JP2004249088A - Pillow - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pillow capable of automatically adjusting the height according to the change of the posture of a user while sleeping so that the user can sleep comfortably, and allowing the user to easily adjust the height according to the body size of the user. <P>SOLUTION: When a load is applied to a height adjusting part 12, a fluid quantity adjusting part 14 is expanded and the height adjusting part 12 is lowered. On the other hand, when the load on the height adjusting part 12 is reduced, the fluid quantity adjusting part 14 is contracted and the height of the pillow is increased. Accordingly, the height of the pillow can be automatically adjusted only by the change of the load applied to the pillow when the user turns during the sleep. Furthermore, as the internal spaces of the height adjusting part 12 and the fluid quantity adjusting pat 14 communicate with each other via a set of check valves 34 and 36 combined so that the directions of flowing are different from each other, the speed of flowing of the fluid between them can be slowed and the swaying instability peculiar to a pillow filled with a fluid such as an air pillow can be eliminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a pillow capable of automatically adjusting the height according to the orientation of a body at bedtime.

  If the height of the pillow is not adapted to the sleeping position, not only will it not be possible to get comfortable sleep, as it will place a burden on certain parts such as the head and neck to support the heavy head It is known that the health may be impaired, and symptoms such as insomnia, stiff shoulders, and autonomic imbalance may occur. It is said that especially in the case of elderly people, sleep becomes shallow, and even a slight mismatch in pillows will greatly affect health. For this reason, various pillows capable of adjusting the height in accordance with the posture at bedtime have been conventionally proposed.

  As such a technique, the height of a pillow can be adjusted by changing the amount of air inside the air bag with a pump attached to the air bag (for example, see Patent Document 1), and the elasticity of a spring. There is known a device in which a force and a rack and pinion mechanism are arranged in combination and a pillow mat is moved up and down (for example, see Patent Document 2).

However, in these techniques, a predetermined operation was necessary to change the height of the pillow, so it performed a turning operation almost unconsciously, and during sleep when the posture changed from supine to recumbent or vice versa, The pillow height could not be changed. Therefore, for example, if the posture during sleep changes unconsciously from supine to recumbent, if the height of the pillow remains low according to the state of supine, the load will concentrate on the lower shoulder and the neck There was a problem that the part continued to bend unnaturally and not only could not sleep well, but also stiffness occurred on the shoulder.
JP-A-9-276109 (page 2, FIG. 1-4) JP-A-8-299138 (pages 2-4, FIG. 1-3)

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a pillow whose height is automatically adjusted to a height that allows a good night's sleep following a change in posture during sleep.

  The invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the height adjusting portion (12) capable of adjusting the height by adjusting the amount of fluid in the interior is made of a hollow member having rubber elasticity, and the internal space is adjusted in height. When the load is applied to the height adjustment unit (12), the fluid in the height adjustment unit (12) is taken in and expanded, and when the load decreases, the fluid is transferred to the height adjustment unit (12). 12) A fluid volume adjusting section (14) that contracts back inside, and a head mounting section (16) that is fixed to the upper surface of the height adjusting section (12) and on which the user's head and neck are mounted. The pillow (10).

  According to the present invention, since the internal space of the height adjusting section (12) installed below the head mounting section (16) communicates with the internal space of the fluid amount adjusting section (14), When the head is placed on the section (16), the pressure generated by the weight of the head pumps the fluid in the height adjustment section (12) toward the fluid volume adjustment section (14). Then, the pressure of the fluid fed into the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) presses the wall surface of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14), and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) having rubber elasticity expands, and the height thereof increases. The height of the adjustment unit (12) is reduced to a predetermined height corresponding to the load applied via the head mounting unit (16), that is, a height that allows a good sleep.

  On the other hand, when the load applied to the height adjusting unit (12) decreases, the pressing force applied to the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) also decreases, so that the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) having rubber elasticity has its elastic recovery force. The contracted fluid is returned to the inside of the height adjusting unit (12) to which the fluid of the internal volume of the contracted fluid amount adjusting unit (14) communicates, and the height of the height adjusting unit (12) rises.

