JP7122738B2 - Absorbing member, absorbing member main body, and electrode member - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to absorbent members such as disposable diapers, absorbent member bodies, and electrode members.

Patent Literature 1 discloses that an electromotive force is generated by contacting a pair of electrodes with urine excreted in an absorbent body for urination detection.

JP 2015-229003 A

Not only urine but also feces may be excreted in an absorbent member such as a diaper. Since stool also contains liquid, the structure for urination detection as in Patent Document 1 can also be used for stool detection.

However, with the technique of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to distinguish between urination and defecation. Apart from liquids such as urine, it is desirable to detect the presence of semi-solid or solid liquid inclusions such as faeces on the absorbent member.

This problem can be solved, for example, by providing the absorbing member with a power generating portion in which semi-solid or solid liquid inclusions serve as the main generation path of the generated current. Further details are described as embodiments below.

FIG. 1 is an overall system view with an absorbent member and a management device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the detection device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of detection processing and reception processing. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a modification of the detection device. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the electrode arrangement. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an electrode configuration example. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the results of the first verification experiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the results of the first verification experiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of the second verification experiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the results of the second verification experiment.

<1. Overview of Absorbing Member, Absorbing Member Main Body, Electrode Member, and Detecting Device>

(1) The absorbent member according to the embodiment is worn, for example, on the human body. The absorbent member worn on the human body is, for example, a diaper. The diaper is preferably a disposable diaper. Diapers may be for infants or adults.

The absorbent member can comprise an absorbent body. The absorber absorbs liquid. The absorbent body preferably contains a superabsorbent polymer so that it can absorb more liquid, but it need not contain a superabsorbent polymer. The absorber may be configured as a single member, or may be configured by combining a plurality of members.

The absorber has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. In the case of an absorbent member worn on the human body, when the absorbent member is worn on the human body, the second surface is, for example, the surface facing the human body.

The absorbing member can comprise a first power generating section. The first power generation unit includes a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode. It is preferable that the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode are arranged so as to be in contact with the absorber. In this case, when the absorber absorbs liquid, a current is generated between the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode. Here, the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode may be arranged so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the absorber, or may be arranged inside the absorber so as to be in contact with the absorber.

The absorbent member can comprise a separator. The separator has a facing surface facing the second surface and a surface opposite to the facing surface. The separator separates at least one of a second positive electrode and a second negative electrode, which will be described later, from the absorber.

The absorbing member can comprise a second power generating section. The second power generation unit includes a second positive electrode and a second negative electrode. The second power generating section generates power when the semi-solid or solid liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side. At least one electrode of the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode so that when the liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side, the liquid containing material becomes a main generation path of the generated current in the second power generating section. is located on the opposite side.

The main generation path of the generated current refers to the path with the largest amount of current among the paths of the generated current flowing between the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode. For example, in order for the liquid containing material to become the main generation path of the generated current in the second power generation section, the current flowing through the liquid containing material should be higher than the current flowing through the absorber in the generated current flowing between the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode. The more, the better.

The absorbent member can be provided with a detection device. The detection device detects that at least the second power generation unit has generated power. Since the second power generation section generates power using liquid inclusions, the liquid inclusions can be detected by detecting that the second power generation section has generated power.

(2) The separator preferably has liquid permeability and lower water retention than the absorber. By having liquid permeability, the separator can be prevented from inhibiting liquid absorption by the absorber. Here, when the absorber is composed of a plurality of members, it is sufficient that the separator has lower water retention than the member having the highest water retention among the plurality of members constituting the absorber. This is because the water holding capacity of the entire absorbent body is regulated by the highest member. For example, when the absorbent body is composed of a plurality of members including a member containing a superabsorbent polymer, the separator preferably has lower water retention than the member containing the superabsorbent polymer.

Preferably, the separator has such a low water retention that it does not substantially retain liquid in its interior when the absorbent maintains its absorption capacity.

The separator is preferably made of, for example, non-woven fabric or woven fabric.

(3) The absorber contains a superabsorbent polymer, and the separator does not contain the superabsorbent polymer, has liquid permeability, and has lower water retention than the superabsorbent polymer. preferable. Since the water retention capacity of the superabsorbent polymer is very high, the separator does not contain the superabsorbent polymer, so that the water retention capacity of the separator can be made sufficiently smaller than that of the absorber.

(4) The separator may be made of a non-liquid-permeable material and arranged to allow liquid to move to the absorber in a range outside the separator.

(5) At least one of the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode may be arranged so as to be in contact with the first surface.

(6) Both the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode may be arranged so as to be in contact with the first surface.

(7) Both the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode may be arranged on the opposite surface side.

(8) One of the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode and one of the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode may be shared.

(9) The detection device includes: a first capacitor that stores power generated by the first power generation section and the second power generation section; a second capacitor that stores power generated by the second power generation section; 2 a rectifying element that allows current flow from the power generation unit and the second capacitor to the first capacitor and blocks current flow from the first power generation unit and the first capacitor to the second capacitor; and a detection circuit that detects that the second power generation unit has generated power based on the potential of the second capacitor.

