JP6910259B2 - Air mattress device and body support system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to air mattress devices and body support systems.

There are air mattresses that are used by injecting air inside multiple air cells. The air mattress is provided, for example, on a body support device. It is desirable that the air mattress is easier to use in the body support system including the air mattress and the body support device.

International Publication WO2013 / 077313 Gazette

Embodiments of the present invention provide a more user-friendly air mattress device and body support system.

According to embodiments, the air mattress device includes an air mattress and a first connector. The air mattress includes a plurality of air cells and a pump unit connected to the plurality of air cells. The first connector is provided in the pump unit and is supplied with a direct current.
According to another embodiment, the air mattress device includes an air mattress, a pump unit, a first connector, and a second connector. The air mattress includes a plurality of air cells. The pump unit is connected to the plurality of air cells. The first connector is provided on the pump unit. The second connector is provided on the pump unit. The shape of the second connector is different from that of the first connector.
According to another embodiment, the air mattress device includes an air mattress, a pump unit, a first cable, and a second cable. The air mattress includes a plurality of air cells. The pump unit is connected to the plurality of air cells. One end of the first cable is connected to the pump unit. One end of the second cable is connected to the pump unit. The shape of the other end of the second cable is different from the shape of the other end of the first cable.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide a more user-friendly air mattress device and body support system.

1 (a) and 1 (b) are perspective views illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are schematic views illustrating the body support system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. 5 (a) and 5 (b) are schematic side views illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are schematic side views illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. 8 (a) to 8 (c) are schematic views illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are schematic views illustrating the body support system and the air mattress device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating another body support system and air mattress device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating another body support system and air mattress device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the sizes between the parts, etc. are not always the same as the actual ones. Even if the same part is represented, the dimensions and ratios of each may be represented differently depending on the drawing.
In the specification of the present application and each figure, the same elements as those described above with respect to the above-mentioned figures are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the body support system 310 according to the embodiment includes an air mattress device 110 and a body support device 210. In this example, the body support device 210 is an electric bed.

The air mattress device 110 according to the embodiment includes an air mattress 10 and an operation unit 30 (for example, an operation panel) as shown in FIG. 1 (b). The air mattress 10 includes a plurality of air cells 11, a pump unit 12, and a cover 13. A gas (for example, air) is stored inside each air cell 11. The pump unit 12 is connected to a plurality of air cells 11. The pump unit 12 supplies gas to a plurality of air cells 11. Alternatively, the pump unit 12 exhausts the gas inside the plurality of air cells 11. The cover 13 covers the plurality of air cells 11 and the pump unit 12.

The pump unit 12 is located, for example, on the foot side of a person sleeping on the air mattress 10. The head side and the foot side of the air mattress 10 are determined from, for example, characters and pictures attached to the air mattress 10.

The operation unit 30 can operate the control of the air mattress 10 (pump unit 12). For example, a user (a person sleeping on an air mattress 10) can use the operation unit 30 to increase or decrease the pressure inside the air cell 11. This makes the air mattress 10 hard or soft. The operation unit 30 is electrically connected to the pump unit 12 by a cable 35, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 (b). The operation unit 30 may be connected to the pump unit 12 by wireless communication means.

The body support device 210 includes a movable portion 70 (bottom) and an operation portion 230 (for example, a nurse control panel). The operation unit 230 can operate the control of the movable unit 70. The air mattress device 110 is provided on the movable portion 70.

As shown in FIG. 2, the movable portion 70 includes, for example, a back bottom (back section) 70a, a knee bottom (upper leg section) 70b, a leg bottom (lower leg section) 70c, a back bottom driving portion 71a, and a knee bottom. The drive unit 71b and the height drive unit 72 are included. For example, each of the back bottom drive unit 71a, the knee bottom drive unit 71b, and the height drive unit 72 includes an actuator.

By driving the back bottom drive unit 71a, the back bottom 70a operates, and the angle of the back of the user P (the person sleeping on the electric bed) can be changed. By driving the knee bottom drive unit 71b, the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c operate, and the angle between these bottoms can be changed. As a result, the knee angle of the user P can be changed. The angle between the bottoms may change in tandem. By driving the height drive unit 72, the height of the movable unit 70 (distance between the floor surface and the bed surface) can be changed.

The body support device 210 includes a drive control unit 220. The drive control unit 220 includes a bottom control unit 221 and a height control unit 222. The back bottom drive unit 71a and the knee bottom drive unit 71b are electrically connected to the bottom control unit 221. The operations of the back bottom drive unit 71a and the knee bottom drive unit 71b are controlled based on the signal transmitted from the bottom control unit 221. The height drive unit 72 is electrically connected to the height control unit 222. The operation of the height drive unit 72 is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the height control unit 222.

