EP4094636A1

EP4094636A1 - Raising system and adjustable bed device

Info

Publication number: EP4094636A1
Application number: EP22170270.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Philippe LANGSWEIRT
Original assignee: Global Technical Equipment BVBA
Current assignee: Global Technical Equipment BVBA
Priority date: 2021-05-03
Filing date: 2022-04-27
Publication date: 2022-11-30
Also published as: BE1029364B1; BE1029364A1

Abstract

Raising system (1) for an adjustable bed device (2), wherein the raising system (1) comprises: an elongate base structure (3), a raising element (5a) which is supported by the base structure (3) and which is connected to the base structure (3), a drive element (6a) for hinging the raising element (5a), wherein the base structure (3) comprises a bottom section and upright wall sections which together form a space, wherein the drive element (6a) is connected to the base structure (3) so that, viewed along the first rotation axle, the drive element (6a) extends at least partly between the upright wall sections, and a bed device (2) comprising such a raising system (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a raising system for adjusting mutually pivotable support parts of an adjustable bed device which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, as described in the preamble of the first claim.
The present invention also relates to an adjustable bed device comprising two or more support parts which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, and comprising a framework structure and a raising system connected to the framework structure, wherein the framework structure and the raising system support the support parts and wherein the raising system is configured to hinge the support parts with respect to each other.
The term adjustable bed device may denote an adjustable bed, but also a different adjustable piece of furniture, such as an armchair, a lounge chair, a terrace chair, etc. The term framework structure may denote, for example, a wooden frame, a wooden framework, a metal framework, a metal frame, etc. The framework structure comprises, for example, one or more rectangular frame elements which are optionally provided with cross beams. Thus, the framework structure may comprise a rectangular frame/framework, wherein the raising system is directly connected to this frame/framework. The framework structure may, for example, also comprise a rectangular surrounding frame element and additional cross beams which additionally connect components of the frame element to each other, wherein the raising system is then for example directly connected to these cross beams.
The raising system may in this case comprise one said raising element and is then configured, for example, to hinge the portion of a mattress element which supports the back. The raising system may also comprise two or more of said raising elements.
By hinging one or more of the one or more raising elements of the raising system, it is possible to bring a mattress or a mattress element into the desired position. These bed devices usually have a base position, in which the mattress assumes a flat position and other, hinged, positions in which certain components of the mattress are at an angle (are raised) with respect to the floor on which the bed device is situated. Drawbacks of these existing bed devices are that the raising systems used are complicated constructions and/or that raising systems used are not sufficiently able to absorb forces in the hinged positions and/or that they have a certain installation height. Thus, the raising system used may be, for example, a fairly simple construction and consist of a limited number of components, but may not be able to satisfactorily absorb forces. The raising system used may also be a complicated construction and comprise relatively many components, so that it is readily able to absorb forces. However, due to the complicated construction, it is not simple to produce and/or assemble such a raising system.
There are raising systems which comprise an elongate base structure which extends along a width direction, a height direction and a length direction, a raising element which is supported by the base structure and is connected to the base structure so as to be hingeable about a fixed first rotation axle, wherein this first rotation axle extends virtually along the width direction, and a drive element for hinging the raising element between a recumbent position, in which the angle between the length direction and the raising element is minimal, and a raised position, in which the angle between the length direction and the raising element is greater, wherein the base structure is configured to be connected to a framework structure. Such a raising system is illustrated in DE202020107053 . This raising system is susceptible to torsion in the hinged positions. This is mainly a problem when a person leaves or enters the bed device, when the bed device is in a hinged position. The reason for this is that, when leaving or entering the bed device, it is possible that a large amount of weight is placed on the raising element and this may result in undesired twisting of the base structure.
WO 2017/108626 describes a framework element for a framework of an adjustable bed, wherein the framework element is configured as a longitudinal element for a longitudinal side of the framework. The framework element consists of: a framework carrier, an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the bed and at least one actuator for operating the adjusting mechanism which is securely connected to the framework carrier. As the framework element is configured as a longitudinal element, two such framework elements are provided for each lying place in order thus to be able to provide sufficient support to the components of the adjustable bed to be adjusted.
US 2016/0037937 A1 describes an electromotively adjustable support apparatus for supporting a mattress of a bed, which comprises at least two support parts which are adjustable with respect to each other. The adjustment of the support parts takes place by means of a lug-shaped adjusting element which is connected to an electric motor via a pull cable. By tensioning the pull cable, the adjusting element executes a rotating movement about an axle, resulting in adjustment of the support part.
It is therefore an object of the invention to produce a raising system for a bed device, this raising system being of fairly simple construction while still being able to absorb forces to a sufficient degree.
This object is achieved by providing a raising system as described in the first claim. According to the invention, the drive element is arranged in such a way with respect to the raising element that, during hinging of the raising element between the recumbent position and the raised position, the drive element forms a support for the raising element. A raising system constructed in this way is capable of providing sufficient support, for example when a support part which is operationally connected to a raising element is subjected to an external load. As a result thereof, only one such raising system has to be fitted for each lying place.