(10) The detection circuit may be configured to operate using electric power stored in the first capacitor as a power supply.

A detection device according to an embodiment is a device for detecting excretion into an absorbent member main body, and includes a first power generation section that generates electricity from liquid excreted into the absorbent member main body and semi-solid or solid liquid excreted into the absorbent member main body. A first capacitor that stores power generated by a second power generation unit that generates power from liquid inclusions in the above, a second capacitor that stores power generated by the second power generation unit, the second power generation unit and the second capacitor a rectifying element that allows current flow from the first power generation unit and the first capacitor to the first capacitor and blocks current flow from the first power generation unit and the first capacitor to the second capacitor; , and a detection circuit for detecting that the second power generation unit has generated power.

(11) An absorbing member main body according to an embodiment includes an absorbent body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first positive electrode and a first positive electrode disposed so as to be in contact with the absorbent body. A semi-solid or solid liquid containing material comprising: a first power generating unit having one negative electrode; a separator having a surface facing the second surface and a surface opposite to the surface facing the second surface; a second positive electrode and a second negative electrode; is positioned on the opposite surface side to generate electricity, wherein the liquid inclusion is the main source of generated current in the second power generation section when the liquid inclusion is positioned on the opposite surface side and a second power generating section in which at least one of the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode is arranged on the opposite surface side so as to form a path.

(12) The absorbent member main body according to the embodiment includes an absorbent body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an opposing surface opposite to the second surface and an opposite surface a separator having a surface, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, wherein a semi-solid or solid liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side to generate power, wherein the liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side. a power generation unit in which at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is arranged on the opposite surface side so that the liquid containing material becomes a main generation path of the generated current in the power generation unit when the good too.

(13) The electrode member according to the embodiment is attached to an absorbent member body including an absorbent body. The electrode member includes a separator made of a material having liquid permeability and water retention lower than that of the absorber, and a positive electrode and an electrode held on one side of the separator.

(14) It is preferable that the one surface side is the side opposite to the surface where the separator faces the absorbent body when the electrode member is attached to the absorbent member.

<2. Examples of Absorbing Materials>

FIG. 1 shows a disposable diaper worn by a wearer as an example of the absorbent member 10 . The absorbent member 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an absorbent member main body 20 and a detection device 90 .

<2.1 Absorbing member main body>

The absorbent member main body 20 of the embodiment has a basic configuration as a diaper. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent member main body 20 includes a topsheet 30, a backsheet 40, and an absorbent body 50. As shown in FIG. Further, the absorbent member body 20 of the embodiment includes electrodes 61, 62, 71, 72 for detecting excrement.

Returning to FIG. 1, the absorbent member main body 10 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view in the unfolded state. When the absorbent member body 10 is worn by the wearer, the absorbent member main body 10 has a central portion 21 positioned approximately at the wearer's crotch, a front side 22 positioned on the front side of the wearer, and a rear side 23 positioned on the back side of the wearer. , have

The absorbent body 50 is arranged between the topsheet 30 and the backsheet 40 . Here, the surface is the surface facing the wearer when the absorbent member 10 is worn by the wearer. The back side is the opposite side of the front side. As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent body 50 has a first surface 51 and a second surface 52. As shown in FIG. The first surface 51 is the surface on the back sheet 40 side. The second surface 52 is the surface on the top sheet 30 side. The wearer's excrement is given to the absorbent body 50 from the second surface side 52 .

The surface sheet 30 is a substantially rectangular liquid-permeable sheet. The surface sheet 30 contacts the wearer's skin when worn by the wearer. The surface sheet 30 is also called a top sheet. The surface sheet 30 is made of nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, for example. The surface sheet 30 is configured to improve the liquid permeability and prevent the permeated liquid from returning to the wearer side. As a result, the urine excreted from the wearer can be rapidly permeated to the absorber 50 . Therefore, even if urine is urinated, the surface sheet 30 does not substantially retain urine as long as the absorber 50 has a surplus of water absorption capacity, and is substantially dry. As a result, contact of urine with the wearer's skin is suppressed.

The backsheet 40 is a substantially rectangular liquid-impermeable sheet. The back sheet 40 prevents urine absorbed by the absorbent body 50 from leaking out to the back side. The back sheet 40 is configured with a waterproof film or the like.

The absorbent body 50 of the embodiment is composed of absorbent fibers such as pulp and a superabsorbent polymer. Superabsorbent polymers allow more liquid to be retained in the absorbent body 50 . The absorbent body 50 is a substantially rectangular mat body. The absorbent body 50 is arranged across the front side 22 and the rear side of the absorbent member main body 10 . Therefore, the absorbent body 50 can absorb urine excreted on the front side 22 and liquid contained in feces excreted on the rear side 23 .

