EP0720467B1 - Variable geometry medical bed - Google Patents

Abstract

The bed comprises a frame (1) and support surface (8) of variable geometry. The support surface (8) consists of mattress support elements (11, 12, 13, 14, 16) arranged in three independent sub-assemblies (17, 18, 19), two of which (17, 19) can move longitudinally on the frame (1) and can be removed simply by lifting. Some of the mattress support elements (12, 14, 16) can be adjusted for height and angle. A head-rest element (11) rests freely on the next mattress support element (12) which can be adjusted longitudinally on the sub-assembly framework (17). A greater number of configurations are possible, and handling of the bed is simplified by separating the frame from the sub-assemblies.

Description

The present invention relates to a medical bed comprising a rest surface with variable geometry.

The purpose of these beds is to relieve patients suffering in particular from rheumatological, bone or neurological conditions.

US-A-3,112,500, 5,095,562 and DE-C-214,173 disclose medical beds tending towards this goal, comprising bed bases articulated to each other, directly or indirectly, which follow one another along bed. However, these known beds are not fully satisfactory since the possibilities for adjusting the geometry are limited. Despite this, known beds are difficult to store and maneuver, especially between the different floors of a hospital establishment. They are indeed heavy and bulky.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks.

According to the invention, the medical bed comprising a frame and a rest surface with variable geometry is characterized in that said means make it possible to move at least one of the subassemblies relative to the other in the longitudinal direction of the frame so as to modulate the longitudinal dimensions of the rest surface.

We thus escape the limitations of known structures where the rest surface consists of a single box spring with articulated sections. In particular, the geometry of the rest surface can now be adapted to the size of the patient and / or to his morphology, and / or to therapeutic needs.

We certainly know from US-A-2,470,161, not a bed, but a treatment table in which successive cushions are organized in two subsets which can be more or less close to each other . But this device is intended to ensure a comfort relative to successive patients on the treatment table, and not to optimize the geometry of a continuous sleeping surface constituted by a mattress.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the sub-assemblies are removably mounted on the chassis. Thus, when the bed has to be moved, the frame and each sub-assembly can be moved separately. The chassis and the subassemblies can also be stored separately.

Each adjustable base can be, at least indirectly, articulated along a substantially median transverse axis to means movable in height. Height adjustment means can be associated with the box spring on either side of this axis to adjust both the height and the inclination of the bed base around the axis.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description below, relating to a non-limiting example.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un lit médicalisé selon l'invention ;
• les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en élévation latérale de la région de pied et respectivement de la région de tête du lit de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en bout de la tête du lit de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective partielle du châssis et du chariot de pied ;
• la figure 6 est une vue de détail illustrant l'accouplement entre un chariot et sa vis d'entraînement ;
• la figure 7 est une vue de l'articulation entre le sommier de pied et un moyen de guidage vertical ;
• la figure 8 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un actionneur linéaire ;
• la figure 9 est une vue de l'articulation entre la vis de réglage en hauteur et le sommier de pied ;
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective partielle du montage du sommier de buste sur un berceau oscillant ;
• la figure 11 est un vue d'un détail de la figure 10, en coupe selon l'axe supportant le dispositif de translation du sommier ;
• la figure 12 est une vue en perspective illustrant le montage du support de bassin ; et
• la figure 13 est une vue partielle en élévation latérale montrant le support de bassin en position escamotée.

In the accompanying drawings:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a medical bed according to the invention;
• Figures 2 and 3 are side elevational views of the foot region and respectively of the head region of the bed of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is an end view of the head of the bed of Figure 1;
• Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the chassis and the foot carriage;
• Figure 6 is a detail view illustrating the coupling between a carriage and its drive screw;
• Figure 7 is a view of the joint between the foot base and a vertical guide means;
• Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of a linear actuator;
• Figure 9 is a view of the joint between the height adjustment screw and the foot base;
• Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the mounting of the chest base on an oscillating cradle;
• Figure 11 is a view of a detail of Figure 10, in section along the axis supporting the translation device of the bed base;
• Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the basin support; and
• Figure 13 is a partial side elevational view showing the basin support in the retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the medical bed according to the invention comprises a frame 1 comprising two longitudinal members 2 connected together by multiple crosspieces 3. Feet 4 carry at their lower end swivel casters 6 and are connected together by stiffeners 7 also connected to the side members 2.

