Load detector, method of manufacturing same, and load detection system

Abstract

The invention provides a load detector, a method of manufacturing the same, and a load detection system. A load detector for detecting a load of a subject on a chassis (BD) having casters (CT) is provided with: a single plate section (1) supported on an installation surface (F) on which the load detector is installed and separated from the installation surface; and a slope part (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) provided around the plate part and extending between the surface of the plate part and the installation surface so as to be inclined with respect to the surface. The plate portion includes: a peripheral portion (13); a mounting part (11) on which the caster is mounted and which is provided on the inner side of the peripheral part so as to be separated from the peripheral part; and a connecting section (12) that connects the mounting section and the peripheral section. The load detector is further provided with a deformation sensor (G) attached to the connecting portion, and the slope portion includes at least two pairs of slopes (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) facing each other across the mounting portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on May 10, 2019, with application number 201980032649.2 and entitled "Load Detector and Manufacturing Method Thereof and Load Detection System". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a load detector, a method for manufacturing the load detector, and a load detection system comprising the load detector. Background Technology

[0003] In hospitals, nursing facilities, and similar settings, the load applied to the machine base is used to determine the presence of a patient or entrant on the base, or to obtain information such as the respiratory rate of a patient on the base. The load detector can be positioned in various locations, such as under the support legs of the machine base.

[0004] Patent document 1 discloses a load detector having a mounting plate portion integrally formed with a cantilever beam portion and a ramp adjacent to the mounting plate portion.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Specification of Japanese Patent No. 5143946

[0006] Typically, the bases used in hospitals and nursing facilities are equipped with small casters to assist in moving the base. However, since the base is heavy, it is difficult to say that the base with casters is easy to move, especially since placing the small casters on the legs of the base onto the mounting plate of the load detector as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a laborious and troublesome operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a load detector that allows the base's small casters to be easily mounted on the mounting section.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a load detector is provided for detecting the load of a subject on a base with small casters, wherein...

[0009] The above-mentioned load detector has the following features:

[0010] A single plate portion, which is supported separately from the mounting surface on the mounting surface where the load detector is mounted; and

[0011] A ramp portion is provided around the aforementioned plate portion and extends obliquely between the surface of the plate portion and the provided surface.

[0012] The aforementioned plate includes:

[0013] Peripheral Department;

[0014] A mounting section for mounting the aforementioned small casters is disposed on the inner side of the aforementioned peripheral portion, raised off the ground from the aforementioned peripheral portion; and

[0015] The connecting part connects the aforementioned mounting part and the aforementioned peripheral part.

[0016] The load detector also includes a deformation sensor mounted on the connection.

[0017] The aforementioned ramp portion includes at least two pairs of ramps facing each other across the aforementioned mounting portion.

[0018] The load detector of the first embodiment may also include a reinforcing part fixed to the lower surface of the aforementioned mounting portion.

[0019] Alternatively, in the load detector of the first embodiment, the mounting portion separates from the peripheral portion through a slit formed in the plate portion.

[0020] Alternatively, in the load detector of the first embodiment, the peripheral portion may have a frame shape that surrounds the mounting portion.

[0021] Alternatively, in the load detector of the first embodiment, the deformation sensor is mounted on the lower surface of the connecting portion.

[0022] Alternatively, in the load detector of the first embodiment, the upper surface of the mounting portion, the upper surface of the connecting portion, and the upper surface of the peripheral portion are the same surface.

[0023] Alternatively, in the load detector of the first embodiment, a recess is provided on the upper surface of the mounting portion to restrict the movement of the small caster.

[0024] Alternatively, in the load detector of the first embodiment, the upper surface of the mounting portion is a flat surface.

[0025] Alternatively, in the load detector of the first embodiment, multiple connecting portions are provided at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the mounting portion.

[0026] The load detector of the first embodiment may also include a support portion that supports the plate portion and a guide portion that includes the ramp portion.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a manufacturing method is provided, comprising the following steps in the manufacturing method of the load detector of the first aspect:

[0028] Casting a single component comprising the aforementioned plate portion and the aforementioned ramp portion;

[0029] The area of ​​the aforementioned component corresponding to the lower surface of the aforementioned connecting portion is cut or ground; and

[0030] Install deformation sensors in the areas cut or ground as described above.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a manufacturing method is provided, comprising the following steps in the manufacturing method of the load detector of the first aspect:

[0032] Casting a single component comprising the aforementioned plate portion and the aforementioned reinforcing portion;

[0033] The area of ​​the aforementioned component corresponding to the lower surface of the aforementioned connecting portion is cut or ground; and

[0034] Install deformation sensors in the areas cut or ground as described above.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a load detection system is provided for detecting the load of a subject on a base, wherein...

[0036] The above-mentioned load detection system has the following features:

[0037] Multiple load detectors; and

[0038] The control unit, connected to the aforementioned multiple load detectors, calculates the load of the subject based on the outputs of the multiple load detectors.

