JP7419419B2 - Control equipment and electric furniture - Google Patents

Description

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

For example, there is electric furniture (for example, an electric bed or an electric chair) whose height and backrest angle can be changed. These electric furnitures are operated by a control device such as a hand switch (for example, a remote controller). In such a control device, improvement in operability is desired.

Patent No. 5640023

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

According to the embodiment, the control device includes a first operation button and a second operation button. The first operation button can accept a first control operation for raising or lowering the movable part of the electric furniture. The second operation button can accept the first control operation.
According to another embodiment, the control device includes an operating section and a cover member. The operation unit includes a plurality of operation buttons that can accept control operations for the movable parts of the electric furniture. The cover member overlaps a part of the plurality of operation buttons but does not overlap with another part of the plurality of operation buttons, and the cover member does not overlap with the part of the plurality of operation buttons and the plurality of operation buttons does not overlap with the other part of the plurality of operation buttons. and a state in which it does not overlap with the other part.
According to another embodiment, the control device includes an operation button capable of accepting a first control operation of one of the plurality of movable parts of the electric furniture, another one of the plurality of movable parts, and one of the plurality of movable parts. and another operation button that can accept the stored second control operation.
According to another embodiment, there is provided electric furniture including any one of the control devices described above and the movable part.

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

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a control device and electric furniture according to a first embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic perspective views illustrating the control device according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic plan views illustrating another control device according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic plan views illustrating another control device according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating a control device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another electric furniture including a control device according to an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as the reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be shown differently depending on the drawing.
In the specification of this application and each figure, the same elements as those described above with respect to the existing figures are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a control device and electric furniture according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view. FIG. 1(b) is a plan view.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic perspective views illustrating the control device according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the control device 130 according to the first embodiment is used together with electric furniture 310. The control device 130 can control the movable part 70 of the electric furniture 310. The control device 130 is, for example, a remote controller for the electric furniture 310. The control device 130 is, for example, a hand switch. The control device 130 may have various functions such as turning on/off lighting, calling a nurse or caregiver, or turning on/off power.

The electric furniture 310 is used, for example, in hospitals, nursing facilities, or homes.

In this example, electric furniture 310 is an electric bed. The electric bed has a movable part 70. The movable portion 70 includes, for example, a back bottom 70a, a knee bottom 70b, a leg bottom 70c, and a height changing portion 70d. The mutual angles of the back bottom 70a, knee bottom 70b, and leg bottom 70c can be changed. The angle of the upper body can be changed by operating the back bottom 70a. By changing the angle between the back bottom 70a and the knee bottom 70b, for example, the angle of the waist can be changed. By changing the angle between the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c, the angle of the knee can be changed. These angles may change in conjunction. The height changing section 70d can change the distance (height) between the floor surface and the bed surface, for example. For these movable parts 70, actuators or the like are used, for example. By operating the movable part 70, at least one of "back raising", "knee raising", and "height adjustment" is possible.

The control device 130 is electrically connected to the movable portion 70 described above. A control circuit may be provided between the control device 130 and the movable part 70. In this way, the case where another circuit is provided between them is also included in the state of being electrically connected.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the control device 130 is connected to the electric furniture 310 via the cable 15. Control device 130 may be connected to electric furniture 310 by wireless communication. Control device 130 includes operation section 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the control device 130 (operation unit 10) has a first surface 10a and a second surface 10b. The second surface 10b is a surface opposite to the first surface 10a. The first surface 10a is, for example, a front surface. The second surface 10b is, for example, the back surface. The first surface 10a is, for example, an operation surface.

A plurality of operation buttons (operation button 20, operation button 26, etc.) are provided on the first surface 10a. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2(b), a switch 50 may be provided on the second surface 10b. The switch 50 can have any function, for example. The switch 50 may function as an on/off switch for the control device 130, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 2(a), a display area 28 may be provided on the first surface 10a. The display area 28 can display, for example, information regarding the movable part 70 of the electric furniture 310 (bottom angle, height, etc.). The display area 28 may display information regarding the functions or operating states of the plurality of operation buttons 20.

As shown in FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 2(a), the control device 130 (operation unit 10) includes an operation button 20 and an operation button 26. The operation button 26 is suitable for operation by a user (for example, a cared person) of the electric furniture 310 (for example, an electric bed), for example. The operation button 20 is suitable for being operated by a caregiver, for example. The caregiver provides care for the user.

