JP2006204561A - Air mat, its control device and air mat device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air mat, its control device and an air mat device capable of reducing decubitus developing locally. <P>SOLUTION: This air mat 1 is provided with a plurality of columnar projection parts 11 disposed on surface of an air mat body 12 into a matrix shape and having flexibility, detects pneumatic pressures in air chambers inside the projection parts 11 individually by a pneumatic pressure sensor, controls to open/close solenoid valves provided for every projection parts 11 by a control unit 2, controls the pneumatic pressures of the respective air chambers by supplying air from a pump device in the control unit 2 and automatically adjust, for example, to uniform the contact pressures between the respective projection parts 11 with the body of a user. Clearances are formed between the adjacent projection parts 11 to form an air circulation in the clearances and prevent the stuffiness grown between the air mat 1 and the body of the user to reduce the onset of the decubitus on the body of the user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an air mat that can reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers in a user's body, a control device therefor, and an air mat device.

  Conventionally, the occurrence of pressure ulcers (bed slippage) in hospitalized patients or the like has been a problem, and as a device for reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers, for example, for treatment disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-42631 (Patent Document 1) Air mats are known.

  This therapeutic air mat is composed of a pair of left and right independent air chambers in which the air mat body is divided at the center, and the inside height is low when the left and right independent air chambers are expanded, while the outside height is Are provided with a plurality of large and small communicating expansion sections divided by connecting members of appropriate height, and air supply ports are formed in the independent air chambers, respectively. It is used to change the patient's position by repetition.

  Similar air mat devices are disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-438 (Patent Document 2), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-197672 (Patent Document 3), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-65405 (Patent Document 4), and the like. Is also disclosed.

  The air mat apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a mat body that includes a plurality of air bags and forms protrusions on the outer surface by the expansion of the air bags, and a supply / discharge device that expands and contracts the air bags. The mat body is provided with a heating element that raises the outer surface temperature of the mat body, and the mat body that forms a protrusion on the outer surface by inflation of the air bag, and the vicinity of the protrusion on the body By utilizing the fact that contact / separation is intermittently performed, the massage effect is further enhanced.

  The air mat device disclosed in Patent Document 3 includes an air mat in which a plurality of bag-shaped air cells are arranged side by side, an air pump that injects air into each air cell of the air mat, a control unit that controls the air pump, In addition, pressure ulcers that are operated by manual operation and control the air pump to pressurize the pressure in the air cell for a predetermined time for a predetermined time, such as when a sick person lies on the floor for a long time, etc. It is possible to prevent problems caused by bottoming during gudge up.

In addition, the air mat disclosed in Patent Document 4 is composed of a superposed flexible first sheet and an intermediate sheet, and a plurality of the air mats are connected to each other via a first joint portion that is a joint portion between the two sheets. A first air cell group, and a second air cell group formed of a plurality of the intermediate sheets and the second sheet having flexibility, and a plurality of second air cell groups formed through a second joint portion that is a joint portion of the two sheets. The second air cell constituting the second air cell group has a width twice that of the first air cell constituting the first air cell group, and the second joint portion is made to coincide with the first joint portion. In this configuration, when the first air cell group is the upper surface, the first joint between the first air cells receives a force in the direction of rising by being pushed by the air pressure of the second air cell, and the first joint and its surroundings Close to flat When the weight of the patient who went to sleep is added to this area, this area supports the patient's body from the time of contact, and when the second air cell group is the upper surface, the air pressure is By keeping it low, the patient's body is supported evenly over a wide area, body pressure dispersion is improved, and floor rubbing that occurs when pressure is locally applied is prevented.
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-42631 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-438 JP 2000-197672 A JP 2002-65405 A

  However, looking at actual cases of pressure ulcers, there are several cases of pressure ulcers with a size of 4-5cm in diameter, which are occurring locally at the same time. It is impossible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air mat capable of reducing locally developing pressure ulcers, a control device therefor, and an air mat device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a flat mat body and a member having flexibility and air permeability, and is fixedly arranged in a matrix at predetermined intervals on the surface of the mat body. A plurality of projections each having a sealed air chamber formed therein, and provided for each projection, detecting the air pressure in the air chamber of each projection and outputting the detection result as an electrical signal. A plurality of air pressure sensors, an air inlet for injecting air from the outside, and provided at each protrusion, a communication port at one end is connected to the air inlet through a tube, and a communication at the other end A plurality of air inflow solenoid valves whose ports communicate with the air chambers of the protrusions, and provided for each of the protrusions, one end of the communication port is opened to the outside of the air chamber, and the other end of the communication port A plurality of air outflows communicating with the air chamber A detection result that is provided for each of the projecting portions of the solenoid valve and the air pressure sensor provided in the air chamber of the projecting portion, and that transmits its own identification information to the external control device at predetermined intervals. Transmitting means, means for transmitting an open / close drive control signal output from the control device to an air inflow solenoid valve communicating with the air chamber of each protrusion, and for air outflow communicating with the air chamber of each protrusion An air mat comprising a means for transmitting an opening / closing drive control signal output from the control device to an electromagnetic valve is proposed.

  In the air mat of the present invention, a plurality of protrusions in which air chambers sealed inside are formed are arranged on the surface of the mat body so as to be fixed in a matrix at predetermined intervals. Further, a plurality of air pressure sensors for detecting the air pressure in the air chamber of the protrusion and outputting the detection result as an electric signal for each protrusion are provided.

