Positioning device

Abstract

To provide a posture changing device capable of reducing discomfort of a user.SOLUTION: A posture changing device includes: a plurality of deformation cells 2 which are respectively arranged under a plurality of parts of a body of a lying person and can be deformed between expansion and contraction in a vertical direction; and a drive control device 5 for allowing the deformation cells to repetitively expand, keep the maximum expansion state, and contract a plurality of times. The drive control device performs control to allow an expansion time to expand the deformation cells to the maximum expansion state and a contraction time to contract from the maximum expansion state to be respectively five minutes or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a position changing device that can be used to change the position of a user lying on a bed, such as a nursing bed or a medical bed. [Background technology]

[0002] A related prior art invention is, for example, Patent Document 1. The bed apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes an air mattress positioned below the body of a user (recumbent) lying on the bed apparatus, and air cells positioned below the left and right parts of the user's body, which inflate and deflate to tilt the user's body to the right or left, thereby changing the user's posture. Even for users who cannot turn over on their own, this is expected to have the effect of reducing or preventing diseases such as bedsores and the associated pain caused by staying in the same position for a long period of time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5727357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the bed apparatus raises or lowers the user's body to change their posture while the user is sleeping, the user may feel uncomfortable and be unable to sleep soundly.

[0005] Furthermore, some nursing care beds and medical beds have a back-raising function in which the back bottom bends relative to the waist bottom to stand up. It is desirable for a position changing device applied to a bed with this back-raising function to be easily bendable in response to the bending of the bottom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A postural change device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of deformable cells that are respectively arranged below a plurality of body parts of a recumbent person and are capable of deforming by expanding and contracting in the vertical direction, and a drive control device that causes each deformable cell to expand, maintain a maximum expansion state, and then contract repeatedly. The drive control device controls the expansion time for each deformable cell to the maximum expansion state and the contraction time for each deformable cell to contract from the maximum expansion state to at least five minutes.

[0007] The drive control device controls the time for which each deformable cell maintains the maximum expansion state from the end of expansion to the start of contraction to be equal to or less than half of the time required for one operation from the start of expansion to the end of contraction.

[0008] The drive control device controls the contraction time of each deformation cell so that the contraction time is longer than the expansion time during one operation of each deformation cell.

[0009] The drive control device controls the internal pressure of each of the plurality of deformable cells in accordance with the difference in weight between the upper and lower halves of the lying person.

[0010] The bed further includes a sheet that can be laid on the bottom of the bed, and the multiple deformable cells are arranged on the sheet. The multiple deformable cells include an upper right cell located in the upper right region in a plan view that can push up the area from the right shoulder to the right buttocks of a recumbent person (hereinafter, the area from the waist to the buttocks is referred to as the buttocks in this specification), an upper left cell located in the upper left region that can push up the area from the left shoulder to the left buttocks, a lower left cell located in the lower left region that can push up the area from the left buttocks to the left thigh, and a lower right cell located in the lower right region that can push up the area from the right buttocks to the right thigh. A first gap extending linearly in the horizontal direction is defined between the bottom edge of the upper right cell and the top edge of the lower right cell, and a second gap extending linearly in the horizontal direction is defined between the bottom piece of the upper left cell and the top edge of the lower left cell, and the first and second gaps can be positioned at a bending position between the lower bottom and the back bottom of the bed. In a plan view, in the vertical direction, the lower part of the upper right cell and the lower part of the upper left cell can be positioned on the upper part of the sacrum of the body of a reclining person, and the upper part of the lower right region and the upper part of the lower left region can be positioned on the lower part of the sacrum of the body of a reclining person.

[0011] A third gap extending vertically is provided between the left end edge of the upper right cell and the right end edge of the upper left cell, and a fourth gap extending vertically is provided between the left end edge of the lower right cell and the right end edge of the lower left cell, the third and fourth gaps being each alignable with a center line passing from the user's spine to their crotch, and the horizontal width of the third and fourth gaps being between 10 centimeters and 30 centimeters.

[0012] The distance between the right edge of the top right cell and the left edge of the top left cell is between 55 centimeters and 75 centimeters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the discomfort that a postural change device gives to a user.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the position changing device can be easily bent in response to the raising of the back of the bed, and the effect of reducing diseases such as bedsores can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a postural change device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating each part of the position change device. [Figure 3] A diagram showing one of the multiple deformed cells in an expanded state. [Figure 4] Functional configuration diagram of the drive control device [Figure 5] Diagram for explaining the arrangement of modified cells [Figure 6] Plan view of the deformed cell [Figure 7] A simplified cross-section of deformed cell 2 cut horizontally [Figure 8] An example of an operation panel [Figure 9] An example of the operation of a position change device [Figure 10] An example of control of a deformed cell using a drive control device [Figure 11]Diagram showing the expansion and contraction process of a deformed cell [Figure 12] Graph showing the results of a verification test according to this embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A postural change device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a postural change device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating each part of the postural change device 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which one of the multiple deformable cells 2 is inflated.

[0018] The postural change device 1 according to this embodiment is placed indirectly or directly under the body of a user (a person lying down). For example, the postural change device 1 is preferably placed under bedding such as a bed mattress or a futon.

[0019] When placed on a bed, the positioning device 1 is placed, for example, between the bottom (bedboard) of the bed and the bed mattress. The bed may be an electric reclining bed used in medical and nursing care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and homes.

[0020] In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the postural change device 1 (or the bed or bedding on which it is placed) is referred to as the length direction, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the postural change device 1 is referred to as the width direction. The length direction may also be referred to as the front-to-back or vertical direction, and the width direction as the left-to-right or horizontal direction. When referring to the direction of a specific part or member, it may also be referred to as "the XX direction of the XX part."