On the side of the first surface 51 of the absorber 50, a first power generation section 60 for urination detection is arranged. The first power generation section 60 has a pair of electrodes 61 and 62 . A pair of electrodes 61 and 62 has a first positive electrode 61 and a first negative electrode 62 .

The positive electrode 61 is configured by, for example, a long sheet-like carbon electrode. Carbon electrodes include, for example, activated carbon. The negative electrode 62 is composed of, for example, a long sheet-shaped aluminum electrode.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrodes 61 and 62 are spaced apart in the width direction of the absorbing member 10 . The electrodes 61 and 62 have longitudinal lengths approximately equal to the longitudinal length of the absorber 50 . The electrodes 61 and 62 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions coincide with the longitudinal direction of the absorbing member 10 and exist across both the front side 22 and the rear side 23 of the absorbing member main body 10 .

Electrodes 61 and 62 are arranged between absorber 50 and backsheet 40 so as to be in contact with first surface 51 of absorber 50 . When the liquid absorbed by the absorber 50 and the backsheet 40 comes into contact with 61 and 62, an electric current is generated. Therefore, the absorbent 50 that has absorbed the liquid becomes the current generation path 110 between the electrodes 61 and 62 in the first power generation section 60 . In this way, the first power generation unit 60 generates power by the liquid absorbed by the absorber 50 and is used for detecting liquid absorption by the absorber 50 .

The electrodes 61 and 62 may be provided integrally with the absorber 50 by being attached to the absorber 50 or the like. Alternatively, the electrodes 61 and 62 may be provided integrally with the backsheet 40 by being attached to the backsheet 40 or the like. The electrodes 61 and 62 may be provided separately from the absorbent body 50 and the backsheet 40 .

The electrodes 61 and 62 need only be in contact with the liquid absorbed by the absorber 50, and their positions are not limited to the first surface 51 side. However, if the electrodes 61 and 62 are arranged on the first surface 51 side, the current can be generated after the amount of liquid absorbed by the absorber 50 is sufficiently increased. That is, the current flows between the electrodes 61 and 62 after the liquid applied from the second surface 52 side reaches the first surface 51 side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the immediate detection of a very small amount of urination that does not require replacement of the absorbent member 10 .

As shown in FIG. 2, an electrode member 200 is arranged on the second surface 52 side of the absorber 50 . In the embodiment, the electrode member 200 is for defecation detection. The electrode member 200 includes a second power generation section 70 for detecting defecation and a separator 80 . The second power generation section 70 has a pair of electrodes 71 and 72 . A pair of electrodes 61 and 62 has a second positive electrode 71 and a second negative electrode 72 . In the embodiment, the second positive electrode 71 and the second negative electrode 72 are integrated with the separator 80 by being attached to the separator 80, for example.

The electrodes 71 and 72 may be provided integrally with the surface sheet 30 by being attached to the surface sheet 30 or the like. The electrodes 71 and 72 may be provided separately from the separator 80 and the surface sheet 40 .

The positive electrode 71 is configured by, for example, a long sheet-like carbon electrode. Carbon electrodes include, for example, activated carbon. The negative electrode 72 is composed of, for example, a long sheet-shaped aluminum electrode.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrodes 71 and 72 are spaced apart in the width direction of the absorbing member 10 . Electrodes 71 and 72 are shorter in longitudinal length than electrodes 61 and 62 . The electrodes 71 , 72 are arranged such that their longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the absorbent member 10 and are present only on the rear side 23 of the absorbent member 10 and not on the front side 22 . Preferably, electrodes 71 and 72 are placed only on the rear side 23 of the defecation position for defecation detection. It should be noted that the electrodes 71 and 72 may also be present on the front side 22 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the separator 80 of the embodiment separates between the absorber 50 and the electrodes 71,72. Separator 80 can reduce the degree of contact of electrodes 71 and 72 with the liquid absorbed by absorber 50 relative to the degree of contact of electrodes 61 and 62 with the liquid absorbed by absorber 50 . As a result, even if both the first power generation unit 60 and the second power generation unit 70 are arranged near the absorber 50, the urine detection sensitivity of the second power generation unit 70 can be made lower than that of the first power generation unit. .

The separator 80 of the embodiment is a sheet made of nonwoven fabric. The separator 80 has a facing surface 81 (lower surface in FIG. 2) facing the absorber 50 and a surface 82 opposite to the facing surface 81 (upper surface in FIG. 2). Electrodes 71 and 72 are arranged on the opposite surface 82 . The nonwoven fabric has liquid permeability. The nonwoven fabric forming the separator 80 does not contain a superabsorbent polymer, and therefore has lower water retention than the absorbent body 50 .

Since the separator 80 of the embodiment has liquid permeability, it does not hinder absorption of liquid by the absorber 50 even when positioned on the side of the second surface 52 to which the liquid contained in the excrement is supplied. In particular, the position between the electrodes 71 and 72 is the main position through which the liquid passes, but even if there is the separator 80 between the electrodes 71 and 72, absorption of the liquid by the absorber 50 is not hindered. On the other hand, since the separator 80 is provided between the two electrodes 71 and 72, the two electrodes 71 and 72 can be configured as an electrode member 200 integrated by the separator 80. , 72 are easier to handle.

