Nursing device

Abstract

There is provided a care device comprising: an abutment; a care execution unit that assists the action of the person to be cared riding on the base; and a foot placement member provided on the base, the foot placement member having an inclination that becomes lower from a central portion toward a peripheral portion at least when the foot of the patient is not placed thereon, the foot placement member being provided on the base, the foot placement member having an inclination that becomes lower from the central portion toward the peripheral portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a care device that assists a care receiver in his or her movements. Background Art

[0002] With the development of an aging society, the demand for nursing care devices is increasing. Most nursing care devices assist the care receiver with various movements by driving a support component that supports a portion of the body. In addition, the care device is equipped with casters for mobility, allowing the care receiver to move around. The introduction of nursing care devices reduces the physical burden on both the care receiver and the caregiver, and also alleviates the shortage of caregivers.

[0003] Nursing devices used for purposes such as washing a care receiver's body are designed for use in bathrooms, showers, and the like, and therefore require a structure that takes into account the constant presence of moisture. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a nursing device for use in the bathroom by a caregiver to wash a care receiver's body. This device includes a calf contact portion, with the entire cushioning member covered by a highly waterproof cover; and a foot resting surface that has been treated with anti-slip treatment, such as a convex-concave surface or a coating, to prevent the care receiver's foot from slipping. This creates a waterproof nursing device suitable for bathroom use.

[0004] Patent document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 115857. Utility Model Content

[0005] Issues to be addressed

[0006] However, the care device of Patent Document 1 features waterproofing of the calf contact area and anti-slip processing on the footrest surface, but this cannot be said to adequately address moisture. If moisture were to remain in the care device, it could potentially foster bacterial growth, making it unsanitary. Therefore, a shape that allows attached water droplets to easily escape from the device is necessary. Furthermore, an inappropriate anti-slip processing pattern can hinder drainage, negatively impacting the outflow of water droplets. Furthermore, there are areas other than the calf contact area that require waterproofing. For example, if moisture intrudes into the sliding portion of the active area, this could cause problems.

[0007] Therefore, the problem to be solved in this specification is to provide a care device suitable for use in bathrooms, shower rooms, etc. where moisture is always present.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] This specification discloses a nursing device, comprising: a base; a nursing execution unit that assists the movements of a person being cared for riding on the base; and a foot placement component provided on the base for the person being cared for to place their feet, the foot placement component having an inclination that becomes lower from the central portion toward the peripheral portion at least when the person being cared for is not placing their feet.

[0010] In addition, this specification discloses a nursing device, including: a base; a nursing execution unit that assists the movements of a person being cared for riding on the base; and a foot placement component that is provided on the base for the person being cared for to place their feet, and a plurality of protrusions are provided on the upper surface of the foot placement component to prevent the feet of the person being cared for from slipping.

[0011] Moreover, this specification discloses a nursing device comprising: a base; a nursing execution unit having a telescopic action unit for assisting the movements of a person being cared for riding on the base, the telescopic action unit having a fixed unit and a movable unit that is telescopic relative to the fixed unit; and a cover unit for preventing the sliding parts of the fixed unit and the movable unit from getting wet.

[0012] Utility model effect

[0013] According to the disclosed care device, since a plurality of anti-slip protrusions are provided on the upper surface of the foot rest member, it is possible to prevent the care receiver's feet from slipping even if moisture accumulates.

[0014] Furthermore, the disclosed nursing device includes a cover member to prevent the sliding portion of the telescopic action portion from getting wet, thereby preventing moisture-induced problems with the telescopic action portion. Therefore, the nursing device is suitable for use in bathrooms, shower rooms, and the like, where moisture is common. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the overall structure of the care device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the nursing device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the base and foot support parts of the nursing device viewed from below.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The IV cross-sectional view is a diagram showing the foot rest component when the care receiver does not place his feet.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The IV sectional view is a diagram showing the foot placement component when the care receiver places his / her feet.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a plan view showing a portion of the upper surface of the foot rest member in an enlarged manner, showing the shape and arrangement of the protrusions.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing a driving portion (linear actuator) and a bellows corresponding to a telescopic operation portion.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a side view showing the contracted state of the driving portion (linear actuator).

