JP2002022688A - Excretion detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an excretion detector capable of enhancing the detection accuracy of the presence of excretion and capable of being miniaturized. SOLUTION: The excretion detector for detecting the presence of excretion in a diaper for absorbing excretion has a sensor part 2 for detecting the impedance change between a pair of electrodes formed side by side in a slightly separated state and a frequency converter circuit 10 changed in frequency corresponding to the impedance change between a pair of electrodes detected by the sensor part 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for detecting a change in impedance between a pair of electrodes due to excretion from an outer surface of an absorbent article such as a diaper or a urine absorbing pad (that is, a side not in contact with excrement). The present invention relates to an excretion detection device that detects the presence or absence of excretion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a sensor technology for detecting the presence or absence of excretion in a diaper, for example, a diaper wetness notification device and a wetness detection sensor described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-22025 are known (known technology 1). . In this known technique 1, an alternating current signal is applied between a pair of electrodes formed on the surface of a resin film, a current change based on a change in capacitance between the electrodes is detected by a detector, and an output signal of the detector is detected. This activates an alarm device such as a buzzer or a vibrator to generate an alarm.

[0003] As a capacitance type sensor for detecting capacitance, for example, "Experiment of a capacitance funny sensor for detecting moisture in an absorbent polymer of a disposable diaper" (Transistor Technology, April 2000, p. 326) To p. 328) are known (known art 2). In the second prior art, a change in capacitance in the diaper due to the presence or absence of excretion in the diaper is detected as a voltage change in a detection circuit, and an alarm is activated.

On the other hand, bedridden urinary incontinence patients (hereinafter abbreviated as patients) are hospitalized in nursing homes, and at present, for example, diapers of 50 patients are treated 6 to 8 times a day. Caregivers regularly change patient diapers, such as changing at a predetermined time.

[0005]

However, when trying to change the diaper of a patient at a predetermined time,
In some cases, the diaper is not urinating and there is no need to change the diaper. Moreover, if the diaper is not properly replaced after urinary incontinence, it is uncomfortable and unsanitary for the patient. Also,
Patients being cared for were also unnecessarily checked for exchanges, which was a mental burden.

[0006] In the prior art 1, the presence or absence of excretion is detected based on a change in capacitance in the diaper.
Furthermore, in the capacitance type sensor of the prior art 2, the presence or absence of excretion is detected based on a change in capacitance in the diaper.

In both the prior art 1 and the prior art 2, an alternating current signal is applied between a pair of electrodes of the detection sensor via a relatively long lead from the oscillator. The line-to-line capacitance changes greatly, and the diaper wetting alarm device may malfunction due to the effect of the line-to-line capacitance change. Further, in the known technique 1, since the detection circuit is provided with the oscillator and the detection circuit, the diaper wetting notification device has been increased in size and cost.

[0008] Further, in the current type of conduction type sensor, the sensor portion in which electrodes are formed on a non-woven fabric, a film or the like becomes dirty, so that it is disposable, costly, and generates dust. I do. Furthermore, since the diaper must be spread and attached inside, handling is cumbersome and burdens the caregiver. In addition, since it is attached inside, there is a case where it directly touches the skin and gives a sense of discomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an excretion detecting device capable of improving the detection accuracy of excretion and reducing the size.

[0010]

In the detection circuit system mainly used conventionally, when the capacitance between the oscillator and the detection circuit is increased, the impedance is reduced to 1 / (ωC), and the oscillation output is detected. It is a mechanism that is performed. But,
Since the resistance component also increases, the impedance between the oscillator and the detection circuit (calculated as {R ² + (1 / (ωC)) ² ｝ ^1/2 ) indicates a change in impedance due to an increase in the capacitance component. Since the increase in the resistance component cancels out,
The amount of change was small, and the detection accuracy was poor. In particular, when the capacitance of the sensor section is small (small), it becomes remarkable.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to an excretion detecting device for detecting the presence or absence of excretion in an absorbent article for absorbing excrement, comprising a pair of electrodes formed side by side at a slight distance. A sensor for detecting a change in impedance between the electrodes, and a frequency converter for changing a frequency in accordance with a change in impedance between the pair of electrodes detected by the sensor.

