JP2021000491A - Motor-driven bed - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a motor-driven bed easier to use.SOLUTION: According to embodiment, in the motor-driven bed, the level of a bed surface is variable with respect to a floor surface. When the state of a user detected by a detection unit is a falling-asleep condition or a sleeping condition, the bed surface falls to the lowest level with respect to the floor surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electric bed.

For example, there are electric furniture (eg, electric beds or electric chairs) whose height and backrest angle can be changed. These electric furniture are operated by a control device (for example, a remote controller: remote controller) such as a hand switch. In such a control device, improvement in ease of use is desired.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-235363

An embodiment of the present invention provides an electric bed that can improve usability.

According to the embodiment, the height of the bed surface with respect to the floor surface of the electric bed can be changed. Then, when the state of the user detected by the detection unit is a sleeping state or a sleeping state, the bed surface has the lowest height with respect to the floor surface.

An embodiment of the present invention can provide an electric bed that can improve usability.

1 (a) to 1 (c) are schematic perspective views illustrating the electric furniture according to the first embodiment. 2 (a) to 2 (e) are schematic views illustrating the control of the electric furniture according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electric furniture according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electric furniture according to the first embodiment. 5 (a) to 5 (c) are schematic views illustrating the state of the electric furniture according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electric furniture according to the second embodiment. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are schematic views illustrating the electric furniture according to the second embodiment. 8 (a) to 8 (d) are schematic views illustrating another electric furniture according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another electric furniture according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the sizes between the parts, etc. are not always the same as the actual ones. Even if the same part is represented, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing.
In the present specification and each figure, the same elements as those described above with respect to the above-mentioned figures are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
1 (a) to 1 (c) are schematic perspective views illustrating the electric furniture according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the electric furniture 310 according to the first embodiment includes a movable unit 70 and a storage unit 48. In this example, the electric furniture 310 is provided with a control device 160. The control device 160 can control the movable portion 70 of the electric furniture 310. The control device 160 is, for example, a remote controller (remote controller) for the electric furniture 310. The control device 160 is, for example, a hand switch. The control device 160 may have various functions such as a lighting on / off function, a nurse or caregiver calling function, and a power on / off function.

The electric furniture 310 is used in, for example, a hospital, a nursing care facility, or a home.

In this example, the electric furniture 310 is an electric bed. The electric bed has a movable portion 70. The movable portion 70 includes, for example, a back bottom 70a, a knee bottom 70b, a leg bottom 70c, a height changing portion 70d (for example, a bed elevator) and the like. The angles of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, and the leg bottom 70c can be changed. The angle of the user's back can be changed by the operation of the back bottom 70a. The angle of the knee can be changed by changing the angle between the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c. These angles may change in conjunction with each other. The height changing portion 70d can change the distance (height) between the floor surface and the bed surface, for example. The height changing portion 70d may be changed independently of the height on the head side of the bed and the height on the foot side of the bed. As a result, the overall inclination of the bed surface can be changed. For these movable portions 70, for example, an actuator or the like is used. By the operation of the movable portion 70, at least one of "back raising", "knee raising", "height adjustment" and "tilting" is possible.

The control device 160 is electrically connected to the movable portion 70. A control circuit may be provided between the control device 160 and the movable portion 70. As described above, the case where another circuit is provided between them is also included in the state of being electrically connected.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the control device 160 is connected to the electric furniture 310 by a cable 15. The control device 160 may be connected to the electric furniture 310 by wireless communication. The control device 160 includes an operation unit 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1 (b) and 1 (c), the control device 160 (operation unit 10) has a first surface 10a and a second surface 10b. The second surface 10b is a surface opposite to the first surface 10a. The first surface 10a is, for example, a front surface. The second surface 10b is, for example, the back surface. The first surface 10a is, for example, an operation surface.

The control device 160 includes a first operation reception unit 20 (for example, a plurality of operation buttons), a second operation reception unit 25 (for example, a memory button), and a switch 50.

The first operation reception unit 20 (for example, a plurality of operation buttons) and the second operation reception unit 25 (for example, a memory button) are provided on the first surface 10a. The switch 50 is provided, for example, on a portion other than the first surface 10a. In this example, the switch 50 is provided on the second surface 10b. The switch 50 may be provided on the side surface of the housing of the control device 160.

For the first operation reception unit 20 and the second operation reception unit 25, for example, a switch (for example, a button) having a mechanical contact is used. In addition, any input device (for example, a touch switch) such as an electrostatic type or an optical type may be used for the first operation reception unit 20 and the second operation reception unit 25.

The first operation reception unit 20 (for example, a plurality of operation buttons) and the second operation reception unit 25 (for example, a memory button) can accept control operations for controlling the operation of the movable portion 70 of the electric furniture 310.

The movable unit 70 is controlled based on the control operation received by the first operation reception unit 20 and the second operation reception unit 25. By operating the first operation receiving unit 20, the movable unit 70 is operated. When the second operation receiving unit 25 is operated, the movable unit 70 is in a stored state. The stored state is stored in the storage unit 48.

