JP7277915B2 - system and lifting device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to systems and lifting devices.

Patients (care recipients) who cannot move their bodies by themselves cannot turn over during sleep, and tend to develop pressure ulcers. In order to prevent pressure ulcers, a nurse (caregiver) has the patient (care recipient) change their position for a certain period of time (e.g., 2 every hour).

However, conventional position change requires one or two or more people to tilt the body of the patient (care recipient) away from the mattress, which places a heavy physical burden on the nurse (caregiver). .

In addition, tilting the body away from the mattress disturbs the sleep of the patient (the person receiving care) and imposes a burden on the patient (the person receiving care). In addition, there is a risk that patients (care recipients) may become tense due to mental anxiety and discomfort caused by being able to lift (touch) their bodies by human hands. It may also promote shrinkage.

On the other hand, there is a method called the small pillow method. The small pillow method puts a cushion under the mattress on which the patient (the person receiving care) is sleeping, and the patient (the person receiving care) does not need to be slightly tilted, so it reduces the physical burden on the nurse (caregiver). It is expected that the patient's (care recipient's) mental anxiety will be alleviated compared to conventional postural changes. Also, in recent years, it has been expected that a small inclination causes a reflex reaction in the patient's (person receiving care) muscle and has the effect of alleviating muscle tension.

However, even with this small pillow method, putting a cushion or the like under the mattress requires human power, and the mattress on which the patient (the person receiving care) is lying has to be lifted, which does not eliminate the physical burden. In addition, the burden of having to do it at regular intervals still exists. In addition, there remains a risk that the patient (the person receiving care) may be disturbed from sleeping by lifting the mattress more than necessary to insert a cushion or the like, and the burden on the patient has not been eliminated.

On the other hand, in the prevention of pressure ulcers, an air mattress is known as a device that reduces the labor and time burden of nurses (caregivers). For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a mat device applied to a bed. The mat device includes a mat portion and a pressure adjusting portion, and the mat portion includes first cells and second cells, and the first cells and the second cells are porous bodies having deformation restoration properties. and a bag that hermetically encloses the porous body.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-82216

However, such a mat device has a complicated structure in which an air supply source supplies air to a plurality of air cells. In addition, since it is a mat device, the device itself is large and expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, inexpensive and compact device and a system comprising the device.

A system according to the present invention is a system for raising and lowering at least one portion of the body of a sleeping person. The system includes one or more raising and lowering devices. Each raising and lowering device comprises an expansion-contraction cell that can be expanded and contracted, and a drive dedicated to the expansion-contraction cell. The expansion-contraction cell and the drive are fixed together to form a unit. The size of the monolith is such that it can be placed under only part of a person's body. This makes it possible to provide a system that is simple, inexpensive, and has a compact size lifting device.

Preferably, the system comprises a plurality of raising and lowering devices. Each raising and lowering device is mechanically isolated from other raising and lowering devices. A plurality of raising and lowering devices can be arranged respectively on a plurality of mutually spaced parts of a person's body. Each of the plurality of raising and lowering devices can be driven on a different time schedule than the other raising and lowering devices. As a result, the posture of the human part can be changed in various ways.

Preferably, each raising and lowering device can adjust the degree of expansion and contraction of the expansion-contraction cell by a dedicated drive. This makes it possible to adjust the height when changing the posture of the human part.

Preferably, a first lifting/lowering device among the plurality of lifting/lowering devices acquires identifiers of the plurality of lifting/lowering devices, determines time schedules of the lifting/lowering devices respectively corresponding to the plurality of acquired identifiers, and determines the determined time schedules, Notify other raising and lowering devices. Other raising and lowering devices drive themselves according to the time schedule. This allows the first raising and lowering device to coordinate the schedule of the entire system.

Preferably, the first lifting/lowering device calculates the degrees of expansion and contraction of the expansion/contraction cells of the lifting/lowering devices respectively corresponding to the acquired plurality of identifiers, and notifies the other lifting/lowering devices of the calculated degrees. Other raise/lower devices adjust their expansion/contraction cells based on degrees. This allows the degree of expansion and contraction of the raising and lowering devices in the system to be controlled by the direction of the first raising and lowering device.

Preferably, the first raising and lowering device is a predetermined raising and lowering device among the plurality of raising and lowering devices. Thereby, the first raising and lowering device can be fixed.

Preferably, the first raising and lowering device is selectable from the plurality of raising and lowering devices. This allows the first push-up device to be selected.

The system further comprises a terminal capable of communicating with multiple devices. The terminal obtains the identifiers of the plurality of lifting devices, calculates the time schedules of the lifting devices corresponding to the plurality of obtained identifiers, and notifies the calculated time schedules to the plurality of lifting devices. Multiple lifting and lowering devices drive themselves according to a time schedule. This allows you to operate the system from your terminal.

Preferably, the terminal determines the degrees of expansion and contraction of the expansion cells of the lifting and lowering devices respectively corresponding to the acquired plurality of identifiers, and notifies the other lifting and lowering devices of the determined degrees. Other raise/lower devices adjust their expansion/contraction cells based on degrees. This allows the terminal to control the degree of inflation and deflation of the raising and lowering device within the system.

