JP4414465B2 - Cordless load sensor - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a load detection sensor, and more particularly, to a cordless load detection sensor that detects a caregiver's getting out of bed or leaving a seat by a change in load caused by a pressing force.

  When caring for a patient at a hospital, a nursing facility, etc., the nurse has a very large mental and physical burden, and various care support devices have been proposed to reduce these. For example, the present applicant, as a sensor used in the care support apparatus, operates by increasing or decreasing the load and the action of air pressure to detect that the nurse has left or left the bed, wheelchair or chair. A panel-type sensor in which a pair of electrically insulated electrode plates and a resin cover that encloses the electrode plates and contains air therein to retain airtightness are integrated with a cable for taking out an electrical signal from the electrode plates Has proposed. As another embodiment, a cordless panel sensor in which a wireless transmitter (consisting of a wireless transmitter and a battery) is housed in a cover is proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-152616 A

  The cordless panel sensor shown in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a radio transmitter, a battery, and the like are housed inside a resin cover. This structure is convenient because it does not require a cable and the installation location is free. However, since the radio transmitter and the battery are hermetically housed inside the resin cover, the battery cannot be replaced, and cannot be repaired or replaced due to a failure or breakage of the radio transmitter. For this reason, when a problem occurs in the wireless transmitter or the battery, it has to be replaced with a new cordless panel sensor. The present invention has been made to solve such problems.

A cordless load detection sensor according to the present invention includes a pair of electrode plates disposed in a bag-like body formed in a sheet shape so as to be opposed to each other, electrodes provided on the electrode plates, In a load detection sensor in which a wireless transmission unit that detects a contact signal from an electrode and wirelessly transmits the load sensor is provided, an outlet that allows the wireless transmission unit to be taken in and out is provided at a side edge of the bag body. It is characterized by being.

  The wireless transmitter includes a wireless transmitter and a battery. As a result, when the wireless transmitter breaks down or is damaged, or when a battery malfunctions, it is removed from the outlet attached to the side edge of the bag, and the wireless transmitter and battery are repaired many times. As maintenance such as maintenance and replacement can be performed, convenience is significantly improved.

In the cordless load detection sensor of the present invention, the outlet is formed in a cylindrical body having both ends opened by using a flexible material, and the inside of the cylindrical body is the inside of the bag body on the base end side. It is characterized in that it is welded to the edge of the bag body so as to be electrically connected, and the distal end side is welded after the wireless transmitter is inserted into the bag body.

  Since the outlet has such a configuration, after inserting the wireless transmission part into the bag body, the outlet is made flat (sheet-like), the tip is welded, and then provided on one side of the outlet. It can be affixed to the surface of the bag body using a releasable attachment means (for example, a double-sided tape using a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive, or an adhesive).

In the cordless load detection sensor of the present invention, the outlet has a part of the side edge of the bag opened, and a closing plate 5 for covering the opening extends from the side edge. And have been welded. After the wireless transmission unit 2 is inserted into the bag body from the opening, the opening is detachably covered with a closing plate 5.

  Since the closing plate 5 is provided in the opening portion, the removable attachment means 41 (for example, the surface) provided on one surface of the closing plate 5 after the wireless transmitter 2 is inserted into the bag body. If the opening is covered using a fastener, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a double-sided tape using an adhesive, or the like, the opening can be easily closed.

The cordless load detection sensor of the present invention is characterized in that it is installed on a bed, on a bed fence, on the periphery under the bed, on the floor of the room, on the doorway of the room, on the bathroom, on the toilet, on a wheelchair, on a chair or on a window. . This makes it possible to monitor most of the daily activities of the nurse, so that the mental and physical burden on the nurse can be greatly reduced.

  According to the cordless load detection sensor of the present invention, when the wireless transmitter is broken or damaged, or when a failure occurs in the battery, it is repeated from the outlet or opening attached to the side edge of the bag. Since maintenance such as repair or replacement can be performed by taking out the wireless transmitter or the battery, the convenience can be remarkably improved. In addition, after the wireless transmitter is inserted into the bag body, the outlet is made flat (sheet-like), welded at the tip, and then removably provided near the tip. It can be affixed to the surface of the bag using a hook and loop fastener. Moreover, if an opening part is covered using a closing plate, an opening part can be closed easily. As described above, by using the cordless load detection sensor of the present invention, it is possible to monitor most of the daily behavior of the nurse, and the mental and physical burden of the nurse can be greatly reduced. .

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist. Moreover, in each drawing, the same member is displayed with the same code | symbol.

