The adjustable pedestal structure supporting the sleeping platform structure of the bed of the invention enables all known adjustment movements of the height and tilt positions of the sleeping platform structure of the adjustable beds. The adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention makes it possible to implement adjustable bed solutions for institutional and home care with complete and universal adjustment characteristics, to facilitate the work of nursing staff and caregivers, and to promote the rehabilitation and mental well-being of patients and people with disabilities. The adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention can be connected into the sleeping platform structure of almost any traditional structurally solid or adjustable bed to replace the traditional support and adjustment mechanisms of the sleeping platform structures used in them.
Adjustable beds are used in care and bed wards in hospitals, nursing homes, rest homes, rehabilitation centers and homes. The adjustment features of the beds range from simple, e.g. basic adjustments of the beds used in home care, to the functionally more demanding adjustment movements of the intensive care beds and their other advanced intelligent features in hospitals The adjustment mechanisms of adjustable beds can be divided into two functional category: Category 1: Adjustment mechanisms attached to the sleeping platform frame structure for adjusting the tilt positions of the back, pelvis, knee and foot section plates on the sleeping platform. The adjustments are performed either mechanically or electrically. The sleeping platform structure is supported by either a solid structured pedestal or legs or a height adjustable pedestal structure. See picture
Traditional beds are divided into types and models according to their different uses and suitability for different user groups, on which their manufacture and sale are also based. It is difficult to adapt the ergonomic features of the traditional bed solutions for different target groups to meet the changing functional needs of the future.
How to change, for example, a basic bed used in home care or nursing home to be more versatile in its adjustments as the moving ability of the bed user decreases over time. The adjustment mechanism solutions of the traditional beds do not include the ability to update the adjustment functions of the bed. In practice, most often the option is to buy a new bed. The operation of the adjustment mechanisms based on the scissor lift mechanisms or on the use of lifting columns used in traditional adjustable bed solutions, the height and longitudinal tilt adjustments of the sleeping platform structure—the Trendelenburg and the counter-Trendelenburg positions is limited by the structural dimensions of the scissor lift mechanisms and the lifting columns. The structural limitations of the adjustments are reflected in the functional properties of the beds themselves. Larger and more flexible trajectories than the traditional possibilities of the adjustment mechanisms of the sleeping platform structures would be an advantage e.g. in the demanding nursing work in hospitals. The traditional support and adjustment mechanisms of the sleeping platform structure do not, like the invention, allow a universal bed solution with all known adjustment movements of the bed. For example, the integration of the so-called stand-up bed function into a bed structure otherwise equipped with the most versatile adjustment functions, such as the advanced hospital beds, is not possible within the framework of the traditional adjustment mechanism solutions. However, for example in the care and bed wards of hospitals and various nursing and rehabilitation centers, as well as in homes, the stand-up function of a bed would be a very necessary feature to facilitate the work of nursing staff and caregivers as well as the self-reliance of bed users. The protection of the scissor lift mechanisms underneath the sleeping platform structures of the traditional beds is difficult to implement. For example, there may be small children in homes, that the person in bed may not notice while adjusting the bed independently.
The characteristics of the invention are presented in the patent claim 1.
The Basic Idea of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Invention:
The adjustable pedestal structure of the invention consists of the U-shaped foot structure (30) equipped with wheels and the three interconnected structural parts supported by the foot structure, of which the lower (1a) and the middle (1b) structural parts with a peripheral shape, consisting of the rotation cylinders (2, 4) and the lever arms (3, 7) fixedly connected to them, and the axles (13b, 13c) fixedly connected to the lever arms to opposite ends of the rotation cylinders and the U-shaped upper structural part (1c) which consists of the rotation cylinder (6) and the lever arms (5a) fixedly connected thereto. A fixed axle (13a) is attached to the foot structure of the pedestal. It is placed inside the rotation cylinder (2) of the lower structural part (1a) of the pedestal structure. The sleeping platform frame structure (31) of the bed is connected to the lever aims (5a) of the upper structural part (1c). The structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure are connected to each other by means of rotation cylinder structures and axle structures placed inside them. They form the connecting and rotation mechanisms of the structural parts. The rotation cylinders act as electrically operating adjustment mechanisms of the structural parts. The sleeping platform frame structure of the bed is adjusted in the vertical direction by means of the adjustment movements of the rotation cylinders (2, 4) and the lever arms (3, 7) connected to them of the lower and middle structural parts (1a, 1c) of the pedestal structure and the longitudinal tilt position of the sleeping platform structure of the bed is adjusted by means of the adjustment movements of the rotation cylinder (6) and the lever aims (5a) connected to it of the upper structural part of the pedestal structure. The adjustment movements of the rotation cylinders are assisted by the gas springs (26, 27, 28) connected to the lever arms of the structural parts of the pedestal structure. The gas springs significantly reduce the load on the structural parts of the pedestal and its electrically operating moving mechanisms. The lower and middle structural parts (1a, 1b) with a peripheral shape connected to the foot structure (30) of the pedestal and to each other and the connecting and cover plates (8, 9) attached to their lever arms (3, 7) stiffen the pedestal structure laterally. The width of the foot structure (30) of the adjustable pedestal structure, which is larger than the width of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed and the U-shaped structure, which is open at the foot end of the bed, allows the so-called stand-up position of the bed.
