JP7496231B2 - Alignment unit, load detection unit, and load detection system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an alignment unit, a load detection unit, and a load detection system.

In the fields of medicine and nursing care, it has been proposed to use a load detector to detect the load of a subject on a bed, and based on the detected load, to determine whether the subject is in bed or not (bed presence determination) and to obtain the subject's biometric information (respiratory rate, heart rate, etc.).

Patent document 1 discloses that a load detector is installed under each of the four casters of a bed, and the position of the subject on the bed is determined based on the output of the load detector.

JP2006-252540

When installing multiple load detectors under multiple casters of a bed, the multiple load detectors are first placed on the floor in an appropriate positional relationship according to the relative positions of the bed's casters, and then the bed is moved to simultaneously move the multiple casters over the multiple load detectors. Here, both the task of appropriately placing the multiple load detectors and the task of simultaneously moving the multiple casters to move the bed, which is a heavy object, over the multiple load detectors are time-consuming tasks.

The present invention aims to provide an alignment unit, a load detection unit, and a load detection system that can easily position multiple load detectors in an appropriate positional relationship and can easily move multiple casters onto multiple load detectors.

According to a first aspect of the present invention,
An alignment unit that aligns a plurality of load detectors that are installed under casters of a bed and detect a load,
A plurality of base parts are installed on a floor on which the bed is placed;
a connecting portion that connects the plurality of base portions to each other so as to be relatively movable along a direction in which the plurality of base portions face each other,
Each of the plurality of base portions is
a main body having a receiving portion for receiving each of the plurality of load detectors;
a main slope for guiding the caster to the load detector in the receiving portion;
The connecting portion has a connecting portion slope provided adjacent to the main slope in the opposing direction,
An alignment unit is provided, further comprising an auxiliary slope provided on a main slope or the connector slope of at least one of the plurality of base portions and slidable in the opposing direction toward the connector slope or the main slope.

In the alignment unit of the first aspect, when a gap occurs between the main slope and the connecting portion slope as a result of the multiple bases being moved in a direction away from each other in the opposing direction, the auxiliary slope may be slidable in the opposing direction to cover the gap.

In the first aspect of the alignment unit, the auxiliary slope may be disposed in a recess provided below the main slope or the connecting slope and opening toward the connecting slope or the main slope.

In the first aspect of the alignment unit, the auxiliary slope may be provided on the main slope of at least one of the multiple load detectors.

In the first embodiment of the alignment unit, the main slope may include a first slope disposed on one side of the receiving portion, and second and third slopes that sandwich the receiving portion in a direction different from the direction in which the receiving portion and the first slope are aligned.

In the alignment unit of the first aspect, the plurality of base portions may include a set of first base portions and a set of second base portions, and the connecting portion may include a first connecting portion that connects the set of first base portions so as to be relatively movable in the opposing direction, a second connecting portion that connects the set of second base portions so as to be relatively movable in the opposing direction, and a third connecting portion that connects the first and second connecting portions so as to be relatively movable in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the opposing direction.

In the first embodiment of the alignment unit, at least one main slope of the multiple base parts may include a first slope arranged on one side of the receiving part, and second and third slopes that sandwich the receiving part in a direction different from the direction in which the receiving part and the first slope are arranged, the connecting part slope may be adjacent to the second slope of the main slope in the opposing direction, and the auxiliary slope may include a first auxiliary slope provided on the second slope of the main slope or the connecting part slope and slidable in the opposing direction toward the connecting part slope or the second slope, and a second auxiliary slope provided on the third slope of the main slope and slidable in the opposing direction toward the third connecting part.

In the first aspect of the alignment unit, the main slope may be detachable from the main body.

In the first aspect of the alignment unit, the inclination angle of the main slope may be 10° or less.

In the first aspect of the alignment unit, the lower end of the main slope attached to the main body may be located outside the bed in a plan view.

In the alignment unit of the first aspect, the connection portion may house wiring connected to at least one of the multiple load detectors.

The alignment unit of the first aspect may include a biasing member that biases the auxiliary slope toward the connecting portion slope or the main slope.

The alignment unit of the first aspect may include a locking mechanism that fixes the position of the auxiliary slope relative to the main slope or the connecting slope.

The alignment unit of the first aspect may include a locking portion that connects the auxiliary slope provided on one of the main slope and the connecting portion slope to the other of the main slope and the connecting portion slope.

According to a second aspect of the present invention,
An alignment unit according to the first aspect;
A load detection unit is provided, the load detection unit including a plurality of load detectors respectively accommodated in the receiving portions of the base portions of the alignment unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention,
A plurality of load detection units are installed under the casters of the bed to detect the load;
a connecting portion that connects the plurality of load detection portions so as to be relatively movable along a facing direction in which the plurality of load detection portions face each other,
Each of the plurality of load detection units has a placement portion on which the caster is placed and a main slope that guides the caster to the placement portion,
The connecting portion has a connecting portion slope adjacent to the main slope in the opposing direction,
A load detection unit is provided, which further includes an auxiliary slope provided on at least one of the main slope or the connecting slope of the plurality of load detection units and is slidable in the opposing direction toward the connecting slope or the main slope.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention,
A load detection system for detecting a load of a subject on a bed, comprising:
A load detection unit according to the second or third aspect;
A load detection system is provided, comprising: a control unit connected to a plurality of load detection sections of the load detection unit, and determining a load of the subject based on outputs of the plurality of load detection sections.

The alignment unit, load detection unit, and load detection system of the present invention can easily position multiple load detectors in an appropriate positional relationship, and multiple casters can easily be moved over multiple load detectors.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the load detection portion and the plate portion of the width direction connecting portion as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main body of the base portion of the load detector and the plate portion of the width direction connecting portion as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main slope portion of the base portion of the load detection unit as viewed from below. 5(a) and 5(b) are perspective views of the auxiliary slope portion provided in the slope portion. Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view showing a state in which the auxiliary slope section is stored in the main slope section of the slope section, and Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the auxiliary slope section protrudes from the main slope section of the slope section. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the strain sensor unit of the load detection portion as viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the main body of the base portion of the load detector and the plate portion of the width direction connecting portion. 9(a) and 9(b) are side views of a pair of load detection units arranged in the width direction and a width-direction connector that connects the pair of load detection units so that the pair can move relative to each other. Fig. 9(a) shows the pair of load detection units in the state where they are furthest apart (maximum state), and Fig. 9(b) shows the pair of load detection units in the state where they are closest to each other (minimum state). FIG. 10(a) is a top view of the connecting base of the widthwise connecting portion, and FIG. 10(b) is a bottom view of the connecting base. Fig. 11(a) is a top view of the longitudinal coupling portion, Fig. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 11(a), and Fig. 11(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 11(a). 12(a) and 12(b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining how to use the load detection unit. Fig. 12(a) shows a minimum state where a pair of load detection parts aligned in the width direction are closest to each other. Fig. 12(b) shows a maximum state where a pair of load detection parts aligned in the width direction are farthest apart. 13(a) and 13(b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining how to use the load detection unit. Fig. 13(a) shows a state in which a bed is installed on the load detection unit with a slope part attached to the main body part, and Fig. 13(b) shows a state in which a bed is installed on the load detection unit with the slope part detached from the main body part. Fig. 14(a) is a plan view of a modified auxiliary slope portion having a pull tab, Fig. 14(b) is a plan view of a modified auxiliary slope portion having a biasing member, and Fig. 14(c) is a plan view of a modified auxiliary slope portion having a locking member. FIG. 15 is a plan view of a main slope portion of a modified example. FIG. 16 is a top view of a modified example of the load detection unit. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a base portion that can be used in place of the load detection portion, and a load detector housed in the base portion.

