Operating device

Abstract

To provide an operating device for freely operating motor-driven furniture.SOLUTION: An operating device comprises a control part which transmits information on a plurality of attitudes of motor-driven furniture to the motor-driven furniture, and which makes the motor-driven furniture operate to sequentially form the plurality of attitudes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to an operating device. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique is known in which electrically operated furniture, such as an electrically operated bed, has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the appearance of the bottom, an operating means for giving operating commands to these mechanisms, and a memory means for storing the posture and support position of the bottom as a desired adjustment range, and the operating means adjusts the bottom within the initial adjustable range, while the electrically operated bed is operated to adjust the bottom within the adjustment range stored in the memory means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2874035 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, the operating device includes a control unit that transmits information about a plurality of positions of the electrically powered furniture to the electrically powered furniture and causes the electrically powered furniture to perform operations to sequentially form the plurality of positions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The embodiments of the present invention can provide an operating device that allows motorized furniture to operate freely. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of an operating device and electric furniture according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of electric furniture according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the operating device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing of a memory operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of operation start determination processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed back and knee movement processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a back motion process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of height operation processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture during operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of an addition operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture during operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of an addition operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture during operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation restriction process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value according to the second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture according to the second embodiment during operation. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture according to the second embodiment during operation. [Figure 21] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a speed change process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value according to the third embodiment. [Figure 23] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture according to the third embodiment during operation. [Figure 24] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture according to the third embodiment during operation. [Figure 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation map according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of the action of the electrically powered furniture according to the fourth embodiment during operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing. In this specification and in each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an operating device 1 and an electrically operated bed 3 which is electrically operated furniture. 1, the operating device 1 is communicatively connected to an electric bed 3 via a communication cable 2. The operating device 1 instructs the electric bed 3 to operate based on a user's operation via the communication cable 2. In this embodiment, the operating device 1 and the electric bed 3 are described as being connected by wire using the communication cable 2, but the operating device 1 and the electric bed 3 may also be communicatively connected wirelessly.

[0010] The electric bed 3 is, for example, a medical bed installed in a nursing home, a hospital, etc., a bed for home use, or a consumer bed. In this embodiment, the electric bed 3 has a back bottom 31, a knee bottom 32, a foot bottom 33, a waist bottom 34, and a frame 35. The back bottom 31, the knee bottom 32, the foot bottom 33, and the waist bottom 34 are each provided on the upper side of the frame 35. The back bottom 31 and the knee bottom 32 move independently. The foot bottom 33 moves in conjunction with the movement of the knee bottom 32. The waist bottom 34 is fixed on the frame 35. The frame 35 moves in the height direction.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the electric bed 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 2, the electric bed 3 has a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a memory unit 303, a back control circuit 306, a back ACT (actuator) 307, a knee control circuit 308, a knee ACT (actuator) 309, a first height control circuit 310, a first height ACT (actuator) 311, a second height control circuit 312, and a second height ACT (actuator) 313.

[0012] The control unit 301 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The control unit 301 controls the operation of the electric bed 3 based on instructions from the operation device 1. The communication unit 302 is an interface for sending and receiving information to and from the operation device 1. The storage unit 303 stores various programs and various data.

[0013] The various programs are, for example, a posture operation program 304 and a memory operation program 305. The posture operation program 304 is a program that causes the electric bed 3 to execute a predetermined operation (first operation). For example, this is an operation to raise the back bottom 31. Another example is an operation to raise or lower the frame. Furthermore, for example, when the back bottom 31 is raised, this is an operation to raise the knee bottom 32 in conjunction with the movement of the back bottom 31. This allows the user to automatically assume a comfortable posture when the back bottom 31 is raised. For example, this is an operation to raise the knee bottom 32 in conjunction with the tilt when the electric bed 3 is tilted relative to the installation surface so that the head side is higher. This prevents the user from slipping off the electric bed 3. For example, this is an operation to return the back bottom 31, knee bottom 32, or frame 35 to a horizontal position and then to the lowest height when the back bottom 31 or knee bottom 32 is already raised or the frame 35 is raised or tilted. This allows doctors, nurses, caregivers, and family members to more appropriately perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), such as cardiac massage, on the user, and provide treatment and care. In this way, a program that defines the operation of the electric bed 3 is stored in the storage unit 303. Multiple types of posture operation programs 304 may be stored. The memory operation program 305 is a program that causes the electric bed 3 to operate (second operation) based on posture information that defines the posture transmitted from the operation device 1. The memory operation program 305 is a program that causes the electric bed 3 to execute a memory operation. Details of the memory operation program 305 will be described later.

[0014] The various data stores values ​​that can move the back bottom 31, knee bottom 32, and frame 35, for example. For example, it is the upper limit of the angular velocity at which the back bottom 31 moves. Also, for example, it is the upper limit of the tilt angle at which the frame 35 tilts. In this way, the movement limit ranges (including the angle limit range, angular velocity limit range, and height limit range) of the back bottom 31, knee bottom 32, and frame 35 are stored as data in the storage unit 303.

[0015] The back control circuit 306 controls the back ACT 307 to operate the back bottom 31. The back bottom 31 supports the head from the back of a user lying on the electric bed 3 and operates to lift the user's back. The knee control circuit 308 controls the knee ACT 309 to operate the knee bottom 32. The knee bottom 32 operates, together with the foot bottom 33, to bend the user's knees. The first height control circuit 310 controls the first height ACT 311 to control the height of the head side of the frame 35. The second height control circuit 312 controls the second height ACT 313 to control the height of the foot side of the frame 35. The first height ACT 311 and the second height ACT 313 are actuators for changing the height of the frame 35 of the electric bed 3. When the first height ACT 311 and the second height ACT 313 change by the same amount in the height direction, the frame 35 moves in the height direction. Furthermore, by providing a difference in length between the first height ACT311 and the second height ACT313 in the height direction, the frame 35 operates to incline with respect to the surface on which the electric bed 3 is placed.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the operating device 1 has a display unit 10 and an input unit 20. The display unit 10 displays, for example, the status of the electric bed 3 being operated by the user. The input unit 20 is used by the user to input operation instructions for the electric bed 3. The input unit 20 is provided with buttons 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 25a, and 25b. Operation instructions for the electric bed 3 are input by continuously pressing the buttons 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 25a, and 25b. Operation instructions for the electric bed 3 are not input while the buttons 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 25a, and 25b are not pressed.

