Medical bed

Abstract

To provide a medical bed capable of achieving both of safety and comfort.SOLUTION: A medical bed includes: a structure body for supporting a patient; drive means for driving a part of the structure body; and a switch to be switchable between a first mode and a second mode so as to control the drive means. A first movable range of the part of the structure body to be driven in the first mode is narrower than a second movable range of the part of the structure body to be driven in the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE An embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical bed. [Background technology]

[0002] Some medical beds can electrically change the height of the base and the angle of the back. This allows, for example, the base to be at the lowest floor height when the patient is sleeping, minimizing damage if the patient falls. Also, when performing medical procedures on the patient, the base can be raised to reduce the burden on medical personnel. In addition, the height of the base and the angle of the back can be adjusted according to the patient's preferences to make daily life more comfortable.

[0003] However, patients on the bed cannot see under the bed. Therefore, if the bed bottom height is lowered too much, items placed around the bed, such as the legs of an IV pole or a trash can, may get caught between the bed frame and the floor, damaging or unintentionally moving these items. In addition, if a patient on mechanical ventilation is intubated, lowering the back angle too much may induce Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP).

[0004] In order to avoid the above-mentioned risks, it is possible to not allow the patient to operate the bed. However, in this case, the comfort of the patient's daily life is impaired and the patient's stress increases. In addition, if the patient has to call medical staff frequently to change the bed height or back angle, the burden on the medical staff increases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-209321 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a medical bed that is both safe and comfortable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A medical bed according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a structure for supporting a patient, a drive means for driving a part of the structure, and a first switch and a second switch for controlling the drive means. A first range of movement of the part of the structure that can be driven by the first switch is narrower than a second range of movement of the part of the structure that can be driven by the second switch.

[0008] A medical bed according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a structure for supporting a patient, a drive means for driving a part of the structure, and a switch for controlling the drive means and capable of switching between a first mode and a second mode. A first range of movement of the part of the structure that can be driven in the first mode is narrower than a second range of movement of the part of the structure that can be driven in the second mode. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a medical bed that is both safe and comfortable can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medical bed according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the medical bed according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a hand switch of the medical bed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a nurse control panel of the medical bed according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]5(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the operation of changing the height of the upper frame of the bed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the operation of changing the angle of the back bottom in the bed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the operation of changing the angle of the upper frame in the bed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a medical bed according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a medical bed according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a side view showing a hand switch of a medical bed according to the second embodiment, and (b) is a front view thereof. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is a partially enlarged side view showing region A in FIG. 10(a), and (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views showing the switching means. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a partially enlarged front view showing region B in FIG. 10(b), and (b) and (c) are partially enlarged front views showing region C in FIG. 12(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, when a patient lies in a supine position on a medical bed, the direction in which the head is located as viewed from the torso is referred to as the "head side," the direction in which the feet are located is referred to as the "foot side," the direction in which the right hand is located is referred to as the "right side," the direction in which the left hand is located is referred to as the "left side," the direction in which the room floor is located is referred to as the "lower side," and the direction in which the ceiling is located is referred to as the "upper side." The head side and foot side are collectively referred to as the "length direction L," the right side and left side are collectively referred to as the "width direction W," and the upper side and lower side are collectively referred to as the "vertical direction V."

[0012] <First embodiment> A medical bed according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medical bed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a medical bed according to this embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a medical bed 1 according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "bed 1") is provided with a lower frame 11. The lower frame 11 serves as a support for the entire bed 1, and is formed, for example, into a rectangular shape by combining metallic cylindrical members. Casters 12 are provided at the four corners of the lower frame 11. The casters 12 come into contact with the floor surface of a room.

[0014] A driving means 13 is attached to the lower frame 11. The driving means 13 includes a plurality of actuators. A control means 14 is connected to the driving means 13. The control means 14 is provided with an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) and a serial input / output port.

