Excrement receiving tool and excrement detection module

Abstract

To provide an excrement receiving tool and an excrement detection module that detect urination and defecation separately and independently, accurately detect that replacement of a diaper is needed when a user such as a care receiver defecates or replacement timing has come as a urination volume increases, and can reduce workload on such as a carer.SOLUTION: An excrement detection module 5 disposed in an excrement receiving tool 1 for receiving urine or excrement that a user defecates includes: a first sensor part 5s1 for detecting the excrement; a second sensor part 5s2 for detecting the urine; and a water content movement restriction part 15 for restricting movement of water content which is disposed between the first sensor part 5s1 and the second sensor part 5s2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an excrement receptacle, such as a diaper worn by a person, and an excrement detection module that is disposed in the excrement receptacle and detects at least one of urination and defecation. [Background technology]

[0002] According to the "Summary of the Special Public Opinion Survey on Care Robots" published by the Cabinet Office on September 12, 2013, the top three issues that caregivers of those in need of care face are "excretion (accompanying the person when they use the toilet and changing diapers)" (62.5%), "bathing (accompanying the person when they bathe and washing the body)" (58.3%), and "eating (preparing meals and assisting with eating)" (49.1%), with "excretion" being the most common issue.

[0003] Those with elimination disorders, meaning they cannot go to the toilet, cannot use the toilet, or cannot defecate in the toilet, are considered to be those with a level of care need of "3" or higher on a five-level scale. Severely disabled people are unable to put on or take off their tops or pants independently, and require care from a third party. As of the end of 2012, the number of people with a level of care need of "3" or higher was estimated to be 720,000, 660,000, and 610,000 (a total of 1.99 million). While these people are unable to defecate independently, similar to infants who wear diapers, this number is far greater than the number of newborns at the time (approximately 1 million).

[0004] In particular, in nursing homes and hospitals, the caregiver (including family members and relatives who work in hospitals and nursing homes, hereinafter referred to as "caregivers, etc.") must open the diaper once during regular inspections to check whether the patient has had any excretion, which places an excessive burden on caregivers, etc., and is one of the causes of employment shortages in nursing homes, etc. Furthermore, opening the diaper can wake the person requiring care, which can lead to them wandering around, etc.

[0005] Regarding urination, high-performance diapers are already available that have absorbent bodies that can absorb urine over multiple urinations and prevent leakage. However, when the amount of urine exceeds the diaper's absorption capacity, leakage is likely to occur, causing clothing and bedding to become wet. Furthermore, prolonged exposure of the skin to wet conditions can lead to skin problems such as diaper rash and dermatitis. Furthermore, excessively wet diapers can cause discomfort for those requiring care, and can be a source of stress and anxiety, especially for those who are immobile or unable to change their diapers on their own. Therefore, it is important to change diapers appropriately when the amount of urine produced reaches a certain level.

[0006] On the other hand, if bowel movements are left unattended, the person requiring care may develop skin diseases such as diaper rash or bedsores, and early diaper changes are necessary to reduce the discomfort the person in need of care may feel while waiting a long time for a diaper change. However, due to factors such as embarrassment on the part of the person requiring care and a reduced ability to communicate, the person in need of care often does not promptly inform the caregiver that they have had a bowel movement.

[0007] Regarding technology for detecting when to change a diaper, for example, a detection sensor for detecting urination in a diaper is made of a strip-shaped substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate and a material with a volume resistivity of 10 -3 ~10 -4 A known diaper change timing detector is composed of a pair of electrodes formed by printing Ω·cm silver paste on a substrate, and a covering formed by coating the surface of each electrode with conductive silicone having a volume resistivity of 15 Ω·cm, and determines the wetness of the diaper by measuring the conductivity between the electrodes (Patent Document 1).

[0008] According to Patent Document 1, the diaper change time detection device further includes an odor measurement means for measuring indole and / or skatole in the air as an odor, and is capable of detecting feces in the diaper based on the measurement results of the odor measurement means, thereby enabling accurate detection of when to change the diaper.

[0009] Also known is a defecation detection system that includes a sensor attached to a storage pocket of a diaper that has the function of absorbing urine and preventing leakage, and a controller that determines defecation based on the sensor's detection signal and outputs a defecation signal, the sensors comprising at least a humidity sensor that emits a detection signal when humidity lower than that of urine continues for a longer period than that of urine, a temperature sensor that emits a detection signal when temperature approximately the same as that of urine continues for a longer period than that of urine, an odor sensor that emits a detection signal when it detects the odor of feces, and a camera system for detecting a change in color of the storage pocket due to contact with feces, each sensor formed in a flexible sheet, the humidity sensor, temperature sensor and camera system inserted and attached in a storage pocket provided on the inside of the diaper near the part facing the anus, and the odor sensor inserted and attached in a storage pocket provided on the outside of the diaper near the part facing the anus (Patent Document 2).

[0010] According to Patent Document 2, the system detects only defecation following urination and outputs a defecation signal based on a combined judgment of the detection signals from three sensors: a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an odor sensor. This ensures that only defecation is detected, and also eliminates the need for regular diaper inspections, making care work easier.

[0011] Another known technology uses a UHF or microwave band RFID tag (RF tag) to detect the presence of moisture in a diaper by detecting the effects of absorption of radio wave energy by moisture around the RF tag or abnormalities in transmission and reception between the reader / writer and the RF tag due to effects on normal circuit operation (Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3376769 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3491198 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-85817 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] However, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the odor measuring unit that measures indole and / or skatole in the air as an odor is located outside the diaper. Typically, a waterproof material is provided on the outer surface of the diaper to prevent urine and other excreted substances from leaking to the outside. While this waterproof material is breathable to prevent the inside of the diaper from becoming stuffy, it results in a large distance between the feces and the odor measuring unit, and therefore cannot be said to be configured to enable early detection of feces.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the technology described in Patent Document 2, an odor sensor for detecting feces is inserted into a storage pocket provided on the outside of the diaper near the part facing the anus, and the storage pocket is provided further outside the outer surface material. This outer surface material is laminated and coated on the outside of the absorbent core, and is said to prevent the passage of urine while allowing ventilation, but when the absorbent core is absorbing urine, the odor of feces is prevented from passing through by the absorbent core, so it cannot be said that the design is capable of detecting feces early.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the technology described in Patent Document 3, it is possible to detect urination and defecation using an RFID tag, but once the water from urination reaches the area around the anus, it is not possible to accurately determine whether the non-response of the RFID tag is due to urination or defecation.

[0016] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art, and aims to provide an excrement receiving device and excrement detection module that can distinguish between and independently detect urination and defecation, and accurately detect when a user, such as a person requiring care, has defecates and requires a diaper change, or when the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper, thereby reducing the workload of caregivers and others. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is an excrement detection module to be placed in an excrement receiving device that receives urine or feces excreted by a user, the excrement detection module including a first sensor unit that detects the feces, a second sensor unit that detects the urine, and a moisture movement restriction unit that restricts the movement of moisture between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit. This makes it possible to distinguish and independently detect urination and defecation, and to accurately detect when the user has defecates and requires a diaper change, or when the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper.

[0018] In addition, in the present invention, the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are each configured in a sheet shape, and the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are stacked in the thickness direction, which makes it possible to distinguish and independently detect urination and defecation using a single excrement detection module.

[0019] In addition, the present invention is configured such that the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are both disposed in positions facing the user's anus, the first sensor unit is disposed closer to the user's anus than the second sensor unit, and detects moisture contained in the feces, and the second sensor unit is disposed closer to the excrement receptacle than the first sensor unit, and detects moisture contained in the urine. This makes it possible to distinguish and independently detect urination and defecation using a single excrement detection module.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides a device in which the first sensor unit is composed of a first substrate and a first mounting unit including a predetermined circuit formed on the first substrate, and the second sensor unit is composed of a second substrate and a second mounting unit including a predetermined circuit formed on the second substrate, the first mounting unit being disposed opposite the anus of the user, and the second mounting unit being disposed opposite the excrement receiver, thereby enabling rapid detection of moisture due to defecation or an increase in the amount of urine excreted.

[0021] The present invention also provides a tape member containing an adhesive, the tape member having at least one through-hole penetrating the front and back of the tape member, and being fixed to the excrement receiver via the tape member having the through-hole, thereby enabling moisture resulting from urination on the diaper main body side to be guided to the second sensor unit.

[0022] The present invention also provides an excrement detection module that is disposed in an excrement receptacle that receives urine or feces excreted by a user, and that includes a first sensor unit that detects the feces and a second sensor unit that detects the urine, the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit being spaced apart in the planar direction of the excrement receptacle. As a result, in the case of urine, urine does not penetrate to the rear unless there is a certain amount of moisture, so that urine can be detected by the second sensor unit, and in the case of feces, the feces directly cover the first sensor unit at the rear, so that detection can be rapid.

[0023] In addition, the present invention is configured such that the first sensor unit is disposed close to the anus of the user and detects the moisture contained in the feces, and the second sensor unit is disposed close to the urethral opening of the user and detects the moisture contained in the urine, thereby making it possible to distinguish between urination and defecation.

