TWI901565B - Dual-mode multifunctional care chair device - Google Patents

Abstract

A dual-mode multifunctional care chair device comprises a seat unit, a bedpan unit, and a cleaning unit. The seat unit includes a seating body, a seat plate perforation, and a backrest body. The bedpan unit includes a guiding structure and a collection container, wherein the guiding structure is funnel-shaped and disposed below the seat plate perforation. The cleaning unit comprises a water storage container, a water conduit, a flushing control module, a weight sensing module, and an activation switch. The activation switch is used to control the flushing control module to allow liquid from the water storage container to flow into the guiding structure. The weight sensing module detects the weight of the collection container, and a preset weight threshold is stored in the flushing control module. When the detected value from the weight sensing module exceeds the weight threshold, the system issues an external alert.

Description

Dual-mode multi-function care chair device

The present invention relates to a chair device, in particular to a dual-mode multifunctional care chair device that can provide both seating and toileting functions.

Traditional chairs only provide basic seating functions, and users must move to the toilet when they need to go to the toilet. This is a major challenge for elderly or disabled people with limited mobility. Existing chair designs usually do not take toileting needs into consideration. Elderly people have limited mobility due to muscle decline, joint degeneration or disease, and often need assistive tools such as crutches or walkers to get up from their chairs and go to the toilet. Some disabled people are even unable to move independently and need to rely on caregivers or family members for assistance, making the toileting process cumbersome and time-consuming. For postoperative patients, frequent movement is even more difficult due to pain or physical weakness. If the chair does not have toileting function, it may significantly affect their quality of life.

To address the issue of chairs being unable to urinate, some designs incorporate commodes into the chairs. However, traditional commodes lack flushing capabilities, allowing waste to remain. This long-term presence can create odors and affect indoor air quality. The user or caregiver must manually clean the commode, a tedious process that can expose them to waste and increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, the remaining waste can harbor bacteria, further endangering the user's health.

Furthermore, traditional commodes cannot monitor water levels, and when the water level is low, there is no timely alert for users or caregivers to refill the water source. If the water level is insufficient, the flushing function may fail, causing excrement to remain, requiring users or caregivers to frequently check the water level, increasing the maintenance burden. Traditional commodes also cannot detect capacity, so when excrement reaches the upper limit, users may not immediately notice. If the commode is full but not discovered, excrement may overflow, contaminating the seat and floor. Commodes that have not been cleaned for a long time are prone to bacterial growth, which affects health. Users may not realize the commode is full until after using the toilet, increasing the cleaning burden and reducing convenience.

As can be seen from the above description, existing seats have the following disadvantages:

1. Lack of toileting functionality impacts convenience for those with limited mobility: Current chair designs are primarily designed for resting, without consideration for toileting needs. For the elderly, those with mobility impairments, or those recovering from surgery, the need to frequently stand up and move to the toilet increases mobility burden and the risk of falls, significantly reducing convenience and quality of life.

Second, the lack of flushing can lead to hygienic issues: To address the need for toileting, some chairs are equipped with simple commodes. However, these commodes often lack flushing, causing excrement to remain inside. Long-term accumulation of excrement not only emits an unpleasant odor but also breeds bacteria and pathogens, increasing the risk of infection and posing a potential threat to the health of users and caregivers.

3. Inability to monitor and clean immediately, leading to a messy environment: Existing commode designs generally lack capacity monitoring, making it difficult for users or caregivers to monitor the accumulation of feces in the commode. If the commode exceeds capacity and goes unnoticed, feces may overflow, contaminating the seat and surrounding area, making cleaning difficult and compromising hygiene, further reducing the user experience and environmental quality.

Therefore, how to integrate the toilet into the seat and add a flushing function to improve toilet convenience and ensure sanitation is a goal that relevant technical personnel urgently need to work hard on.

In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide a dual-type multi-function care chair device, which includes a seat unit, a bedpan unit and a cleaning unit.

The seat unit includes a seating body, a seat plate through-hole arranged on the seating body, and a backrest body connected to the seating body.

The toilet unit includes a guide structure arranged below the main body of the seat and a container connected to the guide structure. The guide structure is funnel-shaped and is arranged below the perforation of the chair board.

The cleaning unit includes a water container mounted on the backrest body, a water pipe connecting the water container and the guide structure, a flushing control module connected to the water pipe, a weight sensing module connected to the flushing control module, and a start switch connected to the flushing control module. The start switch is used to control the flushing control module to flow liquid in the water container into the guide structure. The weight sensing module detects the weight of the water container. The flushing control module stores a weight threshold. When the detection value of the weight sensing module is greater than the weight threshold, an alarm is issued.

