JP3585402B2 - Submersion sensor and drowning detector during bathing - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a submergence sensor capable of detecting whether or not a predetermined part of a human body is submerged and a drowning detection device during bathing using the submergence sensor, and more specifically, in the home security field, particularly for the elderly. The present invention provides a drowning detection device during bathing that can be used for a safety confirmation system or an emergency notification system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The primary cause of accidental death at home is drowning in the bathtub while bathing. Deaths during bathing are classified into drowning, which is the accidental death described above, and sickness and death caused during bathing such as heart disease. The sum total of these bathing deaths amount to about 10,000 people nationwide annually, which is comparable to the number of road deaths. In particular, many elderly people die from bathing, which is a major problem. Bathing deaths occur frequently in winter and are caused by the magnitude of blood pressure fluctuations associated with bathing.
In particular, an act of high risk during bathing is an act of getting up from the bathtub while standing in the bathtub. In a state of being immersed in a bathtub, peripheral blood vessels are enlarged by a thermal effect, blood circulation is improved, and blood pressure is reduced. Furthermore, when the user stands up in that state, the blood moves downward due to the effect of gravity, and the brain and heart fall into an ischemic state, which increases the possibility of causing brain disease or heart disease. Even a healthy person may have symptoms such as lightheadedness when getting out of the bathtub. Loss of consciousness in the bathtub often leads to drowning in the bathtub. Even if you fall down in the bathtub, your head or shoulders may be caught on the edge of the bathtub and you may be prevented from drowning. Examining the cases of drowning in the bathtub, drowning and prone drowning in a deep Japanese bathtub with a short longitudinal dimension and drowning on the back in a shallow Western bathtub with a long longitudinal dimension. In some cases, sickness or accidental death occurs in the washing room, but death in the bathroom is overwhelmingly in the bathtub.
If the nose and mouth submerge due to some abnormality while immersed in the bathtub, breathing stops, and after 1-2 minutes, the heart stops. Even if breathing stops and oxygen is no longer supplied to the brain, it can be detected early and resuscitated by artificial respiration or cardiac massage. The relationship between submersion time and resuscitation rate is reported to be 90% at 2 minutes, 75% at 3 minutes, 50% at 4 minutes, and 25% at 5 minutes. In other words, even if the child drowns during bathing (drown in water, including cases where it does not lead to drowning) and the nose and mouth submerge, it is understood that the possibility of resuscitation is increased if found early.
[0003]
Conventionally, the necessity of changing the form of bathing action for preventing death from bathing has been proposed. For example, the use of a bathroom heater or the use of a second hot water to raise the temperature in the bathroom and reduce the cold exposure to bathers, suppress the blood pressure fluctuations during bathing by applying hot water before bathing, or A half-body bath soaked in hot water up to Hatoo was proposed. In particular, half-body bathing, which has not been practiced so far, has been widely proposed as being effective in relieving fatigue and insomnia and relieving chilliness and back pain.
However, conventionally, there has been no drowning detection device during bathing that mainly aims to detect drowning during bathing of an elderly person or the like at an early stage.
[0004]
By the way, as a prior art related to a submergence sensor capable of detecting whether or not a predetermined part of a human body is submerged and a drowning detection device during bathing using the submergence sensor, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 9-16877 discloses The disclosed alarm system (hereinafter referred to as a first conventional example), the drowning prevention device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-55251 (hereinafter referred to as a second conventional example), and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-50693. (Hereinafter referred to as a third conventional example) and the like.
[0005]
The alarm system of the first conventional example is a system in which when an elderly person or the like suffers a seizure or the like while taking a bath, the bather himself / herself presses an emergency button near the bathtub to notify a cohabitant of an emergency. However, since it is extremely rare that a bather himself can press the emergency button in the event of a true emergency, 90% or more of such emergency buttons are considered to be useless in an emergency. When cerebral ischemia occurs during bathing, it is extremely difficult for the bather to press the emergency button by himself due to loss of consciousness. That is, there is a problem in that the emergency button of this system is premised on operation by a bather.
[0006]
The second conventional drowning prevention device prevents drowning accidents limited to infants in a so-called 24-hour bath. When the drowning prevention mode is set during a 24-hour bath operation, even if anyone takes a bath, the drowning prevention device is forced into the bathtub. Water is forcibly drained. This device detects a rise in the water level at the time of bathing, and detects only whether or not a person is present in the bathtub. Therefore, with this apparatus, it was not possible to accurately detect whether or not the nose and mouth were submerged during bathing (submerged to the waist or shoulder), that is, to submerge a specific part of the human body.
