Air mattress apparatus

Abstract

An air mattress apparatus includes: a first cell; a second cell; a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell; a pump configured to supply air; a first solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the first cell; a second solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the second cell; a flow path selection solenoid valve configured to switch whether the third cell is connected to the first cell or is connected to the second cell; and a pressure distribution sensor, a position of which is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-021812, filed on February 13, 2025; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an air mattress apparatus.Background

[0003] Techniques of disposing a plurality of air cells on a bed, and controlling the internal pressure of the air cells to keep sleep comfort of a user comfortable, are used. However, users have various physiques, and thus it is difficult to provide all the users with the comfortable sleep comfort.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air mattress apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a positional relationship among a bed, cells, and a pressure distribution sensor in the first embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the air mattress apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating one example of a measurement result of pressure distribution.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a positional relationship among the air mattress apparatus, a user, and the measurement result of the pressure distribution.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an air mattress apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the air mattress apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating one example of a measurement result of displacement amount distribution.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] One or more embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details (and without applying to any particular networked environment or standard).

[0013] As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms "component," "system" and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either hardware, or a combination of hardware and software in execution.

[0014] One or more components may reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local and / or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and / or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to execute software stored on a non-transitory electronic memory or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While various components have been illustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as a single component, or a single component can be implemented as multiple components, without departing from example embodiments. Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (or machine-readable) storage / communications media having a computer program stored thereon. For example, computer readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

[0015] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

[0016] Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially any wireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), enhanced general packet radio service (enhanced GPRS), third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2 (3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA), Z-Wave, Zigbee and other 802.XX wireless technologies and / or legacy telecommunication technologies.

[0017] In general, one aspect of the present application is an air mattress apparatus including: a first cell; a second cell; a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell; a pump configured to supply air; a first solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the first cell; a second solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the second cell; a flow path selection solenoid valve configured to switch whether the third cell is connected to the first cell or is connected to the second cell; and a pressure distribution sensor, a position of which is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

[0018] Another aspect of the present application is an air mattress apparatus including: a first cell; a second cell; a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell; a pump configured to supply air; a first solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the first cell; a second solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the second cell; a flow path selection solenoid valve configured to switch whether the third cell is connected to the first cell or is connected to the second cell; and a displacement amount distribution sensor, a position of which is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, the displacement amount distribution sensor being capable of measuring sinking amounts of the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] In the present specification, in a case where a user is lying in a supine position on a bed, when the user is viewed from his / her body, a direction in which his / her head is located is referred to as a "head side", a direction in which his / her feet are located is referred to as a "foot side", a direction in which his / her right hand is located is referred to as a "right side", a direction in which his / her left hand is located is referred to as a "left side", a direction in which a floor surface of a room is located is referred to as a "lower side", and a direction in which a ceiling is located is referred to as an "upper side". The head side and the foot side are also collectively referred to as a "longitudinal direction L", the right side and the left side are also collectively referred to as a "width direction W", and the upper side and the lower side are also collectively referred to as an "up-and-down direction V".<First Embodiment>

[0021] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air mattress apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a positional relationship among a bed, cells, and a pressure distribution sensor in the present embodiment.

[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an air mattress apparatus 1 includes a plurality of cells 10, a pump 20, a passage 30, a plurality of solenoid valves 40A to 40F, a flow path selection solenoid valve 41, an external solenoid valve 42, a pressure sensor 50, a pressure distribution sensor 60, and a controller 90.

[0024] The plurality of cells 10 are disposed on a bed 100, and are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction L. An outer shape of each cell 10 is a columnar shape extending in the width direction W. Each cell 10 is made of a soft sheet material such as a resin sheet, and is molded in a bag shape having airtightness. The air is supplied and discharged into and from each cell 10. All the cells 10 configure an air mattress having a substantially sheet shape.

[0025] The plurality of cells 10 are divided into a plurality of cell groups. In the present embodiment, the plurality of cells 10 are divided into six cell groups of a cell group A to a cell group F. Each cell group includes a plurality of cells 10 continuously arranged along the longitudinal direction L. At least one cell among the plurality of cells 10 does not belong to any of the cell groups.