[0039] The aforementioned load detectors are load detectors for the first method.

[0040] The effects of the invention

[0041] According to one aspect of the load detector of the present invention, the small casters of the base can be easily placed on the mounting part. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the load detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a top view of the load detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a bottom view of the load detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0046] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the V-V line.

[0047] Figure 6 This represents an example of a mount placed on top of a load detector.

[0048] Figure 7 This is an illustrative diagram illustrating various ways in which the four small casters of the base are simultaneously mounted on four load detectors.

[0049] Figure 8 (a) in the text represents a modified example of a plate portion that is internally divided into a mounting portion, a connecting portion, and a peripheral portion.

[0050] Figure 8 (b) in the text represents other variations of a plate portion that is internally divided into a mounting portion, a connecting portion, and a peripheral portion.

[0051] Figure 9 (a) in the text represents an example of a recess that the mounting portion may have.

[0052] Figure 9 (b) in the text represents another example of a recess that the mounting portion may have.

[0053] Figure 10 (a) in the diagram is a top view showing a modified example of the guide section.

[0054] Figure 10 (b) in the figure is a top view showing other variations of the guide section.

[0055] Figure 11 (a) in the figure is a top view of the load detector of the modified example.

[0056] Figure 11 (b) is a side view of the load detector of the variant example.

[0057] Figure 12 This is a simplified diagram illustrating the structure of the load detection system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] <First Implementation>

[0059] For the load detector 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention, a base BD is mounted on the load detector 100. Figure 6 This will be illustrated using the example of detecting the load of the subject on the base BD.

[0060] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the load detector 100 mainly has a plate portion 1 that is square in top view and a frame-shaped guide portion 3 that is square in top view and is disposed around the plate portion 1. When using the load detector 100, the guide portion 3 is disposed on the floor surface (disposal surface) F ( Figure 4 , Figure 5The plate portion 1 is supported by the guide portion 3 and is arranged parallel to the floor surface F, separated from it. When the load detector 100 is arranged on the floor surface F, the height of the upper surface of the plate portion 1 from the floor surface F is not limited, and as an example, it can be about 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0061] In the following description, the center of plate 1 is defined as the center O of plate 1 and load detector 100. Furthermore, the direction extending along one side of plate 1 is defined as the X direction, and the direction extending along the other side of plate 1 orthogonal to this side is defined as the Y direction. The surface of load detector 100 facing the opposite side of floor surface F when it is positioned on floor surface F is defined as the upper surface of plate 1 and guide 3, and the surface opposite floor surface F is defined as the lower surface of plate 1 and guide 3.

[0062] Plate portion 1 is a single flat plate extending on the same plane, and is not limited to any particular material, such as stainless steel (SUS304, etc.). Plate portion 1 is divided into a mounting portion (mounting area) 11, a connecting portion (connecting area) 12, and a peripheral portion (peripheral area) 13 by four slits S1. The upper surfaces of mounting portion 11, connecting portion 12, and peripheral portion 13 are the same surface.

[0063] The four slits S1 have the same shape. A pair of slits are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center O in the X direction, with a straight line extending from the center O in the Y direction as the center line. A pair of slits are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the center O in the Y direction, with a straight line extending from the center O in the X direction as the center line. In other words, the four slits S1 are arranged with four rotational symmetries about the center O.

[0064] Each of the four slits S1 has: a first portion S11, which extends linearly along the edge direction (X direction or Y direction) of the plate portion 1; and a second portion S12, which extends from both ends of the first portion S11 in a diagonal direction of the plate portion 1 toward a direction separating from the center O. A rounded corner is provided at the front end of the second portion S12 so that the plate portion 1 will not break when the connecting portion 12 flexes.

[0065] The mounting portion 11 is a roughly square portion (area) located in the center of the plate portion 1, separated from the peripheral portion 13 by the first part S11 of the four slits S1. In this embodiment, the center of the mounting portion 11 coincides with the center O of the plate portion 1 and the load detector 100. When using the load detector 100, the small caster CT of the base BD is mounted on the upper surface 11a of the mounting portion 11. Figure 6 ).

[0066] On the lower surface 11b of the mounting portion 11 Figure 3A reinforcing member (reinforcing part) 2 is welded on. The reinforcing member 2 is provided to prevent or suppress possible deflection of the mounting part 11 when the small caster CT is mounted on the upper surface 11a of the mounting part 11. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 2 is a plate-shaped member that is attached parallel to the mounting part 11 and has four approximately triangular weight-reducing parts h. However, the shape of the reinforcing member 2 is not limited to this, and various shapes of members such as plate-shaped or beam-shaped members that can prevent or suppress possible deflection of the mounting part 11 can be used as the reinforcing member 2.

[0067] The connecting part 12 is the part (area) that connects the mounting part 11 and the peripheral part 13. It is divided into four sections at the four corners of the mounting part 11 by four slits S1.