The impedance generated between the electrodes is
When an equivalent circuit in which the resistance component R and the capacitance C are connected in series is calculated as Z = (R ² − (1 / ωC) ² ) ^1/2 (ω = angular frequency). However, the impedance described in the text indicates the resistance component R and the capacitance component C.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the excretion detecting device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The excretion detection device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a first excretion detection sensor 1a provided for urine, a second excretion detection sensor 1b provided for feces, a transmitting device 30, and a receiving device 50. In addition, the presence or absence of excretion in the absorbent article is detected and the result is notified.

Each of the first excretion detecting sensor 1a and the second excretion detecting sensor 1b is provided with a sensor section 2 for detecting a change in impedance between a pair of electrodes formed side by side with a slight distance, and an impedance change between a pair of electrodes. And a frequency conversion circuit 10 whose frequency changes in accordance with. The sensors 1a and 1b and the frequency conversion circuit 10
Will be described later.

The transmitting device 30 includes a sampling time oscillating means 31, a first data sampling means 32, a second data sampling means 33, a first frequency change detecting means 34,
It comprises a second frequency change detecting means 35, an excretion determining means 36, a urine volume calculating means 37, a test button input determining means 38, a transmission information determining means 39, a storage means 40, and a transmitter 41. First frequency change detecting means 34, second frequency change detecting means 35, excretion determining means 36, urine amount calculating means 3
7 and the transmission information determination means 39 are constituted by, for example, a microcomputer.

The sampling time oscillating means 31 oscillates a clock signal at every sampling time and outputs the clock signal to the first and second data sampling means 32, 33. The first sampling means 32 inputs a clock signal from the sampling time oscillating means 31, samples frequency data from the first excretion detection sensor 1a at every sampling time according to the cycle of the clock signal, and outputs sampling frequency data. . Second sampling means 3
3 inputs a clock signal from the sampling time oscillating means 31, samples the frequency data from the second excretion detection sensor 1b every sampling time according to the cycle of the clock signal, and outputs sampling frequency data.

The first frequency change detecting means 34 compares each sampling frequency data output from the first data sampling means 32 with a detection level which is a predetermined frequency, and when the sampling frequency data becomes lower than the detection level. In this case, a first excretion detection signal indicating that excretion has occurred in the diaper 22 is output to the excretion determining means 36 and the urine volume calculating means 37.

The second frequency change detecting means 35 compares each sampling frequency data outputted from the second data sampling means 33 with a detection level, and when the sampling frequency data becomes lower than the detection level, the diaper 22. A second excretion detection signal indicating that there is excretion is output to the excretion determining means 36.

The excretion judging means 36 judges whether urination or defecation based on the first excretion detection signal from the first frequency change detection means 34 and / or the second excretion detection signal from the second frequency change detection means 35. Then, excretion discrimination information for discriminating between urination and defecation is output to the transmission information determination means 39.

The urine amount calculating means 37 corresponds to the excretion amount calculating means of the present invention, and is based on sampling frequency data when a predetermined time has elapsed since the first excretion detection signal was inputted from the first frequency change detecting means 34. Calculates the amount of urine excreted by the person 21 and transmits the calculated amount of urine to the transmission information determining means 3.
9 is output. The transmission information determination unit 39 outputs transmission information such as excretion discrimination information and urine volume information to the storage unit 40.
The storage means 40 stores excretion discrimination information, urine volume information, and the like, outputs the information to the transmitter 41, and immediately transmits the information to the transmitter 50 wirelessly.

The receiving device 50 includes a receiver 51, a receiving detecting means 52, an alarming means 53, a receiving information determining means 54, a displaying means 55, a storing means 56, a time oscillating means 57, and a receiving time detecting means 58. Is done. Also, the reception detecting means 5
2. The reception information determination means 54 and the reception time detection means 58
For example, it is constituted by a microcomputer.

The receiver 51 receives the information from the transmitter 41, and the reception detecting means 52 detects the information received by the receiver 51. The alarm means 53 comprises an alarm buzzer, a vibrator, a lamp, or the like.
An alarm is generated based on the excretion discrimination information detected in step.

