JP2017205154A - Fluid cell-type mattress - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid cell-type mattress of a new structure in which an unpleasant feeling of seasickness can be prevented by stable support using the structure easily manufactured, while exhibiting superior body pressure dispersion action.SOLUTION: A fluid cell-type mattress is characterized as follows: multiple fluid cells 12, 22 are integrally formed by comprising an upper sheet 32 and a lower sheet 34 overlapped with each other; also, the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34 are overlapped with each other and fixed in the periphery of the fluid cells 12, 22; alternatively, the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34 are partially overlapped in a non-fixation manner in the periphery of the fluid cells 12, 22; communication paths 44, 46 for bringing fluid chambers 18, 28 into communication with each other are formed between overlapping surfaces of a non-fixation area 42 of the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34; also, a distance between the overlapping surfaces of the non-fixation area 42 of the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34 changes according to pressure in the communication paths 44, 46; and thereby the passage cross section of the communication paths 44, 46 is made variable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a mattress that constitutes a support surface that is laid on the upper surface of a bed and on which a user is placed, and in particular, at least a part of the support surface is constituted by a stretchable fluid cell having a fluid chamber therein. It relates to a mattress.

  Conventionally, fluid cell mattresses have been proposed for the purpose of improving sleeping comfort by dispersing body pressure. A fluid cell type mattress is an air cell in which a part of a support surface (expansion / contraction zone) for supporting a user can be expanded and contracted, such as a mat for preventing bed slip described in Japanese Patent No. 4409906 (Patent Document 1). It is constituted by. Then, the air cell is deformed according to the load (weight) exerted on the expansion / contraction zone by the user, so that the contact pressure (body pressure) of the expansion / contraction zone acting on the user is dispersed. Improvement of sleeping comfort is realized.

  By the way, in the floor slip prevention mat of Patent Document 1, a plurality of air cells constituting the expansion / contraction zone are communicated with each other by a communication pipe and communicated with a pump. The air cell expands and contracts vertically by the flow of air between the air cells and the supply and discharge of air into the air cell by a pump, so that the bed slip prevention effect can be exhibited. The floor slip prevention mat of Patent Document 1 is composed of upper and lower mat sheets in which air cells are superimposed on each other, and communication pipes that communicate the air cells with each other are formed in the upper and lower mat sheets, respectively. It is formed by mutually abutting the upper and lower openings of the connecting pipe component.

  However, the communication pipe shown in the floor slip prevention mat of Patent Document 1 is formed by abutting the upper and lower openings of the semi-cylindrical connecting pipe components formed on the upper and lower mat sheets, It is necessary to prepare a molding die provided with a molding portion of the connecting pipe constituting portion to form a mat sheet. Therefore, in order to change the passage cross-sectional area and the passage length of the communication pipe, it is necessary to prepare a new mold for forming the mat sheet, and the air flow characteristic through the communication pipe between the air cells is easy. It was not possible to adjust to change.

  Further, in order to form a communication pipe having a predetermined cross-sectional shape by abutting the semi-cylindrical connecting pipe components, high accuracy is required for the size and shape of the mat sheet including the connecting pipe components. At the same time, it is necessary to fix the upper and lower mat sheets with high precision while fixing the mat sheets to each other on the outside of the connecting pipe constituent part, which makes manufacturing difficult.

  Furthermore, since the communication pipe formed by abutting the connecting pipe components is always open and the passage cross-sectional area is in a constant communication state, the air flow between the air cells through the communication pipe is expanded and contracted. Therefore, the surface of the expansion / contraction zone is easily deformed. As a result, it is difficult for the user to stably support the mat upper surface, and there is a risk of giving the user an unpleasant feeling such as seasickness.

Japanese Patent No. 4409906

  The present invention has been made in the background of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the solution is to provide an excellent body pressure dispersion function and a stable feeling of unpleasant seasickness with a simple structure that is easy to manufacture. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid cell type mattress having a novel structure which can be prevented by the support.

  Hereinafter, the aspect of this invention made | formed in order to solve such a subject is described. In addition, the component employ | adopted in each aspect as described below is employable by arbitrary combinations as much as possible.

  That is, the first aspect of the present invention is a fluid cell type mattress in which at least a part of a support surface on which a user is placed is constituted by a fluid cell that is provided with a fluid chamber inside and can be expanded and contracted. The fluid cell is configured to include an upper sheet and a lower sheet on which the fluid cells are overlapped with each other, and the plurality of fluid cells are integrally formed by the upper sheet and the lower sheet, and around the fluid cells. The upper sheet and the lower sheet are overlapped and fixed to each other on the other hand, while the upper sheet and the lower sheet are partially unfixed and stacked around the fluid cell. A communicating path is formed between the overlapping surfaces of the non-adhering regions of the sheet to communicate the fluid chambers with each other, and the overlapping surfaces in the non-adhering regions of the upper sheet and the lower sheet Distance is that the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage by which changes according to the pressure in the communication passage is variable, and wherein.

  According to the fluid cell type mattress having the structure according to the first aspect as described above, a communication path communicating the fluid chamber of the fluid cell is formed between the overlapping surfaces of the upper sheet and the lower sheet in the non-adhering region. In addition, the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage is variable according to the internal pressure. Therefore, for example, when a load is input to the support surface, the passage cross-sectional area of the communication path is small at the initial input, and the amount of fluid flow through the communication path is small. By increasing the pressure in the fluid chamber, a good cushion action (elastic repulsive force) is ensured, and stable support for the user or the like is realized. On the other hand, since the passage cross-sectional area of the communication path increases due to an increase in pressure in the communication path due to input, the amount of fluid flow through the communication path increases, and the fluid in the fluid chamber of the fluid cell into which the load is input Flows into the fluid chamber of another fluid cell through the communication path, whereby the support surface is deformed into a shape corresponding to the body pressure distribution, and the body pressure is dispersed.

  Further, for example, when the load acting on the fluid cell is small, the passage cross-sectional area of the communication path is reduced, and the amount of fluid flowing through the communication path is limited. Therefore, stable support for the user and the like is realized. On the other hand, when the load acting on the fluid cell is large, the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage is increased, and the amount of fluid flowing through the communication passage is increased. By deforming, more efficient dispersion of body pressure is achieved.

  As described above, the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage is made variable in accordance with the input load on the support surface, so that the deformation characteristics of the support surface are passively adjusted in accordance with the input load, so that more comfortable sleeping is possible. Etc. can be provided.

