Temperature and humidity measuring machine

Abstract

Measure accurate temperature and humidity. [Solution] According to the embodiment, the temperature and humidity measuring device includes a sampling unit, a first flow path, a first temperature and humidity sensor, a second flow path, and a first blower. The sampling unit collects air between a mattress and a person lying on the mattress. The first flow path is connected to the sampling unit. The first temperature and humidity sensor is connected to the first flow path and measures the temperature and humidity of the air collected by the sampling unit. The second flow path is connected to the first temperature and humidity sensor. The first blower is provided between the first temperature and humidity sensor and the second flow path and sends the air measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor to the sampling unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to temperature and humidity measuring devices.

Background Art

[0002] There is a temperature and humidity measuring device that measures the temperature and humidity between a mattress and a user lying on the mattress.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desirable to measure accurate temperature and humidity. Embodiments of the present invention measure accurate temperature and humidity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a temperature and humidity measuring device includes a sampling unit, a first flow path, a first temperature and humidity sensor, a second flow path, and a first blower. The sampling unit samples air between a mattress and a person lying on the mattress. The first flow path is connected to the sampling unit. The first temperature and humidity sensor is connected to the first flow path and measures the temperature and humidity of the air sampled by the sampling unit. The second flow path is connected to the first temperature and humidity sensor. The first blower is provided between the first temperature and humidity sensor and the second flow path and sends the air measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor to the sampling unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, accurate temperature and humidity can be measured.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature and humidity measuring device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a temperature and humidity measuring device according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a temperature and humidity measuring device according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A temperature and humidity measuring device according to an embodiment will be described. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to an embodiment is used, for example, attached to a medical and nursing care bed. The bed is provided with a mattress, on which the user lies. In addition to medical institutions such as hospitals, the temperature and humidity measuring device according to an embodiment is also used in nursing care facilities and the user's home. The user of the mattress is, for example, a patient or a person requiring care. An example of a temperature and humidity measuring device according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature and humidity measuring device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the temperature and humidity measuring device 100 according to this embodiment includes a sampling unit 10, a first flow path 20, a first temperature and humidity sensor 30, a second flow path 21, and a first blower 50.

[0010] The sampling unit 10 collects gas (air) between the mattress 60 and the person X (user) lying on the mattress 60. The sampling unit 10 is installed between the mattress 60 and the person X (user) lying on the mattress 60.

[0011] The sampling section 10 is made of a flexible material. Preferably, the sampling section 10 is made of a low-friction material or a breathable material, and more preferably a low-friction material that is also breathable. A breathable material may be a material that is breathable in itself, or a material that is not breathable in itself but has holes or the like that have been added to improve its breathability physically. The breathability of the sampling section 10 is 200 cc / cm³ according to JIS K 6400-7:2012 Method B. 2 A static friction coefficient of 0.01 to 0.40 is preferred between 0.01 and 0.40. The static friction coefficient between the sampling part 10 and the resin is preferably lower than 0.40. The static friction coefficient between the sampling part 10 and the resin is preferably lower than 0.40. The test method for the static friction coefficient is according to JIS K7125:1999 (ISO 8295:1995) Plastics - Films and Sheets - Friction coefficient test method.

[0012] The first channel 20 is connected to the sampling unit 10. For example, the first channel 20 is located downstream of the sampling unit 10. The first channel 20 is made of a flexible material. The first channel 20 includes, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or silicone. The first channel 20 may include polyurethane foam on its outer circumference for heat insulation. Air collected from the sampling unit 10 flows through the inside of the first channel 20. The first channel 20 is, for example, a tube or pipe. In this way, the first channel 20 connects the sampling unit 10 to the chamber 40, which will be described later.

[0013] The first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is located downstream of the first flow path 20. The first temperature and humidity sensor 30 measures the temperature and humidity of the air collected by the sampling unit 10 via the first flow path 20. The first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is not located between the mattress 60 and the person X lying on the mattress 60.

