Cover, cover structure, gas information acquisition device

Abstract

To provide a cover which is capable of suppressing displacement of a tubular member structured to absorb odors associated with excretion, and in which a tube pull-out direction is considered.SOLUTION: Provided is a cover 900 which is a cover for positioning a tubular member for absorbing odors associated with excretion, and which has a first region 901 in which the tubular member can be arranged and a pair of second regions 903, 904 positioned on both sides in a longitudinal direction of the first region and capable of accommodating an elastic body, and which is provided with an insertion opening 901c into which the tubular member can be inserted, the insertion opening being arranged on one of sides of each second region opposite the first region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover, a cover structure, and a gas information acquisition device. [Background technology]

[0002] The number of people who spend their time sleeping, resting, and relaxing in beds or futons, but are unable to dispose of their excrement by themselves, is increasing year by year. For such people, excrement is disposed of by caregivers, but if a long time has passed since the person who defecates, the person who defecates will be in an unsanitary and uncomfortable state for a long time, and it will take more effort for the caregiver to dispose of the excrement than if the person did so immediately after the excretion.

[0003] Therefore, a gas information acquisition device that detects excretion by sucking in the air near a bed or futon has been developed. This gas information acquisition device includes, for example, a tube, a tank, a pump, and an odor sensor, and the pump sends the gas sucked in from inside the tank via the tube, which is a tubular member, to the odor sensor (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] The tubes connected to such a gas information acquisition device must be placed on the bed etc. so as not to be misaligned. Also, the direction in which the tubes are pulled out to the device side is also important to prevent the tubes from getting caught. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-178890 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a cover that can prevent misalignment of the tubular member that absorbs odors associated with excretion, and that takes into account the direction in which the tube is pulled out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cover is a cover for positioning a tubular member that sucks up odors associated with excretion, and has a first region in which the tubular member can be disposed, and a pair of second regions that are located on both sides of the first region in the longitudinal direction and can accommodate an elastic body. The first region is provided with a slit, An insertion opening through which the tubular member can be inserted is provided on one of the side parts of each of the second regions opposite to the first region. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to prevent the tubular member that sucks in odors associated with excretion from shifting out of position, and it is also possible to provide a cover that takes into account the direction in which the tube is pulled out. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view that illustrates a bed in which a gas information acquisition device according to a first embodiment is disposed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cover according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3C are plan views illustrating both surface sides of the cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cover structure according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cover structure according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the adapter (part 1). [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the adapter (part 2). [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) explaining how to attach the adapter to the cover. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) explaining how to attach the adapter to the cover. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 3) explaining how to attach the adapter to the cover. [Figure 13] This is the 4th diagram explaining how to attach the adapter to the cover. [Figure 14] This is a fifth diagram explaining how to attach the adapter to the cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the adapter. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a modified example of the adapter. [Figure 17] 13A to 13C are top perspective views of a modified example of the adapter. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a case of the gas information acquiring device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a case of the gas information acquiring device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a gas suction and exhaust device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 21] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a gas suction and exhaust device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 22] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a gas suction and exhaust device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 23] 2 is a plan view illustrating a micro-blower of the gas suction and exhaust device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 24] 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a micro-blower of the gas suction and exhaust device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (part 1) that illustrates a bed in which a gas information acquiring device according to a first modified example of the first embodiment is placed. [Figure 26] 13 is a perspective view (part 2) that illustrates a schematic diagram of a bed in which a gas information acquiring device according to the first modified example of the first embodiment is disposed. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a perspective view that illustrates a bed in which a gas information acquiring device according to a second modification of the first embodiment is disposed. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a modified example of the adapter. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a perspective view (part 1) illustrating an upper case according to a second embodiment, turned upside down. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a second perspective view illustrating the upper case according to the second embodiment turned upside down. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a third perspective view illustrating the upper case according to the second embodiment, turned upside down. [Diagram 32] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating an upper case according to a second embodiment, turned upside down. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of an upper case according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted.

[0011] First Embodiment [Gas information acquisition device 3] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a bed in which a gas information acquisition device according to the first embodiment is arranged. Referring to Fig. 1, a gas information acquisition device 3 has a gas suction and exhaust device 1 and a cover structure 950. In the example of Fig. 1, the gas suction and exhaust device 1 is housed in a case 300 and cannot be seen from the outside.

[0012] 1, a mattress is laid on bed 800, and the top and sides of the mattress are covered with sheet 810. A cover structure 950 is disposed on a partial area on sheet 810. Note that bedding such as bed 800 and sheet 810, and a waterproof sheet described below are not essential components of gas information acquisition device 3, but may be included as components of gas information acquisition device 3.

[0013] The cover structure 950 has a cover 900, a tube 910, and elastic bodies 933 and 934. The cover 900 is a member that positions the tube 910, into which one end of the tube 910 can be inserted, and which can house the elastic bodies 933 and 934. The cover structure 950 is formed by inserting one end of the tube 910 into the cover 900 and housing the elastic bodies 933 and 934.

[0014] One end of tube 910, one of which is inserted into cover 900, is connected to the suction side of gas suction exhaust device 1. Gas suction exhaust device 1 to which tube 910 is connected is placed in the vicinity of bed 800. Gas suction exhaust device 1 is placed, for example, on the floor on which bed 800 is placed.

[0015] The gas suction and exhaust device 1 is a device that sucks in gas near the cover 900 through the tube 910 and acquires information (such as odor and humidity) of the sucked gas. For example, when a patient wearing a diaper is lying on the cover 900 of the bed 800, the gas suction and exhaust device 1 sucks in odors associated with the excretion of the patient through the tube 910.

[0016] Since the tip side of the tube 910 inserted into the cover 900 is open, it is possible to suck gas near the cover 900 from the tip side of the tube 910. If necessary, one or more holes for sucking gas may be provided on the side surface of the tube 910 at the portion inserted into the cover 900. Details of the gas suction and exhaust device 1 will be described later.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating the cover according to the first embodiment. Referring to Fig. 2, the cover 900 is, for example, a cover made by sewing an upper member and a lower member made of two overlapping rectangular pieces of cloth or the like at the position of the dashed line. The size of the upper member and the lower member is, for example, about 1000 mm x 500 mm.

[0018] The cover 900 has a first region 901 and a pair of second regions 903 and 904 that are divided by sewing. The cover 900 does not have to be entirely made of cloth. Examples of materials other than cloth include rubber and vinyl.

[0019] The first region 901 is an elongated region in which the tube 910 can be disposed. The second regions 903 and 904 are located on both sides of the first region 901 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the first region 901 is sandwiched between the pair of second regions 903 and 904.

[0020] For example, the length of the first region 901 is about 850 to 950 mm, and the width is about 10 mm. A slit 901c penetrating only the upper member is provided in the approximate center of the first region 901. The slit 901c can be provided, for example, with a length of about L1=30 mm, approximately parallel to the direction in which the first region 901 extends. If the upper member is a cloth, it is preferable to sew the periphery of the slit 901c like a buttonhole to prevent the periphery of the slit 901c from fraying.

[0021] In the cover 900, insertion openings 901a and 901b through which a tube 910 can be inserted are provided on one of the sides of the second areas 903 and 904 located opposite the first area 901. In the example of Fig. 2, the insertion openings 901a and 901b are provided on the side of the second area 904 located opposite the first area 901 (the lower side in Fig. 2).

[0022] The side portion where the insertion openings 901a and 901b are provided includes a first portion where the upper member and the lower member are sewn together, and a second portion where the upper member and the lower member are not sewn together. The insertion openings 901a and 901b are included in the second portion.

[0023] More specifically, the insertion openings 901a and 901b are areas that are not sewn and have slits formed therein. For example, if the length of the side portion where the insertion openings 901a and 901b are provided is 1000 mm, the length of one slit can be about 100 mm.

[0024] The tube 910 may be inserted from either the insertion opening 901a or 901b. Usually, either the insertion opening 901a or 901b is selected, and the tube 910 is inserted from the selected insertion opening to near the center in the longitudinal direction of the first region 901. Only one of the insertion openings 901a and 901b may be provided, or both may be provided.

[0025] When both the insertion openings 901a and 901b are provided, it is preferable that the insertion openings 901a and 901b are located on opposite sides of the center of one side in a plan view. In other words, it is preferable that the insertion openings 901a and 901b are provided in two places, left and right. In the example of Fig. 2, one of the insertion openings 901a and 901b is provided at a position including one end of one side in a plan view, and the other of the insertion openings 901a and 901b is provided at a position including the other end of one side in a plan view.