[0026] In FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to make the drawings easier to see, the cell 10 belonging to the cell group A is denoted by a character "A", the cell 10 belonging to the cell group B (third cell group) is denoted by a character "B", the cell 10 belonging to the cell group C (first cell group) is denoted by a character "C", the cell 10 belonging to the cell group D (second cell group) is denoted by a character "D", the cell 10 belonging to the cell group E (fourth cell group) is denoted by a character "E", and the cell 10 belonging to the cell group F is denoted by a character "F". The cell 10 belonging to none of the cell groups is disposed between the cell group C (first cell group) and the cell group D (second cell group). This cell 10 is set as a "third cell 10X", and is denoted by a character "X" in FIGS. 1 and 2. The number of cell groups and the number of cells 10 belonging to each cell group are not limited to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. A plurality of third cells 10Xmay be provided.

[0027] Among the plurality of cells 10 belonging to the cell group C (first cell group), one cell 10 closest to the cell group D (second cell group) is set as a "first cell 10C", and among the plurality of cells 10 belonging to the cell group D (second cell group), one cell 10 closest to the cell group C (first cell group) is set as a "second cell 10D". The abovementioned third cell 10X is disposed between the first cell 10C and the second cell 10D.

[0028] The pump 20 is connected to the passage 30. In the present specification, "connection" indicates a state where the air can circulate. The pump 20 sucks the air (atmosphere) from the outside of the air mattress apparatus 1, and supplies the air to the passage 30. The passage 30 is a structure body that can cause the air to circulate in an airtight manner, and is a pipe or a tube, for example.

[0029] The solenoid valves 40A to 40F are two-way valves. First ports of the solenoid valves 40A to 40F are connected to the passage 30. Second ports of the solenoid valves 40A to 40F are connected to the cells 10 belonging to the cell groups A to F, respectively. For example, the second port of the solenoid valve 40A is connected commonly to the three cells 10 belonging to the cell group A. Accordingly, the solenoid valve 40A switches whether the pump 20 is connected to the three cells 10 belonging to the cell group A. The same applies to the solenoid valves 40B to 40F.

[0030] For example, the solenoid valve 40C (first solenoid valve) switches whether the pump 20 is connected to the three cells 10 (including the first cell 10C) belonging to the cell group C. The solenoid valve 40D (second solenoid valve) switches whether the pump 20 is connected to the four cells 10 (including the second cell 10D) belonging to the cell group D.

[0031] The flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is a three-way valve. A first port of the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is connected to the three cells 10 belonging to the cell group C. A second port of the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is connected to the four cells 10 belonging to the cell group D. A third port of the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 is connected to the third cell 10X. The flow path selection solenoid valve 41 switches whether the third port is connected to the first port or is connected to the second port. Accordingly, the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 switches whether the third cell 10X is connected to the first cell 10C or is connected to the second cell 10D.

[0032] The external solenoid valve 42 is a two-way valve. A first port of the external solenoid valve 42 is connected to the passage 30. A second port of the external solenoid valve 42 is connected to the outside of the air mattress apparatus 1. Accordingly, the external solenoid valve 42 switches whether the passage 30 is connected to the outside of the air mattress apparatus 1.

[0033] The pressure sensor 50 is connected to the passage 30. The pressure sensor 50 measures a pressure of the air in the passage 30.

[0034] The pressure distribution sensor 60, the position of which is fixed with respect to the plurality of cells 10, is disposed on the air mattress. The pressure distribution sensor 60 has a sheet shape, and includes a plurality of pressure sensor elements disposed two-dimensionally. The pressure sensor elements are electrostatic capacitance type pressure sensors, for example. Accordingly, the pressure distribution sensor 60 can measure a two-dimensional pressure distribution.

[0035] The controller 90 includes an input-output unit, a calculation unit, and a storage unit. A measurement result by the pressure sensor 50 and a measurement result by the pressure distribution sensor 60 are input into the controller 90. The controller 90 can control the pump 20, the solenoid valves 40A to 40F, the flow path selection solenoid valve 41, and the external solenoid valve 42.

