Caregiving bed

Abstract

Provided is a caregiving bed having a variety of usage aspects. A caregiving bed includes a bed main body, and one support platform and another support platform. The bed main body includes a rectangular pad part. Each of the support platforms is provided with an elevator device connected to the pad part to raise and lower the bed main body. Each of the support platforms is provided with a pair of support columns extending upward. A beam member is provided between the support columns of the one support platform and between the support columns of the other support platform. The distance between the pad part and the attachment part decreases when the bed main body is raised by the elevator devices, whereas the distance between the pad part and the attachment part increases when the bed main body is lowered.

Claims

1. A caregiving bed comprising: a bed main body; one support platform and another support platform supporting both longitudinal ends of the bed main body, the bed main body including a rectangular pad part having a predetermined area and thickness allowing a care-receiver to lie thereon, each of the one and the other support platforms being provided with support columns projecting from the bed main body, an amount of projection of the support columns from the bed main body changing in response to the bed main body being raised or lowered, the upper part of the support columns being provided with an attachment part to which a suspension member is detachably attached, the caregiving bed being provided with one or more elevator devices to raise and lower the bed main body and the support columns, and one or more transmission devices to raise and lower the support columns in the reverse direction when the bed main body is raised or lowered, the one or more transmission devices being operatively connected to the one or more elevator devices such that a distance between at least one end of the one or more transmission devices and a top surface of the bed main body changes in response to movement of the one or more elevator devices, and a distance between the pad part and the attachment part decreasing when the bed main body is raised by the elevator devices, whereas the distance between the pad part and the attachment part increasing when the bed main body is lowered.

2. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the suspension member is a pair of belt members forming a lifting member to lift up the care-receiver; the belt members are attached along a longitudinal direction between the attachment part of the one support platform and the attachment part of the other support platform; and a distance between the bed main body and the lifting member decreases when the bed main body is raised by the elevator devices, whereas the distance between the bed main body and the lifting member increases when the bed main body is lowered.

3. The caregiving bed according to claim 2, wherein the pad part has an opening part, the opening part is provided with a box-shaped water tank detachably supported and fixed to the pad part, the water tank being opened to the opening part and having a bottom part provided with a drain that is openable and closable, and a frame that is divided into a plurality of parts is detachably disposed on the water tank to cover the opening part, and a mat is detachably placed on the frame.

4. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the suspension member is a pair of bar-shaped members detachably attached to at least one lifting member to lift up the care-receiver, the bar-shaped members are attached to extend in a longitudinal direction between the attachment part of the one support platform and the attachment part of the other support platform, and a distance between the bed main body and the lifting member decreases when the bed main body is raised by the elevator devices, whereas the distance between the bed main body and the lifting member increases when the bed main body is lowered.

5. The caregiving bed according to claim 4, wherein the pad part has an opening part, the opening part is provided with a box-shaped water tank detachably supported and fixed to the pad part, the water tank being opened to the opening part and having a bottom part provided with a drain that is openable and closable, and a frame that is divided into a plurality of parts is detachably disposed on the water tank to cover the opening part, and a mat is detachably placed on the frame.

6. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the pad part has an opening part, the opening part is provided with a box-shaped water tank detachably supported and fixed to the pad part, the water tank being opened to the opening part and having a bottom part provided with a drain that is openable and closable, and a frame that is divided into a plurality of parts is detachably disposed on the water tank to cover the opening part, and a mat is detachably placed on the frame.

7. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the pad part is provided with a detachable frame that is divided into a plurality of parts, and a mat is detachably placed on the frame, the suspension member is a connection member attached to the support columns provided in one of the pair of support platforms, an opposite side of the connection member that is opposed to a side attached to the support columns is attached to both side end parts of the frame, and when the bed main body is lowered by the elevator devices, the support columns, to which the connection member is attached, are raised with respect to the bed main body, and the connection member pulls up the frame to incline the frame.

8. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the pad part is provided with a detachable frame that is divided into a plurality of parts, and a mat is detachably placed on the frame, and reclining mechanisms that incline part of the frame and enable reclining are provided on both side surfaces of the bed main body.

9. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the bed main body is provided with a headboard and a footboard covering the one and the other support members, upper surfaces of the headboard and the footboard have an equal height and are higher than a surface of the pad part, and the support columns pass through the upper surfaces of the headboard and the footboard.

10. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the support columns are formed to have a long side, bar-shaped members connecting the support columns of the one support platform with the support columns of the other support platform are attached to the attachment parts of the long support columns along a longitudinal direction, and daily commodities are placed on the long support columns and the bar-shape members.

11. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, further comprising: a safety device provided with a control unit controlling operation of the elevator devices; and at least one sensor inputting a signal to stop the elevator devices to the safety device.

12. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the each of the support columns extends through an opening in a corresponding one of the one support platform or the other support platform.

13. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein a width of at least one of the one support platform or the other support platform is greater than a distance between adjacent support columns of the support columns.

14. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein each elevator device of the one or more elevator devices is partially enclosed within the one support platform or the other support platform.

15. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, further comprising an extending member mechanically connecting a first elevator device of the one or more elevator devices to a first transmission device of the one or more transmission devices, wherein the first transmission device is between a first support column of the support columns and the extending member.

16. The caregiving bed according to claim 15, a length of the extending member remains constant in response to movement of the first elevator device.

17. The caregiving bed according to claim 15, wherein the extending member extends through an opening in the one support platform.

18. The caregiving bed according to claim 1, wherein the bed main body further comprises a side surface part configured to at least partially enclose the one support platform.

19. A caregiving bed comprising: a bed main body; and one support platform and another support platform supporting both longitudinal ends of the bed main body, the bed main body including a rectangular pad part having a predetermined area and thickness allowing a care-receiver to lie thereon, each of the one and the other support platforms being provided with support columns projecting through the bed main body, an amount of projection of the support columns from the bed main body changing in response to the bed main body being raised or lowered, the upper part of the support columns being provided with an attachment part to which a suspension member is detachably attached, the caregiving bed being provided with one or more elevator devices to raise and lower the bed main body and the support columns, and one or more transmission devices to raise and lower the support columns in synchronization with the bed main body in the reverse direction when the bed main body is raised or lowered, the one or more transmission devices being operatively connected to the one or more elevator devices such that a distance between at least one end of the one or more transmission devices and a top surface of the bed main body changes in response to movement of the one or more elevator devices in response to movement of the one or more elevator devices, and a distance between the pad part and the attachment part decreasing when the bed main body is raised by the elevator devices, whereas the distance between the pad part and the attachment part increasing when the bed main body is lowered.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a caregiving bed according to Embodiment 1.

(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the caregiving bed according to Embodiment 1.

(3) FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of use following FIG. 3A.

(4) FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of use following FIG. 4A.

(5) FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating a mode of use of the caregiving bed according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating a flow following FIG. 5A.

(6) FIG. 6A is a perspective view illustrating another mode of use of the caregiving bed according to Embodiment 1, FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating a mode of use different from FIG. 6A, FIG. 6C is a perspective view illustrating a mode of use different from FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6D and FIG. 6E illustrate other examples of a frame.

(7) FIG. 7A to FIG. 7E are side views of the caregiving bed, part of which is cross-sectioned, illustrating a mode of use thereof including a care-receiver.

(8) FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a hammock is attached to bar-shaped members, FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the hammock in a divided state, and FIG. 8C is a side view of the hammock.

(9) FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating a mode of use for using a shower of the caregiving bed, and illustrating a flow following FIG. 5B, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view illustrating a flow following FIG. 9A.

(10) FIG. 10A is a top view illustrating a hammock having another shape, FIG. 10B is a side view thereof as viewed from one side, and FIG. 100 is an enlarged view of an XC part of FIG. 10B.

(11) FIG. 11A is a top view illustrating a hammock having another shape, FIG. 11B is a side view thereof as viewed from one side, and FIG. 11C is an enlarged view of an XIC part of FIG. 11B.

(12) FIG. 12A is a perspective view illustrating a flow following FIG. 11B, and FIG. 12B is a perspective view illustrating a flow following FIG. 12A.

(13) FIG. 13A is a perspective view illustrating a mode of use of the caregiving bed according to Embodiment 1, which is for bathing, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view illustrating a flow following FIG. 13A.

(14) FIG. 14A is a side view of the bed, part of which is cross-sectioned, illustrating a state in which a care-receiver is bathed, and FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the hammock is removed from the state of FIG. 14A.

(15) FIG. 15A is a top view illustrating a water tank having another shape, and FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVB-XVB of FIG. 15A.

(16) FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIA-XVIA in FIG. 15B, FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIB-XVIB in FIG. 15B, FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIC-XVIC of FIG. 15B, FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVID-XVID of FIG. 15B, FIG. 16E is an enlarged view of an XVIE part in FIG. 16A, FIG. 16F is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the structure of FIG. 16E is divided, and FIG. 16G is an enlarged view of an XVIG part of FIG. 15B.

(17) FIG. 17A is a perspective view illustrating a state in which another hammock is raised, and FIG. 17B is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the hammock is lowered.

(18) FIG. 18A is a perspective view illustrating another structure of the belt member of the hammock illustrated in FIG. 17, FIG. 18B is an enlarged view of a XVIIIB part of FIG. 18A, and FIG. 18C is a perspective view illustrating a belt member of another hammock.

(19) FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating a structure of another belt member and corresponding to FIG. 18A, and FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating a structure of another belt member and corresponding to FIG. 18A.

(20) FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating another hammock, and FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of use of the hammock illustrated in FIG. 20A.

(21) FIG. 21A is a perspective view illustrating the procedure of a mode of use of the reclining of a caregiving bed according to Embodiment 2, and FIG. 21B is a perspective view illustrating a flow following FIG. 21A.

(22) FIG. 22A is a side view illustrating another reclining structure and a state in which the caregiving bed is not reclined, FIG. 22B is an enlarged view of a part of an upper surface of the caregiving bed, and FIG. 22C is an enlarged back view of part thereof.

(23) FIG. 23 is a side view of the reclining structure of FIG. 22 in a state in which reclining is performed.

(24) FIG. 24A to FIG. 24C are enlarged side views illustrating relation between a movement groove of a cam plate of the reclining structure and a moving axis of a shaft.

(25) FIG. 25A is a side view of another reclining structure in a flat state, and FIG. 25B is a side view illustrating the reclining structure in a raised state.

(26) FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode of use of the reclining structure.

(27) FIG. 27A to FIG. 27F are diagrams illustrating a safety structure of the caregiving bed.

(28) FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a safety device.

(29) FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B are perspective views illustrating a modification of the caregiving bed.

(30) FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B are perspective views illustrating another mode of use of the modification of the caregiving bed.

(31) FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the modification of the caregiving bed.

(32) FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a modification of the caregiving bed with another shape.

(33) FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a modification of the caregiving bed with another shape.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(34) An embodiment of the present invention will be explained hereinafter with reference to drawings. However, the following embodiment illustrates an example of a caregiving bed for materializing a technical idea of the present invention, and is not aimed at specifying the present invention to it. The present invention is equally applicable to other embodiments included in the claims.

Embodiment 1

(35) A caregiving bed 10 according to Embodiment 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the caregiving bed 10 of Embodiment 1 includes a bed main body 22 on which a care-receiver lies, pair of support platforms 11 and 12 that support the bed main body 22 and are disposed at both longitudinal ends of the bed main body 22, a latticed frame 33, and a mat 36.

(36) As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the support platforms 11 and 12 is provided with an elevator device 16 that raises and lowers the bed main body 22. Each elevator device 16 includes a publicly known electric actuator. As each elevator device 16, it is possible to use a device that can raise and lower the bed main body 22, such as a jack and a winch mechanism. The jack and the winch mechanism may be electrically driven or manually operated. An electric device enables the caregiver to easily raise and lower the bed main body, and a manual device can be manufactured at low cost. It is also possible to use a device that can be both electrically driven and manually operated, to manually operate the device when the device cannot be electrically driven, such as in power failure. Because the actuator, the jack, and the winch mechanism are publicly known, detailed explanations thereof are omitted. The following describes each of the constituent elements.

