JP2009100796A - Pillow - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pillow equipped with a biological information measuring function, which can prevent a malfunction of a sensor caused by washing or sun-drying of the pillow. <P>SOLUTION: The pillow 1A has the sensor 10 for measuring the biological information of a subject H, disposed inside a pillow body 2 in such a way as can be taken out. The sensor 10 is preferably disposed in such a state as positioned and secured to the pillow body 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a pillow having a function of measuring biological information of a subject and a biological information measuring device.

  In medical facilities (eg, hospitals), nursing homes, general households, etc., in order to grasp the health status of subjects such as sick people, healthy people, infants, etc., measurement of biological information while the subject is sleeping is performed. .

Several devices that non-invasively measure biological information are known as devices used for the measurement (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5). As an example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-113329 (Patent Document 1) discloses an apparatus in which a sensor for detecting a signal of a living body of a subject is arranged inside a pillow.
JP 2004-113329 A (paragraphs [0026] to [0031], FIG. 3) JP 2004-351110 A JP 2007-61587 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-205033 JP 2002-119596 A

  Thus, in the apparatus disclosed in the above publication, the sensor cannot be taken out from the inside of the pillow. For this reason, there is a possibility that the sensor may break down due to pillow washing or sun drying. Furthermore, if the sensor fails, the pillow must be repaired, which is cumbersome.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described technical background, and its purpose is to provide a pillow with a living body information measurement function capable of preventing sensor failure caused by washing of the pillow or sun drying, and a living body including the pillow. It is to provide an information measuring device.

  The present invention provides the following means.

  [1] A pillow characterized in that a sensor for measuring biological information of a subject is disposed in the pillow body so as to be removable.

  [2] The pillow according to item 1 above, wherein the sensor is arranged in a fixed position with respect to the pillow body.

  [3] The sensor includes a band-shaped strain generating plate disposed in a state extending in the length direction of the pillow body, and a strain that is attached to the strain generating plate and detects strain of the strain generating plate. The pillow according to the preceding item 1 or 2, further comprising a detection means.

  [4] The placement position of the strain plate in the pillow body is set at an equidistant position from both the upper and lower surfaces of the pillow body toward the intermediate portion in the thickness direction of the pillow body. pillow.

[5] The pillow body is formed by being folded into a plurality of layers in a thickness direction so as to be expandable, and holding means for holding the pillow body in a folded state in the plurality of layers. With
The pillow according to item 3 or 4 above, wherein the strain plate is disposed between two adjacent layers in a plurality of folded layers constituting the pillow body and sandwiched between the layers. .

  [6] The pillow according to any one of the preceding items 3 to 5, wherein an arrangement position of the strain-generating plate in the pillow body is set at a position on the neck side of the subject.

[7] The arrangement position of the strain generating plate in the pillow body is set to a position on the neck side of the subject,
In the width direction of the pillow main body, the strain-generating plate has a side edge on the subject's neck side that is located below a side edge on the subject's head side of both side edges in the width direction of the strain-generating plate. The pillow according to the preceding item 3, which is arranged in an inclined state.

  [8] The pillow according to the preceding item 3, 4 or 7, wherein the strain plate is housed in a strain plate housing pocket hole provided inside the pillow body so as to be removable.

  [9] The pillow according to item 8 above, wherein a sealing member for opening and closing the opening is provided at the opening of the pocket hole.

[10] The sensor includes wireless communication means for transmitting an output signal from the sensor as a wireless signal,
The pillow according to any one of items 3 to 9, wherein an operating power source of the sensor is attached to the strain plate.

[11] The pillow according to any one of 1 to 10 above,
A biological information measuring apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing a subject's biological information based on an output signal from the pillow sensor.

  The present invention has the following effects.

  In the invention of [1], since the sensor is arranged so as to be able to be taken out inside the pillow body, when the pillow is washed, sun-dried, or when the sensor breaks down, the sensor is attached to the pillow body as necessary. It can be taken out from the inside.

  In the invention of [2], since the sensor is disposed in a fixed state with respect to the pillow body, it is possible to prevent a problem that the position of the sensor with respect to the pillow body is shifted due to body movement such as turning the subject during sleep.

  In the invention of [3], since the sensor includes the strain plate and the strain detection means, the biological information of the subject can be reliably measured.

  In the invention of [4], the arrangement position of the strain generating plate inside the pillow body is set at an equidistant position from the upper and lower surfaces of the pillow body toward the intermediate portion in the thickness direction of the pillow body. Even if it is used upside down, the measurement accuracy of the sensor is the same as the measurement accuracy before the pillow is turned over. Therefore, the pillow can be used on both upper and lower sides.