[0068] The connecting portion 12 is a strip-shaped portion (region) divided by two opposing second portions S12 of two slits S1 that are circumferentially adjacent to each other around the center O within the four slits S1, extending from the corner of the mounting portion 11 toward the peripheral portion 13 along the diagonal direction of the plate portion 1. One end of the connecting portion 12 in the long side direction is continuous with the mounting portion 11, and the other end is continuous with the peripheral portion 13.

[0069] Four deformable elements G are attached to the lower surface 12b of each connecting portion 12. Two deformable elements G are attached near one end and two near the other end of the connecting portion 12 along its long side. The distance between the two deformable elements attached near one end of the connecting portion 12 and the center of the connecting portion 12 along its long side is equal to the distance between the two deformable elements attached near the other end of the connecting portion 12 and the center of the connecting portion 12 along its long side. Furthermore, the two deformable elements G attached to one end and the other end of the connecting portion 12 are each positioned equidistant from the center of the connecting portion 12 along its short side. By attaching the deformable elements G to the lower surface 12b, contact between the deformable elements G and small casters (CTs), etc., can be prevented.

[0070] The four deformers G attached to the connecting part 12 are interconnected by wiring (not shown) to form a Wheatstone bridge circuit WS.

[0071] The peripheral portion 13 is the part (region) located outside the four slits S1 with respect to the center O of the plate portion 1. The peripheral portion 13 mainly guides the small caster CT that reaches the plate portion 1 via the guide portion 3 smoothly to the mounting portion 11.

[0072] In this embodiment, the peripheral portion 13 is a frame-shaped portion (area) that surrounds the mounting portion 11 and the four connecting portions 12.

[0073] The guide portion 3 includes a first guide portion 31 and a third guide portion 33 disposed on both sides of the plate portion 1 in the X direction, and a second guide portion 32 and a fourth guide portion 34 disposed on both sides of the plate portion 1 in the Y direction.

[0074] The first guide portion 31 has a generally triangular prism shape. One end face 31c of the first guide portion 31 is inclined at 45° relative to the long side direction, and the other end face 31d is inclined at 45° relative to the long side direction and 90° relative to end face 31c. Therefore, the top view of the first guide portion 31 is trapezoidal. Figure 2 ).

[0075] The cross-section of the first guide section 31, orthogonal to the long side, is approximately a right-angled triangle. Figure 4 The upper surface of the first guide portion 31, which divides the cross-sectional shape with an inclined side, is a first ramp SL1 for guiding the small caster CT of the base BD onto the plate portion 1. In addition, a support groove g for supporting the plate portion 1 is provided at the upper end of the first ramp SL1.

[0076] The second guide portion 32 has the same shape as the first guide portion 31. The upper surface of the second guide portion 32 is a second ramp SL2.

[0077] The third guide portion 33 has a shape that is substantially the same as that of the first guide portion 31. The upper surface of the third guide portion 33 is a third ramp SL3.

[0078] On the other hand, unlike the first guide portion 31, a cubic connector mounting portion 331 that protrudes upwards toward the third slope SL3 is provided at one end of the long side of the third guide portion 33. A connector C for connecting the load detector 100 to an external power supply and data logger is provided on the outer side of the connector mounting portion 331.

[0079] Additionally, on the lower surface 33b of the third guide section 33 ( Figure 3 A wiring receiving path 332 (recessed) is provided.

[0080] The fourth guide portion 34 has a shape that is substantially the same as that of the first guide portion 31. The upper surface of the fourth guide portion 34 is a fourth ramp SL4.

[0081] On the other hand, unlike the first guide portion 31, the end face 34c of the fourth guide portion 34 in the long side direction ( Figure 2 It is perpendicular to the direction of the longer side.

[0082] The first guide portion 31, the second guide portion 32, the third guide portion 33, and the fourth guide portion 34 are arranged in this order around the center O in the circumferential direction surrounding the plate portion 1. The end portion of the plate portion 1 on one side in the X direction is disposed in the support groove g of the first guide portion 31 and fixed to the first guide portion 31 by a screw (not shown). The end portion on the other side in the X direction is disposed in the support groove g of the third guide portion 33 and fixed to the third guide portion 33 by a screw (not shown). Similarly, the end portion of the plate portion 1 on one side in the Y direction is disposed in the support groove g of the second guide portion 32 and fixed to the second guide portion 32 by a screw (not shown). The end portion on the other side in the Y direction is disposed in the support groove g of the fourth guide portion 34 and fixed to the fourth guide portion 34 by a screw (not shown).

[0083] Furthermore, when the first guide portion 31 to the fourth guide portion 34 are arranged around the plate portion 1, the opposing ends of the first guide portion 31 to the fourth guide portion 34 are as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown, the guide parts 3 are closely attached to each other in a frame-like manner.

