CN1901869B - examination chair - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical examination chair (F) for sitting and moving a patient in a wide range along three substantially vertical planes. The chair of the present invention comprises: a main bow (5) connected to the fixed column (3) by a horizontal shaft, said horizontal shaft forming a first rotation axis (X). A second axis of rotation (Y) substantially perpendicular to the first axis (X) passes through the first (EX1) and second (EX2) ends of the main bow (5). The chair (F) also comprises an auxiliary bow (6) provided with a chair (10) and arranged inside the main bow (5). Furthermore, the third end (EX3) and the fourth end (EX4) of the auxiliary bow are connected to the aforesaid first end (EX1) and second end (EX2) of the main bow through an upper shaft (2a) and a lower shaft (2 b). Furthermore, the main bow (5) and the auxiliary bow (6) are rotatable about a first axis of rotation (X) and a second axis of rotation (Y), respectively. The medical examination chair (F) also comprises braking means which can be used for sudden braking of the rotational movement.

Description

examination chair

technical field

The present invention relates to examination chairs, particularly for dizzying a medical practitioner's treatment position. In this way, the medical examination chair allows the seated person to move in a multi-directional pattern and over a large range, which is useful for treating such vertigo. the

Background technique

The human inner ear enables the brain to recognize motion experienced by the person through three substantially semicircular ducts oriented in three generally perpendicular planes. Furthermore, the vestibular receptors of the inner ear include areas that inform the brain of acceleration/deceleration phenomena, which to the skilled person are partly constituted by jelly-like substances bearing small crystals known as "otoliths". Positional vertigo then results from the following phenomena that lead to false sensations of movement. the

a cupololithiasis caused by otoliths of the bell-shaped sensilla cochlea that become detached and then migrate into the very sensitive part of the semicircular duct; or

- Canalolithiasis due to otoliths becoming detached and moving around the semicircular duct. the

In making a diagnosis, the practitioner slowly moves the patient's torso and head through 180 degrees in three planes: front to back, laterally side to side, and then rotates about the axis of the body. the

If positional vertigo is diagnosed, the practitioner moves the patient's torso and head in a given plane followed by a rapid sudden deceleration. In this way, the vertigo-causing otoliths are excluded from the sensitive area, and the vertigo usually heals in one to three sessions. the

Exam chairs are known which provide mobility about a vertical axis which enables a seated patient to turn. The back of the chair can also be tilted, thus placing the patient in a prone position, and the chair can also be raised relative to its frame, usually via an electrically controlled rack system, or a hydraulic system via foot control. The mobility of this type of chair is adequate for most examinations. However, not all of the operations associated with diagnosing and treating positional vertigo can be performed because motion is only possible in a single plane, which is cumbersome for both the patient and the practitioner. the

Document FR 1 113 809 discloses a device for rehabilitation and examination of reflexes, said device comprising an oscillating support, preferably with several degrees of freedom of movement, on which the patient is positioned in such a way that it can be moved by The patient's own center of gravity dampens or amplifies the swing of the support. the

Said document is far from the state of the art in the treatment of vertigo. The purpose of the device described here is to stimulate the reflexes of disabled people, not to remove otoliths in the inner ear that cause postural vertigo. Furthermore, it is absolutely impossible to give a rapid movement followed by a sudden deceleration. the

Consequently, operations associated with diagnosing and treating vertigo cannot be performed satisfactorily with devices of known type. the

Thus, such operations are usually performed on an examination couch, and they require a great deal of physical strength and know-how of the medical practitioner, as well as good cooperation on the part of the patient. Unfortunately, this cannot be achieved in patients with arthropathy, obesity, disability, or high levels of anxiety, which, as a result, are particularly difficult to treat and may lead to treatment failure. the

Additionally, there is a need to have an exam couch and an exam chair in a medical office, which considerably increases the amount of space required, as well as the cost associated with potentially needing to furnish the office. the

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a medical examination chair, which can allow the patient to move rapidly and substantially in three vertical planes, up to 180 degrees or more, while also allowing it to Sudden deceleration at the end of exercise. the

According to the present invention, a medical examination chair for seating a patient and moving the patient over a large range in three substantially vertical planes, comprising: a main arch connected by a horizontal axis to a fixed column, The horizontal axis forms a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis passes through the first end and the second end of the main bow. In addition, the medical examination chair includes an auxiliary bow provided with a seat and placed within the main bow, the auxiliary bow connecting the third end and the fourth end to the first end and the second end through an upper shaft and a lower shaft respectively , placed on the second axis of rotation, the main and auxiliary bows are then adapted to perform rotational movements about the first and second axes of rotation, respectively. The invention is particularly notable in that it includes braking means for abruptly stopping the rotation. the

