Bottom device, bed device, and method for controlling bottom device

Abstract

To provide a bottom device and a bed device capable of guiding a user to an appropriate posture.SOLUTION: A bottom device 1 includes: a waist bottom 40, a back bottom 10 whose angle with respect to the waist bottom 40 can be changed; and a waist support 30 in which a first end part 31 is rotatably connected to the waist bottom 40, and a relative position of a second end part 32 with the back bottom 10 changes accompanying a change in the angle of the back bottom 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a bottom apparatus, a bed apparatus, and a method for controlling the bottom apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In a bed apparatus, the user can be guided to various postures by driving the bottom device. It is desirable for the bottom device to guide the user to an appropriate posture. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-202298 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a bottom apparatus, a bed apparatus, and a method for controlling the bottom apparatus, which are capable of guiding a user to an appropriate posture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The bottom device of the embodiment comprises a waist bottom, a back bottom whose angle can be changed relative to the waist bottom, and a waist support whose first end is rotatably connected to the waist bottom and whose second end changes in relative position to the back bottom as the angle of the back bottom changes.

[0006] The bed apparatus according to the embodiment includes the bottom apparatus and a frame that supports the bottom apparatus.

[0007] The control method of the bottom device according to the embodiment is a control method of a bottom device including a lumbar bottom, a back bottom whose angle can be changed relative to the lumbar bottom, and a lumbar support whose angle changes with the change in the angle of the back bottom, and which is provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the back bottom. In the control method, the angle of the back bottom is increased, and the angle of the lumbar support is increased so as to erect the pelvis of the user. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to realize a bottom apparatus, a bed apparatus, and a method for controlling the bottom apparatus, which are capable of guiding a user to an appropriate posture. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing a bottom device according to a first embodiment, where (a) shows a lying position, (b) shows a sitting position, (c) shows an example of a back-raising mechanism, and (d) shows an example of an engagement part between the back bottom and the lumbar support. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state of a user in a sitting up position, where (a) shows the first embodiment and (b) shows a comparative example. [Diagram 3] 13(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a bed apparatus according to a second embodiment, where (a) shows a lying position and (b) shows a sitting up position. FIG. [Figure 4] 1(a) is a plan view showing a back support in a second embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the back support in a curved state. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing engagement portions of a back bottom, a back support and a lumbar support in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing a knee support in a second embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the knee support in a curved state. [Figure 7](a) shows a state in which a tall user uses the bottom device related to the second embodiment, (b) shows a state in which a short user uses the bottom device related to the second embodiment, (c) shows a state in which a tall user uses the bottom device related to the comparative example, (d) shows a state in which a short user uses the bottom device related to the comparative example, (e) shows a state in which a tall user improperly uses the bottom device related to the comparative example, and (f) shows a state in which a short user improperly uses the bottom device related to the comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a bed apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an exploded side view showing a bottom device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a bottom device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] (a) to (c) are side views showing a bottom device relating to a third embodiment, where (a) shows the case where the back bottom angle is 0°, (b) shows the case where it is 15°, and (c) shows the case where it is 30°. [Figure 12] (a) to (c) are side views showing a bottom device relating to a third embodiment, where (a) shows the case where the back bottom angle is 45°, (b) shows the case where it is 60°, and (c) shows the case where it is 75°. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of the bed apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <First embodiment> First, the first embodiment will be described. 1(a) to (c) are diagrams showing a bottom device according to this embodiment, where (a) shows a lying position, (b) shows a sitting position, (c) shows an example of a back-raising mechanism, and (d) shows an example of the engagement part between the back bottom and the lumbar support. 2(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the state of a user in a sitting-up position, where (a) shows this embodiment and (b) shows a comparative example.

[0011] Note that each figure is schematic and may be emphasized, simplified or omitted as appropriate. For example, in an actual bed device, a mattress is interposed between the bottom device and the user, but the mattress is not shown in many of the figures. In an actual product, the shapes of each part are more complicated. The same applies to the other figures described below.

[0012] 1(a) to (c), the bottom device 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a back bottom 10, a waist support 30, and a waist bottom 40. The bottom device 1 is also provided with a knee bottom and a foot bottom, but these are omitted in this embodiment.

[0013] The back bottom 10, the lumbar support 30, and the lumbar bottom 40 are arranged in this order. That is, the lumbar support 30 is arranged between the back bottom 10 and the lumbar bottom 40. Hereinafter, the direction from the back bottom 10 to the lumbar bottom 40 is referred to as the "foot side," and the direction from the lumbar bottom 40 to the back bottom 10 is referred to as the "head side."

[0014] For example, since the waist bottom 40 is fixed to a frame described later, the angle does not change. In this specification, the "bottom angle" refers to the angle between the top surface of the bottom and the floor surface, with the horizontal being 0° and the vertical being 90°. The angle of the waist bottom 40 is, for example, 0°. The angle of the back bottom 10 is adjustable within the range of, for example, 0° to 75°. Therefore, the angle of the back bottom 10 relative to the waist bottom 40 is changeable.

