Fixed components, bed support structures, and beds

Abstract

A fixing member for a bed support structure (100) is provided. The support structure comprises: a lower frame (10); an upper frame (20); a lifting mechanism (30) for lifting the upper frame relative to the lower frame, and having a support shaft (312) extending along the width direction of the bed; and supported members (221, 222) fixed to the upper frame and supported by the support shaft, wherein the support shaft moves along the long dimension direction of the bed while supporting the supported member when the upper frame is lifted or lowered. The fixing member comprises a plurality of fixing parts (S11 to S14) for fixing the supported member to the upper frame. Each of the plurality of fixing parts comprises: a strain body (SB), one end of the strain body (SB) being fixed to the upper frame and the other end being fixed to the supported member; and a strain gauge (SG) assembled to the strain body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fixed components, bed support structures, and beds. Background Technology

[0002] In hospitals, nursing facilities, and similar settings, the following operations are performed: based on the detection of the load applied to the bed, it is determined whether there is a patient or occupant on the bed, or information such as the weight and respiratory rate of the patient or occupant on the bed is obtained.

[0003] Furthermore, a scheme has been proposed that integrates a load sensor for load detection into a support structure that supports the bed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a scheme in which multiple load detectors are arranged between the lower frame of the bed and the lifting support mechanism.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Specification of Japanese Patent No. 6078645 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, in the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, a specially constructed load sensor or a modification to the bed structure is required to integrate the load sensor into the bed. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of beds with integrated load sensors is high, hindering the widespread adoption of such beds.

[0009] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a fixing component and support structure for a bed with load detection function that can be easily manufactured.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fixing member is provided for use in a bed support structure, wherein...

[0012] The support structure includes: a lower frame; an upper frame; a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the upper frame relative to the lower frame, having a support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed; and a supported member fixed to the upper frame and supported by the support shaft, the support shaft moving along the length direction of the bed while supporting the supported member during the raising and lowering of the upper frame.

[0013] The fixing member includes multiple fasteners for fixing the supported member to the upper frame.

[0014] The plurality of fasteners all have:

[0015] The strain gauge is fixed at one end to the upper frame and at the other end to the supported member; and

[0016] Strain gauge, assembled on the strain gauge.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a support structure is provided, which is a bed support structure, wherein the support structure comprises:

[0018] Lower frame;

[0019] Upper frame;

[0020] A lifting mechanism that allows the upper frame to move up and down relative to the lower frame, having a support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed;

[0021] The supported member is supported by the support shaft; and

[0022] The fastener secures the supported component to the upper frame.

[0023] The fastener comprises: a strain gauge, one end of which is fixed to the upper frame and the other end to the supported member; and a strain gauge assembled to the strain gauge.

[0024] The support shaft moves along the longitudinal direction of the bed while supporting the supported component as the upper frame is raised and lowered.

[0025] Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the fixing member and bed support structure of the present invention, a bed with load detection function can be easily manufactured. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 In the figures, (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams of the bed according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the side. (a) shows the upper frame in the lowered position, and (b) shows the upper frame in the raised position. (a) and (b) provide perspective of partial structures to illustrate the operation of the bed.

[0028] Figure 2 In the diagram, (a) is a top view of the lower mechanism, (b) is a top view of the lifting mechanism, and (c) is a top view of the upper mechanism.

[0029] Figure 3 In the figure, (a) and (b) are perspective views of the sliding bracket assembled on the lower frame.

[0030] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the fixed bracket assembled on the lower frame.

[0031] Figure 5 In the figure, (a) and (b) are perspective views of the sliding bracket assembled on the upper frame.

[0032] Figure 6 In the diagram, (a) is a perspective view showing the structure of fixing the sliding bracket to the upper frame using four load sensors, and (b) is a side view showing the structure of fixing the sliding bracket to the upper frame using four load sensors.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional view of the fixed bracket assembled on the upper frame.

[0034] Figure 8 In the diagram, (a) is a perspective view showing the structure of fixing the bracket to the upper frame using four load sensors, and (b) is a side view showing the structure of fixing the bracket to the upper frame using four load sensors.

[0035] Figure 9 In the diagram, (a) is a perspective view showing a modified example of a structure in which a load sensor is used to fix the sliding bracket to the upper frame, and (b) is a side view showing a modified example of a structure in which a load sensor is used to fix the sliding bracket to the upper frame. Detailed Implementation

[0036] <Implementation Method>

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 8 The bed BD, support structure 100, and load sensor kit (fixed member) of the present invention will be described.

[0038] like Figure 1 of (a), Figure 1 As shown in (b), the bed BD mainly has: a support structure 100, having a lower mechanism 10, an upper mechanism 20 and a lifting mechanism 30; and a bed board BP, a headboard HB, a footboard FB and a pair of bed rails BR, which are assembled to the upper mechanism 20 of the support structure 100.