<Embodiment>
The load detection unit 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described taking as an example a case in which the load detection unit 1000 is used with beds BD of various sizes in a hospital.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the load detection unit 1000 shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the load detection unit 1000, respectively. The bed BD (FIG. 13) is placed on the load detection unit 1000 with the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the bed BD aligned with the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the load detection unit 1000, respectively.

The load detection unit 1000 mainly has four load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, two widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b, and one longitudinal connecting part 30.

<Load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2>
A caster CT of the bed BD is placed on each of the four load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 (FIG. 13). Since the four load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 have the same structure, only the load detection unit 10b2 will be described here.

As shown in FIG. 2, the load detection unit 10b2 mainly includes a base 11, four strain sensor units 12 attached to the underside of the base 11, and a mounting plate 13 supported by the four strain sensor units 12.

The base portion 11 has a main body portion 111 and a slope portion 112 that is detachable from the main body portion 111.

The main body 111 is a rectangular parallelepiped member that is substantially square in plan view.
The base is made of a resin such as C. If chemical resistance is desired, a resin such as PPS or POM may be used. The use of POM improves sliding properties with the casters.

An opening 111A having a square shape in plan view is provided in the center of the upper surface 111u of the main body 111. A recess 111R having a square shape in plan view is provided in the center of the lower surface 111d (FIG. 3) of the main body 111. The opening 111A is connected to the recess 111R. A groove _G11 is formed in the lower surface 111d and is connected to the recess 111R. A wiring W connecting the strain sensor unit 12 to the outside is passed through the groove _G11 (described in detail later).

The four side surfaces 111s of the main body 111 extend vertically downward from the four sides of the top surface 111u. A plate portion 222 of the widthwise connecting portion 20b is fixed to one of the four side surfaces 111s (described in detail later). The height of the side surface 111s may be, for example, approximately 5 to 25 mm.

The slope section 112 is attached to the main body section 111 so as to cover the three side surfaces 111s of the main body section 111, and provides the main body section 111 with a slope for guiding the caster CT. The slope section 112 has a main slope section 112M and a pair of auxiliary slope sections 112Sa, 112Sb.

The main slope portion 112M is composed of a first portion M1, a second portion M2, and a third portion M3 that are connected to surround the center O ₁₁₂ and form a U-shape in plan view. Each of the first to third portions M1 to M3 is a longitudinal member having a substantially triangular cross section. As an example, the material of the main slope portion 112M may be an elastomer resin.

The first portion M1 is disposed on one side of the center O _112. A first slope S1 rising toward the center O ₁₁₂ is defined on the upper surface of the first portion M1. The second portion M2 and the third portion M3 are disposed to sandwich the center O _{112 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first portion M1 and the center O 112 are} aligned. A second slope S2 and a third slope S3 rising toward the center O ₁₁₂ are defined on the upper surfaces of the second portion M2 and the third portion M3, respectively.

One end of the second portion M2 is connected to one end of the first portion M1, and one end of the third portion M3 is connected to the other end of the first portion M1, thereby connecting the first to third slopes S1 to S3 to define a main slope SM that is U-shaped in plan view and rises toward the center _O112 .

In this embodiment, the inclination angle (angle between the floor surface and the top surface of the slope) of each of the first slope S1, second slope S2, and third slope S3 is 7.6 degrees. However, the inclination angle of each of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 is arbitrary, and is preferably 10 degrees or less, and more preferably about 7 to 9 degrees, but is not limited to this.

By setting the inclination angles of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 to small values, the casters CT, and therefore the bed BD, can be raised and lowered easily relative to the main body 111 while reducing the impact on the patient on the bed BD. On the other hand, setting the inclination angles of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 to small values means that the dimension of each slope in the inclination direction (i.e., the length of the slope) becomes large. The above desirable range of inclination angles takes into account the balance of these perspectives.

As shown in Fig. 4, the lower surfaces of the second portion M2 and the third portion M3 are provided with recesses ra and rb at the end E opposite to the end connected to the first portion M1. The recess ra includes a main portion mp extending along the longitudinal direction of the second portion M2 and a communication portion cp extending from the main portion mp to the center O ₁₁₂ side at the end E of the second portion M2. Similarly, the recess rb includes a main portion mp extending along the longitudinal direction of the third portion M3 and a communication portion cp extending from the main portion mp to the center O ₁₁₂ side at the end E of the third portion M3. In each of the recesses ra and rb, the main portion mp and the communication portion cp are configured to become deeper as they approach the center O ₁₁₂ .

The auxiliary slope portion 112Sa is a member that extends the main slope SM at the end E of the second portion M2 of the main slope portion 112M. The auxiliary slope portion 112Sb is a member that extends the main slope SM at the end E of the third portion M3 of the main slope portion 112M. The auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb may be formed from a resin such as ABS, PC, or POM, for example. The use of POM can improve the sliding properties.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa is generally wedge-shaped with ends e1 and e2, and an auxiliary slope SS is defined on the upper surface, which slopes in a direction perpendicular to the end-to-end direction between ends e1 and e2. A protrusion pr is provided on end e2 of the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa, protruding in the direction of the slope of the auxiliary slope SS.

The auxiliary slope section 112Sb (FIG. 5(b)) has a shape similar to that of the auxiliary slope section 112Sa. Specifically, the auxiliary slope section 112Sa and the auxiliary slope section 112Sb are mirror images of each other with respect to a plane perpendicular to the inclination direction of the auxiliary slope section 112Sa. In the following description, each element of the auxiliary slope section 112Sb that is in a mirror image relationship with each element of the auxiliary slope section 112Sa will be referred to by the same reference numeral as the corresponding element of the auxiliary slope section 112Sa.

In this embodiment, the inclination angle (angle between the floor surface and the slope top surface) of the auxiliary slope SS of the auxiliary slope sections 112Sa and 112Sb is 7.6 degrees, which is equal to the inclination angle of each of the first slope S1 to the third slope S3. The inclination angle of the auxiliary slope SS can be set from the same perspective as the inclination angles of the first slope S1 to the third slope S3. The inclination angle of the auxiliary slope SS does not necessarily have to be the same as the inclination angles of the first slope S1 to the third slope S3.

As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the auxiliary slope section 112Sa is detachably fitted into the recess ra of the second portion M2 of the main slope section 112M. In this state, the auxiliary slope section 112Sa can slide relative to the main slope section 112M in the longitudinal direction of the second member M2 (the direction between the ends of the auxiliary slope section 112Sa). When the load detection section 10b2 is moved in a direction away from the auxiliary slope section 112Sa along the longitudinal direction of the second member M2, the auxiliary slope 112Sa remains in a fixed position due to friction with the floor surface, and as a result, the auxiliary slope 112Sa slides relative to the main slope section 112M of the load detection section 10b2 and protrudes from the main slope SM.

In the stored state (FIG. 6(a)) where the entire auxiliary slope portion 112Sa is disposed within the recess ra, the end E of the second portion M2 and the end e2 of the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa are flush with each other, and the protruding portion pr of the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa is disposed in the communicating portion cp of the recess ra. The auxiliary slope SS of the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa faces the bottom surface of the recess ra.