[0014] The second channel 21 is located downstream of the first temperature and humidity sensor 30. The second channel 21 is made of a flexible material. The second channel 21 includes, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or silicone. The second channel 21 may be provided with polyurethane foam on its outer circumference for insulation. Air measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 flows through the inside of the second channel 21. The second channel 21 is, for example, a tube or pipe. In this way, the second channel 21 connects the first blower 50 and the sampling unit 10.

[0015] The first blower 50 is installed between the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 and the second flow path 21. In other words, the first blower 50 is installed downstream of the first temperature and humidity sensor 30. The first blower 50 may have a heating element such as a coil used to blow air. Therefore, the heating element may affect the temperature and humidity of the air collected from the sampling unit 10. With the above configuration, the temperature and humidity measuring device 100 can measure temperature and humidity accurately. The first blower 50 sends air from the chamber 40 to the sampling unit 10 via the second flow path 21. The first blower 50 may include, for example, a piezo diaphragm pump. A piezo diaphragm pump does not contain a coil, so it generates very little heat. Therefore, the temperature and humidity measuring device 100 including a piezo diaphragm pump can measure temperature and humidity more accurately.

[0016] The gas (air) collected in the sampling unit 10 travels through the first flow path 20 to the first temperature and humidity sensor 30. The temperature and humidity of the gas collected in the sampling unit 10 are measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor 30.

[0017] In this way, the air collected from the collection unit 10 is returned to the collection unit 10 again by the first blower 50 via the first flow path 20, the chamber 40, the first blower 50, and the second flow path 21. The air is circulating. And the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 measures the circulating air. For example, when the air is not circulating, the collection unit 10 also sucks air from outside the flow path, and as a result, accurate measurement is difficult. The temperature and humidity measuring device 100 according to the embodiment can accurately measure the temperature and humidity of the air between the mattress 60 and the person X. Note that the temperature and humidity measuring device 100 circulates air that has not been temperature- or humidity-controlled.

[0018] As described above, since the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is not provided between the mattress 60 and the person X lying on the mattress 60, the burden on the user is small. According to the embodiment, accurate temperature and humidity can be measured while reducing the burden on the user.

[0019] As described above, the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 21 are made of a flexible material. The hardness of the material used for the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 21 may be, for example, A75 or less and A5 or more on the durometer A scale. The hardness of the collection unit 10 may be the same as that of the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 21. Also, the smaller the size of the first flow path 20 and the second flow path 21, the less the burden on the user. The first flow path 20 and the second flow path 21 preferably have, for example, a diameter of 10 mm or less and a thickness of 4 mm or less.

[0020] The collection part 10 is composed of, for example, a polyurethane film, a film such as nylon provided on the surface of the polyurethane film, a rubber sheet, a vinyl chloride sheet, a polyethylene sheet, or the like. The thickness of the collection part 10 is 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. Since the collection part 10 is composed of a flexible material and has the above thickness, the load such as an increase in body pressure on the person X lying on the mattress 60 is small. The size of the collection part 10 is preferably smaller than the size of the user's body for the purpose of collecting the gas (air) between the mattress 60 and the person X (user) lying on the mattress 60. Preferably, it is 15 cm or less, more preferably 10 cm or less. The smaller it is, the better, but 1 cm or more is preferable.

[0021] The temperature and humidity measuring device 100 may further include a chamber 40. A first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is provided in the chamber 40. The chamber 40 stores the air sent to the first temperature and humidity sensor 30. The temperature and humidity are measured inside the chamber 40. In this way, accurate measurement results are likely to be obtained.