[0021] <1. Configuration of the position change device> The postural change device 1 comprises a plurality of deformable cells 2, a seat 3, arrangement means for arranging the plurality of deformable cells on the seat 3, a drive control device 5 for controlling the expansion and contraction of the plurality of deformable cells 2, and an operation panel 6. In this specification, as an example, the deformable cells 2 are fluid bags that expand and contract by injecting and expelling a fluid such as air into them, and an example will be described in which air is used as the fluid flowed into the deformable cells 2 from the drive control device 5. However, the fluid is not limited to air, and water or other liquids, or gases other than air, etc., can also be used. The deformable cells 2 may expand and contract by means other than a fluid.

[0022] The multiple deformable cells 2 are respectively positioned below multiple parts of the recumbent's body. Each deformable cell 2 can expand and contract in its thickness direction, i.e., in the vertical direction relative to the recumbent. Specifically, each of the multiple deformable cells 2 is connected to the drive control device 5 by a tube 7, and each expands and contracts independently by the inflow and outflow of air from the drive control device 5. The deformable cells 2 can be made of synthetic resin materials or rubber materials, such as polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone, and various thermoplastic elastomers, but any material that can expand and contract with air or other fluids may be used. Details of the deformable cells 2 will be described later.

[0023] 8 shows an example of the operation panel 6. The operation panel 6 is an example of a user interface that inputs and outputs information through operations by a user, a caregiver, or the like (user, etc.).

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration diagram of the drive control device 5. The drive control device 5 periodically causes each transformable cell to expand and contract multiple times. The drive control device 5 mainly includes a pump 51, a control unit 52, a solenoid valve 53, solenoid valve 22, and a sensor 24, all of which are housed in a casing 55. The drive control device 5 is connected to multiple transformable cells 2, an operation panel 6 for user operation, and a power source 8.

[0025] The pump 51 supplies air to the multiple deformable cells 2. For example, the pump 51 is connected to the multiple deformable cells 2 via a tube 7. A solenoid valve 53, a solenoid valve 22, and a sensor 24 are connected between the pump 51 and each deformable cell 2. Opening and closing the solenoid valve 53 makes it possible to start and stop the supply of air from the pump 51 to each deformable cell 2. This makes it possible to selectively supply air to each of the multiple deformable cells 2.

[0026] The solenoid valve 22 exhausts air from the deformable cells 2 connected to it. Opening and closing the solenoid valve 22 allows the start and stop of exhausting air from the deformable cells 2. This makes it possible to selectively exhaust air from each of the multiple deformable cells 2. The sensor 24 senses the pressure (internal pressure) inside each deformable cell 2.

[0027] The control unit 52 controls the supply and discharge of air to the multiple deformable cells 2. For example, the control unit 52 transmits and receives information to and from various parts such as the operation panel 6, each deformable cell 2, solenoid valve 22, sensor 24, pump 51, and solenoid valve 53, and controls the on / off of the pump 51, the selection of the deformable cells 2 to which air is supplied or discharged using the solenoid valves 53 and 22, and the air supply and discharge times, on / off control, and supply and discharge amount for each deformable cell 2.

[0028] The power supply 8 is connected to the drive control device 5 and supplies power to each component of the drive control device 5 and the operation panel 6. If necessary, power may also be supplied to each transformable cell 2. The power supply 8 may be powered by any known method, such as an electrical outlet, an electric bed, or a battery device.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 4 , a solenoid valve 53, a solenoid valve 22, and a sensor 24 are connected between each deformation cell 2 and a pump 51. For example, the control unit 52 may be configured to control the on / off state of the pump 51, the plurality of solenoid valves 53 (four solenoid valves 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d in the illustrated example), and the plurality of solenoid valves 22 (four solenoid valves 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d in the illustrated example) by energizing them. For example, the solenoid valve 53 may be configured to be normally (off) closed and open when energized (on), and the solenoid valve 22 may be configured to be normally (off) open and close when energized (on). For example, the pump 51 may be normally (off) stopped and configured to pump air when energized (on).

[0030] Specifically, for example, when supplying air from the pump 51 only to the target deformable cell 2a, the control unit 52 opens (ON) the solenoid valve 53a connected to the target air cell 2a and closes (ON) the solenoid valve 22a connected to the target air cell 2a, causing the pump 51 to pump air (ON). At this time, the solenoid valves 53b, 53c, and 53d are closed (OFF), and the solenoid valves 22b, 22c, and 22d are open (OFF). After this, the control unit 52 closes (OFF) the solenoid valve 53a, thereby maintaining the expanded state of the target deformable cell 2a. Furthermore, when discharging air from the target deformable cell 2a from this state, the control unit 52 opens (OFF) the solenoid valve 22a. To control the amount of air supplied and discharged, the solenoid valves 53 and 22 may be intermittently opened and closed (ON / OFF).

[0031] In the drive control device 5 of this example, by combining multiple solenoid valves, the operating time of each solenoid valve can be reduced and burnout can be prevented. Furthermore, when the power is off, all air in the deformable cell 2 is discharged. Therefore, in the event of a power outage, the deformable cell 2 will not remain in an expanded state, ensuring user safety.

[0032] Note that the configuration of this drive control device 5 is an example. The number and configuration of each component are not limited to this example. Any configuration is possible as long as it can selectively supply and exhaust air to and from each deformed cell 2. For example, each solenoid valve 53, 22 may be capable of controlling the air flow rate, and the solenoid valve 53 may also be configured to exhaust air. Furthermore, a sensor may be provided between the solenoid valve 53 and the solenoid valve 22 connected to each deformed cell 2, and the internal pressure of the deformed cell 2 may be estimated by measuring the pressure inside the tube 7. Furthermore, the device is not limited to a solenoid valve, and for example, a mechanical valve or the like may be used.

