Conveying device and bathing device

Abstract

To provide a technique for changing a shape of a stretcher in response to elevating / lowering.SOLUTION: A transportation device for loading and transporting a cared person includes first to fourth support parts, a link part, and a link lever part. The first support part supports an upper body. The second support part supports hip parts. The third support part for supporting thigh parts is rotatably connected to a left end of the second support part. The fourth support part for supporting leg parts and foot parts is rotatably connected to a left end part of the third support part. One end of the link lever part is rotatably connected to a left end part of the link part extending leftward from the second support part. The other end of the link lever part is rotatably connected to a left side part of the fourth support part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device and a bathing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for the purpose of bathing a person who requires assistance (hereinafter referred to as the assisted person), a bathing device is known in which the assisted person is immersed in the hot water in the bathtub while lying on a stretcher. For example, in the bathing device of Patent Document 1, a conveying device that carries a stretcher on which the assisted person is placed is horizontally attached to the bathtub. Then, the stretcher is transferred from the conveying device to the support base of the bathtub. The support base is movable in the vertical direction, and by descending together with the stretcher, the assisted person can be immersed in the bathtub together with the stretcher. Further, the support base can change the inclination angle with respect to its support column as viewed from the lateral direction of the stretcher. By tilting the support base from the horizontal direction, the shape of the stretcher in the longitudinal direction in the bathtub can be changed, and the assisted person can be changed from the supine position to the reclining position with the backrest inclined.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, it is a requirement for the deformation of the stretcher that the bathing device includes a support base having a tilt function. It would be convenient if the shape of the stretcher could be changed even in a bathing device that does not include a support base having a tilt function.

[0005] In view of the above situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of changing the shape of the stretcher in accordance with the lifting and lowering.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, a transport device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device for a caregiver to transport a person being assisted. The transport device comprises a first support section, a second support section, a third support section, a fourth support section, a link section, and a link lever section. The first support section supports the upper body of the person being assisted. The second support section is rotatably connected to the left end of the first support section around a first axis extending in the front-rear direction as viewed from the caregiver, and supports the buttocks of the person being assisted. The third support section is rotatably connected to the left end of the second support section around a second axis extending in the front-rear direction, and supports the thighs of the person being assisted. The fourth support section is rotatably connected to the left end of the third support section around a third axis extending in the front-rear direction, and supports the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted. The link section is positioned below the third and fourth support sections and extends to the left from the second support section. One end of the link lever portion is rotatably connected to the left end of the link portion around a fourth axis extending in the front-rear direction. The other end of the link lever portion is rotatably connected to the left portion of the fourth support portion around a fifth axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0007] Furthermore, a bathing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned transport device and a bathtub for bathing a person being transported by the transport device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that allows the shape of the stretcher to be changed in accordance with the ascent and descent. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a bathing device. [Figure 2] Perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a conveying device. [Figure 3] Cross-section of a stretcher [Figure 4A] Cross-sectional view showing an example of the stretcher's condition before being submerged in the bathtub. [Figure 4B] Cross-sectional view showing an example of the condition of a stretcher after it has been submerged in a bathtub. [Figure 5A] Cross-sectional view showing an example of the condition of the regulated section before regulation. [Figure 5B] Cross-sectional view showing an example of the condition of the regulated section during regulation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, the left-right direction is referred to as the X direction, as viewed from the perspective of the caregiver operating the transport device 300 described later. The X direction is the longitudinal direction of the stretcher 1. The right side of the X direction is designated as "X1," and the left side as "X2." The front-back direction is referred to as the Y direction. The Y direction is the short-side direction of the stretcher 1. The front side of the Y direction is designated as "Y1," and the rear side as "Y2." The up-down direction is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction is the thickness direction of the stretcher 1. The upper side of the Z direction is designated as "Z1," and the lower side as "Z2." The X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0011] In the following, "upper body" refers to the part of the human body above the waist, including, for example, the part of the human body above the waist and below the neck, the neck, and the head. "Buttocks" refers to the part of the human body below the waist and above the hip joint. "Thigh" refers to the part of the lower limb of the human body below the hip joint and above the knee. "Lower limb" refers to the part of the human body below the hip joint and may also be called "leg" in this specification. "Lower leg" refers to the part of the lower limb of the human body below the knee and above the ankle. "Foot" refers to the part of the lower limb of the human body from the ankle to the toes.