[0026] It should be noted that with respect to the cover 900 and the cover structure 950, a plan view refers to a view in which the cover 900 and the cover structure 950 are placed on the bed 800 as shown in FIG.

[0027] In the cover 900, two slit-shaped insertion openings 901a and 901b are provided in two locations, left and right, so that by rotating the cover 900 180 degrees around the vicinity of the slit 901c in a plan view (by flipping the cover left and right), the tube 910 can be pulled out from either the head side or the foot side, regardless of the position where the bed is placed.

[0028] By pulling out the tube 910 from either the head side or the foot side, problems associated with installing the tube 910 (such as the tube getting pinched between the bed or mattress and the bed, the tube getting twisted, etc.) are less likely to occur compared to when the tube 910 is pulled out toward the floor below the bed 800.

[0029] Since the slit-like insertion openings 901a and 901b can be formed by sewing the sides of the cover 900 other than the slits, the operation of sewing the cover 900 is very easy and the cover 900 is inexpensive.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating both sides of the cover according to the first embodiment. The upper side of the arrow in FIG. 3 is a view seen from the upper member side, and the lower side of the arrow is a view seen from the lower member side. As shown in the upper side of the arrow in FIG. 3, a slit 901c penetrating only the upper member may be provided in the approximate center of the first region 901, and further, as shown in the lower side of the arrow in FIG. 3, a slit 901d penetrating only the lower member may be provided in the approximate center of the first region 901. In this case, even if only the insertion opening 901a is provided, by turning the cover 900 up and down from the upper side of the arrow in FIG. 3 to the lower side, the tube 910 can be pulled out from either the head side or the foot side, regardless of the position where the bed is installed. The same applies when only the insertion opening 901b is provided instead of the insertion opening 901a.

[0031] It is preferable that the lengths of the slits 901c and 901d are the same (for example, L1=30 mm), so that an adapter 360 (described later) can be inserted from either the slit 901c or the slit 901d.

[0032] Whether to provide both insertion openings 901a and 901b and only slit 901c, or to provide either one of insertion openings 901a and 901b and slits 901c and 901d can be appropriately selected taking into consideration ease of sewing, etc.

[0033] 2, the second region 903 located on one side of the first region 901 in the longitudinal direction is a region having a rectangular planar shape capable of accommodating the elastic body 933. The second region 904 located on the other side of the first region 901 in the longitudinal direction is a region having a rectangular planar shape capable of accommodating the elastic body 934.

[0034] In the second region 903, the vicinity of the center of the side opposite to the first region 901 is an unsewn region, which serves as an insertion opening 903a for inserting the elastic body 933 into the second region 903. In the second region 904, the vicinity of the center of the side opposite to the first region 901 is an unsewn region, which serves as an insertion opening 904a for inserting the elastic body 934 into the second region 904. The insertion openings 903a and 904a are left open without being sewn, but a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, snap button, or the like may be provided in this portion.

[0035] A surplus region may be defined in a part of the first region 901 and the second regions 903 and 904. For example, a region into which the elastic bodies 933 and 934 are not inserted is the surplus region. For example, in the case of Fig. 2, surplus regions 906 and 907 are defined on the sides of the second regions 903 and 904 in the direction in which the tube 910 extends (on both sides of the region into which the elastic bodies 933 and 934 are to be inserted).

[0036] Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating the cover structure according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cover structure according to the first embodiment, showing a cross section along the line AA in Fig. 4. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, in the cover structure 950, one end side of the tube 910 is inserted up to the position of the slit 901c near the center in the longitudinal direction of the first region 901 of the cover 900. In addition, the elastic body 933 is housed in the second region 903, and the elastic body 934 is housed in the second region 904.

[0037] The elastic bodies 933 and 934 are low-load elastic bodies formed from an easily deformable material such as urethane rubber. Examples of low-load elastic bodies other than urethane rubber include elastomer materials, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber (silicone rubber, urethane rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, etc.). Here, the low-load elastic body is a soft moldable material that has elasticity like rubber.

[0038] The elastic bodies 933 and 934 may be a gel-like substance, water, hot water, air, etc. By using the elastic bodies 933 and 934 housed in the cover 900 according to the season, a patient or the like lying on the bed can be placed in a comfortable environment. When water or hot water is housed in the elastic bodies 933 and 934, the second regions 903 and 904 of the cover 900 are formed from a material that does not leak water or hot water. Note that the second regions 903 and 904 are not required to be breathable.

[0039] The elastic body 933 and the elastic body 934 do not have to be made of the same material or have the same shape. For example, when the widths of the elastic body 933 and the elastic body 934 are different, the tube 910 is disposed at a position shifted from the center of the cover 900.

[0040] In addition, since elastic body 933 is flexible, it can be easily accommodated in second region 903 through insertion opening 903a that is shorter than the longitudinal direction of elastic body 933 by deforming it, and it is difficult to fall out of insertion opening 903a after being accommodated. Similarly, elastic body 934 is flexible, so it can be easily accommodated in second region 904 through insertion opening 904a that is shorter than the longitudinal direction of elastic body 934 by deforming it, and it is difficult to fall out of insertion opening 904a after being accommodated.

[0041] The surplus regions 906 and 907 can be tucked under the mattress when the cover structure 950 is placed on the bed 800, for example. For example, in FIG. 1, the cover 900 is formed slightly longer in the extension direction of the tube, so that the surplus regions 906 and 907 can be tucked under the mattress. This makes it possible to suppress misalignment of the cover structure 950 with respect to the bed 800. The surplus regions 906 and 907 may be used for other purposes. Note that only one of the surplus regions 906 and 907 may be provided.

[0042] In this way, the cover 900 is provided on one side with at least one of the insertion openings 901a and 901b through which the tube 910 can be inserted. This allows the tube 910 to be easily pulled out to the head side or foot side of the bed 800. In other words, the cover 900 can be realized in consideration of the pulling direction of the tube 910.

[0043] Furthermore, by providing both insertion ports 901a and 901b and only slit 901c, or by providing either one of insertion ports 901a and 901b and slits 901c and 901d, the tube 910 can be pulled out from either the head side or the foot side regardless of the position where the bed is installed.

[0044] Moreover, the cover 900 has a first region 901 in which a tube 910 that sucks up odors associated with excretion can be placed, and a pair of second regions 903 and 904 that are located on both sides of the first region 901 in the longitudinal direction and can accommodate elastic bodies 933 and 934. The first region 901 has a structure that serves as a guide for the tube 910, and therefore can prevent the tube 910 inserted into the first region 901 from shifting in position.

[0045] In addition, in the cover structure 950 in which one end of the tube 910 is inserted into the first region 901 of the cover 900 and the elastic bodies 933 and 934 are housed in the second region 903, the elastic bodies 933 and 934 are arranged on both sides of the tube 910. The tube 910 sandwiched between the elastic bodies 933 and 934 is guided by the opposing sides of the elastic bodies 933 and 934, and is therefore less susceptible to the movement of a patient or the like on the bed. In other words, the cover structure 950 suppresses displacement of the tube 910, and the tube 910 hardly deviates from the same position.

[0046] In addition, elastic bodies 933 and 934 are arranged on both sides of tube 910, and tube 910 is embedded between elastic bodies 933 and 934, so that a patient or the like lying on a bed may touch elastic bodies 933 and 934 but is unlikely to touch tube 910. Therefore, a patient or the like lying on a bed will not feel a foreign body sensation, and there is little risk that tube 910 will be crushed by the buttocks of the patient or the like.

[0047] In addition, in the cover structure 950, the cover 900, the tube 910, and the elastic bodies 933 and 934 are unitized, so that even when changing the sheets periodically, it is not necessary to remove or attach them in a time-consuming manner.

[0048] Although the tube 910 is capable of sucking gas near the cover structure 950 from the tip side of the tube 910 through the slits 901c or the like, it is preferable to attach an adapter 360 to the tip side of the tube 910 as described below.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the top side of the adapter. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the bottom side of the adapter. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view (part 1) of the adapter. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view (part 2) of the adapter, showing a state in which a tube is inserted into the adapter. Note that Figs. 8 and 9 show a vertical cross section passing through the center of a plate-shaped portion 361 described below and parallel to a slippage prevention portion 363 described below.

