JP7419167B2 - mattress - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to mattresses.

Conventionally, when a user puts away an air mattress, it is common to remove the air from the pump by removing the connector that connects the mattress tube or by removing the stopper connected to the mattress tube (for example, the patent (See Reference 1).

At this time, the user needs to manually push out the air inside the air mattress. In addition, in order for the user to use the suction pump to quickly remove air, it is necessary to connect another suction pump.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-320534

One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a mattress or the like that allows air mattresses to be deflated easily and quickly.

The mattress of the present disclosure is a mattress having air cells, and has a first operation mode in which the air cells are expanded and contracted by supplying air to the air cells, and a second operation mode in which air is sucked from the air cells. The pump is characterized by comprising a switchable pump and an operating device capable of switching at least the operating mode of the pump.

According to the mattress of the present disclosure, the air from the air mattress can be easily and quickly deflated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a system in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the bottom of the bed device in the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a mattress in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air cell in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operating device in the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation application in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another state of the configuration of the mattress of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another state of the configuration of the mattress of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, one embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example for explaining the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the invention described in the claims is not limited to the following description.

Conventionally, when a user puts away an air mattress, it is necessary to remove as much air from the air mattress as possible. At this time, the user removes the connector connecting the tube from the pump that supplies air to the air mattress, or pulls out the stopper connected to the mattress tube to release (discharge) the air filled in the mattress. ) was necessary.

However, the air filled in the air mattress cannot be completely evacuated just by the user simply removing the connector connecting the tube. Therefore, it was necessary for the user to manually push out the air inside the mattress.

Additionally, in order to completely remove air from an air mattress, the user could connect a suction pump to remove the air, but this would require connecting a separate pump, which was not efficient.

Additionally, at hospitals and rental dealers, multiple air mattresses may be put away at the same time, but manually deflating each air mattress one by one is time-consuming and requires a lot of work. Space will be needed.

If you prepare a suction pump (sold separately), you will need to prepare multiple pumps for each work, which will be expensive. In addition, it is necessary to connect the suction pump to each air mattress, which creates problems in that it is difficult to separate the suction pumps and it takes time.

In order to solve such problems, mattresses and the like will be described below based on detailed embodiments. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present disclosure, and the invention is not limited to the content.

[1. Overall configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically explaining a bed system 1 in this embodiment. In the bed system 1, as shown in FIG. 1(a), a mattress 10 is placed on a bed body 20, which is a bed device.

In this embodiment, the mattress 10 is an air mattress composed of air cells. In addition to an air mattress, the mattress 10 may be, for example, a urethane mattress or a hybrid mattress that combines urethane and air cells. The mattress 10 may also be made of an elastic body used in bedding, such as a polyester fiber structure, gel, or spring.

The bed system 1 is used by a user P. For example, when lying on the bed body 20 (mattress 10), the left side of FIG. 1(a) is the head side and the right side is the foot side. Furthermore, assuming that the user P has a standard size, the user's P's back will be at the bottom of the back, and the user's waist will be at the curved bottom or waist bottom. Specifically, in the case of a standard user, the position of the greater trochanter is approximately 980 mm from the foot end of the mattress 10 (bed body 20).

Here, the user refers to a person who actually uses the bed device (mattress), for example, among those who use the bed system. For example, a user refers to a patient admitted to a hospital or facility, a person requiring care, or a person lying on a bed device (mattress) at home.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "staff" refers to those who support users. For example, the staff includes doctors and nurses at a hospital, care staff at a facility, family members of users at home, and the like.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "operator" refers to a person who operates the bed system. Operators are mainly staff members, but when users operate the system, the users are included in the operators.

The size of a typical bed body 20 is 910 mm in the width direction, which is the short side, and 1910 mm in the length direction, assuming a standard user (about 140 to 170 cm tall). The size of the bed body is an example for explaining the embodiment, and may include, for example, a smaller mini size (the length of the bed body is 1800 mm) or a larger long size (for example, the length of the bed body is 2050 mm). It may be. Further, if the size of the bed body 20 changes, the position of the user also changes relatively.

Depending on the size of the bed body 20 and the mattress 10, the location (position) of the user's body parts changes. Those skilled in the art can easily understand the position of the user when the size of the bed body 20 (mattress 10) changes based on the content of the present disclosure.

Further, the user's body position in this embodiment includes the user's position and the user's posture. The user's position is the position on the mattress 10 (sleeping position). The posture of the user refers to the posture (sleeping posture) when the user is sleeping on the mattress 10. Further, the body position may include, for example, a posture when not sleeping, such as an edge sitting position or a long sitting position.

[2. Composition of bed body]
The configuration of the bed body 20 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The bed body 20 includes a bottom 22, an upper frame 24, and a lower frame 26 from above, and has a lifting mechanism 28 between the upper frame 24 and the lower frame 26.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the bottom 22 includes a back bottom 22a (back section) and a curved bottom as a seat section from the head side to the foot side when the user lies down on the bed body 20. 22b, a knee bottom 22c (upper leg section), and a foot bottom 22d (lower leg section). Here, each bottom of the bottom 22 can be rotated individually or in conjunction with each other.

Note that the curved bottom 22b can support the user by curving the bottom as the back bottom 22a rises. Further, the curved bottom 22b may be configured to expand and contract while curving as the back bottom 22a rises/falls. Incidentally, the curved bottom is commercialized by the applicant as Quma Line Bottom (Quma Bottom).

Further, as an example, the length of the back bottom 22a (horizontal length in the longitudinal direction of the bed body 20) is approximately 640 mm, the length of the curved bottom 22b is approximately 340 mm, the length of the knee bottom 22c is 375 mm, and the length of the leg bottom is approximately 640 mm. The length of 22d is approximately 555 m.

For example, a drive device (actuator) is connected to each bottom. The bottom 22 is rotatable by the operation of the drive device. Note that the bottoms 22 can operate a plurality of bottoms with one drive device by using a link mechanism, for example, without connecting a drive device to each bottom. Further, the bottoms 22 operate in conjunction with each other by connecting adjacent bottoms.

