is housed in the lifting unit 12, but is not limited to this and may be provided outside the lifting unit 12.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the bath monitoring device 20 is provided with a lift limit detection means 40 for detecting whether the bath lift 11 has reached its lift limit. The lift limit detection means 40 includes an upward limit detection sensor 41 and a downward limit detection sensor 42. The upward limit detection sensor 41 is provided on the back of the chair-like bath lift 11. The lifting unit 12 is provided with a protruding upward restrictor 43. When the bath lift 11 is raised by the lifting unit 12, the upward limit detection sensor 41 eventually hits the upward restrictor 43, preventing the bath lift 11 from rising, and the normally open (normally off) upward limit detection sensor 41 switches from off to on. Alternatively, the upward limit detection sensor 41 may be normally closed (normally on) and switch from on to off. This allows detection that the bath lift 11 has reached its lift limit (a predetermined height) or is at its lift limit. The upward limit detection sensor 41 and the upward restricting body 43 also serve as stoppers to prevent the bath lift 11 from rising any further.

[0040] When the bath lift 11 begins to descend from its upper limit (a predetermined height), the normally open upper limit detection sensor 41 switches from on to off as it moves away from the upper limit restrictor 43. Alternatively, the upper limit detection sensor 41 may be normally closed and switch from off to on. This cancels the upper limit detection by the upper limit detection sensor 41. In other words, the start of the bath lift 11's descent can be detected.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, a lowering limit detection sensor 42 is provided at the bottom of the seat of the chair-shaped bath lift 11. A protruding lowering restrictor 44 is provided at the bottom 3d of the chassis 3a of the carrier 3. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the bath lift 11 is lowered on the carrier 3, the lowering limit detection sensor 42 eventually hits the lowering restrictor 44 (Figure 5), preventing the bath lift 11 from descending further, and the normally open lowering limit detection sensor 42 switches from off to on. Alternatively, the lowering limit detection sensor 42 may be normally closed and switch from on to off. This allows detection that the bath lift 11 has reached its lowering limit on the carrier 3. The lowering limit detection sensor 42 and the lowering restrictor 44 also serve as stoppers to prevent the bath lift 11 from descending further on the carrier 43.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when the bath lift 11 is lowered on the rail device 4 on the side of the bathtub 1a, the lowering limit detection sensor 42 eventually hits the bottom of the bathtub 1d (lowering restrictor) (Figure 7), preventing the bath lift 11 from descending and switching the lowering limit detection sensor 42 on and off. This allows detection that the bath lift 11 has reached its lowering limit height when entering the bathtub. The lowering limit detection sensor 42 also acts as a lowering stopper for the bath lift 11 in cooperation with the bottom of the bathtub 1d.

[0043] When the bath lift 11 begins to rise from its lower limit height, the normally open lower limit detection sensor 42 switches from on to off. Alternatively, the lower limit detection sensor 42 may be normally closed and switch from off to on. This cancels the lower limit detection by the lower limit detection sensor 42, allowing the system to detect the start of the bath lift 11's rise.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the bathing monitoring device 20 is specifically composed of a control board 15 and the like within the lifting unit 12. The control board 15 includes a microcomputer 30, a sensor circuit 15a connected to lifting limit detection sensors 41 and 42 to constitute the lifting limit detection means 40, a switch circuit 15b connected to button switches 13a and 13b to constitute the lifting operation input unit 13, a motor drive circuit 15c for operating the lifting motor 14, and a notification drive circuit 15d for operating the notification means 25.

[0045] The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31, a timer 32, a memory 33 (storage means), and an input / output unit 34 connected to each circuit 15a to 15d. The memory 33 stores a program 33p and data 33d for monitoring bathing. The data 33d contains the required descent time t. d3 and prescribed bathing time t s This includes threshold data such as the above. Furthermore, memory 33 contains the bathing time t of bath user A from entering to leaving the bath. end A database unit 33b for storing this information is provided.

[0046] The CPU 31 executes the bath monitoring program 33p. As a result, the CPU 31 works in cooperation with the timer 32, the lifting limit detection means 40, the lifting operation input unit 13, etc., to function as the main components of the bath entry determination means 21, the bath time measurement means 22, the bath exit determination means 23, and the notification determination means 24.