[0007]
In the abnormality detecting device of the third conventional example, a large number of human body detection sensors (infrared sensors, optical sensors, etc.) are arranged inside a bathroom such as around a bathtub, and each human body detection sensor is activated when it detects a human body. Is configured to detect an abnormality by analyzing the operation pattern. For example, when a fall occurs in a washing place, a large number of human body detection sensors installed at a low position on the wall around the washing place operate for a long time, and an abnormality is detected by analyzing the operation pattern. Further, when the bather stops moving in the bathtub, a number of human body detection sensors installed around the bathtub or above the bathtub operate for a long time to analyze the operation pattern to detect abnormalities. This anomaly detection device is a large-scale system intended for a new bathroom such as a hotel or a retirement center, and has a problem that it cannot be installed in an existing bathroom at home. Further, in order to improve the detection accuracy, it is necessary to arrange a large number of human body detection sensors in the bathroom, and there is a problem that the cost of the apparatus rises. Further, similarly to the second conventional example, it is difficult to accurately detect whether or not the nose and mouth are submerged during bathing (submerge to the waist or shoulder), that is, to accurately detect submergence in a specific part of the human body. it is conceivable that.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its object is to provide a submergence sensor capable of detecting and reporting submergence of a bather's nose and mouth with high accuracy, and a bather's operation. No, provide early detection of drowning in the bathtub during bathing, use it in the existing bathroom in the home, provide an economical drowning detector during bathing, and resuscitate drowners in the bathtub The point is to improve the probability.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first characteristic configuration of the submersion sensor according to the present invention for achieving this object is that the bather does not submerge in the hot water in the bath tub when the bather is in a normal posture, and the bather has a predetermined position. It can be installed so that it sinks in the hot water when it sinks inA pendant-type hollow structure floating on water, comprising at least a movable member housed in the hollow portion so as to be movable at least in a vertical direction, and a position detection unit for detecting a position of the movable member; When the body is in a normal suspended state, the movable member is located below the hollow portion, the center of gravity of the hollow structure is located above the center of the hollow structure, and the hollow structure is floating on the water surface In the above, the hollow structure is configured to be turned upside down by the position of the center of gravity decentered upward, and the movable member is moved to the upper side of the hollow portion, and the movable portion is moved to the upper side of the hollow portion by the movable portion. By detecting the position of the member,SaidThe point is that it is possible to detect whether or not a predetermined part is submerged.
In addition, the normal suspended state means that the upper part of the hollow structure is supported in a suspended state by a necklace or the like made of, for example, an annular string, a band, or a chain member, and the neck of the human body or the like via the necklace or the like. Means a state of being wound around. Therefore, when the above-mentioned necklace or the like is not attached, the submergence sensor having this characteristic configuration is used by being attached to the above-mentioned necklace or the like. In addition, the center of gravity of the hollow structure means the center of gravity of the entire hollow structure including the movable member and the internal member. Therefore, the position of the center of gravity moves depending on the position of the movable member. Further, the upper side or the lower side of the hollow portion is based on the posture in a normal suspended state.
[0010]
The second feature configuration is, in addition to the first feature configuration,The movable member is conductive, and a pair of electrodes is provided above the hollow portion. When the movable member moves to the upper side of the hollow portion, the electrodes are electrically connected to each other by the movable member, and the position detecting portion is in a conductive state. Is to detect the state of submergence by detecting
[0011]
The third feature configuration, in addition to the first or second feature configuration,The sensor main body is a pendant type floating on water, and in a normal suspended state, the center of gravity of the sensor main body is located above the center of the sensor main body, and in a state where the sensor main body is floating on the water surface, the sensor main body is An antenna configured to be turned upside down by the position of the center of gravity decentered upward, and transmitting an electric wave signal for reporting a detected submerged state, the sensor body in a state where the sensor body is turned upside down while floating on the water surface. In the part floating above the water surface.
When the submergence sensor is of a pendant type, the sensor body includes the submergence detection mechanism and various means attached thereto and the entire pendant-type housing for accommodating them, and includes a necklace portion for suspending and supporting the housing. Absent.
[0012]
The fourth characteristic configuration is, in addition to any of the first to third characteristic configurations,It is provided with a warning means for generating a predetermined warning output according to the duration of the submerged state or the non-submerged state.
[0013]
The fifth feature configuration is, in addition to any of the first to fourth feature configurations,A waterproof film that is provided with an audio signal output unit that generates a predetermined audio signal inside the housing, and that has a through hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the housing, and the through hole is capable of transmitting sound from the inside of the housing. The point is that it is shielded from water.
In this specification, an audio signal means a signal that can be heard by human ears, and includes sounds within an audible range and human voice.
[0014]
The sixth characteristic configuration is, in addition to any of the first to fifth characteristic configurations,The sensor main body is a pendant type floating on water, and in a normal suspended state, the center of gravity of the sensor main body is located above the center of the sensor main body, and in a state where the sensor main body is floating on the water surface, the sensor main body is An audio signal emission unit configured to be inverted up and down by the upwardly eccentric gravity center position and emitting a predetermined audio signal toward the outside of the sensor body, in a state where the sensor body is turned upside down while floating on the water surface. The present invention is characterized in that the sensor body is provided at a portion floating above the water surface.
Here, the audio signal emitting unit is, for example,FiveWhen the audio signal output means is inside the sensor body as in the characteristic configuration of (1), the sound signal output means is a through hole for sound transmission, and a sounding body such as a speaker or a diaphragm of the audio signal output means is provided directly on the surface of the sensor body. If so, it is the pronunciation body.
[0015]
The seventh feature configuration is, in addition to the first, second or sixth feature configuration,An antenna for supporting a pendant portion in a suspended state and forming an antenna for transmitting a radio signal for notifying a submerged state or a non-submerged state detected in the pendant portion is formed on a necklace portion that can be wound around a human body neck. On the point.
[0016]
The eighth feature configuration is, in addition to any of the first to seventh feature configurations,The point is that an ultrasonic signal for notifying the detected submersion state can be transmitted.
[0017]
The first characteristic configuration of the drowning detection device during bathing according to the present invention to achieve this object,Has any one of the above first to eighth characteristic configurationsA submergence sensor, drowning judging means for judging drowning in the bathtub of the bather based on the detection result of the submergence sensor, and emergency information output means for outputting emergency information based on the judgment result of the drowning judging means. The point is to be prepared.