[0084] Below the board portion 1, wiring (not shown) is provided for applying an input voltage to each of the Wheatstone bridge circuits WS configured in the connection portion 12 of the board portion 1. The wiring is connected to the connector C and each Wheatstone bridge circuit WS through the wiring receiving path 332.

[0085] Additionally, a totaling section (totaling circuit) 4 for totaling the outputs of each Wheatstone bridge circuit WS, wiring (not shown) connecting each Wheatstone bridge circuit WS to the totaling section 4, and wiring (not shown) connecting the totaling section 4 to the connector C via wiring receiving path 332 are provided on the lower surface 13b of the peripheral portion 13 of the board portion 1.

[0086] When performing load testing using load detector 100, firstly, the small caster CT of the base BD is placed on the mounting portion 11 of the plate portion 1. Specifically, the small caster CT is mounted on the plate portion 1 via any one of the ramps SL1 to SL4, and then positioned on the mounting portion 11 via the peripheral portion 13. In addition, the other three small caster CTs of the base BD are respectively placed on the other three load detectors 100.

[0087] The load of the subject on the base BD is transferred to the mounting part 11 via the legs BL and the small casters CT of the base BD. As a result, the four connecting parts 12 extending between the mounting part 11 and the peripheral part 13 fixed to the guide part 3 each flex, and the resistance value of the sixteen deformable instruments G attached to the four connecting parts 12 changes respectively.

[0088] The change in resistance value of the sixteen deformable instruments G is output as the change in output voltage of the four Wheatstone bridges WS. Furthermore, the changes in output voltage of the four Wheatstone bridges WS are summed in the summation section 4, and the load of the subject S is determined based on the obtained sum value.

[0089] The following summarizes the effects of the load detector 100 in this embodiment.

[0090] The load detector 100 of this embodiment has ramps SL1 and SL3 facing each other in the X direction across the mounting portion 11 on which the small caster CT of the base BD is mounted, and ramps SL2 and SL4 facing each other in the Y direction across the mounting portion 11. Therefore, the small caster CT of the base BD can be easily mounted on the mounting portion 11 from almost the entire area around the mounting portion 11 via at least one of the ramps SL1 to SL4.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, if four load detectors 100 are arranged on the floor of a hospital, nursing facility, etc., such that the distance between the centers O of load detectors 100 arranged in one direction is the same as the distance DL between the centers of the small caster CTs in the length direction of the base BD, and the distance between the centers O of load detectors 100 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned direction is the same as the distance DW between the centers of the small caster CTs in the width direction of the base BD, then the four small caster CTs of the base BD can be simultaneously and quickly placed on the mounting portion 11 of the four load detectors 100 from each direction (see reference). Figure 7 Arrows a1, a2, a3, a4).

[0092] This is particularly advantageous in situations where there are walls or medical equipment around the base BD, where there is insufficient working space to place the base BD on the load detector 100, where there is already a patient requiring emergency care on the base BD, or where it is necessary to place the base BD correctly on the load detector 100 without any hesitation.

[0093] Furthermore, even when sufficient working space and time are ensured for placing the base on the load detector, it may still be difficult for unskilled workers to move the base linearly in a predetermined direction, as defined by the load detector's structure, to simultaneously and correctly place multiple casters on multiple load detectors. However, with the load detector 100 of this embodiment, since various directions can be used as the orientation for placing the base BD on the load detector 100, even unskilled workers can simultaneously and correctly place multiple casters CT of the base BD on the mounting section 11 of multiple load detectors 100.

[0094] Furthermore, since the load detector 100 of this embodiment has ramps SL1 to SL4 of the guide portion 3 provided in almost the entire area around the mounting portion 11 on which the small caster CT of the base BD is mounted, the movement of the small caster CT mounted on the mounting portion 11 onto the floor surface F is also easy. When the direction for moving the small caster CT from the mounting portion onto the floor surface is limited due to the structure of the load detector, if the direction (travel direction) of the small caster CT on the mounting portion is inconsistent with this direction, it is necessary to adjust its direction by, for example, directly contacting the small caster CT with your hand while the small caster CT is stationary on the mounting portion, so that the travel direction of the small caster CT is consistent with this direction. However, since the load detector 100 of this embodiment can move the small caster CT from the mounting portion 11 to the floor surface F in various directions, this problem is avoided.

[0095] Because the load detector 100 of this embodiment has a structure in which a mounting portion 11, a connecting portion 12, and a peripheral portion 13 are formed inside a flat plate portion 1, and the plate portion 1 is supported by a guide portion 3, the distance (height) between the mounting portion 11 and the floor surface F is very small. Therefore, even when the base BD is mounted on the mounting portion 11, the upper surface BU of the base BD ( Figure 6 The distance (height) from the floor surface F will not change significantly. Since the height of the upper surface BU of the base BD is pre-optimized to be suitable for medical and nursing care of patients and caregivers on the base, it is advantageous to use it without significant changes. In addition, since the distance (height) of the mounting section 11 from the floor surface F is small, it is not necessary to expend a lot of effort to lift the small caster CT onto the mounting section 11 via ramps SL1 to SL4.

