Body position conversion device, mattress device, bed device, and body position conversion method

Abstract

A body position conversion device according to the present invention comprises: a left shoulder fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to a left shoulder joint portion of a care recipient in a supine sleeping position; a left back fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to a left back portion of the care recipient in the supine sleeping position and driven independently of the left shoulder fluid bag; a right shoulder fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to a right shoulder joint portion of the care recipient in the supine sleeping position; and a right back fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to the right back portion of the care recipient in the supine sleeping position and driven independently of the right shoulder fluid bag.

Description

Position change device, mattress device, bed device, and position change method

[0001] The present invention relates to a position changing device, a mattress device, a bed device, and a position changing method, and more particularly to a position changing device, a mattress device, a bed device, and a position changing method for changing the lying position of a care recipient who requires care.

[0002] Critically ill patients, who must stay in bed and have difficulty moving independently, have difficulty changing their sleeping position, which reduces blood flow to the areas of the body where their weight is placed. If this condition persists for a long time, sores and wounds can form on the skin in those areas. Pressure ulcers that develop in this way can become so severe that they expose muscle tissue and bone. To prevent pressure ulcers and prevent them from worsening, it is necessary to frequently change the sleeping position of care recipients who are bedridden, for example, every two hours. Manually changing the position of care recipients requires a great deal of effort and places a burden on the caregiver.

[0003] In recent years, the burden on caregivers has been reduced by using mattresses that are equipped with air cells on which the care recipient rests, and that can be inflated and deflated with an air pump to tilt the mattress and change the position of the care recipient (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-52180

[0005] With conventional mattresses, the sleeping position of the care recipient is tilted to correspond to the inclination of the mattress, but the process of tilting the sleeping position and changing the position can sometimes make the care recipient feel uncomfortable, leaving room for improvement in terms of the care recipient's comfort.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a position change device, mattress device, bed device, and position change method that enable the position change to be performed in a natural posture without causing discomfort to the person being cared for.

[0007] The inventors of the present application noticed that simply tilting the body of the care recipient as a whole does not result in a natural posture for turning over in bed, and from the findings of extensive research focusing on the movement of the joints when the care recipient turns over in bed, they arrived at the present invention.

[0008] According to the present invention, a position change device is provided, which includes a left shoulder fluid bag positioned at a position corresponding to the left shoulder joint of a care recipient lying supine; a left back fluid bag positioned at a position corresponding to the left back of the care recipient lying supine and operated independently of the left shoulder fluid bag; a right shoulder fluid bag positioned at a position corresponding to the right shoulder joint of the care recipient lying supine; and a right back fluid bag positioned at a position corresponding to the right back of the care recipient lying supine and operated independently of the right shoulder fluid bag. Here, the "shoulder joint" refers to the region of the lateral deltoid (middle deltoid) and posterior deltoid, including the interdigitation between the acromion and the head of the humerus. Furthermore, "positioned at a position corresponding to the shoulder joint" refers to a position where the periphery of the left (right) shoulder fluid bag overlaps with at least a portion of the region of the left (right) shoulder joint in a plan view (when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis). Furthermore, the "back" refers to the region corresponding to the region closer to the spine than the shoulder joint, centered on the thoracic vertebrae. Furthermore, being positioned at a position corresponding to the back region means a position where the peripheral edge of the left (right) back fluid bag overlaps with at least a portion of the left (right) back region defined above in a planar view (when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0009] By providing a shoulder fluid bag at a position corresponding to the care recipient's shoulder joint, the shoulder fluid bag can expand to open the care recipient's shoulder blades and allow the care recipient to change position in a natural posture with the back curled in the shoulder width direction (the direction of the desired position change) without the need for manual intervention from a caregiver. By providing a back fluid bag, the back fluid bag can be inflated and lifted in conjunction with the slightly curled shoulder width direction of the care recipient's back, which is formed by the expansion of the shoulder fluid bag. This allows the care recipient to turn over more naturally, resulting in a more natural position change, reducing discomfort. Furthermore, even when the position change device of the present invention is placed on the bottom side of a mattress (hereinafter also referred to as a mattress unit) and the care recipient's position is changed via the mattress unit, the above-mentioned action still works, allowing the care recipient to turn over more naturally, resulting in a more natural position change, reducing discomfort.

[0010] It is preferable that the left back fluid bag and the right back fluid bag each have a concave cutout into which the left shoulder fluid bag and the right shoulder fluid bag fit. By providing such back fluid bags, a simple configuration can be realized that does not interfere with the shoulder-raising action of the shoulder fluid bags while maintaining the lift-up effect caused by the expansion of the back fluid bags.

[0011] It is preferable that the left shoulder fluid bag and the right shoulder fluid bag are circular fluid bags when in a flat state with no fluid supplied, and the left back fluid bag and the right back fluid bag each have a concave cutout portion into which the left shoulder fluid bag and the right shoulder fluid bag fit, and each is a single rectangular fluid bag when in a flat state with no fluid supplied. By providing shoulder fluid bags and back fluid bags with such shapes, a simpler configuration can be achieved that does not interfere with the shoulder-raising action of the shoulder fluid bags while maintaining the lift-up effect caused by the expansion of the back fluid bag.

[0012] It is also preferable to further include a left lumbar fluid bag positioned corresponding to the left lumbar region of the care recipient when lying supine, and a right lumbar fluid bag positioned corresponding to the right lumbar region of the care recipient when lying supine. By providing the fluid bags in positions corresponding to the lumbar regions, the care recipient's lower body can also be turned over, allowing for a more natural and effective position change. Here, the left (right) lumbar region of the care recipient refers to the region corresponding to the left (right) lumbar vertebrae and pelvis. Furthermore, "positioned in a position corresponding to the left (right) lumbar region" refers to a position where the peripheral edge of the left (right) lumbar fluid bag overlaps with at least a portion of the left (right) lumbar region defined above in a plan view (when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0013] It is also preferable that the left and right lumbar fluid bags each be a single rectangular fluid bag when in a flat state with no fluid supplied. By providing such an integrated single lumbar fluid bag, the lumbar fluid bag's structure is simplified while maintaining the lumbar-raising function of the lumbar fluid bag.

[0014] It is also preferable that a left back plate having a flat surface facing the left side of the care recipient's back be disposed above the left back fluid bag, and a right back plate having a flat surface facing the right side of the care recipient's back be disposed above the right back fluid bag. By disposing the plates between the care recipient and the fluid bags, the force caused by the expansion of the fluid bag can be efficiently applied to the care recipient via the plates, allowing the care recipient to change position.

[0015] It is also preferable that a left shoulder plate having a flat surface facing the left shoulder joint of the care recipient be disposed above the left shoulder fluid bag, and a right shoulder plate having a flat surface facing the right shoulder joint of the care recipient be disposed above the right shoulder fluid bag. By disposing the plates between the care recipient and the fluid bags, the force caused by the expansion of the fluid bag can be efficiently applied to the care recipient via the plates, allowing the care recipient to change position.

[0016] It is also preferable to provide a control device that separately drives the left shoulder fluid bag, left back fluid bag, right shoulder fluid bag, and right back fluid bag. By controlling each fluid bag to be driven separately, appropriate position changes can be repeatedly performed.

[0017] The control device includes a fluid flow path connected to at least one of the left shoulder fluid bag, left back fluid bag, right shoulder fluid bag, and right back fluid bag, and a valve installed in the fluid flow path, the valve being switchable between an open state in which fluid flows through the fluid flow path and a closed state in which fluid flow is blocked, and the control device is preferably configured so that the valve opens when power is lost. By opening the valve of the control device when power is lost, even if the control device stops functioning due to, for example, a power outage, the care recipient will not be left in a tilted sleeping position, improving safety in medical and nursing care settings.

[0018] It is also preferable that the left and right back fluid bags each have an expansion restriction section that restricts the expansion state. By providing such an expansion restriction section, the care recipient's body (back) or the bottom surface of the mattress can be stably supported directly or via a plate, and the care recipient's body or the bottom surface of the mattress can be efficiently pushed up to change position, and the strength of the back fluid bags themselves can be improved.

[0019] It is also preferable that the left and right lumbar fluid bags are provided with an expansion restriction section that restricts the expansion state. By providing such an expansion restriction section, the waist of the care recipient or the bottom surface of the mat section that supports the waist can be stably supported directly or via a plate, and the waist of the care recipient or the bottom surface of the mat section can be efficiently pushed up to change position, and the strength of the lumbar fluid bags themselves can be improved.

[0020] It is also preferable to provide position adjustment means for adjusting the positions of the left shoulder fluid bag, left back fluid bag, right shoulder fluid bag, and right back fluid bag separately or collectively. By providing such position adjustment means, the left shoulder fluid bag, left back fluid bag, right shoulder fluid bag, and right back fluid bag can be adjusted to their preferred positions, allowing for optimal positioning according to the physique (skeleton) of the care recipient.

[0021] The present invention further provides a mattress device that is a position changing device for changing the position of a cared for person lying on their back, and that includes a left shoulder movable part that lifts the left shoulder joint of the cared for person, a left back movable part that lifts the left back of the cared for person, a right shoulder movable part that lifts the right shoulder joint of the cared for person, and a right back movable part that lifts the right back of the cared for person, and that is configured so that the left shoulder movable part is driven independently of the left back movable part, and the right shoulder movable part is driven independently of the right back movable part.

[0022] In this way, by lifting the shoulder joint of the care recipient with the shoulder movable part, the shoulder blades of the care recipient are opened and the position change can be started in a natural position with the back curved in the shoulder width direction (the direction in which the position change is desired).In conjunction with this position, the back movable part can lift the back of the care recipient, resulting in a position change that is closer to a natural position and reducing the discomfort of the care recipient.

[0023] It is also preferable to provide position adjustment means for adjusting the positions of the left shoulder movable part, left back movable part, right shoulder movable part, and right back movable part separately or together. By providing such position adjustment means, the left shoulder movable part, left back movable part, right shoulder movable part, and right back movable part can be adjusted to their preferred positions, allowing for optimal position changes to be performed according to the physique (skeleton) of the care recipient.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a mattress device including the above-mentioned position change device and a mat section for supporting a care recipient, wherein the position change device is fixed to the bottom surface of the mat section. With this configuration, the force generated by the movement of the position change device is transmitted to the care recipient via the mat section, and the above-mentioned action is exerted, resulting in a natural turning over motion and a position change in a natural posture, reducing the discomfort of the care recipient, and by supporting the care recipient with the mat section, it is possible to effectively prevent bedsores and prevent them from becoming severe.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a bed apparatus including the above-mentioned mattress apparatus and a bed structure to which the mattress apparatus is fixed. It is preferable that the above-mentioned position changing device is provided on the floor board surface of the bed structure. As a bed apparatus having the functions and effects of the above-mentioned mattress apparatus, such a bed apparatus is suitable for use in caring for people who require care and have difficulty moving independently.