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a device in which the first sensor unit is composed of a first substrate and a first mounting portion including a predetermined circuit formed on the first substrate, and the second sensor unit is composed of a second substrate and a second mounting portion including a predetermined circuit formed on the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are made of a material that restricts the movement of moisture, the first substrate is provided to face the excrement receptacle, and the second substrate is provided to face the urethral opening of the user. This makes it possible to distinguish between and independently detect urination and defecation, and to accurately detect when the user has defecates and the diaper needs to be changed, or when the amount of urine has increased and the time to change the diaper has arrived.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides a tape member containing an adhesive, a portion of the tape member having at least one through-hole penetrating the tape member from front to back, and the second sensor unit is fixed to the excrement receiver via the tape member having the through-hole, thereby promoting the infiltration of moisture from the diaper body into the third space including the second sensor unit, thereby enabling accurate detection of the time to change the diaper body based on urination.

[0026] In addition, in the present invention, the first substrate and the second substrate are a single substrate, and the first mounting portion is provided on one side of the substrate and the second mounting portion is provided on the other side of the substrate, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the excrement detection module.

[0027] In addition, in the present invention, the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit include an RFID tag, which allows the tag ID stored in the RFID tag to be read by an RFID reader, making it possible to easily determine when it is time to change the diaper body.

[0028] In addition, the present invention provides a method for determining whether the diaper needs to be changed by simply checking whether the RFID tag can be read by an RFID reader, wherein the first sensor unit includes an antenna circuit or other circuit element, the antenna circuit or the other circuit element being made of a water-soluble conductive material, and the RFID tag stops transmitting information when the conductive material is dissolved by water.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides a water storage section near the antenna circuit, the water storage section being made of a film that is decomposed by protease contained in the feces, thereby enabling accurate detection of the occurrence of a bowel movement and the need for a diaper change.

[0030] In addition, the present invention is such that the excrement detection module is positioned opposite the anus of the user, making it possible to detect with a single excrement detection module whether a defecation has occurred and the diaper needs to be changed, or whether an increase in urination has occurred and it is time to change the diaper.

[0031] The present invention also provides an excrement receptacle that has a water absorption section and receives urine or feces excreted by a user, and that has a moisture movement limiting section that limits the movement of moisture between the section facing the urethral opening and the section facing the anus when the user wears the excrement receptacle. As a result, unless the amount of urine is large, moisture from urination does not penetrate to the rear section, making it difficult for the moisture to be detected by the excrement detection module placed opposite the anus. On the other hand, in the case of feces, the feces come into direct contact with the excrement detection module, making it possible to detect them immediately.

[0032] In addition, the present invention is such that the moisture movement restriction portion is made of a resin material impregnated into at least a portion of the water absorption portion, thereby making it possible to easily form the moisture movement restriction portion by applying the resin material to the surface material.

[0033] In addition, in the present invention, the moisture movement restriction section is configured by the water absorbent section compressed in the thickness direction, which makes it possible to easily form the moisture movement restriction section 15 by forming stitches or the like to compress the water absorbent section in the thickness direction.

[0034] The present invention also provides a surface material that covers the water absorbent section, and the water movement restriction section is configured with a separator that contacts the surface material and stretches in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction from the part facing the urethral opening to the part facing the anus. This makes it possible, with a simple configuration, to separate the part that mainly absorbs water based on urine from the part that mainly absorbs water based on feces, and to restrict the inflow of water based on urine to the part that absorbs water based on feces.

[0035] In another aspect of the present invention, the absorbent section is divided into a front absorbent section that receives the urine moisture and a rear absorbent section that receives the feces moisture. Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention, the absorbent section is divided into a front absorbent section that receives the urine moisture and a rear absorbent section that receives the feces moisture, and includes a central absorbent section that connects the front and rear absorbent sections, and the moisture movement restriction section is formed by making the amount of moisture absorbed in the central absorbent section smaller than the amounts of moisture absorbed in the front and rear absorbent sections. This makes it possible, with a simple configuration, to separate the section that absorbs moisture mainly based on urine from the section that absorbs moisture mainly based on feces, and to delay the urine moisture from reaching the excrement detection module located near the anus.

[0036] The present invention also provides an excrement detection module that is disposed in an excrement receiver that receives feces excreted by a user and includes a sensor unit that detects the feces, and a moisture transfer restriction unit that has an opening at a position facing the user's anus and surrounds the outer edge of the sensor unit to restrict the transfer of moisture from the outer edge to the sensor unit, the sensor unit including an RFID tag and an antenna circuit or other circuit element connected to the RFID tag, a water storage unit that stores water near the antenna circuit or other circuit element and is made of a film that is decomposed by a protease contained in the feces, the antenna circuit or other circuit element being made of a water-soluble conductive material, and when the water storage unit is decomposed by the protease, the conductive material dissolves, thereby terminating the transmission of information from the RFID tag. This makes it possible to accurately detect that a user has defecates and that a diaper change is required. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] According to the present invention, it is possible to distinguish and detect urination and defecation independently, and to accurately detect when a user, such as a person requiring care, has defecates and the diaper needs to be changed, or when the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper, thereby reducing the workload of caregivers and others. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an excrement detection module 5 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached to a diaper body 1. [Figure 2] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the diaper body 1 and the excrement detection module 5 taken along line IIa-IIa, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along line IIb-IIb. [Figure 3] 1A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the excrement detection module 5, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified example of the excrement detection module 5. [Figure 4] Configuration diagram of the excretion status management system Sy [Figure 5]1(a) is a perspective view showing an example of a diaper body 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the same. [Figure 6] 1A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an excrement detection module 5 according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified example of the same module. [Figure 7] 10(a) and 10(b) are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of the moisture movement restriction section 15. [Figure 8] 10(a) to 10(d) are explanatory diagrams showing other modified examples of the moisture movement restriction section 15. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an excrement detection module 5 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is attached to a diaper body 1. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the excrement detection module 5. [Figure 11] 11(a) is a cross-sectional view of a diaper body 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a third region Ar3 shown in FIG. 11(a). [Figure 12] 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of a diaper body 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an excrement detection module 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an excrement detection module 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention attached to a diaper body 1. In Fig. 1, 1 denotes the diaper body as an excrement receiving device. In the following description, when the diaper body 1 is worn by a user (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "user"), such as a person requiring care, the direction of the person's abdomen will be referred to as the "front," the direction of the back as the "rear," the direction of the person's right hand as the "right," the direction of the person's left hand as the "left," the direction of the head as the "upper," and the direction of the legs as the "lower." In addition, the side of the diaper body 1 that comes into contact with the user's skin will be referred to as the "inner surface," and the side that can be seen from the outside when the user is wearing the diaper body 1 will be referred to as the "outer surface."

[0040] When viewed from above, the diaper body 1 is made up of a water-absorbing section 2 that is covered with a surface material 7 and absorbs moisture such as urine and sweat, three-dimensional gathers 3 that prevent urine and feces from leaking out when urinating or defecates, and a waterproof material 4 that extends from the front to the back on the outer surface of the diaper body 1 and prevents excrement and other waste from leaking out. An excrement detection module 5 is attached to the surface material 7 (the surface of the inner surface).

[0041] FIG. 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the diaper body 1 and the excrement detection module 5 taken along line IIa-IIa, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the same taken along line IIb-IIb (see FIG. 1 for the cross-sections IIa-IIa and IIb-IIb). Hereinafter, the configuration of the excrement receiver (diaper body 1) and the relative positions of the diaper body 1 and the excrement detection module 5 will be described using FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). The diaper body 1 includes a pair of three-dimensional gathers 3 on the left and right sides, a surface material 7 made of a polyolefin / polyester nonwoven fabric or the like, a water-absorbent paper 10 for diffusing moisture such as urine, a water-absorbing section 2 made of a water-absorbing cotton-like pulp 11 and a polymer water-absorbing section 12 sandwiched between the cotton-like pulp 11 at the top and bottom, and a waterproof material 4 made of a film-like polyolefin or the like that has micropores for breathability and prevents moisture from leaking to the outside. The excrement detection module 5 is attached to the surface material 7 for use. The excrement detection module 5 according to the first embodiment is made of a flexible material and is in the form of a thin sheet.

[0042] As shown in the figure, the excrement detection module 5 is positioned rearward in the front-to-rear direction and is attached in a position that generally faces the anus when the diaper body 1 is worn on the body. The excrement detection module 5 detects moisture resulting from the user's urination and defecation. Since urination occurs at the front of the diaper body 1, the moisture contained in urine (liquid moisture) reaches the excrement detection module 5 located near the anus only when the absorbent section 2 has absorbed a large amount of moisture after multiple urinations. In other words, assuming that no defecation has occurred, the excrement detection module 5 detects that it is time to change the diaper body 1 based on urination. On the other hand, if defecation has occurred, the excrement detection module 5 immediately detects that defecation has occurred.

