Hand rail and bed

Abstract

To provide a hand rail which can follow lift up / down of a bed body and allows a user to safely walk along a bed, and the bed.SOLUTION: A hand rail comprises: a first coupling part 21 coupled to a bed body 10 with a lift mechanism; a second coupling part 22 coupled to a floor type hand rail 30; an extensible and contractible hand rail part 23 having a first rotation part rotatably coupled to the first coupling part 21 and a second rotation part rotatably coupled to the second coupling part 22; and a switching mechanism for switching a state between a movable state for allowing extension / contraction of the hand rail part 23, rotation of the first rotation part to the first coupling part 21, and rotation of the second rotation part to the second coupling part 22, and a non-movable state not for allowing them. The switching mechanism is configured to switch the state of the hand rail part 23, the first rotation part, and the second rotation part to the movable state, in lifting up / down of the bed body 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a handrail and a bed. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a bed and a handrail device for nursing care placed on the floor are connected by a handrail bar. The handrail bar is fixed in an immovable state to the bed and the handrail device for nursing care by bolts or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3096533 [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-185242 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the bed of Patent Document 1 is converted into a bed with a lifting function, the handrail bar must be a connecting handrail auxiliary that is extendable and has both ends that can rotate relative to the support, as disclosed in Patent Document 2. If the movable part of the connecting handrail auxiliary is always in a movable state so that it can follow the lifting and lowering of the bed, when the user leans on the handrail, the handrail may shift, causing the user to lose balance or fall. On the other hand, if the bed is raised or lowered with the movable part of the connecting handrail auxiliary in a non-movable state, the handrail device placed on the floor is lifted up, making it unstable and unusable, and there is a risk of the handrail device being damaged.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a handrail and a bed that can follow the rising and lowering of the bed body and allow a user to walk along it safely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A handrail according to one embodiment includes a first connecting part connected to a bed body with a lifting function, a second connecting part connected to a fixed member located away from the bed body, a first end part rotatably connected to the first connecting part, and a second end part rotatably connected to the second connecting part, and is extendable and retractable, and a switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that enables the handrail part to extend and retract, the first end part to rotate about the first connecting part, and the second end part to rotate about the second connecting part, and a non-movable state that disables the handrail part to extend and retract, the first end part to rotate about the first connecting part, and the second end part to rotate about the second connecting part. The switching mechanism is configured to set the handrail part, the first end, and the second end part to the movable state when the bed body is raised or lowered.

[0007] A handrail according to one embodiment includes a first connecting part connected to a bed body with a lifting function, a second connecting part connected to a fixed member located away from the bed body, a first end part rotatably connected to the first connecting part, and a second end part rotatably connected to the second connecting part, and includes an extendable handrail part and a switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that allows the handrail part to be extended or retracted, and a non-movable state that prevents the handrail part from being extended or retracted. The switching mechanism is configured to set the handrail part to the movable state when the bed body is raised or lowered.

[0008] The switching mechanism may have an actuator unit, and be configured such that, based on a signal from the bed body regarding the lifting and lowering operation of the bed body, the actuator unit operates to change the handrail portion, the first end, and the second end, or the handrail portion from the non-movable state to the movable state, and that, based on a signal from the bed body regarding the completion of the lifting and lowering operation of the bed body, the actuator unit operates to change the handrail portion, the first end, and the second end, or the handrail portion from the movable state to the non-movable state.

[0009] The switching mechanism has an actuator unit, and in response to a signal from the bed body regarding the raising and lowering operation of the bed body, the actuator unit is configured to extend and retract the handrail portion, rotate the first end relative to the first connecting portion, and rotate the second end relative to the second connecting portion, or may be configured to extend and retract the handrail portion.

[0010] The switching mechanism may have an actuator unit and a motion detection unit that detects a specified motion of the user, and when the motion detection unit does not detect the specified motion of the user, the actuator unit is configured to put the handrail portion, the first end, and the second end, or the handrail portion, in the movable state, and when the motion detection unit detects the specified motion of the user, the actuator unit is configured to change the handrail portion, the first end, and the second end, or the handrail portion from the movable state to the non-movable state.

[0011] The motion detection unit is a contact detection unit that is provided on part or all of the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the handrail portion and detects contact by the user, and the specified motion may be the user's contact with the contact detection unit.

[0012] The switching mechanism may have a manual switch unit that is manually operated by a user, and an electric wire connected to a control unit of the bed body and the manual switch unit, and is configured so that when the user manually operates the manual switch unit, the handrail unit, the first end unit, and the second end unit, or the handrail unit, are switched from the non-movable state to the movable state, or from the movable state to the non-movable state, and the manual switch unit may be configured to transmit a signal corresponding to manual operation by the user to the bed body via the electric wire.