[0018]
The second characteristic configuration is,UpIn addition to the first characteristic configuration, a forced drainage unit that forcibly drains hot and cold water in the bathtub based on the determination result of the drowning determination unit is provided.
[0019]
The third characteristic configuration is,UpIn addition to the second characteristic configuration, a release means for releasing the forced drainage state of the forced drainage means is provided.
[0020]
The operation and effect will be described below.
According to the first characteristic configuration of the submergence sensor according to the present invention, it is possible to detect submergence or non-submergence of an arbitrary human body part corresponding to a mounting location. Here, the submergence sensor is a sensor capable of detecting a submerged state (a state of being immersed in hot water or the like), and a sensor that does not detect a state in which water droplets or the like are temporarily attached as a submerged state. Specifically, for example, a type that detects that an electrically low-resistance state is continuous without intermittent by utilizing electric conductivity of water (also referred to as conductivity), a type that detects water pressure, and the like. Can be considered. Further, since the submersion sensor is a sensor, it naturally has some output means for outputting the detection result. However, as the detection output, an appropriate one is adopted from various forms such as an electric signal, light, sound, or mechanical vibration depending on the intended use.
Furthermore, when the bather wears the submergence sensor of this characteristic configuration at a position where head submersion such as the nose and mouth can be detected, for example, on the chest or neck, the head submerges the head such as the nose or mouth in the bathtub. When drowning, the submergence sensor submerges and can accurately detect the submerged state of the nose and mouth. As a result, the subsequent treatment can be quickly performed based on the detection result, and even if you drown in the bathtub, the possibility of resuscitation is increased, which helps prevent bathing death.
On the other hand, it is difficult to accurately detect submersion in a specific part of the human body with a human body sensor using ultrasonic waves or infrared rays installed in the bathtub or in the vicinity of the bathtub. It is possible to detect the drowning of the bather with higher accuracy than the type of sensor. In addition, since it is used by wearing it on a human body, it can be used even when taking a bath in a different bathtub, and can be used in applications other than bathing, such as a swimming pool.
[0021]
Further, as a use other than the prevention of bathing death, for example, it can be used as a monitor of a bathing posture when performing a half-body bath. By installing the submergence sensor of this characteristic so that it is located near the pigeon tail and taking a bath, if it is too immersed in the bathtub, the submergence sensor detects the submersion state, and the half body bather It is possible to recognize that it is not a half-body bath by immersing in the bathtub to the upper rank, and to return to the original half-body bathing posture. In addition, by changing the mounting position, it is possible to freely change from a half-body bath to a normal bath.
[0022]
Also,Since the bather can install the submergence sensor with this feature at a position where head submersion such as the nose and mouth can be detected, the submergence sensor is activated when the head of the nose or mouth submerges in the bathtub and drowns. Submersion allows accurate detection of submerged nose and mouth. As a result, the subsequent treatment can be quickly performed based on the detection result, and even if you drown in the bathtub, the possibility of resuscitation is increased, which helps prevent bathing death.
In particular, PeBecause it is a dant type, it is possible to eliminate the feeling of discomfort at the time of wearing by improving the designability, and because it is easy to wear, the situation of taking a bath without mounting the submersion sensor is reduced, The feasibility of bathing death prevention can be improved. Further, since the mounting position can be easily moved up and down in front of the chest, it is suitable for use as a monitor of a bathing posture in a half-body bath.
[0023]
ChangeHowever, since the detection of the submerged state is performed by detecting the position of the movable member housed in the hollow part of the hollow structure, unlike the type in which the presence of water is detected by electrical resistance, the normal suspended hollow structure Even if water such as a shower is applied to the body, no malfunction occurs, and only a true submerged state can be detected.
By the way, although the center of gravity of the hollow structure in the normal suspended state is eccentric upward, it is suspended and supported by a necklace or the like at the upper part, and the center of gravity is below the supporting point, so that a stable posture is maintained. can do. On the other hand, when the hollow structure floats on the surface of the water, the posture of the hollow structure is turned upside down, and the movable member moves further up the hollow portion. The upside down posture is stably maintained. That is, once in the submerged state, the submerged state is not inadvertently returned to the non-submerged state, so that highly accurate submerged detection is possible.
[0024]
In addition,twoAccording to the characteristic configuration, the submerged state can be easily detected simply by detecting the conduction between the two electrodes due to the movement of the movable member to the upper side of the hollow portion, and in a normal suspended state, the upper side of the hollow portion can be detected. Since the electrodes are not conductive, unnecessary power consumption can be avoided and power consumption can be reduced.
[0025]
Generally, radio waves are greatly attenuated in water. Therefore, when a radio signal is directly transmitted from a body part that is entirely or partially submerged, the reception intensity of the radio signal is reduced due to the attenuation. However,threeAccording to the characteristic configuration of the above, when the radio signal is transmitted, since the antenna is located on the water surface, the radio signal transmitted from the antenna is reliably received without being attenuated by water, and the submerged state is set to the outside. The notification can be made surely. Similarly,SevenAccording to the characteristic configuration described above, since the necklace portion has many portions exposed on the water surface, the attenuation of the radio wave can be avoided, and the reception of the radio wave signal can reliably notify the submerged state to the outside.