[0033] The sheet 3 is placed under the multiple deformable cells 2. The sheet 3 is, for example, about 2 cm thick and made of a semi-rigid porous polyurethane material. However, the material of the sheet 3 may be any material, such as polyurethane, cotton, or air mattress, and the hardness of the sheet 3 may also be any material. Furthermore, for example, the sheet 3 may have a cutout 33 for accommodating the drive control device 5. Note that the cutout 33 may or may not be present, but it is desirable for the sheet 3 to have the cutout 33 in a configuration in which the drive control device 5 is accommodated in a cover 31, which will be described later.

[0034] The positioning means positions the deformable cells 2 at predetermined positions on the sheet 3. In this example, a cover 31 is used as the positioning means. The cover 31 covers part or all of the sheet 3 and can position the deformable cells 2 at predetermined positions on the sheet 3. FIG. 2 shows an example of a bag-shaped cover 31 that covers the entire sheet 3 and can accommodate multiple deformable cells 2. For example, the cover 31 has bag-shaped pockets 31a with openings (not shown) at the top of its inner surface, and each pocket 31a can accommodate and hold one deformable cell 2. In addition, the deformable cells 2 and the pockets 31a may be provided with fastening parts that fasten them together. In the illustrated example, the fastening parts are provided by forming multiple holes 23 in the deformable cells 2, and fasteners (not shown), such as strings or hooks, are provided in the pockets 31a and inserted through the holes 23 to prevent the deformable cells 2 from shifting position within the pockets 31a. However, the configuration of the cover 31 is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the arrangement means is not limited to the example of the cover 31, and may be any means capable of arranging a plurality of deformable cells 2 at predetermined positions on the seat 3. The cover 31 may be formed with a housing portion 31b for housing the drive control device 5. The drive control device 5 may be configured to be housed within the cover 31, which will be described later, as in this example, or may be configured to be provided outside the cover 31.

[0035] <2. Placement of deformed cells> FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the deformable cells 2. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram schematically illustrating a plurality of deformable cells 2 arranged on a seat 3, FIG. 5(B) is a diagram schematically illustrating the bottom B of a reclining bed for medical and nursing care, and FIG. 5(C) is a diagram schematically illustrating the body of a reclining person. Here, the arrangement of the bottom B is illustrated as a back bottom B1 on which the reclining person's upper body is placed, a waist bottom B2 on which the waist and buttocks are placed, a knee bottom B3 on which the thighs are placed, and a leg bottom B4 on which the lower legs are placed. In this example, the reclining bed has a back bottom B1 that is bendable relative to the waist bottom B2, and a bending portion (not shown) is provided between the waist bottom B2 and the back bottom B1 (B5).

[0036] The deformable cells 2 are arranged on the seat 3 so that their vertical direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the position change device 1 (or the seat 3). For example, the vertical length of each deformable cell 2 is desirably set so that it fits within the back bottom B1 if it pushes up the upper body, and so that it fits from the waist bottom B2 to the knee bottom B3 if it pushes up the lower body. In other words, the vertical length of the deformable cell 2 can be set to a length that corresponds to the shoulders to buttocks of a reclining person if it pushes up the upper body, and to a length that corresponds to the buttocks to thighs of a reclining person if it pushes up the lower body. More specifically, for example, the vertical length of the deformable cell 2 is desirably set to a length that corresponds to the shoulders to waist (upper part of the sacrum) of a reclining person if it pushes up the upper body, and to a length that corresponds to the buttocks (lower part of the sacrum) to thighs of a reclining person if it pushes up the lower body. The horizontal length of the deformable cell 2 may be set to be equal to or less than half the width of the bottom B. In other words, the horizontal length of the deformable cell 2 may be set to a width that pushes up only the left or right half of the body of a person lying down.

[0037] The plurality of deformable cells 2 include one or more deformable cells 2 that push up the upper body of the lying person and one or more deformable cells 2 that push up the lower body of the lying person.

[0038] In the illustrated example, for example, the deformable cells 2 arranged on the upper body side of the recumbent person are a right upper cell 2A arranged in the right upper region so as to be able to push up the area from the right shoulder to the right buttocks of the recumbent person in a plan view, and a left upper cell 2B arranged in the left upper region so as to be able to push up the area from the left shoulder to the left buttocks. More specifically, for example, the right upper cell 2A is desirably able to push up the area from the right shoulder to the right hip (the upper right part of the sacrum) of the recumbent person in a plan view, and the left upper cell 2B is desirably able to push up the area from the left shoulder to the left hip (the upper left part of the sacrum).

[0039] The deformable cells 2 arranged on the side of the lower body of the recumbent are a lower right cell 2C arranged in the lower right region capable of pushing up the area from the right buttock to the right thigh in a plan view, and a lower left cell 2D arranged in the lower left region capable of pushing up the area from the left buttock to the left thigh. More specifically, for example, the lower right cell 2C is desirably capable of pushing up the area from the right buttock (the lower right part of the sacrum) to the right thigh in a plan view, and the upper left cell 2B is desirably capable of pushing up the area from the left buttock (the lower left part of the sacrum) to the left thigh.

[0040] A first gap 11 extending linearly in the width direction is provided between the bottom edge of the upper right cell 2A and the top edge of the lower right cell 2C. A second gap 12 extending linearly in the width direction is provided between the bottom piece of the upper left cell 2B and the top edge of the lower left cell 2D. The first gap 11 and the second gap 12 are aligned in a straight line in the width direction, and can be positioned at the position B5 (bent position) between the waist bottom B2 and back bottom B1 of the bed.

