JP2020005932A - Cushion device for chair - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cushion device for a chair for allowing a chair user to stably change a sitting posture.SOLUTION: A cushion device 100 for wheelchair obtained by applying the present invention to a wheelchair includes: a cushion body 2 to be placed on a seat surface of a wheelchair; and at least a pelvis air bag AB(PL) to be held between a seat surface of the wheelchair and the cushion body. Air is supplied to the pelvis air bag AB(PL) to expand or deair is performed for contraction. The expansion/contraction of the pelvis air bag AB(PL) allows a sitting posture of a wheelchair user to change via the cushion body 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a cushion device that is used by being placed on a chair that sits for a long time.

  Chairs that sit for a long time include office chairs, car seats, and wheelchairs. For example, a wheelchair is a self-propelled wheelchair in which a user operates with his or her hands or feet to move, an assistive wheelchair in which an assistant pushes and moves (Patent Documents 1 and 2), and an electric wheelchair in which wheels are driven by an electric motor (Patent Reference 3) is known. Wheelchairs with a tilt / recline mechanism are commercially available for users who have difficulty maintaining a sitting posture. The tilt angle of the backrest of the wheelchair can be adjusted by the reclining mechanism. The tilt mechanism can adjust the tilt angle of the seat while keeping the angle between the backrest and the seat surface constant.

  In a nursing care setting, problems such as pressure ulcers and impaired blood circulation occur as a wheelchair user spends a long time sitting in a wheelchair. In addition, it is known that, for example, elderly people who cannot maintain a sitting posture have a high rate of being in a bad posture, which causes problems such as a short breathing and a decrease in motivation for living.

  Patent Literature 4 proposes an airbag that is mounted on a wheelchair and used as a countermeasure against pressure ulcers. The airbag has a number of air cells arranged in the entire area of the seat, and the air cells are filled with air.

  Patent Literature 5 discloses that a seat surface layer on which a seated person sits, four rectangular air cells arranged below the seat surface layer, and an air cell that is vertically There has been proposed a cushion having an upper holding plate and a lower holding plate which are sandwiched from the front.

  The upper holding plate is composed of four divided pieces corresponding to each air cell, and a sheet-shaped body pressure sensor thin film is disposed thereon. The lower holding plate has a single rectangular shape and is made of a hard resin. This cushion is installed on a wheelchair by placing a lower clamping plate having a rigid rectangular shape on the seat surface of the wheelchair.

  Each air cell is connected to an air pump via a hose, and the hose is provided with a valve. By controlling the valve, air can be supplied to each air cell and air can be removed from each air cell. Thus, the body pressure distribution of the seated person can be adjusted by adjusting the internal pressure of each cell.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-33317 JP-A-10-272158 JP 2014-171607 A JP 2009-195616 A JP 2012-71099 A

  In the field of nursing care, there is a demand for helping those in need of care to use their remaining abilities to maintain their daily lives. For example, by leaning the seating posture of the wheelchair user forward when eating, the wheelchair user can enjoy the meal in a posture that is easy to swallow while watching the dishes arranged at the dining table. In addition, by making the sitting posture of the wheelchair user tilt backward, the stress of the wheelchair user can be reduced.

  In a very limited space of a wheelchair, the change of the sitting posture of the wheelchair user can be realized by the assistant inserting, for example, several folded towels or cushions between the wheelchair and the user. However, there is a situation in which nursing care sites are chronically short of labor and cannot afford to adjust the sitting posture of wheelchair users.

The present inventors have devised the present invention in view of the present situation.
An object of the present invention is to provide a chair cushion device that can stably convert a sitting posture of a user sitting on a chair for a long time. Chairs to which the present invention can be applied include office chairs, car seats, wheelchairs, etc., which sit for a long time.

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above technical objects,
A cushion device having a cushion body that can be placed on a chair and directly supports the body of a chair user, wherein the cushion body includes a base and a cushion material attached to a surface of the base. ,
A pelvic airbag interposed between the chair and the cushion body, and positioned at a portion corresponding to a pelvic portion of a chair user,
An air pump,
A pelvic airbag hose connected to the air pump and the pelvic airbag and supplying air from the air pump to the pelvic airbag;
An air supply mode incorporated into the pelvis airbag hose and supplying air from the air pump to the pelvis airbag, and a bag isolation mode for disconnecting the pelvis airbag and the air pump to isolate the pelvis airbag And a valve for a pelvic airbag that can take a degassing mode of degassing the air of the pelvic airbag,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the air pump and the valve for the pelvic airbag,
A controller for receiving a manual operation of an operator,
An operator operates the controller to supply air to the pelvic airbag to inflate the pelvic airbag, or to deflate the pelvic airbag by evacuating the pelvic airbag to provide a chair. The present invention is achieved by providing a cushion device for a chair, wherein a sitting posture of a user is converted through the cushion main body.