Preferably, the plurality of raising and lowering devices are arranged between the mattress and the floorboard of the bed. As a result, the floating feeling of the user can be suppressed.

Preferably, the raising and lowering devices have fixing means fixed to the floorboard. This can prevent misalignment of the device.

Preferably, the raising and lowering device is an air cell device comprising an inflatable and contractible air cell and a dedicated pump for the air cell, so that inflation and deflation of the air cell device can be controlled by air.

Preferably, the expansion/contraction cell may be composed of a plurality of units stacked in the height direction.

Preferably, the lifting and lowering device may further include notification means for notifying other companies of its operating state. In addition, the system may further include notification means for notifying other companies of the operating status of all the lifting and lowering devices in the system.
A raising and lowering device is a raising and lowering device that can be placed under a body part of a sleeping person. The raising and lowering device includes an expansion/contraction cell that can be expanded and contracted, and a dedicated driving device for the expansion/contraction cell. The size is such that it can be placed under only part of a person's body. Raise and lower devices can communicate with other raise and lower devices. The raising and lowering device can inflate and deflate the inflation-deflation cell according to a time schedule shared with other raising and lowering devices. As a result, it is possible to provide a simple, inexpensive, and compact size raising and lowering device.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide a simple, inexpensive, compact size device and a system comprising the device.

1 is a schematic plan view of an air cell device; FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of a control unit; FIG. It is a figure explaining the expansion-contraction state of an air cell apparatus. It is a figure explaining the height adjustment of the air cell part arrange|positioned under the mattress. It is a figure explaining an example of the system concerning this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the fixing method of an air cell apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 1st modification of the fixing method of an air cell apparatus. It is a figure which shows the 2nd modification of the fixing method of an air cell apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 6 of the parent device; It is a figure which shows an example of the time schedule of a system. It is an example of the control flow of the system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of display information of a parent device and each child device; It is a figure explaining the 1st modification of an air cell apparatus. It is a figure explaining the 2nd modification of an air cell apparatus. It is a figure explaining the control flow of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the control flow of 3rd Embodiment.

<Air cell device>
The air cell device and system according to this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an air cell device 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the control unit 10. As shown in FIG.

The air cell device 1 as a lifting and lowering device is a device that can be placed below a body part of a sleeping person. The air cell device 1 includes an air cell section 20 as an inflatable and contractible cell, and a pump device 10 dedicated to the air cell section 20 . They are fixed to each other to form a unitary body. That is, the pump device 10 and the air cell portion 20 included in one air cell device 1 are mechanically separated from the pump device 10 and the air cell portion 20 of the other air cell device 1 .

The air cell portion 20 is a bag that can be inflated by air supplied from the pump device 10 . Also, the inflated air cell portion 20 can be contracted by discharging the air. For example, the air cell unit 20 can be placed under the mattress of the bed and on the floorboard.

The pump device 10 includes a power supply device 13, an air pump 15 as a driving device, a control circuit 17, an intake and exhaust pipe 19, a flow control valve 12, a pressure sensor 14, and a casing 11 containing these components.

A power supply device 13 is connected to an air pump 15 that supplies air to the air cell section 20, a control circuit 17 that controls the air pump 15, a flow control valve 12, and a pressure sensor 14, and supplies electricity to each section. The power supply device 13 may be a conventionally known power supply device. Specifically, for example, the power supply device 13 may be a rechargeable device equipped with a battery, may be powered by an electric bed, or may be powered by a battery. may In addition, the power supply method of the power supply device 13 may be any method.

One end of a suction/exhaust pipe 19 is connected to an air supply port (not shown) of the air pump 15 via a flow rate adjustment valve 12, and the other end of the suction/exhaust pipe 19 is connected to a supply port (not shown) of an air cell section 20. None). As a result, air can be supplied or exhausted between the air pump 15 and the air cell portion 20 .

The control circuit 17 has a control computer 173 , a communication device 171 , a control computer 173 , an input section 175 and an output section 177 . A control computer 173 is connected to the communication device 171 , the control computer 173 , the input 175 and the output 177 . The control computer 173 has, for example, a calculation unit, a storage unit, a clock, a time counter, and the like (not shown).

The input unit 175 inputs various types of information to the control computer 173 by user operations such as buttons and keyboards. The output unit 177 is composed of, for example, a display, and the control computer 173 outputs the operation status of the air cell device 1, various settings by user operation, and the like. A touch panel having both functions may be used for all or part of the input section 175 and the output section 177 . The communication device 171 transmits and receives information between the control computer 173 and external devices.

The control computer 173 is connected to the air pump 15, the flow control valve 12 and the pressure sensor 14 and controls them.