[0050] 6 to 9, the adaptor 360 is a member that can be attached to the end of the tube 910 that is not connected to the gas suction and exhaust device 1. The adaptor 360 has a plate-shaped portion 361, a tube insertion portion 362, and a removal prevention portion 363.

[0051] The plate-shaped portion 361 is formed, for example, in a disk shape (circular in plan view). This can make it difficult for the monitored person to feel uncomfortable (such as a rough feeling) when sleeping. However, the plate-shaped portion 361 may be in a shape other than a disk shape, such as a rectangular shape. The tube insertion portion 362 is an elongated member provided on the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 361, extending from the outer periphery to the center of the plate-shaped portion 361. The tube insertion portion 362 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Note that with respect to the adapter 360, a plan view refers to a view from the normal direction of the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 361 of the adapter 360. The same applies to other adapters.

[0052] One end of the removal prevention portion 363 is continuous with the tube insertion portion 362, extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the tube insertion portion 362, and the other end protrudes beyond the outer periphery of the plate-shaped portion 361. At least a part of the portion of the removal prevention portion 363 protruding from the plate-shaped portion 361 is inserted into the first region 901 through the slit 901c. This prevents the adapter 360 from coming off the cover 900.

[0053] The maximum length L2 of the adapter 360 is longer than the length L1 of the slit 901c (see FIG. 2, etc.). Here, the maximum length L2 of the adapter 360 is the length of an extension line of the central axis of the removal prevention portion 363 from the tip of the plate-shaped portion 361 to the tip of the removal prevention portion 363 when the adapter 360 is viewed in plan.

[0054] The plate-shaped portion 361 is provided with a gas suction port 361x that opens on the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 361 and extends in a substantially vertical direction from the upper surface to the lower surface. The tube insertion portion 362 is provided with a tube insertion port 362x that opens on a side surface of the tube insertion portion 362, extends in a substantially parallel direction to the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 361, and communicates with the gas suction port 361x.

[0055] The tube insertion port 362x has a smaller diameter on the side closer to the gas suction port 361x to form a tube stopper 362y. The tube 910 inserted into the tube insertion port 362x stops at the position of the tube stopper 362y and is held in the tube insertion portion 362.

[0056] The gas suction port 361x and the tube insertion port 362x communicate with each other to form a flow path that is bent in a substantially L-shape in cross section. By inserting a tube 910 into the tube insertion port 362x, gas can be sucked in from the gas suction port 361x and made to flow into the cavity of the tube 910, and can reach a sensor 92 (described later).

[0057] In the adaptor 360, the plate-like portion 361, the tube insertion portion 362, and the removal prevention portion 363 are, for example, integrally molded. The adaptor 360 can be formed from, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber (silicone rubber, urethane rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, etc.), thermoplastic elastomer, etc. By making the adaptor 360 from such a material, it can be easily inserted into the cover 900, and it is also possible to prevent the monitored person from feeling uncomfortable (such as a rough feeling) when sleeping.

[0058] 10 to 14 are diagrams illustrating a method for attaching an adaptor to a cover. First, as shown in Fig. 10, a tube 910 is inserted into the first area 901 from an insertion port 901a or 901b, and one end of the tube 910 is pulled out from a slit 901c to the upper side of the cover 900. Then, an adaptor 360 is prepared.

[0059] 11, one end of the tube 910 is inserted into the tube insertion port 362x of the adapter 360. The insertion is continued until the tip of the tube 910 reaches the tube stopper 362y.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the tube 910 is bent so that the tube insertion portion 362 of the adaptor 360 is on top, and the removal prevention portion 363 of the adaptor 360 is inserted through the slit 901c into the first region 901 located on the opposite side to the tube 910.

[0061] Next, as shown in Fig. 13, while returning tube 910 drawn out to the outside of cover 900 into first area 901, tube insertion portion 362 side of adapter 360 is lowered and adapter 360 is attached to cover 900. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the state in Fig. 13. Here, tube 910, adapter 360, and cover 900 are all made of soft materials and easily deformed, so they can be attached in the states shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

[0062] In this way, although the cavity of the tube 910 that forms the gas flow path extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the bed 800, the gas suction port 361x of the adapter 360 converts the gas flow path to a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the bed 800. As a result, it is possible to reliably suck the gas present above the bed 800 (the direction in which the person to be monitored lies). In the present application, "parallel" and "perpendicular" do not refer only to strict parallelism and perpendicularity, but also include cases where they are substantially parallel and perpendicular within a range that does not impair the effects of the present application.

[0063] Further, since the adapter 360 has a detachment prevention portion 363, it can be reliably positioned on the cover 900 and is difficult to detach from the cover 900 once attached to the cover 900. Furthermore, the length L1 of the slit 901c and the maximum length L2 of the adapter 360 are in the relationship of L1 < L2. Therefore, after being attached in the state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in normal operations (not an operation of forcibly pulling out the tube from the cover), the adapter 360 does not detach from the cover 900, and the air on the hip side can be stably sucked in.

[0064] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the adapter. The adapter 360A shown in FIG. 15 is different from the adapter 360 (see FIG. 8 etc.) in that it has a slit 364 that improves the flexibility of the detachment prevention portion 363. The slit 364 is provided between the plate-like portion 361 and the detachment prevention portion 363 in the thickness direction of the adapter 360A. The slit 364 is provided substantially parallel to the upper surface of the adapter 360A and extends from the outer peripheral side to the vicinity of the central portion of the plate-like portion 361.

[0065] By providing the slit 364 as in the adapter 360A, as shown by the arrow on the lower side in FIG. 15, the flexibility of the detachment prevention portion 363 is improved compared to the case of the adapter 360. Therefore, it becomes easier to insert the detachment prevention portion 363 into the slit 901c and attach the adapter 360A to the position of the cover 900 in FIG. 13.

[0066] Fig. 16 is a plan view of a modified example of the adaptor. As in adaptor 360B shown in Fig. 16, instead of or in addition to slit 364, slit 365 for improving the flexibility of removal prevention portion 363 may be provided. In plan view, two slits 365 are provided on both sides of removal prevention portion 363 so as to penetrate plate-shaped portion 361. The two slits 365 are arranged to extend from the outer periphery side of plate-shaped portion 361 to the vicinity of the center, and are approximately parallel to the central axis of removal prevention portion 363.

[0067] Providing slits 365 as in adaptor 360B improves the flexibility of removal prevention portion 363, as in the case of adaptor 360A. This makes it easy to insert removal prevention portion 363 into slits 901c and attach adaptor 360B to the position of cover 900 shown in FIG.

[0068] Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of a modified adaptor. The adaptor 360C shown in Fig. 17 is composed of two parts, a first member 360f and a second member 360r. The adaptor 360C has a structure in which the adaptor 360 is divided into two parts at approximately the center. In other words, the adaptor 360C can be divided into a first member 360f that does not include a removal prevention portion 363, and a second member 360r that includes the removal prevention portion 363. The gas suction port 361x and the tube insertion port 362x are included in the first member 360f.

[0069] The first member 360f is provided with two cylindrical projections 366, and the second member 360r is provided with two grooves 367. By fitting each of the projections 366 into the grooves 367, the first member 360f and the second member 360r are integrated together to form an adapter 360C, as shown below the arrow in FIG.

[0070] In this way, the adapter 360C is composed of two parts. Therefore, with the first member 360f and the second member 360r in a separate state, the tube 910 can be inserted into the tube insertion port 362x of the first member 360f, and the removal prevention portion 363 of the second member 360r can be inserted into the slit 901c. Thereafter, the protrusion 366 of the first member 360f is fitted into the groove portion 367 of the second member 360r, making it easy to attach the adapter 360C to the position of the cover 900 shown in FIG. 13.

[0071] [Gas suction and exhaust device 1, tube 910] Here, the gas suction and exhaust device 1, the tube 910, etc. will be described in detail.

[0072] Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the case of the gas information acquiring device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 19 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the case of the gas information acquiring device according to the first embodiment.

[0073] The gas information acquisition device 3 is a device in which a gas suction and exhaust device 1 arranged in a case 300 sucks in gas in a measurement region through a tube 910 having one end inserted into a cover 900, exhausts the sucked gas toward a sensor 92 included in the gas suction and exhaust device 1, and acquires gas information (such as odor and humidity) by the sensor 92. In this embodiment, the gas to be detected is air.