[0015] An upper frame 15 is provided on the lower frame 11. The upper frame 15 is also formed by combining cylindrical members made of metal, for example. The upper frame 15 is displaceable in the vertical direction V by a driving means 13, and is also tiltable with respect to the lower frame 11. The lower frame 11 and the upper frame 15 are collectively referred to as the "frame."

[0016] A bottom 16 is provided on the upper frame 15. The bottom 16 is provided with a back bottom 16a, a waist bottom 16b, a knee bottom 16c, and a foot bottom 16d in this order from the head side to the foot side. The waist bottom 16b is fixed to the upper frame 15. The angles of the back bottom 16a, the knee bottom 16c, and the foot bottom 16d can each be changed by the driving means 13.

[0017] A bed board 17 is attached to each of the head side and foot side of the upper frame 15. The bed board 17 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and is detachable from the upper frame 15. When the bed board 17 is attached to the upper frame 15, the bed board 17 extends mainly upward from the upper frame 15.

[0018] Side rails (not shown) are attached to the left and right sides of the head side portion of the upper frame 15 and to the left and right sides of the foot side portion. The head side side rail may be inclined according to the inclination of the back bottom 16a, or may be fixed to the upper frame 15 and not linked to the bottom 16. The foot side side rail is not linked to the bottom 16.

[0019] The bed 1 is also provided with a hand switch 20 (first switch) and a nurse control panel 30 (second switch). The hand switch 20 and the nurse control panel 30 are switches for controlling the drive means 13 via the control means 14. Hereinafter, the parts of the bed 1 other than the hand switch 20 and the nurse control panel 30 will be referred to as the "bed body 10." In other words, the bed 1 is provided with the bed body 10, the hand switch 20, and the nurse control panel 30.

[0020] In addition, the parts of the bed body 10 other than the driving means 13 and the control means 14 are referred to as the "structure 10a." The structure 10a is a part that supports a patient. The structure 10a includes a lower frame 11, casters 12, an upper frame 15, a bottom 16, a bed board 17, and side rails.

[0021] The hand switch 20 is provided with a control means 29. The control means 29 is provided with an MPU and a serial input / output port. The nurse control panel 30 is provided with a control means 39. The control means 39 is provided with an MPU and a serial input / output port. The control means 14 of the bed body 10 is connected to the control means 29 of the hand switch 20 via a cable 21. In addition, the control means 14 of the bed body 10 is connected to the control means 39 of the nurse control panel 30 via a cable 31. Note that the cable 31 may not be provided, and the control means 39 of the nurse control panel 30 may be connected to the control means 14 of the bed body 10 by wireless communication.

[0022] The hand switch 20 is mainly for use by the patient. The hand switch 20 can be operated on the structure 10a within the reach of the cable 21. Usually, the hand switch 20 is disposed on the back bottom 16a. The hand switch 20 may be hooked onto the upper edge of the head side bed board 17 or the upper edge of the side rail.

[0023] The nurse control panel 30 is a switch for medical personnel. The nurse control panel 30 can be operated outside the structure 10a within the reach of the cable 31. The nurse control panel 30 is usually hooked onto the upper edge of the bed board 17 on the foot side and faces the outside of the bed body 10.

[0024] Next, the hand switch 20 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the hand switch of the medical bed according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the hand switch 20 is provided with a housing 22. The housing 22 is made of, for example, resin, and is sized so that a person can hold it in one hand. A cable 21 is connected to the lower end of the housing 22. The above-mentioned control means 29 is disposed inside the housing 22.

[0025] Operation buttons 23a to 23h (hereinafter collectively referred to as "operation buttons 23") are provided on the front surface of the housing 22. The operation buttons 23 are, for example, mechanical buttons independent of one another, slightly protruding from the surface of the housing 22, and can be pressed by a person's finger while gripping the housing 22. The operation buttons 23 may be an integrally formed membrane switch. A display unit 25 is also provided on the front surface of the housing 22. The display unit 25 displays the state of the bed body 10, for example, the angle of the back bottom 16a. The operation buttons 23 and the display unit 25 are connected to a control means 29.