[0026] The present invention also provides a method for changing the position of a care recipient lying on their back using the above-mentioned position changing device, which involves driving the left shoulder fluid bag or the right shoulder fluid bag to inflate it and lift the left or right shoulder joint of the care recipient lying on their back, and while the left shoulder fluid bag or the right shoulder fluid bag is inflated, driving the left back fluid bag or the right back fluid bag that corresponds to the back part on the side where the shoulder joint is lifted, thereby inflating the left back fluid bag or the right back fluid bag and lifting the back part on the side where the shoulder joint is lifted.By using the position changing device to lift the shoulder joint with one shoulder fluid bag and lifting the back with the corresponding back fluid bag, the care recipient can be changed into a natural position. Furthermore, even when the above-mentioned position change device is placed on the bottom side of the mat and the position of the person being cared for is changed via the mat, the above-mentioned position change method allows the shoulder joint to be lifted via one shoulder fluid bag and the back to be lifted via the corresponding back fluid bag via the mat, which is closer to a natural roll over, and the position change is in a natural posture, thereby reducing the discomfort of the person being cared for.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided a method for changing the position of a care recipient lying on their back using the above-mentioned position changing device, which involves extending and driving the left or right shoulder movable unit to lift the left or right shoulder joint of the care recipient lying on their back, and while the left or right shoulder movable unit is driven, driving one of the left and right back movable units, which corresponds to the back on the side where the shoulder joint is lifted, to lift the back on the side where the shoulder joint is lifted.By using the position changing device, the care recipient can be changed into a natural position by lifting the shoulder joint with one shoulder movable unit while lifting the back with the corresponding back movable unit. Furthermore, even when the above-mentioned position change device is placed on the bottom side of the mat and the position of the person being cared for is changed via the mat, the above-mentioned position change method allows the shoulder joint to be lifted via one of the shoulder movable parts while the back is lifted via the corresponding back movable part via the mat, which is closer to a natural roll over, and the position change is in a natural posture, thereby reducing the discomfort of the person being cared for.

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to change the position of a care recipient in a natural posture without the need for human intervention, such as a caregiver. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent bedsores and prevent them from becoming severe, while reducing the discomfort of the care recipient caused by position changes. Furthermore, even if the control device stops functioning due to a power outage or other reason, the care recipient will not be left in a tilted sleeping position, improving safety in medical and nursing care settings.

[0029] 7 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a mattress device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of the mattress device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the bottom side. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the configuration of the body position changing device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the bottom side. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the configuration of the plate of the body position changing device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the bottom side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mattress device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the bottom side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a flat state in which air is not supplied to the fluid bag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an inflated state in which air is supplied to the fluid bag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is a flow chart explaining the operation of changing the body position of a care recipient using the body position changing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the body position of a care recipient in a flat state in which air is not supplied to the fluid bag according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the body position of a care recipient when the left shoulder fluid bag is inflated according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the body position of a care recipient when the left back fluid bag is inflated according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a bed apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the differences between a position change device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the differences between a position change device according to a third embodiment of the present invention and the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the differences between a position change device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a position change device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of a mattress device according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mattress device according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing (A) a shoulder fluid bag, (B) a back fluid bag, and (C) a lumbar fluid bag in a flat state with no air supplied thereto, according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing (A) a back fluid bag and (B) a lumbar fluid bag in a flat state with no air supplied thereto, according to the fifth embodiment.

[0030] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. While the description will be made with reference to the drawings as necessary, the contents shown in the drawings are merely shown schematically and exemplarily to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the appearance, dimensional ratios, etc. may differ from the actual product. In other words, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the first embodiment described below.

[0031] (Overall Configuration of Mattress Device) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a mattress device 8 according to this embodiment, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of the mattress device in this embodiment as seen from the bottom side, and Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a bed device in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the mattress device 8 is used with the care recipient 100 lying face up on the support surface 8a. The mattress device 8 is suitable for use as a nursing mattress for caring for the care recipient 100 who has difficulty performing physical movements such as turning over on their own.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1 , the mattress device 8 includes a mat section 80 extending in the Y-axis direction and a position change device 1 for changing the position of a care recipient 100. The mat section 80 is composed of a combination of multiple mats. The position change device 1 is disposed on the bottom surface 8b of the mat section 80. As shown in FIG. 2 , the position change device 1 is configured by attaching movable sections 2 and 4, which are driven by a control device 6 (described later), to a thin sheet 10. The mattress device 8 is configured such that the force of the movable sections 2 and 4 of the position change device 1 pushes up the care recipient 100 via the mat section 80, changing the position of the care recipient 100. As shown in FIG. 13 , the mattress device 8 is configured such that the mat section 80 and the position change device 1 are covered with a cover 86, which facilitates handling and improves maintenance, such as removing dirt and disinfecting the surface. The mattress device 8 can be attached to a bed structure 91 (described later) to form a care bed device 9 for providing care to a care recipient who has difficulty moving their body independently.

[0033] 2, the mat section 80 has a first mat 81, a second mat 82, and a third mat 83, which are arranged in the order of the first mat 81, the second mat 82, and the third mat 83 from top to bottom along the Z-axis direction. In the following drawings, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, and the Z-axis coincides with the vertical direction. In the following description, "up" refers to the positive direction with respect to the Z-axis when the mattress device 8 shown in FIG. 1 is in use, i.e., the direction of the support surface 8a of the mattress device 8 on which the care recipient 100 lies, and "down" refers to the negative direction with respect to the Z-axis, i.e., the direction of the bottom surface 8b of the mattress device 8.

[0034] The first mat 81 has a support surface 8a that supports the care recipient 100. The second mat 82 has a control device placement hole 85 in which the control device 6 described below is placed. The third mat 83 has a sensor 84 such as a piezoelectric element that can detect the state of positional changes based on changes in pressure acting on the mat by the care recipient. The third mat 83 has hose slots 85 formed therein through which hoses from the control device 6 described below can be passed to the movable parts 2 and 4.

[0035] The size of the mat 80 is not particularly limited, but is preferably large enough to allow the care recipient 100 to lie face-up on the support surface 8a. In this embodiment, merely by way of example, the mat 80 has a width of 70 cm to 120 cm in the X-axis direction and a width of 170 cm to 220 cm in the Y-axis direction. The thickness of the mat 80 is also not particularly limited, but is preferably thick enough to allow the force of the movable units 2 and 4 of the position change device 1 to push up the care recipient 100 via the mat 80. In this embodiment, merely by way of example, the thickness of the mat 80 in the Z-axis direction is 5 cm to 20 cm. The thickness of the first mat 81 in the Z-axis direction may be 0.5 cm to 5 cm. The thickness of the second mat 82 in the Z-axis direction may be 4 cm to 10 cm. The thickness of the third mat 83 in the Z-axis direction may be 0.5 cm to 5 cm.

[0036] The materials constituting the mat portion 80 (the first mat 81, the second mat 82, and the third mat 83) are not particularly limited as long as they have cushioning properties. Resin foam, a three-dimensional network structure, and a cotton molding, or an air mat are preferably used. Resin foam, a three-dimensional network structure, and a cotton molding are preferably used alone or in combination. Resin foam is more preferred as the material constituting the mat portion 80 from the viewpoint of ease of handling and processing. Specific examples of resin foam include polyurethane foam, polyolefin foam, and silicone foam. The first mat 81, the second mat 82, and the third mat 83 may be made of the same material or different materials. The hardness and resilience of the first mat 81, the second mat 82, and the third mat 83 can be selected depending on the performance of the mat portion 80. However, from the viewpoint of the efficiency of transmission of the lifting action by each movable part of the postural change device 1, it is preferable that the third mat 83 of the mat portion 80 be configured to have the greatest hardness or resilience.

[0037] (Position Change Device) FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the position change device according to this embodiment, viewed from the bottom side, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the plates of the position change device according to this embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. The position change device 1 is disposed under the bottom surface 8b of the third mat 83. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the position change device 1 includes a left plate 3 and a left movable part 2 attached to the left side of the underside 10a of the seat 10. The right plate 5 and the right movable part 4 are attached to the right side of the underside 10a of the seat 10. By attaching the left plate 3, the left movable part 2, the right plate 5, and the right movable part 4 to the seat 10 in this manner, the position change device 1 can be easily handled in an integrated state while maintaining the respective positions of the left plate 3, the left movable part 2, the right plate 5, and the right movable part 4. The left plate 3, the left movable part 2, the right plate 5, and the right movable part 4 may also be attached directly to the bottom surface 8b of the mat 80 without the seat 10. The seat 10 has fixing members 11 at both ends in the X-axis direction, allowing it to be fixed to the mat 80. The fixing members 11 are not particularly limited as long as they can be fixed to the mat 80 or the cover 86. However, a detachable fixing means is preferred so that the mat 80 or the cover 86 can be separated from the positioning device 1 during maintenance, such as cleaning or washing the mattress device. Examples of such fixing members 11 include hook-and-loop fasteners. The positioning device 1 may not have the fixing members 11 and may be disposed on the bottom surface of the mat 80 in an unfixed state. Although not shown, the seat 10 preferably has a hose slot 12 formed therein through which a hose from the control device 6 (described later) can be passed to the movable portion. In this embodiment, the seat 10 has the same shape as the bottom surface of the mat 80. However, other shapes may be used to accommodate the left plate 3, left movable portion 2, right plate 5, and right movable portion 4. For example, the seat 10 may have a structure in which the left and right halves are independently separated. In this specification, "left" and "right" refer to the positive direction of the X-axis as "left" and the negative direction as "right," and are the directions when the cared-for person 100 is lying on his / her back in the normal use state of the mattress device 8 shown in Figure 3, as viewed from below.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2 , the left-side movable part 2 includes a left shoulder fluid bag 22 that serves as the left shoulder movable part, a left back fluid bag 24 that serves as the left back movable part, and a left hip fluid bag 26 that serves as the left hip movable part. The right-side movable part 4 includes a right shoulder fluid bag 42 that serves as the right shoulder movable part, a right back fluid bag 44 that serves as the right back movable part, and a right hip fluid bag 46 that serves as the right hip movable part. These fluid bags are bag-shaped and can be expanded by introducing fluid into the fluid bag through a supply port provided in the fluid bag and contracted by venting the fluid, but their shapes are not particularly limited. However, in this embodiment, the fluid bags are each approximately square in plan view when in a flat state without fluid being supplied (see FIGS. 6 to 8 ). The shape of the fluid bags in this embodiment is not limited thereto and may be any suitable shape, such as rectangular, circular, or elliptical. The fluid introduced into the fluid bag may be either gas or liquid, but gas such as air is preferably used.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the components that make up the postural change device 1, Fig. 4 shows the state in which the plates (left plate 3 and right plate 5) are attached to the seat 10 in the postural change device 1, and Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the entire bottom side of the mattress device 8 according to this embodiment. All of Figs. 3 to 5 show the state as seen from the bottom side.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3 , the left shoulder fluid bag 22 is positioned corresponding to the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 when lying supine in the use state. Therefore, by inflating the left shoulder fluid bag 22, the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). The left back fluid bag 24 is positioned corresponding to the left back 124 of the care recipient when lying supine. The left back fluid bag 24 has a first bag 241 positioned on the head side and a second bag 242 positioned on the leg side. Therefore, by inflating the first bag 241 and the second bag 242 of the left back fluid bag 24, the entire left back 124 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). In this specification, the terms "head side" and "leg side" refer to the positive direction of the Y axis and the negative direction of the Y axis, respectively.