Advantageously, the main bow is connected to the horizontal axis through the middle of its lug. the

In this way, the practitioner can move the patient on the chair laterally from side to side and from front to back, rotating about the axis of the patient's own body. In addition, the braking device is able to produce a sudden deceleration which is used to dislodge any problematic otoliths. the

Furthermore, since the patient in the medical examination chair is brought into motion as a whole, any problems associated with the patient's lack of mobility or coordination are eliminated. This increases patient comfort and the performed operations are optimized and thus more efficient. the

In order to minimize the amount of force required by the practitioner to get the main and/or auxiliary bow set into motion, it is very important that the centering is accurate, ie the patient's center of gravity is as close as possible to the intersection of the first and second axes of rotation. For this purpose, eg the vertical position of the horizontal axis of the fixed column is adjustable by using a rack and slide system. Incidentally, the auxiliary bow can be moved relative to the first axis of rotation using conventional means acting on the sole and/or upper axis, thereby participating in the adjustment of the centering. the

Likewise, the position of the seat along the second axis of rotation is adjustable using a first actuator, eg hydraulic or electric. the

Advantageously, the inventive examination chair has a first and a second electric motor for rotating the main bow about a first axis of rotation and the auxiliary bow about a second axis of rotation, respectively. As a result, the practitioner no longer needs to apply force in order to move the patient, which naturally makes the practitioner's job easier. the

In a first fully motorized embodiment, the braking means includes first and second electric machines. Due to the large stepdown gear ratios of these first and second electric machines, they can be braked abruptly, thus performing the desired function of the braking means. the

In a second embodiment, the braking means comprise a first brake, which brakes the main arch abruptly, said brake may be hydraulic or electric, eg braking without power. Similarly, the braking device is provided with a second brake for sudden braking of the auxiliary bow, which may be hydraulic or electric. the

In a third embodiment, the braking means comprise at least one first mechanical abutment for abruptly braking said main bow. the

This first mechanical abutment placed on the lateral side of the fixed column is provided with a ring and a damper. At the end of the movement of the main bow, the teeth of the catch cooperate with the ring to block said main bow, the damper then acts as a braking point. the

Similarly, the braking means comprise a second mechanical abutment for abruptly braking said auxiliary bow. the

The second mechanical abutment is provided with at least one hook and at least one damper arranged on the first end of the main bow. At the end of the auxiliary bow's movement, the hook cooperates with a stop placed on the third end of the auxiliary bow to block the auxiliary bow, the damper then acts as a braking point. the

The auxiliary bow can then turn almost 360 degrees about the second axis of rotation. However, since certain maneuvers cause the patient to turn several times, the braking device is advantageously retractable. the

Furthermore, for the comfort of the patient, the auxiliary arch is provided with at least one foot-rest, which is fastened to the seat. In this way, the position along the second axis of rotation of the assembly comprising the seat and the footrest is adjustable using the first actuator. In addition, the inclination angle of the footrest relative to the second rotation axis is also adjustable. the

Similarly, the auxiliary bow has a seat back that is height-adjustable along a second axis of rotation and is either fixed to the footrest and seat assembly or is separately adjustable, eg, by a second actuator. the

Similarly, the medical examination chair preferably includes a headrest that is tiltable or adjustable in displacement along the first and second axes of rotation using a third actuator such as a control handle and indexing finger. the

Furthermore, since the patient needs to be set in motion, the medical examination chair is provided with at least one restraint device adapted to hold the patient to the medical examination chair by the head, torso, pelvis and lower limbs, especially the feet. the

By way of example, these restraints include adjustable armrests, shoulders, head straps, straps, handles and harnesses. the

In a computerized variant, the medical examination chair is provided with at least two position sensors and at least two motion sensors, each type of sensor is placed on the main and auxiliary bows, for example, the sensors are connected to the control and management parts, so The control and management part controls the medical examination chair, and the part is provided with a display screen. the

Position sensors are used to verify proper centering. Motion sensors are used to measure angular velocity and acceleration, as well as total angular displacement. the