The raising system according to the present invention is suitable for an adjustable bed device. An adjustable bed device comprises components which can be raised/hinged. Thus, an adjustable bed device is able to assume several positions, being a base position and one or more hinged positions. A bed device comprises, for example, a mattress element. In the base position, this mattress element extends for example along a plane. In a hinged position, at least a part of the mattress element extends at an angle/is raised with respect to this plane. Here, the raising system is configured to directly or indirectly support the mattress element. If the bed device is a bed, the length direction of the raising system is preferably configured to extend virtually horizontally. By means of the raising element, the bed device can assume several positions. In other words, by the drive element raising the raising element, i.e. by moving the raising element from its recumbent position to said raised position, a part of the mattress element is raised/placed at an angle. Thus, the raising system may, for example, be configured to form part of an adjustable bed device comprising two or more support parts which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, wherein the raising element then directly or indirectly supports said support part, at least while the raising element is being moved from the recumbent position to a raised position, and also in a raised position of the raising element.
In this case, the raised wall sections and the bottom section together delimit the channel-like space. This space is delimited at the top, at the location of the respective upright wall sections, by the highest edges of wall sections. The height of the channel-like space is then also determined by the maximum height of each wall section. The fact is that the height of the upright wall sections does not always have to be the same along the entire length of the base structure. The upright wall sections may, for example, locally comprise recesses and/or indentations. With said space, these recesses and/or indentations are not taken into account, so that the height of said space is constant. These recesses and/or indentations may be useful if the drive element is slightly wider locally than said space and/or this may be useful in order to make the raising system more compact in the recumbent position. Thus, the motor part of the drive element may be wider than the distance between the upright wall sections. It may also be desirable for a portion of the raising element to extend in such indentations of the upright wall sections in the recumbent position of the raising element. In this case, it is important that a bottom part of the drive element extends between the bottom section and the highest parts of the upright wall sections and thus the drive element does not adversely affect the installation height of the raising system, or not to a great extent. In addition, this construction benefits the stability and ensures that the raising system is readily able to absorb forces (see below).
In this text, the term fixed rotation axle denotes that the position of the rotation axle with respect to the base structure remains stationary. This rotation axle is preferably configured to extend virtually horizontally.
In this case, the expression 'extend virtually' along a certain direction or horizontal denotes that the angle with this direction or the horizontal plane is preferably smaller than 20°, more preferably smaller than 10°, still more preferably smaller than 5° and most preferably smaller than 1°.
In the recumbent position, the angle between the length direction and the raising element is preferably smaller than 20°, and more preferably smaller than 10°. The smaller the angle, the more compact the raising system and thus the more compact a bed device comprising this raising system can be made. The angle between the length direction and the raising element is the angle viewed along a plane which extends along the length direction and the height direction.
One or more raised positions may be possible. Thus, there may be several raised positions, i.e. a maximum raised position in which the angle between the length direction and the raising element is at its greatest and one or more intermediate raised positions in which the angle between the length direction and the raising element is situated between said minimum and said maximum angle. The maximum angle is for example between 30° and 80°, preferably between 40° and 70°. The raising element may be configured to support a part of a mattress element which is configured to support the back of a person, in which case this part is then configured to extend virtually horizontally in the recumbent position of the raising element and to extend at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane in a raised position.
The base structure may be made from, for example, a metal, an alloy, a plastic, a composite, etc. Thus, the base structure may comprise steel, aluminium, plastic, stainless steel, etc.
Due to the design of the base structure, specifically the presence of the channel-like space, and the arrangement of the drive element and the raising element with respect to the base structure, the base structure is very well able to absorb forces while the required height of the raising system in the recumbent position is reduced and the required amount of material of the base structure is reduced. The installation height of this raising system is then also reduced. The reason for this is because the drive element extends at least partly in said space. In this case, the upright wall sections provide additional strength to the bottom section, as a result of which the height of the bottom section can be reduced. In addition, because the drive element extends at least partly between the upright wall sections, viewed along the width direction, forces which act on the drive element are evenly distributed over the base structure and torsional forces are reduced. The risk of undesired torsion of the carrier structure is low in this case. Preferably, the drive element is connected to the base structure in such a way that, viewed along the width direction, a considerable part of the drive element extends between the upright wall sections. This denotes that preferably at least 30 volume percent or at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 50 volume percent or at least 50% by weight of the drive element extends between the upright wall sections, viewed along the width direction, as a result of which torsion of the base structure is prevented or remains limited during use of the raising system.
If the drive element is a linear motor comprising inter alia: a motor part, a housing and a lifting tube which is accommodated in the housing so as to be displaceable along a longitudinal direction, wherein the motor part is configured to move the lifting tube through an opening of the housing so that the end of the lifting tube can extend closer to or further from the housing, then the housing and the lifting tube extend, for example, completely between the upright wall sections, viewed along the width direction, and a part of the motor part can extend beyond a said upright wall section, viewed along the width direction. Here, the linear motor is preferably connected to the base structure so as to be able to rotate along a rotation axle which extends virtually along the width direction and extends through said space. Said longitudinal direction of the lifting tube then preferably extends virtually in a plane which extends along the length direction and the height direction of the base structure.
The raising element extends on either side of the upright wall sections and preferably extends to the same degree on either side of the upright wall sections, so that forces can be absorbed very well and can be transmitted to the base structure, and the amount of torsional forces which act on the base structure is reduced.
