Electric bed unit

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly electric bed unit.SOLUTION: An electric bed unit comprising: a plurality of functional parts configured to be electrically operated; a control device configured to control operations of the functional parts; and a hand switch connected to the control device and configured to be operated to operate the functional parts, the electric bed unit according to claim 1, wherein the control device has an AC power supply mode in which the control device is supplied with power from an AC power supply to control the operation of the functional unit, and a dry cell mode in which the control device is supplied with power from a dry cell to control the operation of the functional unit, and in the dry cell mode, the operation of at least one functional unit of the plurality of functional units is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a motorized bed unit. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrically powered bed that can be operated using a dry battery is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-206332 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, if a power outage occurs, a motorized bed may be operated using dry batteries. In such a case, if the number of times the motorized bed is operated increases, the capacity of the dry batteries will decrease more quickly, which may make the bed less user-friendly.

[0005] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use electric bed unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electric bed unit according to the embodiment includes a plurality of electrically operated functional units, a control device that controls the operation of the functional units, and a hand switch connected to the control device and operated to operate the functional units. The control device has an AC power mode in which it receives power from an AC power source to control the operation of the functional units, and a dry battery mode in which it receives power from a dry battery to control the operation of the functional units, and the dry battery mode is characterized in that the operation of at least one of the plurality of functional units is limited. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the embodiment of the present invention, a user-friendly electric bed unit can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing an electric bed unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a control device of the electric bed unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the first hand switch alone. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical system of the electric bed unit. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing a control process executed by the control device. [Figure 6] 10 is a table showing operable functions based on the remaining battery power. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process of an electric bed unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process of an electric bed unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An electric bed unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8. Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 show an electric bed unit according to a first embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an electric bed unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a control device of the electric bed unit. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first hand switch alone. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical system of the electric bed unit.

[0011] The electric bed unit 10 shown in Fig. 1 is used in, for example, nursing homes, hospitals, and private homes, and is capable of raising and lowering the backrest, kneeling section, etc., and electrically adjusting the height of the bed 20. The electric bed unit 10 shown in Fig. 1 is a simplified illustration, and the drive devices for raising and lowering the backrest, kneeling section, etc., and for changing the height of the bed 20 are omitted. In the embodiment, the head side of a user H lying on the bed 20 will be described as the front side, and the foot side as the rear side. The electric bed unit 10 includes the bed 20, a function unit 30, a control device 50, and hand switches (first and second hand switches 60, 67).

[0012] The bed 20 has a base frame 21 placed on the floor surface F, a main frame 22 located above the base frame 21, and a bottom 23 that can be raised or lowered relative to the main frame 22. Two main frames 22 are provided spaced apart in the left-right direction (short side direction) of the bed 20 and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The main frames 22 are supported by the base frame 21 via, for example, an elevating mechanism. The main frame 22 can be moved up and down relative to the base frame 21 by a third drive device 35, which will be described later.

[0013] The top surface of the bottom 23 serves as a mattress placement surface. In this example, an ASM 41 (active sleep mattress) is placed on the mattress. The ASM 41 will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom 23 supports the user H via the ASM 41. The bottom 23 has a back bottom 23a, a waist bottom 23b, a knee bottom 23c, and a leg bottom 23d.

[0014] The back bottom 23a supports the head and back of the user H lying on the bed 20. The back bottom 23a can be raised and lowered by a first drive device 31, which will be described later. FIG. 1 shows the back bottom 23a in a raised state. The lumbar bottom 23b is located behind the back bottom 23a. The lumbar bottom 23b supports the lumbar region and buttocks of the user H lying on the bed 20.

[0015] The knee bottom 23c is located behind the waist bottom 23b. The knee bottom 23c supports the thighs of the user H lying on the bed 20. The leg bottom 23d is located behind the knee bottom 23c. The leg bottom 23d supports the lower legs of the user H lying on the bed 20. The knee bottom 23c and the leg bottom 23d can be raised and lowered by a second drive device 33, which will be described later.