[0026] An example of the allocation of functions to each operation button 23 will be described below. Operation buttons 23a and 23b are buttons for controlling the angle of the entire upper frame 15. Pressing operation button 23a lowers the head side of the upper frame 15, and pressing operation button 23b raises the head side of the upper frame 15. Operation buttons 23c and 23d are buttons for controlling the angle of the back bottom 16a. Pressing operation button 23c decreases the angle of the back bottom 16a relative to the upper frame 15, and pressing operation button 23d increases the angle of the back bottom 16a relative to the upper frame 15.

[0027] The operation buttons 23e and 23f are buttons for controlling the angle of the knee bottom 16c. Pressing the operation button 23e decreases the angle of the knee bottom 16c relative to the upper frame 15, and pressing the operation button 23f increases the angle of the knee bottom 16c relative to the upper frame 15. The angle of the foot bottom 16d changes in response to the knee bottom 16c. The operation buttons 23g and 23h are buttons for controlling the height of the upper frame 15. Pressing the operation button 23g lowers the upper frame 15, and pressing the operation button 23h raises the upper frame 15.

[0028] Next, the nurse control panel 30 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a nurse control panel of the medical bed according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the nurse control panel 30 is provided with a housing 32. The housing 32 is made of, for example, resin, and is small enough to be held in one hand. A cable 31 is connected to the lower end of the housing 32. A hook 36 is connected to the upper part of the housing 32. The hook 36 allows the housing 32 to be hung on the upper edge of the bed board 17. The above-mentioned control means 39 is arranged inside the housing 32.

[0029] The front surface of the housing 32 is provided with operation buttons 33a to 33h (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "operation buttons 33") and operation buttons 34a to 34g (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "operation buttons 34"). The operation buttons 33 and 34 are, for example, membrane switches, and can be pressed by a human finger. The operation buttons 33 and 34 may also be mechanical buttons. The front surface of the housing 32 is also provided with a display unit 35. The display unit 35 displays the state of the bed body 10, for example, the angle of the back bottom 16a. The operation buttons 33 and 34 and the display unit 35 are connected to a control means 39.

[0030] The operation button 33 is a switch for controlling the driving means 13 of the bed body 10. The operations of the bed body 10 that can be controlled by the operation button 33 are qualitatively similar to the operations that can be controlled by the operation button 23 of the hand switch 20. However, as described later, the movable range of each operation by the operation button 33 is different from the movable range of each operation by the operation button 23, and the movable range of at least some of the operation buttons 33 is wider than the movable range by the operation button 23. The operation button 34 controls the bed 1 other than the driving means 13.

[0031] Next, the operation of the bed 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the operation of changing the height of the upper frame 15 will be described. 5(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the operation of changing the height of the upper frame in the bed according to this embodiment.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 5(a), when the upper frame 15 is at the highest position, the height of the bottom 16, i.e., the distance between the floor surface 100 and the upper surface of the bottom 16, is defined as height h1. Height h1 is, for example, 61.5 cm. At this time, the distance between the floor surface 100 and the lower surface of the upper frame 15 (hereinafter referred to as the "gap under the bed") is the length obtained by subtracting the thickness α of the upper frame 15 and the bottom 16 from the height h1. However, the thickness α differs between each portion of the bed 1.

[0033] An IV pole 200 is placed near the bed 1. The height of the leg 201 of the IV pole 200 is defined as height h4. Height h4 is smaller than the gap under the bed (h1-α). Therefore, the leg 201 of the IV pole 200 can be interposed between the floor surface 100 and the upper frame 15, allowing the IV pole 200 to be placed near the bed 1. Height h4 is, for example, 12.2 cm.