[0047] The bathing assistance system 2 is used as follows: The bathing lift device 10 is mounted on the carrier 3 when not in use for bathing. The bathing assistant moves the carrier 3, in which the bathing user A is seated, closer to the bathtub in the washing area 1b, and connects the carrier rail 3c and the bathtub rail 4c in a straight line. Then, they press the lifting operation button switch 13a. This drives the lifting motor 14, and the bathing lift 11 is raised.

[0048] As shown in the flowchart in Figure 8, the CPU 31, which acts as the control means for the bath monitoring device 20, performs bath monitoring processing in response to input signals from sensors 41, 42 and switches 13a, 13b (step 100). When the bath lift 11 reaches its upper limit height (predetermined height), the upper limit detection sensor 41 is turned on when it hits the upper limit restrictor 43 (step 101). This restricts the upward movement of the bath lift 11 and allows the bath lift device 10 to slide.

[0049] Next, the bathing assistant pushes the bathing lift device 10 toward the bathtub 1a, sliding the bathing lift device 10 from the carry rail 3c to the bathtub rail 4c. This transfers the bathing user A from the carry 3 onto the bathtub 1a. By positioning the bathing lift 11 at its maximum height (predetermined height), the transfer can be made over the edge 1c (Figure 1) of the bathtub 1a.

[0050] Next, when the lowering operation button switch 13b is pressed (step 102), the lifting motor 14 is driven and the bathing lift 11 is lowered (step 103). When the bath lift 11 begins to descend, the upward limit detection sensor 41 moves away from the upward restrictor 43, switching from on to off, and the detection of the upward limit is canceled.

[0051] In response to the release of the detection of the upper limit, the bath entry determination means 21, consisting of the CPU 31 of the bath monitoring device 20, uses the timer 32 to determine the descent time t from the upper limit height (predetermined height) of the bath lift 11. d Count the t (step 104). Descent time t d Alternatively, the lowering drive time of the lifting motor 14 (the time during which the drive current is supplied) may be counted, or the pressing time of the lowering operation button switch 13b may be counted.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, when the bath lift 11 sits on the bottom 1d of the bathtub 1a and reaches its lowering limit, the lowering limit detection sensor 42 is activated upon contact with the bottom 1d of the bathtub, and the lowering of the bath lift 11 is stopped, and the lowering time t dThe countdown ends. When the lowering limit detection sensor 42 is turned on, it is possible to detect that the bathing lift 11 has reached its lowering limit (step 105).

[0053] Next, the bath entry determination means 21, consisting of the CPU 31, determines the count value t of the descent time of the bath lift 11. d And the threshold t derived from the descent time when descending on carry 3. d3 The results are compared to determine whether or not the tank is being entered (step 110). Downward stroke L when entering the tank. d1 (Figure 7) shows the predetermined downward stroke L on the carry 3. d3 (L) d1 >L d3 ), the count value t of the descent time d is the threshold t d3 (t d >t d3 ). This determines that the fish has entered the tank.

[0054] If it is determined that the person has entered the bath, the bathing time measurement means 22, consisting of the CPU 31, starts measuring the bathing time t (step 120).

[0055] In parallel with measuring the bathing time t, the CPU 31 (exit determination means 23) determines whether the bathing lift 11 has risen, i.e., whether or not the user has exited the bath (step 121). Specifically, it determines whether or not the user has exited the bath based on the on / off state of the lowering limit detection sensor 42 (whether or not the lowering limit detection has been released). Whether or not to launch the tank may be determined by whether or not the lifting operation button switch 13a is pressed.

[0056] If the lowering limit detection sensor 42 is ON, it is determined that the person has not left the bath, i.e., is bathing. Alternatively, if the raising operation button switch 13a is not pressed, it is determined that the person has not left the bath (is bathing). In this case, the CPU 31 (notification requirement determination means 24) further determines whether a notification requirement has been reached based on the bathing measurement time t. Specifically, if the bathing measurement time t is a predetermined time t s Has it reached (t≧t) s Determine (step 122).