[0036] Next, an operation of the air mattress apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the air mattress apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating one example of a measurement result of pressure distribution.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a positional relationship among the air mattress apparatus, a user, and the measurement result of the pressure distribution.

[0040] Firstly, as illustrated at Step S1 in FIG. 3, the controller 90 adjusts a pressure of each cell 10 to a predetermined value. For example, the controller 90 adjusts the pressure to a pressure set in advance for every cell group. Specifically, the controller 90 operates the pump 20 in a state where the solenoid valve 40A is open, the solenoid valves 40B to 40F are closed, and the external solenoid valve 42 is closed. At this time, the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 may be in any state. When a measurement value by the pressure sensor 50 reaches a predetermined value, the controller 90 closes the solenoid valve 40A and stops the pump 20. This can adjust the pressure in the plurality of cells 10 belonging to the cell group A to the predetermined value. The controller 90 performs the same operation with respect to the cell groups B to F, and adjusts each pressure of the cells 10 belonging to each cell group.

[0041] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when a user 200 lies in a supine position on the air mattress, generally, a head of the user 200 is positioned on the cell group A, a back is positioned on the cell group B, a lower back is positioned on the cell group C, buttocks are positioned on the cell group D, thighs are positioned on the cell group E, and lower leg regions and calcaneal regions are positioned on the cell group F. The mass ratio of the buttocks is the largest in the sites of the body of the user 200, so that the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D that is positioned directly below the buttocks is preferably set higher than the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to the other cell groups. This can prevent the buttocks from sinking, and can provide the user 200 with comfortable sleep comfort.

[0042] The abovementioned positional relationship varies in accordance with a physique of the user 200. If the physique of the user 200 is large, the buttocks extend off from the cell group D, thereby providing the user 200 with a discomfort feeling in some cases. On the other hand, if the physique of the user 200 is small, a part of the lower back is placed on the cell group D, and the lower back is touched by the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D and having a high pressure, thereby providing the user 200 with a discomfort feeling in some cases. The present embodiment aims to reduce the problem, with the following operation.

[0043] As illustrated at Step S2 in FIG. 3, in a state where the user 200 lies in a supine position on the air mattress, the pressure distribution sensor 60 measures a pressure distribution. The pressure distribution sensor 60 outputs a measurement result of the pressure distribution to the controller 90. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in the measurement result of the pressure distribution, the pressure concentrates on the buttocks and the calcaneal regions of the user 200. The controller 90 detects the buttocks and the calcaneal regions, and estimates the physique of the user 200 based on a distance therebetween. Hereinafter, the estimation method will be described.

[0044] As illustrated at Step S3 in FIG. 3, and in FIG. 4, for example, the controller 90 detects a region that is positioned at the center portion in the longitudinal direction L of the pressure distribution sensor 60, and in which the pressure takes a local maximum value, and the pressure is equal to or greater than a constant value or the area is equal to or greater than a constant value. This region is set as a "first region R1". The first region R1 is estimated to correspond to the buttocks of the user 200. The controller 90 detects two regions that are positioned at end portions of the foot side of the pressure distribution sensor 60, in other words, end portions that are positioned at the second cell 10D side seen from the first cell 10C, and that are separated from each other in the width direction W, and in each of which the pressure takes a local maximum value, and the pressure is equal to or greater than a constant value or the area is equal to or greater than a constant value. These regions are set as a "second region R2" and a "third region R3". Either of the second region R2 and the third region R3 may be positioned at the right side.

[0045] Next, as illustrated at Step S4 in FIG. 3, and in FIG. 4, the controller 90 calculates a distance Z1 between the first region R1 and the second region R2. The distance Z1 is a variable in accordance with the physique of the user 200, and the physique of the user 200 can be estimated to be larger as the distance Z1 is longer. Specifically, the physique can be estimated to be less than the standard if the distance Z1 is less than a reference value, and the physique can be estimated to be equal to or greater than the standard if the distance Z1 is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0046] Next, as illustrated at Step S5 in FIG. 3, the controller 90 determines whether the distance Z1 is equal to or greater than the reference value. If the distance Z1 is less than the reference value, the processing proceeds to Step S6, and if the distance Z1 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the processing proceeds to Step S7.