[0022] For example, the chamber 40 may include a first chamber 41 and a second chamber 42. In this case, the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is provided in the first chamber 41. The second chamber 42 is provided between the collection part 10 and the first chamber 41. The second chamber 42 is provided upstream of the first chamber 41. The air collected from the collection part 10 passes through the second chamber 42 via the first flow path 20 and flows into the first chamber 41. The temperature and humidity of the gas (air) collected by the collection part 10 are measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 provided in the first chamber 41. In the second chamber 42, for example, when the collection part 10 sucks in incontinence and when dew condensation occurs in the first flow path 20, moisture can be removed, so that failure of the temperature and humidity sensor can be prevented.

[0023] The first temperature and humidity sensor 30 may be installed, for example, on the outside of the mattress 60. This means that the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is not installed between the mattress 60 and the person X. The temperature and humidity between the mattress 60 and the person X can be measured without any load such as increased body pressure at the installation location of the temperature and humidity sensor. For example, instead of measuring the temperature and humidity of the area covered when a blanket is placed over it, the temperature and humidity between the mattress 60 and the person X can be measured.

[0024] Since the sampling unit 10 can be moved, it is possible to measure the temperature and humidity of areas around the waist and shoulders, where bedsores are likely to occur, as needed. Therefore, it is effective in preventing pressure ulcers. In addition, the temperature and humidity measuring device 100, including the sampling unit 10, can be moved.

[0025] Conventionally, temperature and humidity sensors have been miniaturized and contain electronic components. When a temperature and humidity sensor is placed between a mattress 60 and a person X, the electronic components of the sensor are subjected to electrostatic discharge (ESD) due to static electricity caused by friction between the mattress 60 and the person X. Therefore, in the temperature and humidity measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is placed outside the mattress 60, thereby suppressing electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the electronic components.

[0026] The temperature and humidity measuring device 100 according to this embodiment may further include a second temperature and humidity sensor 31 and a second blower 51. The second temperature and humidity sensor 31 measures the temperature and humidity of the indoor air.

[0027] The second blower 51 is connected to the mattress 60 via the third flow path 22. The second blower 51 blows room air onto the mattress 60 according to the temperature and humidity measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 and the second temperature and humidity sensor 31. The second blower 51 is connected to the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 and the second temperature and humidity sensor 31 via a telecommunications line. For example, if the room temperature and humidity measured by the second temperature and humidity sensor 31 are low, the second blower 51 blows room air onto the mattress 60 to prevent pressure ulcers. On the other hand, if the room temperature and humidity measured by the second temperature and humidity sensor 31 are high, the second blower 51 does not blow room air onto the mattress 60 to prevent pressure ulcers. Therefore, the temperature and humidity measuring device 100 according to this embodiment has a pressure ulcer prevention effect by further comprising the second temperature and humidity sensor 31 and the second blower 51.

[0028] The sampling unit 10 has an upper film 11, a middle film 12, and a lower film 13. The upper film 11 and lower film 13 are made of a breathable material. The middle film 12 is made of an impermeable material. In the sampling unit 10, the air in the space formed by the upper film 11 and the middle film 12 is sent to the first channel 20, the first temperature and humidity sensor 30, the first air blower, and the second channel 21. The air in the space formed by the lower film 13 and the middle film 12 is returned via the second channel 21. The sampling unit 10 can be a bag-shaped air pack composed of the upper film 11, the middle film 12, and the lower film 13. In this case, since the sampling unit 10 includes a breathable upper film 11 and lower film 13, occlusion can be avoided on the outside and inside of the sampling unit 10. Therefore, more accurate temperature and humidity can be measured. The sampling section 10 may be a bag-like structure formed by welding or bonding a polyurethane film, a polyurethane film with a nylon fabric surface, a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene film or polyvinyl chloride film, or a rubber sheet. The sampling section 10 may also have an anti-blockage layer 14 between the upper film 11 and the middle film 12 to prevent blockage of the first channel 20. The sampling section 10 may also have an anti-blockage layer 14 between the middle film 12 and the lower film 13 to prevent blockage of the second channel 21. The anti-blockage layer 14 is provided along the upper film 11, the middle film 12, and the lower film 13. The anti-blockage layer 14 is sandwiched between the upper film 11 and the middle film 12, or between the middle film 12 and the lower film 13. The anti-blockage layer 14 may be a breathable urethane foam. The anti-blockage layer 14 may also be a breathable three-dimensional knitted structure. The blockage prevention layer 14 between the upper film 11 and the middle film 12 can prevent blockage of air intake from the first channel 20. The blockage prevention layer 14 between the middle film 12 and the lower film 13 can prevent blockage of air discharge from the second channel 21.

