JP2008054874A - Cushion - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cushion allowing the accurate adjustment of an amount of air in each air cell so that a flattened amount of the most flattened air cell is slightly smaller than a specified amount. <P>SOLUTION: In the cushion, the flattened amount of each of first air cells 10 can be sensed. After a person sits on air cells 10, 20, 30 and 50, air in the air cells 10, 20, 30 and 50 is gradually exhausted until the flattened amount of at least one of the first air cells 10 is the specified amount or greater. After exhausting, air is gradually supplied to the air cells 10, 20, 30 and 50. When a specified period of time elapses after it is not sensed that the flattened amount of the first air cell 10 is the specified amount or greater, supplying of the air stops. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cushion that is placed on, for example, a seating surface of a wheelchair and softly supports a seated person's buttocks in order to prevent pressure ulcers generated by the seated person.

In general, this type of cushion is composed of a plurality of air cells, each of which is formed of a substantially cylindrical air bag extending upward and arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, and a flat plate shape extending along the seating surface of the wheelchair. And a support member that supports the lower end side of each air cell and an air passage that communicates with each other inside the air cell. When a seated person sits on each air cell, the air pressure in each air cell becomes equal to each other, There is known one in which the pressure applied to a person's buttocks is dispersed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-T 6-510436

  By the way, in the said cushion, the one where there is little air quantity in each air cell, the contact area of each air cell and the lower surface side of a buttocks becomes large, and the pressure added to a seated person's buttocks becomes small. On the other hand, when the amount of crushing of the air cell exceeds a predetermined amount, the heel portion cannot be softly supported. That is, by adjusting the air amount in each air cell so that the collapse amount of the air cell that is most crushed among each air cell is slightly smaller than the predetermined amount, the pressure applied to the seated person's buttocks can be effectively dispersed. Can do.

  Therefore, in the cushion, after a seated person sits on each air cell in a state where a predetermined amount of air is filled in each air cell, the collapsed amount of the air cell that is most crushed among each air cell is slightly smaller than the predetermined amount. The air amount in each air cell is adjusted by an air pump and an exhaust valve while visually confirming the crushing amount of each air cell so as to be smaller.

  However, since the amount of collapse of each air cell is visually confirmed, the amount of collapse of each air cell cannot be accurately recognized, and the amount of air in each air cell cannot be adjusted accurately. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide air in each air cell so that the most crushed air cell of each air cell is slightly smaller than a predetermined amount. The object is to provide a cushion capable of accurately adjusting the amount.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a plurality of air cells provided so as to be aligned in a substantially horizontal direction, and is a cushion that is placed on a predetermined seating surface and supports a seated person's buttocks. A collapse amount detecting means provided in at least one of the air cells and capable of detecting that the collapse amount of the air cell is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and after the seated person sits on each air cell, the collapse of the air cell is detected by the collapse amount detecting means. An exhaust means for gradually exhausting air in at least some of the air cells until the amount is detected to be greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and gradually supplying air into at least some of the air cells after exhaust by the exhaust means At the same time, if the predetermined amount of time elapses after the collapse amount detection means stops detecting that the collapse amount of the air cell is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, And a supply means for stopping the supply of the.

  Thus, at least one air cell is provided with a collapse amount detecting means, and after a seated person is seated on each air cell, at least one until the collapse amount detecting means detects that the collapse amount of the air cell is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The air in the air cell is gradually exhausted, and air is gradually supplied into at least some of the air cells after the exhaust, and the collapse amount detecting means detects that the collapse amount of the air cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Since the air supply is stopped when a predetermined time has passed since the time has elapsed, the air amount in each air cell is set so that the most crushed air cell of each air cell is slightly smaller than the predetermined amount. Adjusted precisely.

  According to the present invention, the amount of air in each air cell can be accurately adjusted so that the most crushed air cell among the air cells is slightly smaller than a predetermined amount. This is extremely advantageous for effectively dispersing the applied pressure.

  1 to 23 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a first air cell, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first air cell, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of an essential part of a cushion. 4 to 6 are explanatory views of the operation of the first air cell, FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the switch, FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the operation of the switch, FIG. 9 is a plan view of the cushion, FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line P-P in FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line Q-Q in FIG. 9, FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the line RR in FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the cushion showing the configuration of the air passage, FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the cushion, and FIGS. 17 to 23 are flowcharts showing the operation of the control device.

  The cushion is provided on each side of the seating surface in the width direction with respect to the first air cell group composed of the plurality of first air cells 10 and the first air cells 10 for softly supporting the vicinity of the seat bone and the tailbone of the seated person. A pair of front end side second air cells 20 and a pair of rear end side second air cells 30 provided on both sides in the width direction of the seating surface with respect to the first air cell group, and seated against the first air cell group A pair of front end side support members 40 provided on the front end side of the surface, a central air cell 50 provided at the center in the width direction on the front end side of the seating surface with respect to the first air cell group, each first air cell 10, each first 2 air cells 20, 30, front end side support members 40, and flat plate support members 60 that respectively support the lower end sides of the central air cell 50. The seating surface is, for example, a seating surface of a wheelchair, and this cushion is used by being placed on the seating surface in order to softly support the seated person's buttocks H. Moreover, since each 1st air cell 10 is arrange | positioned in this cushion in the range in which a seated person's buttocks H is mounted, each 1st air cell 10 is crushed more than each 2nd air cell 20 and 30 and the center air cell 50. Becomes larger. In addition, the description of the direction in the following sentences applies to the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. Moreover, the left-right direction and the width direction coincide.