For example, a plurality of operation buttons 20 are provided. The plurality of operation buttons 20 can individually control the plurality of movable parts 70 of the electric furniture 310. There are a plurality of types of operations of the movable part 70 by the plurality of operation buttons 20.

On the other hand, the function of the operation button 26 is simple. The number of operation buttons 26 is smaller than the number of operation buttons 20.

An example of the operation button 20 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1(b), the plurality of operation buttons 20 include an up button 21a for "linked", a down button 21b for "linked", an up button 22a for "head", and a down button for "head". It includes a button 22b, an up button 23a related to "feet", a down button 23b related to "feet", an up/down button 24a related to "height", and a down button 24b related to "height".

For example, when the rise button 22a related to the "head" is pressed, the angle of the back bottom 70a increases. For example, when the lowering button 22b related to the "head" is pressed, the angle of the back bottom 70a becomes smaller. For example, when the rise button 23a related to "legs" is pressed, the angles of the knee bottoms 70b and leg bottoms 70c become larger. For example, when the lowering button 23b related to "legs" is pressed, the angles of the knee bottoms 70b and leg bottoms 70c become smaller. These angles are, for example, angles from the horizontal plane. For example, when the raise button 24a related to "height" is pressed, the bed surface becomes higher. For example, when the lowering button 24b related to "height" is pressed, the bed surface is lowered. For example, when the rise button 21a related to "linkage" is pressed, "head" and "feet" change in conjunction with each other. For example, when the descending button 21b related to "linked" is pressed, "head" and "feet" change in conjunction. These changes are made by the operation of the movable part 70. For example, the above operation is performed while the operation button is held down. This provides safe operation.

On the other hand, for example, the operation button 26 can control any one of the operation buttons 20 (buttons 22a to 24b) described above. The operation buttons 26 include, for example, buttons 26a and 26b. The function of the button 26a is, for example, the same as the function of the button 21a. The function of button 26b is the same as that of button 21b.

Thus, in embodiments, multiple buttons having the same function are provided. Control device 130 includes a first operation button (for example, button 26a) and a second operation button (for example, button 21a). The first operation button can accept a first control operation for raising or lowering the movable part 70 of the electric furniture 310. In this example, when the first operation button (button 26a) is pressed, "head" and "feet" change in conjunction. When the second operation button (button 21a) is pressed, the "head" and "feet" also change in conjunction.

In this way, multiple buttons with the same function are provided. The user of the electric furniture 310 may be conscious of pressing the first operation button (button 26a) and not conscious of pressing the second operation button (button 21a). Therefore, the user is prevented from operating the control device 130 by mistake. For the user, controllability of the control device 130 is improved. On the other hand, the caregiver can operate a plurality of operation buttons 20 (buttons 21a to 24b) including the second operation button (button 21a). Thereby, the caregiver can individually and finely control the plurality of movable parts 70 of the electric furniture 310.

Complicated operation buttons are troublesome for the user of the electric furniture 310 and are likely to cause malfunctions. On the other hand, a caregiver would like to finely control the movable part 70 of the electric furniture 310 to a desired state. The control desired by the user and the control desired by the caregiver are different from each other. Users want simple control. Caregivers do not want simplicity, but a high degree of control to obtain desired conditions.

Under such circumstances, a reference example may be considered in which a control device for the user and a control device for the caregiver are provided separately. That is, in this reference example, two remote controllers are provided. However, in this case, the number of control devices (remote controllers) increases, which is wasteful. This will lead to an increase in prices.

In this embodiment, one control device 130 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons having the same function. Accordingly, for example, the user operates the first control button (eg, button 26a). At this time, the user does not have to worry about the plurality of operation buttons 20 including the second operation button (for example, button 21a). On the other hand, the caregiver can set a desired state by using the plurality of operation buttons 20 including the second operation button (for example, button 21a). The special configuration in which one control device 130 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons having the same function was created based on the recognition that the control desired by the user and the control desired by the caregiver are different from each other. .

When providing the first operation button (for example, button 26a) and the second operation button (for example, button 21a) as described above, the following third operation button (for example, button 26b) and fourth operation button (for example, , button 21b) is preferably further provided.