  According to the cushion device of the present invention, the pelvic airbag is interposed between the seating surface of the chair and the cushion body, and the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag is adjusted by supply and deaeration of air, thereby supporting the cushion body. In this state, the pelvis of the chair user can be raised or lowered to tilt the pelvis forward and backward. Since this is performed in a state of being supported by the cushion body, it is possible to stably convert the sitting posture of the chair user. In other words, when the buttocks of the chair user are directly lifted or lowered with the pelvic airbag, the seat surface composed of the airbag is soft, so that the posture of the chair user collapses, and the pelvis leans forward, Can't guide backwards well. The cushion body included in the present invention may be constituted only by the seat portion, but preferably has a seat portion and a backrest portion.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a thigh airbag positioned at a portion corresponding to a thigh portion of a chair user. This thigh airbag is also interposed between the seat surface of the chair and the cushion body. In addition to the thigh airbag, or without the thigh airbag, it further includes a subthorax airbag positioned at a location corresponding to the chair user's subthorax. This sub-thoracic airbag is also interposed between the back of the chair and the cushion body.

  The thigh airbag and the infrathoracic airbag may be supplied or evacuated in conjunction with the pelvic airbag. For this purpose, an electric air pump is prepared for each airbag or a large electric air pump is prepared. There is a need.

  When adjusting the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag, thigh airbag, and subthorax airbag using a single electric air pump, that is, a common electric air pump, for example, first adjust the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag, and when this is completed, Next, the degree of inflation of the thigh airbag is adjusted, and when this is completed, the air is preferably supplied to each airbag in turn, such as adjusting the degree of inflation of the subthorax airbag (pelvic air). Bag → thigh airbag → subthorax airbag). The order of the thigh airbag and the subthorax airbag may be reversed (pelvic airbag → subthorax airbag → thigh airbag). The adjustment of the thigh airbag and the subthorax airbag may be performed alternately. With such a sequential supply of air, a relatively small pump is sufficient for a common electric air pump.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a controller for accepting a manual operation by an operator is provided with a plurality of sitting posture mode buttons. For example, in the case of a wheelchair, for example, the most suitable basic sitting posture for a chair user is associated with a mode button corresponding to a forward leaning sitting posture suitable for eating and a backward leaning sitting posture suitable for rest. .

  By operating the mode button, a preset basic sitting posture, eating posture, and resting posture can be taken. In each of these modes, in the initial setting, in a state where the chair user is actually seated, air is supplied to or degassed from each airbag to create a sitting posture suitable for the chair user in each mode. Information on the degree of inflation of each airbag that can be performed may be stored in the memory.

  The control information stored in the memory is, in the initial setting, an air supply amount capable of creating a sitting posture for each mode (in the initial setting, when deaeration is performed, the air supply amount in consideration of the deaeration amount). The air pressure may be the internal pressure of each airbag in each sitting mode of each mode, the body pressure received by each airbag from a chair user, or the height of each airbag.

  In the actual use situation after the initial setting is completed, for example, in the process of selecting the basic mode and using the chair, or when it is desired to finely adjust the sitting posture in the basic mode, the operator operates the controller. The basic sitting posture may be finely adjusted by supplying air to a desired airbag or evacuating the airbag. In the forward leaning posture mode and the backward leaning posture mode, similarly, the controller can be operated as needed to finely adjust the sitting posture.

  In a further preferred embodiment, it is possible to perform fluctuation control. In the fluctuation control, air supply or deaeration is performed in a predetermined cycle or a random cycle, typically around a basic sitting posture. Thus, the seating posture of the chair user can be converted around the basic sitting posture.

  The base constituting the cushion main body included in the present invention may be a flat plate-like shape, or may have a three-dimensional shape along a standard human body outer shape. More preferably, it may have a three-dimensional shape obtained from a chair user who actually uses the chair.

It is the whole cushion apparatus of an example applied to a wheelchair. It is sectional drawing of the cushion main body contained in the cushion apparatus of the Example applied to the wheelchair. It is a functional block diagram of each valve contained in the cushion device of the example applied to a wheelchair. It is a figure for explaining a plurality of operation buttons for controlling each airbag valve contained in a controller contained in a cushion device of an example applied to a wheelchair. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the contents of control by the valve control button shown in FIG. 4. 6 is a flowchart for specifically explaining control of a valve and an electric air pump in connection with the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. It is a diagram for explaining a sitting posture required by the wheelchair user in everyday life, and is a diagram for explaining a plurality of sitting postures required by the wheelchair user in everyday life, It is a figure showing the sitting posture which can be realized by the cushion device for wheelchairs of an example. It is a figure for explaining a seating posture mode selection button incorporated in a controller included in a cushion device for a wheelchair of an example.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a wheelchair will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Drawing 1 is a figure for explaining the whole outline of the cushion device for wheelchairs of an example. The illustrated wheelchair cushion device 100 can be detachably applied to various types of commercially available wheelchairs, but is typically applied to an assisted wheelchair as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. .