The invention will be described in the following using examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,
The Structural Solution of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Bed of the Invention:
In connection with the above description of the basic idea of the invention, the formation of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure has been presented. See also
The Adjusting Motors of the Rotation Cylinders of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Bed of the Invention:
Only low-voltage electric motors can be used in adjustable beds. The alternatives are motors, whose operation is based on the rotating movement of the axle or actuators based on linear motion. Low-voltage DC, AC and servomotors, etc. are used in the control mechanisms of various small machines and devices, for example, small robot arms. The power of the motors can be increased by gearboxes and the rotation movement of the axle be converted to linear motion by means of ball screws or the like. However, the power of these motors is not high enough for use with the adjustable pedestal structure solution of the bed of the invention. Due to its operating voltage, high power and speed of motion, the linear actuator is optimally suitable as the motor used in the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention. Linear actuators provide safe, quiet and reliable adjustment movements thanks to their precise motion control. The adjustment movement of the linear actuators is transmitted via the rotation cylinder structures of the invention to the lever arms of the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal which support and move the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed. Linear actuators are commonly used in the scissor lift mechanism structures and lifting columns of the traditional adjustable beds. See pictures
The Adjustments of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Invention:
The electrically operated adjustments of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the operation of the safety mechanisms are implemented by means of logic control. The adjustment functions of the adjustable pedestal structure can be selected individually according to the different locations of use of the beds and their different user groups: All vertical and tilting position adjustments of the sleeping platform structure made possible by the pedestal structure can be taken into use, for example, in care beds in hospitals that are adjusted by the nursing staff, or for safety reasons only some of them or by limiting the trajectories of their adjustments, for example, in homes where the users of the beds also independently perform the adjustments of the bed. The adjustment functions of the adjustable pedestal structure are complemented by the back, pelvis, knee and foot section plates attached to the sleeping platform structure of the bed which complement the ergonomics of the bed. The control of the adjustments of them is done, for example, by means of the control panel attached to the bed railing structure or by the hand control. See picture
Safety of Use of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Invention:
Safety mechanisms that cover all adjustment movements of the bed structure can be placed in a simple way in the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention, as well as in the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed (31): The safety sensors placed in the lever arms (3 and 7) of the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure and in the sleeping platform frame structure stop the downward adjustment movement in the event of an obstacle. The precise movement of the linear actuators locks the pushing wheels (17a, 17b) that move the wide spiral flange (12a) or the narrow spiral flanges (12b, 12c) at the end of the adjustment movement so that the rotation cylinders and the lever arms connected to them do not move. The bed structure stays steadily and without swaying in its adjusted position. Linear actuators do not move in case of a failure and therefore the adjustable pedestal structure can under no circumstances collapse. The power of the available standard linear actuators is much larger as the power needed to move the lever arms of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention, the need for which is the total weight of the various types of sleeping platform structure solutions supported by the pedestal structure and the person in bed. The linear actuators acting as adjusting motors for the rotation cylinders (2, 4, 6) are assisted by the gas springs (26, 27, 28), connected to the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure, the placement and operation of which will be described later. They significantly reduce the load on the linear actuators and the structures of the rotation cylinders. The gas springs also serve as safety mechanisms of the adjustable pedestal structure and prevent the sleeping platform structure from descending suddenly in the event of a failure, which, however, is not possible for the above-mentioned reason in connection with the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention due to the structural properties of the reliable linear actuators used therein. The operating voltage of the linear actuators used in the pedestal structure and the other electrical components and devices in the bed structure is 12/24V. The adjustable pedestal structure of the invention is a lifting device with essential safety requirements, as well as also the height adjustment mechanisms of the other adjustable beds. The adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention is capable to meet the international safety requirements set for it.