  A head rest (16) on which the user's head and neck are placed is provided on the upper surface of the height adjuster (12), and the height adjuster (12) is deformed by the load. Even so, since the head placing portion (16) maintains a constant shape, the fit of the head and neck can be kept constant.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the pillow (10) according to the first aspect, "the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) is disposed at the shoulder opening of the user and a load is applied to the fluid amount adjusting portion (14). And the fluid in the fluid volume adjusting section (14) is extruded toward the height adjusting section (12), and when the load decreases, the fluid is returned from the height adjusting section (12) to the fluid volume adjusting section (14). Did ".

  According to the present invention, since the fluid amount adjusting section (14) is disposed at the shoulder opening of the user, when the user is lying down, the weight of the user concentrates on the shoulder, and the fluid amount adjusting section (14) is provided. As the applied load increases, the load applied to the height adjusting section (12) decreases. Then, the fluid in the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) is pumped toward the height adjustment unit (12), and the height of the height adjustment unit (12) increases, and the height of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) increases. Will decrease. As a result, the user's head and neck can be lifted and supported by the pillow (10), reducing the load on the shoulders and sleeping comfortably without bending the neck unnaturally. Can be.

  On the other hand, when the user is in the supine position, the weight of the user is dispersed throughout the body, and the load applied to the fluid volume adjustment unit (14) decreases, and the load applied to the height adjustment unit (12) increases. I do. Then, the fluid in the height adjustment unit (12) is pumped toward the fluid amount adjustment unit (14), and the height of the height adjustment unit (12) decreases, and the height of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) is reduced. Will rise. As a result, the height of the pillow (10) is reduced to a height at which no burden is applied to the user's head and neck, and the user can sleep well.

  By arranging the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) at the shoulder opening of the user in this way, the load applied to the height adjusting portion (12) and the rubber elasticity of the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) are increased, and the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) is adjusted. The load applied to the part (14) can also be used for adjusting the height of the pillow (10), and the height of the pillow (10) can be adjusted more reliably and automatically to a height that allows a good night's sleep.

  The invention described in claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal space of the height adjustment unit (12) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) supply fluid in directions different from each other. Through a pair of check valves (34) and (36) through which the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) are connected. The flow velocity of the fluid flowing therethrough can be reduced. For this reason, even if the load applied to the pillow (10) by moving the head slightly during bedtime changes slightly, the flow of the fluid between the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) Since the speed is slow, the height of the height adjustment unit (12) does not immediately change in response to a slight change in load, and the fluffy instability peculiar to pillows filled with fluid such as air pillows Can be eliminated.

  The invention described in claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal space of the height adjustment section (12) is divided into a plurality of compartments (12a), The chambers (12a) communicate with each other '', whereby the fluid moving inside the height adjustment section (12) resists when moving between the compartments (12a). The movement speed is reduced. Therefore, even if the load applied to the pillow (10) by moving the head slightly during bedtime changes slightly, the fluid in the height adjustment section (12) moves slowly, so that fluid such as an air pillow is filled. This eliminates the fluffy instability inherent in pillows.

  The invention described in claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the head mounting portion (16) includes a neck support portion (50) for supporting a user's neck, And a head supporting portion (52) for supporting the person's head. "

  According to the present invention, the head placing portion (16) is configured as a separate and independent part of the neck support portion (50) that supports the neck at bedtime and the head support portion (52) that supports the head. Therefore, the heights of the neck support portion (50) and the head support portion (52) are different depending on the load that they receive at bedtime. For this reason, it is possible to support the neck from the user's head as a whole along its shape, and as a result, the fulcrum between the user and the pillow (10) is dispersed from the head to the neck, The user can sleep well.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) has a fluid supply port (24). Is provided, whereby the amount of the fluid supplied from the fluid supply port (24) to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) can be adjusted. The user can adjust the height of the pillow (10) to the optimal height for the most comfortable sleep according to each person's body type and preference.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the fluid supply port (24) has a structure in which fluid is taken into one end in the axial direction through a flexible pipe (53). A cylindrical body (54) having an inlet (54a) formed therein and a discharge port (54b) for discharging a fluid at the other end in the axial direction, and a main body (54) on the side of the inlet (54a). The body (54) is slidably mounted in the axial direction from the outside to the outside. Pressure of the fluid supplied from the intake port (54a), which is mounted so as to contact the cylindrical sliding contact member (56) thus formed and the other axial end surface of the sliding contact member (56) inside the main body (54). A fluid supply device (18) including a poppet valve (58) pressed so as to be tightly attached over the entire circumferential direction of the main body inner wall (54c) by a normally closed spring (68) having a weaker pressing force. Connected Are "It is characterized in.