Furthermore, by rotating each bottom of the bed body 20, movements such as a back-raising motion, a knee-raising motion, and a leg-lowering motion are realized. Further, the bed body 20 may perform a back-raising operation and a knee-raising operation (leg-lowering operation) in conjunction with each other.

As shown in FIG. 1(b), the bed main body 20 realizes a back-raising operation by the back bottom 22a rotating and rising with the curved bottom 22b side as the center. At this time, the angle α at which the back bottom 22a is raised (the angle α at which the back bottom 22a is raised from the horizontal) is referred to as the back raising angle α.

Furthermore, when the back bottom 22a rises, the curved bottom 22b curves in conjunction with the back bottom 22a. By curving, the curved bottom 22b has a shape that conforms to the waist of the user and can support the user. The back bottom 22a and the curved bottom 22b are connected to each other by, for example, a connecting portion.

Further, the bed main body 20 realizes a knee-raising operation by rotating the knee bottom 22c around the end on the curved bottom 22b side. At this time, the angle β at which the knee bottom 22c is raised (the angle β at which the knee bottom 22c is raised from the horizontal) is referred to as the knee raising angle β.

Note that the foot bottom 22d may be linked with the movement of the knee bottom 22c. In this case, the leg raising angle (leg lowering angle) may be used instead of the knee raising angle.

In addition, as shown in FIG.1(c), the bed main body 20 may be comprised by the waist bottom 22e instead of the curved bottom 22b. In this case, as an example, the length of the back bottom 22a is about 785 mm, and the length of the waist bottom 22e is about 195 mm. The waist bottom 22e generally does not rotate and supports the user's waist (buttocks).

The bottom 22 is supported by an upper frame 24. The upper frame 24 may have any shape as long as it supports the bottom 22. Further, the lower frame 26 may have any shape as long as it supports the upper frame 24 that supports the bottom 22.

The elevating mechanism 28 adjusts the height of the upper frame 24 and adjusts the height of the bed body 20. Here, the height of the bed body 20 generally refers to the height (floor height) from the surface on which it is installed (ground surface) to the upper frame 24. Note that the height of the bed body 20 may be the height from the ground surface to the bottom 22.

The elevating mechanism 28 is realized by, for example, a link mechanism or a drive device (drive mechanism) including an actuator.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the bed body 20. The bed main body 20 has a drive section for driving each bottom.

The back bottom drive section 32 can raise the back bottom 22a. For example, the back bottom drive unit 32 is an actuator, and connects the back bottom 22a to the tip of a rod of the actuator via a link mechanism.

The knee bottom drive section 34 can raise the knee bottom 22c. For example, the knee bottom drive unit 34 is an actuator, and the knee bottom 22c is connected to the tip of a rod of the actuator via a link mechanism.

Further, each drive section is connected to a drive control section 2000. The drive control section 2000 functions as a bottom control section 2100 that controls the back bottom drive section 32 and the knee bottom drive section 34, and a height control section 2200 that controls the height drive section 36.

The bottom control section 2100 realizes a back raising function by controlling the back bottom drive section 32 and raises the back bottom 22a. Specifically, the bottom control section 2100 advances the rod of the actuator, which is an example of the back bottom drive section 32. The back bottom drive unit 32 applies a driving force to the back bottom 22a via the link mechanism when the rod of the actuator advances. When the driving force is applied to the back bottom 22a, the back bottom 22a rotates about the head side of the back bottom 22a as a fulcrum, and the foot side rises.

At this time, the curved bottom 22b connected to the back bottom 22a also rises. For example, one end of the curved bottom 22b is connected to the back bottom 22a, and the other end is connected to the upper frame 24. Further, the curved bottom 22b can be curved, and the end portion on the back bottom 22a side may rise while curving as the back bottom 22a rises. Moreover, the curved bottom 22b may be configured to be expandable and retractable.

The bottom control section 2100 realizes a knee raising function by controlling the knee bottom drive section 34 to raise the knee bottom 22c. Specifically, the bottom control section 2100 advances the rod of the actuator, which is an example of the knee bottom drive section 34. The knee bottom drive unit 34 applies a driving force to the knee bottom 22c via the link mechanism when the rod of the actuator advances. Due to the application of driving force, the knee bottom 22c rotates around the curved bottom 22b side of the knee bottom 22c as a fulcrum, and the foot bottom 22d side rises.

At this time, the foot bottom 22d may rotate in conjunction with the knee bottom 22c. For example, when the foot bottom 22d is connected to the knee bottom 22c via a link mechanism, when the foot bottom 22d side of the knee bottom 22c rises, one end of the foot bottom 22d on the knee bottom 22c side rises. As one end of the leg bottom 22d rises, the other end on the foot side of the bed body 20 descends. At this time, the other end of the foot bottom 22d descends below the upper frame 24, but may be connected to the upper frame 24.

In addition, the height control section 2200 realizes the function of raising and lowering the bed body 20 by controlling the height drive section 36, and can raise or lower the upper frame 24.

For example, the height drive unit 36 is provided between the upper frame 24 and the lower frame 26. One end of an actuator as an example of the height drive section 36 is provided on the lower frame 26. When the rod of the actuator advances, the height drive unit 36 moves upward by pushing up the upper frame 24 via the link mechanism. This increases the floor height of the bed body 20.

Note that if the drive control unit 2000 controls each drive unit to perform an operation opposite to the above-described operation, the operation will be the opposite. That is, the drive unit performs actions such as lowering the back, lowering the knees, and lowering the floor height by retracting the rod of the actuator.

[3. Composition of mattress]
The configuration of the mattress 10 will be explained. FIG. 3 is an exploded view schematically showing the structure of the mattress 10.

The mattress 10 is entirely covered with covers (a top cover 100 and a bottom cover 102). The top cover 100 and the bottom cover 102 are configured to be detachable. Note that the top cover 100 and the bottom cover 102 may be integrally formed.

The inside of the cover of the mattress 10 includes, from the top layer, a top urethane 110, a main cell 120, a subcell 130, and a bottom cushion 140.

