JP2021045540A - Mattress with sensor and bed with it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a removable mattress with a sensor capable of detecting a user's body movement (particularly vital signs) with high accuracy regardless of the mattress used without causing the user to feel a sense of discomfort. SOLUTION: A sensor device including a flexible wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element and a mattress having a first surface for supporting a user are included, and the wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element extends on the first surface. A mattress with a sensor to which the sensor device is detachably attached to the mattress. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a mattress with a sensor and a bed comprising the same.

In recent years, beds equipped with sensors (pressure sensors) that detect the body movements (turning over, pulse, breathing, etc.) and getting out of bed of the user on the bed have been developed for the purpose of nursing care. Conventionally, in such a bed, the sensor is generally arranged between the mattress and the floor of the bed frame (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also known are beds or sensor systems in which sensors are installed on the legs or casters of the bed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Utility Model Registration No. 3218676 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-23700

A sensor (pressure sensor) that detects a user's body movement on the bed, getting out of bed, or the like generally has a rigid structure reinforced to withstand the user's body pressure. When a sensor having such a rigid structure is placed on a mattress and the user lies on it, the rigidity of the sensor is transmitted, which makes the user feel uncomfortable and makes the user feel comfortable when lying on the bed. There is a problem of being damaged. Such a feeling of strangeness is particularly remarkable when the sensor has an uneven surface. Therefore, conventionally, the sensor is installed on the bed frame below the mattress, the legs of the bed, the casters, etc. so that the user does not feel uncomfortable (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

However, in the conventional configuration described above, when detecting the user's body movements, especially vital signs (pulse, respiration, etc.), the vital signal propagated from the user through the mattress is detected by the sensor. Since there is a mattress between the sensor and the sensor, the vital output is attenuated while generating noise (or variation), and even if amplification (amplifier) processing is performed, the detection accuracy is limited. Such noise and attenuation may vary depending on the mattress actually used (particularly the composition, material and thickness of the mattress core material, etc.), and it is difficult to detect with high accuracy regardless of the mattress used. .. Further, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, the installation position of the sensor is determined in advance, and there is a drawback that the sensor cannot be changed according to various situations and requests depending on the user.

A sensor that can be attached to and detached from the mattress, and that can detect the user's body movements (especially vital signs) with high accuracy regardless of the mattress used, without the user feeling uncomfortable. Until now unknown.

An object of the present invention is a removable mattress with a sensor capable of detecting a user's body movement (particularly vital signs) with high accuracy regardless of the mattress used, without causing the user to feel uncomfortable. To provide a bed to prepare.

According to one gist of the present invention
Sensor devices that include flexible wire-like piezoelectric sensor elements,
The sensor device is detachably attached to the mattress, including a mattress having a first surface that supports the user, such that the wire-like piezoelectric sensor element extends over the first surface. A mattress with a sensor is provided. In the present invention, the term "mattress with sensor" means a combination of a sensor device and a mattress.

According to another gist of the present invention.
With the above-mentioned mattress with sensor of the present invention
Beds are provided, including a bed frame that supports the sensor-equipped mattress.

According to the present invention, in a mattress with a sensor, a sensor device including a flexible wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element is used, and the wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element extends on a first surface supporting a user of the mattress. As described above, the sensor device is detachably attached to the mattress, which allows the user to detect the user's body movements (especially vital signs) with high accuracy regardless of the mattress used, without feeling any discomfort. A removable mattress with a sensor that can be (sensed) is provided. The present invention also provides a bed with such a sensory mattress.

