JP2024067057A - Connection structure, transportation device, and bathing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To easily connect a first connection member to a second connection member so as to be attachable/detachable.SOLUTION: A hole part of a connection structure for enabling connection of a first connection member to a second connection member vertically penetrates the one member between the first connection member and the second connection member. A pedestal part is attached to the other member and can be stored inside the hole part. A first stop part is arranged in the other member and connected to an end part on a side of the other member in an upper and lower direction of a pillar part vertically extending and penetrating the pedestal part. A lever part is arranged in the pillar part on a side of the one member in the upper and lower direction from the pedestal part and is rotatable in a circumferential direction with the pillar part as a center and also movable in the upper and lower direction. While the first connection member is attachable/detachable to the second connection member, an outer edge part of the lever part is arranged inward from the outer edge part of the hole part when viewed from the upper and lower direction. While the first connection member is connected to the second connection member, a part of the outer edge part of the lever part is arranged outward from the outer edge part of the hole part when viewed from the upper and lower direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a connecting structure, a transport device, and a bathing device.

Conventionally, bathing devices have been known that allow a person receiving assistance (hereinafter referred to as the person receiving assistance) to take a bath by immersing the person receiving assistance on a stretcher in hot water in a bathtub. The stretcher carrying the person receiving assistance is carried to above the bathtub by a carrying device. The person receiving assistance is then immersed in the bathtub together with the stretcher.

By the way, when taking a bath, the stretcher is also immersed in the water, so it is necessary to clean the stretcher after use. In particular, cleaning of the base plate on which the person being assisted rests is important. For this reason, stretchers with a base plate that can be removed from the support frame, etc., have been commercialized.

As an example of the prior art related to the present invention, Patent Document 1 discloses a hanging device for a mat for a stretcher. The mat is fixed to the upper part of the hanging device, and an L-shaped hook is attached to the lower part. When attaching the mat to the flat part of the stretcher, the mat is warped and the flange of the hook is inserted into a through hole formed in the flat part. The mat is then returned to its original position and the hanging device is inserted into the through hole. The hook catches on the back side of the flat part, preventing the hanging device from coming off the flat part. When removing the mat from the flat part of the stretcher, the mat is pulled and warped, which releases the hook from getting caught on the back side of the flat part. The mat is then pulled further to remove the hook from the through hole.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 1-176424

However, with the configuration of Patent Document 1, when attaching or detaching the hook to or from the flat surface, it is necessary to bend and pull the mat, and insert and remove the hook from the through hole. As a result, the mat cannot be easily attached or detached to or from the flat surface of the stretcher. Therefore, even if the configuration of Patent Document 1 is applied to the connection structure of the base plate to the support frame, the base plate cannot be easily attached, detached, or connected to the support frame.

In view of the above situation, the present invention aims to easily connect a first connecting member to a second connecting member in a detachable manner.

In order to achieve the above object, a connecting structure according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of connecting a first connecting member to a second connecting member. The second connecting member supports the first connecting member from below. The connecting structure includes a hole, a base, a pillar, a first stopper, and a lever. The hole penetrates one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in the vertical direction. The base is attached to the other of the first connecting member and the second connecting member and can be accommodated in the hole. The pillar extends in the vertical direction and penetrates the base. The first stopper is disposed on the other member and is connected to an end of the pillar on the other member side in the vertical direction. The lever is disposed on the pillar on the one member side in the vertical direction from the base, and is rotatable in the circumferential direction around the pillar and movable in the vertical direction. When the first connecting member is detachable from the second connecting member, the outer edge of the lever is disposed inside the outer edge of the hole when viewed from the vertical direction. When the first connecting member is connected to the second connecting member, a portion of the outer edge of the lever portion is positioned outside the outer edge of the hole portion when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

In addition, a conveying device according to one aspect of the present invention has the above-mentioned connection structure.

A bathing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned transport device and a bathtub for bathing the person being assisted who is transported by the transport device.

According to the present invention, the first connecting member can be easily and detachably connected to the second connecting member. This connecting structure can also be used, for example, in a transport device for a bathing device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a bathing device; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a conveying device; Cross-section of a stretcher FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a connection structure in a detachable state according to a first embodiment; Cross-sectional view of the connection structure in a detachable state, seen from another direction FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connecting structure in a detachable state, seen obliquely from above; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a connection structure in a connected state according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a base part as viewed from diagonally above; A perspective view of the base part seen from diagonally below FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the base portion as viewed from diagonally above; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the base portion as viewed from diagonally above; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second modified example of the base portion as viewed from diagonally below; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of the arrangement of the raised portions; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a lever portion as viewed obliquely from above; A perspective view of the lever part seen from diagonally below. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the arrangement of the elastic portion; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a connection structure in a detachable state according to a second embodiment; Cross-sectional view of the connection structure in a detachable state, seen from another direction

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the left-right direction as seen by a caregiver operating the transport device 300 (described later) is referred to as the X direction. The X direction is the longitudinal direction of the litter 1. The right side of the X direction is referred to as "X1" and the left side is referred to as "X2". The front-rear direction is referred to as the Y direction. The Y direction is the short side direction of the litter 1. The front side of the Y direction is referred to as "Y1" and the rear side is referred to as "Y2". The up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction is the thickness direction of the litter 1. The upper side of the Z direction is referred to as "Z1" and the lower side is referred to as "Z2". The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

<1. First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bathing apparatus 100. The bathing apparatus 100 includes a bathtub 200 and a transport device 300. The bathtub 200 is a tank for bathing a person being assisted who is transported by the transport device 300, and opens upward. The bathtub 200 is filled with hot water at an appropriate temperature. The transport device 300 is a device for transporting a person being assisted. For example, the transport device 300 transports a person being assisted from a hospital room (living room) to a dressing room and from the dressing room to a bathroom, or from the bathroom to a dressing room and from the dressing room to a hospital room (living room). In the present invention, for example, the transport device 300 of the bathing apparatus 100 can employ a connection structure 6 described below.