Furthermore, the bed comprises a rest surface 8 intended, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, to receive for example a mattress 9 on which the patient takes place.

According to the invention, the rest surface 8 is subdivided into individual bed bases comprising, in the following order from head to foot of the bed: a headrest 11, a bust support 12, intended to support the bust of the patient , a pelvis support 13, intended to support the patient in the pelvis region, a thigh support 14 and a leg support 16, also supporting the feet.

The headrest and the bust support 12 belong to a head sub-assembly 17, while the thigh support 14 and the leg support 16 belong to a foot sub-assembly 18. The basin support 13 belongs to an intermediate sub-assembly 19.

We will begin by describing with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5 the sub-assembly of the foot 18. It comprises a frame or frame 21 of which two longitudinal elements each carry two tabs 22 directed downwards and rotatably supporting two rollers 23 which are bearing support on the corresponding spar 2, acting as a rail. The foot sub-assembly 18 is thus made longitudinally movable on the chassis 1. A linear actuator 24 is functionally interposed between the chassis 1 and the frame 21. The linear actuator 24 comprises a housing 26 rigidly fixed to the chassis 1, substantially at equal distance between the longitudinal members 2, by means of two tubular rods 27 each extending between the housing 26 and a lug 28 fixed to a respective one of the longitudinal members 2. The rods 27 are prevented from rotating relative to the housing 26 and by relative to the lugs 28. A lead screw 29 parallel to the side members 2 is supported with the possibility of rotation about its axis and of translation along its axis by the housing 26. The housing 26 contains a nut 30 (FIG. 8), the the thread is in thread connection with the lead screw 29. The nut 30 is mounted so that it can rotate without the possibility of sliding relative to the housing 26. The housing 26 supports an electric motor 31 in two direction of movement, driving in rotation a bevel gear 25 meshing with a corresponding bevel gear formed on the nut 30.

At one of its ends, the lead screw 29 (FIG. 5) comprises two flanges 32 defining in ink a groove 33. A coupling fork 34, open downwards, is fixed under a cross member 36 of the frame 21 for engage around the groove 33 between the two flanges 32. Thus, when the motor 31 is put in movement, the rotation of the nut 30 in the housing 26 causes a longitudinal displacement of the lead screw 29 relative to the chassis 1 of the bed and this displacement is transmitted by the coupling fork 34 to the sub-assembly 18 to move this the latter in one direction or the other along the chassis 1 while the rollers 23 roll on the side members 2 acting as rails. In addition, the sub-assembly 18 is easily removable. After having disconnected an electrical connection supplying the motors of the sub-assembly 18, which will be described below, it suffices to lift the chassis 21 to simultaneously release the rollers 23 relative to the side members 2 and the coupling fork 34 relative to the groove 33 The replacement of the sub-assembly 18 on the chassis 1 is carried out by the reverse operations.

A rising and falling guide device 35 is interposed between the leg support 16 and the frame 21 of the sub-assembly 18. The guide device 35 comprises two vertical tubular guides 37 fixed to the frame 21 in symmetrical positions on either side. other of the median longitudinal plane of the bed. In each vertical tubular guide 37 is engaged in a freely sliding manner a respective guide rod 38. The two rods 38, stiffened by a crosspiece 39 which connects them, are articulated by their upper end to the leg support 16 along a common transverse horizontal axis. 41. For this, the leg support 16 (FIG. 7) carries on its lower face for each rod 38 a yoke 42 crossed by a pin 43 which also passes through an end lug 44 of the rod 38, engaged in the yoke 42.

