Bathing car

Abstract

To provide a bath car capable of adjusting hot water supply temperature of a boiler by remote control without altering a control panel of the boiler.SOLUTION: A bath car mounts bath facility equipment such as a boiler. The boiler has a control panel provided with: a hot water temperature display part; a temperature raising switch raising temperature of the hot water supply; and a temperature lowering switch lowering the hot water supply temperature. The bath car further has a temperature controller provided with an imaging device fitted to the control panel from outside and capturing an image of the hot water supply temperature display part and a temperature adjustment part which operates the temperature raising switch or the temperature lowering switch to adjust the hot water supply temperature. The temperature controller performs remote control of the temperature adjustment part by using remote control means while displaying an image of the hot water supply temperature display part whose image is captured with the imaging part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathing vehicle for home bathing services that is equipped with bathing equipment such as a boiler, a water tank, a pump, a fuel tank, a portable bathtub, and a hot water hose. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, bathing vehicles (mobile bathing vehicles) used for visiting bathing services, which transport bathtubs and other equipment mounted inside the vehicle to the homes of customers to help them take a bath, are equipped with hot water supply equipment such as a boiler, water tank, pump, fuel tank, a portable bathtub, and piping and hoses for supplying hot water to the bathtub after it has been transported, inside the cargo compartment (cargo bed) of a box-shaped commercial vehicle (single-box vehicle).

[0003] In the home bathing service, the bathing vehicle is used to visit the residence of the person requiring care, and the bathtub is transported from the bathing vehicle to the residence or other location where the person requiring care is. Next, a hot water hose is prepared, and one end of the hot water hose is connected to a pipe that supplies hot water from a boiler, and the other end of the hot water hose is connected to the hot water tap (water tap) of the bathtub that has been transported to the residence or other location. In this state, the boiler and pump are started to supply hot water to the bathtub.

[0004] With this method, if the distance from the bathing car to the home of the person requiring care is long, most of the hot water hose will be exposed to the outside air. In this case, in a home bathing service in winter or in a cold region, the water temperature will drop while it is being supplied from the boiler to the bathtub. In addition, there are problems such as individual differences in the perceived temperature of the water and changes in the way the water temperature is felt depending on the daily physical condition, making it difficult to set the hot water temperature of the boiler.

[0005] To solve this problem, there is a method for supplying hot water at an appropriate temperature to the bathtub using a hot water supply hose, a water supply hose that supplies water directly from a water storage tank, and a mixing faucet (mixing faucet) that mixes hot water from the hot water supply hose and water from the water supply hose and supplies the mixture to the bathtub. In this method, the hot water supply temperature of the boiler is set higher than the temperature of hot water actually supplied to the bathtub. For example, the hot water supply temperature of the boiler is set to 50°C. In this method, one end of the hot water supply hose is connected to a pipe that supplies hot water from the boiler in the same manner as above, and one end of the water supply hose is connected to a pipe that supplies water from the water storage tank via a pump. Then, the other ends of the hot water supply hose and the water supply hose are each connected to a mixing faucet (mixing faucet) installed on the bathtub side. In this state, the boiler and the pump are started, and hot water at an appropriate temperature is supplied to the bathtub by operating the mixing faucet (temperature adjustment dial operation, lever operation, handle operation, etc.).

[0006] However, this method requires two hoses, a hot water supply hose and a cold water supply hose, to be drawn from the bathing vehicle into the residence of the person requiring care. Usually, the distance from the bathing vehicle to the location where the bathtub is installed is about 10m to 50m, so drawing two hoses into the residence is a heavy burden on the caregiver. In addition, a mixer faucet and other related parts must be installed in the bathtub, which increases the number of parts required compared to when hot water is supplied to the bathtub with a single hot water supply hose, and puts pressure on the vehicle space of the bathing vehicle. Therefore, in order to reduce the burden on the caregiver, it is preferable to be able to supply hot water to the bathtub with a single hot water supply hose.

[0007] For the reasons mentioned above, when supplying hot water to the bathtub with a single hot water hose, the boiler's hot water temperature must be adjusted appropriately. The boiler's hot water temperature is adjusted by operating the temperature increase / decrease switch on the control panel attached to or near the boiler body, but while the bathtub water temperature is checked inside the residence, the hot water temperature must be adjusted in the bathtub car. This means that caregivers must go back and forth between the residence and the bathtub car to adjust the bathtub water temperature, which places a heavy burden on caregivers.

[0008] To alleviate this burden, a method is known in which the hot water temperature of a boiler mounted on a bathing vehicle is controlled by a remote control that remotely operates the hot water temperature via wireless communication (for example, Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, the hot water temperature displayed on the control panel of the boiler is displayed on the hot water temperature display section of the remote control, and the hot water temperature of the boiler can be controlled by operating the temperature increase / decrease switch on the remote control. With this method, a care worker can remotely control the hot water temperature of the boiler within the residence of the person requiring care.