[0074] 18 and 19, in the gas information acquisition device 3, a part of the gas suction and exhaust device 1 is housed inside a box-shaped case 300. Case 300, which is a housing, has, for example, a plate-shaped lower case 310 and a square-shaped upper case 320. The size of case 300 is, for example, about 100 mm long x 70 mm wide x 40 mm high.

[0075] The upper case 320 has, for example, four side walls and an upper plate that closes the upper sides of the four side walls. The four side walls are, for example, formed integrally with the upper plate. The lower case 310 is a lower plate that closes the lower sides of the four side walls. Note that the upper case 320 may be plate-shaped, and the lower case 310 may be square-shaped having four side walls and a lower plate that closes the lower sides of the four side walls. The lower case 310 and the upper case 320 are, for example, formed of ABS resin or the like, and fixed with screws or the like.

[0076] The gas suction and exhaust device 1 has a tube joint 70 to which a tube 910 for suctioning gas can be detachably attached. One end of the tube joint 70 is inserted into a hollow protrusion 51 provided on the gas suction side of the upper case 50, and the tube joint 70 is detachably attached to the protrusion 51.

[0077] Specifically, one end of tube fitting 70 is inserted into through hole 52 (see FIG. 21 for details) formed in protruding portion 51 of upper case 50, which is the suction side of gas suction and exhaust device 1. The other end of tube fitting 70 passes through a through hole provided in upper case 320 and protrudes in a substantially horizontal direction from the side surface of upper case 320. Therefore, tube fitting 70 is freely attachable and detachable from the outside of case 300.

[0078] It should be noted that part or all of protruding portion 51 may protrude from upper case 320 together with the other end side of tube joint 70. In gas suction and exhaust device 1, the portion other than the portion protruding from upper case 320 is housed within case 300.

[0079] In the gas information acquisition device 3, the tube 910 is a hollow tubular member with one end inserted into the cover 900, and the other end is attached to the tube joint 70. In other words, the tube 910 extends from the case 300 to above the bed 800, which is the measurement area for gas information.

[0080] The cavity of the tube 910 becomes a part of the gas flow path. The tube 910 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or vinyl. The inner and outer diameters of the tube 910 can be appropriately determined as necessary, but are, for example, about several mm.

[0081] Tube fitting 70 is a member for connecting tube 910, and for example, when connecting tube 910, tube 910 is fixed simply by inserting tube 910 into tube insertion port 71. When removing tube 910, tube 910 can be removed by pulling tube 910 while pressing release portion 72 provided on the tube insertion port 71 side.

[0082] The gas information acquisition device 3 is used, for example, near a bed 800 placed in a hospital. For example, consider a case where a patient wearing a diaper is lying on the bed 800 as a monitoring subject.

[0083] In this case, when the gas suction and exhaust device 1 in the gas information acquisition device 3 is operated constantly or intermittently, gas in the vicinity of the patient's buttocks is sucked in through the tube 910 inserted in the cover 900. The sucked in gas is detected by the sensor 92 of the gas suction and exhaust device 1.

[0084] By analyzing the detection results of sensor 92 with an analyzer disposed outside gas information acquisition device 3, information on the air near the patient's buttocks can be reliably acquired via tube 910. For example, if an odor sensor is used as sensor 92, information on the odor of the air near the patient's buttocks can be reliably acquired via tube 910. Furthermore, if a humidity sensor is used as sensor 92, information on the humidity of the air near the patient's buttocks can be reliably acquired via tube 910.

[0085] For example, by analyzing odors with an analyzer arranged outside the gas information acquisition device 3, it is possible to easily detect whether excretion (urination or defecation) has occurred on the bed 800. When the analyzer detects that excretion has occurred on the bed 800, it conveys the detection result to a nurse or the like at the hospital by sound or flashing light, so that the nurse or the like can know, for example, when to change the diaper of the patient lying on the bed 800. As a result, the diaper is changed in a short time after excretion, so the time that the patient is unsanitary and uncomfortable is also short. The nurse or the like who changes the diaper can also change it smoothly because it is not a diaper that has been left out for a long time. Hygiene can also be ensured.

[0086] Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating the gas suction exhaust device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the gas suction exhaust device according to the first embodiment, showing a vertical cross section cut so as to pass through the center of the gas suction exhaust device 1. Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the gas suction exhaust device according to the first embodiment.

[0087] 20 to 22, the gas suction and exhaust device 1 mainly includes a lower case 10, a microblower 20, an upper case 50, a filter unit 60, a tube joint 70, and a wiring board 91. The lower case 10 and the upper case 50 are housing members that house the microblower 20. Note that the gas suction and exhaust device 1 does not necessarily have to include the wiring board 91 and its mounted components. In that case, the wiring board 91 and its mounted components can be mounted on a wiring board 401 described below.

[0088] The gas suction and exhaust device 1 is a device that, by driving the piezoelectric element of the microblower 20, sucks in gas from the upper case 50 side, exhausts it to the lower case 10 side, and detects odors, moisture, and the like with a sensor 92.

[0089] The gas to be sucked in and exhausted is typically air. The gas to be sucked in and exhausted may be oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, alternative fluorocarbons, various gases, etc. The various gases include flammable gases, toxic gases, semiconductor material gases, inert gases, city gas, LP gas, etc.

[0090] In this embodiment, for convenience, the upper case 50 side of the gas suction and exhaust device 1 is referred to as the upper side or one side, and the lower case 10 side is referred to as the lower side or the other side. Also, the surface of each part facing the upper case 50 is referred to as the one side or the top surface, and the surface facing the lower case 10 is referred to as the other side or the bottom surface. However, the gas suction and exhaust device 1 can be used upside down or placed at any angle. Also, in the gas suction and exhaust device 1, a planar view refers to viewing an object from the normal direction of the upper surface of the upper case 50, and a planar shape refers to the shape of an object viewed from the normal direction of the upper surface of the upper case 50. Each part of the gas suction and exhaust device 1 will be described below.

[0091] [Lower case 10, upper case 50, filter unit 60, tube fitting 70] The lower case 10 is disposed on the gas discharge side of the microblower 20. The lower case 10 is a plate-like member made of, for example, ABS resin or the like, and has a protruding portion 11 formed on the lower surface thereof, protruding to the opposite side to the microblower 20. The protruding portion 11 has a through hole 12 formed therein, which serves as a flow path for discharging gas from the microblower 20.

[0092] A recess 13x in which the main body 21 of the microblower 20 is disposed is provided in the approximate center of the upper surface of the lower case 10. A recess 13y in which the external connection terminal 22 of the microblower 20 is disposed is provided in the radial direction of the upper surface of the lower case 10. For example, the recess 13x and the recess 13y are in communication. A recess 13z in communication with the recess 13y is provided on the upper surface of the lower case 10 so as to surround the outside of the recess 13x. Six through holes 14 into which screws are inserted for fixing the lower case 10 to the upper case 50 are formed on the outer periphery of the lower case 10.

[0093] The gas suction and exhaust device 1 has the microblower 20 and sealing members 41-43 arranged in contact with the lower case 10 or the upper case 50. The sealing members 41-43 are members capable of suppressing gas leakage around the microblower 20. The sealing members 41-43 are made of an elastically deformable material. Here, elastic deformation refers to deformation within a range in which an object is deformed by applying a force within a certain range and the object returns to its original shape when the force is removed.

[0094] Examples of materials for the sealing members 41 to 43 include low-resilience cushions (urethane foam), silicone rubber sheets, gel sheets, etc. The sealing members 41 to 43 may be made of the same material or different materials. The specific arrangement of the sealing members 41 to 43 will be described below.

[0095] The microblower 20 has a main body 21 and an external connection terminal 22 protruding from the main body 21. A flat, frame-shaped sealing member 41 is disposed in the recess 13x, and the main body 21 of the microblower 20 is disposed on the sealing member 41. Here, "flat" refers to a member that is wider than it is thick.

[0096] More specifically, the sealing member 41 is disposed between the main body 21 of the microblower 20 and the lower case 10 so as to contact the outer periphery of the lower surface (the surface facing the lower case 10) of the main body 21 and the lower case 10. The upper surface of the lower case 10 and the upper surface of the microblower 20 are substantially flush with each other. The sealing member 41 suppresses air leakage from the mating surface between the microblower 20 and the lower case 10.