[0016] Below the bottom 23 are provided a backrest mechanism for raising and lowering the back bottom 23a, a knee-raising mechanism for raising and lowering the knee bottom 23c and leg bottom 23d, a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the main frame 22 and bottom 23 (none of which are shown), and a control device 50 for controlling the operation of each mechanism.

[0017] The backrest mechanism, knee-raising mechanism, and lifting mechanism are operated by a drive device, for example, consisting of an electric cylinder. The backrest mechanism raises or lowers the back bottom 23a by operation of the first drive device 31. The knee-raising mechanism bends the knee bottom 23c and leg bottom 23d in a mountain fold by operation of the second drive device 33. The lifting mechanism raises or lowers the main frame 22 and bottom 23 by operation of the third drive device 35. This allows the height of the bed 20 from the floor surface F to be adjusted. The first drive device 31, second drive device 33, and third drive device 35 constitute an electrically operated functional unit 30.

[0018] The electric bed unit 10 further includes an accessory unit 40 as a functional unit 30. The accessory unit 40 is an electrically operated functional unit 30, and is, for example, an ASM41 (active sleep mattress), an ASA43 (active sleep analyzer), an NCU (nurse call relay unit), and a USB power supply. The accessory unit 40 may be another functional unit attached to the bed 20. The accessory unit 40 is provided as needed.

[0019] The ASM 41 is placed on the bottom 23 and supports the user H. The ASM 41 has a pump and a plurality of air cells (neither of which is shown) connected to the pump. The pump is controlled by the control device 50. The ASM 41 is designed so that its firmness can be adjusted by the pump inhaling and exhaling the air cells. This allows the ASM 41 to become a mattress with the firmness preferred by the user H.

[0020] The ASA 43 is laid on the bottom 23 or provided inside the ASM 41 (mattress). The ASA 43 detects the body movements and breathing of the user H on the bed 20 and analyzes the sleeping state. The ASA 43 is controlled by the control device 50.

[0021] The NCU 45 is for communicating to the nurse station the state of the user H on the bed 20 (for example, sitting up, sitting on the edge of the bed, getting out of bed, sleeping, etc.). The NCU 45 is controlled by the control device 50.

[0022] The USB power supply 47 is for connecting, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The USB power supply 47 is provided, for example, on a side table, headboard, and hand switch holder (none of which are shown) of the bed 20. The USB power supply 47 is connected to the control device 50 by a cable or the like (not shown).

[0023] The control device 50 is provided, for example, below the bottom 23. The control device 50 is connected to each functional unit 30 and controls the operation of each functional unit 30. As shown in FIG. 2 , the control device 50 has a first connection part 51 to which a cable 102 is connected for supplying power from an AC power source 100 to the control device 50, and a second connection part 53 to which a dry battery 105 is connected. The control device 50 operates when power is supplied from the AC power source 100 or the dry battery 105.

[0024] In this example, two 9V square dry batteries are connected to the second connection part 53 as the dry batteries 105. The dry batteries 105 are connected, for example, to a cable (not shown) stored in the second connection part 53. The dry batteries 105 may also be connected by sliding them into the second connection part 53. The electric bed unit 10 is designed to be able to operate the functional part 30 with power supplied by the dry batteries 105, for example, in the event of a power outage. The dry batteries 105 may also be secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries that are shaped like dry batteries and can be recharged.

[0025] The control device 50 controls the operation of the first to third drive devices 31, 33, and 35. The control device 50 is connected to a first hand switch 60 for operating the first to third drive devices 31, 33, and 35. The control device 50 also controls the operation of the accessory unit 40. The control device 50 is connected to a second hand switch 67 for operating the accessory unit 40.

[0026] The control device 50 has a memory unit 50a. The memory unit 50a stores a program for operating the functional unit 30. The control device 50 operates the functional unit 30 based on a command signal transmitted from the first hand switch 60 or the second hand switch 67.

[0027] The control device 50 has an AC power mode in which it receives power from an AC power source 100 to control the operation of the functional unit 30, and a dry battery mode in which it receives power from a dry battery 105 to control the operation of the functional unit 30. The memory unit 50a stores a program for the AC power mode and a program for the dry battery mode. The memory unit 50a also stores a threshold value used in the dry battery mode.