1A and 1B show an example of an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a bottom view, and FIG. The cordless load detection sensor according to this embodiment is mainly installed on the floor surface around the bed. In order to facilitate understanding, the cross-sectional view along the line XX shows the thickness direction enlarged.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a cordless load detection sensor 1 includes a pair of electrode plates arranged to face each other with a predetermined gap, electrodes provided on opposite surfaces of the electrode plates, and contact signals from the electrodes. Is wirelessly transmitted, and a bag body that is covered with a space around the electrode plate.

  The pair of electrode plates are flexible thin plates, and are formed in a substantially rectangular shape such as a rectangle using a synthetic resin plate, for example. The plate thickness varies depending on the shape and dimensions of the electrode plate, but is preferably 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The pair of electrode plates are arranged so that the upper electrode plate 11 and the lower electrode plate 12 face each other with the cushion material 15 interposed therebetween so that the upper electrode plate 11 and the lower electrode plate 12 hold a predetermined gap. Has been. This cushion material 15 has elasticity that is contracted by the pressing force W and returns to its original shape when the pressing force W is removed, and sponges of various materials such as urethane sponge, rubber sponge, or PE sponge are used. Can do. It is also possible to use a rubber piece having a predetermined elasticity instead of the sponge. The cushion material 15 is adhered to one or both surfaces of the upper electrode plate 11 and the lower electrode plate 12 using an adhesive.

  The electrode is provided on one side of the upper electrode plate 11 and the lower electrode plate 12, and an electrode outlet is provided at the end. When the surfaces on which the upper electrode 13 and the lower electrode 14 are provided are opposed to each other, they are arranged so that a large number of contacts P can be formed. In order to arrange the upper electrode 13 and the lower electrode 14 so as to make a large number of contacts P, for example, the upper electrode 13 made of a plurality of vertical wirings having all wirings connected to the upper electrode plate 11 is provided, and the lower electrode A plurality of contacts P can be obtained by providing a lower electrode 14 composed of a plurality of horizontal wirings to which all wirings are connected to the plate 12 and bringing these electrode surfaces into contact with each other. Further, the upper and lower electrodes 13 and 14 are wired over the entire surface of the upper and lower electrode plates 11 and 12 so that the contact point P can be made no matter which part of the upper and lower electrode plates 11 and 12 is pressed.

  In order to wire the upper and lower electrodes 13 and 14 to the upper and lower electrode plates 11 and 12, for example, a Cu—Ni alloy, Ni—on the surface of an electrode plate made of a synthetic resin sheet such as polyester, epoxy, polyimide, PVC, or PET. A method of forming a thin film resistance element made of a Cr alloy or the like by vapor deposition or sputtering, a method of forming a printed wiring on the surface of the electrode plate, or the like is used. As for the structure of the printed wiring, a conductive paste is printed on a synthetic resin film sheet material to form a contact point. A silver paste is used as a conductive paste for forming contacts and circuits by printing, and usually a carbon paste is overcoated on the silver paste. This is to prevent silver migration (applying a DC voltage under high temperature, causing silver to move between patterns, causing a short circuit accident) and preventing oxidation and sulfurization of the silver contact surface. .

  The bag body 16 is desirably made of a material having flexibility and water resistance, for example, a soft synthetic resin sheet such as nylon. The material is not limited to this, and any material that does not allow air to permeate, such as PVC, polypropylene, tarpaulin, and rubber sheet, can be used. The bag body 16 covers the entire circumference of the upper electrode plate 11 and the lower electrode plate 12 which are arranged to hold a predetermined gap and face the electrode surfaces, and the upper electrode plate 11 and the lower electrode plate 12 and the bag body 16. Is provided with a space for storing air A, and the entire periphery of the bag body 16 is sealed with a high-frequency weld 52 or the like so that air does not leak. Further, both ends of the lower electrode plate 12 are fixed to the bag body 16, but in order to increase the handling stability of the cordless load detection sensor 1, either the upper electrode plate 11 or the lower electrode plate 12 is provided outside. A plurality of projecting pieces (not shown) may be provided on the peripheral edge, and may be brought into contact with the inner edge portion of the bag body 16 or fixed to the bag body 16.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the wireless transmission unit of the present invention. A wireless transmitter 20 and a battery 30 are incorporated in the wireless transmitter 2. The wireless transmitter 20 includes a control circuit 21, a transmission circuit 22, an antenna 24, and the like. The control circuit 21 includes input terminals 21a and 21b connected to the upper electrode plate 11a and the lower electrode plate 11b, and when the switch (not shown) is turned on (when both the electrode plates 11a and 11b are in contact), In response to turning on, a detection signal indicating that the cordless load detection sensor 1 has been stepped on is output to the transmission circuit 22, and the transmission circuit 22 wirelessly transmits the detection signal via the antenna 24. Since the wireless transmitter 20 has a function of setting a plurality of device numbers, even if a plurality of cordless load detection sensors 1 are installed in the same hospital room, no interference occurs. When the cordless type load detection sensor 1 is used, it can be easily installed in almost any place where the care recipient resides or acts, and can be applied to a portable telephone (including PHS) and a wireless management system.