It is the schematic which shows the mattress with a sensor and the bed with the sensor in one Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows the schematic side view of the bed with the mattress with a sensor, (b) has the mattress with a sensor. The schematic partial top view of the bed is shown, and (c) shows the cross-sectional view along the ZZ line of (a). FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element (first sensor element) that can be used in the sensor device of a mattress with a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. (B) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of (a). The sensor device of the mattress with a sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention, (a) to (c) show schematic top views of various examples of the sensor device. It is the schematic which shows the modification example of the mattress with a sensor and the bed with the sensor in one Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows the schematic side view of the bed with the mattress with a sensor, and (b) is (a). ) Is shown in cross-sectional view along the ZZ line. It is the schematic which shows the modification example of the mattress with a sensor and the bed with the sensor in one Embodiment of this invention, (a) shows the schematic side view of the bed with the mattress with a sensor, (b) is with a sensor. A schematic top view of a bed with a mattress is shown. It is a figure explaining the use mode of the mattress with a sensor in one Embodiment of this invention, (a)-(c) are various configuration examples of a sensor system (however, the wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element is an electrode lead-out part A. And B only are shown). FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing a mattress with a sensor and a bed provided with the same according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing a wire-shaped electrostatic sensor element (second sensor element) that can be used in the sensor device of a mattress with a sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. A side view is shown, and (b) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of (a). It is a figure explaining the use mode of the mattress with a sensor in another embodiment of this invention, (a)-(b) are two kinds of configuration examples of a sensor system (however, the wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element is an electrode lead-out Only parts A and B are shown, and the wire-shaped electrostatic sensor element shows only the electrode lead-out part C). It is a schematic top view which shows one modification example of the mattress with a sensor and the bed provided with the sensor in another embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic top view which shows another modification example of the mattress with a sensor and the bed provided with the sensor in another embodiment of this invention. An output signal when a user lies down on a mattress with a sensor and a bed provided with the sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention and turns over on the first sensor element, and (a) is piezoelectric detection for the first sensor element. The output signal obtained from the unit is shown, (b) shows the output signal obtained from the first capacitance detection unit for the first sensor element, and (c) shows the output signal obtained from the second capacitance detection unit for the second sensor element. The output signal obtained is shown. An output signal when a user lies down on a mattress with a sensor and a bed provided with the sensor according to the first embodiment of the present invention and turns over on the second sensor element, and (a) is piezoelectric detection for the first sensor element. The output signal obtained from the unit is shown, (b) shows the output signal obtained from the first capacitance detection unit for the first sensor element, and (c) shows the output signal obtained from the second capacitance detection unit for the second sensor element. The output signal obtained is shown.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the mattress with a sensor and the bed provided with the sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In general, referring to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the mattress 60 with a sensor includes a sensor device 40 including a flexible wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “first sensor element”) 20. It includes (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “first sensor device”) and a mattress 50 having a first surface 51 that supports the user (or the person to be detected, not shown). Then, the first sensor device 40 is detachably attached (or fixed) to the mattress 50 so that the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51. Further, in the present embodiment, the bed 100 includes a mattress 60 with a sensor and a bed frame 70 supporting the mattress 60 with a sensor.

The first sensor element 20 may be a wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element. That is, the first sensor element 20 has an elongated linear shape as a whole, which can be called a wire shape (or a cable shape), and is configured to have flexibility (or flexibility) as a whole sensor element. , Any sensor that utilizes the piezoelectric effect may be used.

Although the present embodiment is not limited, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first sensor element 20 that can be used in the present embodiment includes a core wire 5 having a surface of the conductor 3. , The piezoelectric layer 7 that covers the core wire 5 and the conductor layer 9 that covers the piezoelectric layer 7, and in some cases, the insulator layer 11 that covers the conductor layer 9 may be further included. In the first sensor element 20, the conductor (inner conductor layer) 3 and the conductor layer (outer conductor layer) 9 each function as electrodes in which the piezoelectric layer 7 is interposed between them (FIG. 2). See (b)). In the first sensor element 20, the core wire 5, the piezoelectric layer 7, the conductor layer 9, and the insulator layer 11, if present, may be arranged substantially coaxially.

The core wire 5 may have the surface of the conductor 3, and even if the entire core wire 5 is made of the conductor 3, all or a part of the surface of the core wire 5 (from one end of the core wire 5 to the other). It is not particularly limited as long as it extends continuously over the end portion, but for example, 60% or more, preferably 80% or more) may be made of the conductor 3, and the inside of the core wire 5 may be made of another material. Good. Preferred examples of the conductor 3 include copper and a copper-containing alloy (for example, a copper-tin alloy, a copper-silver alloy, etc.), and may or may not have a plating such as tin. These exhibit high conductivity and high ductility of copper, so that they are excellent in mechanical strength, and the flexibility and bending resistance of the first sensor element 20 can be further enhanced.

For example, the core wire 5 may be configured by coating the resin wire 1 with the conductor 3. More specifically, the core wire 5 may be configured by winding at least one layer of metal foil (conductor) 3 around the resin wire 1 in a spiral shape (preferably at a constant spiral pitch), and is wound in layers. However, it does not have to be lap-wound, and may be gap-wound. Since the core wire 5 has such a configuration, when pulled, tensile stress mainly acts on the resin wire 1 and the entire core wire 5 can be elongated, preferably exhibiting a tensile elongation of 3% or more, which is relatively small. Even when bent at the radius of curvature, no strain remains on the core wire 5 and the core wire 5 exhibits excellent flexibility. Further, since the core wire 5 has such a structure, the conduction is not easily cut even if it is repeatedly bent, and exhibits excellent bending resistance.

The resin wire 1 may be an overall linear member made of a resin material. Examples of such resin materials include aromatic polyamides (aramids such as para-aramids, meta-aramids, etc.), aliphatic polyamides (nylons), polyesters, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylonitriles, polyarylates, polyolefins, polyurethanes, and carbon fibers. Examples include at least one material selected from the group consisting of (eg, carbon nanotubes (CNT), etc.).