[0041] Furthermore, in a plan view, the lower part of the upper right cell 2A and the lower part of the upper left cell 2B can both be aligned near the upper part of the sacrum of the recumbent person. At the same time, the upper part of the lower right cell 2C and the upper part of the lower left cell 2D can both be aligned near the lower part of the sacrum of the recumbent person. In other words, the vertical center position of the recumbent person's sacrum is approximately aligned within the first and second gaps 11 and 12.

[0042] In this way, the gap between the upper and lower regions of the positioning device 1 can be aligned with the bending position of the bottom, so that when the bed raises the back, that is, when the back bottom B1 rises up relative to the lumbar bottom B2, the positioning device 1 can be easily bent along with it. In addition, since the four regions (upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left) where the deformation cells 2 are arranged are all positioned vertically corresponding to the user's sacrum, when any of the deformation cells in any region expands, the upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right parts of the pelvis centered on the user's sacrum rise, thereby providing a high disease-reducing effect on the area centered on the sacrum, which is most susceptible to diseases such as bedsores.

[0043] In addition, a third gap 13 extending vertically is provided between the left end edge of the upper right cell 2A and the right end edge of the upper left cell 2B, and a fourth gap 14 extending vertically is provided between the left end edge of the lower right cell and the right end edge of the lower left cell 2D. The third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 can each be aligned with the center line C passing through the spine and crotch of a recumbent person, and the horizontal dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 are set to be narrower than the width of the torso of a recumbent person and wider than the width of the lumbar vertebrae and thoracic vertebrae. The lateral dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 are preferably set to dimensions that can accommodate the lateral central portion of a recumbent person, for example, the entire width of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae and a portion or entire width of the erector spinae muscles on both sides, but cannot completely accommodate the outer portions on both sides, for example, the portions corresponding to the entire width of the scapulae. The lateral dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 can be set, for example, from 10 cm to 30 cm, and preferably from 20 cm to 30 cm.

[0044] If the lateral dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 are too wide, it will be difficult for a small person, such as a petite woman, to lean. If they are too narrow, the lateral center or its vicinity of the body will also be pushed up, reducing the leaning effect. If these gaps 13 and 14 are between 10 cm and 30 cm wide, the leaning effect can be achieved for people of various builds, from petite women to large men. Furthermore, if the width is between 20 cm and 30 cm, the center of the body can be expected to be shifted away from the upper part of the deformation cell even when the person turns over in bed. On the other hand, if these gaps 13 and 14 are too wide, for people with narrow shoulders, only the outer shoulders of the person may be lifted, and the person's shoulders may not be lifted.

[0045] Furthermore, the distance 15 between the right edge of the upper right cell 2A and the left edge of the upper left cell 2B is set to be equal to or greater than the width of the body of a reclining person and equal to or less than the width of the seat 3. Specifically, the distance 15 between the right edge of the upper right cell 2A and the left edge of the upper left cell 2B can be set to be equal to or greater than 55 centimeters and equal to or less than 75 centimeters, and preferably equal to or greater than 60 centimeters and equal to or less than 70 centimeters.

[0046] To achieve the tilting effect on a recumbent, the shoulders must be lifted. The shoulders can be reliably lifted and the tilting effect achieved if the deformed cells are approximately 5 to 10 centimeters outward on each side, and the combined width of the left and right cells is approximately 10 to 20 centimeters wider than the shoulder width. The average shoulder width for Japanese men is 45 centimeters, while that for women is 40 centimeters. Larger men may have shoulders that are 5 centimeters wider, or even nearly 10 centimeters wider. Therefore, a width between 50 and 75 centimeters can be expected to provide a tilting effect for people of all builds. However, as mentioned above, it is necessary to adapt the device to people with narrow shoulders. Therefore, a tilting effect can be achieved for almost all builds if the width is between 60 and 70 centimeters. The smallest models of nursing care and medical beds are approximately 78 centimeters wide. The above widths can accommodate this bed width.

[0047] <3. Structure of deformed cells> The configuration of the deformable cell 2 will be described below. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the deformable cell 2. FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-section of the deformable cell 2 cut horizontally. When deflated, the deformable cell 2 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. Multiple deformable cells 2 may have the same shape. In this example, the deformable cell 2 is formed into a bag shape by welding the peripheral edges of the top and bottom surfaces of a generally rectangular synthetic resin material. An air supply and exhaust hole is formed on one vertical side of the deformable cell 2, and a connecting member 21 for connecting a tube 7 is fixed to the air supply and exhaust hole. In this example, the side with the air supply and exhaust hole is positioned on the outer side in the width direction of the postural change device 1, and multiple holes 23 for the fastening parts described above are formed on the opposite side.

[0048] The deformed cell 2 is provided with one or more ribs 26 that divide the internal region. The ribs 26 are formed so as to partially open each internal region of the deformed cell 2. In other words, the interior of the deformed cell 2 is formed by the ribs 26 into multiple regions (not shown), and communication passages 27 are formed to allow air to circulate between these multiple regions. The ribs 26 can be made of the same material as the deformed cell 2 described above, but they do not have to be made of the same material.

[0049] The ribs 26 are fixed to the top and bottom surfaces of the deformed cell 2. In the illustrated example, one rib 26 is arranged along the horizontal direction of the deformed cell 2, and multiple ribs are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction of the deformed cell 2. When air is supplied to the deformed cell 2, the rib 26 stands up. When the rib 26 is in the stood up state (i.e., when the deformed cell 2 is in an expanded state), the rib is set so that one end 26b of the rib in the horizontal direction of the deformed cell 2 is lower than one end 26a of the deformed cell 2. In this example, the rib 26 is set so that one end 26a near the air supply hole is higher than the other end 26b on the opposite side.