The first operation button and the third operation button form a pair. The second operation button and the fourth operation button form another pair.

As already explained, the first operation button (for example, the button 26a) can accept the first control operation of raising or lowering the movable part 70 of the electric furniture 310. The second operation button (for example, button 21a) can also accept this first control operation. For example, the first control operation is an increase related to "interlocking".

On the other hand, the third operation button (for example, button 26b) can accept the other second control operation of raising and lowering the movable part 70. The fourth operation button (for example, button 21b) can also accept this second control operation. For example, the second control operation is a descent related to "interlocking."

In this way, for one function of the movable part, there are two control operations (paired control operations): raising or lowering. At this time, a plurality of buttons are provided corresponding to each of the two control operations. When the user of the electric furniture 310 operates the first control button and the third control button, simple control is possible. When the caregiver operates the second control button and the fourth control button, advanced control to obtain a desired state is possible. Good operability is obtained for both the user and the caregiver.

In the above example, the first operation button and the second operation button are buttons related to "interlocking". These buttons may also be associated with other control operations. For example, the first operation button and the second operation button may relate to "head", "feet", or "height". The first operation button and the second operation button relate to any one of the controls of the plurality of movable parts 70.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), in the control device 130, the operation unit 10 includes an operation surface (first surface 10a). A first operation button (for example, button 26a) and a second operation button (for example, button 21a) are provided on this operation surface (first surface 10a). The first operation button is aligned with the second operation button on this operation surface (first surface 10a). Similarly, a third operation button (for example, button 26b) and a fourth operation button (for example, button 21b) are provided on the operation surface (first surface 10a). The third operation button is aligned with the fourth operation button on this operation surface (first surface 10a). In this way, the operation button 26 for the user may be on the same plane (in the same plane) as the operation button 20 for the caregiver. As will be described later, the user operation button 26 may be on a different surface from the caregiver operation button 20.

It is preferable that the user operation button 26 is on the same surface as the caregiver operation button 20 so that they can be more easily identified. By applying the following configuration, for example, identifiability can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the operation surface (first surface 10a) includes a first region 10ap and a second region 10aq. In the first area 10ap, a first operation button (eg, button 26a) is provided. In the second region 10aq, a second operation button (for example, button 21a, etc.) is provided. As described below, these regions may differ in color, surface roughness, or material.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic plan views illustrating another control device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3A, in the control device 130a, the size of the first operation button (for example, button 26a) is different from the size of the second operation button (for example, button 21a). The size of the third operation button (for example, button 26b) is different from the size of the fourth operation button (for example, button 21b). The first operation button is larger than the second operation button. The third operation button is larger than the fourth operation button. Thereby, the first operation button and the third operation button are easier to see than the second operation button and the fourth operation button. Easier to operate. Thereby, for example, a user can obtain good operability. On the other hand, the operation button 20 for the caregiver is small in size. Therefore, many operation buttons can be provided within the operation surface (first surface 10a) having a predetermined area. Complex and advanced control becomes possible.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in the control device 130b, the shape of the first operation button (for example, button 26a) is different from the shape of the second operation button (for example, button 21a). The shape of the third operation button (for example, button 26b) is different from the shape of the fourth operation button (for example, button 21b). For example, a shape that is easier to grasp intuitively is applied to the first operation button and the third operation button. Better operability can be obtained.

In addition, the color of the operation button 26 for the user may be different from the color of the operation button 20 for the caregiver. This makes it easier to distinguish between the operation button 26 and the operation button 20.

In this way, for example, the first operation button (e.g., button 26a) has a size different from that of the second operation button (e.g., button 21a), a shape different from the shape of the second operation button, and a second operation button (e.g., button 21a). 2. The color may be different from the color of the operation button.

In the embodiment, the operation surface (first surface 10a) is provided with a first region 10ap and a second region 10aq. For example, the first region 10ap has at least one of a color different from that of the second region 10aq, a surface unevenness different from that of the second region 10aq, and a material different from the material of the second region 10aq. You may have one. This makes it easier to distinguish between, for example, the first operation button and the second operation button. For example, the operation button 26 and the operation button 20 can be more easily distinguished.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic plan views illustrating another control device according to the first embodiment.
These figures show two states in the control device 131.
The control device 131 includes a first member 11 and a second member 12. The first member 11 is provided with operation buttons 26 including a first operation button (for example, button 26a) and a third operation button (for example, button 26b). The second member 12 is provided with operation buttons 20 including a second operation button (for example, button 21a) and a fourth operation button (for example, button 21b).

