Bed device

Abstract

A bed device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a bed frame that is long in a first direction; a floor plate supported by the bed frame; and a drive mechanism for driving the floor plate. The floor plate includes a central back plate for receiving the back of a user, and a pair of side back plates rotatably connected to the central back plate at opposing lateral parts thereof in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The drive mechanism is configured to be able to deform the floor plate between a first state in which the central back plate and the pair of side back plates are parallel to the first direction and the second direction, and a second state in which the floor plate is inclined so as to position one lateral part of the floor plate in the second direction above the other lateral part, and in which the central back plate is erected and the pair of side back plates are inclined to the upper surface side of the central back plate.

Description

Bed device

[0001] The present invention relates to a bed apparatus.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a bed device in which the floor plate supporting the mattress can be changed from a generally horizontal state to a raised state at the portion supporting the user's back. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a bed device in which the floor plate can be swung in the width direction.

[0003] These bed devices allow users, such as the elderly and physically disabled, to easily change positions on the bed device, and also reduce the burden on caregivers when users change positions.

[0004] Patent No. 6550414

[0005] From the viewpoint of stabilizing the posture of the user and further reducing the burden on the caregiver, there is still room for improvement even in conventional bed devices that are configured with a deformable bed plate.

[0006] A bed apparatus according to one embodiment includes a bed frame elongated in a first direction, a bed plate supported by the bed frame, and a drive mechanism for driving the bed plate. The bed plate includes a central back plate for supporting a user's back and a pair of side back plates rotatably connected to both sides of the central back plate in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The drive mechanism is configured to deform the bed plate between a first state in which the central back plate and the pair of side back plates are parallel to the first and second directions, and a second state in which the bed plate is tilted so that one side of the bed plate is positioned higher than the other side in the second direction, the central back plate is raised, and the pair of side back plates are tilted toward the upper surface of the central back plate.

[0007] The floorboard may further include a central wainscot rotatably connected to an end of the central backboard in the first direction, and a pair of side wainscots rotatably connected to both sides of the central wainscot in the second direction. Furthermore, in the second state, an end of one of the pair of side backboards located on the lower side of the slope may contact or face an upper surface of one of the pair of side wainscots located on the lower side of the slope.

[0008] For example, the end portions of the side back panels are spaced apart from the side lumbar panels in the first state, and have a tapered shape in which the gap between the end portions and the side lumbar panels increases with increasing distance from the central back panel.

[0009] The bed device may further include a side fence receiving portion provided on the bed frame to which a side fence can be attached, a sensor that detects the attachment of the side fence to the side fence receiving portion, and a control device that prohibits deformation of the bed board to the second state when the sensor detects the attachment of the side fence.

[0010] For example, the drive mechanism may include a shaft rotatably supported by the central back plate, a pair of pressing members provided at both ends of the shaft, and a drive source for rotating the shaft. In this case, as the shaft rotates, the pair of pressing members press the back surfaces of the pair of side back plates, respectively, causing the pair of side back plates to tilt toward the upper surface of the central back plate.

[0011] The drive mechanism may further include a roller that contacts the back surface of the central back plate and an arm that supports the roller. For example, the drive source rotates the arm together with the shaft, and the rotation of the arm causes the roller to press the back surface of the central back plate, causing the central back plate to stand up.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the stability of the user's posture when the floorboard is deformed, or to reduce the burden on the caregiver.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a bed apparatus according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration applicable to a bed plate. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing elements involved in the control of the bed apparatus. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the bed apparatus when the bed plate is in the middle of transforming from a first state to a second state. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the bed apparatus when the bed plate has transformed into the second state. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a lifting frame and a rocking mechanism. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the rocking mechanism. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the operation of the rocking mechanism. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation of the rocking mechanism when tilting the bed plate to the right. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the rocking mechanism when tilting the bed plate to the left. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the bed plate, the rocking frame, and the back-raising mechanism. FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing an example of the operation of the back-raising mechanism. FIG. 13 is another schematic side view showing an example of the operation of the back-raising mechanism. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a side-up shaft, a push member, and a side back plate. Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a configuration applicable to a side fence receiving portion and a sensor. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a side fence and a remote controller. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for transforming a floorboard from a first state to a second state.

[0014] An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an electric bed capable of raising and lowering, deforming, and swinging a bed platform is disclosed as an example of a bed apparatus.

[0015] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a bed apparatus B according to this embodiment. In the following description, a longitudinal direction X (first direction), a width direction Y (second direction), and a vertical direction Z (third direction) are defined as shown in the figure. In this embodiment, these directions X, Y, and Z are perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the head side, foot side, right side, and left side are defined based on the user lying on their back on the bed apparatus B.

[0016] The bed apparatus B includes a bed frame 1, a bed plate 2 disposed on the bed frame 1, and a drive mechanism 3 disposed below the bed plate 2. Both the bed frame 1 and the bed plate 2 have an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction X. The bed plate 2 has multiple sections that are rotatably connected.