(37) First, the support platforms 11 and 12 will be explained hereinafter. The support platforms 11 and 12 are arranged at both longitudinal ends of the bed main body. Because the support platforms 11 and 12 have the same structure, one support platform 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as support platform) will now be explained as a representative.

(38) As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the support platform 11 is formed of a rectangular parallelepiped. The rectangular parallelepiped has a length substantially equal to a width of the bed main body 22 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the bed main body 22, and has an inside space that can contain the elevator 16 that raises and lowers the bed main body 22. A rectangular upper surface 11a of the rectangular parallelepiped is provided with a pair of upper-surface through holes 11a.sub.1, through which support columns 13a and 13b described later extend vertically move. An opening 11a.sub.2 including a movable part that is coupled to the bed main body 22 located above the elevator device 16 is formed in a substantially center part of the upper surface of the support platform 11.

(39) Side surfaces 11b, 11c, 11d, and 11e are formed at respective peripheral sides of the rectangular upper surfaces 11a, and a bottom surface 11f is disposed on the lower side of the side surfaces 11b to 11e which is opposed to the upper surface. The bottom surface 11f is a part that is placed on the floor surface in the room. Thus, the bottom surface may be provided with some legs 11f.sub.1 in portions contacting the floor surface. The provided legs 11f.sub.1 suppress damage to the floor surface.

(40) Each of a pair of support columns 13a and 13b provided on the support platform 11 is formed of a column member. In a direction in which the support columns are opposed to each other, a beam member 15 is provided in parallel with the width direction of the bed main body to extend between upper parts of the support columns 13a and 13b. Upper end parts 13a.sub.1 and 13b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a and 13b are provided with attachment parts 13a.sub.3 and 13b.sub.3 (see FIG. 9), to which bar-shaped members 37 are attached. The bar-shaped member 37 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the bed main body to extend between upper ends of one support column 13a of one support platform 11 and one support column 14a of the other support platform 12 (see FIG. 9). Details of the elevator device 16 provided inside the support platform 11 will be described later.

(41) The support columns may be configured to be detachable in accordance with the mode of use of the caregiving bed 10 (see FIG. 30). In addition, it is preferable that the support platforms 11 and 12 and the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b be antibacterially treated. Antibacterial support platforms and support columns are kept clean, and suppress infection to the care-receiver and bad smell from the support platforms and the support columns.

(42) Next, the bed main body 22 will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. The bed main body 22 has a pad part 23 formed in a rectangular shape with a predetermined area and thickness that allow a person to lie thereon, and an opening part 23a is provided in an center part of the pad part 23. The pad part 23 is also provided with pad-part through holes 23b, through which the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b provided in the support platforms 11 and 12 extend, to correspond to the respective support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b. The latticed frame 33 and the mat 36 are detachably provided on the opening part 23a formed in the pad part 23.

(43) On the other hand, edge sides of the rectangular pad part 23 are provided with side surface parts 24, 25, 26, and 27 drooping downward to surround the pad part 23 and cover the support columns 11 and 12. The side surface parts 24, 25, 26, and 27 have a downward length enough to cover the whole or substantially half of each support platform when the bed main body 22 is in the lowered position, and cover the upper part of each support platform when the bed main body 22 is in the raised position. In particular, the side surface parts 24 to 27 have an effect of making the appearance of the caregiving bed 10 fine, and are configured to cover the support platforms 11 and 12 and the water tank 28. The side surface parts 24 to 27 may be provided with various decoration that does not obstruct the care-receiver or the caregiver, or have a shape with fine appearance. The bed main body 22 may be preferably subjected to an antibacterial treatment. Antibacterial treatment keeps the bed main body clean, and suppresses infection to the care-receiver and smell from the bed main body.

(44) Because the bed main body 22 and the support platforms 11 and 12 are configured as separate members, repair and exchange can be performed for each of the bed main body or the support platforms, and it is unnecessary to repair or exchange the whole caregiving bed. This structure reduces manufacturing and repairing cost. In addition, because the support platforms having the same structure are used, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

(45) The water tank 28 is provided inside the bed main body 22, and formed in a box shape having an upper part that is opened to correspond to the opening part 23a of the pad part 23. The opened part of the water tank 28 is provided with a plate-shaped support fixing part 29 projecting toward the outside of the opening, along the outer periphery thereof. The support fixing part 29 is supported and fixed to a lower part 23c of the pad part 23. A support plate member 30 is provided between the side surface parts 24 and 25 opposed in the longitudinal direction of the bed main body 22, to support the lower part of the water tank 28 and extend between the side surface parts 24 and 25, such that the support plate member 30 can support the load of the water tank 28 (see FIG. 4A). The water tank 28 may be detachably provided inside the bed main body (see FIG. 31). In such a case, the water tank is detached after the pad part of the bed main body is removed. By adopting such a structure, the water tank can be replaced when the water tank is damaged, or can be replaced with another water tank having another function. In addition, a water tank can be attached later.

(46) The water tank 28 is provided with a drain 31 provided with a plug member 31a that can be opened and closed. The plug member 31a is configured to be closed when the water tank 28 is filled with liquid such as water and hot water, and the plug member 31a is opened when the water is drained (see FIG. 16G). The drain 31 is connected with a drainpipe 32, and the drainpipe 32 is connected to a drain tank to perform drainage. The drainpipe 32 may be directly connected to a sewer pipe that enables drainage in the house. The water tank 28 also includes an inclined part 28a (see FIG. 2) to incline the head part of the care-receiver when the care-receiver is bathed. When water is to be supplied, a water-supply tank having the same capacity as the drainage, such as 5 to 30 liters, is installed, whereby water supply such as shower can be performed via a small pump provided on the water-supply tank. Using a water-supply tank like this removes the necessity for pipe laying such as a water pipe.

(47) Because the caregiving bed 10 is sometimes used as a toilet, the water tank 28 may be provided with a coating that is difficult to soil or easy to wash even when soiled, such that excretion can be washed out. The water tank 28 is supported and fixed inside the bed main body 22, and preferably formed of a material that can withstand the weight of the filling water and the weight of the care-receiver and is also lightweight, such as a synthetic resin and metal such as stainless steel, because the care-receiver is bathed therein. A synthetic resin material is easily provided with a coating for preventing contamination, while a stainless steel material provides a water tank with high strength. The strength of the water tank can be further improved by forming the water tank of such material with a rippled shape. The water tank is preferably subjected to an antibacterial treatment. Antibacterial treatment keeps the water tank clean, and suppresses infection to the care-receiver and smell from the water tank.

(48) Next, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the latticed frame (hereinafter simply referred to as frame) 33 is configured to cover the opening part 23a formed in the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22, and cover the water tank 28, and is locked on the bed main body 22 by locking parts 34 provided on the outer periphery of the frame 33. The frame 33 is divided into a plurality of parts. For example, in Embodiment 1, the frame 33 is divided into three parts, that is, a frame 33a for the upper half part of the body of the care-receiver, a frame 33b for the hip part, and a frame 33c for the leg part. Because the frame is divided like this, the caregiver can easily handle the frame.

(49) Because the frame 33 is frequently exposed to liquid such as water according to the mode of use of the caregiving bed 10, the frame 33 is preferably formed of a material that can support the weight of the care-receiver, is resistant to rust and corrosion, and lightweight to enable easy detachment, for example, a synthetic resin material such as reinforced plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy. A lattice part 35 of the frame 33 is preferably formed having a width that prevents the care-receiver from being caught in the lattice part 35 even when the care-receiver directly gets on the lattice part 35 of the frame 33. The lattice of the frame 33b for the hip part may be provided with an opening part 33b to enable excrement disposal through this part, or the part for the hip part may have a shape that enables easy excretion, such as a toilet seat (not illustrated). Adopting such structures reduces the possibility that excrement adheres to the frame in excretion, and enables excretion at ease.

(50) As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mat 36 is a part on which the care-receiver lies, and is detachably provided and placed to cover the upper part of the latticed frame 33. The mat 36 is provided and divided into a plurality of parts like the above-described latticed frame 33. For example, in Embodiment 1, the mat 36 is divided into three parts, that is, a mat 36a for the upper half of the care-receiver's body, a mat 36b for the hip part, and a mat 36c for the leg part. Dividing the mat like this enables the caregiver to easily handle the mat. The number of divided parts of the mat is not limited to three. For example, the number may be four by dividing the upper half part into two, or more.

(51) The following describes a mode of use of the caregiving bed of Embodiment 1. The caregiving bed 10 of Embodiment 1 illustrated in FIG. 5 is in a state in which the care-receiver lies thereon. Specifically, the bed main body 22 provided on the support platforms 11 and 12 is in a state in which the whole opening part 23a of the pad part 23 is covered with the frame 33 and the mat 36. In this state, as illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the elevator devices 16 are operated to change the height of the bed main body 22, whereby the height is changed to a height at which the caregiver can easily care the care-receiver. For example, the height of the bed main body 22 should be set low when the care-receiver lies thereon or moves between a wheelchair and the caregiving bed. In addition, when the care-receiver sleeps, the bed main body should be provided with a fall-preventing fence 39 as illustrated (see FIG. 29A). The mode of use of the elevator devices provided inside the support platforms 11 and 12 will be described later.

(52) Because the mat 36 provided on the bed main body 22 is divided, each divided part of the mat can be exchanged for a mat of a different material or the different touch in accordance with the care-receiver's taste. For example, it is possible to select a mat having a different coefficient of restitution, a mat having good air permeability, a mat having waterproofing property, and a mat suitable for the sick region. Because the mat 36 is divided into parts, the mat 36 can be easily washed and dried. Adopting such a structure have good influence on not only the care-receiver's comfort in lying but also caregiver's easy care. The mat 36 is preferably subjected to an antibacterial treatment. Antibacterial treatment keeps the mat clean, and suppresses infection to the care-receiver and smell from the mat.

(53) As another mode of use of the caregiving bed 10, in the caregiving bed 10 illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A, only the mat 36b disposed at the hip part of a care-receiver H is removed, to expose the latticed frame 33b at the hip part. In this manner, liquid such as water can be poured into the water tank 28 located under the frame 33b for the hip part. Such a mode of use enables the care-receiver to excrete. After excretion, the water tank 28 can be washed with water or hot water, using a simple pump or the like. It is also possible to change the care-receiver's diaper, and wash the care-receiver's hip part when the hip part is soiled. Using a paper diaper that can be flushed with water enables easy disposal of excrement adhering to the paper diaper, and further reduces the burden on the caregiver.

(54) Easy washing of the hip part is effective not only for the care-receiver's physical health but also mental health, and suppresses bed sore. In addition, because the hip part of the care-receiver can be easily washed, burden on the caregiver and the care-receiver is reduced even when the number of times of washing is increased, and consequently the level of unpleasant smells can be reduced. Because the caregiver can easily perform washing, the caregiver can easily provide care. The amount of use of paper diapers for the care-receiver can be reduced, because the care-receiver can readily excrete and the hip part can be easily washed.

(55) In addition, because the mat 36 is divided, the mat 36 can be removed simply by lifting part of the care-receiver's body and pulling out the mat 36, and thus burden on the caregiver is reduced. The lattice is preferably subjected to an antibacterial treatment. Antibacterial treatment keeps the lattice clean, and suppresses infection to the care-receiver and smell from the lattice.

(56) Drainage of the water tank 28 will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 4B. The water tank 28 is provided with the drain 31 as described above, and the drain 31 is configured to be opened and closed. The drainpipe 32 is connected with the drain 31. The drainpipe 32 is disposed inside the bed main body 22, and an end part thereof is oriented toward the outside of the bed main body 22. The end part of the drainpipe 32 is provided with, for example, a drainage tank for drainage. The waste water collected in the water tank 28 passes through the drain 31 and the drainpipe 32 and is collected in a drainage tank T or the like, by natural drop due to gravity, because the bed main body is disposed above. Thereafter, the drainage tank T is drained from a household toilet or the like to a sewer. The drainpipe 32 is configured to be slightly inclined to smoothly perform drainage. The drainpipe 32 may be directly connected to a sewer without temporarily collecting water in a drainage tank or the like. Although a simple pump may be used, it is necessary to care about maintenance of the simple pump, such as pump clogging, when the simple pump is used. The drain, the drainpipe, and the drainage tank are preferably subjected to an antibacterial treatment. Antibacterial treatment keeps the water tank clean, and suppresses infection to the care-receiver and smell from the water tank.

