JP2011235082A - Wheelchair enabling taking bath - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bathing apparatus to enable a user to take a partial bath and to take a shower with been in a wheelchair.SOLUTION: There is provided a wheelchair having a hot water storable area, the wheelchair being the one integrated with a reclinable bathtub with the bathtub and a chair integrated. A cover for covering the chair part is also provided. Thus, a capsule can be formed to enable taking a shower bath, a mist bath, and a partial bath. Thus, a care worker can have a cared person take a bath with the cared person been in a wheelchair.

Description

  The present invention relates to a bathing apparatus capable of bathing while in a wheelchair.

  Conventionally, as a method of bathing by a person who lives in a wheelchair, the whole wheelchair (bathing dedicated transport vehicle) enters, or the caster part of the wheelchair is separated and only the upper part is put in for bathing. In addition, individual systems have been developed in which the chair is moved from the wheelchair to the tub by a lift or rail and bathed. However, these systems have a problem that a large bathtub and a lift device are necessary and expensive.

  In addition, there is a method in which the wheelchair and the bathtub are combined to repeat separation and assembly. (Patent Document 1). However, these require both a wheelchair and a bathtub, the structure is complicated, there is a risk of leakage, and the system is expensive.

  Thus, as a result of intensive studies, the inventors have developed a bathing system in which a wheelchair and a bathtub are integrated.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-226077

  Provided is a wheelchair type bathing apparatus having a bathtub in which a person who needs care can easily bathe in a wheelchair.

According to the present invention, the following inventions are provided.
(1) having at least a seat part and a backrest part, having a side wall that covers the side surface of the chair from the side part of the seat part and the backrest part, and has an area capable of storing hot water formed by the seat part, the backrest part, and the side wall There is provided a wheelchair bathing apparatus in which at least one chair with a hot water storage area is mounted so as to be reclining. According to the present invention, it is possible to perform partial bathing (partial bathing) by reclining a chair so that it is nearly horizontal and pouring hot water in an area where hot water can be stored. Here, "hot water storage" refers to storing hot water, for example, a space made up of a partition that covers the side surfaces of the seat, backrest, and their sides, and the legs, feet, and their sides. Hot water can be stored in a space made of a partition wall that covers the side. “Side part” refers to both the left and right sides of the chair body such as a seat part, a backrest part, a leg part, and a side part. Not only the end, but also the inside of about several centimeters is included in the side.

  (2) The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to (1) further includes a leg portion and / or a footrest portion, a side wall that extends from the side portion and covers the side surface of the chair, and has at least one region capable of storing hot water. Is done. According to the present invention, in addition to (1), it is possible to increase the number of places where partial bathing can be performed by applying hot water to the region of the leg and / or the footrest.

  (3) The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to (1) or (2), further including a recess capable of partial bathing on the backrest. The hot water flows through the recess of the backrest, so that the back can also come into contact with the hot water.

  (4) The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the reclining mechanism is a rack swing system. Operability and safety are improved by adopting a rack swing system for the reclining mechanism.

  (5) The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the buttocks. By providing a drain outlet at the bottom of the buttock, drainage is facilitated in the case of incontinence of bathers. Here, the bottom of the buttock means the bottom part of the area where the buttock can be bathed and stored.

  (6) The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), in which a cover that covers the entire chair bathing section (below the neck) is provided. The cover that covers the entire chair bath (below the neck) facilitates mist bathing.

  (7) The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the cover has a shower nozzle. By providing a shower nozzle on the cover, a shower bath is possible in a capsule state.

  (8) The wheelchair bathing device according to (7), in which the shower nozzle is capable of mist showering, is provided. By adopting a nozzle capable of mist shower, a mist bath is possible in the capsule.

  (9) The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the wheelchair wheel is electrically operated. By making it electric, the burden on the caregiver is reduced, and it is also possible for the care recipient to move by himself and take a bath.

  (10) The wheelchair bathing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the wheelchair wheel is electrically assisted. By using the electric assist type, the effort for the caregiver to push the wheelchair is reduced.

  According to the present invention, bathing, a shower bath, and / or a mist bath can be performed while riding in a wheelchair.