The operation unit 230 is electrically connected to the drive control unit 220. The operation unit 230 is connected to the drive control unit 220 by, for example, the cable 235 shown in FIG. 1 (b). The operation unit 230 may be connected to the drive control unit 220 by wireless communication means.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the air mattress device 110 includes a first connector 20a. The first connector 20a is provided in, for example, the pump unit 12. The body support device 210 includes a connector 22a and a connector 23a. The connectors 22a and 23a are provided in, for example, the drive control unit 220. One end of the first cable 31 is connected to the first connector 20a, and the other end of the first cable 31 is connected to the connector 22a.

One end of the cable 33 is connected to the connector 23a. The other end of the cable 33 is connected to an outlet 23b provided on a wall surface or the like. As a result, an alternating current is supplied to the drive control unit 220 via the cable 33. For example, the alternating current supplied to the drive control unit 220 is converted into a direct current in the drive control unit 220. For example, a direct current is supplied from the drive control unit 220 to the air mattress device 110 (pump unit 12) via the first cable 31. Alternatively, the first cable 31 may include an AC-DC adapter (converter, hereinafter referred to as an AC adapter). The AC adapter may convert the alternating current output from the drive control unit 220 into a direct current, and supply the direct current to the pump unit 12.

The terminals of the first connector 20a, the connector 22a, and the first cable 31 have a shape different from that of, for example, a plug into an outlet for wiring. For example, male DIN connectors are provided at both ends of the first cable 31. The first connector 20a and the connector 22a are female DIN connectors. The terminals of the first connector 20a, the connector 22a, and the first cable 31 may be a mini DIN connector, a phone connector, a LAN connector, a round connector, a square connector, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the body support device 210 includes a frame 75. The frame 75 is located below the movable portion 70 and supports the movable portion 70. For example, the drive control unit 220 is fixed to the frame 75. As shown in FIG. 3B, the connector 22a may be provided on the frame 75. Similarly, the connector 23a may be provided on the frame 75. In this case, the connectors 22a and 23a are electrically connected to the drive control unit 220 by a wiring (not shown). The connector 22a is located, for example, between the frame 75 and the board 76 during normal use of the body support system 310.

According to the embodiment, the air mattress device 110 (pump unit 12) can be driven by the electric current supplied from the body support device 210. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to extend the cable from the air mattress device 110 to the outlet provided on the wall surface or the like. For example, the cable does not get in the way when the user, the user, or the caregiver of the user walks around the air mattress device 110. According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide an air mattress device 110 that is easier to use. By providing the air mattress device 110 in the body support device 210, it is possible to provide a body support system 310 that is easier to use.

According to the embodiment, the air mattress 10 includes a plurality of air cells 11 and a pump unit 12. By integrally providing the plurality of air cells 11 and the pump unit 12, the air mattress device 110 can be miniaturized.

It is desirable that the noise generated in the body support system 310 is small. When the noise is small, for example, a malfunction in the body support system 310 can be suppressed. For example, the possibility that noise generated by the body support system 310 affects surrounding electronic devices can be reduced. According to the embodiment, the connector 22a provided on the body support device 210 has a shape different from that of, for example, an outlet. Thereby, the connection of the electric appliances other than the air mattress device 110 to the connector 22a can be restricted. For example, it can be limited to devices that can be driven by the electric power supplied from the drive control unit 220.

In FIG. 4, solid arrows indicate the flow of electricity and dashed arrows indicate the flow of gas.
As shown in FIG. 4, the pump unit 12 includes, for example, a power supply unit 12a, a communication unit 12b, a control unit 12c, a relay circuit 12d, a pump 12e, a pressure sensor 12f, a first valve 12g1, a second valve 12g2, and a third valve. Includes a valve 12g3 and an exhaust valve 12h.

For example, the drive control unit 220 includes a power supply unit 225 and a communication unit 226. For example, DC power is supplied from the power supply unit 225 to the power supply unit 12a of the pump unit 12. A signal is sent from the communication unit 226 to the communication unit 12b of the pump unit 12. This signal includes, for example, motion information of the body support device 210. Thereby, for example, the air mattress device 110 can be operated in conjunction with the operation of the body support device 210.

