Cushioning material

Abstract

To provide a cushion material with optimized body pressure dispersibility and repulsive force.SOLUTION: A cushion material 10 is the cushion material 10 having a placement surface 101 to place a body of a user P thereon. A plurality of projections 102 extending in parallel with a surface direction is arranged on at least a part of the placement surface 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cushioning materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses bedding with an elastic body inside. This elastic body has protrusions of various sizes arranged on the surface. As the shape of the protrusions, which vary in size from large to medium to small, a mushroom shape is given as an example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-137596 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, with the increasing health consciousness, there is a demand for high-performance cushioning materials for use in bedding, etc. It is desirable for the cushioning materials to have excellent body pressure dispersion properties and moderate resilience to facilitate turning over in bed, etc. However, when the body pressure dispersion properties of the cushioning materials are improved, the resilience tends to decrease, and when the resilience is increased, the body pressure dispersion properties tend to deteriorate, making it difficult to achieve both body pressure dispersion properties and moderate resilience.

[0005] The present disclosure has been completed based on the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a cushioning material with optimized body pressure dispersion and resilience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cushioning material of the present disclosure is A cushioning material having a support surface for placing the user's body, At least a portion of the mounting surface has a plurality of protrusions extending parallel to one another in a planar direction.

[0007] This cushioning material can support the user's body with multiple parallel extending protrusions, and is superior in dispersing body pressure compared to a configuration in which multiple protrusions are provided in a scattered manner or a configuration in which the placement surface is a flat surface. Also, because multiple protrusions extend in parallel, the surface is less likely to deform and has a moderate resilience compared to a configuration in which multiple protrusions are provided in a scattered manner or a soft cushioning material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the massage device. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the mounting position of the air cell. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mattress device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an exercise course. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the air cell in an exercise course. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape of a cushion material in the X direction. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining a state in which a cushion material is deformed. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape in the X direction of a cushion material according to another embodiment (1). [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape in the X direction of a cushioning material according to another embodiment (2). [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional shape in the X direction of a cushioning material according to another embodiment (3). [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a cushioning material according to another embodiment (4). [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a cushioning material according to another embodiment (5). [Figure 14]13(A) to 13(E) are diagrams showing the sensing areas of Samples 1 to 5. [Figure 15] (A) to (F) are diagrams showing the cross-sectional shapes of Samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17, (G) and (H) are diagrams showing the cross-sectional shapes of other examples, and (I) is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of Sample 18. [Figure 16] (A) is a graph showing the scores for the contact with the skin of samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17. (B) is a graph showing the scores for the ease of turning over in bed of samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17. (C) is a graph showing the scores for the degree of sinking of samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17. (D) is a graph showing the scores for the bottoming out when sitting down of samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17. [Figure 17] This is a graph showing the number of people who answered that samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17 were their favorite cushioning materials. [Figure 18] Graph (A) shows the scores for the skin contact of samples 31 to 36. Graph (B) shows the scores for the ease of turning over in sleep of samples 31 to 36. Graph (C) shows the scores for the degree of sinking (when lying on one's side) of samples 31 to 36. Graph (D) shows the scores for the degree of sinking (when lying on one's back) of samples 31 to 36. [Figure 19] This is a graph showing the number of people who answered that samples 31 to 36 were their favorite cushioning materials. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In the cushioning material, the plurality of protrusions may be provided at positions that support the body of the user when the user is lying on his / her back or on his / her side. This configuration provides a comfortable sleeping experience when using the cushioning material in a lying state. Note that the "lying state" described in this application includes not only a lying state during sleep, but also a lying state during a massage, etc., unless otherwise specified.

[0010] The multiple convex portions extending in parallel to the surface direction refer to a convex cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, and are not limited to a specific shape as long as such a shape is used. The convex cross-sectional shape may be, for example, a trapezoid, a triangular, a semicircular, or a rectangular cross-sectional shape, or may be a combination of these shapes. The cushioning material may also be a cushioning material that combines these different convex shapes.

[0011] In the cushioning material, each of the plurality of protrusions may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction. This configuration, in addition to the effects of the invention described above, is preferable because it makes it easier to turn over in sleep compared to a configuration in which each of the plurality of protrusions has a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0012] In the cushioning material, each of the plurality of protrusions may extend along a height direction of the user. This configuration provides superior body pressure dispersion compared to a configuration in which each of the plurality of protrusions extends along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the user. The plurality of protrusions may be present all over the surface of the cushioning material, or may be present partially.