[0043] The excrement detection module 5 is attached to the diaper body 1 by, for example, a caregiver, and the diaper body 1 with the attached excrement detection module 5 is then worn by the user. When changing the diaper body 1, the caregiver simply attaches the excrement detection module 5 to the new diaper body 1. Of course, diaper manufacturers may sell or provide diapers with the excrement detection module 5 already attached to the diaper body 1.

[0044] 2(a), the excrement detection module 5 is disposed in the buttocks 100 so as to face the cleft 101 where the anus is located. The excrement detection module 5 is flexible, and a nonwoven fabric (described later) is provided in the area that comes into contact with the user's skin, so that the foreign body sensation and discomfort felt by the user wearing the diaper body 1 is reduced even when the excrement detection module 5 is attached to the surface material 7. In this way, the distance between the excrement (feces) and the excrement detection module 5 is extremely short, so that it is possible to quickly detect that the user has had a bowel movement.

[0045] FIG. 3(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the excrement detection module 5, and FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified example of the excrement detection module 5. FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are enlarged views of the first region Ar1 shown in FIG. 2(b). For ease of explanation, each component is depicted in a simplified and modified form in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). Hereinafter, the explanation will be continued with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the excrement detection module 5 includes a first sheet 5a, a first sensor unit 5s1, a moisture transfer restriction unit 15, a second sensor unit 5s2, a second sheet 5e, and a tape member 5f. The first sheet 5a and the second sheet 5e can be preferably made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The moisture movement restriction portion 15 is made of a resin such as polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) or ethylene-vinyl acetate random copolymer (EVOH), and restricts (water-tightens) the movement of moisture between the first space SP1 in which the first sensor portion 5s1 is disposed and the second space SP2 in which the second sensor portion 5s2 is disposed. In other words, the moisture movement restriction portion 15 functions as a waterproof sheet.

[0046] The tape member 5f is made of, for example, an adhesive tape (double-sided tape) containing an adhesive, and the second sheet 5e and the tape member 5f are in close contact with each other (in Figure 3(a) and other figures, a gap is drawn between them to distinguish them). The excrement detection module 5 is attached to the diaper body 1 (surface material 7) by the tape member 5f. A release liner is provided on the side of the tape member 5f that faces the inner surface of the diaper body 1 (the lower surface), and a caregiver or the like peels off the release liner to attach the excrement detection module 5 to the surface material 7. As is clear from Figures 2 and 3, by attaching the excrement detection module 5 to the surface material 7, the stacked first sensor unit 5s1 and second sensor unit 5s2 are both positioned to face the user's anus.

[0047] In this way, the diaper body 1 (excrement receptacle) of the first embodiment has the excrement detection module 5 disposed at a position facing the user's anus. This makes it possible to detect with the single excrement detection module 5 whether defecation has occurred and the diaper body 1 needs to be changed, or whether the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper body 1.

[0048] The first sensor unit 5s1 is sheet-shaped and includes a first substrate 6a and a first mounting portion 9a. The second sensor unit 5s2 is also sheet-shaped and includes a second substrate 6b and a mounting portion 9. The first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 are stacked in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the excrement detection module 5, sandwiching the moisture movement restriction unit 15 therebetween. In the following description, the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 will be referred to as sensor unit 5s when they are not distinguished from each other, the first substrate 6a and the second substrate 6b will be referred to as substrate 6 when they are not distinguished from each other, and the first mounting portion 9a and the second mounting portion 9b will be referred to as mounting portion 9 when they are not distinguished from each other. Note that, as will be described later, the same applies when the excrement detection module 5 includes a single sensor unit 5s.

[0049] The substrate 6 may be made of a flexible film such as paper, cellulose nanofiber (CNF), polylactic acid, polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyurethane. The substrate 6 is provided with a mounting section 9. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (not shown) is surface-mounted on the mounting section 9. The RFID tag stores unique identification information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "tag ID"), and the tag ID is substantially in one-to-one correspondence with the sensor section 5s.

[0050] The RFID tag is preferably a passive type that complies with wireless communication standards such as the ISO / IEC 18000 series, does not have an internal power source, and operates using electromagnetic waves emitted by the RFID reader 25 (see Figure 4) as its power source (electricity).Of course, an active RFID tag in which a power source (such as a film battery) is mounted in the excrement detection module 5 may also be used.

[0051] Furthermore, the mounting portion 9 may include an antenna circuit connected to the RFID tag and other circuit elements (such as inductors, capacitors, resistors, or logic circuits formed on the multilayer substrate 6, none of which are shown) (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as the "antenna circuit, etc."). When an antenna circuit is provided, the RFID tag transmits its tag ID to the outside when it receives electromagnetic waves emitted by the RFID reader 25 via the antenna circuit. By providing the antenna circuit, even if the amount of moisture near the RFID tag increases (for example, when the diaper body 1 is worn by a user), the RFID tag is supplied with power from the RFID reader 25 and can transmit data including the tag ID stored in the RFID tag's internal memory. Of course, in some embodiments, the mounting portion 9 may not be provided with an antenna circuit, etc.

[0052] The antenna circuit and other components are made of water-soluble conductive ink and are formed on the substrate 6 by, for example, inkjet printing, screen printing, gravure printing, or the like. The antenna circuit and other components formed with this conductive ink are flexible enough to follow the deformation of the substrate 6. Examples of conductive ink materials include polythiophene-based (e.g., PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) / polystyrene sulfonate)), polyacetylene-based, polyaniline-based, and polypyrrole-based conductive polymers, as well as water-dispersible carbon inks and water-soluble silver nanoparticle inks. However, because PEDOT:PSS exhibits acidity due to PSS, it is preferable to add a buffer (e.g., Tris buffer solution) to bring the pH closer to neutral. These conductive inks lose their conductivity when exposed to moisture, or dissolve in water, losing their conductivity or breaking down. Dissolution or breaking of the antenna circuit and other components can prevent the RFID tag from transmitting the tag ID. When the RFID reader 25 is no longer able to detect the tag ID, it is determined that the patient has had a bowel movement and the diaper body 1 needs to be changed, or that the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper body 1.

[0053] As described above, the excrement detection module 5 of the first embodiment includes an RFID tag in each of the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2. This allows the tag ID stored in the RFID tag to be read by the RFID reader 25, making it possible to easily determine whether it is time to change the diaper body 1.

[0054] In the excrement detection module 5 of the first embodiment, the first sensor unit 5s1 includes an antenna circuit or other circuit elements, which are made of a water-soluble conductive material, and when the conductive material dissolves in water, the transmission of information from the RFID tag is stopped. This makes it possible to easily determine whether the time to change the diaper main body 1 has arrived based on whether the RFID reader 25 can read the RFID tag.

[0055] The first sensor unit 5s1 is disposed closer to the user's anus than the second sensor unit 5s2 and detects moisture contained in the feces. Moisture from the feces enters the excrement detection module 5 from the human body through the first sheet 5a. The moisture that enters the excrement detection module 5 reaches the first sensor unit 5s1, and defecation is detected. Note that the volume of the first space SP1 in which the first sensor unit 5s1 is disposed (i.e., the space formed between the first sheet 5a and the moisture movement restriction unit 15) is preferably small to improve the detection accuracy of moisture contained in the feces. For example, the first sheet 5a and the first sensor unit 5s1 may be in contact with each other, and further the first sensor unit 5s1 and the moisture movement restriction unit 15 may be in contact with each other. Furthermore, the first sheet 5a and the moisture movement restriction unit 15 may be in contact with each other in a region where the first sensor unit 5s1 is not present. Of course, since the first sheet 5a comes into contact with the human body, the first space SP1 may be filled with a small amount of water-absorbing material such as pulp in order to improve the feel and comfort of the sheet against the skin.

[0056] The second sensor unit 5s2 is disposed closer to the diaper body 1 than the first sensor unit 5s1 and detects moisture contained in urine. Moisture based on urine enters the excrement detection module 5 from the diaper body 1 (surface material 7) side through the tape member 5f and the second sheet 5e. The moisture that has entered the excrement detection module 5 reaches the second sensor unit 5s2, and urination is detected.

[0057] Here, the tape member 5f is provided with through-holes 5fh penetrating from the front to the back. Moisture easily penetrates through the through-holes 5fh provided in the tape member 5f into the second space SP2 (i.e., the space formed by the second sheet 5e and the moisture movement restriction section 15) in which the second sensor section 5s2 is arranged. The rate at which moisture penetrates into the second space SP2 can be controlled by adjusting the aperture ratio of the through-holes 5fh in the tape member 5f. The tape member 5f may be configured in a strip shape, and the excrement detection module 5 may be attached to the diaper main body 1 using multiple tape members 5f. In this case, the tape members 5f are provided so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval in the width direction. The gaps in the width direction between the tape members 5f function as the through-holes 5fh.