[0017] The bed frame 1 includes a base frame 11 and a lifting frame 12 supported by the base frame 11. For example, casters 10 are attached to the four corners of the base frame 11. This allows the bed apparatus B to move on the floor. Note that fixed leg members may be attached instead of the casters 10.

[0018] 1, a headboard HB is attached to the head-side end of the lift-up frame 12 in the longitudinal direction X, and a footboard FB is attached to the foot-side end. For example, the headboard HB and the footboard FB are detachable from the lift-up frame 12.

[0019] A plurality of side fence receiving portions 4R, to which side fences (described later) can be attached, are provided on the right side of the lifting frame 12 in the width direction Y. These side fence receiving portions 4R are aligned at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction X. Similarly, a plurality of side fence receiving portions (side fence receiving portion 4L shown in FIGS. 3 and 6) are provided on the left side of the lifting frame 12 (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0020] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration applicable to the floorboard 2. Here, the back side of the floorboard 2 is shown. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, multiple openings and irregularities are formed in each part of the floorboard 2, but these are not shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] The bed board 2 includes a central back board 20C, a central waist board 21C, a first central leg board 22C, and a second central leg board 23C. The central back board 20C, the central waist board 21C, the first central leg board 22C, and the second central leg board 23C are arranged in order along the longitudinal direction X from the head side to the foot side.

[0022] The central back panel 20C is a portion for supporting the user's back. The central waist panel 21C is a portion for supporting the user's waist. The first central leg panel 22C is a portion for supporting the user's legs, mainly above the knees. The second central leg panel 23C is a portion for supporting the user's legs, mainly below the knees.

[0023] For example, among the central back panel 20C, the central wainscot 21C, the first central leg panel 22C, and the second central leg panel 23C, the central back panel 20C has the longest length in the longitudinal direction X. In the example of Fig. 2, the central wainscot 21C is divided into two parts aligned in the longitudinal direction X. However, the central wainscot 21C does not have to be divided in this manner.

[0024] The central back panel 20C and the central wainscot panel 21C are connected by a pair of connecting members 25a so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the width direction Y. The central wainscot panel 21C and the first central leg panel 22C are connected by a pair of connecting members 25b so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the width direction Y. The first central leg panel 22C and the second central leg panel 23C are connected by a pair of connecting members 25c so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the width direction Y.

[0025] The floorboard 2 further includes back side panels 20R, 20L, waist side panels 21R, 21L, first leg side panels 22R, 22L, and second leg side panels 23R, 23L.

[0026] The side panels 20R and 20L are connected to both sides of the central panel 20C in the width direction Y by hinges 24a. The side panels 20R and 20L can be rotated from a state parallel to the central panel 20C toward the upper surface of the central panel 20C as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0027] The side wainscots 21R, 21L are connected by hinges 24b to both sides of the central wainscot 21C in the width direction Y. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side wainscots 21R, 21L can be rotated from a state parallel to the central wainscot 21C toward the upper surface of the central wainscot 21C.

[0028] The first side leg plates 22R, 22L are connected by hinges 24c to both sides of the first central leg plate 22C in the width direction Y. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first side leg plates 22R, 22L can rotate from a state parallel to the first central leg plate 22C toward the upper surface of the first central leg plate 22C.

[0029] The second side leg plates 23R, 23L are connected by hinges 24d to both sides of the second central leg plate 23C in the width direction Y. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second side leg plates 23R, 23L can rotate from a state parallel to the second central leg plate 23C toward the upper surface of the second central leg plate 23C.

[0030] For example, the central back panel 20C, the central lumbar panel 21C, the first central leg panel 22C, and the second central leg panel 23C have the same width in the width direction Y. Also, the side back panels 20R, 20L, the side lumbar panels 21R, 21L, the first side leg panels 22R, 22L, and the second side leg panels 23R, 23L have the same width in the width direction Y. The planar shapes of the side back panel 20R, the side lumbar panel 21R, the first side leg panel 22R, and the second side leg panel 23R are symmetrical with respect to an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction X, for example.

[0031] The bed frame 1 further includes a rocking frame 13 that supports the bed plate 2. For example, the rocking frame 13 includes a pair of frame members 130R, 130L extending in the longitudinal direction X. These frame members 130R, 130L each face the back surfaces of the central back panel 20C, the central wainscot panel 21C, the first central leg panel 22C, and the second central leg panel 23C.

[0032] The side back panel 20R has an end E0 that faces the side lumbar panel 21R in the longitudinal direction X. Similarly, the side lumbar panel 21R has an end E1 that faces the side back panel 20R in the longitudinal direction X. These ends E0 and E1 are spaced apart by a gap G.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 2 , most of the end E1 is parallel to the width direction Y. Meanwhile, most of the end E0 is inclined relative to the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X. Specifically, the end E0 has a tapered shape in which the gap G between it and the side lumbar panel 21R increases with increasing distance from the central back panel 20C in the width direction Y. In other words, the end E0 is inclined toward the head side of the bed board 2 (left side in the figure). The width of most of the gap G in the longitudinal direction X is larger than the width of the gap between the side lumbar panel 21R and the first side leg panel 22R and the width of the gap between the first side leg panel 22R and the second side leg panel 23R.