FIG. 1 is a side view when a bathtub-integrated chair is reclined. (Examples 1 and 2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from an oblique rear when the cover-equipped bathtub-integrated chair is reclined. (Examples 1 and 2) FIG. 3 is a front view of a state in which the bathtub-integrated chair is erected. (Examples 1 and 2) FIG. 4 is a side view of the state in which the bathtub-integrated chair is erected. (Examples 1 and 2) FIG. 5 is a plan view of a state in which the bathtub-integrated chair is erected. (Examples 1 and 2) FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from an oblique front in a state where the cover-equipped bathtub-integrated chair is reclining. (Examples 1 and 2) FIG. 7 is a perspective view seen from an oblique front in a state where the bathtub-integrated chair with cover is erected. (Example 2)

  In this specification, a bathtub means the structure which can store the hot water which a bather can immerse a part of the body. Examples of the body part include, but are not limited to, the back, buttocks, abdomen, chest, legs, and feet. The structure for storing hot water is formed by adding members that cover the side surfaces to the left and right sides of the chair portion. In this case, the adding method is not particularly limited as long as the sealing property is maintained. For example, the side wall portion can be fixed by welding or the like, but it is more preferable that the side wall portion is integrally molded using a resin. As an integrally molded material, FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) resin is preferably used, but is not limited thereto.

The chair with a bathtub can be formed in a slightly larger shape than a normal chair in consideration of ease of work, comfort of a bather, and the like.
The chair with a bathtub may have a leg part, a footrest part, etc. in addition to the backrest part and the seat part. In this case, by taking out the side wall from the leg portion or the foot portion, it is possible to provide a portion where the hot water can be stored in the leg portion or the foot portion and perform a partial bath of the leg. Here, the leg part means from the thigh to the ankle, and the foot part means a part including the heel below the ankle, the back of the foot, the back of the foot, the toes, and the like.

  Further, at least six (left and right) introduction oblique grooves may be provided on the back portion of the bather. A center introduction groove matching the spine extends from the center of the back of the chest to the crotch (22 in FIG. 3). The hot water mist shower sprayed on the upper part of the body flows along the side of the body and enters the introduction (leaf trunk-like) groove. The hot water collected in the center introduction groove flows evenly to the crotch. The flowing water continues until the mist shower breaks. It can be said that the method has solved the difficult problem of bathing (sensation of bathing), which has been a problem in the past. The shape of the groove is preferably a leaf stem shape, but is not limited to this, and may be any shape as long as the hot water touches the back as uniformly as possible.

  It is desirable to produce a chair with a hot water storage area that eliminates joints by integral molding, but it is possible to create a structure that does not leak even if hot water is stored while maintaining sealing. In other words, it does not necessarily have to be integrally molded. As the material, plastics such as polyester and polycarbonate are suitable, but other resins can also be used.

  In addition, the bathtub-integrated wheelchair is usually hidden by electric or manual operation so that the side wall is usually hidden or removed, and the side wall is automatically pulled out by a switch, or the side wall is manually connected to a chair so that it becomes a bathtub. You can also When the side walls are automatically (electrically) taken out, a mechanism may be adopted in which the side walls protrude by an electric motor so that hot water does not leak on both sides of the chair and the backrest. Further, for example, the sealing property can be ensured by rubber packing, silicon packing, or the like.

The reclining mechanism is preferably a rack / swing system, but is not particularly limited to this, and any system can be used as long as it can be stably held. The rack / swing system is a system in which reclining is controlled by a spiral rack gear and a gas damper as shown in FIG.
The bathtub-integrated wheelchair of the present invention can be used in the form of taking a shower in the bathroom, but it is also possible to take a bath in a capsule state by covering with a cover. The cover has a shower nozzle in a shape that closely contacts the bathtub. The operability can be improved by dividing the cover into two or more. The cover has a split (slide) structure so that the height difference of the bather can be adjusted and can be used widely. The number of nozzles is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, and still more preferably 4 or more. The shape of the nozzle is preferably a shape capable of mist shower.