In addition, the leg support 16 (FIG. 2) is connected to the frame 21 by two height adjustment devices 46 located on either side of the axis 41. Preferably, the height adjustment devices 46 are located as close as possible to the front edge and respectively to the rear edge of the leg support 16.

Each height adjustment device 46 is constituted by a linear actuator identical to the longitudinal displacement actuator 24 except that the lead screw 47 is arranged in an orientation close to the vertical and that it is articulated in a manner which is not easily removable by its coupling end, on the underside of the leg support 16. For this, the legs support 16 (FIG. 9) carries on its underside, for each height adjustment device 46, a yoke 48 receiving a terminal ear 49 of the screw 47 with the possibility of relative pivoting about a transverse horizontal axis 51 by means of a pin 50 passing through the two wings of the yoke 48 and the ear 49 of the screw 47. In addition, the rods 52 (FIG. 5 ) by which the housing 53 of the actuator 46 is connected to each side member of the frame 21 are each supported in a bearing 54 fixed to the frame 21 so that the assembly of the actuator 46 can oscillate with respect worn in the frame 21 around the axis 55 of the rods 52.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 2, the upward and downward guidance 35 forces the hinge pin 41, integral with the leg support surface 16 to remain in a transverse vertical plane 56 while the actuators 46, independently adjustable l 'from one another, jointly determine on the one hand the position of the articulation axis 41 along the plane 56 and on the other hand the inclination of the leg support 16 around the axis 41. The articulations actuators 46 along the axes 51 relative to the leg support 16 and 54 relative to the frame 21 allow the actuators 46 to oscillate depending on the setting.

The thigh support 14 is articulated along a horizontal axis transverse 57 to the adjacent edge of the leg support 16. In addition, in the vicinity of its edge 58 opposite the axis 57, and therefore directed towards the pelvis support 13, the thigh support 14 is connected to the frame 21 by a height adjustment device 59 constituted by a linear oscillating actuator identical to the two actuators 46.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, the head sub-assembly 17. It comprises a frame 61 similar to the frame 21 of the foot sub-assembly 18. In particular, the frame 61 is mounted on bearings by rollers 62 on the side members 2 of the chassis 1 and it is thus movable along the chassis 1 by means of a linear actuator 63 quite similar to the actuator 24. The sub-assembly 17 can thus be removed from the chassis 1 by simple lifting at the same time releasing the coupling fork 64 between the two flanges 66 belonging to the lead screw 67 of the linear actuator 63.

In addition, the frame 61 carries an up and down guide device 68 and two height adjustment devices 69 similar to those described with reference to Figures 2 and 5, including in their mutual arrangement. However, these up and down guidance and height adjustment devices support not the bust support 12 but an oscillating cradle 71 (see also FIG. 10) which in turn supports the bust support 12 with the possibility of longitudinal sliding. . For this, the bust support 12 is fixed on a frame 72, two longitudinal elements 73 each having a longitudinal lumen 74 forming a slide. The longitudinal movement of the bust support 12 relative to the cradle 71 is controlled by a linear actuator 76 very similar to those described so far. The two rods 77 supporting the housing 75 of the actuator 76 each pass through one of the elongated slots 74 to guide the frame 72 relative to the cradle 71. Each rod 77 is equipped with a washer 78 engaged in the slot 74 to reduce friction between the slot 74 and the rod 77. The washer 78 has an external groove in which the two opposite edges of the slot 74 are engaged. Beyond the slot 74, each stem 77 is supported with possibility of rotation about its axis in a bearing 79 fixed to the cradle 71. In service, the bust support 12, after having been adjusted in longitudinal position relative to the cradle 71, itself adjusted in height and inclination, is free to pivot on a limited angular travel around the transverse axis 80 defined by the rods 77, to automatically adapt to the movements and attitudes of the patient.

The headrest 11 is freely pivotable about a transverse horizontal axis 81 which is supported in a fixed position relative to the frame 61 by means of two rigid uprights 82. The axis 81 is eccentric in the direction opposite to the bust support 12 Thus, an edge 83 of the headrest 11 rests freely on the bust support 12.

