Mattress device

The mattress device automatically adjusts firmness and pressure relief based on user mobility, addressing the inefficiency of manual settings and preventing bedsores.

JP7756425B2Active Publication Date: 2025-10-20MOLTEN CORPORATION
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021195661
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-01
Publication Date
2025-10-20
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing mattress devices require manual adjustment of firmness and pressure relief settings based on a user's ability to turn over, which is time-consuming and can lead to bedsores if not properly adapted to the user's changing condition.

Method used

A mattress device with integrated pressure sensors and a control unit that automatically adjusts firmness and pressure relief settings by detecting user movements and switching operation modes to prevent bedsores.

Benefits of technology

The mattress device enhances convenience by automating firmness and pressure relief adjustments based on user mobility, reducing the risk of bedsores.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a mattress device which determines whether a user can turn over or not, and is improved in convenience by automatizing the setting of the hardness and depressurizing of a mattress.SOLUTION: A mattress device 1 determines the presence / absence of the body motion of a user of a mattress body 2 in a predetermined time based on a detection value of a pressure sensor 32, and switches operation modes at the time of operating an operation mode of increasing or decreasing an amount of air in an air cell 5, from the operation mode of increasing or decreasing an amount of air in the air cell 5 to an operation mode of increasing or decreasing an amount of air in the air cell 5 for each system in accordance with a determination that the body motion of the user is absent in the predetermined time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mattress device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, if a user of a mattress device lies on the bed in a supine position for a long period of time without turning over, the user may develop bedsores (pressure ulcers).As a technology for preventing bedsores (pressure ulcers), for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for preventing bedsores in an air mattress device in which air is supplied to and exhausted from a plurality of first cells arranged side by side in the height direction of the patient's sleeping position by separate piping systems, in which, based on a determination that the patient is unable to turn over, the internal pressure of the plurality of first cells is controlled so that the internal pressure of the plurality of first cells alternately decreases and increases.

[0003] Patent document 2 also discloses a technology for preventing bedsores in an air mattress made up of multiple cells arranged longitudinally, which detects the body movements of a person lying down based on fluctuations in the internal pressure within the cells, determines the frequency of turning over from the detected body movements, and, when the frequency of turning over is below a predetermined frequency, changes the cell that seals in air among the multiple cells to prevent bedsores. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5592725 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-49388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a user who can turn over uses the mattress device and then a user who cannot turn over uses the mattress device, or vice versa, when a user who cannot turn over uses the mattress device and then a user who can turn over uses the mattress device, or when the user's physical condition deteriorates and the user who was able to turn over is no longer able to turn over, the user has to change the firmness and pressure relief settings of the mattress depending on whether or not they can turn over, which is time-consuming. For example, if a user who can turn over uses a mattress that is set to a firm setting (higher internal pressure), and then a user who cannot turn over does not change the mattress's firmness setting (lower internal pressure), bedsores may develop. Conversely, if a user who cannot turn over uses a mattress that is set to a soft setting (lower internal pressure), and then a user who can turn over does not change the mattress's firmness setting (higher internal pressure), it will be difficult for them to turn over.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a mattress device that determines whether a user can turn over in bed and automates the settings of mattress firmness and pressure relief, thereby improving convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is realized by the following configuration. (1) A first aspect of the present invention is a mattress device comprising: a base material; a mattress body having a plurality of air cells extending in the short direction of the base material on an upper surface of the base material and arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, the air cells being capable of independently increasing or decreasing the amount of air for each system; an air pump device for increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cells; a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the air cells; and a control unit for controlling the air pump device based on the detection value of the pressure sensor, wherein the control unit includes a body movement determination unit for determining the presence or absence of body movement of a user of the mattress body within a predetermined time based on the detection value of the pressure sensor; and an operation mode switching unit that continues or switches between an operation mode that increases or decreases the amount of air and an operation mode that increases or decreases the amount of air in the air cells for each of the systems, and the operation mode switching unit switches the operation mode from the operation mode that increases or decreases the amount of air in the air cells to the operation mode that increases or decreases the amount of air in the air cells for each of the systems in accordance with a determination by the body movement determination unit that there has been no body movement of the user within the specified time period during operation in the operation mode that increases or decreases the amount of air in the air cells.