[0034] By operating the hand switch 20 or the nurse control panel 30, the driving means 13 can be driven to lower the upper frame 15 from the state shown in Fig. 5(a), thereby changing the height of the bottom 16.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the patient can operate the hand switch 20 to reduce the height of the bottom 16 to a height h2. The height h2 is smaller than the height h1 shown in FIG. 5(a). The gap under the bed (h2-α) is larger than the height h4 of the leg 201 of the IV pole 200. Therefore, even if the bottom 16 is lowered to the height h2, the leg 201 will not be caught between the floor surface 100 and the upper frame 15. The difference between the height h1 and the height h2 is the first height range R1 of the bottom 16 that can be controlled by the hand switch 20. That is, R1=h1-h2. The height h2 is, for example, 33 cm.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5(c), the medical staff can operate the nurse control panel 30 to reduce the height of the bottom 16 to the lowest floor height h3. At this time, the medical staff confirms that the leg part 201 of the IV pole 200 is not arranged directly below the upper frame 15. If it is arranged, the IV pole 200 is moved to remove the leg part 201 from directly below the upper frame 15.

[0037] The height h3 is smaller than the height h2. That is, h3 < h2 < h1. Also, the under-bed clearance (h3-α) is smaller than the height of the leg part 201 of the IV pole 200 by h4. That is, (h3-α) < h4 < (h2-α) < (h1-α). Since the leg part 201 of the IV pole 200 is not arranged directly below the upper frame 15, even if the bottom 16 is lowered to the height h3, the leg part 201 will not be pinched between the floor surface 100 and the upper frame 15. The difference between the height h1 and the height h3 is the second height range R2 of the upper frame that can be controlled by the nurse control panel 30. That is, R2 = h1 - h3. The height h3 is, for example, 25 cm. Therefore, the first height range R1 of the bottom 16 that the patient can control by the hand switch 20 is a part of the second height range R2 of the bottom 16 that the medical staff can control by the nurse control panel 30 and is narrower than the second height range R2.

[0038] In this way, the patient can operate the hand switch 20 to control the height of the bottom 16 within the first height range R1 of h2 or more and h1 or less. Thereby, the comfort of daily life can be ensured. For example, when getting on and off the bed 1, the height of the bottom 16 can be set to a height that makes it easy to get on and off, and when talking to the visitor, the height of the bottom 16 can be set to a height such that the patient's line of sight coincides with the line of sight of the visitor. Also, since the bottom 16 does not become lower than the height h2, even if the patient lowers the bottom 16 without checking below the upper frame 15, the leg part 201 of the IV pole 200 will not be pinched, and the leg part 201 will not be damaged or unintentionally moved. Similarly, when there are articles such as a trash can directly below the upper frame 15, it is possible to prevent the articles such as the trash can from being damaged or overturned.

[0039] Meanwhile, the medical professional can operate the nurse control panel 30 to control the height of the bottom 16 within a first height range R2 between h3 and h1. For example, when the patient goes to sleep, the height of the bottom 16 can be set to the minimum floor height h3 to suppress damage from falling. At this time, the medical professional can check directly below the upper frame 15, so that the legs 201 and the like will not be pinched between the floor surface 100 and the upper frame 15. Also, when performing medical treatment on the patient, the height of the bottom 16 can be set to a height that improves workability.

[0040] Next, the operation of changing the angle of the back bottom 16a will be described. 6(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the operation of changing the angle of the back bottom in the bed according to this embodiment.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 6(a), when the back bottom 16a is raised to the highest position, the angle of the back bottom 16a, i.e., the angle between the top surface of the upper frame 15 and the top surface of the back bottom 16a, is angle θ1. The angle θ1 is, for example, 75 degrees. Then, by operating the hand switch 20 or the nurse control panel 30, the driving means 13 can be driven to tilt the back bottom 16a from the state shown in Fig. 6(a).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6(b), the patient can operate the hand switch 20 to decrease the angle of the back bottom 16a to an angle θ2. The difference between the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 is the first angle range R3 of the back bottom 16a that can be controlled by the hand switch 20. That is, R3=θ1-θ2. The angle θ2 is, for example, 30 degrees.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6(c), the medical staff can operate the nurse control panel 30 to reduce the angle of the back bottom 16a to a minimum angle θ3. The angle θ3 is smaller than the angle θ2. That is, θ3<θ2<θ1. The difference between the angle θ1 and the angle θ3 is the second angle range R4 of the back bottom 16a that can be controlled by the nurse control panel 30. That is, R4=θ1-θ3. The angle θ3 is, for example, 0 degrees. At this time, the back bottom 16a is parallel to the upper frame 15. The first angle range R3 of the back bottom 16a that the patient can control by the hand switch 20 is a part of the second angle range R4 of the back bottom 16a that the medical staff can control by the nurse control panel 30, and is narrower than the second angle range R4.