The external dimensions of the core wire 5 (outer diameter when having a circular cross section, maximum external dimensions of the cross section when having a non-circular cross section, the same applies hereinafter) are not particularly limited, and depend on the specifications required for the first sensor element 20. Can vary. The core wire 5 can be extremely thin, and its external dimensions can be, for example, 0.05 to 1.5 mm, particularly 1.0 mm or less, more particularly 0.5 mm or less, and even more particularly 0.3 mm or less. Can be.

The piezoelectric layer 7 is provided between the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9 so that they do not come into contact with each other. The piezoelectric layer 7 may be composed of a flexible piezoelectric material, for example, an organic piezoelectric material, a composite of an organic piezoelectric material and an inorganic piezoelectric material, or an organic material (excluding an organic piezoelectric material) and an inorganic piezoelectric material. Can be composed of a complex with. In particular, the piezoelectric layer 7 containing an organic piezoelectric material as a main component, such as an organic piezoelectric material or a composite of an organic piezoelectric material and an inorganic piezoelectric material, has excellent flexibility while maintaining the detection accuracy of the sensor. It is preferable because the first sensor element 20 can be configured. The "main component" of the piezoelectric layer 7 is a component having the highest content ratio in the piezoelectric layer 7 among one or a plurality of components constituting the piezoelectric layer 7 (components constituting the piezoelectric layer 7). When there is one, it means the component). The content ratio of the main component in the piezoelectric layer 7 may be at least 50% by mass or more, for example, 60% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass or more.

The organic piezoelectric material may be either high molecular weight or low molecular weight, and may be, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), vinylidene fluoride-based copolymer (copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene (P (P)). VDF / TrFE)), including a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene (P (VDF / TeFE))), polyvinylidene fluoride, vinylidene cyanide copolymer, odd nylon (9 nylon, nylon) 11 etc.), aromatic nylon, polylactic acid, polyhydroxycarboxylic acid, cellulose derivative, polyurea and the like may be used. Of these, the piezoelectric layer 7 preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of P (VDF / TrFE) and P (VDF / TeFE).

In the composite of the organic piezoelectric material and the inorganic piezoelectric material, the organic piezoelectric material and the inorganic piezoelectric material are composited so as to show flexibility as a whole composite, for example, dispersion mixing (fine particles of the inorganic piezoelectric material are contained in the organic piezoelectric material). (Distributed in) and / or laminated. The content of the inorganic piezoelectric material in the composite can be appropriately selected, but in order to improve the flexibility, it is set to, for example, 30% by mass or less, preferably 20% by mass or less of the composite (piezoelectric layer). To. As the organic piezoelectric material, the same one as described above may be used. The inorganic piezoelectric material also includes, for example, lead-based ceramic piezoelectric materials (lead-based titanate titanate, lead-based titanate titanate, etc., in which a part of these leads are replaced with rare earth elements, for example, lead zirconate titanate lanthanum). ), Lead-free ceramic piezoelectric materials (alkali niobic acid-based, bismuth-titanic acid-based, barium titanate-based, etc.), zinc oxide piezoelectric materials (ZnO), etc. may be used, and these raw material powders (for example, including titanium oxide) may be used. ) May be present.

The composite of the organic material (excluding the organic piezoelectric material) and the inorganic piezoelectric material is a composite of the organic material and the inorganic piezoelectric material so as to exhibit flexibility as a whole, for example, dispersion mixing (fine particles of the inorganic piezoelectric material). Is dispersed in the organic material) and / or laminated. The content of the inorganic piezoelectric material in the composite can be appropriately selected, but in order to improve the flexibility while ensuring the piezoelectric performance, for example, 70% by mass or more and 90% by mass of the composite (piezoelectric layer). % Or less. The organic material does not exhibit polyimide property. For example, a heat-resistant resin having a melting point of 200 ° C. or higher has a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) and a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer weight. Combined (PFA), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyetheretherketone resin (PEEK), liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and It may be at least one selected from the group consisting of silicone resins. As the inorganic piezoelectric material, the same material as described above may be used.

The piezoelectric layer 7 may be formed directly on the core wire 5 by a solvent coating method or a melt extrusion method, or a film-like or fibrous piezoelectric material may be formed by wrapping or braiding. It may be formed so as to cover the core wire 5.

The thickness of the piezoelectric layer 7 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected in consideration of the piezoelectric characteristics, flexibility, bending resistance, etc. desired for the first sensor element 20. The thickness of the piezoelectric layer 7 can be, for example, 1 to 200 μm, particularly 100 μm or less, and more particularly 50 μm or less.