[0017] The operating device 1 also has an operation mode and a setting mode. In the operation mode, the electric bed 3 is controlled by operating the buttons 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 25a, and 25b of the input unit 20. Various settings are made in the setting mode. The operation mode is adopted in a normal use state. For example, the setting mode is adopted in a "setting state" that is different from normal use. The setting button (not shown) is used to switch between the operation mode and the setting mode. For example, pressing the setting button (not shown) switches from the operation mode to the setting mode. For example, pressing the setting button (not shown) again switches from the setting mode to the operation mode.

[0018] Buttons 21a and 21b are buttons for instructing the electric bed 3 to perform additional operations. When button 21a is pressed, an upward movement is performed to raise the bed 3 toward the side where the user is woken up. When button 21b is pressed, a downward movement is performed to lower the bed 3 toward the side where the user is laid down. Details of the additional operations will be described later.

[0019] Buttons 22a and 22b are buttons that instruct the movement of the back bottom 31. When button 22a is pressed, the angle of the back bottom 31 relative to the frame 35 increases. When button 22b is pressed, the angle of the back bottom 31 relative to the frame 35 decreases. Therefore, when button 22a is pressed, the user's upper body stands up. When button 22b is pressed, the user's upper body lies down. In this embodiment, in conjunction with the movement of the back bottom 31, the knee bottom 32 also moves according to the posture movement program 304 described above.

[0020] Buttons 23a and 23b are buttons that operate the knee bottom 32. When button 23a is pressed, the angle of the knee bottom 32 relative to the frame 35 increases. When button 23b is pressed, the angle of the knee bottom 32 relative to the frame 35 decreases. Furthermore, buttons 24a and 24b are buttons that operate the height of the frame 35 in the height direction. When button 24a is pressed, the height of the frame 35 increases. When button 24b is pressed, the height of the frame 35 decreases.

[0021] Buttons 25a and 25b are buttons for instructing memory operations. For example, when a setting button (not shown) on the back of input device 1 is pressed and buttons 25a and 25b are pressed while input device 1 is in setting mode, posture information is stored. The posture information is information indicating the posture of electric bed 3 when buttons 25a and 25b are pressed. Specifically, the posture information includes the angle of back bottom 31, the angle of knee bottom 32, the height of first height ACT311, and the height of second height ACT313. For example, when buttons 25a and 25b are pressed, if the posture of electric bed 3 is such that the angle of back bottom 31 is 10 degrees, the angle of knee bottom 32 is 20 degrees, the inclination angle is 10 degrees, the height of first height ACT311 is 35 cm, and the height of second height ACT313 is 45 cm, these numerical values ​​are stored. Once the height of the first height ACT311 (35 cm) and the height of the second height ACT313 (45 cm) are determined, the inclination angle (10 degrees) is automatically determined, so there is no need to store the inclination angle. This posture information is acquired from the electric bed 3 when button 25a or button 25b is pressed. When button 25a is pressed, it is stored as first posture information 105, which will be described later. When button 25b is pressed, it is stored as second posture information 106, which will be described later.

[0022] Furthermore, when posture information is stored, buttons 25a and 25b can each instruct the electric bed 3 to execute a memory operation. For example, when button 25a is pressed for a predetermined time, posture information is sent to the electric bed 3. Then, the electric bed 3 executes the memory operation program 305 and operates to reach the posture defined by the posture information while taking safety into consideration. In this way, for example, when the user feels comfortable, the user can change the posture of the electric bed 3 to that posture at any time by pressing button 25a or button 25b.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the operation device 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation device 1 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a storage unit 103, a display control unit 107, and an input control unit 108. The control unit 101 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The control unit 101 controls the operation of the operation device 1.

[0024] The communication unit 102 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the electric bed 3. Through the communication unit 102, the control unit 101 acquires the current posture of the electric bed 3 (the angle of the back bottom 31, the angle of the knee bottom 32, the height of the waist bottom 34, the height of the first height ACT311, the height of the second height ACT313, and the tilt angle of the frame 35). In other words, the operating device 1 can constantly grasp the posture of the electric bed 3. Furthermore, through the communication unit 102, the control unit 101 transmits instructions for memory operation and posture information that defines the posture of the electric bed 3.

[0025] The storage unit 103 stores various programs and various data. The storage unit 103 has, for example, an area (operation information storage unit) for storing an additional operation program (operation information) 104, and an area (posture information storage unit) for storing first position information 105 and second position information 106. The additional operation program 104 is a program for causing the electric bed 3 to execute an additional operation. The additional operation program 104 is a program for sequentially transmitting to the electric bed 3 a plurality of position information that respectively define a plurality of positions in the additional operation of the electric bed 3, and causing the electric bed 3 to execute the additional operation (third operation) using a memory operation (second operation). A detailed description of the additional operation will be given later. The first position information 105 is position information that indicates the position of the electric bed 3 when the button 25a is pressed. The second position information 106 is position information that indicates the position of the electric bed 3 when the button 25b is pressed. In the storage unit 103, at least the areas in which the additional operation program 104, the first attitude information 105, and the second attitude information 106 are provided are configured to be rewritable.

[0026] The display control unit 107 controls the information displayed on the display unit 10. Information relating to the current posture of the electric bed 3 is notified to the user by the display on the display unit 10. The notification method may be a display of numerical values ​​or the use of diagrams or pictograms. The input control unit 108 controls instructions given by pressing each of the buttons 21a to 25b on the input unit 20.

