SE518670C2 - Adjustable bed comprising a central box under the mattress base to which a telescopic leg arrangement is connected - Google Patents

Abstract

Adjustable bed, comprising a frame with a central casing (10) arranged centrally under a mattress base, legs (24), and an adjustment mechanism. A telescopic leg arrangement (11) connects to at least one end of the central casing, in the longitudinal direction of the mattress base, and has an upper leg (22) articulated in the central casing for movement in the vertical direction, and a two-leg stand (24) which is telescopically displaceable in the upper leg (22) and, together with the upper leg, supports the central casing in a vertically adjustable manner.

Description

;; 1; » 10 15 20 25 30. . c | oo s 1 s evo is adjustable to different angular positions relative to the mattress bottom. Centrally placed under the drawer and attached to it, there is a wheel arrangement comprising wheel pairs arranged on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the bed. One of these wheels in each wheel pair is larger than the other, and there is a mechanism for shifting from the larger wheel to the smaller one. With the mattress base placed at normal height, the two larger wheels are used, which together with the two mentioned legs support the mattress bottom. In the tilted position, the large wheels also serve to support the mattress bottom together with said legs. The large wheels fold in and the small wheels fold out when the mattress base is moved to its lowest position, after which these smaller wheels take over the function of the large wheels. Swedish Offenlegungsschrift 466 833 shows a bed where the construction is built around a chassis, a bed frame and two intermediate frames.

The so-called bed frame, which serves as the mattress base, is made up of a middle section, a head end section and a foot end section. These sections are articulated to each other so that the two end sections can be swung up and down in a vertical direction by means of an adjustment mechanism, ie. around a shoulder across the bed frame.

Another example of a bed with several frames, in this case a base and an upper frame can be found in the published PCT application WO 94/27547. On the upper frame, which is height-adjustable with vertically operating telescopic poles, there is a mattress base divided into a number of mutually adjustable sections.

Another example of a bed with a mattress base divided into mutually adjustable sections can be found in the published PCT application WO 95/31171.

Under the mattress bottom there is a mechanism for mutual positioning of the mentioned sections. The mattress base is supported by a stand with four legs, which supports the mattress base in the corners of an imaginary rectangle. These legs are vertically oriented, and each leg is telescopically adjustable. By telescopic adjustment of the pair of legs at the head end resp. foot end it is possible to lift 1z; n. | 10 15 20 25 30. . u n oo 518 670 up resp. lower any end. Adjustment of all legs also provides the possibility of adjustment in height.

A bed with adjusting mechanism in a central drawer under a mattress base is shown in published European patent application with publication number O 431 192. The mattress base is divided into sections. With the head end section upright, the middle section is pivotable horizontally from the bed, forming a seat.

British patent specification 683 073 shows a mattress base supported on a curved beam construction via an upper frame, divided into a number of mutually adjustable sections. There are separate extension pieces for height adjustment of the mattress base.

Usually some type of metal or metal-based material is used as material in beds of the current adjustable type. However, other types of materials have also been used. An example of an adjustable bed made of plastic material, preferably reinforced plastic material, is found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,527. This bed is also built up of a number of individual frames for achieving adjustability.

All of the bed constructions mentioned above have adjustment possibilities in one way or another.

However, the ergonomic aspect is often not fully considered. This generally applies to the examples of beds given above, especially when these are to be used as institutional beds.

The ergonomic aspect includes e.g. a. manageability: for patient, for care staff, for cleaning staff, for service staff and storage staff. 11.11 10 15 20 25 30 518 670 4 In this context, the weight of the bed is relevant and should be kept to a minimum. In addition, the environmental aspect should be taken into account. This means environmentally friendly material, both during manufacture and during use.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION Based on the above-mentioned prior art and the requirements that should be able to be placed on a bed of the type in question, the object of the present invention is to eliminate an adjustable bed which is free from handling, cleaning by eliminating the shortcomings of the known beds. transport and storage aggravating details and lacking dirt and bacterial foci forming nooks and crannies.