(57) As well as the hip part, the mat 36a for the upper half part of the mat 36 can be removed to wash hair (see FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B), and the mat 36c for the leg part can be removed to wash the legs (see FIG. 6C and FIG. 7C). In addition, the legs can be bathed by removing the mat 36c and the frame 33c for the leg part (see FIG. 2) and filling the water tank 28 with hot water. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the legs can also be bathed by removing the mats for the hip part and the leg part and seating the care-receiver on the frame. As illustrated in FIG. 7E, all the mats can be removed. An example of the mode of use in which all the mats are removed will be described later. As the frame, it is possible to use a frame 33 in which beam members are formed on the diagonal lines in a frame as illustrated in FIG. 6D, or a frame 33 in which a square or rectangular beam member is provided in the center as illustrated in FIG. 6E, as well as the latticed frame used in the embodiment.

(58) Next, explained hereinafter is a mode of use of the caregiving bed 10, in which a hammock 38 serving as a lifting member is attached to the caregiving bed 10, and how to exchange the mat 36 and the bedding and a bed sheet (not illustrated) placed on the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22. First, the bed main body 22 on which the care-receiver lies is raised from a lowered state illustrated in FIG. 5A to an upper position as illustrated in FIG. 5B using the elevator devices 16, and a hammock 38 serving as a lifting member is disposed under the care-receiver. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8A and FIG. 9A, a pair of bar-shaped members 37 are attached to the upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 of the support columns provided on the support platforms 11 and 12, in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bed main body 22, to extend between the support columns 13a and 13b of the support platform 11 and the support columns 14a and 14b of the other platform 12. The attachment can be performed by providing the upper end parts of the support columns with attachment parts 13a.sub.3, 13b.sub.3, 14a.sub.3, and 14b.sub.3, such as projecting locking projections, providing the bar-shaped members with locking grooves engaged with the locking projections, and fitting the locking projections with the locking grooves.

(59) The hammock 38 serving as a lifting member has a length exceeding the height of the care-receiver, to lift the care-receiver. The hammock is formed of a resistant material that enables lifting the care-receiver. For example, woven nylon and glass fiber can be used. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the hammock 38 is divided into a plurality of parts, and is configured to be used as a hammock when the hammocks 38.sub.1 to 38.sub.3 are attached to the bar-shaped members 37.

(60) After the hammock 38 is attached to the above-described bar-shaped members 37, the bar-shaped members 37 are attached to the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b. During attachment, the hammock 38 is attached to the bar-shaped member 37, by making loops 38a that allow the bar-shaped members 37 to extend through the longitudinal ends of the hammock 38, and inserting the bar-shaped members 37 through the loops 38 (see FIG. 8C). Although the loops 38a formed at the hammock 38 are formed of the same material as that of the hammock and formed to be strong enough to support the weight of the care-receiver, the loops 38a can be flattened when load is applied onto the loops, because the loops 38a are hollow.

(61) The hammock 38 can be attached to the bar-shaped members 37 after the bar-shaped members are attached to the support columns. In such a case, the parts of the hammock 38 to be attached to the bar-shaped members should be made particularly strong to prevent the care-receiver from falling. For example, metal hooks may be used as the parts. The bar-shaped members 37 also need to have a sufficient strength to support the weight of the care-receiver lifted by the hammock 38, and is light enough that the caregiver can detach and attach the bar-shaped members 37. For example, the bar-shaped members 37 can be formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material with a long pipe shape, or a hard wood material. The bar-shaped members 37 are configured to bend in a longitudinal direction or be elastic, at the upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 provided with the attachment parts 13a.sub.3, 13b.sub.3, 14a.sub.3, and 14b.sub.3 in the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b, and thereby bend and arch to absorb load on the mechanism due to the care-receiver's weight when the care-receiver is lifted by the hammock.

(62) Because the hammock can be attached in a divided state as illustrated in FIG. 8, the hammock can be partly used. For example, when the hip part is washed, the hammock is attached to the hip part to lift only the care-receiver's hip part. When the legs are washed, the hammock is attached to the leg part and used. The hammock and the bar-shaped members are preferably subjected to an antibacterial treatment. Antibacterial treatment keeps the hammock and the bar-shaped members clean, and suppresses infection to the care-receiver and smell from the hammock and the bar-shaped members. The hammock can be suspended in the longitudinal direction (not illustrated), by setting bar-shaped members attached to the upper ends of the support columns in parallel with a short direction of the bed main body. This structure prevents the longitudinal bar-shaped members and the belt member of the hammock attached to the bar-shaped members from obstructing the care work of the care-giver, and enables more stable care work.

(63) A curtain can be suspended by the bar-shaped members, as well as the hammock. By adopting a structure in which a curtain can be provided, a shower curtain can be provided in shower, and a blind or sunshade curtain can be provided when the care-receiver is asleep.

(64) Next, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the hammock 38 on which the care-receiver lies is attached to the bar-shaped members 37, and the bar-shaped members 37 are attached to the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b. Because the hammock has not been stretched yet in the attachment, the bar-shaped members 37 can be easily attached. In addition, disposing the bed main body 22 in an upper position brings the upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b relatively close to the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22, thus shortens the distance of lifting up the bar-shaped members 37, and facilitates attachment of the bar-shaped members 37.

(65) Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the bed main body 22 is lowered using the elevator devices 16. In this manner, the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b of the support platforms 11 and 12 are raised with the lowering of the bed main body 22, and the bar-shaped members 37 are relatively raised together with the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b to stretch the hammock 38. When the hammock 38 becomes a stretched state, the care-receiver on the hammock 38 is lifted. In this state, the beam members 15 provided between the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b prevents the support columns from being bent due to the care-receiver's weight.

(66) By using the lifting member and the elevator devices of the caregiving bed of Embodiment 1, the care-receiver can be easily lifted from the mat, the mat and the sheet put on the mat can be easily changed, and the bed can be kept clean.

(67) The raising and lowering of the bed main body 22 will be explained hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. In the caregiving bed 10 of Embodiment 1, each of the support platforms 11 and 12 is provided with the elevator device 16, and the bed main body 22 can be raised and lowered by the elevator devices 16. In the caregiving bed 10 of Embodiment 1, the support platforms 11 and 12 are provided with the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b, and the length of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b projecting from the bed main body 22 are changed by raising and lowering the bed main body 22. The support platform 11 will be explained in the same manner, as a representative of the structure of the bed main body 22, the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b and the elevator device 16. An actuator 16 serving as the elevator device 16 and being vertically movable is provided inside the support platform 11 and in a center position of the support platform 11.

(68) An upper end of an operating part 17 of the actuator 16 is coupled with the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22, to vertically move the bed main body 22 in accordance with vertical movement of the operating part 17 of the actuator 16. The bed main body 22 is provided with extending members 18 that extend downward from the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22. On the other hand, transmission mechanisms 19 are provided inside the support platform 11. Each transmission mechanism 19 is formed of a fixing member 20 fixed to the support platform 11, and a rotational member 21 that pivotally supports a central portion 20.sub.1 of the fixing member 20 and is rotatably attached. The support platform 11 is provided with the support columns 13a and 13b extending through respective upper-surface through holes 11a.sub.1 of the upper surface 11a of the support platform 11 and respective pad-part through holes 23b of the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22.

(69) Both end parts of each rotational member 21 are rotatably connected to a second fulcrum 18.sub.1 in a lower part of the extending member 18, and a first fulcrum 13a.sub.2 or 13b.sub.2 of in a lower part of the support column 13a or 13b. A pair of extending members 18, a pair of transmission mechanisms 19, and a pair of support columns 13a and 13b are provided symmetrically with respect to the actuator 16 serving as the center. In this manner, when the actuator 16 vertically moves, the bed main body 22 also vertically moves in accordance with the movement of the operating part 17 of the actuator, and the vertical movement of the bed main body 22 is transmitted to the extending members 18 extending from the pad part 23, to vertically move the extending members 18. In this manner, the rotational members 21 pivotally supported by the fixing members 20 are rotated around the pivotally supported parts, and the rotational movement is transmitted to the support columns 13a and 13b.

(70) When the bed main body 22 is raised, the support columns 13a and 13b are lowered. In contrast, when the bed main body 22 is lowered, the support columns 13a and 13b are raised. When the transmission mechanisms 19 are provided as described above, the raising and lowering of the bed main body 22 and the raising and lowering of the support columns 13a and 13b are reversed to each other. Thus, a movement of the actuator 16 with a small distance generates a large relative displacement between the bed main body 22 and the support columns 13a and 13b.

(71) Because the elevator device 16 is provided in each of the support platform 11 and the support platform 12, the bed main body 22 can be raised and lowered in parallel. Because the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b are also raised and lowered in parallel, the bar-shaped members 37 attached to the attachment parts 13a.sub.3, 13b.sub.3, 14a.sub.3, and 14b.sub.3 of the upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b can be raised and lowered in parallel, and the care-receiver on the hammock 38 attached to the bar-shaped members 37 can be stably raised and lowered in safety. In this operation, the elevator device 16 of one support platform 11 should be operated together with the elevator device 16 of the other support platform 12, whereby the bed main body can be raised and lowered without being inclined, which makes the care-receiver feel relieved and further enhances safety. A guide rail (not illustrated) may be provided between the inside of the bed main body 22 and each of the support platforms 11 and 12, for example, in a gap g. The guide rails provided reduces the shaking of the bed main body when the bed main body is raised and lowered. Because the bed main body can be lowered to the height of the thickness of the bathtub, the bed main body can be lowered to a low position. The pad part of the bed main body can be further lowered by designing the bathtub to have a small thickness, and such a structure prevents an injury of the care-receiver caused by falling.

(72) Each support column may be formed as a long member, or may be divided into two parts. For example, each support column may be detachably divided into a part exposed out of the bed main body and a part that is driven inside the support platform, and the part exposed out of the bed main body may be detached and attached when necessary. In the mode in which support columns are out of use, when the bed main body is raised and lowered, the support columns are also raised and lowered, and may be an obstacle to the caregiver. In this manner, by adopting the above structure, the part exposed out of the bed main body is configured to be detachable, whereby the caregiver can easily provide care. The attachment may be preferably performed by screwing. The beam members extending between the support columns prevent the support columns from being rotated and being easily removed, and thus enhances safety during use. In addition, because the support columns can be attached later, another function can be easily added.

(73) Although a case is explained where the caregiving bed 10 of Embodiment 1 is provided with transmission mechanisms that interlock the raising and lowering of the bed main body with the raising and lowering of the support columns, the caregiving bed 10 is not limited to it, but may be configured to be provided with no transmission mechanisms. Specifically, although such an example has a common structure in which the bed main body vertically moves by the operation of the actuators, the support columns are fixed on the upper surfaces of the support platforms, whereby the support columns do not vertically move although the bed main body vertically moved. Thus, because the positions of the upper end parts of the support columns are not changed, the pad part of the bed main body is brought close to the positions of the upper end parts of the support columns, when the bed main body is raised. On the other hand, when the bed main body is lowered, the pad part of the bed main body moves away from the positions of the upper end parts of the support columns. This operation generates a relative displacement between the pad part of the bed main body and the upper end parts of the support columns. This structure removes the need for lifting up the hammock on which the care-receiver lies to a high position, and suppresses scaring the care-receiver.

(74) In addition, when no transmission mechanisms are provided, it is unnecessary to connect the support columns to transmission mechanisms, and thus the support columns can be provided on side surfaces of the support platforms, or in positions apart from the bed main body. Thus, it is unnecessary to form through holes in the pad part of the bed main body, and the manufacturing process is simplified. It is also possible to adopt various layouts, for example, a layout in which one support column passes through the pad part and the other support column is disposed in a position apart from the bed main body. It is possible to provide a caregiving bed suitable for the mode of care of the care-receiver.