[0057] Notification required (t≧t s When it is determined that the bathing time t (= t) has been reached, the CPU 31 issues a notification command to the notification drive circuit 113d, and the notification means 25 is activated (step 130). Specifically, the audio output unit 25a issues a notification command to the bathing time t (= t) when the notification state has been reached. s ) will be outputted as an automated voice message, for example, "Your bath time is now XX minutes."

[0058] Preferably, unless the bath exit determination means 23 determines that the bath has been exited (step 121), the bath time measurement means 22 continues to measure the bath time t (step 120), and the bath time t is measured at predetermined intervals of several minutes (for example, every 5 minutes). s1 ,t s2 ,t s3 Each time it reaches (step 122), the bath time t(=t) at that point s1 ,t s2 ,t s3 ...) is output as audio from the audio output unit 25a (step 130).

[0059] This allows the bathing assistant to be informed of the bathing time of bath user A from the time they entered the bath until the present. The bathing assistant can accurately grasp the bathing time of bath user A through the voice output unit 25a and perform appropriate bathing management so as not to put a burden on bath user A's body. There is no need to prepare or operate measuring devices such as clocks when bathing bath user A, and there is no risk of insufficient management of bathing time due to forgetting to prepare or operate measuring devices.

[0060] After bathing, when the bathing assistant presses the lifting operation button switch 13a, the lifting motor 14 is driven upward, and the bathing lift 11 is raised. As a result, the lowering limit detection sensor 42 moves upward away from the bottom of the bathtub 1d and switches off. This causes the CPU 31 (bath exit determination means 23) to determine that the bath has been exited (step 121), and the measurement of the bathing time t by the bathing time measurement means 22 is terminated (step 140).

[0061] The measured value of bathing time t at the end of the measurement (when it is determined that the person has left the bath). end This is stored in the database unit 33b (step 150). The bathing time t is linked to the identification code and date and time of bath user A. end This could be compiled into a database. Bath time t end Such information is not limited to being stored in the database section 33b within the memory 33; it may also be transmitted to the care management computer via a communication network and stored in the storage means of the care management computer.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, when the bath lift 11 is raised from the bathtub 1a to its maximum height, the upper limit detection sensor 41 hits the upper limit restrictor 43 and is turned on, detecting the upper limit (see step 101). Subsequently, the bathing assistant pulls the bathing lift device 10 toward the washing area 1b, sliding the bathing lift device 10 from the rail 4c above the bathtub to the carry rail 3c. This transfers the bathing user A from the bathtub 1a onto the carry 3.

[0063] Next, the lowering operation button switch 13b is pressed to lower the bathing lift 11 on the carrier 3 (see steps 102-103). This turns off the upper limit detection sensor 41 as it moves away from the upper limit restrictor 43, and the upper limit detection is canceled.

[0064] In response to the release of the detection of the upper limit, the bath entry determination means 21, which consists of the CPU 31 of the bath monitoring device 20, sets the descent time of the bath lift 11 t according to the timer 32. d Count them (see step 104). When the bath lift 11 is lowered to its lower limit on the carrier 3, for example, the lower limit detection sensor 42 will come into contact with the lowering restrictor 44. This stops the lowering of the bath lift 11 (see step 105). The lowering of the bath lift 11 will also stop if the lowering operation button switch 13b is stopped midway.

[0065] The bath entry determination means 21 uses the count value t of the descent time of the bath lift 11.d and threshold t d3 Compare the results to determine whether or not to enter the tank (see step 110). Descent time t on carry 3 d is the threshold t d3 (t d ≤t d3 ), the bath entry determination means 21 determines that the person has not entered the bath. Therefore, the bath time measurement means 22 does not measure the bath time t (step 120). In this way, the bath monitoring device 20 can distinguish between the descent of the bath lift 11 for bathing and the descent of the bath lift 11 on the carrier 3.

[0066] Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following embodiments, components that overlap with those described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description will be simplified. <Second Embodiment (Figures 9-12)> As shown in Figure 9, in the bath monitoring device 20B of the second embodiment of the present invention, an ammeter 18 (current change detection means) is provided in the current supply circuit to the lifting motor 14 in the lifting unit 12. The ammeter 18 detects the current supplied to the lifting motor 14. In particular, it detects a sudden increase in the current I supplied to the lifting motor 14 from its normal value I0.