[0039] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the bed BD is defined as the longitudinal direction of the bed BD and the supporting structure 100, and the width direction of the bed BD is defined as the transverse direction of the bed BD and the supporting structure 100. In the longitudinal direction, the side containing the headboard HB is defined as the head side, and the side containing the footboard FB is defined as the foot side. In the transverse direction, the left and right sides when viewed from the foot side in the longitudinal direction as the left and right sides, respectively. Directions orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse directions are defined as the up and down directions.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown in (a), the lower mechanism 10 mainly includes a lower frame (base frame) 11, sliding brackets 121 and 122, fixed brackets 131 and 132, actuator support beam 14, and four small caster parts 15.

[0041] The lower frame 11 is a rectangular frame member in plan view, including a first part 111 and a second part 112 extending longitudinally along the support structure 100, and a third part 113 and a fourth part 114 extending laterally along the support structure 100. The first part 111 to the fourth part 114 are all long-dimensional members with rectangular cross-sections.

[0042] The sliding bracket 121 is a long strip component, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (a), when viewed along the elongated direction, the upper plate 121a, lower plate 121b, and vertical plate 121c are all elongated flat plates, and the sliding bracket 121 has a shape that is connected in a "U" shape. The dimension of the upper plate 121a in the elongated direction is smaller than the dimensions of the lower plate 121b and the vertical plate 121c in the elongated direction.

[0043] The sliding bracket 122 is also a long strip component, such as... Figure 3 As shown in (b), when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the upper plate 122a, lower plate 122b, and vertical plate 122c are all elongated flat plates, and the sliding bracket 122 has a shape that is connected in a "U" shape. The dimension of the upper plate 122a in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the dimensions of the lower plate 122b and the vertical plate 122c in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] The sliding brackets 121 and 122 are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the surfaces parallel to the vertical plate portions 121c and 122c.

[0045] Sliding brackets 121 and 122 are mounted on the lower frame 11 at a position closer to the head than the longitudinal center of the support structure 100. Sliding brackets 121 and 122 are fixed to the first part 111 and the second part 112 respectively, with their elongated direction aligned with the longitudinal direction of the support structure 100. Specifically, the outer surface of the vertical plate portion 121c of the sliding bracket 121 is welded to the inner surface 111i of the first part 111, and the outer surface of the vertical plate portion 122c of the sliding bracket 122 is welded to the inner surface 112i of the second part 112.

[0046] like Figure 4As shown, the fixing bracket 131 has: a pair of flat plates 131a facing each other; and a curved plate 131b that is curved in an arc shape around an axis 131x to connect the lower ends of the pair of flat plates 131a. When viewed along the axis 131x, the fixing bracket 131 is approximately U-shaped. Similarly, the fixing bracket 132 has: a pair of flat plates 132a facing each other; and a curved plate 132b that is curved in an arc shape around an axis 132x to connect the lower ends of the pair of flat plates 132a. When viewed along the axis 132x, the fixing bracket 132 is approximately U-shaped.

[0047] Fixing brackets 131 and 132 are mounted on the lower frame 11 at a position closer to the foot than the longitudinal center of the support structure 100. Fixing bracket 131 is fixed to the inner surface 111i of the first part 111 by welding with its axis 131x aligned with the transverse direction of the support structure 100. Fixing bracket 132 is fixed to the inner surface 112i of the second part 112 by welding with its axis 132x aligned with the transverse direction of the support structure 100.

[0048] The actuator support beam 14 is an elongated member with a circular cross-section that extends laterally along the support structure 100. The left end of the actuator support beam 14 is fixed to the first part 111 of the lower frame 11 at a position closer to the head than the sliding bracket 121. The right end of the actuator support beam 14 is fixed to the second part 112 of the lower frame 11 at a position closer to the head than the sliding bracket 122.

[0049] A small caster portion 15 is provided at each of the four corners of the lower frame 11. For example... Figure 1 As shown in (a), each of the four small caster portions 15 has: a wheel support portion WS, which is mounted to the lower frame 11 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an upper or lower axis; and a wheel W, which is mounted to the wheel support portion WS in a manner that allows it to rotate about a horizontal axis.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown in (c), the upper mechanism 20 mainly includes an upper frame (central frame) 21, sliding brackets 221, 222, fixed brackets 231, 232, and multiple load sensors for assembling the sliding brackets 221, 222, and fixed brackets 231, 232 onto the upper frame 21.

[0051] The upper frame 21 is a rectangular frame member when viewed from above, including a first part 211 and a second part 212 extending longitudinally along the supporting structure 100, and a third part 213 and a fourth part 214 extending laterally along the supporting structure 100. The first part 211 to the fourth part 214 are each a long-dimensional member with a rectangular cross-section.

