JP2021041226A - Control device and electrically driven furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a control device and electrically driven furniture capable of improving operation ability.SOLUTION: A control device comprises an operation part and a connector. The operation part comprises: an operation surface including an operation reception part capable of receiving control operation of a movable part of an electrically driven bed; and a rear surface on an opposite side of the operation reception surface. The operation part is configured so that a distance between the rear surface and the operation surface decreases monotonously in a straight line state, from a lower end part to a center part. The connector is provided on a rear surface end part, and to the connector, a cable capable of being connected to electrically driven furniture is detachably connected. The connector is arranged along the rear surface which is inclined with respect to the operation surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to control devices and electric furniture.

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 operability is desired.

Japanese Patent No. 5640023

An embodiment of the present invention provides a control device and electric furniture that can improve operability.

According to the embodiment, the control device includes an operation unit and a connector. The operation unit includes an operation surface and a back surface opposite to the operation surface. The operation surface includes an operation reception unit capable of receiving a control operation of a movable portion of the electric furniture. The operating portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first direction from the first end to the second end intersects the second direction from the operating surface to the back. The first end portion includes an operation surface side end portion connected to the operation surface, and a back surface side end portion connected to the operation surface side end portion and the back surface portion. The back surface side end portion is retracted from the operation surface side end portion in the first direction. The connector is provided at the end on the back surface side, and a cable connectable to the electric furniture is detachably connected.
According to another embodiment, the control device includes an operation surface including an operation reception unit capable of receiving a control operation of a movable portion of the electric furniture, and a back surface opposite to the operation surface. The back surface includes a first back surface portion, a second back surface portion, and a third back surface portion between the first back surface portion and the second back surface portion. The distance between the back surface and the operation surface decreases from the first back surface portion toward the third back surface portion, and the distance decreases from the second back surface portion toward the third back surface portion. ..
According to another embodiment, the control device includes an operation surface including an operation reception unit capable of receiving a control operation of a movable portion of the electric furniture, and a back surface opposite to the operation surface. When the operating unit is placed on the horizontal surface so that the back surface faces the horizontal surface, the operating unit can stand on its own.
According to another embodiment, the control device includes an operation unit and a hook. The operation unit includes an operation surface including an operation reception unit capable of receiving a control operation of a movable portion of the electric furniture, and a back surface opposite to the operation surface. The hook is connected to the upper end of the back surface. The hook includes a first portion that extends away from the back surface and a second portion that is connected to the first portion and extends downward from the first portion. The lateral width of the second portion is 0.5 times or more the lateral width of the operating portion.

An embodiment of the present invention can provide a control device and electric furniture that can improve operability.

1 (a) to 1 (d) are schematic perspective views illustrating a control device and electric furniture according to an embodiment. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are schematic views illustrating the control device according to the embodiment. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are schematic views illustrating the control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another electric furniture including the control device according to the 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 of each may be represented differently 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.

1 (a) to 1 (d) are schematic perspective views illustrating a control device and electric furniture according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the control device 110 according to the embodiment is used together with the electric furniture 310. The control device 110 can control the movable portion 70 of the electric furniture 310. The control device 110 is, for example, a remote controller (remote controller) for the electric furniture 310. The control device 110 is, for example, a hand switch. The control device 110 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, for example, in a hospital, a nursing care facility, a home, or the like.

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, 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. 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 the like is possible.

The control device 110 is electrically connected to the movable portion 70. A control circuit may be provided between the control device 110 and the movable portion 70. In this way, 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 110 is connected to the electric furniture 310 by a cable 15. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the control device 110 includes an operation unit 10 and a connector 14.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the operation unit 10 includes an operation surface 10a. The operation surface 10a includes an operation reception unit 20. The operation receiving unit 20 can receive the control operation of the movable portion 70 of the electric furniture 310. The control operation is performed by, for example, an operator (user) of the control device 110.

For example, a plurality of operation buttons are used as the operation reception unit 20. For example, when the ascending button 22a with respect to the "head" is pressed, the angle of the back bottom 70a becomes large. 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 "height" down button 24b 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 while the operation button is held down. As a result, safe operation can be obtained.

In this example, the operation receiving unit 20 further includes a button 25a relating to the first memory position and a button 25b relating to the second memory position. 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 states of the back bottom 70a, the knee bottom 70b, the leg bottom 70c and the height changing portion 70d. These memory positions may be set by an operator (user) of the control device 110 (or electric furniture 310). These memory positions may be set by a caregiver (nurse or the like) of the user of the electric furniture 310.

In addition to a switch having mechanical contacts, an arbitrary input device such as an electrostatic type or an optical type (for example, a touch switch) may be used for the operation reception unit 20.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a display area 28 may be provided on the operation 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 function or operating state of the operation reception unit 20.