[0015] The foot side end 31 (first end) of the lumbar support 30 is rotatably connected to the head side end 41 of the lumbar bottom 40. For example, the lumbar support 30 and the lumbar bottom 40 are connected by a flexible thin resin sheet. This allows the lumbar support 30 to rotate relative to the lumbar bottom 40 by deformation or bending of the resin sheet. The head side end 32 (second end) of the lumbar support 30 is in contact with the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10, but is not connected to the back bottom 10.

[0016] In the bottom device 1 according to this embodiment, the degree of freedom of the back-raising mechanism that controls the angle of the back bottom 10 is high. That is, no matter how the back bottom 10 moves, if the length of the lumbar support 30 is appropriately set, the lumbar support 30 will act as a bridge between the back bottom 10 and the lumbar bottom 40, so that the back bottom 10, the lumbar support 30, and the lumbar bottom 40 can form a continuous support body. In the example shown in FIG. 1(c), the back bottom 10 moves away from the lumbar bottom 40 while controlling the angle of the back bottom 10 by two bars 13 and 14 arranged on the back side of the back bottom 10.

[0017] Next, the operation of the bottom device according to this embodiment will be described. 1(a), when the bottom device 1 is in the lying position, the angle of the back bottom 10 is, for example, 0°. At this time, the head side end 32 of the lumbar support 30 rides on the foot side end 11 of the back bottom 10 and is in contact with the end 11.

[0018] The lumbar support 30 may protrude from the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10 as shown in Fig. 1(a), but as shown in Fig. 1(d), the end 11 of the back bottom 10 and the end 32 of the lumbar support 30 may be thinned so that the upper surface of the end 32 is at the same height as the upper surface 10a to form a flat surface, or may be positioned lower than the upper surface 10a. In either case, the end 32 of the lumbar support 30 is in contact with the end 11 of the back bottom 10.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1(b), when the bottom device 1 is moved from the lying position to the standing position, the angle of the back bottom 10 is increased. At this time, the end 32 of the lumbar support 30 is in contact with the back bottom 10, and the end 31 of the lumbar support 30 is rotatably connected to the lumbar bottom 40. Therefore, as the angle of the back bottom 10 increases, the end 32 of the lumbar support 30 is pushed by the back bottom 10, and the lumbar support 30 rotates. At this time, the end 32 slides against the back bottom 10, and the relative position with respect to the back bottom 10 changes. That is, the end 32 of the lumbar support 30 contacts the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10, while the contact position on the upper surface 10a changes. As a result, the angle of the lumbar support 30 increases.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2(a), according to the bottom device 1 of this embodiment, when the bottom device 1 moves from the lying position to the standing position, the angle of the lumbar support 30 also increases with the increase in the angle of the back bottom 10. As a result, the pelvis Up of the user U is pushed by the lumbar support 30, and the user U can stand up with the pelvis Up erected. This makes it possible to guide the user U to an appropriate sitting posture.

[0021] When the user U stands up with his / her pelvis upright, the following advantages are obtained. For the user U, breathing becomes easier because there is less pressure on the abdomen. Also, because there is less pressure on the abdomen, it is easier to eat. Furthermore, because the weight is supported by the ischial tuberosities, not the sacrum, the risk of developing bronchitis can be reduced. On the other hand, for the caregiver, the increased range of motion of the upper body of the user U makes it easier to move the user U. For example, it becomes easier to put on a sling seat for a care lift.

[0022] 2(b), the bottom device 201 according to the comparative example is not provided with a lumbar support 30. Therefore, when the bottom device 201 moves from the lying position to the standing position, the user U stands up as the back Ub is pushed by the back bottom 10, but the pelvis Up is not pushed, so the user U shifts toward the feet and the pelvis Up does not stand up. Therefore, the user U is likely to assume a sitting position with a hunched back.

[0023] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. As described above, according to the bottom device 1 of this embodiment, when the angle of the back bottom 10 is increased, the end 32 of the lumbar support 30 is pushed by the back bottom 10 and slides, and rotates with the end 31 as the rotation axis relative to the lumbar bottom 40, so that the angle of the lumbar support 30 also increases. As a result, the pelvis Up of the user U is pushed by the lumbar support 30, and the user U is guided to a sitting posture with the pelvis Up upright.

[0024] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. 3(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the bed apparatus according to this embodiment, where (a) shows the lying position and (b) shows the sitting up position.

[0025] 3(a), the bed apparatus 102 according to this embodiment is provided with a frame 120 and a bottom apparatus 2. The frame 120 supports the bottom apparatus 2.