  The cushion device 100 has a cushion main body 2, and the cushion main body 2 can be installed on a seating surface (not shown) of a wheelchair. As shown in FIG. 2, the cushion main body 2 includes a base 4 and a cushion material 6 attached to the surface of the base 4. The cushion body 2 has a seat 8 and a backrest 10. The cushion main body 2 is preferably connected to the seat 8 such that the backrest 10 can be interlocked with the seat 8 in order to be adapted to a wheelchair with a reclining mechanism. For a wheelchair without a reclining mechanism, it is preferable that the seat 8 and the backrest 10 are formed as a single-piece molded product, or that the seat 8 and the backrest 10 are connected by a cover surrounding the same. The base 4 preferably has an appropriate hardness and thickness that can induce a posture response of a wheelchair user by inflation or contraction of the airbag AB described later.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an airbag AB is arranged on the back surface of the seat portion 8 and the backrest portion 10 of the cushion main body 2. The airbag AB includes one pelvic airbag, one thigh airbag, and one sub-thoracic airbag. In particular, when describing the pelvic airbag, “PL” is added after the reference sign AB. In particular, when describing a thigh airbag, “TH” is added after reference numeral AB. In particular, when describing the subthorax airbag, “INF” is added after the reference sign AB.

  The pelvic airbag AB (PL) has a shape extending in the width direction of the seat portion 8 and has a size capable of receiving the load of the entire pelvis of the wheelchair user by one pelvic airbag AB (PL). I have. The thigh airbag AB (TH) has a shape extending in the width direction of the seat portion 8 and has a size capable of receiving a load on the left and right thighs of the wheelchair user with one thigh airbag AB (TH). Have. As a modification, the thigh airbag AB (TH) may be divided into two, and the left and right thighs of the wheelchair user may be supported by independent airbags. The infrathoracic airbag AB (INF) has a shape extending in the width direction of the backrest portion 10, and has a size capable of supporting a wheelchair user's infrathoracic with one infrathoracic airbag AB (INF). ing.

  Reference numeral 12 shown in FIG. 1 indicates a pair of trunk pads that are preferably detachably installed on both sides of the upper body of a wheelchair user. The trunk pad 12 is optional, and may be installed between the main body of the backrest 10 of the cushion main body 2 and a cover surrounding the main body, or may be installed on the surface of the backrest 10 of the cushion main body 2. Good. When the left and right trunk pads 12 are installed on the back surface of the backrest portion 10, they may be constituted by airbags AB.

  The airbag AB and the left and right trunk pads 12 can be fixed at desired positions using, for example, a double-sided adhesive tape 14. As a modified example, a pocket (not shown) may be prepared in the cushion body 2 and the airbag AB and the trunk pad 12 may be arranged in this pocket.

  The wheelchair cushion device 100 includes a single electric air pump 20. The electric air pump 20 is connected to each airbag AB by a hose 22, and each hose 22 is provided with a three-position switching valve 24. The supply of air to each airbag AB is performed by a single electric air pump 20, which is a common pump. Regarding the three-position switching valve 24, particularly when describing a valve related to the pelvis airbag AB (PL), the reference numeral "24" is followed by "PL". In addition, when describing a valve particularly related to the thigh airbag AB (TH), “TH” is added after the reference numeral “24”. When describing a valve particularly related to the subthorax airbag AB (INF), “INF” is added after the reference numeral “24”.

  The above-described base 4 of the cushion body preferably includes a plurality of recesses (not shown) each having a shape in which a part of the bottom surface is cut away. The recess allows the hose 22 and the airbag AB to be positioned by receiving a part of each hose 22 and each airbag AB.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the three-position switching valve 24 employed in the embodiment. The three-position switching valve 24 includes a first position for disconnecting the electric air pump 20 and the airbag AB to isolate the airbag AB, a second position for supplying air from the electric air pump 20 to the airbag AB, an airbag AB. A third position for degassing can be taken.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the wheelchair cushion device 100 includes a control unit 30. The control unit 30 is configured by a microcomputer including the memory M. The electric air pump 20 and the three-position switching valve 24 are controlled by the control unit 30. Electric power is supplied to the control unit 30 and the electric air pump 20 from, for example, a lithium ion battery 32.

  Further, the wheelchair cushion device 100 includes a controller 34 operated by a caregiver or a wheelchair user. The controller 34 can be connected to the control unit 30 by wire or wirelessly.