[0029] The following describes some modified examples of the temperature and humidity measuring device according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a temperature and humidity measuring device 101 according to a first modified example of the embodiment. In the first modified embodiment of the temperature and humidity measuring device 101, the second chamber 42 is provided in the lower part of the chamber 40.

[0030] In this way, the second chamber 42 can easily remove moisture when the collection unit 10 inhales incontinence and when condensation occurs in the first flow path 20.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a temperature and humidity measuring device 102 according to a second modified example of the embodiment. In the second modified embodiment of the temperature and humidity measuring device 102, the second chamber 42 is provided upstream of the first temperature and humidity sensor 30. The second chamber 42 is connected to the first chamber 41 via a fourth flow path 23.

[0032] In this way, since the second chamber 42 is located in a separate space from the first chamber 41, the influence of moisture from when the sampling unit 10 inhales incontinence and when condensation occurs in the first flow path 20 on the first temperature and humidity sensor 30 is reduced, and more accurate temperature and humidity can be obtained even in the above situations.

[0033] The temperature and humidity measuring device 102 according to this embodiment is preferably used for the prevention of pressure ulcers, and is preferably used in beds used for microclimate control, which is said to be one of the causes of pressure ulcers.

[0034] The embodiments and their modifications described above are examples that embody the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and modifications. For example, the present invention also includes the addition, deletion, or modification of some components or processes in the embodiments and modifications described above. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be implemented in combination with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 10 Sampling section, 11 Upper film, 12 Middle film, 13 Lower film, 14 Blockage prevention layer, 20 First channel, 21 Second channel, 22 Third channel, 23 Fourth channel, 30 First temperature and humidity sensor, 31 Second temperature and humidity sensor, 40 Chamber, 41 First Chamber, 42 Second Chamber, 50 First blower, 51 Second blower, 60 mattresses, 100, 101, 102 Temperature and humidity measuring equipment, X people

Claims

1. A sampling unit for collecting air between the mattress and the person lying on the mattress, A first channel connected to the sampling section, A first temperature and humidity sensor connected to the first flow path measures the temperature and humidity of the air collected in the sampling unit, Connected to the first temperature and humidity sensor, and a second flow path, A first blower is provided between the first temperature and humidity sensor and the second flow path, and sends the air measured by the first temperature and humidity sensor to the sampling unit. A temperature and humidity measuring device equipped with the following features.

2. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature and humidity sensor is provided outside the mattress.

3. The system further includes a chamber for storing the air sent to the first temperature and humidity sensor, The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature and humidity sensor is provided in the chamber.

4. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the sampling section is bag-shaped and composed of an upper film, a middle film, and a lower film.

5. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel include polyurethane, polyethylene, rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or silicone.

6. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 5, wherein the first channel and the second channel include polyurethane foam provided on their outer circumference.

7. The chamber includes a first chamber and a second chamber, The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the first temperature and humidity sensor is provided in the first chamber.

8. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the second chamber is provided in the lower part of the interior of the chamber.

9. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the second chamber is provided between the first temperature and humidity sensor and the sampling unit.

10. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sampling section, the first channel, and the second channel is made of a flexible material.

11. The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the sampling section, the first channel, and the second channel are made of a flexible material.

12. A second temperature and humidity sensor measures the temperature and humidity of the indoor air, A second air blower blows room air onto the mattress according to the temperature and humidity measured by the first and second temperature and humidity sensors, The temperature and humidity measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

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