[0012] <1. Embodiments> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the bathing device 100. The bathing device 100 comprises a bathtub 200 and a transport device 300. The bathtub 200 is a tank for bathing a person being transported by the transport device 300, and it opens upwards. The bathtub 200 is filled with water at an appropriate temperature. The transport device 300 is a device for a caregiver to transport a person being transported. For example, the transport device 300 transports the person being transported from the hospital room (living room) to the changing room and from the changing room to the bathroom, or from the bathroom to the changing room and from the changing room to the hospital room (living room).

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of the conveying device 300. The conveying device 300 includes a base leg portion 310, a support column portion 320, a gripping portion 330, a support arm 340, and a stretcher 1.

[0014] The base legs 310 are the legs that support the transport device 300 and have multiple casters (not shown) that make contact with the floor surface. The transport device 300 can move smoothly across the floor surface by rolling its casters.

[0015] The support column 320 extends upward from the base leg 310 and is extendable and retractable in the vertical direction. For example, the support column 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. A gripping portion 330 is arranged on the portion of the actuator that includes the other. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the support column 320 is not extendable or retractable in the vertical direction. In this case, for example, the entire bathtub 200 may be configured to be movable in the vertical direction. Also, the support column 320 is located on the right side of the stretcher 1. However, it is not limited to this example, and the support column 320 may be located on the left side of the stretcher 1.

[0016] The gripping section 330 is a handle that is grasped by an assistant who operates and moves the transport device 300.

[0017] The support arm 340 is fixed to the support column 320 (for example, the part including the other party of the actuator) and supports the stretcher 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 stretcher 1. For example, the third arm 343 is insertable and fixable into the insertion part 221 of the support frame 2 of the stretcher 1 described later to support the stretcher 1.

[0018] Next, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4B, the configuration of the stretcher 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stretcher 1. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the stretcher 1 before being immersed in the bathtub 200. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the stretcher 1 after being immersed in the bathtub 200. Note that FIG. 3 shows the cross-sectional structure of the stretcher 1 along the dashed-dotted line III-III in FIG. 2. FIGS. 4A and 4B correspond to the cross-sectional structure of the stretcher 1 along the dashed-dotted line IV in FIG. 1.

[0019] The stretcher 1 is a platform for placing the assisted person and is transferred by the transfer device 300. The stretcher 1 includes a support frame 2, a pair of front and rear fence parts 31, a pair of front and rear handle parts 32, a base plate 4, and a mat part 5.

[0020] The support frame 2 supports the base plate 4 from below. The support frame 2 is, for example, made of metal. The support frame 2 is a structure having a plurality of frames (reference numerals omitted) extending in the left-right direction, a plurality of frames (reference numerals omitted) extending in the front-rear direction, and an insertion part 221 into which the third arm 343 is inserted. However, it is not limited to this example, and the support frame 2 may have a plate shape that has the insertion part 221 and extends in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

[0021] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the support frame 2 comprises a first frame 21, a second frame 22, a third frame 23, and a fourth frame 24. Each of the first to fourth frames 21 is a structure having multiple frames, arranged in ordinal order in the left-right direction. The insertion portion 221 is included in the second frame 22.

[0022] The left end of the first frame 21 is rotatably connected to the right end of the second frame 22 about the first axis. The first axis extends in the front-rear direction and passes through the connection point between the left end of the first frame 21 and the right end of the second frame 22.

[0023] The right end of the third frame 23 is rotatably connected to the left end of the second frame 22 about the second axis. The second axis extends in the front-rear direction and passes through the connection between the left end of the second frame 22 and the right end of the third frame 23.

[0024] The right end of the fourth frame 24 is rotatably connected to the left end of the third frame 23 about the third axis. The third axis extends in the front-rear direction and passes through the connection between the left end of the third frame 23 and the right end of the fourth frame 24.