[0058] As described above, the excrement detection module 5 of the first embodiment is provided with a tape member 5f containing an adhesive, and the tape member 5f has at least one through-hole 5fh penetrating the front and back of the tape member 5f, and is fixed to the diaper main body 1 via the tape member 5f having the through-hole 5fh. This allows moisture due to urination on the diaper main body 1 side to be guided to the second sensor unit 5s2.

[0059] Alternatively, the tape member 5f and the second sheet 5e may be separated from each other and a water-absorbing material such as pulp may be provided between them. Moisture on the diaper main body 1 side gradually penetrates into the second space SP2 where the water-absorbing material is provided due to the hydrophilic properties of the pulp or the like and capillary action. The amount of water-absorbing material can be adjusted to adjust the time required for moisture that has passed through the tape member 5f to reach the second sensor unit 5s2.

[0060] The capacity of the second space SP2 in which the second sensor unit 5s2 is located may be increased to detect the need to change the diaper body 1 due to an increase in the amount of urine excreted, and a predetermined amount of absorbent material such as pulp may be enclosed in the second space SP2. When the amount of urine excreted is small, the amount of moisture reaching the excrement detection module 5 located opposite the anus is small, and therefore moisture is not detected by the second sensor unit 5s2. In addition, the time it takes for moisture that has entered from the diaper body 1 to reach the surface of the second sensor unit 5s2 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of absorbent material enclosed between the tape member 5f and the second sheet 5e or in the second space SP2. This allows the amount of urine excreted at which it is determined that the diaper should be changed to be adjusted.

[0061] As the amount of urine increases, moisture begins to seep out from the surface material 7, and this condition is detected by the second sensor unit 5s2. Moisture that has entered from the diaper body 1 side is restricted from moving into the first space SP1 by the moisture movement restriction unit 15, preventing moisture resulting from urination from being detected by the first sensor unit 5s1. On the other hand, when defecation occurs, moisture from the feces reaches the first sensor unit 5s1 directly and is detected by the first sensor unit 5s1.

[0062] As described above, the excrement detection module 5 of the first embodiment is an excrement detection module 5 placed in an excrement receiving device (diaper body 1) that receives urine or feces excreted by a user, and includes a first sensor unit 5s1 that detects feces, a second sensor unit 5s2 that detects urine, and a moisture movement restriction unit 15 that restricts the movement of moisture between the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2. This makes it possible to distinguish and independently detect urination and defecation, and to accurately detect when the user has defecates and the diaper needs to be changed, or when the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper.

[0063] This configuration can also be expressed as the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 being separated in the vertical direction (thickness direction) by a waterproof sheet (moisture movement restriction unit 15) in the excrement detection module 5. By placing the excrement detection module 5 near the anus of the diaper main body 1, the first sensor unit 5s1 on the upper side (human body side) reacts to feces, and the second sensor unit 5s2 on the lower side (diaper main body 1 side) reacts to urine.

[0064] In the excrement detection module 5 of the first embodiment, the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 are each configured in a sheet shape, and the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 are stacked in the thickness direction. This makes it possible for the single excrement detection module 5 to distinguish and independently detect urination and defecation.

[0065] In the excrement detection module 5 of the first embodiment, the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 are both disposed at positions facing the user's anus, with the first sensor unit 5s1 disposed closer to the user's anus than the second sensor unit 5s2 and detecting moisture contained in feces, and the second sensor unit 5s2 disposed closer to the diaper body 1 than the first sensor unit 5s1 and detecting moisture contained in urine. This makes it possible for the single excrement detection module 5 to distinguish and independently detect urination and defecation.

[0066] A modified example of the first embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 3(b), in this modified example, the first mounting portion 9a of the first sensor unit 5s1, which detects moisture due to feces, faces the human body (anus), and the second mounting portion 9b of the second sensor unit 5s2, which detects moisture due to urination, faces the diaper body 1. This configuration can also be described as a configuration in which a moisture movement restriction unit 15 is disposed between the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2, and the first substrate 6a of the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second substrate 6b of the second sensor unit 5s2 face each other across the moisture movement restriction unit 15. With this configuration, moisture due to feces directly reaches the first mounting portion 9a, and moisture due to urination directly reaches the second mounting portion 9b. Here, "directly" means that the path that moisture takes from entering the excrement detection module 5 to reaching the mounting portion 9 includes a substantially straight path.

[0067] In this modified example, the first sensor unit 5s1 is composed of a first substrate 6a and a first mounting portion 9a including a predetermined circuit formed on the first substrate 6a, and the second sensor unit 5s2 is composed of a second substrate 6b and a second mounting portion 9b including a predetermined circuit formed on the second substrate 6b, with the first mounting portion 9a being disposed opposite (facing) the user's anus, and the second mounting portion 9b being disposed opposite (facing) the diaper body 1 (surface material 7). This makes it possible to quickly detect moisture due to defecation or an increase in the amount of urination.

[0068] 4 is a configuration diagram of the excretion status management system Sy. The excretion status management system Sy manages information detected by the excretion detection module 5. The excretion status management system Sy includes the above-mentioned diaper main body 1, the excretion detection module 5 arranged in the diaper main body 1, an RFID reader 25, a server 30, and an information terminal 20. The excretion detection module 5 includes the above-mentioned first sensor unit 5s1 and second sensor unit 5s2. Each sensor unit 5s includes an RFID tag, an antenna circuit, etc. (not shown).

[0069] The RFID reader 25 transmits radio waves toward the RFID tag. If the RFID tag is a passive type, it receives power from the transmitted radio waves and begins operation. Then, recognition and synchronization are performed between the RFID reader 25 and the RFID tag according to a predetermined communication protocol. The RFID tag then transmits at least a tag ID, and the RFID reader 25 receives the tag ID. In the first embodiment, the RFID reader 25 receives two tag IDs corresponding to the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2. The RFID reader 25 also includes a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit includes a communication module that complies with a wireless communication standard such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, and the RFID reader 25 connects to the network 50 via the transmission unit. The RFID reader 25 may also include a clock function to acquire time information when the tag ID is read.

[0070] The server 30 is a known computer system that functions as a management unit, and is composed of a server control unit 30a, a server storage unit 30b, and a server communication unit 30c. The server control unit 30a has a calculation unit composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and operates according to a control program stored in a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The server storage unit 30b has storage composed of a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) or the like, along with the ROM and RAM. An excretion status management database (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "excretion status management DB") is built in the storage. The server control unit 30a is connected to a network 50 via the server communication unit 30c.

[0071] The information terminal 20 is, for example, a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). These terminals include a user interface such as an input unit and a display unit (not shown), a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit (none of which are shown). The information terminal 20 connects to a network 50 via the communication unit. The RFID reader 25, the server 30, and the information terminal 20 are connected via the network 50, and exchange information with each other to share management information. Here, the management information includes at least a user ID (unique identification information assigned to each user in advance) and a tag ID, and may further include time information when the tag ID is read by the RFID reader 25.

[0072] Before attaching the excrement detection module 5 to the diaper body 1, the caregiver or the like uses the RFID reader 25 to read the tag ID from an unused excrement detection module 5. The tag ID is transmitted from the RFID reader 25 to the information terminal 20. The caregiver or the like operates the information terminal 20 to associate the user ID with the tag ID. As described above, in the first embodiment, two tag IDs are detected. The excrement detection module 5 may be pre-printed with the tag ID of the RFID tag mounted on the first sensor unit 5s1 on the surface facing the human body and the tag ID of the RFID tag mounted on the second sensor unit 5s2 on the surface facing the diaper body 1. When it is necessary to distinguish whether the timing for changing the diaper body 1 based on bowel movements has arrived or whether the timing for changing the diaper body 1 based on an increase in urination has arrived, the caregiver or the like can operate the information terminal 20 to specify the sensor unit 5s corresponding to each tag ID, thereby reliably associating the two tag IDs with each sensor unit 5s and using them for management.

[0073] Of course, by defining a predetermined flag in the tag ID in advance (for example, by setting the LSB (Least Significant Bit)) of the tag ID transmitted from the first sensor unit 5s1 to 1 and the LSB of the tag ID transmitted from the second sensor unit 5s2 to 0), the task of associating each tag ID with each sensor unit 5s can be omitted.

[0074] For example, during a scheduled inspection, a caregiver or the like uses an RFID reader 25 to read the tag ID from the excrement detection module 5. If any tag ID is not detected, the caregiver or the like determines that it is time to change the diaper body 1, places the excrement detection module 5 on a new diaper body 1, and performs a diaper change (the user ID and tag ID are associated with each other as described above). In this way, the caregiver or the like can wirelessly determine when it is time to change the diaper without opening the diaper body 1 worn by the user. This reduces the burden on the caregiver or the like, and also reduces psychological stress, such as embarrassment, on the user, thereby protecting the user's dignity. Note that the used diaper body 1 may be disposed of as a disposable item with the excrement detection module 5 still attached.

[0075] Alternatively, the RFID reader 25 may be placed near the user (for example, on bedding such as a bed) and read the tag ID, for example, every few minutes. In this case, when the RFID reader 25 is no longer able to receive the tag ID, it sends a message to the information terminal 20 that the user has had a bowel movement and needs to have their diaper changed, or that the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change their diaper. Upon receiving this notification, the caregiver or the like can immediately change the user's diaper.