In this example, the first operation receiving unit 20 (for example, a plurality of operation buttons) relates to an ascending button 21a relating to "interlocking", a descending button 21b relating to "interlocking", an ascending button 22a relating to "head", and "head". It includes a down button 22b, an up button 23a for "feet", a down button 23b for "feet", an up / down button 24a for "height", a down button 24b for "height" and the like.

For example, when the ascending button 22a with respect to the "head" is pressed, the angle of the back bottom 70a increases. For example, when the lower button 22b with respect to the "head" is pressed, the angle of the back bottom 70a becomes smaller. For example, when the ascending button 23a relating to the "foot" is pressed, the angles of the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c increase. For example, when the lower button 23b for the "foot" is pressed, the angles of the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c become smaller. These angles are, for example, angles from a horizontal plane. For example, when the ascending button 24a relating to "height" is pressed, the bed surface is raised. For example, when the lower button 24b for "height" is pressed, the bed surface is lowered. For example, when the ascending button 21a relating to "interlocking" is pressed, the "head" and "foot" are interlocked and changed. For example, when the descending button 21b relating to "interlocking" is pressed, the "head" and "foot" are interlocked and changed. These changes are made by the operation of the movable portion 70. For example, the above operation is performed during a period in which the first operation reception unit 20 continues to receive an operation (for example, a period in which the operation button is continuously pressed). As a result, safe operation can be obtained.

In this example, a plurality of buttons (button 25a related to the first memory position, button 25b related to the second memory position, etc.) are provided as the second operation receiving unit 25. The number of the plurality of buttons serving as the second operation reception unit 25 may be 3 or more.

When the button 25a is pressed, the first memory position is formed. When the button 25b is pressed, a second memory position is formed. The first memory position corresponds to one state of each combination of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c, and the height changing portion 70d. The second memory position corresponds to another state of each combination of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c and the height changing portion 70d.

A desired posture can be formed by the second operation reception unit 25 (button 25a and button 25b). This desired posture is stored in the storage unit 48. Further, the order of movement of the movable portion 70 up to the desired posture may be stored. The movable portion 70 moves according to the stored order.

The control of the movable unit 70 by the second operation reception unit 25 (for example, a memory button) is simpler than the control of the movable unit 70 by the first operation reception unit 20 (for example, a plurality of operation buttons). The second operation reception unit 25 (for example, a memory button) improves usability.

The second operation receiving unit 25 (for example, a memory button) is suitable for being operated by, for example, a user of the electric furniture 310. Further, the second operation reception unit 25 may be operated by a caregiver (nurse or the like) of the user of the electric furniture 310.

On the other hand, at least a part of the plurality of first operation receiving units 20 (for example, a plurality of operation buttons) can individually and independently control each of the plurality of movable units 70. Thereby, the desired state can be finely controlled. Therefore, the plurality of first operation reception units 20 are suitable for being operated by a caregiver (nurse or the like).

By providing the second operation reception unit 25 (for example, a memory button), it is possible to encourage the user of the electric furniture 310 (for example, an electric bed) to move the movable portion 70 more positively. By providing the second operation reception unit 25 in addition to the first operation reception unit 20, for example, it becomes easier to use for both the user and the caregiver of the user.

As will be described later, the state of the movable unit 70 is automatically stored in the storage unit 48. In the embodiment, the state of the movable portion 70 may be manually stored. For example, a switch 50 is used when manually storing the state of the movable portion 70.

For example, the control device 160 may be provided with an operation mode and a storage mode. These modes may be switched by operating the switch 50. For example, in the operation mode, the movable unit 70 is operated by operating the first operation reception unit 20 and the second operation reception unit 25. By operating the switch 50, the storage mode can be entered. By operating the first operation receiving unit 20 in this storage mode, the movable unit 70 is in a desired state. For example, by pressing the second operation reception unit 25 (button 25a or button 25b) in this state, the state of the movable unit 70 at that time is stored in the storage unit 48. Pressing the switch 50 again returns to the operation mode. By operating the second operation receiving unit 20 in the operation mode, the stored state of the movable unit 70 is formed. As described above, in the embodiment, the state of the movable portion 70 may be stored by using the switch 50.

The switch 50 may be used for arbitrary control in addition to the mode switching as described above. As the switch 50, for example, a hardware switch, a software-controlled switch, or the like can be used.

As the storage unit 48, for example, any storage device such as a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, or an optical storage device can be used. The storage unit 48 may be provided in a place different from the place where the electric furniture 310 is provided. For example, a storage device provided in a server capable of communicating with the electric furniture 310 (including the control device 160) may be used as the storage unit 48.

The storage unit 48 is connected to the control device 160 via, for example, a control unit 42 (for example, a computer). The control unit 42 may be provided in the control device 160. It may be provided separately from the control device 160.