In one embodiment, the cleaning unit further includes a liquid detection module connected to the flush control module. The liquid detection module is disposed in the water container to detect whether the water container contains liquid and to issue an alarm when there is no liquid in the water container.

In one embodiment, the start switch is located on the side of the riding body.

In one embodiment, the seat unit further includes a storage drawer disposed on the seat body, the storage drawer is movable relative to the seat body, and the container is placed in the storage drawer.

In one embodiment, the seat unit further includes a movable plate disposed on the accommodating drawer, and the movable plate can be pivoted relative to the accommodating drawer.

In one embodiment, the cleaning unit further includes a water filling opening disposed on the water container.

In one embodiment, the seat unit further includes an open seat cushion disposed above the seat body, and a flat seat cushion disposed above the open seat cushion.

In one embodiment, the seat unit further includes a positioning structure disposed below the flat seat cushion, wherein the positioning structure interferes with the open seat cushion to fix the position of the flat seat cushion on the open seat cushion.

In one embodiment, the seat unit further includes an armrest structure connected to the seat body.

In one embodiment, the armrest structure has at least one storage space.

Based on common knowledge in the art, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be arbitrarily combined to obtain various embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, the features of the patent application scope of the present invention can be combined with each other in any manner.

The beneficial effects of this invention lie in its ability to switch between daily and toileting modes through switchable flat and open seat cushions, balancing privacy and practicality. Combined with weight sensing and an automatic flushing mechanism, it automatically cleans when excrement reaches a preset volume, improving hygiene efficiency and reducing the risk of infection. Liquid level and volume alarms also help caregivers monitor refilling and cleaning needs in real time. The entire system is easy to operate and highly hygienic, making it particularly suitable for daily care of the elderly, those with limited mobility, or those recovering from surgery.

The related patent application features and technical contents of the present invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of an embodiment with reference to the drawings. Before proceeding to the detailed description, it should be noted that similar components are represented by the same number.

Please refer to Figures 1 and 2, which show an embodiment of a dual-type multi-function care chair device of the present invention, including a seat unit 1, a bedpan unit 2, and a cleaning unit 3.

The seat unit 1 includes a seating body 11 , a seat plate through-hole 12 disposed on the seating body, and a backrest body 13 connected to the seating body 11 .

The seating body 11 is provided with a replaceable seat cushion structure, including an open seat cushion 16 and a flat seat cushion 17. The open seat cushion 16 is arranged at a position corresponding to the seat board perforation 12. When used alone, it forms an opening in the center of the seat surface, allowing excrement to pass directly through, which is suitable for toilet use. When the user does not need to go to the toilet, the flat seat cushion 17 can be covered on the open seat cushion 16. The flat seat cushion 17 has a complete appearance and a cushioning structure. The appearance can be similar to that of an ordinary sofa cushion, and can also be a cushion made of other materials, but should not be limited to this. The flat seat cushion 17 can effectively cover the seat board perforation 12, making the overall appearance no different from that of ordinary furniture, combining practicality and home aesthetics.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the main body 11 can be further provided with rollers to enhance the mobility of the entire device and facilitate adjustment and operation of indoor space. The rollers can have a brake function to ensure the stability of the seat during use, which is suitable for scenarios that require frequent movement, such as nursing homes or home care.

To ensure the flat seat 17 is securely positioned above the open seat 16, a positioning structure 18 is provided below the flat seat. This positioning structure 18 can be, but is not limited to, a snap-on, magnetic, damping-fitting, or protruding structure made of non-slip material. When the flat seat 17 is placed above the open seat 16, the positioning structure 18 and the surface of the open seat 16 interfere with each other, preventing the flat seat 17 from sliding or shifting, thereby enhancing ride stability and safety.

The seat unit 1 is provided with an armrest structure 19 on both sides connected to the main seat body 11. The user can use the armrest structure 19 to provide support when sitting down or standing up. It is particularly suitable for the elderly, pregnant women or users with insufficient lower limb strength. The armrest structure 19 also helps to limit the lateral sliding of the user's body, enhancing the overall sitting posture stability and safety. Furthermore, the armrest structure 19 can be provided with one or more storage spaces 191, such as cup holders, remote control slots, and toilet paper storage areas, and can also provide a charging socket 192 to provide a charging function. If the user stays in the chair for a long time, the storage space 191 provides a convenient storage function, which can be used to place daily necessities, water cups or small electronic devices, thereby improving life convenience and self-care ability.

The potty unit 2 includes a guide structure 21 disposed below the seat body 11 and a container 22 connected to the guide structure 21. The guide structure 21 is funnel-shaped and disposed below the seat plate through-hole 12.