2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the transport device 300. The transport device 300 has a base leg 310, a support 320, a grip 330, and a support arm 340. The transport device 300 further has a litter 1. The base leg 310 is a leg that supports the transport device 300 and has a plurality of casters (reference numerals omitted) that are in contact with the floor surface. The transport device 300 can move smoothly on the floor surface by rolling the casters. The support 320 extends upward from the base leg 310 and can expand and contract in the vertical direction. For example, the support 320 has an actuator that extends in the vertical direction. One of the cylinder and rod of the actuator is fixed to the base leg 310. The grip 330 is disposed in the part including the other of the actuator. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the support 320 cannot expand and contract in the vertical direction. In this case, for example, the entire bathtub 200 may be configured to be movable in the vertical direction. The support column 320 is disposed on the right side of the litter 1. However, this is not limited to the example, and the support column 320 may be disposed on the left side of the litter 1. The gripping portion 330 is a handle that is gripped by a caregiver who operates and moves the transport device 300. The support arm 340 is fixed to the support column 320 and supports the litter 1. The support arm 340 has a first arm 341, a second arm 342, and a third arm 343. The first arm 341 extends forward from the support column 320. The second arm 342 extends downward from the front end of the first arm 341. The third arm 343 extends forward from the lower end of the second arm 342 and is detachably connected to the litter 1. For example, the third arm 343 is fixedly inserted into an insertion portion (not shown) of a support frame 2 (described later) of the litter 1 and supports the litter 1.

Next, the configuration of the litter 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the litter 1. Fig. 3 shows the cross-sectional structure of the litter 1 along the dashed line III-III in Fig. 2. Figs. 4A to 6 show an example of the configuration of the connection structure 6 of the base plate 4 to the support frame 2. Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the connection structure 6 in the detachable state according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the connection structure in the detachable state seen from another direction. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the connection structure 6 in the detachable state seen from diagonally above. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the connection structure 6 in the connected state according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4A shows the cross-sectional structure along the dashed line IVa in Fig. 3, and the cross-sectional structure is viewed from the front-rear direction. Figs. 4B and 6 show the cross-sectional structure along the dashed line IVb in Fig. 3, and the cross-sectional structure is viewed from the left-right direction.

The stretcher 1 is a platform on which a person requiring assistance is placed, and is transported by the transport device 300. The stretcher 1 comprises a support frame 2, a fence section 31, a handle section 32, a base plate 4, a mat section 5, and a connecting structure 6. In other words, the transport device 300 comprises these.

The support frame 2 supports the base plate 4 from below. The base plate 4 is an example of a "first connecting member" of the present invention, and the support frame 2 is an example of a "second connecting member" of the present invention. The support frame 2 is made of, for example, metal. The support frame 2 is a structure having a plurality of frames (reference numbers omitted) extending in the left-right direction, a plurality of frames (reference numbers omitted) extending in the front-rear direction, and the above-mentioned insertion portion into which the third arm 343 is inserted. However, this is not limited to the example, and the support frame 2 may be in the shape of a plate having an insertion portion and extending in the left-right and front-rear directions.

A through hole 21 extending in the vertical direction is arranged in the portion of the support frame 2 that contacts the base plate 4. The upper end of the through hole 21 faces the base plate 4. A hole 22 is arranged near the through hole 21 (see FIG. 4A). The holes 22 are arranged in pairs, and are lined up on either side of the through hole 21 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In the first embodiment, each of the holes 22 penetrates the support frame 2 in the vertical direction. However, this is not limited to the example, and at least one of the pair of holes 22 may be a recess that is recessed downward, that is, it does not have to penetrate the support frame 2.

The fence sections 31 are arranged in a pair, one at the front and one at the back, to prevent the person being assisted riding on the stretcher 1 from falling. The fence sections 31 are arranged on both front-to-back sides of the support frame 2, protrude upward, and extend in the left-to-right direction. The handle sections 32 are arranged in a pair, one at the front and one at the back, and are handles that can be grasped by the person being assisted riding on the stretcher 1. The handle sections 32 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the support frame 2 on the upper body side of the person being assisted, and protrude diagonally upward.

The base plate 4 supports the person being assisted lying on the stretcher 1 via the mat portion 5. The base plate 4 is, for example, a resin stretcher cover, and is formed by blow molding or the like. The base plate 4 is in the shape of a plate that extends in the left-right and front-back directions, and is detachably connected to the support frame 2 by a connecting structure 6.

A recess 41 recessed downward is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 4. The recess 41 accommodates the upper part of the connecting structure 6 (e.g., the lever part 62, the upper part of the connecting member 63, etc.). A hole part 42 and a recess part 43 are disposed on the bottom surface of the recess 41. That is, the connecting structure 6 includes these. In the first embodiment, the hole part 42 is a long hole whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the left-right direction. The hole part 42 penetrates the base plate 4 in the vertical direction. The lower end of the hole part 42 faces the support frame 2 and is connected to the through hole 21 of the support frame 2. A recess part 43 recessed downward is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 4. The recess part 43 has a shape having a longitudinal direction and extends from the hole part 42 in the front-rear direction (see Figs. 4B to 6). When the base plate 4 is connected to the support frame 2, the lower end of the lever part 62 fits into the recess part 43 (see Fig. 6).

The mat section 5 is detachably arranged on the base plate 4. The mat section 5 is the cushion part of the litter 1, and contacts the person being assisted lying on the litter 1. The mat section 5 has a cushioning material such as a highly resilient foamed resin material such as urethane foam, and a cover member that covers the cushioning material.

