WO2015183209A1

WO2015183209A1 - A cleaning device for bedridden patients

Info

Publication number: WO2015183209A1
Application number: PCT/TR2014/000209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mehmet Akif YAŞAR
Original assignee: Yaşar Mehmet Akif
Priority date: 2014-05-28
Filing date: 2014-05-28
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for bedridden patients, said cleaning device (1) comprising a main body (2), a cleaning element (10) connected to said main body (2) and comprising at least one hose (11), a compressor (6) disposed on said main body (2), connected with the cleaning element (10), generating pressurized air, a water tank (4) connected with said cleaning element (10), a waste tank (3) connected with said cleaning element (10) and a suction motor (7) connected with said cleaning element (10) and generating negative pressure for the system.

Description

A CLEANING DEVICE FOR BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cleaning device meeting toilet needs of bedridden patients and weak people in need of nursing.

The present invention particularly relates to a cleaning device enabling the toilet needs of the patients to be met by only one person through washing with pressurized liquid, blowing air and performing suction.

Prior Art Currently, the most important fundamental problem regarding the care of bedridden patients is the operation of meeting the toilet needs of patients. Patients in need of nursing are cared in intensive care units, nursing homes or their homes. In the current living conditions, some serious problems are experienced in the bottom cleaning of patients. Nurses and health care staff or caregivers providing the care can not easily perform this operation and even fall into an agonizing working psychology. Likewise, this situation is reflected to the bedridden patients or people in need of care. In addition, microorganisms such as VRE (Vancomycin- resistant enterococci) acquiring resistance with the stool of patients during care constitute a risk for the nurses, health care staff or caregivers and other patients.

Basically several different methods are used in the existing applications; In the world, the most widely used are the classic pads. In the application with classic pads, the patient is brought to a side-lying position before cleaning or the patient is completely raised from the bed by means of a lift. Nurses or health care staff or caregivers clean the patient's stool by applying repeated wiping with damp cotton or cloth. The materials used in this operation are discarded. After cleaning, the patient's bed is arranged and he or she is placed back on the bed.

With this method, the microorganisms present in a patient can be transmitted to the other patients by means of the hands or sometimes clothing of the caregivers contacting the patient during the cleaning thereof especially if care is provided thereto by the same caregivers. For ideal cleaning at least three people are needed. In addition, people providing care can experience aversion and nausea during the caring operation. Since industrial waste products such as pads made of woven or cotton materials can not be disposed into the sewage systems, storage and transport thereof require additional costs. Further, microorganisms contained therein can spread in an uncontrolled manner during the transport.

As the methods employing a device or material, automatic toilet systems and fecal management systems are used. Automatic toilet system is the one containing the patient's anus and penis/vagina therein. This system theoretically operates on the principle of initiating the cleaning operation by means of a urine gas/stool sensor, collecting the patient's urine and stool, cleaning it by spraying a liquid at different angles and performing air drying. For the effective use thereof, the manufacturer recommends the use of their beds. During the operation of this device, any movement of the patient that may occur causes the urine and stool to be released to the bed or underpad and the system components to be contaminated. Since it should be continuously attached to the unconscious patients for 24 hours, it can lead to pressure sores in the regions contacting the patients (especially in the patient group with a tendency of developing pressure sores). In the conscious patients, if anal sphincter control exists, automatic toilet system is attached to the patient when the patient provides urine/stool notification, however, the device remains continuously attached to the patient. Movement of the patient is not possible/significantly restricted due to the possibility of device dislodgement. The patient is required to remain still, thus, he or she can not be moved or rolled to the side. The fecal management system comprises a tube placed into the patient's anus and fixed with a balloon system and a receptacle for collecting the stool. This explained system is a material that can be used only in the same patient with a specified duration. Passive stool flow to the receptacle is provided through a plastic tube placed into the anus of the patient.

The patients provided with this system are required to lie almost without any movement, the balloon tip dislodges from the anus during any movement, the environment is contaminated in an uncontrolled manner as well as re-attaching thereof to the patient can cause pain. In addition, this system is not fully sealed. Sometimes, in prolonged applications, it can easily dislodge even if the patient does not move. It can result in a bed smelling environment by leading to continuous gas leakage. It can cause dilatation of the anal sphincter. The use thereof in pediatric patients and for more than a month is not recommended. This feature is a risky disadvantage.

The patent application JP4537436 (B2) published on September 1 , 2010 is encountered during the patent search performed on the stool cleaning devices. The invention relates to an automatic stool cleaning device for bedridden patients enabling the stool and organs thereof to be cleaned. This device is attached to the cloth provided with a stool hole corresponding to the anus. The automatic stool cleaning device comprises a main body having a receptacle receiving the stool passing through the anus and an outlet opening taking the stool outside the receptacle. In the U shaped device, nozzles are oriented so as to enter into the main body. The stool inside the receptacle of the main body is cleaned by means of the water from outside filled into the main body.