The maximum size of the raising element, viewed along the first rotation axle, is preferably greater than 300 mm and is, for example, between 300 mm and 600 mm, so that the raising element is sufficiently well able to support parts of a mattress element over a sufficient distance.
In addition, the base structure is elongate, so that the size, viewed along the length direction, may be significantly larger than the size along the width direction. Thus, the ratio of the width to the length is, for example, between 0.01 and 0.20, preferably between 0.01 and 0.10. In this case, it is thus nevertheless possible to provide a sufficiently strong raising system by means of a base structure of limited width. The maximum width of the base structure may be, for example, between 30 mm and 100 mm, the length may be, for example, between 1500 mm and 2000 mm, with the length optionally being adjustable, the height may be, for example, between 30 mm and 100 mm. This is therefore a compact base structure.
If the raising system is configured to raise only one part, it is sufficient if the raising system comprises the base structure, the drive element and the raising element. This is therefore a fairly simply constructed system. If more than one part has to be raised, it is possible to provide, for example, an additional drive element and an additional raising element, which still amounts to a relatively uncomplicated system.
In a specific embodiment, the drive element comprises a lifting tube which is displaceable along a longitudinal direction for hinging the raising element, wherein, on the one hand, the drive element is connected to the base structure so as to be rotatable about a fixed second rotation axle and, on the other hand, the lifting tube is connected to the raising element so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axle, wherein the second and the third rotation axle extend at a distance from each other and from the first rotation axle, wherein all of said rotation axles extend virtually parallel to each other. Here, the base structure, the raising element and the drive element always form a triangle. This is therefore a very strong configuration, as a result of which the drive element is very well able to move the raising element between its said positions and to support it in a raised position. This second rotation axle preferably extends in said space and more preferably this second rotation axle extends through both upright wall sections.
In this specific embodiment, the drive element is preferably a linear motor. This linear motor is then on the one hand connected to the base structure and on the other hand connected to the raising element, preferably at the location of respective ends so that the distance between these ends is adjustable. This linear motor may be, for example, electrically drivable by means of a battery and/or by means of an electric cable with which the raising system is connectable to an electricity network. Linear motors are able to absorb many forces.
Furthermore preferably, the lifting tube extends, viewed along the width direction, between the upright wall sections, and more preferably the lifting tube extends centrally between the upright wall sections. The term centrally is understood to denote that the centre of gravity extends in the vicinity of the centre, the centre being a plane/environment which is situated at virtually the same distance from both upright wall sections, viewed along the width direction. Forces from the drive element which act on the base structure will in this case therefore have a reduced tendency to cause torsion of the base structure. If the drive element comprises a housing in which the lifting tube is accommodated so as to be displaceable through an opening of the housing, then this housing also preferably extends between the upright wall sections, viewed along the width direction. The distance between the second and the third rotation axle changes during the rotation of the raising element.
The base structure is preferably virtually symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which extends along the height direction and the length direction, and through the base structure. The raising element is also preferably virtually symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which extends along the height direction and the length direction, and through the base structure. Furthermore preferably, the abovementioned planes of symmetry are the same planes. Also furthermore preferably, the drive element is connected to the raising element at the location of said plane of symmetry. All this ensures that forces which act on the raising element are readily absorbed by the base structure and that the base structure is not subjected to excessive torsional forces. Wear and deformation due to torsion is minimal in this case.
In a specific embodiment, the raising element is connected to the upright wall sections by means of a connecting system, wherein this connecting system extends along the first rotation axle, extends through both upright wall sections and forms an additional connection between the upright wall sections. This connecting system may be, for example, a binding screw connection (binding screw/book screw) or the connecting system may be a nut/bolt connection. Here, the connecting system not only provides a rotatable connection between the raising element and the base structure, but also helps to prevent the upright wall sections from separating on account of forces which act on the raising element. The connecting system therefore contributes to the strength and the reliable operation of the raising system.
In a preferred embodiment, the base structure comprises one or more profiled sections with a first plate part and two plate parts which are upright with respect to the first plate part, wherein the one or more first plate parts and the upright plate parts form the bottom section and the upright wall sections, respectively, the one or more profiled sections preferably being U-shaped, H-shaped or I-shaped. Such profiled sections have a certain strength. They also have a said channel-like space in which the drive element can partly extend. By using U-shaped, H-shaped or I-shaped profiled sections, said space has the same cross section along virtually the entire length of the profiled section. In this case, it is possible to choose where to connect the drive element and the raising element to the profiled section and this along the entire length of the profiled section, and thus to form a suitable raising system. These one or more profiled sections may furthermore comprise reinforcing structures, such as reinforcing ribs and/or reinforcing indentations and/or folded-over parts. By means of one or more profiled sections, a very strong raising system is provided without adversely affecting the installation height or the weight.