The operation unit 10 further includes a back surface 10b in addition to the operation surface 10a. The back surface 10b is a surface opposite to the operation surface 10a. Further, the operation unit 10 includes a first end portion 10ea and a second end portion 10eb. The first direction D1 from the first end 10ea to the second end 10eb intersects the second direction D2 from the operation surface 10a to the back surface 10b. The first direction D1 is, for example, a direction from bottom to top.

For example, the operating unit 10 extends along the first direction D1. The length of the operation unit 10 along the first direction D1 is longer than the length of the operation unit 10 along the second direction D2. The first end portion 10ea is one end portion (for example, the lower end portion) in the first direction D1. The second end portion 10eb is the other end portion (for example, the upper end portion) in the first direction D1.

The first end portion 10ea has an operation surface side end portion 11b and a back surface side end portion 12b. The operation surface side end portion 11b is connected to the operation surface 10a. The back surface side end portion 12b is connected to the operation surface side end portion 11b and the back surface side 10b. The back surface side end portion 12b is, for example, between the operation surface side end portion 11b and the back surface 10b. The operation surface side end portion 11b corresponds to, for example, the lower end portion on the operation surface side 10a side. The back surface side end portion 12b corresponds to, for example, the lower end portion on the back surface side 10b side.

As shown in FIGS. 1 (b), 1 (c) and 1 (d), the back surface side end portion 12b is retracted from the operation surface side end portion 11b in the first direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the connector 14 is provided on the back surface side end portion 12b of the operation portion 10. A cable 15 that can be connected to the electric furniture 310 is detachably connected to the connector 14.

For example, the cable 15 includes a wire portion 15a and a cable connector 15c. One end of the wire portion 15a is connected to the cable connector 15c. The other end of the wire portion 15a can be connected to the electric furniture 310. The cable connector 15c is detachably connected to the connector 14 of the operation unit 10.

FIG. 1D corresponds to a state in which the cable connector 15c is separated from the connector 14. FIG. 1C corresponds to a state in which the cable connector 15c is connected to the connector 14.

Good operability can be obtained in the control device 110 including the operation unit 10 and the connector 14.

In general, damage may occur in the cable connecting the control device (remote controller) and the electric furniture. This is because a large force may be applied to the cable, for example, while using electric furniture. Therefore, it is preferable that only the damaged cable can be replaced. For this reason, it is preferable that the cable can be detachably connected to the operation unit.

For example, it is conceivable that the cable 15 is provided with the cable connector 15c, and the connector 14 corresponding to the cable connector 15c is provided in the operation unit 10. At this time, in the reference example in which the connector 14 is provided at the lower end of the operation unit 10 on the operation surface side, the overall length of the control device becomes longer when trying to maintain the size of the operation surface 10a required for the operation. If the total length is long, it becomes difficult to hold the control device (remote controller). Therefore, in such a reference example, the operability is poor.

On the other hand, in the control device 110 according to the embodiment, the back surface side end portion 12b of the operation unit 10 is retracted from the operation surface side end portion 11b (FIG. 1 (b) and FIG. 2 (described later). b) etc.). The direction of retreat is along the first direction D1. Then, the connector 14 is provided at the rear end side end portion 12b that is retracted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the overall length from becoming long while maintaining the size of the operation surface 10a required for the operation. This makes it easier to hold the control device 110 (remote controller), and good operability can be obtained. Then, even if the cable 15 is damaged, the predetermined control operation can be safely performed by replacing only the damaged cable 15.

The amount of retreat of the back surface side end portion 12b with respect to the operation surface side end portion 11b (distance dy exemplified in FIG. 2B described later) is, for example, 1 mm or more and 25 mm or less. The distance dy is a distance along the first direction D1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 (c) and 1 (d), in this example, another button (switch 50) is provided on the back surface 10b. The switch 50 can have any function, for example. The switch 50 may function as a switch for turning on / off the control device 110, for example. The switch 50 may be provided on the side surface of the housing of the control device 110.

In this example, the hook 30 is provided. The hook 30 allows the operation unit 10 to be held on, for example, a side rail of the electric furniture 310, a bed grip, or the like. For example, it is possible to prevent the operation reception unit 20 (button) from being pressed when no operation is performed. It is possible to provide a control device that is safer and has better operability.

As described above, in the control device 110 according to the embodiment, the connector 14 is provided at the back surface side end portion 12b of the operation unit 10. Therefore, for example, the thickness of the back surface side end portion 12b is thicker than that of the other portions. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 (d), the back surface 10b can have a bow-shaped shape. Due to such a shape, the operation unit 10 can be easily held by the operator (user). As a result, better operability can be obtained.