Said invention comprises the disadvantages of the aforementioned methods and systems.

For the reasons described above, existing inventions and devices have not achieved enough success and use thereof has remained limited. Therefore, basic care of the patients in need of nursing all over the world is still carried out with cleaning pads failing to provide the ideal cleaning.

Thus, stool cleaning devices and methods are improved and new structures which would eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks and offer solutions to the existing systems are needed. Description of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a new structure having different technical features bringing a new approach in this area as compared to the applications used in the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide highest level of quality in patient's bottom cleaning by fully complying with patient care infection control principles.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the person providing care to make less effort with only a single hand during the cleaning operation.

Another object of the present invention is to enable the stool cleaning operation to be carried out in a shorter time. Another object of the present invention is to provide complete cleaning thanks to the aspiration and washing with pressurized liquid.

Another object of the present invention is to enable cleaning of all the areas of the patient contaminated by the stool by means of a cleaning element with a single hand control.

Another object of the present invention is to provide more hygienic and quality stool cleaning operation thanks to the aspiration and washing with pressurized liquid. Another object of the present invention is to provide complete freedom of movement to the patient while performing the stool cleaning operation.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent spread of infection by preventing the spread of the stool and performing full suction. Another object of the present invention is to minimize the use of labor thanks to the single person use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide time savings.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent formation of unpleasant feelings such as aversion and nausea in the people performing the cleaning operation. Another object of the present invention is to enable almost all the waste to be in liquid form, thus, to provide easy discharge thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to enable all the waste to be discarded through sewage, thus, to eliminate additional transport and storage costs and effort.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for materials such as cotton and pads.

Another object of the present invention is to enable disinfection of the head-cleaning element for each use.

Another object of the present invention is to enable disinfection and sterilization of all the contaminated components inside the special compartment of the device. Another object of the present invention is to enable the spare apparatuses to be used in other patients or same patients at different times by sterilization thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to enable complete cleaning of the device itself.

Another object of the present invention is to eliminate any pain and suffering of the patients during the operation. Another object of the present invention is to enable use thereof in pediatric patients.

To achieve the aforementioned objects, the present invention relates to a stool cleaning device provided with a main body enabling the stool of the patients to be cleaned, wherein it comprises the following: a cleaning element with a hose enabling the stool to be cleaned, an electrical installation disposed on the main body and supplying the power of the entire system, a waste tank disposed on the main body for collecting the stool, a compressor, a water tank and a suction motor disposed on the main body and connected with the cleaning element. The cleaning element comprises a system aspirating the stool by means of nested inner tube and outer tube, liquid nozzle and hose.

Figures Facilitating Understanding of the Invention

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of the stool cleaning device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view of the stool cleaning device according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a close-up perspective front view of the main body of the stool cleaning device according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of lower portion of the main body of the stool cleaning device according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of upper portion of the main body of the stool cleaning device according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective bottom view of the cleaning element cleaning head of the stool cleaning device according to the present invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective cross sectional view of the cleaning element cleaning head of the stool cleaning device according to the present invention.

Part Numbers

1- Cleaning device 11- Hose

2- Main body 12- Outer tube

2.1- Upper compartment 13- Inner tube

2.2- Lower compartment 14- Liquid nozzle

3- Waste tank 15- Suction cavity 3'- Air cleaning filter 16- Blowing cavity

4- Water tank 20-Abutting element 4.1- Heater 21- Spherical wheel

5- Heating system 30- Controller 6- Compressor 40- Electrical installation

6.1- Air tank 50- Connection element

7- Suction motor - Liquid transfer element

8- Disinfectant receptacle 52- Transfer element

9- Cleaning system 52.1 - Motor

10- Cleaning element a- air outlet direction

10'- Cleaning head b- suction direction

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1 ) comprising a main body (2) enabling the stool of the patients to be cleaned. The cleaning device (1 ) distinctively comprises the following: a cleaning element (10) having a hose (1 1 ) enabling the stool to be cleaned, a compressor (6) disposed on said main body (2) and connected with said cleaning element (10), a water tank (4) disposed on said main body (2) and connected with said cleaning element (10), a suction motor (7) disposed on said main body (2) and connected with said cleaning element (10), an electrical installation (40) disposed on said main body (2) and supplying power of the entire system and a waste tank (3) disposed on said main body (2) for collecting the stool.