[0009] However, the Consumer Product Safety Act was revised in 2007, requiring manufacturers to perform maintenance such as safety inspections of boilers (oil water heaters). Currently, from the perspective of safety management, no manufacturers produce or sell remote controls for remotely operating the control panels of boilers installed in bathing vehicles, and if the control panel is modified so that the hot water temperature can be adjusted remotely using a remote control, it cannot be inspected by the manufacturer. Given this background, there is a need for a method that allows caregivers to easily adjust the temperature of hot water supplied to the bathtub without having to modify the boiler control panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-114002 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and its object is to provide a bathing cart that can adjust the hot water temperature of a boiler by remote control without modifying the boiler's control panel, and that can reduce the burden of transporting hot water equipment at visiting locations, thereby reducing the burden on caregivers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] These objects can be achieved by the present invention having the following features (1) to (8). (1) A bathing vehicle equipped with bathing equipment including at least a boiler, a water tank, a pump for supplying water from the water tank to the boiler, a fuel tank for supplying fuel to the boiler, a portable bathtub, and a single hose for supplying hot water to the bathtub that is removed from the boiler, The boiler has a control panel including a hot water temperature display unit, a temperature increase switch for increasing the hot water temperature, and a temperature decrease switch for decreasing the hot water temperature, The bathing car further has a temperature control device that is externally attached to the control panel and includes an imaging device that images the hot water temperature display unit, and a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the hot water temperature by operating the heating switch or the heating lowering switch. The temperature control device is controlled using a remote control means capable of remotely controlling the temperature adjustment unit while displaying an image of the hot water temperature display unit captured by the imaging device, This bathing car is characterized in that the hot water heated in the boiler is supplied directly to the bathtub through the hose.

[0013] (2) The bath cart described in (1) above, wherein the temperature adjustment unit has a mechanical operating means for mechanically operating the heating switch and the heating lowering switch from outside the control panel.

[0014] (3) The mechanical operation means includes a motor and a control cam fixed to a rotation shaft of the motor, The bath cart described in (2) above, wherein the control cam is composed of a rotating plate having a first side portion and a second side portion arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the motor, and the first side portion and the second side portion are configured to press the heating up switch and the heating down switch upon rotation of the motor.

[0015] (4) A bath cart as described in (3) above, wherein the mechanical operating means is configured to change the strength and / or duration with which the first side and the second side of the pivot plate press against the heating up switch and the heating down switch.

[0016] (5) the temperature control device includes a housing that houses the imaging device and the temperature adjustment unit and is externally attached to the control panel; A bath cart as described in any of (1) to (4) above, wherein the housing is configured so that the hot water temperature display unit, the heating switch, the heating switch and the temperature adjustment unit are visible from outside the housing.

[0017] (6) A bathing car as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the boiler is a kerosene water heater.

[0018] (7) The temperature control device is a bathing cart described in any of (1) to (6) above, which is equipped with a control unit that controls the operation of the imaging device and the temperature adjustment unit, and a wireless module that wirelessly communicates with the remote control means.

[0019] (8) A bathing car as described in (7) above, in which the wireless module and the remote control means communicate wirelessly via a wireless repeater that relays wireless signals. Effect of the Invention

[0020] The bathing car of the present invention has a temperature control device that is attached externally to the control panel of the boiler and includes an imaging device that images the hot water temperature display of the control panel, and a temperature adjustment device that adjusts the hot water temperature by operating a temperature increase switch that increases the hot water temperature and a temperature decrease switch that decreases the hot water temperature. The temperature control device is controlled using a remote control means that can remotely operate the temperature adjustment device while displaying an image of the hot water temperature display captured by the imaging device. Therefore, when visiting a care worker, the care worker can easily adjust the hot water temperature supplied to the bathtub by remotely controlling the hot water temperature of the boiler without moving from the residence to the bathing car.

[0021] In addition, in the present invention, instead of modifying the boiler control panel to directly adjust the hot water temperature remotely, a configuration in which the temperature increase switch and temperature decrease switch are operated from outside makes it possible to receive boiler maintenance services from the boiler manufacturer. From the viewpoint of continuing to provide home care services safely, such boiler maintenance is essential.