  Further, the communication path is formed by providing a non-adhering region where the upper sheet and the lower sheet are non-adhered and overlapped around the fluid cell. Therefore, when the upper sheet and the lower sheet are overlapped and fixed to each other around the fluid cell component, the communication path can be easily formed by providing a partial non-adhesion region. In addition, by changing the non-adhesion area between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, it is possible to change the flow characteristics of the fluid in the communication path without changing the design of the molding die for the upper sheet and the lower sheet. Thus, the required deformation characteristics of the support surface can be realized easily and with high accuracy.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell mattress described in the first aspect, the upper sheet and the lower sheet are welded to each other around the fluid cell.

  According to the second aspect, by adopting welding as a fixing method for the upper sheet and the lower sheet that are overlapped with each other around the fluid cell forming portion, a process such as application of an adhesive is unnecessary, The sheet and the lower sheet can be easily fixed around the fluid cell forming portion.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell type mattress described in the first or second aspect, the upper sheet and the lower sheet of the fluid cell are in an initial state in which the inside of the communication path is equal to the atmospheric pressure. They are in contact with each other in a non-adhering region provided in the periphery.

  According to the third aspect, since the upper sheet and the lower sheet are in contact with each other at the communication passage forming portion in the initial state, the shape of the communication passage and the passage cross-sectional area in the initial state are stabilized, for example, to the support surface. Thus, the desired deformation characteristics of the support surface can be stably obtained at the initial input of the load.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell type mattress described in the third aspect, the upper portion in the non-adhering region provided around the fluid cell in an initial state in which the communication path is equal to the atmospheric pressure. The communication path is blocked by the contact between the sheet and the lower sheet.

  According to the fourth aspect, since the communication path is blocked in the initial state, for example, fluid flow through the communication path is prevented at the initial stage of input of the load to the support surface, so that deformation of the fluid cell is prevented. The elastic repulsive force of the fluid cell can be obtained more advantageously by being limited.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell type mattress described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the fluid chambers of the fluid cell are communicated with each other by the communication path. These fluid chambers are sealed against the atmosphere.

  According to the fifth aspect, the fluid chambers of the plurality of fluid cells are prevented from being discharged into the atmosphere without being opened to the atmosphere, and communicated with each other through the communication path. While preventing problems such as bottoming due to excessive discharge of fluid in the fluid chamber, the fluid flow through the communication path between the fluid chambers of multiple fluid cells allows the fluid cells to expand and contract, and supports The body pressure distribution on the surface is effectively realized.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell type mattress described in the fifth aspect, pressure receiving fluid chambers formed inside a plurality of support cells are communicated in series with each other by the communication passage. In addition, auxiliary cells that can be expanded and contracted are disposed on both sides in the communication direction of the support cells, and the fluid cell includes the support cells and the auxiliary cells, and the auxiliary cells are disposed inside the auxiliary cells. The formed auxiliary fluid chamber communicates with the pressure receiving fluid chamber of the support cell through the communication passage.

  According to the sixth aspect, since the auxiliary cell including the auxiliary fluid chamber communicated with the pressure receiving fluid chamber of the support cell is arranged, when the load is input to the support cell, the auxiliary cell receives from the pressure receiving fluid chamber of the support cell. The fluid can flow into the auxiliary fluid chamber, and the expansion and contraction of the support cell can be advantageously allowed with a larger stroke. Further, since the auxiliary cells are arranged on both sides in the communication direction with respect to the plurality of support cells communicated in series by the communication path, all of the support cells discharge fluid to both sides in the communication direction when a load is input. Therefore, any expansion / contraction deformation of each support cell is sufficiently allowed. Further, since the auxiliary cells are arranged on both sides in the communication direction with respect to the support cell, the auxiliary cells can be easily arranged in a region where the load is hardly applied in the fluid cell mattress.

  In addition, since the auxiliary cell provided at the end portion in the communication direction can make the communication direction of the support cell to the pressure receiving fluid chamber through the communication path only on one side, it is possible to obtain a large elastic repulsive force of the auxiliary cell. As a result, if an auxiliary cell is placed around the outer periphery of the fluid cell mattress, it can be placed at the end in the communication direction when sitting on the edge or when working on the fluid cell mattress by striking a hand or knee. The load can be stably supported by the auxiliary cell.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell mattress according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, an outer membrane of the fluid cell is formed on at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet. A plurality of concave portions are formed, and the upper sheet and the lower sheet are overlapped to cover the opening of the concave portion, and the upper sheet and the lower sheet are disposed around the opening of the concave portion. The sheets are fixed to each other.

  According to the seventh aspect, by forming the concave portion in at least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet, it becomes easy to obtain a fluid cell including a fluid chamber having a sufficient volume. In addition, a predetermined fluid chamber can be easily formed by stacking and fixing the upper sheet and the lower sheet around the opening of the concave portion.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell type mattress described in the seventh aspect, a flat overlapping portion is formed around the opening of the concave portion in the upper sheet and the lower sheet. The upper sheet and the lower sheet are overlapped and fixed to each other.

  According to the eighth aspect, by providing a flat overlapping portion around the opening of the concave portion, it is possible to secure a fixing area between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, and to fix the upper sheet and the lower sheet. Can be obtained sufficiently large. Therefore, the fluid cell mattress can be improved by preventing fluid leakage due to poor adhesion in the fluid cell, misalignment of the upper and lower sheets, puncture due to insufficient adhesion strength, and the like.

  In addition, since the relative displacement between the upper sheet and the lower sheet is allowed by the width of the overlapping portion in the surface direction orthogonal to the overlapping direction, the work of fixing the upper sheet and the lower sheet in the production of the fluid cell mattress is performed. Becomes easier.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell mattress described in the eighth aspect, the overlap portion has a width of 3 to 15 mm.

  According to the ninth aspect, when the width of the overlapping portion is 3 mm or more, the fixing operation of the upper sheet and the lower sheet in the overlapping portion is facilitated, and sufficient fixing strength can be secured. Furthermore, since the width of the overlapping portion is 15 mm or less, the distance between the fluid cells adjacent to each other with the overlapping portion interposed therebetween is reduced, and the uncomfortable feeling of the support surface due to the recess between the fluid cells is reduced. It is possible to provide a good sleeping comfort.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the fluid cell type mattress described in the eighth or ninth aspect, the width of the fixing region between the upper sheet and the lower sheet in the overlapping portion is larger than the width of the overlapping portion. 20 to 80%.