The reception information judging means 54 includes the reception detecting means 5
It is determined whether the received information detected in step 2 is excretion discrimination information or urine volume information, and if the received information is excretion discrimination information or urine volume information, the excretion discrimination information and urine volume information are displayed on the display unit 55, It is stored in the storage means 56. Display means 5
Reference numeral 5 denotes a liquid crystal display, a 7-segment display, and the like.

The time oscillating means 57 is a clock or the like, and outputs time information to the receiving time detecting means 58. The receiving time detecting means 58 corresponds to the excretion time detecting means of the present invention, and uses the time information from the time oscillating means 57 when the receiving detecting means 52 detects the receiving information as the receiving time (that is, the excretion time). Display means 55 for detecting the reception time.
, And stored in the storage means 56.

The test button is used for confirming whether the device is operating normally and within a range where radio communication can be performed, and for calling the caregiver when the care receiver becomes abnormal.
Therefore, when an input signal is input from the test button input determination unit 38, the transmission information determination unit 39
And immediately transmits it to the receiving device 50 wirelessly to activate the alarm means 53 (buzzer, vibration, etc.) provided on the receiver side.

Next, the details of the first and second excretion detecting sensors will be described. 2A is a top view of the excretion detection sensor, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the excretion detection sensor taken along the line A-A. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing attachment of the excretion detection sensor to the diaper.

The excretion detecting sensor 1 (1a, 1b) shown in FIG.
Is a sensor attached to the outer surface of an absorbent article such as a diaper or urine absorbing pad for absorbing excrement such as urine or stool of the elderly or infants, and detecting a change in impedance between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4. It has a section 2 (corresponding to sensor means) and a frequency conversion circuit 10 (frequency conversion means), and detects the presence or absence of excretion in the absorbent article. The urine absorbing pad is inserted into the inside (excretion site) of the outer diaper and is used as a two-layer stack. Replacing the urine absorbing pad has a cost advantage and reduces the environmental load.

In the embodiment, in order to detect urination and defecation, the excretion detecting sensor 1 having the structure shown in FIG.
3, the excretion detection sensor 1a is attached to the outer surface of the diaper 22 of the person 21 at a position corresponding to the urination point, and the excretion detection sensor 1b is attached to the position corresponding to the defecation point, as shown in FIG. Has become.

In the sensor section 2 shown in FIG. 2, a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 are formed on one surface (front surface) of a rigid (unbent) substrate 7 with an electrode interval 5 therebetween.
The substrate 7 is made of glass epoxy resin, paper phenol resin or the like, and the pair of electrodes 3 and 4 are made of copper, aluminum, zinc,
It is made of carbon, silver, gold, brass and the like.

Each of the pair of electrodes 3 and 4 is formed in a comb shape, and one of the pair of electrodes 3 disposed outside is connected to the electrode pattern 6a. The other electrode 4 arranged inside is connected to the electrode pattern 6b. The electrode patterns 6a and 6b are connected to the frequency conversion circuit 10 shown in FIG. 4, the electrode pattern 6a is grounded, and a positive potential is applied to the electrode pattern 6b.

On the pair of electrodes 3 and 4, a resist layer 8 for electrically insulating between the electrodes and protecting the electrodes is formed. Instead of the resist layer 8, an electrode protecting film for protecting the electrode may be used. On the resist layer 8, an adhesive 9 such as a bonding band as an attachment member attachable to the outer surface of the absorbent article such as a diaper is formed. Note that an adhesive such as an adhesive tape may be used instead of the adhesive 9. The mounting member can also serve as a resist layer, and a magic tape (registered trademark) may be used as the mounting member. When no attachment member is used, the excretion detection sensor may be attached to the surface of the diaper with a male / female hook or a cover with an adhesive.

On the other hand, on the other surface (back surface) of the substrate 7, the frequency conversion circuit 10 is arranged. The frequency conversion circuit 10 changes the frequency in accordance with the impedance change between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4.
And includes a resistor R1 connected to the input terminal of the inverter 11 and the excretion detection sensor 1, and a feedback resistor R _R connected to the output terminal of the inverter 11 and the excretion detection sensor 1. , From the output end of the inverter 11,
It comprises an RC oscillation circuit that outputs a frequency according to the impedance.