[0076] In the excretion status management system Sy, whenever the RFID reader 25 reads a tag ID, regardless of whether the diaper body 1 is changed or not, management information is transmitted to the server 30 via the network 50. The server control unit 30a extracts the tag ID from the received management information and extracts the user ID associated with the tag ID. Then, a new record with the user ID as the primary key is generated in the excretion status management DB, and management information (time information, whether or not the user has urinated (whether or not a diaper change has been performed based on urination), and whether or not the user has defecate (whether or not a diaper change has been performed based on defecation)) is recorded in the record.

[0077] In addition to reading the tag ID, the caregiver or the like may measure the user's biological information, such as body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, using a predetermined measuring device. This biological information may then be input into the information terminal 20 together with the user ID, for example, and transmitted from the information terminal 20 to the server 30. In this case, the server control unit 30a may manage the biological information by including it in the management information. That is, the biological information may also be stored in the excretion status management DB. By analyzing the management information stored in the excretion status management DB, it is possible to manage the user's physical condition and reflect the results in lifestyle guidance, etc.

[0078] (Second embodiment) FIG. 5(a) is a perspective view showing an example of a diaper body 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view thereof. As shown in the figure, in the second embodiment, a moisture transfer restriction section 15 (separator) is provided between a pair of left and right upright gathers 3 provided on the diaper body 1, and between a position facing the anus and a position facing the urethral opening when the diaper body 1 is worn by a user (i.e., approximately in the center of the diaper body 1 in the front-to-back direction). In the second embodiment, the moisture transfer restriction section 15 is made of a flexible resin thin film that has moisture barrier properties. Examples of such resin materials include polyurethane resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and silicone resin. The moisture transfer restriction section 15 is stretched in a direction (left-to-right direction) that is approximately perpendicular to the stretching direction of the two upright gathers 3 (front-to-back direction). The moisture transfer restriction section 15 may be connected to the upright gathers 3 at both ends in the stretching direction. Note that the other components of the diaper body 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the moisture transfer restriction section 15 is disposed in the diaper body 1, for example, by attaching the lower portion of the moisture transfer restriction section 15 to the surface material 7. The moisture transfer restriction section 15 may be attached to the diaper body 1 (surface material 7) as an independent member, for example, at the time of diaper change, or may be provided in a state where it is attached to the diaper body 1 in advance. The excrement detection module 5 is disposed in the diaper body 1 at a position facing the anus. The moisture transfer restriction section 15 suppresses moisture movement in the front-to-rear direction in the absorbent section 2, and delays the arrival of moisture due to urination at the excrement detection module 5.

[0080] As described above, the excrement receiving device of the second embodiment is a excrement receiving device (diaper body 1) that includes a water absorbent section 2 and receives urine or feces excreted by a user, and is provided with a moisture movement restricting section 15 that restricts the movement of moisture between the section of the diaper body 1 facing the urethral opening and the section facing the anus when the user wears the diaper body 1. As a result, unless the amount of urine is large, moisture from urination does not seep to the rear part, making it difficult for the excrement detection module 5 placed opposite the anus to detect such moisture. On the other hand, in the case of feces, the excrement comes into direct contact with the excrement detection module 5, making it possible to detect it immediately.

[0081] The excrement receiving device of the second embodiment is provided with a surface material 7 that covers the water absorbent section 2, and the water movement restriction section 15 is formed of a separator that is in contact with the surface material 7 and stretches in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction from the part facing the urethral opening to the part facing the anus. This makes it possible, with a simple configuration, to separate the part that mainly absorbs water based on urine from the part that mainly absorbs water based on feces, and to restrict the inflow of water based on urine to the part that absorbs water based on feces.

[0082] The excrement detection module 5 described in the first embodiment can also be used in the second embodiment. Meanwhile, in the second embodiment, the diaper body 1 is provided with a moisture transfer restriction section 15, which simplifies the configuration of the excrement detection module 5. Fig. 6(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the excrement detection module 5 in the second embodiment, and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified version of the same. Figs. 6(a) and (b) are enlarged views of the first region Ar1 shown in Fig. 5(b).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the excrement detection module 5 includes a first sheet 5a, a sensor unit 5s, a second sheet 5e, and a tape member 5f. The first sheet 5a, the second sheet 5e, and the tape member 5f are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore their description will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the excrement detection module 5 is also attached to the diaper main body 1 (surface material 7) by the tape member 5f so as to face the user's anus. Note that in the second embodiment, the tape member 5f does not necessarily have to be provided with a through-hole 5fh.

[0084] The sensor unit 5s is sheet-shaped and includes a substrate 6 and a mounting unit 9. The configuration of the substrate 6 is the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. An RFID tag (not shown) is surface-mounted on the mounting unit 9. The RFID tag stores a tag ID, and the tag ID is substantially associated with the sensor unit 5s on a one-to-one basis. In the second embodiment, the RFID tag may be either a passive type or an active type.

[0085] In the second embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the mounting portion 9 does not include an antenna circuit or other circuit elements. If an antenna circuit or the like is not provided, the radio waves used for transmission and reception with the RFID reader 25 (see FIG. 4) are absorbed by surrounding moisture, which interferes with the transmission and reception function of the RFID tag itself, and urination or defecation may be detected.

[0086] The sensor unit 5s detects moisture contained in feces or urine. When a bowel movement occurs, the feces covers the sensor unit 5s via the first sheet 5a. The sensor unit 5s also detects moisture contained in urine. The moisture movement restriction unit 15 described above causes moisture to accumulate in the absorbent unit 2 near the anus when the amount of urine increases. When the amount of moisture around the sensor unit 5s increases in this way, the RFID reader 25 cannot read the tag ID. In other words, when the tag ID is no longer detected, it is determined that the user has had a bowel movement and needs to have their diaper changed, or that the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change their diaper.

[0087] A modified example of the second embodiment will be described below. As shown in FIG. 6(b), in this modified example, a moisture movement restricting section 15 is provided between the second sheet 5e and the tape member 5f. By providing the moisture movement restricting section 15, the reaction characteristics to feces are relatively improved. Note that the moisture movement restricting section 15 may be provided instead of the first sheet 5a. This seals the front and back of the sheet-like sensor section 5s with the moisture movement restricting section 15, preventing moisture from entering the first space SP1. In other words, a packed excrement detection module 5 is obtained.

[0088] Here, weakening the adhesive strength of the tape member 5f allows the packed excrement detection module 5 to be easily removed from the diaper main body 1. In this case, an adhesive containing, for example, polyvinyl alcohol or carboxymethyl cellulose may be used on at least the portion of the tape member 5f facing the diaper main body 1 (surface material 7). The adhesive dissolves in water, allowing the excrement detection module 5 to be easily peeled off from the diaper main body 1. The excrement detection module 5 removed from the used diaper main body 1 can be reused after being disinfected with, for example, alcohol. The packed excrement detection module 5 may also be embedded in advance in the water absorbent part 2 at a portion of the diaper main body 1 facing the anus. In this case, the tape member 5f is unnecessary, and the used diaper main body 1 can be disassembled to remove the excrement detection module 5, which can then be disinfected and reused.

[0089] 7(a) and 7(b) are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of the moisture transfer restriction section 15. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) show an example in which the moisture transfer restriction section 15 is configured to divide the absorbent section 2 inside the diaper body 1 into front and rear sections. The moisture transfer restriction section 15 shown in FIG. 7(a) is formed by spreading and applying a liquid barrier material in the left-right direction near the center of the front-rear direction of the surface material 7, and then impregnating the absorbent section 2 with the barrier material. Resin materials such as hydrophilic polyurethane and partially cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol are preferably used as the barrier material. Since the flow path is restricted in the area impregnated with the barrier material, moisture does not reach the excrement detection module 5 located opposite the anus when there is little moisture due to urination.

[0090] In this way, in the second embodiment, the moisture movement restriction portion 15 may be made of a resin material impregnated into at least a part of the water absorbent portion 2. This makes it possible to easily form the moisture movement restriction portion 15 by applying the resin material to the surface material 7.

[0091] The moisture transfer restriction section 15 shown in Figure 7(b) is formed by providing stitches extending in the left-right direction near the center of the front-to-back direction of the surface material 7. The stitches can be easily formed, for example, by cutting stitches into the diaper body 1 with a sewing machine. The stitches compress the surface material 7 and the waterproof material 4 in the thickness direction (here, the vertical direction), and the cross-section of the water absorbent section 2 becomes smaller in the compressed area. Therefore, when the amount of moisture due to urination is low, it is difficult for the moisture to reach the excrement detection module 5 arranged opposite the anus, and as the amount of moisture increases, the moisture gradually penetrates to the vicinity of the excrement detection module 5. Of course, the area in which the stitches are formed in the water absorbent section 2 may be determined arbitrarily. The larger the area in which the stitches are formed or the greater the degree of compression, the more difficult it is for the moisture due to urine to reach the excrement detection module 5.