[0026]
SameFourAccording to the characteristic configuration of the present invention, for a user wearing a submergence sensor, a predetermined human body part of a user who is a detection target of submerged or non-submerged state is in a submerged or non-submerged state for a predetermined time or more. Information, or information that has not passed for a certain period of time can be given. If the state is unconsciously continued, the user can correct the state based on the information. .
A specific example will be described. When a bather wears the submergence sensor with this characteristic configuration at the position where head submersion such as the nose and mouth can be detected, for example, when worn on the chest or neck, if the nose and mouth submerge, the submergence sensor also submerges and Although the submersion state of the mouth and mouth can be accurately detected, even if the submersion sensor is submerged, the nose and mouth may not always be submerged. In other words, there is a risk that it is determined that the bather has drowned in the bathtub, even though the bather is normal. However, if the bather is normal, it is necessary to cancel the detection state of the submergence sensor. The bather can recognize that submergence has been detected by mistake, and can cancel the state.
Further, as another application example, for example, when it is necessary to hold a predetermined part of the human body in water for a certain period of time in underwater therapy or the like, it is possible to inform the user of the elapsed time of the holding in water, and it is possible to effectively perform underwater treatment. Therapy is promoted.
[0027]
SameFiveAccording to the characteristic configuration of the above, by making the submersion sensor a waterproof structure, an audio signal such as an alarm sound generated by an audio signal output means such as a buzzer provided inside the housing is attenuated by the housing and transmitted to the outside. Since the sound signal is transmitted to the outside through the waterproof film and the through-hole in a place where it may be difficult, it is possible to surely notify the bather or others in the vicinity of the alarm by the sound signal. In addition, since the through hole is provided in the housing wall and the waterproof film is provided from the inside, the waterproof film has a structure that is hardly damaged or damaged from outside the housing.
[0028]
SameSixAccording to the characteristic configuration of (1), since the sound signal such as a warning sound or a warning sound issued by detecting the submersion state is transmitted directly from the sensor body to the air without passing through the water, the sound intensity is attenuated in the water. In addition, it is possible to reliably notify the bather or others in the vicinity of an alarm or the like by the audio signal.
[0029]
In addition,EightAccording to the feature configuration of the above, by using an ultrasonic signal having excellent propagation characteristics in water without using a radio wave having a large attenuation in water, the whole or a part of the supersonic wave transmitted from the submerged main body is used. The sound wave signal can be reliably received at a predetermined place in the water, and as a result, the submergence state can be reliably notified to the outside.
[0030]
According to the first characteristic configuration of the drowning detection device during bathing according to the present invention, when the bather drowns in the bathtub, when the submergence sensor detects the drowning of the bather, the drowning determination unit determines the detection result. Based on the determination result, the emergency information output means outputs the emergency information based on the determination result, so that a third person such as a housemate receiving the emergency information can rescue the bather early. be able to.
[0031]
According to the second characteristic configuration, until the third party who has received the emergency information output by the emergency information output means rescues the bather, the bather keeps the bather's nose and mouth in the bathtub. Can be prevented from being left for a long time in a non-breathable state submerged in water. In other words, since the water in the bathtub is forcibly drained, the water level drops, the bather's nose and mouth are released from the submerged state, and the bather returns to a breathable state before rescue by a third party. It is expected that the possibility of resuscitation by a third party rescue will be dramatically improved.
Also, when a third party rescues a bather, it is usually difficult to rescue the bather out of the bathtub as it is, so it is necessary to drain the hot water in the bathtub. According to this, since the trouble can be saved, the bather can be rescued more quickly.
[0032]
According to the third characteristic configuration, when a third party who has rescued a bather or a housemate needs to stop forced drainage, the forced drainage can be canceled. For example, when the bather has fallen asleep during bathing and is determined to be drowning and forced drainage of hot water in the bathtub starts, if the bather notices such a situation, the hot water is completely drained. Before that, the drainage can be stopped.
[0033]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
SinkingWater sensor and device for detecting drowning during bathing using the sameForm ofThe state will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0034]
FIGS. 1 to 5 are diagrams for explaining the function of a submergence sensor. FIGS. 6 to 9 each include a movable member, and a submergence sensor according to the present application which detects a submerged state by detecting a position of the movable member. It is a figure explaining the drowning detection device during bathing using it.
[0035]
<1> Functional description of submersion sensor
As shown in FIG., SunkThe water sensor 1 is of a pendant type, is attached to a necklace N such as an annular chain, and is supported in a suspended state. The submergence sensor 1 can be attached to the front of the chest by putting the necklace N around the neck of the bather 2. By mounting the submergence sensor 1 in this manner, it is possible to detect a case where the nose and mouth of the bather 2 submerge in hot water in the bathtub 3 and drown.
Therefore, in order to detect such drowning, as shown in FIG. 2, the submergence sensor 1 includes a sensor unit 1a for detecting whether or not hot water is present in the surroundings and a sensor unit 1a for detecting the presence of water detected by the sensor unit 1a. A submergence determining unit 1b that identifies and determines whether the water is due to submersion in the bathtub 3 or intermittently attached water droplets from a shower or the like and detects only a submerged state, and a submerged state detected by the submerged determination unit 1b. A warning means 1c for generating a predetermined warning sound or a warning message prompting the bather 2 to separate the water from the submergence sensor 1 when the predetermined time has elapsed for a predetermined time from the "normal mode" to the "warning mode"; If the "warning mode" is not canceled in the "warning mode" and the submerged state continues for a predetermined period of time, it is determined that the bather 2 is drowning, the mode shifts to the "warning mode", and the warning signal W is transmitted wirelessly. Call with It is constituted by a drowning determination unit 1d that.