  Information on the detection result by the air pressure sensor is transmitted to the external control device every predetermined time by the detection result transmitting means together with its own identification information.

  In addition, an open / close drive control signal output from the external control device is transmitted to the air inflow solenoid valve communicating with the air chamber of each protrusion, and the air outflow valve communicating with the air chamber of each protrusion is transmitted. The opening / closing drive control signal output from the control device is transmitted to the electromagnetic valve. Thereby, the air pressure inside the air chamber of each protrusion is controlled.

  For this reason, when said air mat is used for a bed, for example, it becomes possible to adjust the contact pressure of each projection part and a body optimally.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives means for sending air to the air inlet of the air mat, and detection results and identification information transmitted from the detection result transmitting means for the air mat, Based on the received detection result and identification information, an air inflow solenoid valve and an air outflow solenoid valve open / close instruction signal for setting the air pressure in the air chamber at each projection of the air mat to a predetermined value are generated. An air mat control device having a central control means for outputting the air is proposed.

  In the air mat control device of the present invention, the central control means outputs an opening / closing drive control signal to the air inflow solenoid valve communicating with the air chamber of each projection based on the detection result by the air pressure sensor. An open / close drive control signal is output to the air outflow solenoid valve communicating with the air chamber of each protrusion. Thereby, the air pressure inside the air chamber of each protrusion is controlled. For this reason, when said air mat is used for a bed, for example, it becomes possible to optimally control the contact pressure between each projection and the body.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention receives means for sending air to the air inlet of the air mat, and detection results and identification information transmitted from the detection result transmitting means for the air mat, Based on the received detection result and identification information, an air inflow solenoid valve and an air outflow solenoid valve open / close instruction signal for setting the air pressure in the air chamber at each projection of the air mat to a predetermined value are generated. And an air mat control device including a central control means for transmitting the open / close instruction signal to each control means together with identification information of the control means corresponding to the corresponding protrusion of the air mat.

  In the air mat control device of the present invention, the central control means sets the air pressure in the air chamber at each protrusion of the air mat to a predetermined value based on the detection result and identification information transmitted from each detection result transmission means of the air mat. An opening / closing instruction signal for the air inflow solenoid valve and the air outflow solenoid valve for setting is generated, and the opening / closing instruction signal is transmitted to each control means together with the identification information of the control means corresponding to the corresponding protrusion of the air mat. The

  Thereby, opening / closing drive control of the air inflow solenoid valve and the air outflow solenoid valve is performed by each control means.

  Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes an air mat device comprising the above air mat and an air mat control device.

  According to the air mat of the present invention, a plurality of protrusions having individually isolated air chambers are arranged in a matrix on the surface of the mat body, so that an external control device can be used based on the air pressure in each air chamber. By opening and closing the air inflow solenoid valve and air outflow solenoid valve corresponding to each air chamber, the contact pressure between each projection and the user's body is optimally controlled. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers due to locally increased contact pressure with the body. Further, since the protrusions are arranged in a matrix, a gap is formed between the adjacent protrusions, and air flows in the gap, so that the air mat and the user's body are not stuffy. Therefore, this can also reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers in the user's body.

  According to the air mat control device of the present invention, since the air pressure in the air chamber of each protrusion in the air mat can be controlled for each protrusion, the contact pressure between the protrusion and the user's body is localized. Therefore, the occurrence of hyperemia can be reduced and the occurrence of pressure ulcers in the user's body can be reduced.

  According to the air mat device of the present invention, the contact pressure between each projection and the user's body is optimally controlled, and the contact pressure between the projection and the user's body is prevented from locally increasing. Therefore, the occurrence of pressure ulcers in the user's body can be reduced. Further, since the protrusions are arranged in a matrix, a gap is formed between the adjacent protrusions, and air flows in the gap, so that the air mat and the user's body are not stuffy. Therefore, this can also reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers in the user's body.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an air mat device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a main part of the air mat according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electric system circuit of a sensor unit in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an air mat and control in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical circuit and an air circulation circuit of the unit, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an electrical wiring and an air circulation circuit in the air mat of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is an air mat, 2 is a control unit, and the air mat 1 and the control unit 2 constitute the air mat apparatus of the present invention.

  The air mat 1 in the present embodiment is used by being laid on a bed of a welfare facility or a hospital, for example, and has a rectangular plate shape with a width of 100 cm and a length of 210 cm. The air mat 1 includes a flat mat body 12 made of a flexible member and a plurality of protrusions 11 arranged in a matrix on the surface of the mat body 12. A plurality of air flow grooves 12a parallel to each other are formed on the bottom surface of the.

  The protrusion 11 is made of a member having flexibility and air permeability, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, has a cylindrical shape having an air chamber 31 hermetically sealed so as not to leak air, and has a diameter. D is 2.5 cm, the height H is 10 cm, the gaps G1 and G2 between the projections 11 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction orthogonal to each other are set to 1.25 cm, and in the width direction (X direction) of the mat body 12 26 pieces, 55 pieces in the length direction (Y direction) of the mat body 12, a total of 1430 pieces are provided side by side. In addition, the air chamber 31 of each protrusion part 11 is isolated individually. Further, in the present embodiment, the bed mat is configured. However, when the air mat of the present invention is used for a bed mat or other applications, the diameter D of the protruding portion 11 is determined depending on the use purpose or use form. 4 mm to 50 mm, the distances G1 and G2 are preferably set to values within a range of 2 mm to 20 mm, and the height H within a range of 5 mm to 150 mm.