The top urethane 110 is placed on top of the air cell, and is made of, for example, a urethane sheet. Furthermore, a glide sheet 115 is provided between the top urethane 110 and the top cover 100, which is the side fabric. The glide sheet 115 is a material with low frictional resistance, and is provided to make the top cover 100 and the top urethane 110 slip easily. Note that the glide sheet 115 may be provided as necessary.

The main cell 120 is composed of an air cell group including a plurality of air cells. Main cell 120 is connected to pump 180 via a blow tube (not shown). The main cell 120 may also be referred to as a main body cell.

Pump 180 is connected to each air cell. For example, the pump 180 divides the cells that make up the main cell 120 into one or more systems (groups) and connects them with blower tubes. Then, by supplying air to the main cell 120 from the pump 180, the main cell 120 is expanded. Further, by opening a valve provided between the pump 180 and the main cell 120 or forcibly exhausting the air, the main cell 120 can be evacuated and the main cell 120 can be contracted.

That is, the pump 180 can supply air to the air cells by discharging air as usual. Furthermore, the pump 180 can also perform a suction operation using negative pressure. That is, by switching the pump 180 to negative pressure, air can be forcibly sucked from the air cell. The operation mode in which the pump 180 discharges air to the air cell to control the pressure of the air cell is referred to as a first operation mode (expansion/deflation mode, discharge mode).

Further, a second operation mode in which the pump 180 forcibly sucks air is referred to as a suction mode (assist mode, clean-up assist mode). The folding-assisting mode is a mode in which the folding-assisting mode is a mode in which the staff or the like assists the staff in folding the mattress 10 so that the staff or the like can easily fold the mattress 10. By using the clean-up assist mode, the staff or the like can clean up the mattress 10 more quickly and easily than when the clean-up assist mode is not used. Packing away the mattress 10 means completely removing air from the air cells of the mattress 10, which makes it easier for the user to fold the mattress 10.

In addition, it is preferable that the pump 180 operates at the maximum or almost maximum suction capacity of the pump 180 when in the cleanup assist mode (suction mode) which is the second operation mode.

Furthermore, in this specification, when the pump 180 "exhausts" air, it means that air is naturally removed from the air cells (main cell 120, sub cell 130) by opening them. Furthermore, the term "suction" by the pump 180 refers to forcibly discharging air from the air cells (main cell 120, subcell 130) by the pump 180 sucking in negative pressure.

Further, the pump 180 is also connected to a sub air cell (sub cell) 130. As described above, the pump 180 can supply air to the subcell 130 and evacuate (open or force a valve to evacuate) the subcell 130 .

The pump may also be stored in a pump storage compartment in the mattress 10. For example, in FIG. 3, a compartment 104 is provided near a corner of the mattress 10 to accommodate a pump. Note that the compartment 104 is provided with a pump cover. In this way, since the pump section is provided in one section of the mattress 10, the mattress 10 can have a sense of unity.

Note that the pump 180 may be configured separately from the mattress 10. In this case, the mattress 10 does not need to have a section for housing the pump 180.

Further, the pump 180 may be configured as a pump unit 182 together with a control device. The pump unit 182 includes the pump 180, a control device that controls the pump 180, and a storage device that stores information and programs necessary for operation. For example, a control device included in pump unit 182 can control the operation of pump 180 in response to a signal input from an operating device.

Here, the control device may include not only a simple control unit such as a CPU but also other controlling devices. For example, when the pump 180 is a diaphragm pump or an electromagnetic pump, the control device may include an electromagnetic valve that controls the pump, a drive circuit that controls them, a driver circuit, and the like.

Further, an operating device 200 (operating panel) that outputs an operating signal to the control device may be connected.

Note that the control device for controlling the pump 180 may be provided in any one of the devices. In this embodiment, the pump unit 182 is configured integrally with the pump, but the operating device 200 may have the function of a control device, for example.

The subcell 130 is an air cell used to change the user's body position and support the user's body. The subcell 130 may also be referred to as a support cell, a body change cell, or an SF cell. Although the subcell 130 is placed under the main cell 120 in this embodiment, it may be placed above the main cell 120 or under the bottom cushion 140.

The bottom cushion 140 is a support member disposed below the main cell 120. For example, it is made of a member such as urethane or hard cotton. This bottom cushion 140 is provided with a sensor section 150 that detects the sleeping position of the user.

The sensor unit 150 is a sensor using a capacitance sensor. The sensor section 150 includes an anode 152 and a GND sheet 156 to which a case containing a GND board is attached. The GND sheet 156 may function as a ground (GND) electrode.

Further, a sensor cover 154 is provided in order to arrange the anode 152 on the bottom cushion 140. For example, the sensor cover 154 has a shape that can accommodate the anode 152, for example, a pocket. Then, by storing the anode 152 in the pocket of the sensor cover 154, the anode 152 is positioned.

Note that the sensor cover 154 is a waterproof cover for fixing the anode 152 to the bottom cushion 140 (or the cover of the bottom cushion). Note that since it is sufficient to determine the position of the anode 152, the anode 152 may be fixed by other methods, for example. For example, a member for fixing the anode 152 to the bottom cushion 140 or a recess may be formed. Alternatively, the bottom cushion 140 and the anode 152 may be integrally formed so that they do not move.

Further, the anode 152 is a member containing a substrate, and is housed in an oval case in the present disclosure. The anode 152 is configured by pasting a conductive sheet on the back side (the side that contacts the bottom cushion 140, which is the lower side when installed).

Anode 152 may have other shapes. For example, the anode 152 may have any shape such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle (rectangle, square), or a polygon. Further, the anode 152 is provided with a conductive sheet on the back side. Note that the conductive sheet may be configured to cover the entire back side of the anode 152, or may be configured to cover a part of the anode 152.

Further, the bottom cushion 140 is sandwiched between the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156. Here, the GND sheet 156 functions entirely or partially as a conductive sheet. That is, the GND sheet 156 may be entirely made of a material that functions as a conductive sheet (for example, a sheet printed with conductive ink or a sheet made of conductive fibers). Further, the GND sheet 156 may be formed by attaching a conductive sheet to a part of the sheet or embedding the conductive sheet.