An air pump 15 as a driving device drives an air cell portion 20 as an expansion/contraction cell. Specifically, for example, the air pump 15 supplies or exhausts air to the air cell section 20 based on instructions from the control computer 173 . The flow control valve 12 adjusts the flow rate of air passing through the intake/exhaust pipe 19 based on instructions from the control computer 173 . The pressure sensor 14 measures the pressure (internal pressure) within the air cell portion 20 based on the amount of air supplied or discharged from the air cell portion 20 .

This makes it possible to provide an air cell device that is simple, inexpensive, and compact in size. A bottom plate 24 may be arranged on the bottom surface of the air cell portion 20 (see FIG. 3). Although the bottom plate 24 is not an essential component, by arranging the bottom plate 24 on the bottom surface, it is possible to prevent the air cell portion 20 from being twisted or the like when it is attached. This facilitates placement of the air cell device 1 under the mattress.

In this embodiment, the pump device 10 has the flow rate control valve 12 and the pressure sensor 14, but these 12 and 14 are not essential components and may be omitted. Also, the pump device 10 may have either one of the flow rate control valve 12 and the pressure sensor 14 .

The expansion and contraction states of the air cell device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The air cell portion 20 is inflated by the supply of air from the pump device 10 . The height of the air cell portion 20 increases as it expands. Also, the height of the air cell portion 20 is reduced by shrinking. There is no upper limit to the height of the air cell portion 20 when inflated, as long as it is set higher than the height of the pump device 10 .

Specifically, the height of the air cell portion 20 when inflated can be adjusted by the user and may be set in any way. The height of the air cell portion 20 when inflated is preferably set to, for example, about 1 cm to 30 cm, and more preferably set to about 5 cm to 20 cm. This is because the patient does not lean greatly, and there is less sleep disturbance and body displacement.

The internal pressure of the air cell portion 20 can also be adjusted by the user and may be set in any way.
On the other hand, there is no lower limit to the height of the air cell portion 20 when it is shrunk.

4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining height adjustment of the air cell portion 20 arranged under the mattress M. FIG. Floorboards are omitted in each figure. (1) is an example in which the height of the air cell portion 20 is set low, (2) is an example in which the height of the air cell portion 20 is set to a medium height, and (3) is This is an example in which the height of the air cell portion 20 is set high. By adjusting the height of the air cell portion 20, the inclination of the mattress M is changed, and the inclination angle of the body of the patient (person lying on the bed) is changed.
<Attachment to the bed>
The air cell device 1 is formed in a size sufficiently smaller than the size of the mattress of the bed. For example, the air cell device 1 is sized to be placed under only a portion of the human body. Specifically, for example, the size of the air cell device 1 is formed to be about A3 to A6 size for easy portability, preferably about A4 size.

One or more air cell devices 1 can be placed at one or more locations on the bed. The air cell device 1 may be arranged, for example, in line with a portion where a pressure ulcer may form. Specifically, it is preferable to arrange a plurality of air cell devices 1 according to the symptoms of the patient.

A method of fixing the air cell device 1 to the floor plate of the bed will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a fixing method of the air cell device 1. FIG. In this example, a bag-like cover 50 is attached to the air cell portion 20 . The cover 50 is made of, for example, a material having a large outer surface friction (hereinafter referred to as a fixing material for simplicity). By directly arranging the air cell device 1 with the cover 50 on the floor plate of the bed, it is possible to prevent the air cell device 1 from being displaced. Although only the air cell portion 20 is covered with the cover 50 in this example, the entire air cell device 1 may be covered. Moreover, it is not necessary to form the entire cover 50 from the fixing material, and at least a part of the surface in contact with the floor plate may be formed from the fixing material. Moreover, the cover 20 is not limited to a bag-like shape, and may be of any shape, such as a belt-like shape, as long as it is attached to a part of the air cell device 1 . Materials such as silicon, rubber, nylon, vinyl, etc. are applied as an example of the fixing material. However, the fixing material is not limited to the above-mentioned materials as long as it is a non-slip material in relation to the floorboard of the bed, and any material may be used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first modification of the fixing method of the air cell device 1. FIG. This example describes a method of fixing the air cell device 1 using hook-and-loop fasteners. The first surface 41 of the hook-and-loop fastener is arranged on the bottom surface of the air cell portion 20 (bottom plate 24 in the illustrated example), and the sheet 44 having the second surface 42 of the hook-and-loop fastener is placed on the surface of the floor plate B of the bed. attached by 46. Thus, by fixing the first surface 41 and the second surface 42 of the hook-and-loop fastener, the air cell device 1 is fixed to the floor plate B of the bed. The first surface 41 of the hook-and-loop fastener may be used instead of the bottom surface of the air cell portion 20 as a substitute material for fixing the cover 50 described above.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing a second modification of the fixing method of the air cell device 1. FIG.
This example is an example in which the air cell device 1 is fixed to a net-like floor plate in which a plurality of widthwise rod-shaped portions f and a plurality of longitudinal rod-shaped portions (not shown) cross each other. In the illustrated example, a spring-type clip 30 is attached to the bottom surface of the air cell unit 20 (bottom plate 24 in the illustrated example). is fixed to the floorboard. The size, number, and positions of the spring-type clips 30 included in the air cell device 1 are not limited to those illustrated. In the illustrated example, the spring clip 30 is arranged on the bottom surface of the air cell portion 20 so as to be attached to the rod-shaped portion f in the width direction of the mesh floor plate. good. In that case, the spring clip 30 is arranged on the bottom surface (bottom plate 24 in the illustrated example) in a state rotated by 90 degrees. In addition, in an example in which the air cell portion 20 does not have the bottom plate 24 , the spring clip 30 is attached to the bottom surface of the air cell portion 20 .