[0034] The end E0 forms an acute angle θ with respect to the width direction Y. In one example, the angle θ is 30 degrees or more, and in FIG. 2, it is approximately 45 degrees. In the example of FIG. 2, the end E0 is linear (flat). As another example, the end E0 may be curved (curved).

[0035] The side back panel 20L has the same shape as the side back panel 20R. That is, the end E0 of the side back panel 20L has a tapered shape such that the gap between the end E0 and the side waist panel 21L increases as the end E0 moves away from the central back panel 20C in the width direction Y.

[0036] The term "board" attached to the names of the floorboard 2 and the parts that make up the floorboard 2 does not necessarily mean that the components are flat. Each component with a name that includes "board" may have a configuration other than a flat plate, such as a structure in which rod-shaped components are connected, as long as it can support a mattress placed on it.

[0037] 3 is a schematic block diagram showing elements related to the control of the bed apparatus B. The drive mechanism 3 includes a lifting mechanism 31, a back-raising mechanism 32, a knee-raising mechanism 33, and a swinging mechanism 34.

[0038] The lifting mechanism 31 raises and lowers the lifting frame 12 and the swinging frame 13 in the vertical direction Z relative to the base frame 11. The back-raising mechanism 32 tilts the central back plate 20C so that the head-side end of the central back plate 20C is positioned higher than the foot-side end. The knee-raising mechanism 33 tilts the first central leg plate 22C so that the foot-side end of the first central leg plate 22C is positioned higher than the head-side end.

[0039] The rocking mechanism 34 tilts the floor board 2 so that one side of the floor board 2 in the width direction Y is positioned higher than the other side. Specifically, the rocking mechanism 34 can tilt the floor board 2 so that the back side panel 20L, the lumbar side panel 21L, the first side leg panel 22L, and the second side leg panel 23L are positioned higher in the vertical direction Z than the back side panel 20R, the lumbar side panel 21R, the first side leg panel 22R, and the second side leg panel 23R, respectively. Conversely, the rocking mechanism 34 can also tilt the floor board 2 so that the back side panel 20R, the lumbar side panel 21R, the first side leg panel 22R, and the second side leg panel 23R are positioned higher in the vertical direction Z than the back side panel 20L, the lumbar side panel 21L, the first side leg panel 22L, and the second side leg panel 23L, respectively.

[0040] The drive mechanism 3 includes drive sources M1, M2, M3, and M4 for operating the lifting mechanism 31, the back-raising mechanism 32, the knee-raising mechanism 33, and the swinging mechanism 34. For example, these drive sources M1, M2, M3, and M4 include motors.

[0041] The bed apparatus B further includes a control device 30, a remote controller RC (input device), and at least one sensor S. For example, the remote controller RC includes a plurality of buttons that can input commands related to the deformation of the bed board 2. The control device 30 and the remote controller RC are connected for communication via wire or wirelessly.

[0042] The sensor S is provided on at least one of the side fence receiving portions 4R shown in Fig. 1. The sensor S is also provided on at least one of the side fence receiving portions 4L provided on the side of the left lifting frame 12 (not shown in Fig. 1). These sensors S can detect the attachment of a side fence to the side fence receiving portions 4R, 4L. When the attachment of a side fence is detected, the sensor S outputs a detection signal to the control device 30.

[0043] The control device 30 controls the drive sources M1, M2, M3, and M4 in response to commands input from the remote controller RC. Examples of commands that can be input from the remote controller RC include commands for individually operating the drive sources M1, M2, M3, and M4, and commands for compositely operating at least two of the drive sources M1, M2, M3, and M4.

[0044] In this embodiment, the bed board 2, which has a shape (first state) in which each part is parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y as shown in Fig. 1, can be deformed into a shape (second state) that supports the user in standing up. The transition from the first state to the second state will be described below.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the bed apparatus B when the bed plate 2 is in the process of transforming from the first state to the second state. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the bed apparatus B when the bed plate 2 has transformed into the second state. In these figures, it is assumed that a user lying on his / her back on the bed plate 2 rises to the right.

[0046] When the floorboard 2 is transformed from the first state to the second state, the floorboard 2 is first transformed by the swinging mechanism 34 as shown in Fig. 4. Specifically, in Fig. 4, the floorboard 2 is inclined so that the left side of the floorboard 2 is positioned higher than the right side. From another perspective, the back side panel 20L, the lumbar side panel 21L, the first side leg panel 22L, and the second side leg panel 23L are positioned higher in the vertical direction Z than the back side panel 20R, the lumbar side panel 21R, the first side leg panel 22R, and the second side leg panel 23R, respectively.

[0047] As in the first state, the side back panel 20L, side lumbar panel 21L, first side leg panel 22L and second side leg panel 23L remain parallel to the central back panel 20C, central lumbar panel 21C, first central leg panel 22C and second central leg panel 23C.