  According to the tenth aspect, the upper sheet and the lower sheet are secured with sufficient durability and reliability by the width of the fixing region of the upper sheet and the lower sheet being 20% or more with respect to the width of the overlapping portion. It can be fixed. Further, since the width of the fixing region of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is 80% or less with respect to the width of the overlapping portion, the relative positional deviation between the upper sheet and the lower sheet in the surface direction, the error of the fixing position, etc. The sticking area is prevented from varying due to the sticking area, and a sticking area having a predetermined area can be stably secured. Preferably, the fixing region is set at the center portion in the width direction of the overlapping portion, so that variations in the area of the fixing region can be effectively prevented.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the fluid cell type mattress described in any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein a plurality of the communication passages are formed, and the plurality of communication passages have a passage width. And a plurality of types in which at least one of the passage lengths is different.

  According to the eleventh aspect, by providing a plurality of types of communication passages having different fluid flow characteristics due to at least one of the passage width and the passage length being different, the difference in the ease of occurrence of fluid flow between the fluid cells. You can turn on. Thus, for example, in a fluid cell type mattress, in a region where a large load (body pressure) is likely to act, by providing a communication path with a small fluid flow resistance, it is possible to quickly disperse body pressure and By providing a communication path with a large fluid flow resistance in a region where the load is difficult to act in the type mattress, the amount of deformation of the support surface can be limited to enable stable support.

  According to the present invention, the communication passage formed by the non-adhering region of the upper sheet and the lower sheet has a variable passage sectional area according to the pressure in the communication passage. Since the deformation characteristics of the support surface are adjusted by the change, and stable support and body pressure dispersion can be appropriately realized according to the input, it is possible to provide good sleeping comfort and the like. Furthermore, a communication path can be easily formed when the upper sheet and the lower sheet are fixed, and a communication path having a different shape and fluid flow characteristics can be easily obtained.

The top view of the fluid cell type mattress as 1st embodiment of this invention. The front view of the fluid cell type mattress shown in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which expands and shows the principal part of the fluid cell type mattress shown in FIG. The partial top view which expands and shows the A section of the fluid cell type mattress shown in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the state into which the load was input into the support cell in the fluid cell type mattress shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a load is input to the support cell in the fluid cell mattress illustrated in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the principal part of the fluid cell type mattress as 2nd embodiment of this invention. The fragmentary top view which shows the principal part of the fluid cell type mattress as 3rd embodiment of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the principal part of the fluid cell type mattress as 4th embodiment of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 show a fluid cell type mattress (hereinafter, mattress) 10 as a first embodiment of the present invention. The mattress 10 includes support cells 12 as a plurality of fluid cells constituting the support surface 11. In the following description, the up-down direction means the up-down direction in FIG. 2 that is substantially vertical up-down direction in use.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the support cell 12 includes a pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 as a fluid chamber between an upper outer membrane 14 and a lower outer membrane 16 formed of a flexible membrane such as a synthetic resin. The supporting elastic body 20 as an elastic body is accommodated in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18. In the present embodiment, the upper outer membrane 14 has a reverse concave shape that opens downward, and the lower outer membrane 16 has a concave shape that opens upward. The pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 is formed between the upper outer membrane 14 and the lower outer membrane 16 by the openings of the membrane 16 being abutted with each other. The supporting elastic body 20 disposed in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 is preferably a porous elastic body having open cells, and is formed of, for example, a foamed urethane foam having a high foaming rate.

  The support cell 12 is allowed to deform in the vertical direction by allowing the upper outer membrane 14 and the lower outer membrane 16 to be deformed by the inflow and discharge of air into the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18. Note that the fluid in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 may be a gas other than air or a liquid, but is preferably a compressible fluid, which is more shocking due to the compressibility of the fluid. The cushioning property at the time of loading can be improved, and the acting force on the outer membranes 14 and 16 at the time of loading can be reduced by the compressibility of the fluid, so that the durability and load bearing performance can be improved. In the present embodiment, the fluid in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 is air.

  Further, a plurality of support cells 12 are integrally formed. That is, a plurality of support cells 12 arranged in the width direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1) of the mattress 10 are arranged, and the plurality of support cells 12 arranged in the width direction have their upper and outer films 14 connected to each other. These lower outer membranes 16 are connected to each other and integrally formed. In the present embodiment, a plurality of support cells 12 are also arranged in the length direction of the mattress 10 (vertical direction in FIG. 1), and the plurality of support cells 12 aligned in the length direction are also arranged above them. The outer membrane 14 is integrally connected to each other, and the lower outer membrane 16 is integrally connected to each other.

  On the other hand, auxiliary cells 22 as fluid cells are respectively arranged on the outer sides in the width direction of the plurality of support cells 12 arranged on the left and right in the width direction. The auxiliary cell 22 has a hollow structure including an auxiliary fluid chamber 28 as a fluid chamber between an upper outer membrane 24 and a lower outer membrane 26 formed of a flexible synthetic resin film or the like, and an auxiliary fluid. The chamber 28 has a structure in which a working elastic body 30 as an elastic means is accommodated. The auxiliary cell 22 is variable in volume by allowing deformation of the upper outer membrane 24 and the lower outer membrane 26 by allowing air to flow into and out of the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 and allowing it to expand and contract in the vertical direction. ing.

  In the auxiliary cell 22 of the present embodiment, the upper outer membrane 24 as a concave portion has a reverse concave shape that opens downward like the upper outer membrane 14 of the support cell 12, and the lower outer membrane as a concave portion. 26 has a concave shape that opens upward like the lower outer membrane 16 of the support cell 12, and the opening of the upper outer membrane 24 and the opening of the lower outer membrane 26 are abutted with each other. An auxiliary fluid chamber 28 is formed between the upper outer membrane 24 and the lower outer membrane 26.

  In addition, the working elastic body 30 accommodated in the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 is a sponge that is substantially the same as the support elastic body 20 of the support cell 12, and it is possible to reduce costs and simplify manufacturing and management by sharing parts. It is illustrated. In short, the auxiliary cells 22 of the present embodiment have substantially the same structure as the support cells 12 and are disposed at both ends of the mattress 10 in the width direction.