[0041] Furthermore, the left shoulder fluid bag 22 is positioned corresponding to the left shoulder joint, so that the peripheral edge of the left shoulder fluid bag 22 overlaps with at least a portion of the area of ​​the left shoulder joint in a planar view (when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis), and it is most preferable to position the most expandable part of the left shoulder fluid bag 22 (the part that becomes highest when fluid is supplied and it expands) at the position of the fitting part between the acromion and the head of the humerus of the care recipient 100, but it may also be positioned closer to the outside in the width direction of the mat part than the position of the fitting part. In particular, in this embodiment, in which the left shoulder fluid bag 22 expands through the mat portion 80 to push up the left shoulder joint of the care recipient 100, when the mat portion 80 is pushed up by the left shoulder fluid bag 22, due to the action of the bending deformation and surface support force that occur according to the bending rigidity, as long as the mat portion is positioned so that it overlaps with at least a part of the area of ​​the left shoulder joint in a planar view (when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis), even if the mat portion is positioned closer to the outside in the width direction of the mat portion, this has the effect of opening the shoulder blades of the care recipient 100 and taking a natural posture with the back curved in the shoulder width direction (the direction in which the position change is desired), making it possible to change the position in a natural posture and also likely to have the effect of reducing the discomfort of the care recipient. On the other hand, if the left shoulder fluid bag 22 is placed too close to the spine of the care recipient 100 (towards the center of the width of the mat), the effect of opening the shoulder blades of the care recipient and allowing the back to assume a natural posture with the back curled in the shoulder width direction (the direction in which the position is desired to be changed) will be reduced, making it difficult to change the position in a natural posture and may also reduce the effect of reducing the discomfort of the care recipient.Therefore, it is important to place the left shoulder fluid bag 22 in a position where the effect of opening the shoulder blades of the care recipient and allowing the back to assume a natural posture with the back curled in the shoulder width direction (the direction in which the position is desired to be changed) can be fully exerted.

[0042] The left back fluid bag 24 is positioned corresponding to the left back portion 124, with the peripheral edge of the left back fluid bag 24 overlapping in a plan view (when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis) with at least a portion of the above-defined left back portion 124. Furthermore, the left back fluid bag 24 is positioned relative to the left shoulder fluid bag 22 so as not to hinder the expansion of the left shoulder fluid bag 22 and so as not to interfere with the expanded left shoulder fluid bag 22 when the left back fluid bag 24 is expanded.

[0043] The left lumbar fluid bag 26 is positioned at a position corresponding to the left lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 when lying on his / her back. The left lumbar fluid bag 26 has a first bag 261 positioned on the head side and a second bag 262 positioned on the leg side. Therefore, by inflating the first bag 261 and the second bag 262 of the left lumbar fluid bag 26, the entire left lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). Here, the left lumbar region of the care recipient 100 refers to the region corresponding to the lumbar vertebrae and pelvis. Positioning the left lumbar region at a position corresponding to the left lumbar region refers to a position where the peripheral edge of the left lumbar fluid bag 26 overlaps with at least a portion of the left lumbar region defined above in a plan view (when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis). The left lumbar fluid bag 26 is preferably positioned at the position of the pelvis of the care recipient 100 from the viewpoint of efficiently lifting the entire left lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis); however, in this embodiment in which the left lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 is pushed up via the mat unit 80, the left lumbar fluid bag 26 can also be positioned closer to the lumbar vertebrae because a surface support force is generated according to the bending rigidity when the mat unit 80 is pushed up by the left lumbar fluid bag 26. Note that the left lumbar fluid bag 26 is positioned relative to the left back fluid bag 24 so as not to hinder the expansion of the left back fluid bag 24.

[0044] The right movable part 4 is disposed symmetrically with the left movable part 2 with respect to the center line C. The right shoulder fluid bag 42 is disposed at a position corresponding to the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100 when lying supine in a normal use state. Therefore, by inflating the right shoulder fluid bag 42, the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). The right back fluid bag 44 is disposed at a position corresponding to the right back 144 of the care recipient when lying supine. The right back fluid bag 44 has a first bag 441 disposed on the head side and a second bag 442 disposed on the leg side. Therefore, by inflating the first bag 441 and the second bag 442 of the right back fluid bag 44, the entire right back 144 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). In addition, the preferred embodiment in which the right shoulder fluid bag 42 is positioned at a position corresponding to the right shoulder joint and the preferred embodiment in which the right back fluid bag 44 is positioned at a position corresponding to the right back are the same as the above description in which the left shoulder fluid bag 22 is positioned at a position corresponding to the left shoulder joint and the description in which the right back fluid bag 44 is positioned at a position corresponding to the right back, with the left and right reversed.

[0045] The right hip fluid bag 46 is positioned at a position corresponding to the right hip 146 of the care recipient when lying on his / her back. The right hip fluid bag 46 has a first bag 461 positioned at the head side and a second bag 462 positioned at the leg side. Therefore, by inflating the first bag 461 and the second bag 462 of the right hip fluid bag 46, the entire right hip 146 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). The position of the right hip, the position where the right hip fluid bag 46 is positioned at a position corresponding to the right hip, and preferred embodiments thereof are the same as those in the above description of the position where the left hip fluid bag 26 is positioned at a position corresponding to the left hip, with the left and right reversed.

[0046] The material constituting each fluid bag is formed from a non-breathable sheet that does not allow air, water, or other fluids to pass through. Since the fluid bag is formed into a substantially square bag shape by bonding its four sides by crimping or the like, a thermoplastic synthetic resin film such as urethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, or polyester is preferably used. In this embodiment, a urethane film is used as the sheet material from the viewpoint of flexibility and weldability (adhesion). Note that adhesion also includes adhesive bonding using an adhesive.

[0047] The size of each fluid bag is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the fluid bag have a height in the Z-axis direction of 3 cm to 10 cm when inflated, and is large enough to push up the care recipient 100 via the mat portion 80. The shoulder fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22 and right shoulder fluid bag 42) are configured smaller than the back fluid bags (left back fluid bag 24 and right back fluid bag 44) to reduce discomfort to the care recipient. As a mere example, each shoulder fluid bag has a side length of 10 cm to 20 cm when flattened, and each of the first and second back fluid bags has a side length of 15 cm to 30 cm when flattened. The lumbar fluid bags (left lumbar fluid bag 26 and right lumbar fluid bag 46) are configured similarly to the back fluid bags.

[0048] (Plates) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the left side plate 3 has a left shoulder plate 32 having a flat surface facing the left shoulder joint 122, a left back plate 34 having a flat surface facing the back 124, and a left waist plate 36 having a flat surface facing the waist 126.

[0049] The left shoulder plate 32 and the left back plate 34 are generally rectangular in shape, with the longitudinal direction along the Y-axis and the lateral direction along the X-axis. As shown in Figure 3, the left shoulder plate 32 is disposed between the left shoulder joint 122 and the left shoulder fluid bag 22. The left back plate 34 is disposed between the left back 124 and the left back fluid bag 24. The left waist plate 36 is divided into a first plate piece 361 and a second plate piece 362, with the first plate piece 361 disposed on the head side and the second plate piece 362 disposed on the leg side.

[0050] The right side plate 5 is disposed symmetrically to the left side plate 3 with respect to the center line C. That is, as shown in Fig. 4, the right side plate 5 has a right shoulder plate 52 having a flat surface facing the shoulder joint 142, a right back plate 54 having a flat surface facing the back 144, and a right waist plate 56 having a flat surface facing the waist 146.

[0051] The right shoulder plate 52 and the right back plate 54 are generally rectangular in shape, with the longitudinal direction along the Y-axis and the lateral direction along the X-axis. As shown in Figure 5, the right shoulder plate 52 is disposed between the right shoulder joint 142 and the right shoulder fluid bag 42. The right back plate 54 is disposed between the right back 144 and the right back fluid bag 44. The right waist plate 56 is divided into a first plate piece 561 and a second plate piece 562, with the first plate piece 561 disposed on the head side and the second plate piece 562 disposed on the leg side.

[0052] The method of attaching the plates (left shoulder plate 32, left back plate 34, left waist plate 36, right shoulder plate 52, right back plate 54, and right waist plate 56) to the seat 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the plates may be attached to the seat 10 with double-sided tape on their surfaces 37 and 57 (see FIG. 2 ) facing the care recipient 100, or they may be attached to hooks provided on the seat 10 using hooks. In this embodiment, the fluid bags corresponding to the plates (left shoulder fluid bag 22, left back fluid bag 24, left waist fluid bag 26, right shoulder fluid bag 42, right back fluid bag 44, and right waist fluid bag 46) are attached using double-sided tape. Each plate is made of a thin, rigid plate. Plastic plates are preferably used as the plate material, but plate-like materials such as aluminum plates and carbon fiber laminate sheets may also be used. The size of the plates is not particularly limited and may be smaller or larger than the fluid bags in a planar view along the Z-axis direction. The shape of the plate can be selected appropriately as long as it allows the expansion force of the fluid bag to be applied efficiently to the mat portion and does not hinder the position change operation.

[0053] As described above, by placing plates (left shoulder plate 32, left back plate 34, left waist plate 36, right shoulder plate 52, right back plate 54 and right waist plate 56) between the care recipient 100 and the fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22, left back fluid bag 24, left waist fluid bag 26, right shoulder fluid bag 42, right back fluid bag 44 and right waist fluid bag 46), the force caused by the expansion of the fluid bags can be efficiently applied to the care recipient 100 via the plates, and the cared recipient 100 and the mat member 80 can be more stably supported by the opposing surfaces 37 of the plates during position change operations.

[0054] The arrangement of the plates and movable parts is not limited to the above arrangement as long as they correspond to the respective parts of the care recipient 100. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , on the left side of the position change device 1, the first bag 241 and the second bag 242 of the left back fluid bag 24 overlap at their corners and are aligned along the Y-axis. The left back plate 34 is positioned across the first bag 241 and the second bag 242. Since the head 110 of the care recipient 100 does not overlap the fluid bags, the care recipient 100 can change position more comfortably. The arrangement on the right side of the position change device 1 is similar to the arrangement on the left side. The fluid bags may be arranged so that portions of the periphery of one fluid bag overlap with portions of the periphery of an adjacent fluid bag, but it is preferable that the inflation and deflation of the fluid bags are not hindered. The fluid bags are preferably arranged so that adjacent fluid bags do not come into contact with each other and interfere with each other during the inflation and deflation process due to the supply and exhaust of fluid. When a fluid bag expands due to the supply of fluid, its thickness in the Z-axis direction increases while its width in the X-axis and Y-axis directions decreases. Therefore, when the peripheral edges of adjacent fluid bags are overlapped, the degree of overlap can be designed so that the expansion and contraction of the fluid bags do not interfere with each other, taking into account the amount of reduction in width in the X-axis and Y-axis directions when the bags expand.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3 , on the left side of the position change device 1, a corner of the left shoulder fluid bag 22 is positioned closer to the floor (lower) than the overlapping corners of the first bag 241 and the second bag 242. The left shoulder fluid bag 22, the first bag 241, and the second bag 242 may be positioned in any other way or order as long as they do not interfere with the inflation and deflation of each fluid bag. The left shoulder plate 32 extends from the left shoulder joint to the left elbow of the care recipient 100. This allows the left arm to be lifted along with the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100, enabling a smooth position change. The configuration of the right side of the position change device 1 is the same as that of the left side.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , on the left side of the position change device 1, the first bag 261 and the second bag 262 of the left lumbar fluid bag 26 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis. The second bag 242 arranged on the leg side can also lift the buttocks and thighs of the care recipient 100, allowing the position of the care recipient 100 to be changed more reliably. The arrangement on the right side of the position change device 1 is similar to the arrangement on the left side. Furthermore, the left lumbar plate 36 and the right lumbar plate 56 are divided into first plate pieces 361 and 561 and second plate pieces 362 and 562, respectively. The division position between the first plate pieces 361 and 561 and the second plate pieces 362 and 562 is located approximately midway in the Y-axis direction of the position change device 1. This arrangement ensures that the reclining function is not impeded even when the position change device 1 is used with a bed structure equipped with a reclining function. If reclining is not required, the left and right hip plates 36, 56 may be configured as an undivided unit.

