Luminous mat

Abstract

To provide a light-emitting mat that allows for illumination without affecting other people, even in multi-bed rooms. [Solution] A light-emitting mat 20 comprising a light-emitting element and a mat body 1, wherein the light-emitting element is arranged near the outer circumference of the mat body 1 and has a shielding means for shielding light emission in a predetermined direction. The light-emitting element consists of a side-emitting type light transmission element 2 and a light source 4 arranged at at least one end of the light transmission element 2. A light-shielding member 3 is formed on a part of the outer circumference of the light transmission element 2. A groove 11 is formed in the mat body 1, and the light-emitting element is arranged in the groove 11, with at least a part of the wall constituting the groove 11 being inclined, and emitting light in the direction along the inclination. A detection unit 5 having a pressure sensor or a contact sensor is arranged at a predetermined location on the mat body 1, and the light-emitting element emits light upon detection by the detection unit 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mat having a light-emitting function.

Background Art

[0002] In hospital inpatient rooms, nursing home rooms, etc., there are many multi-bed rooms equipped with 2 to 6 beds in one room. In such rooms where multiple people sleep in the same room, the sleep of others may be disturbed by the lighting at night, so the room is usually turned off in principle. Even when the user leaves the bed due to defecation or the like, great care must be taken with the lighting. On the other hand, if there is no lighting at all, it will cause problems with the safety of the feet and amplify psychological anxiety.

[0003] As technologies related to the present invention, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 7 can be cited.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Traditionally, people have been careful to avoid shining their flashlights towards other people in their beds, but it's unavoidable that the light will sometimes shine on others. This can disturb the sleep of other people, and also creates a significant psychological burden for the user due to the need to be considerate.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the problems of the prior art, and its objective is to provide a light-emitting mat that enables illumination without affecting other people, even in a multi-bed room. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the light-emitting mat according to the present invention is a light-emitting mat comprising a light-emitting element and a mat body, wherein the light-emitting element is arranged near the outer circumference of the mat body and has a shielding means for blocking light emission in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the light-emitting body comprises a side-emitting type optical transmission body and a light source positioned at least one end of the optical transmission body. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a light-shielding member is formed on a part of the outer periphery of the optical transmission body. Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least a portion of the light-emitting element is embedded in the mat body, and that the light emission in a predetermined direction is blocked by a portion of the mat body. Furthermore, grooves are formed in the mat body, and the light-emitting element is placed in these grooves. At least a portion of the walls constituting the grooves is inclined, and it is conceivable that the light is emitted in a direction along this inclination. Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least a portion of the optical transmission element is embedded in the mat body, and that the light emission in a predetermined direction is blocked by a portion of the mat body. Furthermore, grooves are formed in the mat body, and the optical transmission element is placed in these grooves. At least a portion of the walls constituting the grooves is inclined, and it is conceivable that the light is emitted in a direction along this inclination. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a detection unit having a pressure sensor or a contact sensor is placed at a predetermined location on the mat body, and that the light-emitting element emits light upon detection by the detection unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the light-emitting element continues to emit light for a predetermined period of time after the detection by the detection unit has been released. Furthermore, it is possible that the above-mentioned luminescent mat is placed near the beds in a multi-bed room, thus blocking the emission of light towards other people's beds. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, since it has a shielding means that blocks light emission in a predetermined direction, it is possible to use lighting that illuminates the floor even in a multi-bed room without the light shining on other people. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the light-emitting mat according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light-emitting mat according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the light-emitting mat according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the light-emitting mat according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing the usage configuration of the light-emitting mat according to this embodiment. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings. In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, descriptions such as "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" may be made, but these directions can be arbitrarily set. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a light-emitting mat according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the light-emitting mat for showing the arrangement state of the optical transmission body according to Embodiment 1, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a light-emitting mat according to Embodiment 2, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the light-emitting mat for showing the arrangement state of the optical transmission body according to Embodiment 2, which is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV' in FIG. 3. In addition, the dashed-line portions in FIGS. 1 and 3 indicate that they are portions hidden inside and not visible to the naked eye.