  In the present invention, the fluid supply inlet (24) of the pillow (10) and the fluid supply device (18) are connected via the flexible pipe (53), so that the user can use the head and neck. The fluid is supplied or discharged into the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid volume adjustment unit (14) in a state where the pillow (10) is supported by the pillow (10), that is, while the pillow (10) is ) Height can be adjusted to the optimal height for a good night's sleep.

  Further, the fluid supply device (18) includes a normally closed spring in which the poppet valve (58) attached inside the main body (54) has a pressing force weaker than the pressure of the fluid supplied from the intake port (54a). It is pressed by (68) so as to be in close contact with the entire inner circumferential wall (54c) in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the fluid is supplied from the intake port (54a) side, the pressure of the fluid is given to the poppet valve (58) through the flow ports (56a) and (56b) of the sliding member (56), and this fluid is supplied. The pressing force of the normally closed spring (68) cannot withstand the pressure, the poppet valve (58) is opened, and the fluid is supplied to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14).

  Then, when the supply of the fluid is stopped, the normally closed spring (68) presses the poppet valve (58) so as to be in close contact with the inner wall (54c) of the main body, and the flow between the intake port (54a) and the discharge port (54b). Therefore, there is no fear that the fluid supplied to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) of the pillow (10) flows backward and leaks.

  Further, the sliding member (56) slidably attached to the intake port (54a) side of the main body (54) is pressed toward the discharge port (54b) side of the main body (54), and the pressing is released. Then, the poppet valve (58) is opened and closed, so that the fluid in the pillow (10) can be discharged to finely adjust the height of the pillow (10).

  According to the present invention, when a load is applied to the height adjustment unit, the fluid amount adjustment unit expands and the height of the height adjustment unit decreases, and conversely, when the load applied to the height adjustment unit decreases, the fluid Since the height of the pillow rises due to the contraction of the amount adjusting section, the height of the pillow can be automatically adjusted only by changing the load applied to the pillow due to a turning operation or the like.

  In addition, since the flow speed of the fluid between the height adjustment unit and the fluid amount adjustment unit and in the height adjustment unit is low, the height of the height adjustment unit immediately changes according to a slight change in the load. Instead, the fluffy instability inherent in a pillow filled with a fluid such as an air pillow can be eliminated.

  In addition, the amount of fluid supplied from the fluid supply port to the height adjustment unit and the fluid amount adjustment unit can be adjusted, and the user can adjust the height of the pillow to the most suitable for each person according to his / her body shape and preference. Height can be adjusted.

  And, since the fluid supply device is connected to the fluid supply port via a flexible pipe, the user keeps the head and the neck supported by the pillow, that is, while lying down, In this state, the fluid can be supplied or discharged into the height adjustment unit and the fluid amount adjustment unit, and the height of the pillow can be adjusted to the optimum height for a good night's sleep.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pillow whose height is automatically adjusted to a height that allows a good night's sleep following a change in posture during sleep.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

  The pillow (10) of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 automatically adjusts its height in accordance with a change in posture during sleep. It is composed of a fluid amount adjusting section (14), a head mounting section (16), a fluid supply device (18), and the like.

  The height adjusting section (12) has a height that increases when a fluid is supplied, and decreases when a fluid is drained. The height adjusting section (12) includes a vinyl chloride resin, a polyolefin resin, and nylon. It is formed in a hollow closed box shape by a flexible material.

  The internal space of the height adjustment unit (12) is made of the same flexible material as the height adjustment unit (12), and extends vertically so that both ends are inside the height adjustment unit (12). It is divided into a plurality of compartments (12a) by a compartment (20) closely attached to the wall surface, and each compartment (12a) communicates with each other by a compartment communication port (20a) provided in the compartment. ing.

  A fluid amount adjusting section (14) is attached to a pair of opposite side surfaces of the height adjusting section (12), and a head mounting section (16) is provided on the upper surface of the height adjusting section (12). ) Is fixed.