[0092] In this way, in the second embodiment, the moisture movement restriction section 15 is configured by the water absorbent section 2 compressed in the thickness direction. This makes it possible to easily form the moisture movement restriction section 15 by forming stitches or the like and compressing the water absorbent section 2 in the thickness direction.

[0093] 8(a) to 8(d) are explanatory diagrams showing other modified examples of the moisture transfer restriction section 15. FIG. 8 shows other configuration examples of the moisture transfer restriction section 15, in which the absorbent section 2 inside the diaper body 1 is divided into front and rear sections, or in which the moisture transfer in the absorbent section 2 is restricted. In FIG. 8, an excrement detection module 5 is disposed at a position facing the anus. FIG. 8(a) shows an example in which the moisture transfer restriction section 15 is provided on the surface of the absorbent section 2 extending in the front-rear direction, and corresponds to the configuration shown in FIG. 5(b).

[0094] Figure 8(b) shows an example in which the width of the absorbent section 2 in the left-right direction is reduced at approximately the center in the front-to-rear direction of the absorbent section 2, dividing it into a front absorbent section 2a and a rear absorbent section 2b. Furthermore, a moisture migration restriction section 15 is arranged between the front absorbent section 2a and the rear absorbent section 2b so as to extend in the left-to-right direction. In other words, the absorbent section 2 is divided into the front absorbent section 2a, which mainly receives moisture from urine, and the rear absorbent section 2b, which mainly receives moisture from feces.

[0095] Figure 8(c) shows an example in which the absorbent section 2 is divided into a front and rear section, consisting of a front absorbent section 2a and a rear absorbent section 2b, with a central absorbent section 2c provided between the front and rear absorbent sections 2a and 2b to connect them. Of course, the front absorbent section 2a, rear absorbent section 2b, and central absorbent section 2c may also be formed as a single unit. The central absorbent section 2c has a smaller width in the left-right direction than the front absorbent section 2a and rear absorbent section 2b, and also has a smaller water absorption capacity. Because the central absorbent section 2c restricts the flow path of moisture, it functions as a moisture movement restriction section 15.

[0096] Figure 8(d) shows an example in which the water intake section 2 is divided into a front and rear section, a front water intake section 2a, and a rear water intake section 2b, with multiple central water intake sections 2c provided between the front and rear water intake sections 2a, 2b, connecting them. Of course, the front, rear, and central water intake sections 2a, 2b may also be formed as a single unit. Each central water intake section 2c has a smaller width in the left-right direction than the front or rear water intake sections 2a, 2b, and the total width of all the central water intake sections 2c is smaller than the width of the front or rear water intake sections 2a, 2b. Compared to Figure 8(c), this configuration has multiple divided channels connecting the front and rear water intake sections 2a, 2b. This can prevent moisture from being unevenly accumulated on the left and right sides of the front water absorbent section 2a and overflowing from the standing gathers 3 (see FIG. 5(a), etc.).

[0097] As described above, in the diaper main body of the second embodiment, the absorbent section 2 is divided into a front absorbent section 2a that absorbs urine moisture and a rear absorbent section 2b that absorbs feces moisture, and a central absorbent section 2c that connects the front absorbent section 2a and the rear absorbent section 2b. The amount of moisture absorbed by the central absorbent section 2c is set to be smaller than that of the front absorbent section 2a or the rear absorbent section 2b, thereby forming a moisture movement restriction section 15. This allows, with a simple configuration, to separate the section that mainly absorbs urine moisture from the section that mainly absorbs feces moisture, thereby delaying the arrival of urine moisture at the excrement detection module 5 located near the anus. By adjusting the lateral width and position of the central absorbent section 2c, it is possible to adjust the time it takes for moisture (urination moisture) to reach the excrement detection module 5.

[0098] The moisture movement restriction section 15 shown in FIG. 5, the moisture movement restriction section 15 shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b), and the moisture movement restriction section 15 shown in FIGS. 8(a) to (d) may be combined in any desired manner. Specifically, for example, when forming the moisture movement restriction section 15 shown in FIG. 5, the moisture movement restriction section 15 may be attached to the surface material 7 via a resin material remaining on the surface of the surface material 7 shown in FIG. 7(a). Alternatively, the moisture movement restriction section 15 (stitched portion) shown in FIG. 7(b) may be impregnated with the resin material shown in FIG. 7(a). The moisture movement restriction section 15 shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b) may be combined with the moisture movement restriction section 15 shown in FIGS. 8(a) to (d).

[0099] (Third embodiment) Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an excrement detection module 5 according to a third embodiment of the present invention attached to a diaper body 1. Fig. 9 corresponds to the IIb-IIb cross section shown in Fig. 5. In the third embodiment, the excrement detection module 5 is arranged so as to cover part or all of the surface material 7 of the diaper body 1. The excrement detection module 5 is configured as a sheet overall and includes a first sensor unit 5s1 and a second sensor unit 5s2. The first sensor unit 5s1 is provided at the rear of the diaper body 1 (surface material 7) so as to face the anus. The second sensor unit 5s2 is provided at the front of the diaper body 1 (surface material 7) near the urethral opening.

[0100] As described above, the excrement detection module 5 of the third embodiment is disposed in the diaper body 1 that receives urine or feces excreted by the user, and includes a first sensor unit 5s1 that detects feces and a second sensor unit 5s2 that detects urine, with the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 spaced apart in the planar direction of the diaper body 1. Because urine does not penetrate to the rear portion unless it is sufficiently moist, urination can be detected by the second sensor unit 5s2, while feces can be detected quickly because the feces directly cover the rear first sensor unit 5s1. In other words, the configuration of the third embodiment also allows for accurate determination of when to change the diaper body 1.

[0101] 10(a) and (b) are enlarged cross-sectional views of the excrement detection module 5. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the second region Ar2 shown in FIG. 9. As shown in the figure, the excrement detection module 5 includes a first sheet 5a, a first sensor unit 5s1, a second sensor unit 5s2, a second sheet 5e, and a tape member 5f. The first sheet 5a and the second sheet 5e are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the excrement detection module 5 is attached to the diaper body 1 by the tape member 5f so that the first sensor unit 5s1 faces the anus of the user and the second sensor unit 5s2 faces the vicinity of the urethra.

[0102] In this way, in the excrement detection module 5 of the third embodiment, the first sensor unit 5s1 is placed close to the user's anus and detects the moisture contained in the feces, and the second sensor unit 5s2 is placed close to the user's urethral opening and detects the moisture contained in the urine, thereby making it possible to distinguish between urination and defecation.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 are both sheet-shaped. The first sensor unit 5s1, which is located near the anus (the third space SP3a), is composed of a first substrate 6a and a first mounting unit 9a. The second sensor unit 5s2, which is located near the urethral opening (the third space SP3b), is composed of a second substrate 6b and a second mounting unit 9b. Each mounting unit 9 has an RFID tag (not shown) mounted on its surface. In the third embodiment, the mounting unit 9 may also have an antenna circuit or the like made of a water-soluble conductive material. The mounting unit 9 does not necessarily have to be equipped with an antenna circuit or the like. If the mounting unit 9 does not have an antenna circuit or the like, the radio waves used for transmission and reception may be absorbed by surrounding moisture, disrupting the transmission and reception function of the RFID tag itself, thereby detecting urination or defecation.

[0104] The following describes an effective configuration when the mounting portion 9 is equipped with an antenna circuit or the like. When the user wears the diaper body 1, the first mounting portion 9a of the first sensor portion 5s1 faces the user's body (the first substrate 6a faces the diaper body 1), while the second mounting portion 9b of the second sensor portion 5s2 faces the diaper body 1 (the second substrate 6b faces the user's body). The first substrate 6a of the first sensor portion 5s1 and the second substrate 6b of the second sensor portion 5s2 are preferably made of a moisture-resistant material. Specifically, suitable materials include resin materials with moisture barrier properties, such as polyimide (PI) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and water-repellent surface-treated materials, such as paper and CNF, which are moisture-permeable.

[0105] The first substrate 6a and the second substrate 6b function as the moisture transfer restriction section 15 described in the first embodiment. Specifically, moisture derived from urine is blocked by the barrier second substrate 6b and does not directly reach the second mounting section 9b from the human body side. Therefore, most of the moisture derived from urine moves from the human body side to the diaper main body 1 and is stored in the absorbent section 2. When a large amount of moisture accumulates in the absorbent section 2, it infiltrates the third space SP3b via the tape member 5f. As a result, the antenna circuit formed in the second mounting section 9b may be broken, making it impossible to read the tag ID with the RFID reader 25. Meanwhile, for the first sensor section 5s1 that detects moisture derived from feces, the first substrate 6a blocks moisture, thereby preventing moisture from entering the third space SP3a where the first sensor section 5s1 is provided from the diaper main body 1 side, preventing the first sensor section 5s1 from reacting to urine.