In the embodiment, for example, the state of the user of the electric furniture 310 is detected by a detection unit described later. The detection unit may be provided inside the electric furniture 310, or may be provided separately from the electric furniture 310. Then, it is determined (estimated) whether or not the detected state of the user is a predetermined state. Predetermined states include, for example, getting up, sitting on the edge (eg, getting out of bed), getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, or awakening (but lying on bed 70). When it is determined (estimated) that the state of the user is a predetermined state, the state of the movable portion 70 at that time is stored in the storage unit 48. The operation of storing the state of the movable portion 70 is not manually performed, but is automatically performed based on the detection result of the detection unit, for example.

Then, when the second operation receiving unit 25 (for example, the memory button) accepts the operation (for example, when the memory button is pressed), the movable unit 70 is in the stored state. For example, when the state of the user is in the rising state, the state of the movable unit 70 suitable for the rising state is stored in the storage unit 48. By operating the second operation receiving unit 25, the state of the movable unit 70 stored in the storage unit 48 is formed.

For example, a method in which the user or the caregiver of the user operates the control device 160 to memorize the desired state can be considered. In this case, the memorizing operation is manually performed by the user or the caregiver.

On the other hand, in the embodiment, the state of the user is detected by the detection unit, and the state of the movable unit 70 corresponding to the state is stored without any human operation. As a result, the memory operation manually performed by the user or the caregiver can be omitted. It will be easier to use.

Since the actual state of the movable portion 70 according to the state of the user is memorized, the state desired by the user can be memorized with higher accuracy. As described above, in the embodiment, in addition to the automatic memory, manual memory may be performed in the storage mode.

An example of detecting the state of the user by the detection unit, determining (estimating) whether or not the detected state is a predetermined state, and storing the state of the movable part 70 according to the state of the user will be described later. To do.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a display area 28 may be provided on the first surface 10a. The display area 28 can display information (such as the angle and height of the bottom) regarding the movable portion 70 of the electric furniture 310, for example. The display area 28 may display information regarding the functions or operating states of the first operation reception unit 20 (plural operation buttons) and the second operation reception unit 25.

Hereinafter, an example of controlling the movable unit 70 by the first operation receiving unit 20 (for example, an operation button) will be described.

2 (a) to 2 (e) are schematic views illustrating the control of the electric furniture according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, when the button 22a or the button 22b related to the "head" is operated, the angle of the back bottom 70a changes, and the "back raising operation" or the "back lowering operation" is performed. ..

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the button 23a or the button 23b related to the "foot" is operated, the angles of the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c change, and the "knee raising motion" or the "knee lowering motion" or the "knee lowering motion" is performed. Is performed.

As shown in FIG. 2C, when the buttons 24a and 24b relating to the "height" are operated, the movement of the height changing unit 70d is controlled. As a result, the height is adjusted. That is, the height H1 of the bed surface is changed.

As shown in FIG. 2D, when the buttons 21a and 21b related to "interlocking" are operated, the angles of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, and the leg bottom 70c are interlocked and changed. The height H1 may change in conjunction with it.

As shown in FIG. 2E, a head bottom 70h may be further provided. The angle of the head can be changed by the operation of the head bottom 70h.

On the other hand, when the second operation receiving unit 25 receives an operation (for example, when the button 25a or the button 25b is operated), the first memory position (first posture) is formed. This first memory position is one combination of each state of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c, and the height changing portion 70d. For example, when the second operation receiving unit 25 receives an operation, the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c, and the height changing unit 70d may move in the memorized order. The head bottom 70h may be further controlled by operating the second operation reception unit 25 (button 25a or button 25b). In this case as well, the order of movement of the head bottom 70h may be stored.

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, the electric furniture 310 is provided with a drive unit 72 (for example, an actuator). By the operation of the drive unit 72, the movable unit 70 moves.

In this example, the drive unit 72 includes a load sensor. The state of the user of the electric furniture 310 can be detected by the load applied to the load sensor (drive unit 72). For example, the user is based on the load applied to the portion corresponding to the upper body of the electric furniture 310 (for example, the back bottom 70a) and the load applied to the portion corresponding to the lower body (for example, the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c). However, it can be presumed that each state is such as getting up, sitting on the knees, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, or awakening.

This example corresponds to the case where the detection unit 60 is provided in the drive unit 72 that drives the movable unit 70.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electric furniture according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 160 is provided with the above-mentioned first operation reception unit 20 and second operation reception unit 25. The first operation reception unit 20 and the second operation reception unit 25 are connected to the control unit 42. The storage unit 48 and the drive unit 72 are connected to the control unit 42. The movable portion 70 is driven by the drive portion 72. As described above, when the drive unit 72 (for example, an actuator) includes a load sensor, at least a part of the drive unit 72 is regarded as the detection unit 60. As will be described later, the detection unit 60 may be provided separately from the drive unit 72.

For example, the user of the electric furniture 310 or its caregiver operates the first operation reception unit 20. A signal corresponding to the operation received by the first operation reception unit 20 is supplied to the drive unit 72 via the control unit 42. The drive unit 72 that receives the signal drives the movable unit 70, so that the movable unit 70 moves.