[0050] Furthermore, when placed in the position change device 1, the inflated deformable cell 2 is set so that the central side in the width direction of the position change device 1 is lower and the outer sides are higher. Therefore, when inflated, the deformable cell 2 forms an inclined surface 25 that extends from the outer end in the width direction toward the central end. In other words, the deformable cell 2 inflates and contracts to envelop the body of the recumbent person, thereby minimizing any discomfort the recumbent person may feel.

[0051] For example, the height of the deformed cell 2 in the maximum expanded state may be approximately 5 cm to 15 cm at the highest point (in this example, the outer side in the width direction) and approximately 0 cm to 5 cm at the lowest point (in this example, the center side in the width direction).

[0052] Furthermore, the ribs 26 form a plurality of regions inside the deformable cell 2, which makes it possible to prevent the inflation range from being biased due to the weight of the lying person.

[0053] The rib 26 may be set so that one end near the air supply hole is lower than the other end, or there may be no difference in height.

[0054] <5. Operation> Below, an outline of the operation of the postural change device 1 will be explained. Fig. 9 shows an example of the operation of the postural change device 1. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the progress of the expansion and contraction of the deformable cells. Here, an example will be explained in which the first to fourth deformable cells are expanded in order, with the time from the start of expansion to the end of contraction of one deformable cell (hereinafter referred to as the operation time) being 60 minutes.

[0055] For the sake of convenience, the first to fourth cells will be described, but the order of operation of these deformable cells 2 may be preset in the design or selected by the user. Furthermore, the timing of the operation time, expansion time, maintenance time, and contraction time is not limited to this example and can be changed by settings.

[0056] A user or the like inputs power and performs various settings via the operation panel 6 (S1). The setting information includes, for example, the selection of the order in which the deformable cells 2 are inflated (selection of the position change position), the time for each deformable cell 2 to inflate, maintain its maximum inflation state, and then deflate (the time required for one position change), and the inflation level of the deformable cells 2 (e.g., the height of the deformable cells 2 in their maximum inflation state, i.e., the degree of inclination of the user's body when reclining). In this example, the inflation level of the deformable cells 2 is controlled using the internal pressure of the deformable cells 2. Even with the same internal pressure, the height of the deformable cells 2 in their maximum inflation state, i.e., the degree of inclination of the user's body, varies depending on the user's weight and physique, the hardness of the bedding on the position change device 1, and so the internal pressure of the deformable cells 2 can be changed depending on the user's weight and physique. For example, the internal pressure needs to be set higher when pushing up a heavy person's body by 10 cm than when pushing up a lighter person's body by 10 cm.

[0057] Furthermore, the position change device 1 can control the internal pressure of the multiple deformable cells to different set values ​​depending on the difference in weight between the user's upper and lower body. For example, the lower body is generally heavier than the upper body. Therefore, the internal pressure of the deformable cells located in the lower region can be set higher than that of the deformable cells located in the upper region. Even for the same person, the weight of the upper and lower body differs. Therefore, by being able to set the internal pressure according to the weight of each part, the lift height of each part of the body can be controlled to a constant value.

[0058] The internal pressure setting for the deformation cell 2 may be set so that the user can select from several preset setting values ​​(modes) according to the user's physique. In this case, assuming that the weight of each body part, such as the upper body and the lower body, differs, a different internal pressure value may be set for each deformation cell (or each deformation cell for the upper body and the lower body) in each mode. Also, the user may set a desired internal pressure value for each deformation cell 2 (region).

[0059] The degree of expansion is not limited to being controlled by the internal pressure value of the deformed cell 2, but can also be controlled, for example, by the height of the deformed cell 2 or the amount of air supplied to the deformed cell 2. Hereinafter, the internal pressure value of the deformed cell corresponding to the degree of expansion of the deformed cell 2 selected by the user via the operation panel 6 will be referred to as the "predetermined internal pressure."

[0060] Each deformable cell 2 is supplied with air until it reaches a predetermined internal pressure, and after maintaining this internal pressure for a while, it is exhausted. The state in which the deformable cell 2 reaches the predetermined internal pressure will be referred to as the maximum expansion state below. The time from the start of air supply until each deformable cell 2 reaches its maximum expansion state will be referred to as the expansion time below. The time during which the maximum expansion state is maintained after reaching the maximum expansion state until exhaust begins will be referred to as the maintenance time below. The time from the start of exhaust until the end (when the internal pressure of the deformable cell 2 becomes essentially zero) will be referred to as the contraction time below. The combined time of the expansion time, maintenance time, and contraction time will be referred to as the operating time of the deformable cell 2 below.

[0061] The postural change device 1 receives setting information from the operation panel 6 and starts operation (S2).

[0062] The postural change device 1 starts supplying air to the first deformable cell (S3), and then starts counting time.

[0063] Based on the information from the sensor 24, the postural change device 1 confirms that the first deformable cell has reached a predetermined internal pressure (S4).

[0064] The postural change device 1 stops the supply of air to the first deformable cell (S5).

[0065] The postural change device 1 confirms that the maintenance time has ended (S6). In this example, the maintenance time ends when half of the operation time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first deformable cell (S3).

[0066] The postural change device 1 starts evacuating the first deformable cell (S7), and the evacuation of the first deformable cell is completed (S8).

[0067] The postural change device 1 confirms that the exhaust time has ended (S9). In this example, the exhaust time ends after the operation time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first deformable cell (S3).

[0068] The postural change device 1 returns to the process at S3 and proceeds to the process of the second transformation cell (S10).

[0069] After this, the postural change device 1 performs the above-mentioned operations S3 to S10 for the second to fourth transformable cells in that order. When the operation time for the fourth transformable cell is completed, the above-mentioned operations S3 to S10 for the first transformable cell begin again, and similar operations are repeated thereafter. The above-mentioned operations for the first to fourth transformable cells may be automatically repeated until the power to the postural change device 1 is turned off by the user or a timer, etc.