[0052] The sliding bracket (supported component) 221 is a long strip component, such as... Figure 5As shown in (a), when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the upper plate portion 221a, lower plate portion 221b, and vertical plate portion 221c are all elongated flat plates, and the sliding bracket 221 has a shape that is connected in a "U" shape. The dimension of the lower plate portion 221b in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the dimensions of the upper plate portion 221a and the vertical plate portion 221c in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, there is no lower plate portion 221b opposite to the upper plate portion 221a near one end of the upper plate portion 221a in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] The sliding bracket (supported component) 222 is also a long strip component, such as... Figure 5 As shown in (b), when viewed along the elongated direction, the upper plate portion 222a, lower plate portion 222b, and vertical plate portion 222c are all elongated flat plates, the sliding bracket 222 has a shape connected in a "U" shape. The dimension of the lower plate portion 222b in the elongated direction is smaller than the dimensions of the upper plate portion 222a and the vertical plate portion 222c in the elongated direction. Therefore, there is no lower plate portion 222b opposite to the upper plate portion 222a near one end of the upper plate portion 222a in the elongated direction.

[0054] The sliding brackets 221 and 222 are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the surfaces parallel to the vertical plate portions 221c and 222c.

[0055] like Figure 2 (c) Figure 6 of (a), Figure 6 As shown in (b), the sliding bracket 221 is mounted on the first part 211 of the upper frame 21 at a position near the head side of the longitudinal center of the support structure 100 via four load sensors (mounts) S11, S12, S13, and S14.

[0056] Load sensors S11 to S14 each have a beam-shaped strain gauge SB and a strain gauge SG attached to the strain gauge SB.

[0057] The assembly of the sliding bracket 221, which uses four load sensors S11 to S14, onto the upper frame 21 is carried out as follows.

[0058] The sliding bracket 221 is configured such that the elongated direction of the sliding bracket 221 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the support structure 100 (i.e., the long dimension direction of the bed BD). In this state, the upper surface of the first portion 211 of the upper frame 21 is flush with the upper surface of the upper plate portion 221a, and the lower surface of the first portion 211 of the upper frame 21 is flush with the lower surface of the lower plate portion 221b.

[0059] Four load sensors S11, S12, S13, and S14 are respectively located on the upper side of one end of the sliding bracket 221 in the long direction, the lower side of one end of the sliding bracket in the long direction, the upper side of the other end of the sliding bracket in the long direction, and the lower side of the other end of the sliding bracket in the long direction.

[0060] One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S11 is fixed to the upper plate portion 221a at one end along the elongated direction of the sliding bracket 221, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the first portion 211. One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S12 is fixed to the lower plate portion 221b at one end along the elongated direction of the sliding bracket 221, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface of the first portion 211. One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S13 is fixed to the upper plate portion 221a at the other end along the elongated direction of the sliding bracket 221, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the first portion 211. One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S14 is fixed to the lower plate portion 221b at the other end along the elongated direction of the sliding bracket 221, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface of the first portion 211.

[0061] In this state, the inner surface 211i of the first part 211 and the vertical plate part 221c are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the lateral direction. As an example, the gap can be set to about 5mm to 15mm.

[0062] The sliding bracket 222 is also assembled to the second part 212 of the upper frame 21 by means of four load sensors S11, S12, S13, and S14 at a position closer to the head side of the longitudinal center of the support structure 100, in the same manner as the sliding bracket 221.

[0063] like Figure 7 As shown, the fixed bracket (sub-supported member) 231 has: a pair of flat plate portions 231a, facing each other; and a curved plate portion 231b, which is curved in an arc shape around an axis 231x to connect the upper ends of the pair of flat plate portions 231a. When viewed along the direction of the axis 231x, the fixed bracket 231 is approximately U-shaped. Similarly, the fixed bracket (sub-supported member) 232 also has: a pair of flat plate portions 232a, facing each other; and a curved plate portion 232b, which is curved in an arc shape around an axis 232x to connect the upper ends of the pair of flat plate portions 232a. When viewed along the direction of the axis 232x, the fixed bracket 232 is approximately U-shaped.

[0064] like Figure 2 (c) Figure 8 of (a), Figure 8 As shown in (b), the fixed bracket 231 is assembled to the first part 211 of the upper frame 21 at the foot side of the central part of the longitudinal dimension of the bed BD via two connectors 24 and four load sensors (sub-assemblies) S21, S22, S23, S24.

[0065] Both connecting members 24 are U-shaped components in side view, having an upper plate 24a, a lower plate 24b opposite to the upper plate 24a, and a vertical plate 24c connecting the upper plate 24a and the lower plate 24b.

[0066] The four load sensors S21 to S24 have the same structure as load sensors S11 to S14, with a beam-shaped strain gauge SB and a strain gauge SG attached to the strain gauge SB.

[0067] The assembly of the mounting bracket 231, which uses two connectors 24 and four load sensors S21 to S24, onto the upper frame 21 is carried out as follows.

[0068] The outer surface of the vertical plate portion 24c of the connecting member 24 abuts against the outer surfaces of the pair of flat plate portions 231a of the fixing bracket 231 and is thus fixed. The fixing bracket 231 and the two connecting members 24 are configured such that the curved plate portion 231b of the fixing bracket 231 protrudes upward. In this state, the upper surface of the first portion 211 of the upper frame 21 is flush with the upper surfaces of the upper plate portions 24a of the two connecting members 24, and the lower surface of the first portion 211 of the upper bracket 21 is flush with the lower surfaces of the lower plate portions 24b of the two connecting members 24.