The basin support 13 is integral with the chassis with respect to the longitudinal displacements. It is connected to the chassis 1 by an up and down guide device 84 similar to the up and down guide device 35 of the sub-assembly 18 except that its guide tube 86 is made integral with the frame 1. The basin support 13 is freely articulated at the upper end of the rods 87 of the guide device 84 along a transverse horizontal axis 88, for example by means of a clevis, ear and journal articulation as described for the device rises and falls 35 (FIG. 7 ). A height adjustment device 89 consisting of a linear actuator similar to those 24, 46 etc described above comprises a housing 91 fixed to the chassis 1 by transverse rods while its lead screw 92 (see FIG. 12) is connected, so articulated or not, to a cross member 93 joining the two rods 87 of the up and down. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, although freely pivoting, the pelvis support 13 takes on a tilt consistent with those of the bust support 12 and the thigh support 14.

As shown in FIG. 13, the pelvis support 13 can be moved downwards thanks to the actuator 89 to a retracted position then making it possible to make the bust support 12 and the thigh support 14 almost contiguous. This is possible by adjusting in advanced position the head sub-assembly 17 relative to the chassis 1 and the bust support 12 relative to the cradle 71. Thus, the rest surface is shortened, which makes it possible to adapt it to the size d 'a child.

The electric motors are supplied with low-voltage direct current by means of a connection box 94 (FIG. 1) to which is connected a remote control box 96 which can be made available to the patient to allow him to modify him. even the geometry of the rest surface 8, or which can be neutralized either by disconnecting it from the connection box 94 or by actuating a switch 97 provided for this purpose.

Of course, the bed can be fitted with the usual protective barriers and bracket. A traditional cylinder backrest can be installed between the sub-assembly 17 and the chassis 1 to pivot the sub-assembly 17 substantially around the axis of the rollers 62 located on the side of the basin support 13. During this movement, the coupling fork 64 disengages from the linear actuator 63. When the sub-assembly 17 is brought back to the supine position, the fork 64 automatically resets between the two flanges 66 of the linear actuator 63.

To make a geometry adjustment, the user moves the two movable sub-assemblies longitudinally 16 and 17 longitudinally to place them at the desired distance from the intermediate sub-assembly 19. In addition, each bed base is adjusted in height and inclination. 12, 14, 16, the height of the patient's head being determined by the headrest 11. The pelvis support 13 is simply adjusted in height in a manner consistent with the other bed bases, and takes the correct inclination by itself compared to these.

The medical bed according to the invention allows the disabled patient, for example paralyzed, to regain true mobility and autonomy allowing him, thanks to the different motors, to change position alone, or even to perform rehabilitation exercises. The bed becomes a kind of prosthesis.

The arrangement described and shown has the advantage of using only a small number of different components, each used a large number of times in the structure, which reduces the overall cost of the bed.

But of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

We could modify the number and relative mobility of the different box springs. The means for longitudinally moving the subassemblies and for adjusting the height and inclination of the bed bases could be different.

Claims (25)