As the separator 80, a sheet made of a non-woven fabric that is excellent in liquid permeability and configured to prevent the permeated liquid from returning can be used, similarly to the surface sheet 30. As shown in FIG. By using such a sheet as the separator 80, the liquid that permeates from the opposite surface 82 of the separator 80 to the opposite surface 81 side can be prevented from returning to the opposite surface 82 side. Further, the separator 80, which is configured in the same manner as the surface sheet 30, does not substantially retain the liquid after permeation of the liquid as long as the absorber 50 has a surplus of water absorption capacity, and the separator 80 is in a substantially dry state. be.

As a result, even if urine is urinated and absorbed by the absorber 50, the opposite surface 82 of the separator 80 is almost dry, and the second power generation section 70 provided on the opposite surface 82 hardly generates electricity. In other words, the absorber 50 and the separator 80 do not form a current generation path between the electrodes 71 and 72 in the second power generation section 70, or even if they do, only a small amount of current flows compared to the first power generation section 60. . Therefore, the second power generation section 70 has lower urination detection sensitivity than the first power generation section 60 .

Moreover, since the separator 80 is made of a nonwoven fabric that does not contain a superabsorbent polymer, there is a large difference in water retention performance compared to the absorbent body 50 that contains a superabsorbent polymer. That is, the separator 80 has lower water retention than the superabsorbent polymer contained in the absorbent body 50 . The difference in water retention is advantageous for suppressing liquid that has permeated from the opposite surface 82 of the separator 80 to the opposite surface 81 side from returning to the opposite surface 82 side.

The separator 80 does not need to be a special non-woven fabric having excellent functionality such as that used for the surface sheet 30 . The separator 80 may be, for example, a common non-woven or woven fabric having good liquid permeability and low water retention by being relatively open.

Now, when there is a bowel movement, feces 300, which are semi-solid liquid inclusions, are located between the wearer's skin and the topsheet 30 (above the topsheet 30 in FIG. 2). In other words, feces are located on the opposite surface 82 side of the separator 80 . A current is generated when the liquid contained in feces 300 comes into contact with electrodes 71 and 72 that constitute second power generation section 70 . Therefore, stool 300 , which is a substance containing liquid, becomes main generation path 120 of generated current between electrodes 71 and 72 in second power generation section 70 . In this way, the second power generation unit 70 is used to detect defecation because it generates power according to feces.

<2.2 Detection Device>

FIG. 3 shows a detection device 90 . The detection device 90 comprises a first capacitor C1. Capacitor C1 stores the electric power generated by first power generation section 60 and second power generation section 70 . In the detection device 90, the first power generation section 60 and the second power generation section 70 are connected in parallel. The current generated from either of the power generation units 60 and 70 can flow through the capacitor C1.

The detection device 90 comprises a second capacitor C2. Capacitor C2 stores the power generated by second power generation section 70 . The capacitance of capacitor C2 is smaller than the capacitance of capacitor C1. Therefore, the potential level of the capacitor C2 is likely to rise even when the stored power is small.

The detection device 90 comprises a rectifying element 93 . The rectifying element 93 allows current to flow from the second power generation section 70 and the capacitor C2 to the first capacitor C1. Furthermore, the rectifying element 93 blocks the flow of current from the first power generation section 60 and the capacitor C1 to the capacitor C2. Therefore, the current generated by the first power generation unit 60 does not flow through the capacitor C2, but the current generated by the second power generation unit 70 can flow.

As a result, the capacitor C1 is charged with power generated by urine and feces, and the capacitor C2 is charged mainly with power generated by feces.

The detection device 90 comprises a detection circuit 94 . A power supply terminal VDD of the detection circuit 94 is connected to a capacitor C1. The detection circuit 94 operates using the capacitor C1 as an operating power supply. When the potential of the capacitor C1 rises to the operating voltage of the detection circuit 94 by charging the capacitor C1, the capacitor C1 discharges to the detection circuit 94. FIG. This allows the detection circuit 94 to perform detection processing. When the detection circuit 94 consumes the power of the capacitor C1 by executing the detection process, the potential of the capacitor C1 drops and the detection circuit 94 stops operating. If the first power generation section 60 or the second power generation section 70 is generating power, the capacitor C1 is charged again.

While the first power generation section 60 or the second power generation section 70 is generating power, the capacitor C1 repeats charging and discharging. Along with this, the detection circuit 94 repeatedly executes the detection process. The length of the repeating period depends on the charging speed of the capacitor C1. The charging speed increases as the amount of power generated increases. Therefore, the repetition period becomes shorter as the power generation amount of the first power generation section 60 or the second power generation section 70 increases, and becomes longer as the power generation amount decreases.