The cleaning device (1) performs the function thereof by means of an electronic system coordinating the entire system. The cleaning device (1) comprises a main body (2) divided as the upper compartment (2.1) and lower compartment (2.2) and wheels enabling the movement thereof.

The waste tank (3) is the receptacle for collecting the liquid and solid waste aspirated into the system during the cleaning of the patient's stool and liquid waste resulting from the washing and disinfection operations. Disinfectant receptacle (8) and air cleaning filter (3') connected with the waste tank (3) are provided. Air reaching to the tank during the operation is passes through an air cleaning filter (3') and disposed into the environment.

Waste enters the waste tank (3) from the upper portion, the lower surface of the waste tank has a conical shape, the system is actively discharged into the sewage or toilet by means of the hose disposed at the lower end thereof. When the waste tank (3) is discharged, the lower cover is closed and it is disinfected with the disinfectant liquid. The waste tank (3) is made of a material that can be sterilized by being removed from the location thereof.

Fullness of the waste tank (3) is notified on the main body (2) with light and sound. Aspiration and cleaning is stopped by the system at the sufficient fullness. The waste tank (3) is disposed at the lower compartment (2.2) of the main body (2) and provided with a separate cover such that it is not in the same environment with the other elements.

The heating system (5) connected with the compressor (6) and an air tank (6.1) disposed on the compressor (6) are provided. The compressor (6) fills the air into the air tank (6.1 ) disposed inside the main body (2) up to the desired pressure. As the pressure therein decreases, the compressor (6) operates by self-triggering and air with desired pressure is always made available in the air tank (6.1).

The air tank (6.1) is the system for storing the air to be used when desired. When the pressure drops, the compressor (6) is triggered and air is heated before being delivered to the patient. The heating system (5) enables the air to be preheated to the desired level.

A heater (4.1) is disposed on the water tank (4). The heater (4.1) enables the pressurized water sent to the cleaning element to be heated. It sends the water to the cleaning element (10). When the system is initially started, it heats the water therein to the desired temperature before the cleaning operation begins. As the water level decreases, it takes in water and raises the level thereof to the desired one. When desired, the liquid at desired pressure is directed from the system to the desired location by means of a liquid pumping motor.

The water tank (4) can be connected to the tap water by means of a hose. Water is taken in until it is sufficiently filled by means of the controller (30) and light and sound warning is provided. The suction motor (7) is a motor generating a negative pressure. It aspirates the stool and liquid waste from the inner tube (13) of the cleaning element (10) into the tank.

A liquid transfer element (52) enabling the connection of the disinfectant receptacle (8) with the cleaning system (9) and a motor (52.1) connected with the liquid transfer element (52) are provided. Disinfectant to be used in disinfection of the system components is provided inside the disinfectant receptacle (8). Output of the disinfectant receptacle (8) is connected to the cleaning system (8) with the transfer element (52). Desired amount of disinfectant is transferred to the cleaning system (9) by means of the motor (52.1). Slots for fitting and fixing all the components of the system to be disinfected are provided in the cleaning system (9). From these slots, water is provided during the washing and water mixed with disinfectant is provided during the disinfection to the components comprised therein, the components are first washed and then disinfected by means of the liquid nozzle (14) heads disposed on the inner portions of the elements such as the connection element (50) as well as on the system surface at different regions. The cleaning system (9) can be made as a separate device outside the main body (2).

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of the cleaning element (10) cleaning head (10') of the cleaning device (1 ) according to the present invention. The cleaning element (10) comprises the following: a cleaning head (10') providing the suction, a hose (1 1 ) connected with the main body (2), an outer tube (12) disposed therein, an inner tube (13) disposed inside the outer tube (12), a suction cavity (15) formed inside the inner tube (13) where the air advances in the suction direction (b), a blowing cavity (16) formed between the outer tube (12) and the inner tube (13) where the pressurized air advances in the air outlet direction (a) and a liquid nozzle (14) disposed therein and enabling the liquid to be transferred to the surface with the stool. The inner tube (13) and outer tube (12) are disposed inside the hose and cleaning head.

The hose (1 1) facilitates the movement during the cleaning operation and enables full closure by means of the connection end to the main body (2). A cover system preventing dripping at both ends when the hose (1 1 ) is removed from the location thereof and fully covering the hose (1 1 ) is provided at the most extreme portion. The connection of the hose (1 1 ), cleaning head (10') and main body (2) is not interrupted before the covers are closed.

The cleaning element (10) comprises a system aspirating the stool by means of nested inner tube (13) and outer tube (12), air blower and liquid nozzle (14) and hose (1 1 ). (Figures 6, 7) The aspiration function can be performed through both the inner tube (13) and the outer tube

(12) . 4+4 nozzles with two different output angles mounted on the inner wall of the inner tube

(13) and spraying pressurized liquid are provided.