[0057] The surfaces of the left shoulder plate 32, left back plate 34, left waist plate 36 (first plate piece 361 and second plate piece 362), right shoulder plate 52, right back plate 54, and right waist plate 56 (first plate piece 561 and second plate piece 562) are covered with a plate attachment sheet-like member, and each plate is attached to the seat 10 by fastening this plate attachment sheet-like member to the underside 10a of the seat 10. Furthermore, hooks are provided on the surface of the plate attachment sheet-like member on the fluid bag attachment side. Meanwhile, hooks are also provided on the surfaces of the fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22, left back fluid bag 24, left waist fluid bag 26, right shoulder fluid bag 42, right back fluid bag 44, and right waist fluid bag 46), and the hooks on these fluid bags and the hooks on the plates are fastened to each other, thereby attaching the fluid bags to the plates. When covering the surfaces of the plates and attaching them to the sheet 10, the covers may be attached to the upper surface of the sheet 10 (opposite the lower surface 10a). In this case, the hooks for attaching the fluid bags need not be provided on the sheet-like member for attaching the plates that covers the plates, but on the surface of the sheet 10 on the side to which the plates are not attached (lower surface 10a). From the viewpoint of adhesion to the sheet 10, the material of the sheet-like member for attaching the plates is preferably the same as the material of the portion of the sheet 10 to which it is attached, but is not particularly limited as long as it can be adhered to the sheet 10.

[0058] (Control Device) As shown in FIG. 5 , the position change device 1 has a control device 6 that controls the inflation and deflation of the fluid bags. The control device 6 is configured to be switchable between a position change mode, in which the position of the care recipient is changed, and a stationary state mode, using a switch or the like. In the position change mode, the control device controls a valve and a pump (not shown) to supply and exhaust air to and from the fluid bags in a predetermined order. This controls the inflation and deflation of the fluid bags, allowing the position of the care recipient 100 to be changed. The control device 6 is disposed in a control device placement hole 85 (see FIG. 2 ) formed in the second mat. A hose is connected to the control device 6, which serves as a fluid flow path for flowing air (fluid) into and out of each fluid bag. The following description will be given using an example in which the fluid is air.

[0059] A hose is provided for each type of fluid bag. Specifically, a hose 622 is connected to the supply port 23 of the left shoulder fluid bag 22, a hose 624 is connected to each of the supply ports 25 of the two left back fluid bags 24, and a hose 626 is connected to each of the supply ports 27 of the two left hip fluid bags 26. A hose 642 is connected to the supply port 43 of the right shoulder fluid bag 42, a hose 644 is connected to each of the supply ports 45 of the two right back fluid bags 44, and a hose 626 is connected to each of the supply ports 47 of the two right hip fluid bags 46. The control device 6 is electrically connected to a power source (not shown), and by activating the pump, it can separately inflate and deflate each fluid bag via each hose. Each hose is also provided with a valve that can be switched between an open state, which allows air to flow through the flow path, and a closed state, which blocks air from flowing. Each supply port functions as an exhaust port when discharging air from the fluid bag.

[0060] The control device 6 can inflate the left shoulder fluid bag 22 independently of the other fluid bags by supplying air to the left shoulder fluid bag 22 via the hose 622. In this state, closing the valve 722 attached to the hose 622 blocks the flow path, allowing the left shoulder fluid bag 22 to remain inflated. The control device 6 can inflate the left back fluid bag 24 independently of the other fluid bags by supplying air to the left back fluid bag 24 via the hose 624. In this state, closing the valve 724 attached to the hose 624 blocks the flow path, allowing the left back fluid bag 24 to remain inflated. The control device 6 can inflate the left hip fluid bag 26 independently of the other fluid bags by supplying air to the left hip fluid bag 26 via the hose 626. In this state, closing the valve 726 attached to the hose 626 blocks the flow path, allowing the left hip fluid bag 26 to remain inflated. Furthermore, when valves 722, 724 and 726 are opened, the supply ports of the left shoulder fluid bag 22, left back fluid bag 24 and left waist fluid bag 26 function as exhaust ports, allowing the air supplied to the inside to escape, and the bag becomes flat.

[0061] The control device 6 can inflate the right shoulder fluid bag 42 independently of the other fluid bags by supplying air to the right shoulder fluid bag 42 via the hose 642. In this state, closing the valve 742 attached to the hose 642 blocks the flow path, allowing the right shoulder fluid bag 42 to remain inflated. The control device 6 can inflate the right back fluid bag 44 independently of the other fluid bags by supplying air to the right back fluid bag 44 via the hose 644. In this state, closing the valve 744 attached to the hose 644 blocks the flow path, allowing the right back fluid bag 44 to remain inflated. The control device 6 can inflate the right hip fluid bag 46 independently of the other fluid bags by supplying air to the right hip fluid bag 46 via the hose 646. In this state, closing the valve 746 attached to the hose 646 blocks the flow path, allowing the right hip fluid bag 46 to remain inflated. In addition, when valves 742, 744 and 746 are opened, the supply ports of the right shoulder fluid bag 42, right back fluid bag 44 and right hip fluid bag 46 function as exhaust ports, allowing the air supplied to the inside to escape, and the bag becomes flat.

[0062] (Fluid Bag) Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the fluid bag in a flat state with no air supplied to it, Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the fluid bag in an inflated state with air supplied to it, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the fluid bag in an inflated state. Figs. 6 to 8 use the left back fluid bag 24 as an example to explain the configuration of the fluid bag, but the same applies to the other fluid bags.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the left back fluid bag 24 is connected to a hose 624, which serves as a fluid flow path for air, at the supply port 25. As shown in Figure 7, the left back fluid bag 24 expands when air is supplied from the hose 624 attached to the supply port 25, and contracts to its original flat state when the air is released using the supply port 25, which also functions as an exhaust port. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the corners of the left back fluid bag 24 are crimped, and the internal space is octagonal in a plan view. The octagonal internal space improves the pressure resistance of the left back fluid bag 24.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8 , the left back fluid bag 24 preferably includes multiple expansion limiting portions 24c connecting the upper surface 24a and the lower surface 24b on the inner surface. The expansion limiting portions 24c limit the distance between the upper surface 24a and the lower surface 24b of the left back fluid bag 24 in the inflated state, allowing for the formation of substantially flat areas at the tops of the upper and lower surfaces. This allows for stable support of the plate and efficient lifting of the bottom surface of the mat, enabling position changes. The provision of the expansion limiting portions 24c also has the effect of improving the strength of the left back fluid bag 24 itself. The expansion limiting portions 24c are preferably made of a soft material that collapses flat together with the upper surface 24a and the lower surface 24b in the flat state and that can limit the distance between the upper surface 24a and the lower surface 24b in the inflated state. For example, the expansion limiting portions 24c may be made of the same material as the fluid bag, or a different material. The expansion limiting portion 24c is preferably in the form of a film so that it can easily become flat when air is released from the fluid bag. Similar expansion limiting portions may also be provided in the right back fluid bag 44, the left hip fluid bag 26, and the right hip fluid bag 46.

[0065] (Position Changing Operation) Fig. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of changing the position of the care recipient 100 using the position changing device 1 in this embodiment, Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the position of the care recipient 100 in a flat state with no air supplied to the fluid bag in this embodiment, Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the position of the care recipient 100 when the left shoulder fluid bag 22 is inflated in this embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the position of the care recipient 100 when the left back fluid bag 24 is inflated in this embodiment. The position changing operation of the care recipient 100 using the position changing device 1 will be described below using Figs. 9 to 12.

[0066] When the position change device 1 is activated, the control device 6 drives the valves and pumps to inflate and deflate the fluid bags, automatically changing the position of the care recipient 100, who is lying supine, without the intervention of a caregiver or other human being. This position change operation involves driving one side of the fluid bag, for example the left shoulder fluid bag, to inflate the fluid bag, lifting the left shoulder joint of the care recipient 100, who is lying supine. Then, in this state, driving and inflating at least the left back fluid bag, lifting the left back. This allows the care recipient 100 to change position in a natural posture. In this embodiment, the position change operation is described as lifting the left half 120 of the care recipient 100 to change position, followed by lifting the right half 140. However, this order may be reversed. For ease of explanation, the mat 80 and other components are omitted from Figures 10 to 12 .

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the control device 6 has not yet started control, all valves are open and the position change device 1 is in a flat, uninflated state. That is, the air in each fluid bag is released, and the care recipient 100 is lying face-up, facing directly upward. When a position change is started, the control device 6 supplies air to the left shoulder fluid bag 22 to inflate it (step S1 in FIG. 9 ). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valve 722 ( FIG. 5 ) to block the supply of air to the left shoulder fluid bag 22, maintaining the inflated state of the left shoulder fluid bag 22 (step S2). When the left shoulder fluid bag 22 inflates, the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 is lifted in response to the left shoulder fluid bag 22, as shown in FIG. 11 , and the shoulder joint 122 is tilted by an angle θ1. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the angle θ1 of the shoulder joint portion that is raised from the position S of the back in a flat state is preferably greater than 0° and less than 20°, and more preferably 1° to 6°, from the viewpoint of reducing discomfort to the care recipient 100 and enabling natural turning over.

[0068] Next, the control device 6 simultaneously supplies air to the left back fluid bag 24 and the left lumbar fluid bag 26, inflating them (step S3). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valves 724 and 726 (FIG. 5) to block the supply of air to the left back fluid bag 24 and the left lumbar fluid bag 26, maintaining the inflated state of the left back fluid bag 24 and the left lumbar fluid bag 26 (step S4). When the left back fluid bag 24 inflates, the left back 124 of the care recipient 100 is lifted up in correspondence with the left back fluid bag 24. When the left lumbar fluid bag 26 inflates, the left lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 is lifted up in correspondence with the left lumbar fluid bag 26.

[0069] Next, the control device 6 opens the valve 724 ( FIG. 5 ) and supplies air to the left back fluid bag 24, thereby further inflating the left back fluid bag 24 (secondary inflation) (step S5). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valve 724 ( FIG. 5 ) to block the supply of air to the left back fluid bag 24, maintaining the inflated state of the left back fluid bag 24 (step S6). When the left back fluid bag 24 inflates, the left back 124 of the care recipient 100 is further lifted in response to the left back fluid bag 24, as shown in FIG. 12 , and the back 124 tilts by an angle θ2. In this way, the left shoulder fluid bag 22 is driven to inflate the fluid bag, lifting the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 lying on his / her back. By driving the left back fluid bag 24 to inflate it, the care recipient 100 can change his / her posture to a natural posture. From the viewpoint of natural turning over operation, as shown in FIG. 12, the angle θ2 of the back portion raised from the flat back position S is preferably greater than the angle θ1 and not more than 30°, more preferably 2° to 10°.

[0070] After the back is maintained in the inclined position T for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 20 seconds), the control device 6 opens the valves 722, 724, and 726 (FIG. 5) to vent air from all the left-side fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22, left back fluid bag 24, and left hip fluid bag 26) (step S7). Once all the fluid bags have been vented, the body positioning device 1 returns to the flat state shown in FIG.