[0069] Four load sensors S21, S22, S23, and S24 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of one connector 24 and the upper and lower sides of another connector 24.

[0070] One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S21 is fixed to the upper plate portion 24a of a connector 24, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the first part 211. One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S22 is fixed to the lower plate portion 24b of a connector 24, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface of the first part 211. One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S23 is fixed to the upper plate portion 24a of another connector 24, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the first part 211. One end of the strain gauge SB of load sensor S24 is fixed to the lower plate portion 24b of another connector 24, and the other end is fixed to the lower surface of the first part 211.

[0071] In this state, the inner surface 211i of the first part 211 and the fixing bracket 231 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the lateral direction. As an example, the gap can be set to about 5mm to 15mm.

[0072] The fixed bracket 232 is also mounted to the second part 212 of the upper frame 21 via two connectors 24 and four load sensors S21, S22, S23, S24 at a position on the foot side of the longitudinal center of the support structure 100, similar to the fixed bracket 231.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown in (b), the lifting mechanism 30 mainly has an inner arm 31, an outer arm 32, and an actuator 33.

[0074] like Figure 1 of (a), Figure 1 (b) Figure 2 As shown in (b), the inner arm 31 has a lower shaft 311 (in Figure 2 (b) is located below the upper shaft 322 (described later, not shown), upper shaft 312, a pair of inner arms 313 and actuator connecting beam 314.

[0075] The lower shaft 311 is an elongated member with a circular cross-section that extends laterally along the support structure 100. The left end of the lower shaft 311 abuts against the upper surface of the curved plate portion 131b of the fixing bracket 131, which is fixed to the first part 111 of the lower frame 11, and is supported by the fixing bracket 131. The right end of the lower shaft 311 abuts against the upper surface of the curved plate portion 132b of the fixing bracket 132, which is fixed to the second part 112 of the lower frame 11, and is supported by the fixing bracket 132.

[0076] The upper shaft (support shaft) 312 is an elongated member with a circular cross-section that extends laterally along the support structure 100. The left end of the upper shaft 312 abuts against the lower surface of the upper plate portion 221a of the sliding bracket 221, which is fixed to the first part 211 of the upper frame 21, and supports the upper mechanism 20 via the sliding bracket 221. The right end of the upper shaft 312 abuts against the lower surface of the upper plate portion 222a of the sliding bracket 222, which is fixed to the second part 212 of the upper frame 21, and supports the upper mechanism 20 via the sliding bracket 222.

[0077] Both inner arms 313 are long members with rectangular cross-sections. One end of one of the inner arms 313 is connected to the vicinity of the left end of the lower shaft 311, and the other end is connected to the vicinity of the left end of the upper shaft 312. One end of the other inner arm 313 is connected to the vicinity of the right end of the lower shaft 311, and the other end is connected to the vicinity of the right end of the upper shaft 312.

[0078] The actuator connecting beam 314 is an elongated member with a circular cross-section extending laterally along the support structure 100. The left end of the actuator connecting beam 314 is connected to one of a pair of inner arms 313 in approximately the midpoint between the longitudinal center of the inner arm 313 and the connection between the inner arm 313 and the upper shaft 312. The right end of the actuator connecting beam 314 is connected to the other of the pair of inner arms 313 in approximately the midpoint between the longitudinal center of the inner arm 313 and the connection between the inner arm 313 and the upper shaft 312.

[0079] The outer arm 32 has a lower shaft 321 (in Figure 2 (b) is located below the upper shaft 312 (described later, not shown), upper shaft 322, and a pair of outer arms 323.

[0080] The lower shaft 321 is an elongated member with a circular cross-section that extends laterally along the support structure 100. The left end of the lower shaft 321 abuts against the lower plate portion 121b of the sliding bracket 121, which is fixed to the first part 111 of the lower frame 11, and is supported by the sliding bracket 121. The right end of the lower shaft 321 abuts against the upper surface of the lower plate portion 122b of the sliding bracket 122, which is fixed to the second part 112 of the lower frame 11, and is supported by the sliding bracket 122.

[0081] The upper shaft (secondary support shaft) 322 is an elongated member with a circular cross-section that extends laterally along the support structure 100. The left end of the upper shaft 322 abuts against the lower surface of the curved plate portion 231b of the fixing bracket 231, which is fixed to the first part 211 of the upper frame 21, and supports the upper mechanism 20 via the fixing bracket 231. The right end of the upper shaft 322 abuts against the lower surface of the curved plate portion 232b of the fixing bracket 232, which is fixed to the second part 212 of the upper frame 21, and supports the upper mechanism 20 via the fixing bracket 232.

[0082] Both outer arms 323 are long members with rectangular cross-sections. One end of one of the outer arms 323 is connected to the vicinity of the left end of the lower shaft 321, and the other end is connected to the vicinity of the left end of the upper shaft 322. One end of the other outer arm 323 is connected to the vicinity of the right end of the lower shaft 321, and the other end is connected to the vicinity of the right end of the upper shaft 322.