[0036]
The sensor section 1a is provided with a pair of insulated and separated electrodes at locations where water can enter from the outside, and detects whether or not water exists between the electrodes based on a current value between the electrodes. The pair of electrodes 11 may be provided so as to be exposed on the surface of the housing 12 of the submergence sensor 1 as shown in FIG. Since the electrode 11 is exposed on the surface, it is easy to clean soap, scale, and the like attached to the electrode 11. Further, by forming the exposed surface of the electrode 11 in a flat or convex shape, it is difficult for the soap or the dirt or the like to adhere to the electrode 11, so that the current detection is not hindered.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 4, the warning means 1c is specifically an audio signal output means for generating an audio signal composed of a predetermined alarm sound or an alarm message. Generates a sound. Further, the buzzer 13 is accommodated in the housing 12 of the pendant type sensor main body, and a through hole 12a for emitting a warning sound generated by the buzzer 13 to the outside is provided in a wall of the housing 12. Is provided. However, in order to prevent water from entering the inside of the housing 12 from the outside, the through-hole 12 a is watertightly shielded from the inside of the housing 12 by a sound-permeable waterproof film 14. With this structure, the warning sound generated by the buzzer 13 is transmitted from the through hole 12a to the outside through the waterproof film 14.
Furthermore, as means for emitting a warning sound to the outside at a large volume, the housing 12 may be used as a resonance box, and the buzzer 13 may be vibrated at the resonance frequency.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 5B, the housing 12 is a hollow structure and floats on water. In a normal suspended state (FIG. 5A), the center of gravity of the entire sensor main body is in the housing. 12 is designed to be located above the center. Therefore, when the bather 2 submerges in the head, the submergence sensor 1 lands on the surface of the bathtub 3 and floats upside down. Here, the submerged state is detected by providing the pair of electrodes 11 at an upper portion of the housing 12, that is, at a portion where the sensor main body is turned upside down and floats on the water surface to submerge. By the way, as a means for decentering the center of gravity upward from the center, a weight or a battery 15 for supplying power to the sensor unit 1a or the like is disposed above the inside of the housing 12 as a substitute for the weight. Further, materials having different specific gravities on the upper side and the lower side of the housing 12 may be used.
[0039]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the through hole 12a is provided at a lower portion of the housing 12, that is, at a portion where the submergence sensor 1 is turned upside down and floats on the water surface. It is. Therefore, a warning sound after the detection of the submersion is directly emitted into the air from the inside of the housing 12, and the attenuation of the sound in the water is avoided.
[0040]
Further, for the same purpose, the drowning judging means 1d floats the antenna 16 for wirelessly transmitting the alarm signal W as a radio signal in a state where the submergence sensor 1 is turned upside down and floats on the water surface. Prepared in part. As a result, the warning signal W is reliably received by the emergency information output means 5 and the forced drainage means 6 described below without attenuating in the water.
[0041]
When water is present, the sensor section 1a conducts between both electrodes due to the electrical conductivity of water, and the current value greatly increases from the leak current level when water is not present. Is exceeded, the presence of water is detected. However, the presence of the water is also detected when water droplets such as showers are intermittently attached or when hot water is applied, so that the submergence determination unit 1b determines that the current value continuously increases the threshold value for 10 seconds. If it exceeds, it is determined that it is submerged. That is, when a water drop such as a shower adheres, the current value changes intermittently or does not exceed the threshold value, and when it is truly submerged, the current value continuously exceeds the threshold value. Is to be identified. The warning means 1c immediately enters the "warning mode" because the submergence state has been continued for 10 seconds when the submergence determination section 1b determines that the submergence state is present. The bather 2 did not have any abnormality, and the bather 2 heard the warning sound or the warning message, and took out the submergence sensor 1 from the water in the bathtub 3 within 10 seconds after entering the “warning mode”. In this case, the “warning mode” is canceled and the mode does not shift to the “warning mode”. Conversely, when 10 seconds elapse after entering the "warning mode", the mode shifts to the "warning mode", and the drowning determination unit 1d transmits the warning signal W.
[0042]
As a countermeasure against the adhesion of water droplets such as showers, in addition to providing a dead time of 10 seconds as described above, or as an alternative, the two electrodes are arranged at least in a vertical direction in a normal mounting state. It is also preferable to do so. As a result, when there is a temporary fluctuation in the water level in the bathtub 3, even if only the lower electrode is submerged, the submerged state is not determined. Also, even when hot water such as a shower or hot water is applied, the hot water stays around the two electrodes and the two electrodes are simultaneously exposed to water, compared to a case where both electrodes are arranged close to the left and right. This is extremely rare, and even if it is wet, it is only for a short period of time, so that a malfunction in such a situation can be easily avoided. Therefore, the above-described dead time of 10 seconds can be further shortened, and high accuracy and high speed of submergence determination can be simultaneously achieved.
[0043]
A circuit related to signal processing in the submergence determination unit 1b, the warning unit 1c, and the drowning determination unit 1d has a built-in A / D converter for A / D converting an analog current value of the sensor unit 1a. Microcomputer. The various determinations described above are executed by digital signal processing by executing a built-in program.