[0025] The railing section 31 prevents the person being assisted from falling off the stretcher 1. The railing section 31 is positioned on both sides of the support frame 2 in the front-rear direction, protruding upward and extending in the left-right direction. The handle section 32 is a grip that the person being assisted on the stretcher 1 can grasp. The handle section 32 is positioned on both the left and right sides of the support frame 2, on the side of the person being assisted's upper body, and protrudes diagonally upward.

[0026] The base plate 4 supports the person being cared for lying on the stretcher 1 via the mat portion 5. The base plate 4 is, for example, a stretcher cover made of resin, and is manufactured by blow molding or the like. The base plate 4 is plate-shaped, extending in the left-right and front-back directions, and is detachably connected to the support frame 2. In detail, the base plate 4 has a first plate 41 and a second plate 42. The first plate 41 and the second plate 42 are plate-shaped, extending in the left-right and front-back directions, respectively. The first plate 41 is placed and supported on the first frame 21. The second plate 41 is placed and supported on the fourth frame 24.

[0027] The mat section 5 is detachably arranged on the support frame 2 or the base plate 4. The mat section 5 is the cushion portion of the stretcher 1 and comes into contact with the person being cared for lying on the stretcher 1. In detail, the mat section 5 has a first mat section 51, a second mat section 52, a third mat section 53, and a fourth mat section 54. The first mat section 51 and the fourth mat section 54 are detachably connected and arranged on the first plate 41 and the second plate 42, respectively. The second mat section 52 and the third mat section 53 are detachably connected and arranged on the second frame 22 and the third frame 23, respectively.

[0028] However, the second mat portion 52 may be arranged on a third plate supported on the second frame 22 and detachably connected. Similarly, the third mat portion 53 may be arranged on a fourth plate supported on the third frame 23 and detachably connected. In other words, the base plate 4 may further include a third plate and a fourth plate. For example, the third plate and the fourth plate may be detachably connected to the second frame 22 and the third frame 23, respectively.

[0029] By making the base plate 4 and mat portion 5 detachable, they can be removed from the entire stretcher 1 (except for the base plate 4 and mat portion 5) for cleaning, replacement, etc. Therefore, the part of the stretcher 1 that places the person being assisted on can be kept clean.

[0030] When a person to be cared for is placed on the stretcher 1, the upper body of the person to be cared for rests on the first mat section 51. A pillow section 511 that supports the head and neck of the person to be cared for is also placed on the first mat section 51. The buttocks rest on the second mat section 52. The thighs rest on the third mat section 53. The lower legs and feet rest on the fourth mat section 54. Each of the mat sections 51-54 and the pillow section 511 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. In particular, the fourth mat section 54 is formed of a material with a density lower than water, and a structure that provides great buoyancy in water. The latter may be a structure that includes a hollow space formed by blow molding, for example.

[0031] Furthermore, the stretcher 1 has a first support section 11, a second support section 12, a third support section 13, a fourth support section 14, a link section 15, and a link lever section 16. In other words, the transport device 300 is equipped with these.

[0032] The first support section 11 supports the upper body of the person being assisted. More specifically, the first support section 11 includes a first frame 21, a first plate 41, and a first mat section 51.

[0033] The second support section 12 supports the buttocks of the person being cared for. The second support section 12 is rotatably connected to the left end of the first support section 11 around a first axis extending in the front-rear direction as viewed from the caregiver. In detail, the second support section 12 includes a second frame 22 and a second mat section 52.

[0034] The third support portion 13 supports the thigh of the person being assisted. The third support portion 13 is rotatably connected to the left end of the second support portion 12 about a second axis extending in the front-rear direction. In detail, the third support portion 13 includes a third frame 23 and a third mat portion 53.

[0035] The fourth support section 14 supports the lower leg and foot of the person being assisted. The fourth support section 14 is rotatably connected to the left end of the third support section 13 around a third axis extending in the front-rear direction. In detail, the fourth support section 14 includes a fourth frame 24, a second plate 42, and a fourth mat section 54.