  The control unit 30 controls the degree of inflation of the airbag AB by controlling the electric air pump 20 and the three-position switching valve 24 in accordance with the operation of the controller 34 described later in detail and a program stored in the memory M in advance.

  When an abnormality occurs in the wheelchair cushion device 100, an alarm indicating that the abnormality has occurred is issued to the outside by an alarm means 36 such as a lamp or a buzzer.

  FIG. 4 shows various buttons included in the controller 34 that accepts manual operation by a caregiver or a wheelchair user. The controller 34 includes a main power button 40, an air supply button 42 associated with each airbag AB, and a deaeration button 44.

  Regarding the air supply button 42 and the deaeration button 44, "PL" is added when describing the buttons 42 and 44 particularly related to the pelvic airbag AB (PL). In addition, when describing the buttons 42 and 44 particularly related to the thigh airbag AB (TH), “TH” is added. In addition, when describing the buttons 42 and 44 particularly relating to the subthorax airbag AB (INF), "INF" is added.

  The air supply button 42 and the deaeration button 44 shown in FIG. 4 are mainly used when the wheelchair user uses the wheelchair cushion device 100 for the first time, at the time of initial setting. Of course, it can also be used when making fine adjustments while using a wheelchair.

  With reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the control when the various buttons shown in FIG. 4 are depressed will be described. It should be understood that all airbags AB have all the air contained therein evacuated.

  When the main power button 40 is depressed (S1), the process proceeds to step S2, where it is determined whether or not the air supply button 42 and the deaeration button 44 are depressed, and the air supply button 42 or the deaeration button 44 is depressed. In some cases, the process proceeds to step S3, in which the electric air pump 20 is started and / or the operation of the corresponding valve 24 is executed. The control in step S3 will be described later based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the control in step S3 ends, the process proceeds to step S4, in which the control of the electric air pump 20 and / or the valve 24 is ended. In step S1, if the main power button 40 is not operated, the operation of the electric air pump 20 is stopped (S5), and the current position of the valve 24 is maintained.

  The control related to the pressing operation of the air supply button 42 and the like will be described below based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and in relation to the pelvic airbag AB (PL).

  It should be understood that all airbags AB have all the air contained therein evacuated. When the air supply button 42 (PL) is depressed while the wheelchair user is sitting on the wheelchair, the process proceeds from step S30 to step S31, where the electric air pump 20 is started. Subsequently, in step S32, the valve 24 (PL) for the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is set to the second position. As a result, the supply of air from the electric air pump 20 to the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is started, the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is inflated, and the wheelchair user lifts the buttocks via the cushion body 2.

  When the wheelchair user or the assistant observing the wheelchair releases the pressing operation of the air supply button 42 at the time when the sitting posture of the wheelchair user is considered to be good, the process proceeds from step S33 to step S34, and the pelvis The valve 24 (PL) for the airbag AB (PL) is set at the first position, and subsequently the operation of the electric air pump 20 is stopped. Thereby, the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is in an isolated state, and the inflated state is maintained.

  When the wheelchair user or the caregiver observing the wheelchair determines that the sitting posture of the wheelchair user is leaning forward a little too much, and depresses the degassing button 44 (S36), the pelvic airbag AB (PL) ) Valve 24 (PL) is set to the third position (S37), the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is evacuated, and the wheelchair user lowers his buttocks via the cushion body 2.

  As can be understood from the above description, the wheelchair user or the caregiver observing the wheelchair can operate the air supply button 42 and the deaeration button 44 of the controller 34 to adjust the seating posture of the wheelchair user. it can. Then, the operation state and the time of the electric air pump 20 and the valve 24 associated with this operation are stored in the memory M (S38).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a plurality of sitting postures required by a wheelchair user in daily life, and shows the sitting postures that can be realized by the wheelchair cushion device 100. In FIG. 7, a commercially available wheelchair is denoted by reference numeral 50. Reference numeral 52 indicates a wheelchair user.

  “Basic posture” shown in FIG. 7 indicates the most basic sitting posture of the wheelchair user 52. “Resist” indicates a sitting posture in which the wheelchair is allowed to lean backward from the basic posture. The “eating posture” indicates a sitting posture in which the wheelchair user 52 leans forward to a degree convenient for eating.

  As a general theory, the relationship between the state of the seat surface and the posture reaction is known. In the sitting position, lowering the pelvis height from the intermediate position where the pelvis is slightly inclined forward lowers the pelvis, and raising the pelvis tilts forward. The elevation of the pelvis is only a few centimeters. When the pelvis leans forward, the spine extends, and the trunk responds naturally to the forward lean. On the other hand, when the pelvis tilts backward, the upper body tends to fall backward, and in response to this, it becomes a stoop to avoid it in compensation.