THE INVENTION The above-mentioned object of the invention is achieved with an adjustable bed according to the preamble of the appended claim 1, with the features stated in the characterizing part of claim 1. The subclaims state the additional features which fall within the scope of the above general problem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows in side view an embodiment of an adjustable bed according to the invention, Figure 2 shows the bed in Figure 1 seen from below, Figure 3 shows the bed in Figure 1 seen from above, Figure 4 shows the bed in Figure 1 seen from one end, his : 10 15 20 25 30 figure 5 fi gur 6 fi gur 7 figure 8 figure 9, fi gur 10 fi gur 11 fi gur 12 figure 13 figure 14 sis 670 shows the bed in fi gur 1 tilted (tipped) longitudinally, shows the bed in fi gur 1 tilted transversely, shows the bed in fi gur 1 converted to a chair, shows the bed in fi gur 1 with the bed base lying horizontally at maximum height vertically, shows the bed in fi gur 1 with the bed base lying horizontally at reduced height in vertical direction, shows the bed in fi gur 1 with the bed base lying on further reduced height, corresponding to stowage height, shows an embodiment of an adjustment mechanism with drive device for the bed in Figure 1, with the telescopic leg arrangement of the song in a position corresponding to stowage position, shows the adjustment mechanism and d the tear device according to fi gur 11 with the telescopic leg arrangement of the song in a position corresponding to the bed base placed at maximum height, shows the head end section of the bed in fi gur 1 with associated adjustment mechanism and drive device, with the head end section in horizontal position, shows the head end section in fi gur 13 in folded position, 15 20 25 30 un. II 518 670 é. figure 15 shows the foot end section of the bed in fi gur 1 with associated adjustment mechanism and drive device, with the foot end section in horizontal position, and figure 16 shows the foot end section in fi gur 15 in the lowered position.

The bed in Figure 1 has a supporting frame which in the embodiment shown comprises a central drawer 10 placed substantially centrally under the bed in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the bed.

The central drawer is relatively short compared to the bed length and is relatively narrow compared to the bed width. In the embodiment shown of the bed, a telescopic leg arrangement 11 is connected to each end of the central box.

A mattress base, which in the embodiment shown comprises three sections, a middle section 12a, a main end section 12b and a foot end section 12c, is supported by the central drawer 10. The middle section 12a of the mattress bottom has an extension in the longitudinal direction substantially corresponding to the length of the central drawer 10. in a joint 15 to be able to perform tilting movement around the joint 15, ie. around a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the mattress base.

The mattress bottom sections have the same width. The main end section 12b is slightly longer than the foot end section 12c, which in turn is slightly shorter than the middle section 12a. The main end section is articulated connected to the middle section in a hinge 13 to be able to pivot upwards in the vertical direction, and the foot end section is articulated connected to the middle section in a hinge 14 in order to be able to pivot downwards in the vertical direction. Adjustment mechanism and drive device for these upward and downward movements will be described later. faaan 10 15 20 25 30. . . ~. : I ,, nu: Along the longitudinally extending outer sides of the mattress bottom sections of the mattress bottom sections there are frames 12d, 12e and 12f, and in these openings 12g (fi g. 7) for attaching side gates 16. The openings 12g are so designed and placed that after precipitation 90 ° of the gates from sliding for storage under the mattress bottom, the gates become the mattress bottom. The middle section 12a of the mattress base, which is tiltably supported, is held by the central drawer 10 with sufficient gap space to enable insertion also of the middle side gate.

Ends 17 are connected to the short ends of the mattress base. These are supported fold-out (fi g. 7) and slidably under the mattress bottom by means of a pair of articulated and slidably arranged arms 18, 19. In the embodiment of the bed shown in Figure 1, telescopic arrangement 11 is provided at each short side of the central side and each of these is terminated with link rollers 20, in the embodiment shown in the form of a bogie arrangement, which rests against the base 21 on which the bed is placed.

Each telescopic arrangement 11 has an upper leg 22 which is hingedly attached to the central drawer in a hinge 23 in order to be able to carry out upward and downward movement in the vertical joint by means of an adjustment mechanism and drive device.

A two-legged stand 24 is arranged telescopically displaceable in the upper leg. By means of the adjustment mechanism and the drive device, this telescopic movement takes place coordinated with the movement of the upper leg around the joint 23. As will be seen later, this coordinated movement takes place in such a way that the central drawer 10 and thus the mattress bottom is lowered and raised without major change in distance between wheels 20. in one place and the wheels 20 in the other place, i.e. the wheels for fl are moved moderately along the ground during adjustment of the central drawer 10 and thus the height of the bed.

The wear on the surface is therefore slight. .pain 10 15 20 25 30 518 670 The adjustment mechanisms and drive devices mentioned in connection with the various adjustments are all housed in the central drawer, the upper legs and the middle section 12a of the mattress base.

However, for adjusting the end section of the mattress base and for tilting in the transverse joint of the bed, some minor details required for maneuvering will protrude. On the whole, however, this means that the bed shown in Figure 1 essentially lacks externally exposed, functional, handling, hygienic, etc. disturbing elements.