In the use state (Figure 6 (b)) where part or all of the auxiliary slope section 112Sa is pulled out from the recess ra toward the end E, a continuous slope is formed by the main slope SM of the main slope section 112M and the auxiliary slope SS of the auxiliary slope section 112Sa.

The auxiliary slope portion 112Sb is arranged in the recess rb of the third part M3 of the main slope portion 112M in a manner similar to that of the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa.

In an area including the center O ₁₁₂ on the upper end UE side of the first, second, and third slopes S1, S2, and S3, a space SP1 surrounded on three sides by the first, second, and third members M1, M2, and M3 is defined. The slope portion 112 is attached to the main body portion 111 by storing the main body portion 111 in the space SP1. A ridge-shaped guide rail extending vertically may be provided on the side surface 111s of the main body portion 111, and a guide groove into which the guide rail is fitted may be provided at a corresponding position of the slope portion 112. This makes it possible to suppress movement (displacement) of the slope portion 112 relative to the main body portion 111 when the slope portion 112 guides the caster CT.

When the slope portion 112 is attached to the main body portion 111, the upper ends UE of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 are connected to the upper surface 111u of the main body portion 111 without any steps. The first slope S1 is located on one side of the opening 111A of the main body portion 111, and the second slope S2 and third slope S3 sandwich the opening 111A in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first slope S1 and the main body portion 111 are aligned.

As shown in FIG. 7, the strain sensor unit 12 mainly has a strain generating part 121 and a load transmitting part 122.

The strain-generating portion 121 includes a first U-shaped member 121U1, a second U-shaped member 121U2 that faces the first U-shaped member 121U1, and an I-shaped member 121I that connects the center of the first U-shaped member 121U1 to the center of the second U-shaped member 121U2. The first U-shaped member 121U1, the second U-shaped member 121U2, and the I-shaped member 121I are each formed of a metal such as stainless steel (SUS304).

A screw hole h1 is provided near both ends of the first U-shaped member 121U1. A connection hole h2 is provided near both ends of the second U-shaped member 121U2. The two screw holes h1 and the two connection holes h2 are aligned in a straight line in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the I-shaped member 121I.

A strain gauge SG is attached to the center of the I-shaped member 121I. The strain gauge SG is positioned so that it is located on a straight line connecting the two screw holes h1 and the two connecting holes h2.

The load transmission part 122 is roughly diamond-shaped and is made of a metal such as stainless steel (SUS304).

A support base 122s is formed in the center of the load transmission part 122, protruding upward in a semispherical shape. Connection holes h3 are formed near both ends of the load transmission part 122 in the longitudinal direction. The support base 122s and the two connection holes h3 are aligned in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the load transmission part 122.

The strain-flexing part 121 and the load transmission part 122 are fixedly connected to each other by connecting each of the two connection holes h2 of the strain-flexing part 121 with each of the two connection holes h3 of the load transmission part 122 by a pin (not shown) via a spacer (not shown). When the strain-flexing part 121 and the load transmission part 122 are connected, the lower surface of the load transmission part 122 and the upper surface of the strain-flexing part 121 are separated by the thickness of the spacer (not shown). In addition, the strain gauge SG is located directly below the support stand 122s.

When a load is applied from above to the support base 122s of the load transmission part 122 while the strain-flexing part 121 is supported from below the screw hole h1, the second U-shaped member 121U2 of the strain-flexing part 121 moves downward, causing strain in the I-shaped member 121I. The amount of this strain is detected by the strain gauge SG. Because the screw hole h1 and the support base 122s are arranged in a straight line, highly accurate strain detection can be performed with the effects of moments suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the strain sensor units 12 are fixed one by one to the four corners of the opening 111A in the recess 111R of the main body 111 of the base 11. Specifically, each of the strain sensor units 12 is screwed to the top surface of the recess 111R via the screw hole h1 of the first U-shaped member 121U1 with the support base 122s of the load transmission part 122 facing upward. In this state, the support base 122s of each strain sensor unit 12 is located inside the opening 111A at the four corners of the opening 111A.

The mounting plate 13 is a square flat plate, and is formed, for example, from aluminum die-cast material (ADC12). The mounting plate 13 is supported at its four corners by the support bases 122s of the four strain sensor units 12, and is disposed inside the opening 111A of the main body 111. The upper surface 13u of the mounting plate 13 is flush with the upper surface 111u of the main body 111.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main body 111 may be provided with a fixing piece F that protrudes toward the inside of the opening 111A and has an opening A, and a screw having a smaller diameter than the opening A may be screwed into the underside of the mounting plate 13 through the opening A. This allows the mounting plate 13 to be inseparably connected to the main body 111 without impeding the up and down movement of the mounting plate 13.

<Width direction connecting portions 20a, 20b>
1, the width direction connecting portion 20a connects the load detection portions 10a1 and 10a2 so as to be movable relative to each other in the width direction, and the width direction connecting portion 20b connects the load detection portions 10b1 and 10b2 so as to be movable relative to each other in the width direction. Since the width direction connecting portions 20a and 20b have the same structure, only the width direction connecting portion 20b will be described here.

As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the widthwise connecting portion 20b includes a connecting base 21, a plate portion 221 fixed to the main body portion 111 of the base portion 11 of the load detection portion 10b1, and a plate portion 222 fixed to the main body portion 111 of the base portion 11 of the load detection portion 10b2.

The connecting base 21 is formed of a resin such as ABS or PC, for example. If chemical resistance is desired, a resin such as PPS or POM may be used. The use of POM improves sliding with the casters. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the connecting base 21 has a top plate 21t that is rectangular in plan view, and wall portions 21w that extend vertically downward from the four sides of the top plate 21t.

The top plate 21t has two slits SL formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 21t, which penetrate the top plate 21t and extend in the short direction of the top plate 21t.

The wall 21w has a first and a second wall 21w1, 21w2 located on both sides of the short side of the top plate 21t, and a third and a fourth wall 21w3, 21w4 located on both sides of the long side of the top plate 21t. A groove _G21 is provided in the center of the lower end of each of the first to fourth walls 21w1 to 21w4 (FIG. 10B). A wiring W that connects the strain sensor unit 12 to the outside is passed through the groove _G21 (described in detail later).

The space below the top plate 21t and surrounded by the top plate 21t and the wall portion 21w serves as an accommodation space _R21 for accommodating the wiring W that connects the strain sensor unit 12 to the outside.

The third wall portion 21w3 is provided with a slope 21S. The slope 21S forms a continuous slope with the main slope SM and auxiliary slope SS of the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 (described in detail later). In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the slope 21S (the angle between the floor surface and the slope upper surface) is 7.6 degrees, which is equal to the inclination angles of the first slope S1 to the third slope S3. The inclination angle of the slope 21S can be set from the same perspective as the inclination angles of the first slope S1 to the third slope S3. The inclination angle of the slope 21S does not necessarily have to be the same as the inclination angles of the first slope S1 to the third slope S3.

Board portion 221 and plate portion 222 are each a flat plate that is rectangular in plan view (Figs. 1 and 2).

As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the connecting base 21 and each of the plate portions 221 and 222 are slidably connected by attaching a pin PN through a slit SL to the underside of the connecting base 21 and the underside of the plate portions 221 and 222.