[0022] Furthermore, in this invention, the boiler's hot water temperature can be remotely controlled from inside the residence, so hot water heated by the boiler can be supplied directly to the bathtub through a single hose. In other words, a water supply hose for supplying water from the water storage tank to the bathtub (mixer tap) is not required. Also, a mixer tap for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water is not required. This reduces the burden of transporting the hot water supply equipment to the visit destination. According to the present invention, the above-mentioned effects can reduce the burden on caregivers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a diagram to explain an overview of remote operation in a preferred embodiment of the bathing cart of the present invention. [Diagram 2] An oblique view showing a portion of the hot water supply equipment mounted on the loading platform of a preferred embodiment of the bath cart of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the area around the temperature control device of the bathing cart shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the temperature control device and the boiler control panel shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the temperature control device shown in FIG. 3 is removed from a control panel of a boiler. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the temperature control device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a perspective view of the temperature control device and the boiler control panel shown in FIG. 3, seen obliquely from behind. [Figure 8]A plan view showing a modified example of the control cam of the temperature adjustment section provided in the temperature control device of the bath cart of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a method of operating a temperature control device using a remote control means in a preferred embodiment of the bath car of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The bathing cart of the present invention will now be described based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. (Bathing car) Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of remote control in a preferred embodiment of the bathing car of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of the hot water supply equipment mounted on the loading platform of a preferred embodiment of the bathing car of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the area around the temperature control device of the bathing car shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram of the temperature control device and boiler control panel shown in Fig. 3, viewed from above.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the bathing vehicle 100 of this embodiment is an automobile (one-box vehicle) with a hatchback-type back door. Inside the luggage compartment (cargo platform) of the bathing vehicle 100, bathing equipment such as a boiler 1 for hot water supply, a water tank for storing bathing water, a pump 2 for supplying water from the water tank to the boiler 1, a fuel tank for supplying fuel to the boiler 1, a bathtub 3 (a split bathtub or an integrated bathtub) that can be carried into the residence of the visitor, a single hose (hot water supply hose) for supplying hot water to the bathtub 3 carried from the boiler 1 into the residence, and a bathing stretcher for carrying the bather to bathe in the bathtub 3 are mounted (the water tank, fuel tank, hose, and bathing stretcher are not shown). Note that an oil water heater is used as the boiler 1 of this embodiment.

[0026] 1, the bathing car 100 of this embodiment has a temperature control device 5 attached externally to the control panel 10 of the boiler 1, the temperature control device 5 including an imaging device that images the hot water temperature display section of the control panel 10 of the boiler 1, and a temperature adjustment section that adjusts the hot water temperature by operating a hot water temperature increase switch or a hot water temperature decrease switch of the boiler 1. The temperature control device 5 displays an image of the hot water temperature display section imaged by the imaging device, and is controlled by a remote control means 9 that can remotely operate the temperature adjustment section.

[0027] The home care service using the bathing car 100 is carried out, for example, as follows. First, the bathing car 100 visits the residence of the person requiring care, and the bathtub 3 is transported from the bathing car 100 to the residence of the person requiring care. Next, one end of the hose is connected to a pipe that supplies hot water from a boiler, and the other end of the hose is drawn into the residence and connected to the hot water tap of the bathtub 3 installed in the residence. After that, the pump 2 and the boiler 1 are started, and the hot water heated by the boiler 1 is directly supplied to the bathtub 3 through the hose. The care worker can check the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 3, and control the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 by operating the remote control means 9 on the spot so that the hot water temperature is the desired temperature of the bather. Therefore, the care worker does not need to go back and forth between the residence and the bathing car 100 to adjust the hot water temperature supplied to the bathtub 3, and it is also not necessary to have another care worker stay in the bathing car 100 to adjust the hot water temperature of the boiler 1. After a predetermined amount of hot water is supplied to the bathtub 3, a bathing stretcher is used to provide a bathing service to the person requiring care.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, in the bathing car 100 of this embodiment, the control panel 10 of the boiler 1 is separated from the boiler 1 and is configured integrally with a power supply control unit 4 that controls the supply of power to the boiler 1 and the pump 2, etc. The power supply control unit 4 is connected to the in-vehicle power supply of the bathing car 100 or the household power supply in the residence of the person requiring care. The power supply control unit 4 is provided with a main switch 41, a pump start switch 42 for starting the pump 2, a pump start lamp 43 for notifying the start of the pump 2, etc. On the surface of the control panel 10, as shown in FIG. 4, there are provided a hot water temperature display unit 11 for displaying the hot water temperature of the boiler 1, a boiler start switch 12 for starting the boiler 1, a temperature increase switch 13 for increasing the hot water temperature, a temperature decrease switch 14 for decreasing the hot water temperature, etc.

[0029] A temperature control device 5 is attached to the control panel 10 so as to cover its outer periphery.

[0030] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the temperature control device 5 will be described with reference to the above-mentioned FIG. 4 and FIGS.

[0031] (Temperature control device) Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the temperature control device shown in Fig. 3 is removed from a boiler control panel. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the temperature control device shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the temperature control device and the boiler control panel shown in Fig. 3 as viewed obliquely from behind.