[0013] Next, a first embodiment of a mattress device including a cushion material of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The vertical direction (up-down direction) is defined as the Z direction, one direction perpendicular to the Z direction (left-right direction) is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction (front-back direction) is defined as the Y direction. The X direction is the left-right direction as seen by a user P lying on his / her back on the mattress device 1. The Y direction is the height direction of the user P lying on his / her back on the mattress device 1.

[0014] 1 and 2, the mattress device 1 includes a mat body 15, an exercise imparting section 53, a body temperature regulating section 54, a sleep information detecting section 57, and a control unit 8. This mattress device 1 is used during sleep, and is configured so that a user P can lie down on it.

[0015] The mat body 15 is a body support part on which the user P sleeps. As shown in FIG. 2, the mat body 15 is configured by laminating, for example, a first cushion layer 5, a base layer 4, a second cushion layer 10, and a cover layer (not shown) in this order. The second cushion layer 10 is configured by a cushioning material, and in the following description, this cushioning material is given the same reference numeral as the second cushion layer 10. The mat body 15 is configured by each layer being joined together in the front-rear and left-right directions. The mat body 15 has a total length of, for example, about 195 mm, and is sized to fit the user P from the head to the feet. The configuration of the cushioning material 10 will be described later.

[0016] The exercise imparting unit 53 is a part that exercises the body of the user P. An example of the exercise is an exercise called stretching, which stretches the muscles and joints of the entire body. Other examples include an exercise similar to the movement imparted by a chiropractic treatment to correct skeletal distortions and abnormalities, an exercise similar to the movement imparted by a massage treatment to improve blood circulation and relieve tension, an exercise that shakes the entire body or a specific part of the user P to make the user P feel comfortable and refreshed, an exercise that wakes the user P up during sleep, and an exercise that helps the user P get up from lying down.

[0017] The motion imparting unit 53 includes a plurality of air cells 2 and a pump (air supply unit) 6. The motion imparting unit 53 is an example of a mechanism for bending the cushion material 10 in a direction intersecting with the placement surface 101. When the placement surface 101 is the upper surface, the mechanism for bending the cushion material in a direction intersecting with the placement surface is, for example, a mechanism for pushing up the cushion material 10. The plurality of air cells 2 are disposed between the base layer 4 and the second cushion layer 10. The plurality of air cells 2 are provided at predetermined positions of the mat main body 15, and inflate or contract to cause the body of the user P to exercise.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the air cell 2 is connected to the pump 6 via an air hose 12. The air hose 12 is arranged along the inside of the side material 13 arranged on the side of the mattress device 1. The air cell 2 is configured to expand when air is supplied from the pump 6. The air cell 2 is provided with an electromagnetic valve that can be switched between open and closed. The electromagnetic valve supplies air from the pump 6 to the air cell 2 when it is opened while the pump 6 is in operation, and discharges the air from the air cell 2 when it is opened while the pump 6 is not in operation. The air cell 2 is configured to contract when the supplied air is released. In addition, the multiple air cells 2 may be configured to connect adjacent air cells 2 with an electromagnetic valve to move air from one air cell 2 to the other air cell 2. With this configuration, a specific air cell 2 can be greatly inflated or deflated in a short time, and the user P can be effectively exercised.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the air cells 2 include air cells 22L, 22R, air cells 23L, 23C, 23R, air cells 24L, 24R, air cells 25, air cells 26L, 26R, and air cells 27L, 27R. When the user P lies on his / her back on the upper surface of the mat body 15, it is assumed that the air cells 22L, 22R are arranged on the left and right of the user P's head, the air cells 23L, 23R are arranged under the left and right shoulders, the air cell 23C is arranged under the back, the air cells 24L, 24R are arranged on the left and right of the waist, the air cell 24C is arranged under the waist, and the air cell 25 is arranged under the thighs. The air cells 26L, 26R and the air cells 27L, 27R are arranged in different positions depending on the physique of the user P. For example, for a user P of a certain height or more, it is assumed that, of the air cells 26L, 26R and the air cells 27L, 27R, the air cells 26L, 26R located closer to the head are located near the backs of the knees, and the air cells 27L, 27R located farther from the head are located near the calves. The air cells 2 are integrated with the air cell holding plate 3 and the base layer 4.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 1, the body temperature adjustment unit 54 includes a plurality of heaters 9 that generate heat when electricity is applied. The plurality of heaters 9 are arranged on the placement surface 101 of the cushion material 10. The cushion material 10 is provided with a concave shape following the outer shape of the heaters 9 at the positions where the plurality of heaters 9 are arranged. With this configuration, the user P who places his / her body on the mat main body 15 does not feel uncomfortable when he / she touches the heaters 9 through the cover layer. The plurality of heaters 9 are provided at predetermined positions of the mat main body 15, and adjust the body temperature of the user P by generating heat.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the sleep information detection unit 57 includes a body movement sensor 11 and a microphone (not shown). The body movement sensor 11 is an airbag-like pressure sensor for reading changes in air pressure, and has a rod shape extending in the X direction from the left end to the right end of the mat main body 15. The body movement sensor 11 is arranged between the air cells 23L, 23C, 23R and the air cells 24L, 24C, 24R, and is assumed to be arranged between the back and the waist of the user P. The body movement sensor 11 is configured to detect the body movement of the user P while sleeping (subtle changes due to body movement, vibration, breathing rate, heart rate, and pulse rate). The microphone is configured to detect sounds (sleep information such as snoring) generated by the user P while sleeping. This microphone may be provided in an external device such as a smartphone 61. The microphone may be used for a voice recognition function, in which case the mattress device 1 can be operated by voice instead of the remote control (operation unit) 7.

