JPH09285503A - Bed - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bed by which a bedsore or osteoporosis can be prevented. SOLUTION: A bed 10 is composed of a water bag 14 in which water 12 is filled, and a heater 16 provided with a thermostat and disposed under that. The water bag 14 has a transparent part 20 comprising transparent material at an upper surface part 18 of it. A light emission body 24 to emit near ultraviolet rays is provided inside the water bag 14. Light outgoing from the light emission body 24 passes the transparent part 20 of the water bag 14 to be radiated to the external. In this constitution, as a patient 26 lies on the upper surface part 18 to receive irradiation of near ultraviolet rays, a bedsore caused by infection to the patient 26 with miscellaneous germs can be prevented by sterilizing action of light. In addition, because this light accelerates production of active vitamin D which is essential to production of bones, advance of osteoporosis can be restricted.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bed used for medical treatment, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A person who is bedridden due to various causes does not move his or her body so that bed sores are likely to occur. Bed sore is a necrotic condition caused by long-term compression of the skin and soft tissue at the protruding part of the bone caused by long-term compression between the bone and the bed when the patient is asleep for a long time. Say.

For this reason, conventionally, for example, a water bed has been used to prevent bed slip. As shown in FIG. 9, the water bed is composed of a water bag 14 filled with water 12 and a heater with a thermostat 16 arranged below the water bag 14. When the patient 26 lies on such a water bag 10, a uniform force is applied to the contact portion between the water bag 12 and the person 16, so that floor slip is less likely to occur, and the heater 16 with a thermostat prevents the floor surface of the water bag 14 from being damaged. The temperature is maintained at the desired temperature so that you can sleep comfortably.

[0004]

However, in addition to the above-mentioned force, infection by various bacteria cannot be overlooked as a factor of bed sores. Therefore, nurses are currently disinfecting bedridden people with alcohol.

By the way, in the bedridden state, the bone mass decreases. When the bone mass is reduced, a porosity is generated in the bone, which may eventually lead to osteoporosis. Therefore, at the time of care, there is a high possibility of bone fracture, which also causes a vicious cycle that causes a bedridden condition.

At present, it is said that there are 4 million bedridden patients in Japan, and there is a concern that medical costs will increase as the number of these patients increases in the aging society in the future.

In order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a bed capable of preventing bed sores and suppressing the occurrence of osteoporosis.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, the bed of the present invention is filled with a fluid 12 having a light-transmitting property, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. The portion is provided with the bag 14 provided on the upper surface portion 18 and the light source 38 for emitting light, and the light emitted from the light source 38 and shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 is propagated from the inside to the outside through the light transmitting portion 20. It is characterized by As a result, the bed user 26 lying on the bed 10 is irradiated with light, so that it is possible to imitate a sun bath.

In particular, as shown in the figure, when the light source 38 is provided inside the bag 14, the light from the light source 38 is applied to the fluid 1.
Since the light is directly emitted via 2, the radiation efficiency is high, which is preferable.

Further, the light source is provided outside the bed, and
You may further provide the light transmission means which introduce | transduces the light from a light source into a bed. In this case, since the light source that mainly converts electric energy into light energy is arranged outside the fluid, a seal for the light source becomes unnecessary.

Further, the bed may be provided with a heating means for keeping the temperature of the fluid at a desired temperature. As a result, a constant temperature of the fluid is filled inside the bag so that the thermal stimulation of the fluid to the human body is minimized, so that sleep is provided.

Further, the tubular body, a filter which is housed in the tubular body and removes foreign matters contained in the fluid filled in the bag, a first pipe connecting the tubular body and the bag, and one end of the tubular body May be further provided, a third pipe whose one end is connected to the bag, and a pump to which the other end of the second pipe and the other end of the third pipe are connected. . As a result, it is possible to remove the microorganisms and dead bodies thereof that cause the decrease in the amount of light emitted from the upper surface portion.