  In the invention of [5], the pillow body is formed by being folded into a plurality of layers in the thickness direction so as to be unfoldable, and the strain generating plate is a plurality of folded layers constituting the pillow body. Between two layers adjacent to each other in a position fixed between the two layers. Therefore, when the unfolded pillow body is folded into a plurality of layers to form the pillow body, a strain generating plate is placed between two adjacent layers and the strain generating plate is sandwiched between the two layers, thereby generating strain. The plate (sensor) can be arranged in a fixed state inside the pillow body. Therefore, the arrangement | positioning operation | work inside a pillow main body and the position fixing operation | movement of a sensor can be performed easily.

  Furthermore, since the pillow main body is provided with holding means for holding the pillow main body in a state of being folded into a plurality of layers, the pillow main body can be held in a state of being folded into a plurality of layers by the holding means.

  In the invention of [6], the placement position of the strain-generating plate inside the pillow body is set at the position on the subject's neck, so that the measurement accuracy of the biological information of the subject by the sensor can be improved.

  In the invention of [7], the arrangement position of the strain generating plate inside the pillow body is set at the position on the subject's neck side, so that the measurement accuracy of the biological information of the subject by the sensor can be improved.

  Furthermore, the strain plate is such that the side edge on the subject's neck side is located below the side edge on the subject's head side in the width direction side edges of the strain plate with respect to the width direction of the pillow body. Therefore, the width direction of the strain-generating plate is substantially the same as the direction along the neck from the head of the subject at bedtime. Therefore, it is possible to suppress as much as possible that the subject feels uncomfortable due to the presence of the sensor in the head or neck, and the measurement accuracy of the biological information by the sensor can be further improved.

  In the invention of [8], the strain generating plate is housed in a strain plate housing pocket hole provided inside the pillow body so as to be removable, so that the strain plate (sensor) is disposed inside the pillow body. The work can be easily performed, and the trouble that the strain plate is accidentally dropped from the pillow body can be prevented.

  In the invention of [9], it is possible to reliably prevent a problem that the strain generating plate unexpectedly jumps out of the pocket hole and falls off from the pillow body.

  In the invention of [10], the sensor can be cordless.

  In the invention of [11], the subject's biological information can be notified to the notification subject.

  Next, several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1-4 is a figure explaining the pillow and biological information measuring device which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention.

  In FIG. 1, (20) is the biological information measuring device of the first embodiment, and (30) is a bed as a bed on which the subject (H) goes to bed.

  The bed (30) has a quadrangular shape (a rectangular shape in detail) in plan view, and an elastic mat (31) such as a mattress or mattress is laid on the bed (30).

  The measurement device (20) of the first embodiment is for measuring biological information mainly during sleep of the subject (H), such as a medical facility (eg, a hospital), an elderly facility, a care facility, a nursing facility, a lodging facility. It is used in facilities (eg, hotels) and general households. The biological information measured by the measuring device (20) includes respiratory information, pulse information (heart rate information), body movement information, and the like. Examples of the subject (H) include healthy people, sick people, elderly people, infants, and guests.

  This measuring device (30) includes a pillow (1A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a notification means (18).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pillow (1A) includes a pillow body (2) and a sensor (10) for measuring biological information of the subject (H).

  The material of the pillow body (2) is urethane foam (eg, low-resilience urethane foam), polyethylene foam, buckwheat husk, sponge, cotton, feathers, etc., which are generally commercially available.

  In FIG. 3, (Lp) indicates the length direction of the pillow body (2), (Wp) indicates the width direction of the pillow body (2), and (Dp) indicates the thickness direction (high) of the pillow body (2). Direction).

  The length of the pillow body (2) is, for example, 300 to 800 mm, the width of the pillow body (2) is, for example, 200 to 600 mm, and the height of the pillow body (2) is 50 to 200 mm. However, in the present invention, the length, width and height of the pillow body (2) are not limited to the above ranges.

  The sensor (10) includes a strain generating plate (11), strain detecting means (12) for detecting strain of the strain generating plate (11), and a control board (13).

  The strain generating plate (11) is in the form of an elastically bendable strip, is formed from a metal plate, and more specifically, is formed from an aluminum (including an alloy thereof) plate. Made of extruded material or rolled material. By forming the strain generating plate (11) from an aluminum plate, the weight of the pillow (1A) can be reduced.

