JP7511234B2 - Excrement receptacle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an excrement receptacle, such as a diaper worn by a person, and an excrement detection module that is installed in the excrement receptacle to detect the presence or absence of feces.

According to the "Summary of the Special Public Opinion Survey on Nursing Robots" published by the Cabinet Office on September 12, 2013, the top three issues that caregivers of those requiring care have difficulty with are "excretion (accompanying the person when they use the toilet and changing diapers)" (62.5%), "bathing (accompanying the person when they bathe and washing the body)" (58.3%), and "eating (preparing meals and assisting with eating)" (49.1%), with the issue of "excretion" ranking at the very top.

Those who are unable to go to the toilet, use the toilet, or relieve themselves in the toilet are considered to be in a state of excretion disorders, i.e., those who are unable to go to the toilet, use the toilet, or relieve themselves in the toilet, are considered to be in a state of severe care need, level 3 or higher, out of the five levels of care required. Severely disabled people are unable to put on or take off their tops or trousers independently, and require care from a third party. As of the end of 2012, the number of people requiring care need level 3 or higher was 720,000 for level 3, 660,000 for level 4, and 610,000 for level 5 (a total of 1.99 million people). In that they are unable to relieve themselves independently, they are the same as infants who wear diapers, but this number is far greater than the number of newborns at the time (approximately 1 million).

In particular, in nursing homes and hospitals, when changing diapers at night, the caregiver (including family members and relatives, all those engaged in care at hospitals and nursing homes, hereafter referred to as "caregivers, etc.") must open the diaper to check whether the person in need of care has had any excretion, which may wake the person up and cause them to wander away, and further necessitate regular inspections of the diaper (regular inspections). These regular inspections place an excessive burden on caregivers, etc. to handle excretion, and are one of the causes of employment shortages in nursing homes, etc.

As for urination, high-performance diapers are available that have an absorbent body that can absorb urine over multiple urinations and prevent leakage, making it possible to deal with the issue to a certain extent by changing diapers at regular intervals. For this reason, it is believed that the practical use of technology to detect urination is essentially declining.

On the other hand, if defecation is left untreated, the person requiring care may develop skin conditions such as diaper rash or bedsores. Furthermore, early diaper changes are necessary to reduce the discomfort the person requiring care has to endure while waiting for a long time for a diaper to be changed. However, due to the person requiring care feeling embarrassed or being less able to tell others, the fact that the person has defecates is often not promptly communicated to the caregiver.

Regarding technology for detecting when to change a diaper, for example, a diaper change time detection device is known in which a detection sensor for detecting urination in a diaper is composed of a base material formed in a band shape from polyethylene terephthalate, a pair of electrodes formed by printing silver paste with a volume resistivity of 10 ^-3 to 10 ^-4 Ω·cm on the base material, and a covering portion formed by covering the surface of each electrode with conductive silicone with a volume resistivity of 15 Ω·cm, and the wetness of the diaper is grasped by measuring the conductivity between the electrodes (Patent Document 1).

According to Patent Document 1, the diaper change time detection device further includes an odor measurement means for measuring indole and/or skatole in the air as an odor, and is capable of detecting feces in the diaper based on the measurement results of the odor measurement means, thereby enabling accurate detection of when to change the diaper.

A defecation detection system is also known that includes a sensor attached to a storage pocket of a diaper that has the function of absorbing urine and preventing leakage, and a controller that determines defecation based on the sensor's detection signal and outputs a defecation signal, the sensor being composed of at least a humidity sensor that emits a detection signal when humidity lower than that of urine continues for a longer period of time than that of urine, a temperature sensor that emits a detection signal when temperature approximately the same as that of urine continues for a longer period of time than that of urine, an odor sensor that emits a detection signal when it detects the odor of feces, and a camera system for determining the color of the storage pocket due to contact with feces, each sensor being formed in a flexible sheet shape, the humidity sensor, temperature sensor, and camera system being inserted and attached in a storage pocket provided near the part of the inside of the diaper that faces the anus, and the odor sensor being inserted and attached in a storage pocket provided near the part of the outside of the diaper that faces the anus. (Patent Document 2)

According to Patent Document 2, the system detects only defecation following urination and outputs a defecation signal based on a combined judgment of the detection signals from three sensors consisting of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an odor sensor, thereby making it possible to reliably detect only defecation and eliminating the need for regular diaper inspections, which is said to have the effect of easing caregiving work.

In addition, a technique for detecting defecation using a gas sensor is known in which a gas sensor is attached to a cloth T-shaped belt, the hanging part of the T-shaped belt is placed on the back of the waist, and two string-like parts provided above the hanging part are tied on the abdominal side, and the hanging part is passed through the knot between the tied string-like parts and the abdominal part, so that the gas sensor is placed near the anus and flatus released from the anus is detected by the gas sensor. (Patent Document 3)

According to Patent Document 3, by placing a gas sensor near the location where fecal odor and intestinal gas are generated, analysis can be performed without much effort, making it easy for individuals to monitor their health condition.

Patent No. 3376769 Patent No. 3491198 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-43182

However, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, the odor measuring unit that measures indole and/or skatole in the air as an odor is placed outside the diaper. Normally, a waterproof material is provided on the outer surface of the diaper to prevent urine and the like from leaking to the outside. Although this waterproof material has breathability to prevent the inside of the diaper from becoming stuffy, it cannot be said that it is configured to detect defecation early because the distance between the feces and the odor measuring unit is large as a result. In addition, it is thought that the odor measuring unit will need to be replaced when changing the diaper (theoretically it is possible to make the odor measuring unit disposable, but this is not realistic considering the cost), which leads to an increased workload for caregivers and others.