The Speed of Motion of the Lever Arms Connected to the Rotation Cylinders:
Thanks to the utilization of the standard linear actuators and the structurally simple spiral flange solution of the invention, the implementation of the individual speed of motion of the lever arms (3, 7, 5a) of the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention becomes simple: The speed of the adjustment movement of the lever arms is based on the speed and stroke of the standard linear actuator inside each rotation cylinder, as well as the length and density of the threads of the wide spiral flange (12a) or the narrow spiral flanges (12b, 12c) connected to the inner surface of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinders, which vary individually in each rotation cylinder. Each rotation cylinder (2, 4, 6) of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure and the lever arms (3, 7, 5a) connected thereto have their own independent speed of motion. For the various applications of the rotation cylinder solution of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention, the speed of motion of the lever arms suitable for each application can be implemented as described above. Converting the movement of the linear actuator into the rotational movement of the rotation cylinder by means of the pushing wheels (17a, 17b) attached to the spindle of the actuator, and the wide spiral flange (12a) or the narrow spiral flanges (12b, 12c) attached to the inner surface of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder requires part of the power of the linear actuator. However, the power required to convert the adjustment movement does not substantially reduce the torque of the rotation cylinders. The construction and operation of the rotation cylinders is shown in connection with the pictures
Description of the Adjustment Movements of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Invention:
The Adjustment of the Height Position of the Sleeping Platform Structure:
The speed of movement of the lever arms of the lower structural part (3) and middle structural part (7) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention, which slightly differ from each other, is carried out in such a way that, when the adjustment takes place from the lowest height position of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed (31) (
The Trendelenburg and Counter-Trendelenburg Adjustments of the Sleeping Platform Structure of the Bed:
The Trendelenburg tilt angle adjustment of the sleeping platform structure of the bed is made flexible by the possibility of the individual adjustment of the operation of the linear actuators of the rotation cylinders of the adjustable pedestal structure. In connection with the Trendelenburg and counter-Trendelenburg adjustments, the maximum tilt angle and height position of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed can be selected by means of the independent adjustment movements of the different structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure, appropriate in accordance with the different operational situations. The adjustment of the tilt angles of the Trendelenburg position can be carried out in all different height positions of the sleeping platform structure, see pictures
The Adjustment of the Sleeping Platform Structure to the so-Called Stand-Up Position of the Bed:
The adjustment of the sleeping platform structure of the bed (31) to the so-called stand-up position of the bed (
Extreme Positions of the Adjustments of the Sleeping Platform Structure of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Bed of the Invention:
The adjustable pedestal structure solution of the bed of the invention enables in practice unlimited adjustments of the height and longitudinal tilt positions of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed (31). Thanks to the adjustable pedestal structure solution of the bed of the invention, the sleeping platform structure of the bed can be adjusted from the so-called stand-up position of the sleeping platform frame structure further to horizontal position by means of the adjustment movement of the rotation cylinder (6) of the upper structural part (1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure and the lever arms (5a) connected thereto. (Compare with the pictures
The Gas Springs Assisting the Adjusting Actuators of the Structural Parts of the Adjustable Pedestal Structure of the Invention:
The sleeping platform structures supported by the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention and the structures which complement the other functional and ergonomic features of the sleeping platforms attached to them and the weight of the user of the bed form a heavy overall structure. The gas springs (26, 27, 28) connected to the lever arms (3, 7, 5a) of the structural parts of the pedestal structure significantly reduce the load on the structural members of the adjustable pedestal structure as well as on the rotation cylinder structures and the adjusting actuators and thus help to stabilize the adjustment movements of the pedestal structure. The placement of the gas springs in the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention is shown in the picture
The starting point of the present invention has been to develop an adjustable pedestal structure of the bed with universal control features which at the same time complements the ergonomic and functional features of the invention PCT/FI2018/000007/“Adjustable bed solution”. The inventions together form a completely new and universal adjustable bed solution for use by all target groups. The structural solution of the present invention the—Adjustable pedestal structure of the bed—allows the also in independent use operating seat module anchored to the sleeping platform structure of the bed of the invention the “Adjustable bed solution” to be placed in the pedestal structure of the bed. In traditional adjustable beds, there are solutions in which a wheelchair is attached to the sleeping platform structure of the bed, either through the end of the bed structure or from the side of it. However, due to the structural solutions of the pedestal structures of these beds, their adjustment properties are very limited. The adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention can also as an independent solution be connected into the sleeping platform structure of almost any traditional bed solution to give them added value due to the versatility of the adjustments. See picture
The axonometric view shows the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention. The structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) which enable the adjustments of the height and tilt positions of the pedestal structure are shown in their basic position. The sleeping platform frame structure (31) is then in a horizontal position and at its lowest elevation.