  The fluid amount adjustment unit (14) expands when a pressurized fluid is supplied to the inside, and contracts due to its own elastic recovery force when the pressure of the inside fluid decreases, and is made of rubber, polyurethane, or the like. It is formed in a hollow closed box shape by an elastic material having rubber elasticity such as polyester elastomer.

  The fluid amount adjusting section (14) and the height adjusting section (12) are connected via a flow rate adjusting valve (22), and the height adjusting section of one of the fluid amount adjusting sections (14). (12) A fluid supply port (24) is provided on a side surface facing the connection surface.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flow rate adjusting valve (22) controls the flow rate of the fluid flowing between the inside of the fluid amount adjusting section (14) and the inside of the height adjusting section (12). It is for adjustment and includes a casing (22a). On the side surface of the casing (22a), a fluid amount is connected through a height adjustment section connection port (28) connected to the internal space of the height adjustment section (12) through a pipe (26a) and a pipe (26b). A fluid amount adjusting portion connection port (30) connected to the internal space of the adjusting portion (14) is provided. Further, inside the casing (22a), there is formed a communication channel (32) that communicates the height adjustment unit connection port (28) and the fluid amount adjustment unit connection port (30), and thereby the height is adjusted. The internal space of the adjusting section (12) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjusting section (14) communicate with each other. In the middle of the flow passage (32), a check valve for lowering (34) and a check valve for raising (36) are provided in parallel so as to allow fluid to pass in different directions.

  The lowering check valve (34) is composed of a normally closed spring (34a), a valve element (34b), a valve seat (34c), and a screw member (34d) for adjusting a spring pressure. By pressing the valve body (34b) attached to one end in the axial direction against the valve seat (34c), the fluid flows from the height adjustment unit (12) into the fluid amount adjustment unit (14). In this case, the flow speed is reduced, and the fluid is prevented from flowing from the inside of the fluid amount adjusting section (14) to the inside of the height adjusting section (12).

  The spring pressure adjusting screw member (34d) has a female screw (38) with one end of the opening exposed on the surface of the casing (22a), and one end of the normally closed spring (34a) screwed into the female screw (38). It consists of an adjusting male screw (40) that supports the other end in the axial direction, and a locking male screw (42) that locks the adjusting male screw (40) screwed into the female screw (38) so as not to move. The spring pressure of the normally closed spring (34a) is adjusted by the position of the adjusting male screw (40) screwed into the female screw (38).

  The ascending check valve (36) includes a normally closed spring (36a), a valve element (36b), a valve seat (36c), and a screw member (36d) for adjusting a spring pressure. By pressing the valve body (36b) attached to one end in the axial direction against the valve seat (36c), the fluid flows from the inside of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) into the height adjustment unit (12). In this case, the flow speed is reduced, and the fluid is prevented from flowing from the height adjustment section (12) into the fluid amount adjustment section (14).

  The screw member (36d) for adjusting the spring pressure has a female screw (44) having one end of the opening exposed on the surface of the casing (22a), and one end of the normally closed spring (36a) screwed into the female screw (44). It consists of an adjusting male screw (46) that supports the other end in the axial direction, and a locking male screw (48) that locks the adjusting male screw (46) screwed into the female screw (44) so as not to move. The spring pressure of the normally closed spring (36a) is adjusted by the position of the adjusting male screw (46) screwed into the female screw (44).

  The spring pressure of the check valve (36) is set to be weaker than the spring pressure of the check valve (34).

  The head mounting part (16) is composed of a neck support part (50) and a head support part (52) (see FIG. 1).

  The neck support portion (50) supports the user's neck at bedtime, and contains buckwheat, cotton, and foam in a box-shaped bag (50a) made of a cloth having air permeability and water absorption. Filling with stuffing (50b) such as beads, plastic pipes and wood chips, and supporting the neck, the load on the cervix does not change the shape of the bag (50a) significantly, so that the cervix fits well. This is to keep the form. The lower surface of the neck support portion (50) is fixed to the upper surface of the height adjusting portion (12) by fixing means such as an adhesive or a hook-and-loop fastener.