[0106] As described above, in the excrement detection module 5 of the third embodiment, the first sensor unit 5s1 is composed of the first substrate 6a and the first mounting unit 9a including a predetermined circuit formed on the first substrate 6a, and the second sensor unit 5s2 is composed of the second substrate 6b and the second mounting unit 9b including a predetermined circuit formed on the second substrate 6b, the first substrate 6a and the second substrate 6b are made of a material (barrier material) that restricts the movement of moisture, the first substrate 6a is provided so as to face (on the facing side) the diaper main body 1, and the second substrate 6b is provided so as to face (on the facing side) the user's urethral opening. This makes it possible to distinguish between urination and defecation and to detect independently, and to accurately detect when the user has defecates and the diaper needs to be changed, or when the amount of urine has increased and the time to change the diaper has arrived.

[0107] In addition, from the viewpoint of blocking moisture entering from the diaper body 1 side in the 3a space SP3a where the first sensor unit 5s1 is arranged, and blocking moisture entering from the human body side in the 3b space SP3b where the second sensor unit 5s2 is arranged, it is effective to make the area of ​​the substrate 6 sufficiently larger than the area occupied by the mounting portion 9 and to locate the mounting portion 9 in approximately the center of the substrate 6, as shown in Figure 10(a).

[0108] Furthermore, for the third space SP3b where the second sensor 5s2 is located, it is preferable to provide a through-hole 5fh in the adhesive tape member 5f, while for the third space SP3a where the first sensor 5s1 is located, it is preferable to provide a smooth tape member 5f without a through-hole 5fh. This promotes moisture penetration into the third space SP3b from the diaper body 1 side, while preventing moisture from penetrating into the third space SP3a from the diaper body 1 side.

[0109] As described above, the excrement detection module 5 of the third embodiment is provided with a tape member 5f containing an adhesive, a portion of the tape member 5f having at least one through-hole 5fh penetrating the tape member 5f from the front to the back, and the second sensor unit 5s2 is fixed to the diaper main body 1 via the tape member 5f having the through-hole 5fh. This promotes the intrusion of moisture from the diaper main body 1 into the 3b space SP3b containing the second sensor unit 5s2, making it possible to accurately detect the time to change the diaper main body 1 based on urination.

[0110] In FIG. 10(a), the first sensor unit 5s1 includes a first substrate 6a, and the second sensor unit 5s2 includes a second substrate 6b. These substrates 6 may be integrated to use a single substrate 6 as shown in FIG. 10(b). That is, in the excrement detection module 5 of the third embodiment, the mounting portions 9 of the first sensor unit 5s1 and the second sensor unit 5s2 may be formed on a single substrate 6. In this case, the first substrate 6a and the second substrate 6b are a single substrate 6, and the first mounting portion 9a is provided on one surface of the substrate 6, and the second mounting portion 9b is provided on the other surface of the substrate 6. This can simplify the manufacturing process of the excrement detection module 5.

[0111] In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the surface material 7 or the absorbent section 2 of the diaper body 1 may be provided with a moisture movement restriction section 15 extending laterally (see Figs. 7 and 8). This makes it possible to more actively adjust (delay) the time it takes for moisture based on urine to reach the vicinity of the first sensor section 5s1.

[0112] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 11(a) is a cross-sectional view of a diaper body 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the third region Ar3 shown in Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(a) corresponds to the IIb-IIb cross section shown in Fig. 5(a) and other figures. In the fourth embodiment, a second excrement detection module 16 is embedded in the absorbent section 2 of the diaper body 1 in the configuration described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 11(a), the second excrement detection module 16 is embedded in the third region Ar3 of the diaper body 1, which faces the vicinity of the user's urethral opening.

[0113] In the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an excrement detection module 5 is disposed in the portion of the diaper body 1 facing the user's anus (first area Ar1). The excrement detection module 5 may have the configuration described in the second embodiment (see FIG. 6) or the configuration described in the third embodiment (see the third space SP3a in FIG. 10(a)). As shown in FIG. 11(b), the second excrement detection module 16 includes a first sheet 5a, a sensor unit 5s, and a second sheet 5e. The first sheet 5a and the second sheet 5e are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0114] The sensor unit 5s is sheet-shaped and includes a substrate 6 and a mounting unit 9. The configurations of the substrate 6 and the mounting unit 9 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. An RFID tag (not shown) is surface-mounted on the mounting unit 9. The RFID tag stores a tag ID, and the tag ID is substantially associated with the sensor unit 5s on a one-to-one basis. In the fourth embodiment, the RFID tag may be either a passive type or an active type.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which the mounting portion 9 does not include an antenna circuit or other circuit elements. If an antenna circuit or the like is not provided, the radio waves used for transmission and reception may be absorbed by surrounding moisture, which may interfere with the transmission and reception function of the RFID tag itself, and urination may be detected.

[0116] The sensor unit 5s detects moisture contained in urine. When the amount of moisture around the sensor unit 5s increases, the RFID reader 25 (see FIG. 4) cannot read the tag ID. The sensor unit 5s may have the configuration described in the third embodiment (see the third space SP3b in FIG. 10(a)). When the tag ID of the RFID tag provided in the second excrement detection module 16 cannot be detected, it is determined that the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper body 1.

[0117] (Fifth embodiment) FIG. 12(a) is a cross-sectional view of a diaper body 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an excrement detection module 5. FIG. 12(a) corresponds to the IIb-IIb cross section shown in FIG. 5(a) and other figures. As shown in the figure, in the fifth embodiment, the excrement detection module 5 is disposed in a hole penetrating between the surface material 7 and the waterproof material 4 of the diaper body 1. Note that the hole may be pre-formed in the diaper body 1 or may be formed by a caregiver using, for example, a predetermined punching machine. Scissors or a Carter knife can be used as the punching machine. The fifth embodiment accurately detects the presence or absence of feces by eliminating the influence of moisture due to urine. Note that the fifth embodiment may also include a moisture transfer restriction section 15 in the manner described in the second embodiment.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 12(b), the excrement detection module 5 is composed of a first sheet 5a, a main body 5g, a cover 5h, and a sensor 5s. The first sheet 5a may be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric. The main body 5g and the cover 5h are made of a flexible resin such as an elastomer that has rubber elasticity at room temperature and deform in response to the movement of the user's buttocks 100 (see FIG. 2). A fifth space SP5 is formed between the main body 5g and the cover 5h. The fifth space SP5 communicates with the outside space (the human body side) through an opening 5k provided on the human body side (the side facing the user's anus) of the first sheet 5a and the main body 5g. The caregiver inserts the main body 5g into the hole formed in the diaper body 1 from the surface material 7 side, and then inserts the cover 5h from the waterproof material 4 side. As a result, the main body 5g and the lid 5h are connected via the fitting portion 5i, and the excrement detection module 5 is attached to the diaper body 1. That is, the main body 5g, the lid 5h, and the fitting portion 5i constitute a moisture transfer restriction portion 15.

[0119] The sensor unit 5s is disposed in the fifth space SP5. The sensor unit 5s includes a substrate 6, a mounting portion 9, and a water storage portion 5m. The mounting portion 9, which includes an RFID tag, an antenna circuit, and the like, is formed on the substrate 6. The substrate 6, the mounting portion 9, and the water storage portion 5m are stacked in this order from the bottom of the lid portion 5h upward. In the fifth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the RFID reader 25 (see FIG. 4) reads the tag ID stored in the RFID tag. If the antenna circuit, etc., is broken by moisture and the tag ID cannot be read, it is determined that the user has defecated.

[0120] The water storage section 5m is a pack-shaped member made of a film that is decomposed by a protease, and water is sealed inside. Examples of the material for this film include gelatin cross-linked by glutaraldehyde treatment or transglutaminase treatment. This cross-linked gelatin film is resistant to moisture due to its cross-linking, but is easily decomposed by the protease contained in feces. The film may have a thickness of 20 μm to 80 μm. This thickness ensures moisture resistance and mechanical strength of the film, and also enables the time from contact of the film with feces until it breaks to about several minutes.

[0121] When the user defecates, the feces enter the fifth space SP5 through the opening 5k. When the feces come into contact with the water storage section 5m, the proteolytic enzymes contained in the feces decompose the film that makes up the water storage section 5m, and the water stored inside the water storage section 5m is released to the outside. This moisture breaks the antenna circuit, etc., formed with water-soluble conductive ink in the mounting section 9. As a result, the RFID tag becomes unable to transmit. By detecting this state, it is determined that the user has defecates and that the diaper body 1 needs to be changed.

[0122] As described above, the excrement detection module 5 of the fifth embodiment is disposed in an excrement receiver that receives feces excreted by a user and includes a sensor unit 5s for detecting feces, an opening 5k at a position facing the user's anus, and a moisture transfer restriction unit 15 that surrounds the outer edge of the sensor unit 5s and restricts the transfer of moisture from the outer edge to the sensor unit 5s. The sensor unit 5s includes an RFID tag and an antenna circuit or other circuit element connected to the RFID tag. The sensor unit 5s also includes a water storage unit 5m near the antenna circuit or other circuit element, which is made of a film that stores water and is degraded by protease contained in feces. The antenna circuit or other circuit element is made of a water-soluble conductive material. When the water storage unit 5m is degraded by the protease, the conductive material dissolves with the moisture released from the water storage unit 5m, thereby terminating the transmission of information from the RFID tag. This enables accurate detection of a user's defecation and the need to change the diaper body 1.