Here, it can be considered that the excretion detecting sensor 1 is equivalent to an element in which the capacitor C is connected in series to the resistor R2. Therefore, the frequency conversion circuit 10
Oscillates at a frequency f represented by equation (1) due to changes in the resistance component R and the capacitance component C of the sensor unit.

F = 1 / ((R1 + R2) * C) (1) FIG. 5 is a measurement circuit diagram for measuring an impedance change by the excretion detecting sensor. In this measurement circuit, the adjustment table 13 adjusts the height of the excretion detection sensor 1 and is made of acrylic or the like.

One end of a lead wire 14a, 14b bent at a substantially right angle is soldered to the pair of electrodes 3, 4 of the excretion detection sensor 1, and the other end of the lead wire 14a, 14b is arranged substantially in parallel. Measuring cables 15a, 15b
Clipped to. This measurement cable 15a, 1
5b is connected as a measurement cable 17a to the probe 19 under the aluminum foil 16 for reducing disturbance noise.

The probe 19 is connected to the measuring cable 15
It is attached to a terminal of an impedance analyzer 18 for measuring the impedance between a and 15b. Aluminum foil 16 is used to prevent cable 17
b is connected to the ground of the impedance analyzer 18.

The impedance analyzer 18 generates a signal of, for example, 5 Hz to 13 MHz. Under the above measurement conditions, the impedance analyzer 18
By applying an alternating current signal of 1 Hz at 1 Hz between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4, the impedance between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4 can be accurately measured.

FIG. 6 shows an impedance analyzer 4192A LF YOKOGAWA HE as a measuring circuit.
1604 made of WLETT PACKARD
8CTEST LEAD HEWLETT PACKKA
It is a figure which shows some Examples which measured the impedance change by the excretion detection sensor using the product made from RD. In these examples, measurements were made in the atmosphere. Measurement frequency is 50
0 KHz.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a frequency change in the frequency conversion circuit before and after water is contained in the diaper. The frequency oscillated by the frequency conversion circuit was measured by a frequency counter (not shown).

As an experiment method of wearing feeling, five men and women each actually wear a Kao-made relief tape stopper type, and the first to fifth embodiments were placed at the positions shown in FIG.
The sensor shown in FIG. I lie on my bed on my bed,
They asked them to sleep, lay their bodies on their side, raise their upper body on a bed, get up, walk slowly, etc., to see if they felt uncomfortable. If no one feels uncomfortable, the result is indicated by “○”, and if one or more persons are uncomfortable, the result is indicated by “△”.

As an experiment method of the detection accuracy at the time of mounting, a relief tape fixing type made by Kao is actually worn, and the sensors shown in Examples 1 to 6 are mounted at the positions shown in FIG. An operation such as lying on the back of the bed on the bed, lying on the side of the body, raising the upper body on the bed, standing up, walking slowly, and the like was performed, and a malfunction was confirmed (normal state). In addition, a rubber tube was inserted from the abdomen side to the excretion site, 50 cc of water was injected into the diaper using a syringe, and it was confirmed whether or not detection was possible while the patient was lying on the bed (excretion state). The above test was repeated 20 times, and the detection accuracy was confirmed.

No malfunction (normal state), detection rate 100%
In the case of (excretion state), it is indicated by '○' and there is malfunction less than 5 times (normal state), and when the detection rate is 80% or more (excretion state), it is shown by '△' and there is malfunction more than 5 times (normal State), and a detection rate of less than 80% (excretion state) is indicated by “x”.

From the examples of the first to sixth embodiments,
It can be seen that the oscillation frequency changes when the diaper is placed on the substrate and when the diaper contains 100 g of water. Therefore, the presence or absence of excretion can be detected based on the change in the frequency. In the first and second embodiments, the frequency change due to the impedance change is large, and the detection accuracy is good.

In the third embodiment, the width of the substrate is 30 mm.
And there is a sense of incongruity when worn (indicated by “△” in FIG. 7). In the fifth embodiment, since the frequency is low and the frequency change rate is small (indicated by “△” in FIG. 7), the frequency is inappropriate. In the sixth embodiment, since the frequency is high and the frequency change rate is small (indicated by “△” in FIG. 7), the frequency is inappropriate. In Example 4, since the resistance was large and the capacitance was small, the amount of impedance change was small. As a result, the frequency change rate was reduced, and the detection accuracy was reduced (indicated by “△” in FIG. 7).