  The auxiliary cell 22 having such a structure is integrally connected to the support cells 12 arranged side by side in the width direction. That is, the upper outer membrane 24 of the auxiliary cell 22 and the upper outer membrane 14 of the support cell 12 are integrally connected to each other in the width direction, and the lower outer membrane 26 of the auxiliary cell 22 and the lower outer membrane of the support cell 12 are formed. 16 are connected to each other in the width direction and integrally formed.

  Further, the plurality of auxiliary cells 22 arranged side by side in the length direction are integrally connected to each other. That is, the upper and outer films 24 of the plurality of auxiliary cells 22 arranged in the length direction are integrally connected to each other, and the lower outer films 26 of the plurality of auxiliary cells 22 arranged in the length direction are connected to each other and integrated. Is formed.

  In the present embodiment, an upper sheet 32 in which a plurality of upper outer membranes 14 and a plurality of upper outer membranes 24 as concave portions are integrally formed continuously, and a plurality of lower outer membranes 16 and a plurality of lower outer membranes as concave portions. A plurality of support cells 12 and a plurality of auxiliary cells 22 are integrally connected to each other by a lower sheet 34 in which 26 is continuously formed integrally and stacked and fixed.

  Further, a flat upper overlap portion 36 is provided around the upper outer film 14 of the plurality of support cells 12 in the upper sheet 32. The upper overlapping part 36 is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the opening of each upper outer film 14, and extends between the adjacent upper outer films 14, 14 and between the adjacent upper outer films 14, 24. The upper overlapping portion 36 of the present embodiment is also formed around each upper outer membrane 24, extends between adjacent upper outer membranes 24, 24, and has an entire circumference at the outer peripheral end portion of the upper sheet 32. It is provided in an annular shape (frame shape) that extends over the entire area. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper outer film 14 and the upper outer film 24 are substantially quadrangular in plan view, and therefore the upper overlapping portion 36 is formed in a substantially lattice shape in plan view. .

  Furthermore, a flat lower overlap portion 38 is provided around the lower outer film 16 of the plurality of support cells 12 in the lower sheet 34. The lower overlapping portion 38 extends between the adjacent lower outer films 16 and 16 and between the adjacent lower outer films 16 and 26 so as to surround the outer periphery of the opening of each lower outer film 16. The lower overlapping portion 38 of the present embodiment is also formed around each lower outer membrane 26, extends between adjacent lower outer membranes 26, 26, and has an entire circumference at the outer peripheral end portion of the lower sheet 34. It is provided in an annular shape (frame shape) that extends over the entire area. In the present embodiment, since the lower outer membrane 16 and the lower outer membrane 26 are substantially square when viewed from the bottom, the lower overlapping portion 38 is formed in a substantially lattice shape when viewed from the bottom. Since the openings of the upper outer films 14 and 24 and the openings of the lower outer films 16 and 26 have shapes corresponding to each other, the upper outer films 14 and 24 are formed around the openings. The overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 formed around the openings of the lower outer films 16 and 26 have shapes corresponding to each other.

  Then, the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 of the lower sheet 34 are vertically overlapped, and the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 are welded to each other. 24 and the lower outer membranes 16 and 26 are abutted so as to cover each other to form the support cell 12 and the auxiliary cell 22. That is, the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 are entirely overlapped with each other, and, as shown by hatching in FIG. Partly welded in region 40).

  The width dimension W of the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 shown in FIG. 4 is desirably 3 mm or more from the viewpoint of ease of welding and ensuring the reliability of welding, and the support cell 12 and the auxiliary cell 22. In order to prevent the distance (interval) between the two from becoming too large and to form the support surface 11 without a sense of incongruity, it is desirable that the distance be 15 mm or less (3 mm ≦ W ≦ 5 mm).

  Further, the width W ′ of the region (fixed region 40) welded to each other in the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 is set to 20% or more and 80% or less with respect to the width dimension W of the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38. It is desirable that When the width W ′ of the fixing region 40 is less than 20% with respect to the width dimension W of the upper and lower overlapping portions 36, 38, the fixing region 40 becomes too narrow, and the durability and reliability of welding. On the other hand, if it exceeds 80%, the substantial width dimension of the fixing region 40 is caused by an error in the relative position in the surface direction of the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38. This is because it may cause problems such as it becomes difficult to ensure the stability stably. Note that the fixing region 40 is preferably set at the center in the width direction of the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38, so that an error in the relative position or welding position of the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 is easily allowed. Become.

  Here, a plurality of non-fixed regions 42 are provided in the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38. The non-fixed region 42 is a region where the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 are overlapped without being welded, and the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 can be separated from each other by deformation. The non-adhesion region 42 of the present embodiment is provided between the support cell 12 and the auxiliary cell 22 in the width direction, and is continuously provided over the entire length in the width direction of the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38. Furthermore, the non-adhesion region 42 of the present embodiment is located in the center in the length direction of the mattress 10 between the support cells 12 and the auxiliary cells 22 in the width direction.

  Further, communication paths 44 and 46 are formed between the overlapping surfaces of the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 in the non-adhering region 42, and the support cells 12 and 12 arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction are formed. The pressure receiving fluid chambers 18 and 18 are connected to each other by a communication passage 44, and the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 of the auxiliary cell 22 are connected to each other by a communication passage 46.

  In the present embodiment, the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 36 and the upper surface of the lower overlapping portion 38 are flat surfaces, respectively, and the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 36 are in an initial state where the communication passages 44 and 46 are at atmospheric pressure. The upper surface of the overlapping portion 38 is in contact with the non-fixed region 42. Furthermore, in the initial state where the inside of the communication passages 44 and 46 is at atmospheric pressure, the communication passages 44 and 46 are blocked by the contact between the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 as shown in FIG. Has been.

  Then, when a pressure larger than the atmospheric pressure acts between the overlapping surfaces of the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 in the non-adhering region 42, as shown in FIGS. The portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 are deformed so as to be separated from each other, and the communication paths 44 and 46 are opened between the overlap surfaces of the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 in the non-fixed region 42 and are in communication with each other. It is supposed to be. The communication passages 44 and 46 have a maximum passage cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 28, and the pressure receiving fluid chambers 18 and 18 of the supporting cells 12 and 12 adjacent to each other in the width direction. The pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the cell 12 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 of the auxiliary cell 22 are communicated with each other by narrowed communication paths 44 and 46. In FIG. 6, a state where the communication path 44 is closed in the initial state is illustrated by a two-dot chain line.