  However, in the present invention, the strain-generating plate (11) is not limited to being made of aluminum, and in addition, for example, iron, steel (including stainless steel), magnesium alloy, copper (including its alloy) It may be made of plastic or plastic (eg, fiber reinforced plastic).

  This strain generating plate (11) is arranged in a state extending in the length direction (Lp) of the pillow body (2) (that is, the left-right direction of the head of the subject (H)), and the subject (H) In response to the weight (load) of the head of the subject, distortion occurs with the biological activity of the subject (H).

  The upper and lower surfaces of the strain generating plate (11) are formed flat. Further, the thickness of the strain generating plate (11) is set to be constant in the length direction and the width direction of the strain generating plate (11). In addition, the width (W) of the strain generating plate (11) is set to be constant in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11).

  However, in the present invention, the thickness of the strain generating plate (11) is not limited to be set to be constant in the length direction and the width direction of the strain generating plate (11). The thickness of the intermediate portion in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11) may be set thinner than the thickness of each end portion in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11). In the present invention, the width (W) of the strain generating plate (11) is not limited to be set to be constant in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11). The width of the intermediate portion in the length direction of the strain plate (11) may be set shorter than the width of each end portion in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11). Further, in the present invention, the cross-sectional secondary moment at the intermediate portion in the length direction of the strain-generating plate (11) is set to be equal to the cross-sectional secondary moment at each end portion in the length direction of the strain-generating plate (11), for example. Alternatively, it may be set smaller than the cross-sectional second moment at each end in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11).

  The length (L) of the strain generating plate (11) is set in the range of 300 to 800 mm, for example. The width (W) of the strain generating plate (11) is set in the range of 50 to 200 mm, for example. The thickness of the strain generating plate (11) is set in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, for example. However, in the present invention, the length (L), the width (W), and the thickness of the strain generating plate (11) are not limited to the above ranges.

The bending stiffness of the strain generating plate (11) is preferably set in a range of 3 × 10 ⁴ to 10 × 10 ⁷ Nmm ² , for example. By setting the bending stiffness of the strain generating plate (11) within the above range, the strain generating plate (11) is surely distorted or the strain is surely changed with the biological activity of the subject (H). To be. However, in the present invention, the bending stiffness of the strain generating plate (11) is not limited to the above range.

  Note that the biological activity of the subject (H) includes breathing, pulse (beat, heartbeat), body movement (eg, turning over), and the like.

  The strain generating plate (11) is preferably formed of a material having a Young's modulus in the range of 30000 to 220,000 MPa. By setting the Young's modulus of the material of the strain-generating plate (11) within the above range, the strain-generating plate (11) is surely distorted and the strain is surely changed with the biological activity of the subject (H). Or something to do. However, in the present invention, the Young's modulus of the material of the strain generating plate (11) is not limited to the above range.

  The strain detecting means (12) is mounted in a fixed state at the intermediate portion in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11), and detects the strain of the strain generating plate (11) and its time variation as described above. Is. More specifically, the strain detection means (12) detects the strain generated in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the strain generating plate (11) and further its temporal variation. Further, the signal output from the strain detection means (12) is used for measuring the biological information of the subject (H).

  The strain detecting means (12) is composed of at least one strain gauge (12a), and in the present embodiment, is composed of four strain gauges (12a) (12a) (12a) (12a). As shown in FIG. 3, of these strain gauges (12a) (12a) (12a) (12a), two strain gauges (12a) (12a) and the remaining two strain gauges (12a) (12a) Are attached to the opposite positions of the upper and lower surfaces of the longitudinal direction intermediate portion of the strain generating plate (11) with an adhesive. These strain gauges (12a) (12a) (12a) (12a) are electrically connected to each other to form a bridge circuit (in detail, a Wheatstone bridge circuit). That is, this bridge circuit is formed by incorporating four strain gauges (12a) (12a) (12a) (12a).

  (17) is an input signal line and an output signal line of the strain detection means (12) (more specifically, a bridge circuit of the strain gauge (12a)). In FIG. 3, the input / output signal line (17) is shown as one common line, and connects the strain detection means (12) and the control board (13) to each other.

  In FIG. 2, the distortion detecting means (12) is not shown. Similarly in FIG. 5 described later, the distortion detecting means (12) is not shown.

  The control board (13) is fixedly attached to one end portion in the length direction of the strain generating plate (11). As shown in FIG. 4, a control means (14), a wireless communication means (15), and a power source (16) are mounted on the control board (13).