[0023] Figure 9 It is a side view showing the extended state of the driving portion (linear actuator).

[0024] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing a linear absorber and a bellows corresponding to a telescopic operation portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] 1. Overall Structure of Nursing Device 1 According to Embodiment

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The overall structure of the nursing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 As shown by the arrow on the upper right of , determine the front, back, left, and right of the nursing device 1. Figure 1 The right side of the nursing device 1 is the main driving direction when the nursing device 1 is moving, and the rear side of the nursing device 1 ( Figure 1 The left side of the care receiver is the rear side of the care receiver's boarding direction on the care device 1. The care device 1 is used for transferring between two locations indoors, such as between a care receiver's bed and a wheelchair, or between a wheelchair and a toilet seat. Furthermore, the care device 1 can also be used to transport the care receiver even when the two locations are separated. For example, the care device 1 is used to transport the care receiver from the living room to a bathroom, dining room, or toilet.

[0027] The nursing device 1 supports the upper body of the person being cared for, and assists in the standing up action from the sitting position to the standing position and the sitting down action from the standing position to the sitting position. Here, the standing position refers to the position in which the buttocks are lifted from the seat surface and the legs are extended, including the standing position and the bending position. That is, the standing position includes the standing position in which the upper body is roughly upright, and the forward bending position in which the upper body is leaning forward. Moreover, the nursing device 1 is configured to be suitable for use in bathrooms or shower rooms where there is often moisture. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the nursing device 1 is composed of a base 2, a footrest member 3, an arm member 5, a support member 6, a driving unit 7, and a control unit (not shown).

[0028] The base 2 is the area on which the person being cared for rests. The base 2 is equipped with a footrest 3, an arm member 5, and a drive unit 7. The base 2 is formed by a pair of left and right pipe frames 21, a pair of left and right assembly frames 22, a pair of left and right front plate frames 23, and a rear plate frame 24. The pipe frames 21 are formed by bending metal pipes. The middle portions 212 of the left and right pipe frames 21 extend horizontally in the front-to-back direction at a position slightly higher than the ground S, and are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other. The front portion 211 of the pipe frame 21 is bent upward. A pair of left and right assembly frames 22 in the shape of upright plates are provided in front of the front portions 211 of the pair of pipe frames 21.

[0029] A swing support 29 is provided on each of the pair of assembly frames 22. A pair of left and right front casters 25 are provided below the pair of assembly frames 22. Specifically, the front casters 25 are located at the front of the base 2. A pair of left and right position adjustment members 281 are provided at the upper ends of the front portions 211 of the pair of pipe frames 21. The position adjustment members 281 are manual adjustment mechanisms that allow a caregiver or the like to adjust the front-to-back position of the knee abutment member 28 to suit the care recipient's physique, etc.

[0030] The knee abutment component 28 is located above the middle portion 212 of the tube frame 21 and is the part against which the knees of the person being cared for come into contact. The position of the knees is determined by the knee abutment component 28, and the standing-up and sitting-down movements of the person being cared for are stabilized. The knee abutment component 28 is formed by a base plate 282, a knee abutment body 283, and two connecting rods 284. The base plate 282 is formed using a metal plate material in a manner extending in the left-right direction and is arranged slightly forward of the vertical direction. The knee abutment body 283 is formed using elastically deformable polyurethane foam and is mounted on the rear side of the base plate 282. The two connecting rods 284 are formed using metal rods to connect the base plate 282 to the left and right position adjustment parts 281.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, the middle portion 212 of the pipe frame 21 is connected by an auxiliary pipe 214 extending in the left-right direction. The auxiliary pipe 214 is made of the same material as the pipe frame 21 and has the same diameter. A drive unit mounting seat 216 is provided between the left and right middle portions 212 on the front side of the auxiliary pipe 214. The lower portion of the drive unit 7 is mounted on the drive unit mounting seat 216. The rear portions 213 of the left and right pair of pipe frames 21 are formed by bending inward. The bent ends of the left and right rear portions 213 are connected and integrated. The connection between the middle portion 212 and the auxiliary pipe 214 and the connection between the rear portions 213 are connected, for example, by welding.