[0008] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the operation mode for increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cells includes a first operation mode for increasing the amount of air in the air cells and a second operation mode for decreasing the amount of air in the air cells, and the operation mode for increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cells for each system is a third operation mode, and the operation mode switching unit sequentially switches the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode and the third operation mode depending on the determination by the body movement determination unit that there is no body movement of the user within the specified time during operation in the first operation mode.

[0009] (3) In the configuration of (2) above, when the body movement determination unit determines that the user has made a body movement within the specified time during operation in the first operation mode, the operation mode switching unit continues the first operation mode.

[0010] (4) In the configuration of (2) or (3) above, the body movement determination unit further determines the frequency of the body movement within the specified time based on the body movement of the user, and the operation mode switching unit determines the frequency of the body movement within the specified time when the body movement determination unit is operating in the second operation mode, and if it determines that the frequency of the body movement is low, continues the second operation mode.

[0011] (5) In any one of the configurations (2) to (4) above, the operation mode switching unit determines the frequency of the body movement within the specified time when the body movement determination unit is operating in the second operation mode, and switches the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode when the body movement determination unit determines that the frequency of the body movement is high.

[0012] (6) In any one of the configurations (2) to (5) above, the operation mode switching unit continues the third operation mode when the body movement determination unit determines that there is no body movement of the user within the specified time during operation in the third operation mode.

[0013] (7) In any one of the configurations (2) to (6) above, the operation mode switching unit determines the frequency of body movement within the specified time when the body movement determination unit is operating in the third operation mode, and if it determines that the frequency of body movement is low, the mattress device described in any one of claims 1 to 5 continues the third operation mode.

[0014] (8) In any one of the configurations (2) to (7) above, the operation mode switching unit determines the frequency of the body movement within the specified time when the body movement determination unit is operating in the third operation mode, and switches the operation mode from the third operation mode to the second operation mode when the body movement determination unit determines that the frequency of the body movement is high.

[0015] (9) In any one of the configurations (4) to (8) above, the body movement determination unit determines the frequency of the body movement based on the number of times the user makes the body movement within the specified time period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, a mattress device can be provided that determines whether the user can turn over in bed and automates the settings of mattress firmness and pressure relief, thereby improving convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a mattress device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view (cross-section along arrow AA in FIG. 1) of the central part in the widthwise direction of the mattress body. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the internal configuration of the mattress device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration for controlling the mattress device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the controller board of the mattress device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pump unit and its surroundings of the mattress device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the operating section of the mattress device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mattress device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the user and the air cells of the mattress device, showing the state in which air is supplied to air cells 5A and 5B of systems A and B in the standard mattress mode. [Figure 10] Similarly, in the automatic body pressure adjustment mode, the air cells 5A and 5B of the A and B systems are supplied with air. [Figure 11A] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the air cell 5A of the A system is decompressed and the air cell 5B of the B system is held. [Figure 11B] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the air cells 5A and 5B of the A and B systems are held. [Figure 11C] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the air cell 5A of the A system is supplied with air, and the air cell 5B of the B system is held. [Figure 11D] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the air cells 5A and 5B of the A and B systems are held. [Figure 11E] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the A-system air cell 5A is held in a held state, and the B-system air cell 5B is decompressed. [Figure 11F] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the air cells 5A and 5B of the A and B systems are held. [Figure 11G] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the air cell 5A of the A system is held in a held state, and the air cell 5B of the B system is supplied with air. [Figure 11H] Similarly, in the decompression mode, the air cells 5A and 5B of the A and B systems are held. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0019] (Embodiment) (Mattress device 1) As shown in FIG. 1, the mattress device 1 comprises a mattress body 2 and a pump unit 3. The mattress body 2 comprises a lower layer 4 (e.g., urethane foam) serving as a base material, a plurality of air cells 5 extending in the short direction on the upper surface of the lower layer 4 and arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, and capable of independently increasing or decreasing air, an upper layer 6 (e.g., urethane foam) disposed on the upper surface of the air cells 5, and side support portions 7 provided on the lower layer 4 on both sides of the air cells 5 in the short direction. Each of the plurality of air cells 5 is approximately cylindrical, and as will be described later, is made up of two systems of air cells 5A, 5B, A system and B system, with 14 air cells 5A in A system and 15 air cells 5B in B system alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction. The number of air cells 5 is not limited to the above.