[0032] 5 and 6, the temperature control device 5 includes a box-shaped housing 51, an imaging device 52 that images the hot water temperature display section 11 of the control panel 10, a temperature adjustment section that operates the temperature increase switch 13 or the temperature decrease switch 14, and a control unit 55 that is wired and connected to the imaging device 52 and the temperature adjustment section. The imaging device 52, the temperature adjustment section, and the control unit 55 are housed in the housing 51. The control unit 55 is connected to a DC jack 562 provided on the side of the housing 51 by a power cord, and is connected to the power supply control section 4 shown in FIG. 3 via a power adapter (AC adapter) 56.

[0033] The housing 51 has a function of storing the imaging device 52, the temperature adjustment section, and the control unit 55 inside. As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 51 includes a metal frame and a resin case that covers the outside of the frame, and is configured to be externally attached to the control panel 10 of the boiler 1. The resin case that covers the frame is made of a highly transparent material such as acrylic resin or polycarbonate. Therefore, the operating state of the hot water temperature display section 11, the temperature increase switch 13, the temperature decrease switch 14, and the temperature adjustment section of the temperature control device 5 of the control panel 10 can be visually confirmed from the outside of the housing 51. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, a semicircular cutout section 511 is formed on both sides of the housing 51 (case). A care worker inserts his / her hand into the housing 51 through the cutout section 511 and operates the boiler start switch 12 of the control panel 10 to start or stop the boiler 1. Furthermore, in the unlikely event that a malfunction occurs in the temperature control device 5, the remote operation of the temperature control device 5 can be stopped and the caregiver can directly operate the control panel 10 to raise or lower the hot water temperature.

[0034] Furthermore, a power switch 561 of the temperature control device 5 is provided on the side of the housing 51, allowing a caregiver to easily turn the temperature control device 5 on and off.

[0035] In this way, the temperature control device 5 is designed in consideration of high safety when handling the boiler 1.

[0036] 5 and 7, two fixing screws 512 are provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the housing 51 for attaching the housing 51 to the control panel 10 of the boiler 1. Each fixing screw 512 allows a caregiver to easily attach or detach the temperature control device 5 to or from the control panel 10 of the boiler 1 by turning the fixing screw 512 with their fingers without the need for tools.

[0037] Imaging device 52 has a function of capturing an image of hot water temperature display section 11 of control panel 10. Imaging device 52 is also connected by wire to control unit 55, and captures an image of hot water temperature display section 11 in response to control from control microcomputer 551, which will be described later.

[0038] This imaging device 52 includes a lens unit 521, an image sensor, etc. Lens unit 521 is provided facing hot water temperature display unit 11 so as to be able to clearly image the hot water temperature displayed on hot water temperature display unit 11. The lens of lens unit 521 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a single-focus lens with a fixed focal length, since the distance between control panel 10 and lens unit 521 is almost constant regardless of the type of boiler 1 and a brighter image can be captured.

[0039] Furthermore, imaging device 52 captures an image of hot water temperature display section 11 at predetermined intervals, and transmits the captured image signal to control microcomputer 551 in real time.

[0040] The temperature adjustment unit has a function of operating the temperature increase switch 13 or the temperature decrease switch 14. The temperature adjustment unit is also connected by wire to the control unit 55, and its operation is controlled according to the control from the control microcomputer 551 described later.

[0041] The temperature adjustment unit is configured to operate only the temperature increase switch 13 and temperature decrease switch 14 on the control panel 10, and cannot operate other switches such as the boiler start switch 12. This is because, for safety reasons, starting the boiler 1 requires the caregiver to directly operate the control panel 10 while checking the state of the boiler 1. Therefore, it is appropriate that remote operation by the remote operation means 9 be limited only to the operation of increasing and decreasing the hot water temperature of the boiler 1.

[0042] The temperature adjustment unit is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to operate the temperature increase switch 13 and the temperature decrease switch 14 from outside the control panel 10 without modifying the control panel 10, but it is preferable that the temperature adjustment unit is configured by a mechanical operating means that mechanically operates the temperature increase / decrease switches 13, 14.

[0043] Such mechanical operation means is configured to include a driving means such as a motor and a cam member that is rotated or reciprocated by the driving means. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, a motor 53 wired to a control unit 55 and a control cam 54 fixed to the rotating shaft of the motor 53 constitute the mechanical operation means (temperature adjustment unit).

[0044] 4, control cam 54 is composed of a rotating plate having first side portion 541 and second side portion 542 arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of motor 53. More specifically, this rotating plate is composed of a member having a shape in which part of a circular ring is cut out in a fan shape in a plan view, and both side portions (first side portion 541, second side portion 542) on the outer periphery of the cutout surface in a plan view operate (press) temperature increase switch 13 and temperature decrease switch 14 as motor 53 rotates.

[0045] When the control unit 55 is not receiving an operation signal from the remote control means 9, the first side portion 541 and the second side portion 542 are both spaced apart from the temperature increase / decrease switches 13, 14 and positioned approximately parallel to the control panel 10.