  Capsule and shower or mist shower allows simultaneous bathing (foot bath, buttocks bath, back bath, half bath) in addition to shower bath. Excess hot water can be drained by providing an overflow drain. What is necessary is just to install an overflow port in the appropriate height of the hot water storage part of a foot | leg part or a buttocks, for example. It is desirable to adjust the angle of the footrest and the seat in the hot water storage area so that the hot water accumulated in the hot water storage area can be drained naturally by returning the bathtub from the reclining state.

The bathtub-integrated wheelchair of the present invention is preferably used in the presence of a caregiver. As a caregiver's work, the cared person can be bathed by performing the following work.
The proposed bath main body is usually in a state where a cover is installed on the main body. The bathing apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “main body”) is transported near the bather and the cover is removed from the main body. The cover is preferably composed of upper and lower two sheets. The upper cover is slid to match the bather's height. In addition, there is an effect to tightly seal around the bather's neck. Since the cover is in magnetic contact with the body, it can be removed by shifting the cover laterally.

When the caregiver is present, the bathing procedure can be as follows, for example.
Put the bather on the body. At this time, it is preferable that the bather is not naked and puts on a bath towel.
Set the detached cover on the main unit. After the setting, the bather fits in the capsule and protects dignity. Bathers can move to the bathroom while sitting in the same way as a normal wheelchair, and can also prevent chills during transport.

Transport the main body with the bather to the bathroom (if the bathroom is in the room, put the main body as it is). Place the main body in the bathing position in the bathroom, secure it with a caster stop. (Stepping type)
Recline the body. If the bather's head side is pushed down, the reclining posture can be taken smoothly by the gas damper. The stopper at the reclining home position is one touch. Adopted stepping type and lock gear.

Adjust the nozzle of the thermo-mixing valve installed in the bathroom to connect the hose with the main body. (The connection is preferably one-touch.)
Remove the cover again from the main body, remove any bath towels and encourage preparation for bathing. Set the cover. At this time, the attracting surface of the attracting magnet is confirmed. Check the position of the cover neck filling the gap around the bather's neck.

Hereinafter, bathing work is started. The standard bathing process is as follows.
(1)
When preparing hot water, check the position of the mixing valve and determine the appropriate hot water temperature.
(2)
Open the valve and shower the whole body from 3 shower nozzles (discharge mist shower). The mist shower is a mist shower with a particle size of about 300-400μ.
(3)
Shower hot water accumulates in the back, buttocks, and feet, allowing shower + partial bath.
(4)
If desired, half-body bathing (bath bathing from the navel) is also possible. At this time, the drain valve is closed.
(5)
Close the hot water supply valve.
(6)
Remove the cover from the main unit.
(7)
Body wash. Wash with reclining posture.
(8)
Return the reclining posture to its original position.
(9)
Wash your hair and other things. Use a nearby hand shower for hair washing.
(10)
Set the cover on the main unit.
(11)
Recline and take a bath again.
(12)
Set the body to the original position.

  The bathtub-integrated wheelchair of the present invention can be a self-propelled wheelchair without a caregiver and can be the bathtub-integrated wheelchair of the present invention. In that case, the bathing person should be able to adjust the mixing valve and faucet with thermostat in the bathroom so that the bather can control the shower (or mist shower), or the bather can use the solenoid valve and remote control. The mechanism can be adjusted.

  It is also possible to use a bathtub-integrated wheelchair as an electric assist to reduce the work of the caregiver. This is effective for moving work in large hospitals and facilities, especially when it is far from the bathroom or when there is a gradient. Since bathtub-integrated wheelchairs are limited to internal (in-hospital / institutional) use, caregivers' daily work can be reduced by incorporating a minimal battery and making it easy to operate.

In the case of the electric assist type, the battery, the wheel, and the transmission device are not particularly limited, but for example, the following specifications are preferable. The wheels are electrically assisted by driving the wheels on the left and right sides of the rear side with auxiliary motors, and the speed is about the same as the manual type. The operation panel (remote control) is preferably attached to a bathtub cradle. The battery is preferably ultra-compact and completely waterproof to maintain the light weight of the main body. A rechargeable type that can be recharged by removing the battery can also be used.
EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention in detail, this invention is not restrict | limited at all by these Examples.