The axonometric view shows the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention, of which the lower (1a) and the middle (1b) structural part with a peripheral shape consist of the rotation cylinders (2, 4) and the lever arms (3, 7) fixedly connected to them, and the axles (13b, 13c) fixedly connected to the lever arms to opposite ends of the rotation cylinders. The upper structural part (1c) consists of the rotation cylinder (6) and the lever arms (5a) fixedly connected thereto. The fixed axle (13a) connected to the foot structure (30) of the pedestal structure is placed inside the rotation cylinder (2) of the lower structural part (1a). The rotation cylinders (2, 4, 6) of the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure and the lever arms (3, 7, 5a) connected thereto, are adjusted around the axle located inside the rotation cylinder of each structural part, the axles being connected to the ends of the lever arms of the structural parts, in the vertical order of the stand-up position of the sleeping platform structure, lower as the structural part in question or around the axle connected to the foot structure. The rotation cylinders act as electrically operated adjustment mechanisms for moving the lever arms of the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure. The connecting and rotation mechanism between the rotation cylinder (2, 4, 6) and the fixed axle (13a, 13b, 13c) located inside it, by means of which also the structural parts of the pedestal structure are connected to each other, is formed by the grooved ball bearings (21b) connected to the mounting flanges (18a, 21a) at the ends of the axle and the inner guide rings (19, 20) connected to the ends of the rotation cylinder and connected to the frame structures of the lever aims (22, 24). The rotation cylinders and axles of the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure are connected to each other as follows: The mounting flanges (18a) of the axle (13a) located inside the rotation cylinder (2) of the lower structural part (1a) are connected to the foot structure (30) of the pedestal structure. The axle structure is thus a structurally integral part of the foot structure. The mounting flanges (21a) of the axle (13b) located inside the rotation cylinder (4) of the middle structural part (1b) are connected to the end of the lever arms (3) of the lower structural part. The axle structure is thus a structurally integral part of the lower structural part (1a). The mounting flanges of the axle (13c) located inside the rotation cylinder (6) of the upper structural part (1c) (21a—the mounting flanges of the axles 13b and 13c are similar) are connected to the end of the lever arms (7) of the middle structural part (1b). The axle structure is thus a structurally integral part of the middle structural part (1b). The lever arms (5a) of the upper structural part (1c) are connected to the support profiles (32) of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed. The lever arms (3 and 7) of the lower structural part (1a) and the middle structural part (1b) are connected to each other by means of connecting and cover plates (8 and 9) which provide lateral rigidity to the pedestal structure acting at the same time as cover plates of the structural parts. The logic control unit (10) of the adjusting actuators is placed in the lower structural part (1a) of the pedestal structure and attached to the inner surface of the connecting and cover plate (8) of the lever arms.
The axonometric view shows the structure of the rotation cylinders (2, 4, 6) of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the position of the lever aims (3, 7, 5a) connected to them when the pedestal structure is in its basic position as shown in the picture.
The axonometric view shows the structure of the rotation cylinders of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the position of the pair of lever arms connected to them when the sleeping platform frame structure (31) of the bed is in a horizontal position at the so-called height of nursing treatment.
The axonometric view shows the structure of the rotation cylinders of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the position of the pair of lever arms connected to them when the sleeping platform frame structure (31) of the bed is in the so-called stand-up position of the bed.