(75) In the case where no transmission mechanisms are provided, although it is necessary to increase the distance of vertical movement of the operating part of the actuator, the manufacturing cost can be reduced because the structure is simplified. In addition, two actuators may be provided on both sides of each support platform, instead of providing an actuator in the center part of each support platform. Using two actuators enables more stable raising and lowering. In addition, because smaller actuators can be adopted in comparison with the case of using an actuator, each support platform can be made compact. In the case of providing two actuators, the two actuators should be configured to move up and down together.

(76) A structure of another hammock will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C. Although the hammock 38 described above is lifted up and lowered by attaching the bar-shaped members 37 to the attachment parts 13a.sub.3, 13b.sub.3, 14a.sub.3, and 14b.sub.3 of the upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b of the support platforms 11 and 12, and raising and lowering the support platforms, this hammock is configured to be lifted up and lowered by attaching belt members forming the hammock to the attachment parts 13a.sub.3, 13b.sub.3, 14a.sub.3, and 14b.sub.3, without using the bar-shaped members. The hammock 138 illustrated in FIG. 10A has a length larger than the height of the care-receiver, and formed of a resistant material that enables lifting up the care-receiver. For example, woven nylon or glass fiber can be used. Both longitudinal ends of the hammock are provided with belt members 138a.

(77) A pair of slide members 50 are attached to respective longitudinal sides of the hammock 138 on which the care-receiver lies. Each slide member 50 is formed of a fixed sheet part 50a that is attached onto the hammock 138, and a slide sheet part 50b that is provided above the fixed sheet part 50a and is formed longer than the fixed sheet part 50a. These parts can be formed of a material such as nylon taffeta. Each slide member 50 is attached in a state in which longitudinal ends of the fixed sheet part 50a are joined to respective longitudinal ends of the slide sheet part 50b. Thus, when the fixed sheet part 50a is in a stretched state, the slide sheet part 50b is in a loose state.

(78) The following describes attachment of the slide members 50 to the hammock 138. First, connection members, for example, detachable first tape members 51 are attached onto the belt members 138a provided on both the longitudinal sides of the hammock 138, and onto a pair of longitudinal axis lines 138c, each located close to the belt member 138a beyond a longitudinal center line 138b of the hammock 138. Detachable second tape members 52 are attached to the fixed sheet parts 50a located in positions corresponding to the first tape members 51 attached to the belt members 138a on both sides of the hammock 138 and the axis lines 138c, in the slide members 50. The hammock 138 and the fixed sheet parts 50a are detachably attached to each other by putting the first tape members 51 and the second tape members 52 together (see FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C).

(79) In this operation, the fixed sheet parts 50a of the slide members 50 are attached in a stretched state onto the hammock 138. Then, the slide sheet parts 50b are attached onto the respective fixed sheet parts 50a to align both ends. The detachable tape members as described above may be used for the attachment, or the sheet parts may be sewed with thread. The slide sheet parts 50b have a size enough to cover a center part 138e of the hammock 138 with the loose parts of the slide sheet parts 50b when the slide members 50 are attached to the hammock 138, to cover meshes 138d of the hammock 138.

(80) By setting the attachment position and the size of the slide members 50 as described above, the fixed sheet parts 50a of the slide members 50 are fixed in a stretched state on the hammock 138, and parts of the slide sheet parts 50b above the fixed sheet parts 50a, which stick out of the fixed parts of the fixed sheet parts 50a with the first and second tape members 51 and 52, can slide in a horizontal direction. Thus, when the care-receiver is to be put on the hammock 138, the care-receiver gets on the slide sheet part 50b of the slide member 50, and the slide sheet part 50b is slid on the fixed sheet part 50a, to easily move the care-receiver to a predetermined position on the hammock 138. By moving the slide sheet part 50b, the care-receiver is properly moved on the hammock 138, to suppress pain and sore caused by bed sore. In addition, because the hammock has meshes, when the care-receiver directly puts on the meshes, the care-receiver's weight is applied onto the meshes 138d, and the meshes 138d cut into the care-receiver's body and cause pain. The slide members 50 provided prevents the care-receiver from directly touching the meshes 138d, and reduces pain and sore.

(81) Because the slide members 50 are attached to both sides of the hammock 138 and slid to expose the meshes 138d in the center part 138e, water can be drained in bathing or shower described later. Because the slide members 50 are attached to the hammock 138 using detachable tape members, the slide members 50 are easily attached and detached, and can be easily washed and changed.

(82) In the hammock illustrated in FIG. 10A, ears 53 are provided outside the belt members, and the hammock can be carried and attached to the bar-shaped members using the ears 53. A plurality of ears 53 may be provided. Although the above example shows the case where each slide member is formed of the fixed sheet part and the slide sheet part, the structure is not limited to the above structure, but the same effect can be obtained by forming a sheet member with a tube shape, and attaching the sheet member onto the hammock such that the lower part of the sheet member is fixed and the upper part thereof is slid.

(83) In addition, although each slide member is formed of the fixed sheet part and the slide sheet part, the slide sheet part may be directly attached to the hammock, without using the fixed sheet part.

(84) The following describes a hammock of another structure. As illustrated in FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C, as the hammock with this structure, a case is explained where a double sheet member 54 formed of a first sheet member 54a and a second sheet member 54b is provided on a side of the hammock 238, on which the care-receiver lies, and the double sheet member 54 are attached in a state of being divided into a plurality of parts. The double sheet member 54 is formed of the first sheet member 54a attached on the upper side of the hammock 238, and the second sheet member 54b attached to an upper side of the first sheet member 54a. The second sheet member 54b is formed to be larger than the first sheet member 54a in a width direction of the hammock 238. Both ends of the first sheet member 54a are aligned with both ends of the second sheet member 54b when attached, and thus the first sheet member 54a is attached in a stretched state. Because the second sheet member 54b formed in a larger size is attached with both ends thereof aligned with both ends of the hammock 238, the second sheet member 54b is attached in a loose state. The double sheet member 54 are divided into a plurality of parts and attached to the hammock. In this state, the divided double sheet members 54 are provided with overlapping parts 55, in which end parts of the divided double sheet members 54 in the longitudinal direction of the hammock overlap each other, to prevent meshes of the hammock 238 from being exposed. Belt members 238a are provided on both longitudinal ends of the hammock 238, the first sheet member 54a, and the second sheet member 54b.

(85) By providing the double sheet member 54 obtained by superimposing sheet members having different sizes, the second sheet member 54b can be slid and moved on the first sheet member 54a by the difference in size. In this manner, when the care-receiver is put on the hammock 238, the care-receiver can be easily moved to a predetermined position on the hammock 238 by sliding the second sheet member 54b, without directly moving the care-receiver even when the care-receiver gets on the end of the hammock 238. In addition, sliding the second sheet member 54b suppresses pain and sore due to bedsore that is caused by moving the care-receiver on the hammock 238.

(86) Because the hammock 238 has the meshes, when the care-receiver directly puts on the meshes, the care-receiver's weight is applied onto the meshes 238d, and the meshes 238d cut into the care-receiver's body and cause pain. The double sheet member 54 provided prevents the care-receiver from directly touching the meshes 238d, and reduces pain and sore. The double sheet member 54 divided into a plurality of parts is provided with the overlapping parts 55 in which end parts of the divided double sheet members overlap, and the overlapping parts 55 prevents the meshes 238d from touching the care-receiver. The overlapping parts 55 provided in the double sheet member 54 divided into a plurality of part enables water drainage when a shower is used on the double sheet member 54 as described later.

(87) In the hammock 238 illustrated in FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C, the ears 53 are provided outside the belt members 238a, and the hammock can be carried and attached to the bar-shaped members using the ears 53. In this manner, a plurality of ears 53 may be provided. Although the above explanation shows the case where the care-receiver is moved by sliding using the double sheet member, the structure is not limited to the above structure, but a slidable second sheet member may be directly provided on the hammock.

(88) In addition, the meshes of the hammock explained above may be removed, and the lifting member may be formed only of the belt members and the sliding members or the double sheet member. By adopting such a structure, meshes are removed, and a more lightweight and soft member is obtained, which provides the care-receiver with a comfortable feel during use. Also in this case, the slide members may be formed of only the slide sheet members, and the double sheet member may be formed of only the second sheet member forming the double sheet member.

(89) Next, a case is explained where a shower is used for the care-receiver, as a mode of use of the caregiving bed 10 according to Embodiment 1. First, as described above, the caregiving bed is changed to the state illustrated in FIG. 9B. Then, the mat 36 on the bed main body 22 is removed, as illustrated in FIG. 12A. The removal can be easily performed by using the elevator devices and the hammock.

(90) After all the mats 36 are removed, the bed main body 22 is raised again using the elevator devices 16, as illustrated in FIG. 12B. As the bed main body 22 is raised, the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b of the support platforms 11 and 12 are relatively lowered, the bar-shaped members 37 and the hammock 38 are also lowered, and the care-receiver is placed on the latticed frame 33 of the bed main body 22. Then, the care-receiver can take a shower using a shower using a water supply tank or a small pump. The wastewater of the shower taken by the care-receiver flows into the water tank 28 provided inside the bed main body 22 through the frame 33, and can be drained from the water tank 28. The drainage state is the same as the state described above. The care-receiver in a state of lying on the frame can take a shower, with the hammock removed (see FIG. 7E). Because the hammock is divided into a plurality of parts, the caregiver can easily remove the hammock even in the state where the care-receiver is laid on the frame.

(91) As described above, when the care-receiver take a shower on the latticed frame 33, the wastewater is prevented from adhering to the care-receiver. Specifically, when the care-receiver take a shower in the water tank 28, the wastewater of the shower is collected in the water tank, and may adhere to the care-receiver, which is not preferable for good hygiene. In particular, when excrement is washed away, it is preferable to avoid contact with the wastewater. The caregiving bed 10 according to Embodiment 1 can easily achieve this objective.

(92) After the shower for the care-receiver is finished, the bed main body 22 is lowered again, and the hammock 38 is relatively raised to lift up the care-receiver. In this state, the mat 36 is placed on the frame 33 of the bed main body 22, and the bed main body 22 is raised to place the care-receiver on the mat 36. After the care-receiver is placed on the mat 36, the hammock 38 is removed. Although this removal is performed through a part under the care-receiver's body, because the hammock is divided into parts as described above, the removal can be easily performed by lifting up the part of the care-receiver from which the hammock is to be removed, or using the flexibility of the mat 36. The mode of use of the shower is finished as described above.

(93) The water on the care-receiver's body after the shower can be wiped off at any time, for example, when the care-receiver is lifted up with the hammock, or when the care-receiver is placed on the mat. The water in the water tank 28 and the frame 33 may also be wiped off at the same time. A general cleaning of the water tank and the like is preferably performed when the care-receiver goes away from the caregiving bed 10.

(94) Because the shower is used in the room, a water supply tank is used when the water supply facilities such as a faucet is distant from the caregiving bed. When the shower is used, for example, a water supply tank having a capacity of about 5 liters to 30 liters is installed, the water supply tank is provided with a small pump, whereby the care-receiver take a shower through the small pump. Using a water supply tank like this removes the need for laying pipes such as a water pipe.

(95) The following describes a mode of use of the caregiving bed 10 according to Embodiment 1, when the care-receiver is bathed. A case will be explained of using the hammock 38 serving as the lifting member described above, in bathing in the caregiving bed 10 according to Embodiment 1. The way of use is similar to the above-described mode of use of the shower. Specifically, as described above with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, first, the bed main body 22 is raised, and the hammock 38 is inserted under the care-receiver laid on the mat 36 of the bed main body 22. Then, the hammock 38 is attached to the bar-shaped members 37, and the bar-shaped members 37 are attached to the attachment parts 13a.sub.3, 13b.sub.3, 14a.sub.3, and 14b.sub.3 of the upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b of the support platforms 11 and 12. Thereafter, the bed main body 22 is lowered, to lift up the care-receiver with the hammock 38. This work is the same as above.