[0032] The rear plate frame 24 is formed of a metal plate-shaped member that is elongated in the left-right direction. It is fixed to the upper side of the rear portion 213 of the pipe frame 21 by welding. A pair of left and right rear casters 27 are provided on the lower surface of the rear portion of the rear plate frame 24. Specifically, the rear casters 27 are provided at the rear of the base 2 in the direction of boarding.

[0033] The left and right front plate frames 23 are each formed using a metal plate-shaped member. The front plate frames 23 are secured to the front of the middle portion 212 of the pipe frame 21 by welding and are configured to extend outward. Caster mounting holes 231 are provided on the outer sides of the left and right front plate frames 23. A pair of left and right intermediate casters 26 are provided below the left and right caster mounting holes 231. Specifically, the intermediate casters 26 are positioned between the rear casters 27 and the front casters 25 of the base 2.

[0034] The footrest 3 is a portion where the care receiver places his or her feet. The footrest 3 is formed thinly so as to expand in two horizontal directions and is attached to the upper side of the pipe frame 21. Details of the footrest 3 will be described later.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the arm member 5 is formed into a shape that is bent in the middle when viewed from the side. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, the outer cover of the arm part 5 is omitted. A swing shaft 51 is provided at the lower part of the arm part 5. The swing shaft 51 is supported by the swing support seat 29 of the left and right assembly frames 22 in a swingable manner. In order to limit the swing angle range of the arm part 5, a stopper mechanism (not shown) is provided near the swing support seat 29. As a result, the arm part 5 can swing forward and upward and backward and downward with the swing support seat 29 of the base 2 as the swing center. The arm part 5 swings forward and upward when the person being cared for stands up ( Figure 1 Furthermore, arm member 5 swings rearward and downward when the care receiver takes a seat.

[0036] A battery and a linkage mechanism (not shown) are housed within the arm member 5. The battery serves as a power source for the drive unit 7 and the control unit. A swing member 52 is provided on the rear side of the upper portion of the arm member 5. The swing member 52 swings relative to the arm member 5. However, in the initial state before the care recipient comes into contact with the support member 6, the swing member 52 is restrained by the linkage mechanism and does not swing. In addition, the applicant of this application disclosed a detailed structural example of the linkage mechanism in International Publication No. 2018 / 167856.

[0037] The swing member 52 has a base plate 53 on its rear side. The base plate 53 is formed into a generally rectangular shape using a rigid metal or resin plate. The base plate 53 has a handle 54 on its front surface. The handle 54 is formed into a generally rectangular frame shape and extends upward from the arm member 5. The handle 54 is gripped by the caregiver and is also the part the caregiver grips to move the nursing device 1.

[0038] The support member 6 is provided on the rear side of the base plate 53. The support member 6 supports a portion of the care recipient's body and moves relative to the base 2. The support member 6 is configured to include an upper body support portion 61 and a pair of left and right armpit support portions 62. The upper body support portion 61 is attached to the rear surface of the base plate 53. The upper body support portion 61 is formed by laminating a hard cushioning member and a soft cushioning member (not shown). The upper body support portion 61 supports the care recipient's upper body, primarily from the chest to the vicinity of the abdomen.

[0039] A pair of left and right armpit supports 62 are attached to the base plate 53 and are located on either side of the upper body support 61. The armpit supports 62 are formed into an L-shape bent at an obtuse angle. They are formed from a core member and peripheral members (not shown). The armpit supports 62 extend under the armpits of the care recipient to support their upper body. The upper body support 61 and armpit supports 62 may also be covered with protective covers made of cloth or leather.