[0071] If the position change is not to be completed, the process proceeds to position change of the right half of the body (step S8). Position change of the right half of the body is performed using the same control as the position change of the left half of the body described above. That is, the control device 6 supplies air to the right shoulder fluid bag 42 to inflate it (step S11). In this state, the control device 6 switches the valve 742 (FIG. 5) to the closed state to block the supply of air to the right shoulder fluid bag 42, thereby maintaining the inflated state of the right shoulder fluid bag 42 (step S12). When the right shoulder fluid bag 42 inflates, the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100 is lifted and tilted in response to the right shoulder fluid bag 42.

[0072] Next, the control device 6 simultaneously supplies air to the right back fluid bag 44 and the right hip fluid bag 46, thereby inflating the right back fluid bag 44 and the right hip fluid bag 46 (step S13). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valves 744 and 746 (FIG. 5) to block the supply of air to the right back fluid bag 44 and the right hip fluid bag 46, thereby maintaining the right back fluid bag 44 and the right hip fluid bag 46 in an inflated state (step S14). When the right back fluid bag 44 inflates, the right back 144 of the care recipient 100 is lifted up in correspondence with the right back fluid bag 44. When the right hip fluid bag 46 inflates, the right hip 146 of the care recipient 100 is lifted up in correspondence with the right hip fluid bag 46.

[0073] Next, the control device 6 opens the valve 744 (FIG. 5) and supplies air to the right back fluid bag 44, thereby further inflating the right back fluid bag 44 (secondary inflation) (step S15). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valve 744 (FIG. 5) to block the supply of air to the right back fluid bag 44, maintaining the right back fluid bag 44 in an inflated state (step S16). As the right back fluid bag 44 inflates, the right back 144 of the care recipient 100 is further lifted and tilted in response to the right back fluid bag 44. The right shoulder fluid bag 42 is driven to inflate the fluid bag, lifting the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100, who is lying on his back. Then, the right back fluid bag 44 is driven to inflate, thereby lifting the right back 144, allowing the care recipient 100 to change his position to a natural posture.

[0074] After maintaining this state for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 20 seconds), the control device 6 opens the valves 742, 744, and 746 (FIG. 5) to vent air from all right-side fluid bags (the right shoulder fluid bag 42, the right back fluid bag 44, and the right hip fluid bag 46) (step S17). Once all fluid bags have been vented, the position change device 1 returns to the flat state shown in FIG. 10. If the position change is not completed, the device returns to positioning the left half of the body (step S18). By repeating position changes in this manner, continuous weight bearing on parts of the care recipient 100 that are prone to bedsores, such as the shoulders, hips, and back, can be prevented without the intervention of a caregiver or other personnel.

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, the shoulder movable unit (shoulder fluid bag) and the back movable unit (back fluid bag) are arranged to move independently. The shoulder movable unit (shoulder fluid bag) and the back movable unit (back fluid bag) operate in conjunction as described above, opening the shoulder blades of the care recipient 100, slightly curving the back in the shoulder width direction (the direction of the desired position change), and then pushing up the back while maintaining this position, thereby changing the care recipient's position. This type of position change allows for a more natural position change. Furthermore, the back movable unit (back fluid bag) and the waist movable unit (back fluid bag) operate in conjunction as described above, changing the position of the waist and the back simultaneously, thereby tilting the lower half of the care recipient 100 as well, thereby more effectively preventing and aggravating bedsores. This type of position change allows for a natural posture, reducing the discomfort of the care recipient 100. In this embodiment, the left back fluid bag 24 is further inflated (secondary inflation) (step S5) and the right back fluid bag 44 is further inflated (secondary inflation) (step S15), but a position change operation may be performed without performing these secondary inflation operations. Furthermore, the fluid bags may be naturally vented, or may be forcedly vented by providing an air suction means.

[0076] Furthermore, when the position change device 1 is not changing the position, all valves are open and all fluid bags are collapsed and flat. Therefore, even if the control device 6 stops functioning due to a power outage or other reason that causes a loss of power, the care recipient 100 will not be left lying in a tilted position, improving safety in medical and nursing care settings. In particular, in this embodiment, a mat 80 is disposed between the position change device 1 and the care recipient 100. The resin foam that is particularly suitable for use in the mat 80 has its own cushioning properties and can adequately support the care recipient 100, ensuring extremely high safety even if the control device 6 stops functioning due to a power outage or other reason.

[0077] (Bed Device) As shown in Fig. 13, the mattress device 8 of this embodiment can be used as a bed device 9 by being mounted on a bed structure 91. By covering the mat part 80 and the positioning device 1 with a cover 86, the mattress device 8 becomes easy to handle and can be easily mounted on the bed structure 91. The bed structure 91 may also have a reclining function. Such a bed device 9 is suitably used as a care bed for caring for a care recipient, such as a person requiring care who has difficulty moving their body independently.

[0078] The bed apparatus 9 may also be a bed apparatus with a position changing function in which the position changing device 1 is placed on or incorporated into the bed board portion (the portion where the mattress is placed) of the bed structure 91, independent of the mat portion 80. When a conventional mattress is placed on the bed apparatus 9 of this configuration and the position changing device 1 is operated, the mattress is pushed up, allowing the position change to be performed.

[0079] Second Embodiment The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the postural change device. The following mainly describes the configuration of this embodiment that differs from the first embodiment. The configuration of this embodiment, the description of which is omitted, is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0080] 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the position change device 1a of this embodiment that differs from that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14 , in this embodiment, the shoulder fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22 and right shoulder fluid bag 42) are each substantially circular. Furthermore, the first bag 241 and second bag 242 of the left back fluid bag 24 and the first bag 441 and second bag 442 of the right back fluid bag 44 are each substantially elliptical, with the major axis extending in the Y-axis direction and the minor axis extending in the X-axis direction.

[0081] Furthermore, on the left side of the position change device 1a, the first bag 241 and the second bag 242 of the left back fluid bag 24 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Also, on the right side of the position change device 1a, the first bag 441 and the second bag 442 of the right back fluid bag 44 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. This configuration allows for adjustments to be made for a more natural position change, for example, by inflating the first bag (241, 441) and then the second bag (242, 442) in that order to gradually push the care recipient's body in the desired position change direction (Y direction). Furthermore, by making the second bags 242 and 442 less inflated than the first bags 241 and 441, the position change of the care recipient can be more diversified and appropriately adjusted.

[0082] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the configuration of the postural change device. The following mainly describes the configuration of this embodiment that differs from the second embodiment. The configuration of this embodiment, the description of which is omitted, is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the position change device 1b of this embodiment, which differs from the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the shoulder fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22 and right shoulder fluid bag 42) each have a substantially elliptical shape with the Y-axis as the major axis and the X-axis as the minor axis. This configuration allows for a larger area for the shoulder fluid bags, ensuring reliable execution of the position change method of the present invention even when the position of the care recipient's shoulder changes. Furthermore, the care recipient's arms can also be lifted during position change, allowing for smooth position changes. Furthermore, the left back fluid bag 24 and right back fluid bag 44 are each large, undivided, substantially elliptical bags. Therefore, in the position change device 1b, the height (expansion stroke) of the back fluid bags in the Z-axis direction during inflation can be increased. Furthermore, in the position change device 1b, the hose configuration can be simplified.

[0084] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the configuration of the postural change device. The following mainly describes the configuration of this embodiment that differs from the second embodiment. The configuration of this embodiment, the description of which is omitted, is the same as the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of the position change device 1c of this embodiment that differs from the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the left back fluid bag 24 is a substantially rectangular bag that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and extends to the left lumbar region of the care recipient. The right back fluid bag 44 is a substantially rectangular bag that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and extends to the left lumbar region of the care recipient. In this embodiment, the left back fluid bag 24 also serves as the left lumbar fluid bag, and the right back fluid bag 44 also serves as the right lumbar fluid bag. This configuration allows the position change of the care recipient, including the lumbar region, to be performed without providing left and right lumbar fluid bags.

[0086] Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments in the configuration of the postural change device. The configuration of this embodiment that differs from the first to fourth embodiments will be described below. The configuration of this embodiment that is not described here is similar to the configuration of the first to fourth embodiments, and the same reference numerals will be used.

[0087] (Overall configuration of mattress device) Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the mattress device of this embodiment as seen from the bottom side, Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of the mattress device of this embodiment as seen from the bottom side, and Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the mattress device of this embodiment as seen from the bottom side. As shown in these figures, the mattress device 8 is used with the care recipient 100 lying face up on the support surface 8a. The mattress device 8 is suitable for use as a nursing mattress for caring for a care recipient 100 who has difficulty performing physical movements such as turning over on their own.

[0088] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the mattress device 8 includes a mat section 80 extending in the Y-axis direction and a position change device 1' that changes the position of the care recipient 100. The position change device 1' is disposed on the bottom surface 8b of the mat section 80, which is composed of multiple mats assembled together. As shown in Figure 18, the position change device 1' is configured by attaching movable sections 2' and 4', which are driven by a control device 6 (described later), to a thin sheet 10'. The mattress device 8 is configured such that the force of the movable sections 2' and 4' of the position change device 1' pushes up the care recipient 100 via the mat section 80, changing the position of the care recipient 100. Similar to the configuration shown in Figure 13 of the first embodiment, the mattress device 8 is configured such that the mat section 80 and the position change device 1' are covered with a cover 86, which facilitates handling and improves maintenance, such as removing dirt and disinfecting the surface. Moreover, by attaching it to a bed structure 91 described later, it can be used as a care bed device 9 for caring for people who need care and have difficulty moving their bodies on their own.