The user can sit on the main seat body 11 for daily use and as a support structure for toileting. When the user needs to use the toilet, the guide structure 21 guides excrement into the container 22 through the seat plate perforations 12 of the main seat body 11. The seal design also reduces odor leakage. The seal design may include, but is not limited to, a rubber seal placed at the junction of the guide structure 21 and the container 22.

The container 22 is placed in a storage drawer 14 located below the main body 11 of the ride. The storage drawer 14 can slide horizontally relative to the main body 11, allowing the user or caregiver to pull out the entire container 22 like a drawer to dump, clean or replace it. The operation is simple and convenient, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing the chance of direct contact with excrement.

In some embodiments, the container 22 may be equipped with an ultraviolet sterilization lamp or contain deodorizing materials such as bamboo charcoal to effectively disinfect and deodorize the excreta. This not only effectively inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses, but also reduces odor emission and improves the quality of the sanitary environment.

The drawer 14 is provided with a movable plate 15 that pivots relative to the drawer. The plate 15 can be tilted outward to form a footrest. The user can place their feet on it, elevating their feet to relax the puborectalis muscles, straightening the angle between the anus and rectum, thereby promoting smoother bowel movements and improving toileting posture and efficiency.

3 and 4 , the cleaning unit 3 includes a water container 31 mounted on the backrest body 13 and a water pipe 32 connecting the water container 31 and the guide structure 21. The water container 31 serves as a source of flushing liquid, while the water pipe 32, with one end connected to the water container 31 and the other end extending to the guide structure 21, is used to transport cleaning water.

The cleaning unit 3 also includes a flushing control module 33 connected to the water pipe 32. The flushing control module 33 includes a weight threshold 331 that can store a preset value and is electrically connected to a weight sensing module 34 located below the container 22. The weight sensing module 34 is used to detect changes in the weight of the container 22.

The flush control module 33 is also connected to a start switch 35 provided on the main body 11 or the armrest structure 19. The start switch 35 provides the user with a function of manually controlling the cleaning process. In some embodiments, the start switch 35 can be a button or touch-sensitive design, but should not be limited thereto.

In some embodiments, after a user completes their toileting, their waste enters the container 22, causing the weight detected by the weight sensing module 34 to increase. If the detected value exceeds the preset weight threshold 331, the flushing control module 33 automatically activates, directing water from the water container 31 through the water conduit 32 into the guide structure 21 for flushing and preliminary cleaning. Simultaneously, the flushing control module 33 may also issue an alarm signal, alerting a caregiver or user that waste has accumulated to a certain level and that cleaning is necessary.

To further enhance convenience, the user can also manually activate the flush control module 33 via the start switch 35, causing the water in the water container 31 to automatically flow into the guide structure 21, achieving an instant cleaning effect. The flush control module 33 supports large and small flush modes, allowing users to select according to their needs to save water.

The start switch 35 can be located on the side of the main body 11 or on the armrest structure 19, allowing the user to easily control it while seated. To initiate the cleaning process, the user activates the start switch 35, which activates the flush control module 33. This directs water from the water container 31 through the water conduit 32 into the guide structure 21 for flushing, making the entire toilet system more automated and hygienic.

The cleaning unit 3 further includes a liquid detection module 36, which is located within the water container 31 and is used to detect whether there is sufficient water in the water container 31. When the liquid detection module 36 detects that the liquid level in the water container 31 is below a preset range or is completely empty, an indicator light 38 located on the side of the passenger body 11 or on the armrest structure 19 issues a visual warning, such as a flashing red light, to remind the user or caregiver to add water, thereby preventing the toilet from being dirty or causing system failure due to lack of water. In some embodiments, the indicator light 38 can also emit different colors of light according to different states. For example, it displays blue light when the water container 31 is short of water; and displays orange light when the water container 22 is full, to help caregivers to grasp the status of the equipment in real time.

The water container 31 is provided with a water refill opening 37 , which can be located at the top or side of the backrest body 13 . The user or caregiver can periodically open the refill opening 37 to add fresh water. The refill opening 37 can also be equipped with a rotating lid or dustproof cover to prevent foreign matter or contaminants from entering the container, keeping the water source clean and hygienic.

From the above description, it can be seen that the dual-mode multi-function care chair device of the present invention has the following effects:

1. Dual-Mode Multifunctional Design: The interchangeable open seat cushion 16 and flat seat cushion 17, combined with the movable panel 15, enable quick conversion between a commode chair and a leisure chair, catering to both restroom use and daily relaxation. The leisure chair's design blends seamlessly into any home environment, enhancing both aesthetics and user acceptance.