As described above, between the pair of electrodes,
When an AC signal having a voltage of 1 V and 500 KHz is applied and the capacitance and the resistance component are connected in series and measured as an equivalent circuit, the capacitance is preferably 5 pF to 40 pF, and the resistance is 100 Ω to 2500 Ω. It is preferred that Further, the frequency is preferably set to 10 KHz to 10 MHz.

The substrate of Comparative Example 1 was the same as that of Example 1, and the circuit configuration of Comparative Example 1 was based on a detection circuit system, in which an AC signal was applied between the electrodes via a lead from an oscillator. are doing. For this reason, the capacitance between the lines changes due to the contact with the lead wire due to the operation, and a malfunction occurs, and the detection accuracy deteriorates.

Next, the operation of the thus configured excretion detecting device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 showing the processing of the transmitting device and the flowchart of FIG. 9 showing the processing of the receiving device. Will be explained. FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining the excretion determination processing based on the frequency data obtained by the urine excretion detection sensor. FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating the excretion determination process based on the frequency data obtained by the excretion detection sensor for feces.

First, processing on the transmitting device side will be described. FIG.
As shown in (1), the first excretion detection sensor 1a is attached to a position corresponding to the urination point on the outer surface of the diaper 22 of the person 21, and the second excretion detection sensor 1b is attached to a position corresponding to the defecation point.

Then, the first excretion detecting sensor 1a and the second
Each sensor of the excretion detection sensor 1b detects the impedance between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4. Here, when there is excretion due to urination or defecation of the person 21 in the diaper 22, in the excretion detecting sensor corresponding to the excreted position, the impedance between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4 (capacitance and Resistance) changes. Further, the frequency conversion circuit 10 provided in each sensor oscillates a frequency corresponding to the impedance detected by the sensor unit 2 and outputs a frequency f to the transmission device 30.

Next, the transmitting device 30 enters a timer waiting state (step S11), and the first sampling means 3
Reference numeral 2 denotes a sampling time (for example, 10) according to the cycle of the clock signal input from the sampling time oscillating means 31.
Every second), frequency data from the first excretion detection sensor 1a is sampled, and sampling frequency data is output (step S13). Similarly, the second sampling means 33 samples the frequency data from the second excretion detection sensor 1b every sampling time and outputs sampling frequency data.

Next, the first frequency change detecting means 34 determines whether or not there is a frequency change by comparing each sampling frequency data output from the first data sampling means 32 with the detection level (step S15). ).

At time t ₁ and time t ₂ ,
The sampling frequency data falls below the detection level, the first excretion detection sensor 1a determines that there has been a frequency change (YES in step S17), and the first excretion detection signal indicating that excretion has occurred in the diaper 22 is determined as excretion. Means 3
6 and the urine volume calculation means 37.

When excretion occurs, the capacitance f and the resistance between the pair of electrodes 3 and 4 increase, so that the frequency f oscillated by the frequency conversion circuit 10 decreases. FIG At 10 and the example shown in FIG. 11, to adjust the constants R _R of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 4, the frequency oscillated by the frequency changing circuit 10 adjusted to 300KHz if no excretion in the diaper ing. The frequency range in the case of excretion is 150 kHz to 300 kHz. FIG.
In this example, the frequency range from the detection level to 150 kHz is divided into three ranks: a low level 'S' level, a medium level 'M' level, and a high level 'L' level.

The second frequency change detecting means 35 compares each sampling frequency data output from the second data sampling means 33 with the detection level,
In ₁₁ and time t _12, the sampling frequency data is below the detection level, it is determined that there is a frequency change in the second excretion sensor 1b (NO in step S17), the show that there was excreted in the diaper 22 2 The excretion detection signal is output to the excretion determination means 36.

Next, the excretion determining means 36 determines whether to urinate or defecate based on the first excretion detection signal from the first frequency change detection means 34 and the second excretion detection signal from the second frequency change detection means 35. And transmitting the excretion discrimination information (urine information and stool information) for discriminating between urination and defecation.
9 is output.