In a specific embodiment, the base structure comprises at least two profiled sections, wherein these at least two profiled sections are couplable to each other. Preferably, these profiled sections are couplable to each other by sliding respective ends into each other, and these profiled sections are couplable in at least two positions, wherein the profiled sections are slid into each other further in the one position than in the other position. As a result thereof, the raising system can be packaged in a compact way. By additionally providing profiled sections which are couplable in at least two positions, wherein the profiled sections are slid into each other further in the one position than in the other position, it is possible to change the length of the raising system. This is practical since beds come in various lengths, for example 1m80, 2m and 2m20. This raising system is then also usable for bed devices of different lengths without having to make additional modifications at the location of the bed devices. In this case, profiled sections may be provided which are continuously slidable into each other along a certain length, so that the base structure can assume all lengths between a minimum and a maximum length. It is also possible to provide profiled sections which are connectable to each other at only a number of positions, so that it is possible, for example, to choose between a number of lengths. It is possible to use a slightly wider profiled section and a slightly narrower profiled section, so that these are slidable into each other, but it is also possible to use tapering and/or expanded ends in order to be able to slide the profiled sections into each other. The raising system may be configured to be connected to existing bed devices. This is then an add-on system. Thus, provision may have been made to screw the raising system to a part, such as a frame, of a bed device. The raising system may also be directly attached to the part of a bed device during production of the bed device. Thus, the raising system may, for example, be welded onto a part of a bed device, such as a frame. The frame may also be constructed of at least two parts, for example may comprise at least two frame elements, so that it can be packaged in a compact way.
Preferably, the base structure comprises, viewed along the length direction, a first end and a second end which is situated opposite the first end, wherein these ends are configured to be connected to a framework or a frame of a bed device at the location of the head and the foot of the bed device, respectively. The connection may be brought about via bolts/nuts, screws, welding, etc. Forces which act on the raising system are in that case transmitted to the head and the foot of the framework/frame, as a result of which forces acting on a bed device comprising this raising system are absorbed very efficiently.
Furthermore preferably, the base structure comprises a reinforcing element which extends at least partly at the top of said channel-like space and extends between the first end and the second end, viewed along the length direction, in order to provide an additional connection between the base structure and a part of a bed device. This reinforcing element may be configured, for example, to be attached to a fixed part of a bed device in order thus to provide additional strength. This reinforcing element may be directly connected to the upright wall sections and/or the bottom section. If the base structure comprises two said profiled sections, this reinforcing element can provide additional support for these two profiled sections and/or serve as a connecting element for the two profiled sections. The size of the reinforcing element is preferably sufficient, viewed along the length direction of the base structure, so that the reinforcing element can provide reinforcement over a sufficiently large distance. Thus, this size may be between 100 and 300 mm and/or the ratio of this size to the total length of the base structure may be between 0.05 and 0.3. This reinforcing element preferably also extends centrally between the first end and the second end, i.e. in an area situated between 0.3 and 0.7 times the total length of the base structure.
In a specific embodiment, the raising system comprises a second raising element and a corresponding second drive element, this second raising element and the second drive element extending at a distance from the first-mentioned raising element and the first-mentioned drive element. Preferably, this second raising element is then connected to the base structure so as to be hingeable about a fixed rotation axle, this rotation axle extending virtually along the width direction of the base structure, and the second drive element is configured for hinging the second raising element between a recumbent position, in which the angle between the length direction of the base structure and the second raising element is minimal, and a raised position, in which the angle between the length direction and the second raising element is greater. Furthermore preferably, the second drive element is connected to the base structure in such a way that a bottom portion is situated in said channel-like space and the second raising element extends on either side of and beyond the respective upright wall sections, viewed along the width direction. In other words, the embodiment of the second raising element and the second drive element is preferably similar to that of the first-mentioned raising element and the first-mentioned drive element. All preferred or specific embodiments of the first-mentioned raising element and the first-mentioned drive element then also apply to the second raising element and the second drive element.
This specific embodiment is particularly suitable for a bed device comprising four or five support parts which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable. This is explained further in this description.
In another specific embodiment, the raising system comprises only one said raising element and only one said drive element. This embodiment is particularly suitable for a bed device comprising two support parts, being a back support and a leg rest, which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, wherein only the back support is arranged so as to be displaceable. This is explained further in this description.
The object of the invention is also achieved by providing an adjustable bed device comprising two or more support parts which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, and comprising a framework structure and a raising system which is connected to the framework structure, wherein the framework structure and the raising system support the support parts, the raising system is configured to hinge the support parts with respect to each other, wherein the raising system is a raising system as illustrated above and wherein, at least in a said raised position, a said support part rests on said raising element.
The framework structure and the raising system support the support parts, at least in the raised position of the raising element. Preferably, the support parts also rest on the raising system in the recumbent position of the raising element. Said support part may rest directly on the raising element, but may also rest indirectly on the raising element. The advantages described for the raising system also apply to the bed device comprising the raising system. In this case, the raising system may comprise only one said raising element and one said drive element. The bed device then comprises, for example, two support parts, being a back support and a leg rest. The back support and the leg rest are then hingeably connected to each other and the leg rest assumes, for example, a fixed position with respect to the framework structure. In this case, a rotation of the first raising element causes a rotation of the back support. The raising system may also comprise an additional raising element and an additional drive element. The bed device then comprises, for example, four, or optionally five support parts, being successively an optional neck rest, a back support, a pelvic support, a leg rest and a foot rest which are then provided for supporting the neck, the back, the pelvis, the upper legs, and the feet and lower legs, respectively, of a person who is resting on the bed device. The one raising element is then configured, for example, to raise the optional neck rest and the back support, the pelvic support assumes a fixed position with respect to the framework structure and the additional raising element is configured, for example, to raise the leg rest and the foot rest. In this case, for example the back support then rests on the first raising element in such a way that the back support is displaceable along the first raising element and the foot rest is hingeably connected to the second raising element. The first raising element is then displaceable with respect to the back support along a certain path. This path may extend, for example, virtually at right angles to the first rotation axle.