[0036] The stretcher 1 has support parts 11-14 that are rotatably connected to each other, allowing it to support the person being assisted in a supine position (e.g., prone position). The stretcher 1 can also support the person being assisted in a position where the upper body is tilted upward (e.g., long sitting position). Furthermore, as will be described later, the stretcher 1 can also raise the lower legs and feet upward by bending the hip and knee joints without strain, while the person being assisted is lying on their back or with the upper body tilted upward.

[0037] The link portion 15 is positioned below the third support portion 13 and the fourth support portion 14 and extends to the left from the second support portion 12. In this embodiment, the link portion 15 extends to the left from the left end of the second frame 22. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and the link portion 15 may extend to the left from the right end of the second plate 42.

[0038] The link lever portion 16 connects the fourth support portion 14 and the link portion 15. One end of the link lever portion 16 is rotatably connected to the left end of the link portion 15 around a fourth axis extending in the front-rear direction. The other end of the link lever portion 16 is rotatably connected to the left portion of the fourth support portion 14 around a fifth axis extending in the front-rear direction. More specifically, the other end of the link lever portion 16 is rotatably connected to the portion to the left of the right end of the fourth support portion 14, for example, to the portion between the central portion and the left end in the left-right direction.

[0039] By configuring the support sections 11-14 for supporting the person being cared for as described above, the person being cared for can be immersed in the bathtub 200 along with the stretcher 1 while remaining supported by the transport device 300. In this embodiment, when bathing, the first support section 11 is tilted upward by, for example, a rolling section 6 located on the lower surface of the first support section 11. The rolling section 6 is a roller located on the lower surface of the right end of the first plate 41 (i.e., the end on the pillow section 511 side). In other words, the person being cared for is immersed in the bath in a reclining position with the backrest tilted. However, the invention is not limited to this example, and the person being cared for can also be bathed without tilting the first support section 11 upward. In other words, the person being cared for can also be immersed in the bath in a supine position.

[0040] Furthermore, the third support section 13, the fourth support section 14, the link section 15, and the link lever section 16 form a closed-loop link mechanism when viewed from the front-rear direction. Therefore, the link mechanism can be deformed by moving the left end of the third support section 13 and the other end of the link lever section 16 upwards above the second support section 12, together with the fourth support section 14. In other words, the shape of the stretcher 1 can be changed in accordance with the raising and lowering of the fourth support section 14.

[0041] This allows the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted to be moved upward while supporting the lower limbs and naturally bending the hip and knee joints. Therefore, even when the person being assisted is submerged in water up to their neck, it is possible to prevent their upper body from sliding downward, and for example, to prevent their mouth and nose from being submerged below the water surface. Thus, the person being assisted can be bathed easily and safely.

[0042] Furthermore, the other end of the link lever portion 16 moves upward relative to the second support portion 12 along with the fourth support portion 14. As a result, with the upper surface of the fourth support portion 14 parallel to the water surface, the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted can be raised above or near the water surface. Consequently, the condition of the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted becomes easier to check. Therefore, foot care for the person being assisted becomes easier.

[0043] Preferably, when the fourth support portion 14 is immersed in water, buoyancy causes the fourth support portion 14 to float toward the water surface. The fourth mat portion 54 is an example of the "mat portion" of the present invention. In this way, for example, when the person being cared for is immersed in water, the buoyancy of the fourth mat portion 54 in the water causes the fourth support portion 14 to float toward the water surface, moving it above the second support portion 12. Therefore, the lower legs and feet of the person being cared for can be raised while supporting the lower limbs and bending the hip and knee joints.

[0044] Preferably, at least one of the third support portion 13 and the link portion 15 has a restricting portion 231. The restricting portion 231 restricts the upper limit of the inclination of the third support portion 13 relative to the link portion 15 when viewed from the front-rear direction. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the restricting portion 231 before restriction. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the state of the restricting portion 231 when restriction is applied. Note that Figure 5A is an enlarged view of the portion Va enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 4A. Figure 5B is an enlarged view of the portion Vb enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 4B.