  Further, on one side of the mat body 12 of the air mat 1, a connector 13 for connecting a power supply wiring for driving an electromagnetic valve (electromagnetic valve) described later and an air supply tube connecting air supply port are provided. A connector 14 is provided. A cable 26 and an air supply tube 27 are connected to these connectors 13 and 14.

  The cable 26 and the air supply tube 27 are connected to the control unit 2 via connectors 24 and 25.

  The control unit 2 includes a rectangular parallelepiped casing 21, connectors 24 and 25, a power switch 22, and a mode switch 23 are provided on one side of the casing 21, and a plug 28 a is provided at a distal end from a predetermined position of the casing 21. The power cord 28 provided with is pulled out.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the air mat 1 is composed of three rubber layers, ie, a protrusion forming layer 30, an intermediate layer 40, and a lowermost layer 40, which are individually formed and then bonded and integrated. Yes.

  The protruding portion forming layer 30 is made of a rubber sheet having a thin predetermined thickness, for example, 3 mm, which has flexibility and non-air permeability, and is formed in an uneven surface shape forming the protruding portion 11.

  The intermediate layer 40 is made of a rubber plate having a predetermined thickness, for example, a thickness of 20 mm, and a flexible and non-breathable rubber plate. At the position corresponding to the bottom of the projection 11, the component housing recess 41 and the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 are provided. And the recessed part and through-hole for air distribution tube arrangement | positioning are formed.

  The lowermost layer 50 is made of a rubber plate having a predetermined thickness, for example, a thickness of 20 mm, and a flexible and non-breathable rubber plate. A through hole 51 is formed at a position corresponding to the concave portion 41 for housing the component, and the bottom surface 50 is formed on the bottom surface side. The air circulation groove 12a described above is formed.

  Further, on the upper surface of the intermediate layer 40, the sensor unit 100 is adhered and fixed in the air chamber 31 formed by the protrusions 11, and the two power supply terminals 101 and 102 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the sensor unit 100 are intermediate. It penetrates the layer 40 and protrudes into the component housing recess 41. Electrodes 103, 104 are connected to the power supply terminals 101, 102 protruding into the recess 41, and these electrodes 103, 104 are fixed in the recess 41. Further, in the recess 41, a battery 105 inserted so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are in contact with each of the electrodes 103 and 104 is disposed, and the opening of the recess 41 is closed by a lid member 42 so as to support the battery 105.

  Further, an electromagnetic valve 61 for outflowing air and an electromagnetic valve 62 for inflowing air are fitted into a recess formed in the intermediate layer 40 on the lower surface side of the intermediate layer 40, and one end is connected to the intake port of the electromagnetic valve 61. The air flow tube 63 passes through the intermediate layer 40 and the other end protrudes into the air chamber 31, and the air flow tube having one end connected to the exhaust port of the electromagnetic valve 61 passes through the bottom layer 50 and the other end is the bottom layer. 50 is exposed in the air circulation groove 12a formed on the bottom surface side. Thereby, the air inside the air chamber 31 can be exhausted to the outside by opening the valve of the electromagnetic valve 61.

  The air flow tube 65 having one end connected to the exhaust port of the electromagnetic valve 62 passes through the intermediate layer 40 and the other end projects into the air chamber 31. The air supply port serves as an air supply port to the intake port of the electromagnetic valve 62. An air circulation tube 66 connected to the connector 14 for tube connection is connected. The air circulation tube 66 is connected in parallel (in a bus shape) to the connector 14 and the intake port of each electromagnetic valve 62.

  The power supply terminals 101 and 102 and the air circulation tubes 63 and 65 of the sensor unit 100 are provided in the intermediate layer 40 so that there is no air leakage in the air chamber 31. In the present embodiment, for example, a nylon air flow tube is used as the air flow tube.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor unit 100 includes an air pressure sensor 110, a well-known CPU 111, a memory 112, a transmission circuit 113, and a transmission antenna 114, and receives driving power from the battery 105 described above.

  The air pressure sensor 110 detects the air pressure in the air chamber 31 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detection result to the CPU 111.

  The CPU 111 operates based on a program stored in the memory 112, and transmits information on the detection result of the air pressure sensor 110 via the transmission circuit 113 every predetermined time, for example, every 10 seconds. At this time, the CPU 111 reads out its own identification information (hereinafter referred to as ID code) stored in advance in the memory 112, and transmits detection result information together with the ID code. In this embodiment, the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value as shown in FIG. 6 are included as part of the ID code of each sensor unit 100 so that the mounting position of the sensor unit 100 can be easily grasped. ing.

  The transmission circuit 113 transmits the ID code and detection result information input from the CPU 111 to the control unit 2 as a radio wave having a predetermined frequency via the transmission antenna 115. In this embodiment, a frequency in the 315 MHz band, which is a frequency for weak radio that is permitted to be used in medical institutions such as hospitals, is used as a transmission frequency, and a high frequency output is set to 10 μV / m.

  Next, an electric circuit and an air circulation circuit of the air mat 1 and the control unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit 2 includes a pump device 211, a pump drive circuit 212, a receiving antenna 221, a receiving circuit 222, a CPU 223, a memory 224, an open / close control interface circuit 225, and a power circuit 240.