[0011] The light-emitting mat 20 according to Embodiment 1 has a configuration as shown in FIG. 1. At the upper left part of the mat body 1, the optical transmission body 2 is arranged with a 90-degree bend. On one end face of the optical transmission body 2, an LED is arranged as the light source 4. The light source 4 is connected to a control circuit 6 arranged at the upper right part of the mat body 1 via a lead wire 7. Further, inside the central part of the mat body 1, a detection part 5 composed of a pressure sensor is arranged, and this pressure sensor is also connected to the control circuit 6 via a lead wire 8. The control circuit 6 is connected to a power source (not shown) via a lead wire 9.

[0012] The optical transmission body 2 according to the present invention uses a linear one composed of a clad material made of a fluororesin and a core material made of a transparent elastomer having a refractive index higher than that of the clad material. A scattering material made of zinc oxide fine particles is mixed in the clad material, and the light of the light source 4 incident from the end face is scattered by the scattering material, so that the optical transmission body 2 emits light from the side surface.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, a light shielding member 3 is formed on the optical transmission body 2. This light shielding member 3 is made of a polyethylene resin colored black so as not to transmit light. As shown in Fig. 2, a recess is formed along the cross-sectional shape of the optical transmission body 2, and by fitting the optical transmission body 2 therein, only a predetermined portion of the optical transmission body 2 is exposed over the length direction. The shielding member 3 covers the optical transmission body 2 over 240 degrees around from 60 degrees upper right to 60 degrees lower right in Fig. 2, and the optical transmission body 2 emits light only in the right direction in Fig. 2, and light in other directions is shielded. This shielding member 3 is attached to the upper left portion of the mat body 1 by an adhesive or the like. Since the left side in Fig. 2 is the outer periphery of the light emitting mat 20, in the light emitting mat 20 of the first embodiment, light emission to the outer peripheral side is shielded, and light emission occurs only to the central side.

[0014] As the pressure-sensitive sensor serving as the detection unit 5, a so-called pressure-sensitive switch is used. It has a structure such that when a user rides on the pressure-sensitive sensor, that is, when pressure is applied, conduction is made, and thereby conduction is made to the light source 4 and light emission occurs.

[0015] The mat body 1 is formed by overlapping two plain woven fabrics of polyester fibers, and the detection unit 5 is disposed sandwiched between these two non-woven fabrics. Further, the mat body 1 is subjected to waterproofing treatment both on the front and back surfaces and anti-slip treatment.

[0016] The light emitting mat 20 according to the second embodiment has a configuration as shown in Fig. 2. On the upper left portion of the mat body 1, the optical transmission body 2 is linearly arranged at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the side of the mat body 1. An LED is arranged as the light source 4 on one end face of the optical transmission body 2. The light source 4 is connected to a control circuit 6 arranged at the upper right portion of the mat body 1 via a lead wire 7. Further, inside the central portion of the mat body 1, a detection unit 5 composed of a contact sensor is arranged, and this capacitance sensor is also connected to the control circuit 6 via a lead wire 8. The control circuit 6 is connected to a power source by a lead wire 9.

[0017] The optical transmission body 2 according to the present invention is a linear structure made of transparent acrylic resin with a textured surface. The light from the light source 4 incident from the end face is scattered by the textured surface of the optical transmission body 2, causing the optical transmission body 2 to emit light from its side.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, a groove 11 is formed in the mat body 1 where the optical transmitter 2 is to be placed. The optical transmitter 2 is fitted and fixed into this groove 11, i.e., embedded. Regarding the shape of the groove 11, the left wall in Figure 2, i.e., the wall located on the outer periphery of the mat body 1, extends to a position that covers the top of the optical transmitter 2, while the right wall in Figure 2, i.e., the wall located on the center side of the mat body 1, is inclined with respect to the normal to the mat body 1. As a result, the optical transmitter 2 emits light only in the direction along this inclination. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the light-emitting mat 20 has light emission blocked from the outer periphery and emits light only towards the center.

[0019] A so-called capacitive sensor is used as the contact sensor for the detection unit 5. This detection unit 5 is installed on the top of the mat body 1. When a user approaches the contact sensor, the capacitance changes, and this change is detected, causing the light source 4 to conduct electricity and emit light.

[0020] The mat body 1 is made of foamed rubber, and both the surface and back are treated with an anti-slip finish. In addition, the edges are sloped all around, eliminating any steps and making it less likely for the user to trip. Depending on the shape of the optical transmission body 2 and the groove 11, a recess may occur on the top of the optical transmission body 2, but it is possible to fill this recess with transparent resin or the like to make it flat.