The operation can then be fully assisted by the control and management means, which control the first and second motors when the medical examination chair is motor-driven, in particular based on the information provided by the sensors. Furthermore, if the medical examination chair is provided with a first and a second brake, these brakes can be controlled by the control and management part. the

As such, a medical practitioner may use the present invention to move a patient and abruptly stop administered motion for the purpose of treating orthostatic vertigo. In order to limit the amount of space occupied in a medical practitioner's office, the medical examination chair of the present invention is also capable of performing the functions of other existing items of equipment. the

As such, it comprises first and second locking means for preventing movement of the main bow relative to the fixed post and of the auxiliary bow relative to the main bow, respectively, in a plurality of positions. the

In addition, the medical examination chair includes a video nystagmoscope that examines the patient's eyes under infrared light to display on the screen the reflex displacement of the eye, which is called "nystagmus" by those of ordinary skill. Occurs during various movements of the body. Alternatively, the camera system can be connected with or without wires (for example using high frequency transmission) to the control and management and then supplied to the means for analyzing nystagmus. the

Description of drawings

The invention and its advantages are apparent from the following description, which relates to a preferred embodiment, without limiting nature, and is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is the side view of inspection chair of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view showing the second mechanical abutment from below; and

3, 4 and 5 are views explaining the operation modes of the examination chair. the

For each of them, elements appearing in several different drawings are given the same reference numerals. the

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 is a side view of a medical examination chair F of the present invention. the

The medical examination chair F as a whole is fixed to the fixed column 3 through the horizontal shaft 1 . This fixed column 3 is placed on a seat 4 resting on the ground, said seat 4 having a heavy weight so as to prevent the medical examination chair F from toppling over regardless of the movements performed and the weight of the patient. the

Naturally, any other system for fixing said fixing column can be foreseen, for example a wall mount. the

The main bow 5 is fixed by the middle of its lug to the horizontal shaft 1 and is able to perform a rotational movement about a first axis of rotation X. the

The vertical position of the main bow 5 can optionally be adjusted so that above all the centering is optimized. The fixed column 3 can be telescopic. Similarly, the main bow 5 and/or the fixed column 3 may comprise a rack and slider system or any other equivalent adjustment system. the

The auxiliary bow 6 is slightly smaller than and accommodated within the main bow 5, and is fixed to the upper shaft 2a and the bottom shaft 2b provided on the second rotation axis Y intersecting the first and second ends EX1, EX2 of the main bow . Thus, the upper shaft 2a and the lower shaft 2b are respectively used to connect the first end EX1 to the third end EX3 of the auxiliary arch and to fix the second end EX2 to the fourth end EX4 of the auxiliary arch. the

As a result, the auxiliary bow 6 is able to perform a rotational movement about the second rotational axis Y. the

The medical examination chair F comprises a frame 20 resting on two rods T fixed to the auxiliary arch 6 and carrying at least one footrest 9 and a seat 10 . A first actuator 21 resting on the fourth end EX4 enables the position of the seat 10 and the footrest 9 to be adjustable along the second axis of rotation Y. the

Similarly, auxiliary bow 6 includes seat back 8 . The position of the seat back can be optionally displaced along the line under drive from the first actuator when the seat back 8 is secured to the frame 20 or using an electrically powered second actuator when the back is independent of the frame 20. The slide is adjustable along the rod T along the second axis of rotation Y. the

In addition, the inclination angle of the footrest 9 relative to the second rotation axis Y can be adjusted. As a result, the footrest has a plurality of holes O1 in which the finger D1 fits, blocking the footrest 9 in a precise position. the

The medical examination chair F is also provided with a headrest 7 whose inclination angle and position along the first and second rotation axes X, Y are adjustable. For this purpose, a third actuator 22 fixed to the frame 20 facilitates the adjustment of the position of the head restraint 7 along the second axis of rotation Y. Similarly, the indexing finger D2 adjusts the position of the headrest 7 along the first rotation axis X, and the wheel M1 adjusts the inclination angle of the headrest by conventional means. the

As a result, the footrest 9, seat 10, backrest 8 and headrest 7 all provide a degree of adjustment sufficient to match them to the size and anatomy of the respective patient. the

Furthermore, as the patient is set to move, the patient needs to be immobilized by including, inter alia, armrests 31, shoulders 32, a padded head strap 33, retractable handles 34, harnesses, and straps (not shown in FIG. 1 ) for holding the lower limbs. Go to Medical Exam Chair F. the