Although some examples of fixing the air cell device 1 to the floor plate have been shown, any other method may be used. For example, the air cell device 1 may be fixed to the floorboard of the bed with a string or the like. Alternatively, the air cell device 1 may be simply sandwiched between the floorboard of the bed and the mattress without any fixing means.
<System>
As described above, the air cell device 1 can be placed at one or more arbitrary positions on the floorboard of the bed (under the mattress), and each device can operate independently. In addition, the air cell device 1 can operate as an air cell device system (hereinafter referred to as system) that links a plurality of air cell devices arranged on the floorboard. The system is for raising and lowering at least one portion of a sleeping person's body. For example, cooperation of a plurality of air cell devices is performed by connecting the plurality of air cell devices by wire or wirelessly.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air cell device 1 has a communication device 175 connected to a control computer 173 within the control circuit 17 . The communication device 175 can apply either conventionally known wireless communication or wired communication. Each air cell device 1 in the system can communicate with other air cell devices 1 by having the communication device 175 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system according to this embodiment. Each air cell unit 20 of a plurality of air cell devices can be arranged under a plurality of different parts of the human body (patient). In the illustrated example, the plurality of air cell devices 1 constituting the system are positioned around the left and right shoulders of the patient (P4, P3), around the left and right hips (P5, P2), and around the left and right legs ( P6 and P1), respectively. The air cell units 20 of the six air cell devices 1 arranged at positions P1 to P6 are respectively arranged below the left and right shoulders, below the left and right hips, and below the left and right legs of the patient. These six air cell devices 1 constitute one system.

In the air cell device 1 according to this embodiment, each device can operate independently. Therefore, the patient's sleeping posture can be easily changed without using a large-scale device such as an air mattress.
<Functions of main unit/functions of child unit>
The system according to the present embodiment is composed of one air cell device 1 as a parent device and one or a plurality of other air cell devices 1 as child devices.

In the air cell device of this embodiment, only the parent air cell device has the function of the parent device and the function of the child device.

The unique function of the parent unit is to configure the entire system, ie, the parent unit and each child unit respectively, and determine the operating schedule of each air cell device in the system in response to user instructions.
Therefore, a setting screen for setting the entire system is displayed on the output unit 177 of the parent device. The user can register instructions from the input section according to the displayed setting screen. When the setting screen is displayed, for example, the user may turn on the power (not shown) of the parent device and select the setting screen using a selection button or the like of the input unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen 6 of the parent device. The setting screen includes, for example, "main machine No.", "number of devices", "child machine No.", "number of simultaneous expansions", "operation order", "start time", "end time", and "expansion interval". , "height of cell", and "weight" can be set.
"Main machine No." is an item for the user to register the serial number of this device (master machine) in the system. In the example shown in the figure, the parent device is No. 1.
"Number of devices" is an item in which the user registers the number of air cell devices 1 that constitute the system. In the illustrated example, the system is composed of six air cell devices 1 .
"Handset No." is an item for the user to set the serial number of the handset in the system. In the illustrated example, the system uses No. It has 2 to 6 handsets. In this embodiment, the serial number of the child device is registered by the user in each child device, but it may be possible to register the serial number in the parent device based on the ID unique to the child device.
"Simultaneous expansion number" is an item for the user to register the number of devices to be expanded simultaneously in the system. In the example of the figure, it is set to inflate one unit at a time, but it is also possible to inflate a plurality of units at the same time by setting. Also, although only the number of devices that inflate at the same time is registered here, the air cell device 1 that inflates at the same time may be specified by the serial number of each device.
"Operating order" is an item that allows the user to register the operating order of the air cell device 1 within the system. In the illustrated example, the system uses No. From 1 to 6, it is set to operate in order from the smallest serial number.
"Start time" is an item in which the user can register the start time of the system. In the illustrated example, the system is set to start 0 hours after the start of the system, that is, when the start button (not shown) of the input section 175 is pressed. In this example, XX hours after the start of the system is registered, but the start time may be registered.
"Termination time" is an item in which the user can register the system termination time. In the example shown in the figure, it is set to 8 hours after system start. In this example, XX hours after the start of the system is registered, but the end time may also be registered.
"Inflation Interval" is an item that allows the user to register the time interval for each air cell device to be inflated sequentially according to the operating order of the air cell devices in the system. The example in the figure indicates that the air cell devices with serial numbers 1 to 6 are inflated every hour.
"Cell height" is an item that allows the user to set the height of all the air cell devices 1 in the system (the maximum height when the air cell section 20 is inflated). In the illustrated example, the height of all the air cell devices 1 in the system is set, but the height may be set for each air cell device 1. FIG. The internal pressure of the air cell portion 20 may be calculated according to the height of the air cell portion 20 and the external pressure applied to the air cell portion 20 . The amount of air supplied to the air cell portion 20 may be calculated from the height of the air cell portion 20 or the internal pressure of the air cell portion 20 .
"Weight" is an item in which the user's weight can be registered. In the illustrated example, the user registers, but the user's weight measured on a bed or the like may be transmitted via the communication device 171 . The internal pressure and height of the air cell portion 20 may be automatically set according to the weight. The amount of air supplied to the air cell section 20 may be adjusted according to the weight of the patient (sleeping person).