[0022] 4, the control unit 8 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, and a transmission / reception unit 51. The control unit 8 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory (not shown), and controls the mattress device 1 as a whole.

[0023] The control unit 30 has an exercise control unit that controls the exercise imparting unit 53, a temperature control unit that controls the body temperature adjustment unit, and a sleep state evaluation unit that evaluates the sleep state of the user P from the sleep information detected by the sleep information detection unit 57. The control unit 30 may be provided in a server device that is partially installed externally. The memory unit 40 stores information about the exercise course executed by the exercise imparting unit 53 and data such as the scheduled wake-up time. The memory unit 40 also stores the sleep information of the user P and the evaluation results evaluated by the sleep state evaluation unit. The mattress device 1 is configured to impart exercise to the user P based on the evaluation results of the sleep state.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an exercise course. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific examples of movements in an exercise course, and shows examples of "waist twist", "cross twist", and "upper body sit-up". FIG. 6 shows the passage of time from left to right, with times t1, t2, t3, ... from the left. In FIG. 6, hatched air cells indicate that they are inflated, and non-hatched air cells indicate that they are not inflated.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 6, the "waist twist" movement will be described. The motion control unit inflates the air cells 24L, 24C, and 24R under the left and right hips and the center of the hips at time t1, inflates the air cells 24L and 24C under the left hip and the center of the hips at time t2, inflates the air cells 24C and 24R under the right hip and the center of the hips at time t3, inflates the air cells 24L and 24C under the left hip and the center of the hips at time t4, and inflates the air cells 24C and 24R under the right hip and the center of the hips at time t5. By controlling the times t2 to t5, the user P is stretched by twisting the hips left and right. By controlling the time t1, the user P can adjust the position on the upper surface of the mat main body 15 so that the position of the hips matches the position lifted by the air cells 24L, 24C, and 24R.

[0026] The movement of "cross twist" will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The motion control unit inflates the air cells 23L, 23R, 24L, 24R under the left and right shoulders and the left and right hips at time t1, inflates the air cells 23L, 24R under the left shoulder and the right hip at time t2, inflates the air cells 23R, 24L under the right shoulder and the left hip at time t3, inflates the air cells 23L, 24R under the left shoulder and the right hip at time t4, and inflates the air cells 23R, 24L under the right shoulder and the left hip at time t5. By controlling the times t2 to t5, the user P is stretched so that the hips and shoulders are twisted left and right in opposite directions. By controlling the time t1, the user P can adjust the position on the upper surface of the mat main body 15 so that the left and right shoulders and the left and right hips match the positions lifted by the air cells 2.

[0027] The "upper body raising" movement will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The movement control unit inflates the air cells 22L, 22R, 23L, 23C, and 23R on the left and right sides of the head, the left and right shoulders, and under the back. This control applies a force to the user P in a direction that lifts the upper body.

[0028] Next, the cushion material 10 will be described. The cushion material 10 is made of foamed resin having cushioning properties such as expanded urethane foam. The cushion material 10 has a support surface 101 on which the body of the user P is placed. The body of the user P may be placed on the support surface 101 in direct contact with the support surface 101, or the body of the user P may be placed on the support surface 101 via a layer that is thinner than the cushion material 10, such as a cover layer. For example, the support surface 101 may be covered with a sheet or the like provided separately from the cushion material 10.

[0029] The cushion material 10 has an upper layer (first layer) 110 having a placement surface 101, and a lower layer (second layer) 120 provided on the opposite side of the placement surface 101 with respect to the upper layer 110. The cushion material 10 may be composed of only the upper layer 110, or may further include layers other than the upper layer 110 and the lower layer 120. However, from the viewpoint of cost and functionality described later, it is preferable to have a two-layer structure of the upper layer 110 and the lower layer 120. The upper layer 110 is a layer facing the user P lying on the upper surface of the mat main body 15, and the lower layer 120 is a layer facing the air cell 2. The upper layer 110 is a form in which a surface shape described later is given to one plate surface of a flat member. The lower layer 120 is a flat plate having a certain thickness.