  The conversion of the sitting posture by the wheelchair cushion device 100 of the embodiment is based on the relationship between the state of the seat surface and the posture response.

  The “rest” posture and the “meal” posture shown in FIG. 7 are basically induced by the backward and forward leaning of the pelvis. Specifically, in the “rest” position, the pelvis is tilted rearward by contracting the pelvic airbag AB (PL) to lower the pelvic height level, and then moving the upper body of the wheelchair user 52 backward. The lower thorax airbag AB (INF) is contracted and the thigh airbag AB (TH) is inflated to lift the thigh. This can guide the “rest” posture.

  In the "meal" position, the pelvis is tilted forward by inflating the pelvic airbag AB (PL) to raise the level of the pelvis, and the thorax to tilt the upper body of the wheelchair user 52 forward. The lower airbag AB (INF) is inflated to push the back of the wheelchair user forward, and in addition, the thigh airbag AB (TH) is contracted to lower the thigh. Thereby, the "meal" posture can be induced.

  The “transfer” posture shown in FIG. 7 means a forward leaning posture in which the wheelchair user 52 easily moves when moving on the toilet or the bed. For example, the transfer posture can be created by inflating the pelvic airbag AB (PL) and the infrathoracic airbag AB (INF) and contracting the thigh airbag AB (TH) from the basic posture.

  The optimal sitting posture in each posture such as the basic posture can be adjusted by operating the air supply button 42 and the deaeration button 44 (FIG. 4) of the controller 34. Then, the operating state and time of the electric air pump 20 and the valve 24 when each sitting posture is created are stored in the memory M corresponding to each sitting posture.

Initial setting of each sitting posture will be described below. Initial setting is performed in the following procedure.
(1) Degassing process:
Degas all airbags AB (PL), AB (TH), AB (INF). This deaeration is performed by depressing the deaeration button 44 of the controller 34. This deaeration step is generally performed in a state where the user 52 is seated on the wheelchair 50.

(2) Basic sitting posture setting process:
This is performed in a state where the user 52 is seated on the wheelchair 50.

(2-1) Adjustment of pelvic airbag AB (PL):
This is performed by depressing the air supply button 42 (PL) of the controller 34. As a result, air is supplied to the pelvic airbag AB (PL), and the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is inflated. When the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) becomes appropriate, the pressing operation of the air supply button 42 (PL) is released. As a result, the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is fixed.

(2-2) Adjustment of thigh airbag AB (TH):
Following adjustment of the pelvic airbag AB (PL), adjustment of the thigh airbag AB (TH) is performed. This adjustment is performed by depressing the air supply button 42 (TH) of the controller 34. Thereby, air is supplied to the thigh airbag AB (TH), and the thigh airbag AB (TH) is inflated. When the degree of inflation of the thigh airbag AB (TH) becomes appropriate, the pressing operation of the air supply button 42 (TH) is released. Thereby, the degree of inflation of the thigh airbag AB (TH) is fixed.

(2-3) Fine adjustment of pelvic airbag AB (PL) and thigh airbag AB (TH):
If necessary, finely adjust the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) and the thigh airbag AB (TH). This fine adjustment is first performed from the pelvic airbag AB (PL) if fine adjustment of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is necessary. That is, by operating the air supply button 42 (PL) and the deaeration button 44 (PL) of the controller 34, air is further added to the pelvic airbag AB (PL) to further increase the pelvic airbag AB (PL). Slightly inflate or deflate air from pelvic airbag AB (PL) to slightly contract pelvic airbag AB (PL). When the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) becomes appropriate, the pressing operation of the air supply button 42 (PL) or the deaeration button 44 (PL) is released. As a result, the degree of inflation of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) is fixed.

  Next, if fine adjustment of the thigh airbag AB (TH) is necessary, the degree of inflation of the thigh airbag AB (TH) is finely adjusted. That is, by operating the air supply button 42 (TH) and the deaeration button 44 (TH) of the controller 34, air is further added to the thigh airbag AB (TH) to further increase the thigh airbag AB (TH). Slightly inflate or deflate air from femoral airbag AB (TH) to slightly contract femoral airbag AB (TH). When the degree of inflation of the thigh airbag AB (TH) becomes appropriate, the pressing operation of the air supply button 42 (TH) or the deaeration button 44 (TH) is released. Thereby, the degree of inflation of the thigh airbag AB (TH) is fixed.

  Fine adjustment of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) and the thigh airbag AB (TH) is repeated as necessary to create an optimal state for the wheelchair user 52.