Note that the items that can be set in the parent device are not limited to the above examples. Also, the item setting does not have to be the setting on the setting screen.

By setting the system as in the example of FIG. 9, a system time schedule as shown in FIG. 10 is set.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the child device does not have the function of setting the entire system unlike the parent device. Therefore, when setting up a child device, it is sufficient to register its own serial number. At this time, for example, a setting screen for registering the serial number of the child device is displayed on the output unit 177 of the child device (not shown). Displaying the setting screen may be performed in the same manner as the parent device.

FIG. 12 shows an example of display information of the parent device and each child device. The display information is information displayed on the output unit 177 of the parent device and each child device. The display information 7b of the child device includes, for example, its own serial number (main device No.) and its own operating state. The display information 7a of the parent device includes, for example, its own serial number (main device No.), its own operating status, the serial number (child device No.) of the child device in the system, and the operating child device number. The serial number of the machine (No. in operation) is included. The operating state of itself indicates one of operating, standby, and stopped states.

Note that each air cell device 1 may further include notification means. The notification unit is, for example, a unit that allows another person such as a caregiver to detect the above-described operating state or the like. Specifically, for example, the notification means may be provided with a light or the like on the outer surface of the air cell device so that the operating state can be identified by lighting. This allows the caregiver to easily check the operating state of each device even during bedtime.

The system may also include notification means for all air cell devices in the system. As notification means of the system, for example, a detection panel that can communicate with each device may be further provided. This makes it possible to know the operating status of each device in the system even at a remote location such as a nurse station.
<Control>
FIG. 11 is an example of the control flow of the system according to this embodiment. The parent device operates according to its own operation schedule and notifies each child device of the respective operation schedule. Each child device operates based on the operation schedule notified from the parent device. A detailed description will be given below. In the following description, all the air cell devices 1 (parent device and child device) in the system may be referred to as all devices, and each of them may be referred to as each device.
Explain the control of the parent machine.

Explain the control of the parent machine. In S11, the parent device displays the setting screen 6 on itself (the parent device) based on the user's instruction (FIG. 9). The user registers necessary information for each item on the setting screen 6 . Then, the parent machine shifts to S12.

At S12, the parent device stores the necessary information in itself. Then, the parent machine shifts to S13.

In S13, the parent device inquires of each child device for the serial number in turn, and the parent device proceeds to S14.

At S14, the parent device receives the serial number and unique ID from each child device (S23) and stores them in itself. Then, the parent machine shifts to S15.

In S15, the parent machine determines the operation schedules of all the devices based on the necessary information stored in S12. Then, the parent machine shifts to S16. The operating schedule includes, for example, the time schedule of each device (FIG. 10), the height of the air cell section 20 when inflated, the weight of the patient, and the like. The parent device stores the operating schedule of all the devices in itself. The parent device may output its own display information 12a to the display unit 177 based on the operating schedule (FIG. 12).

First, the control of the parent machine will be explained. In S16, the parent device notifies each child device of its operating schedule. Then, the parent machine shifts to S17.

At S17, the parent device completes the system settings. Then, the parent device shifts from the stopped state to the standby state (the state in which operation can be started).

Next, control of each child device will be described. In S21, each child device displays a setting screen for the child device itself (not shown). You can register your own serial number on the setting screen for the child device. The user registers the serial number according to the setting screen of each child device. Each child device then proceeds to S22.

In S18, based on the user's instruction to start operation, the parent machine shifts to an operating state and transmits an instruction to start operation to each child machine.
Next, the control of the child device will be explained. At S22, each child device stores the registered serial number in itself. Then, each child device waits for an inquiry from the parent device, and proceeds to S23.

At S23, each child device notifies the registered serial number and its own unique ID in response to the inquiry from the parent device at S13.

At S24, each child device receives the operating schedule notified from the parent device at S16 and stores it in itself.

At S25, each handset completes its own settings. Then, each handset shifts from the stopped state to the standby state (the state in which operation can be started).
At S26, each child device shifts to an operating state based on the instruction to start operation from the parent device.