[0044]
still,Although the submergence sensor 1 electrically detects a submerged state using the electrical conductivity of water, a submerged state may be detected by detecting a change in water pressure when submerged by a pressure sensor. I do not care.
Further, in the above embodiment, the immersion sensor 1 is a pendant type which can be worn around the neck of the bather 2 and in front of the chest, but may be of another type as long as it can be worn on a human body. For example, a form in which the adhesive tape is applied to the skin may be used.
[0045]
<2> Embodiment
The schematic configuration of the submergence sensor 1 has been described above. Hereinafter, embodiments of the submergence sensor according to the present invention and a drowning detection device during bathing using the same will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0046]
PreviousWhen the immersion sensor 1 is of a pendant type, the immersion sensor 1 may mechanically and electrically detect whether the immersion sensor 1 is floating on the water surface to detect the immersion state.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the submergence sensor 1 includes a hollow structure 8 floating in water, a movable member 8b accommodated in the hollow portion 8a at least vertically movable, and At least a position detector 8c for detecting the position of the member 8b is provided. The position detector 8c is shown in FIG.Submersion sensorOf the sensor unit 1a. The submergence determination unit 1b, the warning unit 1c, the drowning determination unit 1d, and the like are shown in FIG.Submersion sensorHowever, the display is omitted in FIG.
The hollow structure 8 has, for example, a flattened outer shape with a rhombus shape when viewed from the front, the hollow portion 8a also has a similar rhombic shape, the movable member 8b is a conductive metal sphere, and the diameter thereof is the same as that of the hollow portion 8a. Use something slightly shorter than the thickness. In addition, weights are buried in upper portions on the front and rear sides of the hollow structure 8 so that the center of gravity of the entire hollow structure 8 is located above the center in a normal suspended state. Also, a battery may be used as a substitute for the weight. Instead of using the weight, materials having different specific gravities on the upper side and the lower side of the hollow structure 8 may be used. In FIG. 7, the mark x indicates the position of the center of gravity.
Further, a pair of electrodes 9 is provided on the left and right above the hollow portion 8a. Since the hollow portion 8a is blocked from entering water from the outside, there is no danger that the electrodes 9 are electrically connected by hot water such as a shower or hot water. The position detecting section 8c detects an electrical conduction state between the electrodes 9, and detects that the movable member 8b is located above the hollow section 8a.
[0047]
next,Real truthThe submergence detection operation of the embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8A, when the hollow structure 8 floats on the water surface, the hollow structure 8 is released from the suspension support from the necklace N, and the center of gravity is eccentric upward. Therefore, the hollow structure 8 rolls over on the water surface. When the hollow structure 8 rolls over, the center of gravity is eccentric upward, so that the upper side of the hollow portion 8a is inclined downward. Then, the spherical movable member 8b moves toward the upper side of the hollow portion 8a along the inner wall surface of the hollow portion 8a. With this movement, the center of gravity of the hollow structure 8 also moves upward, and as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the hollow structure 8 is finally turned upside down, and the movable member 8b is It moves to the upper side of the portion 8a to make the two electrodes 9 conductive. The position detecting section 8c detects an electrical conduction state between the electrodes 9, determines that the hollow structure 8 is floating on the water surface, and detects a submerged state. still,Real truthIn the embodiment, since the two electrodes 9 are non-conductive in the non-submerged state, the power consumption in the standby state can be reduced.
[0048]
the aboveFruitIn the embodiment, a conductive sphere is used as the movable member 8b. However, the movable member 8b does not necessarily have to be spherical. When the movable member 8b is non-conductive, a switch is formed by providing an electric section urged in an open state in the vicinity of the two electrodes 9, and the movable member 8b moves to the upper side of the hollow portion 8a. The switch may be closed when the switch is turned off.
[0049]
The drowning detection device 4 during bathing according to the present invention, as shown in FIG.In addition to the submergence sensor 1, an emergency information output unit 5 that receives the warning signal W transmitted from the drowning determination unit 1d and outputs emergency information, and a hot water in the bathtub 3 that receives the warning signal W Forcibly draining water.
[0050]
The submergence sensor 1 enters a “warning mode” when the submergence sensor 1 attached to the bather 2 submerges in hot water in the bathtub 3, and urges the bather 2 to separate the submergence sensor 1. Generates a warning message, for example, "Submersion detected. Pull the pendant out of the water." Here, if the bather 2 is in a drowning state, since the release operation such as moving the body cannot be performed even if the warning message is heard, the “warning mode” is not released and the mode shifts to the “warning mode”. The emergency information output means 5 receives the alarm signal W transmitted from the submergence sensor 1.
[0051]
The emergency information output means 5 receives the alarm signal W when the submergence sensor 1 shifts to the “alarm mode” in the above-described procedure and transmits the alarm signal W, and outputs a predetermined output device such as a speaker. 7 generates an alarm sound or an alarm message. The output device 7 is installed in a room, a corridor, or the like outside a bathroom where a third person such as a housemate exists. Here, when the installation location of the output device 7 is far away from the bathroom, the emergency information output unit 5 and the output device 7 may be connected via a wired or wireless communication unit. . For example, the output device 7 may be a portable device such as a mobile phone terminal. When the bather 2 is a single person, the output device 7 is installed in an external organization such as a security company or a hospital, and connected to the emergency information output means 5 via a telephone line or the like. The alarm sound or the alarm message may be notified to an external organization.