  The pump device 211 is driven by a pump drive circuit 212 controlled by the CPU 223, and supplies compressed air to each electromagnetic valve 62 during driving. At this time, the compressed air sent from the pump device is supplied to each electromagnetic valve 62 via the connector 25, the supply tube 27, the connector 14, and the air circulation tube 66.

  The pump drive circuit 212 receives a control signal from the CPU 223 and drives the pump device 211 based on this control signal.

  The receiving circuit 222 receives the radio wave transmitted from each sensor unit 100 via the antenna 221, extracts the ID code of the sensor unit 100 and the information on the air pressure detection result from the received radio wave, and sends these to the CPU 223 as digital data. Output.

  The CPU 223 operates according to a program stored in the memory 224, inputs the ID code of the sensor unit 100 and the information of the air pressure detection result from the receiving circuit 222, reads the operation mode setting state by the mode changeover switch 23, and receives them. Based on this, the operation control of the pump drive circuit is performed, and a control signal for opening and closing the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 is output to the open / close control interface circuit 225.

  Further, the CPU 223 stores the air pressure detection result by each sensor unit 100 in the memory 224 in correspondence with the X coordinate and the Y coordinate to manage the air pressure in each air chamber 31, and based on this information, each projection portion 11 generates an open / close control signal for the air outflow electromagnetic valve 61 and the air inflow electromagnetic valve 62 corresponding to No.11.

  The memory 224 is composed of, for example, a well-known ROM, RAM, EEPROM, or the like. The ROM stores a CPU driving program, the RAM or EEPROM stores information on detection results, and the air pressure as an initial state of the air chamber 31 is stored. The value P1 is stored.

  The open / close control interface circuit 225 receives a control signal from the CPU 223, and outputs an open / close control signal for each of the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 based on the control signal. The open / close control signal output from the open / close control interface circuit 225 is supplied to the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 via the connector 25, the cable 26, and the connector 13.

  The power supply circuit 240 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply via the power cable 28 described above, and supplies power to each electric circuit in the control unit 2 when the power switch 22 is in the on state. Then, electric power is supplied to the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 via the connector 13.

  On the other hand, in the air mat 1, as shown in FIG. 6, 55 air circulation tubes 66 connected to each electromagnetic valve 62 are arranged extending in the X-axis direction, and these air circulation tubes are connected in parallel. The air circulation tube 66 is connected to the connector 14. In addition, an electrical wiring 67 including a power supply line and a control signal supply line to each electromagnetic valve 61 and 62 is similarly arranged and connected to the connector 13.

  According to the air mat device having the above configuration, the contact pressure between each projection 11 and the user's body is optimally controlled, and the contact pressure between the projection 11 and the user's body is locally increased. Since it can prevent, the onset of pressure ulcer in a user's body can be reduced. Further, since the protrusions 11 are arranged in a matrix, a gap is formed between the adjacent protrusions 11, air flows in the gap, and stuffiness occurs between the air mat 1 and the user's body. This also reduces the occurrence of pressure ulcers in the user's body.

  Next, the operation of the air mat device of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the air mat 1 is used, the air mat 1 is laid on a bed or the like and a cloth such as a sheet is hung on the upper surface. Further, before use, the power switch 22 of the control unit 2 is turned on to operate the control unit 2.

  The CPU 223 of the control unit 2 that has started the operation receives the detection result of the air pressure from each sensor unit 100, and when there is an air chamber 31 in which the air pressure is less than the initial value P1, the pump device 211 is driven and the air pressure is increased. The air inflow electromagnetic valve 62 corresponding to the air chamber 31 that is less than the initial value P1 is opened, and the air pressure in each air chamber 31 is set to the initial value P1 (S1).

  Thereafter, the CPU 223 stores the air pressure of the detection result of each sensor unit 100 in the memory 224 (S2). Next, the state of the mode selector switch 23 is read to determine whether the operation mode is the A mode or the B mode (S3). In the present embodiment, in the A mode, control is performed so that the air pressures of the air chambers 31 of all the protrusions 11 always have the initial value P1 even when the user lies on the air mat 1, and in the B mode, the X axis For each direction row, the air pressure in the air chamber 31 of the protrusion 11 is decreased from the initial value P1 to the air pressure P2 lower than the initial value P1, and thereafter the operation to return to the initial value P1 is performed by sequentially moving in the Y-axis direction. Then, after the Y-axis coordinate becomes the final coordinate, the control returns to the Y-axis coordinate 01 and repeats similarly. Thereby, in the B mode, the height of each protrusion 11 is raised and lowered, and this moves so as to wave in the Y-axis direction, so that an air flow can be caused in the gap between the protrusions 11.

  As a result of the determination in S3, when the operation mode is the A mode, the pump device 211 and the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 are set so that the pressure of the air chamber 31 having the air pressure equal to or higher than the initial value P1 is set to the initial value P1. Is controlled (S4).

  Next, the CPU 223 starts timer timing (S5), and determines whether or not the timer timing has passed the time T1 (S6). As a result of this determination, when the time measured by the timer has passed the time T1, the process proceeds to S1. In this embodiment, the time T1 is set to 10 seconds.