[0030] The thickness H1 of the upper layer 110 is preferably larger than the thickness H2 of the lower layer 120. For example, the thickness H1 of the upper layer 110 is preferably 20 mm or more and 200 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or more and 60 mm or less, and even more preferably 40 mm or more and 50 mm or less. If the thickness H1 of the upper layer 110 is equal to or more than the lower limit of this range, the body pressure dispersion of the cushion material 10 can be improved. Also, if the thickness H3 of the cushion material 10 is equal to or less than the upper limit of this range, the appearance of the mattress device 1 is good. The thickness H1 of the upper layer 110 is the dimension from the lower surface to the top of the multiple convex parts 102. The thickness H2 of the lower layer 120 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the upper layer 110. The thickness of the lower layer 120 is, for example, 12 mm or more and 100 mm or less. In a configuration in which the upper layer 110 has a certain thickness and the upper layer 110 alone does not cause a feeling of bottoming out, the lower layer 120 may not be provided.

[0031] The hardness of the upper layer 110 measured in accordance with JIS K 6400-2 A is smaller than that of the lower layer 120. For example, the hardness of the upper layer 110 is preferably 85N or more and 155N or less, more preferably 115N or more and 200N or less, and even more preferably 115N or more and 125N or less. If the hardness is equal to or greater than the lower limit of this range, an appropriate repulsive force can be imparted to the cushion material 10. If the hardness is equal to or less than the upper limit of this range, the body pressure dispersion of the cushion material 10 can be improved. From the viewpoint of suppressing the feeling of bottoming out, the hardness of the lower layer 120 is greater than that of the upper layer 110 and is preferably 115N or more and 200N or less, and more preferably 150N or more and 160N or less. The cushion material 10 is a so-called high repulsion (high elasticity) cushion material having a repulsive elasticity of 50% or more as determined by JIS K 6400-3.

[0032] With a configuration including upper layer 110 and lower layer 120 having these dimensions and hardness, body pressure dispersion can be ensured by the cushioning properties of upper layer 110 located on the user P side. Furthermore, by having lower layer 120, the range in which upper layer 110 is pushed up by expansion of air cells 2 becomes wider than when lower layer 120 is not present. As a result, the pressure per unit area applied to upper layer 110 by expansion of air cells 2 becomes smaller, and upper layer 110 becomes less likely to be crushed. This allows the behavior of air cells 2 to be effectively applied to user P.

[0033] The cushioning material 10 has a plurality of protrusions 102 extending in parallel in the surface direction on at least a portion of the placement surface 101. The plurality of protrusions 102 are provided at positions that support the body of the user P when the user P is lying at least one of a state in which the user P lies on his / her back and a state in which the user lies on his / her side. In detail, the plurality of protrusions 102 are provided over substantially the entire area except for the portion in which the heater 9 is disposed. The plurality of protrusions 102 are formed from a portion of the foamed resin that constitutes the upper layer 110, and are provided integrally with the upper layer 110.

[0034] Each of the multiple protrusions 102 extends along the height direction of the user P. The multiple protrusions 102 are continuously provided on the cushion material 10 from one end to the other end in the Y direction. Each of the multiple protrusions 102 extends linearly. The multiple protrusions 102 are arranged side by side at regular intervals in the X direction.

[0035] The pitch W1 of the multiple protrusions 102 is, for example, preferably 5 mm or more and 40 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 17 mm or more and 23 mm or less. The "pitch of the multiple protrusions" is the dimension between adjacent protrusions 102, 102, and more specifically, the dimension between the center of one protrusion 102 and the center of the other protrusion 102 in the X direction. If the pitch of the multiple protrusions 102 is within this range, it is possible to preferably achieve both body pressure dispersion and appropriate repulsion force.

[0036] Each of the multiple protrusions 102 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in the X direction. In detail, each of the multiple protrusions 102 has an isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in which the dimension of the lower base is larger than the dimension W2 of the upper base. For example, the dimension W2 of the upper base is 5 mm, and the dimension of the lower base is 15 mm. The left and right legs of the protrusion 102 each have a dimension of 5 mm in the X direction. In other words, the left and right legs and the upper base of the protrusion 102 have the same dimensions in the X direction. For example, the height of the protrusion 102 is 15 mm. Between the adjacent protrusions 102, 102, a gap of the same dimension as the dimension W2 of the upper base of the isosceles trapezoid is formed. In other words, between the adjacent protrusions 102, 102, a recess 103 having a shape that is obtained by inverting the protrusion 102 up and down is formed. According to this configuration, by performing profile processing (uneven processing) in which the foamed resin is deformed in a wavy manner and then cut with a cutter or the like, it is possible to manufacture two sheets of cushion material 10 having multiple convex portions 102 on the cut surfaces, and the cushion material 10 can be produced with good productivity.