[0097] A rectangular sealing member 42 is disposed in the recess 13y, and the external connection terminal 22 of the microblower 20 is disposed on the sealing member 42. In other words, the sealing member 42 is disposed between the external connection terminal 22 and the lower case 10, and contacts the external connection terminal 22 and the lower case 10.

[0098] A ring-shaped sealing member 43 is disposed in the recess 13z so as to surround the periphery of the side surface of the main body 21 of the microblower 20. That is, the sealing member 43 is an annular member that is disposed around the periphery of the side surface of the main body 21 and between the external connection terminal 22 and the upper case 50, and is in contact with the opposing surfaces of the lower case 10 and the upper case 50. The sealing member 43 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0099] The external connection terminal 22 is sandwiched between sealing members 42 and 43, and the tip side of the external connection terminal 22 passes between the sealing members 42 and 43 and protrudes from the inside to the outside of the lower case 10. This enables electrical connection between a piezoelectric element 215a (described later) constituting the microblower 20 and a circuit provided outside the gas suction and exhaust device 1. The sealing members 42 and 43 are sealing members for preventing gaps from occurring between the external connection terminal 22 of the microblower 20 and the lower case 10 and upper case 50.

[0100] The upper case 50 is disposed on the gas suction side of the microblower 20. The upper case 50 is a plate-like member made of ABS resin or the like, and has a protruding portion 51 formed at approximately the center of the upper surface, protruding toward the opposite side to the lower case 10. A through hole 52 that serves as a flow path for sucking gas is formed at approximately the center of the protruding portion 51. An annular step portion 52x is formed inside the through hole 52. For example, six recesses 53 (spot facing portions) are formed on the outer periphery of the upper surface of the upper case 50, and six through holes 54 are formed in each recess 53, into which screws are inserted for fixing to the lower case 10.

[0101] The lower case 10 and the upper case 50 are fixed with screws 80, sandwiching the microblower 20 and the sealing member 43 between them. However, since they are not glued together, they can be replaced by removing the screws 80 and disassembling them.

[0102] The filter unit 60 is disposed on the gas suction side of the microblower 20. The filter unit 60 is inserted into the through-hole 52 of the upper case 50. The filter unit 60 has, for example, a filter 61 and a filter support 62. The filter support 62 is fixed to the outer periphery of the filter 61 on the microblower 20 side by double-sided tape, for example. The double-sided tape can have the same shape as the filter support 62, for example.

[0103] In the filter unit 60, the outer periphery of the filter support 62 is positioned at the step portion 52x within the through-hole 52. That is, the step portion 52x holds the outer periphery of the filter unit 60. The filter unit 60 is not fixed with an adhesive or the like. That is, the filter unit 60 is held in the step portion 52x in a detachable state.

[0104] The filter 61 is, for example, circular. The filter 61 is a member that prevents dust and dirt from entering the inside of the gas suction and exhaust device 1, and is preferably capable of removing submicron-level dust and dirt. The filter 61 can be made of, for example, polyester, polyethylene, rayon, polypropylene, etc., but any material can be used as long as it has the above-mentioned functions. The filter support 62 is, for example, ring-shaped. The filter support 62 is made of, for example, a polyimide film. The filter support 62 side is the gas exhaust side.

[0105] The filter support 62 may be provided as necessary. For example, if the strength of the filter 61 is sufficient, the filter support 62 does not need to be provided. Alternatively, if the strength of the filter 61 is insufficient, the filter support 62 may be provided on both sides of the filter 61.

[0106] The gas sucked in from the upper case 50 side is exhausted to the lower case 10 side via the filter unit 60. By arranging the filter unit 60 on the gas suction side (upper case 50 side) of the microblower 20, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt from entering the inside of the gas suction and exhaust device 1.

[0107] One end of the tube fitting 70 is inserted into the through hole 52 of the upper case 50. For example, a female thread is formed on the inner wall of the through hole 52, and a male thread is formed on the portion of the tube fitting 70 that is inserted into the through hole 52, and the two are screwed together. When the tube fitting 70 is attached to the protruding portion 51, the filter unit 60 is positioned within the protruding portion 51 on a side closer to the microblower 20 than the tube fitting 70.

[0108] As described above, the filter unit 60 is held in the step portion 52x in a detachable state. Also, as described above, the tube fitting 70 protrudes from the side surface of the upper case 320. Therefore, if the filter unit 60 becomes clogged, the filter unit 60 can be easily replaced without opening the case 300 by removing the tube fitting 70 screwed into the upper case 50. For example, by periodically replacing the filter unit 60, a specified amount of air can be constantly sucked in from the microblower 20 in a stable manner, and gas information (e.g., odor) can be accurately obtained.

[0109] [Micro Blower 20] Fig. 23 is a plan view illustrating a micro-blower of the gas suction and exhaust device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the micro-blower of the gas suction and exhaust device according to the first embodiment, showing a cross section along line BB in Fig. 23.

[0110] 23 and 24, the microblower 20 is a device that drives a piezoelectric element to suck in and expel gas, and has a main body 21 and an external connection terminal 22. The size of the main body 21 is, for example, about 20 mm in length × 20 mm in width × 2 mm in height.

[0111] The main body 21 has an outer case 211 and an inner case 212. The outer case 211 covers the outside of the inner case 212 with a predetermined gap therebetween without contacting the outer case 211. The outer case 211 has a cylindrical cavity 211a that is open at the top, and the circular inner case 212 is housed in the cavity 211a with a predetermined gap therebetween.

[0112] The inner case 212 is elastically supported by the outer case 211 via, for example, a spring connecting portion 214. A gas inflow passage 217a is formed between the outer case 211 and the inner case 212. A plurality of spring connecting portions 214 (four in the example of FIGS. 23 and 24 ) are provided between the inner wall portion of the outer case 211 and the outer wall portion of the inner case 212 at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0113] The upper part of the inner case 212 is open, and a vibration plate 215 is fixed so as to close the opening of the inner case 212, and a first blower chamber 216 is formed between the inner case 212 and the vibration plate 215. The vibration plate 215 has a unimorph structure in which a piezoelectric element 215a made of a piezoelectric ceramic is attached to the center of a diaphragm 215b made of a thin elastic metal plate. By applying a voltage of a predetermined frequency to the piezoelectric element 215a, the entire vibration plate 215 is resonantly driven in a bending mode. The piezoelectric element 215a is fixed to the surface of the diaphragm 215b opposite to the first blower chamber 216 side, for example.

[0114] In the inner case 212, the wall 212a facing the vibration plate 215 constitutes one wall surface of the first blower chamber 216. A through hole 212b that communicates the inside and outside of the first blower chamber 216 is formed in the wall 212a facing the center of the vibration plate 215. A wall 211b is provided in the outer case 211 facing the wall 212a, and a through hole 211c is formed in the center of the wall 211b, i.e., in the portion facing the through hole 212b. The through hole 211c serves as a gas discharge port. A predetermined inflow space 217b is formed between the wall 211b and the wall 212a, and the inflow space 217b constitutes a part of the inflow passage 217a described above. The inflow space 217b has a role of guiding the gas introduced from the inflow passage 217a to the vicinity of the through holes 212b and 211c.

[0115] A wall portion 219 is provided on the upper surface side of the outer case 211, i.e., on the opposite side to the first blower chamber 216 across the diaphragm 215, for forming a second blower chamber 218 between the wall portion 219 and the diaphragm 215. The wall portion 219 is, for example, a cover member fixed so as to close an opening at the upper end of the outer case 211. An opening portion 219a is formed in the center of the wall portion 219 to communicate between the outside and the second blower chamber 218.

[0116] The volume of the second blower chamber 218 and the opening area of ​​the opening 219a are set so as to form a pseudo-resonant space with the vibration of the diaphragm 215. The second blower chamber 218 and the inflow passage 217a are mutually connected. Therefore, the gas that flows into the second blower chamber 218 through the opening 219a is supplied to the inflow space 217b through the inflow passage 217a.

[0117] In the microblower 20, when an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency is applied to the piezoelectric element 215a via the external connection terminal 22, the vibration plate 215 is resonantly driven, and the volume of the first blower chamber 216 changes periodically. When the volume of the first blower chamber 216 increases, the air in the inflow space 217b passes through the through-hole 212b and is sucked into the first blower chamber 216. Conversely, when the volume of the first blower chamber 216 decreases, the air in the first blower chamber 216 passes through the through-hole 212b and is discharged into the inflow space 217b.