Structure: The main body consists of bathtub, pillow, bathtub cradle, side plate, cover, caster, gas damper, rack gear, drain hose, and various handles.
FIG. 1 is a side view when a bathtub-integrated chair is reclined. (Examples 1 and 2)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from an oblique rear when the cover-equipped bathtub-integrated chair is reclined. (Examples 1 and 2)
FIG. 3 is a front view of a state in which the bathtub-integrated chair is erected. (Examples 1 and 2)
FIG. 4 is a side view of the state in which the bathtub-integrated chair is erected. (Examples 1 and 2)
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a state in which the bathtub-integrated chair is erected. (Examples 1 and 2)
FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from an oblique front in a state where the cover-equipped bathtub-integrated chair is reclining. (Examples 1 and 2)
FIG. 7: is the perspective view which looked at the state which stood the bathtub integral type wheelchair with a cover from the front diagonally upward direction.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The main body 1 can be stored without taking up a space by storing the main body 1 with reclining (see FIGS. 3 to 5 and 7). By reclining as shown in FIG. 1, it can be used as a bathtub, and bathing, partial bathing, shower bathing, mist bathing and the like are possible. For reclining, 2 is the rotation axis, and this rotation axis is preferably made of SUS (stainless steel).

Hereinafter, although the specification of each part is demonstrated concretely, this invention is not specifically limited to this specification.
Bathtub (1 in the figure)
Made of FRP, integral resin molding for mass production.
Normally (Waking up), height is about 1400mm, width is about 700mm, length is about 1200mm
When reclining, height is about 1100mm, width is about 700mm, and length is about 1500mm
The plate thickness is 4mm to 6mm (with ribs for strength)
These height, length, width, and plate thickness can be flexibly changed according to the height, weight, etc. of the user.

Pillow (17 in Fig. 2)
Urethane foam material (surface is resin-finished), hooked to the main body with hook-and-loop fastener, can be removed freely.
Slide type, mounting is a hook-and-loop fastener or magnet type.

Bath cradle (6 in the figure)
Support the bathtub.
The frame that holds the bathtub is welded with aluminum.
Materials used are aluminum square (30mm x 20mm) and aluminum pipe (30φ and 20φ)
Side plate (10 in the figure)
Both outer surfaces are made of resin (acrylic, 2 mm thick) to increase safety
The resin is preferably transparent and colored. This is to increase safety and to enhance the design value of the equipment by hiding the internal structure. However, it is not limited to being transparent and colored.

Bathtub handle (19 in Fig. 2)
Two places on the left and right
30φ corrosion-resistant aluminum pipe
Used by bathers during cleaning Cover neck (15 in the figure)
Apply a soft material between the neck of the bather and the cover
Foamed urethane material, mounting is hook-stop

Bathtub handle (16 in the figure)
One place
Corrosion-resistant aluminum handle for reclining,
Attached to bathtub (resin) Cover handle (13 in the figure)
Handle for installation and removal
Two places up and down.

Shrink tube (18 in FIG. 2)
Rack gear (4 in the figure) used to make it easier to grip the protective coating of the bathtub cradle handle, bathtub handle and cover handle
Plastic spiral gas damper (figure 5)
25φ

Gear with lock mechanism (3 in the figure)
Reclining mechanism, lock on completion Foot pedal (7 in the figure)
Fixed lock, remote control pedal Shower piping (21 in Fig. 2)
Attach to the cover.

Shower nozzle (12 in the figure)
Resin hot water shower nozzle, 3 to 4 used
Caster for mist shower (8 in the figure)
Total caster 100φ
SUS, Swivel caster with brake Adsorption magnet (Fig. 14)
Joining bathtub body and cover

Flange, blind cover, valve
Use when incontinence.
Incontinence hose
30φ or 40φ.
Overflow drain hose (9 in the figure)
30φ and 40φ.