[0020] A cutout 4A is formed in the lower layer 4 by cutting out a portion of the side that will be under the feet when the user lies on his or her back on the mattress body 2 in the short direction, so that the short-side length of the lower layer 4 in which the cutout 4A is formed is shorter than the short-side length of the lower layer 4 in which the cutout 4A is not formed. A pump unit 3 is disposed in this cutout 4A. Details of the pump unit 3 will be described later. During use, the upper surface of the upper layer 6 is covered by an inner protective film 8 and a top cover 9 on the upper surface thereof, and the lower surface of the lower layer 4 is covered by a bottom cover 10.

[0021] Furthermore, the mattress device 1 has a lower layer 4 that is 6 cm thick, an air cell 5 that is 5 cm thick (diameter), and an upper layer 6 that is 2 cm thick, with the total thickness of the mattress body 2 being 13 cm. Note that the thicknesses of the lower layer 4, air cell 5, and upper layer 6 are not limited to those mentioned above. Furthermore, the mattress device 1 does not necessarily have to include the upper layer 6.

[0022] Based on the basic configuration described above, the mattress device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 7. Fig. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the internal configuration of the mattress device 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the control of the mattress device 1. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the controller board 31 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the pump unit 3 and its surroundings. Fig. 7 is a front view schematically showing the operation unit 13 of the mattress device 1 arranged in the pump unit 3.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the pump unit 3, air cells 5A and 5B, back-raising sensor 11, and heater 12 with the upper layer 6, inner protective film 8, and top cover 9 removed from the mattress device 1 in FIG. 1. The pump unit 3 and back-raising sensor 11 are located on one side of the air cell 5, that is, the right side. Therefore, when a user lies on their back, the side with the pump unit 3 is located on the user's feet side, and the side with the back-raising sensor 11 is located on the user's head side. Note that in FIG. 3, the lengths of the short sides of the air cells 5 are all shown as the same length for simplicity. Furthermore, the positions of the pump unit 3 and back-raising sensor 11 are not limited to those described above.

[0024] As described above, the air cells 5 are composed of two systems, divided into system A and system B, with every other system being divided. That is, the air cells 5A of system A and the air cells 5B of system B are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction. Note that in FIG. 3, the number of air cells 5A of system A and the number of air cells 5B of system B are shown as 10 for simplicity, but the number and dimensions of the air cells 5 may be set arbitrarily depending on the situation of the main user of the mattress device 1 and the situation in which it is used. Furthermore, the number of air cells 5 is not limited to two systems. For example, three or four systems may be used, and the number of systems can be set arbitrarily.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an operation unit 13 is provided on the top surface side of the pump unit 3, and is connected to the pump unit 3 by wire or wirelessly. The pump unit 3 increases or decreases the amount of air through the air flow paths interposed between the air cells 5A of the A system and the air cells 5B of the B system by operation of the operation unit 13. Hereinafter, increasing the amount of air in the air cells 5 will be referred to as air supply, decreasing the amount of air from the air cells 5 will be referred to as depressurization (exhaust), and increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cells 5 will be referred to as air supply or exhaust.

[0026] The back-raising sensor 11 is connected to the pump unit 3 by wire or wirelessly, and the pump unit 3 appropriately increases or decreases the air in the air cells 5 when the lower layer 4 is raised or lowered. In addition, a heater 12 is connected to the pump unit 3, and is operated to adjust the temperature in the bed. The heater 12 is disposed on the upper surface side of the air cell 5, on the foot side of the user. The placement of the heater 12 is not limited to the above.

[0027] Next, a block diagram illustrating a configuration for controlling the mattress device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] (Pump unit 3) As shown in FIG. 4, the pump unit 3 includes a controller board 31 as a control unit, and is connected to an external power source via a power cord 14 (100V AC). The controller board 31 is equipped with a pressure sensor 32A and a pressure sensor 32B. The pressure sensor 32A detects the pressure of the air cell 5A of the A system, specifically, the pressure in the air flow path of the A system connecting the air cell 5A of the A system and the solenoid valve 34A of the A system. The pressure sensor 32B detects the pressure of the air cell 5B of the B system, specifically, the pressure in the air flow path of the B system connecting the air cell 5B of the B system and the solenoid valve 34B of the B system.