The armrests 31 and shoulders 32 can be adapted to the patient's anatomy since they do not require lateral movement using the actuation of conventional devices operated by the first and second handles M2 and M3 respectively. the

Similarly, the position of the headband 33 is adjustable along the first axis of rotation X using conventional means. the

Furthermore, in order to ensure that the medical examination chair F can be used as a conventional chair, it is very important to be able to prevent any rotational movement of the main bow 5 and/or the auxiliary bow 6 . the

In this way, the medical examination chair is provided with first and second locking means 50, 60 for the main arch 5 and the auxiliary arch 6, respectively. the

By way of example, the first locking means 50 are provided with a plate 51 having a hole placed under the second end EX2 of the main bow 5 . Then, by inserting into the holes of the plate 51 , the fingers 52 set in motion by the handle 53 lock the main bow 5 . the

The second locking means 60 consist, for example, of fingers 61 fixed to the third end EX3 of the auxiliary arch 6 , said fingers 61 being manually inserted into holes 62 in the first end EX1 of the main arch. Advantageously, the first end EX1 has a plurality of holes 62 to allow the auxiliary arch 6 to be locked in a plurality of positions. Furthermore, the second locking means 60 is repeated, also installed at the second and fourth ends EX2 and EX4. the

For example by using a handle, or by using first and second motors (not shown), the practitioner can cause the main bow 5 and the auxiliary bow 6 to rotate manually about the first and second axes of rotation X, Y, respectively. In order to brake the medical examination chair F suddenly at the end of the swivel movement, said medical examination chair F comprises braking means. the

In a first embodiment (not shown in FIG. 1 ), the brake means comprises first and second electric motors with progressively decreasing gear ratios which bring them to an immediate stop. the

In a second embodiment (not shown in FIG. 1 ), the braking means comprise hydraulic or electric brakes which bring the horizontal, upper and/or lower shafts 1 , 2a and/or 2b to an abrupt stop so that the main bow 5 and/or any rotational movement of the auxiliary bow 6 is stopped. the

Referring to Figure 1 , in a third embodiment, the braking means comprise first and second mechanical abutments B1, B2, respectively, for preventing the movement of the main bow 5, the auxiliary bow 6 at the end of the rotational movement. the

The first mechanical abutment B1 is placed on at least one lateral side of the column 3 , and preferably on both lateral sides. It is provided with a damper B1 ′ and a ring B1 ″. The catch part B10 placed on the main bow 5 and provided with a toothed plate B10 ″ and a brake plate B10 ′ cooperates with the first abutment B1 to end in a rapid rotational movement Suddenly brake the main bow. As a result, the brake plate B10' is suddenly blocked by the damper B1' and then the ring B1" is caught by the teeth of the toothed plate B10". The rapid movement of the main bow 5 then stops abruptly, resulting in a strong deceleration. the

From the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 of the first mechanical abutment, the main bow can perform a rotational movement around the first axis of rotation through an amplitude of 180 degrees, more precisely from -90 degrees to +90 degrees relative to the vertical. However, by positioning the mechanical abutment B1 differently, other magnitudes can be foreseen. the

The second mechanical abutment B2 is placed at the first end EX1 of the main bow 5 . It comprises at least one damper B21 and at least one hook B22. At the end of the rapid rotational movement of the auxiliary bow 6 about the second axis of rotation Y, a braking device comprising a plate B23 placed on the third end EX3 cooperates with the second abutment B2. The plate B23 is thus braked by the damper B22 and blocked in this position by being caught by the hook B22. the

Figure 2 is a view from below the first and third ends, particularly showing the second mechanical abutment. Since the auxiliary bow 6 can turn clockwise and counterclockwise, the second mechanical abutment has two dampers B21 and two hooks B22. the

Figure 2 also shows fingers 61 and holes 62 which allow the auxiliary bow 6 to be locked in place. the

Figures 3, 4, 5 show how the patient is moved in three vertical planes. the

Referring to FIG. 3 , the auxiliary arch 6 is kept fixed so that the back of the patient P points toward the horizontal axis 1 . By turning the main arch about axis X, the patient as a whole moves laterally from one side to the other. Arrow F1 is applied to the patient moving from the left to the right of the patient. the

Referring to Figure 4, the auxiliary bow 6 is rotated through 90 degrees and then locked in this position. By turning the main arch about axis X, the patient is moved from front to back as a whole. the

Referring to Figure 5, the main bow 5 is locked in a vertical position. By rotating the auxiliary arch about axis Y, the patient as a whole is moved about the axis of the patient's torso and head. the