[0013] The handrail according to one embodiment is a floor-mounted handrail to which a connecting handrail is connected, which is connected to a bed body with a lifting function, and includes a base installed on the floor surface, a support pillar provided on the upper side of the base, a handrail section provided on the upper side of the support pillar, and an actuator that raises and lowers the handrail section via the support pillar. The actuator is configured to raise and lower the handrail section via the support pillar based on a signal from the bed body regarding the lifting and lowering operation of the bed body.

[0014] A handrail according to one embodiment includes an extendable handrail portion having a first connecting portion connected to a bed body with a lifting function, a second connecting portion connected to a fixed member located away from the bed body, a first end portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion, and a second end portion rotatably connected to the second connecting portion.

[0015] A bed according to one embodiment includes a bed body with a lifting function and a connecting handrail connected to the bed body. The connecting handrail has a first connecting part connected to the bed body, a second connecting part connected to a fixed member located away from the bed body, a first end rotatably connected to the first connecting part, and a second end rotatably connected to the second connecting part, and includes an extendable handrail part and a switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that enables the handrail part to extend and retract, the first end to rotate about the first connecting part, and the second end to rotate about the second connecting part, and a non-movable state that disables the handrail part to extend and retract, the first end to rotate about the first connecting part, and the second end to rotate about the second connecting part, and the switching mechanism is configured to make the handrail part, the first end, and the second end movable when the bed body is raised or lowered.

[0016] A bed according to one embodiment includes a bed body with a lifting function and a connecting handrail connected to the bed body. The connecting handrail has a first connecting part connected to the bed body, a second connecting part connected to a fixed member located away from the bed body, a first end part rotatably connected to the first connecting part, and a second end part rotatably connected to the second connecting part, and includes an extendable handrail part and a switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that allows the handrail part to be extended or retracted and a non-movable state that prevents the handrail part from being extended or retracted, and the switching mechanism is configured to switch the handrail part to the movable state when the bed body is raised or lowered.

[0017] A bed according to one embodiment includes a bed body with a lifting function, a connecting handrail having one end connected to the bed body, and a floor-mounted handrail connected to the other end of the connecting handrail. The floor-mounted handrail includes a base installed on a floor surface, a support pillar provided on the upper side of the base, a handrail section provided on the upper side of the support pillar, and an actuator that raises and lowers the handrail section via the support pillar, and is configured to operate the actuator based on a signal from the bed body regarding the lifting and lowering operation of the bed body to raise and lower the handrail section via the support pillar.

[0018] A bed according to one embodiment includes a bed body with a lifting function and a connecting handrail connected to the bed body. The connecting handrail has a first connecting part connected to the bed body, a second connecting part connected to a fixed member located away from the bed body, a first end part rotatably connected to the first connecting part, and a second end part rotatably connected to the second connecting part, and includes an extendable handrail part. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The present invention can provide a handrail and a bed that can follow the rising and lowering of the bed body and allow a user to walk along it safely. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a bed and a floor-mounted handrail according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bed 1 in FIG. 1 in a raised state. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connecting handrail according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] A schematic cross-sectional view of a connecting handrail according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] A schematic cross-sectional view of a connecting handrail according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connecting handrail according to a fourth embodiment, and (b) is an explanatory diagram of a manual switch unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of a bed and a floor-mounted handrail according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a connecting handrail according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of a bed according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an overall perspective view of a bed according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a bed 1 and a floor-mounted handrail 30 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bed 1 in FIG. 1 in a raised state. The bed 1 is a bed used, for example, in nursing care sites. The bed 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape elongated in a plan view in order to support the body of a person lying down. In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the bed body 1 is the "length direction" of the bed body 1, the head side of the bed 1 is the "front side", and the foot side is the "rear side". The direction perpendicular to the length direction of the bed 1 is the "width direction". In the width direction of the bed, the right side (or right direction) of a user lying on the bottom 15 is the "right side" or simply the "right", and the left side (or left direction) is the "left side" or simply the "left".

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bed 1 includes a bed body 10 and a connecting handrail 20. The bed body 10 includes a base frame 11, a lifting mechanism 12, a lifting frame 13, side rails 14, a bottom 15, a headboard 16, a footboard 17, and a control box 18 (see Figure 3).

[0024] The base frame 11 has a pair of main beams 11A extending in the length direction, one on each side. The pair of main beams 11A are connected to each other by a pair of beams 11B extending in the width direction, and as a whole, form an integrated, substantially rectangular base frame 11. The base frame 11 has legs 11C attached to each of its four corners, for example.

[0025] The lifting mechanism 12 mainly comprises a pair of left and right X-link mechanisms 12A and a lifting actuator 12B that drives the pair of X-link mechanisms 12A. The pair of X-link mechanisms 12A and the lifting motor 12B are mounted on a base frame 11. Each of the left and right X-link mechanisms 12A has a rod-shaped first link 12A1 and a rod-shaped second link 12A2, and the first link 12A1 and the second link 12A2 are axially connected to each other so as to be rotatable at their respective midpoints in the longitudinal direction. Each of the left and right X-link mechanisms 12A (the first link 12A1 and the second link 12A2) is connected at its lower end to the base frame 11 and at its upper end to the lifting frame 13. The pair of left and right X-link mechanisms 12A are connected to each other by a plurality of beams 12C and move together.