[0026] The bottom device 2 is provided with a back bottom 10, a back support 20, a waist support 30, a waist bottom 40, a knee bottom 50, a knee support 60, and a foot bottom 70, which are arranged in this order from the head side to the foot side. The configurations of the back bottom 10, the waist support 30, and the waist bottom 40 are the same as those of the first embodiment. The back bottom 10, the waist support 30, the waist bottom 40, the knee bottom 50, and the foot bottom 70 are each, for example, a plate-like member formed by integrally combining a plurality of parts.

[0027] The position and angle of the back bottom 10 are controlled by an actuator (not shown) connected to the lower surface 10b of the back bottom 10. When increasing the angle of the back bottom 10, the actuator moves the back bottom 10 toward the head, i.e., in a direction away from the lumbar bottom 40, and moves it upward.

[0028] The foot side end 22 of the back support 20 is rotatably connected to the head side end 32 of the lumbar support 30. The head side end 21 of the back support 20 is not connected anywhere. The back support 20 is disposed on the back bottom 10 and overlaps the foot side part of the back bottom 10. The lower surface 20b of the back support 20 contacts the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10 when the user U is lying down, but is not connected to the back bottom 10. Therefore, similar to the lumbar support 30, the lower surface 20b of the back support 20 slides against the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10 as the angle of the back bottom 10 changes. The length of the back support 20 is arbitrary, and may be any length as long as a part of the back support 20 overlaps the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10 regardless of the angle of the back bottom 10.

[0029] In the direction from the foot side to the head side (hereinafter referred to as the "bed longitudinal direction"), i.e., in the direction away from the end portion 32, the rigidity of the back support 20 is lower than the rigidity of the lumbar support 30. Therefore, when the angle of the back bottom 10 increases and the back support 20 and the lumbar support 30 are pressed by the back bottom 10, the lumbar support 30 hardly bends, but the back support 20 bends slightly in the thickness direction along the bed longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the lumbar support 30 hardly bends, but may bend to some extent, and the back support 20 may bend slightly but not bend at all.

[0030] 4(a) to (c) show an example of the configuration of the back support 20. FIG. FIG. 4(a) is a plan view showing the back support in this embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the back support in a curved state.

[0031] The back support 20 is entirely made of a flexible resin material. As shown in Fig. 4(a) and (b), the back support 20 has a plurality of grooves 24 (for example, three grooves) extending from the upper surface 20a side of the back support 20 in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the bed longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as "bed width direction"). The bed width direction is a direction parallel to the end 31 of the lumbar support 30 on the foot side.

[0032] The grooves 24 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the bed. When viewed from the width direction of the bed, each groove 24 has an inverted trapezoid shape with its upper side longer than its lower side. Therefore, when viewed from the width direction of the bed, the shape of a portion 25 between the grooves 24 in the back support 20 is a trapezoid shape with its lower side longer than its upper side. Since three grooves 24 are formed, four portions 25 are formed.

[0033] A through hole 27 penetrating the back support 20 is formed in a portion 26 located at the bottom of the groove 24 in the back support 20. For example, two through holes 27 are formed in each portion 26 and are arranged along the bed width direction. The length of the through hole 27 in the bed width direction is longer than the length in the bed longitudinal direction.

[0034] A portion 26 of the back support 20 located at the bottom of the groove 24 is thinner than a portion 25 between the grooves 24 and has a through hole 27, so that the portion 26 has low rigidity. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4(c), the back support 20 is prone to bending in the portion 26 in the longitudinal direction of the bed. On the other hand, there is no portion that is prone to bending in the width direction of the bed.

[0035] As a result, the back support 20 as a whole has a relatively low rigidity in the bed longitudinal direction and is prone to bending so that the upper surface 20a is concave and the lower surface 20b is convex, but has a relatively high rigidity in the bed width direction and is difficult to bend. The rigidity of the back support 20 in the bed longitudinal direction is lower than the rigidity of the lumbar support 30 in the bed longitudinal direction. In addition, the back support 20 has good ventilation because it has through holes 27 formed therein.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the engagement portion of the back bottom, the back support, and the lumbar support in this embodiment. 5, in this embodiment, the end 11 on the foot side of the back bottom 10 is thinner than other parts of the back bottom 10. Also, the end 32 on the head side of the lumbar support 30 is thinner than other parts of the lumbar support 30. The sum of the thicknesses of the end 11 and the end 32 is approximately equal to the thickness of the parts of the back bottom 10 other than the end 11 and the parts of the lumbar support 30 other than the end 32. Also, the thickness of the back support 20 is approximately the same as the thickness of the end 32.

[0037] This makes it possible to realize a structure with a substantially uniform thickness from the back bottom 10 to the lumbar support 30. As a result, when the user U lies on the structure with a mattress therebetween, the user is prevented from feeling uncomfortable.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 3(a), for example, when the bottom device 2 is in the lying position and the angle of the back bottom 10 is less than a predetermined value, the head side portion of the lumbar support 30 overlaps the back bottom 10. Also, the entire back support 20 overlaps the back bottom 10. Therefore, the portion where the back bottom 10 overlaps with the lumbar support 30 and the back support 20 has high rigidity as a whole.