[0083] The inner arm 31 and the outer arm 32 are connected in a manner that allows them to pivot relative to each other. Specifically, in the transverse direction of the support structure 100, the inner arm 313 and the outer arm 323 on the left side are connected by a horizontal pin P at their respective central portions in the longitudinal direction, allowing them to pivot. Similarly, the inner arm 313 and the outer arm 323 on the right side are connected by a horizontal pin P at their respective central portions in the longitudinal direction, allowing them to pivot.

[0084] The actuator 33 has a cylinder 331 and a rod 332 that is extended and retracted by the cylinder 331. The actuator 33 may be, for example, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, etc.

[0085] Cylinder 331 is pivotally supported on actuator support beam 14 of lower mechanism 10. The front end of rod 332 is pivotally connected to actuator connecting beam 314 of inner arm 31.

[0086] The bed board BP, headboard HB, footboard FB, and a pair of bed rails BR are all detachably mounted to the upper frame 21 via an assembly part (not shown) located on the upper frame 21 of the upper mechanism 20. Figure 1 of (a), Figure 1 (b)

[0087] In this embodiment, a load sensor kit (fixing member) is constituted by a total of eight load sensors S11 to S14 for fixing the sliding brackets 221 and 222 to the upper frame 21 and a total of eight load sensors S21 to S24 for fixing the fixed brackets 231 and 232 to the upper frame 21.

[0088] [Lifting and lowering of the upper mechanism 20]

[0089] In the support mechanism 100 with the above-described structure, the upper mechanism 20 is raised and lowered as follows.

[0090] The upper mechanism 20 is in the descending position (the lowest position that the upper mechanism 20 can take). Figure 1 In case (a)), most of the rod 332 of the actuator 33 is housed inside the cylinder 331. When the actuator 33 is driven in this state, the rod 332 is pushed out by the cylinder 331, and the rod 332 pushes the actuator connecting beam 314 of the inner arm 31 obliquely upward.

[0091] Thus, a pair of inner arms 313 rotate around the lower shaft 311 of the fixed brackets 131 and 132 supported on the lower mechanism 10, and the upper shaft 312, which slides within the sliding brackets 221 and 222 of the upper mechanism 20, pushes the sliding brackets 221 and 222 upward.

[0092] Simultaneously, a pair of outer arms 323, pivotally connected to a pair of inner arms 313, rotate around an upper shaft 322 supporting the fixed brackets 231 and 232 of the upper mechanism 20. The lower shaft 321, sliding within the sliding brackets 121 and 122 of the lower mechanism 10, pushes the sliding brackets 121 and 122 downward. Concurrently, the upper shaft 322 pushes the fixed brackets 231 and 232 of the upper mechanism 20 upward.

[0093] Thus, as lever 332 is pushed out by cylinder 331, a pair of inner arms 313 and a pair of outer arms 323 pivot, and the upper mechanism 20 rises. With lever 332 fully extended, the upper mechanism 20 reaches the raised position (the highest position that the upper mechanism 20 can take). Figure 1 (b)). Conversely, as rod 332 is housed within cylinder 331, upper mechanism 20 descends.

[0094] Here, as Figure 1 of (a), Figure 1 As shown in (b), load sensors S11 to S14 are located outside the movable range of the upper shaft 312 in the sliding brackets 221 and 222. That is, the load sensors S11 and S12, which are mounted on the head side of the support structure 100 and attached to the sliding brackets 221 and 222, are positioned closer to the head side than the center of the upper shaft 312 when the upper mechanism 20 is in the lowered position (i.e., the point where the load of the brackets 221 and 222 acts on the load sensors S11 and S12 is located closer to the head side than the center of the upper shaft 312). Furthermore, the load sensors S13 and S14, which are mounted on the foot side of the support structure 100 and attached to the sliding brackets 221 and 222, are positioned closer to the foot side than the center of the upper shaft 312 when the upper mechanism 20 is in the raised position (i.e., the point where the load of the brackets 221 and 222 acts on the load sensors S13 and S14 is located closer to the foot side than the center of the upper shaft 312).

[0095] By configuring the load sensors S11 to S14 in this way, load detection can be performed with high accuracy regardless of the position (height) of the upper mechanism 20, including both the descending and ascending positions. The reasons are as follows.

[0096] In the load detection of a subject on the bed BD using load sensors S11 to S14, the detection values ​​of load sensors S11 to S14 are added together (details will be described later). At this time, when the detection values ​​of load sensors S11 to S14 are added together under the assumption that load sensors S11 to S14 are only arranged on one side of the upper shaft 312 in the longitudinal direction, the influence of the bias error of each load sensor S11 to S14 (the error generated in the detection value of the load sensor based on the distance between the load sensor and the subject) will also be added together and become larger.