[0028] In the AC power mode, the operation of the functional units 30 is not restricted, and all of the functional units 30 can operate. On the other hand, in the dry battery mode, the operation of at least one of the functional units 30 is restricted. In the dry battery mode, for example, even if the capacity of the dry battery 105 is sufficient to operate the functional units 30, the operation of the functional units 30 is forcibly restricted. The control process in the dry battery mode will be described later.

[0029] The first hand switch 60 is a remote control for operating the first to third drive devices 31, 33, 35 of the bed 20. The first hand switch 60 is connected to the control device 50 by wire or wirelessly. By operating the first hand switch 60, the user H can raise or lower the back bottom section 23a, the knee bottom section 23c, and the leg bottom section 23d and change their heights from the floor surface F.

[0030] 3, the first hand switch 60 has a plurality of operation buttons 61. The operation buttons 61 are, for example, first to tenth buttons 61a to 61j. The operation buttons 61 may be a touch panel or the like.

[0031] The first and second buttons 61a and 61b are used to operate the first drive device 31. The first button 61a is a back-raising button that is operated to extend the rod of the first drive device 31 and raise the back bottom 23a. The second button 61b is a back-lowering button that is operated to retract the rod of the first drive device 31 and lower the back bottom 23a.

[0032] The third and fourth buttons 61c and 61d are used to operate the second drive device 33. The third button 61c is a knee-raising button that is operated to extend the rod of the second drive device 33 and raise the knee bottom 23c and leg bottom 23d. The fourth button 61d is a knee-lowering button that is operated to retract the rod of the second drive device 33 and lower the knee bottom 23c and leg bottom 23d.

[0033] The fifth and sixth buttons 61e and 61f are used to operate the third drive device 35. The fifth button 61e is a height-raising button that is operated to extend the rod of the third drive device 35 and raise the height of the bottom 23. The sixth button 61f is a height-lowering button that is operated to retract the rod of the third drive device 35 and lower the height of the bottom 23.

[0034] The seventh and eighth buttons 61g and 61h are used to operate the first drive device 31 and the second drive device 33 together. The seventh button 61g is a linked raising button that extends the rod of the first drive device 31 and the rod of the second drive device 33, thereby raising the back bottom 23a, knee bottom 23c, and leg bottom 23d in a linked manner. The eighth button 61h is a linked lowering button that retracts the rod of the first drive device 31 and the rod of the second drive device 33, thereby lowering the back bottom 23a, knee bottom 23c, and leg bottom 23d in a linked manner.

[0035] The ninth and tenth buttons 61i and 61j are buttons for setting the bed 20 to a position stored in, for example, the storage unit 50a of the control device 50. For example, the ninth and tenth buttons 61i and 61j can store a position (frequently used position) preferred by the user H. In this example, two positions of the bottom 23 can be stored.

[0036] The first hand switch 60 has a display unit 62, a vibration unit 63, an audio output unit 64, and a control unit 65. The first hand switch 60 is configured to receive a signal from the control device 50 that the control device 50 has been set to the dry battery mode. The display unit 62, the vibration unit 63, and the audio output unit 64 are each provided as needed.

[0037] When the functional unit 30 is operating in the dry battery mode, the control unit 50 transmits a dry battery operation signal to the first hand switch 60. When the control unit 65 receives the dry battery operation signal from the control unit 50, it causes the display unit 62 to display that it is operating on the dry battery 105. The control unit 65 may also cause the display unit 62 to display that it is in the dry battery mode (that the dry battery 105 is connected). The control unit 65 may also cause the display unit 62 to display the remaining charge of the dry battery 105.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 65 may activate the vibration unit 63 upon receiving a dry battery operation signal from the control device 50. This allows the user H to recognize that the functional unit 30 is operating on the dry battery 105 by the vibration of the first hand switch 60. The control unit 65 may also activate the vibration unit 63 to notify that the device is in dry battery mode (that the dry battery 105 is connected).