  Each first air cell 10 includes an air bag 11 having an open lower end, a base member 12 to which the air bag 11 can be detachably attached, and a ring-shaped holding member 13 that holds the air bag 11 on the base member 12. Have

  The air bag 11 is made of a flexible material such as soft rubber or plastic, and can enclose air therein. The air bag 11 has a cylindrical portion 11a as a side surface having a circular cross section extending in the vertical direction, and an upper end surface 11b formed so as to close the upper end of the cylindrical portion 11a. The cylindrical portion 11a and the upper end surface 11b are formed in a thin film shape having a uniform thickness dimension of 1 mm or less. The lower end of the cylindrical part 11a is open, and the opening edge part 11c at the lower end of the cylindrical part 11a has a larger thickness dimension than the other part of the cylindrical part 11a, and the other part of the cylindrical part 11a. It protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral surface.

  The base member 12 is made of rubber or plastic that is harder than the material of the air bag 11 and is formed in a disk shape. The upper end surface of the base member 12 is provided with an upper end side protruding portion 12a having a circular cross section protruding upward, and the upper end side protruding portion 12a is provided with four vent holes 12b extending in the vertical direction. In addition, a radially projecting portion 12c is provided on the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side of the upper end side projecting portion 12a so as to project radially outward from the outer peripheral surface on the proximal end side. The opening edge portion 11c of the air bag 11 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the upper end side protruding portion 12a by fitting, and the inner peripheral surface of the opening edge portion 11c engages with the radial protruding portion 12c of the upper end side protruding portion 12a from below. . Further, when the holding member 13 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the opening edge portion 11c after the opening edge portion 11c of the air bag 11 is fitted to the upper end side protruding portion 12a, the opening edge portion 11c is pressed against the upper end side protruding portion 12a side. It is done. Thereby, the space between the opening edge portion 11c and the upper end side protruding portion 12a is sealed, and the air chamber AR is formed by the air bag 11 and the upper end surface of the upper end side protruding portion 12a.

  The lower end surface of the base member 12 is provided with a lower end side protruding portion 12d having a circular cross section protruding downward. The lower end protruding portion 12d is provided with an air passage 12e penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to each ventilation hole 12b as necessary, and the connection pipe P is inserted into each air passage 12e, whereby the ventilation of each base member 12 is performed. The holes 12b communicate with each other (see FIG. 3).

  A thin film portion 12 f is formed at the center of the upper end side protruding portion 12 a of the base member 12. The thin film portion 12f is formed integrally with the base member 12, and can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction. A hole 12g having a rectangular cross section is provided below the thin film portion 12f. The hole 12g is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction and is open to the lower surface of the lower end side protruding portion 12d. A protrusion 12h extending upward is integrally provided on the upper surface of the thin film portion 12f, and the protrusion 12h is formed in a cylindrical shape. An elastic member 14 as an extending member is attached to the protrusion 12h, and the elastic member 14 is formed to extend upward from the upper surface of the thin film portion 12. The elastic member 14 is a metal coil spring.

  A switch 15 as a detecting means is attached in the hole 12g. The switch 15 includes a hollow main body 15a, a button member 15b provided on the upper end surface of the main body 15a so as to be movable in the vertical direction, a first contact member 15c provided below the button member 15b, And a second contact member 15d provided below the first contact member 15c.

  The main body 15a is made of an insulating material such as plastic and has an outer shape slightly larger than the inner shape of the hole 12f of the base member 12. That is, the switch 15 is detachably attached to the hole 12 g of the base member 12 by fitting the main body 15 a into the hole 12 g of the base member 12. The switch 15 is attached to the base member 12 so that the lower surface of the thin film portion 12f and the upper end surface of the button member 15b are separated by a distance SG (see FIG. 1).

  The button member 15b is made of an insulating material such as plastic.

  The first contact member 15c is made of a metal material such as copper and is formed in a thin plate shape. The first contact member 15c is in contact with the lower end surface of the button member 15b. One end of the first contact member 15c is supported by one end side support member 15e made of an insulating material, and the other end of the first contact member 15c is supported by the other end side support member 15f made of an insulating material. A first electrical wiring 15g is connected to one end of the first contact member 15c.

  The second contact member 15d is made of a metal material such as copper and is formed in a thin plate shape. The second contact member 15d is disposed at a position separated from the lower surface of the first contact member 15c by a predetermined distance G. One end of the second contact member 15d is supported by the one end side support member 15e in an insulated state from the first contact member 15c, and the other end of the second contact member 15d is insulated from the first contact member 15c by the other end side support member 15f. It is supported by. The second electrical wiring 15h is connected to the other end of the second contact member 15c.

  The base member 12 is also provided with a known pressure sensor 16. The upper end of the pressure sensor 16 protrudes upward from the upper end surface of the base member 12, and the pressure sensor 16 can detect the air pressure in the air chamber AR on the basis of the atmospheric pressure.

  Each front-end-side second air cell 20 includes an air bag 21 formed so that the lower end is opened and extended upward, and a base member 22 that closes the lower end of the air bag 21.

  The air bag 21 is made of a flexible material such as soft rubber or plastic, and can enclose air therein. The air bag 21 is formed in a thin film shape that is slightly thicker than the air bag 11, and has a larger dimension in the width direction of the seating surface than the air bag 11. That is, the air bladder 21 has higher rigidity than the air bladder 11 in the front-rear direction and the width direction of the seating surface.

  The base member 22 is made of rubber or plastic that is harder than the material of the air bag 21, and a plurality of protruding portions 22 a that protrude downward are provided on the lower surface of the base member 22. Each protrusion 22a is provided with a vent hole in the same manner as the lower end protrusion 11d. The lower end surface of the air bladder 21 is fixed to the upper surface of the base member 22 by bonding or the like. The protrusion 22a is provided with an air passage (not shown) similar to the air passage 12e penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the vent hole as necessary. In this air passage, connecting pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6 described later can be inserted.

  Each rear-end-side second air cell 30 includes an air bag 31 formed so that the lower end is opened and extended upward, and a base member 32 that closes the lower end of the air bag 31.