(2-4) Adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF):
After the adjustment of the pelvic airbag AB (PL) and the thigh airbag AB (TH) is completed, the adjustment of the subthoracic airbag AB (INF) is performed next. This adjustment is performed by depressing the air supply button 42 (INF) of the controller 34. As a result, air is supplied to the infrathoracic airbag AB (INF), and the infrathoracic airbag AB (INF) is inflated. When the degree of inflation of the infrathoracic airbag AB (INF) becomes appropriate, the operation of pressing down the air supply button 42 (INF) is released. As a result, the degree of inflation of the infrathoracic airbag AB (INF) is fixed. If the infrathoracic airbag AB (INF) is inflated too much, the air release button 44 (INF) of the controller 34 is depressed to evacuate the air from the infrathoracic airbag AB (INF).

  Through this series of operations, the basic sitting posture of the user 52 is determined. The operation time of each of the buttons 42 and 44 (the operation time of the valve 24) and the operation time of the electric air pump 20 operated to create the basic sitting posture are associated with a basic mode button 60 (FIG. 8) described below. Stored in the memory M.

  As a procedure for adjusting each airbag AB, the adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF) may precede the thigh airbag AB (TH) (pelvic airbag AB (PL) → subthorax airbag AB ( INF) → Thigh airbag AB (TH)). The adjustment of the thigh airbag AB (TH) and the adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF) may be performed alternately.

  FIG. 8 shows a mode selection button included in the controller 34. The mode selection button includes a basic mode button 60, a rest mode button 62, a meal mode button 64, and preferably a fluctuation mode button 66. The basic mode button 60, the rest mode button 62, and the meal mode button 64 correspond to the basic posture, rest (slightly leaning backward from the basic posture), and meal (slightly leaning forward from the basic posture) shown in FIG. I have.

Mode selection operation:
When the basic mode button 60, the rest mode button 62, and the meal mode button 64 shown in FIG. 8 are depressed, the control information corresponding to each mode button stored in the memory M is read and the next control is executed. .

(1) Degassing process:
Degas all airbags AB (PL), AB (TH), AB (INF). This deaeration is performed by setting the valves 24 of all the airbags AB to the third position for a predetermined time.

(2) Steps to reproduce the sitting posture in each mode:
Now, assuming that the basic mode button 60 is depressed, the operations of the electric air pump 20 and the valve 24 are reproduced based on the control information on the basic attitude mode stored in the memory M. Thereby, the basic sitting posture determined by the initial setting can be reproduced.

  Although the basic mode button 60 has been described above, the initial settings related to the rest mode button 62 and the meal mode button 64 are substantially the same as the initial settings described above in relation to the basic mode button 60.

Initial settings related to resting posture and resting mode button 62:
(1) Degassing process:
Degas all airbags AB (PL), AB (TH), AB (INF).
(2) Rest posture setting process:
This is performed in a state where the user 52 is seated on the wheelchair 50. The following procedure is performed similarly to the initial setting of the basic posture.
(2-1) Adjustment of pelvic airbag AB (PL):
(2-2) Adjustment of thigh airbag AB (TH):
(2-3) Fine adjustment of pelvic airbag AB (PL) and thigh airbag AB (TH):
(2-4) Adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF):

  By this series of operations, the rest posture of the user 52 is determined. The operation time of each of the buttons 42 and 44 (the operation time of the valve 24) and the operation time of the electric air pump 20 operated to create this rest posture are stored in the memory M in association with the rest mode button 62 (FIG. 8). You.

  As a procedure for adjusting each airbag AB, the adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF) may precede the thigh airbag AB (TH) (pelvic airbag AB (PL) → subthorax airbag AB ( INF) → Thigh airbag AB (TH)). The adjustment of the thigh airbag AB (TH) and the adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF) may be performed alternately.

Settings related to eating posture and eating mode button 64:
(1) Degassing process:
Degas all airbags AB (PL), AB (TH), AB (INF).

(2) Eating posture setting process:
This is performed in a state where the user 52 is seated on the wheelchair 50. The following procedure is performed similarly to the basic posture setting and the rest posture setting.
(2-1) Adjustment of pelvic airbag AB (PL):
(2-2) Adjustment of thigh airbag AB (TH):
(2-3) Fine adjustment of pelvic airbag AB (PL) and thigh airbag AB (TH):
(2-4) Adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF):

  Through this series of operations, the eating posture of the user 52 is determined. The operation time of each of the buttons 42 and 44 (the operation time of the valve 24) and the operation time of the electric air pump 20 operated to create this eating posture are stored in the memory M in association with the eating mode button 64 (FIG. 8). You.

  As a procedure for adjusting each airbag AB, the adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF) may precede the thigh airbag AB (TH) (pelvic airbag AB (PL) → subthorax airbag AB ( INF) → Thigh airbag AB (TH)). The adjustment of the thigh airbag AB (TH) and the adjustment of the subthorax airbag AB (INF) may be performed alternately.