  The control means (14) controls input / output signals of the distortion detection means (12) (that is, input signals to the distortion detection means (12) and output signals from the distortion detection means (12)). The control means (14) amplifies an output signal (output voltage) from the bridge circuit of the strain gauge (12a) of the strain detection means (12), and is amplified by the amplification section. And an A / D converter (not shown) that converts the signal from an analog signal to a digital signal.

  Furthermore, this control means (14) has a calculating part (not shown) which calculates the biological information of the subject (H) based on the signal converted by the A / D converting part. The arithmetic unit is configured by an arithmetic circuit (IC) having a storage unit (ROM, RAM) and a central arithmetic processing unit (CPU). And this calculating part is a filtering process part for extracting life activity components (biological information component), such as a respiratory component, a pulse component (pulsation component), and a body motion component, from the signal converted by the A / D conversion part And calculating biometric information based on the signal filtered by the processing unit. In the present invention, the calculation unit is not provided in the control means (14), but may be provided in the notification means (18) described later.

  The wireless communication means (15) transmits an output signal from the control means (14) as an output signal from the sensor (10) to an external device as a wireless signal. For example, an infrared signal or a radio signal is used as the wireless signal. In the present embodiment, the notification means (18) is used as an external device. Transmission of the wireless communication means (15) to the notification means (18) is performed via a wireless communication network such as a mobile phone network, the Internet, a wireless LAN, or directly without going through the wireless communication network. Is called.

  The power source (16) supplies power necessary for the operation of the sensor (10) to the sensor (10). Specifically, the strain detection means (12), the control means (14), and the wireless communication means (15) The power required for the operation of) is supplied to these. As the power source (16), a battery such as a dry battery, a storage battery, or a secondary battery is used. The power supplied from the power source (16) to the control means (14) is used for the operation of the control means (14), and part of the power is distorted from the control means (14) through the input signal line (17). It is supplied as operating power to the detection means (12).

  The notifying means (18) of the measuring device (20) is based on the output signal from the sensor (10) (specifically, the radio signal transmitted from the wireless communication means (15) of the sensor (10)). The biometric information is notified to the notification target person (notified person). Examples of the notification target include nurses, caregivers, and supervisors.

  The notification means (18) includes a notification speaker, a notification lamp, a display means, and the like. The notification speaker notifies the notification target person of predetermined information with sounds such as voice and buzzer sound. The notification lamp notifies the notification target person of predetermined information by lighting or blinking the lamp. The display means is constituted by a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL display, a CRT, or the like, and notifies a notification target person by displaying predetermined information in characters or figures. (18a) is a receiving antenna of the notification means (18) for receiving the wireless signal transmitted from the wireless communication means (15).

  In the present invention, as described above, the notification means (18) calculates the biological information of the subject (H) based on the signal controlled by the control means (14) and transmitted by the wireless communication means (15). A portion (not shown) may be provided as necessary.

  This notification means (18) is installed in a bedroom, a hospital room, a nurse station, a monitoring room, a caregiver's stuffing station, etc., or is mounted on a fixed telephone or a mobile phone.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the pillow (1A) of the first embodiment will be described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pillow main body (2) of the pillow (1A) has a pillow main body (2) in the longitudinal direction (Lp) from one end surface to the other end side. A strain plate accommodating pocket hole (3) extending in parallel with the length direction (Lp) of 2) is provided. The opening (3a) of the pocket hole (3) is disposed on one end surface (the center of one end surface to be described in detail) of the pillow body (2) in the length direction (Lp). Further, the back portion of the pocket hole (3) is not opened, that is, is formed in a closed shape. Therefore, this pocket hole (3) is formed in a bag shape.

  Further, at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the pocket hole (3) is provided with anti-slip means (not shown) for preventing the strain generating plate (11) from slipping. For example, a non-slip rubber is used as the anti-slip means.

  Moreover, the arrangement position of the pocket hole (3) inside the pillow body (2) is set to a position just in the middle of the thickness direction (Dp) of the pillow body (2), that is, the pillow body (2). The upper and lower surfaces (2x) and (2y) of the pillow body (2) are set at equidistant positions toward the thickness direction (Dp) intermediate portion.

  Furthermore, the arrangement position of the pocket hole (3) inside the pillow body (2) is set to a position just in the middle of the width direction (Wp) of the pillow body (2), that is, the pillow body (2) It is set at an equidistant position from the width direction (Wp) both end faces toward the width direction (Wp) intermediate portion of the pillow body (2).

  A pair of hook-and-loop fasteners (4) and (4) that can be engaged with each other are attached to the opening (3a) of the pocket hole (3) as a sealing member that seals the opening (3a) so as to be freely opened and closed. ing.