In this case, the raising element is configured to raise said support part. Said support part is effectively supported here by the base structure, the raising element and also the drive element, and is consequently able to absorb forces to a sufficient degree.
Preferably, the support parts are plate-shaped support parts and/or frame elements. The first raising element is furthermore preferably displaceable with respect to said support part. The term displaceable may, for example, denote rotatable. The raising element is then rotatably connected to the support part, for example by means of a hinge element or the like. The term displaceable may also denote that the raising element is displaceable along the support part while the raising element is being raised. Thus, the support part may be configured to rest on the raising element at the location of one or more support elements, these one or more support elements then being displaceable along the support part. These one or more support elements may be wheels which are rotatable about a wheel axle, which extends virtually parallel to the first rotation axle. Preferably, there are at least two support elements which extend at a distance from each other, viewed along the first rotation axle, so that the support part is effectively supported over a sufficient distance. Also furthermore, in a specific embodiment, said support part may comprise one or more guides in order to guide the displacement of support elements with respect to the support part. Thus, said support part may comprise one or more rails in which the support elements can move. By means of these one or more guides, it is ensured that the first raising element always performs the same displacement with respect to said support part.
In a preferred embodiment, the raising system comprises a reinforcing element which extends at least partly at the top of said space, and at least one said support part is connected to the framework structure in a fixed position and this support part rests directly on the reinforcing element. By providing this reinforcing element and because a support part rests directly on this reinforcing element, a stronger bed device is achieved. This reinforcing element may be configured in a similar way to the above-described reinforcing element.
Preferably, the support parts are hingeable between a base position, in which all the support parts extend in virtually the same plane, and hinge positions in which the support parts extend in several planes, wherein, in the base position, all support parts are in direct contact and are supported by the framework structure.
The bed device comprises, for example, at least three support parts, wherein these respective support parts are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable, and wherein the raising system comprises a second raising element which is connected to the base structure so as to be hingeable about a fixed fourth rotation axle, and wherein the raising system comprises a second drive element in order to rotate the second raising element about the fourth rotation axle over a certain angle, wherein a said support part rests on the second raising element so that a rotation of the second raising element causes hinging of this support part. Furthermore, another said support part may be connected to the framework structure in a fixed position.
In a specific embodiment, the raising system comprises one or more additional raising parts which are, on the one hand, connected to the first raising element and are, on the other hand, connected to a support part which is situated next to the support part which is raised by means of the first raising element, so that a rotation of the first raising element causes hinging of both said support parts with respect to each other. This is very convenient, for example, if these support parts consist of a neck rest and a back support. By using one or more additional raising parts, the neck rest can always be placed in the desired position with respect to the back support without the need for an additional motor. In this case, the neck rest may therefore always make, for example, a slightly more acute angle with respect to the floor on which the bed device is configured to rest than the back support, if the back support is raised by means of the first raising element.
In a specific embodiment, comprising a second raising element and a second drive element, the bed device comprises at least four support parts which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable, being successively an optional neck rest, a back support, a pelvic support, a leg rest and a foot rest, wherein

the back support rests on the first raising element and is displaceable along the first raising element;
the pelvic support assumes a fixed position with respect to the framework structure;
the foot rest rests on the second raising element and is hingeably connected to the second raising element.

As a result thereof, the back support will hinge with respect to the pelvic support when the first raising element is being raised and will thus be raised. While the second raising element is being raised, the foot rest will start to hinge with respect to the second raising element. As a result thereof, the leg rest will start to hinge with respect to the pelvic support and with respect to the foot rest, so that both the leg rest and the foot rest will assume a different position while the second raising element is being raised. If a neck rest is present, the raising system comprises, for example, one or more raising parts which are connected, on the one hand, to the neck rest and are connected, on the other hand, to the first raising element, as a result of which raising the first raising element will also cause hinging of the neck rest with respect to the back support.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a raising system and a bed device according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and features, and can therefore by no means be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.
This detailed description uses reference numerals to refer to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a raising system according to the invention, in which both raising elements of the raising system are in their recumbent position;
Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the raising system illustrated in Fig. 1 , in which both raising elements of the raising system are in a raised position;
Fig. 3 shows a cut-away perspective of the raising system illustrated in Fig. 2 ;
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the raising system illustrated in Fig. 1 , in which this raising system is connected to a metal bed framework;
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an adjustable bed device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in which this bed device comprises a raising system as illustrated in Fig. 1 , and in which the bed device is in a hinge position;
Fig. 6 shows a side view of the adjustable bed device illustrated in Fig. 5 , in which the bed device is in a hinge position;
Fig. 7 shows another perspective view of the adjustable bed device illustrated in Fig. 5 , wherein the bed device is in a hinge position;
Fig. 8 shows a cross section of the adjustable bed device illustrated in Fig. 5 , in which the bed device is in the base position;
Fig. 9 shows a partly cut-away perspective of the adjustable bed device illustrated in Fig. 5 , in which the bed device is in the base position;
Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of an adjustable bed device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which this bed device comprises a raising system and a metal bed framework as illustrated in Fig. 4 , and in which the bed device is in a hinge position;
Fig. 11 shows a side view of the adjustable bed device illustrated in Fig. 10 , in which the bed device is in the base position;
Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a raising system according to the invention, in which both raising elements of the raising system are in a raised position;
Fig. 13 shows a cross section of an adjustable bed device according to a third embodiment of the invention, in which this bed device comprises a raising system as illustrated in Fig. 12 , and in which the bed device is in a base position;
Fig. 14 shows a side view of the bed device illustrated in Fig. 13 , in which the bed device is in a hinged position;
Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of an adjustable bed device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which this bed device comprises a third linear motor in order to perform the neck adjustment.