[0046] When the control unit 55 receives an operation signal from the remote control means 9 to raise the hot water temperature by 1°C, the motor 53 is driven to rotate the control cam 54 counterclockwise, and the first side portion 541 presses the temperature increase switch 13 once (see FIG. 4). This raises the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 by 1°C. Thereafter, the control cam 54 rotates clockwise and returns to its original state. On the other hand, when the control unit 55 receives an operation signal from the remote control means 9 to lower the hot water temperature by 1°C, the motor 53 is driven to rotate the control cam 54 clockwise, and the second side portion 542 presses the temperature decrease switch 14 once. This lowers the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 by 1°C. Thereafter, the control cam 54 rotates counterclockwise and returns to its original state.

[0047] By forming the control cam 54 in a shape in which a part of a circular ring is cut out in a sector shape in plan view as shown in the figure, the mechanical operation means (temperature adjustment unit) has a simple configuration of the motor 53 and the control cam 54, but the operation of pressing the temperature increase / decrease switches 13, 14 can be finely controlled. With the configuration of the control cam 54 shown in the figure, the number of parts and assembly steps can be reduced, and the temperature control device 5 can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, the configuration of the cam member is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and for example, a control cam 54 having a shape shown in FIG. 8 or a piston-type cam member can be used.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a modified example of the control cam of the temperature adjustment unit provided in the temperature control device for the bath cart of the present invention.

[0049] The control cam 54 shown in Fig. 8 is composed of a rotating plate having a substantially triangular shape in a plan view, with an end of one inclined surface being a first side portion 541 and an end of the other inclined surface being a second side portion 542. In the control cam 54 having such a configuration, like the control cam 54 shown in Fig. 4, the first side portion 541 and the second side portion 542 press the temperature increase switch 13 and the temperature decrease switch 14 by the rotation of the motor 53. Even when the control cam 54 has a shape as shown in Fig. 8, it has the same effect as the control cam 54 having the shape shown in Fig. 4.

[0050] The strength and duration with which the first side 541 and second side 542 of the control cam 54 press against the temperature rise / fall switches 13, 14 can be changed by adjusting the drive amount and drive time of the motor 53, and can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type of boiler 1 to which the temperature control device 5 is installed.

[0051] The material of the control cam 54 is not particularly limited, and a hard material (for example, various resin materials, ceramic materials) can be used. The motor 53 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a DC servo motor. By using a DC servo motor, fine control is possible and it can be operated with a high torque compared to the case of using a stepping motor or the like, and more accurate operation is possible.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 55 includes a control microcomputer (control unit) 551 for executing control of the temperature control device 5, a camera driver IC 552 for driving the imaging device 52, a motor driver IC 553 for driving the temperature adjustment unit (motor 53), one or more memories 554 for storing various data and modules used to execute the processing of the control microcomputer 551, a power supply circuit 555 connected to a power adapter 56 and supplying power to the control microcomputer 551, the imaging device 52, the temperature adjustment unit, etc., and a wireless module 556 for wireless communication with an external remote control means 9.

[0053] The control microcomputer 551 controls the driving of the imaging device 52 via the camera driver IC 552 and the driving of the motor 53 via the motor driver IC 553 in response to an operation signal from the remote control means 9 received via the wireless module 556. Furthermore, the control microcomputer 551 wirelessly transmits an image signal transmitted from the imaging device 52 to the remote control means 9 using the wireless module 556.

[0054] The control microcontroller 551 is equipped with one or more processors for executing the control of the control microcontroller 551, and an I / O (input / output) interface for executing input to the control microcontroller 551 and output from the control microcontroller 551.

[0055] The one or more processors are computing units that perform computations, such as signal manipulation, based on computer-readable instructions, such as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), central processing units (CPUs), memory control units (MCUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), state machines, logic circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or combinations thereof. In particular, the processor is configured to fetch computer-readable instructions (e.g., data, programs, modules, etc.) stored in memory 554 and perform computations, signal manipulations, and control.

[0056] The I / O interface includes various software interfaces and hardware interfaces such as a web interface and a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, the I / O interface is an interface for peripheral devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel display, an external memory, a printer, and a display. The I / O interface enables input to the control microcomputer 551 using an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel display, and output from the control microcomputer 551 to a display, a printer, and an external memory. The I / O interface may also enable the control microcomputer 551 to communicate with any external device, such as a web server or a data server, provided outside the remote control means 9, via a network such as the Internet.