On the other hand, for example, the detection unit 60 (driving unit 72 in this example) detects the state of the user. A signal corresponding to the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is supplied to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 determines (estimates) whether or not the detected state of the user is a predetermined state. For example, when it is determined that the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is a predetermined state (for example, getting out of bed), the state of the movable unit 70 at that time (or immediately before) is the storage unit. It is stored in 48.

For example, when the user wants to be in a predetermined state (for example, getting out of bed), he / she presses the second operation reception unit 25 (for example, a memory button). When a plurality of second operation reception units 25 are provided, one of them is associated with, for example, "getting out of bed". When the user presses the second operation reception unit 25, the signal received by the second operation reception unit 25 is supplied to the control unit 42. The control unit 42 controls the drive unit 72 so as to form the state of one movable unit 70 stored in the storage unit 48 based on the signal. By driving the drive unit 72, the movable unit 70 is in a state corresponding to a predetermined state (for example, getting out of bed) of the user.

The block diagram illustrated in FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block. A plurality of functions may be performed in one circuit. For example, at least a part of the functions of the control unit 42 may be performed by the detection unit 60.

Hereinafter, an example of detecting the state of the user, determining (estimating) whether or not the detected state is a predetermined state, and storing the state of the movable portion 70 according to the state of the user will be described. The detection unit 60 detects the state of the user. For example, the control unit 42 determines (estimates) whether or not the detected state is a predetermined state. At least a part of determination (estimation) as to whether or not the detected state is a predetermined state may be performed by at least a part of the detection unit 60 and the storage unit 48.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electric furniture according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the first operation receiving unit 20 and the second operation receiving unit 25 accept the operation (step S110). Step S110 corresponds to, for example, an operation mode.

For example, when the first operation receiving unit 20 is operated by a user or a caregiver of the electric furniture 310, the movable unit 70 is in a state corresponding to the control operation. As a result, the electric furniture 310 is in a desired state. On the other hand, when the second operation receiving unit 25 is operated, the state of the movable unit 70 stored in the storage unit 48 is formed. The state of the movable unit 70 may be stored in the storage unit 48 in the above-mentioned storage mode, or may be automatically performed as described later.

The state of the user is detected by the detection unit 60 (for example, an actuator with a load sensor which is a drive unit 72). Then, it is determined whether or not the detection result is in a specific state (step S120).

When the electric furniture 310 is an electric bed, this particular state is one such as getting up, sitting on the edge, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, and awakening. For example, from the detection result by the detection unit 60, it can be determined (estimated) that the user is in any of the states such as getting up, sitting on the edge, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping and awakening.

For example, the end sitting position or getting out of bed is determined based on the change in weight (decrease amount). For example, it can be estimated to be "getting up" from the difference between the load in the portion corresponding to the upper body of the electric bed and the load in the portion corresponding to the lower body. If a part of the load on the side of the electric bed is locally large, it is presumed to be in the end sitting position. If the load is small at any location on the electric bed, it is presumed to be out of bed. If relatively similar loads are applied to multiple load sensors, it can be presumed to fall asleep or sleep. As will be described later, various configurations can be used as the detection unit 60, whereby various states in the user can be estimated.

In this way, the user's state may be classified into a plurality of states and judged (estimated). The number of state classifications is, for example, n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2). For example, it is determined (estimated) whether or not the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the first to nth user state. Each of the first to nth user states is, for example, one of getting up, sitting on the edge, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping and awakening.

In step S120, if the detection result of the user state by the detection unit 60 is not a specific user state (first to nth user states), the process returns to step S110.

In step S120, when the detection result of the user's state by the detection unit 60 is a specific user state (any of the first to nth user states), the corresponding movable part state (first to first). n Movable part state) is stored in the storage part 48 (step S130).

For example, when the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the first user state, the state of the movable unit 70 (first movable unit state) is stored in the storage unit 48. For example, when the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the nth user state, the state of the movable unit 70 (nth movable unit state) is stored in the storage unit 48.

For example, when it is detected that the user is in the rising state (for example, the first user state), the state of the movable portion 70 (first movable portion state) at that time is stored in the storage unit 48. For example, when it is detected that the user is in the sitting position (for example, the second user state), the state of the movable portion 70 (second movable portion state) at that time is stored in the storage unit 48. .. For example, when the user is detected as a state of getting out of bed (for example, a third user state), the state of the movable portion 70 (third movable portion state) at that time is stored in the storage unit 48. For example, when it is detected that the user is in a state of falling asleep (for example, a fourth user state), the state of the movable portion 70 (fourth movable portion state) at that time is stored in the storage unit 48.

For example, when the user's state is rising, a predetermined angle suitable for rising is stored for the back bottom 70a. For example, when the user is out of bed, a predetermined height suitable for getting out of bed is stored in the height changing portion 70d. For example, when the user's state is falling asleep, for example, the height changing portion 70d is memorized to be low enough to be safe even if the user falls from the bed surface. When the user is in the sitting position, for example, a predetermined height suitable for standing up is stored for the height changing portion 70d. The states of the plurality of movable portions 70 may be stored as one set.