[0118] Since the vibration plate 215 is driven at high frequency, the high-speed, high-energy gas flow discharged from the through-hole 212b to the inflow space 217b passes through the inflow space 217b and is discharged from the through-hole 211c. At this time, the gas is discharged from the through-hole 211c while drawing in the surrounding gas in the inflow space 217b. Therefore, a continuous gas flow is generated from the inflow passage 217a toward the inflow space 217b, and the gas is continuously discharged from the through-hole 211c as a jet. The gas flow is indicated by arrows in FIG. 24.

[0119] [Wiring board 91 etc.] 20 to 22, a sensor 92, an IC 93, a connector 94, etc. are mounted on the wiring board 91. The wiring board 91 is fixed by screws 81 to a columnar spacer 95 protruding from the lower surface of the lower case 10 on the side opposite to the upper case 50.

[0120] The sensor 92 is disposed on the gas discharge side of the microblower 20, and has the function of acquiring gas information. In this embodiment, the sensor 92 is disposed on the gas discharge side of the protruding portion 11 of the lower case 10, and acquires information on the gas discharged from the through-hole 12. The through-hole 12 may be enlarged in diameter so that the sensor 92 is disposed within the through-hole 12. In this case, the side surface of the sensor 92 is surrounded by the inner wall of the through-hole 12, thereby improving the detection ability of the sensor 92. Furthermore, two or more through-holes through which the sensor 92 acquires gas information may be provided.

[0121] Sensor 92 is, for example, an odor sensor that detects the odor of the gas as information about the gas discharged from through-hole 12. As the odor sensor, for example, a well-known sensor such as a semiconductor type or a quartz crystal type can be used. Sensor 92 may be a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or other sensor. Two or more sensors 92 may be mounted on wiring board 91.

[0122] The wiring board 91 is a resin board such as a glass epoxy board, a silicon board, a ceramic board, or the like, on which a wiring pattern, component mounting lands, and the like are formed. The wiring board 91 is provided with a connector 94 and wires for inputting and outputting signals, etc., from and to the outside of the gas suction and exhaust device 1. The wiring board 91 may be equipped with an IC 93 including a circuit for driving the piezoelectric element 215a. Two or more ICs 93 may be mounted on the wiring board 91.

[0123] By mounting the sensor 92 as in the gas suction and exhaust device 1, it becomes possible to easily detect the odor, humidity, and the like of the gas.

[0124] In this way, the gas suction and exhaust device 1 uses a microblower that drives a piezoelectric element to suck and exhaust gas, and therefore can be made smaller than a conventional pump that drives a motor, etc. As a result, the gas information acquisition device 3, which includes the gas suction and exhaust device 1 as its main component, can be made smaller.

[0125] Furthermore, measures to prevent air leakage from the attachment portion are necessary to ensure the performance of the microblower 20. Therefore, in the gas information acquisition device 3, a sealing member 41 is sandwiched between the outer periphery of the lower surface of the main body 21 of the microblower 20 and the lower case 10, thereby eliminating the gap between the main body 21 and the lower case 10 and reducing air leakage.

[0126] In addition, since the microblower 20 is a precisely manufactured device, it should not be subjected to any load. Therefore, it is preferable that the contact portion between the sealing member 41 and the main body 21 of the microblower 20 be the outer periphery of the main body 21 so as not to apply a load to the piezoelectric element inside the main body 21.

[0127] Furthermore, in the gas information acquisition device 3, a sealing member 43 is sandwiched in the gap between the mating surfaces of the lower case 10 and the upper case 50, where the microblower 20 is disposed, thereby eliminating the gap between the lower case 10 and the upper case 50 and reducing air leakage. Also, a sealing member 42 is disposed in the portion where the external connection terminal 22 of the microblower 20 is pulled out to the outside, and the external connection terminal 22 is sandwiched between the sealing member 42 and the sealing member 43 to eliminate the gap and reduce air leakage.

[0128] By incorporating these measures against air leakage, the microblower 20 can send the air sucked in from the tube 910 to the sensor 92 without leakage, so that gas information (for example, odor) can be obtained accurately.

[0129] Generally, a microblower is attached to a case with double-sided tape, but when using double-sided tape, if the microblower is attached even slightly out of place, the microblower must be peeled off from the double-sided tape. This reduces the performance of the microblower, and the expensive device must be discarded, resulting in a huge loss. The gas information acquisition device 3 does not use double-sided tape to attach the microblower 20, so this problem does not occur.

[0130] Furthermore, because the gas suction and exhaust device 1 uses only one tube, the number of connected microblowers and other parts and electrical circuits can also be reduced, making it possible to miniaturize the gas information acquisition device 3. Furthermore, the miniaturization of the gas information acquisition device 3 also improves the freedom of where the gas information acquisition device 3 is installed.

[0131] In addition, because the gas suction and exhaust device 1 uses only one tube, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount (length) of tubes used compared to conventional devices that used around six tubes, resulting in price benefits.

[0132] Furthermore, since gas suction and exhaust device 1 uses only one tube, the configuration of gas suction and exhaust device 1 is simple, and maintenance is also easy.

[0133] The gas suction and exhaust device 1 may be equipped with a sensor that detects clogging (amount of gas suction) of the filter 61 of the filter unit 60. An example of such a sensor is a strain gauge. The strain gauge can also detect information about the tube 910 (such as crushing, bending, and clogging of holes).

[0134] That is, a load is applied to the strain gauge by the gas sucked by the microblower 20. This causes the strain gauge to deform, and the resistance value of the resistor in the strain gauge changes. By measuring the change in the resistance value of the resistor, the clogging state of the filter 61 and the state of the tube 910 can be detected.

[0135] First Modification of the First Embodiment In the first modification of the first embodiment, an example is shown in which an attachment part that can attach the case to an external member is provided on the outside of the case. Note that in the first modification of the first embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the already described embodiment may be omitted.

[0136] Fig. 25 is a perspective view that typically illustrates a bed in which a gas information acquiring device according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment is placed. Referring to Fig. 25, gas information acquiring device 3A differs from gas information acquiring device 3 (see Fig. 1, etc.) in that case 300 is attached to the handrail of bed 800 by attachment portion 340.

[0137] The mounting portion 340 is formed of, for example, metal or resin, and is attached to one side of the case 300 with screws or the like. The mounting portion 340 is, for example, a hook-shaped member. The mounting portion 340 is not limited to a hook-shaped member, and may be, for example, a belt-shaped member. Alternatively, the mounting portion 340 may be a protruding portion that protrudes outward from the case 300, and the protruding portion may be fitted into a hole provided in the handrail of the bed, or may be any other shape.

[0138] In this way, by attaching the case 300 to the handrail or the like of the bed 800 using the attachment part 340, it is possible to reduce the risk of the tube 910 getting caught when the person being monitored gets up or down from the bed 800, and also to reduce the risk of dust or the like adhering to the tube 910 compared to the case of placing the tube 910 on the floor. Also, the entire gas information acquisition device 3A can be moved together with the bed 800. Therefore, installation work such as inserting and removing the tube 910 that accompanies movement is not required, and it is possible to prevent the tube 910 from being crushed or caught by the feet (wheels) of the bed 800 when the bed 800 is moved.

[0139] In addition, bed 800 is frequently tilted or raised and lowered using a remote control. For this reason, when case 300 is placed on the floor, tube 910 must be made longer in advance, which can easily lead to problems such as tube 910 getting caught. However, by arranging case 300 integrally with bed 800 using attachment portion 340, the length of tube 910 can be optimized, thereby preventing this type of problem.

[0140] In Fig. 25, case 300 is attached to the handrail of bed 800 by attachment parts 340 so that the longitudinal direction of case 300 is oriented horizontally. However, as shown in Fig. 26, case 300 may be attached to the handrail of bed 800 by attachment parts 340 so that the longitudinal direction of case 300 is oriented vertically.

[0141] 25 and 26, it is preferable to provide a plurality of screw positions so that the direction in which mounting part 340 is attached to either side of case 300 can be changed by 90 degrees. In FIG. 26, tube 910 is connected to case 300 via a through hole provided in the handrail of bed 800.