[0070] In this example, each modified cell 2 ends its maintenance time halfway through the operation from the start of air supply and starts exhausting, but this is not limited to this. A detailed example of time control of expansion, maintenance, and contraction within the operation time of the modified cell 2 will be described later.

[0071] Hereinafter, a more detailed description will be given of the control of the transformable cell 2 by the drive control device 5 with respect to the operation of the postural change device 1. FIG.

[0072] Below, we will explain an example in which the operation time of each deformable cell 2 is 60 minutes, and the operations are performed in the order of the first to fourth deformable cells. In this example, the expansion time and maintenance time of each deformable cell 2 together make up half of the operation time, and the remaining half is the contraction time.

[0073] For the sake of explanation, the deformed cells 2 are referred to as the first to fourth cells for convenience, but the positions of these deformed cells 2 may be determined by design or may be arbitrarily selected by the user. In other words, there may be variations in the order in which the multiple deformed cells 2 operate. However, it is preferable that the cycle from when each deformed cell 2 operates once until it operates again (i.e., the operation frequency of each deformed cell 2) is the same for all deformed cells. Furthermore, the operation time, expansion time, maintenance time, and contraction time for one operation are not limited to this example and may be changeable by settings.

[0074] The user or the like turns on the power and performs various settings (S11) through the operation panel 6. The setting information is as described above.

[0075] The drive control device 5 instructs each part to start operation (S12).

[0076] The drive control device 5 starts supplying air to the first modified cell (S13). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 drives the pump 51, opens the solenoid valve 53, and closes the solenoid valve 22, issuing instructions to start supplying air (S13). Here, the drive control device 5 starts counting the time related to the control of the first modified cell.

[0077] The drive control device 5 determines whether the first deformed cell has reached a predetermined internal pressure based on information from the sensor 24 of the first deformed cell (S14). If the first deformed cell has reached the predetermined internal pressure (Yes), the process proceeds to S21. If the first deformed cell has not reached the predetermined internal pressure (No), the process proceeds to S15.

[0078] The drive control device 5 stops the supply of air to the first modified cell (S21). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 closes the solenoid valves 22 and 53 of the first modified cell to stop the supply of air to the first modified cell (S21).

[0079] The drive control device 5 confirms (S15) that a first time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first deformable cell (S13), and reduces the air supply rate (S16). Note that the first time may be, for example, approximately 1 / 3 or less of the expansion time, preferably 1 / 5 or more and 1 / 4 or less. This process can prevent the first deformable cell from expanding too rapidly.

[0080] The drive control device 5 determines whether the first deformed cell has reached a predetermined internal pressure based on information from the sensor 24 of the first deformed cell (S17). If the first deformed cell has reached the predetermined internal pressure (Yes), the process proceeds to S21. If the first deformed cell has not reached the predetermined internal pressure (No), the process proceeds to S18.

[0081] The drive control device 5 confirms that a second time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first deformable cell (S13) (S18), and increases the air supply rate (S19). Note that the second time is a time approaching the end of the expansion time. For example, the second time may be approximately 2 / 3 or more of the expansion time, preferably less than 1 / 4 or more. This process can help the first deformable cell reach its maximum expansion state by the end of the expansion time.

[0082] The drive control device 5 determines whether the first deformed cell has reached a predetermined internal pressure based on information from the sensor 24 of the first deformed cell (S20). If the first deformed cell has reached the predetermined internal pressure (Yes), the process proceeds to S21. If the first deformed cell has not reached the predetermined internal pressure (No), the process proceeds to S22.

[0083] The drive control device 5 confirms that the maintenance time has ended (S22) and starts evacuating the first modified cell (S19). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 may evacuate the first modified cell relatively slowly by intermittently opening and closing the solenoid valve 22 of the first modified cell, for example, by opening it for one second and then closing it for one second. In this example, the maintenance time ends when half the operating time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first modified cell (S13).

[0084] The drive control device 5 confirms that the exhaust time is nearing the end (S24) and increases the exhaust speed (S25). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 may control the intermittent opening and closing of the solenoid valve 22 of the first modified cell so as to increase the open time. Here, for example, the drive control device 5 confirms that the end of the operating time has not yet arrived and that approximately 3 / 4 of the operating time has elapsed since the start of air supply.

[0085] The drive control device 5 confirms the end of the exhaust time (S26), opens the solenoid valve 22 of the first modified cell, and stops controlling the exhaust speed (S27). In this example, the end of the exhaust time occurs when the operating time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first modified cell (S13).

[0086] Thereafter, the drive control device 5 performs the above steps S13 to S27 in the order of the second to fourth transformed cells. The above operations of the drive control device 5 for the first to fourth transformed cells may be repeated until the power to the postural change device 1 is turned off by the user or a timer or the like.

[0087] As in the above, the order of the operations of the first to fourth transformed cells can be set in any way by the user, and the operation time is not limited to this example.

[0088] <4. Operation time of the transformation cell> The drive control device 5 can independently expand and contract the multiple deformable cells 2 arranged in the upper right region, upper left region, lower right region, and lower left region. For example, the deformable cells 2 can be expanded one region at a time, and the order can be selected by the user. For example, the deformable cells 2 may be expanded one region at a time in a clockwise or counterclockwise order in a plan view. In this example, after the operation time (expansion to contraction) of the deformable cells 2 in one region has ended, the operation of the deformable cells in the next region begins.

[0089] The drive control device 5 also controls the expansion time (expansion time) and contraction time (contraction time) of each deformable cell 2 to 5 minutes or more. Preferably, the drive control device 5 controls the expansion time and contraction time of each deformable cell 2 to 10 minutes or more, and more preferably to 15 minutes or more.