[0089] (Mat Section) The configuration of the mat section 80 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] (Position Change Device) As shown in Figures 17 and 18, a position change device 1' is disposed below the bottom surface 8b of the third mat 83. In this position change device 1', a left plate 3' and a left movable part 2' are attached to the left side of the underside 10a' of a sheet 10'. A right plate 5' and a right movable part 4' are attached to the right side of the underside 10a' of the sheet 10'. By attaching the left plate 3', the left movable part 2', the right plate 5', and the right movable part 4' to the sheet 10' in this manner, the position change device 1' can be easily handled in an integrated state while maintaining the respective positions of the left plate 3', the left movable part 2', the right plate 5', and the right movable part 4'. The left plate 3', the left movable part 2', the right plate 5', and the right movable part 4' may also be attached directly to the bottom surface 8b of the mat 80 without the sheet 10'. The seat 10' has fixing members 11' at both ends in the X-axis direction, allowing it to be fixed to the mat 80 or the cover 86. The fixing members 11' are not particularly limited as long as they can be fixed to the mat 80 or the cover 86. However, a detachable fixing means is preferred so that the mat 80 or the cover 86 can be separated from the positioning device 1' during maintenance, such as cleaning or washing the mattress device. Examples of such fixing members 11' include hook-and-loop fasteners. The positioning device 1' does not necessarily have to have the fixing members 11', and may be disposed on the bottom surface of the mat 80 in an unfixed state. Although not shown, the seat 10' preferably has a hose slot 12' for passing a hose from the control device 6 (described later) to the movable portion. In this embodiment, the seat 10' has the same shape as the bottom surface of the mat 80. However, other shapes may be used to accommodate the left plate 3', left movable portion 2', right plate 5', and right movable portion 4'. For example, the seat 10' may have a structure in which the left and right halves are independently separated. In this specification, "left" and "right" refer to the positive direction of the X-axis as "left" and the negative direction as "right," and are the directions when viewed from below of the cared for person 100 lying on their back in the normal use state of the mattress device 8 shown in Figures 17 and 18.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 18 , the left-side movable portion 2′ includes a left shoulder fluid bag 22′, which serves as the left shoulder movable portion, a left back fluid bag 24′, which serves as the left back movable portion, and a left hip fluid bag 26′, which serves as the left hip movable portion. The right-side movable portion 4′ includes a right shoulder fluid bag 42′, which serves as the right shoulder movable portion, a right back fluid bag 44′, which serves as the right back movable portion, and a right hip fluid bag 46′, which serves as the right hip movable portion. These fluid bags are bag-shaped and can be expanded by introducing fluid into the fluid bag through a supply port provided in the fluid bag and contracted by venting the fluid, but their shapes are not particularly limited. However, in this embodiment, when in a flat state without fluid being supplied, the left shoulder fluid bag 22′ and the right shoulder fluid bag 42′ are approximately circular bags in a plan view. The left back fluid bag 24' and the right back fluid bag 44' are generally rectangular bags with concave cutouts. The cutouts are shaped so that the left shoulder fluid bag 22' and the right shoulder fluid bag 42' can be fitted into them when the device is flat and no fluid is being supplied. In this embodiment, the cutouts are semicircular, and the generally circular left shoulder fluid bag 22' and the right shoulder fluid bag 42' are fitted into them along the shape of the cutouts. This shape allows for a simple configuration that maintains the lift-up effect of the back fluid bag inflation without interfering with the shoulder-raising action of the shoulder fluid bags. Note that air can be exhausted from each fluid bag by using the respective supply ports as exhaust ports, or by providing separate exhaust ports.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') is a bag that is approximately circular in plan view when flat and not supplied with fluid, and the concave cutout portion of the back fluid bag (24', 44') is semicircular to correspond to that shape, but as long as the above-mentioned functional effects are obtained when the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') is arranged to fit along the shape of the concave cutout portion of the back fluid bag (24', 44'), the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') may have a shape that allows for fitting arrangement depending on the shape of the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') in plan view when flat and not supplied with fluid. For example, the shape of the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') can be a polygon such as a square, hexagon, or octagon, and the shape of the concave cutout portion of the back fluid bag (24', 44') can be selected so that the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') can be arranged to fit into that shape.

[0093] Here, "the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') is arranged so as to fit along the shape of the concave cutout of the back fluid bag (24', 44')" means not only a state in which, in a plan view in a flat state in which no fluid is supplied, the peripheral edge of the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') is adjacent to the peripheral edge of the concave cutout of the back fluid bag (24', 44'), but also a state in which at least a portion of the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') is arranged within the area of ​​the concave cutout of the back fluid bag (24', 44') to the extent that the effect of the above-mentioned fitting arrangement can be obtained. For example, if the shoulder fluid bag (22', 42') is polygonal, the concave cutout of the back fluid bag (24', 44') may be semicircular or arc-shaped to more smoothly expand and deform the back fluid bag (24', 44'). Furthermore, the left shoulder fluid bag 22' and right shoulder fluid bag 42' may be arranged so that part of the peripheral edge of the left shoulder fluid bag 22' and right shoulder fluid bag 42' is inside the concave cutouts of the left back fluid bag 24' and right back fluid bag 44' and overlaps them in a plan view in a flat state where no fluid is supplied, within the range where the lift-up action due to the expansion of the back fluid bag (24', 44') when fluid is supplied does not interfere with the shoulder-raising action of the shoulder fluid bags (22', 42').The shapes of the left shoulder fluid bag 22' and right shoulder fluid bag 42' may also be set to be arranged in this way.

[0094] The left lumbar fluid bag 26' and the right lumbar fluid bag 46' are bags that are approximately rectangular in plan view. In the first embodiment, the left back fluid bag 24 and the right back fluid bag 44 each consisted of two fluid bags, but in this embodiment, the left back fluid bag 24' and the right back fluid bag 44' each consisted of a single, integrated fluid bag. Also, in the first embodiment, the left lumbar fluid bag 26 and the right lumbar fluid bag 46 each consisted of two fluid bags, but in this embodiment, the left lumbar fluid bag 26' and the right lumbar fluid bag 46' each consisted of a single, integrated fluid bag. The fluid that flows into the fluid bags may be either a gas or a liquid, but a gas such as air is preferably used.

[0095] As shown in Figure 17, the left shoulder fluid bag 22' is disposed at a position corresponding to the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 when lying supine in the use state. Therefore, by inflating the left shoulder fluid bag 22', the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). Furthermore, the left back fluid bag 24' is disposed at a position corresponding to the left back 124 of the care recipient when lying supine. By inflating the left back fluid bag 24', the entire left back 124 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0096] The left lumbar fluid bag 26' is disposed at a position corresponding to the left lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 lying on his / her back. By inflating the left lumbar fluid bag 26', the entire left lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0097] The right movable part 4' is disposed symmetrically with the left movable part 2' with respect to the center line C as the axis of symmetry. The right shoulder fluid bag 42' is disposed at a position corresponding to the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100 when lying supine in a normal use state. Therefore, by inflating the right shoulder fluid bag 42', the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). The right back fluid bag 44' is disposed at a position corresponding to the right back 144 of the care recipient when lying supine. By inflating the right back fluid bag 44', the entire right back 144 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0098] The right hip fluid bag 46' is disposed at a position corresponding to the right hip 146 of the care recipient 100 lying on his / her back. By inflating the right hip fluid bag 46, the entire right hip 146 of the care recipient 100 can be lifted upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis).

[0099] The material constituting each fluid bag is formed from a non-breathable sheet that does not allow fluids such as air or water to pass through. Thermoplastic synthetic resin films such as urethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, and polyester are preferably used for the fluid bag, since the four sides or circumferential edges of the fluid bag are bonded by crimping or the like to form a substantially square or circular bag. In this embodiment, urethane film is used as the sheet material from the viewpoint of flexibility and weldability (adhesion). Note that bonding also includes adhesive bonding using an adhesive.

[0100] Figure 20 is a plan view showing (A) the shoulder fluid bag, (B) the back fluid bag, and (C) the lumbar fluid bag in this embodiment in a flat state with no air supplied, and Figure 21 is a plan view showing (A) the back fluid bag and (B) the lumbar fluid bag in this embodiment with an inflation restriction portion in a flat state with no air supplied.

[0101] As shown in Figure 20, the left shoulder fluid bag 22' and the right shoulder fluid bag 42' are generally circular bags in plan view when flat and not supplied with fluid, and their diameters are, by way of example only, approximately 10 to 20 cm, preferably approximately 15 to 17 cm. The left back fluid bag 24' and the right back fluid bag 44' are generally rectangular bags with cutouts on their long sides when flat and not supplied with fluid, and their dimensions are, by way of example only, approximately 30 to 50 cm, preferably approximately 40 cm, for the long sides, and approximately 10 to 30 cm, preferably approximately 20 cm, for the short sides. The cutouts need only be of a size that allows the left shoulder fluid bag 22' or right shoulder fluid bag 42' to be fitted into them. The left and right hip fluid bags 26' and 46' are generally rectangular bags in plan view when flat and not supplied with fluid, and their dimensions, which are merely an example, are such that the long sides are approximately 30 to 50 cm, preferably approximately 40 cm, and the short sides are approximately 10 to 30 cm, preferably approximately 20 cm. These dimensions are such that, when the fluid bags are inflated, they can push up the care recipient 100 via the mat portion 80, and the shoulder fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22' and right shoulder fluid bag 42') are smaller than the back fluid bags (left back fluid bag 24' and right back fluid bag 44'), respectively, in order to reduce discomfort to the care recipient.

[0102] (Plate) The configuration and attachment of the plate in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] As in the first embodiment, by placing plates (left shoulder plate 32, left back plate 34, left waist plate 36, right shoulder plate 52, right back plate 54 and right waist plate 56) between the care recipient 100 and the fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22', left back fluid bag 24', left waist fluid bag 26', right shoulder fluid bag 42', right back fluid bag 44' and right waist fluid bag 46'), the force caused by the expansion of the fluid bags can be efficiently applied to the care recipient 100 through the plates, and the care recipient and the mat member 80 can be more stably supported by the opposing surfaces 37 of the plates during position change operations.

[0104] The arrangement of the plates and movable parts is not limited to the above arrangement, as long as they correspond to the respective parts of the care recipient 100. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 , on the left side of the position change device 1′, the left shoulder plate 32 is arranged to overlap the left shoulder fluid bag 22′, and the left back plate 34 is arranged to overlap a portion of the left back fluid bag 24′. The left waist plate 36 is also arranged to overlap the left waist fluid bag 26′. Since the head 110 of the care recipient 100 does not overlap the fluid bags, the care recipient 100 can change position more comfortably. The arrangement on the right side of the position change device 1′ is similar to the arrangement on the left side. The fluid bags may be arranged so that portions of the periphery of one fluid bag overlap with portions of the periphery of an adjacent fluid bag, but it is preferable that the inflation and deflation of the fluid bags do not interfere with each other. The fluid bags are preferably arranged so that adjacent fluid bags do not come into contact with each other and interfere with each other during the inflation and deflation process due to the supply and exhaust of fluid. When a fluid bag expands due to the supply of fluid, its thickness in the Z-axis direction increases while its width in the X-axis and Y-axis directions decreases. Therefore, when overlapping portions of the peripheral edges of adjacent fluid bags, the degree of overlap can be designed so as not to interfere with the expansion and contraction of the fluid bags, taking into account the amount of reduction in width in the X-axis and Y-axis directions upon expansion.

[0105] 17, in the position changing device 1', the left shoulder plate 32 extends from the left shoulder joint to the left elbow of the care recipient 100. This allows the left arm of the care recipient 100 to be lifted together with the left shoulder joint 122, allowing for a good position change. The right side of the position changing device 1' has the same configuration as the left side.

[0106] 17, a single left lumbar fluid bag 26' is disposed on the left side of the position changing device 1'. This left lumbar fluid bag 26' can also lift the buttocks and thighs of the care recipient 100, allowing the position of the care recipient 100 to be changed more reliably. The arrangement on the right side of the position changing device 1' is the same as the arrangement on the left side.

[0107] The surfaces of the left shoulder plate 32, left back plate 34, left waist plate 36 (first plate piece 361 and second plate piece 362), right shoulder plate 52, right back plate 54, and right waist plate 56 (first plate piece 561 and second plate piece 562) are covered with a plate attachment sheet-like member, which is fixed to the underside 10a' of the seat 10, thereby attaching each plate to the seat 10'. Hooks are also provided on the surface of the plate attachment sheet-like member on the fluid bag attachment side. Hooks are also provided on the surfaces of the fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22', left back fluid bag 24', left waist fluid bag 26', right shoulder fluid bag 42', right back fluid bag 44', and right waist fluid bag 46'), and the hooks on these fluid bags and the hooks on the plates are fastened to each other, thereby attaching the fluid bags to the plates. When covering the surface of each plate with a plate-mounting sheet-like member and attaching it to sheet 10', it may be attached to the upper surface side (opposite to lower surface 10a') of sheet 10, in which case the hooks for attaching the fluid bags need not be provided on the plate-mounting sheet-like member covering each plate, but on the surface of sheet 10' on the side to which the plates are not attached (lower surface 10a'). From the viewpoint of adhesion to sheet 10', it is preferable that the material of the plate-mounting sheet-like member be the same as the material of the portion of sheet 10' to which it is attached, but there are no particular restrictions as long as it can be adhered to sheet 10'.