The conductor layer 9 is provided so as to cover the piezoelectric layer 7 at least partially, and is preferably provided in close contact with the piezoelectric layer 7.

The conductor layer 9 may be a flexible member whose surface in contact with the piezoelectric layer 7 is made of a material exhibiting conductivity. As the conductor layer 9, a known conductor layer may be used as a shield, and for example, a braided shield of a metal wire and a horizontal winding shield can be used. Further, the conductor layer 9 may be at least one layer of metal foil spirally wound around the piezoelectric layer 7. In this case, the conductor layer 9 may be formed by spirally (preferably at a constant spiral pitch) winding at least one layer of metal foil around the piezoelectric layer 7, and even if the conductor layer 9 is laminated, the conductor layer 9 may be laminated. It may not be wound or may be gap-wound. Preferred examples of the metal material constituting the metal wire or the metal foil include copper and copper-containing alloys (for example, copper-tin alloy, copper-silver alloy, etc.), and even if they have plating such as tin or silver. , You do not have to have it. These exhibit high conductivity and high ductility of copper, so that they are excellent in mechanical strength, and the flexibility and bending resistance of the first sensor element 20 can be further enhanced.

The thickness of the conductor layer 9 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected in consideration of the flexibility, bending resistance, and the like desired for the first sensor element 20. The thickness of the conductor layer 9 can be, for example, 5 to 500 μm, particularly 200 μm or less, and more particularly 100 μm or less.

The external dimensions of the conductor layer 9 may match the external dimensions of the first sensor element 20 when the first sensor element 20 does not have the insulator layer 11, and are not particularly limited, but are, for example, 0.05 to 2.2 mm. It can be, in particular, 1.5 mm or less, more particularly 1 mm or less.

Further, although not essential to this embodiment, the conductor layer 9 may be coated with the insulator layer 11. The insulator layer 11 may be provided to electrically and / or physically protect the first sensor element 20. Such an insulator layer 11 can also be understood as a sheath (or jacket).

The insulator layer 11 may be a flexible member whose surface is at least made of a material exhibiting insulating properties. The insulator layer 11 is made of, for example, an insulating wire (for example, a wire made of an insulating organic material such as polyamide, polyester, acrylic, polyolefin, rubber, silicone, urethane, polyarylate, aromatic polyamide, or aliphatic polyamide). It may be a braid. Further, the insulator layer 11 has an insulating material (for example, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, fluororesin (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoro) around the conductor layer 9). Insulating organic materials such as alkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA), tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer (ETFE), PVDF, etc.) are extruded and coated. It may be formed by. Further, the insulator layer 11 may be formed by covering the core wire 5 with a film-like or tape-like insulating material (for example, the insulating organic material exemplified above) (wrapping, tape winding, etc.). Good.

The thickness of the insulator layer 11 is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected in consideration of the flexibility, bending resistance, and the like desired for the first sensor element 20. The thickness of the insulator layer 11 can be, for example, 10 to 1000 μm, particularly 700 μm or less, and more particularly 400 μm or less.

The external dimensions of the insulator layer 11 may match the external dimensions of the first sensor element 20 when the first sensor element 20 has the insulator layer 11, and are not particularly limited, but are, for example, 0.07 to 4.2 mm. It is possible, especially 1.5 mm or less, and more particularly 1 mm or less.

The first sensor element 20 is excellent in flexibility and bending resistance. Among them, in the first sensor element 20, the core wire 5 is formed by coating the resin wire 1 with the conductor 3, the piezoelectric layer 7 is made of an organic piezoelectric material, and the outer shape of the first sensor element 20 is 1 mm. It is preferably as follows, whereby it is possible to realize more excellent flexibility and bending resistance while exhibiting piezoelectric performance. In the first sensor element 20 of the present embodiment, electrodes are drawn out from the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9, respectively, by exposing the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9 by an arbitrary appropriate method or the like (in FIG. 2). , Shown as electrode lead-out parts A and B).

Since the first sensor element 20 has an elongated linear shape as a whole and can have flexibility as a whole sensor element, it can be used like a so-called "thread". Further, since the "thread" of the first sensor element 20 can take the electrode drawing portions A and B from one end, for example, the other end can be freed, and the degree of freedom in usage is extremely high. ..

1. First sensor device The first sensor device 40 may include at least one first sensor element 20, and even if it is composed of only the first sensor element 20, other flexible members and the like may be included. Further may be included. For example, the first sensor device 40 may be a combination of at least one first sensor element 20 with a fiber or a textile product 30.