[0142] In this way, it is preferable that the mounting portion 340 can be mounted at a plurality of angles on the outside of the case 300. Of course, varying the mounting angle by 90 degrees is just one example, and the mounting angle may be varied at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0143] Second Modification of the First Embodiment In the second modification of the first embodiment, an example in which a waterproof sheet is placed on the bed is shown. Note that in the second modification of the first embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the embodiments already described may be omitted.

[0144] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a bed on which a gas information acquiring device according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment is arranged. Referring to Fig. 27, a sheet 810 is arranged on a bed 800, as in Fig. 1, and a cover structure 950 is arranged on a partial area on the sheet 810. Furthermore, a waterproof sheet 850 is arranged on the sheet 810 so as to cover the cover structure 950.

[0145] By disposing the waterproof sheet 850 so as to cover the cover structure 950, even if dirt occurs on the bed, it is possible to replace the waterproof sheet 850 and eliminate the need to replace the cover structure 950. In other words, the frequency of maintenance of the cover structure 950 can be significantly reduced. Note that the waterproof sheet 850 may have a structure in which multiple layers are laminated in order to improve waterproof performance.

[0146] Specifically, the waterproof sheet 850 has a three-layer structure in which, for example, a polyester layer, a heat-resistant polyurethane layer, and a polyester layer are laminated in this order. This structure does not allow moisture such as urine to pass through underneath, so the bed 800 will not be soiled, but it is also difficult for air to pass through.

[0147] Here, in the case where the adaptor 360 shown in FIG. 6 etc. is used, if the elastic bodies 933 and 934 of the cover structure 950 are made of breathable materials (e.g., urethane sheets, etc.), then since the waterproof sheet 850 is located near the gas suction port 361x of the adaptor 360, the adaptor 360 will not draw in much air on the buttocks side, but will instead draw in air near the elastic bodies 933 and 934.

[0148] In this case, air from the mattress side (opposite the buttocks) is sucked in, resulting in less information on the odor of feces or urine, which may lead to false detection in some cases. For this reason, it is preferable to use a material that is less breathable (or has no breathability) than the waterproof sheet 850, such as a polyethylene material or a rubber foam material, for the elastic bodies 933 and 934. Alternatively, the elastic bodies 933 and 934 may be made of a breathable material that has been subjected to heat lamination or the like to make it less breathable (or has no breathability) than the waterproof sheet 850.

[0149] The air permeability can be measured, for example, by a predetermined measuring method specified in JIS L 1096 (air permeability test).

[0150] Furthermore, it is preferable to use a material such as nylon (registered trademark), polyester, rayon, rubber foam, pile laminate, etc., which has less breathability (or no breathability) than the waterproof sheet 850, for the cover 900. Furthermore, polyvinyl chloride or the like may be laminated with an iron or the like over the size of the buttocks (area near the buttocks) excluding the gas suction port 361x of the adapter 360 on the cover 900 to make the breathability less than that of the waterproof sheet 850.

[0151] By carrying out one or more of these steps, air can be stably sucked through the poorly breathable waterproof sheet 850. This allows air to be stably sucked in from the buttocks side, making it possible to detect excretion, etc.

[0152] 28, it is also effective to attach double-sided tape 368 to the upper surface of plate-shaped portion 361 of adapter 360 so as not to block gas suction port 361x. By attaching the upper surface of plate-shaped portion 361 to the lower surface of waterproof sheet 850 with double-sided tape 368, the two are in close contact with each other, so that air can be stably sucked in from waterproof sheet 850, which has poor breathability. This makes it possible to stably suck in air on the buttocks side and detect excretion, etc.

[0153] When the waterproof sheet 850 is arranged to cover the cover structure 950 and the adapter 360 is used, it is preferable that the color of the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 361 of the adapter 360 is a different color from that of the waterproof sheet 850. This is because the position of the adapter 360 can be confirmed even when viewed from above the waterproof sheet 850. The color of the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 361 of the adapter 360 can be a dark color, for example, black. The same applies when an adapter other than the adapter 360 is used.

[0154] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, an example of a gas information acquiring device in which soundproofing measures are taken inside a case is shown. Note that in the second embodiment, the description of the same components as those in the embodiments already described may be omitted.

[0155] In the gas suction and exhaust device according to the second embodiment, in case 300, upper case 320A is used instead of upper case 320. Fig. 29 is a perspective view (part 1) showing the upper case according to the second embodiment turned upside down, showing a state in which no parts are attached to upper case 320A.

[0156] As shown in Fig. 29, upper case 320A is formed, for example, in a box shape having four side walls and a top plate (the lower side in Fig. 29) similar to upper case 320. Note that upper case 320A may be plate-shaped, and lower case 310 may be formed in a box shape having four side walls and a bottom plate closing the bottoms of the four side walls. Bottom case 310 and upper case 320A are formed, for example, from ABS resin, and are fixed together with screws, etc.

[0157] Through holes 321, 322, and 323 are provided in the side walls of upper case 320A, and three through holes 324 are provided in the top plate (the bottom surface in FIG. 29). Furthermore, one boss 326 for fixing the substrate and four bosses 327 for fixing the bottom case are provided in the top plate (the bottom side in FIG. 29) of upper case 320A. Furthermore, inside case 300, for example on the side of upper case 320A, separation wall 325 is provided to separate a first region in which gas suction and exhaust device 1 is disposed and a second region in which wiring substrate 401 is disposed.

[0158] With respect to the top surface of upper case 320A (the lower side in FIG. 29), the height of the side walls of upper case 320A is approximately equal to the height of separation wall 325. Note that with respect to case 300, a plan view refers to a view from the normal direction of the top surfaces of upper case 320 and 320A.

[0159] FIG. 30 is a perspective view (part 2) of the upper case according to the second embodiment, which is turned upside down, and shows a state in which components are attached to upper case 320A.

[0160] 30, arranged within upper case 320A are gas suction and exhaust device 1 and wiring board 401 electrically connected to gas suction and exhaust device 1. Lower case 310 is fixed to upper case 320A with screws or the like, so that a part of gas suction and exhaust device 1 and wiring board 401 are housed within case 300, which is a housing.

[0161] Gas suction exhaust device 1 is disposed in a first area surrounded by the side wall of upper case 320A and separation wall 325. Tube fitting 70 of gas suction exhaust device 1 is inserted into through hole 321 and a portion of it protrudes from the side surface of upper case 320A. Gas suction exhaust device 1 is electrically connected to wiring board 401 via flexible board 404.

[0162] In the example of Figure 30, separation wall 325 is approximately U-shaped when viewed from above, and gas suction and exhaust device 1 is fixed to one of the side walls that constitute upper case 320A, and the gas suction and exhaust device is surrounded by the one side wall and separation wall 325 when viewed from above.

[0163] An upper end portion (lower side in FIG. 30) of separation wall 325 contacts an upper plate of upper case 320A. Furthermore, when lower case 310 is attached to upper case 320A in the state of FIG. 30, a lower end portion (upper side in FIG. 30) of separation wall 325 contacts lower case 310. As a result, a first area in which gas suction and exhaust device 1 is disposed is defined by one side wall of upper case 320A, separation wall 325, an upper plate of upper case 320A, and lower case 310. Note that separation wall 325 is not limited to being approximately U-shaped in plan view, and may be, for example, approximately I-shaped in plan view.

[0164] Power jack 402, power switch 403, and LEDs, ICs, connectors, etc. (not shown) are mounted on wiring board 401. A portion of power jack 402 is exposed to the outside from through hole 322, and a portion of power switch 403 is exposed to the outside from through hole 323. In addition, LEDs (not shown) are mounted at positions visible from the outside of through hole 324.

[0165] The microblower 20 included in the gas suction and exhaust device 1 starts sucking in air when the piezoelectric element 215a is driven, but the noise generated when the piezoelectric element 215a is driven is so small that it cannot be heard. However, the sucked in air generates a sound called "wind noise." The gas suction and exhaust device 1 detects excretion, etc., by sucking in air for one second every eight seconds, for example, but the "wind noise" generated periodically only during suction can be annoying. In particular, at night, the surrounding noise is very small, so the "wind noise" is even more annoying.