[0039] Furthermore, when the control unit 65 receives a dry battery operation signal from the control device 50, it may output a sound from the audio output unit 64. This allows the user H to recognize from the sound output from the first hand switch 60 that the functional unit 30 is operating on the dry battery 105. Note that the control unit 65 may also output a sound from the audio output unit 64 to notify that it is in dry battery mode (that the dry battery 105 is connected).

[0040] The second hand switch 67 serves as a remote control for operating the accessory unit 40. The second hand switch 67 is connected to the control device 50 by wire or wirelessly. The user H can operate the accessory unit 40 by operating the second hand switch 67. The second hand switch 67 may have the same configuration as the first hand switch 60. The first hand switch 60 and the second hand switch 67 may be integrated into a single hand switch. Alternatively, an individual hand switch may be provided for each accessory unit 40.

[0041] The electric bed unit 10 described above has the above-mentioned configuration, and the AC power supply mode and the dry battery mode will now be described.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the control processing executed by the control device. A control processing program based on Fig. 5 is stored in the storage unit 50a of the control device 50. The control processing of Fig. 5 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. In Fig. 5, each step is indicated by "S". Figure 6 is a table showing the functions that can be operated based on the remaining battery power. In Figure 6, "◯" indicates an operable function, and "×" indicates a prohibited function.

[0043] First, in S1, it is determined whether or not the device is connected to an AC power source. The control device 50 determines whether or not power is being supplied from the AC power source 100, for example, by detecting a voltage of 10 V or more from the power supply circuit. If the result of S1 is "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the device is connected to the AC power source 100, the process proceeds to S2. On the other hand, if the result of S1 is "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the device is not connected to the AC power source 100, the process proceeds to S3.

[0044] When power is supplied from the AC power source 100, the AC power mode is set. In S2, in the AC power mode, the operation of the functional units 30 is not restricted. That is, in the AC power mode, all of the functional units 30 are operable, and the operation ends. The user H can operate the functional units 30 by operating the first hand switch 60 or the second hand switch 67. The first hand switch 60 or the second hand switch 67 may notify the user that the AC power mode is in effect by displaying, sounding, vibrating, or the like.

[0045] In S3, it is determined whether or not a dry battery is connected. The control device 50 determines whether or not power is being supplied from the dry battery 105, for example, by detecting a voltage of 1 V or more and less than 10 V from the power supply circuit. Note that confirmation of dry battery connection is not limited to voltage detection, and may also be mechanical detection. For example, it may be detected that the dry battery 105 has been inserted into the second connection portion 53 of the control device 50.

[0046] If S3 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the battery 105 is connected, the process proceeds to S4. On the other hand, if S1 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the battery 105 is not connected, the process ends.

[0047] If power is being supplied from the dry battery 105, the dry battery mode is set. In S4, it is determined whether the dry battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than a first threshold value Bv1 (Bv≧Bv1). The first threshold value Bv1 is pre-stored in the storage unit 50a of the control device 50. The first threshold value Bv1 is a value close to the full capacity (e.g., 9V) of the dry battery 105. The first threshold value Bv1 may be, for example, the voltage of the dry battery 105 or the remaining capacity (%) of the dry battery 105.

[0048] If S4 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than the first threshold value Bv1, the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, if S4 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is less than the first threshold value Bv1, the process proceeds to S6.

[0049] In S5, among the multiple functional units 30, the control device 50 prohibits the interlocking operation and the operation of the auxiliary units. That is, the control device 50 prohibits the interlocking operation that moves at least two or more of the first to third drive devices 31, 33, and 35 together. In this case, when the capacity Bv1 of the dry battery 105 is equal to the first threshold value Bv, the control device 50 prohibits the interlocking operation even if the interlocking operation is possible. In addition, the control device 50 prohibits the operation of the auxiliary units 40 (ASM 41, ASA 43, NCU 45, USB power supply 47).

[0050] As a result, even if the seventh button 61g or the eighth button 61h of the first hand switch 60 is operated, the control device 50 will not activate the first drive device 31 or the second drive device 33. In this way, in the dry battery mode, linked operations that may significantly reduce the capacity of the dry battery 105 are initially prohibited. This improves the life of the dry battery 105.