More specifically, the first sensor element 20 may be combined with the fiber to form a textile product selected from the group consisting of strings, ropes, knits, woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics. The fibers combined with the first sensor element 20 can be any suitable fiber, such as natural fibers (eg, plant fibers such as cotton and linen, animal fibers such as silk), artificial fibers (eg, biscous rayon, etc.). It can be a recycled fiber such as cupra, a synthetic fiber such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, vinylon, or polyurethane, or a semi-synthetic fiber such as acetate). By using the first sensor element 20 like a "thread" and combining it with a fiber, it is possible to process it into a form such as a string, a rope, a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, or a non-woven fabric. The string may be constructed, for example, by combining the "thread" of the first sensor element 20 with a fiber thread (eg, as a braid). The rope may be constructed, for example, by twisting or knitting a "thread" of the first sensor element 20 or a "string" including the first sensor element 20 with a fiber thread or string. The knitted fabric may be constructed by knitting the "thread" of the first sensor element 20 and the fiber thread. The knitting method (knitting structure) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, weft knitting such as flat knitting, rubber knitting, pearl knitting, or warp knitting such as double denby. The woven fabric can be constructed by weaving the "threads" of the first sensor element 20 for any one or more of the warp threads and the weft threads, and using the fiber threads for the rest. The weaving method (texture of the woven fabric) is not particularly limited, but may be plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, layered weave, pile weave, or the like. The non-woven fabric can be constructed by using the "thread" of the first sensor element 20 and the fiber thread and binding them together. The bonding method is not particularly limited, but an adhesive, molten fiber, or a mechanical method (for example, spunlace, needle punch, dispersion filtration, etc.) can be used. In such a textile product, at least one "thread" of the first sensor element 20 may be present, and in some cases, two or more "threads" may be used.

Alternatively, the first sensor element 20 may be bonded (or fixed) to the ribbon-shaped or sheet-shaped textile product 30. Here, textile products can be understood by referring to the above description (excluding the description of sensor elements) for knitted fabrics, woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics. Ribbon-shaped textile products refer to textile products having a thin and elongated morphology, and sheet-shaped textile products refer to textile products having a thin and two-dimensional spread, and there is no clear boundary between them, for example. An aspect ratio of 1: 4 or more is referred to as "ribbon-like", and an aspect ratio of less than 1: 4 is referred to as "sheet-like". Joining (or fixing) the first sensor element 20 to the textile product can be performed by any suitable method, for example, bonding, sewing, braiding, or the like. The bonding method is not particularly limited, but an adhesive, molten fiber, or the like can be used. As a sewing method, the first sensor element 20 may be used like a “thread” and sewn through the textile product in the thickness direction. In the knitting method, the first sensor element 20 may be used like a "thread" to knit into a textile product (for example, by crossing or entwining with the fibers constituting the textile product). The bonding form of the first sensor element 20 can be appropriately selected as desired. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first sensor device 40 may be a ribbon-shaped textile product 31 in which the first sensor element 20 is linearly bonded. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, it may be the first sensor device 40'in which the first sensor element 20 is joined to the ribbon-shaped textile product 31 in a wavy shape (or in a zigzag pattern). Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the first sensor device 40 ″ may be a first sensor device 40 ″ in which the first sensor element 20 is spirally bonded to the sheet-shaped textile product 33. As described above, the "thread" of the first sensor element 20 can take the electrode pull-out portions A and B from one end and free the other end, so that it is like the first sensor device 40''. Form is also feasible. (In addition, in FIGS. 3A to 3C, when the first sensor element 20 is sewn to the textile product, it is understood that the solid line indicating the first sensor element 20 is shown through the textile product. Will be.)

-Mattress with sensor With reference to FIG. 1 again, the mattress 60 with a sensor is a mattress 50 having a first sensor device 40 including a first sensor element 20 and a first surface 51 supporting a user (not shown). The first sensor device 40 is detachably attached to the mattress 50 so that the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51.

The mattress 50 is located on the side of the first surface 51 that supports the user, the second surface 53 that faces the first surface 51, and the first surface 51 (more specifically, the first surface 51 and the first surface 51). It may have side surfaces (which interconnect the edges of the two surfaces 53). When the mattress 50 is installed on the bed frame 70, the upper surface and the lower surface of the mattress 50 correspond to the first surface 51 and the second surface 53, respectively (hereinafter, when the vertical direction is referred to, the same shall apply). .. The mattress 50 may include at least a mattress core material, and may further include a cover or the like (not shown, hereinafter simply referred to as “cover”) that covers the mattress core material. The cover may or may not be removable from the mattress core.

The first sensor element 20 (and thus the first sensor device 40, the same applies hereinafter) is arranged so as to extend on the first surface 51. In the present invention, when a sensor element extends "on" a predetermined surface (first surface and, in some cases, a side surface and / or a second surface), the sensor element exists in direct contact with the predetermined surface. Not only does this mean that the pressure acting on a given surface is present in a manner in which it is applied (almost directly) without the intervention of the mattress core.