[0048] 4, the side back panel 20R, side waist panel 21R, first side leg panel 22R, and second side leg panel 23R are inclined to form a V-shaped valley with the central back panel 20C, central waist panel 21C, first central leg panel 22C, and second central leg panel 23C, respectively. By deforming the bed panel 2 in this way, a user lying on the bed panel 2 will naturally face to the right.

[0049] When the back-raising mechanism 32 is driven to raise the central back panel 20C from the state shown in Fig. 4, the second state shown in Fig. 5 is reached. In the second state, each of the side back panels 20R and 20L is inclined toward the upper surface of the central back panel 20C relative to the central back panel 20C.

[0050] In the second state, at least a portion of the end E0 of the side back panel 20R faces the upper surface of the side lumbar panel 21R across a gap. At least a portion of the end E0 of the side back panel 20R may contact the upper surface of the side lumbar panel 21R.

[0051] In the second state, the central back panel 20C is raised, making it easy for the user to change their posture by themselves or with the assistance of a caregiver to sit on the right side of the floorboard 2. Furthermore, because the side back panels 20R, 20L are inclined toward the upper surface of the central back panel 20C, the user's upper body is less likely to slip to the right until they sit on the side of the floorboard 2. This improves the stability of the user's posture.

[0052] Next, an example of a configuration that can be applied to the rocking mechanism 34 will be described. The configuration of the rocking mechanism 34 illustrated here is similar to the rocking configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6550414. The configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6550414 is incorporated into this embodiment by reference. The rocking mechanism 34 is not limited to this example, and various configurations can be applied.

[0053] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the lifting frame 12 and the swinging mechanism 34. Fig. 7 is a schematic front view of the swinging mechanism 34. As shown in Fig. 6, the swinging mechanism 34 includes a frame body 5. The frame body 5 is rectangular and includes a pair of horizontal members 50 extending in the width direction Y and a pair of vertical members 51 extending in the longitudinal direction X, which are connected to each other. The frame body 5 is connected to four brackets 120 provided on the lifting frame 12.

[0054] A bearing 52 is provided at each of the pair of cross members 50 at the center in the longitudinal direction X. These bearings 52 rotatably support both ends of a mounting shaft 53 in the longitudinal direction X. One end of an L-shaped arm 54 is attached to the middle of the mounting shaft 53.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the swing mechanism 34 has a screw shaft 56. The screw shaft 56 is covered by a bellows member 57 molded from resin so as to be expandable and contractible. One end of the screw shaft 56 is exposed from the bellows member 57 and is rotatably supported by a bracket 58 provided on one of the vertical members 51 of the frame body 5. A drive source M4 is provided midway along the screw shaft 56. An end of an L-shaped arm 54 is connected to the drive source M4.

[0056] An internally threaded body, which is rotationally driven by a drive source M4, is threadedly engaged with the screw shaft 56. When this internally threaded body rotates, the screw shaft 56 is driven in the axial direction relative to the internally threaded body. When the screw shaft 56 is driven, elements such as the screw shaft 56 and the drive source M4 swing in accordance with the rotational direction of the screw shaft 56, with one end pivotally supported by a bracket 58 as a fulcrum. This causes the mounting shaft 53, to which the L-shaped arm 54 is connected, to rotate.

[0057] The upper end of a belt-shaped drive link 60 having a guide shaft 59 at its lower end is attached to the mounting shaft 53 together with the L-shaped arm 54. The middle portion of the drive link 60 is attached to the drive source M4 together with the L-shaped arm 54. The guide shaft 59 is slidably inserted through elongated holes 61a and 62a provided in the first swing link 61 and the second swing link 62, respectively.

[0058] One end of each of the first swing link 61 and the second swing link 62 is rotatably connected to one end of the connecting link 63 by a connecting shaft 64. Furthermore, one end and the other end of a restricting link 65 curved in an arc are rotatably connected to each connecting shaft 64 together with the first swing link 61 and the second swing link 62.

[0059] 6, one end of each of the pair of connecting links 63 is connected to one end of each of the mounting shafts 66. A receiving roller 67 is rotatably attached to the other end of each of the mounting shafts 66. Furthermore, each of the pair of mounting shafts 66 passes through one end and the other end of the rectangular pillar-shaped mounting member 55.

[0060] 7, a pair of engaging members 68 engageable with the connecting shaft 64 is provided on the underside of one of the horizontal members 50 of the frame body 5. In addition, a pair of receiving members 69 for receiving the receiving rollers 67 is provided on the upper surface of this horizontal member 50.

[0061] 6, connectors 70 are provided at both ends of the mounting member 55. One end of each of the frame members 130R, 130L of the oscillating frame 13 in the length direction X is connected to these connectors 70. The other end of each of the frame members 130R, 130L in the length direction X is also supported so as to be able to oscillate.

[0062] 8, 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the operation of the swing mechanism 34. In Fig. 8, the mounting member 55 is parallel to the width direction Y. At this time, the swing frame 13 is also parallel to the width direction Y.

[0063] When the driving source M4 operates in the first rotation direction from the state shown in Figure 8, the driving source M4 moves leftward along the screw shaft 56. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, for example, the guide shaft 59 moves in the direction shown by arrow R1a through the long hole 61a of the first swing link 61. Accordingly, the driving link 60 rotates in the direction shown by arrow R1b.