A signal is sent from the power supply unit 12a to the control unit 12c. This signal includes, for example, information regarding whether or not a current is supplied to the power supply unit 12a. A signal is sent from the communication unit 12b to the control unit 12c. This signal includes, for example, motion information of the body support device 210.
Further, a signal is sent from the pressure sensor 12f to the control unit 12c. The pressure sensor 12f is connected to a flow path between the pump 12e and the first valve 12g1 to the third valve 12g3, and detects the pressure in this flow path. The pressure sensor 12f transmits information about the detected pressure to the control unit 12c.
The control unit 12c drives the relay circuit 12d based on the information contained in these signals. By driving the relay circuit 12d, the current supply to the pump 12e, the first valve 12g1 to the third valve 12g3, and the exhaust valve 12h can be switched on / off.

The first valve 12g1 to the third valve 12g3 are provided in the flow path between the pump 12e and the pressure sensor 12f and the plurality of air cells 11. In this example, the flow path connected to the pump 12e is branched into three. A first valve 12g1, a second valve 12g2, and a third valve 12g3 are provided in these flow paths, respectively. Each of the plurality of air cells 11 is one of the first system A to which the first valve 12g1 is connected, the second system B to which the second valve 12g2 is connected, and the third system C to which the third valve 12g3 is connected. Connected to.

The exhaust valve 12h is connected to a flow path between the pump 12e and the plurality of valves 12g1-12g3. For example, by driving the pump 12e and the exhaust valve 12h, the pressure of any one of the first system A to the third system C becomes lower than the pressure of the other system. As a result, a part of the air mattress 10 can be softened. The position of the soft portion of the air mattress 10 can be changed by sequentially changing the system for reducing the pressure. As a result, it is possible to prevent continuous pressure from being applied to a specific part of the user's body, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pressure sores (bedsores) on the user.

The first cable 31 can be expanded and contracted, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first cable 31 is spirally wound. The connector 22a is provided, for example, on the frame 75 of the body support device 210. In this case, when the movable portion 70 operates and the position of the pump unit 12 becomes higher, the distance between the first connector 20a and the connector 22a also becomes longer, as shown in FIG. 5 (b). The first cable 31 can be expanded and contracted in response to this change in distance. For example, since the first cable 31 can be expanded and contracted, the degree of freedom in arranging the first connector 20a and the connector 22a is increased. For example, even if the first cable 31 is pulled, the first cable 31 is less likely to be damaged.

For example, at least one of the first connector 20a and the connector 22a is connected to the first cable 31 without being fixed. As a result, when the first cable 31 is pulled, the first cable 31 is likely to come off from the first connector 20a or the connector 22a. For example, even if the first cable 31 is pulled, the first cable 31 is less likely to be damaged.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the first connector 20a is provided so as to face the body support device 210, and the connector 22a is provided so as to face the air mattress device 110 (movable portion 70). good. As a result, for example, when the first cable 31 is pulled upward or downward during the operation of the movable portion 70, the first cable 31 is likely to come off from the first connector 20a or the connector 22a.

The first connector 20a and the connector 22a may be fixedly connected to the first cable 31. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 6B, it is preferable that the first cable 31 is provided with a pair of connectors 21c and a connector 21d. The connectors 21c and 21d are connected without being fixed. As a result, when the first cable 31 is pulled, the connectors 21c and 21d are disconnected, and the first cable 31 is less likely to be damaged.

The first cable 31 may include wiring for communication in addition to wiring for power supply. As a result, signals can be transmitted and received between the air mattress device 110 and the body support device 210 with a single cable. When the air mattress device 110 and the body support device 210 are connected by wiring for communication, for example, the control of the air mattress device 110 and the body support device 210 can be operated by one operation unit.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 230 is connected to the drive control unit 220 by the cable 235. When the operation unit 230 is operated, a signal is input from the operation unit 230 to the drive control unit 220. When the signal transmitted from the operation unit 230 relates to the operation of the movable unit 70, the drive control unit 220 operates the movable unit 70. When the signal transmitted from the operation unit 230 relates to the operation of the air mattress device 110, the signal is transmitted from the drive control unit 220 to the pump unit 12. As a result, the movable portion 70 and the pump unit 12 can be operated by using the operating portion 230. Since the control of the air mattress device 110 and the body support device 210 can be operated by one operation unit, the air mattress device 110 and the body support system 310 can be made easier to use.