The detection circuit 94 has a signal input terminal for detecting the potential of the capacitor C2. Capacitor C 2 is connected to the signal input terminal of detection circuit 94 . The detection circuit 93 determines whether the potential of the capacitor C2 has exceeded a predetermined threshold. When the potential of the capacitor C2 exceeds the threshold, it is treated as having been defecated. Thus, in the embodiment, the potential of capacitor C2 serves as the normal sensing signal.

As shown in FIG. 4, the detection circuit 94 determines whether stool is detected in step S11 of the detection process. Determination of stool detection here is whether or not the potential of the capacitor C2 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Subsequently, in step S12 or S13, the detection circuit 94 performs a process of causing the wireless device 94 to transmit packets P1 and P2 as detection signals. As described above, when power is being generated, detection processing is repeatedly performed, so packets P1 and P2 are repeatedly transmitted. The repetition transmission cycle of packets also changes according to the amount of power generation.

Packets P1 and P2 include an ID indicating the absorbent member 10 and a flight bit. In FIG. 3, ID=A. The ID may be an ID indicating the detection device 90 or an ID indicating the wearer. A stool bit is a signal indicating the presence or absence of defecation. For example, the stool bit is set to 1 when there is a bowel movement, and is set to 0 when there is no bowel movement.

When the potential of the capacitor C2 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the detection circuit 94 sets the feces bit stored in the packet P1 to 1, assuming that defecation has occurred (step S12). On the other hand, if the potential of the capacitor C2 does not exceed the predetermined threshold value, the detection circuit 94 sets the feces bit stored in the packet P2 to 0, assuming that defecation is not performed (step S13).

In the embodiment, the packets P1 and P2 are transmitted only when the first power generation unit 60 or the second power generation unit 70 generates power after urination or defecation. is a detection signal. Furthermore, the presence or absence of defecation can be identified by the feces bit included in the packets P1 and P2. As a result, the packet P1 in which the feces bit is set to 1 becomes a detection signal indicating defecation, and the packet P2 in which the feces bit is set to 0 becomes a signal indicating urination. Packets P1 and P2 are received by management device 100, which will be described later. Note that the packet may be transmitted wirelessly or by wire.

<3. Capacitor Charging Operation>

<3.1 When urinating>

When the wearer urinates, the urine passes through the surface sheet 30 and the separator 80 and is absorbed by the absorber 50 . Urine absorbed by the absorber 50 is brought into contact with the electrodes 61 and 62 to generate electricity by the first power generation section 60 . The power generated by the first power generation section 60 is charged in the capacitor C1.

Urine also comes into contact with the electrodes 71 and 72 when passing through the surface sheet 30 and the separator 80, but only for a short period of time while urinating. Therefore, the power generation by the second power generation section 70 is very small, or does not last as long as the power generation by the first power generation section. Therefore, even if the second power generation unit 70 generates power due to urination, the potential of the capacitor C2 does not rise to the extent that it is determined as feces detection.

Therefore, even if the potential of the capacitor C1 rises to the operating voltage of the detection circuit 94 during urination, the potential of the capacitor C2 does not rise to the threshold.

<3.2 Capacitor Charging Operation During Defecation>

When the wearer defecates, feces are semi-solid or solid, and are therefore positioned between the topsheet 30 and the wearer. However, liquid components contained in stool pass through the surface sheet 30 and reach the electrodes 71 and 72 . Electricity is generated by the second power generation section 70 when the liquid contained in the stool comes into contact with the electrodes 71 and 72 . The electric power generated by the second power generation section 70 is charged in the capacitor C1 and the capacitor C2. Since the capacitor C2 has a smaller capacitance than the capacitor C1, the potential rises easily.

Some of the liquid components contained in feces pass through the surface sheet 30 and the separator 80 and are absorbed by the absorber 50 . Electric power is generated by the first power generation section 60 by contacting the electrodes 61 and 62 with the liquid component absorbed by the absorber 50 . The power generated by the first power generation section 60 is charged in the capacitor C1.

Therefore, the detection circuit 94 can advantageously use the power charged in the capacitor C1 as an operating power supply during defecation.

<4. Management device>

Packets P1 and P2 are received by management device 100 shown in FIG. 1 (step S21). The management device 100 is used, for example, in a nursing care facility to manage whether or not the disposable diapers 10 worn by a plurality of care recipients need to be replaced.

The management device 100 has a wireless device 101 that receives packets P1 and P2. Radio 101 provides the received packet to processor 102 . The processor 102 executes the program stored in the memory 103, so that the management device 100 executes the processes of steps S22, S23, and S24.

At step S22, the processor 102 refers to the flight bits included in the packets P1 and P2. Processor 102 can provide different outputs depending on whether a bowel movement is present or not.

For example, when the flight bit is 1, in step S23, the processor 102 causes the output device 104 to output that the absorbent member (diaper) 10 indicated by the ID of the received packet should be changed immediately. If the diaper is not changed immediately after defecation, the wearer feels uncomfortable. By outputting the change instruction immediately, it is possible to prompt the caregiver to quickly change the diaper. The processor 102 may simply output information indicating that there was a bowel movement, or may output an exchange instruction together with information indicating that there was a bowel movement.