[0037] The cushioning material 10 has a plurality of convex portions 102 and a plurality of concave portions 103 provided between adjacent convex portions 102, 102. The concave portions 103 are formed integrally with the plurality of convex portions 102 between the plurality of convex portions 102 and are more easily deformed than the plurality of convex portions 102. In the present application, the portions on the surface of the upper layer 110 that are lower in height than the surrounding areas are referred to as concave portions 103.

[0038] In the cushion material 10, the convex portions 102 and the concave portions 103 are alternately arranged in the X direction, so that the cushion material 10 is easily deformed and bent in such a manner that the width dimension of the space in the concave portion 103 is narrowed, as shown in FIG. 8. That is, the cushion material 10 can make the range pushed up by the air cells 2 local in the X direction. Therefore, in the above-mentioned movement such as "waist twisting", the user P can effectively assume different postures in the left and right halves of the body. On the other hand, in the cushion material 10, the shape is maintained by the multiple convex portions 102 in the Y direction, so that the cushion material 10 is difficult to bend. That is, the cushion material 10 can make the range pushed up by the air cells 2 wide in the Y direction. Therefore, in the above-mentioned movement such as "upper body sitting up", the user P can effectively be lifted in the height direction. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the range pushed up by the air cells 2 is wide in the Y direction, even if the positions at which each air cell 2 is expected to be placed are shifted due to differences in height of users P, etc., the impact of this can be reduced.

[0039] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. According to the cushion material 10 of this embodiment, the body of the user P can be supported by the multiple protrusions 102 extending in parallel, and the cushion material 10 has excellent body pressure dispersion properties compared to a configuration in which multiple protrusions are provided in a scattered manner or a configuration in which the placement surface is a flat surface. In addition, since the multiple protrusions 102 extend in parallel, the surface is less likely to deform and has a moderate repulsive force compared to a configuration in which multiple protrusions 102 are provided in a scattered manner or a soft cushion material.

[0040] A demonstration experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effect of this embodiment. In the demonstration experiment, the cushioning material of this embodiment was compared with a commercially available low-resilience cushioning material to evaluate the body pressure dispersion and ease of turning over in bed. As the low-resilience cushioning material, a cushioning material with a resilience of less than 15% as required by JIS K 6400-3 was used. As a result of measuring the body pressure while lying on the cushioning material, it was suggested that both the cushioning material 10 of this embodiment and the low-resilience cushioning material have excellent body pressure dispersion. On the other hand, as a result of measuring the electromyogram while turning over in bed, it was shown that the cushioning material 10 of this embodiment took a shorter time to turn over in bed than the low-resilience cushioning material, and that the person turned over without using muscle force, suggesting that it is easy to turn over in bed.

[0041] In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 102 are provided at positions that support the body of the user P when the user P is lying on his / her back or on his / her side. Therefore, the cushion material 10 is comfortable to use when used in a lying position.

[0042] In this embodiment, each of the multiple protrusions 102 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction. This makes it easier to turn over in bed, and is preferable, compared to a configuration in which each of the multiple protrusions 102 has a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0043] In this embodiment, each of the multiple protrusions 102 extends along the height direction of the user P. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which each of the multiple protrusions 102 extends along a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the user P, this configuration has superior body pressure dispersion.

[0044] <Other embodiments> As shown in Fig. 9, the cushion material 200 of another embodiment (1) differs from the above embodiment in the shape of the placement surface 201 of the upper layer 210. The cushion material 200 has a plurality of protrusions 202 extending parallel to the Y direction on at least a part of the placement surface 201. Each of the plurality of protrusions 202 has a triangular cross-sectional shape in the X direction. Each of the plurality of protrusions 202 has an isosceles triangular cross-sectional shape. Between adjacent protrusions 202, 202, a recess 203 is formed that has a shape obtained by upside-down flipping the protrusion 202.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 10, the cushion material 300 of another embodiment (2) differs from the above embodiment in the shape of the placement surface 301 of the upper layer 310. The cushion material 300 has a plurality of protrusions 302 extending parallel to the Y direction on at least a part of the placement surface 301. Each of the plurality of protrusions 302 has a semicircular cross-sectional shape in the X direction. A recess 303 having a V-shaped cross-section is formed between adjacent protrusions 302, 302. Note that a recess having a semicircular cross-sectional shape may also be formed between adjacent protrusions 302, 302.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 11, the cushion material 400 of another embodiment (3) differs from the above embodiment in the shape of the mounting surface 401 of the upper layer 410. The cushion material 400 has a plurality of protrusions 402 extending parallel to the Y direction on at least a part of the mounting surface 401. Each of the plurality of protrusions 402 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape in the X direction. Between adjacent protrusions 402, 402, a recess 403 having a shape similar to that of the protrusion 402 upside down is formed.