In the body support device 210, the voltage at the connector 22a may be monitored by the drive control unit 220. For example, when the air mattress device 110 and the body support device 210 are connected by communication wiring, the drive control unit 220 sends a signal to the pump unit 12 when the voltage at the connector 22a is lower than a predetermined threshold value. Upon receiving this signal, the pump unit 12 weakens or stops the operation of the pump 12e.
The drive control unit 220 may monitor the current flowing through the connector 22a. For example, the drive control unit 220 sends a signal to the pump unit 12 when the current at the connector 22a is higher than a predetermined threshold value. Upon receiving this signal, the pump unit 12 weakens or stops the operation of the pump 12e.
The magnitude of noise may be estimated by the drive control unit 220 based on the voltage at the connector 22a or the current flowing through the connector 22a. The drive control unit 220 sends a signal to the pump unit 12 when the magnitude of noise exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Upon receiving this signal, the pump unit 12 weakens or stops the operation of the pump 12e.
By performing at least one of these operations by the drive control unit 220 and the pump unit 12, noise generated in the body support system 310 can be reduced.

When the air mattress device 110 and the body support device 210 are connected by wiring for communication, for example, the air mattress device 110 can be operated in conjunction with the operation of the body support device 210. For example, when the angle of the back bottom 70a is increased, the angle of the back of the user is also increased, and the force (weight) applied to the air mattress 10 from the buttocks of the user is increased. As a result, when a part of the air mattress 10 sinks and the buttocks come into contact with the movable portion 70, the stress applied to the buttocks increases. For example, by increasing the angle of the back bottom 70a and increasing the pressure in the plurality of air cells 11, the sinking of the air mattress 10 can be suppressed, the buttocks do not come into contact with the movable portion 70, and the stress applied to the buttocks can be reduced. ..

The body support device 210 may operate in conjunction with the operation of the air mattress device 110. For example, the air mattress device 110 includes a plurality of air cells 14. The plurality of air cells 14 are provided on a part of the plurality of air cells 11. The plurality of air cells 14 are separated from each other in the lateral direction. The lateral direction is, for example, along the horizontal plane and perpendicular to the direction connecting the head side and the foot side of the air mattress 10.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c), in order to prevent continuous stress from being applied to a part of the user's body, the air mattress device 110 is provided with a plurality of air cells 14. A part can be inflated. The inclination of the body support device 210 may change in conjunction with this operation of the air mattress device 110. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), when one of the left and right air cells 14 is inflated, the air cell 14 pushes the body of the user P to the other of the left and right sides. The left side or the right side of the body support device 210 (movable part 70) rises in accordance with the operation of the air mattress device 110. This makes it difficult for the user P to fall from the air mattress device 110, for example.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the body support system 310 may include a battery 240. The battery 240 is connected to the pump unit 12 and the drive control unit 220 by, for example, the first cable 31. For example, the battery 240 is charged while the drive control unit 220 is supplied with current from the outlet 23b. When the current is not supplied to the drive control unit 220 from the outlet 23b at the time of a power failure or the like, the current is supplied to the pump unit 12 and the drive control unit 220 from the battery 240. As a result, the air mattress device 110 and the body support device 210 can be operated even during a power failure or the like, and the air mattress device 110 and the body support system 310 can be made easier to use.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the pump unit 12 and the drive control unit 220 may be connected by the first cable 31, and the drive control unit 220 and the battery 240 may be connected by the cable 34. In this case, in the event of a power failure or the like, a current is supplied from the battery 240 to the pump unit 12 via the drive control unit 220.

As shown in FIG. 10, another air mattress device 111 according to the embodiment includes a first connector 20a and a second connector 20b. The first connector 20a and the second connector 20b are provided in, for example, the pump unit 12.

One end of the first cable 31 is connected to the first connector 20a. One end of the second cable 32 is connected to the second connector 20b. A direct current is supplied to the pump unit 12 through one of the first cable 31 and the second cable 32. The shape of the first connector 20a is different from the shape of the second connector 22a. As a result, different types of cables can be connected to the first connector 20a and the second connector 22a.

For example, the shape of the other end of the first cable 31 is different from the shape of the other end of the second cable 32. As a result, the first cable 31 and the second cable 32 can be connected to different connectors. For example, the other end of the first connector 20a can be connected to the connector 22a of the body support device 210. The other end of the second connector 22a can be connected to the outlet 23b.

According to the air mattress device 111, the first connector 20a and the first cable 31 are used to supply the current to the pump unit 12, or the second connector 20b and the second cable 32 are used to supply the current to the pump unit 12. You can choose to do it. For example, when the body support device on which the air mattress device 111 is mounted includes a connector for power supply, the body support device and the pump unit 12 can be connected by the first cable 31. When the body support device on which the air mattress device 111 is mounted does not include a power supply connector, the outlet 23b and the pump unit 12 can be connected by the second cable 32. An electric current can be supplied to the air mattress device regardless of the configuration of the body support device on which the air mattress device is mounted. As a result, the usability of the air mattress device can be improved.