If feces bit=0, processor 102 determines whether or not diaper change is necessary in step S24 according to the amount of urination and the like. When the processor 102 determines that the diaper needs to be changed, the processor 102 causes the output device 104 to output that the absorbent member (diaper) 10 indicated by the ID of the packet should be changed.

Even if there is urination, if the amount of urination is small, there is no need to replace the absorbent member 10, so the processor 102 determines that the diaper needs to be changed when the amount of urination has increased to some extent. As a result, unnecessary diaper change output can be prevented.

The amount of urination can be determined by the period (frequency) of receiving the detection signal (packet P2). This is because when the amount of urination increases, the amount of power generation increases, and the transmission cycle of the detection signal shortens. In addition, the necessity of changing diapers may be determined in consideration of not only the amount of urination but also the frequency of urination. Since urination can be detected from changes in the reception period of the detection signal, the number of changes in the reception period of the detection signal may be treated as the number of urinations.

<5. Modification of detection device>

FIG. 5 shows a modification of the detection device 90. As shown in FIG. The detection device 90 of FIG. 5 includes a first capacitor C1 that stores power generated by the first power generation section 60, a detection circuit 96 that performs detection processing using the power charged in the capacitor C1, and a wireless device 98. Prepare. 5 includes a second capacitor C2 that stores power generated by the second power generation unit, a detection circuit 97 that performs detection processing using the power charged in the capacitor C2, a wireless device 99, Prepare.

A power supply terminal VDD of the detection circuit 96 is connected to a capacitor C1. The detection circuit 96 operates using the capacitor C1 as an operating power supply. When the potential of capacitor C1 rises to the operating voltage of detection circuit 96 due to charging of capacitor C1, capacitor C1 discharges to detection circuit 96. FIG. This allows the detection circuit 96 to perform detection processing. Detection circuit 96 performs a detection process that causes radio 98 to transmit packet P4.

A power supply terminal VDD of the detection circuit 97 is connected to a capacitor C2. The detection circuit 96 operates using the capacitor C1 as an operating power supply. When the potential of the capacitor C1 rises to the operating voltage of the detection circuit 97 by charging the capacitor C1, the capacitor C1 discharges to the detection circuit 97. FIG. This allows the detection circuit 97 to perform detection processing. The detection circuit 97 executes a detection process that causes the wireless device 98 to transmit the packet P3.

Packets P3 and P4 are transmitted periodically as the capacitors C1 and C2 are repeatedly charged and discharged. The transmission cycle of the packets P3 and P4 changes according to the power generation amounts of the first power generation section 60 and the second power generation section 70 .

Packet P3 transmitted by radio 98 and packet P4 transmitted by radio 99 have different IDs. This allows the receiving side to distinguish between the packet P3 transmitted during defecation and the packet P4 transmitted mainly during urination.

As described above, in the detection circuit of FIG. 5, the power generated by the first power generation unit 60 during defecation cannot be used for the packet P3, but similar to the detection circuit of FIG. signal) can be sent.

<6. Variation of electrode arrangement>

FIG. 6 shows variations in arrangement of the electrodes 61 , 62 , 71 , 72 in the absorbent member main body 20 . 6, the top sheet 30 and the back sheet 40 are omitted. In each example shown in FIG. 6, points not particularly described are the same as those of the absorbent member main body shown in FIG.

<6.1 First modification>

In the first modified example shown in FIG. 6A , electrodes 61 and 62 forming first power generation section 60 are arranged inside absorber 50 . Also in this case, the electrodes 61 and 62 can come into contact with the liquid absorbed by the absorber 50 .

<6.2 Second Modification>

In the second modification shown in FIG. 6B, the electrodes 61 and 62 forming the first power generation section 60 are arranged on the second surface 52 side of the absorber 50 . Also in this case, the electrodes 61 and 62 can come into contact with the liquid absorbed by the absorber 50 .

The electrodes 61 and 62 may be integrated with the separator 80 by being attached to the surface 81 of the separator 80, for example. In this case, the integrated electrode member 200 is composed of the separator 80, the electrodes 61 and 62 attached to one surface 81 of the separator 80, and the electrodes 71 and 72 attached to the other surface 82 of the separator 80. can. It should be noted that the electrodes 61 and 62 may be attached to the absorber 50 in FIG. 6B.

In the modification of FIG. 6B , the electrodes 61 and 62 are arranged in the plane direction of the separator 80 (horizontal direction in FIG. 6) in order to prevent the electrodes 61 and 62 and the electrodes 71 and 72 from being short-circuited. It is preferably arranged in a position different from the For example, in FIG. 6B, the electrodes 61 and 62 are arranged outside the electrodes 72 and 72 in the horizontal direction.