[0045] The restricting part 231 restricts the upper limit of the inclination of the third support part 13 relative to the link part 15, thereby restricting the amount of upward movement of the fourth support part 14 relative to the second support part 12. In other words, it is possible to restrict the amount of upward movement of the lower legs and feet relative to the waist of the person being assisted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the person being assisted from bending their hip and knee joints too much and becoming cramped. Thus, the person being assisted can bathe comfortably.

[0046] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the restricting portion 231 is positioned on the third support portion 13. The restricting portion 231 is a plane Pc formed by cutting off a corner located at the lower end of the right end of the third support portion 13. More specifically, the corner is formed between the right end surface and the bottom surface of the third support portion 13 (third frame 23). The plane Pc is positioned between the right end surface and the bottom surface of the third support portion 13 (third frame 23). In other words, the restricting portion 231 is formed by chamfering the corner. When the inclination of the third support portion 13 relative to the link portion 15 reaches its upper limit, the right end of the plane Pc abuts against the upper surface of the link portion 15. This restricts the rotational inclination of the third support portion 13 relative to the link portion 15 and prevents further increase in the inclination of the third support portion 13. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to restrict the upward movement of the lower legs and feet relative to the waist of the person being assisted.

[0047] However, the above examples do not exclude configurations in which the regulatory section 231 is omitted.

[0048] Preferably, the stretcher 1 of the conveying device 300 further includes a protrusion 151. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 4B, the protrusion 151 is located at the upper end of the link portion 15 and extends upward. The protrusion 151 is, for example, a bolt screwed onto the upper surface of the link portion 15, and its head portion is fitted with an elastic cap made of rubber or the like.

[0049] In Figures 3 to 4B, the protrusion 151 extends toward the third support portion 13, but it may also extend toward the fourth support portion 14. Furthermore, the protrusion 151 may be singular or multiple, as shown in Figures 3 to 4B. Additionally, the protrusion 151 may be positioned at the lower end of at least one of the third support portion 13 and the fourth support portion 14, and may extend downward.

[0050] In other words, the conveying device 300 may further include at least one of a first projection (projection 151) and a second projection. The first projection (projection 151) is located at the upper end of the link portion 15 and projects toward at least one of the support portions of the third support portion 13 and the fourth support portion 14. The second projection is located at at least one of the support portions of the third support portion 13 and the fourth support portion 14 and projects toward the link portion 15. This prevents the link portion 15 from colliding with at least one of the third support portion 13 and the fourth support portion 14 when moving the fourth support portion 14, the left end of the third support portion 13, and the other end of the link lever portion 16 from above downwards.

[0051] Furthermore, preferably as shown in Figures 3 to 4B, the stretcher 1 of the transport device 300 has a contact portion 17. The contact portion 17 extends from the other end of the link lever portion 16 (the end on the fourth support portion 14 side) to at least one of the left and downward directions. As the stretcher 1 (especially the fourth support portion 14) moves downward, the contact portion 17 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the bathtub 200, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the bottom surface of the bathtub 200 has a first bottom surface 201 on the right side and a second bottom surface 202 on the left side. Both extend horizontally. The first bottom surface 201 is positioned above the second bottom surface 202. The bottom surface of the bathtub 200 also has a bottom slope 203 that widens upwards towards the left. The bottom slope 203 extends from the left end of the first bottom surface 201 to the right end of the second bottom surface 202. That is, the right end of the bottom slope 203 is connected to the left end of the first bottom surface 201. The left end of the bottom slope 203 is connected to the right end of the second bottom surface 202. By configuring the bottom surface of the bathtub 200 as described above, the amount of water that can be stored in the bathtub 200 can be reduced. In addition, a free space can be formed below the right side of the bottom surface of the bathtub 200 (for example, the first bottom surface 201 and the bottom slope 203). Therefore, electrical boxes, chemical tanks, pumps, etc., can be installed in the free space.

[0053] The tip of the contact portion 17 comes into contact with the bottom slope 203 when the stretcher 1 (especially the fourth support portion 14) moves downward. At this time, the tip of the contact portion 17 moves along the bottom slope 203 in accordance with the vertical movement of the fourth support portion 14.