According to the technology described in Patent Document 2, the odor sensor that detects feces is inserted and attached in a storage pocket provided on the outside of the diaper near the part facing the anus, and the storage pocket is provided further outside the outer surface material. This outer surface material is laminated and coated on the outside of the absorbent body to prevent the passage of urine and allow ventilation, but in a situation where the absorbent body is absorbing urine, the odor of feces is prevented from passing by the absorbent body, so it cannot be said that it is configured to be able to detect feces early. In addition, because the odor sensor is inserted in a storage pocket provided on the outside of the diaper, it is thought that the odor sensor will need to be replaced when changing the diaper, which will lead to an increase in the workload of caregivers, etc.

In addition, according to the technology described in Patent Document 3, if the gas sensor is attached with a string and secured to the underwear with the string so that the gas sensor can be removed, the gas sensor can be reused even when the underwear is changed. However, this is based on the assumption that the gas sensor will be reattached to new underwear every time the underwear is changed, which inevitably leads to an increase in the workload of caregivers, etc.

The present invention was devised to solve these problems with the conventional technology, and aims to provide an excrement receiving device that can quickly detect when a person in need of care has had a bowel movement and can reduce the workload of caregivers, etc.

The present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is an excrement receiver that includes an excrement detection module that includes a defecation detection unit that detects the presence or absence of defecation, and a water-absorbent material that absorbs moisture, and the excrement detection module is embedded in the water-absorbent material.

This makes it possible to quickly detect when a person requiring care has had a bowel movement, and also reduces the workload of caregivers.

The present invention also provides that when the excrement receiving device is attached to the body, the excrement detection module is embedded in a position that is substantially opposite the anus.

This makes it possible to quickly detect when a person requiring care has had a bowel movement, and because the excrement detection module is located in the buttocks cleft, it is possible to reduce the foreign body sensation or discomfort felt by the person requiring care when wearing the excrement receiver.

In addition, in the present invention, the defecation detection unit includes an odor sensor, the excrement detection module is provided with a first opening that connects the inside and outside of the excrement detection module, and the odor sensor detects odors through the first opening.

This allows odor molecules to reach the odor sensor through the first opening.

In addition, the present invention provides a polymer absorbent section made of a highly absorbent polymer at least in the center in the thickness direction of the absorbent material, and the first opening is exposed from the polymer absorbent section.

This makes it possible to quickly detect fecal odor even if urination occurs before defecation.

The present invention also provides that the excrement detection module includes at least a power source that supplies power to the defecation detection unit, and a sheet-like insulating member that blocks the power source from supplying power to the defecation detection unit, and further includes a second opening that connects the inside and outside of the excrement detection module, and the insulating member is pulled out to the outside of the excrement detection module through the second opening, and an end of the insulating member is visibly exposed to the outside of the water absorbent material.

This allows the caregiver or other person to start up the excrement detection module with the simple action of removing the insulating member, and prevents unnecessary power consumption before the excrement receiver is used.

In addition, the present invention is such that at least a portion of the outer surface of the excrement detection module is covered with a covering material that is breathable and water repellent.

This allows the covering material to be breathable, allowing odor molecules to reach the odor sensor, and also makes the covering material water-repellent, preventing moisture from entering the excrement detection module.

In addition, the present invention provides the covering material with further elasticity.

This makes it easier to attach the covering material to the excrement detection module and simplifies the process of reusing the excrement detection module.

In addition, the present invention is configured such that the excrement detection module includes a communication unit that wirelessly transmits the measurement data obtained by the defecation detection unit to the outside, and the communication unit further transmits unique identification information assigned to each of the excrement detection modules to the outside at a predetermined interval.

This makes it easier to manage the product during the process of reusing the excrement detection module 5.

In addition, in the present invention, the communication unit is configured to add the measurement data to the unique identification information and transmit it.

This allows the communication unit of the excrement detection module to send only advertising packets to the outside and does not need to have a receiving function, making it possible to simplify the configuration of the communication unit.

In addition, the present invention is configured such that the communication unit transmits the measurement data directly to the external network.

This makes it possible to transmit measurement data to an external network without placing relay devices such as information terminals or BLE standard-compliant receivers near the excrement detection module.

The present invention also provides an excrement detection module that is embedded in a moisture-absorbing material provided in an excrement receptacle to detect the presence or absence of feces, the excrement detection module having an insertion member engagement portion that engages an insertion member that inserts and positions the excrement detection module at a predetermined position in the moisture-absorbing material.

This makes it possible to easily embed the excrement detection module in the absorbent material by using the insertion member.

The present invention also configures the insertion member to be detachable from the insertion member engagement portion.

This makes it possible to easily pull out the insertion member from the excrement detection module after the excrement detection module is embedded in the absorbent material.

The present invention also includes a pull-out member locking portion that locks the pull-out member that pulls out the excrement detection module from a predetermined position in the water-absorbent material.

This makes it possible to easily remove the excrement detection module from the excrement receiver when changing diapers after detecting defecation.

The present invention also provides an excrement receptacle equipped with a water-absorbing material that absorbs moisture, in which a guide portion that guides an excrement detection module that detects the presence or absence of feces extends between the outer surface of the excrement receptacle and a predetermined position on the water-absorbing material.

This makes it possible to easily embed the excrement detection module in the absorbent material.

In addition, in the present invention, the absorbent material includes a polymer absorbent section wrapped (sandwiched) in cotton-like pulp, the guide section extends inside the cotton-like pulp, and the polymer absorbent section is removed from a portion of the guide section.

This makes it possible to prevent the movement of odor molecules from being blocked by the swollen superabsorbent polymer, even if urination occurs before defecation.

In this way, the present invention makes it possible to detect early on when a person requiring care has had a bowel movement, and also reduces the workload of caregivers and others.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an excrement receiving device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIa-IIa of a diaper body 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIb-IIb of the diaper body 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of the excrement detection module 5. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional blocks of the excrement detection module 5. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a process of reusing the excrement detection module 5. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an excrement receiving device used in a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of an excrement detection module 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the excrement detection module 5 is inserted into the diaper body 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the excrement detection module 5 is inserted into the diaper body 1 and is ready for use. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional blocks of an excrement detection module 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an excrement receiving device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is a diaper body as an excrement receiving device. In the following description, when a person wears the diaper body 1, the direction of the person's abdomen may be referred to as "front", the direction of the back as "rear", the direction of the person's right hand as "right", the direction of the left hand as "left", the direction of the head as "upper", and the direction of the legs as "lower". In addition, the side of the diaper body 1 that touches the skin of a person requiring care may be referred to as the "inner surface", and the side that is visible from the outside when the person requiring care wears the diaper body 1 may be referred to as the "outer surface".