  In the pillow (1A) shown in FIG. 2, the strain generating plate (11) of the sensor (10) is inserted from the opening (3a) of the pocket hole (3), and the entire strain generating plate (11) is inserted into the pocket hole (3). ), And then the both surface fasteners (4) and (4) are engaged with each other, whereby the opening (3a) of the pocket hole (3) is sealed, and thus the strain plate (11 ) (That is, the sensor (10)) is prevented from being accidentally popped out of the pocket hole (3).

  Further, by accommodating the strain-generating plate (11) in the pocket hole (3), the arrangement position of the strain-generating plate (11) in the pillow body (2) is in the thickness direction of the pillow body (2). (Dp) is set at exactly the middle position, that is, equidistant from the upper and lower surfaces (2x) (2y) of the pillow body (2) toward the thickness direction (Dp) of the pillow body (2). The position is set. Furthermore, in a state where the strain-generating plate (11) is accommodated in the pocket hole (3), the strain-generating plate (11) extends in the length direction (Lp) of the pillow body (2) and the pillow body It is horizontally arranged in a fixed state with respect to (2).

  On the other hand, when the pillow (1A) is washed, when the pillow (1A) is sun-dried, when the battery as the power source (16) is replaced, when the sensor (10) is replaced due to a failure of the sensor (10), etc. Then, both hook-and-loop fasteners (4) and (4) engaged with each other are separated to open the opening (3a) of the pocket hole (3), and then the strain plate (11) is taken out from the pocket hole (3). Thus, the sensor (10) can be removed from the pillow body (2).

  In the first embodiment, the surface fastener (4) is used as the sealing member. However, in the present invention, the sealing member is not limited to the surface fastener (4). In addition, for example, a button, a snap button, a fastener, or the like may be used.

  Next, a biological information measuring method using the pillow (1A) and the biological information measuring device (20) of the first embodiment will be described below.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, after accommodating the strain plate (11) in the pocket hole (3) of the pillow body (2), the opening (3a) of the pocket hole (3) is formed by the surface fastener (4). Seal. Next, the pillow (1A) is covered with a pillow cover (not shown) as necessary.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pillow (1A) is placed on the bed (30) (specifically, the elastic mat (31) of the bed (30)). Then, the head of the subject (H) is placed on the pillow (1A), and the subject (H) goes to bed in a normal sleeping posture on the bed (30). Note that the sleeping posture includes a supine posture and a lateral posture.

  Then, the strain plate (11) is elastically slightly bent downward in a convex arc shape by the weight (load) of the head of the subject (H). As a result, bending strain is generated in the strain generating plate (11), and particularly, bending strain is intensively generated in the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the strain generating plate (11). Further, in response to the weight of the neck portion of the subject (H) in the sleeping position and the vicinity thereof, the portion of the pillow body (2) on the subject (H) neck portion side is recessed as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  When the subject (H) goes to sleep (sleeps), the strain of the strain plate (11) varies with time according to the biological activity (eg, breathing, pulsation, turning over) during the sleep of the subject (H). Such distortion variation over time is detected by the distortion detecting means (12). Then, the output signal from the distortion detection means (12) (more specifically, the output voltage from the bridge circuit) is transmitted to the control means (14) of the control board (13) through the output signal line (17) (FIG. 4). reference).

  The signal transmitted to the control means (14) is controlled by the control means (14) and then transmitted to the notification means (18) as a wireless signal by the wireless communication means (15). And the alerting | reporting means (18) alert | reports a test subject's (H) biometric information to a notification subject. Thereby, the notification subject can know the biological information of the subject (H).

  Thus, the pillow (1A) of the first embodiment has the following advantages.

  In this pillow (1A), the sensor (10) for measuring the biological information of the subject (H) is arranged so as to be able to be taken out inside the pillow body (2). It can be taken out from the inside of (2). Therefore, when the pillow (1A) is washed or sun-dried, when the battery as the power source (16) is replaced, or when the sensor (10) fails, the sensor (10) is taken out from the pillow body (2). be able to.

  Furthermore, since the sensor (10) is disposed in a fixed state with respect to the pillow main body (2), the sensor (10) for the pillow main body (2) due to body movement such as turning over the subject (H) during sleep. ) Can be prevented from shifting.