As the fluid, water, an inert gas such as nitrogen gas, air, a perfluorocarbon liquid or the like can be used.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a bed according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the first embodiment according to the bed of the present invention. The bed 10 is composed of a water bag 14 filled with water 12 and a heater 16 with a thermostat arranged below the water bag 14. Further, the water bag 14 has a light-transmitting portion 20 made of a light-transmitting material formed on the upper surface portion 18, and a light-transmitting portion 22 made of a non-light-transmitting material on the other portion. Further, in the present embodiment, inside the water bag 14, a light emitting body 24 such as a fluorescent lamp or an EL panel which emits near-ultraviolet light is provided. The light emitter 24 is connected to a power supply 34 via an electric cable 36. The power source 34 is connected to an optical sensor 28 made of a semiconductor provided on the upper surface portion 20 of the bed 10 by an electric lead 32 via a controller 30. In addition,
Although not shown, the heater 16 with a thermostat is connected to a power source outside the water bag 14 through an electric cable.

In order to use this bed 10, first the power is turned on to the heater 16 with thermostat, and the water 1
It is heated by natural convection until 2 reaches a predetermined temperature.
Next, when power is turned on to the light emitter 24, the light emitter 24 provided inside the water bag 14 emits near-ultraviolet light as shown by the arrow in FIG. Is efficiently radiated to the outside. Further, this light is detected by the optical sensor 28. Then, the detection signal is output to the controller 30, and the controller 30 sends a control signal to the power source 34 in order to make the light amount such that the human body is not adversely affected. Based on the signal, electric power is generated by the electric cable 3
The light source 24 is supplied from the power source 34 by the reference numeral 6.

Therefore, if the bedridden patient 26 is lying on the upper surface portion 18 of the bed 10 in such a state, not only can the person sleep comfortably as described in the section of the prior art, but also germ infection. The bed sores caused by this are prevented. This is because the light has a bactericidal action against various bacteria that are present between the upper surface portion 18 of the water bag 14 and the patient 26. From the above, it is possible to reduce the number of disinfection operations of a caregiver who cares for a bedridden person.

By the way, the near-ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting body 24 has an important role of producing active vitamin D which cannot be synthesized in the body. This substance plays a major role in bone formation. Therefore, for example, by lying a bedridden person who rarely sunbathes on the bed 10, active vitamin D is produced in the body of the person and the progression of osteoporosis can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, the light emitted from the light-emitting body 24 is limited to the near ultraviolet, but it is easy for those skilled in the art to apply the light to the infrared region and apply it to thermal physical therapy. Can be thought of. Further, it goes without saying that the bed 10 can be effectively used for purposes other than medical purposes, such as a sunburn salon.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of another embodiment according to the bed of the present invention. The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the light source 38 having a built-in power source is in the bed 10.
That is, a light transmission means 40, which is provided outside of the light source 38 and includes an optical fiber, extends from the light source 38 and is connected to the vicinity of the upper portion of the water bag 14. Therefore, the light is uniformly emitted from the transparent portion 20 due to the scattering by the water. Also,
Since the light source 38 generally converts electric energy into light energy, the arrangement as in this embodiment enhances the electric insulation property against water.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a first modification of the second embodiment. This modification is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that a plurality of light sources 38a to 38c having different wavelengths are provided, and the light transmitting means 40 is the light sources 38a to 3c.
It has a switching means 42 for selecting any one of 8c. Since a plurality of light sources 38a to 38c having different wavelengths are used in this modification, for example, after performing sterilization by near-ultraviolet light and synthesizing active vitamin D, it is possible to switch to an infrared light source to perform physical hyperthermia. .

Further, the number of light transmitting means such as an optical fiber connected to the bed 10 is not limited to one, and the optical fiber bundle 44 extends from the light source 38 as in the second modification shown in FIG. It may be evenly distributed and connected to the lower surface of the water bag 14. Water bag 1 as in this modification
When the light is emitted from the lower surface of 4, the human body is more uniformly irradiated with the light as compared with the case where a single optical fiber is used as shown in FIG. 3 or 4.

Further, the light source does not have to be an artificial light source having a single wavelength, and a light transmitting means 40 such as an optical fiber extending from the side surface of the water bag 14 as in the third modification shown in FIG. 6 is used. Use natural light such as sunlight 4
May lead to 6. In this case, lights having different wavelengths can be emitted at the same time.