<1-1. Connection structure>
Next, a connection structure 6 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 6. The connection structure 6 is capable of connecting the base plate 4 to the support frame 2. In the first embodiment, The base plate 4 is an example of the "one member" of the present invention, and the support frame 2 is an example of the "other member" of the present invention. The upper side corresponds to the "side of the other member in the vertical direction" of the present invention, and the lower side corresponds to the "side of the other member in the vertical direction" of the present invention. The connecting structure 6 includes a base portion 61, a lever portion 62, a connecting member 63, a stop member 64, and an elastic portion 65 and is provided.

<1-1-1. Base>
Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the pedestal portion 61 as viewed from diagonally above. Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the pedestal portion 61 as viewed from diagonally below. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the pedestal portion 61 as viewed from diagonally above. Fig. 9A is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the pedestal portion 61 as viewed from diagonally above. Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the second modified example of the pedestal portion 61 as viewed from diagonally below.

The pedestal portion 61 is attached to the support frame 2 and can be accommodated in the hole portion 42. As a result, when the base plate 4 is attached to the support frame 2, the pedestal portion 61 is accommodated in the hole portion 42, and the positioning of the base plate 4 relative to the support frame 2 can be easily performed. The pedestal portion 61 is made of, for example, resin. The pedestal portion 61 has a main body portion 611, a through hole 612, a plurality of raised portions 613, a first groove portion 614 arranged in a pair, and a convex portion 615 arranged in a pair. In other words, the connecting structure 6 is equipped with these.

The main body 611 is disposed on the support frame 2, extends upward, and is housed within the hole 42. The main body 611 is a frustum-shaped member that narrows as it approaches the top. That is, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the outer edge of the upper end of the main body 611 is located more inward than the outer edge of the lower end of the main body 611. Also, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the projected area of the upper surface of the main body 611 is smaller than the projected area of the lower surface. This makes it easier to house the pedestal 61 within the hole 42. Therefore, the positioning of the base plate 4 relative to the support frame 2 can be more easily performed.

Preferably, when the lever portion 62 is hooked to the base plate 4, the upper surface of the main body portion 611 is located at the same vertical position as the upper surface of the support frame 2 or higher than said upper surface. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the upper surface of the main body portion 611 is located lower than the upper surface of the support frame 2.

In the first embodiment, the main body 611 has a longitudinal direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, both ends of the main body 611 in the longitudinal direction are semicircular, and the portion between the ends is rectangular and extends in the longitudinal direction.

The through hole 612 is located in the center of the main body 611 when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and penetrates the main body 611 in the top-bottom direction.

The raised portion 613 rises upward and extends along the outer edge of the upper surface of the base portion 61. In the first embodiment, it is arranged on the outer edge of the upper surface of the main body portion 611. Note that the area of the upper surface of the main body portion 611 that is surrounded by the raised portion 613 and is outside the through hole 612 is a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, the raised portion 613 is arranged on the outer edge of each semicircular portion and on the outer edge of both ends of the rectangular portion in the short direction. Note that the raised portion 613 is not arranged in the center of the outer edge of both ends of the rectangular portion in the short direction. This portion functions as the first groove portion 614.

The raised portion 613 may be disposed somewhere other than on the upper surface of the base portion 61. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of the arrangement of the raised portion 613. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the raised portion 613 may extend along the outer edge of the hole 42 on the upper surface of the base plate 4. In other words, it is sufficient that the raised portion 613 extends along at least either the outer edge of the upper surface of the base portion 61 or the area along the outer edge of the hole 42 on the upper surface of the base plate 4.

The first groove 614 is disposed between adjacent raised portions 613. In the first embodiment, the first groove 614 is a gap between adjacent raised portions 613 at the outer edge of the upper surface of the main body 611. The first groove 614 is disposed in the center of the outer edge of both ends of the rectangular portion of the main body 611 in the short direction, and is recessed downward and penetrates the raised portion 613. As shown in FIG. 7, the first groove 614 may be disposed in a region along the outer edge of the hole 42 on the upper surface of the base plate 4. As described later, when the lever portion 62 is hooked to the base plate 4, the lower end of the lever portion 62 fits into the first groove 614.

Note that the base portion 61 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 7A and may have other grooves arranged between adjacent raised portions 613. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the base portion 61 may have a pair of second grooves 616. The second grooves 616 are gaps between adjacent raised portions 613 at the outer edge of the upper surface of the main body portion 611. The second grooves 616 are each arranged in the center of the outer edge of the semicircular portion of the main body portion 611, and are recessed downward and penetrate the raised portions 613. The lower end of the lever portion 62 fits into the second grooves 616 when the lever portion 62 is detachable from the base plate 4.

Each of the protrusions 615 protrudes downward from the underside of the main body 611 and fits into a hole 22 in the support frame 2 (see FIG. 4A). This suppresses or prevents movement of the base 61 in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the base 61 can be stably positioned on the support frame 2. At least one of the underside of the main body 611 and the protrusions 615 may be fixed to the support frame 2 by means of brazing, welding, adhesives, or the like, or may not be fixed. The base 61 is separate from the support frame 2. However, this is not limited to the example, and the base 61 may be integral with the support frame 2.

The main body 611 of the base 61 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may not have a shape with a longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the main body 611 may have a truncated cone shape. In this case, one convex portion 615 is disposed on the lower surface of the base 61. The lower end of the through hole 612 opens on the lower surface of the convex portion 615. Alternatively, the shape of the main body 611 when viewed from the top-bottom direction may be an n-sided shape (n is a natural number of 3 or more), an elliptical shape, a cross shape, etc.

<1-1-2. Lever section>
Next, the lever portion 62 will be described with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. Figure 11A is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the lever portion 62 as viewed from diagonally above. Figure 11B is a perspective view of the lever portion 62 as viewed from diagonally below.

