Air mattress device

Abstract

To provide an air mattress device that can offer a comfortable sleeping experience for users with different body types. [Solution] The air mattress device comprises a first cell, a second cell, a third cell positioned between the first cell and the second cell, a pump for supplying air, a first solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the first cell, a second solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the second cell, a flow path selection solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the third cell to the first cell or the second cell, and a pressure distribution sensor whose position is fixed relative to the first cell, the second cell and the third cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air mattress device.

Background Art

[0002] A technique is used in which a plurality of air cells are arranged on a bed and the internal pressure of the air cells is controlled to keep the comfort of a user comfortable. However, since the physical constitutions of users are various, it is difficult to provide a comfortable sleeping comfort for all users.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an air mattress device capable of providing a comfortable sleeping comfort for users with different physical constitutions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The air mattress device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first cell, a second cell, a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell, a pump that supplies air, a first solenoid valve that switches whether or not to connect the pump to the first cell, a second solenoid valve that switches whether or not to connect the pump to the second cell, a flow path selection solenoid valve that switches to connect the third cell to the first cell or the second cell, and a pressure distribution sensor whose position is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

[0006] An air mattress device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first cell, a second cell, a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell, a pump for supplying air, a first solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the first cell, a second solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the second cell, a flow path selection solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the third cell to the first cell or the second cell, and a displacement distribution sensor whose position is fixed relative to the first cell, the second cell and the third cell and which is capable of measuring the amount of sinking of the first cell, the second cell and the third cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, an air mattress device capable of providing comfortable sleeping conditions for users with different body types can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an air mattress device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the bed, cell, and pressure distribution sensor in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air mattress device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the measurement results for the pressure distribution. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the positional relationship between the air mattress device, the user, and the measured pressure distribution results. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an air mattress device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air mattress device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the measurement results for the displacement distribution. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this specification, when a user lies supine on a bed, the direction of the head relative to the torso is called the "head side," the direction of the feet is called the "foot side," the direction of the right hand is called the "right side," the direction of the left hand is called the "left side," the direction of the room floor is called the "bottom side," and the direction of the ceiling is called the "top side." The head side and foot side are collectively called the "longitudinal direction L," the right side and left side are collectively called the "width direction W," and the top side and bottom side are collectively called the "up and down direction V."

[0010] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an air mattress device according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the bed, cell, and pressure distribution sensor in this embodiment.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air mattress device 1 includes a plurality of cells 10, a pump 20, a passage 30, a plurality of solenoid valves 40A to 40F, a flow path selection solenoid valve 41, an external solenoid valve 42, a pressure sensor 50, a pressure distribution sensor 60, and a control unit 90.

[0012] Multiple cells 10 are arranged on a bed 100 in a single row along the longitudinal direction L. The outer shape of each cell 10 is columnar, extending in the width direction W. Each cell 10 is made of a soft sheet material such as a resin sheet and is molded into an airtight bag shape. Air is supplied to and discharged from each cell 10. All the cells 10 together constitute a roughly sheet-like air mattress.

[0013] Multiple cells 10 are divided into multiple cell groups. In this embodiment, multiple cells 10 are divided into six cell groups, A to F. Each cell group contains multiple cells 10 arranged continuously along the longitudinal direction L. In addition, at least one of the multiple cells 10 does not belong to any cell group.

[0014] In FIGS. 1 and 2, for the sake of clarity, the cells 10 belonging to cell group A are labeled with the letter "A", the cells 10 belonging to cell group B (the third cell group) are labeled with the letter "B", the cells 10 belonging to cell group C (the first cell group) are labeled with the letter "C", the cells 10 belonging to cell group D (the second cell group) are labeled with the letter "D", the cells 10 belonging to cell group E (the fourth cell group) are labeled with the letter "E", and the cells 10 belonging to cell group F are labeled with the letter "F". The cell 10 that does not belong to any cell group is arranged between cell group C (the first cell group) and cell group D (the second cell group). This cell 10 is designated as the "third cell 10X" and is labeled with the letter "X" in FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that the number of cell groups and the number of cells 10 belonging to each cell group are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, a plurality of the third cells 10X may be provided.