The raising system (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 is a raising system (1) which can be built in/form part of a bed device (2) comprising four support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable, being successively a back support (9a), a pelvic support (9b), a leg rest (9c) and a foot rest (9d). This raising system (1) is configured to hinge the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) with respect to each other. The support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable about hinge pins, all of which extend virtually parallel to each other. The support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are configured to support/carry a mattress. It is intended that a person assumes a position on this mattress such that his/her back is supported by the back support (9a), his/her pelvis is supported by the pelvic support (9b), his/her upper legs are supported by the leg rest (9c) and his/her lower legs and feet are supported by the foot rest (9d). Raising systems (1) which are suitable to be built in/form part of a bed device (2) comprising more or fewer support parts are also possible. Thus, the raising system (1) illustrated in Figs. 12 to 14 can hinge five support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) with respect to each other, with the additional support part (9e) being a neck rest (9e).
Each raising system (1) is constructed as follows: the raising system (1) comprises a base structure (3), a first and a second raising element (5a, 5b), a first and a second drive element (6a, 6b) which are configured to hinge the first and the second raising element (5a, 5b), respectively. In this case, the base structure (3) comprises two U-shaped profiled sections (4a, 4b), being a first profiled section (4a) and a second profiled section (4b) which is slightly narrower than the first profiled section (4a), so that the second profiled section (4b) is slidably accommodatable in the first profiled section (4a). These profiled sections (4a, 4b) each comprise a bottom plate/bottom section which is configured to extend horizontally and two upright plate parts/wall sections which are configured to extend vertically. The mutually connected profiled sections (4a, 4b) form an elongate channel-like space which extends along virtually the entire length of the base structure (3), wherein the height corresponds to the profiled section height minus the height of the bottom plate, and the width is the distance between the upright plate parts.
The base structure (3) also comprises a reinforcing element (8) which additionally serves as a connecting element for the two profiled sections (4a, 4b). Here, the second profiled section (4b) is connectable to the first profiled section (4a) in three positions, in which case the second profiled section (4b) is always slid into the first profiled section (4a) over a different length. Thus, the base structure (3) is in this case able to assume three lengths, being for example the following lengths: 1700 mm, 1800 mm and 1900 mm. In order to connect the two profiled sections (4a, 4b) to each other, bolts/nuts or screws are fitted through both profiled sections (4a, 4b) and through the reinforcing element (8). In this case, only three fixed lengths are possible, but obviously embodiments are also possible in which the length of the base structure (3) is continuously adjustable between a maximum and a minimum length.
The drive elements (6a, 6b) are linear motors comprising a motor part, a housing and a lifting tube, wherein the lifting tube is accommodated in the housing so as to be displaceable along a longitudinal direction through an opening of the housing. The raising elements (5a, 5b) are symmetrical components which are rotatably connected to the carrying structure along a first and a fourth rotation axle, respectively, which each extend along the width direction. The raising elements (5a, 5b) extend symmetrically on either side of the base structure (3). The drive elements (6a, 6b) are, on the one hand, connected to the carrying structure so as to be rotatable about rotation axles and, on the other hand, connected to the respective raising elements (5a, 5b) so as to be rotatable about rotation axles, all these rotation axles extending parallel to the first rotation axle. For the connections between the drive elements (6a, 6b) and the base structure (3), and between the base structure (3) and the raising elements (5a, 5b), connecting systems (7) are used which extend along the respective rotation axles and which extend through both upright plate parts and thus additionally connect these upright plate parts to each other, which contributes to the strength of the raising system (1). These said connecting systems (7) may comprise, for example, binding screw connections. Said drive elements (6a, 6b) are linear motors, as a result of which the distance between the connection to the base structure (3) and the connection to the raising element (5a, 5b) is adjustable. By increasing this distance, i.e. by extending the linear motor (6a, 6b), thus displacing the lifting tube, the respective raising element (5a, 5b) is raised. In all positions of each raising element (5a, 5b), the linear motors (6a, 6b) partly extend in the channel-like space. At the location of the motor parts of the linear motors (6a, 6b), the upright plate parts are designed to be locally lower, because the motor part is slightly wider than said channel-like space. A large part of the motor part is always situated under the highest edges of the plate parts and above the bottom section. The housing and the lifting tube are always situated between the upright wall sections, viewed along the width direction. In the recumbent position, a part of the raising elements (5a, 5b) is situated in local indentations of the upright plate parts. In the recumbent position of both raising elements (5a, 5b), the raising system (1) then also has a reduced height.
The reinforcing element (8) extends between the raising elements (5a, 5b), viewed along the length direction (A).