[0047] A cushion material 500 according to another embodiment (4) has, on at least a part of a placement surface 501, a plurality of protrusions 502 extending in parallel in the X direction, as shown in FIG.

[0048] 13, a cushion material 600 according to another embodiment (5) has a plurality of protrusions 602 extending in parallel in the Y direction on at least a portion of a mounting surface 601. Each of the plurality of protrusions 602 extends in a gently wavy shape.

[0049] In addition to the above-mentioned embodiments, the mat body may be a mattress for a bed, etc. The mat body may be configured to have a plurality of parts divided into front and rear or left and right. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to improve storability and portability. The mat body may be a so-called double size, and may be configured so that two users can lie down on the left and right. In this case, the mattress device may have two exercise imparting parts that are independent of each other.

[0050] In addition to the above-described embodiment, the mattress device may include a cell composed of an actuator or a cell filled with a fluid such as liquid (fluid cell) instead of the air cell. The actuator may be, for example, a motor-driven actuator, or a fluid actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0051] In addition to the above-described embodiment, the mattress device may include an adjustment unit that absorbs heat and adjusts the body temperature of the user instead of the heater. Examples of such an adjustment unit include a Peltier element and a configuration that blows air outside the mattress device and absorbs heat by the heat of vaporization.

[0052] In addition to the above-described embodiment, the transmitting / receiving unit may be connected to the communication network via an information and communication device such as a tablet terminal instead of a smartphone.

[0053] The sleep information detection unit is not limited to one including a microphone and a body movement sensor. The sleep information detection unit may include only a body movement sensor, or may further include a thermometer, an electroencephalogram (EEG) measuring device, an ultrasonic detector, etc.

[0054] The controls performed by each part of the control unit are not limited to those described above. The control unit may further include a function of performing other controls in addition to the motion control unit, temperature control unit, and sleep state evaluation unit. Each part of the control unit may be provided outside the control unit of the control unit. For example, the sleep state evaluation unit may be provided in a server device or a smartphone.

[0055] In addition, the specifications of the mat can be changed to suit the needs of the user without going beyond the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the use of the cushioning material is not limited to mattress devices, but can be applied to cushions, reclining chairs, and other items that support the user's body. EXAMPLES

[0056] The present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples, in which Samples 1 to 3 are comparative examples and Samples 4 to 36 are examples.

[0057] 1. Sample Preparation Samples 1 to 36 were produced with the configurations shown in Tables 1 to 3. The "surface shape" column in the tables indicates the shape of the mounting surface of the cushioning material. "Egg type" indicates a configuration in which multiple egg-shaped protrusions are arranged in a staggered pattern. "Pyramid type" indicates a configuration in which multiple pyramidal protrusions are arranged in a checkerboard pattern in the X and Y directions. "Flat type" indicates a configuration in which the mounting surface is a flat surface. "Border type" indicates a configuration having multiple protrusions (triangular cross-section) extending parallel to the X direction. "Stripe type" indicates a configuration having multiple protrusions extending parallel to the Y direction. Of the "stripe types," Samples 10 to 14 have a trapezoidal cross-section, and the others have a triangular cross-section. In the tables, the "thickness (mm)" and "hardness (N)" of the upper and lower layers, "total thickness (mm)," and "protrusion pitch (mm)" were measured in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment. In the thickness column, the notation "A+B" indicates that the upper or lower layer is divided into two layers, with A representing the thickness of the upper layer and B representing the thickness of the lower layer. For example, the notation "25+10" in the thickness of the upper layer of sample 16 indicates that the upper layer is divided into a 25 mm layer and a 10 mm layer, and has a configuration as shown in FIG. 15(B). In the thickness column of the lower layer, the notation "30 (oval)" indicates that the upper surface of the lower layer has the above-mentioned oval surface shape. For example, the upper surface of the lower layer of sample 18 is oval, and has a configuration as shown in FIG. 15(I).

[0058] 2. Body pressure dispersion measurement test For samples 1 to 29, a pressure distribution measurement was performed using a pressure distribution measurement device (Verg, FSA system, for whole body). In order to confirm the difference in the obtained data due to differences in body size, measurements were performed on a subject with a standard build (163 cm, 58 kg) and a subject with a good build (176 cm, 90 kg). In the table, the column "Maximum pressure value (body weight 58 kg)" indicates the maximum pressure value of a subject with a standard build, and the column "Maximum pressure value (body weight 90 kg)" indicates the maximum pressure value of a subject with a good build. The column "Supine position (mmHg)" indicates the maximum pressure value when lying face up, and the column "Side position (mmHg)" indicates the maximum pressure value when lying sideways. The results are shown in Table 1. In addition, Figs. 14(A) to (E) show the sensing areas of samples 1 to 5.