[0027] Next, the memory operation of the electric bed 3 will be described. The memory operation is started by transmitting a memory operation instruction and first position information 105 or second position information 106 (hereinafter referred to as "target memory value") from the operating device 1 to the electric bed 3. Here, the target memory value specifically includes a back memory indicating the angle (back angle) of the back bottom 31, a knee memory indicating the angle (knee angle) of the knee bottom 32, a first height memory indicating the height of the first height ACT311, a second height memory indicating the height of the second height ACT313, and the tilt angle of the frame 35. Hereinafter, the first height memory and the second height memory may be simply referred to as height memory.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing of memory operations. 5, the memory operation process is roughly divided into three processes: a movement start determination process (ST100), a back and knee movement process (ST200), and a height movement process (ST300). Below, the movement start determination process, the back and knee movement process, and the height movement process will each be described in detail.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing of the operation start determination processing (ST100). As shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 301 determines whether the back angle indicating the current angle of the back bottom 31 matches the back memory (ST101). If it is determined that they match (ST101: YES), the control unit 301 determines whether the knee angle indicating the current angle of the knee bottom 32 matches the knee memory (ST102). If it is determined that the back angle does not match the back memory (ST101: NO), or if it is determined that the knee angle does not match the knee memory (ST102: NO), the control unit 301 proceeds to processing to execute back / knee movement processing (ST200).

[0030] On the other hand, if it is determined that the knee angle matches (ST102: YES), the control unit 301 determines whether there is an instruction to operate the height operation function, whether the height memory is less than zero, or whether the height of the frame 35 matches the height memory (ST103). In other words, it determines whether there is no need to operate the height. If it determines NO (ST103: NO), the control unit 301 proceeds to processing to execute height operation processing (ST300). Note that if it determines YES (ST103: YES), this means that the current posture of the electric bed 3 matches the posture specified by the memory target value. In other words, since the current posture of the electric bed 3 is the posture specified by the memory target value, this processing ends.

[0031] Next, the back and knee movement process (ST200) will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed back and knee movement process. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 301 determines whether the back angle indicating the current angle of the back bottom 31 matches the back memory (ST201). If it determines that they do not match (ST201: NO), the control unit 301 determines whether the angle indicated by the back memory is within the included angle limit range (ST202). The included angle limit is a restriction that stops the back bottom 31, which has a fast angular velocity, when the included angle falls below the included angle limit value so that the angle between the back bottom 31 and the foot bottom 33 is always kept at 90 degrees or more, and waits for the knee bottom 32 to move before moving the back bottom 31. By limiting the included angle in this way, it is possible to reduce the feeling of pressure on the user's chest and abdomen. For example, when changing the angle of the back bottom 31 from 50 degrees and the angle of the knee bottom 32 from 20 degrees to 75 degrees and the angle of the knee bottom 32 from 0 degrees, the angle of the back bottom 31 increases while the angle of the knee bottom 32 remains large due to the angular velocity, and the angle between the knee bottom 32 and the back bottom 31 becomes 90 degrees or less. In this way, the feeling of pressure on the user's chest and abdomen can be prevented by temporarily stopping the movement of the back bottom 31.

[0032] If it is determined that the angle is not within the angle limit range (ST202: NO), the control unit 301 executes the back ACT operation (ST203). This controls the back ACT 307, and the back bottom 31 is operated so that the angle matches the back memory. If it is determined that the back angle matches (ST201: YES) or is within the angle limit range (ST202: YES), the control unit 301 stops the operation of the back ACT 307 (ST204).

[0033] After the process for the back bottom 31 is completed in this way, the control unit 301 determines whether there is an operation instruction for the knee operation function (ST205). That is, the control unit 301 determines whether the memory target value includes a knee memory for operating the knee bottom 32. If the determination is NO (ST205: NO), that is, if the knee memory is included, the control unit 301 determines whether the knee angle indicating the current angle of the knee bottom 32 matches the knee memory (ST206).

[0034] If it is determined that they do not match (ST206: NO), the control unit 301 operates the knee ACT 309 (ST207). This controls the knee ACT 309, and the knee bottom 32 is operated so that the angle matches the knee memory. If it is determined that there is no knee operation function (ST205: YES), or if it is determined that the knee angle matches the knee memory (ST206: YES), the control unit 301 stops the operation of the knee ACT 309 (ST208).

[0035] After the processing for the knee bottom 32 is completed in this manner, the control unit 301 determines whether the back ACT 307 has stopped and the knee ACT 309 has stopped (ST209). If it is determined that the back ACT 307 has stopped and the knee ACT 309 has not stopped (ST209: NO), the processing returns to step ST201. In this manner, the above-described operations are continued until the back ACT 307 has stopped and the knee angle matches the knee memory and the knee ACT 309 has stopped. If it is determined that the back ACT 307 has stopped and the knee ACT 309 has stopped (ST209: YES), the control unit 301 starts the height operation processing (ST300) after performing the back operation processing (ST210).

[0036] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the back movement process in step ST210. In the process of step ST204 described above, if it is determined that the back angle is within the limited angle range, back ACT307 is stopped without the back angle matching the back memory. Therefore, before starting the height operation process (ST300), a process is executed to match the back angle with the back memory.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 301 determines whether the back angle matches the back memory (ST211). If it is determined that they do not match (ST211: NO), the control unit 301 operates the back ACT 307 (ST212). Then, the process returns to step ST211. As a result, the back ACT 307 is operated until the back angle matches the back memory. If it is determined that the back angle matches the back memory (ST211: YES), the control unit 301 starts the height operation process (ST300).

[0038] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of the height operation process. As shown in Fig. 9, the control unit 301 determines whether there is an instruction for a height operation function (ST301). That is, the control unit 301 determines whether there is an operation instruction for operating the height in the memory target value. If it is determined that there is no instruction (ST301: NO), the control unit 301 determines whether the height memory is less than zero (ST302). If it is determined that the height memory is not less than zero (ST302: NO), the control unit 301 determines whether the height of the current frame 35 matches the height memory (ST303). If it is determined that they do not match (ST303: NO), the control unit 301 operates the height ACT (first height ACT 311 and / or second height ACT 313) (ST304).