As described above, in step S130, when the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the first user state (nth user state), the storage unit 48 is in the state of the first movable part of the movable part 70. (Nth movable part state) is stored. The movable portion 70 can form the memorized first movable portion state (nth movable portion state) when the second operation reception unit 25 receives the operation. For example, the movable unit 70 is in the stored first movable unit state (nth movable unit state) when the second operation receiving unit 25 receives an operation.

When the movable portion 70 includes a plurality of portions (for example, back bottom 70a, knee bottom 70b, leg bottom 70c, height changing portion 70d, etc.), the first movable portion state (nth movable portion state) is a plurality of portions. It may include at least one of the states of.

In the embodiment, when one user state is detected a plurality of times, the stored data of the movable part state corresponding to the user state may be updated. An example of updating data will be described below.

For example, the difference between the newly stored first movable part state (nth movable part state) and the previously stored first movable part state (nth movable part state) is compared with the threshold value. (Step S140).

If this difference is larger than the threshold value, the process returns to step S110. When the difference is equal to or less than the threshold value, the first movable portion state (nth movable portion state) stored in the storage unit 48 is updated as described later (step S150). Then, the process returns to step S110. Hereinafter, some examples of updating data will be described.

For example, the detection unit 60 detects that the state of the user is the first user state at the first time. Then, the detection unit 60 detects that the state of the user is the first user state at the second time. That is, the same first user state is detected a plurality of times. At this time, the storage unit 48 has the movable unit at the first time when the difference between the state of the movable unit 70 at the first time and the state of the movable unit 70 at the second time is equal to or less than the threshold value. One of the state of the movable portion 70 and the state of the movable portion 70 at the second time is stored as the first movable portion state.

For example, when the same user state is detected a plurality of times, the state of the movable portion 70 when it is detected later may be stored as the movable portion state. For example, the second time is later than the first time. At this time, the storage unit 48 has the movable unit at the second time when the difference between the state of the movable unit 70 at the first time and the state of the movable unit 70 at the second time is equal to or less than the threshold value. The state of 70 may be stored as the first movable part state.

Alternatively, a state (for example, an average state) based on the state of the movable portion 70 at the first time and the state of the movable portion 70 at the second time may be set as the first movable portion state.

For example, the storage unit 48 stores the state of the movable unit 70 as the first data when the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the first user state at the first time (step S130). Corresponds to). The detection unit 60 detects that the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the first user state at the second time after the first time. The storage unit 48 stores the state of the movable unit 70 as the second data when the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the same as the first user state at the second time (another step). Corresponds to S130). At this time, the storage unit 48 converts the first data and the second data when the difference between the first data and the second data regarding the state of the movable unit 70 at the second time is equal to or less than the threshold value. The third data based on it may be stored as the first movable part state. The third data is, for example, the average of the first data and the second data (for example, the arithmetic mean). The third data is, for example, between the first data and the second data.

Each of the first data and the second data may be weighted. For example, the third data is 1/2 of the sum of the product of the first data and the first coefficient and the product of the second data and the second coefficient. For example, when the first coefficient is 1 and the second coefficient is 1, the third data is the arithmetic mean of the first data and the second data. For example, by making the second coefficient larger than the first coefficient, new data is prioritized.

For example, the detection unit 60 may detect that the state of the user is the first user state (nth user state) a plurality of times. At this time, the storage unit 48 is set when the difference between the states of the movable units 70 is equal to or less than the threshold value when the state of the user a plurality of times is the first user state (nth user state). When the state of the user a plurality of times is the first user state (nth user state), one of the movable parts 70 of the plurality of times is the first movable part state (nth user state). You may remember as. At this time, the number of times of the plurality of times may be changed. For example, the data stored in the storage unit 48 may be updated when similar movable unit states are continuously obtained a plurality of times for one usage state (first usage state).

The movable portion 70 may include a plurality of portions (for example, a back bottom 70a, a knee bottom 70b, a leg bottom 70c, a height changing portion 70d, etc.). At this time, the above data (first to third data, etc.) may be data relating to at least one of a plurality of portions of the movable portion 70. For example, with respect to the changed portion 70d included in the movable portion 70, the value at the first time and the value at the second time may be compared and stored as the first movable portion state regarding the changed portion 70d. At this time, other parts included in the movable portion 70 (for example, the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c, etc.) may not be stored. For example, when a plurality of people get out of bed, the heights may be substantially the same, and the back angle or knee angle may be different. In such a case, data regarding the height may be stored.

In the embodiment, when the movable portion 70 includes a plurality of parts, the data relating to the plurality of parts may be stored as a "set", or the data relating to a part of the plurality of parts may be stored.