[0044] In this way, the patient can operate the hand switch 20 to control the angle of the back bottom 16a within the first angle range R3 between θ2 and θ1. This ensures comfort in daily life. However, if the patient is an artificially ventilated patient and is intubated, reclining the upper body too much may induce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). In order to prevent VAP, it is preferable to set the angle of the back bottom 16a to 30 degrees or more when a feeding tube is inserted into the patient's trachea. According to this embodiment, even if the patient operates the hand switch 20, the angle of the back bottom 16a will not be less than 30 degrees, so it is safe. On the other hand, if the patient is not intubated, the medical professional can check the situation and then operate the nurse control panel 30 to set the angle of the back bottom 16a to less than 30 degrees.

[0045] Next, the operation of changing the angle of the upper frame 15 will be described. 7(a) to (c) are diagrams showing the operation of changing the angle of the upper frame in the bed according to this embodiment.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 7(a), when the head side of the upper frame 15 is raised to the highest position, the angle of the upper frame 15, i.e., the angle of the upper frame 15 with respect to the horizontal plane 101, becomes angle θ4. Angle θ4 is, for example, +30 degrees. At this time, the head side of the upper frame 15 is positioned higher than the foot side. Then, by operating the hand switch 20 or the nurse control panel 30, the driving means 13 can be driven to reduce the angle of the upper frame 15 from the state shown in Fig. 7(a).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the patient can operate the hand switch 20 to decrease the angle of the upper frame 15 to angle θ5. The difference between angle θ4 and angle θ5 is the first angle range R5 of the upper frame 15 that can be controlled by the hand switch 20. That is, R5=θ4-θ5. The angle θ5 is, for example, 0 degrees. At this time, the upper frame 15 becomes horizontal.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7(c), the medical professional can operate the nurse control panel 30 to decrease the angle of the upper frame 15 to an angle θ6. The difference between the angle θ4 and the angle θ6 is the second angle range R6 of the upper frame 15 that can be controlled by the nurse control panel 30. That is, R6=θ4-θ6. The angle θ6 is, for example, -30 degrees. At this time, the head side of the upper frame 15 is positioned lower than the foot side. The first angle range R5 of the upper frame 15 that can be controlled by the patient using the hand switch 20 is a part of the second angle range R6 of the upper frame 15 that can be controlled by the medical professional using the nurse control panel 30, and is narrower than the second angle range R6.

[0049] In this way, the patient can operate the hand switch 20 to control the angle of the upper frame 15 within a first angle range R5 between θ5 and θ4. This ensures comfort. At this time, the angle of the upper frame 15 does not become less than the angle θ5, so that problems such as the head side being lower than the foot side can be avoided. Meanwhile, the medical personnel can operate the nurse control panel 30 to control the angle of the upper frame 15 within a second angle range R6 between θ6 and θ4. This allows an angle suitable for medical treatment to be achieved.

[0050] The second movable range, i.e., the above-mentioned second height range R2, second angle range R4, and second angle range R6, is a maximum movement range determined by the specifications of the bed 1. On the other hand, the first movable range, i.e., the above-mentioned first height range R1, first angle range R3, and first angle range R5, is a set range. The first movable range may be set at the time of factory shipment of the bed 1, or may be set at any timing by a medical professional after shipment. For example, the first movable range can be set by the nurse control panel 30. Specifically, the first movable range may be set by inputting at least one of the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the first movable range by the nurse control panel 30. This first movable range is registered in the control unit 14. The medical professional can change the first movable range at any timing. The first movable range may be displayed on the display unit 35 of the nurse control panel 30.