Mode selection operation:
When the rest mode button 62 or the meal mode button 64 shown in FIG. 8 is depressed, the following control is executed.

(1) Degassing process:
Degas all airbags AB (PL), AB (TH), AB (INF). This deaeration is performed by setting the valves 24 of all the airbags AB to the third position for a predetermined time.

(2) Steps to reproduce the sitting posture in each mode:
Assuming that the rest mode button 62 is selected, the operations of the electric air pump 20 and the valve 24 are reproduced based on the control information on the rest mode stored in the memory M. Thereby, the rest posture determined in the initial setting can be reproduced.

  Similarly, if the meal mode button 64 is selected, the operations of the electric air pump 20 and the valve 24 are reproduced based on the control information on the meal mode stored in the memory M. Thereby, the eating posture determined in the initial setting can be reproduced.

  Referring to FIG. 8, controller 34 preferably includes a fluctuation mode button 66. Typically, when the basic mode is selected, the fluctuation mode button 66 can be selected. Of course, when the rest mode is selected, the fluctuation mode button 66 may be selectable, and when the meal mode is selected, the fluctuation mode button 66 may be selectable.

  The control content of the fluctuation mode will be described on behalf of when the fluctuation mode button 66 is selected when the basic sitting posture (basic mode) is selected. In this fluctuation mode, a small amount of air is supplied to the pelvic airbag AB (PL), the thigh airbag AB (TH), and the subthoracic airbag AB (INF) at predetermined or random times, assuming the basic posture. Supply or degassing is repeated

  As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described. As a modified example of the information stored in the memory M for reproducing the sitting posture of each mode, that is, the information of the degree of inflation of each airbag AB, for example, A sensor for detecting the internal pressure and / or a body pressure sensor may be provided for each airbag AB, and the sitting posture in each mode may be reproduced based on the data of the internal pressure and / or the body pressure.

  As another modified example of the memory information for reproducing the sitting posture in each mode, a sensor for detecting the height of each airbag AB is arranged in association with each airbag AB, and based on the data of this airbag height. To reproduce the sitting posture in each mode.

  As described above, the case where the chair cushion device according to the present invention is applied to an assisted wheelchair has been mainly described, but the application of the present invention is not limited to the assisted wheelchair. It goes without saying that the invention can also be applied broadly and generally to, for example, self-propelled wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, wheelchairs with reclining mechanism.

  The application of the chair cushion device according to the present invention is not limited to a wheelchair. The present invention is also applicable to a chair that sits for a long time, such as an office chair or a car seat.

Reference Signs List 100 Wheelchair cushion device according to an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a wheelchair 2 Cushion body 4 Cushion body base 6 Cushion body cushion material
AB (PL) Pelvis airbag
AB (TH) Thigh airbag
AB (INF) Infrathoracic airbag 20 Electric air pump 22 Hose 24 Three-position switching valve 30 Control unit M memory 34 Controller for receiving manual operation by operator 42 Air supply button included in controller 44 Deaeration button included in controller 60 Controller Basic mode button included in the controller 62 Rest (backward leaning) mode button included in the controller 64 Meal (forward leaning) mode button included in the controller

Claims (10)