[0039] Next, the control unit 301 determines whether to temporarily stop (ST305). The temporary stop determination determines whether the frame 35 is being lowered and whether the height of the frame 35 has reached a height interrupt state. In other words, it determines whether the lowering operation has reached its limit value. If it is determined that the bed 3 is not temporarily stopped (ST305: NO), the process returns to step ST301. This causes the electric bed 3 to operate so that the height of the frame 35 matches the height memory.

[0040] If it is determined that there is no height operation function (ST301: YES), if it is determined that the height memory is less than zero (ST302: YES), if it is determined that the height matches the height memory (ST303: YES), or if a temporary stop determination is made (ST305: YES), the control unit 301 terminates processing because the height of the frame 35 of the electric bed 3 has reached the target height or the height limit value.

[0041] Next, the operation of the electric bed 3 during memory operation will be described. Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the electric bed 3 during operation. 10(a) to 10(d) are schematic diagrams of the electric bed 3 as seen from the side. In FIG. 10, the user's head side is on the right side and the user's feet side is on the left side. FIG. 10(a) shows the initial state of the electric bed 3. That is, the back angle is 0 degrees, the knee angle is 0 degrees, and the inclination of the frame 35 is 0 degrees.

[0042] First, the electric bed 3 operates so that the back angle and knee angle reach the target values. As shown in Fig. 10(b), the back bottom 31 and knee bottom 32 operate simultaneously, and if either the back bottom 31 or the knee bottom 32 reaches the target value first, the operation of the back bottom 31 or the knee bottom 32 that has reached the target value stops. After that, the back bottom 31 or the knee bottom 32 that is currently operating continues to operate, and when it reaches the memory target value, the operation stops.

[0043] Here, when a target value for the inclination angle is set, the target values ​​of the back bottom 31 and the knee bottom 32 are set so that they reach the target value after inclination. For example, when moving from a state in which the angle of the back bottom 31, the angle of the knee bottom 32, and the inclination angle are all 0 degree as shown in FIG. 10(a) to a posture in which the memory target values ​​are a back angle of 15 degrees, a knee angle of 15 degrees, and an inclination angle of 5 degrees, as shown in FIG. 10(b), after the angle of the back bottom 31 reaches 10 degrees (15 degrees - 5 degrees) and the angle of the knee bottom 32 reaches 20 degrees (15 degrees + 5 degrees), as shown in FIG. 10(c), the inclination angle of the frame 35 moves 5 degrees to reach the memory target value. After moving the back bottom 31 and the knee bottom 32 in this way, the height of the frame 35 moves to reach the target value.

[0044] Next, we will explain the operation of adjusting the inclination angle and height of the electric bed 3 to match the memory target values. This operation will be explained when the inclination angle of the electric bed 3 is set to 10 degrees and the height is set to 40 cm.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 10(d), the inclination angle of the electric bed 3 is the angle of the frame 35 relative to the installation surface. The height of the electric bed 3 is the height of the frame 35 at the center of the first height ACT311 and the second height ACT313. In this embodiment, the height and inclination are configured to be controlled by the same mechanism. Therefore, the height of the frame 35 is internally calculated to be realized by the difference between the length of the first height ACT311 on the head side and the length of the second height ACT313 on the foot side. This internal calculation may be performed by the operating device 1 or the electric bed 3.

[0046] When the inclination angle is 10 degrees and the height is 40 cm, for example, the inclination angle is 10 degrees, the height of the first height ACT311 is 35 cm, and the height of the second height ACT313 is 45 cm, which are included in the memory target values. By providing a difference between the height of the first height ACT311 and the height of the second height ACT in this way, the electric bed 3 is operated so that the inclination angle is 10 degrees and the height of the lumbar bottom 34 is 40 cm, as shown in Figure 10(d).

[0047] As described above, based on the memory target values ​​transmitted from the operating device 1, the electric bed 3 performs memory operation, and the angle of the back bottom 31, the angle of the knee bottom 32, the height of the waist bottom 34, and the inclination angle of the frame 35 of the electric bed 3 are each determined by the memory target values.

[0048] The operation (second operation) according to the memory operation program 305 may be able to perform the same operation by combining a predefined operation (first operation). However, an operation that requires multiple first operations can be performed in one operation with the second operation. For example, while the first operation does not allow the back bottom 31 and the knee bottom 32 to be moved simultaneously by simultaneously pressing button 22a or 22b and button 23a or 23b, the second operation makes it possible to move the back bottom 31 and the knee bottom 32 simultaneously, which is convenient. Furthermore, the operation according to the memory operation program 305 allows the user to memorize the posture of the electric bed 3 that the user finds most comfortable. This eliminates the need for the user to memorize the back angle, knee angle, height, etc. of the electric bed 3, and allows the user to reproduce that posture.

[0049] Next, the adding operation will be described. The adding operation is realized by the control unit 101 of the operation device 1 executing the adding operation program 104 when the user presses the buttons 21a and 21b of the operation device 1.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the addition operation. The process shown in Fig. 11 is a process for causing the electric bed 3 to perform a lifting operation. Therefore, it is executed when the button 21a instructing the additional lifting operation is pressed. In addition, the initial state of the electric bed 3 is set so that the angle of the back bottom 31 is 0 degrees, the angle of the knee bottom 32 is 0 degrees, and the tilt angle of the frame 35 is 0 degrees. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the action when the electric bed 3 operates in accordance with the additional operation. The following description will be given with reference to Fig. 12 as appropriate. In addition, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value T1 in which multiple pieces of posture information in this additional operation are respectively indicated as first to fourth memory target values. The memory target value T1 shown in Fig. 13 is included in, for example, the additional operation program 104.

[0051] When button 21a is pressed, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 101 determines whether the current back angle of the electric bed 3 is equal to or greater than 75 degrees, which is the limit angle (ST401). Here, the back angle and knee angle include the inclination angle. If it is determined to be equal to or greater than 75 degrees (ST401: YES), the control unit 101 ends the process. This is because the back angle has reached its limit.