[0051] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. As described above, in the bed 1 according to this embodiment, the first height range R1 of the upper frame 15, the first angle range R3 of the back bottom 16a, and the first angle range R5 of the upper frame 15 that the patient can control using the hand switch 20 are narrower than the second height range R2 of the upper frame 15, the second angle range R4 of the back bottom 16a, and the second angle range R6 of the upper frame 15 that the medical professional can control using the nurse control panel 30. This allows the medical professional to control the bed over a wide range as needed, while the patient can control the bed only within the range necessary to maintain comfort, and cannot control the bed to a range that may compromise safety. This makes it possible to realize a bed that is both comfortable and safe.

[0052] <Second embodiment> A medical bed according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a medical bed according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a medical bed according to this embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, a medical bed 2 according to this embodiment (hereinafter also simply referred to as "bed 2") is provided with a bed body 10 and a hand switch 40. The configuration of the bed body 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The hand switch 40 is a switch for controlling the driving means 13, and is a switch shared by both the patient and the medical staff.

[0054] The hand switch 40 is provided with a switching means 48 and a control means 49. The control means 49 is provided with an MPU and a serial input / output port. The control means 14 of the bed body 10 is connected to the control means 49 of the hand switch 40 via a cable 41. The hand switch 40 can be operated on the structure 10a and outside the structure 10a within the reach of the cable 41.

[0055] The hand switch 40 can be switched between a first mode and a second mode by a switching means 48. The first mode is a patient mode, which allows the operations that could be performed by the hand switch 20 in the first embodiment. The second mode is a medical professional mode, which allows the operations that could be performed by the nurse control panel 30 in the first embodiment. That is, in the first mode, a part of the structure 10a can be driven in a first movable range, and in the second mode, a part of the structure 10a can be driven in a second movable range. The first movable range is narrower than the second movable range.

[0056] Next, the hand switch 40 will be described in detail. FIG. 10(a) is a side view showing a hand switch of a medical bed according to this embodiment, and (b) is a front view thereof. FIG. 11(a) is a partially enlarged side view showing region A in FIG. 10(a), and (b) and (c) are cross-sectional views showing the switching means. FIG. 12(a) is a partially enlarged front view showing region B in FIG. 10(b), and (b) and (c) are partially enlarged front views showing region C in FIG. 12(a).

[0057] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the hand switch 40 is provided with a housing 42. The housing 42 is made of, for example, resin, and is sized so that a person can hold it in one hand. A cable 41 is connected to the lower end of the housing 42. A hook 46 is connected to the upper part of the housing 42. The hook 46 allows the housing 42 to be hung on the upper edge of the bed board 17 or the upper edge of the side rail. The above-mentioned control means 49 is arranged inside the housing 42.

[0058] The front surface of the housing 42 is provided with operation buttons 43a to 43h (hereinafter, also collectively referred to as "operation buttons 43"). The operation buttons 43 slightly protrude from the surface of the housing 42 and can be pressed by a person's fingers while gripping the housing 42. The functions of the operation buttons 43a to 43h are, for example, similar to those of the operation buttons 23a to 23h in the first embodiment. The front surface of the housing 42 is also provided with a display unit 45. The display unit 45 displays the state of the bed body 10, for example, the angle of the back bottom 16a, and also displays whether the hand switch 40 is in the first mode or the second mode. A switching unit 48 is provided on the side surface of the housing 42. The operation buttons 43, the display unit 45, and the switching unit 48 are connected to a control unit 49.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 11(a) to (c), the switching means 48 is provided at a position recessed from the surface of the housing 42. The switching means 48 is, for example, a button. The switching means 48 is not limited to a button, and may be, for example, a switch that can slide in a direction parallel to the surface of the housing 42. Since the switching means 48 is disposed at a position recessed from the surface of the housing 42, it cannot be operated by a human finger 150, but it can be operated by using a pointed object such as the tip of a ballpoint pen 160. As a result, a patient cannot easily operate the switching means 48, but a medical professional can easily operate the switching means 48 because he or she usually carries a writing instrument such as a ballpoint pen.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 12(a) to (c), the display "Memory" on the display unit 45 indicates the set contents of the first height range R1, the first angle range R3, and the first angle range R5. As shown in Fig. 12(b), the state where "Memory" is "ON" indicates that the set first height range R1, the first angle range R3, and the first angle range R5 are valid, and therefore indicates that the hand switch 40 is in the first mode. In this state, the patient can use the hand switch 40.