<Longitudinal connecting portion 30>
As shown in FIGS. 11( a ) to 11 ( c ), the longitudinal connector 30 has a lower portion 31 and an upper portion 32 that covers a part of the lower portion 31 and is connected to the lower portion 31 .

The lower portion 31 is composed of a long plate portion 311 and a pair of slopes 312 connected to both sides of the plate portion 311 in the width direction. The plate portion 311 has two slots SL extending in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 311, arranged side by side in the width direction of the plate portion 311. As shown in FIG. 11(c), an opening A is formed between the slots SL near one end of the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 311, and a leaf spring SP having a protruding portion p protruding upward is arranged and fixed to the plate portion 311 so that the protruding portion p protrudes upward through the opening A. Note that the opening A and the leaf spring SP are omitted in FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) to avoid cluttering the drawings.

The upper portion 32 is composed of a long plate portion 321 and a pair of slopes 322 connected to both sides of the width of the plate portion 321. A number of recesses r are formed on the underside of the plate portion 321 at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 321.

The lower part 31 and the upper part 32 are slidably connected to each other by attaching a pin PN to the underside of the plate part 321 through a slit SL from the underside of the plate part 311. The length of the longitudinal connecting part 30 is changed by moving the lower part 31 and the upper part 32 relative to each other. In addition, the length of the longitudinal connecting part 30 can be adjusted in stages and maintained at the adjusted length by selectively engaging the convex part p of the leaf spring SP with multiple concave parts r.

The space below the lower member 31 and the upper member 32 serves as an accommodation space R ₃₀ for accommodating the wiring W that connects the strain sensor unit 12 to the outside.

<Overall Layout of Load Detection Unit 1000>
Here, the arrangement of the four load detection portions 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, the two widthwise connecting portions 20a and 20b, and the one longitudinal connecting portion 30 will be organized with reference to FIG.

On one side in the longitudinal direction of the load detection unit 1000, the load detection section 10a1 and the load detector 10a2 are arranged side by side (opposite) in the width direction. The load detection sections 10a1 and 10a2 are arranged such that the first slope S1 of the main slope SM is located on the outer side in the width direction, and the second and third slopes S2 and S3 are opposed in the longitudinal direction. The side surface 111s of the main body 111 opposite to the side surface 111s on which the first slope S1 is provided is arranged on the inner side in the width direction, and the plate portions 221 and 222 of the width direction connecting section 20a are fixed to the side surface 111s. As a result, the width direction connecting section 20a connects the load detection sections 10a1 and 10a2 so as to be relatively movable in the width direction (opposing direction).

The main body 111 of the base 11 and each of the plate portions 221 and 222 may be formed integrally. Also, the upper surface 111u of the main body 111 and each of the upper surfaces of the plate portions 221 and 222 may be flush with each other.

Load detection unit 10a1 and load detection unit 10a2 have a symmetrical structure with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal positions of load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 on the mounting plate 13 are equal to each other.

On the other longitudinal side of the load detection unit 1000, the load detection section 10b1 and the load detector 10b2 are arranged side by side in the width direction. The load detection sections 10b1 and 10b2 are arranged such that the first slope S1 of the main slope SM is located on the outer side in the width direction, and the second and third slopes S2 and S3 face each other in the longitudinal direction. The side surface 111s of the main body section 111 opposite the side surface 111s on which the first slope S1 is provided is arranged on the inner side in the width direction, and the plate sections 221 and 222 of the width direction connecting section 20b are fixed to the side surface 111s. As a result, the width direction connecting section 20b connects the load detection sections 10b1 and 10b2 so that they can move relatively in the width direction.

Load detection unit 10b1 and load detection unit 10b2 have a symmetrical structure with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal positions of load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 on the mounting plate 13 are equal to each other.

In addition, the load detection units 10a1, 10a2 and the widthwise connecting unit 20a, and the load detection units 10b1, 10b2 and the widthwise connecting unit 20b have a symmetrical structure with respect to the widthwise axis Y.

The longitudinal connecting portion 30 is disposed between the widthwise connecting portions 20a, 20b that are disposed spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The lower member 31 of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 is fixed to the fourth wall portion 21w4 of the connecting base 21 of the widthwise connecting portion 20a at an end portion opposite to the end portion connected to the upper member 32. This allows the storage space _R21 of the connecting base 21 and the storage space _R30 of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 to communicate with each other via the groove _G21 .

Similarly, the upper member 32 of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 is fixed to the fourth wall portion 21w4 of the connecting base 21 at an end portion opposite to the end portion connected to the lower member 31. As a result, the storage space _R21 of the connecting base 21 and the storage space _R30 of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 communicate with each other via the groove _G21 .

At one end of the load detection unit 1000 in the longitudinal direction, the main slope SM (second slope S2) of the load detection unit 10a1, the main slope SM (third slope S3) of the load detection unit 10a2, and the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 of the widthwise connecting unit 20a are arranged side by side in the width direction. In addition, an auxiliary slope SS is arranged in the gap between the main slope SM (second slope S2) of the load detection unit 10a1 and the slope 21S, and between the main slope SM (third slope S3) of the load detection unit 10a2 and the slope 21S, which occurs in response to the movement of the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 (FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)). In this specification and the present invention, when two members are "adjacent to each other," this includes both a case where the two members are adjacent to each other without a gap and a case where the two members are adjacent to each other with a gap.

At the other longitudinal end of the load detection unit 1000, the main slope SM (third slope S3) of the load detection unit 10b1, the main slope SM (second slope S2) of the load detection unit 10b2, and the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 of the widthwise connecting unit 20b are arranged side by side in the width direction. In addition, auxiliary slopes SS are arranged in gaps that are generated between the main slope SM (third slope S3) and the slope 21S of the load detection unit 10b1 and between the main slope SM (second slope S2) and the slope 21S of the load detection unit 10b2 in response to the movement of the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 (FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)).

In the load detection unit 1000, the grooves _G11 (FIG. 3) of the load detection portions 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, the grooves _G21 and the accommodating space _R21 (FIG. 10(b)) of the widthwise connecting portions 20a and 20b, and the accommodating space _R30 (FIG. 11(c)) of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 form a wiring path CH for the wiring W (FIG. 13) extending from the load detection portions 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2.

Specifically, the wiring W extending from the strain sensor unit 12 of the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2 passes through the groove _G11 of the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, the groove _G21 of the widthwise connecting part 20a, and the storage space _R21 , and extends to the outside from the groove _G21 on the longitudinal outer side of the connecting base 21 of the widthwise connecting part 20a (Figures 13(a) and 13(b)). The wiring W extending from the strain sensor unit 12 of the load detection parts 10b1, 10b2 passes through the groove _G11 of the load detection parts 10b1, 10b2, the groove _G21 and the accommodation space _R21 of the width direction connecting part 20b, the accommodation space R30 of the longitudinal connecting part ₃₀ , the groove _G21 and the accommodation space _R21 of the width direction connecting part 20a, and extends to the outside from the groove _G21 on the longitudinal outer side of the connecting base 21 of the width direction connecting part 20a. The wiring W extending to the outside is connected to the control part CONT equipped with a data logger or the like.

In other words, the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the lengthwise connecting part 30 also function as protective members that cover and protect the wiring W extending from the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2.