A practitioner can treat postural vertigo by performing the movements described above and braking them suddenly with the aid of an immediate braking device. the

When the patient suffers from a certain type of vertigo, such an examination chair F is particularly suitable for performing specific diagnostic and therapeutic operations, so that the patient as a whole is moved in three vertical planes, which reduces the physical effort transmitted by the practitioner and also increases the comfort of the related patient . The medical examination chair is primarily used by any qualified medical practitioner specializing in otolaryngology or physical therapy. However, it can also be used by any qualified medical practitioner seeking to manage this type of vertigo pathology. the

Naturally, the present invention can be implemented in a wide variety of ways. It is understandably unimaginable to exhaustively identify all possible implementations. Any means described may of course be replaced by equivalent means without departing from the scope of the invention. the

Claims (25)

1. A medical examination chair (F) for allowing a patient to sit down and move the patient within a relatively large range in three substantially vertical planes, said medical examination chair (F) comprising: a main arch (5), Said main bow (5) is connected to the fixed column (3) by a horizontal shaft (1) forming a first axis of rotation (X), a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis (X) The rotation axis (Y) passes through the first end and the second end (EX1, EX2) of the main bow (5). The medical examination chair (F) is characterized in that it includes a seat (10) and is placed on the main Auxiliary bow (6) inside the bow (5), said auxiliary bow (6) connects third and fourth ends (EX3, EX4) to said First and second ends (EX1, EX2), the main and auxiliary arches (5, 6) are adapted to perform rotational movements around first and second rotational axes (X, Y), respectively, and the medical examination chair (F) Also comprising braking means for abruptly stopping said rotational movement. 2. The medical examination chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises a first motor for setting the main bow (5) to rotate around the first rotation axis (X). 3. The medical examination chair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises a second motor for setting the auxiliary bow (6) to rotate around the second rotation axis (Y). 4. The medical examination chair according to claim 2, characterized in that the brake device comprises the first motor, and the first motor makes the main bow (5) brake suddenly. 5. The medical examination chair according to claim 3, characterized in that, the braking device comprises the second motor for suddenly braking the auxiliary bow (6). 6. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the braking device comprises a first brake for braking the main bow (5). 7. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the braking device comprises a second brake for braking the auxiliary arch (6). 8. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the braking device comprises at least a first mechanical mechanism for suddenly braking the main bow (5) relative to the fixed column (3) Adjacent piece (B1). 9. Medical examination chair according to claim 8, characterized in that said first mechanical abutment (B1 ) placed on one lateral side of said fixed column (3) is provided with a ring (B1") and Damper (B1'), said ring (B1") cooperates with the teeth of the capture means (B10) placed on the main bow (5). 10. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the braking means comprise a second mechanical abutment for suddenly braking the auxiliary arch (6) relative to the main arch (5) pieces (B2). 11. Medical examination chair according to claim 10, characterized in that said second mechanical abutment (B2) is provided with at least one hook (B22) and at least one hook (B22) arranged at the first end ( damper (B21) on EX1), said hook (B22) cooperates with a detent (B23) provided on the third end (EX3) of the auxiliary bow (6). 12. The medical examination chair according to claim 11, characterized in that the braking device (B23) is retractable. 13. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the position of the seat (10) along the second rotation axis (Y) is adjustable. 14. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises a seat back (8) whose displacement can be adjusted along the second rotation axis (Y). 15. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises at least one footrest (9) whose displacement is adjustable along the second rotation axis (Y). 16. The medical examination chair according to claim 15, characterized in that, the inclination angle of the footrest (9) relative to the second rotation axis (Y) is adjustable. 17. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises a tiltable and adjustable headrest along the displacement of the first and second rotation axes (X, Y) (7). 18. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises patient restraint means (31, 32, 33, 34). 19. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises a first locking device (50) for locking the main arch (5) relative to the fixed column (3). 20. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises a second locking device for locking the auxiliary arch (6) in a plurality of positions relative to the main arch (5) (60). 21. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises at least two position sensors. 22. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises at least two motion sensors. 23. The medical examination chair of claim 1 or 2, wherein the medical examination chair comprises a video nystagmus display system. 24. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the medical examination chair comprises control and management elements. 25. The medical examination chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main arch (5) is connected to the horizontal axis (1 ) through the middle of its convex portion.

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