[0064] As the drive link 60 rotates, the second swing link 62 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R1c by the guide shaft 59. Furthermore, the left connecting link 63 connected to the second swing link 62 moves from the lowered position shown in Fig. 8 to the raised position shown in Fig. 9. At this time, the left receiving roller 67 moves away from the receiving member 69. Meanwhile, the right receiving roller 67 abuts against the receiving member 69.

[0065] When the left connecting link 63 rises, the left frame member 130L of the oscillating frame 13, which is connected to this connecting link 63 via the mounting shaft 66 and the mounting member 55, also rises. When the oscillating frame 13 tilts in this way, the floor panel 2 tilts to the state shown in Figure 4.

[0066] When tilting the floorboard 2 in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 4, the drive source M4 is rotated from the state shown in Figure 8 in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. This causes the right connecting link 63 to rise as shown in Figure 10. Accordingly, the right frame member 130R of the oscillating frame 13 connected to the connecting link 63 via the mounting shaft 66 and the mounting member 55 also rises.

[0067] Next, we will explain the configuration that can be applied to the back-raising mechanism 32. The configuration shown below is just one example, and the back-raising mechanism 32 may have another configuration that can raise the central back panel 20C and tilt the side back panels 20R and 20L.

[0068] Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the floor board 2, the swing frame 13, and the back-raising mechanism 32. In Fig. 11, the swing frame 13 is horizontal, and the central back board 20C is shown in an upright position.

[0069] The back-raising mechanism 32 includes a back-raising shaft 80 that extends parallel to the width direction Y when the oscillating frame 13 is in a horizontal position. Both ends of the back-raising shaft 80 are rotatably supported by support portions 81 provided on the frame members 130R and 130L, respectively.

[0070] The back-raising mechanism 32 further includes a pair of arms 82 connected to the back-raising shaft 80, and a pair of rollers 83 supported by the distal ends of the arms 82. In the state shown in Fig. 11, the pair of arms 82 are aligned at an interval in the width direction Y. The pair of rollers 83 are rotatable about an axis parallel to the width direction Y.

[0071] A pair of protruding members 26 are provided on the back surface of central back panel 20C. At least a portion of these protruding members 26 has a shape in which the thickness gradually increases toward the connecting portion between central back panel 20C and central waist panel 21C. As a result, each protruding member 26 forms a slope 26a that is inclined relative to the back surface of central back panel 20C. A pair of rollers 83 contacts these protruding members 26.

[0072] A portion of the back-raising shaft 80 is held by the drive source M2. The drive source M2 is attached to the swing frame 13 and rotates the back-raising shaft 80. When the back-raising shaft 80 rotates, the pair of arms 82 also rotate around the back-raising shaft 80.

[0073] The back-raising mechanism 32 includes a side upshaft 84 as an element for driving the side back panels 20R, 20L. The side upshaft 84 extends parallel to the width direction Y when the oscillating frame 13 is in a horizontal position, as shown in Figure 11. The side upshaft 84 is rotatably attached to the rear surface of the central back panel 20C by a pair of holding members 85.

[0074] 11, a groove 27C is provided on the rear surface of the central back panel 20C, the groove 27C being parallel to the width direction Y. Further, grooves 27R and 27L adjacent to the groove 27C are provided on the rear surfaces of the side back panels 20R and 20L, respectively.

[0075] A large portion of the side up shaft 84 is housed in the groove 27C. At least a portion of the right end of the side up shaft 84 is housed in the groove 27R, and at least a portion of the left end is housed in the groove 27L.

[0076] A pressing member 86R is provided at the right end of the side upshaft 84. A pressing member 86L is provided at the left end of the side upshaft 84. These pressing members 86R, 86L protrude in the radial direction of the side upshaft 84.

[0077] The side-up shaft 84 is connected to the back-raising shaft 80 via a link mechanism. In the example of Fig. 11, this link mechanism includes a first link member 87 connected to the back-raising shaft 80, a second link member 88 connected to the first link member 87, and a third link member 89 connected to the second link member 88 and the side-up shaft 84. The link members 87, 88, and 89 are all, for example, rod-shaped members.

[0078] 12 and 13 are schematic side views showing an example of the operation of the back-raising mechanism 32. As shown in these figures, the first link member 87 and the second link member 88 are rotatably connected by a first rotation axis AX1, and the second link member 88 and the third link member 89 are rotatably connected by a second rotation axis AX2.

[0079] When the back-raising shaft 80 rotates as shown by the arrow in Figure 12, the arm 82 also rotates. At this time, the central back plate 20C begins to rise due to being pushed by the roller 83. When the arm 82 rotates further, the roller 83 rolls on the slope 26a as shown in Figure 13. Because the slope 26a is configured so that the distance from the back surface of the central back plate 20C gradually increases, the rotation angle of the central back plate 20C that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the arm 82 can be increased.