[0040] The driving unit 7 drives the arm member 5 and the supporting member 6. As the driving unit 7, a linear actuator having a fixed portion 71 and a movable portion 72 is used. The linear actuator is a type of telescopic action portion having a fixed portion 71 and a movable portion 72 that is telescopic relative to the fixed portion 71. The fixed portion 71 is a cylindrical member with a step that is long in the vertical direction and has an opening at the top. The lower end of the fixed portion 71 is mounted on the driving unit mounting seat 216 of the base 2. The movable portion 72 is a thin-diameter round rod-shaped member that is long in the vertical direction. The upper end of the movable portion 72 is connected to the link member 57 of the link mechanism (see Figure 10 The lower portion of the movable portion 72 is inserted into the opening of the fixed portion 71 .

[0041] A motor 711 is provided in front of the larger diameter portion of the lower portion of the fixed portion 71. The motor 711 drives the extension and contraction of the movable portion 72 by switching the direction of the current supplied by the control unit. This causes the movable portion 72 to extend and retract relative to the fixed portion 71. The drive unit 71 performs a first extension operation, extending the movable portion 72 from its minimum length to a predetermined intermediate length, and a second extension operation, extending the movable portion 72 from the intermediate length to its maximum length.

[0042] By the first extension action of the drive unit 7, the support member 6 is driven via the link mechanism and swings forward and upward. By the second extension action of the drive unit 7, the arm member 5 is driven via the link mechanism and swings forward and upward. In this way, the support member 6 moves upward and also forward relative to the base 2. Thus, the nursing device 1 assists the person being cared for in standing up. In addition, by the contraction action of the drive unit 7, the arm member 5 swings backward and downward, and the support member 6 moves downward and also backward. Thus, the nursing device 1 assists the person being cared for in sitting down.

[0043] The control unit, not shown in the figure, is composed of an operator and a control main body. The operator has an up button and a down button for operating the drive unit 7. The operator is operated by a caregiver. The control main body is a computer device having a CPU and operating through software. The control main body controls the current flowing through the motor of the drive unit 7 based on the operation information of the up button and the down button. In this way, the action and stop of the drive unit 7, as well as the switching between the extension action and the contraction action, are controlled. From the description so far, it can be seen that the arm part 5, the support part 6 and the drive unit 7 constitute a nursing execution part that assists the person being cared for in standing up and sitting down.

[0044] In many bathrooms and shower rooms, steps are installed at the entrances and exits to prevent water from leaking out, and the floor S is provided with drain grooves, drain outlets, and a gentle slope. In other words, the floor S of bathrooms and shower rooms is provided with steps, bumps, and slopes, and is not an ideal flat surface. In addition, since the floor S is wet, casters and the like are prone to slipping. Figure 1 As shown, since the wheel diameter of the front caster 25 is larger than that of the middle caster 26 and the rear caster 27, the nursing care device 1 has good drivability when moving forward. In particular, the nursing care device 1 has good drivability, allowing it to travel over steps and uneven surfaces such as the undesirable floor S in the bathroom and to travel stably on the slippery floor S that is wet.

[0045] On the other hand, the wheel diameter of the rear caster 27 is smaller than that of the middle caster 26 and the front caster 25. As a result, the foot placement part 3 can be configured lower, making it easier for the person being cared for to get on the ride. In addition, the pair of front casters 25, the pair of middle casters 26, and the pair of rear casters 27 each have a steering function. Therefore, the nursing device 1 can not only move straight and turn, but also move laterally and turn on the spot, and can freely change direction and move even on a narrow floor S such as a bathroom. Moreover, preferably, four or more of the six casters are equipped with a locking mechanism (brake) that limits the rotation of the casters. As a result, the nursing device 1 can achieve stabilization of the static state even on a floor S that has bumps and is prone to slipping.

[0046] 2. Detailed structure and assembly and disassembly of the foot placement component 3

[0047] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6 The detailed structure of the footrest 3 and its attachment and detachment from the base 2 will be described. The footrest 3 is formed into a plate-shaped structure that covers the rear portion of the base 2. While injection molding using ABS resin is an example of a material and manufacturing method for the footrest 3, this is not a limitation. The left-right width of the footrest 3 is larger at the front and gradually decreases toward the rear.