When the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment is used in a hospital, first, the load detection unit 1000 is installed on the floor of a patient room, a treatment room, etc. with the slope portion 112 attached to the main body portion 111. Then, the wiring W extending to the outside through the groove _G21 of the width direction connecting portion 20a is connected to the control portion CONT (FIG. 13(a)).

Next, the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 are positioned in an appropriate positional relationship according to the bed BD to be installed. In other words, the widthwise separation distance between the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2, the widthwise separation distance between the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2, and the longitudinal separation distance between the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 and the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 are adjusted to match the positional relationship of the casters CT of the bed BD to be installed. This adjustment is performed by expanding and contracting the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30.

By sliding the connecting base 21 and the plate parts 221 and 222 relative to each other to expand and contract the widthwise connecting part 20a, it is possible to easily adjust only the widthwise separation distance of the load detection parts 10a1 and 10a2 while keeping the longitudinal positions of the load detection parts 10a1 and 10a2 aligned. Also, by sliding the connecting base 21 and the plate parts 221 and 222 relative to each other to expand and contract the widthwise connecting part 20b, it is possible to easily adjust only the widthwise separation distance of the load detection parts 10b1 and 10b2 while keeping the longitudinal positions of the load detection parts 10b1 and 10b2 aligned.
In addition, by sliding the lower member 31 and the upper member 32 relative to each other to expand and contract the longitudinal connecting portion 30, it is possible to easily adjust only the longitudinal separation distance between the load detection portions 10a1, 10a2 and 10b1, 10b2 while maintaining the positional relationship in the width direction between the load detection portions 10a1, 10a2 and 10b1, 10b2.

In this way, in the load detection unit 1000, the freedom of movement of a load detection part relative to the other load detection parts is limited, so that it is easier to position the four load detection parts in appropriate positions compared to the case where four load detectors that are separate from each other and can move freely are tried to be individually positioned in appropriate positions.

In the minimum state where the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 are closest to the connecting base 21, the main slopes SM of the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 are in contact with the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 or are adjacent to each other with only a small gap (FIG. 12(a)). In addition, the main slopes SM of the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 are in contact with the slope 312 of the lower part 31 of the longitudinal connecting part 30 or are adjacent to each other with only a small gap.

Similarly, in the minimum state where the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 are closest to the connecting base 21, the main slopes SM of the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 are in contact with the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 or are adjacent to it with only a small gap (FIG. 12(a)). Also, the main slopes SM of the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 are in contact with the slope 322 of the upper portion 32 of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 or are adjacent to it with only a small gap.

When the load detection unit 10a1 is moved from the minimum state to the maximum state in a direction away from the load detection unit 10a2, the auxiliary slope SS provided on the second slope S2 of the main slope SM slides in the width direction relative to the second slope S2 and moves toward the slope 21S. As a result, the auxiliary slope SS is arranged to cover the gap that occurs between the second slope S2 and the slope 21S in response to the movement of the load detection unit 10a1 in a direction away from the load detector 10a2. At this time, the auxiliary slope SS is arranged adjacent to the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 in contact with it or with only a small gap (FIG. 12(b)). Also, when the load detection unit 10a1 is moved from the maximum state to the minimum state, that is, in a direction approaching the load detection unit 10a2, the auxiliary slope SS slides in the width direction relative to the main slope SM and is accommodated in the recess ra on the lower side of the second slope S2. The same applies when the load detection units 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 move in the width direction.

When the load detection unit 10a1 is moved from the minimum state to the maximum state in the direction away from the load detection unit 10a2, the auxiliary slope SS provided on the third slope S3 of the main slope SM slides in the width direction relative to the third slope S3 and moves toward the slope 312 of the lower member 31. As a result, the auxiliary slope SS is arranged to cover the gap that occurs between the second slope S2 and the slope 312 in response to the movement of the load detection unit 10a1 in the direction away from the load detector 10a2. At this time, the auxiliary slope SS is arranged adjacent to the slope 312 of the lower member 31 in contact with it or with only a small gap (Figure 12 (b)). The same applies when the load detection units 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 move in the width direction.

In this way, the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment places the auxiliary slope SS in the gap between the main slope SM and the slopes 21S, 312, 322 that may occur when the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2 are moved in the width direction, thereby preventing the occurrence of a gap large enough for the caster CT of the bed BD to fit into.

After arranging the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 in appropriate positions according to the bed BD to be installed, the bed BD is installed on the load detection unit 1000. The bed BD is installed on the load detection unit 1000 by bringing each of the four casters CT of the bed BD to the center of each of the four placement plates 13 via the slope sections 112 of each of the four base sections 11 (FIG. 13(a)).

As described above, the auxiliary slopes SS are disposed in the gaps between the main slopes SM and the slopes 21S, 312, 322 that may occur when the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2 are moved in the width direction. This prevents the casters CT from getting caught in the gaps, and allows the casters CT to be easily moved onto the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2.

In addition, because the inclination angle of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 of the slope section 112 is small at 7.6 degrees, the four casters CT can be lifted onto the loading plate 13 with little force, despite the weight of the bed BD. In addition, loading the bed BD onto the load detection unit 1000 via a gently sloping surface is also preferable in that it minimizes the impact on the patient on the bed BD (who may be in a very critical condition in some cases).

In addition, the slope section 112 of each of the four load detection sections 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 has three slopes S1 to S3, the widthwise connecting sections 20a and 20b each have a slope 21S, and the longitudinal connecting section 30 also has slopes 312 and 322, so that the bed BD can be moved along any path that overcomes the load detection unit 1000, and the four casters CT can be easily placed on the four mounting plates 13.

When the bed BD is placed on the load detection unit 1000, the wiring W extending from the strain sensor units 12 of the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 is housed in the wiring path CH defined by the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30. This prevents contact between the casters CT of the bed BD and the wiring W, preventing damage to the wiring W due to such contact and preventing the wiring W from falling off the strain sensor units 12 and the control part CONT.

When the bed BD is placed on the load detection unit 1000, the lower ends LE of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 of the slope section 112 attached to the main body section 111 are located outside the bed BD in a plan view (Figure 13(a)). In other words, the slope section 112 attached to the main body section 111 is positioned such that at least a portion of the slope section 112 protrudes horizontally from the bed BD (described in detail later).

Therefore, after placing the bed BD on the load detection unit 1000, the slope portion 112 is removed from the main body portion 111 in the base portion 11 of each of the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 (FIG. 13(b)). This allows the base portion 11 to fit underneath the bed BD.

In this way, by removing the slope portion 112 and storing each base portion 11 in the area below the bed BD (the area overlapping the bed BD in a plan view), it is possible to prevent contact between the doctor, nurse, etc. treating the patient on the bed BD and the base portion 11, especially the slope portion 112. In the medical field, doctors, etc. are busy moving around the bed BD, so it is desirable that there are no obstacles at the feet of the doctors, etc. In particular, in this embodiment, the slope portion 112 of the base portion 11 has first to third slopes S1 to S3 and an auxiliary slope SS, each of which has a small inclination angle, and has a large amount of protrusion in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is advantageous to be able to remove the slope portion 112.

When replacing the bed BD, the slope portion 112 is attached to the main body portion 111 in each of the base portions 11 of the load detection portions 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, and then the installed bed BD is moved and lowered from the load detection unit 1000. At this time, since the inclination angle of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 of the slope portion 112 is small at 7.6 degrees, the bed BD can be lowered safely with less force, and the impact on the patient on the bed BD can also be minimized.