[0039] 3(b), for example, when the bottom device 2 is in the raised position and the angle of the back bottom 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the lumbar support 30 moves away from the back bottom 10, and the back support 20 bridges the space between the back bottom 10 and the lumbar support 30. As described above, since the rigidity of the back support 20 is low, the portion from the back bottom 10 to the lumbar support 30 bends under the weight of the user U and deforms to envelop the user U.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the waist bottom 40 is fixed to a frame 120. When the frame 120 is movable up and down, the waist bottom 40 is also movable up and down together with the frame 120. In addition, a lying position display label 43 is provided on the side of the waist bottom 40.

[0041] The head side end 51 of the knee bottom 50 is rotatably connected to the foot side end 42 of the waist bottom 40. The angle of the knee bottom 50 can be controlled by an actuator.

[0042] The head end 61 of the knee support 60 is rotatably connected to the foot end 52 of the knee bottom 50. The knee support 60 is bendable at multiple portions along the longitudinal direction of the bed. The head end 71 of the foot bottom 70 is rotatably connected to the foot end 62 of the knee support 60. When the angle of the knee bottom 50 is changed by the actuator, the positions and angles of the knee support 60 and the foot bottom 70 also change accordingly.

[0043] 6(a) to (c) show an example of the configuration of a knee support 60. FIG. 6(a) is a plan view showing the knee support in this embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the knee support in a curved state.

[0044] The knee support 60 is entirely made of a flexible resin material. As shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), the knee support 60 has a plurality of grooves 64 (for example, two grooves) formed on the underside 60b of the knee support 60, extending in the bed width direction.

[0045] The grooves 64 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the bed. When viewed from the width direction of the bed, each groove 64 has a trapezoidal shape with its lower side longer than its upper side. Therefore, when viewed from the width direction of the bed, the portion 65 of the knee support 60 between the grooves 64 has an inverted trapezoidal shape with its upper side longer than its lower side.

[0046] A through hole 67 penetrating the knee support 60 is formed in a portion 66 located at the bottom of the groove 64 of the knee support 60. For example, two through holes 67 are formed in each portion 66 and are arranged along the bed width direction. The length of the through hole 67 in the bed width direction is longer than the length in the bed longitudinal direction.

[0047] A portion 66 of the knee support 60 located at the bottom of the grooves 64 is thinner and has a through-hole 67 formed therein, and therefore has low rigidity, compared to a portion 65 between the grooves 64. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6(c), the knee support 60 is prone to bending at the portion 66 in the bed longitudinal direction. On the other hand, there is no portion that is prone to bending in the bed width direction.

[0048] As a result, the knee support 60 as a whole has a relatively low rigidity in the bed longitudinal direction and is prone to bending so that the upper surface 60a becomes convex and the lower surface 60b becomes concave, but has a relatively high rigidity in the bed width direction and is less likely to bend. In addition, the knee support 60 has good ventilation because it has through holes 67 formed therein.

[0049] In this way, the knee support 60 itself bends, for example, at two portions 66. In addition, the end portion 52 of the knee bottom 50 and the end portion 61 of the knee support 60 are rotatable, and the end portion 62 of the knee support 60 and the head side end portion 71 of the foot bottom 70 are also rotatable. Therefore, the knee support 60 can bend at a total of four points between the knee bottom 50 and the foot bottom 70.

[0050] Next, the operation of the bed apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the bottom device 2 is in the lying position, the angle of the back bottom 10 is, for example, 0°. At this time, the head-side end 32 of the lumbar support 30 rides up on the foot-side end 11 of the back bottom 10 and is in contact with the end 11. The back support 20 connected to the end 32 also rides up on the back bottom 10 and is in contact with the back bottom 10. The user U is in a state where the position of the greater trochanter is aligned with the position where the lying position display label 43 is provided, and is lying on the bottom device 2 via a mattress. When the user U is lying down with the position of the greater trochanter aligned with the position where the lying position display label 43 is provided, when the back bottom 10 rises, the lumbar support 30 stands the pelvis Up, and the shift and pressure are reduced.

[0051] In this way, when the bottom device 2 is in the lying position, a part of the lumbar support 30 and the entire back support 20 overlap with the foot side portion of the back bottom 10. Therefore, the rigidity of this portion is high. When the bottom device 2 is in the lying position and the user U takes a lying position, the foot side portion of the back bottom 10 supports the back of the user U and is subjected to a large load. Therefore, by increasing the rigidity of this portion, it is possible to provide the user with a sense of stability.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3(b), when the bottom device 2 is moved from the lying position to the standing position, the actuator increases the angle of the back bottom 10, moves the back bottom 10 toward the head, and also moves upward along the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10.