Hereinafter, an example of such a shape will be described.
2 (a) and 2 (b) are schematic views illustrating the control device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view. FIG. 2B is a side view.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the operation surface 10a is substantially flat. As a result, the operation surface 10a is easy to see. It is also easy to form the operation reception unit 20 (for example, a button). On the other hand, on the back surface 10b, the central portion is retracted with respect to the upper end portion and the lower end portion. For example, the distance between the operation surface 10a and the back surface 10b (thickness of the operation unit 10) is continuously changing.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the back surface 10b includes a first back surface portion 13a, a second back surface portion 13b, and a third back surface portion 13c. The direction from the first back surface portion 13a to the second back surface portion 13b is along the first direction D1. The first back surface portion 13a is, for example, a lower portion. The second back surface portion 13b is, for example, an upper portion. The third back surface portion 13c is located between the first back surface portion 13a and the second back surface portion 13b. The third back surface portion 13c corresponds to, for example, the middle portion. As shown in FIG. 2B, the distance dx between the back surface 10b and the operation surface 10a decreases from the first back surface portion 13a toward the third back surface portion 13c. This distance dx decreases from the second back surface portion 13b toward the third back surface portion 13c. These reductions are, for example, monotonous reductions.

For example, the distance d1 between the first back surface portion 13a and the operation surface 10a is longer than the distance d3 between the third back surface portion 13c and the operation surface 10a. The distance d2 between the second back surface portion 13b and the operation surface 10a is longer than the distance d3. For example, the distance dx is continuously changing. For example, a section in which the distance dx is substantially constant (a section in the vertical direction) may not be substantially provided. For example, the length of the section in which the distance dx is substantially constant (first direction D1, that is, the length in the vertical direction) is 1/5 of the length in the first direction D1 (vertical direction) of the operation unit 10. It is as follows.

For example, the first back surface portion 13a is inclined with respect to the operation surface 10a. The second back surface portion 13b is inclined with respect to the operation surface 10a. The directions of these tilts are opposite. By providing such an inclination, the thickness of the operating portion 10 becomes thicker in the first back surface portion 13a and the second back surface portion 13b, and becomes thinner in the third back surface portion 13c.

For example, in the operation unit 10, the portion where the distance between the operation surface 10a and the back surface 10b is the shortest exists between the upper end (second end portion 10eb) and the lower end (first end portion 10ea) of the operation unit 10. To do. This shortest part is in the middle between the top and bottom. For example, the distance between the shortest distance and the lower end is 0.3 times or more and 0.7 times or less (about 0.5 times) the distance between the upper end and the lower end. The shortest distance allows the operating unit 10 to fit the operator's (user's) hand.

With such a shape, for example, when the operator (user) holds the operation unit 10 by hand, the operation unit 10 fits in the hand. For example, the displacement of the hand position is reduced. The operator can easily understand which button he / she is trying to press as if he / she holds it in his / her hand. Better operability can be obtained. Wrong operation can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in the control device 110, the hook 30 is connected to the upper end portion 10bt of the back surface 10b of the operation unit 10. The hook 30 is bent downward. The hook 30 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32. The first portion 31 is connected to the upper end portion 10bt of the back surface 10b of the operation portion 10. The first portion 31 extends in a direction away from the back surface 10b. The second portion 32 is connected to the first portion 31 and extends downward from the first portion 31. The second portion 32 is separated from the back surface 10b. A side rail or the like provided in the electric furniture 310 is inserted into the space between the second portion 32 and the back surface 10b. As a result, the operation unit 10 is held by the side rail or the like.

3 (a) and 3 (b) are schematic views illustrating the control device according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a rear view. FIG. 3B is a side view.
As shown in FIG. 3A, in the control device 110, the width of the hook 30 is wide. For example, the lateral width w2 of the second portion 32 of the hook 30 is 0.5 times or more the lateral width w1 of the operating unit 10. The lateral direction (third direction D3) is a direction (for example, vertical) that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 (see FIG. 1 (b)).

As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the operation unit 10 can stand on its own when the operation unit 10 is placed on the horizontal surface 88 so that the back surface 10b faces the horizontal surface 88.

For example, when the width w2 is less than 0.5 times the width w1, when the operation unit 10 is placed on the horizontal plane 88, the operation unit 10 tends to fall toward the horizontal plane 88 due to the gravity of the operation unit 10. Independence is difficult. Increasing the width w2 facilitates independence.

If the width w2 is excessively large, it becomes difficult to hang and remove the operation unit 10 on the side rail or the like of the electric furniture 310. For example, the width w2 is preferably less than the width w1.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in this example, the hook 30 further includes a third portion 33 and a fourth portion 34. There is a second portion 32 between the fourth portion 34 and the first portion 31. There is a third portion 33 between the fourth portion 34 and the second portion 32.