[0047] At Step S6, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the controller 90 controls the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group C (first cell group). This causes the pressure of the third cell 10X to be equal to the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to the cell group C.

[0048] At Step S7, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the controller 90 controls the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D (second cell group). This causes the pressure of the third cell 10X to be equal to the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D.

[0049] Next, as illustrated at Step S8 in FIG. 3, and in FIG. 5, the controller 90 readjusts the pressure of the cells 10 if necessary. For example, in the case where the controller 90 has controlled the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group C (first cell group) at Step S1, and has determined that the distance Z1 is equal to or greater than the reference value at Step S5 to cause the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D (second cell group) at Step S7, the air flows from the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D to the third cell 10X, so that the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D and the pressure of the third cell 10X become lower than a predetermined value. In this case, the controller 90 opens the solenoid valve 40D and closes the solenoid valves 40A to 40C, 40E, and 40F, closes the external solenoid valve 42, and operates the pump 20. Accordingly, the air is supplied from the pump 20 to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D, and the third cell 10X. When the measurement value by the pressure sensor 50 reaches a value corresponding to the cell group D, the controller 90 closes the solenoid valve 40D and stops the pump 20.

[0050] Alternatively, in the case where the controller 90 has controlled the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D (second cell group) at Step S1, and has determined that the distance Z1 is less than the reference value at Step S5 to cause the flow path selection solenoid valve 41 to connect the third cell 10X to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group C (first cell group) at Step S6, the air flows from the third cell 10X to the cells 10 belonging to the cell group C, so that the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to the cell group C and the pressure of the third cell 10X become higher than the predetermined value. In this case, the controller 90 opens the solenoid valve 40C and the external solenoid valve 42, and closes the solenoid valves 40A, 40B, and 40D to 40F. At this time, the controller 90 does not operate the pump 20. Accordingly, the air is discharged from the cells 10 belonging to the cell group C and the third cell 10X to the outside. When the measurement value by the pressure sensor 50 reaches a value corresponding to the cell group C, the controller 90 closes the solenoid valve 40C.

[0051] At Step S1, all the cells 10 may have the equal pressure. In this case, the controller 90 opens all the solenoid valves 40A to 40F, closes the external solenoid valve 42, and operates the pump 20. When a measurement value by the pressure sensor 50 reaches a predetermined value, the controller 90 closes all the solenoid valves 40A to 40F and stops the pump 20. In this case, at Step S8, the controller 90 adjusts the pressure of the cells 10 belonging to each cell group to each predetermined value.

[0052] Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0053] In the present embodiment, a pressure distribution is measured in the process illustrated at Step S2 in FIG. 3, the first region R1 corresponding to the buttocks and the second region R2 and the third region R3 corresponding to the calcaneal regions of the user 200, are detected in the process illustrated at Step S3, the distance Z1 between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is calculated in the process illustrated at Step S4, and the distance Z1 is compared with the reference value in the process illustrated at Step S5, thereby estimating the physique of the user 200.

[0054] If the controller 90 determines that the physique of the user 200 is small, the processing proceeds to Step S6, and the third cell 10X is connected to the cell group C. Accordingly, the pressure of the third cell 10X becomes equal to that of the cell group C. If the physique of the user 200 is small, the lower back of the user 200 is estimated to be positioned directly above the third cell 10X. As a result, it is possible to prevent the third cell 10X from pushing up the lower back of the user 200.

[0055] On the other hand, if the controller 90 determines that the physique of the user 200 is large, the processing proceeds to Step S7, and the third cell 10X is connected to the cell group D. Accordingly, the pressure of the third cell 10X becomes equal to that of the cell group D. If the physique of the user 200 is large, the buttocks of the user 200 are estimated to be positioned directly above the third cell 10X. As a result, both of the third cell 10X and the cells 10 belonging to the cell group D support the buttocks of the user 200, so that it is possible to prevent the user 200 from being provided with a discomfort feeling caused by the buttocks extending off. In this manner, with the present embodiment, the comfortable sleep comfort can be provided to each user 200 having a different physique.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the pressure distribution sensor 60 is disposed on the air mattress including the plurality of cells 10. Accordingly, the pressure distribution can be measured with high accuracy. The pressure distribution sensor 60 may be disposed below the air mattress, in other words, between the bed 100 and the air mattress. Accordingly, the pressure of the cells 10 is likely to be transmitted to the user 200 to improve the sleep comfort.

