JP7571241B2 - 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 so that the multiple casters are simultaneously moved 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.

In addition, after a bed is placed on multiple load detectors, the load detectors can become an obstacle to the movement of the bed user (the patient on the bed, and medical and nursing care workers providing medical and nursing care to the patient, etc.), which is also a problem.

The present invention aims to provide an alignment unit, load detection unit, and load detection system that can easily position multiple load detectors in an appropriate positional relationship, can easily move multiple casters over multiple load detectors, and does not get in the way of bed users, etc.

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,
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 slope portion that guides the caster to the load detector in the receiving portion,
An alignment unit is provided, wherein the slope portion is detachable from the body portion.

In a first aspect of the present invention, the main body may be an annular main body having an opening that is the receiving portion, the slope portion may be provided on the outer edge of the annular main body, and each of the multiple load detectors may be housed in the opening so as to be detachable from the annular main body.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the slope portion may include 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 the direction in which the receiving portion and the first slope are aligned.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the inclination angle of the slope portion may be 10° or less.

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

In the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion may house wiring connected to at least one of the multiple load detectors.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion may connect the multiple base portions so that they can move relative to one another.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion may be expandable and contractable along the direction in which the multiple base portions face each other.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting portion may have an auxiliary slope that assists the caster in climbing over the connecting portion.

In a first aspect of the present invention, 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 movable relative to one another, a second connecting portion that connects the set of second base portions so as to be movable relative to one another, and a third connecting portion that connects the first and second connecting portions so as to be movable relative to one another.

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 detectors are installed under the casters of the bed to detect the load;
a connecting portion that connects the plurality of load detectors,
Each of the plurality of load detectors has a placement portion on which the caster is placed and a slope that guides the caster to the placement portion,
A load detection unit is provided, wherein the slope is detachable from the placement portion.

In a third aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of load detectors comprises:
an annular body having an opening into which the mounting portion is received;
a connection portion that connects the mounting portion and the annular main body portion;
The device may further include a strain sensor attached to the connection portion, and the slope may be provided on an outer edge of the annular main body portion.

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 detectors of the load detection unit, and determining a load of the subject based on outputs of the plurality of load detectors.

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 be easily moved over multiple load detectors, without being a hindrance to the bed user, etc.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a load detection unit according to a first 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 an exploded perspective view of the strain sensor unit of the load detection portion as viewed from above. FIG. 5 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. 6(a) and 6(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 they can move relative to each other. Fig. 6(a) shows the pair of load detection units in a state where they are furthest apart, and Fig. 6(b) shows the pair of load detection units in a state where they are closest to each other. FIG. 7(a) is a top view of the connecting base of the widthwise connecting portion, and FIG. 7(b) is a bottom view of the connecting base. Fig. 8(a) is a top view of the longitudinal coupling portion, Fig. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 8(a), and Fig. 8(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 8(a). 9(a) and 9(b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining how to use the load sensor unit. Fig. 9(a) shows a state in which a bed is placed on the load sensor unit with a slope part attached to the main body part, and Fig. 9(b) shows a state in which a bed is placed on the load sensor unit with the slope part detached from the main body part. 10A and 10B are top views of a modified example of the load detection unit and another modified example of the load detection unit, respectively. FIG. 11 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. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the load detector of the second embodiment.

<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 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.

A caster CT of the bed BD is placed on each of the four load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 (Figure 9). Since the four load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 have the same structure, only the load detection unit 10a1 will be described here.

As shown in FIG. 2, the load detection unit 10a1 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 roughly square in plan view, and is formed from 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 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. The plate portion 22a1 of the widthwise connecting portion 20a 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 portion 112 is attached to the main body portion 111 so as to cover three side surfaces 111s of the main body portion 111, and provides the main body portion 111 with a slope for guiding the caster CT. The slope portion 112 is composed of a first slope S1, a second slope S2, and a third slope S3 that are connected to surround a center O ₁₁₂ and have a U-shape in a plan view. As an example, the material of the slope portion 112 may be an elastomer resin.