[0054] For example, when moving the person being cared for downwards to immerse them in the water, the tip of the contact portion 17 that contacts the bottom slope 203 moves leftward and upward along the bottom slope 203. Therefore, the left end of the third support portion 13 and the fourth support portion 14 can be moved more reliably upward relative to the second support portion 12. This allows the person being cared for to bend their hip and knee joints, and their lower legs and feet to be sufficiently elevated.

[0055] On the other hand, when moving the person being assisted upward to remove them from the water, the tip of the contact portion 17 that contacts the bottom slope 203 moves to the right and downward along the bottom slope 203. Consequently, the left end of the third support portion 13 and the fourth support portion 14 can move downward. This allows the person being assisted to extend their hip and knee joints, and to bring their lower legs and feet to the same height as their buttocks.

[0056] More preferably, as shown in Figures 3 to 4B, the stretcher 1 of the transport device 300 further includes a rolling part 18. The rolling part 18 is positioned at the tip of the contact part 17 and is capable of rolling left and right on the bottom slope 203. The rolling part 18 is a cylindrical roller extending in the front-rear direction and rolling around a central axis parallel to the front-rear direction. This allows the tip of the contact part 17 to move smoothly on the bottom slope 203. As a result, the left end of the third support part 13 and the fourth support part 14 can also move more smoothly in the up and down direction. In other words, the hip and knee joints of the person being assisted can be bent and straightened smoothly. However, the rolling part 18 is not limited to the above examples and does not have to be a cylindrical roller. The rolling part 18 may be, for example, a member having a disc-shaped or spherical rolling element when viewed from the left and right directions.

[0057] The above examples do not exclude configurations in which the rolling portion 18 is omitted, nor do they exclude configurations in which the contact portion 17, the rolling portion 18, and the bottom slope 203 are omitted.

[0058] <2. Remarks> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be noted that the embodiments described above are illustrative, and various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each process, and this will be understood by those skilled in the art as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0059] For example, in the embodiment described above, the base plate 4 is positioned between the support frame 2 and the mat portion 5. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example, and at least a portion of the base plate 4 (for example, at least one of the first plate 41 and the second plate 42) may be omitted. In this case, the omitted portion is directly connected to the support frame 2.

[0060] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment was explained using a transport device 300 having a stretcher 1 for carrying the person being assisted as an example. However, the technology is not limited to this example, and may be used in wheelchairs or other devices that carry the person being assisted in a seated position.

[0061] <3. Summary> The embodiments described above will be summarized below.

[0062] For example, the conveying apparatus disclosed herein is A transport device for which an assistant carries a person being assisted, The first support part supports the upper body of the person being assisted, A second support portion is rotatably connected to the left end of the first support portion around a first axis extending in the front-rear direction as viewed from the caregiver, and supports the buttocks of the person being cared for. A third support portion is rotatably connected to the left end of the second support portion around a second axis extending in the front-rear direction, and supports the thigh of the person being assisted. A fourth support portion is rotatably connected to the left end of the third support portion around a third axis extending in the front-rear direction, and supports the lower leg and foot of the person being assisted. A link portion is positioned below the third and fourth support portions and extends to the left from the second support portion, A link lever portion is rotatably connected at one end to the left end of the link portion around a fourth axis extending in the front-rear direction, and at the other end to the left portion of the fourth support portion around a fifth axis extending in the front-rear direction. This configuration (first configuration) includes the following:

[0063] According to the first configuration, the person being assisted can be immersed in the bathtub along with the stretcher while remaining supported by the transport device. Furthermore, the third support part, the fourth support part, the link part, and the link lever part form a closed-loop link mechanism when viewed from the front and rear directions. Therefore, the link mechanism can be deformed by moving the left end of the third support part and the other end of the link lever part upwards above the second support part, together with the fourth support part. In other words, the shape of the stretcher 1 can be changed in accordance with the raising and lowering of the fourth support part 14.

[0064] This allows the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted to be moved upward while supporting the lower limbs and naturally bending the hip and knee joints. Therefore, even when the person being assisted is submerged in water up to their neck, it is possible to prevent their upper body from sliding downward, and for example, to prevent their mouth and nose from being submerged below the water surface. Thus, the person being assisted can be bathed easily and safely.