[0061] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 12(c), when "Memory" is "OFF", this indicates that the first height range R1, first angle range R3, and first angle range R5 that have been set are invalid, and therefore indicates that the hand switch 40 is in the second mode. In this state, the patient cannot use the hand switch 40. Note that the medical staff can use the hand switch 40 in both the first mode and the second mode.

[0062] According to this embodiment, one hand switch 40 can be shared by both the patient and the medical staff, thereby reducing the cost of the bed 2. Other than the above, the configuration, operation, and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0063] <Modification of the second embodiment> In this modified example, the hand switch 40 is not provided with a switching means 48, and the first mode and the second mode are switched by operating the operation button 43. For example, the first mode is normally used, and when the end of the movable range of the first mode is reached, pressing and holding the operation button 43 again enables operation in the second mode.

[0064] Below, a specific example will be given for explanation. As shown in Fig. 5(a), assume that the upper frame 15 is at the highest position and the height of the bottom 16 is h1. When the operation button 43g of the hand switch 40 shown in Fig. 10(b) is pressed from this state, the driving means 13 is actuated and the upper frame 15 is lowered. However, as shown in Fig. 5(b), when the height of the bottom 16 reaches height h2, the driving means 13 stops, and the upper frame 15 does not lower any further even if the operation button 43g is continued to be pressed.

[0065] In this state, if the operation button 43g is released once and then pressed for a long time, the descent of the upper frame 15 resumes, and the bottom 16 descends beyond the height h2 and can reach the height h3, as shown in Fig. 5(c). On the other hand, if the operation button 43g is not pressed for a long time, the bottom 16 will not descend beyond the height h2.

[0066] The reference time for long pressing can be preset. As a result, when the height of the upper frame 15 reaches the lower limit (h2) of the first height range R1, the driving means 13 stops, and then, by continuing to press the operation button 43g for the above-mentioned predetermined time or longer, the height of the upper frame 15 moves to a height within the second height range R2 but outside the first height range R1. When the height of the upper frame 15 is outside the first height range R1, the display unit 45 displays that the device is operating in the second mode.

[0067] The other operation buttons 43 can be set in a similar manner. For example, a similar setting may be made for the operation button 43a. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7(b), when the angle of the upper frame 15 reaches angle θ5, which is the lower limit of the first angle range R5, the change in angle of the upper frame 15 stops. At this time, by releasing the operation button 43a once and then pressing it for a long time, the upper frame 15 can be lowered beyond angle θ5.

[0068] A similar setting may also be made for the operation button 43c. In this case, as shown in Fig. 6(b), when the angle of the back bottom 16a reaches the angle θ3, which is the lower limit of the first angle range R3, the change in the angle of the back bottom 16a stops. At this time, by releasing the operation button 43c once and then pressing it for a long time, the angle of the back bottom 16a can be reduced beyond the angle θ3.

[0069] Even in this way, the first mode and the second mode can be selectively used by one hand switch 40. This allows the medical practitioner to operate in the second mode even if he or she does not carry a ballpoint pen or the like. Other than the above, the configuration, operation, and effects of this modified example are similar to those of the second embodiment.