[0026] The lift actuator 12B has an electric motor 12B1 and a cylinder 12B2 that is driven by the electric motor 12B1 to expand and contract. A force point at the tip of the cylinder 12B2 is rotatably connected to one of the beams connecting the pair of X-link mechanisms 12A. When the cylinder 12B2 expands, the upper end of the pair of X-link mechanisms 12A rises, and the lift frame 13 and the bottom 15 above it rise. Conversely, when the cylinder 12B2 contracts, the lift frame 13 and the bottom 15 descend. The lift actuator 12B is supported by a support beam 11D of the base frame 11.

[0027] The lifting frame 13 has a plurality of frames arranged along the length direction, and the plurality of frames are joined together to form a single frame. Holders 13A are provided on both the left and right sides of the front and rear sides of the lifting frame 13.

[0028] The side fence 14 is detachably attached to the front holder 13A. The side fence 14 is provided to prevent the user from falling and to assist the user in standing up. The side fence 14 has a handrail portion 14A.

[0029] The bottom 15 supports from below a bed mat (not shown) on which a recumbent person lies. The bottom 15 is attached to a pair of main beams of the lifting frame 13. The bottom 15 has a plurality of elements, for example, a back bottom 15A, a waist bottom 15B, and a knee-leg bottom 15C. The angles of the back bottom 15A and the knee-leg bottom 15C can be changed relative to the waist bottom 15B by at least one electric actuator.

[0030] The headboard 16 is attached to the front end of the lift frame 13. The footboard 17 is attached to the rear end of the lift frame 13.

[0031] The control box 18 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the lift frame 13, has a control unit (not shown), and can control the lift mechanism 12 and the bending of the bottom 15. The control unit (not shown) has, for example, a control computer having a calculation unit, a storage unit, etc. The control box 18 is connected to electric wires extending from the lift motor, electric wires extending from the electric actuator, electric wires extending from a hand switch (not shown), and electric wires 24D-24E (see FIG. 3) extending from the connecting handrail 20. The hand switch is a switch for operating the lift mechanism 12 and the bending of the bottom 15.

[0032] The connecting handrail 20 has one end connected to the bed body 10 and the other end connected to a stationary floor-mounted handrail 30. The floor-mounted handrail 30 is provided at a position away from the bed body 10 and has a base 31, two posts 32, and a handrail section 33. The base 31 is rectangular and is installed on the floor surface. The two posts 32 are attached to the base 31. The handrail section 33 is attached to the posts 32. The floor-mounted handrail 30 is configured so that the height of the handrail section 33 can be adjusted. The floor-mounted handrail 30 corresponds to a fixed member.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting handrail 20. The connecting handrail 20 includes a first connecting portion 21, a second connecting portion 22, a handrail portion 23, and a switching mechanism 24. The first connecting portion 21 has a first support post connecting portion 21A and a first pivot support portion 21B. The first support post connecting portion 21A is connected to the support of the handrail portion 14A (see FIG. 1). The first pivot support portion 21B has a semi-cylindrical portion having an arc-shaped tip. The second connecting portion 22 has a second support post connecting portion 22A and a second pivot support portion 22B. The second support post connecting portion 22A is connected to the support of the handrail portion 33 (see FIG. 1). The second pivot support portion 22B has a semi-cylindrical portion having an arc-shaped tip 22C.

[0034] The handrail portion 23 has a thick tube 23A, a thin tube 23B, a first rotating portion 23C, and a second rotating portion 23D. The thin tube 23B is fitted into the thick tube 23A so as to be slidable in the axial direction of the thick tube 23A. This allows the handrail portion 23 to expand and contract. The thin tube 23B has a plurality of holes (not shown) formed along its axial direction. The first rotating portion 23C is attached to the end of the thick tube 23A and has a semi-cylindrical portion with an arc-shaped tip. The semi-cylindrical portion of the first rotating portion 23C is rotatably connected to the semi-cylindrical portion of the first rotating support portion 21B. The second rotating portion 23D is attached to the end of the thin tube 23B and has a semi-cylindrical portion with an arc-shaped tip. The semi-cylindrical portion of the second rotating portion 23D is rotatably connected to the semi-cylindrical portion 22C of the second rotating support portion 22B. A plurality of holes (not shown) are formed in each of the first and second rotating parts 23C and 23D along the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of each of the first and second rotating parts 23C and 23D. The first rotating part 23C corresponds to a first end portion, and the second rotating part 23D corresponds to a second end portion.

[0035] The switching mechanism 24 has three solenoids 24A to 24C and three electric wires 24D to 24F. The solenoids 24A to 24C and the electric wires 24D to 24F correspond to an actuator unit. The solenoid 24A is fixed to the first rotation support unit 21B and has a solenoid pin 24G. The solenoid pin 24G is configured to be in a protruding state or a retracted state. One end of the electric wire 24D is connected to the solenoid 24A, and the other end is connected to the control box 18.