The first surface 51 may be any surface on which the user's body pressure (load due to body weight) acts. The first surface 51 may be, for example, the upper surface of the mattress core material or, if a cover is present, the upper surface of the cover. In other words, the first sensor element 20 may be present on the upper surface of the mattress core material, between the mattress core material and the cover, or on the upper surface of the cover. .. If the cover is removable from the mattress core material, the first sensor element 20 may be the cover itself.

At least a part of the first sensor element 20 may be present at an arbitrary appropriate position on the first surface 51 described above. In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the first sensor element 20 extends over the entire width direction of the mattress 50 on the first surface 51, but the present embodiment is limited to this. However, the arrangement of the first sensor element 20 on the first surface 51 can be freely selected (see, for example, FIG. 5 described later).

The first sensor element 20 may or may not extend on the first surface 51 and may or may not extend on the side surface 55 and / or the second surface 53. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the first sensor element 20 extends over a part of the side surface 55 in the thickness direction, but the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the first sensor element 20 is not limited to this. The arrangement of the 20 on the side surface 55 and / or the second surface 53 is freely selectable. When the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51 and the second surface 53, it can be detected on both the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the mattress 50.

As described above, the first sensor device 40 may include the first sensor element 20, and even if the first sensor device 40 is composed of only the first sensor element 20, for example, the first sensor element 20 may be a fiber or a textile product. It may be combined with 30. The first sensor device 40 can combine the first sensor element 20 with a fiber or a textile product 30 to form a fabric (knitted fabric, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, ribbon-shaped or sheet-shaped) in any form. In particular, it is preferable that the first sensor device 40 is a long cloth because it can be arranged along a predetermined direction on the first surface 51 of the mattress 50. For example, in FIG. 1, the first sensor device 40 is arranged around the mattress 50 along the width direction and the thickness direction of the mattress 50.

The first sensor device 40 may be detachably attached to the mattress 50 so as to straddle the first surface 51 and the second surface 53 of the mattress 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 (c), the first sensor device 40 is arranged around the mattress 50 along the width direction and the thickness direction of the mattress 50, and is in the longitudinal direction of the first sensor device 40. Both ends 40a and 40b may be sandwiched between the second surface 53 of the mattress 50 and the floor 71 of the bed frame 70. Thereby, the first sensor device 40 can be easily fixed by the weight of the mattress 50 (without requiring other members or means) while being attached to the mattress 50, and if necessary, the first sensor. It can be easily removed from the mattress 50 by simply pulling on the device 40.

Further, the first sensor device 40 may be circulated and attached to the mattress 50. The first sensor device 40 includes a flexible first sensor element 20, and the first sensor device 40 can be configured as if it were a flexible (preferably flexible and supple) textile product (flexible). Since the first sensor element 20 can be composed only of the "thread" of the first sensor element 20 or the first sensor element 20 can be composed in combination with the fiber or the textile product 30, the first sensor device 40 can be attached to the mattress 50. It can be wrapped and easily installed. A member for fixing the first sensor element 20 (a member other than the first sensor device 40 such as a double-sided tape and a binding band) is not required.

When the first sensor device 40 is orbitably attached to the mattress 50, the orbiting direction is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, either or both of the length direction and the width direction of the mattress 50. Further, the number of laps may be one or more, and is typically one, but the number of laps is not limited to this.

When the first sensor device 40 is orbitably attached to the mattress 50, both ends of the first sensor device 40 may be detachably coupled to each other. FIG. 4 shows an example modified in this way, and both ends 40a and 40b of the first sensor device 40 are detachably connected to each other at the coupling portion 41 (in FIG. 4, the coupling portion 41 is connected to each other). It is shown as an exemplary coupling member, but is not limited to this).

For example, if the first sensor device 40 is composed of only the first sensor element 20 (it is the "thread" of the first sensor element 20), or if it is a string, rope, or long cloth, the first sensor. The device 40 can be easily secured (without the need for other members or means) by tying both ends 40a and 40b together to form a knot as the joint 41, if desired. Can be easily removed from the mattress 50 by unraveling. The method of tying is not particularly limited, but for example, main knot, vertical knot, male knot, Ayatsunagi, single knot, double knot, bowline, knot knot, double knot, overhand knot, unraveling knot, figure-eight knot, etc. A bowline, a double figure-eight knot, etc. can be applied. Further, for example, when the first sensor device 40 is a long or other cloth, a connecting member that detachably connects both ends 40a and 40b of the first sensor device 40 may be used as the connecting portion 41. .. Such connecting members are not particularly limited, but for example, side release buckles, front release buckles, cord locks, cord adjusters, cord ends, rings, tape adjusters, tape ends, tape clips, hooks, cam buckles, belt buckles, slide buckles, etc. Chest buckles, straps, rivets, shoulder pads, etc. can be used. Further, for example, the coupling member may use a magnet.