In this way, the data can be updated in various ways.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, when the button 25a and the button 25b are provided, the button 25a may be regarded as the second operation receiving unit 25, and the button 25b may be regarded as the third operation receiving unit. In this case, two movable part states (memory positions) are stored. When the electric furniture 310 is an electric bed, for example, the first user state is one of getting up, sitting on the edge, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, and awakening, and the second user state is getting up, sitting on the edge, It is another one of getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, and awakening. At this time, the storage unit 48 stores the first movable unit state of the movable unit 70 when the user state detected by the detection unit 60 is the first user state. Further, the storage unit 48 stores the second movable unit state of the movable unit 70 when the user state detected by the detection unit 60 is the second user state. The movable portion 70 forms the above-mentioned first movable portion state stored when the second operation receiving unit (button 25a) receives an operation. Then, the movable portion 70 forms the above-mentioned second movable portion state when the third operation receiving unit (button 25b) receives the operation. The first movable part state is the state of the movable part 70 corresponding to the first user state (for example, one of getting up, sitting on the edge, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, and awakening). The second movable part state is a state corresponding to the second user state (another one of getting up, sitting on the edge, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, and awakening).

In the embodiment, the user state may be any state other than getting up, sitting on the edge, getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, and awakening.

In the embodiment, at least a part of the movable part state stored in the storage unit 48 may be initialized (set to an initial value). The stored data may be initialized collectively or individually. For example, when the state of the movable unit 70 formed by the operation of the second operation receiving unit 25 is stored in the storage unit 48, this storage may be initialized collectively or individually.

Hereinafter, some examples of the state of the movable portion 70 (that is, the state of the electric furniture 310) formed based on the state of the movable portion 70 stored in the storage unit 48 will be described.

5 (a) to 5 (c) are schematic views illustrating the state of the electric furniture according to the first embodiment.
These are examples when the electric furniture 310 is an electric bed.
In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the height of the bed surface is low. The height of the bed surface is, for example, the lowest controllable height. For example, especially when the elderly person is the user, if the bed surface is high when the user's condition is falling asleep (or sleeping), it is dangerous to fall off the bed while the user is sleeping. .. Lowering the bed surface makes it safer. When the user state is falling asleep (or sleeping), such a state in which the bed surface is low is stored in the storage unit 48 as a movable part state. Then, when the memory position for falling asleep (or sleeping, "sleeping") is set in the second operation reception unit 25, when the second operation reception unit 25 accepts the operation, the movable unit stored in the storage unit 48 The state is read. As a result, a state in which the bed surface is low is formed.

When the user is in a sleep state, the back bottom 70a may be tilted at an angle of 4 degrees or more and less than 24 degrees (an angle based on the horizontal plane). Such an inclination induces falling asleep more naturally and quickly.

In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the angle of the back bottom 70a is large, the angle of the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c is medium, and the bed surface is high. For example, such a posture is formed when the user's condition is rising. For example, such an attitude is preferred when watching television. Such a posture is stored in the storage unit 48. When the second operation reception unit 25 receives the operation when the rising memory position is set, the movable unit state stored in the storage unit 48 is read out. As a result, the above-mentioned posture corresponding to getting up is formed.

In the example shown in FIG. 5C, the angles of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, and the leg bottom 70c are medium, and the bed surface is high. Such a state of the electric furniture 310 may be a state (posture) preferred by the user.

For example, one state of the user (ie, one state of the moving part 70) may occur for a long time in a day. The condition that occurs for a long time can be presumed to be the posture preferred by the user. The user's preferred state may vary from user to user. The state preferred by the user may be one of the user states.

For example, when an actuator with a load sensor is used as the drive unit 72, it can be estimated that a state in which the operating state of the actuator occurs for a long time is a state preferred by the user. The operating state of the actuator generated over a long period of time may be stored in the storage unit 48 as one of the movable unit states corresponding to the user's favorite state (one of the user states).

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electric furniture according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the electric furniture 320 according to the present embodiment also includes a movable unit 70, a detection unit 60, and a control unit 42. In this example as well, the detection unit 60 detects the state of the user. The control unit 42 can control the movable unit 70 to move the movable unit 70 based on the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60. In the present embodiment, a sheet-type bed leaving sensor 61 is provided as the detection unit 60. For example, when a user of the electric furniture 320 (in this example, the electric bed) gets up from the electric bed and rides on the bed leaving sensor 61, the weight of the user is added to the bed leaving sensor 61. The bed leaving sensor 61 detects the load due to the body weight. As a result, the bed leaving sensor 61 can detect getting out of bed.

In the electric furniture 320, the sensor 62 may be provided on the electric bed. When the sensor 62 can detect the load (pressure), the sensor 62 may be provided at each of a plurality of locations on the electric bed. The weight (load) of the user of the electric bed is detected by the sensor 62. As a result, the sensor 62 can detect (estimate) various states of the user.

The sensor 62 may be capable of detecting at least one of the user's pulse, respiration and body temperature. The state of the user can be detected (estimated) from these values and their changes.

For example, an image sensor 63 (for example, a camera) may be provided. The image sensor 63 acquires an image of the electric bed and its surroundings. Based on this image, the state of the user can be detected (estimated).