[0015] Among the plurality of cells 10 belonging to cell group C (the first cell group), the cell 10 closest to cell group D (the second cell group) is designated as the "first cell 10C", and among the plurality of cells 10 belonging to cell group D (the second cell group), the cell 10 closest to cell group C (the first cell group) is designated as the "second cell 10D". The above-mentioned third cell 10X is arranged between the first cell 10C and the second cell 10D.

[0016] The pump 20 is connected to the passage 30. In this specification, "connected" means a state in which air can flow. The pump 20 sucks air (atmosphere) from outside the air mattress device 1 and supplies the air to the passage 30. The passage 30 is a structure that can allow air to flow in an airtight manner, for example, a pipe or a tube.

[0017] The solenoid valves 40A to 40F are two-way valves. The first ports of the solenoid valves 40A to 40F are connected to the passage 30. The second ports of the solenoid valves 40A to 40F are respectively connected to the cells 10 belonging to cell groups A to F. For example, the second port of the solenoid valve 40A is commonly connected to three cells 10 belonging to cell group A. Thereby, the solenoid valve 40A switches whether to connect the pump 20 to the three cells 10 belonging to cell group A. The same applies to the solenoid valves 40B to 40F.

[0018] For example, the solenoid valve 40C (first solenoid valve) switches whether to connect the pump 20 to three cells 10 (including the first cell 10C) belonging to the cell group C. The solenoid valve 40D (second solenoid valve) switches whether to connect the pump 20 to four cells 10 (including the second cell 10D) belonging to the cell group D.

[0019] The flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is a three-way valve. The first port of the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is connected to three cells 10 belonging to the cell group C. The second port of the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is connected to four cells 10 belonging to the cell group D. The third port of the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is connected to the third cell 10X. The flow path selection solenoid valve 41 switches whether to connect the third port to the first port or the second port. Thereby, the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 switches whether to connect the third cell 10X to the first cell 10C or the second cell 10D.

[0020] The external solenoid valve 42 is a two-way valve. The first port of the external solenoid valve 42 is connected to the passage 30. The second port of the external solenoid valve 42 is connected to the outside of the air mattress device 1. Thereby, the external solenoid valve 42 switches whether to connect the passage 30 to the outside of the air mattress device 1.

[0021] The pressure sensor 50 is connected to the passage 30. The pressure sensor 50 measures the pressure of the air in the passage 30.

[0022] The pressure distribution sensor 60 is arranged on the air mattress and is fixed in position with respect to a plurality of cells 10. The shape of the pressure distribution sensor 60 is sheet-like, and a plurality of pressure sensor elements are arranged two-dimensionally. The pressure sensor element is, for example, a capacitance-type pressure sensor. Thereby, the pressure distribution sensor 60 can measure a two-dimensional pressure distribution.

[0023] The control unit 90 includes input / output means, calculation means, and storage means. The control unit 90 receives the measurement results from the pressure sensor 50 and the pressure distribution sensor 60. The control unit 90 can also control the pump 20, solenoid valves 40A to 40F, flow path selection solenoid valve 41, and external solenoid valve 42.

[0024] Next, the operation of the air mattress device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air mattress device according to this embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of the measurement results for the pressure distribution. Figure 5 shows the positional relationship between the air mattress device, the user, and the measured pressure distribution results.

[0025] First, as shown in step S1 of Figure 3, the control unit 90 adjusts the pressure of each cell 10 to a predetermined value. For example, it adjusts the pressure to a predetermined value for each cell group. Specifically, the pump 20 is operated with solenoid valve 40A open, solenoid valves 40B to 40F closed, and external solenoid valve 42 closed. At this time, the state of the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 does not matter. Then, when the measurement value of the pressure sensor 50 reaches a predetermined value, solenoid valve 40A is closed and the pump 20 is stopped. This allows the pressure in multiple cells 10 belonging to cell group A to be adjusted to a predetermined value. The same operation is performed for cell groups B to F to adjust the pressure of each cell 10 belonging to each cell group.

[0026] For example, as shown in Figure 5, when user 200 lies supine on an air mattress, generally, user 200's head is located on cell group A, back on cell group B, waist on cell group C, buttocks on cell group D, thighs on cell group E, and lower legs and heels on cell group F. Since the buttocks have the largest mass proportion of user 200's body parts, it is preferable to set the pressure of cell 10 belonging to cell group D, which is located directly below the buttocks, higher than the pressure of cell 10 belonging to the other cell groups. This suppresses the sinking of the buttocks and makes the user 200's sleeping experience more comfortable.