[0070] The method of switching between the first mode and the second mode is not limited to the above-mentioned method, that is, pressing a recessed button and pressing and holding it. For example, the first mode and the second mode may be switched by simultaneously pressing and holding two or more buttons on the surface. In this case, each operation may be individually switchable. For example, pressing the height operation buttons (up and down) simultaneously may switch between the first height range R1 and the second height range R2, and pressing the back bottom operation buttons (up and down) simultaneously may switch between the first angle range R3 and the second angle range R4. Also, pressing a specific button twice or three times may switch between the first mode and the second mode. Furthermore, a setting button that can be operated with a finger is provided on the back of the housing, and when this setting button is pressed, the operation buttons on the surface become buttons for changing various settings, and after operating the buttons on the surface to switch the mode, the setting button on the back may be pressed again to confirm the setting.

[0071] In the above-described embodiments and their modified examples, examples in which the upper frame 15 moves up and down, the angle of the back bottom 16a changes, and the angle of the upper frame 15 is changed as the drive of a part of the structure 10a are shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one or two of the above-described three types of drive may be performed. Also, drive other than the above-described three types of drive may be performed.

[0072] The above-described embodiments and their modifications are examples of realizing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. For example, the present invention also includes the addition, deletion, or modification of some components or steps in the above-described embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1, 2: Medical bed 10: Bed body 10a: Structure 11: Lower frame 12: Caster 13: Driving means 14: Control means 15: Upper frame 16: Bottom 16a: Back bottom 16b: Waist bottom 16c: Knee bottom 16d: Foot bottom 17: Bed Board 20: Hand switch (first switch) 21: Cable 22: Cabinet 23, 23a~23h: ​​Operation buttons 25: Display section 29: Control means 30: Nurse control panel (second switch) 31: Cable 32: Cabinet 33, 33a~33h: Operation buttons 34, 34a to 34g: Operation buttons 35: Display section 36: Hook 39: Control means 40: Hand switch 41: Cable 42: Cabinet 43, 43a~43h: Operation buttons 45: Display section 46: Hook 48: Switching means 49: Control means 100:Floor surface 101: Horizontal plane 150: Finger 160: Ballpoint pen 200:IV pole 201: Legs h1~h4: height L: Length direction R1: First height range R2: Second height range R3: First angle range R4: Second angle range R5: First angle range R6: Second angle range V: Vertical direction W: Width direction α: Thickness θ1~θ6: Angle

Claims

1. a structure for supporting a patient; A drive means for driving a part of the structure; a switch capable of switching between a first mode and a second mode and controlling the driving means; Equipped with a first range of movement of a portion of the structure that is drivable in the first mode is narrower than a second range of movement of a portion of the structure that is drivable in the second mode; Medical bed.

2. The switch is A housing and an operation button provided on a surface of the housing, which can be pressed by a finger and controls the driving means; a setting button provided on a rear surface of the housing, pressable by a finger, and configured to switch between the first mode and the second mode; 2. The medical bed of claim 1, comprising:

3. The switch is A housing and an operation button provided on a surface of the housing, which can be pressed by a finger and controls the driving means; having When a part of the structure reaches one end of the first movable range, the driving means stops, and thereafter, by continuing to press the operation button for a predetermined period of time or longer, only the operation immediately thereafter is switched to the second mode.

3. A medical bed according to claim 1 or 2.

4. 4. The medical bed according to claim 1, wherein the switch has an indicator that indicates whether the bed is in the first mode or the second mode.

5. The structure comprises: A lower frame supporting the driving means; an upper frame that can be moved up and down by the driving means; having a part of the structure is the upper frame, the first movable range is a first height range of the upper frame, and the second movable range is a second height range of the upper frame; The medical bed according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The structure comprises: A frame supporting the driving means; A back bottom is disposed on the frame and the angle of which can be changed by the driving means; having A part of the structure is the back bottom, The first movable range is a first angular range of the back bottom, and the second movable range is a second angular range of the back bottom. The medical bed according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The structure comprises: A lower frame supporting the driving means; an upper frame whose angle can be changed by the driving means; having a part of the structure is the upper frame, the first movable range is a first angular range of the upper frame, and the second movable range is a second angular range of the upper frame; The medical bed according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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