The first member 11 has a first state shown in FIG. 4(a) and a second state shown in FIG. 4(b). In the first state, the first member 11 overlaps at least a portion of the second operation button (for example, button 21a). In the second state, the first member 11 does not overlap the second operation button (for example, button 21a).

The first member 11 is, for example, lid-shaped. In the first state, the first member 11 covers the caregiver's operation button 20 . In the second state, the caregiver's operation button 20 is not covered by the first member 11 .

In the first state, the user operates a first operation button (for example, button 26a) and a third operation button (for example, button 26b) provided on the first member 11. At this time, the caregiver's operation button 20 is hidden by the first member 11. Therefore, the user can easily know which button to press. On the other hand, in the second state, the caregiver moves the first member 11 from above the second member 12 and presses the operation button 20 provided on the first member 12, including the second operation button (for example, button 21a). can be operated. This allows complex and advanced control.

Also in the control device 131, a control device with high controllability can be obtained.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the first member 11 can form the above two states by rotating relative to the second member 12. The first member 11 may be capable of forming the above two states by sliding relative to the second member 12. Thus, for example, the first member 11 may be rotatable or slidable relative to the second member 12.

In the embodiment, the first member 11 and the second member 12 may have different colors, surface irregularities, or materials. For example, the first member 11 has at least one of a color different from that of the second member 12, a surface unevenness different from that of the second member 12, and a material different from the material of the second member 12. You may have one. This makes it easier to distinguish between, for example, the first operation button and the second operation button. For example, the operation button 26 and the operation button 20 can be more easily distinguished.

(Second embodiment)
FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating a control device according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view. FIGS. 5(b) and 5(c) are plan views illustrating two different states.

The control device 132 according to the second embodiment is also used together with the electric furniture 310 described with respect to FIG. 1(a). The control device 132 controls the movable part 70 provided in the electric furniture 310. The control device 132 is, for example, a hand switch.

As shown in FIG. 5(a), the control device 132 includes a plurality of operation buttons 20 and a cover member 18. The plurality of operation buttons 20 can accept control operations for the movable part 70 of the electric furniture 310. In this example, the plurality of operation buttons 20 include the buttons 21a to 24b described above.

The cover member 18 has at least two states (a first state and a second state).

As shown in FIG. 5C, in the first state, the cover member 18 overlaps some of the operation buttons 20 and does not overlap other parts of the operation buttons 20. As shown in FIG. In this example, the cover member 18 overlaps the buttons 22a-24b and does not overlap the buttons 21a and 21b.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), in the second state, the cover member 18 does not overlap with the above-mentioned part of the plurality of operation buttons 20, and also overlaps with the above-mentioned other part of the plurality of operation buttons 20. It won't happen. In the second state, for example, the plurality of operation buttons 20 are not covered by the cover member 18.

For example, the user of the electric furniture 310 uses the control device 132 in the first state shown in FIG. 5(c). In the first state, only the buttons operated by the user (button 21a and button 21b) are exposed. The buttons (buttons 22a to 24b) that are not operated by the user are covered by the cover member 18. The user does not look at the buttons that are not to be operated. The user can easily know which button to press.

On the other hand, the caregiver operates the control device 132 in the second state shown in FIG. 5(b). In the second state, for example, all of the plurality of operation buttons 20 are visible. Thereby, the electric furniture 310 can be controlled to a desired state. Complex and advanced control can be performed.

The control device 132 provides good operability for both the user and the caregiver.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c), the cover member 18 is of a revolving door type. This forms the first and second states described above. In this embodiment, the cover member 18 may be of a sliding type. In this case as well, a first state and a second state can be formed.

In this way, the cover member 18 may be rotatable relative to the operating section 10. The cover member 18 may slide relative to the operating section 10. The direction of relative sliding movement is, for example, the longitudinal direction of the operation unit 10 (the vertical direction of the display). The cover member 18 may be removably attached to the operating section 10. The above first state and second state may be formed by attaching and detaching the cover member 18.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control device according to a third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 133 according to the present embodiment includes an operation button (in this example, operation button 20) and another operation button (in this example, operation button 26). The operation buttons 26 include, for example, at least one of a button 26a and a button 26b. The operation button 20 includes at least one of buttons 22a to 24b.