Here, when the user rests on the mattress 10, the bottom cushion 140 deforms, thereby changing the distance between the anode 152 and the GND sheet 156, and changing the capacitance. When the determination unit 1010 (described later) acquires the change in capacitance, the body posture and position of the user can be acquired.

Note that the bottom cover 102 may have an opening for the sensor section 150 (for example, an opening provided with a fastener) so that the sensor section 150 can be easily accessed.

Further, the anode 152 may be placed near the user's buttocks, for example. That is, it may be placed above the waist bottom 22e or near the leg side of the curved bottom 22b. Further, in this embodiment, the anodes 152 are provided on the left and right sides, but there may be one or three or more anodes.

[4. Cell configuration]
Next, the configuration of each cell (main cell 120, sub cell 130) will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

The main cell 120 is divided into one or more systems and connected to the pump 180 via a ventilation tube. For example, in FIG. 4, the main cell 120 is divided into systems A to C and connected to the pump 180. Specifically, air is supplied and/or exhausted from the pump 180 to the cell 120A via the blow tube 184. The cell 120A is connected to the system A, and the pressure changes like the other cells of the system A.

The pump 180 can switch the supply/exhaust system using a switching valve, for example. The pump 180 may be switched sequentially for each system to supply and exhaust air, or may be connected to each system to supply and exhaust air to the entire system. Further, a blower tube may be connected to each system from the pump 180, or a separate blower tube may be connected to all the air cells.

Further, in FIG. 4, the systems are divided into three systems A to C, but they may be divided into other systems. It is preferable to divide into multiple systems. Further, some areas may be set to different systems. For example, the pump 180 may supply and exhaust air only to the head side of the user P and to the foot side as separate systems. Moreover, all the main cells 120 may be configured in the same system.

The subcell 130 includes an upper subcell 130S that mainly supports the upper body (shoulders) of the user P, and a lower subcell 130W that mainly supports the lower body (hips and thighs) of the user P.

Furthermore, the subcells 130 are arranged on the left and right sides of the user P. The upper subcell 130S includes an upper left subcell 130SL located on the left side when the user is in the supine position, and an upper right subcell 130SR. Further, the lower subcell 130W includes a lower left subcell 130WL located on the left side when the user is in the supine position, and a lower right subcell 130WR.

The subcell 130 is connected to the pump 180 through a separate system from the main cell 120. For example, there is a system SSL for supplying and exhausting air to the upper left subcell 130SL, a system SWL for supplying and exhausting air to the lower left subcell 130WL, a system SSR for supplying and exhausting air to the upper right subcell 130SR, and a system SWR for supplying and exhausting to the lower right subcell 130WR. ing. The pump 180 may connect a blower tube to each of the subcells 130, or may switch between subcells 130 to supply and exhaust air using a switching valve.

Note that the system of the subcell 130 may be configured as another system. For example, in the subcell 130, diagonally opposite subcells such as the upper left subcell 130SL and the lower right subcell 130WR may be of the same system. Moreover, the subcell 130 may have subcells on the same left and right sides, such as the upper left subcell 130SL and the lower left subcell 130WL, of the same system.

Further, the pump 180 may be connected to a separate ventilation tube for each system to supply and exhaust air separately, or may be switched to supply and exhaust air using a switching valve. Further, the pump 180 may be connected to a combination of a blower tube and a switching valve.

Further, the pump 180 may be composed of one pump or a plurality of pumps.

[5. Functional configuration]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the bed system 1 (mattress 10). The functions shown in FIG. 5A are for explaining functions for controlling the mattress 10, and are realized by a control device that controls the mattress 10. Note that the function shown in FIG. 5(a) may be realized by the control device of the bed body 20 when the bed body 20 and the mattress 10 are linked.

Control unit 1000 is a functional unit for controlling the entire mattress 10. The control unit 1000 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 1300, and is configured by, for example, one or more arithmetic units (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)). Ru.

Further, the control unit 1000 can also control the main cell 120 and the subcell 130, which are air cells. Here, when the control unit 1000 controls the air cell, it means controlling the pressure of the air cell. Furthermore, the air cell expands/deflates as the pressure of the air cell changes. That is, the control unit 1000 can control the size (bulge) of the air cell.

For example, the control unit 1000 controls the pump 180 to supply or exhaust air to each air cell. This refers to control by which the control unit 1000 increases or decreases the pressure of each air cell. Furthermore, when lowering the pressure in the air cell, the control unit 1000 may perform evacuation by opening a valve, or may perform forcible evacuation by controlling pump 180.

Specifically, the control unit 1000 needs to switch between exhaust and suction in the subcell 130 to make sleeping comfortable by using exhaust that gently contracts during normal body position changes. Further, the control unit 1000 can rapidly deflate the mattress surface using suction when it is necessary to quickly flatten the mattress surface in the subcell 130 for transfer or rehabilitation operations. Here, rehabilitation activities include joint range-of-motion training such as abduction and elevation of joints, rotation of the trunk, and extension of fingers, which the staff performs on the user on the mattress, as well as the user's turning over, sitting up, lying down, and sitting position. Refers to movement assistance such as holding, standing up, and sitting.

In addition, the control unit 1000 also switches between exhaust and suction in the main cell 120, and controls the air discharge flow rate when the air cell is contracted during suction, thereby suppressing exhaust noise and making it easier to control automatic control processing. be able to. Furthermore, by simultaneously performing suction and air supply, outside air can be rapidly taken into the air cell to refresh the air inside the air cell, and the indoor temperature can also be taken into the air cell.

Further, the control unit 1000 may function as the determination unit 1010, the body position changing unit 1020, and the suction control unit 1030 by reading and executing a program from the storage unit 1300.

The determining unit 1010 determines the state of the user based on the information measured by the measuring unit 1602 and the information detected by the detecting unit 1600.

The determining unit 1010 determines, as the user's state, the user's body position, including whether or not the user is in bed, the user's position (sleeping position), and the user's posture (sleeping position). I can do it.