[0027] However, the above-mentioned positional relationship varies depending on the user 200's physique. If user 200 is large, their buttocks may extend beyond the cell group D, causing discomfort to user 200. On the other hand, if user 200 is small, part of their lower back may rest on the cell group D, causing the high-pressure cell 10 belonging to cell group D to press against their lower back, causing discomfort to user 200. In this embodiment, the following operation is used to mitigate this problem.

[0028] As shown in step S2 of Figure 3, the user 200 lies supine on the air mattress, and the pressure distribution sensor 60 measures the pressure distribution. The pressure distribution sensor 60 outputs the measurement result of the pressure distribution to the control unit 90. As shown in Figure 4, the pressure distribution measurement result shows that pressure is concentrated on the user 200's buttocks and heels. Therefore, the control unit 90 detects the buttocks and heels and estimates the user 200's body size based on the distance between them. The estimation method will be explained below.

[0029] As shown in step S3 of Figure 3 and in Figure 4, for example, the control unit 90 is located in the center of the longitudinal direction L of the pressure distribution sensor 60 and detects a region where the pressure takes a maximum value and the pressure is above a certain value or the area is above a certain value. This region is called the "first region R1". The first region R1 is presumed to correspond to the buttocks of the user 200. The control unit 90 is also located at the foot end of the pressure distribution sensor 60, that is, the end on the second cell 10D side when viewed from the first cell 10C, and detects two regions where the pressure takes a maximum value and the pressure is above a certain value or the area is above a certain value, and which are separated from each other in the width direction W. These regions are called the "second region R2" and the "third region R3". Either the second region R2 or the third region R3 can be on the right side.

[0030] Next, as shown in step S4 of Figure 3 and in Figure 4, the control unit 90 calculates the distance Z1 between the first region R1 and the second region R2. Distance Z1 is a variable corresponding to the user 200's physique; the longer the distance Z1, the larger the user 200's physique is estimated to be. Specifically, if distance Z1 is less than the reference value, the physique is estimated to be below average, and if distance Z1 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the physique is estimated to be above average.

[0031] Next, as shown in step S5 of Figure 3, it is determined whether the distance Z1 is greater than or equal to the reference value. If the distance Z1 is less than the reference value, proceed to step S6; if the distance Z1 is greater than or equal to the reference value, proceed to step S7.

[0032] In step S6, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 90 controls the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to cell 10 belonging to cell group C (first cell group). As a result, the pressure of the third cell 10X becomes equal to the pressure of cell 10 belonging to cell group C.

[0033] In step S7, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 90 controls the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to cell 10 belonging to cell group D (second cell group). As a result, the pressure of the third cell 10X becomes equal to the pressure of cell 10 belonging to cell group D.

[0034] Next, as shown in step S8 of Figure 3 and in Figure 5, the pressure of cell 10 is readjusted as necessary. For example, if in step S1 the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 connected the third cell 10X to cell 10 belonging to cell group C (first cell group), and in step S5 it is determined that the distance Z1 is greater than or equal to the reference value, and in step S7 the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 connects the third cell 10X to cell 10 belonging to cell group D (second cell group), then air flows from cell 10 belonging to cell group D to the third cell 10X, causing the pressure of cell 10 belonging to cell group D and the third cell 10X to fall below a predetermined value. In this case, solenoid valve 40D is opened, solenoid valves 40A~40C, 40E, and 40F are closed, and the external solenoid valve 42 is closed to activate the pump 20. As a result, air is supplied from the pump 20 to cell 10 belonging to cell group D and the third cell 10X. Then, when the measurement value from the pressure sensor 50 reaches the value corresponding to cell group D, the solenoid valve 40D is closed and the pump 20 is stopped.

[0035] Alternatively, if in step S1 the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 connected the third cell 10X to a cell 10 belonging to cell group D (second cell group), and in step S5 it is determined that the distance Z1 is less than the reference value, and in step S6 the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 connects the third cell 10X to a cell 10 belonging to cell group C (first cell group), then air flows from the third cell 10X to the cell 10 belonging to cell group C, causing the pressure in the cell 10 belonging to cell group C and the third cell 10X to exceed a predetermined value. In this case, solenoid valve 40C and the external solenoid valve 42 are opened, and solenoid valves 40A, 40B, 40D~40F are closed. At this time, the pump 20 is not operated. As a result, air is discharged to the outside from the cell 10 belonging to cell group C and the third cell 10X. Then, when the measurement value of the pressure sensor 50 reaches the value corresponding to cell group C, solenoid valve 40C is closed.