[0057] The present embodiment has indicated the example in which the physique of the user 200 is estimated based on the distance Z1, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the back or the shoulders of the user 200 may be detected based on the measurement result of pressure distribution illustrated in FIG. 4, and the physique of the user 200 may be estimated based on a distance between two arbitrary sites among the shoulders, the back, the buttocks, and the calcaneal regions. Alternatively, in the measurement result of pressure distribution illustrated in FIG. 4, the physique of the user 200 may be estimated based on an area in all the regions where the pressure has been detected or a length in the longitudinal direction L.Second Embodiment

[0058] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an air mattress apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a displacement amount distribution sensor 70 is provided in an air mattress apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment, in comparison with the air mattress apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, instead of the pressure distribution sensor 60.

[0060] The displacement amount distribution sensor 70, the position of which is fixed with respect to the plurality of cells 10, measures a sinking amount of each cell 10. For example, electrodes are respectively attached to the lowermost surface and the uppermost surface of each cell 10, and an electrostatic capacitance between the electrodes is measured, thereby measuring a distance between the lowermost surface and the uppermost surface of each cell 10. Each cell 10 has the lowermost surface, the position in the up-and-down direction V of which is fixed, which is in contact with sections of the bed 100, so that it is possible to measure a position of the uppermost surface by measuring a distance between the lowermost surface and the uppermost surface of each cell 10, and measure the sinking amount of each cell 10. Based on the sinking amounts of the plurality of cells 10, it is possible to measure a displacement amount distribution in the up-and-down direction V, along the longitudinal direction L. The displacement amount distribution sensor 70 outputs a measurement result to the controller 90.

[0061] Next, an operation of the air mattress apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the air mattress apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating one example of a measurement result of displacement amount distribution.

[0064] Firstly, as illustrated at Step S1 in FIG. 7, the controller 90 sets a pressure of each cell 10 to a predetermined value. The operation at Step S1 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0065] Next, as illustrated at Step S12 in FIG. 7, and in FIG. 8, the displacement amount distribution sensor 70 measures a displacement amount distribution by measuring sinking amounts of the plurality of cells 10. The displacement amount distribution sensor 70 outputs a measurement result of the displacement amount distribution to the controller 90. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the measurement result of the displacement amount distribution, the sinking amount of the cell 10 positioned directly below the buttocks is the largest, and the sinking amount of the cell 10 positioned directly below the back is the second largest. The controller 90 detects the buttocks and the back of the user 200, and evaluates the physique of the user 200 based on a distance therebetween.

[0066] As illustrated at Step S13 in FIG. 7, and in FIG. 8, for example, the controller 90 detects a region having the largest sinking amount measured by the displacement amount distribution sensor 70, and sets the region as a "fourth region R4". The fourth region R4 is estimated to correspond to the buttocks of the user 200. The controller 90 detects a region in which the sinking amount measured by the displacement amount distribution sensor 70 takes a local maximum value and the sinking amount is the second largest, and sets the region as a "fifth region R5". The fifth region R5 is estimated to correspond to the back of the user 200.

[0067] Next, as illustrated at Step S14 in FIG. 7, and in FIG. 8, the controller 90 calculates a distance Z2 between the fourth region R4 and the fifth region R5. The distance Z2 is a variable in accordance with the physique of the user 200, and the physique can be estimated to be larger as the distance Z2 is longer. Specifically, the physique can be estimated to be less than the standard if the distance Z2 is less than a reference value, and the physique can be estimated to be equal to or greater than the standard if the distance Z2 is equal to or greater than the reference value. Next, the processes illustrated at Steps S5 to S8 in FIG. 7 are conducted. The operations at Steps S5 to S8 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, except for using the distance Z2, instead of the distance Z1.

[0068] Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described.