[0065] Furthermore, as the other end of the link lever section moves upward relative to the second support section along with the fourth support section, the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted can be raised above or near the water surface while the upper surface of the fourth support section is parallel to the water surface. Therefore, it becomes easier to check the condition of the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted. Consequently, foot care for the person being assisted becomes easier.

[0066] Furthermore, the transport device of the first configuration may also have a configuration (second configuration) in which the fourth support part includes a mat part that causes the fourth support part to float toward the water surface due to buoyancy when immersed in water.

[0067] According to the second configuration, for example, when the person being assisted is immersed in water, the buoyancy of the mat portion in the water causes the fourth support portion to float towards the water surface and move above the second support portion. Therefore, the lower legs and feet of the person being assisted can be raised while supporting the lower limbs and bending the hip and knee joints.

[0068] Furthermore, the transport device of the first or second configuration may have a configuration (third configuration) in which at least one of the third support portion and the link portion has a restricting portion that restricts the upper limit of the inclination of the third support portion relative to the link portion as viewed from the front and rear direction.

[0069] According to the third configuration, the amount of upward movement of the fourth support relative to the second support can be restricted by regulating the upper limit of the inclination of the third support relative to the link. In other words, the amount of upward movement of the lower legs and feet relative to the assisted person's waist can be restricted, preventing the assisted person's hip and knee joints from bending too much and resulting in an uncomfortable posture. Therefore, the assisted person can bathe comfortably.

[0070] Furthermore, the third configuration of the conveying device is The regulating portion is a plane formed by cutting off a corner located at the lower end of the right end of the third support portion, When the inclination of the third support portion relative to the link portion reaches its upper limit, the right end of the plane may be configured to abut the link portion (fourth configuration).

[0071] According to the fourth configuration, the right end of the plane contacts the link portion, thereby restricting the tilt of the third support portion due to rotation relative to the link portion and preventing further increase in the tilt of the third support portion. Therefore, the amount of upward movement of the lower leg and foot relative to the waist of the person being assisted can be restricted with a simple configuration.

[0072] Furthermore, a conveying device with any of the first to fourth configurations is, A first projection is provided which is positioned at the upper end of the link portion and protrudes toward at least one of the support portions of the third support portion and the fourth support portion, A second projection is positioned at the lower end of the support portion and protrudes toward the link portion, A configuration (fifth configuration) may also be made that further includes at least one of the above.

[0073] According to the fifth configuration, when moving the fourth support portion, the left end of the third support portion, and the other end of the link lever portion from above downward, it is possible to prevent the link portion from colliding with at least one of the third support portion and the fourth support portion.

[0074] Furthermore, the bathing apparatus disclosed herein has a configuration (sixth configuration) comprising a transport device having one of the first to fifth configurations, and a bathtub for bathing a person being transported by the transport device.

[0075] According to the sixth configuration, it is possible to safely bathe the person being assisted. In addition, it becomes easier to check the condition of the person's lower legs and feet, making it easier to provide foot care for the person being assisted.

[0076] Furthermore, the bathing apparatus of the sixth configuration is, The conveying device further has a contact portion extending from the other end of the link lever portion to at least one of the left and downward directions, The bottom surface of the aforementioned bathtub has a bottom slope that widens upwards as it moves to the left. The tip of the contact portion is As the fourth support portion moves downward, it comes into contact with the bottom slope, The fourth support portion may be configured to move along the bottom slope in accordance with its vertical movement (seventh configuration).

[0077] According to the seventh configuration, for example, when moving the person being assisted downwards to immerse them in the water, the tip of the contact portion that abuts the bottom slope moves leftward and upward along the bottom slope. Therefore, the left end of the third support portion and the fourth support portion can be moved more reliably upward relative to the second support portion. This allows the person being assisted to bend their hip and knee joints, and their lower legs and feet to be sufficiently elevated.