[0029] Furthermore, the controller board 31 is connected to a blower 33 used to prevent stuffiness for users, solenoid valves 34 that open and close the flow paths to the air cells 5 to adjust the pressure for each system (solenoid valve 34A for system A, solenoid valve 34B for system B, and solenoid valve 34E for system E that exhausts air from each system), an air pump 35 that supplies air to each system, a back-raising sensor 11 (tilt switch) that detects the back-raising angle, a heater 12, and an operation unit 13 that performs operations such as changing (inputting) the settings of the pump unit 3.

[0030] The air flow path is connected to the air cells 5 from the air pump 35 via a resonator bag 36, which absorbs sound from the air pump 35 to maintain quietness, and a solenoid valve 34, which opens and closes the air flow path. The controller board 31 can control the solenoid valves 34 separately for each system, and the air cells 5 can increase or decrease air all at once or separately for each system. In this embodiment, the air pump device is made up of the solenoid valves 34 and the air pump 35.

[0031] The controller board 31 is connected to the operation unit 13, and corresponding to the operation buttons on the operation unit 13, a tactile switch for turning on / off the stuffiness prevention function, a tactile switch for turning on / off the cold prevention function, and a tactile switch for selecting sleeping comfort (firm / normal / soft) are implemented.

[0032] (Controller board 31) The controller board 31 has the various parts shown in Fig. 5 in relation to the pressure sensor 32. First, the controller board 31 is provided with a timer unit 311 for measuring time. The controller board 31 also has a body movement determination unit 312, a storage unit 313, and an operation mode switching unit 314.

[0033] The body movement determining section 312 determines whether or not there is any body movement of the user of the mattress main body 2 within a predetermined time period measured by the timer section 311 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 32 . The memory unit 313 stores the following operating modes: a standard mattress mode (firm mode), which is a first operating mode that increases (air supply) the amount of air in the air cells 5; an automatic body pressure adjustment mode (soft mode), which is a second operating mode that decreases (decompresses) the amount of air in the air cells 5; and a decompression mode, which is a third operating mode that increases / decreases (air supply / exhaust) the amount of air in the air cells 5 by system. The operation mode switching unit 314 controls the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 by continuing or switching the operation mode between the standard mattress mode (firm mode), the automatic body pressure adjustment mode (soft mode), and the decompression mode stored in the memory unit 313, depending on whether or not the user is moving and the frequency of the body movement as determined by the body movement determination unit 312.

[0034] (Pressure Sensor 32) The output of the pressure sensor 32 is measured as pressure data on the control board at predetermined time intervals. The measurement intervals for the output of the pressure sensor 32 can be set arbitrarily. The output of the pressure sensor 32 is filtered so that noise such as pulsation of the air pump 35 is not detected.

[0035] (Solenoid valve 34, air pump 35) Next, the air supply state, the pressure release (exhaust) state, and the holding state using the electromagnetic valve 34 and the air pump 35 will be described. The air supply state is a state in which the internal pressure of the air cell 5 is increased. First, the solenoid valve 34 is set to the air supply state, and the air pump 35 is set to the air supply state. Next, the pressure in the air flow path is checked by the pressure sensor 32, and if the pressure remains above the set pressure for a predetermined period of time, the state is changed to the hold state. After that, if the pressure is below the set pressure, the air pump 35 is set to the air supply state, and if the pressure is above the set pressure, the state is changed to the hold state. Specifically, when air is supplied to the air cell 5A of the A system, the solenoid valve 34A of the A system is opened, the solenoid valves 34B and 34E of the B and E systems are closed, and the air pump 35 is opened. When air is supplied to the air cell 5B of the B system, the electromagnetic valve 34B of the B system is opened, the electromagnetic valves 34A and 34E of the A and E systems are closed, and the air pump 35 is opened.

[0036] The depressurization (exhaust) state is a state in which the internal pressure of the air cell 5 is reduced. First, the air pump 35 is set to the depressurization (exhaust) state, and the solenoid valve 34 is set to the depressurization (exhaust) state. Next, the pressure in the air flow path is checked by the pressure sensor 32, and if the pressure remains below the set pressure for a predetermined period of time, the solenoid valve 34 is set to the depressurization (exhaust) state. If the pressure is then equal to or greater than the set pressure, the solenoid valve 34 is set to the depressurization (exhaust) state, and if the pressure is below the set pressure, the solenoid valve 34 is set to the maintain state. Specifically, when depressurizing (exhausting) the air cell 5A of the A system, the solenoid valves 34A and 34E of the A system and the E system are opened, the solenoid valve 34B of the B system is closed, and the air pump 35 is closed. When depressurizing (exhausting) the air cell 5B of the B system, the solenoid valves 34B and 34E of the B system and the E system are opened, the solenoid valve 34A of the A system is closed, and the air pump 35 is closed.