A cushion device having a cushion body that can be placed on a chair and directly supports the body of a chair user, wherein the cushion body includes a base and a cushion material attached to a surface of the base. ,
A pelvic airbag interposed between the chair and the cushion body, and positioned at a portion corresponding to a pelvic portion of a chair user,
An air pump,
A pelvic airbag hose connected to the air pump and the pelvic airbag and supplying air from the air pump to the pelvic airbag;
An air supply mode incorporated into the pelvis airbag hose and supplying air from the air pump to the pelvis airbag, and a bag isolation mode for disconnecting the pelvis airbag and the air pump to isolate the pelvis airbag And a valve for a pelvic airbag that can take a degassing mode of degassing the air of the pelvic airbag,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the air pump and the valve for the pelvic airbag,
A controller for receiving a manual operation of an operator,
An operator operates the controller to supply air to the pelvic airbag to inflate the pelvic airbag, or to deflate the pelvic airbag by evacuating the pelvic airbag to provide a chair. A cushion device for a chair, wherein a sitting posture of a user is converted through the cushion body.   2. The chair cushion device according to claim 1, wherein the pelvis airbag extends in a width direction of the cushion main body, and has a size capable of receiving a load on the entire pelvis of a chair user by a single pelvis airbag. 3. . A thigh airbag interposed between the chair and the cushion body, and positioned at a portion corresponding to a thigh portion of a chair user,
A hose for a thigh airbag that is connected to the air pump and the thigh airbag and supplies air from the air pump to the thigh airbag;
An air supply mode incorporated into the thigh airbag hose and supplying air from the air pump to the thigh airbag, and a bag isolation mode for disconnecting the thigh airbag and the air pump to isolate the thigh airbag And a thigh airbag valve that can take a degassing mode of degassing the air of the thigh airbag,
When the operator operates the controller, the operation of the thigh airbag valve is controlled by the control unit, and air is supplied to the thigh airbag to inflate the thigh airbag, or the thigh airbag is inflated. 3. The chair cushion device according to claim 1, wherein the seating posture of the chair user is converted via the cushion body by deflating the thigh airbag by evacuating the bag. 4. A sub-thoracic airbag that is interposed between the chair and the cushion body and is positioned at a position corresponding to the lower part of the chest of the chair user,
A hose for a sub-thoracic airbag that is connected to the air pump and the sub-thoracic airbag and supplies air from the air pump to the sub-thoracic airbag;
An air supply mode incorporated into the hose for the subthorax airbag to supply air from the air pump to the subthorax airbag, and disconnecting the subthorax airbag from the air pump to isolate the subthorax airbag Further comprising a valve for a sub-thoracic airbag that can take a bag isolating mode and a degassing mode for degassing the air of the subthorax airbag,
By operating the controller by the operator, the operation of the valve for the sub-thoracic airbag is controlled by the control unit to supply air to the sub-thoracic airbag and inflate the sub-thoracic airbag, or The chair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the seating posture of the chair user is changed via the cushion body by deflating the subthorax airbag and deflating the subthorax airbag. Cushion device.   The cushion device for a chair according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cushion body has a seat portion and a backrest portion. A cushion device having a cushion body that can be placed on a chair and directly supports the body of a chair user, wherein the cushion body includes a base and a cushion material attached to a surface of the base. ,
A pelvic airbag interposed between the chair and the cushion body, and positioned at a portion corresponding to a pelvic portion of a chair user,
A thigh airbag interposed between the chair and the cushion body, and positioned at a portion corresponding to a thigh portion of a chair user,
A sub-thoracic airbag that is interposed between the chair and the cushion body and is positioned at a position corresponding to the lower part of the chest of the chair user,
With a common air pump,
A pelvic airbag hose connected to the air pump and the pelvic airbag and supplying air from the air pump to the pelvic airbag;
An air supply mode incorporated into the pelvis airbag hose and supplying air from the air pump to the pelvis airbag, and a bag isolation mode for disconnecting the pelvis airbag and the air pump to isolate the pelvis airbag And a valve for a pelvic airbag that can take a degassing mode of degassing the air of the pelvic airbag,
A hose for a thigh airbag that is connected to the air pump and the thigh airbag and supplies air from the air pump to the thigh airbag;
An air supply mode incorporated into the thigh airbag hose and supplying air from the air pump to the thigh airbag, and a bag isolation mode for disconnecting the thigh airbag and the air pump to isolate the thigh airbag And a valve for a thigh airbag that can take a degassing mode of degassing the air of the thigh airbag,
A hose for a sub-thoracic airbag that is connected to the air pump and the sub-thoracic airbag and supplies air from the air pump to the sub-thoracic airbag;
An air supply mode incorporated into the hose for the subthorax airbag to supply air from the air pump to the subthorax airbag, and disconnecting the subthorax airbag from the air pump to isolate the subthorax airbag Bag isolation mode, and a valve for the subthorax airbag that can take a degassing mode of degassing the air of the subthorax airbag,
The air pump and the valve for the pelvic air bag, the valve for the thigh air bag, the control unit that operates the valve for the sub-thoracic air bag to control air supply or deaeration to each air bag,
A memory included in the control unit;
A controller for receiving a manual operation of an operator,
In the memory, control information related to the degree of inflation of each airbag necessary to create a plurality of sitting postures of a user who actually uses the chair is stored,
In the controller, a plurality of mode buttons for reading the control information of each of the plurality of sitting postures from the memory are arranged,
When an operator operates a mode button selected from the plurality of mode buttons of the controller, the degree of inflation of each of the airbags is adjusted based on control information corresponding to the selected mode button, and the selection is performed. A cushioning device for a chair, wherein a sitting posture corresponding to the set mode button is created.   The cushion device for a chair according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment of each of the airbags is performed first from the pelvic airbag.   The chair cushion device according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment of the airbags is performed after the adjustment of the pelvic airbags, and then the adjustment of the thigh airbags is performed.   The plurality of mode buttons of the controller include a basic mode button for forming a basic sitting posture, a backward tilt mode button for tilting the pelvis backward and a chair user's upper body backward, and a pelvis forward. The chair cushion device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: a forward tilt mode button that tilts and tilts the upper body of the chair user forward.   The chair cushion device according to claim 9, wherein the chair user's forward leaning posture made by the forward leaning mode button is a posture suitable for eating.