For the raising system (1) visible in Figs. 12 to 14, the raising system (1) comprises additional neck-raising parts (12a, 12b), being a first neck-raising part (12a) which is connected to the first raising element (5a), and a second neck-raising part (12b) which is, on the one hand, connected to the neck rest (9e) and is, on the other hand, hingeably connected to and rests on the first neck-raising part (12a). The first neck-raising part (12a) comprises wheels and the second neck-raising part (12b) rests on these wheels.
The figures illustrate three possible embodiments for the bed device (2). In Figs. 5 to 9, a first possible embodiment is illustrated, in Figs. 10 to 11, a second possible embodiment is illustrated, and in Figs. 13 and 14, a third possible embodiment is illustrated. The first two embodiments comprise four support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, and comprise a framework structure (10) and a raising system (1) which is connected to the framework structure (10), wherein the framework structure (10) and the raising system (1) support the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), the raising system (1) is configured to hinge the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) with respect to each other and the framework structure (10) is configured to extend virtually horizontally. The raising system (1) is the first illustrated raising system (1) in the figures. The third embodiment of the bed device (2) comprises five support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable. In an alternative embodiment of the third embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 15, a third linear motor (6c) is present which is configured to perform an automated neck adjustment, wherein the neck rest (9e) is displaceable with respect to the back support (9a) by means of this third motor (6c).
In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 5 to 9 and Figs. 12 to 14, the framework structure (10) is a wooden frame with a surrounding frame part and two cross beams at the location of the head and the foot, respectively. The two mutually opposite ends (11a, 11b) of the base structure (3), viewed along the length direction (A), are here connected to the respective cross beams, for example by means of screws or bolt/nut connections. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, the framework structure (10) is a metal framework with one surrounding frame part. The two mutually opposite ends (11a, 11b) of the base structure (3), viewed along the length direction (A), are connected to this frame part, for example by means of screws or bolt/nut connections or welding. The construction of the embodiments only differs with respect to the design of the framework structure (10) and/or the number of support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e). The other parts are therefore described together below.
The support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) are plate-shaped and successively comprise an optional neck rest (9e), a back support (9a), a pelvic support (9b), a leg rest (9c) and a foot rest (9d), which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable. The pelvic support (9b) is situated in a fixed position and directly connected to the framework structure (10) and also rests directly on and is connected to the reinforcing element (8), as a result of which the base structure (3) is additionally attached to the pelvic support (9b) and the raising system (1) is able to absorb forces which act on raising elements (5a, 5b) even better. The back support (9a) rests on the first raising element (5a) at the location of wheels of the first raising element (5a) which are arranged so as to be rotatable about axles which extend parallel to the first rotation axle. When raising the first raising element (5a), the wheels on which the back support (9a) rests start to rotate along the back support (9a) and the back support (9a) is hinged to a raised position with respect to the pelvic support (9b). This is clearly visible in Figs. 5, 6, 7, 10 and 14. In the recumbent position of the first raising element (5a), the back support (9a) and the pelvic support (9b) are in the same plane. This is clearly visible in Figs. 8, 9, 11 and 13. In the third embodiment, the raising parts (12a, 12b) ensure that the neck rest (9e) is hinged with respect to the back support (9a) while the back support (9a) is being raised.
The foot rest (9d) rests on the second raising element (5b) and is connected to this second raising element (5b) so as to be hingeable about a rotation axle which extends parallel to the fourth rotation axle. In the recumbent position of the second raising element (5b), the pelvic support (9b), the leg rest (9c) and the foot rest (9d) are in the same plane (see Figs. 8, 9, 11 and 14). When raising the second raising element (5b), the leg rest (9c) and the foot rest (9d) are hinged to a raised position. This is clearly visible in Figs. 5, 6, 7, 10 and 13.
The adjustable bed device (2) is therefore displaceable between a base position in which both raising elements (5a, 5b) are in their recumbent position, and several hinge positions in which one or both of the raising elements (5a, 5b) are not in their recumbent position. The two linear motors (6a, 6b) may operate independently from each other. The profiled sections (4a, 4b) are preferably provided with the necessary reinforcements, such as indentations, ribs, etc.
In the bed device (2) according to the invention, the first (6a) and second (6b) linear motor are arranged in such a way with respect to the first (5a) and second (5b) raising element, respectively, that, during hinging of the respective raising element (5a, 5b) between the recumbent position and the raised position, the respective linear motor forms a support for the raising element coupled thereto. Due to their specific positioning, the linear motors are thus a counterforce to forces or external loads which act directly on the support parts which are operationally connected to the respective raising element. In this way, the support parts are prevented from becoming damaged. As the height of the adjustment increases, the system or the support for the support parts will become stiffer. Using the same system, beds of several widths can be produced. The U-shaped profiled section used not only renders the construction robust, but also provides a space in which cables and the like are fittable.