[0057] The camera driver IC 552 has a function of controlling the driving of the imaging device 52 under the control of the control microcomputer 551. The camera driver IC 552 adjusts the timing of imaging the hot water temperature display unit 11 by the imaging device 52, the imaging interval, etc. according to the control of the control microcomputer 551. The control microcomputer 551 may control the imaging device 52 to continue imaging at a predetermined interval after the remote control means 9 starts to be operated, or may control the imaging device 52 to image at a predetermined interval for a predetermined time after the remote control means 9 performs a temperature increase / decrease operation. The control microcomputer 551 controls the imaging device 52 to image for a predetermined time after the remote control means 9 performs a temperature increase / decrease operation, thereby reducing the power consumption of the imaging device 52. The interval at which the imaging device 52 images is imaged is not particularly limited, and the camera driver IC 552 can be controlled to image at intervals of one second to several tens of seconds.

[0058] The motor driver IC 553 has a function of controlling the driving of the motor 53 under the control of the control microcomputer 551. In response to the control of the control microcomputer 551, the motor driver IC 553 adjusts the rotation direction, driving amount, driving time, etc. of the motor 53.

[0059] The memory 554 is a computer-readable medium including a volatile storage medium (e.g., RAM, SRAM, DRAM), a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, a solid-state drive, an optical disk, a CD-ROM, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk, a magnetic cassette, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk), or a combination thereof.

[0060] The memory (storage unit) 554 is communicably connected to the processor of the control microcomputer 551, and stores a plurality of modules executable by the processor, and data required for processing by the plurality of modules. The memory 554 also has a function of temporarily storing data received, processed, or generated by one or more of the plurality of modules, and data required for executing processing by the plurality of modules. The data includes, for example, the imaging interval of the imaging device 52, the driving amount and driving time of the motor 53, etc.

[0061] The wireless module 556 has a function of receiving an operation signal from the remote control means 9 by wireless communication, and a function of transmitting an image signal transmitted from the imaging device 52 to the control microcomputer 551 to the remote control means 9 by wireless communication. The wireless module 556 includes components necessary for performing wireless communication, such as an antenna, a transmission / reception circuit, and a modulation / demodulation circuit, and performs wireless communication with the remote control means 9 in response to control from the control microcomputer 551. The wireless module 556 receives an operation signal from the remote control means 9 in real time by wireless communication using any short-range wireless communication technology known in the wireless communication field, such as a wireless LAN system such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a wireless PAN system such as ZigBee (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy), a wireless MAN system such as WiMAX (registered trademark), or a wireless WAN system, and also transmits an image signal transmitted from the imaging device 52 to the control microcomputer 551 to the remote control means 9 in real time.

[0062] (Remote Control Means) Next, the remote control means 9 will be described. In the following description, a case where Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is typically used as a wireless communication method between the remote control means 9 and the wireless module 556 will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the remote control means 9 includes an image display unit 91 that displays an image captured by the imaging device 52 and transmitted by the control microcomputer 551, a temperature increase instruction switch 92 that instructs the user to press the temperature increase switch 13 of the control panel 10 by driving the control cam 54, a temperature decrease instruction switch 93 that instructs the user to press the temperature decrease switch 14 of the control panel 10 by driving the control cam 54, an unlock switch 94 that enables the operation of the temperature increase instruction switch 92 and the temperature decrease instruction switch 93, a radio wave indicator 95 that indicates the radio wave status of Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and a power switch (not shown). The captured image displayed on the image display unit 91 includes not only the hot water temperature displayed on the hot water temperature display unit 11 but also the operating state of the control cam 54. Therefore, the care worker can check not only the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 but also whether the temperature control device 5 is operating normally using the remote control means 9.

[0064] When the care worker (operator) operates (presses) the temperature increase instruction switch 92 while pressing the lock release switch 94, an operation signal for raising the hot water temperature by 1°C is transmitted from the remote control means 9 to the temperature control device 5. When the control microcomputer 551 receives the operation signal from the remote control means 9 via the wireless module 556, it drives the imaging device 52 and transmits the image signal transmitted from the imaging device 52 to the remote control means 9 in real time via the wireless module 556. In addition, the control microcomputer 551 drives the motor 53 to rotate the control cam 54 counterclockwise, whereby the first side portion 541 presses the temperature increase switch 13 once, and the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 can be raised by 1°C.

[0065] Furthermore, when the operator operates (presses) the temperature reduction command switch 93 while pressing the lock release switch 94, an operation signal for decreasing the hot water temperature by 1°C is transmitted from the remote control means 9 to the temperature control device 5. Upon receiving an operation signal from the remote control means 9 via the wireless module 556, the control microcomputer 551 drives the imaging device 52 and transmits the image signal transmitted from the imaging device 52 to the remote control means 9 in real time via the wireless module 556. Furthermore, the control microcomputer 551 drives the motor 53 to rotate the control cam 54 clockwise, whereby the second side portion 542 presses the temperature reduction switch 14 once, thereby decreasing the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 by 1°C.