[0021] The light-emitting mat 20 according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 has the configuration described above. As a result, when a bed user gets off the bed and steps on the light-emitting mat 20, the pressure sensor 7 detects this, the light source 4 lights up, and the light-transmitting body 2 emits light. The light-emitting mat 20 according to Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1 is placed in a hospital room, for example, as shown in Figure 5. That is, by arranging the light-emitting mat 20 so that the side facing the bed 22 of the user 21 and the side facing the wall of the room are shielded from light, the light emitted from the light-transmitting body 2 is shielded from reaching other beds 23, and the user 21 of bed 22 can obtain sufficient illumination. The arrows in Figure 5 indicate the direction of light emission from the light-transmitting body 2. In addition, in hospital rooms and nursing rooms, a portable toilet 24 may be installed together with the bed 22. In this case as well, the user 21 can obtain sufficient illumination from the light-transmitting body 2 while using the portable toilet 24, and can defecate without anxiety.

[0022] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other embodiments are conceivable.

[0023] The mat body 1 can be made of materials and compositions other than the nonwoven fabrics and foamed rubber mentioned above. For example, woven fabrics such as plain weave, pile weave, tufted weave, and Wilton weave; knitted fabrics such as plain knit, rib knit, pearl knit, double knit, pique knit, jacquard knit, raschel knit, tricot knit, and crochet; and nonwoven fabrics can be used. Various fibrous materials can be used to make up these, including inorganic fibers such as glass fibers, alumina fibers, silica fibers, alumina-silica fibers, and carbon fibers; polyester fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene naphthalate fibers, and polybutylene terephthalate fibers; polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyvinylidene chloride fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyacrylonitrile fibers, polystyrene fibers, polyurethane fibers, polyphenylene sulfide fibers, aramid fibers, nylon fibers, polyethersulfone fibers, polyetherketone fibers, and tetrafluoroethylene fibers; and natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, flax, silk, and wool. Furthermore, rubber materials, resin materials, foamed rubber materials, and foamed resin materials can also be used, and various resins, rubbers, and thermoplastic elastomers can be selected, such as polyurethane resin, chloroprene rubber, silicone resin, silicone rubber, neoprene rubber, diene rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, vinyl chloride resin, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Paper materials, tatami materials, wood, ceramic materials, diatomaceous earth, and metal materials can also be used. In the case of materials with high thermal conductivity, such as ceramic materials and metal materials, it is preferable to cover them with materials with low thermal conductivity, such as fiber materials, foamed resins, and foamed rubber. Furthermore, it is preferable for hygiene reasons that the mat body 1 be waterproof or water-repellent. The material of the mat body 1 itself may be waterproof or water-repellent, or it may be waterproofed or water-repellent.

[0024] Instead of using the light-emitting element described above, the light source itself may be used. As a light source, for example, conventionally known light-emitting elements such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes), LDs (laser diodes), fluorescent lamps, and incandescent bulbs can be used, but LEDs are the easiest to use. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the light-emitting color or the number of light sources to be installed. For example, by appropriately selecting light sources with light-emitting colors such as red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and white, or by combining multiple light sources, or by connecting light-emitting elements in a line, various colors can be obtained and the light intensity can be increased. However, considering its use as nighttime lighting, it is preferable to use a light with reduced light intensity, and it is preferable that it is not direct light. Also, regarding the light-emitting color, it is preferable to use a less stimulating color such as blue, green, or natural colors, rather than a highly stimulating color such as red or yellow.