[0051] In S6, it is determined whether the battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than a second threshold value Bv2 (Bv1>Bv≧Bv2). The second threshold value Bv2 is pre-stored in the storage unit 50a of the control device 50. The second threshold value Bv2 is a value smaller than the first threshold value Bv1.

[0052] If S6 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than the second threshold value Bv2, the process proceeds to S7. On the other hand, if S6 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is less than the second threshold value Bv2, the process proceeds to S8.

[0053] In S7, in addition to prohibiting interlocking operation and accessory unit operation, height operation is also prohibited. That is, the control device 50 further prohibits operation of the third drive device 35. As a result, the control device 50 does not operate the third drive device 35 even if, for example, the fifth button 61e or the sixth button 61f of the first hand switch 60 is operated. In this way, when the capacity of the dry battery 105 is less than the first threshold and equal to or greater than the second threshold, the number of functional units 30 whose operation is restricted is increased. Therefore, the life of the dry battery 105 can be improved.

[0054] In S8, it is determined whether the battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than a third threshold value Bv3 (Bv2>Bv≧Bv3). The third threshold value Bv3 is pre-stored in the memory unit 50a of the control device 50. The third threshold value Bv3 is a value smaller than the second threshold value Bv2. The third threshold value Bv3 is a value close to the minimum capacity value at which the rod of the first drive device 31 and the rod of the second drive device 33 can be retracted, for example.

[0055] If S8 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than the third threshold value Bv3, the process proceeds to S9. On the other hand, if S8 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is less than the third threshold value Bv3, the process proceeds to S10.

[0056] In S9, in addition to prohibiting interlocking operation, prohibiting accessory unit operation, and prohibiting height operation, the back / knee lifting operation is also prohibited. That is, the control device 50 further prohibits the first drive device 31 and the second drive device 33 from lifting the bottom 23. As a result, the control device 50 will not operate the first drive device 31 and the second drive device 33, even if, for example, the first button 61a or the third button 61c of the first hand switch 60 is operated.

[0057] That is, when the capacity Bv of the dry battery 105 is less than the second threshold value Bv2 and greater than or equal to the third threshold value Bv3, only the rod of the first drive device 31 and the rod of the second drive device 33 are allowed to be retracted among the multiple functional units 30. In other words, of the first hand switch 60, only the second button 61b and the fourth button 61d are enabled, and the other buttons are disabled.

[0058] For example, if the user H tries to flatten the bottom 23 and accidentally operates the first hand switch 60, the capacity of the dry batteries 105 may decrease, making it impossible to flatten the bottom 23 next time. According to this embodiment, the bottom 23 can be flattened even when the remaining charge of the dry batteries 105 is low.

[0059] In S10, a notification of insufficient battery capacity is made. The control device 50 transmits a control signal to the first hand switch 60 and the second hand switch 67, indicating that the battery 105 is low in capacity. The first hand switch 60 and the second hand switch 67 notify the battery 105 of the insufficient capacity using the display unit 62, the vibration unit 63, the audio output unit 64, or the like. For example, the display unit 62 may display "The battery capacity is low," or an icon or symbol may be used to indicate the low battery capacity of the battery 105, or the audio output unit 64 may announce "The battery capacity is low," or a beep may be used to indicate the low battery capacity of the battery 105.

[0060] Thus, according to the electric bed unit 10 of the first embodiment, the control device 50 has an AC power mode in which power is supplied from the AC power source 100 to control the operation of the functional unit 30, and a dry battery mode in which power is supplied from the dry battery 105 to control the operation of the functional unit 30. In the dry battery mode, the operation of at least one of the multiple functional units 30 is limited based on the capacity of the dry battery 105 and a threshold value corresponding to the capacity.

[0061] For example, if a power outage occurs and the functional unit 30 is operated indefinitely using the dry battery 105, the capacity of the dry battery 105 may be insufficient when the user H goes to sleep, making it impossible to flatten the bottom 23. In this embodiment, in the dry battery mode, the operation of the functional unit 30 is limited, thereby preventing the capacity of the dry battery 105 from decreasing.