  Furthermore, the arrangement position of the strain-generating plate (11) inside the pillow body (2) is from the upper and lower surfaces (2x) (2y) of the pillow body (2) to the thickness direction (Dp) intermediate portion of the pillow body (2). Even if the pillow (1A) is turned upside down and used, the measurement accuracy of the sensor (10) before the pillow (1A) is turned over is set. Will be the same. Therefore, the pillow (1A) can be used on both upper and lower surfaces (2x) (2y).

  In addition, the arrangement position of the strain plate (11) in the pillow body (2) is from the width direction (Wp) both end faces of the pillow body (2) to the width direction (Wp) intermediate portion of the pillow body (2). It is set at an equidistant position. Therefore, the pillow (1A) can be used even if the width direction (Wp) both end surfaces of the pillow main body (2) are arranged reversely.

  Further, since the strain generating plate (11) is removably accommodated in the strain generating plate accommodating pocket hole (3) provided in the pillow body (2), the strain generating plate (11) (that is, the sensor (10)). ) Can be easily attached to the pillow body (2), and the strain plate (11) can be prevented from accidentally falling off the pillow body (2).

  Further, the sensor (10) includes a wireless communication means (15) for transmitting an output signal from the sensor (10) as a wireless signal, and the sensor (10) (specifically, detection of distortion of the sensor (10)). Since the operation power supply (16) of the means (12), the control means (14) and the wireless communication means (15) is attached to the strain generating plate (11), the sensor (10) can be made cordless. .

  Further, a pair of hook and loop fasteners (4) and (4) that can be engaged with each other as a sealing member for opening and closing the opening (3a) are attached to the opening (3a) of the pocket hole (3). ing. Therefore, after accommodating the strain-generating plate (11) in the pocket hole (3), by engaging the two surface fasteners (4) and (4) with each other, the strain-generating plate (11) becomes the pocket hole ( 3) It is possible to surely prevent the problem of accidentally jumping out from the inside and falling off from the pillow body (2).

  Moreover, the biological information measuring device (20) of the first embodiment is based on the pillow (1A) of the first embodiment and the output signal from the sensor (10) of the pillow (1A) of the subject (H). Since it is provided with the alerting | reporting means (18) which alert | reports biometric information, a test subject's (H) biometric information can be alert | reported to a notification subject.

Second Embodiment
5 and 6 are views for explaining a pillow (1B) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the pillow (1B) will be described below with a focus on differences from the pillow (1A) of the first embodiment.

  In this pillow (1B), the arrangement position of the strain plate (11) of the sensor (10) inside the pillow body (2) is not the position on the head (the top of the head in detail) side of the subject (H). More specifically, the position is set to the position on the neck side of the subject (H). More specifically, the position is set to the position near the end on the subject (H) neck side among the width direction (Wp) both ends of the pillow body (2). ing. Further, the strain plate (11) is the subject (H) neck of the lateral edges (11a) (11b) of the strain plate (11) with respect to the width direction (Wp) of the pillow body (2). It arrange | positions in the state inclined so that the side edge part (11a) of a side might be located below the side edge part (11b) of a test subject (H) head side. Further, in this pillow (1B), when the strain plate (11) is accommodated in the pocket hole (3), the strain plate (11) is positioned and inclined as described above inside the pillow body (2). The pocket hole (3) is formed in the interior of the pillow body (2).

  Further, the portion of the pillow main body (2) on the subject (H) cervical side is recessed as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5 in response to the weight of the neck of the subject (H) in the sleeping position and the vicinity thereof.

  The other structure of this pillow (1B) is the same as the pillow (1A) of the said 1st Embodiment.

  Thus, in the pillow (1B) of the second embodiment, the arrangement position of the strain generating plate (11) in the pillow body (2) is set to the position on the cervical side of the subject (H). The measurement accuracy of the biological information of the subject (H) by the sensor (10) can be improved.

  Further, the strain plate (11) is the subject (H) neck of the lateral edges (11a) (11b) of the strain plate (11) with respect to the width direction (Wp) of the pillow body (2). Since the side edge portion (11a) on the side is inclined so as to be positioned below the side edge portion (11b) on the head side of the subject (H), the strain generating plate is shown in FIG. The width direction of (11) is substantially the same as the direction along the neck from the head of the subject (H) at bedtime. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the subject (H) from feeling uncomfortable feeling such as a rugged feeling due to the presence of the sensor (10) (strain plate (11)) on the head or neck, and the sensor (10). The measurement accuracy of biological information can be further improved.

  In addition, the inclination angle of the width direction of the strain generating plate (11) with respect to the width direction (Wp) of the pillow body (2) may be set to, for example, 1 to 30 ° (particularly preferably 5 to 20 °). However, in the present invention, this inclination angle is not limited to the above range.