[0059] In Table 1, the pressure values ​​were evaluated according to the following criteria. Note that a pressure value of 70 to 100 mmHg is a value at which signs of skin damage appear when the pressure value is continuously applied to the skin for 2 hours, and a value of less than 32 mmHg is a value that is effective in preventing bedsores. The results are shown in Table 1. ◎(Best): Less than 23.44mmHg 〇(Good): 23.44~32mmHg △(Acceptable): 32~70mmHg ×(Not possible): 70mmHg or more

[0060] In Table 1, the sensing area of ​​each sample was evaluated according to the following criteria. Based on the pattern showing the body pressure distribution in the sensing area, the tester visually judged whether the area was in close contact and whether the color of the parameter was uniform throughout. The results are shown in Table 1. ◎ (Best): The area of ​​contact is very large, and the color of the parameters is sufficiently uniform throughout. Good: The area of ​​contact is large, and the color of the parameters is uniform throughout. △ (OK): The area of ​​contact is fairly large, and the color of the parameters is fairly uniform overall. × (Not acceptable): The area of ​​contact is small, and the parameter color is uneven across the entire area.

[0061] From the results of pressure values ​​and sensing areas in Table 1, it was found that samples 4 and 5 had better body pressure dispersion than samples 1, 2, and 3. It was suggested that the cushioning material has better body pressure dispersion when it has multiple convex parts extending in parallel in the surface direction.

[0062] Furthermore, a comparison of Samples 6 to 10 suggests that in the case of the striped type with a triangular cross section, the smaller the pitch, the better the body pressure dispersion.

[0063] In addition, comparing Samples 15 to 24, which have the same hardness for the upper layer, it was found that the greater the total thickness, the better the body pressure dispersion. As shown in Samples 15 to 18, when the urethane for the upper layer is 125N, the body pressure dispersion tends to worsen when it is 35mm or less, but even if it is 35mm or less, if the lower layer has a surface shape, the body pressure dispersion tends to be ensured. This can also be inferred from the results of Sample 26.

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] 3. Sensory evaluation test A sensory evaluation test on the sleeping comfort of samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17 was conducted by 33 subjects. Figures 15(A) to 15(F) are diagrams showing the cross-sectional shapes of samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17, respectively. A cover was placed on the top surface of each sample. The subjects slept facing up, slept on their side, turned over several times, and sat up and down, and then scored each sample from the following perspectives. The perspectives for evaluation were "skin contact," "ease of turning over," "degree of sinking," and "feeling of bottoming out when sitting." Scores were given in five stages as shown below. The evaluation was performed as an absolute evaluation, not a relative evaluation in comparison with other mats. For each sample, the average score for "skin contact" is shown in the graph in Figure 16(A), the average score for "ease of turning over" is shown in the graph in Figure 16(B), the average score for "degree of sinking" is shown in the graph in Figure 16(C), and the average score for "feeling of hitting the bottom when sitting" is shown in the graph in Figure 16(D). "2": Good "1": Somewhat good "0": Neither "-1": Somewhat bad "-2": Bad

[0066] The results of the subjects' selection of their favorite cushioning materials for samples 19, 16, 30, 24, 27, and 17 are shown in the graph in Figure 17. The vertical axis of Figure 17 shows the number of people who selected each sample.

[0067] As shown in Figures 16(A), (B), and (C), Sample 19 (upper layer: 45 mm, 125 N, lower layer: 15 mm, 155 N) received high scores for skin contact, ease of turning over, and sinking, suggesting that it has particularly good body pressure dispersion and moderate resilience. As shown in Figure 17, Sample 19 was felt by the majority of subjects to be the favorite cushioning material.

[0068] Next, a sensory evaluation test on the stretch strength of Samples 19, 16, 30, 24, and 17 was conducted by three subjects. Each sample was set on the mattress device, and a cover was placed on the top surface of the sample. The subjects lay on the mattress device in a supine position, performed an exercise course of cross twist, back stretch, waist stretch, and leg swing, and then ranked each sample. The rankings of the three subjects were the same, and the samples with the best ratings were Sample 16, Sample 17, Sample 19, Sample 30, and Sample 24. In Table 2, the rankings are given scores of 5 to 1 in descending order.