[0166] Therefore, in this embodiment, the inside of the case 300 is separated by the separation wall 325 into a first area where the gas suction and exhaust device 1 is arranged and a second area where the wiring board 401 is arranged. As a result, when the lower case 310 and the upper case 320A are fixed together, the area where the gas suction and exhaust device 1 is arranged can be almost sealed by the lower case 310, the upper case 320A and the separation wall 325. By providing the separation wall 325 that almost seals the first area where the gas suction and exhaust device 1 is arranged, the "wind noise" generated when the microblower 20 sucks in air can be reduced and made less likely to be transmitted to the outside of the case 300.

[0167] Fig. 31 is a perspective view (part 3) of the upper case according to the second embodiment, which is turned upside down, and shows a state in which components are attached to upper case 320A. Fig. 32 is a plan view of the upper case according to the second embodiment, which is turned upside down, and shows a state in which components are attached to upper case 320A.

[0168] 31 and 32, in the first region, sound absorbing sheet 328 may be disposed between the surface of separation wall 325 exposed in the first region and gas suction and exhaust device 1. Sound absorbing sheet 328 may be disposed, for example, between the surface of separation wall 325 exposed in the first region and guide 329. Guide 329 may not be provided, and sound absorbing sheet 328 may be attached to the surface of separation wall 325 exposed in the first region with double-sided tape or the like.

[0169] By disposing sound absorbing sheet 328 in the first region, it is possible to further reduce the "wind noise" generated when microblower 20 sucks in air, making it even less likely for the noise to be transmitted to the outside of case 300. From the viewpoint of improving the soundproofing effect, sound absorbing sheet 328 is preferably disposed so as to be in contact with the entire surface exposed in the first region of separation wall 325. In addition, sound absorbing sheet 328 is preferably of a deodorizing type.

[0170] The material for the sound absorbing sheet 328 may be, for example, a sound absorbing material made of a porous material such as soft urethane foam or glass wool. Since sound absorbing materials have various characteristics, it is preferable to analyze the frequency of the "wind noise" and select a material that can effectively absorb that frequency. It is also possible to optimize the sound absorbing characteristics to suit the hearing of the person using the gas suction and exhaust device 1.

[0171] As in the upper case 320B shown in Fig. 33, a mounting plate 330 to which the gas suction and exhaust device 1 is attached in advance may be a separate member that can be attached to an opening 320x provided in one side wall of the upper case 320B. The opening 320x can be provided, for example, so as to expose the entire first area. Although the mounting plate 330 is illustrated as being transparent in Fig. 33, it is not necessary to use a transparent member as the mounting plate 330. The mounting plate 330 can be formed, for example, from ABS resin or the like.

[0172] The mounting plate 330 is attached, for example, with screws or the like so as to close the opening 320x of the upper case 320B. The mounting plate 330 is fixed so as to close the opening 320x, and constitutes at least a part of one side wall of the upper case 320B. The mounting plate 330 may be fixed so as to close the opening 320x, and constitute the entirety of one side wall of the upper case 320B.

[0173] In this manner, by configuring mounting plate 330, to which gas suction and exhaust device 1 is attached in advance, as a separate member and attached to upper case 320B, installation of gas suction and exhaust device 1 becomes easy.

[0174] A sound pressure sensor for measuring the sound pressure generated from the case 300 may be installed on the outside of the case 300. By detecting that the level of the sound pressure sensor exceeds a specified value, it is possible to know that an abnormality has occurred in the state of the air sucked from the tube 910, and to inform the user that proper detection is not being performed.

[0175] Although preferred embodiments have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0176] For example, in each embodiment and its modified example, the measurement area is on the bed, but the measurement area is not limited to the bed and may be on any bedding on which the person to be monitored (care recipient, patient, etc.) can lie. Examples of bedding include beds, futons, mattresses, sheets, cushioning materials, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1 Gas suction and exhaust device, 3, 3A Gas information acquisition device, 10 Lower case, 11 Protrusion 12, 14, 54 Through hole, 13x, 13y, 13z Recess, 20 Microblower, 21 Main body, 22 External connection terminal, 41, 42 Sealing member 43 O-ring, 50 Upper case, 51 Protrusion, 52 Through hole, 52x Step, 60 Filter unit, 61 Filter, 62 Filter support, 70 Tube joint, 71 Tube insertion port, 72 Opening, 80, 81 Screw, 91 Wiring board, 92 Sensor, 93 IC, 94 Connector, 211 Outer case, 211a Cavity, 211b, 212a, 219 Wall, 211c, 212b Through hole, 212 Inner case, 214 Spring connection, 215 Vibration plate, 215a piezoelectric element, 215b diaphragm, 216 first blower chamber, 217a inlet passage, 217b inlet space, 218 second blower chamber, 219a opening, 300 case, 310 lower case, 320, 320A, 320B upper case, 320x opening, 321, 322, 323, 324 through hole, 325 separation wall, 326, 327 boss, 328 sound absorbing sheet, 330 mounting plate, 340 mounting portion, 360, 360A, 360B, 360C adapter, 361 plate-shaped portion, 361x gas suction port, 362 tube insertion portion, 362x tube insertion port, 362y tube stopper, 363 removal prevention portion, 364, 365 slit, 360f First member, 360r, second member, 366, protrusion, 367, groove, 368, double-sided tape, 401, wiring board, 402, power jack, 403, power switch, 404, flexible board, 800, bed, 810, sheet, 850, waterproof sheet, 900, cover, 901, first region, 901a, 901b, 903a, 904a, insertion port, 901c, 901d, slit, 903, 904, second region, 906, 907, excess region, 910, tube, 933, 934, elastic body, 950, cover structure

Claims

1. A cover for positioning a tubular member for sucking odors associated with excretion, a first region in which the tubular member can be disposed; a pair of second regions located on both sides of the first region in the longitudinal direction and capable of accommodating an elastic body; A slit is provided in the first region, A cover, wherein an insertion opening through which the tubular member can be inserted is provided on one of the sides of each of the second regions opposite the first region.

2. The two insertion openings are provided on the one side, The cover according to claim 1 , wherein each of the insertion openings is located on an opposite side with respect to a center of the one side portion in a plan view.

3. One of the two insertion openings is provided at a position including one end of the one side portion in a plan view, The cover according to claim 2 , wherein the other of the two insertion openings is provided at a position including the other end of the one side portion in a plan view.

4. The garment has an upper member and a lower member that are stacked and sewn at predetermined positions, The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the slits include a first slit penetrating one of the upper member and the lower member.

5. The cover according to claim 4 , wherein the slits include a second slit penetrating the other of the upper member and the lower member.

6. the one side portion includes a first portion where the upper member and the lower member are sewn together, and a second portion where the upper member and the lower member are not sewn together, The cover according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insertion opening is included in the second portion.

7. 7. A cover structure according to claim 1, wherein one end of the tubular member is inserted into the first region of the cover, and an elastic body is housed in the second region.

8. Having an adapter attached to an end of the tubular member, The adapter comprises: A plate-shaped portion, a gas suction port opening on an upper surface of the plate-shaped portion; a tubular member insertion portion provided on a lower surface of the plate-like portion; a tubular member insertion port that opens on a side surface of the tubular member insertion portion and communicates with the gas suction port; a slip-out prevention portion having one end side continuing from the tubular member insertion portion and the other end side protruding beyond the outer periphery of the plate-shaped portion, The cover structure according to claim 7 , wherein at least a part of the portion of the slippage prevention portion that protrudes from the plate-shaped portion is inserted into the first region through the slit.

9. The cover structure according to claim 8 , wherein a maximum length of the adapter is longer than a length of the slit.

10. The cover structure according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the adapter has a third slit that improves the flexibility of the removal prevention portion.

11. The cover structure according to claim 8 , wherein the adapter is separable into a first member that does not include the removal prevention portion and a second member that includes the removal prevention portion.

12. A cover structure according to any one of claims 7 to 11, a gas suction and exhaust device including a micro-blower that suctions and exhausts gas, and a sensor that is disposed on the gas exhaust side of the micro-blower and acquires information about the gas; The other end of the tubular member is connected to the suction side of the gas suction and exhaust device.

13. A mattress on which the cover structure is placed; A waterproof sheet is placed on the bedding so as to cover the cover structure, The gas information acquisition device according to claim 12 , wherein the cover and the elastic body have lower breathability than the waterproof sheet.

14. 14. The gas information acquiring device according to claim 12, wherein the sensor is an odor sensor that detects an odor of the gas as the information about the gas.

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