For example, the determining unit 1010 may determine whether the user is in a supine position, prone position, or lateral position (right side decubitus position, left side decubitus position). Further, the determining unit 1010 may determine which position of the mattress the user is sleeping on. Further, the determining unit 1010 may determine the sitting position (edge sitting position, long sitting position) as the posture of the user.

Furthermore, the determination unit 1010 determines whether or not there is a user on the mattress (presence or absence of a user). That is, the determination unit 1010 determines whether a user is on the mattress 10 (bed body 20).

Various methods can be considered for the determination unit 1010 to determine whether there is a user. For example, the determining unit 1010 determines that the user is on the mattress 10 in the following cases.
- When the determination unit 1010 can determine the user's body position - The detection unit 1600 of the mattress 10 is a human sensor (a sensor using infrared rays, a laser, etc., a sensor that detects vibration, a sensor that detects load, etc.) - When the pressure value (internal pressure value) of the air cell (main cell 120, sub cell 130) detected by the detection unit 1600 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value - When it can be determined that there is a person present・When a signal indicating that the user is in bed is detected from a sensor that detects whether the user is in bed ・When a signal indicating that the user is in bed is detected from a sensor device connected to bed system 1 that detects whether the user is out of bed or in bed if you did this

Note that if the determination unit 1010 cannot determine that the user is on the mattress 10, it may determine that there is no user. Further, in the following cases, it may be determined that the user is not on the mattress 10.

- When the determination unit 1010 cannot determine the user's body position. Further, when the determination unit 1010 determines that the user is not present on the mattress.
- The detection unit 1600 of the mattress 10 cannot detect a person using a human sensor (a sensor using infrared rays, a laser, etc., a sensor that detects vibration, a sensor that detects load, etc.) and can determine that there is no person. case.
- When the pressure value (internal pressure value) of the air cell (main cell 120, sub cell 130) detected by the detection unit 1600 is below a predetermined threshold value. For example, when the pressure values of all the air cells detected by the detection unit 1600 are almost uniform, or when the internal pressure is the same as when leaving the bed.
- When a signal indicating that the user has left the bed is detected from a sensor installed on the bed body 20 that detects whether the user is leaving or staying in bed.
- When a signal indicating that the user has left the bed is detected from a sensor device connected to the bed system 1 that detects whether the user is leaving or staying in bed.

The body position changing unit 1020 changes the user's body position by controlling the subcell 130. For example, when the subcells 130 are arranged as shown in FIG. 6, the expansion/contraction of the subcells is controlled in the order of lower right subcell 130WR→upper right subcell 130SR→upper left subcell 130SL→lower left subcell 130WL. By repeating the expansion and contraction of each subcell 130 in this way, it is possible to change the body position using the Komakura method.

The suction control unit 1030 performs control to suck the filled air from the air cells (main cell 120, sub cell 130) by controlling the pump 180 to a negative pressure.

That is, the control unit 1000 can more quickly remove air from the air cells by switching the pump 180 to the cleanup assist mode (suction mode), which is the second operation mode.

Note that the suction control unit 1030 does not need to set the pump 180 to the second operation mode when the control unit 1000 detects that the mattress 10 is in the restricted state. Here, the restricted state is the following state.

(1) A state in which a user is on the mattress 10. For example, if it is determined by the determination unit 1010, the sleeping position sensor, the bed leaving sensor, etc. that a user is on the mattress 10, the second operation mode is not switched. That is, pump 180 does not perform a suction operation.

Note that it may be determined that the user is in bed when the internal pressure to the air cell is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. That is, when the internal pressure to the air cell is less than a predetermined value or less than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the user is not in bed (has left the bed).

(2) When the shape of the mattress 10 is not flat. For example, when the mattress 10 is placed on a bed device and the back is in a raised state, the second operation mode is not switched.

(3) When the operation is prohibited on the operating device 200. For example, if the operating device 200 is set to disable switching to the second operating mode, the switching to the second operating mode will not occur.

Note that the action of sucking the air filled from the air cell may also be referred to as "cleaning up assist." That is, by using the cleaning assist function when the user cleans up the mattress 10, the mattress 10 can be brought into a state where it is easier to put away (deflated state) more quickly and efficiently.

The storage unit 1300 is a functional unit that stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the mattress 10. The storage unit 1300 is configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like.

The storage unit 1300 may store a control table 1310. The control table 1310 stores, for example, a control pattern that is the timing of expansion and contraction of the subcell 130. The body position changing unit 1020 controls the timing of the expansion and contraction operations of the subcell 130 based on the control pattern stored in the control table 1310.

The operation unit 1400 receives operation input from an operator. For example, an operation remote control equipped with one or more operation buttons or operation switches, or a connected terminal device that can display an operation screen (for example, an information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet, or a device used in other medical systems) terminal devices, etc.).

The operating unit 1400 can operate the mattress 10, but may also operate the bed body 20 at the same time. Furthermore, the operation section 1400 may be added to the operation section of the bed body 20 as an operation switch that can operate the mattress 10.

Here, the operation switch may be any switch that allows the user to input an operation. For example, the operation switch may be realized by a button or a hardware switch (hardware key) such as a changeover switch. Further, the operation switch may be realized by a software switch (software key) displayed by software using a touch panel configured integrally with the display unit 1500.

The display unit 1500 displays the state of the mattress and the state of operation to the operator. The display unit 1500 is any display device such as an LED lamp, an LED using 7 segments, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL panel. Furthermore, when a terminal device is connected, the display unit 1500 uses the display device of the terminal device. Further, the display section 1500 may be provided in the operation section 1400, or may be configured integrally with the operation section 1400 as a touch panel capable of touch operation.

Notification unit 1550 notifies users and operators. The notification unit 1550 can perform various functions such as outputting an alarm sound or a warning sound through a speaker, displaying a warning display on the display unit 1500, vibrating with a vibration device, or flashing with a light emitting device. We will make announcements.