[0052] If it is determined that the back angle is not 75 degrees or more (ST401: NO), the control unit 101 determines whether the back angle of the electric bed 3 is less than 10 degrees (ST402). If it is determined that the back angle is less than 10 degrees (ST402: YES), the control unit 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to execute memory operation (low angle region) (ST403). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 pre-sets a back memory of 15 degrees, a knee memory of 15 degrees, an inclination memory of 5 degrees, and a height memory (the current height of the electric bed 3) as first memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​to the electric bed 3 along with an instruction for memory operation. When the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation instruction and the memory target values, it executes memory operation so that the bed 3 assumes the posture indicated by the received memory target values.

[0053] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the posture of the electric bed 3 has reached the memory target value (ST404). For example, this determination is made based on whether the movements of the back ACT 307, knee ACT 309, first height ACT 311, and second height ACT 313 of the electric bed 3 have all stopped. If it is determined that the posture has not been reached (ST404: NO), the process returns to step ST403. This causes the electric bed 3 to operate so as to assume the posture defined by the memory target value. If it is determined that the posture has been reached (ST404: YES), the process proceeds to step ST409, which will be described later.

[0054] In this memory operation for the low angle region, the same processing as the back / knee movement processing (ST200) described above is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the electric bed 3 simultaneously moves the back bottom 31 and knee bottom 32 to set the back angle to 10 degrees and the knee angle to 20 degrees. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the electric bed 3 moves the frame 35 to raise it by 5 degrees. As a result, the electric bed 3 assumes a position in which the back angle is 15 degrees, the knee angle is 15 degrees, and the inclination angle of the frame 35 is 5 degrees.

[0055] If it is determined in step ST402 that the back angle is not less than 10 degrees (ST402: NO), the control unit 101 determines whether the back angle is less than 70 degrees and the inclination angle is less than 4 degrees (ST405). If it is determined that the back angle is less than 70 degrees and the inclination angle is less than 4 degrees (ST405: YES), the control unit 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to perform a memory operation (inclination priority) (ST406). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 presets the back memory (current back angle + 5 degrees - current inclination angle), knee memory (current knee angle + current inclination angle - 5 degrees), inclination memory 5 degrees, and height memory (current height of the electric bed 3) as second memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​together with an instruction for memory operation to the electric bed 3.

[0056] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the posture of the electric bed 3 has reached the memory target value (ST407), similarly to the above-described step ST404. If it is determined that the posture has not reached the memory target value (ST407: NO), the process returns to step ST406.

[0057] In this way, when the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation command and the memory target value, it executes the memory operation so that the bed assumes the posture indicated by the received memory target value. This allows the inclination angle to be adjusted, and if the posture of the electric bed 3 has been left in an incomplete state by another operation, this state can be resolved.

[0058] If the controller 101 determines that the back angle is less than 70 degrees and the inclination angle is not less than 4 degrees (ST405: NO), or if the inclination-priority memory operation has ended (ST407: YES), the controller 101 determines whether the back angle is less than 30 degrees (ST408). If the controller 101 determines that the back angle is less than 30 degrees (ST407: YES), or if the controller 101 determines that the memory operation for the low-angle region has ended (ST404: YES), the controller 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to execute memory operation (medium-angle region) (ST409). In this embodiment, the controller 101 presets the back memory of 30 degrees, the knee memory of 15 degrees, the inclination memory of 5 degrees, and the height memory (the current height of the electric bed 3) as third memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​to the electric bed 3 together with an instruction for memory operation.

[0059] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the posture of the electric bed 3 has reached the memory target value (ST410), similarly to the above-described step ST404. If it is determined that the posture has not reached the memory target value (ST410: NO), the process returns to step ST409.

[0060] In this way, when the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation command and the memory target value, it executes the memory operation so that the bed assumes the posture indicated by the received memory target value. In this memory operation for the medium angle range, the back bottom 31 moves upward so that the back angle is 30 degrees, as shown in Figure 12(c). As a result, the posture of the electric bed 3 is such that the back bottom 31 rises by an additional 15 degrees from the posture shown in Figure 12(b), and assumes a posture with a back angle of 30 degrees.

[0061] If the control unit 101 determines that the back angle is not less than 30 degrees (ST408: NO), or if it determines that the memory operation for the medium angle region has ended (ST410: YES), it instructs the electric bed 3 to execute the memory operation (high angle region) (ST411). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 pre-sets the back memory of 75 degrees, the knee memory of 2 degrees, the inclination memory of 5 degrees, and the height memory (the current height of the electric bed 3) as the fourth memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​to the electric bed 3 along with the instruction for the memory operation. Note that if the current back angle minus the current inclination angle exceeds 70 degrees, the current inclination angle is set. Then, the process ends.

[0062] In this way, when the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation command and the memory target value, it executes the memory operation so that the posture indicated by the received memory target value is achieved. In this memory operation in the high angle range, the same processing as the back / knee operation processing (ST200) described above is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 12(d), the electric bed 3 simultaneously operates the back bottom 31 and the knee bottom 32. That is, they operate to raise the back angle and operate to make the knee angle 2 degrees. After the knee angle reaches 2 degrees, as shown in FIG. 12(e), the electric bed 3 operates to further raise the back bottom 31. As a result, the electric bed 3 assumes a posture with a back angle of 75 degrees, a knee angle of 2 degrees, and an inclination of the frame 35 of 5 degrees. In this way, additional operations during lifting are executed. For example, when the back bottom 31 is lifted from 0 degrees, the inclination angle is 5 degrees (target value) as described above, so the back bottom 31 does not move. When the frame 35 tilts, the back bottom 31 and the knee bottom 32 start operation from the state of "target value - remaining tilt angle." Furthermore, to realize the tilt of the frame 35, the first height ACT311 on the user's head side is raised, and the second height ACT313 on the user's foot side is lowered.

[0063] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the addition operation. The process shown in FIG. 14 is a process for causing the electric bed 3 to perform a lowering operation. Therefore, it is executed when the button 21b instructing the additional lowering operation is pressed. The initial state of the electric bed 3 is assumed to be the state after the process of FIG. 11. That is, the angle of the back bottom 31 is 75 degrees, the angle of the knee bottom 32 is 2 degrees, and the tilt angle of the frame 35 is 5 degrees. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the action when the electric bed 3 operates in accordance with the additional operation. The following description will be made with reference to FIG. 15 as appropriate. Also, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value T2 in which multiple pieces of posture information in this additional operation are respectively indicated as fifth to eighth memory target values. The memory target value T2 shown in FIG. 16 is included, for example, in the additional operation program 104.