After the bed BD is removed from the load detection unit 1000, the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 are rearranged to appropriate positions according to the next bed BD to be installed. This rearrangement can be easily performed by simply adjusting the length of the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b and the length of the longitudinal connecting part 30. After the load detection parts are rearranged, the next bed BD to be installed is installed on the load detection unit 1000 via the slope part 112. After the bed BD is installed, the slope part 112 is removed from the main body part 111 of each base part 11.

The effects of the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment are summarized below.

In the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, each of the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 is provided with an auxiliary slope SS that is movable relative to the main slope SM. When the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 are moved in the width direction, the auxiliary slope SS is arranged to cover any gaps that may occur between the main slope SM of the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 and the other slopes 21S, 312, and 322. This prevents gaps from being formed between the main slope S and the other slopes 21S, 312, and 322, and prevents the caster CT from getting stuck in the gap.

For example, if a caster CT gets stuck in a gap between the slopes when a patient is on the bed, the patient will be subjected to unnecessary shocks, such as the shock when the caster CT gets stuck in the gap or when the caster CT is removed from the gap. In addition, it takes time to place the bed BD on the load detection unit 1000, which delays the timing of providing appropriate treatment to the patient. Therefore, placing an auxiliary slope SS between the slopes to fill the gap, as in the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, can be particularly advantageous for use in hospitals, etc.

In the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, the four load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 are connected via the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30 so that they can move relative to one another. Therefore, by adjusting the lengths of the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30, the four load detection units can be easily positioned in an appropriate positional relationship according to the shape of the bed BD (the positional relationship of the casters CT). This is particularly advantageous in situations where it is necessary to quickly and reliably adjust the position according to the next bed to be installed, such as when accepting an emergency patient.

In the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, each of the four load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 has a slope part 112, so that the casters can be easily moved over the multiple load detectors. In addition, in the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, the slope part 112 in each of the four load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 is detachable from the main body part 111, so that it does not get in the way of the user of the bed, etc.

In particular, in the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, the inclination angle of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 of the slope section 112 is small at 7.6 degrees, so that the bed BD can be more easily installed on the load detection unit 1000 with little force and without causing a large impact on the patient on the bed BD. On the other hand, by reducing the inclination angle, the length of the first to third slopes S1 to S3 becomes large and they are positioned protruding horizontally from the bed BD, but by removing the slope section 112 from the main body section 111, it is possible to prevent contact between the slope section 112 and the user of the bed BD, etc.

In the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, the wiring W extending from the strain sensor units 12 of the four load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 is housed inside the wiring path CH defined by the width direction connecting parts 20a, 20b and the longitudinal direction connecting part 30. Therefore, when the bed BD is placed on the load detection unit 1000, contact between the caster CT and the wiring W is eliminated, and damage to the wiring W due to the contact and the wiring W falling off from the strain sensor unit 12 and the control unit CONT are prevented. In addition, contact between the patient on the bed BD and medical personnel such as doctors and nurses who treat the patient and the wiring W is also eliminated, and damage to the wiring W due to the contact and the wiring W falling off from the strain sensor unit 12 and the control unit CONT are prevented. In addition, since the wiring W is hidden from view, it does not spoil the aesthetics of the hospital room, treatment room, etc.

The load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment has multiple slopes, including the three slopes of the slope portion 112 of each base portion 11, so that the bed BD equipped with casters CT can be moved with a high degree of freedom in the vicinity of the load detection unit 1000. Therefore, the bed BD can be easily installed on the load detection unit 1000 and removed from the load detection unit 1000 by moving the bed BD along various paths.

In the load detection unit 1000 of this embodiment, the four load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 are connected to each other via the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30. Therefore, even if a user or the like bumps into any of the load detection parts, the load detection parts are unlikely to shift in position. This is advantageous in maintaining the accuracy of detection using the load detection unit 1000.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the following variations can also be used.

In the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 of the above embodiments, the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb can be arranged inside the recesses ra and rb in various ways.

Specifically, for example, the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb may be tightly fitted inside the recesses ra, rb, and when the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb are moved relative to the main slope portion 112M, the worker may first remove the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb from the recesses ra, rb, and then refit them into the recesses ra, rb at an appropriate position where a portion of the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb protrudes from the main slope portion 112M. Such a configuration is also included in the "slide" of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 14(a), the auxiliary slope sections 112Sa and 112Sb in the above embodiment may be provided with a pull handle HD to assist the worker in sliding the auxiliary slope sections 112Sa and 112Sb. In this case, the pull handle may be of any type, but may be a recessed hole to avoid interference with the caster CT moving on the auxiliary slope SS.

In the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14(b), a biasing member such as a compression spring SR may be disposed between the end e1 of the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb and the side surfaces of the recesses ra and rb facing the end e1, and the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb may be biased in a direction protruding from the main slope portion 112M. This allows the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb to slide easily when the main slope portion 112M is moved outward in the width direction.

In the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14(c), a locking portion HK for locking the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb to the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 may be provided at the end e2 of the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb.

The locking portion HK may be any structure that detachably connects the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb to the connecting base 21, and specifically, for example, may be a hook that can rotate around an axis along the surface of the auxiliary slope SS. The hook engages with a recess provided in the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 to connect the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb to the slope 21S. In this state, if the main slope portion 112M is moved outward in the width direction, the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb are pulled out by the slope 21S via the locking portion HK. Therefore, the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb can be easily and reliably protruded from the main slope portion 112M.

The load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 of the above embodiment may have a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb relative to the main slope portion 112M. When the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment is continuously used for a bed BD of the same dimensions, the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb can be fixed to the main slope portion 112M by such a locking mechanism to prevent unintended movement of the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb.

Specifically, such a lock mechanism may be, for example, a mechanism similar to the position adjustment mechanism composed of the leaf spring SP and the recess r of the longitudinal connecting portion 30. More specifically, a leaf spring similar to the leaf spring SP is arranged on the side surface of the center O ₁₁₂ side of the recesses ra and rb, and a plurality of recesses similar to the recess r are arranged at predetermined intervals on the opposing side surfaces of the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb. As another example, a through hole may be provided on the side surface of the center O ₁₁₂ side of the recesses ra and rb, and a set screw (set screw) may be embedded in the through hole, and the set screw may be pressed against or embedded in the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb to fix the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb.

In addition, the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb may be fixed in position relative to the main slope portion 112M using double-sided tape or adhesive. The locking mechanism of the present invention also includes double-sided tape or adhesive that is covered with release paper or the like so that it can be attached to the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb at the desired timing.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb are provided on the main slope portion 112M of the load detection portions 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, but this is not limited to the above. A recess similar to the recesses ra and rb may be provided on the underside of the slope 21S of the connecting base 21 of the widthwise connecting portions 20a and 20b, and the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb may be arranged in the recess.

In this modified embodiment, when a gap occurs between the main slope SM of the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 and the slope 21S of the connecting stand 21, the worker pulls out the auxiliary slope units 112Sa and 112Sb from the slope 21S and places them in the gap.