The bed leaving sensor 61, the sensor 62, and the image sensor 63 are examples of the detection unit 60. The detection unit 60 can be deformed in various ways.

Hereinafter, some examples of the sensor 62 will be described.

7 (a) and 7 (b) are schematic views illustrating the electric furniture according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the sensor 62 and the arrangement of the sensor 62. FIG. 7B is a schematic plan view illustrating the sensor 62. In FIG. 7A, the components are drawn apart from each other in order to make the figure easier to see.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a bottom 71 is provided on the bed legs 74 of the bed 70. A mattress 76 is provided on the bottom 71. The user 81 lies on the mattress 76. The sensor 62 (detection unit 60) is provided between the bottom 71 and the mattress 76. In this example, the sensor 62 is sheet-shaped or plate-shaped.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the sensor 62 includes a circuit unit 62a and a sensor unit 62b. The circuit unit 62a includes a communication unit 62c. The communication unit 62c transmits / receives data to / from the control unit 42. Transmission and reception are performed by any method including at least one of wired and wireless.

The sensor unit 62b includes, for example, a sensor device 62d. The sensor unit 62b detects the force (or the characteristic corresponding to the force) received by the sensor unit 62b. Forces include, for example, at least one of pressure and sound waves. The sensor unit 62b includes, for example, a pressure sensor. The sensor unit 62b includes, for example, a microphone.

A force (at least one of pressure and sound waves) by the user 81 is applied to the sensor unit 62b via the mattress 76. For example, a signal based on the force detected by the sensor unit 62b is output from the circuit unit 62a. The output signal is supplied to the control unit 42. In the control unit 42, the state of the user 81 (getting out of bed, sleeping, awakening, etc.) is estimated based on at least one of the magnitude of the signal (force) and the temporal change of the magnitude of the signal (force). To. Alternatively, in the circuit unit 62a, the state of the user 81 (getting out of bed, sleeping, awakening, etc.) may be estimated based on at least one of the force detected by the sensor unit 62b and the temporal change of the force. .. The state of the user 81 may include getting up, sitting on the edge (eg, getting out of bed), getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, or awakening.

For example, vibration according to the state of the user 81 is applied to the sensor unit 62b. The vibration corresponds to, for example, the body movement of the user 81. Vibration is detected in the sensor unit 62b. The vibration may include sound.

For example, a vibration detecting means (sensor unit 62b) and a processing unit (at least a part of at least one of the circuit unit 62a and the control unit 42) are provided. The processing unit includes, for example, a computer. The vibration detecting means detects, for example, the vibration of a sleeping person (user 81) on the bedding (bed 70). The processing unit includes, for example, an activity amount calculation means, a sleep determination value calculation means, and a sleep state determination means. These means are functionally separated. The activity amount calculation means calculates the activity amount of the sleeping person for each sampling unit time, for example, based on the vibration detected by the vibration detecting means. The sleep determination value calculating means weights, for example, the amount of activity at the first time (for example, the current time) and the amount of activity calculated at the second time (for example, the time before the current time) according to the time. The sum of the values multiplied by the corrected correction coefficient is calculated as the sleep determination value. The sleep state determining means, for example, determines that the sleep state is awake when the sleep determination value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and determines that the sleep state is in other cases.

8 (a) to 8 (d) are schematic views illustrating another electric furniture according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of an example of the sensor 62. FIG. 8B is a plan view of an example of the sensor 62. FIG. 8C is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of the sensor 62. FIG. 8D is a side view illustrating the arrangement of the sensor 62.

As shown in FIG. 8A, in this example, the sensor 62 includes a first plate body 62p and a second plate body 62q. The second plate body 62q faces the first plate body 62p. These plates may be in the form of sheets.

The second plate body 62q includes support protrusions 62s. The support protrusion 62s faces the outer edge portion of the first plate body 62p. The first plate body 62p includes an inner portion inside the outer edge portion. An air accommodating body 62r is provided between the inner portion and the second plate body 62q. In this example, the groove 62t is provided in the second plate body 62q. The air accommodating body 62r is provided in the space (divided space) formed by the groove 62t. One end of the signal line 62u is connected to the air accommodating body 62r. The other end of the signal line 62u is connected to the detection circuit 62v (detection device).

As shown in FIG. 8B, the support protrusion 62s faces a part of the outer edge of the first plate body 62p. In this example, the support protrusions 62s are provided at the four corners of the first plate body 62p. The sensor 62 has a sheet shape or a plate shape.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the sensor 62 is placed on the bottom 71. As shown in FIG. 8D, the sensor 62 is placed on the bottom 71, and the mattress 76 is placed on it. The user 81 lies on the mattress 76.