The first slope S1 is disposed on one side of the center O ₁₁₂ and rises toward the center O _112. The second slope S2 and the third slope S3 are disposed to sandwich the center O 112 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first slope S1 and the center O ₁₁₂ are aligned. The second slope S2 and the third slope S3 each rise toward the center O _112. One end of the second slope S2 is connected to one end of the first slope S1, and one end of the third slope S3 is connected to the other end _of the first slope S1.

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 desirable range of inclination angles described above takes into account the balance of these perspectives.

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 SS1 surrounded on three sides by the first, second, and third slopes S1, S2, and S3 is defined. The slope portion 112 is attached to the main body portion 111 by storing the main body portion 111 in the space SS1. 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. 4, 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 and 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. 5, 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. 5, a fixing piece F that protrudes toward the inside of the opening 111A and has an opening A may be provided on the main body 111, 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.

The width direction connecting portion 20a connects the load detection portions 10a1 and 10a2 so that they can move relative to each other in the width direction, and the width direction connecting portion 20b connects the load detection portions 10b1 and 10b2 so that they can move 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 20a will be described here.

As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the widthwise connecting portion 20a includes a connecting base 21, a plate portion 22a1 fixed to the body portion 111 of the base portion 11 of the load detection portion 10a1, and a plate portion 22a2 fixed to the body portion 111 of the base portion 11 of the load detection portion 10a2.

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. 7, 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 each of the first to fourth walls 21w1 to 21w4 (FIG. 7B). 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.

A slope 21S is provided on the third wall portion 21w3.

Board portion 22a1 and board portion 22a2 are each flat plates that are rectangular in plan view (Figs. 1 and 2).

As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the connecting base 21 and each of the plate portions 22a1 and 22a2 are slidably connected by attaching a pin PN to the lower surface of the plate portions 22a1 and 22a2 from the underside of the connecting base 21 through a slit SL.

As shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), the longitudinal connector 30 has a lower portion 31 and an upper portion 32 that covers a portion 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. Two slots SL extending in the longitudinal direction of the plate portion 311 are formed side by side in the width direction of the plate portion 311 in the plate portion 311. As shown in FIG. 8(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. 8(a) and FIG. 8(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.

Now, referring to Figure 1, we will organize the arrangement of the four load detection parts 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, the two widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b, and the one longitudinal connecting part 30.

On one side of the load detection unit 1000 in the longitudinal direction, the load detection section 10a1 and the load detector 10a2 are arranged side by side in the width direction. The load detection sections 10a1 and 10a2 are arranged such that the first slope S1 of the slope section 112 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 22a1 and 22a2 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 that they can move relatively in the width direction.

The main body 111 of the base 11 and each of the plate portions 22a1 and 22a2 may be formed integrally. Also, the upper surface 111u of the main body 111 may be flush with the upper surfaces of each of the plate portions 22a1 and 22a2.

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 slope section 112 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 22b1 and 22b2 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.

The load detection units 10b1 and 10b2 have a symmetrical structure with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The longitudinal positions of the 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 .

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 accommodating spaces _R21 (FIG. 7(b)) of the widthwise connecting portions 20a and 20b, and the accommodating space _R30 (FIG. 8(c)) of the longitudinal connecting portion 30 form a wiring path CH for the wiring W (FIG. 9) 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 9(a) and 9(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, or the like 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. 9(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 portions 22a1 and 22a2 against each other to expand and contract the widthwise connecting portion 20a, it is possible to easily adjust only the widthwise separation distance of the load detection portions 10a1 and 10a2 while keeping the longitudinal positions of the load detection portions 10a1 and 10a2 aligned. Also, by sliding the connecting base 21 and the plate portions 22b1 and 22b2 against each other to expand and contract the widthwise connecting portion 20b, it is possible to easily adjust only the widthwise separation distance of the load detection portions 10b1 and 10b2 while keeping the longitudinal positions of the load detection portions 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 degree of freedom of movement of a load detection section relative to the other load detection sections is limited, making it easier to position the four load detection sections in appropriate positions compared to the case where four load detectors that are separate from each other and can move freely are individually positioned in appropriate positions.

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 portions 112 of each of the four base portions 11 (FIG. 9(a)).