(96) Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 13A, all the parts of the mat 36 and the latticed frame 33 placed on the bed main body 22 are removed, to expose the water tank 28 from the opening part 23a of the bed main body 22. In this state, the mat 36 and the frame 33 can be easily removed because they are divided into parts, and the lightweight frame 33 can also be easily removed by the caregiver. A sheet may be put onto the lower side of the mat, to prevent steam from going up from the bathtub.

(97) Next, a sheet member, for example, a water-resistant sheet 40 is spread to cover the surface of the inside of the water tank 28 (see FIG. 13B). The water tank 28 may be provided with attachment members (not illustrated) such as hooks, and the sheet may be attached to the attachment members. Because the water tank 28 is also used for disposing excrement as described above, a mental burden may be imposed on the care-receiver who bathes in the water tank even when the water tank 28 is kept clean. Such a burden can be lightened by providing a sheet or the like. After the sheet 40 is spread in the water tank 28, hot water is supplied to the water tank. The hot water may be poured with a simple pump, or may be carried from the household bath.

(98) The sheet member is not limited to a sheet having a sheet shape, but may be provided with various shapes. For example, a structure (such as an armrest) that is usually formed in the water tank may be formed in the sheet member. It is therefore unnecessary to form projections or depressions in the water tank itself, and such structure reduces the manufacturing cost of the water tank, and facilitates cleaning of the water tank. Because the sheet member can be easily attached and detached, the sheet member can be easily changed, and the shape of the sheet member can be selected in accordance with the state of the care-receiver.

(99) The sheet member is preferably subjected to an antibacterial treatment. Antibacterial treatment keeps the sheet member clean, and suppresses infection to the care-receiver and smell from the sheet member.

(100) When the water level in the water tank 28 becomes a fixed level or more, the bed main body 22 is raised. By the raising, the water tank 28 of the bed main body 22 is raised, and the care-receiver put on the hammock 38 is lowered to enter the hot water in the water tank 28. In this state, although the care-receiver remains on the hammock 38, the care-receiver can be bathed without any problem when the depth of the hot water is sufficient (see FIG. 14A). The hammock may be removed in bathing (FIG. 14B). Because the care-receiver in bathing is in a floating state by buoyancy of water, the hammock can be easily removed and attached.

(101) When bathing is finished, the bed main body 22 is lowered again to raise the hammock 38. Then, part of the sheet 40 spread in the water tank 28 is shifted or bent, whereby the hot water in the sheet 40 is flown into the water tank 28 and drained through the drain 31 of the water tank 28. The drainage is the same as that described above.

(102) Thereafter, the opening part 23a of the bed main body 22 is covered with the frame 33, and the mat 36 is placed on the frame 33. Then, the bed main body 22 is raised to lower the hammock 38 and put the care-receiver on the mat 36. The following work is the same as that described above. In this manner, the care-receiver can be easily bathed.

(103) Although the water tank 28 explained in Embodiment 1 has a box shape, the water tank is not limited to it, but may have a different shape. For example, the structure illustrated in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 may be adopted. The water tank 28 illustrated in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 includes a box-shaped water tank main body 28a that is detachably provided inside the bed main body 22 and has an opened upper part to correspond to the opening part 23a of the pad part 23. The water tank main body 28a includes a head placing part 28b, a backrest part 28c, a hip placing part 28d, and a leg placing part 28e, having respective predetermined depths and shapes. When the care-receiver in a lying state is put into the water tank 28 to use the water tank 28 as a bathtub, the head part of the care-receiver is placed on the head placing part 28b, the back of the care-receiver is placed on the backrest part 28c, the hip part of the care-receiver is placed on the hip placing part 28d, and the legs are placed on the leg placing part 28e. The hip placing part 28d is disposed in substantially the center, the backrest part 28c is disposed on one side of the hip placing part 28d and inclined at a predetermined angle, and the head placing part 28b is disposed to connect with the backrest part 28c. The leg placing part 28e is disposed on the other side of the hip placing part 28d. In the structure, the head placing part 28b is located in the highest position, and the hip placing part 28d is located in the lowest position. Hook-shaped claw parts 28f to be detachably attached to the bed main body 22 are formed in respective four corners of the water tank main body 28a. The bed main body 22 is provided with projections 22.sub.1 (see FIG. 16F) to hook the claw portions 28f to attach the water tank 28. This structure facilitates attachment and detachment of the water tank.

(104) A step 28g is formed inside each of the claw parts 28f formed in a longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the water tank main body 28a, and the frame 33 can be placed on the steps 28g. It is therefore unnecessary to form a part for placing the frame 33 in the bed main body 22. The bottom part of each step 28g is supported by the bed main body 22, whereby the strength of the water tank 28 and the frame 33 is enhanced. Because the steps 28g are formed, overflow of hot water or the like from this part is prevented.

(105) The head placing part 28b is a part on which the care-receiver's head part is placed when the water tank 28 is used as a bathtub, and has an area enough to support the care-receiver's head in bathing and allow a shampoo. The head placing part 28b is formed to be slightly inclined toward the center part of the water tank main body 28a, to prevent the hot water used for a shampoo from accumulating in the head part placing part 28b.

(106) The backrest part 28c is formed with a slope to support the back of the care-receiver. The slope has an angle that prevents the hot water collected in the water tank main body 28a from flowing into the head placing part, or keeps the hot water in a position lower than the position of the care-receiver's ears, and allows the part of the care-receiver's body below the head to be soaked in the hot water, when the care-receiver uses the water tank 28 as a bathtub.

(107) A neck placing part 28h having a shape to receive the care-receiver's neck part is provided in a center part between the head placing part 28b and the backrest part 28c. The neck placing part 28h may be formed as one unitary piece with the water tank main body 28a, or formed as a separate member.

(108) The hip placing part 28d is provided in the lowest position in the water tank main body 28a, because the care-receiver's hip part is placed on the hip placing part 28d. The hip placing part 28d is thus provided with a drain 31. A stair 28d.sub.1 is formed between the hip placing part 28d and the leg placing part 28e, such that the leg placing part 28e is higher. In this manner, when the care-receiver is bathed, the care-receiver's hip part is hooked on the stair 28d.sub.1 to prevent slipping, whereby the care-receiver is prevented from being submerged in the water.

(109) The leg placing part 28e is a part on which the care-receiver's leg part is placed, and is formed to be relatively long. The leg placing part 28e is formed to be slightly inclined toward the hip placing part 28d. The placing part 28e is provided with a narrowed part 28e.sub.1 that narrows toward the part on which the care-receiver's toe is placed. The narrowed part 28e.sub.1 is formed up to a predetermined height of the water tank main body 28a. The narrowed part 28e.sub.1 provided as described above reduces the quantity of water to be used, and saves water. A top part 28e.sub.2 of the narrowed part 28e.sub.1 is formed with a height substantially equal to the height of the head placing part 28e.sub.1, whereby the top part 28e.sub.2 of the narrowed part 28e.sub.1 is used as a yardstick. The quantity of the water to be supplied is set to a quantity that does not exceed the top part 28e.sub.2, whereby the care-receiver's head part is prevented from being soaked in the hot water.

(110) The narrowed part 28e.sub.1 provided reduces the quantity of the hot water used for bathing, and produces the water-saving effect. The narrowed part 28e.sub.1 also reduces the weight of the hot water applied to the water tank 28, thereby preventing breakage of the water tank 28. Because the weight applied to the water tank 28 is reduced, the manufacturing cost of the water tank 28 can be reduced, and the water tank 28 can be manufactured at low cost. The water tank may be formed of a sheet-like material having the above form. In this manner, a more inexpensive water tank can be provided, and the water tank can be easily changed. In such a case, because sufficient strength cannot be obtained with the sheet-like water tank, a structure such as the support plate member 30 (see FIG. 4) is preferably provided under the water tank.

(111) Because the water tank 28 is used for care-receivers having various figures, the water tank 28 is preferably formed to fit various figures. Thus, the hip placing part 28d is used as a yardstick, the leg placing part 28e is formed to have a long side, whereby the water tank 28 can be used for tall care-receivers. The water tank 28 can also be used for short care-receivers, by forming the backrest part 28c to be short. Although the position of the care-receiver's neck differs due to the difference in the care-receiver's height, and the position in which the neck placing part 28h differs, this problem can be solved by disposing the neck placing part 28h formed as a separate member in a predetermined position, or using a towel or the like. The backrest part 28c is formed with a gentle slope, thereby enabling the care-receiver's whole body to be soaked in the hot water, regardless of the care-receiver's height.

(112) The caregiving bed 10 is preferably low, in view of the mode of use for the care-receiver and the caregiver, such as movement of the care-receiver from a wheelchair and the general care of the caregiver. Because the caregiving bed 10 of Embodiment 1 can be raised and lowered, the most lowered state of the caregiving bed is preferably set low.

(113) The bed main body 22 is therefore required to be formed thinner, and the water tank 28 disposed in the bed main body 22 is required to be formed thin. With the water tank 28 described above, the care-receiver in a bathed state can sufficiently be soaked in the hot water or the like, even with the water tank 28 formed thin. In the case where the height of the water tank is further reduced, the bathing of the care-receiver can be specialized to half body bathing, and the water tank can be used for care-receivers who are difficult to be subjected to whole body bathing, which puts a burden on the heart. Because the water tank for half body bathing can be formed further thinner, the height of the caregiving bed can be further reduced.

(114) A drainpipe 32 connected to a drain 31 can be slantly attached as illustrated in FIG. 16G, and formed with an L shape, whereby the bed main body 22 can be disposed in a lower state.

(115) Another structure for lifting and bringing down the hammock will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B. Although FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate one support platform as a representative, the other support platform has the same structure. In FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, the bed main body 22 is provided with a headboard 22a. In this manner, the bed main body on the side of the other support platform may be provided with a footboard.

(116) As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the hammock 338 is provided with belt members 338a that are longer than the length of the hammock 338 and disposed on both end parts of the hammock 338 along a longitudinal direction of the hammock 338. The belt members 338a extend across the upper side of the beam member 15 attached to extend between the support columns 13a and 13b of the support platform 11, and end parts 338a.sub.1 of the belt members 338a are attached to respective pad part attachment parts 22.sub.1 of the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22. The end parts 338a.sub.1 are provided with attachment metal fittings. Each belt member 338a may be provided with a structure that enables adjustment of the length of the belt member 338a, such as a buckle.

(117) When the hammock 338 is lifted, the bed main body 22 is lowered, to lower end parts 338a.sub.1 of the belt members 338a of the hammock 338 attached to the bed main body 22. Together with the lowering, the support columns 13a and 13b provided in the support platform 11 are raised, and the beam member 15 attached to the support columns 13a and 13b is also raised. The end parts 338a.sub.1 of the belt members 338a disposed via the beam member 15 are lowered, and parts of the belt members 338a extending across the beam member 15 between the end parts 338a.sub.1 and the hammock 338 are raised. The hammock 338 can therefore be raised by a distance twice as long as the distance of lowering the bed main body 22. A similar process is performed for the case of bringing down the hammock 338. Specifically, as the bed main body 22 is raised, the beam member 15 attached to the support columns 13a and 13b is lowered. In this manner, the end parts of the belt members 338a attached to the bed main body 22 are raised, parts of the belt members 338a extending across the beam member 15 are lowered, and thus the hammock 338 can be brought down (see FIG. 17B).

(118) The lifting of the hammock having this structure is not limited to the case where the support columns are raised and lowered together with the raising and lowering of the support platform, but is applicable to the case where the support columns do not move together with the raising and lowering of the support platform. In such a case, although the distance of movement of the hammock such as lifting is substantially the same as the distance of the raising and lowering of the support platform, the structure is simplified, and thus the caregiving bed can be provided at low cost. Although FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate the case where the bed main body is provided with a headboard, the structure is not limited to it, but may be applicable to a caregiving bed without a headboard as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(119) On the other hand, in the case where the hammock 338 is provided with the belt members 338a, the end parts of the long belt members 338a are swung around in the attachment or detachment of the hammock 338, and may hit and injure the care-receiver or the caregiver, or may hit and break objects. The end parts of the belt members 338a are formed of metal, because the end parts are required to be securely attached to the bed main body 22 and have strength. The end parts formed of metal may cause injury and breakage with high probability. Thus, the belt members provided in the hammock is preferably formed as short as possible.