[0025] When using an optical transmission material, a linear material is preferable because it allows for light emission in a predetermined direction over a long length. Furthermore, a flexible material is preferable because it facilitates installation on the mat body 1. In particular, it is preferable that the optical transmission material consists of a cladding material and a core material housed within the cladding material and having a higher refractive index than the cladding material. With such an optical transmission material, total internal reflection of light is more likely to occur at the interface between the cladding material and the core material, allowing for sufficient brightness even at a considerable distance from the light source. Additionally, if the core material is amorphous, transparency can be further improved, thereby reducing optical transmission loss. It is also conceivable to form a light-transmitting resin coating on the outer periphery of the cladding material. The cross-sectional shape of the light-transmitting resin coating may be not only circular but also irregular. The cladding material is not particularly limited; any flexible and easily moldable material such as plastic or elastomer can be used. For example, polyethylene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, silicone resin, natural rubber, fluororesin, fluoropolymer, and fluoropolymers can be selected as light-transmitting materials. As the constituent material of the core material, for example, transparent grades of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, silicone resin, polystyrene resin, vinyl chloride resin, cycloolefin resin, polypropylene resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate resin, etc., can be selected as materials used as light-transmitting materials. By dispersing fine particles in any or all of the above core material, cladding material, or light-transmitting resin coating, a light scattering function can be imparted, and a side-emitting type optical transmission body can be made in which incident light is emitted from the circumferential direction (side). Examples of materials for the fine particles include glass, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, barium sulfate, calcium carbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene, polycarbonate, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Preferably, the average particle size of the fine particles is within the wavelength range from visible light to near-infrared (360 to 2500 nm).For information on the configuration and manufacturing methods of optical transmission bodies, see, for example, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 5 to 7.

[0026] In addition to the shielding member 3 and groove 11 described above, various other forms of shielding can be considered. For example, when using the optical transmission body 2, it is possible to make part of the cladding material or the light-transmitting resin coating opaque, to place an opaque material in part of the cladding material, or to place an opaque material or apply an opaque paint to the outer circumference of the cladding material or the light-transmitting resin coating. It is also possible to plant tall piles on one side of the light-emitting body. Various forms of light-shielding means can also be combined. Regarding the position where the shielding means is formed, it is preferable that it covers half the circumference of the light-emitting body from the top to the bottom in a cross section perpendicular to the plane of the mat body 1. Furthermore, if the direction of light emission is to be restricted, it is preferable to completely cover the top of the light-emitting body with the shielding means and leave an opening only in the direction parallel to the plane of the mat body 1. Depending on the usage situation, it is not necessary to cover the top of the light-emitting body, and for example, sufficient light shielding may be obtained with a vertical wall at the same height as the light-emitting body.

[0027] When using the shielding member 3, not only the shape shown in Embodiment 1 above, but also various structures can be used. If a long piece of a light-opaque material is used and simply has a cross-sectional shape with a notch formed in accordance with the shape of the optical transmitter, that will serve as the shielding member 3. For example, a tube made of rubber or resin material with a continuous slit in the length direction can also be considered. By making the inner diameter of this tube smaller than the outer diameter of the optical transmitter 2, the optical transmitter 2 can be fitted through the slit of the light-shielding member 3, so that only a predetermined portion of the optical transmitter 2 is exposed along its length. As a result, the optical transmitter 2 will emit light only in the predetermined direction and block light in other directions. For example, if the diameter of the optical transmitter 2 is 2 mm and the inner diameter of the tube used as the shielding member 3 is 1.5 mm, then 3 / 4 of the optical transmitter 2 will be shielded. It is preferable that the shielding member 3 shields more than half the circumference of the outer circumference of the light emitter, but for example, by adding a step to the mat body 1, sufficient shielding of light emission in the predetermined direction can be obtained even with shielding of less than half the circumference.

[0028] Various shapes and forms are possible for the groove 11. It only needs to have a depth and shape that can accommodate the light-emitting body, and may even be a hole-like shape that does not have sufficient length. Furthermore, the groove 11 can be arbitrarily designed, not only to be formed perpendicular to the plane of the mat body 1, but also to be formed horizontally to the plane of the mat body 1, formed at an inclined angle to the plane of the mat body 1, or to have a curved groove shape. Note that embedding the light-emitting body does not mean that the light-emitting body is completely embedded in the mat body 1, but that at least a part of the light-emitting body is embedded in the mat body 1. If the groove 11 is recessed after the light-emitting body is placed in it, it is also possible to fill the recessed area with transparent resin or the like to flatten the light-emitting mat 20.