1. Medical bed comprising a frame (1) and a geometrically variable support surface (8) intended to support a mattress (9) or the like and subdivided into at least two mattress support elements (11, 12, 13, 14, 16) each being part of a subassembly (17, 18, 19) supported by the frame, the subassemblies comprising means (24, 35, 46, 68, 69, 84, 89) making it possible to adjust the two mattress support elements independently from each other with respect to the frame (1), characterized in that the said means make it possible to displace at least one of the subassemblies (17, 18) with respect to the other in the longitudinal direction of the frame (1) in such a way as to vary the longitudinal dimensions of the support surface (8).
2. Medical bed according to Claim 1, characterized in that the subassembly displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the frame comprises means (23, 62) of rolling longitudinally on the frame.
3. Medical bed according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a screw (29, 67) and nut (30) electric actuator (24, 63) fitted between the displaceable subassembly (17, 18) and the frame.
4. Medical bed according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises, between the frame and the displaceable subassembly, motorized drive means (24, 63) capable of being uncoupled by lifting the displaceable subassembly (17, 18) with respect to the frame (1).
5. Medical bed according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the displaceable subassembly (17) comprises at least two mattress support elements (11, 12), one of which (12) is displaceable with respect to a carrying structure (71) of the subassembly (17).
6. Medical bed according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that there are two subassemblies (17, 18) which can move independently from one another along the frame (1), and are located on either side of a mattress support element (13) which is integral with the frame (1) with respect to its longitudinal displacements.
7. Medical bed according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the displaceable subassembly rests by rail-wheels (23, 62) on longitudinal rails (2) of the frame (1) and is maintained engaged, by its own weight, with a moving member (29, 67) of an actuator (24, 63).
8. Medical bed according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the subassemblies (17, 18) is fitted on the frame (1) in a detachable manner.
9. Medical bed according to Claim 8, characterized in that the detachable subassembly (17, 18) is held on the frame (1) essentially by its own weight.
10. Medical bed according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the mattress support elements (12, 14, 16) is adjustable in height and in inclination on the corresponding subassembly (17, 18).
11. Medical bed according to Claim 10, characterized in that the adjustable mattress support element is articulated along a transverse axis (41) which is substantially median to at least one raising and lowering guidance device (35, 68), the subassembly furthermore comprising means (46, 69) for adjusting the height of the adjustable mattress support element, at two places located on either side of the transverse axis (41).
12. Medical bed according to Claim 11, characterized in that each height adjustment means comprises a screw (47) and nut electric actuator, an upper end of the screw being articulated at least indirectly with the mattress support element (12, 14, 16).
13. Medical bed according to one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the mattress support element (12) which is adjustable on the corresponding subassembly can move longitudinally on a cradle (71) supported by the subassembly (17) in a way which is adjustable in height and in inclination.
14. Medical bed according to Claim 13, characterized in that the adjustable mattress support element (12) has a limited freedom or pivoting with respect to the cradle (71) about a transverse axis (80).
15. Medical bed according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the said corresponding subassembly comprises a second mattress support element (11) which is integral with a framework (61) of the corresponding subassembly, with respect to longitudinal displacements.
16. Medical bed according to one of Claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the mattress support element (12) which is adjustable in height and in inclination has a certain freedom of pivoting on either side of the inclination adjustment.
17. Medical bed according to Claim 16, characterized in that the mattress support element (12) having a certain freedom or pivoting is a chest support.
18. Medical bed according to one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that one of the subassemblies (17) comprises a first (12) and a second (11) mattress support element which are longitudinally adjustable with respect to each other.
19. Medical bed according to Claim 15 or 18, characterized in that the second mattress support element (11) is articulated about an off-centred transverse axis (81) and rests freely on the other mattress support element (12) of the same subassembly (17).
20. Medical bed according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the second mattress support element is a head rest (11) and the other mattress support element (12) of the same subassembly is intended to support the chest.
21. Medical bed according to one of Clams 10 to 12, characterized in that the adjustable mattress support element (16) is articulated, about one of its transverse edges (57), with a second mattress support element (14) supported at a distance from this transverse edge by another height adjustment means (59) of the same subassembly (18).
22. Medical bed according to Claim 21, characterized in that the adjustable mattress support element (16) is intended to support the legs and the feet, and the second mattress support element (14) is intended to support the thighs.
23. Medical bed according to one of Claims 1 to 22, characterized in that one of the two subassemblies (17, 18) is intended to support the head and chest and the other is intended to support the legs, and they are mounted such that they are longitudinally adjustable on either side of a mattress support element (13) supporting the pelvis.
24. Medical bed according to Claim 23, characterized in that the mattress support element (13) supporting the pelvis is freely pivoting.
25. Medical bed according to Claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the mattress support element (13) supporting the pelvis is adjustable in height and can assume a low retracted position.

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