[0080] As the back-raising shaft 80 rotates, the first link member 87 also rotates. The distance between the side upshaft 84 and the first rotation axis AX1 increases as the central back panel 20C rises. Therefore, the angle formed by the second link member 88 and the third link member 89 connecting the side upshaft 84 and the first rotation axis AX1 also increases as the central back panel 20C rises. The third link member 89 and the side upshaft 84 are fixedly connected. Therefore, the side upshaft 84 rotates within the groove 27C shown in FIG. 11 as the central back panel 20C rises.

[0081] 14A and 14B are schematic cross-sectional views of the side-up shaft 84, the pressing member 86R, and the side back plate 20R. Fig. 14A shows a state in which the central back plate 20C (not shown in Fig. 14A) is not raised and is parallel to the longitudinal direction X. At this time, the side-up shaft 84 is housed inside the groove 27R. The pressing member 86R is spaced apart from the inner wall and edge of the groove 27R.

[0082] While the central back plate 20C is rising, the side up shaft 84 rotates relative to the side back plate 20R, as shown by the arrow Rs in Figure 14(b). This causes the pressing member 86R to press the edge of the groove 27R. This pressing force F causes the side back plate 20R to tilt toward the upper surface of the central back plate 20C. As this tilt progresses, the side up shaft 84 moves out of the groove 27R.

[0083] 14, a protective member 28 is attached to the edge of the groove 27R. This prevents damage to the side back panel 20R due to contact with the pressing member 86R. The protective member 28 may be provided partially on the edge of the groove 27R in an area that may come into contact with the pressing member 86R, as shown, or may be provided on the entire edge. In one example, the side upshaft 84, the pressing member 86R, and the protective member 28 are made of metal, and the side back panel 20R is made of resin.

[0084] The operation of the pusher 86L and the side back panel 20L is the same as that of the pusher 86R and the side back panel 20R shown in Figure 14. Furthermore, when returning the raised central back panel 20C to a horizontal position, the drive source M2 rotates the back-raising shaft 80 in the opposite direction to that shown in Figure 12. This causes the arm 82 and the central back panel 20C to gradually approach horizontal. Furthermore, the inclination of the side back panels 20R, 20L relative to the central back panel 20C is gradually reduced.

[0085] Next, an example of a method for controlling the bed apparatus B using the sensor S shown in FIG. 3 and the detection result of this sensor S will be described.

[0086] 15 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a configuration applicable to the side fence receiving part 4R and the sensor S. The side fence receiving part 4R includes a main body 40 and a holder 44. The main body 40 has a pair of mounting parts 41 aligned vertically, and each mounting part 41 has a mounting hole 41a.

[0087] The main body 40 can be attached to a predetermined position on the lift frame 12 using these mounting holes 41a, as shown in Figure 1. For example, the main body 40 can rotate around an axis inserted into the mounting hole 41a. This allows the side fence receiving portion 4R to be folded along the side of the lift frame 12 when the side fence is not in use.

[0088] The main body 40 further has insertion holes 42 into which the legs of the side fences can be inserted, and a storage chamber 43 connected to the insertion holes 42. The storage chamber 43 opens to the top surface of the main body 40. A step 43a is formed on the edge of the upper end of the storage chamber 43. In addition, a through hole 43b leading to the storage chamber 43 is formed in the side surface of the main body 40.

[0089] The holder 44 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the accommodation chamber 43. The holder 44 also has a slit 45 in which the sensor S can be placed. A through-hole 45a leading to the slit 45 and a female screw 45b are provided on the side of the holder 44. A flange 46 is formed on the upper edge of the holder 44.

[0090] The sensor S is, for example, a contact-type limit switch having a contact C. As another example, the sensor S may be an optical sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. In the example of Fig. 15, the sensor S has a mounting hole H and a pair of terminals T.

[0091] When assembling the side fence receiving portion 4R, the sensor S is placed in the slit 45 of the holder 44. Furthermore, the sensor S is fixed to the holder 44 by inserting the pin P into the mounting hole H and the through hole 45a.

[0092] Next, the holder 44 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 43. At this time, the flange 46 comes into contact with the stepped portion 43 a. Furthermore, a male screw is inserted into the through hole 43 b, and the tip of the male screw is screwed into the female screw 45 b, thereby fixing the holder 44 to the main body 40.

[0093] A part of the contact C of the sensor S protrudes into the insertion hole 42. When the leg of the side fence is inserted into the insertion hole 42, the leg comes into contact with the contact C. This allows the sensor S to detect that the side fence is attached.

[0094] Fig. 16 shows an example of a side fence and a remote controller RC. The side fence 100 shown in this figure is made of metal members and has a lattice-like configuration. Furthermore, the side fence 100 has two legs 101 that protrude downward.

[0095] The multiple side fence receiving portions 4R are arranged at intervals equal to the distance between the two legs 101. When installing the side fence 100, each leg 101 is inserted into two adjacent ones of the multiple side fence receiving portions 4R.