In the main slope portion 112M of the load detection unit 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2 in the above embodiment, both end faces of the first member M1 and the end faces of the second member M2 and the third member M3 connected to the first member M1 are inclined at 45° with respect to the longitudinal direction, and these are connected in a frame-like shape, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 15, both end faces of the first member M1 and the end faces of the second member M2 and the third member M3 connected to the first member M1 may be surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the first member M1 and the second member M2, and the first member M1 and the third member M3 may be connected via quadrant-shaped corner members MC, respectively. An inclined surface that rises from the arc side toward the center is defined on the upper surface of the corner member MC.

In the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 of the above embodiments, the width of the protrusion pr of the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa, 112Sb (the dimension in the end-to-end direction spanning between end e1 and end e2) is arbitrary. In the region where the protrusion pr exists, when the auxiliary slope portion 112Sa, 112Sb is pulled out from the recesses ra, rb, the gap between the auxiliary slope SS and the widthwise connecting portions 20a, 20b becomes small. Therefore, by increasing the width of the protrusion pr, the region where the gap between the auxiliary slope SS and the widthwise connecting portions 20a, 20b is small can be widened.

When using the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, if the auxiliary slope sections 112Sa, 112Sb, which have a large amount of pull-out from the main slope section 112M, are in a maximum state, etc., they may be replaced with a longer auxiliary slope section (larger dimension in the end-to-end direction spanning between end e1 and end e2).

When the main slope portion 112M is made of elastomer, rubber, or the like, if a caster is positioned on the main slope SM above the area of the recesses ra, rb where the auxiliary slope portions 112Sa, 112Sb are not present, the main slope SM may bend. Such bending may occur when the auxiliary slope portion is pulled out a large amount in the maximum state and the auxiliary slope portion is not present in most of the recesses ra, rb.

Therefore, when the auxiliary slope sections 112Sa and 112Sb, which have a large amount of pull-out from the main slope section 112M, are in a maximum state, etc., it is possible to suppress deflection of the main slope by replacing them with longer auxiliary slope sections and reducing the area of the recesses ra and rb where no auxiliary slope sections exist.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), when the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 are in the maximum state, the amount of auxiliary slope portion 112Sb drawn out from the third slope S3 of load detection unit 10a1 and the amount of auxiliary slope portion 112Sa drawn out from the second slope S2 of load detection unit 10a2 are greater than the amount of other auxiliary slope portions. This is because the width of the lower portion 31 of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 is smaller than the width of the slope 21S and the upper portion 32. Therefore, when the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2 are in the maximum state, these auxiliary slope portions 112Sa and 112Sb may be replaced with longer auxiliary slope portions.

The member for providing the auxiliary slope SS is not limited to a wedge-shaped member such as the auxiliary slope members 112Sa and 112Sb. For example, a triangular tubular member may be coaxially fitted into the second slope S2 and the third slope S3 to form an auxiliary slope that slides in a nested manner relative to the second slope S2 and the third slope S3.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the slope portion 112 of the base portion 11 of the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 each has the first to third slopes S1 to S3, but is not limited to this. Each of the slope portions 112 may have only one of the first to third slopes S1 to S3. Similarly, the slope 21S of the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b and the slopes 312 and 322 of the longitudinal connecting part 30 may also be omitted.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b that connect the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 so as to be relatively movable in the width direction are configured by a connecting base and a pair of plate parts, but are not limited to this. Any connecting part that connects the load detection parts so as to be relatively movable can be used instead of the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b, and for example, a nested connecting part such as the longitudinal connecting part 30 can be used. Similarly, instead of the longitudinal connecting part 30, a connecting part such as the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b, that is, a connecting part having a central base and a pair of sliding parts slidably connected to the base, may be used. In addition, the connecting parts such as the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30 may be configured to be temporarily fixed at any length. Taking the longitudinal connecting portion 30 as an example, for example, temporary fastening slits extending in the longitudinal direction are formed in each of the lower member 31 and the upper member 32 so as to overlap each other. Then, after the longitudinal connecting portion 30 is expanded or contracted to complete the alignment of the load detection portion, a screw passing vertically through the temporary fastening slits of the lower member 31 and the temporary fastening slits of the upper member 32 is turned to tighten the nut, thereby fixing (temporarily fastening) the lower member 31 and the upper member 32 to each other. Similar temporary fastening slits can be provided in other connecting portions.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the wiring path CH is defined by the groove _G21 and the accommodation space _R21 of the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the accommodation space _R30 of the longitudinal connecting part 30, but this is not limited thereto. By providing grooves or the like in a predetermined arrangement in the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30, any passage suitable for protecting the wiring W can be defined. For example, instead of the accommodation spaces _R21 , _R30 , a narrower wiring path along the route of the wiring W may be formed.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, at least one of the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30 may be replaced with a connecting part that does not define the wiring path CH. Specifically, for example, a telescopic connecting rod in which two circular pipes are connected in a nested manner may be used.

The surfaces of the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b, the longitudinal connecting part 30, and the connecting parts of each modified example may be marked with scales indicating the distance between the load detection parts at both ends, or with marks according to the type of bed. When the scales are provided, for example, the scales may be provided on the surface of one of the pair of members that slide against each other, and the scale may be read at the position of the end of the other member to read the overall length of the connecting part or the distance between the load detection parts at both ends of the connecting part. When the marks according to the type of bed are provided, for example, the model numbers and names of various beds may be provided on the surface of one of the pair of members that slide against each other, and the load detection part may be placed in the optimal position according to the bed by aligning the end of the other member with the position of the marking. According to this aspect, multiple load detection parts can be more easily placed in the optimal position.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 may be configured to wirelessly transmit detection values to the control unit CONT. In this case, the wiring W may be omitted.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the load detection units 10a1 and 10a2, and the load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 are connected by widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b, respectively, and the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b are connected by a longitudinal connecting part 30. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, as in the load detection unit 1001 of FIG. 16, the longitudinal connecting part 30 may be disposed outside the load detection units 10a2 and 10b2 in the width direction, and the longitudinal connecting part 30 may be fixed to the load detection units 10a2 and 10b2.

This aspect is advantageous when the load detection unit 1001 is installed along the wall of a hospital room, a treatment room, etc. In other words, if the load detection unit 1001 is installed so that the longitudinal coupling parts 30 are located near the wall, the casters CT of the bed BD do not need to climb over the longitudinal coupling parts 30 when installing the bed BD on the load detection unit 1001 and when removing the bed BD from the load detection unit 1001. In addition, since the longitudinal coupling parts 30 are located on the wall side of the bed BD, they do not get in the way of patients or medical staff when the bed BD is in use.

The load detection unit 1000 may be configured to be able to change the positions of the widthwise connecting parts 20a, 20b and the longitudinal connecting part 30. For example, the longitudinal connecting part 30 may be configured to be able to be changed (replaced) between the widthwise center part as in the load detection unit 1000 and one widthwise end part as in the load detection unit 1001.

The load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment may be configured so that the distance between the load detection parts can be adjusted only in the width direction. Specifically, for example, the longitudinal connecting part 30 may be replaced with a connecting part that does not expand or contract, such as a rod or plate material.

The load detection unit 1000 in the above embodiment includes four load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, but is not limited to this. For example, the load detection unit may be configured only with the load detectors 10a1 and 10a2 and widthwise connecting parts that connect them so that they can move relative to one another. In addition, it is not necessary for all of the multiple load detection parts to have the auxiliary slope of the above embodiment, and only one of the load detection parts may have the auxiliary slope.