[0036] The solenoid 24B is fixed to the semi-cylindrical portion 22C of the second rotation support portion 22B, and has a solenoid pin 24H. The solenoid pin 24H is configured to be in a protruding or retracted state. One end of the electric wire 24E is connected to the solenoid 24B, and the other end is connected to the control box 18. The solenoid 24C is fixed to the end of the thick tube 23A on the second connecting portion 22 side, and has a solenoid pin 24J. The solenoid pin 24J is configured to be in a protruding or retracted state. One end of the electric wire 24F is connected to the solenoid 24C, and the other end is connected to the control box 18.

[0037] When the solenoid pin 24G is in a protruding state, the solenoid pin 24G is in one of the multiple holes of the first rotation part 23C, and the first rotation part 23C cannot rotate relative to the first connecting part 21. When the solenoid pin 24G is in a retracted state, the solenoid pin 24G is not in one of the multiple holes of the first rotation part 23C, and the first rotation part 23C can rotate relative to the first connecting part 21.

[0038] When the solenoid pin 24H is in a protruding state, the solenoid pin 24H is in one of the multiple holes of the second rotation part 23D, and the second rotation part 23D cannot rotate relative to the second connecting part 22. When the solenoid pin 24H is in a retracted state, the solenoid pin 24H is not in one of the multiple holes of the second rotation part 23D, and the second rotation part 23D can rotate relative to the second connecting part 22.

[0039] When the solenoid pin 24J is in the protruding state, the solenoid pin 24J is inserted into one of the multiple holes in the thin tube 23B, and the handrail portion 23 cannot extend or retract. When the solenoid pin 24J is in the retracted state, the solenoid pin 24J is not inserted into any of the multiple holes in the thin tube 23B, and the handrail portion 23 can extend or retract.

[0040] Based on a signal from the control box 18, the switching mechanism 24 can be switched between a non-movable state in which all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, and 24J are protruding, disabling the extension and retraction of the handrail section 23, the rotation of the first rotating section 23C relative to the first connecting section 21, and the rotation of the second rotating section 23D relative to the second connecting section 22, or a movable state in which all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, and 24J are retracted, enabling the extension and retraction of the handrail section 23, the rotation of the first rotating section 23C relative to the first connecting section 21, and the rotation of the second rotating section 23D relative to the second connecting section 22. In this embodiment, a solenoid pin is used for the switching mechanism, but the actuator section of the switching mechanism 24 may be hydraulic or pneumatic, and is not limited to a solenoid pin. It is not limited to a lock mechanism that inserts and removes a pin, and may be a brake mechanism that uses frictional force.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the user is not raising or lowering the bed body 10, the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D are in a non-movable state by the switching mechanism 24. When the user operates the hand switch to raise or lower the bed body 10, the solenoids 24A to 24C are actuated by a signal related to the raising or lowering operation from the control box 18, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D are switched from a non-movable state to a movable state. As a result, the connecting handrail 20 expands and contracts and rotates in accordance with the raising or lowering of the bed body 10. When the raising or lowering operation is completed, the solenoids 24A to 24C are actuated by a signal related to the end of the raising or lowering operation from the control box 18, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D are returned from the movable state to the non-movable state.

[0042] In this way, according to the connecting handrail 20 of this embodiment, the length and angle of the connecting handrail 20 can be automatically adjusted to follow the movement of the bed body 10 when the bed body 10 is raised or lowered. Also, the user can safely walk along the connecting handrail 20. As a result, the bed body 10 with a lifting function and the floor-mounted handrail 30 can be connected by the connecting handrail 20, and the path for walking along the connecting handrail 20 from the sleeping place to the toilet or the like can be seamlessly connected.

[0043] Next, a connecting handrail 120 according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting handrail 120. The same components as those of the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers and will not be described. In the switching mechanism 24 of the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment, three solenoids 24A to 24C were provided as actuators, but in the switching mechanism 124 of the connecting handrail 120 of this embodiment, three motors 124A to 124C are provided instead.

[0044] The motor 124A is fixed to the first rotation support part 21B. The output shaft of the motor 124A is connected to a rotation shaft (not shown) of the first rotation part 23C. As a result, when the motor 124A rotates, the first rotation part 23C rotates with respect to the first connecting part 21 via the rotation shaft (not shown). The motor 124B is fixed to the second rotation support part 22B. The output shaft of the motor 124B is connected to a rotation shaft (not shown) of the second rotation part 23D. As a result, when the motor 124B rotates, the second rotation part 23D rotates with respect to the second connecting part 22 via the rotation shaft (not shown). The motor 124C is, for example, a linear actuator, and is fixed to the thick tube 23A. The motor 124C has a shaft 124C1, and the tip of the shaft 124C1 is fixed to the thin tube 23B. The motor 124C is driven to reciprocate the shaft 124C1, thereby extending and contracting the connecting handrail 120. A control unit in the control box 18 controls the rotation direction, rotation speed, etc. of each of the motors 124A to 124C.