  Further, the separation distance in the overlapping direction of the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 in the non-adhering region 42 changes according to the pressure in the communication passages 44, 46, and the passage sectional area of the communication passages 44, 46 is changed. It is going to change. Since the passage cross-sectional areas of the communication passages 44 and 46 are made variable in this way, the fluid flow characteristics (flow resistance, etc.) in the communication passages 44 and 46 are passive according to the pressure in the communication passages 44 and 46. Has been changed. Note that the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34 constituting the walls of the communication passages 44 and 46 are preferably formed of a material having a certain degree of elastic stretchability. The communication passages 44 and 46 are switched to the communication state by the extension and deformation of the lower sheet 34.

  In the present embodiment, the pressure receiving fluid chambers 18 of the plurality of support cells 12 arranged side by side in the mattress width direction are communicated in series by the plurality of communication paths 44 and are arranged in the width direction. Auxiliary cells 22 are disposed on both sides in the width direction with respect to the plurality of support cells 12 disposed. The auxiliary fluid chambers 28, 28 of the auxiliary cells 22, 22 arranged on both sides in the width direction of the support cell 12 communicated with each other by the communication passage 44 are communicated with the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12. 46 is communicated. Note that the pressure receiving fluid chambers 18 of the plurality of support cells 12 and the auxiliary fluid chambers 28 of the plurality of auxiliary cells 22 communicated by the communication passages 44 and 46 are in a sealed state without being opened to the atmosphere. The occurrence of bottoming is prevented by avoiding the release of air to the bottom.

  The mattress 10 having such a structure is used by being laid on the bed 48. That is, the mattress 10 is disposed between the upper surface of the bed 48 and a user (not shown) so as to support the user in a cushioning manner, and the support surface 11 that supports the user is the upper surface of the mattress 10. It consists of And the support load of the user which acts on the support surface 11 by the support cell 12 which comprises the support surface 11 expands / contracts according to the pressure (body pressure) which a user exerts with respect to the support surface 11 of the mattress 10 is carried out. It is possible to disperse widely and provide a good sleeping comfort to the user.

  Here, when the pressure in the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 becomes larger than the atmospheric pressure due to the body pressure of the user acting on the support cell 12 and being compressed vertically, the support cell 12 is provided around the support cell 12. In the non-fixed region 42 thus formed, the pressure between the overlapping surfaces of the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 becomes larger than the atmospheric pressure. As a result, the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 are deformed so as to be separated from each other in the non-adhering region 42, and the communication paths 44, 46 are formed between the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 in the non-adhering region 42. Open. The air is discharged from the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 compressed through the communication passages 44 and 46, so that the contraction deformation of the support cell 12 is allowed.

  Further, when a compressive load acts on the plurality of support cells 12 communicated by the communication path 44, the support cell to which a small compressive load acts from the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 to which a larger compressive load acts. The air flows through the communication passage 44 to the twelve pressure receiving fluid chambers 18, and the support cells 12 are expanded and contracted according to the magnitude of the input compression load.

  Furthermore, the auxiliary cell 22 including the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 communicated with the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 by the communication path 46 is provided at both ends in the width direction of the mattress 10 where the load is difficult to act. When a compressive load is applied to the cell 12, the air discharged from the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 flows into the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 of the auxiliary cell 22 through the communication passage 46. Thereby, the contraction deformation amount of the support cell 12 is ensured more, and the dispersion effect of body pressure is exhibited more advantageously.

  According to the mattress 10 having the structure according to this embodiment, the distance in the overlapping direction of the upper overlapping portion 36 of the upper sheet 32 and the lower overlapping portion 38 of the lower sheet 34 in the non-fixed region 42 is the communication path. The communication passage 44 has a passage cross-sectional area that is variable as the internal pressure changes. As a result, fluid flow characteristics (flow resistance, etc.) through the communication passage 44 are passively changed according to the internal pressure, and the fluid passage characteristics between the pressure-receiving fluid chambers 18 of the plurality of support cells 12 are changed. The amount of fluid flow is adjusted according to the input to the support surface 11. As a result, the elastic deformation characteristic of the support cell 12 is adjusted according to the input, and the deformation characteristic of the support surface 11 constituted by the support cell 12 is adjusted according to the input, so that the deformation of the support surface 11 is allowed. Thus, it is possible to appropriately obtain a body pressure dispersion action by performing the process, a stable support by restricting the deformation of the support surface 11, a good cushion action, and the like.

  Specifically, for example, at the initial stage of input of the load to the support surface 11, the communication passage 44 is in a closed state or a communication state with a small passage cross-sectional area, and a plurality of support cells 12 communicated with each other through the communication passage 44. Since the amount of fluid flow is limited between the pressure receiving fluid chambers 18, the elastic repulsive force is sufficiently exerted in the support cells 12, and the user can be stably supported. On the other hand, the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage 44 increases as time passes from the start of load input, so that the amount of fluid flow between the pressure-receiving fluid chambers 18 of the plurality of support cells 12 communicated by the communication passage 44 increases. Therefore, the expansion and contraction of the support cell 12 is sufficiently allowed, and the body pressure is dispersed by the deformation of the support surface 11 corresponding to the body pressure distribution.

  In addition, when the input load is small, a small passage cross-sectional area is maintained in the communication passage 44, and the deformation amount of the support cell 12 is limited. Therefore, the shape stability is prevented without excessive deformation of the support surface 11. And sufficient cushioning action is secured. On the other hand, when a large load is input to the specific support cell 12, the internal pressure of the communication passage 44 increases and the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage 44 increases. Allowed by a large stroke, the body pressure dispersion action by the deformation of the support surface 11 is effectively realized.

  In this embodiment, the communication passage 46 that connects the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 of the auxiliary cell 22 to each other is connected to the communication passage 44 that connects the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12 to each other. Since the structure is the same, the fluid flow through the communication passage 46 between the support cell 12 and the auxiliary cell 22 can obtain the same effect as the fluid flow through the communication passage 44 between the plurality of support cells 12. Can do.

  The auxiliary cells 22 are arranged on both sides in the width direction with respect to the plurality of support cells 12 communicated in series in the width direction by the communication passage 44, and communicated by the support cells 12 and the communication passage 46. Yes. As a result, all the support cells 12 arranged side by side in the width direction are allowed to inflow and outflow of air by the communication passages 44, 44 or the communication passages 44, 46 provided on both sides in the width direction, and are expanded and contracted. Is fully acceptable.