  The battery 30 is a small dry battery or a rechargeable battery (secondary battery), and supplies power to the control circuit 21 and the transmission circuit 22 to operate the circuits 21 and 22. The wireless transmission unit 2 is stored in a storage chamber 3 provided inside the bag body 16 so as to be freely inserted and removed. The battery 30 can be connected to a solar power source or a commercial power source (not shown).

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention , in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a bottom view. The cordless load detection sensor 1a according to this embodiment is mainly installed on the upper surface or side edge of a mattress placed on a bed. When installed on the side edge of the mattress, it is used by being bent into an L shape or a U shape in accordance with the side edge portion of the mattress.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention , where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a bottom view. The cordless load detection sensor 1b according to this embodiment is mainly installed on a bed fence. When installed on the fence of the bed, it is used by wrapping around the top of the fence.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention , where (a) is before insertion of the wireless transmission unit, (b) is after insertion of the wireless transmission unit, and (c) is a state where the outlet is folded. FIG. 5A, in the vicinity of the side edge of the bag body 16 of the cordless load detection sensor 1, a storage chamber 3 for storing the wireless transmission unit 2 is provided by the same material as the bag body 16. The storage chamber 3 is formed in a pocket shape in which one side of the side edge side is opened and the other three sides are heat-sealed 51 to the inner surface of the bag so that the wireless transmitter 2 can be taken in and out. Further, an outlet 4 protrudes from the side edge of the bag body 16 on the opening side of the storage chamber 3. The outlet 4 is formed in a cylindrical body having both ends opened, and the base end side is opened so that the wireless transmitter 2 can be connected to the storage chamber 3, and the periphery of the bag 16 is It is welded to the side edge. The wireless transmission unit 2 is inserted from the distal end of the outlet in the direction indicated by the arrow and is stored in the storage chamber 3 of the bag body 16.

  In FIG.5 (b), the releasable attachment means 41, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive, or an adhesive agent is attached to the one surface of the attachment port 4, and the contact surface of the bag body 16 attached by the one surface. Used double-sided tape, etc. are provided. The distal end of the attachment port 4 is thermally welded 51 with a width of about 5 mm after the wireless transmission unit 2 is stored in the storage chamber 3 inside the bag body 16. Here, the thermal welding is a method in which a thermoplastic film sheet or the like is melted by heat and bonded by pressurization and cooling, and includes a hot air type, a hot plate type, an impulse type, and a trowel type. Thereby, since the front-end | tip of an outlet is sealed, water etc. do not permeate.

  In FIG. 5 (c), the outlet 4 is placed on the bag body 16 by covering one surface of the mounting port 4 provided with the releasable mounting means 41 on the contact surface of the bag body 16 to be attached by the one surface. Locked along the surface. The releasable attachment means 41 can be attached to any one or both sides of the attachment port 4, and in this case, the releasable attachment means 41 attached to the bag body 16 is also attached to the attachment port 4. It is provided at one side or both sides facing the removable attachment means 41.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show another embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram before the wireless transmitter is inserted, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram after the wireless transmitter is inserted. In FIG. 6A, a storage chamber 3 for storing the wireless transmission unit 2 is provided in the vicinity of the side edge of the bag body 16a of the cordless load detection sensor 1 using the same material as the bag body 16a. The storage chamber 3 is formed in a pocket shape in which one side of the side edge side is opened and the other three sides are heat-sealed 51 to the inner surface of the bag so that the wireless transmitter 2 can be taken in and out. Further, on the opening side of the storage chamber 3, an outlet 4a is provided at the side edge of the bag body 16a. The outlet 4a is formed so as to be slightly wider to narrower than the width of the welded surface on the outer periphery of the bag body 16a, and is opened so that the wireless transmitter 2 can be conducted to the storage chamber 3. The wireless transmission unit 2 is inserted from the outlet 4a in the direction indicated by the arrow and is stored in the storage chamber 3 of the bag body 16a.