As already explained, a plurality of movable parts 70 are provided in the electric furniture 310 (for example, an electric bed, etc.). The plurality of movable parts 70 include, for example, a back bottom 70a, a knee bottom 70b, a leg bottom 70c, and a height changing part 70d.

In this embodiment, the operation button 20 can accept a first control operation for one of the plurality of movable parts 70 of the electric furniture 310. For example, the button 22a, which is one of the operation buttons 20, accepts an upward control operation regarding the "head".

On the other hand, another operation button (operation button 26) can accept a second control operation for another one of the plurality of movable parts 70 and the above-mentioned one of the plurality of movable parts 70. Another one of the plurality of movable parts 70 is, for example, a "leg" control. The above one of the plurality of movable parts 70 is a "head" control. The state of the movable part 70 obtained by such a second control operation is stored. That is, by operating another operation button (operation button 26), at least two of the plurality of movable parts 70 are brought into the stored state.
This embodiment also provides a control device that can improve operability. The state of the movable part 70 obtained by the second control operation may be stored in an arbitrary storage section provided in at least one of the control device 133 and the electric furniture 310, for example.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another electric furniture including the control device according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the electric furniture 311 is an electric chair. Electric furniture 311 includes a movable part 70. The movable part 70 includes, for example, a backrest part 70e and a seat part 70f. These movable parts 70 are controlled by the control device 130 (or 130a, 130b, 131 or 132, etc.) according to the embodiment. The electric furniture 311 can also provide electric furniture with improved operability.

According to the embodiment, a control device and electric furniture that can improve operability can be provided.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, with regard to the specific configuration of each element included in the control device, such as the operation button, the operation section, the first member, the second member, and the cover member, those skilled in the art can appropriately select from the known range. As long as it can be carried out in the same way and the same effect can be obtained, it is included in the scope of the present invention.

Combinations of any two or more elements of each specific example to the extent technically possible are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they encompass the gist of the present invention.

In addition, all control devices and electric furniture that can be implemented by appropriately changing the design by those skilled in the art based on the control device and electric furniture described above as embodiments of the present invention are also applicable to the present invention, as long as they include the gist of the present invention. falls within the scope of the invention.

In addition, it is understood that various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the idea of the present invention, and these changes and modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Operation part, 10a... First surface (operation surface), 10ap, 10aq... First, second area, 10b... Second surface, 11... First member, 12... Second member, 15... Cable, 18... Cover member, 20... operation button, 21a... button (second operation button), 21b... button (fourth operation button), 22a to 24b... button, 26... operation button, 26a... button (first operation button), 26b ...button (third operation button), 50...switch, 28...display area, 70...movable part, 70a...back bottom, 70b...knee bottom, 70c...leg bottom, 70d...height change part, 70e...backrest part, 70f... Seat part, 130, 130a, 130b, 131, 132, 133... Control device, 310, 311... Electric furniture

Claims (4)

a first operation button capable of accepting a first control operation for raising or lowering a movable part of the electric furniture;
a second operation button capable of accepting the first control operation;
a third operation button capable of accepting the other second control operation of raising and lowering the movable part;
a fourth operation button capable of accepting the second control operation;
an operation section including an operation surface on which the first operation button, the second operation button, the third operation button, and the fourth operation button are provided;
Equipped with
The operation surface is
a first area in which the first operation button and the third operation button are provided;
a second area where the second operation button and the fourth operation button are provided and which is continuous with the first area;
including;
The first area and the second area are set on the same surface of one casing,
Electric furniture control device. The first operation button is
a size different from the size of the second operation button;
a shape different from the shape of the second operation button, and
a color different from the color of the second operation button;
had at least one of the following;
The electric furniture control device according to claim 1 . The movable part includes at least one of a back bottom, a knee bottom, a leg bottom, and a height changing part,
One of the raising and lowering of the movable part includes one of raising and lowering of the back bottom, one of raising and lowering of the knee bottom, one of raising and lowering of the leg bottom, and one of raising and lowering of the height changing part. including at least one of the following:
The electric furniture control device according to claim 1 or 2 . Electric furniture comprising the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .

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