At this time, 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 a small 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 SL1 to SL3, the widthwise connecting sections 20a and 20b each have a slope 21SL, 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 9(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. 9(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, 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 base portion 11 of the load detection units 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, 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 making the inclination angle small, 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 terms of 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 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 SL1 to SL3, but is not limited to this. Each of the slope portions 112 may have only one of the first to third slopes SL1 to SL3. Similarly, the slope 21SL 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 that they can move relative to each other in the width direction are composed of a connecting base and a pair of plate parts, but this is not limited to this. Instead of the widthwise connecting parts 20a and 20b, any connecting part that connects the load detection parts so that they can move relative to each other can be used, 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, a temporary fastening slit extending in the longitudinal direction is formed in each of the lower member 31 and the upper member 32 so that they overlap each other. Then, after the longitudinal connecting portion 30 is expanded and contracted to complete the alignment of the load detection portion, a screw that passes vertically through the temporary fastening slit of the lower member 31 and the temporary fastening slit of the upper member 32 is turned to tighten the nut, and the lower member 31 and the upper member 32 are fixed (temporarily fastened) 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, an extendable 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. 10(a), 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, treatment room, etc. In other words, if the load detection unit 1001 is installed so that the longitudinal connecting parts 30 are located near the wall, the casters CT of the bed BD do not need to climb over the longitudinal connecting 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 connecting 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 four load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 may be connected by an X-shaped connecting portion. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(b), a load detection unit 1002 may be used, which has an X-shaped hub member HB arranged in the center of the four load detectors 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2, and a connecting portion 40 that connects the hub member HB to each of the four load detection units 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, and 10b2 so that they can move relative to each other. The connecting portion 40 may be a nested connecting portion similar to the longitudinal connecting portion 30.

The load detection unit 1000 of the above embodiment may be configured such that the distance between the load detection units is adjustable in only one of the longitudinal and width directions, or the distance may be fixed in both the longitudinal and width directions. Specifically, for example, either one or both of the width direction connecting units 20 and the longitudinal direction connecting units 30 may be replaced with a connecting unit that does not expand or contract, such as a rod or plate material. In an embodiment in which multiple load detection units are connected in such a way that their positions cannot be adjusted, the multiple load detection units are fixed to each other in an appropriate positional relationship according to a specified bed BD. The load detection unit of this embodiment can easily arrange the multiple load detection units in an appropriate positional relationship for the specified bed.

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 width direction connecting parts that connect the load detectors 10a1 and 10a2 so that they can move relative to each other or so that they cannot move relative to each other (fixedly).

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 this is not limited to the above. The shape of the base part 11 and the mounting plate 13 can be any shape, for example, circular. In this case, the base part 11 can 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 can also be any number, 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. 11 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 10a1 of the above embodiment, except that the slope portion 112 is removed.

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 obtain the load of the subject on the bed BD based on the outputs from the load detection units 10a1 to 10b2.
Second Embodiment

Next, the load detector 210 of the second embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 12, the load detector 210 has a main body 111, four strain sensor units 12 attached to the underside of the main body 111, a mounting plate 13 supported by the four strain sensor units 12, and a slope portion 212 attached to the periphery of the main body 111.

The configurations of the main body 111, strain sensor unit 12, and mounting plate 13, as well as their mutual positional and functional relationships, are the same as those of the main body 111, strain sensor unit 12, and mounting plate 13 in the load detection unit 10a1 of the load sensor unit 1000 of the first embodiment, and so a description thereof will be omitted. Note that the load transmission unit 122 and strain generating unit 121 of the strain sensor unit 12 are an example of a "connection unit" of the present invention, and the strain gauge SG is an example of a "strain sensor" of the present invention. Also, the combination of the main body 111, strain sensor unit 12, and mounting plate 13 is an example of a "main body unit" of the present invention.

The slope portion 212 is attached to the main body portion 111 while surrounding the periphery of the main body portion 111, and provides the main body portion 111 with a slope for guiding the caster CT. The slope portion 212 is composed of a first slope _S21 , a second slope S22, a third slope S23, and a fourth slope S24 that are connected to form a square shape (O-shape) in a plan view while surrounding a center O 212. As an example, the material of the slope portion 212 may be an elastomer resin.