(120) A hammock 438 illustrated in FIG. 18A has a structure of including belt members 438a serving as lifting belt members provided in the hammock 438 are short, and belt members 56 serving as attachment belt members connected with the belt members 438a and attached to pad part attachment parts 22.sub.1 of the bed main body 22. Each belt member 438a of the hammock 438 is connected with the corresponding separate belt member 56, by coupling a first coupling part 57 provided at an end part of each belt member 438a with a second coupling part 58 attached to an end part of each belt member 56 that is opposite to an end part 56a to be attached to the pad part attachment part 22.sub.1 of the bed main body 22 (see FIG. 18B). The first coupling parts 57 and the second coupling parts 58 are formed of metal or the like. With the above structure, the belt members 438a provided in the hammock 438 can be formed short. Even when the first coupling parts 57 of the end parts of the belt members 438a are swung around during attachment and detachment of the hammock 438, the first coupling parts 57 only move within a narrow range and prevented from hitting the care-receiver or the like, and safety is enhanced.

(121) In addition, the first coupling parts 57 and the second coupling parts 58 are configured to be attached and detached by a one-touch operation, and thus can be easily attached and detached. Commercial products can be used as the first coupling parts 57 and the second coupling parts 58.

(122) A structure for further improving the safety of the belt members provided in the hammock will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 18C. In the structure, although a hammock 538 is provided with belt members 538a serving as the lifting belt members, each end part of each of the belt members 538a is not provided with a metal coupling part, but provided with a ring part 59 formed by looping each end part of each belt member 538a, and a belt member 60 serving as the attachment belt member formed of a member separated from the hammock 538. Each belt member 60 is provided, at one end and the other end, with detachable metal connecting parts 60a and 60b to be coupled with each other. Each belt member 60 is used as a loop obtained by connecting the connecting parts 60a and 60b. Each belt member 60 may be provided with a structure for adjusting the length of the belt member 60 to be used. The adjustment may be performed with the connecting parts 60a and 60b, or a buckle provided in the belt member 60.

(123) A method for attaching the hammock 538 is as follows. First, the belt members 60 in a belt-shaped state to which the connecting parts 60a and 60b are not connected are inserted through the respective ring parts 59 of the belt members 538a of the hammock 538, and the connecting parts 60a and 60b of each of the belt members 60 are connected. The attachment is thus finished. In the attachment, the belt members 60 may be attached to attachment part 15.sub.1 provided in the beam member 15. When the hammock 538 is lifted, the bed main body 22 is lowered, and the beam member 15 attached to the support column 13a (illustration of the support column 13b is omitted) is raised. In this manner, the hammock 538 is pulled by the belt member 60, and the hammock 538 is lifted. In this manner, because the belt members 538a of the hammock 538 are not provided with metal members, safety is further enhanced.

(124) Although FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B illustrate the case where the end parts 338a.sub.1 of the belt members 338a of the hammock 338 are attached to the pad part attachment parts 22.sub.1 formed in the pad part 22, the structure is not limited to it, but the end parts may be attached to the attachment part 15.sub.1 provided in the beam member 15, as illustrated in FIG. 15.sub.1. In this manner, the structure is more simplified than the structure in the case of providing the pad part 22 with the pad part attachment parts 22.sub.1. Even when any defect occurs in the attachment part 15.sub.1 of the beam member 15, only the beam member can be replaced while the caregiving bed is used without interruption.

(125) In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 19B, during attachment of the belt members to the attachment part 15.sub.1 of the beam member 15, each of the belt members may be divided into a belt member 56 and the belt member 438a of the hammock 438 as illustrated in FIG. 18A, and an end part 56a of the belt member 56 may be attached to the attachment part 15.sub.1 of the beam member 15. In this manner, each first coupling part 57 of the hammock 438 and the second coupling part 58 of each belt member 56 are configured to be attachable and detachable by a one-touch operation like the structure illustrated in FIG. 18B, and thus can be easily attached and detached.

(126) A hammock 138 as illustrated in FIG. 20A may be used. The hammock 138 illustrated in FIG. 20A is provided with meshes 138d and slide members 50, on which the care-receiver H mounts, and the meshes 138d and the slide members 50 have a length about half the length of the hammock 138. Belt members 138a provided on both ends of the hammock 138 have the same length as described above. With the hammock 138 having this structure, the care-receiver can be lifted in a sitting state as illustrated in FIG. 20B. This structure reduces the care-receiver's uneasiness in comparison with the case where the care-receiver is lifted in a lying state. Although FIG. 20 illustrates an example using the structure of the lifting member explained in FIG. 10, the structure is not limited to it, but may be a structure obtained by substantially halving the lifting member of another structure.

(127) Although the above explanation shows the case where a hammock is used as the lifting member, the lifting member is not limited to it, but a sheet put on the mat may be used as the lifting member. In such a case, both longitudinal ends of the sheet are provided with belt members as used for the above hammock, to enable connection with the support columns and the bed main body. These structures are included also in common with the belt members used for the above hammock. In this manner, because the care-receiver can be lifted using the sheet that is used for the care-receiver, the work of laying the hammock under the care-receiver can be omitted. The sheet is required to be formed of a material and have a structure that enable supporting the care-receiver's weight when the care-receiver is lifted.

Embodiment 2

(128) Next, a caregiving bed 10A according to Embodiment 2 will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 21. The caregiving bed 10A according to Embodiment 2 is configured to recline the upper body part such that the care-receiver can easily have a meal and read books. When the caregiving bed is reclined by connecting the attachment parts 13a.sub.3 and 13b.sub.3 of the upper end parts 13a.sub.1 and 13b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a and 13b of one support platform 11 with an end part 33.sub.1 of the latticed frame 33, which is close to the support columns, by connecting members 41, such as wires, ropes, and plate-shaped members. Constituent elements in common with the caregiving bed 10 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by like reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

(129) The upper end parts 13a.sub.1 and 13b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a and 13b are provided with the attachment parts 13a.sub.3 and 13b.sub.3 as described above, such that the bar-shaped members 37 are attachable. An end 41a of each of the connecting members 41 is provided with a loop that is attachable to one of projections of the attachment parts 13a.sub.3 and 13b.sub.3 of the upper end parts 13a.sub.1 and 13b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a and 13b, such as a loop that can be hooked on one of the projections, whereby the connecting members can be easily connected and hardly disengaged.

(130) On the other hand, the end part 33.sub.1 of the frame is provided with a structure that is connectable to the other ends of the connecting members 41, such as hanging projections or through holes, and the other ends 41b of the connecting members 41 are connected to the parts. As the structure of the other ends of the connecting members 41, for example, each of the connecting members 41 is provided with a loop, through which the hanging projection extends through, or a hook that is connectable with the through hole (see Part A in FIG. 21B).

(131) A method for using the reclining mechanism will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 21. First, as illustrated in FIG. 21A, the bed main body 22 is disposed in an upper position by the elevator devices 16, and the attachment parts 13a.sub.3 and 13b.sub.3 of the upper end parts 13a.sub.1 and 13b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a and 13b are connected to the end part 33.sub.1 of the frame 33 with the connecting members 41. In this operation, because the upper end parts 13a.sub.1 and 13b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a and 13b are brought close to the frame 33 of the bed main body 22 by disposing the bed main body 22 in an upper position, the connecting members 41 can be easily attached.

(132) Next, the bed main body 22 is moved to a low position. In this operation, because the support columns 13a and 13b are moved upward, the connecting members 41 connected to the upper end parts 13a.sub.1 and 13b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a and 13b are moved upward. With the raising, because the connecting members 41 are also moved upward, the end part 33.sub.1 of the frame connected to the other ends 41b of the connecting members 41 is also moved upward, and the frame 33 is inclined such that the side of the frame 33 connected with the connecting members 41 is located in an upper position. On the other hand, because, the other side of the frame 33 is provided in the bed main body 22 and moved downward, the frame 33 can be more inclined than the distance of movement of the elevator devices 16. The mat 36 placed on the frame 33 is bent along the slope of the frame 33 (see FIG. 21B).

(133) The reclining of the caregiving bed 10A is finished by the above operation. The caregiving bed can be reclined while the care-receiver is kept laid on the bed main body 22, or the care-receiver may be moved to another place and returned onto the bed main body again after the reclining.

(134) A structure of another reclining mechanism will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 22 to FIG. 24. In this reclining method, a reclining mechanism 84 having a reclining actuator 85 is provided inside the bed main body 22. The actuator used herein does not work together with the actuators used for the elevator devices in the support platforms. Although a pair of reclining mechanisms explained herein are provided on respective sides in the bed main body and opposed to each other, only one reclining mechanism will be explained as a representative, because the reclining mechanisms have the same structure.

(135) As illustrated in FIG. 22A to FIG. 22C and FIG. 23, the reclining mechanism includes an actuator 85 having a bar-shaped operating post 87 that is put in and out by driving means 86, a link beam 88 formed of a plate-shaped member that is rotatably coupled with an end part 87a of the operating post 87, a fixing member 89 attached to the frame 33 and coupled with a rotatable end part 88a of the link beam 88, which is opposite to the side of the link beam 88 coupled with the operating post 87, a link plate 90 that is rotatably coupled with the end part 87a of the operating post 87 together with the link beam 88, a cam plate 91 formed of a substantially triangular plate-shaped member having a first vertex part 91c coupled with an end part 90a of the link plate 90 located opposite to the side coupled with the operating post 87, a second vertex part 91c, and a third vertex part 91d, a shaft 92 that is coupled with a movement groove 91a formed in the cam plate 91 and is movable with rotation of the cam plate 91, and a frame 33a that is reclined with movement of the shaft 92. The frame 33a is provided with an arm member 93 that is vertically movable and has a curved part.

(136) The following describes each of the above elements. First, the fixing member 89 is formed of a fixing part 89a that is attached to the lower side of the frame 33a provided with the arm member 93 to be reclined, a rectangular side surface part 89b obtained by extending the fixing part, bent parts 89c obtained by bending the short sides of the side surface part 89b at right angles, a pair of first attachment part 89d and a second attachment part 89e that are further bent from the bent parts 89c at right angles. The side surface part 89b is formed to project toward the inside of the bed main bed 22. A U-shaped base member 94 extending to a position adjacent to the support platform 11 is attached to a part of the side surface part 89b of the fixing member 89 inside the bed main body 22. The actuator 85 is fixed on a part of the base member 94 close to the support platform 11.

(137) One end of the link beam 88 coupled with the end part 87a of the operating post 87 of the actuator 85 is rotatably coupled with the operating post 87, and the other end thereof is rotatably attached to the first attachment part 89d of the fixing member 89, which is located on the side distant from the support platform 11. The link beam 88 is a member that supports the end part 87a of the operating post 87 such that the end part 87a is movable. One end of the link plate 90 coupled with the end part 87a of the operating post 87 of the actuator 85 is rotatably coupled with the operating post 87, and the other end thereof is rotatably coupled with the cam plate 91. The link plate 90 is a member that transmits movement of the operating post 87 that is put in and out to the cam plate 91. The cam plate 91 has a substantially triangular shape, and is rotatably attached to the second attachment part 89e of the fixing member 89 located on the side of the fixing member 89 close to the support platform 11. The link plate 90 is coupled with the second vertex part 91c of the cam plate 91.

(138) The cam plate 91 is provided with the arc-shaped movement groove 91a to connect the two vertexes, that is, the first and third vertex parts 91b and 91d, other than the second vertex part 91c coupled with the link plate 90. The cam plate 91 is attached to the second attachment part 89e at a position located toward the support platform 11 from the movement groove 91a of the first vertex part 91b formed in a position close to the frame 33a among the vertex parts of the cam plate 91, and the position serves as a cam fulcrum 91e serving as the fulcrum of rotation of the cam plate 91. The cam plate 91 is rotated on the cam fulcrum 91e serving as the axis. The cam plate 91 is provided with the bar-shaped shaft 92 that reclines the arm member 93 provided on the frame 33.