The diaper body 1 is composed of a water-absorbent material 2 that is covered with a surface material 7 when viewed from above and absorbs moisture such as urine and sweat, three-dimensional gathers 3 that prevent urine and feces from leaking out when urinating or defecundating, a waterproof material 4 that extends from the front to the rear on the outer surface of the diaper body 1 and prevents excrement and other waste from leaking out, an excrement detection module 5 that is embedded inside the water-absorbent material 2 and cannot be seen directly from the outside, and an insulating member 5f that extends from the excrement detection module 5 to the outside (towards the inner surface) and activates the excrement detection module 5 when removed by a caregiver or the like.

2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the diaper body 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line IIa-IIa, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the diaper body 1 taken along line IIb-IIb. The configuration of the excrement receiving device (diaper body 1) according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). From top to bottom, the diaper body 1 includes a pair of three-dimensional gathers 3 on the left and right, a surface material 7 made of polyolefin/polyester nonwoven fabric or the like, an absorbent paper 10 that diffuses moisture such as urine, a water-absorbing material 2 made of cotton-like pulp 11 that absorbs moisture, and a polymeric water-absorbing part 12 sandwiched between the cotton-like pulp 11 in the vertical direction, an excrement detection module 5 embedded in the cotton-like pulp 11 and provided in approximately the same layer as the polymeric water-absorbing part 12 in the vertical direction, and a waterproof material 4 made of a film-like polyolefin or the like that has fine holes to provide breathability and does not leak moisture to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 2(b), the excrement detection module 5 is disposed rearward in the front-rear direction and is embedded in a position substantially opposite the anus when the diaper body 1 as an excrement receiver is worn on the body. The excrement detection module 5 detects whether or not the care recipient has defecates. The excrement receiver according to the present invention comprises an excrement detection module 5 including a defecation detection unit 5j (see FIG. 4) that detects whether or not defecation has occurred, and a water-absorbent material 2 that absorbs moisture, and the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the water-absorbent material 2. Of course, the excrement detection module 5 may be provided with a urination detection unit (not shown) that detects urination based on humidity, etc., in addition to the defecation detection unit 5j.

Since the excrement detection module 5 is contained within the diaper body 1, when changing the diaper body 1 of a person requiring care, the caregiver or the like does not need to reattach the sensing means for detecting feces to the new diaper body 1.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the excrement detection module 5 is positioned in the buttocks 100 so as to face the cleft 101 where the anus is located. Because the excrement detection module 5 is wrapped in soft cotton-like pulp 11 containing a large amount of air, the foreign body sensation and discomfort felt by the care recipient wearing the diaper body 1 is reduced even when the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the absorbent material 2 of the diaper body 1 (i.e., the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the diaper body 1). In addition, because the distance between the excrement (defecation) and the excrement detection module 5 is short, it is possible to quickly detect that the care recipient has defecate.

Furthermore, by arranging the excrement detection module 5 in approximately the same layer (at least the center in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the absorbent material 2) as the polymer absorbent section 12 made of a highly absorbent polymer, even when the polymer absorbent section 12 has absorbed moisture from urine, feces, etc. and swelled, the upper surface of the excrement detection module 5 (which has a first opening 5c that allows odor molecules to pass through, as described below (see Figure 3)) is always exposed from the polymer absorbent section 12, making it possible to quickly detect the odor of feces even if urination occurs before defecation.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the external appearance of the excrement detection module 5. The excrement detection module 5 has a flat tablet shape with a left-right width W1 = 15 mm, a front-to-back length L1 = 30 mm, and a top-to-bottom height H1 = 10 mm, and is composed of two pieces: a housing part 5a and a lid part 5b. A sealant 5p is provided around the periphery of the housing part 5a, and the lid part 5b is fitted into the housing part 5a via the sealant 5p. The sealant 5p prevents moisture from entering the inside of the excrement detection module 5.

The lid 5b is provided with a first opening 5c and a second opening 5d, which connect the internal space of the excrement detection module 5 to the outside. An odor sensor 5k (described later) is disposed near the first opening 5c (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, a flexible sheet-like insulating member 5f made of resin is pulled out from the second opening 5d, and as shown in FIG. 1, the insulating member 5f is exposed on its inner surface to the outside of the absorbent material 2 (surface material 7) so as to be visible. When the diaper body 1 is to be used, the excrement detection module 5 is activated by removing the insulating member 5f by a caregiver or the like.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer surface of the excrement detection module 5 (specifically, the first opening 5c and the second opening 5d) is covered with a covering material 5g that is breathable and water repellent. It is preferable that this covering material 5g is stretchable. Suitable examples of the covering material 5g include polyurethane nonwoven fabric or a styrene-based elastomer film with micropores on the surface of which a dispersion of carbon fluoride or the like is applied and dried, and fabric woven from stretchable fibers (filaments) treated with carbon fluoride or the like.

The covering material 5g is water repellent, which prevents moisture from entering the excrement detection module 5 through the first opening 5c and the second opening 5d, and is breathable, which allows odor molecules to reach the odor sensor 5k (see FIG. 4) particularly from the first opening 5c. Furthermore, the covering material 5g is stretchable, which simplifies replacement of the covering material 5g and allows the excrement detection module 5 to be easily reused (the reuse process will be described later).

Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional blocks of the excrement detection module 5. The excrement detection module 5 has the following functional blocks: a control unit 5h, a memory unit 5i, a communication unit 5o, a defecation detection unit 5j, and a power source 5n. The defecation detection unit 5j has an odor sensor 5k and a temperature sensor 5m as sensing means for detecting defecation.