The urine volume calculating means 37 detects the sampling frequency data f ₄ at time t _4, for example, one minute after the input of the first excretion detection signal from the first frequency change detecting means 34, and performs the sampling. determining a frequency range 'S' level frequency data f ₄ belongs. That is, the determined 'S' level is calculated as the amount of urine excreted by the person 21 (step S19). This urine volume is output to the transmission information determination means 39.

Then, based on the frequency change of the first excretion detecting sensor 1a, urine information and urine volume information as excretion discrimination information are stored in the storage means 40 as transmission information (step S21). Further, based on the frequency change of the second excretion detecting sensor 1b, the storage means 40 stores the stool information as the excretion discrimination information as transmission information (step S23).

Further, when an input signal is input from the test button input determining means 38, the transmission information determining means 39
Outputs the information to the transmitter 41, and immediately transmits the transmission information such as the excretion discrimination information and the urine volume information to the receiving device 50 wirelessly (step S25).

Next, processing on the receiving device side will be described. First, a timer wait state is set (step S51). When the receiver 51 receives information from the transmitter 41 (YES in step S53), the reception detecting unit 52 detects the information received by the receiver 51. And the receiving time detecting means 5
8 detects the time information from the time oscillating means 57 when the reception detecting means 52 detects the reception information as the reception time, and stores the reception time in the storage means 56 (step S55).

Further, the reception information determination means 54 determines whether the reception information detected by the reception detection means 52 is excretion discrimination information, urine volume information or test button input information (step S57).

If the received information is excretion discrimination information or urine volume information, the reception time (excretion time) and the reception information (excretion discrimination information and urine volume information) are displayed on the display means 55 (step S59). Further, the displayed information, that is, the reception time and the reception information are stored in the storage means 56 (step S
61). In addition, the warning unit 53 generates a warning based on the excretion discrimination information detected by the reception detection unit 52 (Step S63).

On the other hand, if the received information is the test button input information, the process immediately proceeds to step S63, and an alarm is generated.

As described above, according to the excretion detecting device of the first embodiment, the impedance change between the pair of electrodes formed so as to be slightly separated from each other is detected by the sensor unit 2, and the frequency conversion circuit 10 The frequency is changed according to the change in the impedance such as the capacitance and the resistance between the pair of electrodes detected in the step (b).
The presence or absence of excretion can be detected. Thereby, the detection accuracy of the presence or absence of excretion can be improved. In addition, since the detection circuit does not include an oscillator as in the related art, the excretion detection device can be downsized.

In the prior art, since an AC signal from an oscillator is applied to a pair of electrodes of a sensor via a lead wire, a malfunction occurs due to a change in impedance due to the lead wire. In the detection device, the frequency conversion circuit 1 is provided on the back surface of the substrate 7 and near the sensor unit 2.
Since 0 is provided and the frequency conversion circuit 10 is directly connected to the sensor unit 2, the influence of the lead wire is eliminated, and the malfunction is reduced. For this reason, the detection accuracy of the presence or absence of excretion can be further improved.

Further, the capacitance between the pair of electrodes is 5 pF to 5 pF.
By setting the resistance to 40 pF, the resistance to 100 Ω to 2500 Ω, and the frequency to 10 KHz to 10 MHz, the detection accuracy of excretion can be further improved.

Further, since the alarm means 53 generates an alarm based on the excretion discrimination information, it can notify the presence or absence of excretion in the diaper 22.

In addition to the buzzer or vibration function for notifying the receiving device of the presence or absence of excretion,
It is possible to display the excrement discrimination and the urine volume based on the excretion discrimination information. When displaying urine volume, a small amount S,
Since the three levels of the medium amount M and the large amount L are displayed, it is easy to know the amount of urine that has been consumed. Further, by having a memory function (storage means 56) capable of storing past data, it is possible not only to centrally manage excretion of patients in hospitals and the like, but also to easily manage health and rehabilitation especially in general homes. It can be carried out.