  As a result of the determination in S3, when the operation mode is the B mode, the CPU 223 sets 0 to the variable K (S7), and the air chambers 31 of the protrusions 11 of all the X coordinates whose Y coordinate is K are set. The air pressure is set to an air pressure P2 that is lower than the initial value (S8), and then timer counting is started (S9). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the timer has passed the time T2 (S10), and when the time measured by the timer has passed the time T2, the air in all the X coordinate protrusions 11 whose Y coordinate is K is determined. The opening and closing of the pump device 211 and the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 are controlled so that the air pressure in the chamber 31 is set to the initial value P1 (S11).

  Thereafter, the CPU 223 reads the state of the mode switch 23 and determines whether the operation mode is the A mode or the B mode (S12). As a result of this determination, when the operation mode is the A mode, the process proceeds to S1. When the operation mode is the B mode, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable K is 55 (S13). As a result of the determination, when the value of the variable K is 55, the process proceeds to the process of S7. Otherwise, 1 is added to the value of the variable K (K = K + 1) (S14), and the process of S8 is performed. Migrate to

  By the above processing, when in the A mode, the air pressure of the air chambers 31 of all the protrusions 11 is always controlled to the initial value P1 even when the user lies on the air mat 1. Since it can prevent that the contact pressure of the projection part 11 and a user's body becomes high locally, generation | occurrence | production of the pressure sore in a user's body can be reduced while being able to reduce the occurrence of hyperemia.

  Further, in the B mode, the height of each protrusion 11 moves up and down and moves so as to undulate in the Y-axis direction, so that an air flow can be caused in the gap between the protrusions 11. Since there is no stuffiness between the mat 1 and the user's body, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers in the user's body. Furthermore, since a moderate acupressure effect can be given to the user's body, blood circulation in the body can be improved and the occurrence of hyperemia can be reduced.

  In addition, it is preferable to set the plane cross-sectional area of the projection part 11 to 20 square centimeters or less. That is, in the case of actual pressure ulcer onset, since the onset of pressure ulcers with a diameter of about 4 to 5 cm often occurs locally, the cross-sectional area of the protrusion 11 is the size of such pressure ulcers. This is because the contact area between the protrusion 11 and the body can be set to be equal to or less than the area of pressure ulcers, which has been frequently developed in the past, by setting as follows.

In the A mode, the air outflow electromagnetic valve 61 may be controlled to be opened so that the air pressure of the air chamber 31 having a high air pressure is lower than the air pressure of the other air chambers 31.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, an air mat device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of an air mat according to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electric system circuit of a sensor unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric system circuit and air distribution circuit of an air mat and control unit in 2 embodiment. In these drawings, the same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The appearance of the air mat device in the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the open / close control of each electromagnetic valve 61, 62 is performed wirelessly using radio waves via the sensor unit 100A, and to each sensor unit 100. Is supplied from the control unit 2 using the conductive wire 67 instead of the battery 105.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the connector 106 protruding from the bottom surface of the sensor unit 100A passes through the intermediate layer 40 and protrudes into the recess 41, and the connector 107 is coupled to the connector 106. The connector 107 is connected to a conductive line connected to the control terminals of the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 and a power supply line 67.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the sensor unit 100A includes an air pressure sensor 110, a CPU 111, a memory 112, a transmission circuit 113, a transmission antenna 114, a reception antenna 115, a reception circuit 116, an opening / closing drive control circuit 117, and a connector 106. It is configured.

  The receiving circuit 116 receives a radio wave including information of an ID code and a control signal transmitted from the control unit 2 described later via the receiving antenna 115, and outputs the ID code and the control signal to the CPU 223.

  The CPU 111 operates based on a program stored in the memory 112, and transmits information on the detection result of the air pressure sensor 110 via the transmission circuit 113 every predetermined time, for example, every 10 seconds. At this time, the CPU 111 reads out its own identification information (ID code) stored in advance in the memory 112, and transmits detection result information together with this ID code. In this embodiment, the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value as shown in FIG. 6 are included as part of the ID code of each sensor unit 100 so that the mounting position of the sensor unit 100 can be easily grasped. ing.

  Further, when the ID code input from the receiving circuit 116 matches the own ID code, the CPU 111 outputs an open / close control signal for the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 to the open / close drive control circuit 117 based on the received control signal.

  Based on the open / close control signal input from the CPU 111, the open / close drive control circuit 117 outputs a drive control signal to the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 for adjusting the air pressure in the air chamber 31 in which the sensor unit 110A is disposed. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 2 includes a pump device 211, a pump drive circuit 212, a reception antenna 221, a reception circuit 222, a CPU 223, a memory 224, a transmission circuit 226, a transmission antenna 227, and a power supply circuit 240. ing.

  The CPU 223 operates according to a program stored in the memory 224, inputs the ID code of the sensor unit 100A and the information of the air pressure detection result from the receiving circuit 222, reads the operation mode setting state by the mode changeover switch 23, and receives them. Based on this, the operation control of the pump drive circuit is performed, and a control signal for opening and closing each electromagnetic valve 61, 62 is output to the transmission circuit 226. At that time, the ID code of the sensor unit 100A corresponding to the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 to be controlled is transmitted together with the control signal.

  Further, the CPU 223 manages the air pressure in each air chamber 31 by storing the air pressure detection result by each sensor unit 100A in the memory 224 in correspondence with the X coordinate and the Y coordinate.

  The transmission circuit 226 inputs a control signal from the CPU 223, and based on this control signal, an open / close control signal is sent to the sensor unit 100A as a radio wave of a predetermined frequency via the transmission antenna 227 for each electromagnetic valve 61, 62. To send. In the present embodiment, a frequency in the 315 MHz band (frequency different from the transmission frequency of the sensor unit 100A), which is a frequency for weak radio that is permitted to be used in medical institutions such as hospitals, is used as the transmission frequency. The output is set to 10 μV / m.