With reference to FIG. 4, the joint 41 is preferably located on the side surface 55 of the mattress 50. Concavities and convexities are generated in the joint portion 41 due to knots, joint members, and the like, but since the joint portion 41 is located on the side surface 55, the user does not feel a sense of discomfort even when lying down on the mattress 50. The connecting portion 41 may be located on the second surface 53, but it is preferable that the connecting portion 41 is located on the side surface 55 because it can be easily attached and detached.

The sensor-equipped mattress 60 of the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described example, and the first sensor device 40 may be detachably attached to the mattress 50 by any suitable method. According to the sensor-equipped mattress 60, the first sensor device 40 is detachably attached to the mattress 50, so that the first sensor device 40 can be "retrofitted" or the first sensor device 40 can be attached as many times as necessary. However, it can be removed or changed according to various situations and requests depending on the user.

The mattress 60 with a sensor may include at least one first sensor device 40, and may include a plurality of the first sensor devices 40. The plurality of first sensor devices 40 can be attached to and detached from the mattress 50 so that at least one first sensor element 20 contained therein is present at an arbitrary appropriate position on the first surface 51. It can be arranged as appropriate. For example, one first sensor element 20 (and thus the first sensor device 40) may be arranged in the vicinity of the head and the feet when the user lies down.

In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the first sensor element 20 (and thus the first sensor device 40) is used when the user lies on the mattress 50 on the first surface 51 (when the user is in the lying position). It extends over the entire width of the mattress 50 so as to straddle the area where the body pressure is most applied (more specifically, the area corresponding to the back / chest of the user in the recumbent position). However, or in addition to this, the first sensor element 20 may be in any other suitable arrangement.

Further, for example, the first sensor device 40 can be attached to and detached from the mattress 50 so that the first surface 51 of the mattress 50 includes the elevating area 52 and the first sensor element 20 extends on the elevating area 52. It may be attached. FIG. 5 shows an example modified in this way. The elevating area 52 is located on at least one of both ends of the first surface 51 along the length direction of the mattress 50, and body pressure is applied when the user elevates (lie down or get out of bed) to the bed. Means the part to be done. In FIG. 5, the elevating area 52 is shown as an area of the ends of the mattress 50 along the length direction adjacent to the fence 77a (in other words, not guarded by the fence), but is not limited thereto. , The area adjacent to the fence 77a and / or the fence 77b, or the fence 77a and / or the fence 77b may not be present. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 5, the first sensor element 20 (and thus the first sensor device 40) spans the entire width direction of the mattress 50 on the first surface 51 so as to straddle the elevating area 52. Is postponed.

The bed bed 100 includes the above-mentioned mattress 60 with a sensor and a bed frame 70 that supports the mattress 60 with a sensor. The bed frame 70 includes a floor portion 71 that supports the sensor-equipped mattress 60, which portion 71 may have any suitable structure. The bed frame 70 may further optionally include legs 73 and / or headboard 75 and the like, but is not essential.

Further, the bed 100 may have at least one selected from the group consisting of bed pads (sleeping comfort adjustment type, sweat absorbing type, etc.), sheets, covers, mattresses, etc. placed on the mattress 50. These are thinner than the mattress core material of the mattress 50. When any one or more of these are present, the mode in which the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51 of the mattress 50 is such that the first sensor element 20 is on or most of its top surface. It may be located below the bottom surface or between any two adjacent ones.

-Usage mode The mattress 60 with a sensor and the bed 100 provided with the sensor of the present embodiment can be used, for example, as follows.

Illustratively, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the first sensor device 40 is attached to the mattress 50 so that the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51. Detachable attachment. The first sensor element 20 is used so that at least the pressure applied to the first sensor element 20 (for example, a pressure change) can be detected. For example, the first sensor element 20 may constitute a sensor system having only a piezoelectric sensor function, or constitutes a sensor system having both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitance type sensor function. May be. Also, the first sensor element 20 may be electrically connected to any suitable external device (not shown) for displaying the detection result.

In particular, in the case of the first sensor element 20 described above with reference to FIG. 2, the first sensor element 20 can form a sensor system having only a piezoelectric sensor function, or the piezoelectric sensor function and capacitance. It is also possible to configure a sensor system having both of the type sensor functions. By using the first sensor element 20 shown in FIG. 2, a piezoelectric sensor function can be provided based on the potential difference between the conductor (inner conductor layer) 3 and the conductor layer (outer conductor layer) 9. It can be realized, and if necessary, a capacitance type sensor function based on the capacitance in either the conductor (inner conductor layer) 3 or the conductor layer (outer conductor layer) 9. Can be realized. A sensor system having both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitive sensor function is understood as a dual (or composite) sensor system having two different functions.