  The air bag 31 is made of a flexible material such as soft rubber or plastic, and can enclose air therein. The air bag 31 is formed in a thin film shape that is slightly thicker than the air bag 11, and has a larger dimension in the width direction of the seating surface than the air bag 11. That is, the air bag 31 has higher rigidity than the air bag 11 in the front-rear direction and the width direction of the seating surface.

  The base member 32 is made of rubber or plastic harder than the material of the air bag 31, and a plurality of projecting portions 32 a projecting downward are provided on the lower surface of the base member 32. Each protrusion 32a is provided with a vent hole in the same manner as the lower end protrusion 11d. The lower end surface of the air bag 31 is fixed to the upper surface of the base member 32 by adhesion or the like. The protruding portion 32a is provided with an air passage (not shown) similar to the air passage 12e penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the vent hole as necessary. In this air passage, connecting pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6 described later can be inserted.

  As described above, a plurality of first air cells 10 are provided to softly support the vicinity of the seat bone and tailbone of the seated person, and each second air cell is provided on each side of the seating surface in the width direction with respect to the first air cell group. 20 and 30 are provided, and each of the second air cells 20 and 30 is higher in rigidity in the width direction of the seating surface than the first air cell 10, so that the vicinity of the seat bone and the tailbone in the hip H of the seated person is The second air cells 20 and 30 restrict the deformation of the seating surfaces of the first air cells 10 in the width direction. For this reason, each first air cell 10 is formed in a flexible structure having a height sufficient to reduce the pressure applied to the vicinity of the seat bone and coccyx, but each first air cell 10 has a width direction of the seating surface. It will not fall unnecessarily.

  Each front end side support member 40 is made of a sponge-like member such as foamed urethane, and has an inclined surface 40a on the front end side. The front end side support members 40 are spaced from each other in the width direction of the seating surface, and support the thighs of the seated person. Each of the front end side support members 40 has a size in the width direction of the seating surface that is larger than a size in the front-rear direction, and has a size larger in the width direction of the seating surface than the first air cell 10. That is, the front end side support member 40 has higher rigidity in the width direction of the seating surface than the first air cell 10.

  The central air cell 50 has an air bag 51 formed so as to open at the lower end and extending upward, and a base member 52 for closing the lower end of the air bag 51.

  The air bag 51 is made of a flexible material such as soft rubber or plastic, and can enclose air therein. The air bag 51 is formed in a thin film shape that is slightly thicker than the air bag 11, and has a larger dimension in the front-rear direction of the seating surface than the air bag 11.

  The base member 52 is made of rubber or plastic that is harder than the material of the air bladder 51, and a plurality of protruding portions 52 a that protrude downward are provided on the lower surface of the base member 52. Each protrusion 52a is provided with a vent hole in the same manner as the lower end protrusion 11d. The lower end surface of the air bag 51 is fixed to the upper surface of the base member 52 by bonding or the like. The protrusion 52a is provided with an air passage (not shown) similar to the air passage 12e penetrating from the outer peripheral surface to the vent hole as necessary. In this air passage, connecting pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 described below can be inserted.

  The support member 60 is made of rubber or plastic harder than the material of the air bag 11 and has an area substantially equal to the seating surface. The rear end side of the seating surface of the support member 60 is formed so that the width dimension is gradually reduced. The support member 60 is provided with a plurality of through holes 61, and the lower end side protruding portion 12 d of the first air cell 10 and the protruding portions 22 a, 32 a, 52 a of the second air cells 20, 30 and the central air cell 50 are respectively supported by the through holes 61. When inserted from the upper end surface side of the member 60, the lower end side protruding portion 12 d and the protruding portions 22 a, 32 a, 52 a are fitted into the through holes 61, and the lower end sides of the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 are connected to the support member 60. It is designed to be detachably supported. Each front end side support member 40 has a lower end surface fixed to the upper surface of the support member 60 by bonding or the like. Further, when the lower end side protruding portion 12d and the protruding portions 22a, 32a, 52a are fitted into the through holes 61, the lower end side protruding portion 12d and the protruding portions 22a, 32a, 52a protrude to the lower end surface side of the support member 60, and The air passages provided in the air passage 12e and the protrusions 22a, 32a, and 52a are also arranged on the lower end surface side of the support member 60.

  On the lower end surface of the support member 60, a pump 70 made of a well-known electric pump capable of supplying compressed air, and well-known first to seventh solenoid valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7 are possible. Flexible first to sixth connecting pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6, and a control device 90 for controlling the pump 70 and the solenoid valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 and V7. A supply-side pressure sensor 91, an exhaust-side pressure sensor 92, and electrical wiring (not shown). Each pressure sensor 91, 92 can detect air pressure on the basis of atmospheric pressure.

  A hollow portion 62 is formed in the lower end surface on the front end side of the seating surface of the support member 60, and the pump 70, the electromagnetic valves V 1, V 2, V 3, V 5, V 6, V 7, the control device 90, and Each pressure sensor 91, 92 is arranged. A plurality of rubber blocks 63 are provided in the hollow portion 62 of the support member 60, and the pump 70, the solenoid valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7 and the pressure sensors 91, 92 are each rubber. It is fitted between the blocks 63 and is detachably attached to the lower end surface of the support member 60. The control device 90 is fixed to the lower surface of the metal reinforcing member 90 a, and the reinforcing member 90 a is fitted in the hollow portion 62 of the support member 60. The control device 90 has a known CPU and control board.

  The control device 90 includes an electric motor 70, electromagnetic valves V 1, V 2, V 3, V 4, V 5, V 6, V 7, pressure sensors 91, 92, switches 15 of the first air cells 10, and first air cells. The control device 90 is provided with an initial control switch 93, a seating control switch 94, a pressure switching control switch 95, a memory 96, and an operation unit 97 (see FIG. 16). The first air cells 10, the second air cells 20, 30, the central air cell 50, the electric motor 70, the electromagnetic valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7 and the pressure sensors 91, 92 are mutually connected. They are connected by connecting pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6 (see FIG. 15). The electrical wiring and each of the connecting pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 are disposed on the lower end surface side of the support member 60.