2. Automated Cleaning: The cleaning unit 3 integrates a flushing control module 33, a weight sensor module 34, a liquid detection module 36, and an indicator light 38, providing automatic flushing and water shortage/cleaning prompts. The container 22 is equipped with a UV sterilizer and bamboo charcoal deodorizer, effectively reducing odors and bacterial growth, ensuring hygiene and safety.

3. Space Conservation: The water container 31 is housed within the chair back structure, along with the drawer-style container 22, offering excellent concealment, effectively conserving space while maintaining a clean and tidy appearance. Furthermore, the drawer 14 facilitates the removal and cleaning of the waste container, improving both usage and maintenance efficiency. The storage space 191 and built-in charging socket 192 within the armrest structure 19 provide storage for daily necessities and charging for electronic devices, balancing space utilization and convenience.

In summary, the switchable flat and open seat allows for transitions between daily and toileting modes, balancing privacy and practicality. Combined with weight sensing and an automatic flushing mechanism, the system automatically cleans when the waste reaches a preset volume, improving hygiene efficiency and reducing the risk of infection. Liquid level and volume alarms also help caregivers monitor refilling and cleaning needs in real time. The overall system is easy to operate and highly hygienic, ensuring it achieves the purpose of this invention.

However, the above is only one embodiment of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. In other words, any simple equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the patent application and the content of the invention description are still within the scope of the present invention.

The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments listed above, but also includes implementation solutions formed by any combination of the technical features in the above specific embodiments.

1: Seat unit 11: Seating element 12: Perforated seat panel 13: Backrest element 14: Drawer compartment 15: Movable panel 16: Open seat cushion 17: Flat seat cushion 18: Positioning mechanism 19: Armrest structure 191: Storage space 192: Charging socket 2: Bedpan unit 21: Guide structure 22: Container 3: Cleaning unit 31: Water container 32: Water pipe 33: Flush control module 331: Weight threshold 34: Weight sensor module 35: Start switch 36: Liquid detection module 37: Water refill opening 38: Indicator light

Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the dual-type multi-function care chair device of the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of the embodiment; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the embodiment; and Figure 4 is an electrical connection schematic diagram of the flush control module in the embodiment.

1: Seat unit

11: Ride the main body

12: Chair board perforation

13: Backrest body

14: Drawer storage

15: Movable plate

16: Open seat cushion

17: Flat seat cushion

19: Handrail structure

191: Storage Space

192: Charging socket

2: Bedpan unit

21: Guidance structure

22: Container

3: Cleaning unit

31: Water container

35: Start switch

37: Water filling opening

38: Indicator Light

Claims (10)

A dual-type multi-function care chair device comprises: a seat unit, including a seat body, a seat plate perforation provided on the seat body, and a backrest body connected to the seat body; a potty unit, including a guide structure provided below the seat body, and a container connected to the guide structure, the guide structure being funnel-shaped and provided below the seat plate perforation; and a cleaning unit, including a water container provided on the backrest body, a container connecting the water container and the backrest body. The guide structure includes a water pipe body, a flushing control module connected to the water pipe body, a weight sensing module connected to the flushing control module, and a start switch connected to the flushing control module. The start switch is used to control the flushing control module to flow liquid in the water container into the guide structure. The weight sensing module detects the weight of the water container. The flushing control module stores a weight threshold. When the detection value of the weight sensing module is greater than the weight threshold, an alarm is issued. As described in claim 1, the dual-type multi-function care chair device further includes a liquid detection module connected to the flushing control module, and the liquid detection module is arranged in the water container to detect whether the water container contains liquid and to issue an alarm when there is no liquid in the water container. As described in claim 1, the dual-type multi-function care seat device, wherein the start switch is arranged on the side of the passenger. As described in claim 1, the dual-type multi-functional care chair device, wherein the seat unit further includes a storage drawer arranged on the passenger body, the storage drawer can be moved relative to the passenger body, and the container is placed in the storage drawer. As described in claim 4, the dual-type multi-functional nursing chair device, wherein the chair unit further includes a movable plate body arranged on the accommodating drawer, and the movable plate body can be pivoted relative to the accommodating drawer. As described in claim 1, the dual-type multi-function care chair device further includes a water filling opening arranged on the water container. As described in claim 1, the dual-type multi-functional care seat device, wherein the seat unit further includes an open seat cushion arranged above the passenger body, and a flat seat cushion arranged above the open seat cushion. As described in claim 7, the dual-type multi-function care chair device, wherein the chair unit further includes a positioning structure arranged below the flat seat cushion, and the positioning structure interferes with the open seat cushion to fix the position of the flat seat cushion on the open seat cushion. As described in claim 1, the dual-type multi-functional care chair device, wherein the seat unit further includes an armrest structure connected to the passenger body. As described in claim 9, the dual-type multi-functional nursing chair device has at least one storage space.