The lever portion 62 is disposed on the pillar portion 631 above the base portion 61. The lever portion 62 is rotatable in the circumferential direction around the pillar portion 631 and is movable in the vertical direction. The lever portion 62 is made of, for example, resin. The rotation axis of the lever portion 62 coincides with the center of the lever portion 62 when viewed from the vertical direction. However, this is not limited to the example, and the rotation axis does not have to coincide with the center of the lever portion 62. For example, the lever portion 62 may rotate eccentrically with respect to its rotation axis.

The lever portion 62 has a handle portion 621, a recess 622, a through hole 623, a curved portion 624, and a tube portion 625. The handle portion 621 is disposed on the main body portion 611 and is accommodated in the recess 41 of the base plate 4. In the first embodiment, the handle portion 621 is columnar having a longitudinal direction when viewed from the vertical direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, both ends of the handle portion 621 in the longitudinal direction are semicircular, and the portion between the ends is rectangular extending in the longitudinal direction. The recess 622 is recessed downward on the upper surface of the lever portion 62. In detail, the recess 622 is disposed in the center of the handle portion 621 when viewed from the vertical direction, and is recessed downward from the upper surface of the handle portion 621. The recess 622 accommodates the upper end portion of the connecting member 63 and the elastic portion 65. The through hole 623 is disposed in the center of the bottom surface of the recess 622 when viewed from the vertical direction. The through hole 623 extends downward from the bottom surface of the recess 622. The through hole 623 passes through the handle portion 621 in the vertical direction and connects to the through hole 612 of the base portion 61. The central axis of the through hole 623 coincides with the central axis of the through hole 612 and the central axis of the through hole 21 of the support frame 2.

Next, the lower surface of the lever portion 62 has a curved portion 624 and a tubular portion 625. The curved portion 624 is a curved surface that protrudes downward. The outer edge of the curved portion 624 is connected to the lower end of the outer surface based on the vertical direction of the lever portion 62. When viewed from the vertical direction, the outer edge of the curved portion 624 is connected to the lower end of the outer surface of the handle portion 621. In this way, as described later, the lever portion 62 can be rotated smoothly. In addition, when the lever portion 62 is rotated, the lever portion 62 is easily able to ride up smoothly on the raised portion 613. Therefore, damage to the lever portion 62 and the raised portion 613 caused by riding up can be suppressed or prevented, and the life of the lever portion 62 and the raised portion 613 can be improved. The tubular portion 625 protrudes downward from the curved portion 624. The inside of the tubular portion 625 is a part of the through hole 623 (i.e., the lower end). The lower end surface of the tube portion 625 is an annular plane perpendicular to the up-down direction and contacts the upper surface of the main body portion 611.

When the support frame 2 and the base plate 4 are disconnected, the longitudinal direction of the lever portion 62 is made parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hole portion 42. When the base plate 4 is connected to the support frame 2, the longitudinal direction of the lever portion 62 intersects with the longitudinal direction of the hole portion 42. Furthermore, by making the longitudinal direction of the lever portion 62 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hole portion 42, the lever portion 62 fits into the first groove portion 614 and the recess portion 43, and rotation of the lever portion 62 is suppressed.

<1-1-3. Connecting members>
The connecting member 63 has a pillar portion 631, a flange portion 632, and a male screw portion 633. That is, the connecting structure 6 is equipped with these. The connecting member 63 rotatably connects the lever portion 62 to the base plate 4 via the pedestal portion 61. For example, the connecting member 63 is a male screw. The pillar portion 631, the flange portion 632, and the male screw portion 633 are the shaft portion, head, and threads of the male screw, respectively.

The pillar portion 631 extends in the vertical direction and penetrates the base portion 61 (more specifically, the main body portion 611). The pillar portion 631 is inserted into the through hole 623 of the lever portion 62, and further into the through hole 612 of the base portion 61 and the through hole 21 of the support frame 2. The lower end of the pillar portion 631 protrudes downward beyond the through hole 21 of the support frame 2 and is connected to the stop member 64.

The flange 632 is connected to the upper end of the column 631 and extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The flange 632 is an example of the "second stopper" of the present invention. The flange 632 is accommodated in the recess 622 of the lever 62. Preferably, the entire upper end of the connecting member 63, including the flange 632, is accommodated in the recess 622. In this way, the width of the connecting structure 6 in the vertical direction can be narrower than in a configuration in which the upper end of the connecting member 63, such as the flange 632, protrudes from the recess 622. Therefore, the connecting structure 6 can be configured more compactly. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the upper end of the connecting member 63, such as the flange 632, protrudes from the recess 622.

The male screw portion 633 is disposed on the peripheral side surface of the lower end of the column portion 631. In Figs. 4A and 4B, a female screw is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 21 of the support frame 2, and is screwed into the male screw portion 633. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which a female screw is not disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 21.

<1-1-4. Stopper member>
The stop member 64 is disposed on the lower surface of the support frame 2 and is connected to the lower end of the column portion 631. The stop member 64 is an example of a "first stop portion" of the present invention. The stop member 64 may be fixed to the support frame 2 by means of brazing, welding, adhesives, or the like, or may not be fixed to the support frame 2. The stop member 64 has a female screw portion 641 extending in the vertical direction. The central axis of the female screw portion 641 coincides with the central axis of the through holes 21, 612, and 623. The female screw portion 641 is screwed into the male screw portion 633 at the lower end of the connecting member 63. The stop member 64 is, for example, a cap nut.

<1-1-5. Elastic part>
The elastic portion 65 biases the lever portion 62 downward. For example, the elastic portion 65 is disposed between the flange portion 632 and the bottom surface of the recess 622. In this manner, the lever portion 62 can be biased downward with a simple configuration. By screwing the connecting member 63 to the stopper member 64 via the elastic portion 65, the lever portion 62 can be moved in the up and down direction when the lever portion 62 is rotated. Therefore, when the base plate 4 is connected to the support frame, the lever portion 62 can fit into the first groove portion 614 after climbing up the protruding portion 613. Also, when the base plate 4 and the support frame 2 are released from the connection, the lever portion 62 can fit into the inner flat surface of the protruding portion 613 (or the second groove portion 616) after climbing up the protruding portion 613.