[0096] Since the mounting portion 11 and the connecting portion 12 in the load detector 100 of this embodiment are formed within a flat plate portion 1, and there are no walls, pressure measuring elements, etc. around the mounting portion 11, even if the casters of the CT base BD are covered, or if medical equipment, wiring, etc. are fixed to the legs BL of the CT base BD, there is no need to worry about a part of the load detector 100 coming into contact with the aforementioned cover, equipment, etc. Therefore, casters (bases) of various shapes can be mounted on the mounting portion 11 in a state that allows for accurate load detection.

[0097] In the load detector 100 of this embodiment, a reinforcing member 2 is provided on the lower surface of the mounting portion 11 of the plate portion 1 to prevent or suppress the deflection of the plate portion 1. As a result, the amount of deflection generated by the connecting portion 12 around the mounting portion 11 is optimized.

[0098] In the load detector 100 of this embodiment, a peripheral portion 13 and a mounting portion 11 separated from the peripheral portion 13 by a slit S1 are formed inside the plate-shaped plate portion 1. Therefore, a small caster CT that reaches the plate portion 1 via any of the ramps SL1 to SL4 can move smoothly onto the mounting portion 11 through the peripheral portion 13 and the slit S1 without having to cross a large gap that would impact the base BD and the patient on the base BD. In addition, since the peripheral portion 13 has a frame shape surrounding the mounting portion 11, even when the small caster CT reaches the plate portion 1 via any of the ramps SL1 to SL4, it can still move smoothly onto the mounting portion 11 through the peripheral portion 13 and the slit S1.

[0099] Furthermore, since the mounting portion 11, the connecting portion 12, and the peripheral portion 13 are on the same surface in the load detector 100 of this embodiment, the small caster CT that reaches the peripheral portion 13 can move smoothly onto the mounting portion 11.

[0100] Furthermore, since the upper surface of the plate portion 1 including the mounting portion 11 in the load detector 100 of this embodiment is a flat surface and there are no walls or the like that come into contact with the small caster CT to stop it, the small caster CT that reaches the mounting portion 11 will not cause a collision with the wall or the like that would impact the base BD or the subject on the base BD, and the base BD will be placed on the mounting portion 11.

[0101] The smooth movement and stopping of such a small caster CT scanner is particularly advantageous when there are emergency patients or physically weak caregivers on the BD base.

[0102] Since the load detector 100 of this embodiment has connecting portions 12 at the four corners of the rectangular mounting portion 11, the influence of bias error can be suppressed and load detection can be performed with high accuracy. Although bias error may occur in the output of each of the Wheatstone bridges WS of the four connecting portions 12 because the subject (small caster CT) is mounted at a position offset from the center O of the plate portion 1, the bias error of each of the four Wheatstone bridges WS is canceled out in the total value of the output of the four connecting portions 12 by the rotationally symmetrical arrangement of the four connecting portions 12 around the center O.

[0103] <Variation Example>

[0104] The following variations can also be used in the load detector 100 of the first embodiment.

[0105] The method of providing the mounting part 11, the connecting part 12, and the peripheral part 13 in the plate part 1 is not limited to the above-described method, and there are various other methods.

[0106] Specifically, for example, such as Figure 8As shown in (a), the slit S2, which includes an arc-shaped first part S21 and a second part S22 extending linearly from both ends of the first part S21, can also be formed to have three rotational symmetries centered on the center O of the plate part 1.

[0107] In this configuration, a roughly circular mounting portion 11 centered on center O is divided at the center of the plate portion 1 by the first portion S21 of the slit S2. Furthermore, three elongated connecting portions 12 extending radially from the mounting portion 11 are divided at three equally spaced points along the circumference of the mounting portion 11 by the second portion S22 of the slit S2. The portion of the plate portion 1 excluding the mounting portion 11 and the connecting portions 12 constitutes the peripheral portion 13. In this configuration, the mounting portion 11 is also surrounded by the peripheral portion 13 on its inner side, which has a frame-like shape. Additionally, the mounting portion 11 is separated from the peripheral portion 13 by the slit S2.

[0108] In the plate portion 1 of the first embodiment and its variations, the number of connecting portions 12 divided around the mounting portion 11 is not limited to four or three, but is arbitrary. Specifically, for example, it can be eight or six. By arranging the multiple connecting portions 12 at equal intervals around the center O in the circumferential direction, the same effect of suppressing the influence of offset error can be achieved as in the plate portion 1 of the first embodiment.

[0109] like Figure 8 As shown in (b), a pair of approximately L-shaped slits S3, having a first portion S31 extending linearly in the Y direction and a second portion S32 extending linearly in the X direction, can also be formed symmetrically with a line segment extending in the X direction through the center O as the center line.