[0078] On the other hand, when moving the person being assisted upward to remove them from the water, the tip of the contact part that abuts against the bottom slope moves to the right and downward along the bottom slope. Consequently, the left end of the third support part and the fourth support part can move downward. This allows the person being assisted to extend their hip and knee joints, and to bring their lower legs and feet to the same height as their buttocks.

[0079] Furthermore, by configuring the bottom of the bathtub as described above, the amount of water that needs to be stored in the bathtub can be reduced. In addition, a free space can be created at the lower right side of the bottom of the bathtub. Therefore, an electrical box, chemical tank, pump, etc. can be installed in the free space.

[0080] Furthermore, the bathing device of the seventh configuration is The conveying device may also have a configuration (eighth configuration) that further includes a rolling part positioned at the tip of the contact part and capable of rolling on the bottom slope.

[0081] According to the seventh configuration, the tip of the contact portion can move smoothly on the bottom slope. The left end of the third support portion and the fourth support portion can also move more smoothly in the vertical direction. In other words, the hip and knee joints of the person being assisted can be bent and straightened smoothly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100 Bathing equipment 200 Bathtubs 201 1st bottom 202 2nd bottom surface 203 Bottom slope 300 Conveyor System 310 Base Legs 320 Post section 330 Gripping part 340 Support Arm 341 First Arm Section 342 Second Arm Section 343 Third Arm Section 1 stretcher 11 First support part 12 Second support part 13 Third support part 14 4th support part 15 Link section 151 Protrusion 16 Link lever section 17 Contact part 18 Rolling part 2. Support frame 21. First Frame 221 Insertion section 22 Frame 2 23. Third Frame 231 Regulatory Department 24. 4th Frame 31 Fence section 32 Handle section 4 Base Plate 41 First Plate 42. Second Plate 5. Mat section 51 First Mat Section 511 Pillow part 52 Second Mat Section 53 Third Mat Section 54. Mat Section 4 6 Rolling parts PC plane

Claims

1. A transport device for which an assistant carries a person being assisted, The first support part supports the upper body of the person being assisted, A second support portion is rotatably connected to the left end of the first support portion around a first axis extending in the front-rear direction as viewed from the caregiver, and supports the buttocks of the person being cared for. A third support portion is rotatably connected to the left end of the second support portion around a second axis extending in the front-rear direction, and supports the thigh of the person being assisted. A fourth support portion is rotatably connected to the left end of the third support portion around a third axis extending in the front-rear direction, and supports the lower leg and foot of the person being assisted. A link portion is positioned below the third and fourth support portions and extends to the left from the second support portion, A link lever portion is rotatably connected at one end to the left end of the link portion around a fourth axis extending in the front-rear direction, and at the other end to the left portion of the fourth support portion around a fifth axis extending in the front-rear direction. A conveying device equipped with the following features.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the fourth support portion includes a mat portion that, when immersed in water, causes the fourth support portion to float toward the water surface due to buoyancy.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the third support portion and the link portion has a restricting portion that restricts the upper limit of the inclination of the third support portion with respect to the link portion as viewed from the front-rear direction.

4. The regulating portion is a plane formed by cutting off a corner located at the lower end of the right end of the third support portion, The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein when the inclination of the third support portion with respect to the link portion reaches its upper limit, the right end of the plane comes into contact with the link portion.

5. A first projection is provided which is positioned at the upper end of the link portion and protrudes toward at least one of the support portions of the third support portion and the fourth support portion, A second projection is positioned at the lower end of the support portion and protrudes toward the link portion, The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following.

6. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A bathtub for bathing a person being transported by the transport device, A bathing device equipped with [a specific feature].

7. The conveying device further has a contact portion extending from the other end of the link lever portion to at least one of the left and downward directions, The bottom surface of the aforementioned bathtub has a bottom slope that widens upwards as it moves to the left. The tip of the contact portion is As the fourth support portion moves downward, it comes into contact with the bottom slope, The bathing device according to claim 6, wherein the fourth support portion moves along the bottom slope in accordance with its vertical movement.

8. The bathing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the conveying device further has a rolling part disposed at the tip of the contact part and capable of rolling on the bottom slope.

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