The elastic portion 65 is an annular or cylindrical member through which the column portion 631 is inserted, and is, for example, a disc spring. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the elastic portion 65 is other than a disc spring. The elastic portion 65 may be, for example, a spring washer, a compression coil spring, etc., as long as it is elastically deformable in the vertical direction.

The elastic portion 65 may also be disposed somewhere other than between the flange portion 632 and the bottom surface of the recess 622. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the arrangement of the elastic portion 65. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the elastic portion 65 may be disposed between the support frame 2 and the stop member 64. Note that it is sufficient that the elastic portion 65 is disposed at least either between the flange portion 632 and the bottom surface of the recess 622, or between the support frame 2 and the stop member 64. Even in this way, the lever portion 62 can be biased downward with a simple configuration.

<1-2. Operation example of the connection structure>
4A to 5, in a state in which the base plate 4 is detachable from the support frame 2, the outer edge of the lever portion 62 is positioned more inward than the outer edge of the hole portion 42 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, in a state in which the base plate 4 is connected to the support frame 2, the lever portion 62 is positioned higher than the hole portion 42. A part of the outer edge of the lever portion 62 is positioned more outward than the outer edge of the hole portion 42 when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

For example, when the base plate 4 is attached to or detached from the support frame 2, the outer edge of the lever portion 62 is positioned inside the outer edge of the hole portion 42 when viewed from the top-bottom direction by rotating the lever portion 62. This allows the lever portion 62 to pass through the hole portion 42. Therefore, the base plate 4 can be easily connected to the support frame 2 in a detachable manner without the need to attach or detach any member to the support frame 2 and the base plate 4. For example, when mounting, the base plate 4 can be attached to the support frame 2 by moving the lever portion 62 from the lower side to the upper side of the base plate 4 through the hole portion 42. Then, by rotating the lever portion 62, a part of the outer edge of the lever portion 62 is positioned outside the outer edge of the hole portion 42 when viewed from the top-bottom direction, so that the lever portion 62 can be hooked to the base plate 4. This allows the base plate 4 to be connected to the support frame 2 without the need to attach any member. On the other hand, when removing the base plate 4, the lever portion 62 is released from its engagement by rotating the lever portion 62, and the outer edge of the lever portion 62 is positioned inside the outer edge of the hole portion 42 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. This allows the connection of the base plate 4 to the support frame 2 to be released. The lever portion 62 is also moved from the top to the bottom of the hole portion 42. This allows the base plate 4 to be removed from the support frame 2 without the need to remove any components.

In addition, the lower end of the lever portion 62 can ride up onto the raised portion 613 by rotating the lever portion 62, and is engaged with the first groove portion 614.

In this way, when the lever portion 62 is rotated to be engaged, the lever portion 62 first rides up onto the raised portion 613 and then fits into the first groove portion 614. Therefore, a person who rotates the lever portion 62 can feel the lever portion 62 riding up and realize that engagement of the lever portion 62 has begun. Also, a person who rotates the lever portion 62 can feel that the lever portion 62 has been stably engaged and realize that the lever portion 62 has been stably engaged by feeling that the lever portion 62 has been engaged into the first groove portion 614. Also, by having the lever portion 62 engage into the first groove portion 614, unintended rotation of the lever portion 62 can be suppressed. Therefore, the lever portion 62 can be stably and easily engaged without the need for visual inspection.

Furthermore, when the lever portion 62 is rotated to release the engagement, the lever portion 62 rides up on the raised portion 613. Therefore, the person who rotates the lever portion 62 can feel that the lever portion 62 has been released from the first groove portion 614 by feeling the lever portion 62 ride up. Furthermore, when the lever portion 62 is able to pass through the hole portion 42, the lever portion 62 can move downward. This allows the person who rotates the lever portion 62 to feel that the lever portion 62 has been rotated to a circumferential position where the engagement of the lever portion 62 can be released. Therefore, the lever portion 62 can be moved from the upper side to the lower side of the hole portion 42. Therefore, the connection between the support frame 2 and the base plate 4 can be easily released without the need for visual inspection, and the base plate 4 can be safely removed from the support frame 2.

Preferably, when the lever portion 62 fits into the first groove portion 614, the lower end of the lever portion 62 is accommodated in the recess portion 24. In this way, when the lever portion 62 is hooked to the base plate 4, the lever portion 62 can fit into the first groove portion 614 without being hindered by the upper surface of the base plate 4. Furthermore, the range of movement of the lever portion 62 in the vertical direction at this time is further increased. Therefore, a person who rotates the lever portion 62 can feel that he or she has rotated the lever portion 62 to a position where it can be securely hooked. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the lower end of the lever portion 62 is not accommodated in the recess portion 24. For example, the recess portion 24 may be omitted.

In addition, when the base plate 4 is detachably attached to the support frame 2, the lower end of the lever portion 62 is positioned lower than the tip (upper end) of the raised portion 613 due to the rotation of the lever portion 62. In other words, the lower end of the lever portion 62 fits into the portion surrounded by the raised portion 613 at the upper end of the base portion 61 (see FIG. 7A). Alternatively, the lower end of the lever portion 62 may fit into the second groove portion 616. The second groove portion 616 is a groove portion different from the first groove portion 614, and is positioned between adjacent raised portions 613 (see FIG. 8).