[0090] The postural change device 1 takes a relatively long time to inflate and then contract the deformable cell 2. This reduces the discomfort felt by the user when the deformable cell 2 is inflated and contracted. This reduces the risk of the user developing bedsores and other illnesses, while preventing disturbances to sound sleep.

[0091] The drive control device 5 can make the total time during which each deformable cell 2 is expanded (expansion time) and contracted (contraction time) during the operating time (i.e., the time during which the deformable cell 2 is deformed during the operating time) longer than the maintenance time. In other words, the drive control device 5 can make the deformation time of the deformable cell 2 at least half of the operating time. It is preferable for the drive control device 5 to make the deformation time of the deformable cell 2 at least two-thirds of the operating time, and more preferably at least three-quarters of the operating time.

[0092] In other words, the drive control device 5 can control the maintenance time of each deformable cell 2 to be half or less of the operation time from the start of expansion to the end of contraction.

[0093] Preferably, the drive control device 5 sets the maintenance time of the deformable cells 2 to be shorter than the expansion time or contraction time. The drive control device 5 controls the maintenance time of the maximum expansion state from the end of expansion to the start of contraction of each deformable cell 2 to 1 / 2 or less of the operation time, preferably 1 / 3 or less, and more preferably 1 / 4 or less of the operation time.

[0094] For example, if the operating time is 2 hours, the maintenance time can be, for example, 60 minutes or less, preferably 40 minutes or less, and more preferably 30 minutes or less. Also, if the operating time is 1 hour, the maintenance time can be, for example, 30 minutes or less, preferably 20 minutes or less, and more preferably 15 minutes or less. If the operating time is 30 minutes, the maintenance time can be, for example, 15 minutes or less, preferably 10 minutes or less, and more preferably 7.5 minutes or less.

[0095] In this way, shortening the time that the recumbent's body remains in the same position can reduce the risk of bedsores, etc. In other words, if the maintenance time is this short during the operating time, the expansion and contraction time of the deformable cell 2 can be set long enough to prevent the above-mentioned discomfort, and the time that the user remains in the same position is short, reducing the risk of diseases such as bedsores.

[0096] The drive control device 5 also controls the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 so that it is longer than its expansion time. For example, the drive control device 5 controls the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 so that it is 1 / 3 or more of the operating time. It is desirable for the drive control device 5 to control the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 so that it is more than 1 / 3 and not more than 2 / 3 of the operating time, and more preferably, it is desirable to control the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 to 1 / 2 of the operating time. When the transformable cell 2 expands, the body of the lying person rises against gravity. In contrast, when the transformable cell 2 contracts, the body of the lying person descends due to gravity. By making the descending time longer than the rising time of the body, the lying person is less likely to feel uncomfortable when changing position.

[0097] The drive control device 5 controls the internal pressure of each deformable cell 2 to be between 1 kPa and 10 kPa. Changing the internal pressure allows the deformable cells to rise appropriately, regardless of the user's physique or weight. For example, the drive control device 5 controls the inflation of each deformable cell 2 according to the user's weight so that the maximum lift distance of the user's body due to inflation of each deformable cell 2 is between 12 centimeters and 6 centimeters. For example, if the deformable cells are flexible air cells that expand with almost no resistance when gas such as air is supplied thereto, the maximum air pressure supplied to each deformable cell may be manually or automatically adjustable to three levels: 2 kPa, 5 kPa, and 8 kPa. This allows the maximum lift distance to be adjusted to be between 12 centimeters and 6 centimeters by changing the maximum air pressure depending on whether the user's weight is light, such as a petite woman, a standard adult weight, or heavier, such as a large man. As a result, if the maximum lift distance of the user's body is within this range, the discomfort felt by the user can be minimized to a level that does not disturb their sleep.

[0098] <Example> The results of verification tests of examples according to this embodiment are shown below.

[0099] 12 is a graph showing the results of a verification test according to this example. This graph shows the results of verifying where a subject (a person lying down) felt discomfort when the deformable cell 2 was inflated. In this experiment, the position change device 1 was placed on the bottom of a bed, and a urethane bed mattress (the same mattress for all measurements) was placed between the subject and the position change device 1. One area of ​​the deformable cell 2 was inflated, and the height of the deformable cell before inflation was set to 0 cm, and the height to which the part of the subject's body above the deformable cell 2 rose was measured.

[0100] The subjects were divided into four groups: a group weighing 35 kg to 45 kg (in the figure, weighted 40 kg), a group weighing 45 kg to 55 kg (in the figure, weighted 50 kg), a group weighing 60 kg to 70 kg (in the figure, weighted 65 kg), and a group weighing 70 kg to 80 kg (in the figure, weighted 75 kg). There were 10 subjects in each group.

[0101] The test involved two measurements for each subject: a first measurement to measure the internal pressure of the Deformable Cell 2 and the height to which parts of the body rose (inflated height) when the Deformable Cell 2 was inflated; and a second measurement to measure at what point the subject felt discomfort due to the change in body position when the Deformable Cell 2 was inflated for different inflation times. The inflation times were set to five times, based on the time it took for the Deformable Cell 2 to reach its maximum inflation state: 0.5 minutes, 2.0 minutes, 5.0 minutes, 10.0 minutes, and 15.0 minutes. If the subject did not feel any discomfort at all, this was counted as having felt discomfort at maximum inflation.

[0102] Measurements were taken at four locations of the deformation cell 2: the upper right region, upper left region, lower right region, and lower left region as shown in Figure 5. The internal pressure was set so that the height of the deformation cell 2 at maximum expansion was between 6 and 12 cm when each subject was placed on it. A representative example of the results of this test is shown below. In this example, the deformation cell was positioned in the right shoulder region, and the internal pressure at maximum expansion was set to 5 kPa.