[0052]
The forced drainage unit 6 receives the wireless alarm signal W from the submergence sensor 1 similarly to the emergency information output unit 5, and forcibly discharges the hot and cold water in the bathtub 3 out of the bathtub 3. It is composed of a drainage part 6b and has a structure that can be attached to the wall surface of the bathtub 3.
Upon receiving the alarm signal W, the drainage unit 6b operates a motor pump to pump up the hot water in the bathtub 3 and drain it out of the bathtub 3 such as a washing place. The power supply of the drainage unit 6b may be a predetermined internal battery or a power supply from a commercial power supply. In addition, the drainage capacity of the drainage unit 6b must be set so that the submerged nose and mouth are separated within 4 minutes at the latest because the resuscitation rate of the drowner drops to 50% or less in 4 minutes or more as described above. Must. For this reason, a motor pump that can drain the hot and cold water in the bathtub 3 from a full state to a half-water state in four minutes at the latest is used for the motor pump. For example, when the full capacity of the bathtub 3 is 280 liters, the drainage capacity of the motor pump is desirably 35 liters / minute or more. This value is an example, and the drainage capacity of the motor pump is appropriately changed in consideration of the full capacity, shape, and the like of the bathtub 3.
[0053]
By the way, even though the bather 2 did not have any abnormality and was not drowning, for example, the bather 2 fell asleep, the forced drainage means 6 was in the “warning mode”. When the warning sound or the warning message is not heard and the "warning mode" is entered, and the forced drainage of the hot water in the bathtub 3 is started, the bather 2 or a rescuer is provided with a release unit capable of releasing the forced drainage. It is. Specifically, a release button 6c for forcibly stopping the operation of the drainage unit 6b is provided at a position where the bather 2 of the forced drainage unit 6 can easily operate.
[0054]
<3> In the above-described embodiment, the drowning sensor 1 has the drowning judging means 1d built therein. However, the drowning judging means 1d is formed separately from the drowning sensor 1 without being built in the drowning sensor 1, and is formed separately. It may be installed on a wall or the like. In this case, the drowning judging means 1d is configured to be able to detect a submerged state from the submergence sensor 1 or wirelessly receive a signal indicating that it is in the “warning mode”.
In the above embodiment, the submergence sensor 1 includes the warning unit 1c. However, the warning unit 1c is not included in the submergence sensor 1, and may be, for example, the drowning determination unit formed separately. It may be combined with the means 1d or the emergency information output means 5. In this case, the warning unit 1c is configured to be able to wirelessly receive a signal indicating that a submerged state has been detected from the submerged sensor 1.
[0055]
<4> In the above embodiments, the alarm signal W, the signal indicating the “warning mode”, and the signal indicating that the submerged state is detected are wirelessly transmitted from the submerged sensor 1.
Here, a radio signal is generally used as the radio signal. However, it is preferable to form an antenna for transmitting the radio signal on the necklace N that suspends and supports the immersion sensor 1, for example, as a loop antenna. preferable. Since the length of the necklace N is about several tens of cm, a radio wave for a special low power having a frequency of about 400 to 600 MHz can be used.
As a result, even if the submersion sensor 1 is submerged when detecting submersion, since most of the necklace N is on the water surface at the initial stage of submersion, the radio signal such as the warning signal W is transmitted. Is reliably received without being attenuated by water, and subsequent operations such as rescue work are reliably performed.
[0056]
<5> Further, instead of transmitting a radio signal such as the alarm signal W or the like for notifying the detected submersion state as a radio signal as in each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. It may be transmitted underwater using the signal S. Since the ultrasonic signal is less attenuated in water than radio waves, the ultrasonic signal S may be received by the receiver 10 provided at a predetermined location in the bathtub..
The submergence sensor that transmits the ultrasonic signal S can be applied not only to detection of submersion at the time of bathing but also to detection of submersion of a swimmer in a swimming pool. In this case, the receiving unit 10 is installed on a side wall or a bottom surface of the pool.
[0057]
<6> The timing for determining the submergence state and the timing for entering the “warning mode” and the “warning mode” are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, it is also possible to configure so as to directly enter the “warning mode” without providing the “warning mode”.
[0058]
<7> It is also a preferred embodiment to provide the submergence sensor 1 with an emergency call button forcibly entering the "warning mode". When the bather 2 is conscious, but feels sick, etc., by pressing the emergency notification button, the submergence sensor 1 enters an “alarm mode” and sends the alarm signal W. The information output means 5 receives the alarm signal W, generates the alarm sound or the alarm message from the output device 7, and can seek rescue from a third person such as a housemate outside the bathroom.
Further, the submergence sensor 1 may be provided with a release button for forcibly releasing the “warning mode” and the “warning mode”.
[0059]
<8> In the "warning mode" or the "warning mode", instead of generating the warning sound or the warning message or the warning sound or the warning message, using other output means such as blinking or vibration of light, Warnings and warnings may be given.
[0060]
<9> The forced drainage means 6 does not necessarily have to be configured to pump hot water with the motor pump. For example, the water stop of the drain port of the bathtub 3 is controlled by an electromagnetic valve, and when the forced drainage unit 6 receives the alarm signal W, the electromagnetic valve is operated to open the drain port. No problem. Further, a drain port dedicated to forced drainage provided with an electromagnetic valve may be provided in the bathtub 3. Further, a means for mechanically pulling out the plug of the drainage port with a wire or the like when the forced drainage means 6 receives the alarm signal W may be provided.