The control unit 5h is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the other components according to a control program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random access memory), etc. that constitute the memory unit 5i. As described below, the communication unit 5o of the excrement detection module 5 transmits measurement data (described below) to the outside, but does not need to receive control parameters from the outside, and the scale of the controlled object and the processing content are relatively small. Therefore, the control unit 5h can be composed of a simpler logic circuit. The control unit 5h includes an AD converter that converts analog signals (which may be amplified by an amplifier not shown) output from the odor sensor 5k and temperature sensor 5m into digital signals (hereinafter, data obtained by converting the analog signals output by the odor sensor 5k and temperature sensor 5m into digital signals may be referred to as measurement data).

The communication unit 5o includes a communication module that complies with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE) standard, which is a short-range wireless standard, and transmits identification information to the outside periodically (for example, every 30 seconds). The identification information is generally composed of three identifiers called a proximity UUID, a major, and a minor.

The proximity UUID is expressed as a 128-bit UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) and is used as an identifier for corporations, organizations, etc. and the services they provide. In the first embodiment, the proximity UUID is an identifier indicating a "defecation detection service." In the BLE standard, the data (advertising packet) advertised by the communication unit 5o always contains a proximity UUID.

Major is a value expressed in 16 bits, and is used as a unique identifier for each excrement detection module 5 that outputs the same proximity UUID. That is, in the first embodiment, major is used as an identifier to distinguish each excrement detection module 5. Note that by associating major with a person requiring care, major can be used as the ID of the person requiring care.

minor is a value expressed in 16 bits, and in the first embodiment, the measurement data described above is assigned to it. Here, the measurement data based on the output of the odor sensor 5k and the temperature sensor 5m is stored in minor as a value having, for example, 8 bits of information each.

In this way, the communication unit 5o in the first embodiment transmits the measurement data by including it in the proximity UUID, major, and minor as identifiers of the BLE standard (the amount of data is 128+16+16=160 bits (=20 bytes)), and the excrement detection module 5 can be considered as a type of transmitter known as a Beacon. Note that in the BLE standard, it is optional whether or not to include major and minor in the information advertised by a Beacon, but the excrement detection module 5 in the first embodiment uses the proximity UUID and major as identifiers, writes the measurement data in the minor part, and transmits it to the outside.

That is, the excrement detection module 5 has a communication unit 5o that wirelessly transmits the measurement data obtained by the defecation detection unit 5j to the outside, and the communication unit 5o further transmits unique identification information (here assigned to major) assigned to each excrement detection module 5 to the outside at a predetermined period. The communication unit 5o then adds the measurement data (minor) to the unique identification information (proximity UUID, major) and transmits it. This simplifies the configuration of the communication unit 5o, as the communication unit 5o of the excrement detection module 5 only needs to periodically transmit advertising packets to the outside and does not need to have a receiving function.

The BLE standard specifies that the range of radio waves is 50 meters or less, but by limiting the output, it is possible to further shorten the range. It is also anticipated that the diaper body 1 according to the first embodiment will be used in care facilities, etc., where, for example, multiple people requiring care may be cared for in adjacent beds.

In the first embodiment, therefore, in order to ensure compatibility between the diaper body 1 and the person in need of care who wears it, the reach of the radio waves output by the communication unit 5o is limited to within 3 meters, for example, to prevent interference. By limiting the output in this manner, the amount of power used by the excrement detection module 5 is reduced, and the capacity (i.e., the volume) of the power source 5n, which is constituted by, for example, a button battery, is reduced, which contributes to the miniaturization of the excrement detection module 5.

As described above, since the excrement detection module 5 can be used as a Beacon transmitter, if multiple receivers (corresponding to the information terminal 20) conforming to the BLE standard are provided within the premises of a care facility, etc., when a person requiring care wearing the diaper body 1 moves within the premises of the care facility, etc., it is possible to identify the position of the person requiring care based on the position of the receiver that received the radio waves, and it is also possible to detect defecation at the same time. Furthermore, if receivers are provided at the entrances and exits of a care facility, etc., or outdoors, it is possible to prevent the person requiring care from wandering away. In addition, this function as a Beacon transmitter is also used for product management in the process (step) of reusing the excrement detection module 5, which will be described later.

In the first embodiment, a semiconductor-type odor sensor 5k whose resistance value changes due to an oxidation-reduction reaction caused by the adsorption of odor molecules on the sensor surface is used to detect hydrogen sulfide in feces. However, as long as it can be accommodated in the excrement detection module 5 shown in FIG. 3, the odor sensor 5k may be configured to detect not only hydrogen sulfide but also sulfur-based odors such as methyl mercaptan, methyl sulfide, and methyl disulfide, nitrogen-based odors such as trimethylamine and ammonia, aldehyde-based odors such as acetaldehyde, propaldehyde, and formaldehyde, and fatty acid-based odors such as acetic acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, and may further be configured to detect multiple components selected as appropriate.

The temperature sensor 5m can be appropriately selected from, for example, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, etc. The above-mentioned hydrogen sulfide is also contained in flatus, but feces, which has a relatively large heat capacity, undergoes gradual temperature changes, while flatus has a small heat capacity and undergoes rapid temperature changes. Therefore, by using the temperature sensor 5m in combination, it is possible to distinguish between flatus and feces.

As shown in the figure, the odor sensor 5k is provided opposite the first opening 5c. That is, the defecation detection unit 5j includes the odor sensor 5k, the excrement detection module 5 is provided with a first opening 5c that connects the inside and outside of the excrement detection module 5, and the odor sensor 5k detects odors through the first opening 5c.

As described above, the first opening 5c is covered with a covering material 5g that is breathable and water repellent. By covering the first opening 5c with the covering material 5g, odor molecules reach the surface of the odor sensor 5k, but moisture is prevented from entering the inside of the excrement detection module 5. The temperature sensor 5m is also positioned against the back surface of the lid 5b (see Figure 3) of the excrement detection module 5, so that the time delay when detecting the temperature is shortened.