In this way, the base plate 4 can be easily disconnected from the support frame 2 without the need for visual inspection. For example, when rotating the lever portion 62 to release it from the latch, the lever portion 62 drops downward by releasing it from the raised portion 613 or by fitting into the second groove portion 616. Therefore, a person who rotates the lever portion 62 can feel the lever portion 62 dropping and realize that the lever portion 62 has been rotated to a position where it can be pulled out of the hole portion 42. Therefore, the lever portion 62 can be stably and easily latched without the need for visual inspection. It is also possible to prevent the lever portion 62 from rotating unintentionally.

<2. Second embodiment>
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B. Figure 13A is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the coupling structure 6 in a detachable state according to the second embodiment. Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of the coupling structure 6 in a detachable state as viewed from another direction. Note that Figure 13A corresponds to the cross-sectional structure along the dashed line IVa in Figure 3, and the cross-sectional structure is viewed from the front-back direction. Figure 13B corresponds to the cross-sectional structure along the dashed line IVb in Figure 3, and the cross-sectional structure is viewed from the left-right direction.

Below, the second embodiment will be described in terms of its configuration that differs from the first embodiment. Also, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. Also, in the second embodiment, the support frame 2 is an example of the "one member" of the present invention, and the base plate 4 is an example of the "other member" of the present invention. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the lower side corresponds to the "one member side in the vertical direction" of the present invention, and the upper side corresponds to the "other member side in the vertical direction" of the present invention.

<2-1. Support frame>
In the second embodiment, the support frame 2 has holes 23 instead of the holes 42 of the base plate 4. The holes 23 penetrate the support frame 2 in the up-down direction. The upper ends of the holes 23 face the base plate 4.

In addition, instead of the recessed portion 43 of the base plate 4, an upwardly recessed recessed portion 24 is arranged on the underside of the support frame 2. The recessed portion 24 has a shape that has a longitudinal direction when viewed from below to above. Preferably, when the lever portion 62 fits into the first groove portion 614, the upper end portion of the lever portion 62 is accommodated in the recessed portion 24.

<2-2. Base plate>
In the second embodiment, instead of the through hole 21 of the support frame 2, an upper end of a through hole 44 is arranged on the bottom surface of the recess 41 of the base plate 4. The through hole 44 passes through the base plate 4 (the bottom surface of the recess 41) in the vertical direction and is connected to the hole portion 23 of the support frame 2.

In addition, instead of the holes 22 of the support frame 2, holes 45 are arranged on the underside of the base plate 4. The holes 45 are arranged in pairs, are arranged near the through-hole 44, and are lined up on either side of the through-hole 44 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The holes 45 may penetrate the base plate 4 (the bottom surface of the recess 41) in the vertical direction. Alternatively, at least one of the holes 45 arranged in a pair may be a recess that is recessed upward, that is, it does not have to penetrate the base plate 4 (the bottom surface of the recess 41).

<2-3. Connection structure>
Next, in the second embodiment, the arrangement of the connecting structure 6 is upside down compared to the first embodiment.

<2-3-1. Base>
The pedestal portion 61 is attached to the base plate 4 and can be housed in the hole portion 23 of the support frame 2. The configuration of the pedestal portion 61 is upside down compared to the first embodiment.

For example, the main body 611 is disposed on the underside of the base plate 4, extends downward, and is housed within the hole 23. The main body 611 is a frustum-shaped member that narrows as it approaches the bottom. That is, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the outer edge of the lower end of the main body 611 is located more inward than the outer edge of the upper end of the main body 611. Also, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the projected area of the lower surface of the main body 611 is narrower than the projected area of the upper surface.

Preferably, when the lever portion 62 is hooked to the support frame 2, the bottom surface of the main body portion 611 is located at the same vertical position as the bottom surface of the support frame 2 or lower than said bottom surface. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the bottom surface of the main body portion 611 is located higher than the bottom surface of the support frame 2.

In the second embodiment, the raised portion 613 and the first groove portion 614 are disposed on the outer edge of the lower surface of the main body portion 611. The raised portion 613 is raised downward and extends along the outer edge of the lower surface of the base portion 61. Note that the area of the lower surface of the main body portion 611 that is surrounded by the raised portion 613 and is outside the through hole 612 is a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

The raised portion 613 may be disposed somewhere other than the underside of the base portion 61. For example, the raised portion 613 may extend along the outer edge of the hole 23 on the underside of the support frame 2. In other words, the raised portion 613 may extend along at least either the outer edge of the underside of the base portion 61 or a region along the outer edge of the hole 23 on the underside of the support frame 2.

The first groove 614 is a gap between adjacent raised portions 613 at the outer edge of the lower surface of the main body 611, and is recessed upward and penetrates the raised portions 613. As described below, when the lever portion 62 is hooked to the support frame 2, the upper end of the lever portion 62 fits into the first groove 614. Note that the base portion 61 may have another groove (for example, see the second groove 616 in the first embodiment) disposed between adjacent raised portions 613.

Each of the protrusions 615 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the main body 611 and fits into a hole 45 in the base plate 4. At least one of the lower surface of the main body 611 and the protrusions 615 may be fixed to the base plate 4 by means of brazing, welding, adhesives, or the like, or may not be fixed thereto.

<2-3-2. Lever section>
In the second embodiment, the lever portion 62 is disposed on the column portion 631 below the base portion 61. The configuration of the lever portion 62 is upside down from that of the first embodiment. For example, the handle portion 621 is disposed below the main body portion 611. The recess 622 is recessed upward from the lower surface of the handle portion 621 on the lower surface of the lever portion 62. The through hole 623 extends upward from the bottom surface of the recess 622. The upper surface of the lever portion 62 has a curved surface portion 624 and a tubular portion 625. The curved surface portion 624 is a curved surface that protrudes upward. The outer edge of the curved surface portion 624 is connected to the upper end of the outer surface based on the vertical direction of the lever portion 62. In detail, the curved surface portion 624 and the tubular portion 625 are disposed on the upper surface of the handle portion 621. When viewed from the vertical direction, the outer edge of the curved surface portion 624 is connected to the upper end of the outer surface of the handle portion 621. The cylindrical portion 625 protrudes upward from the curved surface portion 624. The inside of the cylindrical portion 625 is a part (i.e., the upper end portion) of the through hole 623. The upper end surface of the cylindrical portion 625 is an annular flat surface perpendicular to the up-down direction.