[0069] In the present embodiment, a displacement amount distribution is measured in the process illustrated at Step S12 in FIG. 7, the fourth region R4 corresponding to the buttocks and the fifth region R5 corresponding to the back of the user 200, are detected in the process illustrated at Step S13, the distance Z2 between the fourth region R4 and the fifth region R5 is calculated in the process illustrated at Step S14, and the distance Z2 is estimated as the reference value in the process illustrated at Step S5, thereby estimating the physique of the user 200. If the controller 90 determines that the physique of the user 200 is small, the processing proceeds to Step S6 to connect the third cell to the cell group C, whereas if the controller 90 determines that the physique of the user 200 is large, the processing proceeds to Step S7 to connect the third cell to the cell group D. In this manner, the comfortable sleep comfort can be provided to each user 200 having a different physique. The configurations, operations, and effects other than the above in the present embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0070] The aforementioned respective embodiments are examples embodying the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the present disclosure also includes additions, deletions, or modifications of some elements or steps. For example, in the abovementioned respective embodiments, the example in which the air (atmosphere) is used as a fluid with which the cells operate has been indicated, however, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the fluid with which the cells operate may be a liquid such as water or oil.

[0071] The present disclosure includes the following aspects.Appendix 1

[0072] An air mattress apparatus including:

[0073] a first cell;

[0074] a second cell;

[0075] a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell;

[0076] a pump configured to supply air;

[0077] a first solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the first cell;

[0078] a second solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the second cell;

[0079] a flow path selection solenoid valve configured to switch whether the third cell is connected to the first cell or is connected to the second cell; and

[0080] a pressure distribution sensor, a position of which is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.Appendix 2

[0081] The air mattress apparatus according to appendix 1, in which the pressure distribution sensor is disposed on the first cell, on the second cell, and on the third cell.Appendix 3

[0082] The air mattress apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, in which

[0083] a first region that is positioned at a center portion in a longitudinal direction of the pressure distribution sensor, and in which a pressure takes a local maximum value, and a second region and a third region that are positioned at end portions of the second cell side in the pressure distribution sensor, and are separated from each other in a width direction, and in each of which a pressure takes a local maximum value, are detected,

[0084] the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell when a distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, and

[0085] the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell when the distance between the first region and the second region is equal to or greater than the reference value.Appendix 4

[0086] An air mattress apparatus including:

[0087] a first cell;

[0088] a second cell;

[0089] a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell;

[0090] a pump configured to supply air;

[0091] a first solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the first cell;

[0092] a second solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the second cell;

[0093] a flow path selection solenoid valve configured to switch whether the third cell is connected to the first cell or is connected to the second cell; and

[0094] a displacement amount distribution sensor, a position of which is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, the displacement amount distribution sensor being capable of measuring sinking amounts of the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.Appendix 5

[0095] The air mattress apparatus according to appendix 4, in which

[0096] a first region having the largest sinking amount measured by the displacement amount distribution sensor, and a second region having a local maximum value of the sinking amount and the second largest sinking amount measured by the displacement amount distribution sensor, are detected,

[0097] the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell when a distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, and

[0098] the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell when the distance between the first region and the second region is equal to or greater than the reference value.Appendix 6

[0099] The air mattress apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, in which

[0100] the first cell belongs to a first cell group including a plurality of cells, and is a cell closest to the second cell, among the plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group,

[0101] the second cell belongs to a second cell group including a plurality of cells, and is a cell closest to the first cell, among the plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group,

[0102] the first solenoid valve is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group, and

[0103] the second solenoid valve is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group.Appendix 7

[0104] The air mattress apparatus according to appendix 6, further including:

[0105] a different plurality of cells that are arranged along a first direction along which the first cell, the third cell, and the second cell are arranged;

[0106] a third solenoid valve; and

[0107] a fourth solenoid valve, in which

[0108] part of the different plurality of cells belongs to a third cell group,

[0109] the other part of the different plurality of cells belongs to a fourth cell group,

[0110] the first cell group is disposed between the third cell group and the second cell group,

[0111] the second cell group is disposed between the first cell group and the fourth cell group,

[0112] the third solenoid valve switches whether the pump is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the third cell group, and

[0113] the fourth solenoid valve switches whether the pump is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the fourth cell group.Appendix 8

[0114] The air mattress apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, further including:

[0115] a passage connected to the pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve;

[0116] an external solenoid valve configured to switch whether the passage is connected to an outside; and

[0117] a pressure sensor connected to the passage.