(139) One end of the shaft 92 is provided with a moving shaft 92a that is movable in the movement groove 91a and located inside the movement groove 91a of the third vertex part 91d close to the support platform 11. Because the cam plate 91 is movable, the moving shaft 92a is movable in the movement groove 91a. The other end of the shaft 92 is provided with a roller 92b to push up the arm member 93. The shaft 92 is provided to be inserted through a guide hole formed in a guide member 95 that is attached to a projecting part of the fixing member 89 opposite to the side to which the base member 94 is attached.

(140) The following describes the operation of the reclining mechanism. First, when the caregiving bed is not reclined, the operating post 87 of the actuator 85 projects in a state as illustrated in FIG. 22A. Specifically, by projection of the operating post 87 of the actuator 85, the link plate 90 coupled with the end part 87a of the operating post 87 pulls one end of the cam plate 91, whereby the cam plate 91 is rotated on the cam fulcrum 91e serving as an axis. In this manner, the moving shaft 92a of the shaft 92 moving in the movement groove 91a formed in the cam plate 91 is disposed in the lowest position. In this manner, the shaft 92 itself is also lowered, and the roller 92b that pushes up the arm member 93 is also lowered, and reclining is not performed.

(141) When the reclining is performed, the driving means 86 of the actuator 85 is driven to retract the operating post 87, as illustrated in FIG. 23. By the retraction of the operating post 87, the link plate 90 presses one end of the cam plate 91, whereby the cam plate 91 is rotated on the cam fulcrum 91e of the cam plate 91 serving as the axis. By rotation of the cam plate 91, the movement groove 91a formed in the cam plate 91 is also moved, and the moving shaft 92a of the shaft 92 supported in the movement groove 91a is moved along the movement groove 91a. By the movement of the moving shaft 92a, the shaft 92 itself is also moved upward along the guide hole in the guide member 95, and the arm member 93 is pushed up by the roller 92b provided on the other end of the shaft 92 to achieve reclining.

(142) In this operation, the roller 92b is rotated to smoothly raise the arm member 93. A guide rail that guides the roller 92b may be provided on the lower side of the arm member 93, to accurately move the roller 92b. Because the shaft 92 is moved along the guide hole in the guide member 95 attached to the fixing member 89, the shaft 92 is moved in a straight line, and stable reclining can be performed.

(143) The relation between the movement groove 91a of the cam plate 91 and the moving shaft 92a of the shaft 92 will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 24A to FIG. 24C. In a state where the caregiving bed is not reclined, the moving shaft 92a of the shaft 92 is disposed in the lowest position (the third vertex part 91d), as illustrated in FIG. 24A. Then, when reclining is performed and the cam plate 91 is rotated by a predetermined angle 1, for example, 30 on the cam fulcrum 91e serving as the axis as illustrated in FIG. 24B, the moving shaft 92a is moved in the arc-shaped movement groove 91a and gradually moved obliquely upward (distance L1) from the initial position, as the cam plate 91 moves. Thereafter, when the retraction of the operating post 87 is finished and rotation of the cam plate 91 is stopped after the cam plate 91 is rotated by a predetermined angle 1, for example, 60 (see FIG. 24C), the moving shaft 92a is moved to the first vertex part 91b being the other vertex part of the movement groove 91a, and moved obliquely upward by a distance L2 (L1<L2) from the initial position to be disposed in the highest position. In this operation, the arm member 93 provided in the frame 33a is reclined to the most inclined state (see FIG. 23).

(144) By adopting the above structure, because the reclining mechanisms 84 are based on the fixing member 89 attached to the frame 33a, the reclining mechanisms 84 can be easily attached even in a small space, by attaching the fixing member 89. In addition, the reclining mechanisms 84 can be attached to the caregiving bed as an option.

(145) Although the above explanation shows the case of using the reclining mechanisms having a pair of actuators provided on respective sides of the bed main body, the structure is not limited to it, but may be a structure in which reclining mechanisms excluding the actuators are provided on respective sides of the bed main body, only one actuator is attached to the center part of the bed main body, and the reclining mechanisms on both sides of the bed main body are operated by the operation of the actuator. In this manner, because the reclining mechanisms on both sides are operated by the operation of the same actuator, both sides can be uniformly reclined to provide the care-receiver with a sense of security.

(146) The following describes the caregiving bed 10A using another reclining method. Although the following explanation shows the part close to one support platform 11 as a representative, the part close to the other support platform 12 is provided with the same structure. Illustration of constituent elements, such as the water tank, other than the necessary constituent elements are omitted. The method has a structure in which a support column 13a (illustration of a support column 13b is omitted) provided in the support platform 11 is formed to have a long side, and the bar-shaped member 37 is put on an attachment part 13a.sub.3 of an upper end part 13a.sub.1 of the support column 13a, as illustrated in FIG. 25A. A first coupling part 61a provided in the bar-shaped member 37 is coupled to a second coupling part 61b provided in the frame 33a to be reclined and close to the care-receiver's head part, with a coupling member 61 formed of a wire, a rope, or a metal bar-shaped member. The frame 33a to be reclined is configured to be partly bent. The upper end part 13a.sub.1 of the support column 13a in this state has a height of about 1.5 m to 2.5 m from the floor.

(147) When reclining is performed, the bed main body 22 is raised in a state where the care-receiver lies on the mat 36 to bring the bed main body 22 close to the bar-shaped member 37, as illustrated in FIG. 25B. In this state, the first coupling part 61a of the bar-shaped member 37 is coupled with the second coupling part 61b of the frame 33a, with the coupling member 61. Thereafter, the bed main body 22 is lowered and brought away from the bar-shaped member 37, and the frame 33a is pulled by the coupling member 61 coupled to the bar-shape member 37 to perform reclining. Because the support column 13a connected with the bar-shaped member 37 is raised simultaneously with the lowering of the bed main body 22, reclining can be performed even when the bed main body 22 is raised or lowered by a short distance. Because the reclining structure is a simple structure of simply coupling the bar-shaped member 37 to the frame 33a with the coupling member 61, reclining can be performed by a stable operation. The simple structure also reduces the manufacturing cost, and provides an inexpensive caregiving bed. A beam for maintaining strength may be provided between the bar-shaped members 37.

(148) The coupling members 61 may be formed of string members such as wires and ropes, and the first coupling parts 61a of the bar-shaped members 37 may be provided with a winding device such as a winch. In this manner, reclining can be performed by operating the winding device, without raising or lowering the bed main body. The structure using the winding device is achieved by forming each support column long, and extending a bar-shaped member between the support columns. The reclining structure using the winding device may be provided alone, or may be used together with the reclining structure using the raising and lowering of the bed main body. In this manner, reclining can be performed using each of the structures separately, or the reclining structure using the winding device may be used as an assistant of the reclining structure using the raising and lowering of the bed main body.

(149) As illustrated in FIG. 26, the caregiving bed 10A can be reclined in a state where the mat 36c and the frame 33c (see FIG. 2) for the care-receiver's leg part are removed, to enable the care-receiver to sit with the legs put down to the water tank 28, that is, in a state of sitting on a chair. In related art, because the care-receiver in the reclined bed is in the state where the legs are stretched on the bed, the care-receiver has much difficulty in eating a meal or the like. Although the care-receiver can bend the care-receiver's legs to sit cross-legged on the bed, it is difficult for care-receivers who do not have full use of their legs to sit cross-legged, and sitting cross-legged for a long time may numb the care-receiver's legs. The structure that enables the care-receiver to sit like sitting on a chair enables the care-receiver to easily have a meal and sit on the bed for a long time. Thus, with the caregiving bed according to Embodiment 2, detachment and attachment of the mat and the frame are performed in combination with reclining, whereby the care-receiver can sit on the bed like sitting on a chair. Although FIG. 26 shows the case of using the reclining method illustrated in FIG. 25, the structure is not limited to it, but the other reclining methods described above may be used.

(150) The caregiving bed of the present invention is configured in consideration of safety for the care-receiver and the caregiver. An example of the safety structure included in the caregiving bed will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 27A to FIG. 27D. In the safety structure, a gap G1 between a side surface of the support platform 11 and side surfaces of the bed main body 22 is configured to fall within a predetermined length when the bed main body is lowered, to prevent the toe or the like from entering spaces under the side surfaces 24, 25, and 27 (side surface 26 is not illustrated) of the bed main body 22 on the side provided with the support platform 11. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 27A to FIG. 27D, the gap G1 between a side surface of the support platform 11 and the side surfaces 24, 25, and 27 of the bed main body 22 is formed to have a length of, for example, 20 mm or less.

(151) In addition, when the bed main body 22 is lowered, the toe or the like may be caught in any of the spaces under the side surfaces 24, 25, and 27 of the bed main body 22. To prevent this, a fixed space G2 is formed between the floor surface on which the caregiving bed is placed and the side surfaces 24, 25, and 27 of the bed main body 22. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 27A to FIG. 27D, the height of the gap G2 from the floor surface to the under parts of the side surfaces 24, 25, and 27 of the bed main body 22 is configured to be, for example, 30 mm or more, in the state where the bed main body 22 is lowered. The gap formed as described above prevents the caregiver and the care-receiver from being injured with one's toe or instep being caught.

(152) The space under a part of the side surface 24 of the bed main body 22 without the support platform 11 has no part that blocks entering of the toe, the toe may enter the inner part of the space, and the instep may be caught as well as the toe. To prevent this, as illustrated in FIG. 27C, the part of the side surface 24 of the bed main body 22 without the support platform 11 is provided with a gap G3 having a predetermined height, for example, 80 mm or more, between the lower surface of the side surface 24 of the bed main body and the floor surface, in the state where the bed main body 22 is lowered.

(153) In addition, the caregiving bed of the present invention has the structure in which the support columns 13a and 13b (the part including the support columns 14a and 14b is not illustrated) and the beam member 15 are raised and lowered in a direction opposite to a direction of raising and lowering of the bed main body 22. In this manner, in the state where the bed main body 22 is raised, the beam member 15 is lowered, and the gap between the beam member 15 and the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22 is most narrowed. In this state, when the care-receiver's head is caught between the beam member 15 and the bed main body 22, the care-receiver may be injured. To prevent this, as illustrated in FIG. 27E and FIG. 27F, a gap G4 having a predetermined width, for example, 30 cm or more, is formed between the beam member 15 and the pad part 23 of the bed main body 22 in the state where the beam member 15 is lowered. This structure prevents the care-receiver's head from being caught when the bed main body is lowered. Although FIG. 27E and FIG. 27F illustrate a distance from the upper surface of the bed main body to the beam member as the gap G4, a distance from the upper surface of the headboard to the beam member serves as the gap G4 in the case where the bed main body is provided with the headboard.

(154) In the caregiving bed described above, a plurality of actuators are used to raise, lower, and recline the bed main body. Thus, it is necessary to control these actuators to safely use the caregiving bed. To achieve this, the caregiving bed is provided with a control unit Co that controls operations of the actuators. A safety device of the caregiving bed will be explained hereinafter with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 28.

(155) Each of the actuators included in the caregiving bed is basically operated by the caregiver by pressing switches of a controller located at hand, such as a raising and lowering switch SW1 and a reclining switch SW2. FIG. 28 illustrates a raising and lowering actuator (the actuator 16 illustrated in FIG. 3) as AC1, and a reclining actuator (the actuator 85 or the like illustrated in FIG. 23) as AC2. In this structure, the operations of the actuators AC1 and AC2 are controlled by the control unit Co such that the actuators AC1 and AC2 operate only while the respective switches SW1 and SW2 are pressed, and the actuators AC1 and AC2 are immediately stopped when pressing of the respective switches is stopped. Specifically, the actuators are not operated automatically or by the force of inertia.