[0067] As shown in Figure 12, the normal value I0 refers to the supplied current when the lifting motor 14 is operating normally within the normal load range. The lifting motor 14 is a DC motor, and its rotational speed and supplied current fluctuate depending on the load. When the load increases, the rotational speed decreases and the supplied current increases.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the control board 15 of the bath monitoring device 20B is provided with a current measurement circuit 15e for the ammeter 18. Furthermore, the memory 33 of the microcomputer 30 contains the threshold value I of the supply current. s (See Figure 12) and the threshold t of the driving time of the lifting motor 14 for lowering the bath lift 11. ms (See Figure 12) The threshold data is stored as the threshold I of the supply current. sThis current value is set within a range that exceeds the maximum value of the normal value I0, but does not cause the bath lift device 10 to malfunction or the bathtub 1a to break due to excessive load.

[0069] Threshold t for operating time ms This value corresponds to a value that takes into account the variation in the driving time of the lifting motor 14 when lowering the bath lift 11 on the carrier 3 from its upper limit (Figure 9) to its lower limit (Figure 10), and is essentially the threshold t for the lowering time of the bath lift 11 in the first embodiment. d3 It is equivalent to this.

[0070] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the bath lift 11 of the second embodiment is further provided with a lift stopper 50 instead of the lift limit detection means 40 consisting of sensors 41 and 42 of the first embodiment (Figures 4 to 7). The lift stopper 50 includes an upward stopper portion 51 and a downward stopper portion 52. The upward stopper portion 51 is formed as a projection that protrudes rearward from the bottom of the backrest of the chair-structured bath lift 11. The downward stopper portion 52 is formed as a projection that protrudes downward from the bottom of the seat portion of the chair-structured bath lift 11.

[0071] The upward restrictor 43 and upward stopper 51 of the lifting unit 12 have sufficient strength to withstand strong collisions with each other. Similarly, the downward restrictor 44 (or the bathtub bottom 1d) and the downward stopper 52 have sufficient strength to withstand strong collisions with each other.

[0072] In the second embodiment, when the lifting operation button switch 13a is pressed to drive the lifting motor 14 and raise the bath lift 11, as shown in Figure 9, the lifting stopper 51 eventually hits the lifting restrictor 43, and the load on the lifting motor 14 increases sharply. As a result, the supply current I rises sharply from the normal value I0, and the threshold I s This completes the process. This allows detection that the bath lift 11 has reached its upper limit. In response, the current supply to the lifting motor 14 is stopped, and the drive of the lifting motor 14 is stopped.

[0073] Next, in order to lower the bath lift 11 from its upper limit, the user presses the lowering operation button switch 13b to start driving the lifting motor 14. The bathing detection means 21, consisting of the CPU 31 of the bath monitoring device 20, then uses the timer 32 to set the driving time t of the lifting motor 14. m Start the measurement.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, when the bath lift 11 is lowered on the rail device 4, i.e., on the bathtub 1a, to allow the bather to enter the tub, the lowering stopper 52 hits the bottom of the bathtub 1d (lowering restrictor), causing a sudden increase in the load on the lifting motor 14. As a result, as shown in Figure 12, the supply current I rises sharply from the normal value I0, reaching the threshold I s This completes the process. This allows detection that the bath lift 11 has reached its lowering limit. In response, the current supply to the lifting motor 14 is stopped, and the drive of the lifting motor 14 is stopped.

[0075] The tank entry determination means 21 determines when the supply current I is at threshold I s The measured value of the operating time t at the point where it reached m threshold t ms By comparing this, it is determined whether or not the tank is entered. Downward stroke L when entering the tank d1 This is a downward stroke L on carry 3. d3 Because it is longer (see Figures 5 and 7), the driving time t m is the threshold t ms exceeding (t m ≧t ms ). As a result, the tank entry determination means 21 determines that the person has entered the tank.