  According to the air mat device having the above configuration, power is supplied to the sensor unit 100A from the control unit 2 in a wired manner, so that maintenance work such as battery replacement can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. .

  Further, similarly to the first embodiment, according to the air mat device of the second embodiment configured as described above, the contact pressure between each protrusion 11 and the user's body is optimally controlled, and the protrusion 11 is used. Since it can prevent that a contact pressure with a person's body becomes high locally, the onset of pressure ulcer in a user's body can be reduced. Further, since the protrusions 11 are arranged in a matrix, a gap is formed between the adjacent protrusions 11, air flows in the gap, and stuffiness occurs between the air mat 1 and the user's body. This also reduces the occurrence of pressure ulcers in the user's body.

In the above embodiment, the air pressure detection result is transmitted from the sensor unit 100A to the control unit 2 every 10 seconds. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmission interval is appropriately set to a good value. It is preferable. Alternatively, an ID code may be specified in coordinate order from the control unit 2 and a detection result transmission request may be transmitted to the sensor unit 100A, and the sensor unit 100A that has received this detection result transmission request may transmit the detection result.
(Third embodiment, etc.)
Next, an air mat device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electric system circuit of a sensor unit in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electric system circuit and an air circulation circuit of the air mat and the control unit in the second embodiment of the present invention. It is. In these drawings, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The appearance of the air mat device in the third embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  The difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment described above is that the opening / closing control of the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 is performed by wire via the sensor unit 100B.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the sensor unit 100B includes a pneumatic sensor 110, a CPU 111, a memory 112, an opening / closing drive control circuit 117, a reception circuit 118, a transmission circuit 119, and a transmission / reception interface circuit 120. Drive power is supplied from the control unit 2.

  The receiving circuit 118 receives the ID code and the control signal from the control unit 2 by wire via the connector 106 and the transmission / reception interface circuit 120, and outputs the received ID code and control signal to the CPU 111.

  The CPU 111 operates based on a program stored in the memory 112, and controls information on the detection result of the air pressure sensor 110 at predetermined intervals, for example, every 10 seconds, via the transmission circuit 119, the transmission / reception interface circuit 120, and the connector 106. Send to unit 2. At this time, the CPU 111 reads out its own identification information (ID code) stored in advance in the memory 112, and transmits detection result information together with this ID code.

  Further, when the ID code input from the receiving circuit 116 matches the own ID code, the CPU 111 outputs an open / close control signal for the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 to the open / close drive control circuit 117 based on the received control signal.

  Based on the open / close control signal input from the CPU 111, the open / close drive control circuit 117 outputs a drive control signal to the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 for adjusting the air pressure in the air chamber 31 in which the sensor unit 110B is disposed. To do.

  The transmission / reception interface circuit 120 has a reception signal output terminal, a transmission signal input terminal, and an external device connection terminal. The reception signal output terminal is connected to the reception circuit 118, and the transmission signal input terminal is connected to the transmission circuit 119. . Further, the external device connection terminal of the transmission / reception interface circuit 120 is connected to the connector 106.

  Also, the external device connection terminal of the transmission / reception interface circuit 120 is wired to the transmission / reception interface circuit 120 of another sensor unit 100B and the transmission / reception interface circuit of the control unit 2 described later via a connector 106 in a daisy chain.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 2 includes a pump device 211, a pump drive circuit 212, a CPU 223, a memory 224, a reception circuit 228, a transmission circuit 229, a transmission / reception interface circuit 230, and a power supply circuit 240.

  The CPU 223 operates according to a program stored in the memory 224, inputs the ID code of the sensor unit 100B and the information on the air pressure detection result from the receiving circuit 228, and reads the operation mode setting state by the mode changeover switch 23. Based on this, the operation control of the pump drive circuit 212 is performed, and a control signal for opening and closing the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 is output to the transmission circuit 229.

  Further, the CPU 223 manages the air pressure in each air chamber 31 by storing the air pressure detection result by each sensor unit 100B in the memory 224 in correspondence with the X coordinate and the Y coordinate.

  The receiving circuit 228 receives the signal transmitted from each sensor unit 100 via the transmission / reception interface circuit 230, extracts the ID code of the sensor unit 100B and the air pressure detection result information from the received signal, and uses these as digital data. It outputs to CPU223.

  The transmission circuit 229 receives a control signal from the CPU 223, and based on this control signal, the opening / closing control signal for each of the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 is sent to the sensor unit 100B via the transmission / reception interface circuit 230 together with the ID code of the sensor unit 100B. Send to.

  According to the air mat device having the above configuration, since power is supplied to the sensor unit 100B from the control unit 2 in a wired manner, maintenance work such as battery replacement can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. .

  In addition, since the transmission / reception interface circuit 120 of the sensor unit 100B and the transmission / reception interface circuit 230 of the control unit 2 are daisy chained to each other, information on the air pressure detection result and the opening / closing control signals of the electromagnetic valves 61 and 62 are transmitted and received. No malfunction due to radio interference. Furthermore, since the wires are connected by daisy chain, the number of wires can be reduced.