  On the other hand, the auxiliary cells 22 are arranged at both ends in the width direction of the mattress 10 so that the load is difficult to act when the user is sleeping, and the auxiliary cells 22 are discharged from the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 12. The fluid flows into the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 to assist the expansion / contraction deformation of the support cell 12. Further, since the auxiliary cell 22 is provided with the communication passage 46 only on the inner side in the width direction, it is difficult to expand and contract as compared with the support cell 12, and the hand and knee to which a load is input to the auxiliary cell 22. For example, in a posture that leans on the head or when sitting on the edge, the elastic repulsive force is sufficiently exerted to realize stable support. In particular, the communication path 46 that connects the auxiliary cell 22 and the support cell 12 has the same structure as the communication path 44 that connects the plurality of support cells 12 to each other. Since the area is sufficiently small and the amount of fluid flowing through the communication passage 46 is limited, the elastic repulsive force of the auxiliary cell 22 can be obtained more advantageously.

  In the present embodiment, a flat upper portion 36 is formed around the plurality of upper outer films 14 in the upper sheet 32, and a flat lower layer is formed around the plurality of lower outer films 16 in the lower sheet 34. A portion 38 is formed, and the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 are overlapped and fixed to each other, whereby the plurality of support cells 12 are integrally formed. As a result, the plurality of support cells 12 can be handled integrally, and a pressure-receiving fluid chamber 18 having a large volume can be formed between the upper outer membrane 14 and the lower outer membrane 16.

  In addition, in the surface direction orthogonal to the overlapping direction (vertical direction) of the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34, the upper overlapping part 36 and the lower overlapping part 38 each having a predetermined width are overlapped and fixed to each other. A relative positional shift between the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34 is allowed. Even if the positions of the opening end portions of the upper outer membranes 14 and 24 and the lower outer membranes 16 and 26 are slightly shifted in the surface direction, the upper overlapping portion 36 and the lower overlapping portion 38 have a width. This is because it is possible to define the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 and the auxiliary fluid chamber 28 by fixing the periphery of the openings of the upper outer membranes 14, 24 and the lower outer membranes 16, 26 to each other. In order to secure the fixing region 40 between the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34, the relative positional shift between the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 34 in the surface direction is 20 with respect to the width of the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38. %, More preferably less than 10%.

  FIG. 7 shows a fluid cell mattress 50 as a second embodiment of the present invention. The mattress 50 includes a support cell 52 as a plurality of fluid cells disposed at an intermediate portion in the width direction and auxiliary cells 54 as a plurality of fluid cells disposed at both ends in the width direction. The upper sheet 32 and the flat lower sheet 56 which are the same as those of the embodiment are stacked and fixed. In the following description, members and parts that are grasped to be substantially the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted.

  More specifically, the lower sheet 56 has a flat film shape as a whole, and has a flat shape in which the lower outer film 58 is continuous with the lower overlapping portion 38. The upper overlapping portion 36 of the upper sheet 32 and the lower overlapping portion 38 of the lower sheet 56 are overlapped and welded to each other in the fixing region 40 and are not fixed to each other in the non-fixing region 42. It is superimposed. Thus, the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 is defined between the upper outer membrane 14 and the lower outer membrane 58, and a plurality of support cells 52 each including the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 are integrally formed.

  The pressure receiving fluid chambers 18 of the plurality of support cells 52 arranged side by side in the width direction are connected in series by the communication path 44, and the pressure receiving fluid chambers 18 are connected to each other by the communication path 44. Auxiliary cells 54 are disposed on both sides of the support cell 52 in the width direction.

  The auxiliary cell 54 has a structure in which an intermediate film 62 is disposed between the upper outer film 24 of the upper sheet 32 and the lower outer film 60 of the lower sheet 56. The auxiliary fluid chamber 28 defined therebetween is divided into upper and lower parts by an intermediate film 62, an expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64 is formed above the intermediate film 62, and a working chamber 66 is formed below the intermediate film 62. Has been. The intermediate film 62 has a reverse concave shape that opens substantially in the same downward direction as the upper outer film 24, and the opening end is welded to the lower sheet 56 over the entire circumference. Thus, the working chamber 66 is fluid-tightly separated from the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 52, and the expansion / contraction assisting chamber 64 is communicated with the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 52 through the communication passage 46.

  The action elastic body 30 is disposed in the action chamber 66, and the intermediate film 62 is urged toward the expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64 by the action elastic body 30. Furthermore, a through hole 68 is formed in the lower outer membrane 60 constituting the wall portion of the working chamber 66, and the working chamber 66 is opened to the atmosphere through the through hole 68.

  As is clear from the mattress 50 having the structure according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the concave portions on the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 56, respectively, and the concave portion is provided on either one, and the other is provided. Can be made flat without a concave portion. According to this, the positional deviation in the surface direction of the upper sheet 32 and the lower sheet 56 is allowed to be larger, and the manufacturing can be facilitated.

  Further, in the mattress 50 according to the present embodiment, when a load is input to the support surface 11 and the support cell 52 is vertically compressed, fluid is transferred from the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 52 to the expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64 of the auxiliary cell 54. Flows in, and the internal pressure of the expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64 increases. As a result, the intermediate film 62 is displaced downward against the urging force of the acting elastic body 30, and the volume of the expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64 is increased. Accordingly, the expansion / contraction deformation of the support cell 52 can be allowed with a large stroke without significant deformation of the outer membranes 24, 60 in the auxiliary cell 54, and the dispersion of body pressure can be advantageously realized. .

  Moreover, when the input to the support cell 52 is released, the intermediate film 62 is displaced toward the expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64 by the elasticity of the action elastic body 30, whereby the fluid is discharged from the expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64, and the expansion / contraction auxiliary chamber 64. When the fluid discharged from the fluid flows into the pressure receiving fluid chamber 18 of the support cell 52, the contraction of the support cell 52 is released.

  The principal part of the fluid cell type mattress 70 as 3rd embodiment of this invention is shown by FIG. In the mattress 70 of the present embodiment, the communication passages 44 that communicate with each other between the pressure-receiving fluid chambers 18 of the support cells 12 have communication passages 44a and 44b having different passage shapes.