(156) The actuator AC1 for raising and lowering the bed main body 22 and the reclining actuator AC2 are controlled so as not to operate simultaneously. Specifically, when the raising and lowering switch SW1 and the reclining switch SW2 of the controller are pressed simultaneously, the actuators AC1 and AC2 are controlled such that neither of the actuators AC1 and AC2 is operated. An unsafe operation is suppressed in this manner.

(157) To enhance safety in raising, lowering, and reclining the bed main body, the caregiving bed has a mechanism to maintain the raising, lowering, or reclining state of the bed main body, when the power source is shut off due to power failure or falling of the plug out of the socket. As the maintaining mechanism, the caregiving bed may be provided with a gear brake mechanism such as a worm gear, or a mechanism such as an oil hydraulic cylinder and a pneumatic cylinder. In this manner, because the raising, lowering, or reclining state of the bed main body can be maintained even when the operation of each actuator is stopped, abrupt movement of the bed main body and the reclining mechanism is prevented even if power supply from the power source is stopped, and safety is enhanced. These mechanisms may be integrated into the actuators serving as the elevator devices in the support platforms, the transmission mechanisms connected to the actuators, and the reclining mechanisms, or may be attached as separate mechanisms.

(158) The actuators AC1 and AC2 operate together with various sensors SE provided in the caregiving bed. For example, in the case where the caregiving bed is used as a bathtub, when the reclining actuator AC2 is operated in a state where the frame 33 is removed, the shaft 92 (see FIG. 23) projects and may be dangerous. To prevent this, the caregiving bed is configured such that the actuator AC2 used for reclining cannot be operated in the state where the frame is removed. In this case, the lower part of the frame or the pad part of the bed main body may be provided with a sensor or a switch that senses whether the frame is located.

(159) The caregiving bed may have a structure in which the frame can be removed only in a state where the reclining mechanism is lowered. In this case, the caregiving bed may have a structure in which each of the bed main body and the frame has a lock mechanism such as a claw or a hook, the sensors SE sense whether the reclining mechanism is in the lowered state, to open and close the lock mechanism. In addition to the lock mechanism, the caregiving bed may be provided with a notification mechanism that sounds a buzzer or the like when caregiver is removing the frame in the state where the reclining mechanism is not in a lowered position, to notify the caregiver.

(160) As another safety device, the caregiving bed is controlled to stop the operations of the actuators AC1 and AC2, when the sensors SE sense that an excessive load is applied onto the operations of the actuators while the actuators AC1 and AC2 are operating. In addition, the caregiving bed is controlled to stop the actuator AC1 or AC2, when the raising/lowering distance of the bed main body or the distance of movement of the reclining mechanism is not changed even when the switch SW1 or SW2 of the controller is pressed. This structure prevents the care-receiver and the caregiver from being injured, and suppresses a malfunction of the caregiving bed.

(161) To prevent entering of any object when the reclining mechanism or the bed main body is lowered, the caregiving bed is controlled to stop the operations of the actuators when entering of any object is sensed. For example, the caregiving bed is controlled to stop the reclining actuator AC2, when the sensors sense that any object enters between the frame and the bed main body while the reclining mechanism is lowered. As devices for sensing entering of any object, a plurality of sensors SE may be disposed, or a plurality of switches SW3 such as push switches or leaf switches may be disposed on at least one of the side of the frame abutting on the bed main body, and the side of the bed main body abutting on the frame.

(162) In the same manner, the actuator AC1 can be stopped when the sensors sense entering of any object while the bed main body is lowered. In this case, the entering of any object can be sensed by sensors SE or switches SW3 that are similar to the above and disposed on lower sides of the side surfaces of the bed main body.

(163) FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 illustrate another modification of the caregiving bed. A caregiving bed 10B illustrated in FIG. 29 has a structure in which the bed main body 22 is provided with a headboard 22a and a footboard 22b that are covered with a luxury material such as leather. FIG. 29A illustrates the bed main body 22 in a lowered state, and FIG. 29B illustrates the bed main body 22 in a raised state. FIG. 30A illustrates a state where parts of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b exposed from the bed main body are removed. FIG. 30A illustrates the bed main body 22 in the lowered state, and FIG. 30B illustrates the bed main body 22 in the raised state. Also in this case, the bed main body is covered with leather. FIG. 31 is an exploded view of the caregiving bed 10B. FIG. 31 illustrates two types of lid members 48a and 48b that cover the water tank. One lid member 48a has a plate-like shape, and is divided into a plurality of parts. The other lid member 48b has a reclining function, and is also divided into a plurality of parts.

(164) The external appearance of the caregiving bed 10B can be formed of a material other than leather, for example, any of wood, metal, and synthetic resin, or a combination thereof including leather. Such material provides the caregiving bed with a warm appearance and a sense of luxury. Thus, the caregiving bed can be placed as interior furniture without discomfort, and provides the care-receiver and the caregiver with ease. Japanese cypress and Japanese cedar can be used as the wood material, and it is possible to use the wood material impregnated or coated with resin. The material may be subjected to surface treatment with leather or the like. A synthetic resin material may be subjected to general-purpose processing, such as processing to provide the synthetic material with the woodgrain.

(165) As another structure of the caregiving bed 10B, as illustrated in FIG. 32, the caregiving bed 10B may have a structure in which support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b provided in the support platforms 11 and 12 (illustrated with dotted lines because they are covered with the bed main body 22 in FIG. 32) are formed to be long, and the bar-shaped members 37 extend between attachment parts (illustration thereof is omitted) of upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b. The upper end parts 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 14a.sub.1, and 14b.sub.1 of the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b in the structure are configured to have a height of about 1.5 m to 2.5 m from the floor. Beams 71 for maintaining the strength are provided between the bar-shaped members 37 and in parallel with the beam members 15. Because this structure forms a space 73 between the long support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b, functions such as a television, a mirror, and a shelf can be added to the space 73, to provide the care-receiver with a cultural daily life.

(166) The above support columns and the bar-shaped members may also be provided with rehabilitation tools. For example, a rope that the care-receiver can hold when the care-receiver stands up may be suspended from the bar-shaped members provided above, and the care-receiver may be put in rehabilitation using the rope. The rehabilitation may be performed together with the raising and lowering of the bed main body, according to the exercise function of the care-receiver. The support columns and the bar-shaped members may also be provided with a device for moving the care-receiver to a wheelchair, such as a lifting device that lifts the care-receiver. Such devices enable easy movement of the care-receiver from the caregiving bed to a wheelchair, or from a wheelchair to the caregiving bed.

(167) Connecting parts 72 that connect the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b with the bar-shaped members 37 are processed to have a curved shape, to enhance safety and obtain good external appearance. Part or all of the long support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b, the bar-shaped members 37, the beams 71, and the beam members 15 may be covered with leather or quilting, or subjected to chromium plating, to obtain higher safety and good external appearance.

(168) Because the support columns 13a, 13b, 14a, and 14b are formed to be long and the bar-shaped members 37 are disposed in a high position, a curtain 100 or the like can be attached to the bar-shaped members 37, as illustrated in FIG. 33, to secure a private space for the care-receiver.

(169) In the case of adopting a structure with the long support columns and in which the support columns are not operated together with the raising and lowering of the bed main body by the elevator devices, earthquake-resistant members may be provided between the ceiling and the long support columns and the bar-shaped members, such as telescopic bar-shaped members that can be fixed with a predetermined length. In this manner, earthquake-resistant measures can be taken to prevent shaking in disasters such as an earthquake.

(170) In the above modes of use, the caregiving bed may include no elevator devices, in the case where the lifting member or the reclining mechanisms are not used, and in the case where the care-receiver wishes to use a mode of use that does not require the raising and lowering of the bed main body. In particular, the caregiving bed for the care-receiver of a low care level is not required to include any special function. Without the elevator devices, the caregiving bed can be introduced at low cost. It is preferable for the care-receiver of a low care level to excrete and bathe in the toilet and the bath as much as possible. Because the support platforms and the bed main body are separated from each other as described above, only the support platforms can be replaced when the elevator devices are required.

(171) Because the caregiving bed is placed in the room of a house or a nursing facility, a large caregiving bed is difficult to carry into the room as it is. Thus, the caregiving bed is configured to be easily assembled from its components in the room.

(172) The caregiving bed of the present invention enables addition of many functions to the bed in the state of being used as an ordinary bed, according to the care situations for the care-receiver as described above, and enables easy change and addition of the constituent elements.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

(173) 10, 10A, and 10B: Caregiving bed 11: Support platform 11a: Upper surface 11a.sub.1: Upper-surface through hole 11a.sub.2: Opening 11b, 11c, 11d, and 11e: Side surface 11f: Bottom surface 11f.sub.1: Leg 12: Support platform 13a, 13b, 13a, and 13a: Support column 13a.sub.1, 13b.sub.1, 13a.sub.1, and 13a.sub.1: Upper end part 13a.sub.2 and 13b.sub.2: First fulcrum 13a.sub.3, 13b.sub.3, and 13a.sub.3: Attachment part 14a and 14b: Support column 14a.sub.1 and 14b.sub.1: Upper end part 14a.sub.3 and 14b.sub.3: Attachment part 15: Beam member 15.sub.1: Attachment part 16: Elevator device (actuator) 17: Operating part 18: Extending member 18.sub.1: Second fulcrum 19: Transmission mechanism 20: Fixing member 20.sub.1: Central portion 21: Rotational member 22: Bed main body 22.sub.1: Pad-part attachment part 22.sub.1: Projection 22a: Headboard 22b: Footboard 23: Pad part 23a: Opening part 23b: Pad-part through hole 23c: Lower part 24, 25, 26, and 27: Side surface part 28: Water tank 28a: Inclined part 28: Water tank 28a: Water tank main body 28b: Head placing part 28c: Backrest part 28d: Hip placing part 28d.sub.1: Stair 28e: Leg placing part 28e.sub.1: Narrowed part 28e.sub.2: Top part 28f: Claw part 28g: Step 28h: Neck placing part 29: Support fixing part 30: Support plate member 31: Drain 31a: Plug member 31: Drain 32: Drainpipe 32: Drainpipe 33 (33a, 33b, 33c), 33, and 33; Frame 33.sub.1: End part 33b: Opening part 34: Locking part 35: Lattice part 36 (36a, 36b, and 36c): Mat 37: Bar-shaped member (suspension member) 38, 138, 138, 238, 338, 438, and 538: Hammock (lifting member) 38a: Loop 39: Fence 40: Sheet 41: Connecting member (suspension member) 41a: One end 41b: The other end 48a and 48b: Lid member 50 and 50: Slide member 50a: Fixed sheet part 50b: Slide sheet part 51: First tape member 52: Second tape member 53: Ear 54: Double sheet member 54a: First sheet member 54b: Second sheet member 55: Overlapping part 56: Belt member (suspension member) 56a: End part 57: First coupling part 58: Second coupling part 59: Ring part 60: Belt member (suspension member) 60a: Connecting part 61: Coupling member 61a: First coupling part 61b: Second coupling part 71: Beam 72: Connecting part 73: Space 84: Reclining mechanism 85: Actuator 86: Driving means 87: Operating post 87a: End part 88: Link beam 88a: End part 89: Fixing member 89a: Fixing part 89b: Side surface part 89c: Bent part 89d: First attachment part 89e: Second attachment part 90: Link plate 90a: End part 91: Cam plate 91a: Moving groove 91b, 91c, and 91d: First to third vertex parts 91e: Cam fulcrum 92: Shaft 92a: Moving shaft 92b: Roller 93: Arm member 94: Base member 95: Guide member 100: Curtain 138a, 138a, 238a, 338a, 438a, and 538a: Belt member (suspension member) 138b: Center line 138c: Axis line 138d, 138d, and 238d: Meshes 138e: Center part 338a.sub.1: End part AC1 and AC2: Actuator Co: Control unit g, G1, G2, G3, and G4: Gap H: Care-receiver SE: Sensor SW1: Raising and lowering switch SW2: Reclining switch SW3: Switches T: Drainage tank L1 and L2: Distance 1 and 2: Predetermined angle