[0064] When button 21b is pressed, as shown in Fig. 14, the control unit 101 determines whether the current back angle of the electric bed 3 exceeds 40 degrees (ST501). If it is determined that the back angle exceeds 40 degrees (ST501: YES), the control unit 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to execute a memory operation (high angle region) (ST502). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 presets a back memory of 35 degrees, a knee memory of 2 degrees (current knee angle), an inclination memory of 5 degrees (current inclination angle), and a height memory (current height of the electric bed 3) as fifth memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​to the electric bed 3 together with an instruction for memory operation.

[0065] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the posture of the electric bed 3 has reached the memory target value (ST503). For example, similar to the above-described step ST404, this determination is made based on whether the movements of the back ACT 307, knee ACT 309, first height ACT 311, and second height ACT 313 of the electric bed 3 have all stopped. If it is determined that the movements have not been reached (ST503: NO), the process returns to step ST502. This causes the electric bed 3 to operate so as to assume the posture defined by the memory target value. If it is determined that the movements have been reached (ST503: YES), the process proceeds to step ST508, which will be described later.

[0066] In this way, when the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation command and the memory target value, it executes the memory operation so that the bed assumes the posture indicated by the received memory target value. In this high angle region memory operation, the back bottom 31 is operated, and the angle of the back bottom 31 moves downward as shown in Figure 15(a). As a result, the back angle of the back bottom 31 of the electric bed 3 becomes 35 degrees.

[0067] If the control unit 101 determines that the back angle does not exceed 40 degrees (ST501: NO), it determines whether the current back angle of the electric bed 3 exceeds 15 degrees (ST504). If the control unit 101 determines that the back angle exceeds 15 degrees (ST504: YES), it instructs the electric bed 3 to execute a memory operation (medium angle range) (ST505). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 presets a back memory of 10 degrees, a knee memory of 20 degrees, an inclination memory of 0 degrees, and a height memory of the return height as a sixth memory target value, and transmits the memory target value to the electric bed 3 along with an instruction for memory operation. Here, the return height is the height when the inclination angle of the frame 35 is 0 degrees, taking into account the amount of height movement in the inclined state. For example, if the height is 30 cm, and the inclination angle is increased from 0 degrees to 5 degrees by the additional lifting operation described above, and the height is then raised by 4 cm, the return height will be 34 cm.

[0068] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the posture of the electric bed 3 has reached the memory target value (ST506), similarly to the above-described step ST503. If it is determined that the posture has not reached the memory target value (ST506: NO), the process returns to step ST505.

[0069] In this way, when the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation command and the memory target value, it executes the memory operation so that the bed assumes the posture indicated by the received memory target value. In this memory operation in the high angle range, as shown in Fig. 15(b), the back bottom 31 is lowered and the knee bottom 32 is raised simultaneously, and the back bottom angle and the knee bottom 32 angle are operated to 15 degrees. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 15(c), the inclination angle of the frame 35 is operated to 0 degrees.

[0070] If the controller 101 determines that the back angle does not exceed 15 degrees (ST504: NO) or that the memory operation for the medium angle region has ended (ST506: YES), the controller 101 determines whether the inclination angle exceeds 0 degrees (ST507). If the controller 101 determines that the inclination angle exceeds 0 degrees (ST507: YES) or that the memory operation for the high angle region has ended (ST503: YES), the controller 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to execute memory operation (inclination priority) (ST508). In this embodiment, the controller 101 presets the back memory (current back angle - current inclination angle), knee memory (current knee angle + current inclination angle), inclination memory 0 degrees, and height memory (return height) as seventh memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​together with a memory operation instruction to the electric bed 3.

[0071] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the posture of the electric bed 3 has reached the memory target value (ST509), similarly to the above-described step ST503. If it is determined that the posture has not reached the memory target value (ST509: NO), the process returns to step ST508.

[0072] In this way, when the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation command and the memory target value, it executes the memory operation so that the bed assumes the posture indicated by the received memory target value. If the back angle is 15 degrees or less and the current tilt angle has not reached the tilt memory, it operates to make the tilt horizontal as a priority, as shown in Figure 15(d). This allows the electric bed 3 to be resolved if its posture is in an incomplete state due to another operation.

[0073] If it is determined that the inclination angle does not exceed 0 degrees (ST507: NO), or if it is determined that the inclination-priority memory operation has ended (ST509: YES), the control unit 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to execute the memory operation (low angle region) (ST510). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 pre-sets the back memory 0 degrees, knee memory 0 degrees, inclination memory 0 degrees, and height memory (return height) as eighth memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​together with the instruction for memory operation to the electric bed 3. Then, the process ends.

[0074] When the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation command and the memory target value, it executes the memory operation so that the bed 3 assumes the posture indicated by the received memory target value. As shown in Fig. 15(e), the electric bed 3 assumes a horizontal position with a back angle of 0 degrees, a knee angle of 0 degrees, and a tilt angle of 0 degrees, and the height of the lower back bottom 34 becomes the return height.

[0075] According to the operation device 1 described above, it is possible to sequentially transmit a plurality of memory target values ​​to the electric bed 3 and cause the electric bed 3 to execute additional operations using the memory operations. Therefore, by executing the additional operation program 104 stored in the operation device 1, the electric bed 3 can execute not only the operations based on the posture operation program 304 and the operations based on the memory operation program 305, but also new operations.