[0037] The holding state is a state in which the internal pressure of the air cell 5 is held, and the air pump 35 is set to the holding state and the solenoid valve 34 is set to the holding state. Specifically, when the internal pressure of the air cell 5 is to be maintained, the solenoid valves 34A, 34B, and 34E of the A, B, and E systems are closed, and the air pump 35 is closed.

[0038] (Operation unit 13) Next, the configuration of the operation unit 13 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation unit 13 includes the following operation buttons and LEDs that indicate the operating state. The operation buttons are the anti-stuffiness button 131 <on off>, cold prevention button 132 <on off>There is a sleep comfort selection button 133 (firm / normal / soft).

[0039] LEDs that indicate the operating status include stuffiness prevention LED 131L (green), cold prevention LED 132L (green), and sleep comfort selection LED 133L (3 lights: firm (green) / normal (green) / soft (green)).

[0040] Next, the operation of the main parts of the mattress device 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11H. When the power is turned on, the mattress device 1 of this embodiment automatically continues or switches between one of the operating modes stored in the memory unit 313: the standard mattress mode (firm mode), the automatic body pressure adjustment mode (soft mode), and the decompression mode, depending on whether or not the user is moving as determined by the body movement determination unit 312 and the frequency of the body movement, as described above.

[0041] When the user turns on the power, the fully automatic mode is activated (ST1). When the fully automatic mode is activated, the operation mode is first set to the standard mattress mode (ST2). In the standard mattress mode, the pressure in the air cells 5A, 5B of the A and B systems is set to, for example, 4.0 kPa, and the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are controlled so that the pressure in the air cells 5A, 5B becomes the set value. The set value is not limited to the above, as long as it is a value that makes it easy for the user to turn over in bed. FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in the standard mattress mode. In the standard mattress mode, the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are held, the output value of the pressure sensor 32 is detected, and the presence or absence of body movement of the user is determined based on the pressure value of the pressure sensor 32 (ST3). The determination of whether or not the user is moving will be described in detail later.

[0042] If it is determined in ST3 that the user has made a body movement within the predetermined time, the standard mattress mode continues, and the solenoid valve 34 and air pump 35 are used to supply air to the air cell 5 (ST2). If it is determined in ST3 that the user has not moved within a predetermined time, the operating mode is switched to automatic body pressure adjustment mode (ST4) since the risk of bedsores increases. In the automatic body pressure adjustment mode, the pressure in the air cells 5A, 5B of the A and B systems is set to, for example, 2.5 kPa, and the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are controlled so that the pressure in the air cells 5A, 5B becomes the set value. The set value is not limited to the above, as long as it is a value that reduces the risk of bedsores (pressure ulcers). FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the relationship between the user, the mattress device 1, and the air cells 5 in the automatic body pressure adjustment mode. Although the pressure settings in the air cells 5A and 5B are different between FIGS. 9 and 10, the dots in FIGS. 9 and 10 are expressed with the same density (color depth). In the automatic body pressure adjustment mode, the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are held, the output value of the pressure sensor 32 is detected, and based on the pressure value of the pressure sensor 32, it is determined whether or not the user is moving (ST5) and the number of body movements (ST6).