[0048] The left and right sides of the front portion of the foot rest part 3 have a protruding shape protruding upward. The front edge of the protruding shape of the foot rest part 3 is bent downward. A U-shaped attachment and detachment groove 30 opening downward is formed on each of the left and right front edges (see Figure 3 The width of the attachment and detachment grooves 30 is slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe frame 21. The pair of left and right attachment and detachment grooves 30 are located forward of the middle portion 212 of the pipe frame 21. The left, right, and rear edges of the footrest 3 are partially rounded and curved downward.

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the foot rest part 3 is formed to be elastically deformable. Specifically, when the care recipient does not place his feet, the foot rest part 3 becomes Figure 4 The shape shown. Specifically, the footrest 3 has a slope that decreases from the left-right center portion 31 toward the left and right peripheral portions 32 and 33. The inclination angle A1 in this case is preferably approximately 10° or greater. By optimizing the inclination angle A1 when the care recipient is not placing their feet, even if water drops onto the upper surface of the footrest 3, the water drops will flow out of the device along the slope. Therefore, after the care device 1 is used, moisture will not remain on the upper surface of the footrest 3, and the growth of bacteria is suppressed.

[0050] When the care receiver places his / her feet F, the foot rest member 3 becomes Figure 5 The shape shown. That is, the foot rest part 3 is deformed in a manner that the central part 31 drops due to the load acting from the placed foot F. The inclination angle A2 at this time may not be present, but is preferably 3° or more. With an inclination angle A2 of 3° or more, water droplets on the foot rest part 3 automatically flow out of the device even when the care recipient is riding. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the care recipient's foot F from slipping. On the other hand, if the inclination angle A2 is too large, the care recipient will feel discomfort in the sole of the foot, so it is not preferred. In addition, the upper surface of the foot rest part 3 does not need to be two strictly inclined planes, but can also be a curved surface with a slightly changed inclination angle (A1, A2) locally.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the lower surface of the footrest 3 is provided with ridges 34 intersecting in a grid pattern. By appropriately designing the material and thickness of the footrest 3, as well as the height, width, and spacing of the ridges 34, sufficient mechanical strength, appropriate elastic strength, and tilt angles (A1, A2) can be achieved for the footrest 3. Furthermore, the ridges 34 do not need to be in a grid pattern; for example, they can be in the form of a plurality of nested rectangles or a plurality of parallel straight lines.

[0052] Moreover, if Figures 3 to 5 As shown, a pair of left and right attachment and detachment portions 35 are provided at two locations on the lower surface of the footrest 3. The attachment and detachment portions 35 are attached and detached to the rear of the middle portion 212 of the pipe frame 21. Specifically, the attachment and detachment portions 35 each comprise a pair of left and right elastically deformable gripping claws 36 extending downward. The separation distance between the left and right gripping claws 36 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pipe frame 21 at the lower end, and greater than the diameter of the pipe frame 21 at the mid-height.

[0053] The caregiver performs the installation operation of lowering the footrest component 3 toward the tube frame 21 of the base 2. At this time, the tube frame 21 is inserted into the installation and removal groove 30 at the front edge of the footrest component 3 without resistance. On the other hand, the caregiver needs to apply a downward installation load to the installation and removal parts 35 at two locations. Due to this installation load, the pair of gripping claws 36 are elastically deformed and the separation distance at the lower ends is expanded. As a result, the tube frame 21 is inserted to the middle height of the pair of gripping claws 36. Finally, the footrest component 3 is placed and installed on the tube frame 21, the pair of front plate frames 23, and the rear plate frame 24.

[0054] During use of the nursing device 1, the pair of gripping claws 36 return to their original shape, and the separation distance at the lower end becomes narrower, which restricts the tube frame 21 from falling off. Therefore, the foot rest part 3 will not simply float up during use. In addition, the caregiver performs a disassembly operation to lift the foot rest part 3 from the tube frame 21. At this time, in addition to applying an upward load equivalent to the weight of the foot rest part 3, the caregiver also needs to apply an upward disassembly load to the two assembly and disassembly parts 35. Despite this, the total load will not be too large and will not become an excessive burden on the caregiver. Due to this disassembly load, the pair of gripping claws 36 elastically deform and the lower ends expand, the tube frame 21 comes out from between the pair of gripping claws 36, and the foot rest part 3 is disassembled. In this way, the foot rest part 3 can be assembled and disassembled relative to the base 2 without using tools. Therefore, various maintenance represented by cleaning of the nursing device 1 is easy to implement.