[0053] At this time, the end portions 32 of the back support 20 and the lumbar support 30 are in contact with the back bottom 10, and the end portion 31 of the lumbar support 30 is rotatably connected to the lumbar bottom 40. Therefore, as the angle of the back bottom 10 increases, the end portions 32 of the back support 20 and the lumbar support 30 are pushed by the back bottom 10 and slide upward relative to the back bottom 10. This increases the angle of the lumbar support 30. At this time, the back support 20 is rotatably connected to the end portion 32 on the head side of the lumbar support 30, and the back support 20 itself can be curved in response to an external force. As a result, the lower surface 20b of the back support 20 comes into planar contact with the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10, and can move smoothly on the upper surface 10a of the back bottom 10.

[0054] Also, when the angle of the back bottom 10 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the back support 20 contacts the back bottom 10, but the lumbar support 30 moves away from the back bottom 10. Therefore, the lumbar support 30 does not overlap the back bottom 10, and the lumbar support 30 and the back bottom 10 are bridged by the back support 20, which has a relatively low rigidity. Therefore, the rigidity of the part from the foot side part of the back bottom 10 to the lumbar support 30 is low as a whole. As a result, this part bends due to the weight of the user U, and deforms to envelop the upper body of the user U. This increases the contact area (through the mattress) between the user U and the bottom device 2, reducing slippage and pressure. Also, even if the angle of the back bottom 10 is the same, the shape of the back support 20 changes depending on the load, and the angle of the lumbar support 30 changes. This improves the feeling of support for the user U.

[0055] In this way, when the angle of the back bottom 10 increases, the back bottom 10 pushes the back Ub of the user U, and the lumbar support 30 pushes the pelvis Up of the user U, so that the user U can stand up with the pelvis Up erect. This allows the user U to be guided to an appropriate sitting posture. In one example, when the angle of the back bottom 10 becomes 30° or more, the angle of the lumbar support 30 starts to increase, erecting the pelvis Up of the user U. At this time, the lumbar support 30 supports the pelvis Up of the user U. In addition, the back support 20 supports the thorax or lumbar vertebrae, or both the thorax and lumbar vertebrae, of the user U. Note that this operation is reversed when the back is lowered.

[0056] Meanwhile, the knee bottom 50 rotates relative to the waist bottom 40, and the foot side end 52 of the knee bottom 50 is displaced upward relative to the head side end 51. Accordingly, the knee support 60 curves to be convex upward, and the head side end 71 of the foot bottom 70 rises. This lifts the knees Uk of the user U. As a result, it is possible to prevent the body of the user U from shifting toward the foot side due to the user U rising up due to the movement of the back bottom 10.

[0057] At this time, the knee support 60 is provided between the knee bottom 50 and the foot bottom 70, and the knee support 60 can be bent at multiple parts, including the connecting part with the knee bottom 50 and the connecting part with the foot bottom 70. This allows a large upwardly convex arch to be formed from the knee bottom 50 to the foot bottom 70. As a result, the knee bottom 50, knee support 60 and foot bottom 70 can be made to fit the lower half of the user U's body better, regardless of the user U's physique.

[0058] This operation will now be described in detail. 7(a) to (f) show the effect of knee support in comparison with a comparative example. Figure 7(a) shows a state in which a tall user UT uses the bottom device 2 of this embodiment, (b) shows a state in which a short user US uses the bottom device 2 of this embodiment, (c) shows a state in which a tall user UT uses the bottom device 202 of the comparative example, (d) shows a state in which a short user US uses the bottom device 202 of the comparative example, (e) shows a state in which a tall user UT inappropriately uses the bottom device 202 of the comparative example, and (f) shows a state in which a short user US inappropriately uses the bottom device 202 of the comparative example.

[0059] 7(a), when a tall user UT uses the bottom device 2 according to this embodiment, the area between the knee bottom 50 and the knee support 60, each part 66 of the knee support 60, and the area between the knee support 60 and the foot bottom 70 are bent, forming a large upwardly convex arch across the knee bottom 50, the knee support 60, and the foot bottom 70. This arch allows the lower leg of the user UT to come into contact with the foot bottom 70, making it possible for the bottom device 2 to fit the lower half of the user UT.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7(b), even when a short user US uses the bottom device 2 of this embodiment, a large arch is formed across the knee bottom 50, knee support 60 and foot bottom 70, and the head portion of this arch abuts against the back of the knee of the short user US, and the lower leg of the user US rests on the arch, thereby fitting to the lower body of the user UT.

[0061] On the other hand, in the bottom device 202 according to the comparative example, two types of knee bottoms 50L and 50S having different lengths are prepared. The knee bottoms are exchanged according to the height of the user. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(c), when a tall user UT uses the bottom device 202 according to the comparative example, a long knee bottom 50L is attached to the bottom device 202. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(d), when a short user US uses the bottom device 202 according to the comparative example, a short knee bottom 50S is attached to the bottom device 202.