<Third Embodiment>
7 and 8 are views for explaining a pillow (1C) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the pillow (1C) will be described below with a focus on differences from the pillow (1A) of the first embodiment.

  In this pillow (1C), as shown in FIG. 7, the pillow main body (2) is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view in its unfolded state. The unfolded pillow body (2) is folded in two layers in the thickness direction at an intermediate position (2c) in the length direction (Lp), so that the pillow body (2) is folded as shown in FIG. Is formed. The length, width and thickness of the pillow body (2) thus formed are substantially the same as those of the pillow body (2) of the first embodiment.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the pillows on both side edges and ends of the two inner surfaces of the two folded layers (2 a) and (2 b) constituting the pillow body (2) are respectively pillows. A pair of hook-and-loop fasteners (5) and (5) that can be engaged with each other are attached by sewing as holding means for holding the main body (2) in a folded state in two layers. Further, a strain generating plate (11) of the sensor (10) is provided at the center of one of the two inner surfaces of the two folded layers (2a) and (2b) that are overlapped with each other. Are horizontally arranged in a state extending in the length direction (Lp). The unfolded pillow body (2) is folded into two layers as described above, and the surface fasteners (5) and (5) corresponding to each other are separably engaged with each other, whereby the pillow body (2) Is held in a state of being folded into two layers, and the strain plate (11) is sandwiched between the two folded layers (2a) and (2b) that are overlapped with each other, and the position is fixed. The strain generating plate (11) is horizontally disposed at the intermediate position in the width direction (Wp) of the pillow body (2) inside the pillow body (2).

  In the present invention, as a method of arranging the strain-generating plate (11) inside the pillow body (2), as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. A gap may be formed by slightly opening the end portions of the layers (2a) and (2b), and the strain plate (11) may be inserted through the gap and disposed inside the pillow body (2).

  When the strain plate (11) (sensor (10)) is taken out from the inside of the pillow body (2), the pillow body (2) folded in two layers is joined to a surface fastener ( 5) By separating (5) from each other, development is performed as shown in FIG. After this state, the strain generating plate (11) is taken out. Alternatively, a gap is formed by opening a little between the ends of the two folded layers (2a) and (2b) of the pillow body (2) that are overlapped with each other, and a straining plate (11) is inserted through the gap. May be taken out.

  The other structure of this pillow (1C) is the same as the pillow (1A) of the said 1st Embodiment.

  Thus, in the pillow (1C) of the third embodiment, the pillow body (2) is formed by being folded in two layers in the thickness direction so as to be unfolded, and the strain plate ( 11) between the two layers (2a) (2b) adjacent to each other in the two folded layers (2a) (2b) constituting the pillow body (2), between the two layers (2a) (2b) It is arranged in a state where the position is fixed between. Therefore, when the unfolded pillow body (2) is folded into two layers to form the pillow body (2), the strain plate (11) is placed between the two adjacent layers (2a) (2b). By placing the strain generating plate (11) between both layers (2a) and (2b), the strain generating plate (11) (sensor (10)) is fixed in the pillow body (10). Can be arranged. Therefore, the arrangement | positioning operation | work to the pillow main body (2) inside of a sensor (10) and the position fixing operation | work of a sensor (10) can be performed easily.

  Furthermore, since the pillow main body (2) is provided with the hook-and-loop fastener (5) as a holding means for holding the pillow main body (2) in a folded state in two layers, the pillow main body (2) is provided by the hook-and-loop fastener (5). ) Can be held in a folded state in two layers, and the folded pillow body (2) can be converted into an unfolded state.

  Furthermore, the arrangement position of the strain-generating plate (11) inside the pillow body (2) is from the upper and lower surfaces (2x) (2y) of the pillow body (2) to the thickness direction (Dp) intermediate portion of the pillow body (2). It is set at an equidistant position toward Therefore, similarly to the pillow (1A) of the first embodiment, the pillow (1C) can be used even if it is turned upside down.

<Fourth embodiment>
9 and 10 are views for explaining a pillow (1D) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the pillow (1D) will be described below with a focus on differences from the pillow (1A) of the first embodiment and the pillow (1C) of the third embodiment.

  In this pillow (1D), the pillow main body (2) is formed by being folded in two layers in the thickness direction, like the pillow main body of the third embodiment. The direction of folding the unfolded pillow body (2) is different from the pillow body in the form. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, in the pillow (1D) of the fourth embodiment, the unfolded pillow body (2) has two layers in the thickness direction at the intermediate position (2d) in the width direction (Wp). It is folded.