  In FIG. 6B, the entire periphery of the bag body 16a except for the outlet 4a is high-frequency welded 52. High frequency welding is a welding method using a high frequency dielectric heating method. The high-frequency dielectric heating method is a method in which an object to be heated (dielectric material) is heated by electric potential action at the atomic or molecular level by an electric field action of high-frequency (electromagnetic wave) energy of several tens of MHz. A heating method using a heater or the like is a method (external heating) in which heat is transferred from a heat source outside the object to be heated by heat conduction (transfer of heat). On the other hand, the high frequency dielectric heating is to heat the object to be heated itself (internal heating). In high-frequency welding, only the portion to which the object to be heated is welded is internally heated, so that the portion that is not welded is not affected by heat in a short time. Therefore, it is finished with a beautiful texture.

  The attachment port 4a is ultrasonically welded 53 with a width of 1 to 2 mm after the wireless transmitter 2 is stored in the storage chamber 3 inside the bag body 16a. According to this embodiment, since it is not necessary to bend the attachment port and attach it to the bag body surface, handling becomes easier. As a result, the outlet 4a is sealed, so that water or the like does not enter the bag body. The ultrasonic welding is a method in which ultrasonic energy having a frequency of 20 kHz or more is transmitted from a resonance body called a horn to an object to be heated to generate strong frictional heat for welding. Ultrasonic welding has many advantages such as fast cycle, low cost, clean finish, high strength, and high airtightness, and is particularly suitable as a means for welding the outlet. In addition, the thermal welding, high-frequency welding and ultrasonic welding have been described with specific construction positions, but the present invention is not limited to this, and thermal welding, high-frequency welding and ultrasonic welding are not limited to all construction positions. Either can be constructed.

FIG. 7 shows an example of another embodiment of the present invention , where (a) is before insertion of the wireless transmission unit, (b) is after insertion of the wireless transmission unit, and (c) is folding the closing plate. It is explanatory drawing which shows a state. In FIG. 7A, a storage chamber 3 for storing the wireless transmission unit 2 is provided with the same material as the bag body 16 in the vicinity of the side edge of the bag body 16 of the cordless load detection sensor 1. The storage chamber 3 is formed in a pocket shape in which one side of the side edge side is opened and the other three sides are heat-sealed 51 to the inner surface of the bag so that the wireless transmitter 2 can be taken in and out. A closing plate 5 is extended from the side edge of the bag body 16 on the opening side of the storage chamber 3. The closing plate 5 is formed in a sheet shape using a flexible material, and the base end side is welded to the side edge of the bag body 16. The wireless transmission unit 2 is inserted from the opening in the direction indicated by the arrow and is stored in the storage chamber 3 of the bag body 16.

  In FIG.7 (b), the releasable attachment means 41, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive, or an adhesive agent is attached to the one surface of the closing plate 5 and the contact surface of the bag body 16 covered by the one surface. Used double-sided tape, etc. are provided.

  In FIG.7 (c), the closing plate 5 is covered with the bag body 16 by covering the contact surface of the bag body 16 covered with the one surface of the closing plate 5 provided with the releasable attachment means 41. Locked along the surface. The releasable attachment means 41 is attached to one side of the bag body that covers the opening of the bag body by the closing plate, and the releasable attachment means 41 attached to the bag body 16 is also the same as that of the closing plate 5. It is provided at a single-sided position facing the releasable attachment means 41.

Hereinafter, the replacement procedure of the wireless transmission unit of the present invention will be described. (1) The outlet 4 is peeled off again from the surface of the bag body 16. (2) The welded portion of the outlet 4 is cut with a blade or the like to open the tip portion. (3) The wireless transmission unit 2 is taken out from the storage chamber 3 inside the bag body 16. (4) Repair the wireless transmitter 20, replace the battery 30, or prepare a new wireless transmitter 2. (5) The repaired or exchanged wireless transmission unit 2 is stored in the storage chamber 3 inside the bag body 16. (6) The front end of the outlet 4 is heat welded 51 again. (5) Affixing to a predetermined surface of the bag 16 using the attachment means 41 provided at the outlet 4. By this procedure, the wireless transmission unit 2 can be repeatedly repaired or newly replaced.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of use of the cordless load detection sensor of the present invention, wherein (a) is on the bed, (b) is the bed rail, and (c) is under the bed, respectively. It shows the installed state. In FIG. 8A, the cordless load detection sensor 1 is installed between the bed floor and the mattress, but may be installed on the mattress. In FIG. 8B, the cordless load detection sensor 1 is installed on the side of the bed, but may be installed on the front and back (head side and foot side) of the bed.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another example of use of the cordless load detection sensor of the present invention, wherein (d) is an edge of a mattress, (e) is two pieces on a bed, and (f) is a bed fence. FIG. 2 shows the state of installation under the bed and the edge of the mattress. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of use of the cordless load detection sensor of the present invention, wherein (g) is installed at the entrance of the room, (h) is a chair or a wheelchair, and (i) is installed at the toilet seat. This shows the state. Although not shown, it can be installed on a bathroom wall, a handrail, a staircase handrail, a room floor, or the like. This makes it possible to monitor most of the daily activities of the nurse, so that the mental and physical burden on the nurse can be reduced.