The detection unit 1600 is a sensor that detects various conditions. For example, the detection unit 1600 can detect the pressure of the air cell using a pressure sensor, or detect the state of the bed body 20 from the state of the mattress 10 using an angle sensor. Each sensor may be built into the mattress 10 or may be provided externally. Alternatively, a value detected by a sensor provided in the bed body 20 may be acquired. In this embodiment, it is the sensor section 150, for example.

Note that the configuration of FIG. 5(a) may include other necessary functions. For example, it may include a communication unit for communicating with other terminal devices. Moreover, only the configuration according to necessity may be provided. For example, the mattress 10 only needs to have at least a control section 1000 and a storage section 1300, and may include an operation section 1400, a display section 1500, a notification section 1550, and a detection section 1600 as necessary.

Moreover, Fig.5 (a) is a figure explaining the whole system 1 (mattress 10). For example, an example of a specific configuration is shown in FIG. 5(b). The mattress 10 in FIG. 5(b) includes a pump unit 182 including a control device and a pump (pump 180 in FIG. 3). Then, by controlling the pump 180, the control device discharges air to the air cell, sucks air from the air cell, and controls the pressure of the air cell.

Further, the pump unit 182 includes a control section 1000 and a storage section 1300 as a control device. Further, the pump unit 182 is connected to the operating device 200 and the detection section 1600.

The operating device 200 includes a control section 1002 that controls the operating device 200 itself, an operating section 1400, a display section 1500, and a notification section 1550. The operating device 200 outputs an operating signal to the control unit 1000. Further, the operating device 200 performs display and notification based on the signal received from the control unit 1000.

Further, the detection unit 1600 is, for example, the sensor unit 150, and can be added as necessary.

Necessary information is transmitted and received between the pump unit 182, the operating device 200, and the detection section 1600. For example, if the operating device includes the control unit 1000 and the storage unit 1300, the operating device 200 may directly control the pump 180.

Further, instead of the operating device, a terminal device such as a smartphone may be used. This can be achieved by installing and executing an application such as that implemented as the operating device 200 on the terminal device. Similarly, other configurations may be implemented either with the mattress or with other control devices.

Further, the pump unit 182 may be connected to the bed body 20. By connecting to the bed body 20, it becomes possible to control the bottom and detect the bottom angle, for example.

Note that the pump unit 182 may have a control device (control unit 1000 and storage unit 1300) integrated with the control board of the pump 180, or may have a separate configuration connected to the pump 180.

[6. Configuration of operating device]
The configuration of the operating device for issuing operating instructions to the mattress 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Note that the operating device 200 in FIG. 6 corresponds to, for example, the operating section 1400 in FIG. 6, and outputs an operating signal to the control section 1000.

The operating device 200 is connected to the mattress 10 (control unit 1000) by wire or wirelessly. Note that the operating device 200 may be realized by installing an application on a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet and communicating with the control unit 1000.

The operating device 200 also includes a display section 1500. The display unit 1500 is configured with a display capable of displaying various information, but may also be realized with a lamp using an LED or the like, for example. The display unit 1500 can convey various information to the user. The display unit 1500 is an example of a notification means for notifying the user of various information, and may also be realized by an audio output device, a vibration device, or the like.

The operating device 200 has various operating switches. The operation of the operation switch will be briefly explained below.

・AUTO switch 202 (first operation switch)
The AUTO switch 202 is a switch that sets the control unit 1000 to a state where automatic control processing can be executed. Here, the executable state is a state in which the control unit 1000 can execute the corresponding process (program) at a predetermined timing. For example, the control unit 1000 may periodically execute the process at predetermined time intervals. The control unit 1000 also controls the control unit 1000 under predetermined conditions, such as the user's posture being in a predetermined position, the user's position being in a predetermined position (for example, being at the edge of the mattress), and the pressure of the air cell. The process may be executed when the mattress is in a state such as (for example, a state of a predetermined threshold value or more or a predetermined threshold value or less).

When the control unit 1000 sets the automatic control processing to an executable state, it can automatically adjust the pressure of the main cell 120. For example, the control unit 1000 controls the pressure of each air cell by automatically expanding and contracting each air cell according to the user's position, weight, and posture.

・Back support switch 204 (second operation switch)
The back support switch 204 is a switch that sets the control unit 1000 to a state in which back support processing can be executed. When the back support process is set to be executable, the detection unit 1600 issues an instruction to the control unit 1000 when it detects that the back angle is 30 degrees or more, and normally performs four All of the subcells 130 are inflated two at a time in the order of upper subcell 130S and lower subcell 130W to hold the user's trunk. By inflating all four subcells 130, a user can feel a sense of support from the lumbar vertebrae to the shoulder blades and around the pelvis when the user is in a raised back posture. Furthermore, by increasing the contact area, body pressure dispersibility improves and body pressure values are reduced by about 10%.

・Setting switch 206 (third operation switch)
The setting switch 206 is a switch for increasing/decreasing values or switching modes. For example, when the setting switch 206U is selected, the value increases or the air cell pressure increases. Furthermore, when the setting switch 206L is selected, the value decreases or the air cell pressure becomes low. The setting switch 206U is a general increase switch, and the setting switch 206L is a general decrease switch.

・Pressure changeover switch 210 (fourth operation switch)
The pressure changeover switch 210 is a switch for performing a pressure changeover operation, which is an operation of alternating pressure (AP) of the air cell (main cell 120). The pressure switching operation is an operation in which the control unit 1000 evacuates the main cell to near atmospheric pressure for each system, maintains the contracted state for several minutes, and then resupplies air to expand the main cell at a predetermined cycle. . Here, the cycle at which the control unit 1000 repeats is, for example, a cycle of about 5 minutes for one system, and a cycle of about 15 minutes for three systems. Note that although the air cell system in this embodiment has three systems, it may be any number of systems such as two systems or four systems.

For example, when the user selects the pressure changeover switch 210, the control unit 1000 sequentially inflates and deflates the main cell 120 for each system to switch the pressure. By switching the pressure, the internal pressure of the air cell that is continuously applied to the user's body can be removed.

・Operation sound switch 212 (fifth operation switch)
The operation sound switch 212 is a switch for switching between the presence and absence of the operation sound of the operating device 200 and for stopping the warning sound of the mattress 10.