[0062] Furthermore, the control device 50 transitions from the AC power supply mode to the dry battery mode by detecting the voltage of the dry battery 105. This makes it possible to recognize that the dry battery 105 has been connected without using a complex configuration.

[0063] The thresholds include a first threshold Bv1 and a second threshold Bv2 that is smaller than the first threshold Bv1, and the number of functional units 30 whose operation is restricted is greater when the capacity of the battery 105 is less than the first threshold Bv1 and equal to or greater than the second threshold Bv2 than when the capacity is equal to or greater than the first threshold Bv1. In this example, a third threshold Bv3 that is smaller than the second threshold Bv2 is also included. When the capacity of the battery 105 is less than the second threshold Bv2 and equal to or greater than the third threshold Bv3, only the operation of flattening the bottom 23 is permitted. This further improves the life of the battery 105 and allows the bottom 23 to be flattened when going to bed in the event of a power outage.

[0064] Next, the control process of an electric bed unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The control process according to the second embodiment disables the up button of the first hand switch 60 when the bed is switched to the dry battery mode.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the control process of the electric bed unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The control process shown in Fig. 7 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle. In Fig. 7, each step is indicated by "S".

[0066] In S11 to S13, the same control processes as in S1 to S3 in Fig. 5 are executed. In the next S14, the operation of the accessory unit is prohibited. That is, the control device 50 prohibits the operation of the accessory unit 40 even if the capacity of the dry battery 105 is sufficient to operate the accessory unit 40. This can improve the life of the dry battery 105.

[0067] In the next step S15, it is determined whether the battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than a threshold value Bvx. The threshold value Bvx is pre-stored in the storage unit 50a of the control device 50. The threshold value Bvx is set, for example, as the capacity of the battery 105 required to lower the bottom 23. That is, the threshold value Bvx is set, for example, as the capacity of the battery 105 required to retract the rods of the first to third drive devices 31, 33, and 35.

[0068] If S15 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is equal to or greater than the threshold value Bvx, the process proceeds to S16. On the other hand, if S15 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the battery capacity Bv is less than the threshold value Bvx, the process proceeds to S17.

[0069] In S16, the up button of the hand switch is disabled. That is, the control device 50 enables only the down button of the first hand switch 60. In other words, the control device 50 enables only the lowering operation of the bed 20 and prohibits other operations. The control device 50 enables only the operation of the second button 61b, the fourth button 61d, and the sixth button 61f of the operation buttons 61 of the first hand switch 60, and then ends the process. The control device 50 may also enable the eighth button 61h for performing linked lowering. The control device 50 may also enable only the flattening operation of the bed 20 (that is, enable only the second button 61b and the fourth button 61d).

[0070] As described above, in the dry battery mode of the electric bed unit 10 according to the second embodiment, the up button is disabled among the multiple operation buttons 61. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary capacity reduction of the dry battery 105, for example, when the user H accidentally operates the up button of the first hand switch 60. Therefore, for example, when going to bed during a power outage, the bed 20 can be flattened using the dry battery 105, making the electric bed unit 10 easy to use.

[0071] In S17, the same control process as in S10 in FIG. 5 is executed, and the process ends.

[0072] Next, the control process of an electric bed unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In the control process according to the third embodiment, when the bed is switched to the dry battery mode, all the buttons of the first hand switch 60 are set to the down button.

[0073] In S21 to S25 and S27, the same control processes as in S11 to S15 and S17 in Fig. 7 are executed. Then, in S26, all buttons of the first hand switch 60 are changed to lowering buttons. That is, when the capacity Bv of the dry battery 105 is equal to or greater than the threshold value Bvx, the control device 50 enables only the lowering operation of the bed 20 and prohibits other operations.

[0074] Specifically, whichever operation button of the first to tenth buttons 61a to 61j of the first hand switch 60 is operated, the bottom 23 is flattened and the height from the floor surface F is set to the minimum height. In other words, in the dry battery mode, when any of the operation buttons 61 is operated, the rods of the first to third drive devices 31, 33, 35 are retracted.