The picture shows the structural section of the rotation cylinders (2, 4, 6) of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the axles (13a, 13b, 13c) placed inside them at the point where the spindle (15b) of the linear actuator acting as the adjusting motor is located. The wide spiral flange (12a) is connected to the inner surface of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder. The linear actuator (15a) is connected to the mounting flange (18a, 21a) of the axle. The adjustment movement of the linear actuator pushes and pulls the connecting module (14a) of the pushing wheels and the guide bearings of the spindle attached to the spindle of the linear actuator (15b) in the direction parallel to the axle inside the rotation cylinder, wherein the force forward and backward exerted on the spiral flange by the pushing wheels (17a) moving the wide spiral flange causes the rotational movement of the rotation cylinder clockwise or counterclockwise around the solid axle (13a, 13b, 13c) inside the cylinder connected to the foot structure (30) of the pedestal or to the lever arm (3, 7) of the lower or middle structural part of the pedestal structure. Connected to the opposite sides of the connecting module (14a) of the pushing wheels and the guide bearings of the spindle there are two pushing wheels (17a) between which the wide spiral flange (12a) connected to the inner surface of the frame tube (11) is located. The other of the pushing wheels (17a) pushes the wide spiral flange (12a) during the lifting adjustment movement of the lever arms (3, 7, 5a) connected to the rotation cylinder and the pushing wheel that is located on the opposite side of the connecting module supports the movement of the spiral flange during the downward adjustment movement of the lever arms or locks the adjustment movement of the lever arms to the desired height position of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed. The lower surface of the axle (13a, 13b, 13c) has a guide groove (13d) for the connecting module (14a) of the pushing wheels and the guide bearings of the spindle connected to the spindle of the linear actuator. The guide bearings (16) are attached to the upper surface of the connecting module as shown in the picture. The guide bearings running along the guide groove maintain the position of the connecting module on the central axis of the rotation cylinder and prevent the connecting module from rotating and following the adjustment movement of the rotation cylinder. The spring-loaded ball head screws (14b) are connected to opposite side of the guide bearings (16) of the connecting module (14a) of the pushing wheels and the guide bearings of the spindle—at the lower surface in the picture—the one end of which rests against the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder and prevents the connecting module and the guide bearings (16) connected to it from falling out of the guide groove (13d) of the axle in the different adjustment positions of the lever arms of the adjustable pedestal structure.
The picture shows the structural section of the rotation cylinders (2, 4, 6) of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the axles (13a, 13b, 13c) placed inside them at the point where the motor housing of the linear actuator (15a) acting as the adjusting motor is located. In the background the picture shows the pushing wheels (17a) which move the wide spiral flange and the wide spiral flange (12a) located between them. The both pushing wheels are in constant contact with the spiral flange, the rotational movement of which occurs obliquely with respect to the central axis of the rotation cylinder, the picture shows the section of a spiral flange. See the pictures
The picture shows the structural section of the rotation cylinders (2, 4, 6) of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the axles (13a, 13b, 13c) placed inside them at the point where the spindle of the linear actuator (15b) acting as the control motor is located. Two narrow spiral flanges (12b, 12c) are connected to the inner surface of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder. The solution is an alternative application to the rotation cylinder structure shown in the pictures
The picture shows the structure of the lower structural part (1a) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention: The rotation cylinder (2) and the lever arms (3) connected thereto, as well as the axle (13b) connected to the ends of the lever arms form a structure with a unitary peripheral shape which is adjusted around the fixed axle (13a) located inside the rotation cylinder. The lever arms are connected to each other by means of the connecting and cover plate (8) of the lever arms. The mounting flanges (18) of the axle (13a) located inside the rotation cylinder are fixedly connected to the foot structure (30) of the pedestal structure. The grooved ball bearings (21b) are connected to the mounting flanges (18) of the axle (13a) located inside the rotation cylinder. The inner guide rings (19) connected to the ends of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder and connected to the frame structure (22) of the lever arms (3) act as counterparts to the grooved ball bearings. The grooved ball bearings and the inner guide rings form the rotation mechanism between the rotation cylinder and the lever arms connected thereto and the fixed axle structure located inside the rotation cylinder. The inner guide rings (19) are shown as independent parts for the sake of clarity in the picture. However, they are an integral part of the structure of the ends of the frame tube. A wide spiral flange (12a) is attached to the inner surface of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder. The motor housing (15a) of the linear actuator acting as the motor of the adjustment movement of the rotation cylinder is connected to the mounting flange (18) of the axle (13a) located inside the rotation cylinder. The spindle (15b) of the linear actuator is connected to the connecting module (14a) of the pushing wheels and the guide bearings of the spindle. The pushing wheels (17a) that move the wide spiral flange, as well as the guide bearings of the spindle (16) and the spring-loaded ball head screws (14b) are connected to the connecting module. The lower surface of the axle has a guide groove (13d) for the guide bearings of the spindle (16) of the linear actuator Similar grooved ball bearings (21b) as to the mounting flanges (18) of the axle (13a) located inside the rotation cylinder (2) are attached to the mounting flanges (21a) of the axle (13b) connected to the ends of the lever arms (3) of the lower structural part of the pedestal structure. The mounting flanges have a groove (21c) in their structure for the unobstructed movements of the gas springs (28).