  The head support portion (52) supports the user's head at bedtime, and like the neck support portion (50), a box-shaped bag (52a) made of a cloth having air permeability and water absorption. ) Is filled with fillings (52b) such as buckwheat, cotton, foam beads, plastic pipes and wood chips, and when supporting the head, the shape of the bag (52a) does not change significantly due to the load on the neck. , So as to keep the head in a fixed shape. The lower surface of the head support portion (52) is also fixed to the upper surface of the height adjustment portion (12) by fixing means such as an adhesive or a hook-and-loop fastener similarly to the lower surface of the neck support portion (50). I have.

  The fluid supply device (18) is attached to a fluid supply port (24) provided in the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) through a flexible pipe (53), and supplies a fluid amount by supplying a fluid. This is for supplying fluid to the adjusting section (14) and the height adjusting section (12), and for discharging the fluid from the fluid amount adjusting section (14) and the height adjusting section (12). 54), a sliding member (56), a poppet valve (58), and the like (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  The main body (54) is a cylindrical member formed of plastic, metal, or the like. An intake port (54a) for taking in fluid is formed at one axial end of the main body (54), and a discharge port (54b) for discharging fluid is formed at the other axial end. In addition, on the inner wall (54c) of the main body on the side of the intake port (54a), a pair of opposing pairs of the main body (54) extending in the axial direction from the end of one end in the axial direction toward the discharge port (54b) side. An axial groove (60) and a pair of opposed circumferential grooves (62) extending in the circumferential direction from the intake (54a) end of the axial groove (60) are formed, A sliding contact member retaining portion (54d) is formed on the discharge port (54b) side of the axial groove (60). Further, on the discharge port (54b) side of the sliding contact member retaining portion (54d), a valve seat (54e) on which the main body inner wall (54c) expands in a flared shape and the poppet valve (58) abuts. Is provided, and a female screw (64) is screwed at the end on the discharge port (54b) side. Note that a male screw (66a) of a joint (66) for connecting the pipe (53) is screwed to the female screw (64).

  The sliding member (56) is a cylindrical member having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the main body (54) on the side of the intake port (54a). Are formed with flow ports (56a) (56b) substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The sliding member (56) is slidably mounted in the axial direction of the main body (54) from the inside to the outside of the intake port (54a) of the main body (54). A pair of locking portions (56c) for locking the member (56) in the circumferential groove (62) of the main body (54) are provided in a protruding manner. Further, on the other axial end side of the locking portion (56c), the outer diameter of the sliding contact member (56) is locked to the sliding contact member retaining portion (54d). ) Is provided with an enlarged-diameter portion (56d) which is enlarged so as to be in sliding contact with the portion.

  The poppet valve (58) is a valve body attached so as to contact the other axial end surface of the sliding member (56) inside the main body (54). Is pressed against the valve seat (54e) provided on the inner wall (54c) of the main body with a pressing force weaker than the pressure of the fluid supplied from the inlet port (54a) and the discharge port (54b). Is blocked.

  When using the pillow (10) of the present invention, first, it is necessary to supply a predetermined amount of fluid to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14). In this embodiment, air is used as the fluid. At this time, since the fluid supply device (18) is connected to the fluid supply inlet (24) of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) via the pipe (53), the user can put the head and neck on the pillow. Air can be supplied into the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) while being supported by the (10), that is, while being laid down.

  In order to supply air into the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) using the fluid supply device (18), as shown in FIG. The portion (56c) is positioned at the position of the axial groove (60) of the main body (54), and the sliding member (56) is slidable in the axial direction of the main body (54). In this state, when exhalation is blown from the intake (54a) side, exhalation pressure is applied to the poppet valve (58) through the communication ports (56a) and (56b) of the sliding member (56). The pressure of the normally closed spring (68) cannot withstand the pressure of this exhalation, the poppet valve (58) is opened, and the height adjustment part (12) and the fluid amount adjustment part (14) of the pillow (10) are opened. Is given an exhalation.

  When the expiration is stopped, the normally closed spring (68) presses the poppet valve (58) so as to be in close contact with the inner wall (54c) of the main body, and the flow between the intake port (54a) and the discharge port (54b). Therefore, there is no fear that the exhaled breath given to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) of the pillow (10) flows backward and leaks.

  Further, the sliding member (56) slidably attached to the intake port (54a) side of the main body (54) is pressed toward the discharge port (54b) side of the main body (54), and the pressing is released. Then, since the poppet valve (58) is opened and closed, the air in the pillow (10) can be discharged to finely adjust the height of the pillow (10).