[0043] Here, the determination of the frequency of the user's body movements based on the presence or absence of the user's body movements and the number of body movements will be described. First, the output value of the pressure sensor 32 is checked. Then, if the output value of the pressure sensor 32 becomes larger than a predetermined value, it is determined that a body movement has occurred, and the determination count, which is the number of body movements, is incremented by one (determination count M F +1). Subsequently, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes), the judgment count is checked. For example, if the judgment count is "5 > judgment count M F ≧1”, it is determined that the body movement is small. F If the above condition is not met, it is determined that there is no body movement. In addition, the judgment count M F When the power is turned off, the count is reset to 0. The specific time period of the predetermined time and the threshold value of the determination count are not limited to those described above.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 8, if it is determined in ST5 that the user has made a body movement within a predetermined time, the determination count, which is the number of body movements, is set to "5 > determination count M" in ST6. F If the value is "≧1", it is determined that there is little body movement, the automatic body pressure adjustment mode continues, and the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are used to supply air to the air cell 5 (ST4). On the other hand, in ST6, the judgment count, which is the number of body movements, is "Judgment count M F If the value is "≧5", it is determined that there is a lot of body movement and that the risk of bedsores (pressure ulcers) has decreased, the operating mode is switched to the standard mattress mode, and the solenoid valve 34 and air pump 35 are used to supply air to the air cell 5 (ST2). Furthermore, if it is determined in ST5 that the user has not moved within a predetermined time, the risk of bedsores (pressure sores) increases further, so the operation mode is switched to the pressure reduction mode (ST7).

[0045] In the depressurization mode, the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are controlled as follows. First, the solenoid valve 34A and the air pump 35 of the A system are set to a depressurized (exhaust) state. The pressure in the air cell 5A of the A system is set to, for example, 1.0 kPa, and the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are controlled so that the pressure in the air cell 5A of the A system becomes the set value. The set value is not limited to the above. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11A. Next, the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are set to the holding state. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11B.

[0046] After a predetermined time (for example, 600 seconds), the electromagnetic valve 34A and the air pump 35 of the A system are set to the air supply state, and the output of the pressure sensor 32A is checked. The predetermined time is not limited to the above. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11C. Here, if the output of pressure sensor 32A is less than the set pressure, solenoid valve 34A and air pump 35 of system A are put into an air supply state, and if the output is equal to or greater than the set pressure, solenoid valve 34A and air pump 35 of system A are put into a depressurization (exhaust) state. Next, the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are set to the holding state. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11D. The dots of the air cells 5A and 5B shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D are expressed with the same density (color depth).

[0047] Next, the electromagnetic valve 34B and the air pump 35 of the B system are set to a depressurized (exhaust) state. The pressure in the air cell 5B of the B system is set to, for example, 1.0 kPa, and the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are controlled so that the pressure in the air cell 5B of the B system becomes the set value. The set value is not limited to the above. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11E. Next, the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are set to the holding state. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11F.

[0048] After a predetermined time (for example, 600 seconds), the electromagnetic valve 34B and the air pump 35 of the B system are set to the air supply state, and the output of the pressure sensor 32B is checked. The predetermined time is not limited to the above. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11G. Here, if the output of pressure sensor 32B is less than the set pressure, solenoid valve 34B and air pump 35 of system B are put into an air supply state, and if the output is equal to or greater than the set pressure, solenoid valve 34B and air pump 35 of system B are put into a depressurization (exhaust) state. Next, the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are set to the holding state. The relationship between the user and the air cells 5 of the mattress device 1 in this state is shown schematically in FIG. 11H. The dots of the air cells 5A and 5B shown in FIGS. 11G and 11H are expressed with the same density (color depth). Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 600 seconds), the electromagnetic valve 34A and the air pump 35 of the A system are set to the depressurized (exhaust) state, and the above control is repeated. The predetermined time is not limited to the above. In other words, in the decompression mode, the air cells 5A of system A and the air cells 5B of system B are alternately in the air supply state and the decompression (exhaust) state, preventing the contact area between the user's body and the mattress main body 2 from concentrating in one area and suppressing bedsores.

[0049] Returning to FIG. 8, if it is determined in ST8 that the user has made a body movement within a predetermined time, the determination count, which is the number of body movements, is set to "5 > determination count M" in ST9. F If the value is "≧1", it is determined that there is little body movement, the decompression mode continues, and the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are controlled as described above to alternately supply air to the air cell 5A of the A system and the air cell 5B of the B system and decompress (exhaust) them (ST7). On the other hand, in ST9, the judgment count, which is the number of body movements, is "Judgment count M F If the value is "≧5", it is determined that there is a lot of body movement and that the risk of bedsores (pressure ulcers) has decreased, the operating mode is switched to automatic body pressure adjustment mode, and the air cell 5 is set to an air supply state by the solenoid valve 34 and air pump 35 (ST4). Furthermore, if it is determined in ST8 that there is no movement of the user within a predetermined time, the decompression mode continues, and the solenoid valve 34 and the air pump 35 are controlled as described above to alternately put the air cell 5A of system A and the air cell 5B of system B into the air supply state and the decompression (exhaust) state (ST7).