[0108] (Control Device) The configurations of the control device 6, hoses, and valves are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0109] (Position Changing Operation) The operation of changing the position of the care recipient 100 by the position changing device 1' in this embodiment will be described below. This operation is basically the same as the flow of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 9, and the following description will be made with reference to Fig. 9.

[0110] When the position change device 1' is activated, the control device 6 drives the valves and pumps to inflate and deflate the fluid bags, automatically changing the position of the care recipient 100, who is lying supine, without the need for manual intervention from a caregiver or other personnel. This position change operation involves driving one side, for example, the left shoulder fluid bag, to inflate the fluid bag, thereby lifting the left shoulder joint of the care recipient 100, who is lying supine. In this state, at least the left back fluid bag is driven and inflated, thereby lifting the left back. This allows the care recipient 100 to change position in a natural posture. In this embodiment, the position change operation is described in which the left half 120 of the care recipient 100 is lifted to change position, and then the right half 140 is lifted. However, this order may be reversed.

[0111] When the control device 6 has not yet started control, all valves are open, and the position change device 1' is in a flat state. That is, the air is released from each fluid bag, and the care recipient 100 is lying face-up. When a position change is started, the control device 6 supplies air to the left shoulder fluid bag 22' to inflate it (step S1 in FIG. 9 ). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valve 722 ( FIG. 19 ) to block the supply of air to the left shoulder fluid bag 22', maintaining the inflated state of the left shoulder fluid bag 22' (step S2 in FIG. 9 ). When the left shoulder fluid bag 22' inflates, the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 is lifted in response to the left shoulder fluid bag 22', as shown in FIG. 11 of the first embodiment, and the shoulder joint 122 is tilted by an angle θ1. In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the angle θ1 of the shoulder joint portion that is raised from the position S of the back in a flat state is preferably greater than 0° and less than 20°, and more preferably 1° to 6°, from the viewpoint of reducing discomfort to the care recipient 100 and enabling natural turning over.

[0112] Next, the control device 6 simultaneously supplies air to the left back fluid bag 24' and the left lumbar fluid bag 26', inflating them (step S3 in FIG. 9). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valves 724 and 726 (FIG. 19) to block the supply of air to the left back fluid bag 24' and the left lumbar fluid bag 26', maintaining the inflated state of the left back fluid bag 24' and the left lumbar fluid bag 26' (step S4 in FIG. 9). When the left back fluid bag 24' inflates, the left side of the back 124 of the care recipient 100 is lifted in correspondence with the left back fluid bag 24'. When the left lumbar fluid bag 26 inflates, the left side of the lumbar region 126 of the care recipient 100 is lifted in correspondence with the left lumbar fluid bag 26.

[0113] Next, the control device 6 opens the valve 724 (FIG. 19) and supplies air to the left back fluid bag 24', thereby further inflating the left back fluid bag 24' (secondary inflation) (step S5 in FIG. 9). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valve 724 (FIG. 19) to block the supply of air to the left back fluid bag 24', maintaining the inflated state of the left back fluid bag 24' (step S6 in FIG. 9). When the left back fluid bag 24' inflates, the left side of the back 124 of the care recipient 100 is further lifted in response to the left back fluid bag 24', and the back 124 is tilted by an angle θ2, as shown in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. In this way, by driving the left shoulder fluid bag 22' to inflate the fluid bag and lifting the left shoulder joint 122 of the care recipient 100 lying on his back, the left back fluid bag 24' is driven to inflate and lift the left back 124, allowing the care recipient 100 to change position in a natural posture. From the perspective of a natural turning over operation, as shown in Figure 12, the angle θ2 of the back lifted from position S of the flat back is preferably greater than angle θ1 and not more than 30°, and more preferably 2° to 10°.

[0114] After the back is maintained in the inclined position T for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 20 seconds), the control device 6 opens the valves 722, 724, and 726 (FIG. 19) to vent air from all of the left-side fluid bags (left shoulder fluid bag 22, left back fluid bag 24, and left hip fluid bag 26) (step S7 in FIG. 9). Once all of the fluid bags have been vented, the body repositioning device 1' returns to the flat state shown in FIG. 10.

[0115] If the position change is not completed, the process moves on to position change of the right half of the body (step S8 in FIG. 9). Position change of the right half of the body is performed using the same control as the position change of the left half of the body described above. That is, the control device 6 supplies air to the right shoulder fluid bag 42' to inflate it (step S11 in FIG. 9). In this state, the control device 6 switches the valve 742 (FIG. 19) to the closed state to block the supply of air to the right shoulder fluid bag 42', thereby maintaining the inflated state of the right shoulder fluid bag 42' (step S12 in FIG. 9). When the right shoulder fluid bag 42' inflates, the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100 is lifted and tilted in response to the right shoulder fluid bag 42'.

[0116] Next, the control device 6 simultaneously supplies air to the right back fluid bag 44' and the right hip fluid bag 46', thereby inflating the right back fluid bag 44' and the right hip fluid bag 46' (step S13 in FIG. 9). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valves 744 and 746 (FIG. 19) to block the supply of air to the right back fluid bag 44' and the right hip fluid bag 46', thereby maintaining the right back fluid bag 44' and the right hip fluid bag 46' in an inflated state (step S14 in FIG. 9). When the right back fluid bag 44' inflates, the right back 144 of the care recipient 100 is lifted in correspondence with the right back fluid bag 44'. Furthermore, when the right hip fluid bag 46' inflates, the right hip 146 of the care recipient 100 is lifted in correspondence with the right hip fluid bag 46'.

[0117] Next, the control device 6 opens the valve 744 (FIG. 19) and supplies air to the right back fluid bag 44', thereby further inflating the right back fluid bag 44' (secondary inflation) (step S15 in FIG. 9). In this state, the control device 6 closes the valve 744 (FIG. 19) to block the supply of air to the right back fluid bag 44', maintaining the right back fluid bag 44' in an inflated state (step S16 in FIG. 9). As the right back fluid bag 44' inflates, the right back 144 of the care recipient 100 is further lifted and tilted in response to the right back fluid bag 44'. The right shoulder fluid bag 42' is driven to inflate the fluid bag, lifting the right shoulder joint 142 of the care recipient 100, who is lying on his back. Then, the right back fluid bag 44' is driven to inflate, thereby lifting the right back 144, allowing the care recipient 100 to change position in a natural posture.

[0118] After maintaining this state for a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 20 seconds), the control device 6 opens the valves 742, 744, and 746 (FIG. 19) to vent air from all right-side fluid bags (right shoulder fluid bag 42', right back fluid bag 44', and right hip fluid bag 46') (step S17 in FIG. 9). Once all fluid bags have been vented, the position change device 1' returns to the flat state shown in FIG. 10. If the position change is not completed, the device returns to positioning the left half of the body (step S18 in FIG. 9). By repeating position changes in this manner, continuous weight bearing on areas of the care recipient 100 that are prone to bedsores, such as the shoulders, hips, and back, can be prevented without the intervention of a caregiver or other personnel.

[0119] As described above, according to this embodiment, the shoulder movable unit (shoulder fluid bag) and the back movable unit (back fluid bag) are arranged to move independently. The shoulder movable unit (shoulder fluid bag) and the back movable unit (back fluid bag) operate in conjunction as described above, opening the shoulder blades of the care recipient 100, slightly curving the back in the shoulder width direction (the direction of the desired position change), and then pushing up the back while maintaining this position, thereby changing the care recipient's position. This type of position change allows for a more natural position change. Furthermore, the back movable unit (back fluid bag) and the waist movable unit (back fluid bag) operate in conjunction as described above, changing the position of the waist and the back simultaneously, thereby tilting the lower half of the care recipient 100 as well, thereby more effectively preventing and aggravating bedsores. This type of position change allows for a natural posture, reducing the discomfort of the care recipient 100. In this embodiment, an operation to further inflate (secondary inflation) the left back fluid bag 24' (step S5 in Figure 9) and an operation to further inflate (secondary inflation) the right back fluid bag 44' (step S15 in Figure 9) are performed, but a position change operation may also be performed without performing these secondary inflation operations.

[0120] Furthermore, when the position change device 1' is not changing the position, all valves are open and all fluid bags are collapsed and flat. Therefore, even if the control device 6 stops functioning due to a power outage or other reason that causes a loss of power, the care recipient 100 will not be left in a tilted sleeping position, improving safety in medical and nursing care settings. In particular, in this embodiment, a mat 80 is disposed between the position change device 1 and the care recipient 100. The resin foam that is particularly suitable for use in the mat 80 has its own cushioning properties and can adequately support the care recipient 100, ensuring extremely high safety even if the control device 6 stops functioning due to a power outage or other reason.

[0121] (Bed Apparatus) The configuration of the bed apparatus 9 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] (Modification of the fifth embodiment) Figure 20 is a plan view showing (A) the shoulder fluid bag, (B) the back fluid bag, and (C) the lumbar fluid bag in this embodiment in a flat state with no air supplied, and Figure 21 is a plan view showing (A) the back fluid bag and (B) the lumbar fluid bag in this embodiment with an inflation restriction portion in a flat state with no air supplied.

[0123] In this modified embodiment, the left back fluid bags 24" and 44" are each provided with a plurality of expansion restriction portions 24c" and 44c" that connect the upper and lower surfaces on the inner surface. The expansion restriction portions 24c" and 44" restrict the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the left back fluid bags 24" and 44" when inflated, allowing for the formation of approximately flat areas at the tops of the upper and lower surfaces when inflated. This allows for stable support of the plate and efficient lifting of the bottom surface of the mat, enabling position changes. Furthermore, the provision of the expansion restriction portions 24c" and 44c" also has the effect of improving the strength of the left back fluid bags 24" and 44" themselves. It is desirable that the material of the expansion restriction portions 24c" and 44c" be a soft material that collapses flat together with the upper and lower surfaces when flat, and that is capable of restricting the distance between the upper and lower surfaces when inflated. For example, the expansion restriction portions 24c" and 44c" may be made of the same material as the material that constitutes the fluid bags, or may be made of a different material. Furthermore, the expansion restriction portions 24c" and 44c" are preferably in the form of a film so that they can easily become flat when air is released from the fluid bags. Similar expansion restriction portions may also be provided in the left hip fluid bag 26" and the right hip fluid bag 46".

[0124] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, but also includes various design modifications. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the position change device may be configured so that the height of the movable parts (left movable part 2 and right movable part 4) when extended can be adjusted based on the sensor 84. Furthermore, the left movable part 2 and the right movable part 4 may have different configurations. Furthermore, the position change device does not need to include a fluid bag for lifting the care recipient's waist. Furthermore, as long as the movable parts can lift each part of the care recipient, the position change device does not need to include plates (left plate 3 and right plate 5) between the movable parts and the care recipient, and the left plate 3 and right plate 5 may have different configurations. Furthermore, the mat 80 may have a single-layer or other multi-layer structure. Furthermore, the control device 6 may be external to the mat 80 rather than built into it.

[0125] In the position change method of the above embodiment, the left (or right) back fluid bag and the lumbar fluid bag are inflated simultaneously, but they may be inflated separately. Also, the time for which the inflation of the fluid bags is maintained may be changed as appropriate.