In the second embodiment, when the connection between the support frame 2 and the base plate 4 is released, the longitudinal direction of the lever portion 62 is made parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hole portion 23. Furthermore, when the base plate 4 is connected to the support frame 2, the longitudinal direction of the lever portion 62 intersects with the longitudinal direction of the hole portion 23. Furthermore, by making the longitudinal direction of the lever portion 62 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hole portion 23, the lever portion 62 fits into the first groove portion 614 and the recess portion 24, and rotation of the lever portion 62 is suppressed.

<2-3-3. Connecting members>
In the second embodiment, the upper end of the column portion 631 of the connecting member 63 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the recess 41 of the base plate 4. The flange portion 632 is connected to the lower end of the column portion 631 and expands in a direction intersecting the up-down direction. The male screw portion 633 is disposed on the peripheral side surface of the upper end of the column portion 631. Note that in the second embodiment, a female screw is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 44 of the base plate 4 and is screwed into the male screw portion 633. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which a female screw is not disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 44.

<2-3-4. Stopper member>
The stop member 64 is disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 4 (i.e., on the bottom surface of the recess 41) and is connected to the upper end of the column portion 631. The female screw portion 641 of the stop member 64 is screwed into the male screw portion 633 at the upper end of the connecting member 63.

<2-3-5. Elastic part>
The elastic portion 65 biases the lever portion 62 upward. In the second embodiment, the elastic portion 65 is disposed between the flange portion 632 and the bottom surface of the recess 622. The elastic portion 65 may be disposed in a position other than between the flange portion 632 and the bottom surface of the recess 622. For example, the elastic portion 65 may be disposed between the base plate 4 (for example, the bottom surface of the recess 41) and the stop member 64. The elastic portion 65 may be disposed at least either between the flange portion 632 and the bottom surface of the recess 622 or between the base plate 4 (for example, the bottom surface of the recess 41) and the stop member 64. Even in this manner, the lever portion 62 can be biased upward with a simple configuration.

＜3. Notes＞
The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. Note that the above embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and that such modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, the "first connecting member" and the "second connecting member" of the present invention are the base plate 4 and the support frame 2, respectively. However, without being limited to this example, the "first connecting member" of the present invention may be the mat portion 5. In this case, the "second connecting member" of the present invention may be the base plate 4 (i.e., the metal stretcher cover). Alternatively, the base plate 4 (i.e., the metal stretcher cover) may be omitted, and the "second connecting member" of the present invention may be the support frame 2.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the base portion 61 has a raised portion 613 and a first groove portion 614. However, this is not limiting, and the raised portion 613 and the first groove portion 614 may be omitted. In this case, for example, when the lever portion 62 is to be hooked, the lever portion 62 is rotated (while being picked up) so that at least a part of the curved portion 624 of the lever portion 62 fits into the recessed portions 24, 43. This allows the lever portion 62 to be stably hooked and further prevents the lever portion 62 from rotating unintentionally. In addition, when the lever portion 62 is to be released from the hook, the engagement with the recessed portions 24, 43 is released (by picking up the lever portion 62), and the lever portion 62 can be rotated.

In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, an example of a stretcher 1 on which a person being assisted is placed is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the above-mentioned technology may also be used in a wheelchair on which a person being assisted is placed in a seated position.

<4. Summary>
The embodiments described thus far will be summarized below.

For example, the connection structure disclosed in this specification is a connection structure capable of connecting a first connection member to a second connection member that supports the first connection member from below, and includes a hole portion that penetrates one of the first connection member and the second connection member in the vertical direction, a base portion that is attached to the other of the first connection member and the second connection member and can be accommodated in the hole portion, a column portion that extends in the vertical direction and penetrates the base portion, a first stop portion that is disposed on the other member and connected to the end of the column portion on the other member side in the vertical direction, and a lever portion that is disposed on the column portion on the one member side in the vertical direction from the base portion and can rotate in the circumferential direction around the column portion and can move in the vertical direction, and is configured (first configuration) such that when the first connection member is detachable from the second connection member, an outer edge portion of the lever portion is disposed inside the outer edge portion of the hole portion when viewed from the vertical direction, and when the first connection member is connected to the second connection member, a part of the outer edge portion of the lever portion is disposed outside the outer edge portion of the hole portion when viewed from the vertical direction.

The connecting structure of the first configuration may further include an elastic portion that biases the lever portion toward the other member in the vertical direction, a plurality of raised portions that protrude toward the one member in the vertical direction and extend along at least one of the outer edge of the end face of the base portion on the one member side in the vertical direction and the area along the outer edge of the hole in the end face of the one member side in the vertical direction of the one member, and a first groove portion that is disposed between adjacent raised portions, and the end of the lever portion on the other member side in the vertical direction can ride up onto the raised portions by rotating the lever portion, and may be configured to be fitted into the first groove portion (second configuration).

Furthermore, the connecting structure of the second configuration may be configured such that, when the first connecting member is detachably attached to the second connecting member, the end of the lever portion on the other member side in the vertical direction is positioned on the other member side in the vertical direction from the tip of the raised portion by rotation of the lever portion, or is positioned between adjacent raised portions and fits into a second groove portion different from the first groove portion (third configuration).