[0062] 7(e), when a tall user UT uses a short knee bottom 50S, a space is created behind the calf as shown in area C, and the heel of the lower leg comes into point contact with the mattress 80. This makes the position of the user UT unstable. Also, as shown in Fig. 7(f), if a short user US uses a long knee bottom 50L, the back of the knee is located on the knee bottom 50L, so the knee cannot be bent and the lower leg is separated from the foot bottom 70 and suspended in the air. This results in an uncomfortable posture for the user US. Also, if the user lifts up in this posture, the body is likely to slip toward the foot.

[0063] In this way, when using the bottom device 202 according to the comparative example, it is time-consuming to change the knee bottom to fit the height of the user. Also, space is required to store the unused knee bottom. Furthermore, depending on the height of the user, the knee bottom provided may not fit well.

[0064] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the knee bottom 50, knee support 60 and foot bottom 70 can be made to fit securely to the lower body of the user regardless of the height of the user.

[0065] By controlling the timing of the back-raising and knee-raising movements, various effects can be obtained. For example, the following steps are effective for moving the user U from a lying position to a sitting position.

[0066] (Step 1) From a lying down position, begin to raise your back bottom 10 and knee bottom 50 at the same time. (Step 2) When the knee bottom 50 reaches the maximum angle, it stops, stopping the knees of the user U. Meanwhile, the back bottom 10 further increases its angle, raising the back of the user U. (Step 3) Continue to raise your back bottom 10 and start lowering your knee bottom 50. (Step 4) When the back bottom 10 reaches its maximum angle, bring the knee bottom 50 to 0°.

[0067] In this way, by controlling steps 1 to 4, the lumbar support 30 rises while suppressing slippage and pressure, improving the sitting posture of the user U. Also, it is acceptable for each part to stop moving once during the steps, and it is even better if the knee bottom 50 does not reach 0° before the back bottom 10 finally reaches the maximum angle.

[0068] In addition, in order to transition the user U from a lying down position to a sitting up position, the following steps are effective.

[0069] (Step 1) From a lying down position, begin to raise your back bottom 10 and knee bottom 50 at the same time. (Step 2) When the knee bottom 50 reaches 20°, stop and continue raising the back bottom 10. (Step 3) When your back bottom angle 10 reaches 40°, lower your knee bottom angle 50 to 0°. (Step 4) Raise the back bottom 10 to its maximum angle.

[0070] In this way, by setting the knee bottom 50 to 0° when the back bottom 10 is at a low angle of 40° in step 3, the user U is made to intend to sit up and stand, and in step 4, the pelvis is raised by the waist support 30, making it easier to move, so that the user U can easily move to getting out of bed. In addition, each part may stop moving once in the middle of the step, and it is even better if the knee bottom 50 does not become 0° before the back bottom 10 finally becomes the maximum angle. The low angle is not limited to 40°, and can be changed appropriately between about 30° and about 50°.

[0071] The back-raising operation of the back bottom 10 can also be operated by a smartphone app. In this case, the operator may be the user U of the bed apparatus 102, or the family of the user U or a medical care worker.

[0072] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the angle of the back bottom 10 is increased, the angle of the lumbar support 30 also increases, and the lumbar support 30 presses the pelvis Up of the user U. This allows the user U to be guided to a sitting position with the pelvis Up erect. As a result, the user U can take an appropriate sitting up position with the pelvis Up erect.

[0073] In this embodiment, the back support 20 is rotatably connected to the lumbar support 30, and the back support 20 itself can be curved. Therefore, the back support 20 comes into planar contact with the back bottom 10, and the lumbar support 30 and the back support 20 can slide smoothly relative to the back bottom 10. When the back support 20 is provided, the end 32 of the lumbar support 30 does not necessarily have to come into contact with the back bottom 10. Even in this case, the position of the end 32 changes in conjunction with the back support 20 as the angle of the back bottom 10 changes.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the bottom device 2 is in the lying position, the lumbar support 30 and the back support 20 overlap the back bottom 10, realizing high rigidity overall, and thus providing a sense of stability to the user U. Also, when in the standing position, the lumbar support 30 moves away from the back bottom 10, and the back support 20, which has low rigidity, bridges the gap between the back bottom 10 and the lumbar support 30. Therefore, this portion deforms to accommodate the weight of the user U, enhancing the sense of support and reducing slippage and pressure.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the knee support 60 is provided between the knee bottom 50 and the foot bottom 70, and the knee support 60 can be bent at multiple portions 66 along the longitudinal direction of the bed. Therefore, the knee bottom 50, the knee support 60, and the foot bottom 70 can form a large upwardly convex arch. As a result, regardless of the height of the user U, any portion of the arch consisting of the knee bottom 50, the knee support 60, and the foot bottom 70 can be abutted against the back of the knee of the user U. As a result, it is not necessary to prepare multiple knee bottoms 50 of different lengths and replace them according to the user.