[0110] In this configuration, a mounting portion 11 is defined in the region on one side of the first portion S31 of the slit S3 in the X direction, and a long connecting portion 12 is defined between the second portions S32 of the pair of slits S3. The portion of the plate portion 1 other than the mounting portion 11 and the connecting portion 12 forms the peripheral portion 13. Furthermore, in this configuration, the portion of the mounting portion 11 that faces the ramps SL1, SL2, and SL4 is configured to be separated from the ramps SL1, SL2, and SL4 with a gap. The small caster CT, which is introduced into the mounting portion 11 via the ramps SL1, SL2, and SL4, is mounted on the mounting portion 11 without passing through the peripheral portion 13.

[0111] In both the plate portion 1 of the first embodiment and the plate portion 1 of the above-described modified examples, the mounting portion 11 is disposed separately from the peripheral portion inside the peripheral portion 13. Here, "inner side of the peripheral portion" refers to the area within the plate portion located at the center side of the plate portion with reference to the peripheral portion.

[0112] In the first embodiment and its variations described above, the connecting portion 12 is elongated, specifically rectangular, but not limited thereto. When the small caster CT is mounted on the mounting portion 11, the connecting portion 12 flexes, and can be any shape capable of load detection via the deformable device G attached to the connecting portion 12.

[0113] In the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, the upper surfaces of the mounting portion 11, the connecting portion 12, and the peripheral portion 13 of the plate portion 1 are the same surface, but this is not a limitation. For example, the upper surface of the mounting portion 11 may be positioned lower than the upper surface of the peripheral portion 13, such that the connecting portion 12 is inclined downward from the peripheral portion 13 toward the mounting portion 11. As a result, the height of the mounting portion 11 from the floor surface can be further reduced, and the variation in the height of the upper surface BU of the base BD can be further reduced.

[0114] In the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, the upper surface 11a of the mounting portion 11 is a flat surface. However, it is not limited to this, and a recess R for limiting the movement of the small caster CT may also be provided on the upper surface 11a of the mounting portion 11.

[0115] like Figure 9 As shown in (a), the recess R can be a rectangular recess with a flat bottom Rb and slopes Rs extending from Rb to both sides in the X and Y directions. Or, as shown in (a), Figure 9 As shown in (b), the recess R can also be a recess with a flat, circular bottom Rb in top view and a slope Rs surrounding Rb, also circular in top view. Alternatively, the recess R can be any shape capable of restricting the movement of the caster wheel. In this modified example, the caster wheel CT, mounted on the mounting portion 11, is embedded in the recess R and its movement is restricted. Furthermore, the center of the bottom Rb can be aligned with the center O of the plate portion 1. In this case, the caster wheel CT embedded in the recess R is restricted from movement in a state where it is aligned with the center O of the plate portion 1 and more accurate measurements can be performed.

[0116] In the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, a reinforcing member 2 for preventing or suppressing the deflection of the mounting portion 11 is fixed on the lower surface 11b of the mounting portion 11, but the reinforcing member 2 may be omitted.

[0117] In the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, a four-gauge method is used, in which four deformable gauges G are respectively attached to the connecting portion 12 of the plate portion 1, forming a Wheatstone bridge WS through them, but it is not limited to this. For example, a single-gauge method or a two-gauge method can also be used, so that the number of deformable gauges attached to the connecting portion 12 is one or two. In addition, any deformation detector capable of detecting the deformation generated in the connecting portion 12 can be used instead of the deformable gauges. They are collectively referred to as deformation sensors.

[0118] In the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, the ramps SL1 to SL4 of the guide portion 3 are provided in almost the entire area around the plate portion 1, except for the portion where the connector mounting portion 331 is provided, but it is not limited to this. Specifically, for example, as Figure 10 As shown in (a), it can also be configured such that the end faces on both sides of the long side in the first guide portion 31 to the fourth guide portion 34 are orthogonal to the long side direction, and no slope is formed near the corner of the plate portion 1. In this way, the small caster CT can be easily mounted on the mounting portion 11 via both sides in the X direction and both sides in the Y direction.

[0119] Or, such as Figure 10 As shown in (b), the third guide portion 33 and the fourth guide portion 34 can also have the same shape as the first guide portion 31, with a ramp formed over the entire area surrounding the mounting portion 11. In this configuration, which does not have the connector mounting portion 331 and the connector C, power supply to the load detector 100 and output extraction can be performed wirelessly, for example. Alternatively, it can extend to the underside of the load detector 100 via wiring extending inside the floor surface F.