[0123] It is clear that the configuration of the excrement detection module 5 of the fifth embodiment, i.e., a configuration in which a water storage section 5m is provided near the mounting section 9 including a water-soluble antenna circuit, etc., or a configuration in which the mounting section 9 and the water storage section 5m are stacked adjacent to each other, can also be applied to the first sensor section 5s1 described in the first embodiment (see Figures 3(a) and (b)), the sensor section 5s described in the second embodiment (see Figures 6(a) and (b)), the first sensor section 5s1 described in the third embodiment (see Figures 10(a) and (b)), and the excrement detection module 5 shown in the fourth embodiment (see Figure 11(a)).

[0124] As described above, in the excrement detection module 5 of the first to fourth embodiments, the first sensor unit 5s1 (sensor unit 5s) includes an antenna circuit or other circuit elements, and the antenna circuit or other circuit elements are made of a water-soluble conductive material, and when the conductive material dissolves in water, the transmission of information from the RFID tag is stopped. Furthermore, a water storage unit 5m for storing water may be provided near the antenna circuit, and the water storage unit 5m may be made of a film that is decomposed by protease contained in feces. This makes it possible to accurately detect when a defecation has occurred and when the diaper main body 1 needs to be changed.

[0125] As a modification of the fifth embodiment, the water storage section 5m may be removed from the configuration shown in Fig. 12(b). In this modification, when feces enters the fifth space SP5, the moisture contained in the feces breaks the antenna circuit and the like of the mounting section 9. This modification can also be easily introduced into the first to fourth embodiments.

[0126] While specific embodiments of the excrement receptacle (diaper body 1) and excrement detection module 5 according to the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the mounting portion 9 (RFID tag, antenna circuit, etc.) may be mounted or formed on the moisture transfer restriction portion 15, the second sheet 5e, or the lid portion 5h without the substrate 6, except for the configuration of the second sensor portion 5s2 described in the third embodiment (see the configuration of the third space SP3b in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b)). Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments illustrate an excrement receptacle attached to a user using tape or the like (a so-called "tape type"), the present invention is also applicable to so-called "pants type" excrement receptacles or so-called "pad type" excrement receptacles attached to underwear. Furthermore, although the embodiments have been described using excrement receptacles worn by people as examples, they may also be worn by pets such as dogs and cats. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The excrement detection module and excrement receiver of the present invention can distinguish between and independently detect urination and defecation, and can accurately detect when a user, such as a person requiring care, has defecates and the diaper needs to be changed, or when the amount of urine has increased and it is time to change the diaper, thereby reducing the workload of caregivers, etc. Therefore, they can be suitably applied to so-called disposable diapers for nursing care, disposable diapers for babies, sanitary products for people requiring care, as well as various types of excrement receivers and diapers for pets. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1 Diaper body (excrement receptacle) 2 Water absorption part 5. Excrement detection module 5s sensor part 5s1 First sensor section 5s2 Second sensor section 6 PCB 6a First board 6b Second board 7 Surface material 9a First mounting section 9b Second mounting section 15 Moisture movement restriction section 25 RFID readers 30 servers 50 Network Sy Excretion Status Management System

Claims

1. An excrement detection module to be disposed in an excrement receiving device that receives urine or feces excreted by a user, a first sensor unit for detecting the feces; a second sensor unit for detecting the urine; An excrement detection module comprising a moisture movement restriction section for restricting the movement of moisture between the first sensor section and the second sensor section.

2. the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are each configured in a sheet shape, The excrement detection module according to claim 1 , wherein the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are stacked in a thickness direction.

3. the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are both disposed at positions facing the anus of the user, The excrement detection module described in claim 2, characterized in that the first sensor unit is positioned closer to the user's anus than the second sensor unit and detects moisture contained in the feces, and the second sensor unit is positioned closer to the excrement receptacle than the first sensor unit and detects moisture contained in the urine.

4. the first sensor unit is composed of a first substrate and a first mounting unit including a predetermined circuit formed on the first substrate, the second sensor unit is configured with a second substrate and a second mounting unit including a predetermined circuit formed on the second substrate, The excrement detection module according to claim 3, wherein the first mounting portion is positioned opposite the anus of the user, and the second mounting portion is positioned opposite the excrement receptacle.

5. a tape member including an adhesive is provided; the tape member has at least one through-hole penetrating the tape member from front to back, 3. The excrement detection module according to claim 2, wherein the excrement detection module is fixed to the excrement receptacle via the tape member having the through-hole.

6. It is disposed in an excrement receiving device that receives urine or feces excreted by the user, a first sensor unit for detecting the feces; a second sensor unit for detecting the urine; Equipped with The excrement detection module is characterized in that the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit are arranged spaced apart from each other in a planar direction of the excrement receptacle.

7. The excrement detection module described in claim 6, characterized in that the first sensor unit is positioned close to the user's anus and detects moisture contained in the feces, and the second sensor unit is positioned close to the user's urethral opening and detects moisture contained in the urine.

8. the first sensor unit is composed of a first substrate and a first mounting unit including a predetermined circuit formed on the first substrate, the second sensor unit is configured with a second substrate and a second mounting unit including a predetermined circuit formed on the second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate are made of a material that restricts moisture movement; the first substrate is provided to face the excrement receptacle, 8. The excrement detection module according to claim 7, wherein the second substrate is provided so as to face the urethral opening of the user.

9. a tape member including an adhesive is provided; a portion of the tape member has at least one through-hole penetrating the tape member from the front to the back, 8. The excrement detection module according to claim 7, wherein the second sensor unit is fixed to the excrement receiver via the tape member having the through-hole.

10. The excrement detection module described in claim 8, characterized in that the first substrate and the second substrate are a single substrate, the first mounting portion is provided on one side of the substrate, and the second mounting portion is provided on the other side of the substrate.

11. 11. The excrement detection module according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit include an RFID tag.

12. the first sensor unit includes an antenna circuit or other circuit element; the antenna circuit or the other circuit element is formed of a water-soluble conductive material; 12. The excrement detection module according to claim 11, wherein the conductive material is dissolved by moisture, thereby stopping transmission of information from the RFID tag.

13. a water reservoir for storing water in the vicinity of the antenna circuit; 13. The excrement detection module according to claim 12, wherein the water storage section is made of a film that is decomposed by a protease contained in the feces.

14. 6. An excrement receiving device, wherein the excrement detection module according to claim 1 is disposed at a position facing the anus of the user.

15. An excrement receiving device that has a water absorption part and receives urine or feces excreted by a user, When the user wears the excrement receiving device, An excrement receiving device characterized in that a moisture movement restricting portion for restricting the movement of moisture is provided between a portion facing the urethral opening and a portion facing the anus.

16. 16. The excrement receiver according to claim 15, wherein the moisture movement restricting portion is made of a resin material impregnated into at least a part of the water absorbing portion.

17. 16. The excrement receiver according to claim 15, wherein the moisture movement restriction portion is formed by the water absorption portion compressed in the thickness direction.

18. A surface material that covers the water absorption part is provided, The excrement receptacle described in claim 15, characterized in that the moisture movement restriction portion is composed of a separator that is in contact with the surface material and stretches in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction from the part facing the urethral opening to the part facing the anus.

19. 19. The excrement receptacle according to claim 18, wherein the absorbent section is divided into a front absorbent section for receiving the water content of the urine and a rear absorbent section for receiving the water content of the feces.

20. the water absorption section is divided into a front water absorption section that receives the water from the urine and a rear water absorption section that receives the water from the feces, The excrement receptacle described in claim 15, characterized in that it has a central absorbent section that connects the front absorbent section and the rear absorbent section, and the moisture movement restriction section is formed by making the amount of moisture absorbed in the central absorbent section smaller than the amount of moisture absorbed in the front absorbent section and the rear absorbent section.

21. It is disposed in an excrement receiving device that receives feces excreted by the user, a sensor unit for detecting the feces; a moisture movement restricting section that has an opening at a site facing the anus of the user and surrounds an outer edge of the sensor section to restrict the movement of moisture from the outer edge to the sensor section; Equipped with the sensor unit includes an RFID tag and an antenna circuit or other circuit element connected to the RFID tag; a water storage section in the vicinity of the antenna circuit or the other circuit element, the water storage section being made of a film that is decomposed by a protease contained in the feces; the antenna circuit or the other circuit element is formed of a water-soluble conductive material; An excrement detection module characterized in that when the water storage section is decomposed by the proteolytic enzyme, the conductive material is dissolved by the water released from the water storage section, and the transmission of information from the RFID tag is stopped.

Images