  Specifically, the first connecting pipe P1 connects the electric motor 70, the first electromagnetic valve V1, the second electromagnetic valve V2, and the central air cell 50, and connects the central air cell 50 and the supply side pressure sensor 91. Further, the central air cell 50 and the four first air cells 10 are connected. The four first air cells 10 form the rear end of the first air cell group. The four first air cells 10 and the central air cell 50 are defined as an F group.

  The second connection pipe P <b> 2 connects nine first air cells 10 among the first electromagnetic valve V <b> 1, the third electromagnetic valve V <b> 3, the fifth electromagnetic valve V <b> 5, and each first air cell 10. The nine first air cells 10 are group A.

  The third connecting pipe P <b> 3 connects ten first air cells 10 among the second electromagnetic valve V <b> 2, the fourth electromagnetic valve V <b> 4, the sixth electromagnetic valve V <b> 6, and each first air cell 10. The ten first air cells 10 are set as a B group. The first air cells 10 of the A group and the B group include the first air cells 10 in the second to fifth rows from the rear end side of the seating surface.

  The fourth connecting pipe P4 connects the third solenoid valve V3, the fourth solenoid valve V4, the seventh solenoid valve V7, each rear end side second air cell 30, and the exhaust side pressure sensor 92. Each rear end side second air cell 30 is defined as a C group.

  The fifth connecting pipe P5 connects the fifth electromagnetic valve V5, the four first air cells 10 among the first air cells 10, and the left front end side second air cell 20. The four first air cells 10 form the left side and the front end side of the first air cell group. The four first air cells 10 and the left front-end-side second air cell 20 are defined as a D group.

  The sixth connecting pipe P6 connects the sixth electromagnetic valve V6, the four first air cells 10 among the first air cells 10, and the right-side front end side second air cell 20. The four first air cells 10 form the right side and the front end side of the first air cell group. The four first air cells 10 and the right front end side second air cell 20 are defined as an E group.

  That is, each first air cell 10, each second air cell 20, 30 and the central air cell 50 are divided into A to F groups by first to sixth electromagnetic valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, and each electromagnetic valve. By opening and closing V1, V2, V3, V4, V5 and V6, the air pressure in each first air cell 10, each second air cell 20, 30 and the central air cell 50 can be adjusted for each group.

  The cushion configured as described above is used by being placed on a seating surface of a wheelchair, for example. In addition, a seated person sits on a cushion placed on a seating surface of a wheelchair while the air 70 is filled with air having an initial pressure P0 by the pump 70. . The memory 96 of the cushion control device 90 is preliminarily input with the weight classification, the initial pressure P0, the predetermined high pressure P1, the predetermined low pressure P2, the operating time, the switching time, and the like. Is possible.

  Here, the operation of the switch 20 will be described. When a seated person sits on each first air cell 10, each first air cell 10 is crushed according to the shape of the hip H of the seated person. Here, a part of the bottom surface of the air chamber AR of each first air cell 10 is formed by a thin film portion 12f that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, and an elastic member 14 that extends upward from the upper surface of the thin film portion 12f is provided. Therefore, when the upper end side of the air bag 11 of the first air cell 10 that is most crushed among the first air cells 10 contacts the elastic member 14, a downward force is applied to the elastic member 14 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). . Thereby, the elastic member 14 starts to compress and deform in the vertical direction, and the thin film portion 12f starts to elastically deform downward. Further, when the upper end side of the air bag 11 moves downward, the elastic member 14 is further compressed and deformed in the vertical direction, the thin film portion 12f is elastically deformed downward, and the lower surface of the thin film portion 12f is the button of the switch 15. While abutting on the upper end surface of the member 15b, the button member 15b is pushed by the thin film portion 12f and moves downward by a predetermined distance G (see FIGS. 6 and 7). As a result, the central portion of the first contact member 15c is moved downward by a predetermined distance G by the button member 15b, and the first contact member 15c and the second contact member 15d come into contact with each other (see FIG. 8). That is, the switch 15 detects that the first electrical wiring 15g and the second electrical wiring 15h are energized and the deformation amount of the thin film portion 12f is equal to or greater than the distance SG. At this time, the upper end side of the air bag 11 of the air cell 10 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are at a predetermined distance L, and the upper end side of the air bag 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are longer than the predetermined distance L. If it is in a close position, the air bag 11 cannot softly support the collar portion H. The amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 at this time is set to a predetermined amount. Here, the predetermined amount is a crushing amount at which the air bag 11 cannot softly support the flange portion H, but the predetermined amount may be another crushing amount.

  The operation of the cushion when the air cells 10, 20, 30, and 50 are filled with air having the initial pressure P0 will be described with reference to a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 90 (see FIG. 17). In addition, each solenoid valve V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7 is closed.

  First, when the initial control switch 93 is operated (S1), the first to sixth solenoid valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 are opened (S2), and the pump 70 is operated (S3). In this state, when the detected value of the supply side pressure sensor 91 reaches the initial pressure P0 (S4), the pump 70 is stopped (S5), and the first to sixth solenoid valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 are stopped. Is closed (S6). Thereby, the air supplied from the pump 70 is filled in the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 of the A to F groups, and the air pressure in each of the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 becomes the initial pressure P0.

  Here, when air is supplied into each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 by the pump 70, a seated person may sit on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50. In this case, The detection value of the supply side pressure sensor 91 increases rapidly. At this time, when the detected value of the supply-side pressure sensor 91 becomes equal to or higher than the initial pressure P0, the air filling into the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 is finished. For this reason, when the detection of the supply side pressure sensor 91 does not rapidly increase and the air filling is completed (S7), the completion of the initial control is stored in the memory 96 (S8), and before the seated person is seated. It is possible to identify that the air filling has been completed.