Rotating shaft and pillow block (2 in the figure)
Rotating shaft is SUS
Used for bathtubs and reclining.
One-touch hose joint for hot water (11 in the figure)
15A. It is preferable to use a one-touch joint.

Cover (20 in the figure)
The bathtub body is attached with an adsorption magnet.
The cover consists of a bow-shaped two-plate
The length of the slide part of the neck is 200mm, and the length is adjusted after setting the bather.
The material is resin (acrylic, etc.), transparent and colored.
The overall size of the top and bottom is about 650 mm wide, about 1100 mm long, about 3 mm thick,
The size of the lower part is about 650 mm wide, about 1100 mm long, about 3 mm thick,
The size of the upper part is about 650 mm wide, about 400 mm long, about 3 mm thick,

Small battery, wheel, transmission device, operation panel (for electric assist)
Used for electric type (assist), auxiliary motor drive
The battery is ultra-compact and completely waterproof in order to maintain light weight.
Same speed as manual type
There are two wheels on the left and right side
The operation panel (remote control) is attached to the bathtub cradle

Bathing in and out The capsule can be formed by attaching and removing the cover.
The contact surface is an attracting magnet and a zero contact surface, which allows half body bathing.
The cover handle is preferably two and the handle is preferably made of resin.
It is premised on sitting on a chair to target vulnerable people except those who are bedridden.
Install the cover while the weak are seated.
At this time, the contact is completely made by the action of the attracting magnet.

Bathing procedure
Adjust the position of the pillow to match the height of the weak and adjust the vertical slide of the cover.
Connect the hot water supply piping of the bathroom equipment. Use existing mixing faucet with thermo.
If not, draw hot water from the optional mixing device.
In addition, when washing hair, an existing hand shower is used.
The body that entered the bathroom is vertical (wakes up).
Bathing is performed in a reclining state.
Hold the bathtub handle and recline while pushing down.
Lock the reclining position with the foot pedal.
Open the hot water valve and take a shower.
The shower hot water becomes a partial bath and becomes a hybrid (hybrid bath).
After bathing, remove the cover and begin cleaning.
Wash in the reclining position.
Set the reclining posture to the standing posture.
Washing and shampooing. At this time, use a hand shower.
In a reclining posture.
Rinse the washing solution while bathing.
Bathing is complete.
Standing posture. At this time, the partial bath is also drained naturally from the overflow port.
Remove the cover and begin cleaning.
Put a bath towel on the bather and set the cover.

  By integrating the wheelchair and bathtub, and by installing a cover with a shower nozzle, the care recipient can easily take a bath (soaking, partial bath, shower bath, mist bath, etc.) Can be used for bathing.

1 Bathtub 2 Rotating shaft / Pillow block 3 Gear with lock mechanism 4 Rack gear 5 Gas damper 6 Bathtub cradle (framework)
7 Foot pedal 8 Caster 9 Drain hose 10 Side plate 11 Hose joint 12 Shower nozzle 13 Cover handle 14 Adsorption magnet 15 Cover neck 16 Bathtub handle 17 Pillow 18 Shrink tube 19 Bathtub cradle handle 20 Cover 21 Shower piping 22 Back bath groove

Claims (10)

  At least one region that has a seat and a backrest, has a side wall that goes out from the side of the seat and the backrest and covers the side of the chair, and is formed by the seat, the backrest, and the side wall. A wheelchair bathing device that is equipped with a chair with a hot water storage area so that it can be reclined. The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a leg portion and / or a footrest portion, a side wall extending from the side portion and covering the side surface of the chair, and having at least one region capable of storing hot water. Furthermore, the wheelchair bathing apparatus of Claim 1 or 2 which has the dent which can be partially bathed in a backrest part. The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reclining mechanism is a rack swing system. The wheelchair bathing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 provided with the drain outlet in the bottom of the buttocks. The wheelchair bathing apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 which can mount | wear with the cover which covers the whole chair bathing part (below a neck part). The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover has a shower nozzle. The wheelchair bathing device according to claim 7, wherein the shower is a mist shower. The wheelchair bathing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wheelchair wheel is electrically operated. The wheelchair bathing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the wheelchair wheel is electrically assisted.