The connecting structure of any of the first to third configurations may be configured so that the end face of the lever portion on the other member side in the vertical direction has a curved portion that protrudes toward the other member side in the vertical direction, and the outer edge of the curved portion is connected to the end of the outer surface of the lever portion on the other member side based on the vertical direction (fourth configuration).

The connecting structure of any of the first to fourth configurations may be configured (fifth configuration) such that a recess is disposed on the end face of the one member on the vertical side of the one member, the recess being recessed toward the other member in the vertical direction, and when the lever portion fits into the first groove portion, the end portion of the lever portion on the vertical side of the other member is accommodated in the recess.

The connecting structure of any one of the first to fifth configurations may further include a second stopper connected to the end of the column on the one member side in the vertical direction and extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the lever portion has a recess on the end face of the lever portion on the one member side in the vertical direction that is recessed toward the other member in the vertical direction, and a through hole extending from the bottom surface of the recess toward the other member in the vertical direction, the column portion being inserted into the through hole, and the second stopper may be configured to be housed in the recess (sixth configuration).

In addition, the connecting structure of any of the first to sixth configurations may be configured (seventh configuration) in which the elastic portion is disposed at least either between the second stopper portion and the bottom surface of the recess, or between the other member and the first stopper portion.

The connecting structure of any one of the first to seventh configurations may be configured such that the base has a main body extending toward the one member in the vertical direction, and when viewed from the vertical direction, the outer edge of the end of the main body on the one member side in the vertical direction is located more inward than the outer edge of the end of the main body on the other member side in the vertical direction (eighth configuration).

The conveying device disclosed in this specification is configured (ninth configuration) to include a connecting structure having any one of the first to eighth configurations.

The bathing device disclosed in this specification is configured (10th configuration) to include a transport device of the 9th configuration and a bathtub for bathing the person being assisted who is transported by the transport device.

100: bathing apparatus, 200: bathtub, 300: transport device, 310: base leg, 320: support, 330: grip, 340: support arm, 341: first arm, 342: second arm, 343: third arm,
Reference Signs List 1: stretcher, 2: support frame, 21: through hole, 22: hole, 23: hole portion, 24: recessed portion, 31: fence portion, 32: handle portion, 4: base plate, 41: recess, 42: hole portion, 43: recessed portion, 44: through hole, 45: hole, 5: mat portion, 6: connecting structure, 61: base portion, 611: main body portion, 612: through hole, 613: raised portion, 614: first groove portion, 615: convex portion, 616: second groove portion, 62: lever portion, 621: handle portion, 622: recess, 623: through hole, 624: curved portion, 625: tube portion, 63: connecting member, 631: column portion, 632: flange portion, 633: male screw portion, 64: stop member, 641: female screw portion, 65: elastic portion

Claims (9)

A connection structure capable of connecting a first connection member to a second connection member that supports the first connection member from below,
a hole portion that passes through one of the first connecting member and the second connecting member in a vertical direction;
a base portion attached to the other member of the first connecting member and the second connecting member and capable of being accommodated in the hole;
A column portion extending in the vertical direction and penetrating the base portion;
a first fastening portion that is disposed on the other member and is connected to an end portion of the column portion on the other member side in a vertical direction;
a lever portion that is disposed on the pillar portion at a position closer to the one member in the up-down direction than the base portion, the lever portion being rotatable in a circumferential direction around the pillar portion and movable in the up-down direction;
Equipped with
When the first connecting member is detachably attached to the second connecting member, an outer edge of the lever portion is disposed on the inner side of an outer edge of the hole portion as viewed in a vertical direction,
In a state in which the first connecting member is connected to the second connecting member,
A connecting structure in which a portion of an outer edge of the lever portion is positioned outward from an outer edge of the hole portion when viewed from the up-down direction. an elastic portion that biases the lever portion toward the other member in the up-down direction;
a plurality of raised portions that are raised toward the one member in the up-down direction and extend along at least one of an outer edge of an end surface of the base portion on the one member side in the up-down direction and a region along an outer edge of the hole portion on the end surface of the one member on the up-down direction of the one member;
a first groove portion disposed between adjacent raised portions;
Further equipped with
2. The connecting structure according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the lever portion on the other member side in the vertical direction can ride up onto the raised portion by rotation of the lever portion and is fitted into the first groove portion. In a state in which the first connecting member is detachable from the second connecting member, the end portion of the lever portion on the other member side in the vertical direction is rotated by the lever portion.
the protruding portion is disposed on the other member side in the up-down direction relative to the tip of the protruding portion,
Or,
The connection structure according to claim 2 , wherein the connection structure fits into a second groove disposed between adjacent raised portions and different from the first groove. an end surface of the lever portion on the other member side in the up-down direction has a curved surface portion protruding toward the other member in the up-down direction;
The connecting structure according to claim 1 , wherein an outer edge of the curved surface portion is connected to an end portion of an outer surface of the lever portion, the outer surface being positioned on the other member side, the end portion being defined by a vertical direction. a recessed portion recessed toward the other member in the vertical direction is disposed on an end surface of the one member on the one member side in the vertical direction,
The connecting structure according to claim 1 , wherein when the lever portion is fitted into the first groove portion, an end portion of the lever portion on the other member side in the up-down direction is received in the recess portion. A second fastening portion is connected to an end portion of the column portion on the one member side in the vertical direction and extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction,
The lever portion is
a recessed portion that is recessed toward the other member in the vertical direction on an end surface of the lever portion that is on the one member side in the vertical direction;
a through hole extending from a bottom surface of the recess toward the other member in a vertical direction;
having
The column portion is inserted into the through hole,
The coupling structure of claim 1 , wherein the second stop portion is received in the recess. The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion is disposed at least either between the second stopper and the bottom surface of the recess, or between the other member and the first stopper. A conveying device having a connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A conveying device according to claim 8;
a bathtub for bathing the person being assisted transported by the transport device; and
A bathing device comprising: