Structural arrangement for a motorized articulated bed for trucks with sleeper cabs

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel structural arrangement for a motorized articulated bed for trucks with sleeper cabs and aims to provide comfort and circulation to the lower limbs of drivers, making it possible to adopt various resting positions, such as raised legs, and raised back portion with raised lumbar region, among other combinations. To this end, the bed has articulations on four sections, namely a movable back section, a stationary section, a movable thigh section, and a movable foot section. The motorized bed aims to promote automation of the articulating movements of the mechanisms for raising the back and leg sections, said bed being connected to the power supply system of the vehicle via a connection to the electrical circuit of the vehicle with fuse protection. An individual motor for moving each section is controlled by an electronic unit containing a wired or wireless remote control.

Description

CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION IN MOTORIZED ARTICULATED BED FOR TRUCKS WITH SLEEP CABIN Subject:

[0001] This Utility Model Patent relates to a new design in a motorized articulated bed for trucks with sleeper cabs, designed to provide comfort and vascularization for the drivers' lower limbs, allowing for various resting positions, such as leg elevation, dorsal elevation with lumbar elevation, and other combinations. To this end, the bed is articulated into four sections: the movable dorsal section, the fixed section, the movable thigh section, and the movable foot section. This motorized bed automates the articulation movements of the back and leg section elevation mechanisms, which connect to the vehicle's power supply system through a connector connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit with fuse protection.A dedicated motor for moving each section is controlled by an electronic control unit, containing wired or wireless remote control. State of the Art:

[0002] Truck cabins equipped with beds, known as sleeper cabins, have been around for a long time, as freight transport services require drivers to take rest breaks after a certain number of hours of travel. Truck cabins have undergone significant improvements in recent years, with accessories that provide greater driver comfort, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, audio and video equipment, and spacious beds that can sometimes be expanded to accommodate more passengers.

[0003] It is important to note that one factor resulting from long periods of time traveling is discomfort in the feet, legs and back, in due to the long periods of time spent in the same position. Swelling in the lower limbs, as well as chronic inflammation in the hip and lower back, among other conditions, frequently occurs.

[0004] Regarding patent references relating to beds arranged in truck cabins, document MU7602224-2 filed by ALEXANDRE on 11 / 06 / 1996 is known, with the title “Improvement in Cabin” which describes a cabin equipped with a folding bed along with other facilities, without detailing the construction or functional form of said bed.Document MU8102298-0 filed by CHINCHIO on 08 / 29 / 2001 with the title “Removable coupling with bed for Truck Cabin” describes an arrangement to enable the easy construction of the compartment behind the truck cabin, said assembly substantially comprised of: two equal rectangular walls (10) closing the sides of the compartment; a rectangular wall (12) closing at the rear, which is fixed between the upper regions of the flaps (11) of the side walls (10); an upper closing wall (13), which may incorporate an aerodynamic profile and / or an outlet for a ventilation device; and a bed (14) which is mounted immediately below the opening of the original rear wall of the cabin (1), without the rear window, on supports provided in the side and rear walls of the assembly. Although the document describes the presence of a bed in the cabin, it does not describe any articulation or adjustment mechanism.

[0005] Document PI0313556-0, filed on 08 / 05 / 2003 by DAIMLERCHRYSLER, with the title “Driver's Cabin with Bed”, includes a tilting bed suspended from the roof of the cabin using belts, with the aim of obtaining the best possible use of the cabin's internal space when the bed is tilted.

[0006] Document MU8501345-5 filed on 06 / 08 / 205 by BORTOLUZZI with title “Improvement in monoblock extension coupling for rear of truck cabin” which refers to a combined upholstered bed-bench module, consisting of a leveled upholstered bed ballast (6), the tilting seat (4) at an angle to the bed (6), having a leveling reference with the two-position backrest (5), this being of dual function: in the inclined position it serves as a backrest for the bench and in the horizontal position as a complement to the bed (6). The assembly, cabinet (10) equipped with the right (7) and left (8) drawered conductors and crossbar (9), including the tilting seat (4) plus the two-position backrest (5), define the bench and complete the functional bed-bench model.

[0007] Therefore, the documents found reveal beds used in truck cabins, some equipped with tilting, but it was not possible to identify beds that include the articulation means and usage improvements described in this document. Inventive Concept:

[0008] The present Construction Arrangement in Motorized Articulated Bed for Trucks with Sleeper Cabin was developed with the objectives of: a) providing articulations in the bed of trucks with sleeper cabin, resulting in the possibility of the driver varying the resting positions, as well as providing suitable positions for, for example, watching television, reading or eating; b) promoting benefits to the health and well-being of the driver as it allows him to position himself in positions of better blood circulation in the lower limbs, reducing problems with currents of swelling, as well as in a position that improves breathing conditions, helping with problems such as dyspnea.

[0009] It is important to note that these positions mentioned above are known as: - Fowler's position: semi-sitting position with the trunk flexed at a 45° angle, indicated for individuals with dyspnea (shortness of breath), pneumonia, drainage, post-surgical recovery, among others; - Vascular position: position where there is an angular elevation of the thigh section, with elevation of the calf section parallel to the dorsal section, indicated for pain relief, improved circulation in the lower limbs, among others.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the motorized articulated bed consists of a base divided into four sections, a fixed intermediate base, at the height of the hip positioning, a mobile upper base, which covers the entire dorsal portion, and two mobile lower bases, which cover the thigh and foot area.

[0011] Two motors are used for articulation, allowing for precise adjustments. An electric actuator with a force capacity of up to 6000N acts on the back, moving the back section to a tilt angle of up to 78°. Q in relation to the horizontal, suitable for sleeping, resting, reading, eating, watching TV, etc. A second electric actuator with a force capacity of up to 6000N acts on the leg region, providing elevation of the thigh section with an inclination angle of up to 32 Q in relation to the horizontal, positioning the flexed legs in an elevated position. Both actuators are controlled by an electronic control unit with a Bluetooth signal receiver or other data transmission technology, controlled by a wireless remote control.

[0012] The choice between the inclinations to be obtained is made individually, using independent buttons, to control movement of the dorsal region or the legs or both, through a remote control paired to an electronic control unit, wired or wireless, making it easier for the driver to choose.

[0013] Furthermore, the bed is mounted on a chassis built with a tubular structure with a load capacity for users of up to 180 kg, ensuring high durability and ease of manufacture and installation. Summary:

[0014] The Construction Arrangement in Motorized Articulated Bed for Trucks with Sleeper Cabin, in this way, is essentially characterized by the fact that the bed fixed to the tubular base comprises at least one mobile upper base, at least one fixed central base, at least one mobile lower middle base and at least one mobile lower final base, which are fixed to each other by joints.

[0015] The Motorized Articulated Bed Construction Arrangement for Trucks with Sleeper Cabin is additionally characterized by the fact that the electric actuators are mechanisms equipped with a 24V electric motor with spindle and encoder positioning control, used to move at least one mobile upper base and at least one mobile lower middle base; by the fact that an electric actuator is fixed to the crossbar using the U-shaped support and to the mobile upper base through the support, arranged between the crossbars that make up the mobile upper base of the bed, and by another electric actuator being fixed to the crossbar using the U-shaped support and to the mobile lower middle base through the support arranged between the crossbars that make up the mobile lower middle base of the bed; by the fact that the mobile lower final base is articulated together with the mobile lower middle base, and has two articulated supports arranged laterally;and because the electric actuators are activated by a digital electronic control unit using a remote control, wired or wireless.; Field of Application:

[0016] The application of this Construction Provision in Motorized Articulated Bed for Trucks with Sleeper Cabin is as follows: device that promotes articulation in parts of the bed applied in vehicle cabins. Advantages:

[0017] The Motorized Articulated Bed Construction Layout for Trucks with Sleeper Cabin offers the following advantages: • Provides the driver with the means to choose different resting and well-being positions, helping to relax the back and arms, as well as improving blood circulation in the lower limbs; • Allows the user to choose the most suitable condition for resting sleep, with the possibility of raising the back section to a position that facilitates the user to have a restful condition without apnea, that is, with better respiratory conditions; • In addition, it allows the driver to position themselves in suitable positions to watch television, for example, and to eat, in an easy and practical way, using a wired or wireless remote control; • It is easy to manufacture and assemble, and can be installed in a wide variety of vehicle cabins from the most diverse manufacturers on the world market; • Offers high resistance and durability, as it is mounted on its own chassis built with a tubular structure, preferably in carbon steel, with a load capacity for users of up to 180 kg; • In addition, the bed frame can be painted with high-resistance polyester powder paint, and can also be made of stainless steel or another type of surface protective coating to protect against oxidation. Illustrations:

[0018] In order to facilitate research and provide understanding of this patent, as recommended in the report, according to a basic and preferred form of implementation developed by the applicant, it is done reference to the attached illustrations, which form part of and support this descriptive report, where: FIG. 01 - shows a perspective of the assembled bed, showing in its upper part the four articulated parts, on which the mattress will be placed; FIG. 02 - presents a perspective of the bed showing in its upper part the four articulated parts, containing the upper base on which the transparent mattress will be placed, highlighting the internal articulation mechanisms; FIG. 03 - shows a front perspective of the bed containing the dorsal part and inclined legs; FIG. 04 - shows a side perspective of the bed containing the dorsal part and inclined legs; FIG. 05 - shows a front perspective of the bed containing the inclined dorsal and leg parts, without the straight bases on which the mattress is placed; FIG. 06 - shows a side perspective of the bed frame showing the electric actuators at their maximum stroke; FIG. 07 - shows a side perspective of the bed frame; FIG. 08 - shows a lower perspective of the bed; FIG. 09 - shows a perspective of the U-shaped bracket that fixes an electric actuator to a chassis cross member; FIG. 10 - shows a perspective of the joint used to join the four straight bases of the bed frame together; FIG. 11 - shows a detailed perspective of the application of the joints joining the straight bases of the bed frame. Description:

[0019] The Construction Layout in Motorized Articulated Bed for Trucks with Sleeper Cabin comprises a tubular base (1), preferably rectangular, which will serve as a chassis for the bed, to be fixed to a cradle next to the floor of the vehicle cabin through of several fixing feet (2) distributed around the tubular base (1). A finish (3) in wood or other material can be arranged below the tubular base (1), surrounding the various fixing feet (2).

[0020] The tubular base (1) has two structural crossbars to reinforce the structure and also to fix the movement and articulation mechanisms. The crossbar (4) is used to fix the electric actuator (5) through the U-shaped support (6), and the crossbar (7) is used to fix the electric actuator (8) through the U-shaped support (9).

[0021] On the tubular base (1) there is a set of four straight bases on which the mattress is placed, called the bed, being a fixed base and three mobile ones: mobile upper base (10), fixed central base (11), mobile lower middle base (12) and mobile lower final base (13), which are fixed to each other by joints (14). This set that makes up the bed is fixed to the tubular base (1), called the chassis, by supports arranged on the fixed central base (11).

[0022] The joints (14) are made up of the union of a fixed element and a mobile element through a rotation axis, allowing the mobile part to be rotated or articulated. The articulation of the mobile upper base (10) occurs through the actuation of the electric actuator (5), fixed to the crossbar (4) using the U-shaped support (6) and to the mobile upper base (10) through the support (15), arranged between the crossbars (16) that make up the mobile upper base (10) of the bed. The electric actuator (5) is a mechanism equipped with a 24V electric motor with a spindle and encoder positioning control. As the actuator spindle expands and retracts, the inclination of the mobile upper (10) is changed, which has, in its upper part, the stop (17) that serves as a movement limiter for the mattress.

[0023] The articulation of the lower mobile middle base (12) occurs through the actuation of the electric actuator (8), fixed to the crossbar (7) using the U-shaped support (9) and in the lower mobile middle base (12) through the support (18) arranged between the crossbars (19) that make up the lower moving middle base (12) of the bed. Likewise, the electric actuator (8) is a mechanism equipped with a 24V electric motor with a spindle and encoder positioning control. As the actuator spindle expands and retracts, the inclination of the lower moving middle base (12) is changed.

[0024] The encoder is an electro-mechanical sensor that converts a mechanical movement or an angular linear position into a digital electrical signal, widely used in the technique known as automation.

[0025] The mobile lower end base (13), positioned in the foot region, is articulated together with the mobile lower middle base (12), and has two articulated supports (20) arranged laterally, which serve to support the mobile lower end base (13), allowing it to assume the inclinations resulting from the movement in solidarity with the movement of the mobile lower middle base (12). The mobile lower end base (13) has in its lower part the stop (21) which serves as a movement limiter for the mattress.

[0026] All components are linked through joints (14) preferably made of polymer, positioned at the end of the structure of each section of the bed.

[0026] The actuators have the function of pushing the straight bases on which the mattress is placed and the result is the inclination movement that occurs from the joints (14), which are components injected preferably in Nylon 6 with fiber, articulated through a central screw being fixed to the tubular structure at the ends.

[0027] The electric actuators (5) and (8) are activated by the digital electronic control unit, programmed, by remote control, wired or wireless, using known means of communication and data transfer, where the driver can individually choose the articulation of the upper and / or lower part of the bed, depending on their needs. Alternatively, there is the possibility of using an application to cell phone or tablet to control the bed's movements, saving preferred positions in memory to be used when required and the bed will position itself in the memorized position. Conclusion:

[0028] Thus, the Construction Layout in Motorized Articulated Bed for Trucks with Sleeper Cabin is supported by unprecedented technical and functional characteristics, therefore deserving the legal protection requested.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION IN MOTORIZED ARTICULATED BED FOR TRUCKS WITH SLEEP CAB is comprised of the tubular base (1) and characterized by the fact that the bed fixed to the tubular base (1) comprises at least one mobile upper base (10), at least one fixed central base (1 1), at least one mobile lower middle base (12) and at least one mobile lower final base (13), which are fixed to each other by joints (14).

2. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION IN MOTORIZED ARTICULATED BED FOR TRUCKS WITH SLEEP CABIN according to claim 1 is characterized by the fact that the electric actuators (5) and (8) are mechanisms equipped with a 24V electric motor with spindle and encoder positioning control, used to move at least one mobile upper base (10) and at least one mobile lower middle base (12), respectively.

3. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION IN MOTORIZED ARTICULATED BED FOR TRUCKS WITH SLEEP CABIN according to claim 1 is characterized by the fact that the electric actuator (5) is fixed to the crossbar (4) using the U-shaped support (6) and to the mobile upper base (10) through the support (15), arranged between the crossbars (16) that make up the mobile upper base (10) of the bed, and by the electric actuator (8) being fixed to the crossbar (7) using the U-shaped support (9) and to the mobile lower middle base (12) through the support (18) arranged between the crossbars (19) that make up the mobile lower middle base (12) of the bed.

4. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION IN MOTORIZED ARTICULATED BED FOR TRUCKS WITH SLEEP CABIN according to claim 1 is characterized by the fact that the lower mobile end base (13) is articulated together with the lower mobile middle base (12), and has two articulated supports (20) arranged laterally.

5. CONSTRUCTION DISPOSITION IN MOTORIZED ARTICULATED BED FOR TRUCKS WITH SLEEP CABIN according to claim 1 is characterized by the fact that the actuation of the electric actuators (5) and (8) occurs by a digital electronic control unit using remote control, wired or wireless.

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