In addition, the number of load detection parts provided in the load detection unit 1000 is not limited as long as there is more than one. In addition, various modes can be adopted for connecting the multiple load detection parts in a relatively movable or fixed manner.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 have a base part 11 and a mounting plate 13 that are substantially square in plan view, and strain sensor units 12 are provided at the four corners of the mounting plate 13, but are not limited to this. The shape of the base part 11 and the mounting plate 13 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, circular. In this case, the base part 11 may have a circular main body part 111 and a substantially C-shaped slope member 112 that surrounds substantially the entire area except for the connection part with the width direction connecting part. The number of strain sensor units 12 is also arbitrary, and may be, for example, three.

In the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment, the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 are used, in which the strain sensor unit 12 is fixed to the base member 11, but this is not limited to this. Instead of the load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, a base member 11' shown in FIG. 17 can also be used.

The base member 11' has a main body portion 111' and a slope portion 112' that is detachable from the main body portion 111'. The slope portion 112' has the same structure as the slope portion 112.

The main body 111' has a similar shape to the main body 111, but on the upper surface 111u', instead of the opening 111A that accommodates the mounting plate 13, there is a receiving portion 111H' that receives the load detector 50.

According to this modified embodiment, an alignment unit is obtained in which four base members 11' each having a main body portion 111' with a receiving portion 111H' for receiving a load detector are connected so as to be movable relative to one another.

The load detector 50 received in the receiving portion 111H' of the base member 111' may have the same structure as the load detection portion 10b2 of the above embodiment, except that the slope portion 112 is removed, for example.

When using the alignment unit of this modified embodiment, the load detector 50 may first be accommodated in each receiving portion 111H' of the main body portion 111', and then the unit may be used in the same manner as the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment. Alternatively, the position of the base member 11' may first be adjusted using the widthwise connecting portions 20a, 20b and the longitudinal connecting portion 30, and then the load detector 50 may be accommodated in each of the receiving portions 111H' of the main body portions 111' of the four base members 11' arranged in an appropriate positional relationship. In either method, the four load detectors 50 can be easily and appropriately positioned. The load detectors 50 accommodated in the receiving portions 111H' may be fixed to the main body portion 111'.

The load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment and modified example can also be considered as a configuration in which the load detector is pre-stored in the receiving section of the alignment unit of the modified example.

A load detection system can be configured by combining the load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment and modified example with the control unit CONT. In this case, the control unit CONT may determine the load of the subject on the bed BD based on the output from the load detection units 10a1 to 10b2.

The above embodiment and modified examples have been described using the load detection unit 1000 in a medical setting, but the present invention is not limited to this. The load detection unit 1000 can be used in a variety of situations, such as in nursing care settings and in ordinary homes.

As long as the characteristics of the present invention are maintained, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and other forms that are conceivable within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

The load detection unit of the present invention can easily arrange multiple load detectors in an appropriate positional relationship, and the multiple casters can be easily moved over the multiple load detectors, without being a hindrance to the bed user. Therefore, the load detection unit of the present invention can contribute to improving the quality of medical care, nursing care, etc.

10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2 Load detection section, 11, 11' Base section, 111, 111' Main section, 112, 112', 212 Slope section, 112M Main slope section, 112Sa, 112Sb Auxiliary slope section, 12 Strain sensor unit, 13 Placement plate, 20a, 20b Width direction connecting section, 210 Load detector, 30 Longitudinal connecting section, 1000 Load detection unit, _G11 , _G21 Groove, _R21 , _R30 Storage space

Claims (17)

An alignment unit that aligns a plurality of load detectors that are installed under casters of a bed and detect a load,
A plurality of base parts are installed on a floor on which the bed is placed;
a connecting portion that connects the plurality of base portions to each other so as to be relatively movable along a direction in which the plurality of base portions face each other,
Each of the plurality of base portions is
a main body having a receiving portion for receiving each of the plurality of load detectors;
a main slope for guiding the caster to the load detector in the receiving portion;
The connecting portion has a connecting portion slope provided adjacent to the main slope in the opposing direction,
An alignment unit further comprising an auxiliary slope provided on at least one of the main slopes or the connecting portion slopes of the plurality of base portions and slidable in the opposing direction toward the connecting portion slope or the main slope. The alignment unit according to claim 1 , wherein when a gap is created between the main slope and the connecting portion slope as a result of the multiple base portions being moved away from each other in the opposing direction, the auxiliary slope is slidable in the opposing direction to cover the gap. The alignment unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the auxiliary slope is disposed in a recess provided below the main slope or the connecting slope and opening toward the connecting slope or the main slope. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the auxiliary slope is provided on the main slope of at least one of the plurality of base portions . The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main slope includes a first slope disposed on one side of the receiving portion, and second and third slopes that sandwich the receiving portion in a direction different from the direction in which the receiving portion and the first slope are aligned. The plurality of base portions are
A pair of first base portions;
a pair of second base portions;
The connecting portion is
a first connecting portion that connects the pair of first base portions so as to be relatively movable in the opposing direction;
a second connecting portion that connects the pair of second base portions so as to be relatively movable in the opposing direction;
The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a third connecting portion that connects the first and second connecting portions so as to be relatively movable in a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction. At least one main slope of the plurality of base portions includes a first slope disposed on one side of the receiving portion, and second and third slopes sandwiching the receiving portion in a direction different from a direction in which the receiving portion and the first slope are arranged,
The connecting slope is adjacent to the second slope of the main slope in the opposing direction,
The alignment unit according to claim 6, wherein the auxiliary slopes include a first auxiliary slope provided on a second slope of the main slope or the connecting portion slope and slidable in the opposing direction toward the connecting portion slope or the second slope, and a second auxiliary slope provided on a third slope of the main slope and slidable in the opposing direction toward a third connecting portion. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main slope is detachable from the main body. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inclination angle of the main slope is 10° or less. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the coupling portion accommodates wiring connected to at least one of the plurality of load detectors. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , further comprising a biasing member that biases the auxiliary slope toward the connecting portion slope or the main slope. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the auxiliary slope relative to the main slope or the connector slope. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , further comprising a locking portion that connects the auxiliary slope provided on one of the main slope and the connecting portion slope to the other of the main slope and the connecting portion slope. An alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ;
a load detection unit including a plurality of load detectors respectively accommodated in the receiving portions of the plurality of base portions of the alignment unit; A plurality of load detectors are installed under the casters of the bed to detect the load;
a connecting portion that connects the plurality of load detectors to each other so as to be relatively movable along a facing direction in which the plurality of load detectors face each other,
Each of the plurality of load detectors has a placement portion on which the caster is placed and a main slope that guides the caster to the placement portion,
The connecting portion has a connecting portion slope provided adjacent to the main slope in the opposing direction,
A load detection unit further comprising an auxiliary slope provided on at least one of the main slopes or the connecting slopes of the plurality of load detectors and slidable in the opposing direction toward the connecting slope or the main slope. A load detection system for detecting a load of a subject on a bed, comprising:
A load detection unit according to claim 14 or 15 ,
a control unit connected to the plurality of load detectors of the load detection unit, and determining the load of the subject based on outputs of the plurality of load detectors . a bed placed on the plurality of load detectors of the load detection unit,
The load detection system according to claim 16, wherein a lower end of the main slope is located outside the bed in a plan view when the bed is placed on the plurality of load detectors.

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