Here, the operating state of each device will be described. Each device (the control circuit 17 thereof) operates its own air pump 15 and flow control valve 16 so as to supply an appropriate amount of air to its own air cell unit 20 based on its own operating schedule when it shifts to the operating state. control (inflation); Then, based on sensing information from its own pressure sensor 14, flow control valve 16, etc., each device detects a preset inflation height when the air cell unit 20 reaches a preset inflation height. The air pump 15 and the flow control valve 16 are controlled (keep) so as to keep the height for a certain period of time. Further, each device controls the air pump 15 and the flow control valve 16 so as to return to the original height after the inflation time has elapsed, and the air in the air cell portion 20 is discharged (deflation). Each device exits the active state and transitions to the next state when the discharge is complete. In this case, the amount of air is controlled according to the height of the air cell portion 20 when inflated. good.

In the system according to this embodiment, by controlling the air cell device 1, the small pillow method can be automatically performed, and the burden on the nurse (caregiver), the patient (cared person) is sleeping. It can solve both the burden of having to lift the mattress and the burden of having to insert the cushion at regular intervals. In addition, it is possible to alleviate the risk of disturbing the patient's (care recipient's) sleep and muscle tension. In addition, since it is possible to use a normal (well-ventilated) mattress, it is less stuffy than conventional air mattresses, and it can be expected to reduce the risk of dampness and temperature rise that can cause pressure ulcers compared to using an air mattress. .

Each air cell device 1 includes a pump device 10 and an air cell section 20, respectively. That is, each air cell device 1 is mechanically independent from other air cell devices. Thus, for example, a caregiver does not need to purchase a large item such as a mattress device, but can purchase only the required number and install it on the bed. This is much cheaper than purchasing a mattress system. In addition, the caregiver can install any position and any number according to the symptoms of the person being cared for.

Further, each pump device 10 supplies air to the air cell section 20 connected to each pump device according to a predetermined schedule. Thereby, the caregiver does not have to change the arrangement of the air cell device 1 even after the predetermined time has passed.

The air cell device 1 is formed in a size sufficiently smaller than the mattress of the bed. This makes it easier for caregivers to handle each air cell device 1 .

Each air cell device of one or more air cell devices 1 constituting the system can be arranged under the mattress of the bed. Therefore, the patient's body can always be in contact with the mattress. As a result, compared to a mattress device such as an air mattress, the patient's feeling of floating is reduced. However, placement of the air cell device is not limited to under the mattress. For example, it may be placed directly under the patient's body.

The present embodiment can provide the air cell device 1 as a simple, inexpensive, and compact lifting device, and a system including the air cell device 1 . That is, all the air cell devices 1 in the system have slave unit functions, and the master unit has the master unit functions in addition to the slave unit functions. This makes it possible to simplify the functions of the child device and reduce the cost of the entire system. In addition, it is possible to variously convert the posture of the human body part. It is also possible to adjust the height of the air cell device. The parent machine can adjust the schedule of the entire system and the height of the air cell device.

In this embodiment, the system composed of the six air cell devices 1 has been described with reference to FIG.

In the above description, the system is set to control one unit at a time, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. may be Also, in this example, it was explained that a plurality of parameters such as the number of expansions, the order of operation, the start time, end time, cell height, etc. were set individually, but the value of one or more parameters was set in advance. It may have a mode setting function to keep

In the mode setting function, patterns of automatic mode are considered. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the height of the air cell portion 20 when inflated may be automatically set and controlled. Alternatively, the internal pressure of the air cell may be automatically set and controlled.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as an example, the expansion/contraction cell is the air cell portion, the pump is the dedicated driving device, and the raising and lowering device using air as the driving source has been described, but the driving source is not limited to air. For example, it may be another fluid such as gas or water, or it may be mechanical.

Now, with reference to FIG. 13, a first modification of the air cell device will be described.
The air cell device 110 of this modified example includes an air cell portion 60 instead of the air cell portion 20 which is one bag. The air cell portion 60 of this example is composed of a plurality of units stacked in the height direction. A plurality of units are connected to the air pump 15 of the pump section 10 respectively. In the illustrated example, the air cell section 60 is composed of a first unit 61 from the top, a second unit 62 in the middle, and a third unit 63 in the bottom.

By configuring the air cell portion 60 with a plurality of units stacked in the height direction in this manner, the air cell portion is prevented from being biased and crushed by external pressure such as the weight of the patient (care recipient). This is particularly effective when the height of the air cell portion is low rather than when the air cell portion is inflated and the height is high. Specifically, for example, an air-filled unit can maintain its maximum height independent of external pressure. Therefore, by setting the number of units (stages) to be filled with air, the height of the air cell section 60 can be set regardless of the patient's weight or changes in external pressure when the patient moves, such as turning over. .

The number of units (the number of stages) of the air cell portion 60 and the height of each unit when inflated are not limited to the illustrated example. Also, each unit may be set to a different height (when inflated).

Also, in this example, there may be a device for suppressing friction between overlapping units. For example, a cushioning material such as cloth, powder, or oil may be inserted between the units to improve slippage. Alternatively, a cover may be attached to each unit.