[0126] Furthermore, each movable unit can be configured using a means other than a fluid bag as long as it has the function of extending in the Z-axis direction to push up the mattress unit 80, such as a thin actuator with a multi-stage telescopic mechanism. Furthermore, in the case of a bed device that is placed on or incorporated into the bed structure 91's floorboard (the portion where the mattress is placed), the movable units have fewer limitations on their initial (deflated) thickness than when a position change device is incorporated into a mattress device, allowing for a wider range of known lifting and lowering means to be applied. In this case, the preferred embodiment in which the shoulder movable unit is positioned corresponding to the shoulder joint is similar to the preferred embodiment in which the shoulder fluid bag of the first embodiment is positioned corresponding to the shoulder joint, except that the shoulder fluid bag is referred to as the shoulder movable unit and the maximum inflatable portion is referred to as the maximum lifting portion. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment in which the back movable unit is positioned corresponding to the back is similar to the preferred embodiment in which the waist movable unit is positioned corresponding to the waist, except that the back fluid bag is referred to as the back movable unit and the waist fluid bag is referred to as the waist movable unit.

[0127] Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the device without the plate in the first to fifth embodiments described above. That is, by increasing the rigidity of the sheet-like fixing member and the mattress foam, it is possible to configure a postural change device without providing a plate disposed above the fluid bag.

[0128] In the first to fifth embodiments, the position of the supply port provided in the fluid bag for inflow and outflow of the fluid is not particularly limited as long as it is a position that does not hinder the expansion and contraction of the fluid bag. Furthermore, the fluid bag may be provided with multiple supply ports for control, or a separate exhaust port for letting air out may be provided in addition to the supply port, and the expansion and contraction of the fluid bag may be controlled by adjusting the intake and exhaust.

[0129] Furthermore, the first to fifth embodiments described above may include position adjustment means for adjusting the positions of the left shoulder movable portion (left shoulder fluid bag), left back movable portion (left back fluid bag), right shoulder movable portion (right shoulder fluid bag), and right back movable portion (right back fluid bag). By providing such position adjustment means, the preferred positions of the left shoulder movable portion (left shoulder fluid bag), left back movable portion (left back fluid bag), right shoulder movable portion (right shoulder fluid bag), and right back movable portion (right back fluid bag) can be adjusted, thereby enabling optimal position changes to be performed according to the care recipient's physique (skeleton). Furthermore, similar position adjustment means may also be provided for the left hip movable portion (left hip fluid bag) and right hip movable portion (right hip fluid bag), enabling more optimal position changes to be performed according to the care recipient's physique (skeleton).

[0130] The position adjustment means is not particularly limited as long as it can adjust the position of each movable part (fluid bag), but a sliding mechanism that can adjust the position continuously or a mechanism that can adjust the position intermittently at intervals can be used. An example of a sliding mechanism is a mechanism in which a slide rail member is arranged on the surface of the fixed sheet 10 (10'), a slide member that slidably fits into the slide rail is arranged on each movable part (fluid bag), and a stopper is provided to fix the slide member at any position. Another example of a mechanism that can adjust the position intermittently at intervals is a mechanism in which hooks or hook-and-loop fasteners are arranged at desired intervals on the surface of the fixed sheet 10 (10'), and each movable part (fluid bag) is provided with a hook or hook-and-loop fastener at a desired position on the fixed sheet 10 (10') to fix each movable part (fluid bag). Alternatively, hook-and-loop fasteners may be provided in each or all areas of the fixed sheet 10 (10') where each movable part (fluid bag) is moved, and corresponding hook-and-loop fasteners may be provided on each movable part (fluid bag). This improves the flexibility of arranging and fixing each movable part (fluid bag) in a desired position on the fixed sheet 10 (10').

[0131] The position adjustment of each movable part (fluid bag) by the position adjustment means may involve adjusting each movable part (fluid bag) individually, or may involve moving the entire movable part (fluid bag) as a whole while maintaining the position of each movable part (fluid bag).Furthermore, while maintaining the position of each movable part (fluid bag), the position of each of the following groups may be adjusted individually: a left movable part group consisting of the left shoulder movable part (left shoulder fluid bag) and left back movable part (left back fluid bag) or a left waist movable part (left waist fluid bag) added to these; and a right movable part group consisting of the right shoulder movable part (right shoulder fluid bag) and right back movable part (right back fluid bag) or a right waist movable part (right waist fluid bag) added to these.

[0132] As another embodiment in which the entire unit is moved integrally while maintaining the position of each movable part (fluid bag), the fixed sheet 10 (10') may be attached to the mat or cover via the above-mentioned position adjustment means, thereby allowing the position of the position change device relative to the mat to be adjusted.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first to fifth embodiments, a mattress device equipped with a position change device and a mat section was described, but the position change device in each embodiment may be placed directly on the back of a care recipient in a supine position to change the position of the care recipient.

[0134] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not limiting, and the present invention can be embodied in various other modified and altered forms. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0135] The present invention provides a device that automatically changes the body position of a care recipient, and is useful in a wide range of industries, such as nursing care.

[0136] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1′ Position changing device 10, 10′ Seat 10a, 10a′, 24b Underside 11, 11′ Fixing member 12 Hose notch 2, 2′ Left side movable part 22, 22′ Left shoulder fluid bag (left shoulder movable part) 23, 25, 27, 43, 45, 47 Supply port 24, 24′, 24″ Left back fluid bag (left back movable part) 24a Upper surface 24c, 24c″, 26c″, 44c″, 46c″ Inflation limiting part 24d Interior 241, 261, 441, 461 First bag 241, 262, 442, 462 Second bag 26, 26′, 26″ Left hip fluid bag 3 Left side plate 32 Left shoulder plate 34 Left back plate 36 Left waist plate 361, 561 First plate piece 362, 562 Second plate piece 37, 57 Opposing surface 38, 58, 8b Bottom surface 4, 4' Right side movable part 42, 42' Right shoulder fluid bag (right shoulder movable part) 44, 44', 44" Right back fluid bag (right back movable part) 46, 46', 46" Right waist fluid bag 5 Right side plate 52 Right shoulder plate 54 Right back plate 56 Right waist plate 6 Control device 622, 624, 626, 642, 644, 646 Hoses (fluid flow paths) 722, 724, 726, 742, 744, 746 Valves 8 Mattress device 8a Support surface 80 Mattress part 81 First mat 82 Second mat 83 Third mat 84 Sensor 85 Control device placement hole 86 Cover 87 Hose notch 9 Bed device 91 Bed structure 100 Care recipient 110 Head 120 Left half of body 140 Right half of body 122, 142 Shoulder joint 124, 144 Back 126, 146 Lumbar

Claims

1. A position change device comprising: a left shoulder fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to the left shoulder joint of a cared person when lying on his / her back; a left back fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to the left back of the cared person when lying on his / her back and operated independently of the left shoulder fluid bag; a right shoulder fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to the right shoulder joint of the cared person when lying on his / her back; and a right back fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to the right back of the cared person when lying on his / her back and operated independently of the right shoulder fluid bag.

2. A position changing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the left back fluid bag and the right back fluid bag each have a concave cutout portion into which the left shoulder fluid bag and the right shoulder fluid bag fit.

3. The position change device as described in claim 2, characterized in that the left shoulder fluid bag and the right shoulder fluid bag are circular fluid bags in a flat state when no fluid is supplied, and the left back fluid bag and the right back fluid bag each have a concave cutout portion into which the left shoulder fluid bag and the right shoulder fluid bag fit, and each is a single rectangular fluid bag in a flat state when no fluid is supplied.

4. The position change device as described in claim 1, further comprising a left hip fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to the left side of the waist of the cared person when lying on his / her back, and a right hip fluid bag arranged at a position corresponding to the right side of the waist of the cared person when lying on his / her back.

5. A position changing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that each of the left and right hip fluid bags is a single rectangular fluid bag in a flat state with no fluid supplied thereto.

6. A position change device as described in claim 1, characterized in that a left back plate having a flat surface facing the left side of the care recipient's back is disposed above the left back fluid bag, and a right back plate having a flat surface facing the right side of the care recipient's back is disposed above the right back fluid bag.

7. A position change device as described in claim 1, characterized in that a left shoulder plate having a flat surface facing the left shoulder joint of the care recipient is arranged above the left shoulder fluid bag, and a right shoulder plate having a flat surface facing the right shoulder joint of the care recipient is arranged above the right shoulder fluid bag.

8. A position changing device as described in claim 1, further comprising a control device for separately driving the left shoulder fluid bag, the left back fluid bag, the right shoulder fluid bag and the right back fluid bag.

9. The position change device described in claim 8, characterized in that the control device is equipped with a fluid flow path connected to at least one of the left shoulder fluid bag, the left back fluid bag, the right shoulder fluid bag and the right back fluid bag, and a valve installed in the fluid flow path, the valve being configured to be switchable between an open state in which fluid flows through the fluid flow path and a closed state in which the flow of fluid is blocked, and the control device is configured to switch the valve to an open state when power is lost.

10. A position changing device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the left back fluid bag and the right back fluid bag are provided with an expansion restriction portion for restricting the expansion state.

11. A position changing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that the left and right hip fluid bags are provided with an expansion restriction portion that restricts the expansion state.

12. A position changing device as described in claim 1, further comprising position adjustment means for adjusting the positions of the left shoulder fluid bag, the left back fluid bag, the right shoulder fluid bag and the right back fluid bag separately or together.

13. A position changing device for changing the position of a cared for person lying on his / her back, comprising a left shoulder movable part for lifting the left shoulder joint of the cared for, a left back movable part for lifting the left back of the cared for, a right shoulder movable part for lifting the right shoulder joint of the cared for, and a right back movable part for lifting the right back of the cared for, wherein the left shoulder movable part is configured to be driven independently of the left back movable part, and the right shoulder movable part is configured to be driven independently of the right back movable part.

14. A position changing device as described in claim 13, characterized in that it is provided with position adjustment means for adjusting the positions of the left shoulder movable part, the left back movable part, the right shoulder movable part and the right back movable part separately or together.

15. A mattress device comprising a position change device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a mat section for supporting the care recipient, wherein the position change device is fixed to the bottom surface of the mat section.

16. A bed apparatus comprising the mattress apparatus according to claim 15 and a bed structure to which the mattress apparatus is fixed.

17. A bed apparatus comprising a position changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 provided on the floor surface of a bed structure.

18. A method for changing the position of a cared for person lying on his / her back using a position changing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: driving the left shoulder fluid bag or the right shoulder fluid bag to inflate the left shoulder fluid bag or the right shoulder fluid bag and lifting the left or right shoulder joint of the cared for person lying on his / her back; and while the left shoulder fluid bag or the right shoulder fluid bag is in an inflated state, driving one of the left back fluid bag and the right back fluid bag, which corresponds to the back part on the side where the shoulder joint is lifted, to inflate the left back fluid bag or the right back fluid bag and lift the back part on the side where the shoulder joint is lifted.

19. A method for changing the position of a cared for person lying on his / her back using the position changing device described in claim 13, comprising driving and extending the left shoulder movable part or the right shoulder movable part to lift the left or right shoulder joint part of the cared for person lying on his / her back, and while the left shoulder movable part or the right shoulder movable part is driven, driving one of the left back movable part and the right back movable part, which corresponds to the back part on the side where the shoulder joint part is lifted, thereby lifting the back part on the side where the shoulder joint part is lifted.

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