  The other structure of this pillow (1D) is the same as the pillow (1C) of the said 3rd Embodiment.

  In the present invention, as a method of arranging the strain-generating plate (11) inside the pillow body (2), as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. A gap may be formed by slightly opening the end portions of the layers (2a) and (2b), and the strain plate (11) may be inserted through the gap and disposed inside the pillow body (2).

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the arrangement position of the strain-generating plate (11) inside the pillow body (2) is set to the intermediate position in the width direction (Wp) of the pillow body (2). In the present invention, in addition, for example, it may be set at a position on the neck side of the subject (H).

  In the third and fourth embodiments, the pillow body (2) is formed by being folded into two layers, but in the present invention, it is formed by being folded into three layers. Alternatively, it may be formed by being folded into four or more layers.

  In the present invention, the holding means for holding the pillow body (2) in a folded state in a plurality of layers is not limited to the hook-and-loop fastener (5). It may be a string. Alternatively, in the present invention, the pillow body (2) folded in a plurality of layers is covered with a pillow cover (including a pillow bag) to hold the pillow body (2) in a folded state in a plurality of layers. It may be made a thing.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to those shown in the above embodiments.

  In the present invention, a support sheet that elastically supports the strain generating plate (11) may be disposed on the lower surface of the strain generating plate (11).

  In the present invention, the strain detection means (12) is not limited to the strain gauge (12a), and may be other means.

  Of course, in the present invention, the sensor (10) is not limited to the one including the strain generating plate (11) and the strain detecting means (12).

  Further, in the present invention, the biological information measuring device (20) further includes the presence state of the subject (H) in the bed (30), for example, entering or leaving the subject (H) in addition to the biological information of the subject (H). May be configured to be detected.

  The present invention can be used for a pillow having a function of measuring biological information of a subject and a biological information measuring apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the pillow and the biological information measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in use. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pillow. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the pillow separated into a pillow body and a sensor. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the pillow sensor. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pillow according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the pillow separated into a pillow body and a sensor. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the pillow according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pillow. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the pillow according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pillow.

Explanation of symbols

1A to 1D: Pillow 2: Pillow body 2a, 2b: Folding layer 3: Pocket hole 3a: Opening portion 4: Hook fastener (sealing member)
5: Hook fastener (holding means)
10: Sensor 11: Strain plate 12: Strain detection sensor 14: Control means 15: Wireless communication means 16: Power source 18: Notification means 20: Biological information measuring device 30: Bed (bed)
H: Subject

Claims (11)

  A pillow characterized in that a sensor for measuring biological information of a subject is disposed inside the pillow body so as to be removable.   The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged in a position fixed with respect to the pillow body.   The sensor includes a band-shaped strain generating plate disposed in a state extending in the length direction of the pillow body, and a strain detecting unit that is attached to the strain generating plate and detects strain of the strain generating plate. The pillow according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:   The pillow according to claim 3, wherein the arrangement position of the strain generating plate in the pillow body is set at an equidistant position from the upper and lower surfaces of the pillow body toward the intermediate portion in the thickness direction of the pillow body. The pillow body is formed by being folded into a plurality of layers in a thickness direction so as to be expandable, and includes a holding means for holding the pillow body in a folded state in a plurality of layers. ,
5. The strain generating plate according to claim 3, wherein the strain generating plate is disposed between two adjacent layers in a plurality of folded layers constituting the pillow main body and sandwiched between both layers and fixed in position. pillow.   The pillow according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein an arrangement position of the strain generating plate in the inside of the pillow body is set to a position on the neck side of the subject. The placement position of the strain plate in the pillow body is set at the position of the subject's neck,
In the width direction of the pillow main body, the strain-generating plate has a side edge on the subject's neck side that is located below a side edge on the subject's head side of both side edges in the width direction of the strain-generating plate. The pillow according to claim 3, wherein the pillow is arranged in an inclined state.   The pillow according to claim 3, 4, or 7, wherein the strain plate is housed in a strain plate housing pocket hole provided inside the pillow body so as to be removable.   The pillow according to claim 8, wherein a sealing member that seals the opening is provided at the opening of the pocket hole. The sensor includes wireless communication means for transmitting an output signal from the sensor as a wireless signal,
The pillow according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein an operating power source of the sensor is attached to the strain generating plate. A pillow according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A biological information measuring apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing a subject's biological information based on an output signal from the pillow sensor.

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