Claims

Raising system (1) for adjusting mutually pivotable support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) of an adjustable bed device (2) which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, wherein the raising system (1) comprises an elongate base structure (3) which extends along a width direction, a height direction and a length direction (A), a raising element (5a) which is supported by the base structure (3) and is operationally connectable to a support part (9a) to be adjusted and which is connected to the base structure (3) so as to be hingeable about a fixed first rotation axle, wherein this first rotation axle extends virtually along the width direction, a drive element (6a) for hinging the raising element (5a) between a recumbent position, in which the angle between the length direction (A) and the raising element (5a) is minimal, and a raised position, in which the angle between the length direction (A) and the raising element (5a) is greater, wherein the base structure (3) comprises a bottom section and upright wall sections which extend raised from the bottom section and extend at a distance from each other, viewed along the width direction, so that the raised wall sections and the bottom section together delimit a channel-like space which, viewed along the width direction, extends between the upright wall sections and, viewed along the height direction, is delimited at the bottom by the bottom section and is delimited at the top, at the location of the respective upright wall sections, by the highest edge of every upright wall section, and that the drive element (6a) is connected to the base structure (3) in such a way that the drive element (6a) always extends at least partly into said space and the raising element (5a), viewed along the first rotation axle, extends on either side of and beyond the respective upright wall sections, characterized in that the drive element (6a) is, on the one hand, rotatably connected to the base structure (3) and is, on the other hand, rotatably connected to the raising element (5a), wherein the drive element (6a) is arranged in such a way with respect to the raising element (5a) that, during hinging of the raising element (5a) between the recumbent position and the raised position, the drive element (6a) forms a support for the raising element (5a).
Raising system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the drive element (6a) comprises a lifting tube which is displaceable along a longitudinal direction for hinging the raising element (5a), wherein, on the one hand, the drive element (6a) is connected to the base structure (3) so as to be rotatable about a fixed second rotation axle and, on the other hand, the lifting tube is connected to the raising element (5a) so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axle, wherein the second and the third rotation axle extend at a distance from each other and from the first rotation axle, wherein all of said rotation axles extend virtually parallel to each other.
Raising system (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the lifting tube, viewed along the width direction, extends between the upright wall sections.
Raising system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base structure (3) is virtually symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which extends along the height direction and the length direction (A), and through the base structure (3).
Raising system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the raising element (5a) is virtually symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry which extends along the height direction and the length direction (A), and through the base structure (3), and in that the drive element (6a) is connected to the raising element (5a) at the location of this plane of symmetry.
Raising system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the raising element (5a) is connected to the upright wall sections by means of a connecting system (7), wherein this connecting system (7) extends along the first rotation axle, extends through both upright wall sections and forms an additional connection between the upright wall sections.
Raising system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base structure (3) comprises one or more profiled sections (4a, 4b) with a first plate part and two plate parts which are upright with respect to the first plate part, wherein the one or more first plate parts and the upright plate parts form the bottom section and the upright wall sections, respectively, the one or more profiled sections (4a, 4b) preferably being U-shaped, H-shaped or I-shaped.
Raising system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base structure (3) comprises at least two profiled sections (4a, 4b), wherein these at least two profiled sections (4a, 4b) are couplable to each other by sliding respective ends into each other, and in that these two profiled sections (4a, 4b) are couplable in at least two positions, wherein the profiled sections (4a, 4b) are slid into each other further in the one position than in the other position.
Raising system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base structure (3) comprises, viewed along the length direction (A), a first end (11a) and a second end (11b) which is situated opposite the first end (11a), wherein these ends (11a, 11b) are configured to be connected to a framework or a frame of a bed device (2) at the location of the head and the foot of the bed device (2), respectively.
Raising system (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the base structure (3) comprises a reinforcing element (8) which extends at least partly at the top of said space and extends between said first end (11a) and the second end (11b), viewed along the length direction (A), in order to provide an additional connection between the base structure (3) and a part of a bed device (2).
Raising system (1) according to Claims 8 and 10, characterized in that the reinforcing element (8) additionally serves as a connecting element for said two profiled sections (4a, 4b).
Adjustable bed device (2) comprising two or more support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable and on which a mattress element is placeable, and comprising a framework structure (10) and a raising system (1) which is connected to the framework structure (10), wherein the framework structure (10) and the raising system (1) support the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e), the raising system (1) is configured to hinge the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) with respect to each other, characterized in that the raising system (1) is a raising system (1) as described in one or more of Claims 1 to 11, wherein, at least in a raised position of the raising element (5a), a said support part (9a) rests on the raising element (5a).
Adjustable bed device (2) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the raising system (1) comprises a reinforcing element (8) which extends at least partly at the top of said space, and in that at least one said support part (9b) is connected to the framework structure (10) in a fixed position and rests directly on the reinforcing element (8).
Adjustable bed device (2) according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) are hingeable between a base position, in which all the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) extend in virtually the same plane, and hinge positions in which the support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) extend in several planes, wherein, in the base position, all support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) are in direct contact and are supported by the framework structure (10).
Adjustable bed device (2) according to one of Claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the bed device (2) comprises at least four support parts (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e) which are successively connected to each other so as to be hingeable, being successively an optional neck rest (9e), a back support (9a), a pelvic support (9b), a leg rest (9c) and a foot rest (9d), and in that the raising system (1) comprises a second raising element (5b) which is connected to the base structure (3) so as to be hingeable about a fixed fourth rotation axle, and a second drive element (6b) in order to rotate the second raising element (5b) about the fourth rotation axle over a certain angle, wherein
• the back support (9a) rests on the first raising element (5a);

• the pelvic support (9b) assumes a fixed position with respect to the framework structure (10);

• the foot rest (9d) rests on the second raising element (5b) and is rotatably connected to the second raising element (5b).