[0066] In addition, in order to prevent a sudden change in the hot water temperature when the temperature increase instruction switch 92 and the temperature decrease instruction switch 93 are operated accidentally in succession, it is preferable that the temperature increase instruction switch 92 and the temperature decrease instruction switch 93 are configured so that they cannot be temporarily operated until the image displayed on the image display unit 91 has been updated multiple times (for example, twice) after the temperature increase instruction switch 92 and the temperature decrease instruction switch 93 have been operated once.

[0067] Furthermore, in the remote control means 9, unless the unlock switch 94 is pressed, the operation of the temperature increase command switch 92 and the temperature decrease command switch 93 is not valid, so it is possible to prevent the hot water temperature from being changed if a caregiver inadvertently touches the remote control means 9 while bathing a person requiring care. The locked state set by the lock release switch 94 can also be set to invalid.

[0068] In addition, the wireless communication between the remote control means 9 and the wireless module 556 can usually send and receive signals directly without using a wireless repeater, as shown in the path of (a) in Fig. 6. However, if the distance from the bathing car 100 to the residence of the care-requiring person is long or there is a difference in elevation between the bathing car 100 and the residence of the care-requiring person, the radio wave conditions for wireless communication may be poor. In such a case, after checking the radio wave conditions displayed on the radio wave indicator 95, a wireless repeater 20 can be placed between the bathing car 100 and the residence of the care-requiring person, as shown in the path of (b) in Fig. 6, and wireless communication between the remote control means 9 and the wireless module 556 can be performed via the wireless repeater 20.

[0069] The remote control means 9 can be any terminal such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, workstation, tablet computer, mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, wearable terminal, server, etc.

[0070] Next, a method S100 for operating the temperature control device 5 using the above-mentioned remote control means 9 will be described.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method of operating the temperature control device using a remote control means in a preferred embodiment of the bath cart of the present invention.

[0072] Each step S110 to S170 of the operating method S100 is executed by the processor of the control microcomputer 551 using each component of the control microcomputer 551 including each module in the memory 554.

[0073] First, the bathing car 100 is used to visit the residence of the person requiring care, and the bathtub 3 is transported from the bathing car 100 into the residence of the person requiring care. Next, one end of the hose is connected to a pipe that supplies hot water from the boiler, and the other end of the hose is drawn into the residence and connected to the hot water tap of the bathtub 3 installed in the residence. After that, the main switch 41 of the power supply control unit 4 is turned on to start the pump 2 and boiler 1, and the hot water heated by the boiler 1 is supplied directly to the bathtub 3 via the hose. The operation method S100 starts from a state in which hot water is being supplied to the bathtub 3.

[0074] In step S110, the care worker turns on the power switch of the remote control means 9. By this operation, the temperature control device 5 receives an operation signal indicating that the power of the remote control means 9 has been turned on via the wireless module 556. Next, in step S120, the control microcomputer 551 controls the camera driver IC 552 to drive the imaging device 52. In step S130, the control microcomputer 551 transmits the image signal transmitted from the imaging device 52 to the remote control means 9 in real time via the wireless module 556. As a result, an image of the hot water temperature display unit 11 captured by the imaging device 52 is displayed on the image display unit 91, so that the care worker can know the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 before the heating / lowering operation.

[0075] Next, in step S140, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub 3 is adjusted according to the bather's desire. Specifically, the temperature increase instruction switch 92 or the temperature decrease instruction switch 93 is operated. By this operation, the temperature control device 5 receives an operation signal from the remote control means 9 via the wireless module 556 to increase or decrease the hot water temperature by 1°C.

[0076] Next, in step S150, the control microcomputer 551 controls the camera driver IC 552 to drive the imaging device 52. In step S160, the control microcomputer 551 transmits an image signal transmitted from the imaging device 52 to the remote control means 9 in real time via the wireless module 556. Thereafter, steps S150 and S160 are repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed since the temperature increase or decrease operation of the remote control means 9.

[0077] Also, at approximately the same timing as the initial step S150, in step S170, the control microcomputer 551 controls the motor driver IC 553 to drive the motor 53 so that the control cam 54 rotates counterclockwise or clockwise. This causes the temperature increase switch 13 or the temperature decrease switch 14 to be pressed once, increasing or decreasing the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 by 1° C. Thereafter, the control microcomputer 551 controls the motor driver IC 553 to return the control cam 54 to its original state.

[0078] In this way, in the bathing car 100 of this embodiment, the image of the hot water temperature display unit 11 captured by the imaging device 52 is displayed, while the temperature adjustment unit (control cam 54) is controlled using the remote control means 9 that can remotely operate the temperature adjustment unit. Therefore, when visiting a caregiver, the caregiver can easily adjust the temperature of the hot water supplied to the bathtub by remotely controlling the hot water temperature of the boiler without having to move from inside the residence to the bathing car 100.