[0055] In addition, when the foot rest 3 is installed, a gap is created between the central gripping claw 36 and the pipe frame 21. Therefore, when the care recipient places the foot F on the foot rest 3, the central gripping claw 36 can approach the pipe frame 21, and the left peripheral portion 32 and the right peripheral portion 33 can be displaced outward. As a result, the central portion 31 can be easily lowered, and the foot rest 3 can be moved from the central portion 31 to the pipe frame 21. Figure 4 The shape of Figure 5 The elastic deformation of the shape becomes easy.

[0056] 3. Multiple protrusions 37

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 6 The multiple protrusions 37 provided on the upper surface of the footrest 3 are described below. These protrusions 37 are used to prevent the care receiver's feet F from slipping. The protrusions 37 are preferably horizontally elongated, extending in the left-right direction. The first reason for this is that the care receiver often sways forward and backward while using the care device 1, making it more important to prevent the feet F from slipping in the forward and backward directions rather than in the left-right direction. The second reason is that the protrusions 37 should be shaped so as not to obstruct water droplets flowing out in the left-right direction from the upper surface of the footrest 3.

[0058] The specific shape of the protrusion 37 may be an ellipse or a rounded rectangle that is horizontally long in a plan view. The rounded rectangle is a shape in which the four corners of a rectangle are replaced with quarter circles. Figure 6 The illustrated protrusion 37 has a shape that maximizes a quarter of a rounded quadrilateral, in other words, a shape similar to a track and field track. The dimensions of the protrusion 37 include, but are not limited to, a height of 2 mm, a lateral dimension L1 of 15 mm, and a longitudinal dimension L2 of 5 mm.

[0059] In addition, the plurality of protrusions 37 are regularly arranged. Figure 6 , a staggered arrangement is shown. This is not limiting; the protrusions 37 may also be arranged in a grid pattern. The horizontal pitch P1 of the protrusions 37 is preferably greater than the front-to-back pitch P2. In other words, by reducing the front-to-back pitch P2 and the separation distance, the effect of preventing the foot F from slipping in the front-to-back direction can be enhanced.

[0060] If the arrangement spacing (P1, P2) is set too small, water droplets will not flow out but will clump and accumulate due to surface tension, which is not desirable. On the other hand, if the arrangement spacing (P1, P2) is set too large, the anti-slip effect is reduced, which is also not desirable. As a preferred example, when the shape and dimensions of the protrusions 37 are used as shown, the arrangement spacing P1 in the left-right direction can be set to a range of 50 mm to 80 mm, and the arrangement spacing P2 in the front-back direction can be set to a range of 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0061] Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 37 may not be arranged across the entire upper surface of the foot rest 3, but rather only on a portion of the upper surface. For example, by placing the protrusions 37 in an area of ​​the upper surface of the foot rest 3 that is slightly larger than the care recipient's foot F, it is possible to guide the placement of the foot F. Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 37 may have different shapes. For example, by making the protrusions 37 near the center portion 31 lower and the protrusions 37 near the left peripheral portion 32 and the right peripheral portion 33 higher, the upper envelope of the foot rest 3 can be made nearly flat. Furthermore, the arrangement pitches (P1, P2) may also vary locally.

[0062] 4. Cover member 81 of driving unit 7

[0063] Next, refer to Figures 7 to 9 The cover member 81 provided in the driving portion 7 is described. As described above, a linear actuator having a fixed portion 71 and a movable portion 72 is used as the driving portion 7. Usually, a sealing member made of synthetic rubber is assembled in the sliding portion 73 where the fixed portion 71 and the movable portion 72 slide, and a prescribed sealing performance is exerted. However, for repeated use and continued use in bathrooms where moisture is often present and liquid soap and the like may be scattered, it is difficult to ensure sufficient sealing performance by only relying on this sealing member. If water intrudes into the sliding portion 73, undesirable conditions such as malfunction of the driving portion 7 and accelerated deterioration may occur. Therefore, if Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a cover member 81 is provided on the driving portion 7 to prevent the sliding portion 73 from being stained with water.