  Subsequently, in order to effectively disperse the pressure applied to the buttock H of the seated person after the seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50, the air in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 Adjust the amount. The operation of the cushion in this case will be described with reference to a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 90 (see FIGS. 18 and 19).

  First, after the seating control switch 94 is operated (S11), a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50. Thereby, when a seated person sits down, the detection value of the pressure sensor 16 of at least one first air cell 10 among the first air cells 10 increases. When the detection value of the pressure sensor 16 increases (S12), the first and second solenoid valves V1, V2 are opened (S13). Thereby, the air in each 1st air cell 10 of the A, B, and F group and the center air cell 50 moves. At this time, the initial operation completion is stored in the memory 96 (S14), and after the initial operation completion is stored in the memory 96, the pump 70 or the first to seventh electromagnetic valves V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7. When there is no operation (S15), the detected value of each pressure sensor 16 after 2 seconds from the rise of the detected value of the pressure sensor 16 is stored in the memory 96 (S16). Thereby, the dispersion state of the pressure of each first air cell 10 when the seated person is seated is stored.

  Subsequently, the third to seventh electromagnetic valves V3, V4, V5, V6, V7 are opened (S17). Thereby, the air in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 of A thru | or F group moves, and the pressure added to a seated person's buttocks H is disperse | distributed. Moreover, each air cell 10,20,30,50 is crushed gradually. Here, when the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 is detected to be a predetermined amount or more by the switch 15 of at least one of the first air cells 10 (S18), the seventh electromagnetic valve V7 is closed. At the same time (S19), the time from when the detected value of the pressure sensor 16 rises to when the switch 15 is detected is stored in the memory 96 (S20).

  Subsequently, the pump 70 is operated (S21), and when the switch 15 is not detected (S22), the pump 70 is stopped 15 seconds after the switch 15 is not detected (S23). As a result, the amount of air in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is reduced so that the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 that is most crushed among the first air cells 10 is slightly smaller than the predetermined collapse amount. Adjusted precisely. Next, the detected value of the supply side pressure sensor 91 is stored in the memory 96 as a predetermined low pressure P2 (S24). Thereby, the predetermined low pressure P2 previously stored in the memory 96 can be rewritten.

  Subsequently, a seated person sits on each air cell 10.20.30, 50, and the pressure applied to the seated person's buttocks H is dispersed as described above. Therefore, the air pressures in the first air cells 10 of the A group and the B group are alternately adjusted to a predetermined low pressure P2 and a predetermined high pressure P1. The operation of the cushion in this case will be described with reference to a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 90 (see FIGS. 20 to 22).

  First, when the pressure switching control switch 95 is operated (S31), the third and fourth electromagnetic valves V3 and V4 are closed (S32). Here, if the predetermined high pressure P1 stored in the memory 96 in advance is smaller than the predetermined low pressure P2 + 4 kPa (S33), the predetermined low pressure P2 + 4 kPa is stored in the memory 96 as the predetermined high pressure P1 (S34). Thereby, the predetermined high voltage P1 previously stored in the memory 96 can be rewritten.

  Next, the pump 70 is operated (S35), and when the detected value of the supply side pressure sensor 91 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined high pressure P1 (S36), the pump 70 is stopped (S37). Thereby, the air pressure in each of the air cells 10, 20, 50 of the A, B, D, E and F groups becomes a predetermined high pressure P1. Next, the first, second, fifth and sixth solenoid valves V1, V2, V5 and V6 are closed (S38).

  Subsequently, the third solenoid valve V3 is opened, the seventh solenoid valve V7 is opened until the discharge-side pressure sensor 92 detects a predetermined low pressure P2, the second solenoid valve V2 is opened, and the pump 70 is supplied. The operation is continued until the side pressure sensor 91 detects a predetermined high pressure P1 (S39). As a result, the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 30 of the A and C groups becomes a predetermined low pressure P2, and the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 50 of the B and F groups becomes a predetermined high pressure P1.

  In this state, when a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) elapses after the switch 15 detects that the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S40), the first electromagnetic valve V1 is opened and the second electromagnetic valve V1 is opened. The solenoid valve V2 is closed, and the pump 70 is operated until 15 seconds have elapsed after the switch 15 is no longer detected (S41). That is, when the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount and the seated person's buttocks H cannot be softly supported, the first and second air cells 10 are grouped so Air is supplied into the air cells 10 and 30. Further, the detection value of the supply side pressure sensor 91 is stored as a predetermined low pressure P2 (S42). As a result, when the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 50 of the B and C groups is set to a predetermined low pressure P2 in step 44, or the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 30 of the A and C groups is adjusted to P2 in step 49. At this time, the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 is prevented from exceeding a predetermined amount.

  Subsequently, when 5 minutes have passed since the seventh electromagnetic valve V7 was closed (S43), the third electromagnetic valve V3 was closed, the fourth electromagnetic valve V4 was opened, and the seventh electromagnetic valve V7 was discharged. The sensor 92 is opened until the predetermined low pressure P2 is detected, the second electromagnetic valve V2 is closed, the first electromagnetic valve V1 is opened, and the supply pressure sensor 91 of the pump 70 detects the predetermined high pressure P1. (S44). As a result, the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 30 of the B and C groups becomes a predetermined low pressure P2, and the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 50 of the A and F groups becomes a predetermined high pressure P1. Here, the above-mentioned 5 minutes is the switching time stored in the memory 96 in advance.

  In this state, when a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) elapses after the switch 15 detects that the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S45), the first electromagnetic valve V1 is closed and the second electromagnetic valve V1 is closed. The electromagnetic valve V2 is opened, and the pump 70 is operated until 15 seconds have elapsed after the switch 15 is no longer detected (S46). Further, the detection value of the supply side pressure sensor 91 is stored as a predetermined low pressure P2 (S47).