An embodiment of an adjustment mechanism and drive device encapsulated in the central drawer 10, the upper legs 22 and the middle section 12d of the mattress base will now be described.

Figure 11 shows diagrammatically part of a central drawer 10, an upper leg 22, part of a two-legged stand 24 and in principle the adjustment mechanism and drive device used for placing the central drawer and thus the mattress bottom at the desired height in the vertical direction. The upper leg 22 has at the bottom of the figure an external curvature which allows pivoting movement of the upper leg around the joint 23 with a good seal against the central drawer. The joint 23 is placed at the top at the outer end corner of the central drawer to provide a corresponding seal. Inside the upper leg shaped as a hollow body there is a sleeve 25, and in this the cohesive central shaft part 24a of the two-legged frame 24 is guided. A ring gear 26 is provided on the upper leg 22 adjacent the joint 23. Gears 27, 28 are rotatably supported by the central box 10, and engage each other in the manner shown in Figure 11. The gear 27 engages the ring gear 26. An arm 29 is rotatably connected to the gear 28 and the free end of the arm is connected to the central shaft portion 24a of the telescopic stand 24 by means of a push rod 30. The push rod is rotatably attached to the arm 29 and the central shaft portion 24a, respectively. . none: 10 15 20 25 30 518 670 "A linearly acting screw actuator 31 is with its one end articulated attached to the upper leg 22 in an attachment point 32 located at the lower end corner of the upper leg in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows the adjustment mechanism in the position assumes when the upper leg 2 and the telescopic stand 24 have placed the central drawer 10 in its lowest position (fi g. 10).

Encapsulated in the central drawer 10 is a drive motor (not shown) for driving the linear screwdriver 31. By activating the drive motor, the position of the actuator can be adjusted and thus the relative positions between the central drawer 10, the upper leg 22 and the telescopic stand 24. Figure 12 shows the linear actuator in retracted position. During the movement to this retracted position, the gears 27, 28 and the ring gear 26 have been rotated in the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 11, the arm 29 and the push rod 30 to the two-legged telescopic position 24 transmitting movement to the position shown in Figure 12. In this position, the drawer 10 and thus also the mattress bottom are in their vertically highest positions. In the initial position in fi gur 11 (bottom position) the angle α between the arm 29 and the push rod 30 is approximately 45 °, and in the highest position according to fi gur 12 the angle ß is approximately 90 °. This angular relationship has been found to be advantageous for achieving the previously mentioned minimal change of the distance between the wheels abutting the floor on the respective telescopic arrangement 11.

With a mattress base of standard format and with an adjustment mechanism and drive device in the central drawer 10 according to Figures 11 and 12, the telescopic arrangement 11 allows adjustment of the mattress base within a wide range. Figure 10 shows a lowest position where the mattress base rests on hi = 300 mm from the base and the central drawer rests only on ho = 20 mm: 10 15 20 25 30 518 670 10 from the base. Figure 8 shows a maximum position h3 = 800 mm. In the intermediate position in fi gur 9 is h; = 600 mm. The distance between the wheel sets 20 is substantially equal in the different positions in fi gures 8-10.

Figures 13, 14 show the adjustment mechanism for the main end part 12b of the mattress base. To the central drawer 10, a screw actuator 33 is hingedly attached to a joint 34. The actuator rod 35 is arranged to be driven by a motor-driven gear 36. The motor for this is encapsulated in the central drawer 10. A bracket 37 connected to the main end section 12b of the mattress base is hingedly connected to the adjusting bar 35 in a hinge 38.

Thus, with the adjustment mechanism in Figure 13 and the associated drive device, the main end section is adjustable to the desired position. In Fig. 14, the adjusting rod is extended and the main end section is shown at a comfortable angle to form a comfortable backrest.

The only externally exposed openings required in the central drawer 10 to effect adjustment of the main end section are partly a narrow gap for the bracket 37 and partly an opening for the adjusting rod 35. However, these apertures can be made well sealed against the respective part of the adjustment elements.

The enclosure not exposed to the environment by the majority of the adjustment mechanism and the drive device is not endangered.

Figures 15 and 16 show the adjustment mechanism for the foot end section 12c of the mattress base. Since the construction in principle corresponds to the construction at the other end of the central drawer 10, no further detailed description is required. For the corresponding construction element, the same reference numerals have been used, but with the addition of c.

Tilting of the mattress base around its axis 15 extending centrally in the longitudinal direction of the mattress base is also achieved with the adjustment mechanism and drive device encapsulated in the central drawer 10. The arrangement for this only requires a pair of lifting rods on either side of the shaft 15.