[0064] As the cover member 81, a cylindrical bellows as shown in the figure can be used. The lower end of the cover member 81 is connected to the upper part of the fixed portion 71. Specifically, a resin-made fastening belt 82 (for example, INSULOCK (registered trademark)) is used to fasten and fix the lower end of the cover member 81 to the periphery of the fixed portion 71. Similarly, the upper end of the cover member 81 is fastened and fixed to the periphery of the upper part of the movable portion 72 using the fastening belt 82. Thus, when the movable portion 72 is extended upward by the first and second extension actions of the driving portion 7, the cover member 81 composed of the bellows is extended by the same stroke amount, thereby preventing moisture from intruding into the interior of the cover. For reference, Figure 8 The contraction state shown is the same as Figure 9 The operating stroke of the movable portion 72 between the extended states shown is approximately 90 mm.

[0065] Thus, the cover member 81 can prevent water from getting on the sliding portion 73. The cover member 81 can also prevent foreign matter such as liquid soap and dust from entering the sliding portion 73. Furthermore, the cover member 81 can be a member other than the bellows, such as a cylindrical member made of highly elastic synthetic rubber.

[0066] 5. Direct-acting absorber 84 and its cover member 88

[0067] Figure 10 This is a diagram with the outer cover of the arm member 5 removed. As shown in the figure, a direct-acting absorber 84 is provided inside the outer cover of the arm member 5. The lower end of the fixed portion 85 of the direct-acting absorber 84 is supported on the pipe constituting the arm member 5. The front end of the movable portion 86 of the direct-acting absorber 84 is connected to the link member 57 of the link mechanism. In other words, the movable portion 86 is connected to the support member 6 via the link mechanism. The direct-acting absorber 84 maintains a contracted state under normal circumstances. The direct-acting absorber 84 is actuated when the support member 6 is driven by a force other than the driving portion 7, limiting the moving speed of the support member 6. The direct-acting absorber 84 is a form of a telescopic action portion having a fixed portion 85 and a movable portion 86 that is telescopic relative to the fixed portion 85.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, a single drive unit 7 drives two parts (the arm member 5 and the support member 6) via a linkage mechanism, allowing for flexibility in the movement of the support member 6. Furthermore, when the drive unit 7 contracts to assist the care receiver in seating, the care receiver or the caregiver may apply a force in the seating direction to the support member 6 (driving the support member 6 by a force other than the drive unit 7). In this case, the movement speed of the support member 6 is faster than when normally driven by the drive unit 7. In this case, the linear absorber 84 operates, extending the movable portion 86 at a slow speed below a specified level, limiting the movement speed of the support member 6 in the seating direction to prevent it from becoming excessively high. If the linear absorber 84 were not provided, the movement speed of the support member 6 would be excessive, potentially causing the care receiver to feel uneasy or slip off the support member 6.

[0069] In the linear absorber 84, similarly to the driving unit 7, it is difficult to ensure sufficient sealing performance only by the sealing member assembled in the sliding portion between the fixed portion 85 and the movable portion 86. Figure 10 As shown, a cover member 88 is provided on the linear absorber 84 to prevent water from getting on the sliding portion. The shape, mounting method, and function of the cover member 88 are similar to those of the cover member 81 of the drive unit 7, so a detailed description will be omitted. For reference, the linear absorber 84 has a smaller operating stroke than the drive unit 7. Therefore, the cover member 88 can be shorter than the cover member 81 of the drive unit 7.