The picture shows the structure of the middle structural part (1b) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention: The rotation cylinder (4) and the lever arms (7) connected thereto, as well as the axle (13c) connected to the ends of the lever arms form a structure with a unitary peripheral shape which is adjusted around the fixed axle (13b) located inside the rotation cylinder. The mounting flanges (21a) at the ends of the axle structure located inside the rotation cylinder are connected to the ends of the lever aims (3) of the lower structural part (1a). The lever arms are connected to each other by means of the connecting and cover plate (9), see picture
The picture shows the structure of the upper structural part (1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention and the connection of the gas springs (26, 27, 28) connected to the structural parts of the pedestal structure to the lever arm structures (3, 7, 5a) of the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c). The rotation cylinder (6) of the upper structural part (1c) and the lever arms (5a) connected thereto form a structure with a unitary U-shape which is adjusted around the solid axle (13c) at the ends of the lever arms (7) of the middle structural part (1b) of the pedestal structure located inside the rotation cylinder. The grooved ball bearings (21b) are connected to the mounting flanges (21a) of the axle (13c) located inside the rotation cylinder. The inner guide rings (5b) connected to the lever arms (5a) and to the ends of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder act as counterparts to them, as well as in the lower and middle structural part of the adjustable pedestal structure. The grooved ball bearings and the inner guide rings form the rotation mechanism between the rotation cylinder and the lever arms (5a) connected thereto and the fixed axle structure located inside the rotation cylinder. The cover rings (29) are placed around the mounting flanges of the axle. The connecting fittings (5c) of the gas springs (28) are connected on the lever arms. The mounting flanges have a groove (21c) in their structure for the unobstructed movements of the gas springs (28). The adjustment mechanism structure that moves the lever arms (5a) of the upper structural part (1c) located inside the rotation cylinder (6) is similar to those of the lower structural part (1a) and the middle structural part (1b) of the pedestal structure described above: The wide spiral flange (12a) or the narrow spiral flanges (12b, 12c) are connected to the inner surface of the frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder. The motor housing (15a) of the linear actuator acting as the motor of the adjustment movement of the rotation cylinder is connected to the mounting flange (21a) of the axle (13c). The spindle (15b) of the linear actuator is connected to the connecting module (14a) of the pushing wheels and the guide bearings of the spindle. The pushing wheels (17a) that move the wide spiral flange or the pushing wheels (17b) that move the narrow spiral flanges as well as the guide bearings of the spindle (16) of the linear actuator and the spring-loaded ball head screws (14b) are connected to the connecting module. The lower surface of the axle has a guide groove (13d) for the guide bearings of the spindle (16) of the linear actuator. The adjustment mechanism structures that move the lever arms (3, 7, 5a) of the different structural parts differ from each other only with respect to the different stroke lengths of the linear actuators used in them and the different lengths and densities of the threads of the wide spiral flange (12a) or the narrow spiral flanges (12b, 12c). The lever arms (5a) connected to the rotation cylinder (6) are connected to the support profiles (32) of the sleeping platform frame structure (31) of the bed or respectively to the frame structures of different types of sleeping platform frame structures. The Trendelenburg and counter-Trendelenburg tilt angle positions of the sleeping platform of the bed are adjusted by means of the adjustment movement of the lever arms. The placement of the gas springs in the lever arm structures of the adjustable pedestal structure is implemented as follows: The cylinders of the gas springs (26) that move the lever arms (3) of the lower structural part (1a) of the adjustable pedestal structure are attached to the foot structure (30) of the pedestal structure and the pistons of the gas springs to the frame structures (22) of the lever arms (3) in question. See pictures
The pictures show the placement and trajectories of the gas springs (26) attached to the lower structural part (1a) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention in different adjustment positions of the pedestal structure. In the picture
The pictures show the placement and trajectories of the gas springs (27, 28) attached to the middle structural part (1b) and the upper structural part (1c) of the pedestal structure in different adjustment positions of the pedestal structure. In the picture
The pictures show the positions of the gas springs (28) attached to the upper structural part (1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention and the positions of the grooves (21c) in the mounting flanges of the axle (13c) connected to the end of the lever arms (7) of the middle structural part located inside the rotation cylinder (6) of the upper structural part in different adjustment positions of the pedestal structure. In the picture