[0076] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 9, when the bath lift 11 is lowered on the carrier 3, from the start of descent to the threshold t ms Within a reasonable amount of time, the lowering stopper 52 strikes the lowering restrictor 44, causing a sharp increase in the load on the lifting motor 14. As a result, the supply current I rises sharply from its normal value I0, reaching the threshold I s When the above occurs, it can be detected that the bath lift 11 has reached its lowering limit. Accordingly, the drive of the lifting motor 14 is stopped. The bath entry determination means 21 determines when the supply current I is at threshold I sThe measured value of the operating time t at the point where it exceeds this value. m threshold t ms Compare with t. In this case, t m ≤t ms Therefore, the tank entry determination means 21 determines that the person has not entered the tank. In this way, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the device is in the tank.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made as long as they do not contradict its spirit. For example, the amount of descent used by the bath entry determination means 21 for determining whether a person enters the bath may be the downward stroke. The bath monitoring device may include a stroke measuring means for measuring the downward stroke of the bath lift 11, and the bath entry determination means 21 may determine whether a person enters the bath based on the measured downward stroke. The notification means 25 may include an alarm, buzzer, warning light, display monitor, etc., in place of or in addition to the audio output unit 25a. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] The present invention can be applied, for example, to a bathing assistance system that assists users with bathing in a nursing care facility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] A Bathing users 1 bathroom 1a Bathtub 1d Bathtub bottom (downward restricting mechanism) 2. Bathing assistance system 3 Carry 4 Rail device 10 Bath lift device 11 Bath lift 12 Lifting Units 13 Lifting operation input section 13a Lift operation button switch 13b Lowering operation button switch 14 Lifting motor 15 Control board 18. Ammeter (means for detecting current changes) 20 Bathing monitoring device 21 Tank entry determination means 22. Means for measuring bathing time 23 Tank discharge determination means 24 Notification Determination Method 25. Notification methods 25a Audio output section (speaker) 30 Microcomputers 31 CPU (means for determining entry into the bath, means for measuring bathing time, means for determining exit from the bath, means for determining whether notification is required) 33. Memory (Means of Storage) 33b Database Section 33p Program for monitoring bath time 33d Data for monitoring bath time 40. Lifting limit detection means 41. Upper limit detection sensor 42 Lowering limit detection sensor 43. Increasing regulatory body 44 Downward-moving restraint 50 Lifting stopper 51. Upper stopper section 52 Lowering stopper section

Claims

1. A bathing assistance system that uses a height-adjustable bathing lift to move bath users in and out of the bath, and a bathing monitoring device that manages bathing time, An entry determination means for determining whether or not to enter the bath based on the amount of descent of the bath lift from a predetermined height, A bathing time measuring means for measuring the bathing time after the bathing time has been determined to have been entered by the bathing entry determination means, A means for determining whether the bath lift has been raised, i.e., whether or not the bath has been opened, after the determination that the bath has been opened, A notification means that is activated when the bathing time reaches a predetermined time without the bath being determined to have been removed, A bathing monitoring device characterized by having the following features.

2. The bathing monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the bathing entry determination means makes a determination based on the time it takes for the bathing lift to descend from a predetermined height.

3. The aforementioned bathing lift is equipped with a lift limit detection sensor that detects when it is at its lift limit. The bathing monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the bathing entry determination means makes a determination based on the descent time from the release of detection by the upper limit detection sensor.

4. The bath lift is equipped with a descent limit detection sensor at its bottom that detects when it has reached its descent limit due to hitting a descent restricting body, including the bottom of the bathtub. The bath monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the bath exit determination means determines whether or not to exit the bath based on whether or not the detection of the lower limit detection sensor is released.

5. The bathing monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the bathing entry determination means makes a determination based on the descent time by the operation of the bathing lift's descent operation input unit.

6. The bath monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the exit determination means makes a determination based on whether or not the lifting operation input unit for the bath lift has been operated.

7. The system includes a current change detection means for detecting a sudden increase from the normal value of the current supplied to the lifting motor for the bath lift, The bathing monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the bathing entry determination means makes a determination based on the driving time for the lowering of the bathing lift by the lifting motor until the rapid rise.

8. The bath monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the notification means includes an audio output unit that outputs the bathing time at the time of operation in an automated voice.

9. The bath monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a storage means for storing the measured value of the bathing time measured by the pre-recorded bathing time measuring means until the bath exit determination means determines that the bath has been exited.

Images