    The present invention is mainly used for a caregiver monitoring system, and relates to a load detection sensor that detects a behavior of a caregiver, such as getting out of bed or leaving a seat, by a change in load, and a function for detecting a change in load. For example, it can be used as a crime prevention device by installing in a residential opening such as a window frame.

An example of embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view, (c) is XX sectional drawing. It is a block diagram of the wireless transmission part of this invention. The other embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view. The other embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a top view, (b) is a bottom view. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG . 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention , where (a) shows a state before insertion of a wireless transmission unit, (b) shows after insertion of a wireless transmission unit, and (c) shows a state in which an outlet is folded. FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention , where (a) is an explanatory diagram before the wireless transmission unit is inserted and (b) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the wireless transmission unit after insertion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG . 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention , where (a) shows a state before insertion of a wireless transmission unit, (b) shows after insertion of a wireless transmission unit, and (c) shows a state in which a closing plate is folded. FIG. It is the perspective view which showed the usage example of the cordless type | mold load detection sensor of this invention, (a) on the bed, (b) is the fence of a bed, (c) is the state each installed in the periphery under a bed, respectively. It is shown. It is the perspective view which showed the other usage example of the cordless type load detection sensor of this invention, (d) is the edge of a mattress, (e) is two pieces on a bed, (f) is a fence of a bed, under a bed And the state which was each installed in the edge of the mattress is shown. It is the perspective view which showed the other usage example of the cordless type load detection sensor of this invention, (g) shows the state installed in the entrance / exit of a room, (h) is a chair or a wheelchair, (i) is each installed in the toilet seat. It is a thing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a, 1b Cordless type load detection sensor 2 Wireless transmission part 3 Storage chamber 4, 4a Outlet 5 Closing plate 11 Upper electrode plate 12 Lower electrode plate 13 Upper electrode 14 Lower electrode 15 Cushion material 16,16a Bag body 20 Wireless transmission Instrument 21 Control circuit 21a Input terminal 21b Input terminal 22 Transmitter circuit 24 Antenna 30 Battery 41 Mounting means 51 Thermal welding 52 High frequency welding 53 Ultrasonic welding A Air P Contact W Pressure

Claims (2)

A pair of electrode plates having flexibility and water resistance, hermetically sealed so that the entire periphery does not leak air, and arranged in a sheet-like bag body so as to hold a predetermined gap and face each other In the cordless load detection sensor in which an electrode provided on the electrode plate and a wireless transmission unit for detecting and transmitting a contact signal from the electrode are wirelessly incorporated, the wireless transmission unit is inserted into and removed from the bag body. In order to do so, an outlet is formed by cutting and opening the welded portion with a blade or the like and welding again. The outlet is formed in a cylindrical body having both ends opened, and the base end side is a cylinder. The inside of the body is welded to the edge of the bag so as to be electrically connected to the inside of the bag, and the tip is welded after the wireless transmitter passes through the inside of the tubular body and is inserted into the bag. A cordless load detection sensor characterized by that. A pair of electrode plates having flexibility and water resistance, hermetically sealed so that the entire periphery does not leak air, and arranged in a sheet-like bag body so as to hold a predetermined gap and face each other In the cordless load detection sensor in which an electrode provided on the electrode plate and a wireless transmission unit for detecting and transmitting a contact signal from the electrode are wirelessly incorporated, the wireless transmission unit is inserted into and removed from the bag body. In order to do so, a takeout opening is provided by cutting out the welded portion with a blade or the like and opening it again, and the takeout port is formed by opening a part of the side edge of the bag body. A closing plate is attached to extend from the side edge and is welded. After the wireless transmitter is inserted into the bag body from the opening, the opening is detachably covered by the closing plate. Cordless type load detection sensor characterized by

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