[0061]
<10> In the drowning detection device 4 of the above-described embodiment, the forced drainage means 6 is of a type that can be attached to an existing bathtub later, but when a new bathtub is installed, the forced drainage means 6 is used. 6 may be used in advance.
[0062]
<11> Release means for releasing the forced release state of the forced drainage means 6 may not necessarily be provided in the forced drainage means 6.
For example, as described above, the submergence sensor 1 is provided with a release button for forcibly releasing the "alarm mode", and the transmission of the alarm signal W is stopped simultaneously with the release of the "alarm mode". 6, the forced drainage may be stopped at the same time as the reception of the warning signal W is stopped.
[0063]
<12> In the drowning detection device 4 of the above embodiment, the forced drainage unit 6 is provided, but the forced drainage unit 6 may not be necessarily provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. SinkingExplanatory drawing showing the appearance of the water sensor
FIG. 2 SinkingExplanatory drawing showing the block configuration of the water sensor
FIG. 3 SinkingFront view showing three embodiments of the electrode shape and arrangement of the water sensor
FIG. 4 SinkingSectional view showing the structure of the warning means of the water sensor
FIG. 5 SinkingSectional view for explaining the submersion detection operation of the water sensor
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a drowning detection device during bathing according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a submersion sensor according to the present invention.FruitSectional view showing a normal suspended state of the embodiment
FIG. 8 is a sectional view for explaining a submergence detection operation of the submergence sensor shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of transmitting an ultrasonic signal of the submergence sensor according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Submersion sensor
1a Sensor section
1b Submersion judgment part
1c Warning means
1d drowning judgment means
2 bathers
3 bathtub
4 Drowning detector
5 Emergency information output means
6. Forced drainage
6a Receiver
6b Drainage section
6c Release button
7 Output device
8 Hollow structure
8a hollow part
8b Movable member
8c Position detector
9 electrodes
10 Receiver
11 electrodes
12 case
12a Through hole
13 Buzzer
14 Waterproof film
15 batteries
16 Antenna
N necklace
W alarm signal
S ultrasonic signal

Claims (11)

When the bather takes a bath, it can be mounted so that it does not submerge in the hot water in the bathtub when the bather is in a normal posture, and when a predetermined part of the bather submerges in the hot water, it can be mounted so as to be submerged in the hot water. The hollow structure is provided with at least a movable member housed in the hollow portion so as to be movable at least in the vertical direction, and a position detection unit for detecting the position of the movable member, wherein the hollow structure is a normal suspension. In the state, while the movable member is located below the hollow portion, the center of gravity of the hollow structure is located above the center of the hollow structure, and the hollow structure is floating in a state where the hollow structure floats on the water surface. The movable member is configured to be turned upside down by the position of the center of gravity that is eccentric upward and the movable member is moved to the upper side of the hollow portion, and the position detection unit is moved to the upper side of the hollow portion. Submerged sensor capable of detecting whether or not the predetermined part of the human body is submerged by detecting the location. 2. The submersion sensor according to claim 1, wherein the submersion state can be detected by detecting electrical conduction or electrical resistance between at least a pair of electrodes separately provided in a vertical direction in a normal mounting state. The sensor main body is a pendant type floating on water, and in a normal suspended state, the center of gravity of the sensor main body is located above the center of the sensor main body, and in a state where the sensor main body is floating on the water surface, the sensor main body is It is configured to be turned upside down by the position of the center of gravity decentered upward,
An antenna for transmitting a radio signal for notifying the detected submerged state, said claim 1 in which the sensor body is provided in a portion that is emerged on the water surface of the sensor body in a state where the vertically inverted floating on the water surface Or the submersion sensor according to 2 . The submersion sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a warning unit configured to generate a predetermined warning output according to a duration of the submerged state or the non-submerged state. A waterproof film that is provided with an audio signal output unit that generates a predetermined audio signal inside the housing, and that has a through hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the housing, and the through hole is capable of transmitting sound from the inside of the housing. The submergence sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the submergence sensor is watertightly shielded. The sensor main body is a pendant type floating on water, and in a normal suspended state, the center of gravity of the sensor main body is located above the center of the sensor main body, and in a state where the sensor main body is floating on the water surface, the sensor main body is It is configured to be turned upside down by the position of the center of gravity decentered upward,
An audio signal emitting unit that emits a predetermined audio signal toward the outside of the sensor main body is provided at a portion floating above the water surface of the sensor main body in a state where the sensor main body floats on the water surface and is turned upside down. submerged sensor according to any of claims 1 5. An antenna for supporting a pendant portion in a suspended state and forming an antenna for transmitting a radio signal for notifying a submerged state or a non-submerged state detected in the pendant portion is formed on a necklace portion that can be wound around a human body neck. The submersion sensor according to claim 1, 2 or 6 . Submerged sensor according to any one of the ultrasonic signal from the transmitter can claims 1-7 for notifying the detected submerged state. A submergence sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
Drowning judging means for judging drowning in the bathtub of the bather based on the detection result of the submergence sensor,
An apparatus for detecting drowning during bathing, comprising: emergency information output means for outputting emergency information based on the determination result of the drowning determination means. The drowning detection device during bathing according to claim 9, further comprising a forced drainage unit that forcibly drains the hot water in the bathtub based on a determination result of the drowning determination unit. The drowning detection device during bathing according to claim 10, further comprising a release unit that releases the forced drainage state of the forced drainage unit.

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