Next, a second modification of the air cell device will be described with reference to FIG.

The air cell device 120 of this modification includes an air cell portion 70 instead of the air cell portion 20 . The air cell portion 70 is formed so that the height of the rear end side connected to the pump device 10 is higher than the height of the front end side when inflated.

For example, the height when inflated on the front end side is set to about zero to several centimeters, and the height when inflated on the rear end side is set to several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. In other words, the inflated air cell portion 70 has an inclined surface that rises from the front end toward the rear end.

By forming the air cell part 70 in such a shape, when the air cell part 70 is inserted into the mattress of the bed, the tip side is inserted toward the center of the patient (the sleeping person). The mattress is formed to be high in its natural state.

<Second embodiment>
In the system according to the second embodiment, all the air cell devices that constitute the system have the function of the parent device and the function of the child device. Each air cell device that constitutes the system of this embodiment can be selected as a parent device or a child device.

In other words, all the air cell devices set the air cell devices (slave units) other than themselves in the system according to the user's instructions, and determine the operation schedule of each air cell device in the system.

FIG. 15 is a diagram explaining the control flow of the second embodiment. Only the points that differ from the control flow of the system of the first embodiment will be described below.

At S10, the user selects any one air cell device in the system as a master device. This is determined by the parent machine.

A setting screen exemplified in FIG. 9 is displayed on the determined parent device (S11). Subsequent processing of the parent device (processing of S11 to S18) is the same as in the first embodiment.

At S20, a child device is selected as a child device by the user. As a result, the air cell device in the system other than the parent device in S10 is determined as the child device.

A setting screen for registering the serial numbers of the child devices is displayed on each of the determined one or more child devices (not shown) (S21). After that, the processing of the child device (processing of S21 to S26) is the same as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, all the air cell devices 1 in the system have the functions of the parent device and the child device, and the user can select the parent device and the child device. As a result, any device in the system can be selected as the parent device, which is convenient. In particular, if the device used as the master device breaks down, another device can be set as the master device immediately.

<Third Embodiment>
A system according to the third embodiment includes a remote control for controlling one or more air cell devices 1 . The remote controller has only the function of the parent device, and each air cell device has only the function of the child device.

In other words, the remote controller, as the parent device of the system, sets one or more air cell devices (slave devices) in the system according to user instructions, and determines the operation schedule of each air cell device in the system.

FIG. 16 is a diagram explaining the control flow of the third embodiment. Only the points that differ from the control flow of the system of the first embodiment will be described below.

The processing of the remote controller (terminal) is basically the same as the processing of the parent device (S11 to 18) in the first embodiment, except that "master device" is read as "remote controller". However, instead of S17, in S17a, the remote controller completes the system setting and proceeds to S18.

The processing of the child device is the same as the processing of the child device (S21 to S26) of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, all the air cell devices in the system have only the function of the child unit, and the remote control has the function of the master unit. As a result, the functions of the child device can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. In addition, since a portable remote controller is used as the main unit, it is convenient for the user.

In the above description, the remote controller has only the function of the parent device, but an application that can be installed on a terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC may have the function of the parent device. As a result, any terminal can have the function of the parent device of this system.

The several embodiments described above are merely examples for explanation, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms different from the above embodiments.

In the above-described embodiment, the air cell portion and the pump device are fixed to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the pump device includes an air pump as a driving device, as well as other components such as a control circuit, a power supply device, a flow control valve, a pressure sensor, and an intake/exhaust valve. is not limited to For example, as long as the air cell section and the air pump are fixed to each other to form an integrated body, other components such as the control circuit and the power supply may be externally attached.

In the above embodiment, it was exemplified that the height of the air cell portion when inflated can be manually set, but the internal pressure of the air cell portion may also be manually set.

In addition, the above embodiment may include aspects listed below.

For example, the pump device 10 may have a function of silencing (reducing) the driving sound and intake/exhaust sound. For example, the muffling function may use a sound insulating material/sound absorbing material or a slow leak valve.

For example, the control unit 10 may have a function of locking user operations from the input unit 175 .

For example, the internal pressure of the air cell portion may be set so as not to become 0 even during contraction. This is for the purpose of reducing the power, time, amount of air, etc., when the air cell section is inflated.

For example, when an error occurs in the system, there may be a function to notify the error by display or sound. For example, this function may be possessed by a device having the function of a parent device (parent device, remote controller, etc.).

For example, when the communication between the air cell devices constituting the system is successful, there may be means for notifying the fact by a display sound or the like.

For example, the air cell device may have a waterproof function.

For example, the air cell device may have a timer function. Specifically, when the set time comes, the stopped state may be changed to the operating state.

For example, the air cell device may have a function of returning to the state before the stop when recovering from the stop state.

For example, user settings can be reset.

For example, the air cell device may automatically adjust the brightness of the display of the main body operation section and the remote control depending on the brightness of the surroundings.

For example, the air cell device may have means to notify, visually, audibly, etc., when the mattress angle is raised. there is a way to do it.