[0069] [Table 2]

[0070] From these results, it was found that the greater the total thickness, the worse the sense of stretching tends to be. In particular, it was found that the evaluation of stretch strength deteriorates significantly when the total thickness exceeds 80 mm. From the viewpoint of stretch strength, it was suggested that a total thickness of 70 mm or less is preferable, and 60 mm or less is more preferable.

[0071] Next, 26 subjects conducted a sensory evaluation test on the sleeping comfort of samples 31 to 36. Samples 31 to 33 have a triangular cross section, with the pitch of the convex parts being 25 mm, 20 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. Samples 34 to 36 have a trapezoidal cross section, with the pitch of the convex parts being 25 mm, 20 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. After performing the same actions as in the sensory test on sleeping comfort described above, the subjects scored each sample from the following perspectives. The perspectives for evaluation were "skin contact," "ease of turning over in sleep," and "degree of sinking," and the "degree of sinking" was divided into "when lying on one's side" and "when lying up." The scores were given in five stages as shown below. The evaluation was performed as an absolute evaluation, not a relative evaluation in comparison with other mats. For each sample, the average score for "skin contact" is shown in the graph in Figure 18(A), the average score for "ease of turning over" is shown in the graph in Figure 18(B), the average score for "degree of sinking, when lying on one's side" is shown in the graph in Figure 18(C), and the average score for "degree of sinking, when lying on one's back" is shown in the graph in Figure 18(D). "2": Good "1": Somewhat good "0": Neither "-1": Somewhat bad "-2": Bad

[0072] The results of the subjects' selection of their favorite cushioning materials from samples 31 to 36 are shown in the graph in Figure 19. The vertical axis of Figure 19 shows the number of people who selected each sample.

[0073] [Table 3]

[0074] From Figure 18(A), it can be seen that for Samples 31-33 (triangular cross section), there is almost no difference in skin contact due to the pitch, while for Samples 34-36 (trapezoidal cross section), there is a difference in skin contact due to the pitch. Comparing Samples 32 and 35, at a pitch of 20 mm, the trapezoidal cross section was better than the triangular cross section. From these results, it can be inferred that a pitch of 20 mm and a trapezoidal cross section are optimal from the standpoint of skin contact. This is thought to be due to the combined effect of the pitch and cross section.

[0075] Comparing Sample 32 and Sample 35 in Figure 18(B), it was found that the ease of turning over was greater with a trapezoidal cross section than with a triangular cross section when the pitch was 20mm. Comparing Sample 34 and Sample 35, it was found that the ease of turning over was greater with a trapezoidal cross section with a pitch of 20mm than with a pitch of 15mm. These results suggest that, while there was no difference in the ease of turning over depending on the cross section when the pitch was 15mm, it was found that the trapezoidal cross section made it easier to turn over when the pitch was 20mm and 25mm.

[0076] Figures 18(C) and (D) suggest that the surface shape and pitch have little effect on sinking.

[0077] As shown in Figures 18(A) and (B), Sample 35 (trapezoidal cross section, pitch: 20 mm) received high scores for skin contact and ease of turning over in bed, and was particularly suggested to have good body pressure dispersion and moderate resilience. As shown in Figure 19, Sample 35 was felt by the majority of subjects to be the favorite cushioning material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...Mattress device 2. Air cell 3…Air cell retaining plate 4. Base layer 5…First cushion layer 6…Pump 7. Remote control 8…Control unit 9…Heater 10,200,300,400,500,600…Cushioning material 11...Body movement sensor 12…Air hose 13…Side material 15…Mat body 25…Air cell 30...Control section 40...Storage section 51...Transmitter / receiver 53...Movement imparting section 54...Temperature adjustment section 57…Sleep information detection unit 61. Smartphone 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601...Placement surface 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602…Convex 103, 203, 303, 403…Concave 110,210,310,410…upper layer 120…lower layer

Claims

1. A cushioning material having a support surface on which a user's body is placed, the support surface being formed of a layer having a hardness of 85 N or more and 200 N or less as measured in accordance with JIS K 6400-2 A, At least a part of the mounting surface has a plurality of protrusions extending in parallel in a surface direction, Each of the plurality of protrusions extends along a height direction of the user, Each of the plurality of protrusions has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction, The impact resilience as determined by JIS K 6400-3 is 50% or more. Cushioning material.

2. Each of the plurality of convex portions has a lower base dimension larger than an upper base dimension of the cross-sectional shape, and a concave portion having a shape as if the convex portion was inverted upside down is formed between adjacent convex portions, The recess is bendable so as to narrow the width of the space within the recess. The cushioning material according to claim 1.

3. The plurality of protrusions are provided at positions that support the body of the user when the user is lying on his / her back or on his / her side. The cushioning material according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The pitch of the plurality of protrusions is 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The cushioning material according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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