A sheet-like insulating member 5f is disposed between the defecation detection unit 5j and the power source 5n, and the insulating member 5f is pulled out from the excrement detection module 5 to the outside through the second opening 5d. When the caregiver or the like removes the insulating member 5f from the excrement detection module 5, the power source 5n and the defecation detection unit 5j are electrically connected, and power is supplied to the defecation detection unit 5j. Furthermore, the defecation detection unit 5j is electrically connected to the control unit 5h, the memory unit 5i, and the communication unit 5o, and as a result, the excrement detection module 5 is put into an operating state by removing the insulating member 5f. This allows the excrement detection module 5 to be started by the very simple action of removing the insulating member 5f by the caregiver or the like, and prevents unnecessary power consumption before the diaper body 1 is used.

That is, the excrement detection module 5 includes at least a power source 5n that supplies power to the defecation detection unit 5j, and a sheet-like insulating member 5f that blocks the power source 5n from supplying power to the defecation detection unit 5j. The excrement detection module 5 is provided with a second opening 5d that connects the inside and outside of the excrement detection module 5, and the insulating member 5f is drawn out to the outside of the excrement detection module 5 through the second opening 5d. As shown in FIG. 1, when the inside of the diaper body 1 is viewed, the end of the insulating member 5f is visibly exposed to the outside of the water absorbent material 2 (surface material 7). Instead of providing the insulating member 5f between the defecation detection unit 5j and the power source 5n, a switch member that turns on/off the electrical connection between the power source 5n and the defecation detection unit 5j (including other components) may be provided.

Here, when the insulating member 5f is not removed, the insulating member 5f is biased toward the surface of the excrement detection module 5 due to the elasticity of the covering material 5g. When the insulating member 5f is removed, the elastic covering material 5g deforms and completely covers the second opening 5d. This prevents moisture from entering the excrement detection module 5 after the insulating member 5f is removed.

The output of the odor sensor 5k and the temperature sensor 5m is measured, for example, at 5-second intervals, and the control unit 5h calculates the average of multiple measurements to generate measurement data. The measurement data is transmitted as advertising packets, for example at 30-second intervals, via the communication unit 5o. The advertising packets are then received by the information terminal 20. Here, the information terminal 20 is assumed to be a terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, but of course it could also be any other terminal such as a personal computer or dedicated receiver as long as it is compatible with the BLE standard and can receive advertising packets.

Of course, the measurement data may be transmitted using a data channel in the BLE standard. In this case, however, the excrement detection module 5 needs to have a receiving function that responds to a connection request from the information terminal 20. As described above, since the reach of the radio waves transmitted by the excrement detection module 5 in the first embodiment is set to about 3 meters, it is desirable to place the information terminal 20 within a 3-meter radius of the person requiring care, such as at the bedside.

The measurement data may be generated by the information terminal 20 executing an averaging process or the like. This allows the control unit 5h to be configured more simply, but on the other hand, the increased number of times advertising packets are sent leads to an increase in the capacity of the power source 5n. Which should be prioritized can be determined appropriately depending on the expected frequency of changing the diaper body 1 for the person in need of care. The information terminal 20 that receives or generates the measurement data determines whether the person in need of care has had a bowel movement and displays the result of the determination on the display screen of the information terminal 20.

Furthermore, the information terminal 20 transmits the determination result together with the ID, etc., of the care recipient to the server 22 via the network 21. The information terminal 20 or the server 22 may also transmit the determination result to another terminal (not shown), or if multiple receivers conforming to the BLE standard are installed on the premises of a care facility or the like, may simultaneously transmit the ID, etc., of the care recipient who needs to have the diaper body 1 changed and the current location of the care recipient. Furthermore, this information may be broadcast to multiple caregivers, etc., or may be transmitted to the caregiver in charge of the care recipient whose defecation has been detected, or may be transmitted preferentially to the caregiver who is closest to the care recipient. This makes it possible to quickly change the diaper body 1 of the care recipient whose defecation has been detected.

Of course, the information terminal 20 may transmit the measurement data together with the judgment result to the server 22. This allows the server 22 to accumulate the judgment results and measurement data associated with the ID of the person requiring care in a database, and perform statistical processing of the bowel movement status, odor components, etc. in the daily life of the person requiring care, thereby generating data useful for health management.

In the above example, the communication unit 5o includes, for example, a communication module that complies with the BLE standard, and the ID of the person requiring care and the measurement data (which may include the judgment result; the same applies below) are transmitted from the communication unit 5o to the information terminal 20, and further transmitted from the information terminal 20 to the network 21, and finally transmitted to the server 22. That is, the communication unit 5o indirectly transmits the measurement data to the network 21 via the information terminal 20.

As a variation of this, as shown in FIG. 4, the communication unit 5o may directly transmit the ID of the care recipient and the measurement data to the network 21 external to the excrement detection module 5. This makes it possible to transmit the ID of the care recipient and the measurement data to the external network 21 without placing a relay device such as an information terminal 20 or a receiver conforming to the BLE standard near the excrement detection module 5 (i.e., without going through a relay device that relays the measurement data). Even in this variation, the ID of the care recipient and the measurement data are transmitted to the server 22 via the network 21.

In a modified example, the communication unit 5o includes a communication module that complies with a communication standard such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or 4G (or 5G). Of these, LPWA is known as a communication method that realizes long-distance communication while suppressing power consumption, although the amount of data per transmission is small. Here, as described above, it is assumed that the communication unit 5o transmits the ID of the person requiring care and the measurement data to the outside in a period of about 30 seconds, and the amount of data per transmission is about several tens of bytes (i.e., high-speed and large-capacity data transmission is not necessary), and further the power consumption of the excrement detection module 5 should be as small as possible. Therefore, it is particularly preferable to use LPWA among the above-mentioned communication standards.