For example, the air cell device may have means for measuring and notifying the height, internal pressure, etc. of the air cell portion.

For example, the air cell device may have a function of temperature measurement. Furthermore, the air cell device may detect an abnormality in the device by detecting and measuring the temperature.

For example, the air cell device may have means for notifying when the air cell unit has an abnormal pressure and means for stopping itself.

For example, each air cell device may have means for indicating its operational state.

For example, each air cell device may have means by which the ON/OFF of the device can be detected.

For example, the air cell device may be equipped with a cover having a pressure measuring function. Some of the embodiments above described an air cell device that is placed in a bed (eg, a nursing bed) in which a patient sleeps. However, the air cell device may be placed on a bed for healthy persons. For example, in the case of healthy people, there is no upper limit to the height of the air cell, and any height may be set. Also, the air cell device may be placed anywhere. (The air cell may be set to inflate so that the arm is horizontal when lying on the back.

1 air cell device 6 setting screen 7a display information 7b of master unit display information 10 of slave unit control unit 11 casing 12 flow rate adjustment valve 13 power supply unit 14 pressure sensor 15 air pump 17 control circuit 19 intake and exhaust pipe 20 air cell unit 24 bottom plate 30 spring clip 41 first surface of hook-and-loop fastener 42 second surface of hook-and-loop fastener 44 sheet 46 fixing part 50 cover 60 air cell part 61 first unit 62 second unit 63 third unit 70 air cell part 110 air cell device 120 air cell device

Claims (12)

A system for raising and lowering at least one portion of a sleeping person's body comprising:
Equipped with multiple lifting and lowering devices,
Each raising/lowering device comprises an expansion/contraction cell capable of expansion/contraction, and a drive device dedicated to the expansion/contraction cell,
the expansion/contraction cell and the driving device are fixed to each other to form an integrated body,
The size of the integrated object is such that it can be placed under only a part of a person's body ,
each said raising and lowering device is mechanically separated from other raising and lowering devices,
The plurality of lifting and lowering devices can be arranged in a plurality of parts of the human body that are separated from each other,
each of the plurality of raising and lowering devices can be driven on a different time schedule from the other raising and lowering devices;
each of the raising and lowering devices can adjust the degree of expansion and contraction of the expansion and contraction cells by the dedicated drive device;
A first lifting/lowering device among the plurality of lifting/lowering devices acquires identifiers of the plurality of lifting/lowering devices, determines time schedules of the lifting/lowering devices respectively corresponding to the plurality of acquired identifiers, and transmits the determined time schedules to others. Notifies the raising and lowering device of
the other lifting and lowering device drives itself according to the time schedule;
system.
The first raising and lowering device determines the degree of expansion and contraction of the expansion and contraction cells of the raising and lowering device respectively corresponding to the acquired plurality of identifiers, and notifies the other raising and lowering devices of the determined degree,
the other raising and lowering device adjusts its own expansion/contraction cell based on the degree;
The system of claim 1 .
The first raising and lowering device is a predetermined raising and lowering device among the plurality of raising and lowering devices,
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 .
The first lifting and lowering device can be selected from the plurality of lifting and lowering devices,
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 .
further comprising a terminal capable of communicating with the plurality of devices;
The terminal obtains the identifiers of the plurality of lifting devices, determines the time schedule of the lifting devices corresponding to each of the obtained plurality of identifiers, and notifies the determined time schedule to the plurality of lifting devices;
The plurality of lifting and lowering devices drive themselves according to the time schedule.
The system of claim 1 .
The terminal determines the degrees of expansion and contraction of the expansion cells of the lifting and lowering devices respectively corresponding to the acquired plurality of identifiers, and notifies the other lifting and lowering devices of the determined degrees,
the other raising and lowering device adjusts its own expansion/contraction cell based on the degree;
6. The system of claim 5 .
The plurality of raising and lowering devices are positioned between the mattress and the floorboards of the bed.
A system according to any one of claims 1-6 .
The plurality of raising and lowering devices have fixing means fixed to the floorboard,
8. The system of claim 7 .
The expansion/contraction cell is composed of a plurality of units stacked in the height direction,
The lifting and lowering device according to any one of claims 1-8 .
Each raising and lowering device further comprises notification means for informing its own operating status,
The lifting and lowering device according to any one of claims 1-9 .
The raising and lowering device is an air cell device comprising an inflatable and contractible air cell and a dedicated pump for the air cell.
The system according to any one of claims 1-10 .
A raising and lowering device that can be placed under a body part of a sleeping person, comprising:
The raising and lowering device includes an expansion/contraction cell that can be expanded and contracted, and a drive device dedicated to the expansion/contraction cell,
the expansion/contraction cell and the driving device are fixed to each other to form an integrated body,
The size of the integrated object is such that it can be placed under only a part of a person's body,
The raising and lowering device can communicate with other raising and lowering devices,
the raising and lowering device is capable of inflating and deflating the inflation-deflation cell according to a time schedule shared with the other raising and lowering devices;
lifting device.

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