[0120] In the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, the guide portion 3, which includes ramps SL1 to SL4, supports the plate portion 1 (i.e., the support portion supporting the plate portion and the ramp are integrally formed), but it is not limited to this. The support portion supporting the plate portion 1 and the ramp for guiding the small caster CT to the plate portion 1 can be separate components. Specifically, for example, the lower surface of the plate portion 1 is placed on a frame-shaped support portion that is square in plan view to support the outer periphery of the plate portion 1, and a plate-shaped ramp, separate from the frame-shaped support portion, is installed on the upper surface of the plate portion 1 on the four sides of the plate portion 1, thereby forming a ramp for guiding the small caster CT on the floor surface F to the mounting portion 11. Alternatively, the ramp itself can be the support portion supporting the plate portion. Specifically, for example, the upper end of the plate-shaped ramp is fixed to the outer periphery of the plate portion 1, and the plate portion 1 is supported by the ramp.

[0121] In the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, the top view shape of the plate portion 1 is square, and the top view shape of the guide portion 3 is a square frame shape, but it is not limited to this. The top view shape of the plate portion 1 may also be rectangular, and the top view shape of the guide portion 3 may be a rectangular frame shape.

[0122] Or, such as Figure 11 The load detector 200 shown in the modified examples (a) and (b) can also be configured to have a plate portion 201 that is circular when viewed from above and a guide portion 203 that is annular when viewed from above.

[0123] The plate portion 201 is divided into a circular mounting portion 211, four elongated connecting portions 212, and a roughly annular peripheral portion 213 by four slits S201 arranged with four rotational symmetries centered on the center O of the plate portion 201. A ramp SL covering approximately the entire circumferential area of ​​the plate portion 201 and a connector mounting portion 2031 formed at a location where the ramp SL is not present are formed on the upper surface of the guide portion 203. A connector C is mounted on the connector mounting portion 2031.

[0124] Furthermore, in the modified example, a series of ramps SL that are roughly circular in plan view are formed around the circular plate portion 201, as in this modified example, ramps SL also exist on both sides of the two mutually orthogonal radial directions of the plate portion 201. Therefore, it can be considered that at least two pairs of ramps are provided on both sides of the plate portion 201 in the X direction and on both sides of the plate portion 201 in the Y direction.

[0125] The load detectors of the first embodiment and its variations can also be used for load detection of patients on stretchers and delivery tables. In this invention, the term "base" also includes equipment other than the base, configured as stretchers, delivery tables, etc., used in medical facilities and nursing facilities where patients or cared-for personnel lie.

[0126] <Manufacturing Method>

[0127] Next, the manufacturing method of the load detector 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0128] In the manufacture of the load detector 100, firstly, a stainless steel sheet is cut into squares to obtain a plate portion 1. Furthermore, four slits S1 are formed in the plate portion 1, and the interior of the plate portion 1 is divided into a mounting portion 11, a connecting portion 12, and a peripheral portion 13. Additionally, first guide members 31 to fourth guide members 34 constituting the guide portion 3 are prepared by casting or the like.

[0129] Next, the reinforcing member 2 is fixed to the lower surface 11b of the mounting part 11 by welding, and four deformable elements G are attached to the lower surface 12b of each of the four connecting parts 12. At this time, a deformable element unit with four deformable elements G arranged in a specified positional relationship on a thin sheet can also be used.

[0130] Next, the outer periphery of the plate portion 1 is placed in the support groove g of the first guide portion 31 to the fourth guide portion 34, and the plate portion 1 is fixed to the first guide portion 31 to the fourth guide portion 34 by fasteners such as screws.

[0131] Finally, in each of the four connecting parts 12, four deformers are connected by wiring to form a Wheatstone bridge WG, and the total part 4 and connector C are arranged, and wiring is implemented to connect them.

[0132] Alternatively, a structure consisting of a plate portion 1 with four slits S1 and a reinforcing member 2 fixed to the mounting portion 11 can be integrally formed by casting. In this case, after obtaining this structure by casting, the area corresponding to the back surface 12b of the four connecting portions 12 is cut or ground to reduce the surface roughness of that area and to adjust the thickness of the connecting portions 12. This is to ensure proper adhesion of the deformable device G and to make the thicknesses of the four connecting portions 12 equal, thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the load detector 100.

[0133] Afterwards, the deformation device G is attached to the connecting part 12, the plate part 1 is fixed to the first guide part 31 to the fourth guide part 34 based on the same process as above, and wiring is performed, thereby obtaining the load detector 100.

[0134] Alternatively, the plate portion 1 with four slits S and the structure corresponding to the guide portion 3 can be integrally formed by casting. In this case, after obtaining this structure by casting, the area corresponding to the back surface 12b of the four connecting portions 12 in the structure is also cut or ground to reduce the surface roughness of the area and adjust the thickness of the connecting portions 12. Furthermore, it is also possible to further include a structure corresponding to the reinforcing member 2 integrally formed.

[0135] Afterwards, the deformation instrument G-direction connection 12 is pasted and wired to obtain the load detector 100.