  Subsequently, when 5 minutes have passed since the seventh electromagnetic valve V7 was closed (S48), the third electromagnetic valve V3 was opened, the fourth electromagnetic valve V4 was closed, and the seventh electromagnetic valve V7 was discharged. The sensor 92 is opened until the predetermined low pressure P2 is detected, the second electromagnetic valve V2 is opened, the first electromagnetic valve V1 is closed, and the supply pressure sensor 91 of the pump 70 detects the predetermined high pressure P1. (S49). As a result, the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 30 of the A and C groups becomes a predetermined low pressure P2, and the air pressure in the air cells 10 and 50 of the B and F groups becomes a predetermined high pressure P1.

  When the operation time stored in advance in the memory 96 has elapsed since the start of step S31 (S50), the adjustment of the air pressure is terminated.

  On the other hand, when a seated person sits on the cushion, steps S11 to S24 are performed (S61), and steps S31 to S50 are not performed (S62), the switch 15 reduces the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 by the switch 15. When a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) elapses after it is detected that the amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S63), the pump 70 is operated until 15 seconds elapse after the switch 15 is no longer detected (S64). In other words, when the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 becomes a predetermined amount or more and the seated person's buttocks H cannot be softly supported, the groups A to F are set so that the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 becomes smaller than the predetermined amount. Air is supplied into the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50. Further, the detection value of the supply side pressure sensor 91 is stored as a predetermined low pressure P2 (S65).

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the amount of collapse of each first air cell 10 can be detected, and at least one first air cell after a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50. The air in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is gradually exhausted until it is detected that the collapse amount of 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 are exhausted after the exhaust. The air supply is stopped when a predetermined time (15 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses after it is no longer detected that the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Accordingly, the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 are empty so that the most crushed first air cell 10 among the first air cells 10 is slightly smaller than a predetermined amount. Amounts can be adjusted accurately, it is extremely advantageous to effectively distribute the pressure applied to the buttocks of the seated person. That is, even when the weight and the shape of the buttocks differ depending on the seated person, the air amount in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is accurately set so that the collapse amount of each first air cell 10 is slightly smaller than a predetermined amount. Can be adjusted. In the present embodiment, the air in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is gradually exhausted and the air is gradually supplied into each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50. However, it is possible to gradually exhaust only air in each first air cell 10 and gradually supply air only into each first air cell 10.

  Further, when the initial control switch 93 is operated, air is supplied into each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 until the initial pressure P0 is reached before the seated person is seated. The air pressure in 20, 30, 50 is automatically adjusted to the initial pressure P0, which is extremely advantageous for easy operation of the cushion.

  Further, each first air cell 10 is provided with a pressure sensor 16, and each pressure sensor 16 detects the air pressure in each first air cell 10, so that a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50. Then, the air pressure in each air cell 10 changes, and the change in the air pressure is detected. That is, a pressure distribution according to the weight of the seated person and the shape of the buttocks H can be obtained.

  Furthermore, when a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 to which air has been supplied up to the initial pressure P0, the detected value of each pressure sensor 16 after 2 seconds from the seated person sits. Since it is automatically stored in the memory 96, the pressure distribution on each first air cell 10 when the seated person is seated is automatically stored in the memory 96, and the weight of the seated person and the shape of the buttocks H are stored. This is extremely advantageous in collecting a large number of corresponding pressure distributions.

  In addition, air is supplied to each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 up to the initial pressure P0, and when a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50, the detected value of the pressure sensor 16 is The time until the switch 15 is detected after being raised is automatically stored in the memory 96. That is, since the time required for exhaustion is automatically stored, it is advantageous in collecting a large amount of exhaust time according to the weight of the seated person and the shape of the buttocks. Further, the pressure applied to the seated person's buttocks H can be more effectively dispersed by adjusting the amount of air in each of the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 based on the collected exhaust time.

  In addition, air is supplied to each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 to the initial pressure P0, and a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50, and the seating control switch 94 is operated. Thus, after the amount of air in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is adjusted so that the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 that is most crushed among the first air cells 10 is slightly smaller than a predetermined amount, When a predetermined time elapses after the switch 15 detects that the amount of collapse of at least one of the first air cells 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, air enters each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50. When the predetermined time (15 seconds in this embodiment) elapses after the switch 15 is no longer detected, the air is supplied. Since to be stopped, it is possible to support soft buttocks H of the seated person even when the posture of the seated person changes.

  In addition, each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is divided into groups A to F, and the air pressure in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 can be adjusted for each group. The air pressure can be easily adjusted according to the shape of H, which is extremely advantageous in effectively dispersing the pressure applied to the seated person's buttocks H.

  In addition, air is supplied to each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 to the initial pressure P0, and a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50, and the seating control switch 94 is operated. Thus, after the amount of air in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is adjusted so that the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 that is most crushed among the first air cells 10 is slightly smaller than a predetermined amount, When the pressure switching control switch 95 is operated, the air pressure in each of the first air cells 10 of the A group and the B group is alternately adjusted to a predetermined low pressure P2 and a predetermined high pressure P1, so that the seated person's buttocks H Congestion that occurs is effectively prevented.

  Further, when the air pressure in each of the first air cells 10 of the A group or the B group is adjusted to a predetermined low pressure P2, the collapse amount of at least one of the first air cells 10 among the first air cells 10 is determined by the switch 15. When a predetermined time elapses after it is detected that the amount is equal to or greater than the fixed amount, air is gradually supplied into each of the first air cells 10 of the A or B group, and for a predetermined time after the switch 15 is no longer detected (this time) In the embodiment, when 15 seconds) elapses, the supply of air is stopped, so that even when the posture of the seated person changes, the seated person's buttocks H can be softly supported.