It is to be noted that (a) to (c)
There is a specific effect up to. (A) Since the rigid substrate 7 is used for the sensor section 2, the substrate 7 does not warp even when a person moves, so that the electrode spacing does not change and does not affect the impedance change. For this reason, since the presence or absence of excretion in the diaper 22 can be detected more accurately based on the impedance change, the detection accuracy of the presence or absence of excretion in the diaper 22 can be improved. (B) Since each electrode of the pair of electrodes 3 and 4 is formed in a comb shape, a larger number of electrode intervals (gap numbers) can be obtained, so that the capacitance value becomes larger and the resistance value becomes larger. Becomes smaller. For this reason, the impedance change becomes large, and the detection accuracy of the presence or absence of excretion can be further improved. (C) Since the outer electrode 3 surrounds the inner electrode 4 (positive potential electrode) and the electrode 3 is grounded, disturbance noise can be reduced, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the presence or absence of excretion. It can be further improved.

Next, an excretion detecting device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The excretion detection device according to the second embodiment includes a first excretion detection sensor 1a, a second excretion detection sensor 1b, and an excretion detection device main body 60.

The excretion detecting device main body 60 comprises a sampling time oscillating means 31, a first data sampling means 32, a second data sampling means 33, a first frequency change detecting means 34, a second frequency change detecting means 35, and an excretion determining means 3.
6. It has a urine volume calculating means 37.

The excretion detecting device main body 60 has a storage means 40a for storing the excretion discrimination information from the excretion determining means 36, the urine quantity information from the urine quantity calculating means 37, and the excretion time information from the excretion time detecting means 58a. Alarm means 53 for generating an alarm based on the excretion discrimination information from the excretion determining means 36;
Display means 55 for displaying excretion discrimination information, urine volume information and excretion time information, time oscillating means 57, reception time detecting means 58
And an excretion time detecting means 58a having the same configuration as that of FIG.

In addition, by providing the alarm means 53 with a vibration function, when excretion occurs, the patient is notified of the excretion, which leads to recovery of urinary consciousness and bowel movement. Further, by providing the buzzer, it is possible to immediately call a care receiver nearby.

Further, in hospitals, facilities, and the like, where caregivers regularly visit the patrol, the excretion status of the patient can be understood by looking at the display section (display means 55), and the health check of the patient can be easily performed. The burden of nursing care is reduced.

In the excretion detecting device according to the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the excretion detecting device according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to the excretion detection device of the second embodiment configured as described above, the same effect as that of the excretion detection device of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the test button input determination means 38 , Transmission information determination means 39, transmitter 4
1. Since there is no need to provide the receiver 51, the reception detection means 52, the reception information determination means 54, and the like, the configuration is simple, and the apparatus can be reduced in size and weight.

The present invention is not limited to the excretion detectors of the first and second embodiments described above.
In the first and second embodiments, the first excretion detection sensor 1
Although each electrode of the pair of electrodes of the sensor unit 2 of a and 1b has a comb shape, each electrode may be formed in a sawtooth shape or a wave shape.

In the first and second embodiments, the urine volume is calculated by the urine volume calculating means 37.
The defecation amount may be calculated based on the frequency data from the excretion detection sensor 1b.

In the first and second embodiments, two excretion detection sensors are provided for urination and defecation.
Without being limited to this, three or more excretion detection sensors may be attached to the outer surface of the diaper. With this configuration, any one of the three or more excretion detection sensors can detect the presence or absence of excretion, so that the detection accuracy of the presence or absence of excretion can be further improved.

[0079]