The first slope S21 and the second slope S22 are disposed on either side of the center _O212 , and the third slope S23 and the fourth slope S24 are disposed on either side of the center _O212 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first slope S21 and the second slope S22 face each other. Each of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24 rises toward the center _O212 .

In the second embodiment, the inclination angle of each of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24 is 7.6 degrees. However, the inclination angle of each of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24 is arbitrary, and is preferably 10 degrees or less, and more preferably about 7 degrees to 9 degrees, but is not limited to this.

A space SS2 surrounded by the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24 is defined in an area including the center O ₂₁₂ on the upper end UE side of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24. The slope portion 212 is attached to the main body portion 111 by housing the main body portion 111 within the space SS2.

When the slope section 212 is attached to the main body section 111, the upper ends UE of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24 are connected without any steps to the upper surface (peripheral edge section) 111u of the main body section 111. The first and second slopes S21, S22 sandwich the mounting plate (mounting section) 13 in a predetermined direction, and the third and fourth slopes S23, S24 sandwich the mounting plate 13 in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

The wiring extending from the strain sensor unit 12 can be pulled out to the outside of the load detector 210 through a groove provided on the bottom surface of a portion of the slope section 212. Alternatively, the wiring can be pulled out to the outside of the load detector 210 through under the floor, or wireless communication can be used instead of the wiring.

The effects of the load detector 210 of the second embodiment are summarized below.

The load detector 210 of the second embodiment has first and second slopes S21, S22 that face each other in a predetermined direction across the placement plate 13 on which the casters CT of the bed BD are placed, and third and fourth slopes S23, S24 that face each other in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Therefore, the casters CT of the bed BD can be easily placed on the placement plate 13 from almost the entire periphery of the placement plate 13 via at least one of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24.

For example, if four load detectors 210 are aligned and positioned at a predetermined interval on the floor surface of a hospital, nursing home, etc., the four casters CT of a bed BD corresponding to that arrangement can be placed on the placement plates 13 of the four load detectors 210 simultaneously and quickly from various directions. This is particularly advantageous in cases where there are walls or medical equipment around the bed BD and it is not possible to secure sufficient working space to place the bed BD on the load detector 210, or where there is already an emergency patient on the bed BD and it is necessary to place the bed BD accurately on the load detector 210 without any delay.

Even if sufficient working space and time are available to place the bed on the load detector, it may be difficult for an unskilled worker to move the bed linearly in a specific direction that is limitedly specified by the structure of the load detector and place multiple casters simultaneously and accurately on multiple load detectors. By using the load detector 210 of this embodiment, various directions can be used to place the bed BD on the load detector 210, so even an unskilled worker can place the multiple casters CT of the bed BD simultaneously and accurately on the placement plates 13 of the multiple load detectors 210.

In addition, the load detector 210 of the second embodiment has the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24 of the slope section 212 provided around the entire area of the mounting plate 13 on which the casters CT of the bed BD are placed, so that the casters CT placed on the mounting plate 13 can be easily moved onto the floor. When the direction for moving the casters CT from the mounting plate onto the floor is specified in a limited manner due to the structure of the load detector, and the orientation (direction of travel) of the casters CT on the mounting plate does not match the direction, it is necessary to adjust the direction of the casters CT by hand, for example, while the casters CT are stationary on the mounting plate, so that the direction of travel of the casters CT matches the direction. However, the load detector 210 of this embodiment can move the casters CT in various directions to move them from the mounting plate 13 onto the floor, so there is no need for such trouble.

In the load detector 210 of this embodiment, the strain sensor unit 12 is provided below the mounting plate 13, and there are no walls or load cells above the mounting plate 13. Therefore, even if covers are provided on the casters CT of the bed BD, or medical equipment, wiring, etc. are fixed to the legs of the bed BD, there is no risk of a part of the load detector 210 coming into contact with these covers or equipment. Therefore, casters (beds) of various shapes can be placed on the mounting plate 13 in a state where accurate load detection is possible.