[0075] In this case, the control device 50 may operate the first to third drive devices 31, 33, 35 together (interlocking operation), or may operate each drive device individually. Note that in the dry battery mode, when any of the operation buttons 61 is operated, only the operation of flattening the bottom 23 of the bed 20 may be performed without changing the height.

[0076] As described above, with the electric bed unit 10 according to the third embodiment, when the dry cell battery 105 is being used, the bed 20 can be made flat by operating any of the operation buttons 61 of the first hand switch 60. Therefore, for example, the user H does not need to check the down button of the first hand switch 60 in the dark in the event of a power outage. As a result, the electric bed unit 10 can be made easy to use.

[0077] In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which linked operation was prohibited when the dry battery 105 reached or exceeded the first threshold value Bv1, which is close to full capacity. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the dry battery 105 is at or above the first threshold value Bv1, which is close to full capacity, there may be no operation restriction on the functional units 30, and when the dry battery 105 falls below the first threshold value Bv1, operation of at least some of the functional units 30 may be restricted.

[0078] In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the interlocking operation and the operation of the accessory unit 40 are prohibited when the first threshold value Bv1 is reached, the height operation is additionally prohibited when the second threshold value Bv2 is reached, and the back / knee raising operation is additionally prohibited when the third threshold value Bv3 is reached. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the operation of the functional unit 30 that is prohibited at each threshold value may be another functional unit 30.

[0079] In the second and third embodiments described above, an example was given in which the raising operation of the functional unit 30 was prohibited when the dry battery capacity Bv was equal to or greater than the threshold value Bvx. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the capacity of the dry battery 105 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the functional unit 30 may be allowed to operate without restriction, and when the capacity of the dry battery 105 is less than the threshold value, the raising operation of the bed 20 may be prohibited.

[0080] In the third embodiment described above, an example was given in which all buttons are changed to lowering buttons in the dry battery mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the dry battery 105 was connected (since the bed entered the dry battery mode), the bed 20 may be automatically flattened by the operation of flattening the bottom 23. In this case, in addition to flattening the bottom 23, the bed height may also be lowered.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which all of the auxiliary units 40 are prohibited from operating in the dry battery mode. However, some of the auxiliary units 40 may be operable. For example, the NCU 45 may be operable because it may be in an emergency situation such as a power outage.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which, in the dry battery mode, the operation of the functional unit 30 is restricted based on the capacity of the dry battery 105 and a threshold value corresponding to that capacity. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the dry battery mode, the operation of the functional unit 30 may be restricted by detecting the connection of the dry battery 105 using a sensor or a mechanical mechanism.