[0076] It is difficult to add a posture movement program 304 to an electric bed 3, and conventionally, if one wanted to make an electric bed 3 already installed in a nursing home, hospital, or the like perform a new movement, the only option was to replace the old electric bed 3 with an electric bed incorporating the new movement. However, with the operating device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to make an existing electric bed 3 perform a new movement simply by replacing the old operating device with the operating device 1. Therefore, the cost of making an electric bed 3 perform a new movement can be significantly reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, even if a new operation (fourth operation) is desired to be performed by the electric bed 3 after the operation device 1 is installed, this new operation can be performed simply by rewriting the additional operation program 104. This not only makes it possible to extend the period of use of the electric bed 3, but also makes it possible to extend the period of use of the operation device 1.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the buttons 21a and 21b are used to instruct the electric bed 3 to perform an additional action of raising or lowering, but it is also possible to provide another button so that pressing a different button from the above-mentioned additional action can instruct the electric bed 3 to perform a different additional action. In other words, the operating device 1 may be able to instruct the electric bed 3 to perform a plurality of different additional actions according to the buttons.

[0079] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a memory operation can be used by pressing the button 22a that raises the back bottom 31, and the memory operation is used to limit the range of operation of the electric bed 3. For this reason, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations of these components will be omitted.

[0080] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a motion restriction process for raising the back bottom 31. This process is executed, for example, when the button 22a is pressed for a predetermined time. In this embodiment, the motion range of the back bottom 31 is a back angle range from 0 degrees to less than 40 degrees. This motion range is stored in the storage unit 103. A program for realizing the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 is stored in the storage unit 103 in place of or together with the additional operation program 104. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value T3 used in the additional operation of this embodiment.

[0081] 17, the control unit 101 of the operating device 1 determines whether the back angle, which indicates the current angle of the back bottom 31 of the electric bed 3, is less than 40 degrees (ST601). If it is determined that the back angle is less than 40 degrees (ST601: YES), the control unit 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to execute a memory operation (operation restriction) (ST602). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 pre-sets a back memory of 40 degrees, a knee memory (current knee angle), an inclination memory (current inclination angle), and a height memory (current height) as 21st memory target values, and transmits the memory target values ​​together with an instruction for memory operation to the electric bed 3.

[0082] When the control unit 301 of the electric bed 3 receives the memory operation instruction and the memory target value, it operates the back bottom 31 to 40 degrees because the operation range is up to a back angle of 40 degrees. Note that if the control unit 101 of the operating device 1 determines that the back angle is not smaller than 40 degrees (ST601: NO), it does not send an instruction to the back bottom 31 to move it any further because the back angle is outside the operation range.

[0083] 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining an example of the action of the electric bed 3 during operation. As shown in Fig. 19(a), the operating range of the back bottom 31 of the electric bed 3 is limited from a state in which the back angle is 0 degrees to a state in which the back angle is 40 degrees as shown in Fig. 19(b). Also, as shown in Fig. 20(a), even when the frame 35 is inclined in the initial state, as shown in Fig. 20(b), the operating range of the back bottom 31 is limited to an inclination angle of up to 40 degrees, including the inclination angle of the frame 35 in the inclined state.

[0084] In this way, even if the operating range of the back bottom 31 is, for example, from 0 degrees to 75 degrees, by executing a memory operation by pressing the button 22a, it is possible to later limit the operating range of the back bottom 31 to 0 degrees to 40 degrees. Therefore, for example, it is possible to limit the operating range depending on the condition of the user using the electric bed 3 installed in a nursing home, hospital, etc. For example, it can be used for users who are not in good health and should not raise the back angle too much. This allows the user to use the electric bed 3 safely.

[0085] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that memory operation can be used by pressing button 24b that lowers the height of frame 35, and memory operation is used to change the operating speed according to the height of the electric bed 3. For this reason, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations of these components will be omitted.

[0086] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of a speed change process when the height of the frame 35 is lowered. This process is executed, for example, when the button 24b is pressed for a predetermined period of time. In this embodiment, the speed at which the frame 35 moves in the height direction is set to 3 cm / s when the height of the electric bed 3 exceeds 40 cm, and 1 cm / s when the height is 40 cm or less. This speed setting is stored in the storage unit 103. A program for realizing the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21 is stored in the storage unit 103 instead of or together with the additional operation program 104. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value T4 used in the additional operation of this embodiment.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 21, the control unit 101 determines whether the height of the frame 35 exceeds 40 cm (ST701). If it determines that the height exceeds 40 cm (ST701: YES), the control unit 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to execute a memory operation (first speed) (ST702). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 pre-sets a height direction speed of 3 cm / s as a 31st memory target value in addition to the back memory (current back angle), knee memory (current knee angle), inclination memory (current inclination angle), and height memory of 21 cm, and transmits the memory target value to the electric bed 3 together with an instruction for memory operation. As a result, the electric bed 3 executes an operation to descend at a speed of 3 cm / s.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is determined that the height does not exceed 40 cm (ST701: NO), or if a memory operation (first speed) is performed and the frame 35 is descending at the first speed (ST702), the control unit 101 determines whether the height of the frame 35 is 40 cm or less (ST703).

[0089] If it is determined that the height is 40 cm or less (ST703), the control unit 101 instructs the electric bed 3 to perform a memory operation (second speed) (ST704). In this embodiment, the control unit 101 pre-sets a height direction speed of 1 cm / s as a 32nd memory target value in addition to the back memory (current back angle), knee memory (current knee angle), inclination memory (current inclination angle), and height memory of 21 cm, and transmits the memory target value along with an instruction for memory operation to the electric bed 3. Because the speed included in the memory target value is changed from 3 cm / s to 1 cm / s, the electric bed 3 performs an operation to descend at a speed of 1 cm / s. Then, after the electric bed 3 operates until the height reaches 21 cm, or if it is determined that the height is not 40 cm or less (ST703: NO), this process ends.

[0090] 23 and 24 are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of the electric bed 3. As shown in Fig. 23, when the height of the frame 35 is 40 cm or more, the electric bed 3 descends at 3 cm / s. Also, as shown in Fig. 24, when the height of the frame 35 is 40 cm or less, the electric bed 3 descends at 1 cm / s.