[0036] Alternatively, in step S1, the pressure of all cells 10 may be made equal. In this case, all solenoid valves 40A to 40F are opened, the external solenoid valve 42 is closed, and the pump 20 is operated. Then, when the measurement value of the pressure sensor 50 reaches a predetermined value, all solenoid valves 40A to 40F are closed, and the pump 20 is stopped. In this case, in step S8, the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to each cell group is adjusted to their respective predetermined values.

[0037] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, in step S2 shown in Figure 3, the pressure distribution is measured; in step S3, a first region R1 corresponding to the buttocks of the user 200, and a second region R2 and a third region R3 corresponding to the heels are detected; in step S4, the distance Z1 between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is calculated; and in step S5, the user 200's physique is estimated by comparing the distance Z1 with a reference value.

[0038] Then, if it is determined that the user 200 is small in stature, the process proceeds to step S6, and the third cell 10X is connected to cell group C. This makes the pressure of the third cell 10X equal to that of cell group C. If the user 200 is small in stature, it is estimated that the user 200's waist is located directly above the third cell 10X. As a result, it is possible to suppress the third cell 10X from pushing up the user 200's waist.

[0039] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user 200 is large in build, the process proceeds to step S7, and the third cell 10X is connected to cell group D. This makes the pressure of the third cell 10X equal to that of cell group D. If the user 200 is large in build, it is estimated that the user 200's buttocks are located directly above the third cell 10X. As a result, the third cell 10X, together with cell 10 belonging to cell group D, supports the user 200's buttocks, preventing the user 200 from experiencing discomfort due to their buttocks protruding. In this way, according to this embodiment, a comfortable sleeping experience can be provided to users 200 with different builds.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressure distribution sensor 60 is placed on top of the air mattress, which consists of multiple cells 10. This allows for accurate measurement of the pressure distribution. Alternatively, the pressure distribution sensor 60 may be placed below the air mattress, that is, between the bed 100 and the air mattress. This makes it easier for the pressure of the cells 10 to be transmitted to the user 200, improving sleeping comfort.

[0041] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the user's physique is estimated based on the distance Z1, but the method is not limited to this. For example, based on the measurement results of the pressure distribution shown in Figure 4, the user's back or shoulders may be detected, and the user's physique may be estimated based on the distance between any two parts from the shoulders, back, buttocks, and heels. Alternatively, in the measurement results of the pressure distribution shown in Figure 4, the user's physique may be estimated based on the area of ​​the entire region where pressure was detected or the length L in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] <Second Embodiment> Figure 6 shows an air mattress device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, in the mattress device 2 according to this embodiment, a displacement distribution sensor 70 is provided instead of a pressure distribution sensor 60 compared to the mattress device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The displacement distribution sensor 70 is fixed in position relative to multiple cells 10 and measures the amount of sinking of each cell 10. For example, electrodes are attached to the bottom and top surfaces of each cell 10, and the distance between the bottom and top surfaces of each cell 10 is measured by measuring the capacitance between the electrodes. Since the bottom surface of each cell 10 is in contact with the bottom of the bed 100 and its position in the vertical direction V is fixed, the position of the top surface can be measured by measuring the distance between the bottom and top surfaces of each cell 10, and the amount of sinking of each cell 10 can be measured. The amount of sinking of multiple cells 10 allows for the measurement of the displacement distribution in the vertical direction V along the longitudinal direction L. The displacement distribution sensor 70 outputs the measurement results to the control unit 90.

[0044] Next, the operation of the air mattress device 2 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air mattress device according to this embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the measurement results for the displacement distribution.

[0045] First, as shown in step S1 of Figure 7, the control unit 90 sets the pressure of each cell 10 to a predetermined value. The operation of step S1 is as described in the first embodiment.

[0046] Next, as shown in step S12 of Figure 7 and in Figure 8, the displacement distribution sensor 70 measures the amount of sinking of multiple cells 10 to measure the displacement distribution. The displacement distribution sensor 70 outputs the measurement results of the displacement distribution to the control unit 90. As shown in Figure 8, in the measurement results of the displacement distribution, the amount of sinking of the cell 10 located directly below the buttocks is the largest, and the amount of sinking of the cell 10 located directly below the back is the second largest. Therefore, the control unit 90 detects the buttocks and back of the user 200 and evaluates the user's physique based on the distance between them.