[0076] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the bed apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded side view showing the bottom device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the bottom device according to the present embodiment. Figures 11(a) to (c) are side views showing the bottom device of this embodiment, where (a) shows the case where the back bottom angle is 0°, (b) shows the case where it is 15°, and (c) shows the case where it is 30°. Figures 12(a) to (c) are side views showing the bottom device of this embodiment, where (a) shows the case where the back bottom angle is 45°, (b) shows the case where it is 60°, and (c) shows the case where it is 75°. This embodiment is an example in which the bed apparatus according to the second embodiment is embodied.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the bed apparatus 103 according to this embodiment is provided with a base frame 130, a frame 131, a head board 132, a foot board 133, an actuator 134, and a bottom device 3.

[0078] The base frame 130 is placed on the floor surface and supports a frame 131. The base frame 130 allows adjustment of the height and angle of the frame 131. A headboard 132 is attached to the head side end of the frame 131. A footboard 133 is attached to the foot side end of the frame 131. The frame 131 supports an actuator 134 and a bottom device 3. The actuator 134 controls the position and angle of the back bottom 10 of the bottom device 3, as well as the angle of the knee bottom 50.

[0079] The configuration of the bottom device 3 is similar to that of the bottom device 2 according to the second embodiment. The waist bottom 40 of the bottom device 3 is fixed to a frame 131. Note that the back bottom 10, the waist support 30, the waist bottom 40, the knee bottom 50, and the foot bottom 70 may be provided with through holes, similar to the back support 20 and the knee support 60. This allows for improved breathability and weight reduction.

[0080] Similarly to the back support 20, the lumbar support 30 may be formed with grooves and through-holes extending in the width direction of the bed. This allows the lumbar support 30 to be curved to a certain extent along the longitudinal direction of the bed. This allows the lumbar support 30 itself to deform in response to the weight of the user U, further enhancing the sense of support.

[0081] The back-raising operation of the bottom device 3 in the bed device 103 is as shown in Figs. 11(a) to 12(c).

[0082] The bed device 103 can be operated, for example, by a hand switch connected to the bed by a cable. The hand switch is provided with push buttons for raising and lowering the frame 131 (and the waist bottom 40) and for raising and lowering the angles of the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50. The operator can raise and lower the frame 131 and raise and lower the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50 by operating the push buttons on the hand switch.

[0083] The hand switch may also be provided with an interlocking button that can operate both the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50. By operating the interlocking button, the operator can operate the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50 with one button. By the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50 moving in tandem, for example, slippage can be suppressed, and the burden on the user U on the bed associated with bed operation can be reduced. In addition, the bed posture can be changed to the optimum position for eating, watching TV, etc. with a single touch. Conversely, the bed posture can be returned to the optimum position for sleeping with a single touch.

[0084] Such bed operation can also be realized through a smartphone app connected wirelessly. The dedicated bed operation app is provided with an image screen of the bed posture and a touch operation area imitating the operation button of a hand switch for changing the posture. The image screen of the bed posture displays the height of the frame 131 of the bed device 103 and the angles of the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50 numerically, and displays an image of the bottom posture seen from the side of the bed corresponding to the angles of the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50. The touch operation area displays button images imitating push buttons for raising and lowering the frame 131, changing the angles of the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50, or operating the interlocking of the back bottom 10 and the knee bottom 50.

[0085] By touching the button image with a finger, the operator can operate the frame 131 to rise and fall and change the angle of the back bottom 10 and knee bottom 50 while checking the movement of the bed on the screen. When touching the button image, the operator can continue to operate the bed by continuing to press the touch screen, but a toggle operation may also be adopted in which one touch starts (continues) the operation, the next touch ends (continues) the operation, and a second touch starts (continues) the operation again.

[0086] It is also possible to provide a "memory position function" that stores the back-raising angle and bed height according to the user's preference and the degree of assistance required. By storing the stored back-raising angle and bed height in one or more memory areas and displaying buttons corresponding to these memory areas on the screen, the bed posture can be changed with one touch to the back-raising angle and bed height stored in the memory area.

[0087] The smartphone app used to operate the bed may also be provided with a communication function with a hand switch. The bed user can press the "call button" on the hand switch to sound a "call tone" through the smartphone app. Wireless connection between the smartphone equipped with such a bed operation app and the bed can be achieved using a short-range wireless method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0088] In electric beds such as nursing beds, it is necessary to operate the bed safely by checking the sleeping position and physical condition of the user U who is being cared for. Therefore, in principle, even when operating the bed with a smartphone app, it is desirable to operate it from a close distance so that the operating status of the bed can be directly confirmed.