[0136] <Second Implementation>

[0137] Reference Figure 12 The load detection system 500 of the second embodiment is described.

[0138] The load detection system 500 mainly consists of four load detectors 100 and a controller CONT. The four load detectors 100 and the controller CONT are connected by wiring.

[0139] When using the load detection system 500, the four load detectors 100 are positioned on the floor surface F in a manner corresponding to the four small casters CT of the base BD. Figure 7 Furthermore, the base BD is moved in any direction and placed on the four load detectors 100 via any of the ramps SL1 to SL4. Thus, the four load detectors 100 respectively detect a portion of the load of the subject on the base BD applied via the legs BL of the base BD.

[0140] The controller CONT, which is connected to the four load detectors 100, sums the outputs from the four load detectors 100 to determine the load value of the subject on the base BD.

[0141] Since the load detection system 500 of this embodiment uses the load detector 100 of the first embodiment, it can achieve the same effect as the load detector 100 of the first embodiment. In particular, it is possible to simultaneously and quickly place the four small casters CT of the base BD onto the mounting parts 11 of the four load detectors 100 from all directions.

[0142] As long as the characteristics of the present invention are maintained, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other methods conceived within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0143] Industrial availability

[0144] According to the load detector of the present invention, the base can be easily mounted on the mounting part using small casters. Therefore, when used in hospitals, nursing facilities, etc., even in situations where there is insufficient space or time, the base can be easily and correctly positioned on the load detector, which can help improve the quality of medical care and nursing.

[0145] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0146] 1, 201…plate section; 2…reinforcing component; 3, 203…guide component; 4…total section; 11, 211…mounting section; 12, 212…connecting section; 13, 213…peripheral section; 31…first guide section; 32…second guide section; 33…third guide section; 34…fourth guide section; 100, 200…load detector; 331, 2031…connector mounting section; 500…load detection system; BD…base; CT…small caster; S, S2, S3, S201…slit; SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL…ramp; R…recess.

Claims

1. A load detector for detecting the load of a subject on a base with small casters, characterized in that, The load detector has the following features: A single plate portion, which is supported separately from the mounting surface on which the load detector is mounted; and A ramp portion is disposed around the plate portion and extends obliquely between the surface of the plate portion and the disposed surface. The plate portion includes: Peripheral Department; A mounting section for mounting the small casters is disposed on the inner side of the peripheral portion, raised off the ground from the peripheral portion; and The connecting portion connects the mounting portion and the peripheral portion. The load detector also includes a deformation sensor installed at the connection. The ramp portion includes at least two pairs of ramps facing each other across the mounting portion. The mounting portion is quadrilateral. The connecting portion includes four rectangular connecting portions located at the four corners of the mounting portion. The four rectangular connecting portions each have one end continuous with the mounting portion along their long side, and the other end continuous with the peripheral portion.

2. The load detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate portion is quadrilateral. The long side of each of the four rectangular connecting portions extends along the diagonal direction of the plate portion.

3. The load detector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting portion, the connecting portion, and the peripheral portion are divided by four slits formed in the plate portion. Each of the four rectangular connecting portions is formed by dividing the plate portion by two circumferentially adjacent slits among the four slits.

4. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The ends of the slit are provided with rounded corners.

5. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The load detector also includes a reinforcing portion fixed to the lower surface of the mounting portion.

6. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The peripheral portion has a frame shape that surrounds the mounting portion.

7. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The deformation sensor in each of the four rectangular connecting parts includes two deformation sensors installed on the lower surface of one end of the rectangular connecting part along the long side, and two deformation sensors installed on the lower surface of the other end of the rectangular connecting part along the long side.

8. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The upper surface of the mounting portion, the upper surface of the connecting portion, and the upper surface of the peripheral portion are the same surface.

9. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, A recess is provided on the upper surface of the mounting part to restrict the movement of the small caster.

10. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The upper surface of the mounting part is a flat surface.

11. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The connecting portion is provided at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the mounting portion.

12. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The load detector also includes a support portion that supports the plate portion and a guide component that includes the ramp portion.

13. The load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The ramp portion is formed in the entire area surrounding the mounting portion.

14. A method for manufacturing a load detector according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, Include: Casting a single component comprising the plate portion and the ramp portion; The area of ​​the component corresponding to the lower surface of the connecting portion is cut or ground; and A deformation sensor is installed in the area cut or ground.

15. A method for manufacturing the load detector according to claim 5, characterized in that, Casting a single component comprising the plate portion and the reinforcing portion; The area of ​​the component corresponding to the lower surface of the connecting part is cut or ground; as well as A deformation sensor is installed in the area cut or ground.

16. A load detection system for detecting the load of a subject on a base, characterized in that, The load detection system has the following features: Multiple load detectors; and The control unit, connected to the plurality of load detectors, calculates the load of the subject based on the outputs of the plurality of load detectors. The plurality of load detectors are load detectors as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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