When defecation is detected, the caregiver places the used diaper body 1 in a collection container, for example made of metal, that is configured to shield radio waves. When putting a new diaper body 1 on the care recipient, the caregiver removes the insulating member 5f as described above to activate the excrement detection module 5, and operates the information terminal 20 to associate the major of the advertising packet with the care recipient. Specifically, information that identifies an individual, such as the ID number or name given to the care recipient, is input to the information terminal 20. This makes it possible to identify the care recipient wearing the diaper body 1 with a specific excrement detection module 5 embedded, enabling the caregiver to quickly change the diaper body 1 for the care recipient who has actually defecates.

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram explaining the process of reusing (re-using, reusing) the excrement detection module 5. The following explanation will be given in conjunction with Figures 2, 3, and 4. A new diaper body 1 with the excrement detection module 5 embedded in the absorbent material 2 is transported to, for example, a hospital/nursing facility 200 via a contractor. The diaper body 1 is used in the hospital/nursing facility 200, and the used diaper body 1 is removed from a care-requiring person whose defecation has been detected by the excrement detection module 5 and replaced with a new diaper body 1.

The used diaper body 1 is disposed of in the above-mentioned metal collection container, and the discarded diaper body 1 is transported together with the collection container by a contractor to the processing facility 201 within a specified period of time. At the processing facility 201, the diaper body 1 is disassembled, and the excrement detection module 5 is removed and washed. Even at this stage, the communication unit 5o continues to transmit advertising packets, and the processing facility 201 updates the number of times each excrement detection module 5 is reused by referring to the major included in the advertising packet.

Specifically, an information terminal 20 is also installed in the treatment facility 201, and upon receiving the advertising packet transmitted from the communication unit 5o, the information terminal 20 transmits at least the contents of the major via the network 21 to the server 22, which increments the number of times the excrement detection module 5 has been reused by referring to the major. If the number of times the excrement detection module 5 has been reused exceeds a predetermined number, the server 22 notifies the information terminal 20 that the expiration date of the excrement detection module 5 has expired. In this way, the excrement detection module 5 whose expiration date has expired is excluded from being eligible for reuse. In this way, by referring to the unique identification information (here, major) assigned to each excrement detection module 5, product management during the process of reusing the excrement detection module 5 is facilitated.

On the other hand, for excrement detection modules 5 whose expiration date has not yet expired, the covering material 5g is first removed. The excrement detection module 5 is then disassembled into the housing 5a and the lid 5b, and odor molecules adsorbed on the surface of the odor sensor 5k arranged in the housing 5a are removed as necessary. The odor molecules are removed, for example, by heat treatment in which an infrared beam is irradiated onto the surface of the odor sensor 5k, or by exposing the surface of the odor sensor 5k to clean air that has been passed through an activated carbon filter or the like for a predetermined period of time. This removes the odor molecules from the surface of the odor sensor 5k, preventing a decrease in the sensitivity of the odor sensor 5k.

Then, the power source 5n, which is composed of a button battery or the like, is replaced, and one end of the sheet-like insulating member 5f is inserted between the power source 5n and the defecation detection unit 5j. The other end of the insulating member 5f is pulled out to the outside of the excrement detection module 5 through the second opening 5d of the lid 5b, and the housing unit 5a and the lid 5b are fitted together. Then, a part of the surface of the integrated excrement detection module 5 is covered with the covering material 5g. As described above, the covering material 5g has elasticity, so it is possible to easily cover the excrement detection module 5 with the covering material 5g, and the process of reusing the excrement detection module 5 is simplified. In this way, the excrement detection module 5 becomes reusable.

The excrement detection module 5 that can now be reused is embedded in the absorbent material 2 again during the manufacturing process of the diaper body 1, and is transported again to the hospital/care facility 200, etc. as a new diaper body 1.

In this way, in the first embodiment, the excrement detection module 5 is reused rather than being disposable. This makes it possible to distribute the diaper body 1 with the excrement detection module 5 embedded in the absorbent material 2 to the market not as a one-time sale but as a so-called subscription system. This allows even a diaper body 1 with a relatively expensive sensing means such as the excrement detection module 5 embedded therein to be offered to the market at a substantially low price. By adopting such a subscription system, users (caregivers, etc. and those requiring care) can use the diaper body 1 without hassle, as if it were disposable, and the workload of caregivers, etc. is significantly reduced.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the excrement receiver used in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 corresponds to the cross section taken along line IIb-IIb in Fig. 1 (the same applies to Figs. 8 and 9).

In the second embodiment, the diaper body 1 as an excrement receiving device comprises a lower waterproof layer 4a constituting the surface (i.e., the outer surface) of the waterproof material 4, an upper waterproof layer 4b covering the lower waterproof layer 4a, a cutout 4c formed in the absorbent material 2 in the area where the lower waterproof layer 4a and the upper waterproof layer 4b overlap, and a guide portion 15 at approximately the center in the thickness direction of the absorbent material 2. The upper waterproof layer 4b and the upper waterproof layer 4b are in close contact with each other in the overlapping range, but the cutout 4c is exposed by turning up the upper waterproof layer 4b.

The guide section 15 is formed of a gap extending from the cut section 4c in the absorbent material 2 to the position where the excrement detection module 5 should be placed (the position facing the anus of the person requiring care). The gap forming the guide section 15 is appropriately set in size (mainly width and height) within a range that does not interfere with the movement of the excrement detection module 5 inside the absorbent material 2. The guide section 15 is provided inside the absorbent material 2 on the side closer to the inner surface than the polymer absorbent section 12 (i.e., in the upper layer), so that at least when the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the absorbent material 2, the lid section 5b (see FIG. 7) is exposed from the polymer absorbent section 12. That is, the excrement receptacle (diaper body 1) according to the second embodiment is an excrement receptacle equipped with a water-absorbing material 2 that absorbs moisture, and the guide section 15 that guides the excrement detection module 5 that detects the presence or absence of defecation is extended between the outer surface of the excrement receptacle and a predetermined position of the absorbent material 2.