[0070] According to the nursing device 1 of the embodiment, water droplets flow out of the device along the slope from the center portion 31 of the footrest 3 toward the left peripheral portion 32 and the right peripheral portion 33. This prevents the accumulation of moisture, inhibits the growth of bacteria, and maintains good hygiene. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of anti-slip protrusions 37 on the upper surface of the footrest 3, the caregiver's foot F can be prevented from slipping even if moisture accumulates. Furthermore, the inclusion of the cover members (81, 88) prevents the sliding portion 73 of the drive unit 7 and the sliding portion of the linear absorber 84 from being wetted, thereby preventing moisture-induced damage to the drive unit 7 and the linear absorber 84. Therefore, the nursing device 1 is suitable for use in bathrooms, shower rooms, and the like, where moisture is often present.

[0071] 6. Variations and Applications of the Implementation Methods

[0072] Furthermore, the care device 1 of the embodiment is not limited to use in bathrooms or shower rooms. For example, when used in a dining room, toilet, living room, etc., it can provide protection against water spilled from a sink or drinks spilled by the care receiver. Furthermore, the footrest 3 of the embodiment elastically deforms, changing its tilt angle (A1, A2) depending on whether a foot F is placed on it. However, it can also be a non-deformable footrest with a constant tilt angle. Furthermore, the footrest 3 tilts toward the left and right sides from the center portion 31 in the left-right direction, but it can also be tilted toward the front and rear from the center portion in the front-back direction. Furthermore, either the cover portion 81 or the cover portion 88 can be omitted. Various other modifications and applications are possible with the embodiment.

[0073] Description of Reference Numerals

[0074] 1: Nursing device; 2: Base; 21: Tube frame; 25: Front caster; 26: Middle caster; 27: Rear caster; 3: Foot placement part; 30: Mounting and disassembly groove; 31: Central part; 32: Left peripheral part; 33: Right peripheral part; 35: Mounting and disassembly part; 37: Protrusion; 5: Arm part; 6: Support part; 7: Drive part; 71: Fixed part; 72: Movable part; 73: Sliding part; 81: Cover part; 84: Direct-acting absorber; 85: Fixed part; 86: Movable part; A1, A2: Tilt angle; P1, P2: Configuration spacing; F: Foot.

Claims

1. A nursing device, characterized in that: include: abutment; a care execution unit that assists the movements of a care receiver riding on the base station; as well as A foot rest member is provided on the base for the care receiver to place his feet, and a plurality of protrusions for preventing the care receiver's feet from slipping are provided on an upper surface of the foot rest member.

2. The nursing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The footrest member includes a plurality of protrusions that are long in the left-right direction of the care-receiver.

3. The nursing device according to claim 2, characterized in that The foot rest member has an inclination that becomes lower from the center portion in the left-right direction toward the left peripheral portion and the right peripheral portion.

4. The nursing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that Each of the plurality of protrusions has a shape of a horizontally long ellipse or a rounded rectangle in a plan view.

5. The nursing device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The arrangement pitch of the plurality of protrusions in the left-right direction is larger than the arrangement pitch in the front-back direction.

6. The nursing device according to claim 5, characterized in that The arrangement pitch in the left-right direction is in the range of 50 mm to 80 mm, and the arrangement pitch in the front-back direction is in the range of 25 mm to 50 mm.

7. The nursing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The foot placement component can be installed and removed relative to the base without using tools.

8. A nursing device, characterized in that: include: abutment; a care execution unit having a telescopic motion unit for assisting the movement of a care receiver riding on the base, the telescopic motion unit having a fixed portion and a movable portion that is telescopic relative to the fixed portion; as well as The cover member prevents the sliding portion where the fixed portion and the movable portion slide from being stained with water.

9. The nursing device according to claim 8, characterized in that The cover member is a bellows cover in a telescopic cylindrical shape having one end connected to the fixed portion and the other end connected to the movable portion.

10. The nursing device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The nursing execution department has: a supporting member supporting a portion of the body of the care recipient and being movable relative to the base; as well as a linear actuator, driving the support member, The cover member is provided on the linear actuator corresponding to the telescopic operation portion.

11. The nursing device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The nursing execution department has: a supporting member supporting a portion of the body of the care recipient and being movable relative to the base; a driving unit for driving the supporting member; as well as a linear absorber that limits the moving speed of the support member when it is driven by a force other than the driving unit, The cover member is provided on the linear absorber corresponding to the telescopic operation portion.

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