  Next, when the pillow (10) reaches a predetermined height, the sliding contact member (56) is rotated, and the locking portion (56c) of the sliding contact member (56) is moved into the circumferential groove as shown in FIG. (62). Then, since the sliding contact member (56) is locked and does not move, there is a problem that the air in the pillow (10) escapes due to carelessly pushing the sliding contact member (56) into the main body (54). Absent.

  After the height of the pillow (10) can be set to a desired height, the pipe (53) connected to the fluid supply port (24) and the fluid supply device (18) are removed, and the fluid supply port is sealed. It may be sealed with a stop member (70) or the like (see FIGS. 10 and 12).

  Using the pillow (10) set at a predetermined height as described above and sleeping in a supine position (see FIGS. 10 and 11), the cervical support (50) and the head support (52) All of the supported neck and head loads act on the height adjustment unit (12), and a strong pressing force is applied to the height adjustment unit (12).

  Then, the air in the height adjustment unit (12) is slowly pumped into the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) through the lowering check valve (34) of the flow velocity adjustment valve (22), and this air is The pressure of the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) is pressed against the wall surface, and the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) having rubber elasticity expands, and the height of the height adjusting portion (12) decreases, and the pillow (10) The height of the head can be reduced to a level where no burden is applied to the head and neck, so that sleep can be achieved.

  In the pillow (10) of the present embodiment, the head support (16) has a neck support (50) that supports the neck at bedtime and a head support (52) that supports the head. Since they are configured independently, the heights of the neck support portion (50) and the head support portion (52) are different according to the load that they receive at bedtime. That is, the height of the head support (52) that supports the heavy head is lower than the height of the neck support (50). For this reason, it is possible to entirely support the user from the head to the neck along the shape thereof, and to disperse the fulcrum between the user and the pillow (10) from the head to the neck. , The user can sleep well.

  Subsequently, when the person turns unconsciously and turns over (see FIGS. 12 and 13), the position of the head is increased by the height (h) of the shoulder, so the height adjustment unit (12) And the pressure applied to the wall surface of the fluid amount adjusting section (14) decreases. Then, the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) having rubber elasticity contracts by its own elastic recovery force, and the air corresponding to the volume of the contracted fluid amount adjusting portion (14) is used for raising the flow speed adjusting valve (22). The liquid is slowly fed into the height adjustment unit (12) through the check valve (36), and the height of the height adjustment unit (12) rises. At this time, the elastic recovery force of the fluid volume adjustment unit (14) itself is weaker than the pressure applied by the head and neck to the height adjustment unit (12) when sleeping in a supine state, Since the spring pressure of the ascending check valve (36) is set to be weaker than the spring pressure of the descending check valve (34), the height can be adjusted only by the elastic recovery force of the fluid amount adjusting section (14) itself. The height of the part (12) can be automatically raised.

  In this way, the height of the pillow (12) automatically rises just by changing the posture during sleep from supine to lying, so that even if you unconsciously lie down, It can be lifted and supported by the pillow (10), so that the load on the shoulder is reduced, and the neck can be slept without being unnaturally bent.

  When the posture changes from lying down to supine, the height of the pillow (10) is automatically reduced by an operation reverse to that described above.

  Further, in the pillow (10) of the present invention, the internal space of the height adjusting section (12) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjusting section (14) are connected via a flow rate adjusting valve (22). In addition, a plurality of compartments (12a) partitioned by a flexible partition (20) are provided in the internal space of the height adjusting portion (12), and a partition formed in the partition (20). The compartments (12a) communicate with each other through the room communication port (22a). For this reason, the flow speed of the air between the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) and in the height adjustment unit (12) is low, and the head is slightly moved during bedtime so that the pillow ( Even if the load applied to 10) changes minutely, the height of the height adjustment section (12) does not immediately change, and the fluffy instability peculiar to the air pillow can be eliminated.

  In the above example, air is used as the fluid, but the fluid used for adjusting the height of the pillow may be a liquid such as tap water.

  Also, an example of the height adjusting section (12) made of a soft and flexible material has been described, but the height adjusting section (12) can adjust the height by adjusting the amount of fluid inside. Any material may be used. For example, a bellows-like member (not shown) made of hard plastic or the like and whose height can be adjusted may be used.