[0029] The position of the light-emitting element can be set as appropriate depending on the usage situation. When the light-emitting mat 20 is placed near bed 21 in a multi-bed room as shown in Figure 5, it is preferable to place the light-emitting element near the outer edge of the light-emitting mat 20, as close as possible to the other beds 23, to shield the light emission toward the other beds 23 and allow it to emit light toward bed 22. Alternatively, for example, the light-emitting element could be placed above the light-emitting mat 20 in Figure 5 to indicate the position of the portable toilet 24, and the shielding means could be arranged to emit light only toward the portable toilet 24. It is also possible to place multiple light-emitting elements, but it is not preferable to arrange the shielding means so that the light emission directions of each light-emitting element face each other. It is preferable that the intersection angle of the light emission directions from each light-emitting element be 90 degrees or less. This is also true when a linear light transmission element 2 is used and the light transmission element is bent and arranged, and it is preferable to design the bent shape so that the intersection angle of the light emission directions at any two points is 90 degrees or less.

[0030] The detection unit 5 includes a capacitive pressure sensor, a resistive pressure sensor, a conductive rubber pressure switch, a spring-type pressure switch, a capacitive contact sensor, a contact-type displacement sensor, Various types of sensors can be used, including pressure sensors, strain sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and infrared sensors. A timer function can also be incorporated, allowing the light source to continue emitting light for a predetermined period after detection, even after the detection is cancelled. Furthermore, the light emission can be controlled in various ways, such as starting with a subtle blue light and gradually increasing it, or gradually decreasing the light intensity at the end of emission instead of suddenly turning it off. The light can also be customized, for example, by starting with an inconspicuous blue light and gradually changing it to white, or by flashing at arbitrary intervals. Randomly setting the light color and flashing pattern can provide stimulation to prevent user boredom, potentially contributing to the prevention of cognitive decline.

[0031] Furthermore, to prevent users from tripping, it is preferable that the luminescent mat 20 be as flat as possible. For this reason, it is preferable that the light-shielding means and luminescent elements not be convex, and that the grooves not be concave. Also, if the mat body 1 is thick, it is preferable to bend the periphery of the mat body 1 to reduce the height difference with the floor surface. In addition, to prevent users from falling, it is preferable that both the front and back surfaces of the mat body 1 be treated with an anti-slip finish. [Industrial applicability]

[0032] As detailed above, the luminescent mat of the present invention allows for lighting that illuminates the floor without shining light on other people, even in multi-bed rooms. Therefore, this luminescent mat can be suitably used in environments where many people sleep in the same room, such as hospital wards and nursing home rooms, and can also be used in homes and disaster evacuation facilities. Furthermore, it can be used to illuminate only the door by placing it in front of it, or to illuminate only specific objects when entering a specific area in amusement facilities such as haunted houses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1. Mat body 2 Optical transmission body 3. Light-shielding material 4 light source 5. Detection Unit 6 Control circuits 7, 8, 9 Lead wires 11 Groove 20 Luminous Matte

Claims

1. A light-emitting mat comprising a light-emitting element and a mat body, The above-mentioned light-emitting element is positioned near the outer periphery of the mat body and has a shielding means for blocking light emission in a predetermined direction.

2. The light-emitting mat according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting body comprises a side-emitting type light transmission body and a light source disposed at least at one end of the light transmission body.

3. The light-emitting mat according to claim 2, wherein a light-shielding member is formed on a part of the outer periphery of the above-mentioned optical transmission body.

4. The light-emitting mat according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the light-emitting element is embedded in the mat body, and light emission in a predetermined direction is blocked by a portion of the mat body.

5. The light-emitting mat according to claim 1, wherein grooves are formed in the mat body, the light-emitting element is placed in the grooves, at least a part of the wall constituting the grooves is inclined, and the light-emitting element emits light in a direction along the inclination.

6. The light-emitting mat according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the light-transmitting body is embedded in the mat body, and light emission in a predetermined direction is blocked by a portion of the mat body.

7. The light-emitting mat according to claim 2, wherein grooves are formed in the mat body, the light-transmitting element is placed in the grooves, at least a part of the wall constituting the grooves is inclined, and the mat emits light in a direction along the inclination.

8. A light-emitting mat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a detection unit having a pressure sensor or a contact sensor is arranged at a predetermined location on the mat body, and the light-emitting element emits light upon detection by the detection unit.

9. The light-emitting mat according to claim 8, wherein the light-emitting element continues to emit light for a predetermined time after the detection by the detection unit is released.

10. A light-emitting mat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is placed near a bed in a multi-bed room and blocks light emission toward the beds of other people.

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