For example, a force corresponding to the movement of the body of the user 81 is applied to the air accommodating body 62r. This force includes, for example, vibration. The force (or characteristic corresponding to the force) applied to the air accommodating body 62r is detected by the detection circuit 62v. For example, a pressure detector is provided in the air accommodating body 62r, and a signal (detection result) obtained by the pressure detector is supplied to the detection circuit 62v. For example, a microphone is provided in the air accommodating body 62r, and a signal (detection result) obtained by the microphone is supplied to the detection circuit 62v. For example, the output (signal) of the detection circuit 62v is supplied to the control unit 42. In the control unit 42, the state of the user 81 (getting out of bed, sleeping, awakening, etc.) is estimated. Alternatively, in the detection circuit 62v, the state of the user 81 (such as getting out of bed, sleeping, or awakening) may be estimated based on at least one of the detected forces and temporal changes in the forces. The state of the user 81 may include getting up, sitting on the edge (eg, getting out of bed), getting out of bed, falling asleep, sleeping, or awakening.

The sensor 62 is, for example, a biological information collecting device. In the sensor 62, the first plate body 62p is arranged on the body side of the user 81, for example. The second plate body 62q is provided on the support side, for example. A deformable air accommodating body 62r for detecting air pressure is provided between the central portion of the first plate body 62p and the second plate body 62q. A groove 62t for mounting the air accommodating body 62r is provided in the central portion of the second plate body 62q. The support protrusions 62s project in the direction from the second plate body 62q toward the first plate body 62p. The support protrusions 62s support the four corners around the first plate body 62p. For example, the support protrusion 62s always supports the first plate body 62p in a horizontal state (normal state).

In the embodiment, the sensor 62 can be modified in various ways.

In the embodiment, the movable unit 70 moves according to the control operation received by the operation reception unit (first operation reception unit 20). At this time, for example, the speed at which the movable unit 70 moves based on the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 is the speed at which the movable unit 70 moves in response to the control operation received by the operation reception unit. It may be different. At least one of these speeds may be changeable (configurable). Control of such a change in speed is performed by, for example, the control unit 42.

For example, the state of the user detected by the detection unit 60 may include the case where there is no person (for example, the user) on the bed (electric furniture 310 or the like). The speed at which the movable portion 70 moves when there is no person (for example, a user) on the bed may be different from the speed at which the movable portion 70 moves according to the control operation received by the operation reception unit. .. The speed at which the movable portion 70 moves when there is no person (for example, a user) on the bed may be faster than the speed at which the movable portion 70 moves in response to the control operation received by the operation reception unit. ..

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the electric furniture according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the electric furniture 330 is an electric chair. The electric furniture 330 includes a movable portion 70. The movable portion 70 includes, for example, a backrest portion 70e and a seat surface portion 70f. The backrest portion 70e corresponds to a bottom portion whose angle can be changed. The seat surface portion 70f corresponds to the height changing portion. The angle of the seat surface portion 70f may be changeable. These movable parts 70 are controlled by the control device 160 according to the embodiment. The state of the movable portion 70 is also stored in the electric furniture 330 according to the state of the user. In response to the operation of the second operation receiving unit 25, the stored state of the movable unit 70 is formed.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide electric furniture that can improve usability.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, specific elements such as a first operation reception unit, an operation button, a second operation reception unit, a memory button, a switch, a display area, a detection unit, a movable unit, a drive unit, a control unit, and a storage unit included in electric furniture. The present invention is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the present invention can be similarly carried out by appropriately selecting from a range known to those skilled in the art and the same effect can be obtained.

A combination of any two or more elements of each specific example to the extent technically possible is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is included.

In addition, all electric furniture that can be appropriately designed and implemented by those skilled in the art based on the electric furniture described above as an embodiment of the present invention also belongs to the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is included.

In addition, within the scope of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can come up with various modified examples and modified examples, and it is understood that these modified examples and modified examples also belong to the scope of the present invention. ..

10 ... Operation unit, 10a, 10b ... 1st, 2nd surface, 15 ... Cable, 20 ... 1st operation reception unit, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b ... Button, 25 ... 2nd Operation reception unit, 25a, 25b ... button, 28 ... display area, 42 ... control unit, 48 ... storage unit, 50 ... switch, 60 ... detection unit, 61 ... bed leaving sensor, 62 ... sensor, 62a ... circuit unit, 62b ... Sensor unit, 62c ... Communication unit, 62d ... Sensor device, 62p ... First plate body, 62q ... Second plate body, 62r ... Air containment body, 62s ... Support protrusion, 62t ... Groove, 62u ... Signal line, 62v ... Detection Circuit, 63 ... Image sensor, 70 ... Movable part, 70a ... Back bottom, 70b ... Knee bottom, 70c ... Leg bottom, 70d ... Height change part, 70e ... Backrest part, 70f ... Seat surface part, 70h ... Head bottom, 71 ... bottom, 72 ... drive unit, 74 ... bed leg, 76 ... mattress, 81 ... user, 160 ... control device, 310, 320, 330 ... electric furniture, H1 ... height

Claims (1)

In an electric bed where the height of the bed surface with respect to the floor surface can be changed
An electric bed in which the bed surface has the lowest height with respect to the floor surface when the state of the user detected by the detection unit is a sleep state or a sleep state.

Images