Further, similarly to the first and second embodiments, according to the air mat device of the third embodiment configured as described above, the contact pressure between each projection 11 and the user's body is optimally controlled, and the projection Since it can prevent that the contact pressure of 11 and a user's body becomes high locally, onset of pressure ulcer in a user's body can be reduced. Further, since the protrusions 11 are arranged in a matrix, a gap is formed between the adjacent protrusions 11, air flows in the gap, and stuffiness occurs between the air mat 1 and the user's body. This also reduces the incidence of pressure ulcers in the user's body.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, an air mat device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 13: is sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the air mat in 4th Embodiment of this invention. In the figure, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the air mat device of the fourth embodiment is formed by forming the upper end portion of the protrusion 11 of the air mat 1 in the above-described air mat device of the third embodiment into a hemispherical shape. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

By forming the upper end of the protrusion 11 in a hemispherical shape in this way, the contact area between the upper end of the protrusion 11 and the user's body can be reduced. Onset can be reduced.
(Fifth embodiment)
Next, an air mat device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 14 is an external perspective view showing an air mat device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the air mat according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In these drawings, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In 5th Embodiment, the air mat apparatus for chairs was comprised. That is, the air mat device of the fifth embodiment is a modification of the air mat device of the third embodiment described above for a chair, and includes an air mat 6 for a chair instead of the air mat 1.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the air mat 6 includes a seat portion 12A and a backrest portion 12B having a size and shape suitable for a chair.

  Each of the seat portion 12A and the backrest portion 12B of the air mat 6 has a flat mat body 12 made of a flexible member and a plurality of protrusions 11A arranged in a matrix on the surface of the mat body 12. A plurality of air flow grooves 12a parallel to each other are formed on the bottom surface of the mat body 12.

  The protrusion 11A is made of a member having flexibility and air permeability, and has a hemispherical shape having an air chamber 31 sealed so as not to leak air inside, as shown in FIG. 0.5 cm, height H is 1.25 cm, and the gaps G1 and G2 between the protrusions 11 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction orthogonal to each other are set to 1.25 cm, and are arranged in a matrix.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the protruding portion forming layer 30A is made of a rubber sheet having a thin predetermined thickness, for example, 3 mm, which has flexibility and air permeability, and forms the protruding portion 11A. It is formed in a shape.

  When the center of gravity of the user is high like a chair, it is preferable to set the height of the protrusion 11A low enough not to impair the effect as the protrusion 11A in order to increase stability during use.

  The above-described air mat device for a chair can be used for a wheelchair or a driver's seat of a vehicle, thereby reducing the occurrence of redness and stuffiness of the body due to sitting on the chair for a long time. Moreover, the massage effect of a body can also be acquired by using operation mode as B mode.

  Each of the above embodiments is merely a specific example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of these specific examples. For example, although the air mats 1 and 6 for the bed and the chair are formed in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.

  Moreover, although the shape of the projections 11 and 11A is a columnar shape or a hemispherical shape in the above embodiment, it is needless to say that other shapes may be used.

  Further, a display may be provided in the control unit 2 so that the air pressure of each air chamber 31 can be displayed. Further, an operation unit such as a keyboard may be provided in the control unit 2 so that the air pressure of the air chamber 31 can be designated and adjusted for each of the projections 11 and 11A. Further, the control unit 2 designates the arbitrary protrusions 11 and 11A by matrix coordinates, and the air outflow electromagnetic valve 61 corresponding to the protrusions 11 and 11A so as to pulsate the specified protrusions 11 and 11A. An open / close control signal for alternately opening and closing the air inflow electromagnetic valve 62 may be output from the control unit 2.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 2 is operated by supplying power from a commercial power supply. However, the control unit 2 may be operated by supplying power from a storage battery such as a battery.

1 is an external perspective view showing an air mat device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the main part of the air mat in the first embodiment of the present invention. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the air mat in 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric system circuit of the sensor unit in 1st Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric system circuit and air distribution circuit of an air mat and control unit in 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the electric system wiring and air distribution circuit in the air mat of 1st Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart explaining operation | movement of the air mat apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the air mat in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric system circuit of the sensor unit in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric system circuit and air distribution circuit of an air mat and control unit in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric system circuit of the sensor unit in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the electric system circuit and air distribution circuit of an air mat and control unit in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the air mat in 4th Embodiment of this invention. The external appearance perspective view which shows the air mat apparatus in 5th Embodiment of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the principal part of the air mat in 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Air mat, 2 ... Control unit, 6 ... Air mat, 11, 11A ... Projection part, 12 ... Mat main body, 12a ... Air flow groove, 13, 14 ... Connector, 21 ... Housing, 22 ... Power switch, 23 ... Mode switch 24, 25 ... Connector, 26 ... Cable, 27 ... Air supply tube, 28 ... Power supply cable, 28a ... Plug, 30, 30A ... Projection forming layer, 31 ... Air chamber, 40 ... Middle layer, 41 Recess, 50 ... Bottom layer, 51 ... Through hole, 61 ... Solenoid valve for air outflow, 62 ... Solenoid valve for air inflow, 63, 64, 65, 66 ... Air flow tube, 100, 110A, 110B ... Sensor unit, 101, 102 ... Power terminal, 103,104 ... Electrode, 105 ... Battery, 106 ... Connector, 110 ... Pneumatic sensor, 111 ... CPU, 112 ... Memory, 113 ... Transmission circuit, 114 ... Transmission antenna, 115 ... Reception antenna, 116 ... Reception Route: 117 ... Opening / closing drive control circuit, 118 ... Reception circuit, 119 ... Transmission circuit, 120 ... Transmission / reception interface circuit, 211 ... Pump device, 212 ... Pump drive circuit, 221 ... Reception antenna, 222 ... Reception circuit, 223 ... CPU 224 ... memory, 225 ... opening / closing control interface circuit, 226 ... transmitting circuit, 227 ... transmitting antenna, 228 ... receiving circuit, 229 ... transmitting circuit, 230 ... transmission / reception interface circuit, 240 ... power supply circuit.