[0096] The sensor S does not necessarily have to be provided in every side fence receiving portion 4R. In one example, the sensor S is provided in the second side fence receiving portion 4R from the head side of the five side fence receiving portions 4R shown in FIG. 1 . As another example, the sensor S may be provided in the second and fourth side fence receiving portions 4R from the head side. The same arrangement of the sensor S as in the side fence receiving portion 4R can also be applied to the side fence receiving portion 4L.

[0097] When the leg 101 is inserted into the side fence receiving portion 4R on which the sensor S is provided, a detection signal is output to the control device 30 through a wire connected to the terminal T shown in Figure 15.

[0098] The remote controller RC also shown in Figure 3 includes, for example, a button BTR for transitioning the floor board 2 from a first state to a second state inclined to the right as shown in Figure 5, a button BTL for transitioning the floor board 2 from the first state to the second state inclined to the left, and a display DSP.

[0099] In the second state shown in Figure 5, a portion of the side back panel 20R may protrude to the right of the side fence receiving portion 4R. Therefore, when the side fence 100 is attached to the side fence receiving portion 4R, the side back panel 20R may interfere with the side fence 100. Furthermore, when the side fence 100 is attached to the left side fence receiving portion 4L, the side back panel 20L may interfere with the side fence 100 when the floorboard 2 is transformed into the second state in which the entire floorboard 2 is tilted to the left.

[0100] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 30 is configured to prohibit deformation of the floor panel 2 to the second state when the side fence 100 is attached in a direction that tilts the floor panel 2. Such operation of the control device 30 is realized, for example, by a processor included in the control device 30 executing a computer program.

[0101] 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for transforming the floorboard 2 from the first state to the second state. The process shown in this flowchart is started in response to a command being input to the control device 30 by operating one of the buttons BTR and BTL on the remote controller RC, for example.

[0102] First, the control device 30 determines the direction in which the floorboard 2 is tilted (step ST1). When the button BTR is operated, the control device 30 determines that the floorboard 2 is tilted to the right ("right side" in step ST1), and determines whether the side fence 100 is attached to the right side (step ST2).

[0103] If the sensor S of the side fence receiving portion 4R does not output a detection signal, the control device 30 determines that the side fence 100 is not attached to the right side ("NO" in step ST2). At this time, the control device 30 performs a right-side rise-up assistance operation (step ST3). Specifically, the control device 30 drives the drive source M4 of the rocking mechanism 34 to tilt the floorboard 2 to the right as shown in FIG. 4. Next, the control device 30 drives the drive source M2 of the back-raising mechanism 32 to raise the central backboard 20C. This transforms the floorboard 2 into a second state inclined to the right as shown in FIG. 5. At this time, the side backboards 20R and 20L tilt toward the upper surface of the central backboard 20C as described above.

[0104] On the other hand, if a detection signal is output from the sensor S of the side fence receiving portion 4R, the control device 30 determines that the side fence 100 is attached to the right side ("YES" in step ST2). At this time, the control device 30 issues a warning to the operator of the remote controller RC (step ST6). After issuing the warning, the control device 30 ends the operation shown in the flowchart without transforming the floorboard 2 into the second state.

[0105] In step ST1, when the button BTL is operated, the control device 30 determines that the vehicle is tilting to the left ("left side" in step ST1). At this time, the control device 30 determines whether the side fence 100 is attached to the left side (step ST4).

[0106] If the sensor S of the side fence receiving portion 4L does not output a detection signal, the control device 30 determines that the side fence 100 is not attached to the left side ("NO" in step ST4). At this time, the control device 30 performs a left-side rise-up assistance operation (step ST5). Specifically, the control device 30 drives the drive source M4 of the rocking mechanism 34 to tilt the floorboard 2 to the left. Next, the control device 30 drives the drive source M2 of the back-raising mechanism 32 to raise the central backboard 20C, thereby transforming the floorboard 2 into a second state inclined to the left. At this time, the side backboards 20R and 20L tilt toward the upper surface of the central backboard 20C, as described above.

[0107] On the other hand, if a detection signal is output from the sensor S of the side fence receiving portion 4L, the control device 30 determines that the side fence 100 is attached to the left side ("YES" in step ST4). At this time, the control device 30 issues a warning to the operator of the remote controller RC (step ST6). After issuing the warning, the control device 30 ends the operation shown in the flowchart without transforming the floorboard 2 into the second state.

[0108] The warning in step ST6 is implemented, for example, by displaying a warning message on the display DSP. As another example, the warning may be implemented by outputting a warning sound from a speaker provided in the remote controller RC or by lighting up a lamp provided in the remote controller RC.

[0109] The operation for transforming the floorboard 2 into the second state is not limited to the above example. For example, when transforming from the first state to the second state, tilting the floorboard 2 to the right or left by the rocking mechanism 34 and tilting the central backboard 20C by the back-raising mechanism 32 may be performed in response to the operation of separate buttons. In this case, for example, when the button for operating the back-raising mechanism 32 is operated while the floorboard 2 is tilted to the right or left, determinations equivalent to steps ST2 and ST4 may be performed.