As described above, the absorbent material 2 includes the polymer absorbent section 12 wrapped (sandwiched) in the cotton-like pulp 11, but the guide section 15 extends inside the cotton-like pulp 11, and the polymer absorbent section 12 is removed from a portion of the guide section 15 (the portion where the layer in which the polymer absorbent section 12 is arranged and the guide section 15 extending from the cut section 4c cross).

This prevents the highly absorbent polymer constituting the polymer absorbent section 12 from adhering to the vicinity of the first opening 5c of the excrement detection module 5 when the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the absorbent material 2, and prevents the movement of odor molecules from being blocked by the swollen highly absorbent polymer even if there is urination before defecation. In order to more actively prevent the highly absorbent polymer from adhering to the first opening 5c formed in the lid section 5b, for example, a thin absorbent paper may be placed between the polymer absorbent section 12 and the guide section 15 during the process of manufacturing the diaper body 1.

Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of an excrement detection module 5 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Compared to the first embodiment, the excrement detection module 5 of the second embodiment does not include a second opening 5d and an insulating member 5f, but instead includes an insertion member 5r, an insertion member engagement portion 5q, a withdrawal member locking portion 5s, and a withdrawal member 5t.

The insertion member engaging portion 5q is provided so as to protrude from the rear end of the housing portion 5a. An engagement hole (not shown) is provided at the rear end of the insertion member engaging portion 5q, and a rod-shaped insertion member 5r made of, for example, resin and having flexibility is inserted and engaged in this engagement hole. Furthermore, a pull-out member locking portion 5s is provided around the insertion member engaging portion 5q, and a pull-out member 5t, which is a string-like member made of, for example, cotton thread or resin (for example, nylon), is locked to the pull-out member locking portion 5s. The pull-out member 5t is wound around the insertion member 5r and extends rearward. Note that the mode in which the pull-out member 5t is wound around the insertion member 5r is not essential. As will be described later, when the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the water absorbent material 2, the pull-out member 5t is inserted into the inside of the diaper body 1 together with the insertion member 5r, and the mode is not particularly limited.

Here, the insertion member 5r is configured to be easily attached and detached to the insertion member engagement portion 5q, while the string-like drawer member 5t is tied to the drawer member locking portion 5s so that the locked state is not easily released. In this respect, the drawer member 5t may be fixed to the drawer member locking portion 5s. By fixing the drawer member 5t to the drawer member locking portion 5s, the caregiver or the like does not have to tie the drawer member 5t to the drawer member locking portion 5s when reusing the excrement detection module 5. Note that if there is sufficient space inside (at the rear) of the excrement detection module 5, the insertion member engagement portion 5q does not need to protrude from the rear end of the excrement detection module 5, and an engagement hole may be provided, for example, at the rear end of the housing portion 5a.

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the excrement detection module 5 inserted into the diaper body 1. When embedding the excrement detection module 5 in the diaper body 1, the caregiver first flips back the upper layer 4b of the waterproof material to expose the cutout 4c. Then, the caregiver inserts the tip (front) of the excrement detection module 5 into the cutout 4c, and further grasps the insertion member 5r to push the excrement detection module 5 into the inside of the diaper body 1 (inside the absorbent material 2) along the guide portion 15 (see Figure 6), until it finally reaches the end of the guide portion 15. When the excrement detection module 5 is inserted up to the end of the guide portion 15, the excrement detection module 5 is positioned approximately opposite the anus of the person requiring care.

That is, the excrement detection module 5 in the second embodiment is embedded in the moisture-absorbing absorbent material 2 provided in the excrement receptacle (diaper body 1) to detect the presence or absence of feces, and the excrement detection module 5 is provided with an insertion member engaging portion 5q that engages with an insertion member 5r that inserts and positions the excrement detection module 5 at a predetermined position in the moisture-absorbing material 2. The insertion member 5r is configured to be detachable from the insertion member engaging portion 5q.

In addition, from the viewpoint of the diaper body 1, the excrement receptacle (diaper body 1) according to the second embodiment is an excrement receptacle equipped with a water-absorbing material 2 that absorbs moisture, and a guide section 15 that guides an excrement detection module 5 that detects the presence or absence of feces is extended between the outer surface of the excrement receptacle (here, the cut section 4c that is configured to be exposed to the outer surface) and a predetermined position on the water-absorbing material 2.

When the excrement detection module 5 is pushed into the absorbent material 2 (guide section 15) using the insertion member 5r, the pull-out member 5t is also pulled into the absorbent material 2 at the same time. When the excrement detection module 5 reaches the end of the guide section 15, the ends of the insertion member 5r and the pull-out member 5t are exposed from the notch 4c. As shown in the figure, the material of the cotton-like pulp 11 is selected so that when the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the absorbent material 2, the waterproof material 4 gently protrudes outward at a position approximately opposite the anus of the person requiring care.

This reduces the foreign body sensation or discomfort felt by the care recipient when wearing the diaper body 1 with the excrement detection module 5 embedded in it. Specifically, for example, the cotton-like pulp 11 below the polymer absorbent section 12 (outer surface side) may be made of a softer material than the cotton-like pulp 11 above the polymer absorbent section 12 (inner surface side), or the air content on the outer surface side of the cotton-like pulp 11 may be made higher than that on the inner surface side.

Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the excrement detection module 5 is inserted into the diaper body 1 and is ready for use. In the state shown in Figure 8, the caregiver, etc., presses the excrement detection module 5 from outside the diaper body 1 to prevent it from being displaced (moved) within the guide section 15, and then pulls out the insertion member 5r exposed from the cutout section 4c. As described above, the insertion member engagement section 5q and the insertion member 5r are configured to be easily detachable, so that the insertion member 5r alone can be easily removed while the excrement detection module 5 is placed in a predetermined position (i.e., a position facing the anus of the care recipient). In the state shown in Figure 9, only the string-shaped pull-out member 5t is exposed from the cutout section 4c, so the foreign body sensation and discomfort of the care recipient is reduced. In this way, the second embodiment also exhibits the effects described in the first embodiment.