Claims (20)

A flat mat body,
A plurality of protrusions made of a member having flexibility and non-breathability, arranged on the surface of the mat body at a predetermined interval and fixed in a matrix, and formed with an air chamber sealed inside When,
A plurality of air pressure sensors provided for each of the protrusions, detecting the air pressure in the air chamber of the protrusions and outputting the detection result as an electrical signal;
An air inlet for inflowing air from outside,
A plurality of air inflow solenoid valves provided for each protrusion, the communication port at one end being connected to the air inlet through a tube, and the communication port at the other end communicating with the air chamber of the protrusion; ,
A plurality of air outflow solenoid valves provided for each projection, with one end communicating to the outside of the air chamber and the other end communicating to the air chamber;
A detection result transmitting means that is provided for each protrusion, and transmits information on the detection result of the air pressure sensor corresponding to the protrusion and the identification information of itself to an external control device at predetermined intervals;
Means for transmitting an open / close drive control signal output from the control device to an air inflow solenoid valve communicating with the air chamber of each protrusion;
An air mat, comprising: means for transmitting an opening / closing drive control signal output from the control device to an air outflow solenoid valve communicating with an air chamber of each protrusion. Provided for each protrusion, receives an opening / closing instruction signal output from the control device, and based on the received opening / closing instruction signal, an air inflow solenoid valve and an air outflow valve communicated with the air chamber of the protrusion The air mat according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of control means for performing opening / closing drive control of the electromagnetic valve.   The air mat according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a column shape.   The air mat according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion has a cylindrical shape.   The air mat according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a tip of the projection has a hemispherical shape.   The air mat according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion has a hemispherical shape.   The control means includes means for transmitting the air pressure detection result and the identification information by radio waves and receiving the opening / closing instruction signal and the identification information by radio waves. 6. The air mat according to any one of 6.   The control means transmits the air pressure detection result and the identification information via a conductive line shared by the control means, and receives the opening / closing instruction signal and the identification information via a conductive line shared by the control means. The air mat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means for performing the operation.   The air mat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a planar cross-sectional area of the protrusion is set to 20 square centimeters or less. The air mat control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Means for delivering air to the air inlet of the air mat;
The detection result and identification information transmitted from each detection result transmitting means of the air mat are received, and the air pressure in the air chamber at each protrusion of the air mat is set to a predetermined value based on the received detection result and identification information. An air mat control device comprising: an air inflow solenoid valve for setting; and central control means for generating and outputting an open / close instruction signal for the air outflow solenoid valve. The air mat control device according to claim 2,
Means for delivering air to the air inlet of the air mat;
The detection result and identification information transmitted from each detection result transmitting means of the air mat are received, and the air pressure in the air chamber at each protrusion of the air mat is set to a predetermined value based on the received detection result and identification information. An open / close instruction signal for the air inflow solenoid valve and the air outflow solenoid valve for setting is generated, and the open / close instruction signal is transmitted to each control means together with identification information of the control means corresponding to the corresponding protrusion of the air mat. And an air mat control device. The central control means compares the air pressures in the air chambers of the protrusions, and the air outflow corresponding to the air chambers with high air pressure is set so that the air pressure of the air chamber with high air pressure becomes equal to the air pressure of the other air chambers. The air mat control device according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising means for generating and outputting an opening / closing instruction signal for opening the electromagnetic valve. The central control means compares the air pressures in the air chambers of the protrusions, and the air corresponding to the air chamber having the higher air pressure is set so that the air pressure of the air chamber having a higher air pressure is lower than the air pressure of the other air chambers The air mat control device according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising means for generating and outputting an instruction signal for opening the outflow electromagnetic valve. The central control means includes
Storage means for storing the matrix coordinate position of each protrusion and the identification information of the control means corresponding to each protrusion;
11. An air inflow solenoid valve corresponding to each of the protrusions and a means for generating an open / close instruction signal for the air outflow solenoid valve based on information stored in the storage means. The air mat control device according to any one of 13. The central control means includes
Means for generating and outputting an instruction signal for alternately opening and closing the air inflow solenoid valve and the air outflow solenoid valve corresponding to the projection in order to pulsate the projection at a predetermined matrix coordinate position; The air mat control device according to claim 14. The air mat control device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the central control means includes means for receiving the detection result of the air pressure and the identification information by radio waves. The air mat control device according to claim 11, wherein the central control means includes means for transmitting the open / close instruction signal by radio waves. The central control means includes means for receiving the air pressure detection result and the identification information via a conductive wire shared by the control means. An air mat control device according to claim 1. 12. The air mat control device according to claim 11, wherein the central control unit includes a unit that transmits the opening / closing instruction signal and the identification information via a conductive line shared by the control units. .   An air mat device comprising: the air mat according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and the air mat control device according to any one of claims 10 to 19.

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