<6.3 Third Modification>

In the third modification shown in FIG. 6C, insulators 65 and 66 are arranged between the separator 80 and the electrodes 61 and 62 in the second modification shown in FIG. 6B. In the modification shown in FIG. 6, electrodes 61 and 62 are arranged at positions overlapping electrodes 71 and 72 in the surface direction of separator 80 . The presence of the insulators 65 and 66 can prevent a short circuit even if the electrodes 61 and 62 and the electrodes 71 and 72 are overlapped. Note that the insulators 65 and 66 may be arranged between the separator 80 and the electrodes 71 and 72 .

<6.4 Fourth Modification>

In the fourth modification shown in FIG. 6D, the electrodes 62 and 72 in the second modification shown in FIG. 6B are configured by a single common electrode. By using the common electrode, the total number of electrodes can be reduced, which is advantageous for cost reduction. In addition, in the case of the modification shown in FIG. 6D, the separator 80 only needs to separate the electrode 71 from the absorber 50, so the size can be reduced.

Here, in the case of the electrode arrangements shown in FIGS. 2, 6A, 6B, and 6C, as shown in FIG. also comprises two electrodes 71 , 72 . The total number of electrodes is four. On the other hand, in the case of the electrode arrangement shown in FIG. 6D, as shown in FIG. 7B, the negative electrodes 62, 72 of the first power generation section 60 and the second power generation section 70 are shared. The total number of electrodes is three. That is, the common electrodes 62 and 72 are both the first negative electrode 62 of the first power generation section 60 and the second negative electrode 72 of the second power generation section.

<6.5 Fifth Modification>

In the fifth modification shown in FIG. 6E, the electrodes 61 and 71 in the electrode arrangement shown in FIG. 2 are configured by a single common electrode. In the case of the modification shown in FIG. 6E, the separator 80 only needs to separate the electrodes 72 from the absorber 50, so the size can be reduced.

<6.6 Sixth Modification>

In the sixth modification shown in FIG. 6F, the separator 80 in the electrode arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is made of a non-liquid-permeable material. The non-liquid-permeable material is, for example, a synthetic resin sheet having no liquid-permeable gaps therein. The separator 80 in FIG. 6F is arranged to allow liquid to move from the surface sheet 30 side to the absorber 50 in the area A2 outside the separator. More specifically, the separator 80 is formed to have approximately the same size as the electrodes 71 and 72 and is arranged so as not to exist in the range A2 between the electrodes 71 and 72 . Therefore, liquid such as urine is prevented from moving in range A1 within separator 80, but is allowed to move in range A2 outside separator 80. FIG.

<7. Verification Experiment>

As verification experiments, a first verification experiment and a second verification experiment were conducted. In the first verification experiment, 40 cc of physiological saline was injected as a substitute for urine into the absorbent member main body 20 shown in FIGS. In the first verification experiment, the current value was measured when the physiological saline solution was simply injected (without weight) and when a weight of 2 kg was placed on the surface sheet 30 after injection (with weight). did. The weight simulates the load from the wearer to the absorbent member main body 20 .

In the second verification experiment, 40 cc of physiological saline was injected as a substitute for urine into the absorbent member main body 20 shown in FIGS. current was measured. Also, in the second verification experiment, the current values were measured without the weight and with the weight of 2 kg.

<7.1 First verification experiment (urination detection experiment) result>

8 and 9 show the results of the first verification experiment. FIG. 8 shows power generation characteristics of the second power generation section 70 for feces detection. FIG. 8A shows the results without weights, and FIG. 8B shows the results with weights. FIG. 9 shows power generation characteristics of the first power generation section 60 for urine detection. FIG. 9A shows the results without weights, and FIG. 9B shows the results with weights.

As is clear from the comparison between FIGS. 8 and 9, when injecting physiological saline corresponding to urination, the amount of power generated by the second power generation section 70 for feces detection is less than that of the first power generation section 60 for urine detection. It's much smaller than the quantity. Therefore, it was confirmed that the detection sensitivity for urination in the second power generation section 70 was lower than that in the first power generation section 60 .

<7.2 Second verification experiment (urination and defecation detection experiment) results>

10 and 11 show the results of the first verification experiment. FIG. 10 shows the power generation characteristics of the second power generation section 70 for feces detection. FIG. 10 shows the results without weight, and FIG. 10B shows the results with weight. FIG. 11 shows power generation characteristics of the first power generation section 60 for urine detection. FIG. 11A shows the results without weights, and FIG. 11B shows the results with weights.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when urination and defecation occur, the amounts of power generated by the fecal detection second power generation section 70 and the urine detection first power generation section 60 are both sufficiently large. . 8 and 10, it was confirmed that the power generation amount of the second power generation unit 70 for feces detection differs depending on the presence or absence of feces.

From the above experimental results, it was confirmed that the electrodes 71 and 72 interposed between the absorber 50 and the separator 80 can detect stool while distinguishing it from urination.