・Dehumidification switch 214 (sixth operation switch)
The dehumidification switch 214 is a switch that causes the control unit 1000 to execute dehumidification processing. When the dehumidification process is executed, the control unit 1000 periodically discharges air into the interior of the mattress 10 (the part covered by the top cover 100 and the bottom cover 102), thereby removing the moisture accumulated inside the mattress 10. discharge to the outside. Note that the mattress 10 may be provided with another ventilation tube to periodically discharge air.

・Small flow switch 220 (7th operation switch, body position change switch)
The small flow switch 220 is a switch that causes the control unit 1000 to execute a body position change process. When the control unit 1000 executes the body position change process, the control unit 1000 executes a process of sequentially repeating the expansion and contraction operations of the subcells 130.

・Subcell switch 230 (8th operation switch)
The subcell switch 230 is a switch that can set whether or not the subcell 130 performs an expansion and contraction operation. Specifically, the subcell switch 230 includes a subcell switch 230B corresponding to the upper right subcell 130SR, a subcell switch 230A corresponding to the lower right subcell 130WR, a subcell switch 230C corresponding to the upper left subcell 130SL, and a subcell switch 230C corresponding to the lower left subcell 130WL. A corresponding subcell switch 230D is provided.

Here, when the subcell switch 230 is selected by the user, the control unit 1000 can set whether to expand or contract the corresponding subcell. Furthermore, by using the subcell switch 230, the control unit 1000 can set the order in which the subcells 130 expand and contract.

・Specific mode switch 240 (9th operation switch)
The specific mode switch 240 is a switch that causes the control unit 1000 to execute specific processing. For example, in this embodiment, it is a switch for executing the firm mode processing (firm mode switch). Note that the firm mode is sometimes called a rehabilitation mode or a hard mode, and may also be expressed as a rehabilitation mode switch or a hard mode switch. Further, the specific mode switch 240 is a switch that serves as a trigger for executing a specific process, and may also execute other processes.

When the control unit 1000 executes the firm mode processing, the control unit 1000 makes the main cell 120 high pressure and increases the internal pressure of the mattress 10. As a result, the mattress 10 becomes stable during rehabilitation operations, body position changes, stabilization of sitting posture, transfers, and the like. For example, when the specific mode switch 240 is selected, the control unit 1000 controls all the main cells 120 to be in an expanded state. Specifically, the main cell 120 is expanded so that the pressure in the air cell of the main cell 120 becomes maximum (or near the maximum, or an internal pressure equal to or higher than a threshold value at which the user is stabilized). That is, the control unit 1000 controls the pump 180 and causes the pump 180 to discharge air, thereby expanding the main cell 120 to a predetermined internal pressure or close to the maximum internal pressure.

Here, the specific mode switch 240 can execute multiple processes by switching between multiple operating methods. That is, when a rehabilitation operation or a transfer is performed as a normal operation, the specific mode switch 240 is pressed, touched, or pushed in as a first operation. However, by performing an operation (second operation) different from the first operation, which is a normal operation, the control unit 1000 activates the tidying assist mode (suction mode).

Here, an example has been described in which switching between the first operation and the second operation is performed using one operation switch. This operation switch is not limited to the specific mode switch 240, but may be realized by another operation switch.

Further, although a case has been described in which the first operation and the second operation are switched using one operation switch, the user may perform the second operation using a different method. For example, the following may be considered as the second operation recognized by the control unit 1000.

(1) Turn on the power while selecting an operation switch (for example, the specific mode switch 240) (2) Provide another dedicated switch, switch with the dedicated switch, and then select the mode switch 240 ( 3) Select the operating switch for a longer time than normal operation.
In this way, when the second operation is performed, the control unit 1000 executes the cleaning assist mode (suction mode).

Note that the control unit 1000 may not activate the tidying assist mode (suction mode) unless, for example, a key lock (state in which the operating device 200 cannot be operated) is released. Further, the control unit 1000 may sound a buzzer when the clean-up assist mode (suction mode) is activated, or may continue to sound the buzzer while the clean-up assist mode (suction mode) is in operation. Further, the control unit 1000 may perform a notification operation on the operating device 200 (for example, an operation of displaying on the display unit 1500, an operation of emitting light of a special color using an LED, etc.).

Further, when the control unit 1000 confirms that the main cell 120 and the subcell 130 are under negative pressure for a certain period of time or more, the control unit 1000 ends the cleaning assist mode (suction mode). When the tidying assist mode (suction mode) ends, the control unit 1000 may notify the end with a buzzer or voice.

Further, when the control unit 1000 determines that the mattress 10 is in the restricted state, the mode switch 240 may not be operated. For example, if the determination unit 1010 is able to determine the user's body position as the restriction state, that is, if there is a person on the mattress 10 (in bed), the second operation mode, tidying up assist mode, is selected. It is also possible not to switch to (suction mode).

Furthermore, when the control unit 1000 determines that the mattress 10 is in the restricted state, it may display a warning or output a notification sound.

(Cleaning up assist mode (suction mode))
Further, as described above, when the cleaning assist mode (suction mode) is selected by the operating device 200, the pump 180 performs a suction operation using negative pressure. That is, in the cleaning assist mode (suction mode), the pump is driven with a larger pressure (negative pressure) than when the air cells are simply expanded and contracted.

For example, when the normal pump 180 discharges (discharges) air, the pump preferably has a first capacity of +10 kPa to +25 kPa. The air cells (main cell 120, subcell 130) are expanded by being supplied with air from the pump 180. Furthermore, when the pump 180 is opened, air is exhausted from the air cells (main cell 120, subcell 130) and the cells contract.

Furthermore, when the pump 180 sucks air, the second capacity of the pump is preferably -25 kPa to -10 kPa. For example, when the pump 180 operates in the cleaning assist mode (suction mode), it is preferable to output around -25 kPa (ie, maximum capacity). Further, when the pump 180 is operated to relieve pain of the user, it is preferable to output around -10 kPa.