[0045] In this embodiment, when the user does not raise or lower the bed body 10, the motors 124A to 124C do not operate, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D are in a non-movable state. When the user operates the hand switch to raise or lower the bed body 10, the motors 124A to 124C operate in conjunction with the raising or lowering operation of the bed body 10 in response to a signal related to the raising or lowering operation from the control box 18, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D become movable, and the connecting handrail 120 expands and contracts and rotates. When the raising or lowering operation is completed, the motors 124A to 124C do not operate, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D return from the movable state to the non-movable state.

[0046] According to the connecting handrail 120 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment.

[0047] Next, the connecting handrail 220 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting handrail 220. The same members as those of the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers and will not be described. The switching mechanism 224 of the connecting handrail 220 of this embodiment has a contact sensor 225. The contact sensor 225 may be any sensor that can detect a touch by a user, such as a capacitance sensor or a load sensor. The contact sensor 225 is sheet-shaped and is attached to the surfaces of the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, and the handrail portion 23. The contact sensor 225 and the solenoids 24A to 24C are electrically connected via wiring (not shown). The contact sensor 225 has a control unit (not shown). The control unit retracts all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, and 24J when it does not detect a user's contact with contact sensor 225, and protrudes all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, and 24J when it detects a user's contact with contact sensor 225. Contact sensor 225 corresponds to a motion detection unit and a contact detection unit. A user's contact with contact sensor 225 corresponds to a predetermined motion.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the contact sensor 225 does not detect the contact of the user, all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, 24J are in a retracted state, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D are in a movable state. In this state, when the user operates the hand switch to raise or lower the bed body 10, the connecting handrail 220 expands and contracts and rotates in accordance with the rise and fall of the bed body 10. In addition, when the contact sensor 225 detects the contact of the user, all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, 24J are in a protruding state, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D change from a movable state to a non-movable state. In addition, after the contact sensor 225 detects contact by the user and changes the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D from a movable state to a non-movable state, they are configured to return from the non-movable state to a movable state, for example, after 30 seconds to 1 minute.

[0049] According to the connecting handrail 220 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment. The contact sensor 225 may be provided on all of the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, and the handrail portion 23, or may be provided on only a part of them.

[0050] Next, a connecting handrail 320 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 6(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connecting handrail 320, and Fig. 6(b) is an explanatory diagram of manual switch parts 324A-324C. The same members as those of the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers and will not be described. In the switching mechanism 24 of the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment, three solenoids 24A-24C are provided as actuator parts, but in the switching mechanism 324 of the connecting handrail 320 of this embodiment, three manual switch parts 324A-324C are provided instead. Each manual switch part 324A-324C has a switch main body 324G-324J and a contact sensor 324K-324M.

[0051] The switch body 324G and the contact sensor 324K of the manual switch unit 324A are fixed to the first rotation support unit 21B. The switch body 324G is configured such that, for example, by rotating the lever L, a pin (not shown) is in a protruding or retracted state. When the pin of the switch body 324G is in a protruding state, the pin is in one of the multiple holes of the first rotation unit 23C, and the first rotation unit 23C cannot rotate with respect to the first connecting unit 21. When the pin is retracted, the pin is not in one of the multiple holes of the first rotation unit 23C, and the first rotation unit 23C can rotate with respect to the first connecting unit 21. When the lever L of the switch body 324G is positioned on the lower side (the right side of FIG. 6(b)), the pin (not shown) is in a protruding state.

[0052] One end of the electric wire 24D is connected to the contact sensor 324K. When the lever L of the switch main body 324G comes into contact with the contact sensor 324K as shown in the right diagram of Fig. 6(b), the contact sensor 324K transmits a signal (ON signal) indicating that the lever L is in contact to the control box 18. When the lever L of the switch main body 324G moves away from the contact sensor 324K as shown in the left diagram of Fig. 6(b), the contact sensor 324K transmits a signal (OFF signal) indicating that the lever L is away to the control box 18. In other words, when the pin of the manual switch unit 324A protrudes and the first rotating part 23C becomes unable to rotate relative to the first connecting part 21 (non-movable state), the contact sensor 324K sends an ON signal to the control box 18, and when the pin of the manual switch unit 324A retracts and the first rotating part 23C becomes rotatable relative to the first connecting part 21 (movable state), the contact sensor 324K sends an OFF signal to the control box 18.

[0053] The switch body 324H and the contact sensor 324L of the manual switch unit 324B are fixed to the second rotation unit 23D. The switch body 324H has the same configuration as the switch body 324G. When the pin of the switch body 324H is in a protruding state, the pin is in one of the multiple holes of the second rotation unit 23D, and the second rotation unit 23D cannot rotate with respect to the second connecting unit 22. When the pin is in a retracted state, the pin is not in one of the multiple holes of the second rotation unit 23D, and the second rotation unit 23D can rotate with respect to the second connecting unit 22.