  In addition, the thin film portion 12f that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction constituting at least a part of the bottom surface of the air chamber AR of the first air cell 10, and the elastic member 14 provided so as to extend upward from the upper surface of the thin film portion 12f. And a switch 15 provided on the lower side of the thin film portion 12f and capable of detecting that the amount of deformation of the thin film portion 12f downward is equal to or greater than the distance SG, and the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. Then, since the downward deformation amount of the thin film portion 12f is equal to or greater than the distance SG, it is reliably detected by a simple structure that the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. Further, since the switch 15b is provided below the thin film portion 12f that forms a part of the bottom surface of the air chamber AR, and the switch 15b is disposed outside the air chamber AR, the switch 15b and other devices can be easily connected. This is extremely advantageous in reducing the manufacturing cost.

  In the present embodiment, after a seated person sits on each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50, each air cell 10 is detected until it is detected that the collapse amount of at least one first air cell 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. , 20, 30 and 50 are gradually exhausted, and air is gradually supplied into the air cells 10, 20, 30, and 50 after the exhaust, and the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 is a predetermined amount. It is shown that the supply of air is stopped when a predetermined time (15 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses after it is not detected as above. On the other hand, as described above, the air pressure in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 supplied with air is stored in the memory 96 as a predetermined pressure, and after the exhaust, the air cell 10, 20, 30, 50 is stored in each air cell 10, 20, 30, 50. While gradually supplying air, the air supply is stopped when the air pressure in each of the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 reaches a predetermined pressure stored in the memory, whereby each of the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 is stopped. It is also possible to adjust the amount of air inside. In this case, since the predetermined pressure is an air pressure in which the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 that is most crushed among the air cells 10 is slightly smaller than the predetermined amount, the pressure applied to the seated person's buttocks H is effectively increased. Can be dispersed.

  In the present embodiment, the switch 15 is provided below the thin film portion 12f. However, as shown in FIGS. 24 to 28, the switch 17 can be provided instead of the switch 15. In this case, the switch 17 includes a main body 17a and a button member 17b similar to the switch 15, a first contact member 17c provided below the button member 17b, and a second contact provided below the first contact member 17c. It has a member 17d and a third contact member 17e provided below the second contact member 17d.

  In the first air cell 10 configured as described above, when the upper end side of the air bladder 11 comes into contact with the elastic member 14, the elastic member 14 starts to elastically deform downward, and the thin film portion 12f starts to elastically deform downward. . When the upper end side of the air bag 11 further moves downward, the elastic member 14 is further compressed and deformed in the vertical direction, the thin film portion 12f is elastically deformed downward, and the lower surface of the thin film portion 12f is the button member of the switch 17. The button member 17b and the first contact member 17c move toward each other by being in contact with the upper end surface of 17b and being pressed by the thin film portion 12f (see FIG. 25). Thereby, the 1st contact member 17c and the 2nd contact member 17d contact (refer FIG. 27). That is, the switch 17 detects that the upper end side of the air bladder 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are closer than the first predetermined distance L1.

  Further, when the upper end side of the air bag 11 moves downward, the elastic member 14 is further compressed and deformed in the vertical direction, and a downward force is applied to the button member 17b, the first contact member 17c, and the second contact member 17d. When the central portion of the second contact member 17d moves downward by being pushed by the button member 17b and the first contact member 17c from above, the second contact member 17d and the third contact member 17e come into contact (FIG. 26). And FIG. 28). That is, the switch 17 detects that the upper end side of the air bag 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are closer than the second predetermined distance L2. Here, if the upper end side of the air bag 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are located at a position closer than the second predetermined distance L2, the air bag 11 cannot support the flange portion H softly.

  That is, if the upper end side of the air bag 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are between the first predetermined distance L1 and the second predetermined distance L2, the upper end side of the air bag 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are 2 Located at a position slightly away from the predetermined distance L2. That is, the upper end side of the air bladder 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 can be prevented from approaching the second predetermined distance L2, and the upper end side of the air bladder 11 and the upper end surface of the base member 12 are 2 The amount of air in each air cell 10 can be easily adjusted so as to be slightly away from the predetermined distance L2.

  In the present embodiment, the elastic member 14 extending upward from the upper surface of the thin film portion 12f is shown. However, instead of the elastic member 14, the rubber member extending upward from the upper surface of the thin film portion 12f is shown. It is also possible to provide an extending member.

  In the present embodiment, the switch 15 is provided below the thin film portion 12f. However, a known proximity sensor is provided below the thin film portion 12f, and the distance between the proximity sensor and the thin film portion is a predetermined amount. It is also possible to detect the deformation of the thin film portion 12f by detecting that it is less than or equal to. Further, the deformation of the thin film portion 12f can be detected by a known photoelectric sensor.

  Furthermore, instead of the thin film portion 12f, the elastic member 14, and the switch 15, it is possible to use other detection means that can detect that the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 is a predetermined amount or more.

  In the present embodiment, the air cells 10, 20, 30, 50 and the front end side support members 40 are provided on the support member 60. However, only the first air cells 10 on the support member 60 are provided. It is also possible. Also in this case, the air in each first air cell 10 is gradually exhausted until it is detected that the collapse amount of the first air cell 10 that is most crushed among the first air cells 10 is a predetermined amount or more, and Air is gradually supplied into each first air cell 10 after exhaust, and when the predetermined amount of time has passed since the first air cell 10 is no longer detected as being crushed, the air supply is stopped. By stopping, it is possible to accurately adjust the amount of air in each first air cell 10 so that the amount of collapse of the first air cell 10 that is most crushed among the first air cells 10 is slightly smaller than a predetermined amount. it can.