[0097] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the distance between the upper shaft 312 and the load sensors S11 and S12 increases as the upper shaft 312 moves, thus increasing the bias error of the load sensors S11 and S12, the distance between the upper shaft 312 and the load sensors S13 and S14 decreases, and the bias error of the load sensors S13 and S14 decreases. Conversely, when the distance between the upper shaft 312 and the load sensors S13 and S14 increases, thus increasing the bias error of the load sensors S13 and S14, the distance between the upper shaft 312 and the load sensors S11 and S12 decreases, and the bias error of the load sensors S11 and S12 decreases. Thus, by distributing the load sensors S11 to S14 outside the movable range of the upper shaft 312 in the sliding brackets 221 and 222, regardless of the position of the upper shaft 312, the load sensors are distributed on both sides of the upper shaft 312, and the influence of the bias error is canceled out and suppressed.

[0098] [Load measurement of subject S on bed BD]

[0099] In the bed BD with the above-described structure, the load of the subject S on the bed BD is measured (detected) as follows.

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown in (c), the first load detection unit LS1 is composed of load sensors S11 to S14 that fix the sliding bracket 221 to the upper frame 21. The arithmetic unit (not shown, for example, mounted on the upper frame 21) of the support structure 100 adds the output values ​​of the load sensors S11 to S14 of the first load detection unit LS1 to obtain the output value of the first load detection unit LS1.

[0101] Similarly, a second load detection unit LS2 is formed by load sensors S11 to S14 that fix the sliding bracket 222 to the upper frame 21. The calculation unit adds the output values ​​of load sensors S11 to S14 of the second load detection unit LS2 to obtain the output value of the second load detection unit LS2. A third load detection unit LS3 is formed by load sensors S21 to S24 that fix the fixed bracket 231 to the upper frame 21. The calculation unit adds the output values ​​of load sensors S21 to S24 of the third load detection unit LS3 to obtain the output value of the third load detection unit LS3. A fourth load detection unit LS4 is formed by load sensors S21 to S24 that fix the fixed bracket 232 to the upper frame 21. The calculation unit adds the output values ​​of load sensors S21 to S24 of the fourth load detection unit LS4 to obtain the output value of the fourth load detection unit LS4.

[0102] The calculation unit, for example, adds the output values ​​of the first load detection unit LS1 to the fourth load detection unit LS4 to calculate the weight of the subject on the bed BD. Additionally, for example, the output values ​​of the first load detection unit LS1 to the fourth load detection unit LS4 are used to calculate the center of gravity position of the subject on the bed BD.

[0103] The following summarizes the advantageous effects of the support structure 100 of this embodiment.

[0104] In the support structure 100 of this embodiment, load sensors S11-S14 and S21-S24 are used to fix the sliding brackets 221 and 222 and the fixed brackets 231 and 232 to the upper frame 21, thereby embedding a load detection unit that detects the load of the subject on the bed into the structure supporting the bed. Therefore, a bed support structure with load detection function can be easily manufactured without manufacturing a bracket or load sensor with a special structure.

[0105] In the support structure 100 of this embodiment, the bracket using load sensors S11-S14 and S21-S24 is fixed to the frame in the upper mechanism 20, not the lower mechanism 10. Therefore, the load of the examinee on the bed plate BP of the bed BD is entirely transferred to any one of the load sensors S11-S14 and S21-S24, enabling high-precision detection of the examinee's load. If the bracket using load sensors S11-S14 and S21-S24 were fixed to the frame in the lower mechanism 10, it would be difficult to detect the examinee's load with high precision. This is because the lower part of the cylinder 331 of the actuator 33 is supported by the lower mechanism 10, and a portion of the examinee's load applied to the bed plate BP of the upper mechanism 20 is transferred to the lower mechanism 10 via the actuator 33.

[0106] In the support structure 100 of this embodiment, in the sliding brackets 121 and 122, the dimensions of the upper plate portions 121a and 122a in the long dimension direction are smaller than the dimensions of the lower plate portions 121b and 122b in the long dimension direction. In the sliding brackets 221 and 222, the dimensions of the lower plate portions 221b and 222b (whose upper surface is an example of the "second surface" of the present invention) in the long dimension direction are smaller than the dimensions of the upper plate portions 221a and 222a (whose lower surface is an example of the "first surface" of the present invention) in the long dimension direction. Therefore, in the manufacturing of the support structure 100, the lower shaft 321 and upper shaft 312 of the lifting mechanism 30 can be easily arranged in the brackets via the areas (inlet) where the upper plate portions 121a and 122a and the lower plate portions 221b and 222b of the sliding brackets 121, 122, 221, and 222 are not present.

[0107] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the areas (inlet ports) of the upper plate portions 121a, 122a, and lower plate portions 221b, 222b are not located on the longitudinal foot side of the support structure 100, but it is also possible to have the following structure: the areas (inlet ports) of the upper plate portions 121a, 122a, and lower plate portions 221b, 222b are not located on the head side.

[0108] In addition, as described above, load sensors S11 to S14 are located outside the movable range of the upper shaft 312, so the load of the subject can be detected with high accuracy regardless of the position of the upper shaft 312.