The air generated by the compressor (6) advances through the blowing cavity (16) disposed between the inner tube (13) and the outer tube (14) in the air outlet direction (a) and reaches the cleaning head (10').

Air is blown by means of the compressor (6) to the outer wall of the inner tube (13) with another system separated by a very thin wall and release of the liquid and stool to the environment is prevented during the liquid spraying. Further, it helps the stool smudged on the skin of the patient to be separated therefrom. Air aspiration from the inner tube (13) and outer tube (12) is carried out in different ways. When the heated air is directed to the skin of the patient, air is not aspirated from the inner tube (13). The air is blown by the compressor (6) and thus spread of liquid droplets outside is prevented. Also, the air is aspirated from the outer tube (12), the stool and liquid particles splashing during liquid spraying and air blowing are cleaned by aspiration and sent to the waste tank.

As shown in the figures, an abutting element (20) connected with the cleaning element (10) is provided, wherein said abutting element (20) comprises a spherical wheel (21 ) contacting the patient. The abutting element (20) comprises a spherical wheel (21) capable of moving in any direction, preventing the cleaning element (10) from sticking to the skin during the aspiration by the effect of the vacuum as well as facilitating the movement of the cleaning element on the skin and a body connecting it to the cleaning element with the slot thereof.

The abutting element (20) can be removed from the location thereof and disinfected by being washed inside the disinfectant receptacle (8) disposed in the main body (2). The abutting element (20) is made of a material that can be sterilized when desired. Only the abutting element (20) is in contact with the patient, the cleaning element (10) performing aspiration and washing by spraying liquid does not contact the skin.

The abutting element (20) prevents the cleaning element (10) from sticking to the patient with the effect of the vacuum and enables the cleaning head (10') to remain at a certain distance away from the patient. Further, the abutting element (20) resting against the body can be moved by being slid with the spherical wheel (21). In addition, the cleaned area of the patient can be dried with dry hot air when the cleaning with the cleaning element (10) is finished.

The controller (30) is the electronic circuitry for defining and monitoring all the operations. It enables transmission of the power required by the system instruments for the defined functions of the system. Fullness levels, failures, current operation of the system are displayed with light on the controller (30). Turning the device on, opening of the covers, initiation of the disinfection operation are managed by the controller. In addition, the control element of the system for controlling the functions of the cleaning element (10) is located to be in a separate area on the main body (2).

Claims

1- A cleaning device (1) comprising a main body (2) for meeting toilet needs of bedridden patients and weak people in need of nursing, characterized in further comprising the following: a cleaning element (10) comprising at least one hose (1 1), a compressor (6) disposed on said main body (2), connected with the cleaning element (10), generating air and filling it up to the desired pressure, a water tank (4) connected with said cleaning element (10) and a suction motor (7) connected with said cleaning element (10) and generating negative pressure for the system.

2- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising an electrical installation (40) supplying the power of the entire system.

3- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a waste tank (3) disposed inside or outside said main body (2) for collecting the waste resulting after the toilet need is fulfilled.

4- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a disinfectant receptacle (8) connected with said waste tank (3).

5- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a liquid transfer element (52) enabling the connection of said disinfectant receptacle (8) with the cleaning system (9).

6- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising an air cleaning filter (3) connected with said waste tank (3).

7- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a heater (4.1) disposed on said water tank (4).

8- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a heating system (5) connected .with said compressor (6).

9- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising an air tank (6.1) disposed on said compressor (6).

10- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said cleaning element (10) comprises a cleaning head (10') providing the suction.

11- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said cleaning element (10) comprises a hose (11) connected with the main body (2). 12- The cleaning device (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said cleaning element (10) comprises an outer tube (12) disposed therein.

13- The cleaning device (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said cleaning element (10) comprises an inner tube (13) disposed inside said outer tube (12). 14- The cleaning device (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said cleaning element (10) comprises a suction cavity (15) formed inside said inner tube (13) for the air to advance in the suction direction (b).

^• 15- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said cleaning element (10) comprises a blowing cavity (16) formed between said outer tube (12) and inner tube (13) for the pressurized air to advance in the air outlet direction (a).

16- The cleaning device (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that said cleaning element (10) comprises a liquid nozzle (14) disposed therein and enabling the liquid to be transferred to the surface with stool.

17- The cleaning device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising an abutting element (20) connected with said cleaning element (10).

18- The cleaning device .(1 ) according to Claim 15, characterized in that said abutting element (20) comprises a spherical wheel (21) contacting the patient.

19- The cleaning device (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in comprising a motor (52.1 ) connected with said liquid transfer element (52).