Penetrations for these can, if necessary, be sealed in the same way as the penetrations in i gures 13-16 Between the mattress bottom and the central drawer 10 there must be a gap. This must not be so that fi ngars can be introduced. By designing a suitable curvature of the middle section 10 of the mattress bottom and the central drawer 10, the gap can be made to be of constant, minimal width during the entire tilting movement around the shaft 15.

Figures 5-7 illustrate different setting possibilities. With the described arrangement it is possible to work within the following angular ranges: 0 <u1, <5 °, 0 <012 <10 °, 0 <aa <65 °, 0 <now <70 ° and 0 <as <20 °.

In order to make optimal use of the advantages offered by the described bed construction, the bed is preferably manufactured in its entirety from some reinforced plastic material, for example with glass or carbon reinforced thermoplastic. Technology for injection molding of parts of such material is well established, for example in the automotive industry.

A major advantage achieved with such technology is that it becomes relatively easy to give outwardly exposed surfaces a smooth and hassle-free design. The individual elements, the central drawer, the two-legged telescopic stand and the upper arm can be given an exterior design that gives the bed an aesthetically pleasing overall look. The accompanying drawings show that the base of the bed, both from the side and from the headboards, has a softly arched, arcuate structure with smooth externally exposed surfaces.

Manufacture of the bed from injection moldable / pourable plastic material provides degrees of freedom that enable the incorporation of additional functions in the bed construction. It is conceivable, for example, to design the sections of the mattress base with flow channels for air in and for tempering the mattress base. ; ..- o 10 15 518 670 12 For maneuvering all the song's adjustment mechanisms and drive devices, it is intended that this should be done either from a set of controls belonging to the bed or from a monitoring center staffed by medical staff.

The vital parts of the adjustment mechanisms and drive devices can be collected in a compact box. This box can be designed in such a way that it can be plugged into the central box with a simple touch, which further improves serviceability for servicing personnel in the event that repair should be required. Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been described, the intention is that the inventive concept should be limited only by what is stated in the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. 14. » 10 15 20 25 30 att 0 '518 670' 1 12430 VG / MBS 13 PATENT REQUIREMENTS Bed, preferably enabling adjustment in all use and handling-relevant ladders as well as adjustment to reclining chair, comprising mattress bottom, centrally arranged under the mattress bottom, central drawer, legs and adjustment mechanism , characterized in that to at least one end of the central drawer (10), in the longitudinal direction of the mattress bottom (12a-12c), connects a telescopic leg arrangement (11), comprising a upper leg (22) articulated in the central drawer for movement and a telescopic displaceable, together with the upper leg centrally loaded height-adjustable support, two-legged stand (24), and that the adjustment mechanism comprises means (26-30) for said height adjustment. Bed according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism and drive device for this are designed as in said central drawer (10), upper legs (22) and possibly mattress base (12a-12c) encapsulated mechanism / drive device (26-32). The bed according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism comprises means (23, 31, 32) for angular change between the longitudinal direction of the central drawer (10) and the upper leg (22), and means (26-30) for changing the effective length of the two-legged stand (24). Bed according to claim 3, characterized in that said means (23, 26-32) for changing the angle and changing the length are designed so that the distance between the ends of the two-legged places (24) facing the floor becomes substantially unchanged regardless of the height of the mattress base above the floor (fi g). 8-10). Bed according to claim 4, characterized by said means (2326-32) for angular change and length change are designed such that the central drawer (10) can be placed in the desired position relative to the floor (21), with a distance from the floor. 670 14 this lying in a range from a few centimeters up to the order of about 1 meter. Bed according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mattress bottom comprises a middle section (12a) supported by the central drawer (10) and at each end of this vertically pivotable end sections (12b, 12c). Bed according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment mechanism also comprises means for tilting the mattress bottom (12a-12c) around its central longitudinal axis (15). Bed according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central drawer (10), the two upper legs (22) and the two-armed places (24), in normal lying height and seen from the side, form an arcuate soft structure (fi g. 1), that the corresponding arched, soft structure (fig. 4) is found in the two-armed places, and that the arrangement as a whole has external smooth surfaces without nooks and crannies. Bed according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mattress base (12a-12c), the central drawer (10), the telescopic leg arrangement (11) and other additional arrangements, for example gables (17), side flaps (16) etc. are all manufactured of light, environmentally friendly and easily cleanable material, preferably material of the thermoplastic composite type.