[0109] The load sensor kit according to this embodiment can also achieve the same effect as described above.

[0110] <Variation Example>

[0111] The following variations can also be used in the above embodiments.

[0112] In the above embodiment, all sliding brackets 221, 222 and fixed brackets 231, 232 are assembled to the upper frame 21 using load sensors, but this is not a limitation. Alternatively, load sensors may be used to assemble at least one of the sliding brackets 221, 222 and fixed brackets 231, 232 to the upper frame 21, while the other brackets are fixed to the upper frame 21 by existing methods, such as welding.

[0113] In the above embodiment, four load sensors are used for assembling the sliding brackets 221, 222 and the fixed brackets 231, 232 onto the upper frame 21, but this is not a limitation. Alternatively, any number of load sensors can be used for assembling each of the sliding brackets 221, 222 and the fixed brackets 231, 232 onto the upper frame 21.

[0114] Specifically, for example, the sliding bracket 221 can be assembled to the upper frame 21 using two load sensors: a load sensor S11 on the upper side of one end of the sliding bracket 221 and a load sensor S13 on the upper side of the other end. Alternatively, the sliding bracket 221 can be assembled to the upper frame 21 using two load sensors: a load sensor S12 on the lower side of one end of the sliding bracket 221 and a load sensor S14 on the lower side of the other end. Or, the sliding bracket 221 can be fixed to the upper frame 21 using a single load sensor located on the upper or lower side of the central portion of the sliding bracket 221 along its longitudinal direction.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the load sensor kit includes a total of sixteen load sensors, but is not limited to this. The number of load sensors (assemblies, fasteners) included in the load sensor kit can be arbitrarily changed according to the number to be used for assembling the bracket onto the upper frame 21.

[0116] In the above embodiments, a stop plate extending in a plane orthogonal to the long dimension direction of the sliding brackets 121, 122, 221, 222 may also be provided at the end of the sliding brackets 121, 122, 221, 222 in the longitudinal direction.

[0117] In the above embodiments, rollers may also be provided at both ends of the upper shaft 312 and the rollers may be made to roll within the sliding brackets 221 and 222.

[0118] In the above embodiment, a connecting member 24 is used in the assembly of the fixed brackets 231 and 232 onto the upper frame 21, but this is not a limitation. For example, the ends of the strain gauges SB of the load sensors S21 to S24 may be directly assembled to the flat portions 231a and 232a of the fixed brackets 231 and 232. In this invention, "strain gauges fixed to the sub-supported member" includes two schemes: the strain gauges are directly fixed to the sub-supported member, and the strain gauges are fixed to the sub-supported member via a member such as the connecting member 24.

[0119] In the above embodiments, the structures of load sensors S11-S14 and S21-S24 can be arbitrarily changed. Specifically, for example, a plate-shaped strain gauge can be used instead of a beam-shaped strain gauge SB. Furthermore, the strain gauges of multiple load sensors can be formed into a single unit. Specifically, for example, as shown... Figure 9 of (a), Figure 9 As shown in (b), the strain gauges of load sensors S11 and S13 are configured as strain gauge SB1, which is a U-shaped plate when viewed from above, and the strain gauges of load sensors S12 and S14 are configured as strain gauge SB2, which is a U-shaped plate when viewed from above. Similarly, although the illustration is omitted, the strain gauges of load sensors S21 and S23 can also be configured as U-shaped plates when viewed from above, and the strain gauges of load sensors S22 and S24 can be configured as U-shaped plates when viewed from above. As a result, rotation of the sliding brackets 221, 222, and the fixed brackets 231, 232 that may occur when a longitudinal (long dimension direction) force of the bed BD is applied to the upper frame 21 can be suppressed.

[0120] As long as the characteristics of the present invention are maintained, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other embodiments conceived within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0121] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0122] 10: Lower mechanism; 11: Lower frame; 121, 122, 221, 222: Sliding brackets; 131, 132, 231, 232: Fixed brackets; 20: Upper mechanism; 21: Upper frame; 30: Lifting mechanism; 311, 321: Lower shaft; 312, 322: Upper shaft; 313: Inner arm; 323: Outer arm; 33: Actuator; BD: Bed.

Claims

1. A fixing member for a bed support structure, wherein, The support structure has: a lower frame; an upper frame; a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the upper frame relative to the lower frame, and a support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed; The supported component is fixed to the upper frame and supported by the support shaft, which moves along the longitudinal direction of the bed while supporting the supported component as the upper frame is raised and lowered. The fixing member includes multiple fasteners for fixing the supported member to the upper frame. The plurality of fasteners all have: The first strain gauge, one end of which is fixed to the upper frame and the other end of which is fixed to the supported member; and The first strain gauge is assembled on the first strain gauge. The supported member has a plate portion. The support shaft abuts against the lower surface of the plate to support the supported member. One end of the first strain body of at least one of the plurality of fasteners is fixed to the upper frame and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the plate.