[0103] The vertical axis of the figure shows the height (cm) of the deformed cell 2 when inflated, and the horizontal axis shows the internal pressure (kPa) of the deformed cell. The height of the deformed cell 2 when inflated represents the height to which the body part above the deformed cell rose. The results of measurements (first measurement) of the internal pressure of the deformed cell when inflated and the height to which the body part rose (inflated height) for each group are shown in a line graph. In addition, the areas where the subjects felt discomfort at each inflation time (results of second measurement) are marked on the line graph for that group. The results of the first and second measurements were taken as the average for each group.

[0104] The test results showed that in all groups, the longer the inflation time, the less discomfort the subjects felt due to changes in body position when the Deformable Cell 2 was inflated.

[0105] Specifically, the test results revealed the following: When the inflation time was 0.5 minutes, the height at which subjects felt discomfort in all groups was less than 80% of the maximum inflation height. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 2.0 kPa or less.

[0106] When the inflation time was 2.0 minutes, the height at which subjects felt discomfort was less than 85% of the maximum inflation height in all groups. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 3.0 kPa or less.

[0107] When the inflation time was 5.0 minutes, the subjects in all groups felt discomfort when the inflation height was 90% or more of the maximum inflation height. More specifically, this occurred when the inflation height was 90% or more but less than 98% of the maximum inflation height. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 3.5 kPa or more.

[0108] When the inflation time was 10.0 minutes, the subjects in all groups felt discomfort when the inflation height was 95% or more of the maximum inflation height. More specifically, this occurred when the inflation height was 95% or more but less than 99% of the maximum inflation height. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 4.0 kPa or more.

[0109] When the inflation time was 15.0 minutes, the height at which subjects felt discomfort was 99% or more of the maximum inflation height in all groups. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 4.9 kPa or more.

[0110] In other words, if the inflation time is 5 minutes or longer, it is believed that no discomfort will be felt by subjects of any physique until the deformed cell is inflated to 90% or more of its maximum inflation state. Furthermore, if the inflation time is 10 minutes or longer, it is believed that no discomfort will be felt by subjects of any physique until the deformed cell is inflated to 95% or more of its maximum inflation state. Furthermore, if the inflation time is 15 minutes or longer, it is believed that no discomfort will be felt by subjects of any physique until the deformed cell is inflated to 99% or more of its maximum inflation state, i.e., nearly to the maximum inflation state.

[0111] The embodiments described above are merely examples for the purpose of explanation, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms other than the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1...Posture change device 2...Deformable cell 2A...Upper right cell 2B...Upper left cell 2C...Lower right cell 2D...Lower left cell 3...Seat 5...Drive control device 6...Operation panel 7...Tube 8...Power supply 11...First gap 12...Second gap 13...Third gap 14...Fourth gap 15...Distance 21...Connecting member 22...Solenoid valve 23...Hole 24...Sensor 25...Inclined surface 26...Rib 26a...One end 26b...Other end 27...Communicating passage 31...Cover 31a...Pocket portion 31b...Storage portion 51...Pump 52...Control unit 53...Solenoid valve 55...Casing B...Bottom B1...Back bottom B2...Waist bottom B3...Knee bottom B4...Leg bottom B5...Between waist bottom and back bottom C...Center line

Claims

1. a plurality of deformable cells that are respectively arranged below a plurality of body parts of the lying person and that are capable of deforming by expanding and contracting in the vertical direction; a drive control device that causes each deformation cell to expand, maintain a maximum expansion state, and then contract, repeatedly multiple times; the drive control device controls the expansion time for expanding each of the deformable cells to the maximum expansion state and the contraction time for contracting each of the deformable cells from the maximum expansion state to 5 minutes or more, Positioning device.

2. the drive control device controls the time for which the maximum expansion state is maintained from the end of expansion to the start of contraction of each of the deformable cells to be equal to or less than half of the time for one operation from the start of expansion to the end of contraction. The postural change device according to claim 1 .

3. the drive control device controls the contraction time of each of the deformable cells to be longer than the expansion time of each of the deformable cells. The postural change device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the drive control device controls the internal pressure of each of the plurality of deformable cells in accordance with the difference in weight between the upper body and the lower body of the lying person; The postural change device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. It also includes a sheet that can be placed on the bottom of the bed, the plurality of deformation cells are disposed on the sheet; the plurality of deformation cells include an upper right cell located in an upper right region capable of pushing up the area from the right shoulder to the right buttock of a lying person in a plan view, an upper left cell located in an upper left region capable of pushing up the area from the left shoulder to the left buttock, a lower left cell located in a lower left region capable of pushing up the area from the left buttock to the left thigh, and a lower right cell located in a lower right region capable of pushing up the area from the right buttock to the right thigh, In a plan view, in the vertical direction, a lower part of the upper right cell and a lower part of the upper left cell can be placed on an upper part of the sacrum of the body of a recumbent person, and an upper part of the lower right region and an upper part of the lower left region can be placed on a lower part of the sacrum of the body of a recumbent person. The postural change device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a third gap extending vertically between the left end edge of the upper right cell and the right end edge of the upper left cell, and a fourth gap extending vertically between the left end edge of the lower right cell and the right end edge of the lower left cell; the third and fourth gaps are each alignable with a center line passing from the user's spine to the groin; The width of the third and fourth gaps in the lateral direction is 10 cm or more and 30 cm or less. The postural change device according to claim 5.

7. the distance between the right edge of the upper right cell and the left edge of the upper left cell is 55 centimeters or more and 75 centimeters or less; The postural change device according to claim 5 or 6.

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