In the load detector 210 of this embodiment, the upper surface 111u of the main body 111 and the placement plate 13 surrounded by the upper surface 111u are arranged inside the slope section 212. Therefore, the caster CT that reaches the upper surface 111u via any of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24 can move smoothly onto the placement plate 13, straddling the gap between the upper surface 111u and the placement plate 13, without straddling a large gap that would cause an impact on the bed BD or the subject on the bed BD. In addition, since the upper surface 111u has a frame shape that surrounds the placement plate 13, the caster CT can move smoothly onto the placement plate 13 through the upper surface 111u, regardless of whether the caster CT reaches the upper surface 111u via any of the first to fourth slopes S21 to S24.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load detector 210 has the same surface as the mounting plate 13 and the upper surface 111u, so that the caster CT that reaches the upper surface 111u can move smoothly onto the mounting plate 13.

<Modification>
In the load detector 210 of the second embodiment, the slope portion 212 does not have to be detachable from the main body portion 111. That is, the slope portion 212 may be fixedly attached to the main body portion 111, or the main body portion 111 and the slope portion 212 may be formed integrally.

In the load detector 210 of the second embodiment, a strain sensor unit 12 is used, but this is not limited to this. Instead of the strain sensor unit 12, any strain sensor having a strain body (connection part) that generates a predetermined deflection according to the weight of the subject on the mounting plate 13 and a strain gauge attached to the strain body may be used.

In the load detector 210 of the second embodiment, the shapes of the main body 111, the mounting plate 13, and the slope portion 212 are not limited to a square in plan view, and may be various shapes such as a rectangle in plan view or a circle in plan view. Even in a configuration in which a series of slope portions having an approximately annular shape in plan view are formed around the circular mounting plate 13, it can be considered that there are slopes on both sides of each of the two mutually orthogonal radial directions of the mounting plate 13, and that there are at least two pairs of slopes facing each other across the mounting plate 13.

The above embodiment and modified examples have been described using the load detection unit 1000, load detector 210, etc., 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 body section, 112, 112', 212 Slope section, 12 Strain sensor unit, 13 Placement plate, 20a, 20b Width direction connecting section, 210 Load detector, 30 Longitudinal direction connecting section, 1000 Load detection unit, _G11 , _G21 Groove, _R21 , _R30 Storage space

Claims (12)

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,
Each of the plurality of base portions is
a main body having a receiving portion for receiving any one of the plurality of load detectors;
a slope portion that guides the caster to the load detector in the receiving portion,
The slope portion is detachable from the main body portion,
The body portion is an annular body portion having an opening that is the receiving portion,
The slope portion is provided on an outer edge of the annular main body portion,
An alignment unit in which any one of the plurality of load detectors is accommodated in the opening so as to be detachable from the annular main body portion . The alignment unit according to claim 1 , wherein the slope portion includes a first slope arranged on one side of the receiving portion, and second and third slopes sandwiching the receiving portion in a direction different from the direction in which the receiving portion and the first slope are aligned. 3. The alignment unit according to claim 1, wherein the slope portion has an inclination angle of 10 degrees or less. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a lower end of the slope portion attached to the main body portion is located outside the bed in a plan view. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 5 , wherein the connecting portion connects the plurality of base portions so as to be movable relative to one another. The alignment unit according to claim 6 , wherein the connecting portion is extendable and contractible along a direction in which the plurality of base portions face each other. The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the connecting portion has an auxiliary slope that assists the caster in climbing over the connecting portion. 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 movable relative to each other;
A second connecting portion that connects the pair of second base portions so as to be movable relative to each other;
The alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising a third connecting portion that connects the first and second connecting portions so as to be movable relative to each other. An alignment unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ;
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,
Each of the plurality of load detectors has a placement portion on which the caster is placed and a slope that guides the caster to the placement portion,
The slope is detachable from the placement portion,
Each of the plurality of load detectors is
an annular body having an opening into which the mounting portion is received;
a connection portion that connects the mounting portion and the annular main body portion;
A strain sensor attached to the connection portion,
A load detection unit , wherein the slope is provided on the outer edge of the annular main body . A load detection system for detecting a load of a subject on a bed, comprising:
A load detection unit according to claim 10 or 11 ,
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.

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