When the excrement detection module 5 detects the bowel movement of the person requiring care and the diaper body 1 is to be replaced, the caregiver can easily remove the excrement detection module 5 from the diaper body 1 (water absorbent material 2) by pulling the pull-out member 5t.

In the second embodiment, the excrement detection module 5 is embedded in the diaper body 1 (absorbent material 2) using the insertion member 5r engaged with the excrement detection module 5, and the excrement detection module 5 is removed from the diaper body 1 using the pull-out member 5t. However, it is also possible to configure the insertion member 5r and the pull-out member 5t using a single member. Specifically, for example, if the insertion member 5r is configured from a material (e.g., a paper material) that softens when it absorbs moisture, it is possible to integrate the insertion member 5r and the pull-out member 5t.

Now, unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the process of reusing the excrement detection module 5 is not performed in the treatment facility 201 (see FIG. 5), but is performed, for example, in the hospital/nursing facility 200. In the hospital/nursing facility 200, the removed excrement detection module 5 is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite or the like, washed, dried, and made available for reuse. As explained in the first embodiment, the number of times it has been reused is counted via the information terminal 20 installed in the hospital/nursing facility 200, and a decision is made as to whether the excrement detection module 5 should be reused or discarded.

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the functional blocks of the excrement detection module 5 in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, since processing for reuse in the treatment facility 201 is not assumed, the power source 5n described in the first embodiment is not replaced. As shown in the figure, in the excrement detection module 5 of the second embodiment, the power source 5n and the defecation detection unit 5j are always electrically connected, and the defecation detection unit 5j and other components are always in an operating state.

The second embodiment therefore employs a configuration in which microwaves are received by the power receiving antenna 5u, which is then converted into electricity by a converter (not shown) to charge the power source 5n (here, this corresponds to, for example, a secondary battery). In this case, if the necessary power can be obtained at all times by receiving microwaves, a configuration may be adopted in which a capacitor such as a condenser is provided instead of the power source 5n. With this configuration, by placing a microwave transmitter near the person requiring care, it is possible to constantly check whether or not the person is having a bowel movement.

Also, so-called temperature difference power generation may be applied as the power source 5n. Temperature difference power generation generates electricity based on the temperature difference between the front and back surfaces, for example, by utilizing the Seebeck effect. It is generally believed that temperature difference power generation reduces the amount of power generated, especially in summer, when the difference between the outside air temperature and body temperature becomes smaller. However, for example, in hospitals/nursing facilities 200, the temperature is controlled by air conditioning, etc., even in summer, so it is possible to maintain the amount of power generated.

The above describes in detail the excrement receiving device according to the present invention based on specific embodiments, but these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, an excrement receiving device that is attached to a person requiring care using tape or the like (the so-called "tape type") is illustrated, but it is self-evident that the present invention can also be applied to the so-called "pants type" that is in the shape of pants, or the so-called "pad type" that is attached to underwear.

The first and second embodiments may be combined. For example, the power source 5n of the excrement detection module 5 of the first embodiment may be replaced with the configuration described in the second embodiment. The excrement detection module 5 having the pull-out member 5t described in the second embodiment may be embedded in the diaper body 1 described in the first embodiment. In this way, the reuse process in the treatment facility 201 (see FIG. 5) may be simplified.

The excrement receiving device of the present invention can quickly detect when a person requiring care has had a bowel movement and can reduce the workload of the caregiver, and therefore can be suitably applied to various types of excrement receiving devices and excrement detection modules that are embedded in them, including so-called disposable diapers for nursing care, disposable diapers for infants, and sanitary products for people requiring care.

1 Diaper body (excrement receptacle)
Reference Signs List 2 Water-absorbent material 3 Three-dimensional gathers 4 Waterproof material 4a Waterproof material lower layer 4b Waterproof material upper layer 4c Cutout section 5 Excretion detection module 5a Housing section 5b Lid section 5c First opening 5d Second opening 5f Insulating member 5g Covering material 5h Control section 5i Memory section 5j Defecation detection section 5k Smell sensor 5m Temperature sensor 5n Power source 5q Insertion member engagement section 5r Insertion member 5s Pull-out member locking section 5t Pull-out member 5u Power-receiving antenna 11 Cotton-like pulp 12 Polymer water-absorbent section 15 Guide section 20 Information terminal 21 Network 22 Server

Claims (5)

An excrement receiving device comprising an excrement detection module including a defecation detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of defecation, and a water-absorbent material for absorbing moisture,
The excrement detection module is embedded in the water absorbent material,
the excrement detection module includes at least a power source that supplies power to the defecation detection unit, and a sheet-like insulating member that blocks the power source from supplying power to the defecation detection unit;
the excretion detection module is provided with a second opening that communicates between the inside and the outside of the excretion detection module;
the insulating member is drawn out to the outside of the excrement detection module through the second opening, and an end of the insulating member is visibly exposed to the outside of the water absorbent material;
At least a part of an outer surface of the excrement detection module is covered with a stretchable covering material;
An excrement receiving device characterized in that when the insulating member is not removed, the insulating member is urged toward the surface of the excrement detection module by the covering material, and when the insulating member is removed, the covering material deforms to cover the second opening . The excrement receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the excrement receptacle is attached to the body, the excrement detection module is embedded in a position substantially opposite the anus. The defecation detection unit includes an odor sensor,
The excrement receiving device described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the excrement detection module is provided with a first opening that connects the inside and outside of the excrement detection module, and the odor sensor detects odor through the first opening. The excrement receiving device according to claim 3, characterized in that a polymer absorbent section made of a highly absorbent polymer is provided at least in the center in the thickness direction of the absorbent material, and the first opening is exposed from the polymer absorbent section. 5. The excrement receptacle according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the excrement detection module is covered with a covering material that is breathable and water repellent.

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