By the way, most of the light which does not go to the upper surface portion 18 of the water bag 14 is absorbed by the water bag 14. However, as shown in the third embodiment of FIG. 7, the opaque portion of the water bag 14 may be a high reflectance member 48 made of a material having a high reflectance, or the inner surface thereof may be a film having a high reflectance. When covered with (not shown), the proportion of light transmitted through the upper surface portion 18 can be increased.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, a light diffusing agent (not shown) for diffusing the light is dispersed inside the water bag 14 filled with the water 12 when the light is introduced from the outside. When the light is on
Can be taken from.

Incidentally, it has been well known that microorganisms are present in the water 12 in the water bag 14,
The light transmittance of the water 12 may decrease due to the propagation of the gas or the generation of gas or the like due to the respiration of microorganisms. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a water filtering means as shown in FIG. The filtering means shown in the figure includes an introduction pipe 50 and a discharge pipe 52 extending from the water bag 14.
Is connected to a cylindrical cartridge 58 including a filter 56 via a circulation pump 54. When the circulation pump 54 of this filtering means is operated, as shown by the arrow in FIG.
By forcibly circulating the light, the filter 56 can remove the stain caused by the decrease in the light amount as described above. Further, the forced circulation of the water causes the forced convection of the water 12, so that the time required to reach the predetermined temperature is shortened as compared with the natural convection.

Although the bed 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment is a so-called water bed, the fluid to be enclosed in the bag forming the bed is not limited to water and has a light-transmitting property.
For example, an inert gas such as nitrogen or the like, air, or an inert liquid such as a perfluorocarbon liquid having characteristics such as excellent heat transfer property and electric insulating property is used.

[0028]

According to the bed of the present invention, not only a bedridden person lying on the upper surface of the bed can sleep comfortably, but also according to the present invention, the bed user is irradiated with near-ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is possible to prevent bed sores due to infection of various bacteria. That is, it is possible to sterilize various bacteria existing between the person and the bed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of times of disinfection work of a caregiver who cares for a bedridden person.

When the bed user is irradiated with near-ultraviolet light, active vitamin D that plays a major role in bone formation can be produced although it cannot be synthesized in the body. Therefore, the progression of osteoporosis can be suppressed. Furthermore, the light emitted from the light source can be used in the infrared region to be applied to thermal physical therapy.

Needless to say, it is obvious that the above-mentioned action and effect will occur not only for bedridden persons but also for those who simply have a shortage of bones or have few opportunities to sunbathe, so the work is basically performed. If the bed of the present invention is used at bedtime, which is not normally performed, a great effect can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view conceptually showing a bed of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the first embodiment of the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a second embodiment of the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing a first modification of the second embodiment of the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing a second modification of the second embodiment of the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a third modification of the second embodiment of the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing a third embodiment of the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the bed of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a bed as an example of a conventional bed.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... bed, 12 ... water, 14 ... water bag,
16 ... Heater with thermostat, 18 ... Top part,
20 ... Translucent part, 22 ... Non-translucent part, 24 ... Light emitter, 26 ... Patient, 28 ... Optical sensor, 30 ... Controller, 32 ... Electrical lead, 34 ... Power source, 36 ... Electric cable, 38 ... Light source, 40 ... Light transmitting means, 42 ...
Switching means, 44 ... Optical fiber, 46 ... Natural light, 4
8 ... High reflectance member, 50 ... Introducing pipe, 52 ... Outlet pipe, 54 ... Circulation pump, 56 ... Filter, 58 ... Cartridge.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A light-transmitting fluid is filled inside,
A light-transmitting portion is provided on an upper surface portion, and a light source that emits light is provided, and the light emitted from the light source is propagated from the inside to the outside through the light-transmitting portion. bed. 2. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided inside the bag. 3. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided outside the bed, and the light source further includes a light transmitting unit that introduces light from the light source into the bed. 4. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the bed is provided with heating means for keeping the temperature of the fluid at a desired temperature. 5. A tubular body, a filter which is housed in the tubular body and removes foreign matter contained in the fluid filled in the bag, and a first pipe connecting the tubular body and the bag, A second pipe having one end connected to the tubular body, a third pipe having one end connected to the bag, the other end of the second pipe and the other end of the third pipe were connected. The bed according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a pump.