[0083] Embodiments may include the following features. (Configuration 1) An electric bed unit comprising: a plurality of electrically operated functional units; a control device that controls the operation of the functional units; and a hand switch that is connected to the control device and is operated to operate the functional units, The control device an AC power supply mode in which power is supplied from an AC power supply to control the operation of the functional unit; a dry battery mode in which the operation of the functional unit is controlled by power supplied from a dry battery; and The electric bed unit is characterized in that the dry battery mode restricts the operation of at least one of the plurality of functional units. (Configuration 2) The electric bed unit according to configuration 1, wherein the control device detects the voltage of the dry battery and thereby transitions from the AC power mode to the dry battery mode. (Configuration 3) the control device has a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value; An electric bed unit as described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of functional parts whose operation is restricted is greater when the capacity of the dry battery is less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold than when the capacity of the dry battery is greater than the first threshold. (Configuration 4) The functional unit has a drive device that raises and lowers the bottom of the bed, 4. The electric bed unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the dry battery mode prohibits the operation of functional parts other than the operation of flattening the bottom by the drive device. (Configuration 5) The functional unit includes: a first drive device for raising and lowering the back bottom of the bed; A second drive device for raising and lowering the knee bottom of the bed; and The electric bed unit described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the dry battery mode prohibits linked operation of the first drive device and the second drive device together when the capacity of the dry battery is equal to or greater than a threshold value. (Configuration 6) The functional unit includes: a first drive device for raising and lowering the back bottom of the bed; A second drive device for raising and lowering the knee bottom of the bed; a third drive device for changing the height of the bed; and the control device has a first threshold value and a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value; The dry battery mode is When the capacity of the dry battery is equal to or greater than the first threshold, a linked operation in which the first drive device and the second drive device are operated together is prohibited; An electric bed unit as described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that when the capacity of the dry battery is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to the second threshold value, in addition to prohibiting the linked operation, operation of the third drive device is also prohibited. (Configuration 7) the control device further has a third threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value; The electric bed unit described in configuration 6 is characterized in that, in the dry battery mode, when the capacity of the dry battery is less than the second threshold value and greater than or equal to the third threshold value, in addition to prohibiting the linked operation and prohibiting operation of the third drive device, operation of the first drive device for raising the back bottom and operation of the second drive device for raising the knee bottom are prohibited. (Configuration 8) The functional unit includes: a first drive device for raising and lowering the back bottom of the bed; A second drive device for raising and lowering the knee bottom of the bed; a third drive device for changing the height of the bed; and the hand switch has a plurality of operation buttons for activating the first drive device, the second drive device, and the third drive device, respectively; The electric bed unit according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the dry battery mode disables the up button among the plurality of operation buttons. (Configuration 9) The functional unit includes: a first drive device for raising and lowering the back bottom of the bed; A second drive device for raising and lowering the knee bottom of the bed; a third drive device for changing the height of the bed; and the hand switch has a plurality of operation buttons for activating the first drive device, the second drive device, and the third drive device, respectively; The electric bed unit according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the dry battery mode changes all of the plurality of operation buttons to lowering buttons for lowering the height of the back bottom, the knee bottom, and the bed. (Configuration 10) The functional unit further includes an accessory unit attached to the bed, 10. The electric bed unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the dry battery mode prohibits operation of the accessory unit. (Configuration 11) The hand switch further has a vibration unit, 11. The electric bed unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the vibration section operates when the function section operates in the dry battery mode. (Configuration 12) The hand switch further has a voice output unit, 12. The electric bed unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the audio output unit outputs audio when the functional unit is operating in the dry battery mode. (Configuration 13) The hand switch further has a display unit, The electric bed unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the display unit displays that the functional unit is operating on the dry battery when the functional unit is operating in the dry battery mode. (Configuration 14) The hand switch further has a display unit, 14. The electric bed unit according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the display unit displays the remaining charge of the dry battery.

[0084] The above-described embodiments are examples of realizing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention also includes embodiments in which some components are added, deleted, or modified in the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10 Electric Bed Unit 20 beds 21 Base Frame 22 Mainframe 23 Bottom 23a Back Bottom 23b waist bottom 23c knee bottoms 23d Leg Bottom 30 Functional Section 31 First drive unit 33 Second Drive Unit 35 Third Drive Unit 40 Accessory Unit 41 ASM 43 ASA 45 NCU 47 USB power supply 50 Control device 50a Storage section 51 First connection part 53 Second connection part 60 First hand switch 61 Operation buttons 61a 1st button (back up) 61b 2nd button (back down) 61c 3rd button (knee up) 61d 4th button (knee down) 61e 5th button (height increase) 61f 6th button (lower height) 61g 7th button (linked up) 61h Button 8 (linked down) 61i 9th button (1st memory) 61j 10th button (2nd memory) 62 Display section 63 Vibration unit 64 Audio output section 65 Control Unit 67 Second hand switch 100 AC power supply 102 Cable 105 Dry cell battery F Floor H user

Claims

[Claim 1] An electric bed unit comprising: a plurality of electrically operated functional units; a control device that controls the operation of the functional units; and a hand switch that is connected to the control device and is operated to operate the functional units, The control device an AC power supply mode in which the operation of the functional unit is controlled by receiving power from an AC power supply; a dry battery mode in which the operation of the functional unit is controlled by power supplied from a dry battery; and In the dry battery mode, operation of at least one of the plurality of functional units is limited, The functional unit has a drive device that raises and lowers the bottom of the bed, The electric bed unit is characterized in that the dry battery mode prohibits the operation of functional parts other than the operation of flattening the bottom by the drive device.

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