[0089] On the other hand, it is also possible to operate an electric bed with a smartphone app via a wider range of public internet networks (such as mobile phone networks). However, even in this case, measures are required to ensure the safety of the bed user (user U), such as operating the smartphone app while checking video images of user U and the bed in real time.

[0090] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method for the bed apparatus according to the present embodiment. (Step 1) Operation begins by pressing the back-raising button on the hand switch. (S1) (Step 2) The angle of the back bottom 10 increases. (S2) (Step 3) The lumbar support 30 starts to slide. Or, the angle of the lumbar support 30 increases. The angle may increase at the same time as the sliding. (S3) (Step 4) Determine whether the angle of the back bottom 10 is maximum (S4). (Step 5) When the angle of the back bottom 10 is at its maximum, the movement of the back bottom 30 stops. (S5) (Step 6) The pressing of the back-raising button on the hand switch is completed (S6). (Step 7) If the angle of the back bottom 10 is not at its maximum in step 4, the back lift button on the hand switch continues to be pressed. (S7) (Step 8) The angle of the back bottom 10 increases. (S8) (Step 9) The lumbar support 30 continues to slide. Or, the angle of the lumbar support 30 continues to increase. The angle may increase at the same time as the sliding. The lumbar support 30 and the back support 20 may bend. (S9) By this step, the pelvis Up of the user U is pushed by the waist support 30, so that the pelvis Up can be made to stand upright.

[0091] The advantages of this embodiment, in which the back bottom 10 and the lumbar support 30 overlap, are as follows. (1) There are several types of back-raising motions. When rotating along the rotation axis, the lumbar support 30 rises together with the back-raising motion. The back bottom 10 does not separate from the lumbar support 30 . The length at which the lumbar support 30 does not fall off due to the movement of the back bottom 10 can be determined based on the position of the bed when it is flat. (2) Once the length of the backrest bottom 10 in the longitudinal direction is determined, the inclination and waist angle of the lumbar support 30 can all be uniquely determined by the length of the lumbar support 30 in the longitudinal direction of the bed. This increases the freedom of design. (3) On the other hand, if the length of the lumbar support 30 in the longitudinal direction of the bed is given, then the back bottom 10 and the lumbar bottom 20 should overlap when the back bottom 10 moves farthest from the lumbar support 30. This eliminates the disadvantage of the back bottom 10 having to be unnecessarily long in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] Other than the above, the configuration, operation, and effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0093] The above-described embodiments are examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention also includes the above-described embodiments in which some components are added, deleted, or modified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1, 2, 3: Bottom device 10: Back bottom 10a:Top surface 10b: Bottom surface 11: Edge 13, 14: Bar 20: Back support 20a:Top surface 20b: Bottom surface 21, 22: End 24: Groove 25, 26: Part 27:Through hole 30: Lumbar support 31, 32: End 40: Waist bottom 41, 42: End 43: Sleeping position label 50, 50L, 50S: Knee bottom 51, 52: End 60: Knee support 60a:Top surface 60b: Bottom surface 61, 62: End 64: Groove 65, 66: Part 67:Through hole 70: Foot bottom 71: End 80: Mattress 102, 103: Bed device 120: Frame 130: Base frame 131: Frame 132: Headboard 133: Footboard 134: Actuator 201, 202: bottom device U, US, UT: User Ub: Back UK: Knee Up: Pelvis

Claims

1. With waist bottom, A back bottom whose angle can be changed with respect to the waist bottom; A lumbar support having a first end rotatably connected to the lumbar bottom, and a second end of the lumbar support changes in relative position with respect to the back bottom as the angle of the back bottom changes; A back support disposed on the back bottom and pivotally connected to the second end of the lumbar support; Equipped with As the angle of the back bottom changes, the lower surface of the back support slides against the upper surface of the back bottom, A bottom device in which the stiffness of the back support in a direction away from the second end is lower than the stiffness of the lumbar support in the same direction.

2. The bottom device according to claim 1 , wherein the back support has a groove formed therein that extends in a direction parallel to the first end.

3. A bottom device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the angle of the back bottom is less than a predetermined value, the lumbar support overlaps the back bottom, and when the angle of the back bottom is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the lumbar support moves away from the back bottom.

4. A bottom device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the angle of the back bottom increases, the back bottom moves in a direction away from the waist bottom and also moves upward.

5. A knee bottom rotatably connected to the waist bottom; A knee support rotatably connected to the knee bottom; A foot bottom pivotably connected to the knee support; Further equipped with The bottom device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the knee support is bendable at a plurality of portions along a direction from the knee bottom toward the foot bottom.

6. The bottom device according to claim 5 , wherein the knee support has a groove formed therein that extends in a direction parallel to the first end.

7. A bottom device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A frame for supporting the bottom device; A bed apparatus comprising:

Images