[0054] One end of the electric wire 24E is connected to the contact sensor 324L. The contact sensor 324L, like the contact sensor 324K, transmits an ON signal or an OFF signal to the control box 18 in response to the contact or separation of the lever L of the switch main body 324H. That is, when the pin of the manual switch unit 324B protrudes and the second rotation unit 23D becomes unable to rotate (immobile state) with respect to the second connecting unit 22, the contact sensor 324L transmits an ON signal to the control box 18, and when the pin of the manual switch unit 324B retracts and the second rotation unit 23D becomes rotatable (mobile state) with respect to the second connecting unit 22, the contact sensor 324L transmits an OFF signal to the control box 18.

[0055] Switch body 324J and contact sensor 324M of manual switch section 324C are fixed to the end of thick tube 23A on the second connecting section 22 side. Switch body 324J has a similar configuration to switch body 324G. When the pin of switch body 324J is in the protruding state, the pin is in one of the multiple holes in thin tube 23B, and handrail section 23 cannot extend or retract. When the pin is in the retracted state, the pin is not in one of the multiple holes in thin tube 23B, and handrail section 23 can extend or retract.

[0056] One end of the electric wire 24F is connected to the contact sensor 324M. Like the contact sensor 324K, the contact sensor 324M transmits an ON signal or an OFF signal to the control box 18 in response to the contact or separation of the lever L of the switch main body 324H. That is, when the pin of the manual switch unit 324C protrudes and the handrail unit 23 becomes unable to extend or retract (immovable state), the contact sensor 324M transmits an ON signal to the control box 18, and when the pin of the manual switch unit 324C retracts and the handrail unit 23 becomes able to extend or retract (movable state), the contact sensor 324M transmits an OFF signal to the control box 18.

[0057] When the control box 18 receives an ON signal from at least one of the contact sensors 324K-324M, it controls so that the lifting and lowering function of the bed body 10 does not operate, and when the control box 18 receives an OFF signal from all of the contact sensors 324K-324M, it controls so that the lifting and lowering function of the bed body 10 operates. Therefore, the user can lift and lower the bed body 10 by operating all of the manual switches 324A-324C to set the handrail 23, the first rotating part 23C, and the second rotating part 23D to a movable state.

[0058] According to the connecting handrail 320 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment.

[0059] Next, the bed 101 and the connecting handrail 420 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an overall perspective view of the bed 101 and the floor-mounted handrail 30 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the connecting handrail 420 according to the fifth embodiment. The same members as the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers and will not be described. The switching mechanism 424 of the connecting handrail 420 of this embodiment has a camera 425 installed on a wall or ceiling in the room. The camera 425 is connected to the control box 18 via an electric wire 425A. The camera 425 as a motion detection unit photographs the user lying on the bottom 15 of the bed body 10 and analyzes the user's motion based on the photographed data. When the control unit (not shown) of the camera 425 detects that the user has risen, taken his / her legs off the bed mat and is sitting on the edge of the bed mat, all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, and 24J are in a protruding state. When it is not detected that the user has taken a sitting position on the edge of the bed mat, all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, and 24J are retracted. The user taking a sitting position on the edge of the bed mat corresponds to the predetermined movement.

[0060] In this embodiment, when the camera 425 does not detect the above-mentioned posture of the user, all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, 24J are in a retracted state, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D are in a movable state. In this state, when the user operates the hand switch to raise or lower the bed body 10, the connecting handrail 420 expands and contracts and rotates in accordance with the raising or lowering of the bed body 10. Also, when the camera 425 detects the above-mentioned posture of the user, all solenoid pins 24G, 24H, 24J are in a protruding state, and the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D change from a movable state to a non-movable state. In addition, after the camera 425 detects the above-mentioned posture of the user and changes the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D from a movable state to a non-movable state, they are returned from the non-movable state to a movable state, for example, after 30 seconds to 1 minute.

[0061] According to the connecting handrail 420 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the connecting handrail 20 of the first embodiment. The data captured by the camera 425 may be sent to the control box 18, and the user's movements may be analyzed in a control unit (not shown) of the control box 18. Also, the camera 425 and the control unit (not shown) of the control box 18 may transmit signals wirelessly instead of through the electric wire 425A.