More specifically, the passage width W _{1 of the} communication passage 44a is larger than the passage width W _{2 of} the communication passage 44b (W ₁ > W ₂ ), and the passage length L _{1 of} the communication passage 44a is the communication passage 44b. Is smaller than the passage length L ₂ (L ₁ <L ₂ ). As a result, the flow resistance of the fluid in the communication path 44a is made smaller than the flow resistance of the fluid in the communication path 44b, and the fluid flow through the communication path 44a is likely to occur. Is unlikely to occur.

  According to the mattress 70 having the structure according to this embodiment, the fluid flow is preferentially performed between the pressure receiving fluid chambers 18 of the support cells 12 communicated by the communication passage 44a with respect to the load input to the support surface 11. In the region of the support surface 11 that is formed by the support cells 12 that are communicated with each other through the communication path 44a, the deformation corresponding to the input is quickly completed. On the other hand, since fluid flow occurs gently between the pressure-receiving fluid chambers 18 of the support cells 12 communicated by the communication passage 44b, in the region of the support surface 11 constituted by the support cells 12 communicated by the communication passage 44b, A cushioning action by an elastic repulsive force is advantageously exhibited in the initial stage of input.

  In addition, in a plurality of types of communication paths, both the passage length and the passage width need not be different, and only one of the passage length and the passage width can be varied to vary the flow resistance of these communication paths. . Furthermore, a communication passage having a long passage length and a wide passage width and a communication passage having a short passage length and a narrow passage width may be used in combination.

  Moreover, you may employ | adopt combining 3 or more types of communicating paths from which at least one of a passage length and a passage width mutually differs.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the communication path 44 between the support cells 12 is configured by two types having different path shapes has been described. However, for example, the communication path 44 between the support cells 12, the communication between the support cell 12 and the auxiliary cell 22. The passage 46 may be another type of communication passage in which at least one of the passage width and the passage length is different from each other. Specifically, for example, the passage width of the communication passage 44 can be made larger than the passage width of the communication passage 46, and the passage length of the communication passage 44 can be made shorter than the passage length of the communication passage 46.

  According to such a structure in which the passage width and the passage length of the communication passage 44 between the support cells 12 and the communication passage 46 between the support cells 12 and the auxiliary cells 22 are different, the load input to the support surface 11 is prevented. The fluid flow between the support cells 12 is preferentially generated, and the deformation of the region constituted by the support cells 12 on the support surface 11 is completed quickly. On the other hand, while the fluid flow from the support cell 12 to the auxiliary cell 22 is generated following, the shape of the region constituted by the support cells 12 in the support surface 11 deformed according to the body pressure distribution is substantially maintained, The pressure in the entire area of the support surface 11 is reduced, and a good sleeping comfort due to a reduction in body pressure is realized.

  In addition, since the fluid flow from the auxiliary cell 22 to the support cell 12 is suppressed, when the load is input to the auxiliary cell 22 such as at the end of the seat, the elastic repulsive force of the auxiliary cell 22 is further increased. Effectively exerted, stable support can be realized.

  The communication passage 44 provided between the support cells 12 has a small passage width and a long passage length, and the communication passage 46 provided between the auxiliary cell 22 and the support cell 12 has a large passage width. In addition, the passage length may be short. According to this, for example, the deformation characteristic of the support cell 12 provided with the communication path on both sides in the width direction and the deformation characteristic of the auxiliary cell 22 provided with the communication path only on one side in the width direction may be set to be substantially the same. Could be possible.

  FIG. 9 shows a main part of a fluid cell type mattress 80 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the mattress 80 of the present embodiment, the upper overlap portion 36 of the upper sheet 32 and the lower overlap portion 38 of the lower sheet 34 are each wavy in the non-adhering region 42, and the inside of the communication passage 44 is set to a substantially atmospheric pressure. In the initial state, the communication path 44 is maintained in a communication state without being blocked.

  More specifically, the upper overlapping portion 36 of the upper sheet 32 has a curved shape in which the central portion in the length direction (left and right direction in FIG. 9) is convex downward in the non-fixed region 42 and the length direction. Both side portions have a corrugated cross-sectional shape that is curved upward and convex. On the other hand, the lower overlapping portion 38 of the lower sheet 34 has a curved shape in which the central portion in the length direction is convex upward and the both side portions in the length direction are convex in the downward direction in the non-fixed region 42. It has a wavy cross-sectional shape. The upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 are both flat in the fixing region 40.

  The upper overlapped portion 36 and the lower overlapped portion 38 that are stacked one above the other are in contact with each other at the center in the length direction in the non-adhering region 42, and both side portions in the length direction are separated vertically. In addition, the communication path 44 is in a communication state at both end portions in the length direction. In short, in the non-adhesion region 42 of the present embodiment, the upper overlap portion 36 of the upper sheet 32 and the lower overlap portion 38 of the lower sheet 34 are in partial contact, and the communication path 44 is formed in a region outside the contact portion. It is in a communication state.

  According to the mattress 80 having the structure according to the present embodiment, the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 are partially in contact with each other in the non-adhering region 42, and the communication path 44 is always formed in a communication state. Accordingly, the close contact between the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 is prevented, and the intended characteristics can be realized with high reliability. In addition, by adjusting the cross-sectional area of the communication path 44 in the initial state where the communication path 44 is at atmospheric pressure, the deformation characteristics of the support surface at the initial stage of load input to the support surface can be adjusted.

  Further, since the upper and lower overlapping parts 36 and 38 have a wavy cross section in the non-adhering region 42, the upper and lower overlapping parts 36 and 38 have a slack in the non-adhering region 42, and The deformation of the overlapping portions 36 and 38 is easily allowed to some extent. Thereby, the deformation characteristic of the support surface in the initial stage of input can be set softly.

  Further, since the upper and lower overlapping portions 36 and 38 have a slack in the non-fixed area 42, the maximum path disconnection of the communication path 44 with respect to the length of the non-fixed area 42 (the horizontal dimension in FIG. 9). A larger area can be obtained, and the degree of freedom in setting the passage cross-sectional area of the communication passage 44 is increased.

  In the present embodiment, the upper overlap portion 36 and the lower overlap portion 38 each have a wavy cross-sectional shape, so that the communication passage 44 is maintained in a communication state in an initial state in which the communication passage 44 is at atmospheric pressure. For example, the upper overlapped portion and the lower overlapped portion are formed by forming a protrusion or roughening the surface of at least one of the overlapped surfaces of the upper overlapped portion and the lower overlapped portion. A gap may be formed between the overlapping surfaces of the sections so that the communication path is maintained in a communication state in an initial state where the communication path is at atmospheric pressure.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited by the specific description. For example, the upper sheet and the lower sheet do not necessarily have to be formed with a constant thickness or material as a whole, and the passage cross-sectional area of the communication path can be changed by partially varying the thickness or material in the non-adhering region. It is also possible to control and adjust the flow characteristics of the fluid in the communication path.