The pictures show the positions of the lower (1a), middle (1b) and upper (1c) structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention when the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed (31) is at the so-called height of nursing treatment and in its lowest height position as well as the tilt angle positions of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed in the Trendelenburg and counter-Trendelenburg position. The adjustments of the Trendelenburg and counter-Trendelenburg positions of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed are made by means of the height adjustments of the lower (1a) and middle structural part (1b) of the adjustable pedestal structure in such a way, that the height position of the sleeping platform frame structure is adjusted in accordance with the purpose and at the same time or at the end of the adjustment movement in question or before it the tilt angle position of the sleeping platform frame structure is adjusted to the tilt angle of the Trendelenburg or counter-Trendelenburg position required for each situation of use of the bed by means of the adjustment movement of the lever arms (5a) of the upper structural part (1c) of the pedestal structure. The tilt angle position of the sleeping platform frame structure is in the picture
The axonometric picture shows the foot structure (30) equipped with wheels of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention and the structural parts (1a, 1b 1c) of the pedestal structure supported by it in their basic position according to the picture
b
The picture shows the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention in its basic position with the sleeping platform frame structure (31) of the bed in a horizontal position at its lowest height position. The foot structure (30) of the adjustable pedestal structure supports the structural parts (1a, 1b, 1c) which act as the adjustment mechanisms of the pedestal structure located under the sleeping platform frame structure. The sleeping platform frame structure is connected to the lever arms (5a) of the upper structural part (1c) of the adjustable pedestal structure by means of the support profiles (32) of the sleeping platform frame structure.
The picture shows the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention when the sleeping platform frame structure (31) is in a horizontal position at the so-called height of nursing treatment.
The picture shows the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed when the sleeping platform frame structure is in the Trendelenburg position and at the so-called height of nursing treatment. In the Trendelenburg nursing position the bed user is with the head down in the bed. The adjustment of the sleeping platform frame structure to the Trendelenburg position from the horizontal position shown in the picture
The picture shows the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention when the sleeping platform frame structure (31) is in the counter-Trendelenburg position at the so-called height of nursing treatment. In the counter-Trendelenburg position of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed the user of the bed is with the head up in the bed. By continuing the adjustment further the bed structure is transformed into the so-called stand-up bed position.
The picture shows the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed and the sleeping platform frame structure (31) seen from behind in the positions described above. The display panel of the adjustment functions of the bed and the electrical connection to the bed structure (34) are located in the foot structure (30) of the pedestal structure.
The picture shows the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed and the sleeping platform frame structure connected to it in the so-called stand-up position of the bed where the user of the bed is standing on the bed end board (35) connected to the foot end of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed (31). In the picture the bed end board is shown for reference. The larger width, as the width of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed, of the foot structure (30) equipped with wheels of the adjustable pedestal structure and its U-shaped structure open at the foot end of the bed enable the so-called stand-up position of the bed and the placement of the above-mentioned seat module equipped with wheels which is anchored at the foot end of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed in the various adjustment positions of the adjustable bed structure presented in the invention PCT/FI2018/000007/“Adjustable bed solution”.
The picture shows the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention and the sleeping platform frame structure connected thereto in the stand-up position of the bed seen from behind. The gas springs (26) attached to the lower part of the adjustable pedestal structure are visible only in the stand-up position of the bed.
The picture shows a typical adjustable bed used in hospital wards and various care and rehabilitation centers. The scissor lift mechanism structure to which the actuators are connected acts as the height adjustment and tilt angle adjustment mechanism of the sleeping platform structure. The bed is adjusted to the Trendelenburg position of the sleeping platform structure at the height of nursing treatment.