[0062] The above-described embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of explanation, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these embodiments. The present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0063] For example, in the connecting handrail 220, the contact sensor 225 may be provided on the handrail section 33 of the floor-mounted handrail 30. In the connecting handrail 320, the three manual switch sections 324A-324C are configured to be manually operated individually, but the three manual switch sections 324A-324C may be linked by a link mechanism or the like so that the remaining two can be operated by operating one switch. In this case, one contact sensor is sufficient. Also, the manual switch sections 324A-324C are operated by rotating the lever L, but a switch section for rotating the lever L may be provided on, for example, the side fence 14, and the operating section and the lever L may be linked via a link mechanism or the like so that the lever L rotates by operating the switch section.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, the bed 201 of this modification is composed of the bed body 10, the connecting handrail 20, and the floor handrail 130. The floor handrail 130 is configured to move up and down in accordance with the lifting and lowering operation of the bed body 10. The floor handrail 130 includes a base 31, two pillars 32, a handrail section 33, and an electric actuator 34 provided at the bottom of each pillar 32. Each electric actuator 34 is connected to the control box 18 by an electric wire 35. When the user operates the hand switch to lift and lower the bed body 10, a signal regarding the lifting and lowering operation from the control box 18 operates each electric actuator 34, causing each pillar 32 to expand and contract, and the handrail section 33 to lift and lower. As a result, the handrail section 33 moves up and down in accordance with the height of the bed body 10. At this time, the movable part of the connecting handrail 20 is in a non-movable state. In this modification, the connecting handrail 20 does not need to have a movable part as in the above embodiment.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the switching mechanism 24, 124, 224, 324 is configured to switch the handrail section 23, the first rotating section 23C, and the second rotating section 23D between a movable state and a non-movable state, but only the handrail section 23 may be configured to be switchable between a movable state and a non-movable state. That is, the handrail section 23 may be provided with only the solenoid 24C, only the motor 124C, and only the manual switch section 324C, so that only the handrail section 23 can be extended or retracted, and the first rotating section 23C and the second rotating section 23D can always be rotatable. With such a connecting handrail, the length of the connecting handrail can automatically follow the movement of the bed body 10 when the bed body 10 is raised or lowered, and the user can walk along the connecting handrail safely.

[0066] In the third and fifth embodiments, the switching mechanisms 224, 424 are provided with the contact sensor 225 and the camera 425 as the motion detectors, but instead of these, a mat sensor 525 that detects when the user steps on it may be provided, for example, as shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, it may be an infrared sensor, a mat sensor (pressure sensor) placed on the bed mat to detect the user's posture (position), or various sensors provided on the bed body 10 or the floor-mounted handrail 30 to detect changes in stress caused by the user's motion.

[0067] In addition, in the above embodiment, the connecting handrail 20 is provided with the switching mechanism 24, but the connecting handrail 20 may not be provided with the switching mechanism 24. That is, the connecting handrail 20 may be composed of the first connecting part 21, the second connecting part 22, and the handrail part 23, and the connecting handrail 20 may be connected to the bed body 10 and the floor-mounted handrail 30. With this configuration, the length and angle of the connecting handrail 20 can be automatically adjusted to follow the movement of the bed body 10 when the bed body 10 is raised or lowered. As a result, the bed body 10 with the lifting function and the floor-mounted handrail 30 can be connected by the connecting handrail 20, and the lead wire for walking from the sleeping place to the toilet or the like can be seamlessly connected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1, 101, 201: bed, 10: bed body, 11: base frame, 11A: main beam, 11B: beam, 11C: foot, 11D: support beam, 12: lifting mechanism, X-link mechanism: 12A, first link: 12A1, second link: 12A2, lifting actuator: 12B, 12B1: electric motor, 12B2: cylinder, 12C: beam, 13: lifting frame, 13A13B: holder, 14: side rail, 14A: handrail, 15: bottom, 15A: back bottom, 15B: waist bottom, 15C: knee-leg bottom, 16: headboard, 17: footboard, 18: control box, 20, 120, 220, 320, 420: connecting handrail, 21: first connecting part, 21A: first support connecting part, 21B: first rotating Support part, 22: second connecting part, 22A: second pillar connecting part, 22B: second pivot support part, 22C: insertion part, 23: handrail part, 23A: thick tube, 23B: thin tube, 23C: first pivot part, 23D: second pivot part, 24, 124, 224, 324: switching mechanism, 24A, 24B, 24C: solenoid, 24D, 24E, 24F: electric wire, 24G, 24H, 24J: Solenoid pin, 30: handrail placed on floor, 31: base, 32: support, 33: handrail section, 124A, 124B, 124C: motor, 124C1: shaft, 225: contact sensor, 324K, 324L, 324M: contact sensor, 324A, 324B, 324C: manual switch section, 324G, 324H, 324J: switch body, 425: camera

Claims

1. A first connecting part that is connected to a bed body having a lifting function; A second connecting portion connected to a fixing member located at a position away from the bed body; a handrail portion having a first end portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion and a second end portion rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, the handrail portion being extendable and retractable; a switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that enables the handrail portion to extend and retract, the first end portion to rotate about the first connecting portion, and the second end portion to rotate about the second connecting portion, and a non-movable state that disables the handrail portion to extend and retract, the first end portion to rotate about the first connecting portion, and the second end portion to rotate about the second connecting portion, The switching mechanism is configured to set the handrail portion, the first end portion, and the second end portion to the movable state when the bed body is raised or lowered. handrail.