  Also, an example is shown in which two fluid volume adjustment units (14) are provided on both opposite sides of the height adjustment unit (12), but the height is automatically adjusted according to the load received by the pillow (10) at bedtime. As long as the fluid volume can be adjusted, one fluid volume adjusting unit may be provided.

  Also, the example in which the fluid inlet (24) is provided in the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is shown, but the fluid is supplied / discharged to both the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14). If possible, the fluid supply port (24) may be provided in the height adjustment unit (12), or may be provided in both the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14).

  Further, since the head mounting portion (16) may be any as long as the head can be kept constant when the head is mounted, the shape of the bag changes even when pressure is applied to the sealed bag. It may be filled with a fluid such as air or liquid so that the head mounting part (16) does not change at all, as shown in FIG. The entire surface of the pillow (10) that directly abuts may be covered with a cover member (72) filled with a filling such as cotton or buckwheat. When sleeping in a recumbent state using the pillow whose entire surface is covered with the cover member (72), the height of the head mounting portion (16) and the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) are adjusted. Since the height is substantially equal, the head can be supported not only by the head mounting portion (16) but also by the fluid amount adjusting portion (14).

  In addition, in order to adapt to various body sizes from children to adults, as shown in FIG. 15, an initial height adjusting unit for adjusting an initial height before a load is applied to the pillow (10) by filling a fluid. (74) may be attached to the bottom of the pillow (10). Since the initial height adjustment unit (74) can also be inflated using the fluid supply device (18), the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) and the initial height adjustment unit ( 74), there is no need to replace the fluid supply device (18), which is convenient.

  As the fluid supply device (18), a fluid supply device (18) composed of a main body (54), a sliding member (56), a poppet valve (58), and the like is shown, but as shown in FIGS. ), A second valve seat (78) is attached to the discharge port (54b) side, and a second poppet valve (80) connected to the discharge port (54b) end of the poppet valve (58) is provided. A pump (82) for feeding a fluid such as air into the main body (54) between the (54e) and the valve seat (78) may be attached. By using such a fluid supply device (84), if the user of the pillow (10) cannot adjust the height of the pillow (10), a person other than the user (such as a caregiver) replaces the user. The height of the pillow (10) can be adjusted. When a liquid such as tap water is used as the fluid, as shown in FIG. 18, the sliding member (86) is rotated by turning the handle (86a) and the handle (86a) to the main body (54). ) And a screw member (86b) that advances and retreats in the axial direction to open and close the poppet valve (58), and a feed path between the poppet valve (58) and the sliding contact member (86). A fluid supply device (90) provided with (88) may be used.

  Next, a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 will be described. The difference from the first embodiment described above is that the fluid amount adjusting section (14) is provided at the shoulder opening of the user. The other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description of the first embodiment will be replaced with the description of the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) of the pillow (10) is placed between the solid mattresses (92) and (94) having substantially the same height as the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) when inflated. I'm attached. Specifically, when the user sleeps on the mattress (92), the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is arranged at a position where the user's shoulder abuts (i.e., the user's shoulder opening), and the user's head is The height adjustment unit (12) and the head placement unit (16) are attached to the upper surface of the mattress (94) where the unit is arranged. Then, the internal space of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) and the internal space of the height adjusting unit (12) communicate with each other via pipes (26a) (26b) to which the flow velocity adjusting valve (22) is attached. (See FIG. 19).

  By arranging the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) at the shoulder opening of the user in this way, when the user is lying down, the weight of the user concentrates on the shoulder, and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is added to the fluid amount adjusting unit (14). As the applied load increases, the load applied to the height adjusting section (12) decreases. Then, the fluid in the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) is pumped toward the height adjustment unit (12), and the height of the height adjustment unit (12) increases, and the height of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) increases. (See FIG. 20). As a result, the user's head and neck can be lifted and supported by the pillow (10), reducing the load on the shoulders and sleeping comfortably without bending the neck unnaturally. Can be.

  On the other hand, when the user is in the supine state, the weight of the user is dispersed throughout the body, the load applied to the fluid volume adjustment unit (14) decreases, and the load applied to the height adjustment unit (12) is relatively reduced. Increase. Then, the fluid in the height adjustment unit (12) is pumped toward the fluid amount adjustment unit (14), and the height of the height adjustment unit (12) decreases, and the height of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) is reduced. Is increased (see FIG. 19). As a result, the height of the pillow (10) is reduced to a height at which no burden is applied to the user's head and neck, and the user can sleep well.