  In the embodiment, the upper sheet has a structure in which a flat upper overlap portion is formed between a plurality of concave portions (upper outer membrane), and the lower sheet has a plurality of concave portions (lower outer membrane). A flat lower overlapping portion is formed between the upper overlapping portion and the lower overlapping portion, and the upper overlapping portion and the lower overlapping portion are overlapped and fixed to each other in the fixing region. These upper and lower overlapped portions are preferably provided in order to ensure securing strength, facilitate manufacturing, allow tolerances of member dimensions and positioning, etc., but can be omitted, for example, The opening of the concave portion of the upper sheet and the opening of the concave portion of the lower sheet may be abutted against each other and fixed.

  In the embodiment, the fluid cell mattress including the support cell and the auxiliary cell is illustrated as the fluid cell. However, for example, a structure in which all the fluid cells are configured by the support cell and do not have the auxiliary cell may be used. Further, the support surface may be partially made of urethane foam or the like, and there may be a portion that is not made of a fluid cell on the support surface.

  In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the fluid chambers of the fluid cells adjacent in the mattress width direction are communicated only in the width direction by the communication path. However, for example, instead of or in addition to the communication path extending in the mattress width direction. Thus, a communication passage extending in the length direction of the mattress can be formed, and the fluid chambers of fluid cells adjacent in the length direction can be communicated with each other by the communication passage. Needless to say, the fluid chambers of fluid cells adjacent in a plane direction other than the width direction and the length direction may be communicated with each other by a communication path. You may communicate between fluid chambers by a communicating path. Further, for example, a plurality of communication passages extending in the same direction can be formed in parallel between adjacent fluid cells, thereby securing the bonding strength between the upper sheet and the lower sheet in the fluid cell, while communicating with each other. A large passage cross-sectional area of the passage can be secured.

  In addition, it is not necessary that all the communication passages have the structure according to the present invention. For example, when the auxiliary cell is arranged at a position separated from the support cell, the support cell and the auxiliary cell are connected to the upper and lower sheets. It is also possible to connect by a communication path formed by a separate tube. Similarly, it is possible to use the tube in a part of the communication path connecting the support cells.

  The present invention, for example, detects the pressure distribution on the support surface with a pressure sensor, and controls the pump according to the detected pressure distribution, thereby performing the supply and discharge of fluid to and from the fluid chamber of the support cell, The present invention can also be applied to an active control type fluid cell type mattress that actively expands and contracts the support cell.

10, 50, 70, 80: fluid cell mattress, 11: support surface, 12, 52: support cell (fluid cell), 14: upper outer membrane (concave portion), 16: lower outer membrane (concave portion), 18 : Pressure receiving fluid chamber (fluid chamber), 22, 54: auxiliary cell (fluid cell), 24: upper outer membrane (concave portion), 26, 58, 60: lower outer membrane (concave portion), 28: auxiliary fluid chamber ( Fluid chamber), 32: upper sheet, 34, 56: lower sheet, 36: upper overlap part, 38: lower overlap part, 40: fixing area, 42: non-adhesion area, 44: communication path, 46: communication path

Claims (11)

A fluid cell type mattress in which at least a part of a support surface on which a user is placed is configured by a fluid cell having a fluid chamber therein and made extendable and contractible,
The fluid cell is configured to include an upper sheet and a lower sheet that are superposed on each other, and the plurality of fluid cells are integrally formed by the upper sheet and the lower sheet. While the upper sheet and the lower sheet are superposed and fixed around each other,
Around the fluid cell, the upper sheet and the lower sheet are partially overlapped with each other in a non-adhering manner, and the fluid chamber communicates between the overlapping surfaces of the non-adhering regions of the upper sheet and the lower sheet. A passage is formed, and the cross-sectional area of the communication passage is variable by changing the distance between the overlapping surfaces in the non-fixed region of the upper sheet and the lower sheet according to the pressure in the communication passage. A fluid cell type mattress characterized by being made.   The fluid cell type mattress according to claim 1, wherein the upper sheet and the lower sheet are welded to each other around a plurality of the fluid cells.   3. The fluid cell type according to claim 1, wherein the upper sheet and the lower sheet are in contact with each other in a non-adhering region provided around the fluid cell in an initial state in which the communication path is equal to the atmospheric pressure. mattress.   4. The communication path according to claim 3, wherein the communication path is blocked by contact of the upper sheet and the lower sheet in a non-adhering region provided around the fluid cell in an initial state in which the communication path is equal to the atmospheric pressure. Fluid cell mattress.   The fluid cell type mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fluid chambers of the fluid cell are communicated with each other by the communication path, and the fluid chambers are sealed against the atmosphere. .   Pressure receiving fluid chambers formed inside a plurality of support cells are communicated in series with each other by the communication passages, and auxiliary cells that can be expanded and contracted are disposed on both sides of the communication direction of the support cells. The fluid cell includes the support cell and the auxiliary cell, and an auxiliary fluid chamber formed in the auxiliary cell is communicated with the pressure receiving fluid chamber of the support cell by the communication path. 6. A fluid cell mattress according to claim 5.   At least one of the upper sheet and the lower sheet is formed with a plurality of concave portions constituting the outer membrane of the fluid cell, and the upper sheet and the lower sheet are overlapped to cover the opening of the concave portion. The fluid cell mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper sheet and the lower sheet are fixed to each other around the opening of the concave portion.   A flat overlapping portion is formed around the opening of the concave portion in the upper sheet and the lower sheet, and the overlapping portions of the upper sheet and the lower sheet are overlapped and fixed to each other. Item 8. The fluid cell type mattress according to Item 7.   The fluid cell type mattress according to claim 8, wherein a width of the overlapping portion is 3 to 15 mm.   The fluid cell mattress according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a width of a fixing region between the upper sheet and the lower sheet in the overlap portion is 20 to 80% with respect to a width of the overlap portion.   The fluid according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a plurality of the communication passages are formed, and the plurality of communication passages include a plurality of types in which at least one of a passage width and a passage length is different. Cell mattress.

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