According to the present invention, the impedance change between a pair of electrodes formed side by side at a slight distance is detected by the sensor means, and the frequency conversion means detects the impedance change between the pair of electrodes detected by the sensor means. , The presence or absence of excretion in the absorbent article can be detected based on the change in frequency. Thereby, the detection accuracy of the presence or absence of excretion can be improved. further,
The number of circuit components is reduced, the size of the device can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an excretion detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an excretion detection sensor provided in the excretion detection device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing attachment of an excretion detection sensor to a diaper.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a frequency conversion circuit provided in the excretion detection sensor according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a measurement circuit diagram for measuring an impedance change by the excretion detection sensor.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing several examples of measuring the impedance change by the excretion detection sensor using the measurement circuit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a frequency change in a frequency conversion circuit before and after water is contained in a diaper.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process of a transmitting device provided in the excretion detecting device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of a receiving device provided in the excretion detecting device.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart illustrating an excretion determination process based on frequency data obtained by a urine excretion detection sensor.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating an excretion determination process based on frequency data obtained by the excretion detection sensor for feces.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing an excretion detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b ... excretion detection sensor, 2 ... sensor part, 3,
4 ... A pair of electrodes, 5 ... Electrode spacing, 6a, 6b ... Electrode pattern, 7 ... Substrate, 8 ... Resist, 9 ... Adhesive, 10 ... Frequency conversion circuit, 11 ... Inverter, 13 ... Adjustment stand, 14
a, 14b: Lead wire, 15a, 15b, 17a, 17
b: measurement cable, 16: aluminum foil, 18: impedance analyzer, 19: probe, 21: person, 22
.. Diaper, 30 transmitting device, 31 sampling time oscillating means, 32 first data sampling means, 33 second data sampling means, 34 first frequency change detecting means, 35 second frequency change detecting means, 36 ... Excretion determining means, 37 ... Urine amount calculating means, 38 ... Test button input determining means, 39 ... Transmission information determining means, 40, 56 ... Storage means, 41 ... Transmitter, 50 ... Receiving device, 51 ... Receiver, 5
2 ... reception detection means, 53 ... alarm means, 54 ... reception information determination means, 55 ... display means, 57 ... time oscillation means, 58 ...
Reception time detecting means, 60: Excretion detection device main body.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Ikuo Fukuda 2606 Akabane, Kaigamachi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Kao Co., Ltd. In the laboratory (72) Inventor Yoshiaki Abe 2-3-1 Bunka, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Kao Corporation F-term in the laboratory (reference) 2G060 AA07 AC01 AE11 AF06 AF07 AF10 AG06 AG10 HD03 3B029 BE04 4C098 AA09 CD08 CD09

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An excretion detection device for detecting the presence or absence of excretion in an absorbent article that absorbs excrement, comprising: 1. An excretion detecting device comprising: a sensor means for detecting a change in impedance of the excretion; and a frequency conversion means for changing a frequency in accordance with an impedance change between the pair of electrodes detected by the sensor means. 2. The excretion detecting device according to claim 1, wherein said frequency converting means is provided near said sensor means. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sensor means is provided on one surface of a rigid substrate, and said frequency conversion means is provided on the other surface of said substrate.
The excretion detection device as described in the above. 4. The excretion detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency range converted by the frequency converting means is 10 KHz to 10 MHz. 5. The electrostatic capacitance between electrodes of said sensor means is 5
The excretion detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the excretion detecting device has a PF of 40 to PF and a resistance of 100 to 2500 Ω. 6. A frequency change detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of excretion in the absorbent article based on the frequency change amount converted by the frequency converting means, and transmitting a detection output of the frequency change detecting means. A receiver for receiving the detection output from the transmitter; and an alarm unit for generating an alarm based on the detection output received by the receiver.
An excretion detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. Excretion in the absorbent article based on the change in frequency converted by the frequency conversion means when the frequency change detection means detects excretion in the absorbent article. An excretion amount calculating means for calculating the excreted amount and transmitting the excretion amount to the transmitter, and a display means for displaying the excretion amount received by the receiver. 6. The excretion detection device according to 6. 8. The sensor unit has a plurality of sensor units provided at positions corresponding to urination and defecation, and the frequency conversion unit has a plurality of frequency conversion circuits corresponding to the plurality of sensor units. The frequency change detection unit has a plurality of frequency change detection units corresponding to the plurality of frequency conversion circuits, and further determines whether urination or defecation based on detection outputs from the plurality of frequency change detection units. 8. An excretion judging means for causing the transmitter to transmit the excretion discrimination information to the transmitter, and display means for displaying the excretion discrimination information received by the receiver. Excretion detection device. 9. The excretion detecting device according to claim 6, further comprising an excretion time detecting means for detecting a time when the receiver receives the detection output as an excretion time. . 10. A frequency change detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of excretion in the absorbent article based on a change amount of the frequency converted by the frequency converting means; 6. An alarm means for generating an alarm when excretion is detected.
An excretion detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.