The picture shows the sleeping platform of the adjustable bed of the previous picture in the counter-Trendelenburg position. The 4-part bed section placed on top of the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed has been adjusted to a semi-sitting care position and/or to a position in which to stay in bed.
The picture shows a typical adjustable bed used in hospital wards and various care institutions. The lifting columns placed on the foot structure equipped with wheels act as the height and tilt angle adjustment mechanisms of the sleeping platform structure of the bed. The sleeping platform frame structure of the bed supports the 4-part bed section, the tilt angle adjustments of the back, pelvis, knee and the foot section plates of which are performed either mechanically or electrically.
The picture shows a typical so-called stand-up bed. The scissor lift mechanism structure to which the actuators are connected act as the height adjustment mechanism of the sleeping platform structure and the tilt angle adjustment mechanism of the stand-up position of the bed. Stand-up beds are used in hospitals and various care institutions in the so-called position treatments. With the help of the stand-up bed function, the user of the bed, who is not able to bend his or her body, can move to and out of the bed independently as well. In some stand-up bed solutions the sleeping platform structure transforms into a seat at the foot end of the bed, which allows the user to move into the bed also through the sitting position. The adjustment mechanism solutions developed for the implementation of the stand-up position of the bed substantially limit the other adjustment possibilities of their sleeping platform structures.
The picture shows the connection of the seat module equipped with wheels anchored at the foot end of the sleeping platform structure of the bed included in the bed solution of the previously mentioned invention PCT/FI2018/000007 “Adjustable bed solution”. In the picture the adjustable sleeping platform structure is supported by the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the present invention.
The picture shows the seat module anchored to the sleeping platform frame structure of the bed.
The picture shows an industrial robot, the robot arm structure of which illustrates the operating principle of the structural parts of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention. Computer-controlled robots act as general-purpose machines for handling structural parts or tools. The movements of the robots can be implemented by means of electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motors. Their higher load control motors, which operate on 230V mains voltage, are not suitable for the implementation of a bed furniture adjustment mechanism solution such as the invention.
The picture shows a small industrial robot. Industrial robots used for precision work with low loads use low-voltage electric motors placed in the joints of robotic arms.
The picture shows the structure of a low-voltage 12/24V lightweight tubular motor used for example in sunblind roller curtains. The movement of the rotating axle of the electric motor (38a), which has been connected to the mounting flange of the tubular motor, is transmitted via the brake (38b), gear (38c) and drive wheel (38d) of the mechanism to the rotating frame tube (37) with bearings at the ends and causes the rotational adjustment movement of the tubular motor.
The picture shows a roller lift door solution adjusted by a low voltage tubular motor (39). The rotational adjustment movement of the axle of the motor is transmitted to the rotation cylinder of the roller lift door (41) by means of the transmission chain mechanism (40) connected to the mounting plate (42) of the door mechanism. With the help of the rotation cylinder solution of the adjustable pedestal structure of the invention, the adjustment movement of the roller lift door in the picture can be implemented with a simpler structural solution: Instead of the rotation cylinder (41) of the roller lift door mechanism in the picture, the application of the rotation cylinder solution of the invention is supported on the side walls of the door opening. By increasing the stroke of the linear actuator acting as the adjustment motor and the length and density of the threads of the wide spiral flange (12a) or the narrow spiral flanges (12b, 12c) connected on the inner surface of frame tube (11) of the rotation cylinder, the required number of rotations of the rotation cylinder for the open-closed positions of the roller lift door is achieved.
The adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention can be connected to the sleeping platform structure of almost any traditional adjustable bed to replace the traditional height and tilt angle position adjustment mechanisms of the sleeping platform used in them or the adjustable pedestal structure can be connected to the sleeping platform structure of the bed resting on its feet used in homes and converted it into an adjustable bed. The rotation cylinder solution of the invention offers new possibilities for the applications and use of control mechanisms of various machines and devices previously operated with a supply voltage of 230V mains, etc. in places where the control motors must operate at low-voltage. The adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention can be connected to different kind of worktops and tables and convert them into adjustable furniture or it can be utilized in different lifting levels and the like. The rotation cylinder solution of the adjustable pedestal structure of the bed of the invention is a new type of low-voltage adjustment mechanism solution comparable to tubular motors, which is capable of handling significantly higher loads than the traditional tubular motors operating at low-voltage.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
20195567 | Jun 2019 | FI | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/FI2020/050458 | 6/25/2020 | WO |