[0091] In this way, when the button 24b is pressed, the lowering speed of the electric bed 3 can be changed from 3 cm / s to 1 cm / s depending on the height of the frame 35 of the electric bed 3. Therefore, the operating device 1 can set the vertical speed according to the requirements of the facility where the electric bed 3 is installed or the user's requirements. Therefore, the user can cause the electric bed 3 to perform an operation according to the requirement. While the present embodiment has been described with reference to a case where the frame 35 is lowered, the above technology can also be applied to a case where the frame 35 is raised. Furthermore, while the present embodiment has been described with reference to a case where the operating speed is changed using a memory operation, this is not limiting. For example, if the electric bed 3 is configured to generate a sound, the electric bed 3 may be configured to instruct a memory operation that changes the sound generated depending on the first state and the second state. The sound may be generated not only from the electric bed 3 but also from the input device 1.

[0092] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is configured to enable memory operations by pressing a specific button, and to continue a certain repetitive operation by utilizing the memory operations. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components will be omitted.

[0093] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of an action map for continuing a certain repetitive action. 25, the horizontal axis represents the back angle and the vertical axis represents the knee angle. The posture of the electric bed 3 is set to repeat the following sequence: State P4 (back angle 50 degrees, knee angle 5 degrees) → State P5 (back angle 50 degrees, knee angle 15 degrees) → State P6 (back angle 20 degrees, knee angle 15 degrees) → State P7 (back angle 20 degrees, knee angle 5 degrees) → State P4 (back angle 50 degrees, knee angle 5 degrees).

[0094] The operation map shown in Fig. 25 is stored in the storage unit 103. A program for causing the electric bed 3 to perform memory operations based on this operation map is stored in the storage unit 103 instead of or together with the additional operation program 104. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a memory target value T5 corresponding to the operation map used for the additional operation of this embodiment. The memory target value T5 is defined in advance as the 41st to 47th memory target values, each representing a plurality of pieces of posture information from the initial state (horizontal state) until the electric bed 3 performs the repeated operation.

[0095] FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example of the action during operation of the electric bed 3 when a memory operation (operation map) is instructed. As shown in Fig. 27(a), the electric bed 3 is initially in state P1 with a back angle of 0 degrees and a knee angle of 0 degrees, and the electric bed 3 is in a horizontal position. Next, as shown in Fig. 27(b), the back bottom 31 rises, and the bed reaches state P2 with a back angle of 35 degrees. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 22(c), the knee bottom 32 rises, and the bed reaches state P3 with a back angle of 35 degrees and a knee angle of 5 degrees. Memory target values ​​are sequentially transmitted from the operating device 1 to the electric bed 3 so that the bed operates in each of states P1 to P3.

[0096] From state P3, as shown in FIG. 27(d), the back bottom 31 further rises with the knee angle at 5 degrees, resulting in state P5 where the back angle is 50 degrees. Next, as shown in FIG. 27(e), the knee bottom 32 rises with the back angle at 50 degrees, resulting in state P5 where the knee angle is 15 degrees. Then, as shown in FIG. 27(f), the back bottom 31 descends with the knee angle at 15 degrees, resulting in state P6 where the back angle is 20 degrees. After that, as shown in FIG. 27(g), the knee bottom 32 descends with the back angle at 20 degrees, resulting in state P7 where the knee angle is 5 degrees. After this, the position of the electric bed 3 changes to state P4, and then to state P5, state P6, and state P7 in sequence, before returning to state P4 again. This repeats. Memory target values ​​are sequentially transmitted from the operating device 1 to the electric bed 3 so that the bed 3 operates in each of states P4 to P7.

[0097] In this way, the operating device 1 utilizes the memory operation of the electric bed 3, making it possible to cause the electric bed 3 to continue to perform repeated operations. This makes it possible to prevent bed sores in the case where a user who cannot move uses the electric bed 3, for example. Also, when used by a user in the recovery stage, the bed 3 can be used as a form of rehabilitation.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the memory target values ​​are sequentially transmitted from the operating device 1 to the electric bed 3, but the method of transmitting the memory target values ​​is not limited to this. For example, the operating device 1 may be configured to transmit multiple memory target values ​​to the electric bed 3 at once, and the electric bed 3 may be configured to sequentially form multiple postures defined by the multiple memory target values.

[0099] In addition, although the above embodiments have been described as applying the electric furniture to the electric bed 3, the electric furniture is not limited to this. For example, the technology of the above embodiments can also be applied to an electric chair used for medical purposes.

[0100] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of the elements included in the electric furniture, such as the sensor, processing unit, processing circuit, actuator, and bottom, are within the scope of the present invention as long as a person skilled in the art can implement the present invention in a similar manner and obtain similar effects by appropriately selecting them from known ranges.

[0101] Any combination of two or more elements of each embodiment to the extent technically possible is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it encompasses the gist of the present invention.

[0102] In addition, all electric furniture that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately modifying the design based on the electric furniture described above as an embodiment of the present invention also falls within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0103] In addition, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may come up with various modifications and alterations, and it will be understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...operation device, 2...communication cable, 3...electric bed, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b...button, 31...back bottom, 32...knee bottom, 33...foot bottom, 34...waist bottom, 35...frame, 101...control unit, 102...communication unit, 103...storage unit, 104...additional operation program, 105...first posture information, 106...second posture information, 301...control unit, 302...communication unit, 303...storage unit, 304...posture operation program, 305...memory operation program, 307...back ACT, 309...knee ACT, 311...first height ACT, 313...second height ACT, T1 to T5...memory target values

Claims

[Claim 1] a memory unit capable of storing a plurality of positions of the height-adjustable electric furniture; a control unit that acquires a current position of the electric furniture from the electric furniture; an input unit including buttons for inputting operation instructions for the electric furniture; Equipped with The electric furniture is capable of executing a first action defined in advance and a memory action that operates based on information defining a posture, The control unit controlling the operation of the electric furniture so as to sequentially form the plurality of postures using the memory operation; When the button is operated, if the current height of the electric furniture is within a first range, an instruction for the memory operation corresponding to the first range is transmitted to the electric furniture; When the button is operated, if the current height of the electric furniture is in a second range different from the first range, an instruction for the memory operation corresponding to the second range is transmitted to the electric furniture. Operating device.

Images