(Achieved by application)
Further, as described above, the operating device 200 can be realized by an application. For example, FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen W100 that is displayed when an application is executed on a terminal device such as a smartphone.

The terminal device displays the display unit 1500 of the operating device 200 and various operation switches on the display screen W100. The display screen W100 is composed of a touch panel. By touching the software keys displayed on the display screen W100, the user can issue operation instructions equivalent to those provided by the operating device 200.

Note that the terminal device and the mattress 10 (control unit 1000) are connected by wireless communication such as short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN, and wireless USB. Note that the terminal device and the mattress 10 can be realized as long as the two devices are connected and can communicate, regardless of whether they are wired or wireless.

[7. effect]
In this way, unlike conventional mattresses, the mattress of this embodiment can be cleaned up using the pump that makes up the mattress. Therefore, in the mattress of this embodiment, the air in the air cells of a plurality of mattresses can be efficiently exhausted at the same time. Furthermore, by executing the cleaning assist mode (suction mode), the mattress of this embodiment can quickly exhaust the air in the air cells, significantly reducing the user's effort and time. become able to.

In addition, when air in the air cells of the mattresses is to be discharged, it is now possible to stack a plurality of air mattresses, thereby reducing the work space.

Furthermore, the operating device of this embodiment requires a special operation in order to execute the cleaning assist mode (suction mode). Therefore, the operating device of this embodiment can prevent the user from sucking the air in the air cell due to an erroneous operation.

Moreover, the mattress of this embodiment executes the cleaning assist mode (suction mode) depending on the state of the mattress user in bed. For example, if there is a person on the mattress, the cleaning assist mode (suction mode) is not executed. Therefore, the mattress of this embodiment can prevent air from being discharged even though there is a user on the mattress.

Moreover, the mattress of this embodiment can notify when the cleaning assist mode (suction mode) is executed and the cleaning assist mode (suction mode) is completed. This allows the user to perform other tasks while putting away the air mattress.

[8. Modified example]
Although the embodiments of this invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and designs etc. within the scope of the gist of this invention are also within the scope of the claims. include.

[8.1 Composition of mattress]
In the embodiments described above, the mattress is described as an air cell, but other configurations may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the mattress between the upper cover 100a and the lower cover 102a may be a urethane mattress 122. At this time, the subcell 130 is placed under the urethane mattress 122 as shown in FIG. Note that the subcell 130 may be placed on the urethane mattress 122.

[8.2 Subcell arrangement]
In the embodiment described above, the subcell 130 is described as being provided within the mattress, such as below or above the main cell 120 constituting the air mattress. However, the subcell 130 may be configured separately from the mattress.

For example, in FIG. 9, the subcell 130 is of an underlay type that is placed under the mattress 10. In this case, the mattress 10 may be any existing mattress, and the subcells 130 of the embodiment described above can be easily placed therein. This makes it possible to easily provide a subcell-based body position changing function to an existing mattress without having to prepare a dedicated mattress. Note that the subcell 130 may be an overlay type that is placed on top of an existing mattress.

That is, the subcell 130 may be composed of one sheet. For example, the subcell sheet 190 in FIG. 9 has a plurality of spaces. By supplying air from the pump 180 to this space, the space expands and functions as a subcell. That is, since the space expands and contracts by supplying and exhausting air from the pump 180 to the space provided in the seat, it has the same function as a subcell.

In this way, in the case of the subcell sheet 190 in which subcells are integrally formed in a sheet shape, similar effects can be expected by simply installing the subcell sheet 190 under the mattress 10. Further, the subcell sheet 190 may be installed on the mattress 10.

[8.3 Bottom configuration]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the bottom configuration of the bed main body is mainly described as having a back bottom, a curved bottom, a knee bottom, and a foot bottom, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a curved bottom may generally have the function of a back bottom or a waist bottom. Further, among the bottom configurations, the foot bottoms may be integrated with the knee bottoms. In addition, by dividing the back bottom into multiple parts, the back bottom has the same effect as a curved bottom (for example, among the divided back bottoms, the back bottom on the foot side supports the user's lower back). There may be. A curved bottom can also be referred to as a waist bottom.

1 Bed system 10 Mattress 20 Bed body 22 Bottom 22a Back bottom, 22b Curved bottom 22c Knee bottom, 22d Leg bottom, 22e Waist bottom 24 Upper frame 26 Lower frame 28 Lifting mechanism 32 Back bottom drive unit 34 Knee bottom drive unit 36 Height Drive section 100 Top cover 102 Bottom cover 110 Top urethane 115 Glide sheet 120 Main cell 130 Sub cell 140 Bottom cushion 150 Sensor section 152 Anode 154 Sensor cover 156 GND sheet 180 Pump 182 Pump unit 200 Operating device

Claims (6)

A mattress having air cells,
a pump capable of supplying or suctioning air to the air cell;
A first operation mode in which the air cell is expanded and contracted by controlling the pump to supply and suck air to the air cell, and a second operation mode in which the pump is controlled to suck air from the air cell. A control unit that can be switched and executed ;
Equipped with
The control unit is configured to suck air at a pressure that is greater than a pressure for sucking air from the air cell in the second operation mode than a pressure for sucking air from the air cell in the first operation mode. control the pump,
When sucking air from the air cell in the second operation mode, the air is controlled to be sucked from the air cell at a pressure near the maximum capacity of the pump.
A mattress characterized by: The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is further capable of executing a third operation mode in which the pump is controlled to supply air to the air cells so that the pressure in the air cells reaches a maximum value. 2. The control unit controls the pump to stop sucking air from the air cell when the air cell is under negative pressure for a certain period of time or more in the second operation mode. Mattress listed in. The mattress according to claim 3, further comprising a notification section that provides notification when the air suction operation is stopped. The mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second operating mode is a mode executed when there is no user on the air cell and the air cell is put away. When a user is present on the air cell and the control section is operated as a pain relief measure for the user, the control section draws air from the air cell at a pressure near the minimum capacity of the air suction capacity of the pump. The mattress according to claim 1, wherein the mattress is controlled to suck.

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