Side surface sectional drawing of the 1st air cell which shows one Embodiment in this invention Perspective view of the first air cell Side sectional view of the main part of the cushion Operation explanatory diagram of the first air cell Operation explanatory diagram of the first air cell Operation explanatory diagram of the first air cell Switch side view Switch operation diagram Top view of cushion Bottom view of cushion PP sectional view in FIG. QQ line sectional view in FIG. RR line sectional view in FIG. SS sectional view in FIG. Cushion bottom view showing air passage configuration Cushion block diagram Flow chart showing operation of control device Flow chart showing operation of control device Flow chart showing operation of control device Flow chart showing operation of control device Flow chart showing operation of control device Flow chart showing operation of control device Flow chart showing operation of control device Side sectional view of a switch showing a modification of the present embodiment Operation explanatory diagram of an air cell showing a modification of the present embodiment Operation explanatory diagram of an air cell showing a modification of the present embodiment Switch operation explanatory diagram showing a modification of the present embodiment Switch operation explanatory diagram showing a modification of the present embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... 1st air cell, 11 ... Air bag, 12 ... Base member, 12f ... Thin film part, 13 ... Holding member, 14 ... Elastic member, 15 ... Switch, 16 ... Pressure sensor, 17 ... Switch, 20 ... Front end side 2nd Air cell 21 ... Air bag 22 ... Base member 30 ... Rear end side second air cell 31 ... Air bag 32 ... Base member 40 ... Front end side support member 50 ... Central air cell 51 ... Air bag 52 ... Base member, 60 ... support member, 61 ... through hole, 62 ... hollow part, 63 ... rubber block, 70 ... pump, V1 ... first solenoid valve, V2 ... second solenoid valve, V3 ... third solenoid valve, V4 ... 4th solenoid valve, V5 ... 5th solenoid valve, V6 ... 6th solenoid valve, V7 ... 7th solenoid valve, 90 ... control device, 91 ... supply side pressure sensor, 92 ... discharge side pressure sensor, 93 ... initial control switch 94 ... Seating control switch, 95 ... pressure switch control switch, 96 ... memory, 97 ... operation section, P1 ... first connection pipe, P2 ... second connection pipe, P3 ... third connection pipe, P4 ... fourth connection pipe, P5 ... fifth connection pipe, P6 ... sixth connection pipe, H ... buttocks, AR ... air chamber.

Claims (12)

In a cushion that includes a plurality of air cells provided so as to be aligned in a substantially horizontal direction, and is placed on a predetermined seating surface to support a seated person's buttocks,
A crush amount detecting means provided in at least one of the air cells, and capable of detecting that the crush amount of the air cell is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount;
After a seated person sits on each air cell, exhaust means for gradually exhausting air in at least some of the air cells until the collapse amount detection means detects that the collapse amount of the air cell is a predetermined amount or more,
After gradually supplying air into at least some of the air cells after exhausting by the exhaust means, and when a predetermined time elapses after the collapse amount detection means no longer detects that the collapse amount of the air cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, And a supply means for stopping the supply of air. Predetermined pressure storage means for storing the air pressure in the at least some of the air cells supplied with air by the supply means as a predetermined pressure;
Other supply means for gradually supplying air into at least some of the air cells after exhausting by the exhaust means and stopping the supply of air when the air pressure in the at least some of the air cells reaches the predetermined pressure The cushion according to claim 1, further comprising: Each of the crushing amount detection means is configured to be able to detect that the crushing amount of the air cell is between the predetermined crushing amount and another predetermined crushing amount whose crushing is smaller than the predetermined crushing amount. The cushion according to 1 or 2. The cushion according to claim 1, 2, or 3, further comprising an initial adjusting means capable of adjusting an air pressure in each air cell to an initial pressure before the seated person is seated. The cushion according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, further comprising a plurality of pressure sensors provided in each of the plurality of air cells and detecting air pressure in the air cells. When a seated person sits on each air cell whose air pressure has been adjusted by the initial adjusting means, pressure storage means for storing the detection value of each pressure sensor after a predetermined time has elapsed since the seated person sat. The cushion according to claim 5. A seated person sits on each air cell whose air pressure has been adjusted by the initial adjusting means, and when the air in each air cell is gradually exhausted by the exhaust means, the time required for exhaust by the exhaust means is stored. The cushion according to claim 4, further comprising exhaust time storage means. A seated person sits on each air cell, and after the exhaust by the exhaust means and the supply of air by the supply means, the collapse amount detecting means detects that the collapse amount of the air cell is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. When a predetermined time elapses, air is gradually supplied into at least some of the air cells, and when a predetermined time elapses after the collapse amount detection means no longer detects that the collapse amount of the air cell is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, The cushion according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, further comprising pressure correction means for stopping supply of air. 9. Each of the air cells is divided into a plurality of groups, and the air pressure in each air cell is configured to be adjustable for each group. The claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 cushion. A seated person sits on each air cell, and after the exhaust by the exhaust means and the supply of air by the supply means are performed, the air pressure in the air cell of at least one of the groups is periodically set to a predetermined value. The cushion according to claim 9, further comprising pressure switching means for alternately adjusting the pressure to a low pressure and a predetermined high pressure. When the air pressure in the air cells of at least one group is adjusted to a predetermined low pressure by the pressure switching means, when a predetermined time elapses after the collapse amount detection means detects that the collapse amount of the air cells is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, When the air is gradually supplied into the air cells of the predetermined low pressure group and the predetermined amount of time elapses after the collapse amount detecting means no longer detects that the collapse amount of the air cell is greater than the predetermined amount, the air supply The cushion according to claim 10, further comprising pressure correcting means for stopping the operation. Each of the crushing amount detection means is provided so as to extend upward from the upper surface of the thin film portion, and a thin film portion that can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction constituting at least part of the bottom surface of the air chamber formed inside the air cell. And a detection means provided on the lower side of the thin film portion and capable of detecting that the amount of deformation downward of the thin film portion is a predetermined amount or more. The cushion according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11.

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