[0110] In the present embodiment described above, the bed plate 2 can be transformed from the first state shown in Fig. 1 to the second state shown in Fig. 2. This allows a user lying on their back on a mattress placed on the bed plate 2 to easily stand up by themselves or with the assistance of a caregiver.

[0111] Furthermore, when transforming from the first state to the second state, the side back panels 20R, 20L gradually tilt toward the upper surface of the central back panel 20C. If the side back panels 20R, 20L remained parallel to the central back panel 20C, the user's body would likely slip down in the direction of the tilt on the floor panel 2 that is tilted to the right or left. In contrast, if the side back panels 20R, 20L are tilted toward the upper surface of the central back panel 20C, the stability of the user's posture during and after transformation to the second state is significantly improved.

[0112] 5, in the second state tilted to the right, sufficient posture stability can be achieved if the side back panel 20R is tilted relative to the central back panel 20C to the extent that it contacts or faces the upper surface of the side lumbar panel 21R. Similarly, in the second state tilted to the left, sufficient posture stability can be achieved if the side back panel 20L is tilted relative to the central back panel 20C to the extent that it contacts or faces the upper surface of the side lumbar panel 21L.

[0113] However, to achieve this configuration, it is necessary to suppress interference between the side back panels 20R, 20L and the side lumbar panels 21R, 21L. In this regard, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the end portions E0 of the side back panels 20R, 20L have a tapered shape. This suppresses interference between the side back panels 20R, 20L and the side lumbar panels 21R, 21L, and allows the side back panels 20R, 20L to be inclined at a large angle relative to the central back panel 20C.

[0114] 11 to 14, the operation of raising the central back panel 20C and the operation of tilting the side back panels 20R and 20L toward the upper surface of the central back panel 20C can be achieved by a single drive source M2. This reduces the number of parts constituting the bed apparatus B and reduces manufacturing costs compared to when both operations are achieved by separate drive sources.

[0115] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 15 to 17, if the attachment of the side fence 100 is detected by a sensor S and deformation to the second state is restricted based on the result, interference between the floor board 2 and the side fence 100 can be suppressed.

[0116] In addition to the above, the configuration disclosed in this embodiment has various advantageous effects. Furthermore, the configuration disclosed in this embodiment is merely an example for realizing the invention related to the bed apparatus, and can be modified in various ways.

[0117] B...bed device, 1...bed frame, 2...bed board, 3...driving mechanism, 4R, 4L...side fence receiving portion, 11...base frame, 12...lifting frame, 13...swinging frame, 20C...central back board, 20L, 20R...side back board, 21C...central waist board, 21L, 21R...side waist board, 22C...first central leg board, 22L, 22R...first side leg board, 23C...second central leg board, 23L, 23R...second side leg board, 27C, 27L, 27R...groove, 28...protective member, 30...control device, 31...lifting mechanism, 32...back-raising mechanism, 33...knee-raising mechanism, 34...swinging mechanism, 80...back-raising shaft, 82...arm, 83...roller, 84...side-up shaft, 86L, ​​86R...pressing members, 87, 88, 89...first to third link members, 100...side fence, RC...remote controller.

Claims

1. A bed device comprising: a bed frame that is long in a first direction; a bed panel supported by the bed frame; and a drive mechanism for driving the bed panel, wherein the bed panel includes a central back panel for supporting the back of a user, and a pair of side back panels rotatably connected to both sides of the central back panel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the drive mechanism is configured to be able to deform the bed panel between a first state in which the central back panel and the pair of side back panels are parallel to the first and second directions, and a second state in which the bed panel is tilted so that one side of the bed panel is positioned higher than the other side in the second direction, the central back panel is raised, and the pair of side back panels are tilted toward the upper surface of the central back panel.

2. The bed device of claim 1, wherein the bed panel further includes a central wainscot panel rotatably connected to the end of the central back panel in the first direction, and a pair of side wainscot panels rotatably connected to both sides of the central wainscot panel in the second direction, and wherein, in the second state, one end of the pair of side back panels that is located below the slope contacts or faces the upper surface of one of the pair of side wainscot panels that is located below the slope.

3. The bed apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the end of the side back panel is spaced apart from the side lumbar panel in the first state and has a tapered shape such that the gap between the end and the side lumbar panel increases with increasing distance from the central back panel.

4. A bed device as described in claim 1, further comprising: a side rail receiving portion provided on the bed frame to which a side rail can be attached; a sensor that detects the attachment of the side rail to the side rail receiving portion; and a control device that prohibits deformation of the bed panel to the second state when the sensor detects the attachment of the side rail.

5. The bed apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a shaft rotatably held on the central back panel, a pair of pushing members respectively provided on both ends of the shaft, and a drive source for rotating the shaft, and when the shaft rotates, the pair of pushing members each push the rear surfaces of the pair of side back panels, causing the pair of side back panels to tilt toward the upper surface of the central back panel.

6. The bed apparatus of claim 5, wherein the drive mechanism further comprises a roller that contacts the underside of the central back panel and an arm that supports the roller, and the drive source rotates the arm together with the shaft, and as the arm rotates, the roller presses the underside of the central back panel, causing the central back panel to rise up.

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