[0047] As shown in step S13 of Figure 7 and in Figure 8, for example, the control unit 90 detects the region with the largest amount of sinking in the displacement distribution sensor 70 and designates this as the "fourth region R4". The fourth region R4 is estimated to correspond to the buttocks of the user 200. The control unit 90 also detects the region where the amount of sinking in the displacement distribution sensor 70 takes its maximum value and where the amount of sinking is the second largest, and designates this as the "fifth region R5". The fifth region R5 is estimated to correspond to the back of the user 200.

[0048] Next, as shown in step S14 of Figure 7 and in Figure 8, the control unit 90 calculates the distance Z2 between the fourth region R4 and the fifth region R5. Distance Z2 is a variable corresponding to the user 200's physique; the longer the distance Z2, the larger the estimated physique. Specifically, if distance Z2 is less than the reference value, the estimated physique is below average, and if distance Z2 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the estimated physique is above average. Next, the steps shown in steps S5 to S8 of Figure 7 are performed. The operation of steps S5 to S8 is the same as described in the first embodiment, except that distance Z2 is used instead of distance Z1.

[0049] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, in step S12 shown in Figure 7, the displacement distribution is measured; in step S13, the fourth region R4 corresponding to the buttocks of the user 200 and the fifth region R5 corresponding to the back are detected; in step S14, the distance Z2 between the fourth region R4 and the fifth region R5 is calculated; and in step S5, the user 200's physique is estimated by estimating the distance Z2 as a reference value. If it is determined that the user 200 is small in stature, the process proceeds to step S6, and the third cell is connected to cell group C; if it is determined that the user 200 is large in stature, the process proceeds to step S7, and the third cell is connected to cell group D. In this way, a comfortable sleeping experience can be provided to users 200 with different statures. The configuration, operation, and effects in this embodiment other than those described above are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0050] The embodiments described above are examples that embody the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention is also included in the embodiments described above in which some components or processes are added, deleted, or modified. For example, the embodiments described above show examples in which air (atmosphere) is used as the fluid to operate the cell, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fluid to operate the cell may be water or a liquid such as oil.

[0051] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0052] (Note 1) The first cell and, The second cell and A third cell positioned between the first cell and the second cell, A pump that supplies air, A first solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the first cell, A second solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the second cell, A flow path selection solenoid valve that switches whether to connect the third cell to the first cell or to the second cell, A pressure distribution sensor whose position is fixed relative to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, An air mattress device equipped with an air mattress.

[0053] (Note 2) The air mattress device described in Appendix 1, wherein the pressure distribution sensor is arranged on the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

[0054] (Note 3) The first region located in the longitudinal center of the pressure distribution sensor, where the pressure reaches a maximum value, and the second and third regions located at the end of the second cell side of the pressure distribution sensor, where the pressure reaches a maximum value and are separated from each other in the width direction, are detected. If the distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell. If the distance between the first region and the second region is greater than or equal to the reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell, as described in Appendix 1 or 2 of the air mattress device.

[0055] (Note 4) The first cell and, The second cell and A third cell positioned between the first cell and the second cell, A pump that supplies air, A first solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the first cell, A second solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the second cell, A flow path selection solenoid valve that switches whether to connect the third cell to the first cell or to the second cell, A displacement distribution sensor whose position is fixed relative to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, and which is capable of measuring the amount of sinking of the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, An air mattress device equipped with an air mattress.

[0056] (Note 5) The first region in the displacement distribution sensor where the amount of subsidence is greatest, and the second region in the displacement distribution sensor where the amount of subsidence takes a maximum value and the amount of subsidence is second greatest are detected. If the distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell. If the distance between the first region and the second region is greater than or equal to the reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell in the air mattress device as described in Appendix 4.

[0057] (Note 6) The first cell belongs to a first cell group which includes multiple cells, and is the cell closest to the second cell among the multiple cells which belong to the first cell group. The second cell belongs to a second cell group which includes multiple cells, and is the cell closest to the first cell among the multiple cells which belong to the second cell group. The first solenoid valve is connected to a plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group, The air mattress device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the second solenoid valve is connected to a plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group.