[0050] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which, when it is determined in ST3 of Figure 8 that there is no body movement of the user within a predetermined time, the operation mode is switched to the automatic body pressure adjustment mode (ST4). However, when it is determined in ST3 that there is no body movement of the user within a predetermined time, the operation mode may be switched to the decompression mode (ST7) without going through the automatic body pressure adjustment mode (ST4).

[0051] As described above, when the mattress device 1 is turned on by the user, the fully automatic mode is activated, the control flow shown in Figure 8 is repeated, and the operating mode is automatically continued or switched between the standard mattress mode (firm mode), the automatic body pressure adjustment mode (soft mode), and the decompression mode.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...Mattress device 2...Mattress body 3...Pump unit 4... Lower layer (base material: urethane foam) 5A...Air cell (A system) 5B...Air cell (B system) 6...Upper layer (urethane foam) 11...Back lift sensor 13...Operation unit 14...Power cord 31...Controller board (control unit) 32A...Pressure sensor (A system) 32B...Pressure sensor (B system) 34A...Solenoid valve (A system) 34B...Solenoid valve (B system) 34E...Solenoid valve (E system) 35...Air pump 36...Resonator bag 312...Body movement detection unit 314...Operation mode switching unit< / on> < / on>

Claims

1. A substrate; A mattress body having a plurality of air cells that are arranged on the upper surface of the base material in the short direction of the base material, are arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction, and can independently increase or decrease air for each system; an air pump device that increases or decreases the amount of air in the air cell; a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the air cell; a control unit that controls the air pump device based on the detection value of the pressure sensor, The control unit a body movement determination unit that determines whether or not a user of the mattress body has made any body movement within a predetermined time based on the detection value of the pressure sensor; an operation mode switching unit that continues or switches between an operation mode in which the amount of air in the air cells is increased or decreased and an operation mode in which the amount of air in the air cells is increased or decreased for each system; the operation mode switching unit switches the operation mode from the operation mode of increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cells to the operation mode of increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cells for each system in response to a determination by the body movement determination unit that there is no body movement of the user within the predetermined time during an operation mode of increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cells; the operation mode for increasing or decreasing the amount of air in the air cell includes a first operation mode for increasing the amount of air in the air cell and a second operation mode for decreasing the amount of air in the air cell; the operation mode in which the amount of air in the air cells is increased or decreased for each system is a third operation mode; The operation mode switching unit sequentially switches the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode and the third operation mode in response to a determination by the body movement determination unit that there is no body movement of the user within the specified time during operation in the first operation mode.

2. The operation mode switching unit When the body movement determination unit determines that the body movement of the user occurs within the predetermined time during operation in the first operation mode, The mattress apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first mode of operation is continued.

3. the body movement determining unit further determines a frequency of the body movement within the predetermined time period based on the body movement of the user; The operation mode switching unit When the body movement determination unit determines the frequency of the body movement within the predetermined time during operation in the second operation mode, and determines that the frequency of the body movement is low, 3. A mattress apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the second mode of operation is continued.

4. The operation mode switching unit When the body movement determination unit determines the frequency of the body movement within the predetermined time during operation in the second operation mode, and determines that the frequency of the body movement is high, The mattress apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation mode is switched from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.

5. The operation mode switching unit When the body movement determination unit determines that there is no body movement of the user within the predetermined time during operation in the third operation mode, 5. A mattress apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third mode of operation is continued.

6. The operation mode switching unit When the body movement determination unit determines the frequency of the body movement within the predetermined time during operation in the third operation mode and determines that the frequency of the body movement is low, 6. A mattress apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the third mode of operation is continued.

7. The operation mode switching unit When the body movement determination unit determines the frequency of the body movement within the predetermined time during operation in the third operation mode, and determines that the frequency of the body movement is high, 7. The mattress apparatus of claim 1, wherein the operating mode is switched from the third operating mode to the second operating mode.

8. The body movement determination unit The mattress device according to claim 3 , wherein the frequency of the body movements is determined based on the number of body movements of the user within the predetermined time period.

Citation Information

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