<8. Note>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

10 Absorbing member 20 Absorbing member main body 21 Central part 22 Front side 23 Rear side 30 Top sheet 40 Back sheet 50 Absorber 51 First surface 52 Second surface 60 First power generating part (urine power generating part)
61 First positive electrode 62 First negative electrode 65 Insulator 66 Insulator 70 Second power generation unit (convenient power generation unit)
71 Second positive electrode 72 Second negative electrode 75 Non-liquid-permeable separator (insulator)
76 liquid impermeable separator (insulator)
80 separator (liquid permeable separator)
81 Opposite surface 82 Opposite surface 90 Detecting device 93 Rectifying element 94 Detecting circuit 95 Wireless device 96 Detecting circuit 97 Detecting circuit 98 Wireless device 99 Wireless device 100 Management device 101 Wireless device 102 Processor 103 Memory 104 Output device 110 First path 120 Second Path 200 Electrode member 300 Liquid content C1 First capacitor C2 Second capacitor P1 Packet P2 Packet P3 Packet P4 Packet A1 Range within separator A2 Range outside separator

Claims (12)

an absorbent body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a first power generation unit including a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode arranged to be in contact with the absorber;
a separator having a facing surface facing the second surface and a surface opposite to the facing surface;
A second power generation unit that includes a second positive electrode and a second negative electrode, and generates power by placing a semi-solid or solid liquid containing material on the opposite surface side, wherein the liquid containing material is located on the opposite surface side. At least one electrode of the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode is disposed on the opposite surface side so that the liquid-containing substance sometimes serves as a path for generating electric current in the second power generation unit. a power generation unit;
a detection device that detects that at least the second power generation unit has generated power;
with
The separator has the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode so that the liquid containing material becomes the main generation path of the generated current in the second power generating section when the liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side. The degree of contact with the liquid absorbed by the absorber is configured to be lower than the degree of contact between the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode with the liquid absorbed by the absorber.
absorbent material. The absorbent member according to claim 1, wherein the separator has liquid permeability and lower water retention than the absorbent body. The absorber contains a superabsorbent polymer,
3. The absorbent member according to claim 1 , wherein the separator does not contain the superabsorbent polymer, has liquid permeability, and has lower water retention than the superabsorbent polymer. an absorbent body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a first power generation unit including a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode arranged to be in contact with the absorber;
a separator having a facing surface facing the second surface and a surface opposite to the facing surface;
A second power generation unit that includes a second positive electrode and a second negative electrode, and generates power by placing a semi-solid or solid liquid containing material on the opposite surface side, wherein the liquid containing material is located on the opposite surface side. At least one electrode of the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode is arranged on the opposite surface side of the second power generation unit so that the liquid containing substance sometimes serves as a path for generating electric current in the second power generation unit. Department and
a detection device that detects that at least the second power generation unit has generated power;
with
An absorbent member, wherein the separator is formed of a liquid-impermeable material and arranged to allow movement of liquid to the absorber in a range outside the separator. The absorbing member according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein at least one of the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode is arranged so as to be in contact with the first surface. The absorbing member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein both the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode are arranged so as to be in contact with the first surface. The absorbent member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein both the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode are arranged on the opposite side. Any one electrode of the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode and one electrode of the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode are common. Absorbent material as described The detection device is
a first capacitor that stores electric power generated by the first power generation unit and the second power generation unit;
a second capacitor that stores power generated by the second power generation unit;
a rectifying element that allows current to flow from the second power generation section and the second capacitor to the first capacitor and blocks current flow from the first power generation section and the first capacitor to the second capacitor; ,
a detection circuit that detects that the second power generation unit has generated power based on the potential of the second capacitor;
The absorbent member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: 10. The absorbing member according to claim 9, wherein the detection circuit is configured to operate using electric power stored in the first capacitor as a power supply. an absorbent body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a first power generation unit including a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode arranged to be in contact with the absorber;
a separator having a facing surface facing the second surface and a surface opposite to the facing surface;
A second power generation unit that includes a second positive electrode and a second negative electrode, and generates power by placing a semi-solid or solid liquid containing material on the opposite surface side, wherein the liquid containing material is located on the opposite surface side. At least one electrode of the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode is disposed on the opposite surface side so that the liquid-containing substance sometimes serves as a path for generating electric current in the second power generation unit. a power generation unit;
with
The separator has the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode so that the liquid containing material becomes the main generation path of the generated current in the second power generating section when the liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side. The degree of contact with the liquid absorbed by the absorber is configured to be lower than the degree of contact between the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode with the liquid absorbed by the absorber.
Absorbent member body. an absorbent body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
a separator having a facing surface facing the second surface and a surface opposite to the facing surface;
A power generation unit that includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode and generates power when a semi-solid or solid liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side, wherein the liquid containing material is positioned on the opposite surface side. a power generation unit in which at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is arranged on the opposite surface side so that is a path for generating current in the power generation unit;
with
The separator is made of a non-liquid-permeable material, and is arranged to allow movement of liquid to the absorber in a range outside the separator.
Absorbent member body.

Images