2. A first connecting part that is connected to a bed body having a lifting function; A second connecting portion connected to a fixing member located at a position away from the bed body; a handrail portion having a first end portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion and a second end portion rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, the handrail portion being extendable and retractable; A switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that allows the handrail section to be extended or retracted, and a non-movable state that prevents the handrail section from being extended or retracted; The switching mechanism is configured to set the handrail portion to the movable state when the bed body is raised or lowered. handrail.

3. The switching mechanism includes an actuator portion, The actuator unit is actuated based on a signal from the bed body regarding an operation of raising and lowering the bed body to move the handrail unit, the first end portion, and the second end portion, or the handrail unit, from the non-movable state to the movable state; The actuator unit is configured to operate based on a signal from the bed body regarding the completion of the lifting / lowering operation of the bed body, and to change the handrail unit, the first end, and the second end, or the handrail unit, from the movable state to the non-movable state. A handrail as described in claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The switching mechanism includes an actuator portion, The actuator unit is configured to extend and retract the handrail unit, rotate the first end portion relative to the first connecting portion, and rotate the second end portion relative to the second connecting portion, in response to a signal from the bed body related to an operation of raising and lowering the bed body, or to extend and retract the handrail unit. A handrail as described in claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The switching mechanism includes an actuator unit and a motion detector unit that detects a predetermined motion of a user. When the motion detection unit does not detect the predetermined motion of the user, the actuator unit is configured to bring the handrail unit, the first end, and the second end, or the handrail unit, into the movable state; When the motion detection unit detects the predetermined motion of the user, the actuator unit is configured to change the handrail unit, the first end, and the second end, or the handrail unit, from the movable state to the non-movable state. A handrail as described in claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The motion detection unit is a contact detection unit that is provided on a part or all of the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the handrail portion and detects contact by a user, The predetermined action is a touch of the user to the touch detection unit. The handrail according to claim 5.

7. The switching mechanism includes a manual switch unit that is manually operated by a user, and an electric wire that is connected to a control unit of the bed body and the manual switch unit, When a user manually operates the manual switch unit, the handrail unit, the first end portion, and the second end portion, or the handrail unit, are switched from the non-movable state to the movable state, or from the movable state to the non-movable state, The manual switch unit is configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a manual operation by a user to the bed body via the electric wire. A handrail as described in claim 1 or claim 2.

8. A floor-mounted handrail to which a connecting handrail is connected that is connected to a bed body with a lifting function, A base to be installed on the floor; A support pillar provided on an upper side of the base; A handrail portion provided on an upper side of the support pillar; An actuator that raises and lowers the handrail portion via the support, The actuator is actuated based on a signal from the bed body regarding an operation of raising and lowering the bed body, and the handrail part is raised and lowered via the support pillar. handrail.

9. A first connecting part that is connected to a bed body having a lifting function; A second connecting portion connected to a fixing member located at a position away from the bed body; The handrail portion includes a first end portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion and a second end portion rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, and is extendable and retractable. handrail.

10. A bed body with a lift function, A connecting handrail connected to the bed body, The connecting handrail is A first connecting portion connected to the bed body; A second connecting portion connected to a fixing member located at a position away from the bed body; a handrail portion having a first end portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion and a second end portion rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, the handrail portion being extendable and retractable; a switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that enables the handrail portion to extend and retract, the first end portion to rotate about the first connecting portion, and the second end portion to rotate about the second connecting portion, and a non-movable state that disables the handrail portion to extend and retract, the first end portion to rotate about the first connecting portion, and the second end portion to rotate about the second connecting portion, The switching mechanism is configured to make the handrail portion, the first end portion, and the second end portion movable when the bed body is raised or lowered. bed.

11. A bed body with a lift function, A connecting handrail connected to the bed body, The connecting handrail is A first connecting portion connected to the bed body; A second connecting portion connected to a fixing member located at a position away from the bed body; a handrail portion having a first end portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion and a second end portion rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, the handrail portion being extendable and retractable; A switching mechanism that can be switched between a movable state that allows the handrail section to be extended or retracted, and a non-movable state that prevents the handrail section from being extended or retracted; The switching mechanism is configured to set the handrail portion to the movable state when the bed body is raised or lowered. bed.

12. A bed body with a lift function, A connecting handrail, one end of which is connected to the bed body; A floor-mounted handrail connected to the other end of the connecting handrail, The handrail placed on the floor is A base to be installed on the floor; A support pillar provided on an upper side of the base; A handrail portion provided on an upper side of the support pillar; An actuator that raises and lowers the handrail portion via the support, The actuator is actuated based on a signal from the bed body regarding an operation of raising and lowering the bed body, and the handrail part is raised and lowered via the support pillar. bed.

13. A bed body with a lift function, A connecting handrail connected to the bed body, The connecting handrail is A first connecting portion connected to the bed body; A second connecting portion connected to a fixing member located at a position away from the bed body; The handrail portion includes a first end portion rotatably connected to the first connecting portion and a second end portion rotatably connected to the second connecting portion, and is extendable and retractable. bed.

Images