[0118] While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An air mattress apparatus comprising:a first cell;a second cell;a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell;a pump configured to supply air;a first solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the first cell;a second solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the second cell;a flow path selection solenoid valve configured to switch whether the third cell is connected to the first cell or is connected to the second cell; anda pressure distribution sensor, a position of which is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

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

3. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 1, whereina first region that is positioned at a center portion in a longitudinal direction of the pressure distribution sensor, and in which a pressure takes a local maximum value, and a second region and a third region that are positioned at end portions of the second cell side in the pressure distribution sensor, and are separated from each other in a width direction, and in each of which a pressure takes a local maximum value, are detected,the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell when a distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, andthe flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell when the distance between the first region and the second region is equal to or greater than the reference value.

4. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe first cell belongs to a first cell group including a plurality of cells, and is a cell closest to the second cell, among the plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group,the second cell belongs to a second cell group including a plurality of cells, and is a cell closest to the first cell, among the plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group,the first solenoid valve is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group, andthe second solenoid valve is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group.

5. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:a different plurality of cells that are arranged along a first direction along which the first cell, the third cell, and the second cell are arranged;a third solenoid valve; anda fourth solenoid valve, whereinpart of the different plurality of cells belongs to a third cell group,the other part of the different plurality of cells belongs to a fourth cell group,the first cell group is disposed between the third cell group and the second cell group,the second cell group is disposed between the first cell group and the fourth cell group,the third solenoid valve switches whether the pump is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the third cell group, andthe fourth solenoid valve switches whether the pump is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the fourth cell group.

6. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:a passage connected to the pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve;an external solenoid valve configured to switch whether the passage is connected to an outside; anda pressure sensor connected to the passage.

7. An air mattress apparatus comprising:a first cell;a second cell;a third cell disposed between the first cell and the second cell;a pump configured to supply air;a first solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the first cell;a second solenoid valve configured to switch whether the pump is connected to the second cell;a flow path selection solenoid valve configured to switch whether the third cell is connected to the first cell or is connected to the second cell; anda displacement amount distribution sensor, a position of which is fixed with respect to the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell, the displacement amount distribution sensor being capable of measuring sinking amounts of the first cell, the second cell, and the third cell.

8. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 7, whereina first region having the largest sinking amount measured by the displacement amount distribution sensor, and a second region having a local maximum value of the sinking amount and the second largest sinking amount measured by the displacement amount distribution sensor, are detected,the flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the first cell when a distance between the first region and the second region is less than a reference value, andthe flow path selection solenoid valve connects the third cell to the second cell when the distance between the first region and the second region is equal to or greater than the reference value.

9. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 7, whereinthe first cell belongs to a first cell group including a plurality of cells, and is a cell closest to the second cell, among the plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group,the second cell belongs to a second cell group including a plurality of cells, and is a cell closest to the first cell, among the plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group,the first solenoid valve is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the first cell group, andthe second solenoid valve is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the second cell group.

10. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising:a different plurality of cells that are arranged along a first direction along which the first cell, the third cell, and the second cell are arranged;a third solenoid valve; anda fourth solenoid valve, whereinpart of the different plurality of cells belongs to a third cell group,the other part of the different plurality of cells belongs to a fourth cell group,the first cell group is disposed between the third cell group and the second cell group,the second cell group is disposed between the first cell group and the fourth cell group,the third solenoid valve switches whether the pump is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the third cell group, andthe fourth solenoid valve switches whether the pump is connected to the plurality of cells belonging to the fourth cell group.

11. The air mattress apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:a passage connected to the pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve;an external solenoid valve configured to switch whether the passage is connected to an outside; anda pressure sensor connected to the passage.

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