[0058] (Note 7) A plurality of other cells arranged along the first direction in which the first cell, the third cell, and the second cell are arranged, Third solenoid valve and The fourth solenoid valve, Furthermore, Some of the aforementioned other cells belong to the third cell group, Other parts of the aforementioned multiple cells belong to the fourth cell group, The first group of cells is positioned between the third group of cells and the second group of cells. The second group of cells is positioned between the first group of cells and the fourth group of cells. The third solenoid valve switches whether or not to connect the pump to a plurality of cells belonging to the third cell group. The air mattress device according to Appendix 6, wherein the fourth solenoid valve switches whether or not to connect the pump to a plurality of cells belonging to the fourth cell group.

[0059] (Note 8) The pump, the passage connected to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve, An external solenoid valve that switches whether or not to connect the aforementioned passage to the outside, A pressure sensor connected to the aforementioned passage, An air mattress device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, further comprising the features described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1, 2: Air mattress device 10: Cell 10C: Cell 1 10D: Cell 2 10X: Cell 3 20: Pump 30: Passageway 40A~40F: Solenoid valve 41: Flow path selection solenoid valve 42: External solenoid valve 50: Pressure sensor 60: Pressure distribution sensor 70: Displacement distribution sensor 90: Control Unit 100: Bed 200: User A~F: Cell group L: Longitudinal direction R1: 1st area R2: Second Domain R3: The Third Domain R4: The 4th Domain R5: The 5th Domain V: Up and down direction W: width direction Z1, Z2: Distance

Claims

1. The first cell and, The second cell and A third cell is positioned between the first cell and the second cell, A pump that supplies air, A first solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the first cell, A second solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the second cell, A flow path selection solenoid valve that switches whether to connect the third cell to the first cell or to the second cell, A pressure distribution sensor whose position is fixed relative to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, An air mattress device equipped with an air mattress.

2. The air mattress device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure distribution sensor is arranged on the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

3. The first region located in the longitudinal center of the pressure distribution sensor, where the pressure reaches a maximum value, and the second and third regions located at the end of the second cell side of the pressure distribution sensor, where the pressure reaches a maximum value and are separated from each other in the width direction, are detected. If the distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell. The air mattress device according to claim 1, wherein if the distance between the first region and the second region is greater than or equal to the reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell.

4. The first cell and, The second cell and A third cell is positioned between the first cell and the second cell, A pump that supplies air, A first solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the first cell, A second solenoid valve for switching whether or not to connect the pump to the second cell, A flow path selection solenoid valve that switches whether to connect the third cell to the first cell or to the second cell, A displacement distribution sensor is fixed in position relative to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, and is capable of measuring the amount of sinking of the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell. An air mattress device equipped with an air mattress.

5. The first region in the displacement distribution sensor where the amount of subsidence is greatest, and the second region in the displacement distribution sensor where the amount of subsidence takes a maximum value and the amount of subsidence is second greatest are detected. If the distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell. The air mattress device according to claim 4, wherein if the distance between the first region and the second region is greater than or equal to the reference value, the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell.

6. The first cell belongs to a first cell group which includes multiple cells, and is the cell closest to the second cell among the multiple cells which belong to the first cell group. The second cell belongs to a second cell group which includes multiple cells, and is the cell closest to the first cell among the multiple cells belonging to the second cell group. The first solenoid valve is connected to a plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group, The air mattress device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second solenoid valve is connected to a plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group.

7. A plurality of other cells arranged along the first direction in which the first cell, the third cell, and the second cell are arranged, The third solenoid valve, The fourth solenoid valve, Furthermore, Some of the other cells mentioned above belong to the third cell group, Other parts of the aforementioned multiple cells belong to the fourth cell group, The first cell group is arranged between the third cell group and the second cell group. The second cell group is arranged between the first cell group and the fourth cell group. The third solenoid valve switches whether or not to connect the pump to a plurality of cells belonging to the third cell group. The air mattress device according to claim 6, wherein the fourth solenoid valve switches whether or not to connect the pump to a plurality of cells belonging to the fourth cell group.

8. The pump, the passage connected to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve, An external solenoid valve that switches whether or not to connect the aforementioned passage to the outside, A pressure sensor connected to the aforementioned passage, An air mattress device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the above.

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