2. The fixing member according to claim 1, wherein, The supported member is an elongated member extending along the longitudinal direction of the bed. The plurality of fasteners include: a first fastener located on the upper side of one end of the supported member along the elongated direction; a second fastener located on the lower side of one end of the supported member along the elongated direction; a third fastener located on the upper side of the other end of the supported member along the elongated direction; and a fourth fastener located on the lower side of the other end of the supported member along the elongated direction.

3. The fixing member according to claim 2, wherein, The first fixing member, the second fixing member, the third fixing member, and the fourth fixing member are located outside the movable range of the support shaft in the supported member.

4. The fixing member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the support structure, the lifting mechanism also has a secondary support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed. The support structure also has a secondary supported member fixed to the upper frame and supported by the secondary support shaft. The fixing component also includes a plurality of secondary fixing members for fixing the secondary supported component to the upper frame. These multiple secondary fasteners all have: The second strain body has one end fixed to the upper frame and the other end fixed to the sub-supported member; as well as The second strain gauge is assembled on the second strain gauge.

5. A support structure, which is a bed support structure, wherein, The support structure includes: Lower frame; Upper frame; A lifting mechanism that allows the upper frame to move up and down relative to the lower frame, having a support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed; The supported component is supported by the support shaft; as well as The fastener secures the supported component to the upper frame. The fastener includes: a first strain body, one end of which is fixed to the upper frame and the other end to the supported member; and a first strain plate, assembled to the first strain body. The supported member has a plate portion. The support shaft abuts against the lower surface of the plate to support the supported member. One end of the first strain body of the fastener is fixed to the upper frame and the other end is fixed to the upper surface of the plate. The support shaft moves along the longitudinal direction of the bed while supporting the supported component as the upper frame is raised and lowered.

6. The support structure according to claim 5, wherein, The supported member is an elongated member extending along the longitudinal direction of the bed. The fixing members include: a first fixing member located on the upper side of one end of the supported member along the longitudinal direction; a second fixing member located on the lower side of one end of the supported member along the longitudinal direction; a third fixing member located on the upper side of the other end of the supported member along the longitudinal direction; and a fourth fixing member located on the lower side of the other end of the supported member along the longitudinal direction.

7. The support structure according to claim 6, wherein, The first fixing member, the second fixing member, the third fixing member, and the fourth fixing member are located outside the movable range of the support shaft in the supported member.

8. The support structure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The supported member has: a first surface for the support shaft to abut against; and a second surface located below the first surface and facing the first surface, wherein the first surface is longer than the second surface in the elongated direction of the supported member.

9. The support structure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The lifting mechanism also has a secondary support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed. The support structure also includes: The secondary supported member is fixed to the upper frame and supported by the secondary support shaft; as well as The secondary fastener secures the secondary supported member to the upper frame. This fastener has the following features: The second strain body has one end fixed to the upper frame and the other end fixed to the sub-supported member; as well as The second strain gauge is assembled on the second strain gauge.

10. A fixing member for a bed support structure, wherein, The support structure has: a lower frame; an upper frame; a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the upper frame relative to the lower frame, and a support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed; The supported component is fixed to the upper frame and supported by the support shaft, which moves along the longitudinal direction of the bed while supporting the supported component as the upper frame is raised and lowered. The fixing member includes multiple fasteners for fixing the supported member to the upper frame. The plurality of fasteners all have: The first strain gauge, one end of which is fixed to the upper frame and the other end of which is fixed to the supported member; and The first strain gauge is assembled on the first strain gauge. In the support structure, the lifting mechanism also has a secondary support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed. The support structure also has a secondary supported member fixed to the upper frame and supported by the secondary support shaft. The fixing component also includes a plurality of secondary fixing members for fixing the secondary supported component to the upper frame. These multiple secondary fasteners all have: The second strain body has one end fixed to the upper frame and the other end fixed to the sub-supported member; as well as The second strain gauge is assembled on the second strain gauge.

11. A support structure, which is a bed support structure, wherein, The support structure includes: Lower frame; Upper frame; A lifting mechanism that allows the upper frame to move up and down relative to the lower frame, having a support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed; The supported component is supported by the support shaft; as well as The fastener secures the supported component to the upper frame. The fastener includes: a first strain body, one end of which is fixed to the upper frame and the other end to the supported member; and a first strain plate, assembled to the first strain body. The support shaft moves along the longitudinal direction of the bed while supporting the supported component as the upper frame is raised and lowered. The lifting mechanism also has a secondary support shaft extending along the width direction of the bed. The support structure also includes: The secondary supported member is fixed to the upper frame and supported by the secondary support shaft; as well as The secondary fastener secures the secondary supported member to the upper frame. This fastener has the following features: The second strain body has one end fixed to the upper frame and the other end fixed to the sub-supported member; as well as The second strain gauge is assembled on the second strain gauge.

12. A type of bed, having: The support structure as described in any one of claims 5 to 9, 11; and The bed board is assembled onto the upper frame.

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