  As is clear from the above description, by arranging the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) at the shoulder opening of the user, the load applied to the height adjusting portion (12) and the rubber elasticity of the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) are increased. In addition, the load applied to the fluid volume adjustment unit (14) can also be used to adjust the height of the pillow (10), and the height of the pillow (10) can be adjusted more reliably and automatically to a height that allows a good night's sleep. it can.

It is a perspective view showing the pillow of a 1st example of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line I-I ′ in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II ′ in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view showing the flow rate adjusting valve of the 1st example of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fluid supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a main part of the fluid supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state at the time of fluid supply and discharge in the fluid supply device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state when the sliding member is locked in the fluid supply device according to the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the use condition (at the time of supine) in the pillow of Example 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the use condition (at the time of supine) in the pillow of Example 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the use condition (at the time of lying down) in the pillow of 1st Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the use condition (at the time of lying down) in the pillow of 1st Example of this invention. It is a perspective view showing a pillow of a modification of a 1st example. It is a perspective view showing a pillow of a modification of a 1st example. It is a front view showing a fluid supply device of a modification of a 1st example. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the fluid supply device of the modification of 1st Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the fluid supply device of the modification of 1st Example. It is a side view which shows the use condition (at the time of supine) in the pillow of 2nd Example of this invention. It is a side view which shows the use condition (at the time of lying down) in the pillow of 2nd Example of this invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

(10)… Pillow
(12)… Height adjustment part
(14)… Fluid volume adjustment unit
(16)… Head mounting part
(18)… Fluid supply device
(20)… Zone
(22)… Flow speed adjusting valve
(34)… Drop check valve
(36)… Rising check valve
(50)… Neck support
(52)… Head support
(53)… Piping
(54)… Main body
(56) ... Sliding member
(58)… Poppet valve
(68)… Normal closed spring
(70)… Sealing member
(92), (94)… Mattress

Claims (7)

A height adjustment unit that can adjust the height by adjusting the amount of fluid inside,
It is made of a hollow member having rubber elasticity, and its internal space communicates with the internal space of the height adjusting portion, and when a load is applied to the height adjusting portion, the fluid in the height adjusting portion is taken up and expanded, and the load is increased. The fluid amount adjustment unit that returns the fluid into the height adjustment unit and contracts when the pressure decreases, and a head mounting unit that is fixed to the upper surface of the height adjustment unit and on which the head and neck of the user are mounted A pillow.   While disposing the fluid amount adjusting portion at the shoulder opening of the user, when a load is applied to the fluid amount adjusting portion, the fluid in the fluid amount adjusting portion is extruded toward the height adjusting portion, and when the load decreases, the fluid decreases. The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is returned from the height adjustment unit into the fluid amount adjustment unit.   The internal space of the height adjustment unit and the internal space of the fluid amount adjustment unit communicate with each other via a pair of check valves that allow fluid to flow in different directions from each other. Pillow described in.   The pillow according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal space of the height adjusting section is partitioned into a plurality of compartments, and the compartments communicate with each other.   5. The head mounting portion according to claim 1, wherein the head mounting portion includes a neck support portion that supports a user's neck and a head support portion that supports a user's head. Pillow described in any of them.   The pillow according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a fluid supply port is provided in at least one of the height adjustment unit and the fluid amount adjustment unit. In the fluid supply port, via a flexible pipe,
An intake port for taking in fluid at one axial end is formed, and a cylindrical main body having a discharge port for discharging fluid at the other axial end,
Attached slidably in the axial direction of the main body from the inside to the outside of the main body on the intake side, and through-holes substantially perpendicular to the axial direction are formed in both side surfaces in the axial direction located inside and outside the main body. A cylindrical sliding contact member,
Attached to the other end in the axial direction of the sliding contact member inside the main body, the normally closed spring having a pressing force weaker than the pressure of the exhalation supplied from the intake port over the entire circumferential direction of the inner wall of the main body. 7. The pillow according to claim 6, wherein a fluid supply device comprising a poppet valve pressed so as to be in close contact with each other is connected.

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