In the air mattress device 112 shown in FIG. 11, the pump unit 12 is provided separately from the air mattress 10. For example, the pump unit 12 is integrally hung on the board 76 of the body support device 210 together with the operation unit 30. The plurality of air cells 11 of the air mattress 10 and the pump unit 12 are connected by a tube 15. The pressure inside the plurality of air cells 11 is controlled via the tube 15.

In this example, the body support device 210 is provided with an outlet 24. The outlet 24 is electrically connected to, for example, the drive control unit 220. By connecting one end of the second cable 32 to the pump unit 12 and the other end of the second cable 32 to the outlet 24, a direct current or an alternating current can be supplied from the drive control unit 220 to the pump unit 12. It is desirable that the outlet 24 is provided on the foot side of the body support device 210 (the side where the knee bottom 70b and the leg bottom 70c are located with respect to the back bottom 70a). This is because the second cable 32 connecting the outlet 24 and the pump unit 12 can be shortened. Also in this example, since the current can be supplied from the body support device 210 to the air mattress device 110, the air mattress device 110 and the body support system 310 can be made easier to use.

In the above example, the case where the body support device 210 is an electric bed has been illustrated. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these examples. The body support device 210 may be an electric chair, a stretcher, or the like.

According to embodiments, a more user-friendly air mattress device and body support system can be provided.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, regarding the specific configuration of each element such as the operation unit, the air mattress, the air cell, the pump unit, the connector, the cable, the movable part, the drive part, the frame, and the control part included in the air mattress device and the body support system, the present invention The present invention is similarly carried out by a person skilled in the art by appropriately selecting from a known range, and is included in the scope of the present invention as long as the same effect can be obtained.

A combination of any two or more elements of each specific example to the extent technically possible is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the gist of the present invention is included.

In addition, all air mattress devices and body support systems that can be appropriately designed and implemented by those skilled in the art based on the air mattress device and body support system described above as embodiments of the present invention also include the gist of the present invention. As long as it does, it belongs to the scope of the present invention.

In addition, within the scope of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can come up with various modified examples and modified examples, and it is understood that these modified examples and modified examples also belong to the scope of the present invention. ..

10 ... Air mattress 11 ... Air cell 12 ... Pump unit 12a ... Power supply unit 12b ... Communication unit 12c ... Control unit 12d ... Relay circuit 12e ... Pump 12f ... Pressure sensor 12g ... Valve 12h ... Exhaust valve 13 ... Cover 14 ... Air cell 15 ... Tube 20a ... 1st connector 20b ... 2nd connector 21c, 21d, 22a, 23a ... Connector 23b, 24 ... Outlet 30 ... Operation unit 31 ... 1st cable 32 ... 2nd cable 33, 34, 35 ... Cable 70 ... Moving part 70a ... Back bottom 70b ... Knee bottom 70c ... Leg bottom 71a ... Back bottom drive unit 71b ... Knee bottom drive unit 72 ... Drive unit 75 ... Frame 76 ... Board 110, 111, 112 ... Air mattress device 210 ... Body support device 215 ... Cable 220 ... Drive control unit 221 ... Bottom control unit 222 ... Control unit 225 ... Power supply unit 226 ... Communication unit 230 ... Operation unit 235 ... Cable 240 ... Battery 310 ... Body support system P User

Claims (6)

An air mattress including a plurality of air cells and a pump unit connected to the plurality of air cells.
A first connector that is provided to the pump unit,
Equipped with a,
The first connector is an air mattress device to which a direct current is supplied and a communication signal is received. The pump unit is
The power supply unit that receives the direct current supply and
A communication unit that receives the communication signal and
A control unit that controls the plurality of air cells based on signals transmitted from the power supply unit and the communication unit, and
1. The air mattress device according to claim 1. The air mattress device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication signal includes at least one of a signal relating to a voltage value or a current value of the direct current and operation information in another device. A first cable, one end of which is connected to the first connector, is further provided.
The air mattress device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first cable includes a wiring for supplying the direct current and a wiring for communication. The air mattress device according to claim 4 and
A body member supporting device that will be connected to the pump unit via the first cable,
Body support system with.
The body support device includes a plurality of bottoms and includes a plurality of bottoms.
The body support system according to claim 5 , wherein the other of the plurality of air cells and the plurality of bottoms operates in response to the operation of one of the plurality of air cells and the plurality of bottoms.

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