[0079] Moreover, by modifying the control panel 10 of the boiler 1 to operate the temperature increase switch 13 and the temperature decrease switch 14 from outside, rather than directly adjusting the hot water temperature by remote control, the boiler manufacturer can provide maintenance services for the boiler. From the viewpoint of continuing to provide safe home care services, such maintenance of the boiler is essential. The temperature control device 5 can be easily attached and detached to the control panel 10, and the care worker can reach into the housing 51 from both sides and directly operate the control panel 10. Therefore, in the unlikely event that a malfunction occurs in the temperature control device 5, the remote operation of the temperature control device 5 can be stopped and the care worker can directly operate the control panel 10 to increase or decrease the hot water temperature, ensuring a safe state.

[0080] Furthermore, in the bathing vehicle 100 of this embodiment, the hot water temperature of the boiler 1 can be remotely controlled from inside the residence, so the hot water heated by the boiler 1 can be directly supplied to the bathtub via a single hose. In other words, a water supply hose for supplying water from the water storage tank to the bathtub (mixer tap) is not required. Also, a mixer tap for adjusting the mixing ratio of hot water and cold water is not required. This reduces the transportation burden at the visit destination of the hot water supply equipment.

[0081] According to the bathing cart 100 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned effects can reduce the burden on caregivers.

[0082] The above describes the bath cart of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each component can be replaced with any component that can perform a similar function, or any component can be added.

[0083] For example, the number and types of components of the temperature control device of the bathing car shown in Fig. 6 are merely examples for explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to these. Within the scope of the present invention, any embodiment in which any component is added or combined, or any component is deleted, is also within the scope of the present invention, as long as it does not deviate from the principles and intent of the present invention. In addition, each component of the temperature control device of the bathing car may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of these. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...Boiler 10...Control panel 11...Hot water temperature display 12...Boiler start switch 13...Heating switch 14...Heating switch 2...Pump 20...Wireless repeater 3...Bathtub 4...Power supply control unit 41...Main switch 42...Start switch 43...Pump start lamp 5...Temperature control device 51...Housing 511...Notch 512...Fixing screw 52...Imaging device 521...Lens unit 53...Motor 54...Control cam 541...First side 542...Second side 55...Control unit 551...Control microcomputer 552...Camera driver IC 553...Motor driver IC 554...Memory 555...Power supply circuit 556...Wireless module 56...Power adapter 561...Power switch 562...DC jack 9...Remote control means 91...Image display 92...Heating switch 93...Temperature lowering instruction switch 94...Lock release switch 95...Radio wave indicator 100...Bath cart S100...Operation method S110, S120, S130, S140, S150, S160, S170...Process

Claims

1. A bathing vehicle equipped with bathing equipment including at least a boiler, a water storage tank, a pump for supplying water from the water storage tank to the boiler, a fuel tank for supplying fuel to the boiler, a portable bathtub, and a single hose for supplying hot water to the bathtub that is removed from the boiler, The boiler has a control panel including a hot water temperature display unit, a temperature increase switch for increasing the hot water temperature, and a temperature decrease switch for decreasing the hot water temperature, The bathing car further has a temperature control device that is externally attached to the control panel and includes an imaging device that images the hot water temperature display unit, and a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the hot water temperature by operating the heating switch or the heating lowering switch. The temperature control device is controlled using a remote control means capable of remotely controlling the temperature adjustment unit while displaying an image of the hot water temperature display unit captured by the imaging device, This bathing car is characterized in that the hot water heated in the boiler is supplied directly to the bathtub through the hose.

2. 2. The bath cart according to claim 1, wherein the temperature adjustment unit has a mechanical operating means for mechanically operating the temperature increase switch and the temperature decrease switch from outside the control panel.

3. The mechanical operation means includes a motor and a control cam fixed to a rotation shaft of the motor; The bath cart described in claim 2, wherein the control cam is composed of a rotating plate having a first side and a second side arranged symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis of the motor, and the first side and the second side are configured to press the heating up switch and the heating down switch by rotation of the motor.

4. The bath cart described in claim 3, wherein the mechanical operating means is configured to change the strength and / or the time with which the first side and the second side of the pivot plate press the temperature increase switch and the temperature decrease switch.

5. the temperature control device includes a housing that houses the imaging device and the temperature adjustment unit and is externally attached to the control panel; 5. A bath cart as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is configured so that the hot water temperature display unit, the temperature increase switch, the temperature decrease switch and the temperature adjustment unit are visible from outside the housing.

6. 6. A bathing car according to claim 1, wherein the boiler is an oil-fired water heater.

7. A bath cart as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the temperature control device comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the imaging device and the temperature adjustment unit, and a wireless module that wirelessly communicates with the remote control means.

8. 8. The bath cart according to claim 7, wherein the wireless module and the remote control means communicate wirelessly via a wireless repeater that relays wireless signals.

Images