The distance d33 between the back surface 10b and the third portion 33 of the operation unit 10 is shorter than the distance d34 between the back surface 10b and the second portion 32, and from the distance d34 between the back surface 10b and the fourth portion 34. Is also short. For example, the distance between the hook 30 and the back surface 10b is long in the second portion 32, short in the third portion 33, and long in the fourth portion 34. This makes it easy, for example, to hang and remove the hook 30 on the side rail or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the operation unit 10 is placed on the horizontal plane 88, the fourth portion 34 may come into contact with the horizontal plane 88.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the lateral width w3 of the fourth portion 34 of the hook 30 is 0.5 times or more the lateral width w1 of the operating portion 10. This makes it easier for the operating unit 10 to stand on its own. The width w3 is preferably less than the width w1. It becomes easy to hang and remove the operation unit 10 on the side rail or the like.

The fourth part 34 may be regarded as the second part 32.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another control device according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, another control device 111 according to the embodiment further includes an end switch 51 in addition to the operation unit 10 and the connector 14 (not shown in FIG. 4). The end switch 51 is provided at the end (for example, the upper part) of the operation unit 10. The end switch 51 enables operations other than the movable portion 70 of the electric furniture 310, for example. The end switch 51 can perform at least one of, for example, transmission of a ringing signal, operation of electrical equipment, and operation of lighting. The call signal is, for example, a signal for contacting a nurse or the like. Electrical equipment includes, for example, at least one of televisions, radios and personal computers installed in the vicinity of electric furniture 310 (eg beds). Lighting includes, for example, at least one of a ceiling light and a foot light.

By providing the end switch 51 on a portion different from the operation surface 10a, erroneous operation can be suppressed. A control device capable of improving operability can be provided.

In the above embodiment, the control devices 110 and 111 may include a cable 15.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another electric furniture including the control device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the electric furniture 311 is an electric chair. The electric furniture 311 includes a movable portion 70. The movable portion 70 includes, for example, a backrest portion 70e and a seat surface portion 70f. These movable parts 70 are controlled by the control device 110 (or 111) according to the embodiment. The electric furniture 311 can also provide electric furniture that can improve operability.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a control device and electric furniture that can improve operability.

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, with respect to the specific configuration of each element such as the operation unit, the connector, and the cable included in the control device, 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. As far as possible, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

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 control devices and electric furniture that can be appropriately designed and implemented by those skilled in the art based on the control device and electric furniture described above as embodiments of the present invention are also included in the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is included. It belongs to the scope of the invention.

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 ... Operation surface, 10b ... Back surface, 10bt ... Upper end, 10ea ... 1st end, 10eb ... 2nd end, 11b ... Operation surface side end, 12b ... Back side end, 13a ... 1st back surface part, 13b ... 2nd back surface part, 13c ... 3rd back surface part, 14 ... connector, 15 ... cable, 15a ... wire part, 15c ... cable connector, 20 ... operation reception part, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b , 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25a ... Button, 28 ... Display area, 30 ... Hook, 31-34 ... 1st to 4th parts, 50 ... Switch, 51 ... End switch, 70 ... Movable part, 70a ... back bottom, 70b ... knee bottom, 70c ... leg bottom, 70d ... height change part, 70e ... backrest part, 70f ... seat surface part, 88 ... horizontal plane, 110, 111 ... control device, 310, 311 ... electric furniture, D1 to D2 ... 1st to 3rd directions, d1 to d3 ... distance, d32 to d34 ... distance, dx, dy ... distance, w1 to w3 ... width

Claims (6)

The lower end portion includes an operation surface including an operation reception unit capable of receiving a control operation of a movable portion of the electric bed and a back surface opposite to the operation surface, and the distance between the back surface and the operation surface The operation part that decreases linearly and monotonically from to the center part,
A connector provided at the back end and to which a cable connectable to the electric furniture is detachably connected.
With
The connector is a control device arranged along the back surface inclined with respect to the operation surface. The operating portion is the shortest in the central portion between the lower end portion and the upper end portion.
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device linearly and monotonically decreases from the upper end portion toward the central portion. Further provided with a hook connected to the upper end of the back surface,
The hook bends downward from the upper end portion,
A first portion extending in a direction away from the back surface and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending downward from the first portion are included.
The lateral width of the second portion is 0.5 times or more the lateral width of the operating portion.
The control device according to claim 1 or 2, which can stand on its own when the back surface is placed on the horizontal plane so as to face the horizontal plane. An end switch provided in the operation unit is further provided.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end switch can perform at least one of transmission of a call signal, operation of an electric device, and operation of lighting. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the cable. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
With the moving part
Electric bed with.

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