FIG. 6 shows various configuration examples of the sensor system including the first sensor element 20 shown in FIG. For example, the sensor system 25 having only the piezoelectric sensor function may be configured to include the first sensor element 20 and the piezoelectric detection unit 21. The sensor systems 25'and 25', which have both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitance type sensor function, include the first sensor element 20, the piezoelectric detection unit 21, and the capacitance detection unit 23, respectively. Can be configured to include. Note that the electrode extraction portions A and B of the first sensor element 20 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are connected to A and B shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, respectively. I want to be.

With reference to FIG. 6A, in the sensor system 25 having only the piezoelectric sensor function, the conductor 3 (electrode extraction portion A) and the conductor layer 9 (electrode extraction portion B) are formed in the piezoelectric detection unit 21. It is configured by being electrically connected.

The piezoelectric detection unit 21 detects an external force applied to the piezoelectric layer 7 based on the potential difference (voltage) between the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9. The sensor system 25 is an arbitrary appropriate analysis means (for example, an amplifier, a frequency filter, a differential filter, etc.) for analyzing an electric signal obtained by measuring a potential difference with a piezoelectric detection unit 21, data storage and / or calculation. It may be provided with means, means for outputting analysis results, and the like.

When an external force is applied to the first sensor element 20, an external force is applied to the piezoelectric layer 7, causing a change in the potential difference (voltage) between the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9, and the piezoelectric detection unit. By analyzing the change measured in No. 21, it is possible to detect that an external force has been applied. On the contrary, when the external force continuously applied to the first sensor element 20 is removed, the external force continuously applied to the piezoelectric layer 7 is removed, and the space between the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9 is removed. It is possible to detect (determine) that the external force has been removed by causing a change in the potential difference (voltage) of the above and analyzing the change measured by the piezoelectric detection unit 21.

In this embodiment, the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51 of the sensor-equipped mattress 60, as exemplified above with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. When the user lies on the first surface 51 of the mattress 60 with a sensor and the user's body pressure is applied to the first sensor element 20 extending on the first surface 51, the first sensor element 20 (see, for example, FIGS. 1 and 4) allows the user's body movements, especially vital signs (pulse, respiration, etc.) to be detected. More specifically, when the user's body pressure is applied to the first sensor element 20, it is applied to the piezoelectric layer 7 of the first sensor element 20 by the user's body movement (for example, turning over, pulse, breathing, etc.). The external force applied changes, which changes the potential difference (voltage) between the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9, and by analyzing the change, the user's body movements, especially vital signs (pulses, etc.) Breathing, etc.) can be detected.

Further, when the user shifts from the lying position (sleeping state) to the end sitting position (the state of sitting on the edge of the bed and lowering both feet) on the first surface 51 of the sensor-equipped mattress 60, the figure is shown in the figure. The first sensor element 20 described above with reference to No. 5 can detect a sign of a sitting position. More specifically, when the user shifts from the lying position to the end sitting position, the area to which the user's body pressure is applied first moves in the first direction indicated by the white dotted arrow in FIG. 5 (b). It can move and then move along the second direction indicated by the white alternate long and short dash arrow in FIG. 5 (b). Therefore, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the first sensor element 20 extends on the elevating area 52, so that the white one-dot chain line arrow (second direction) in FIG. 5 (b). The movement of the body pressure application area along the above can be detected by the first sensor element 20 when the user reaches the intersection P between the first direction and the second direction, and thus the user ends. Before the sitting position, the sign of the end sitting position can be detected by the first sensor element 20. Preferably, the first sensor element 20 extends over the entire width direction of the mattress 50 so as to straddle the elevating area 52 on the first surface 51, whereby in FIG. 5 (b). The movement of the body pressure application area along the white one-dot chain line arrow (second direction) can be detected with higher accuracy by the first sensor element 20, and therefore, the sign of the sitting position can be detected by the first sensor element 20. Can be detected more reliably.

With reference to FIG. 6B, the sensor system 25'having both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitance type sensor function includes a conductor 3 (electrode lead-out portion A) and a conductor layer 9 (electrode lead-out portion A). The unit B) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric detection unit 21, and the conductor layer 9 (electrode extraction unit B) is electrically connected to the capacitance detection unit 23.

In this case as well, the same description as in the sensor system 25 described above can be applied to the piezoelectric sensor function.

The capacitance detection unit 23 detects the presence of a user based on the capacitance in the conductor layer 9. The capacitance detection unit 23 is preferably grounded (GND) in order to be able to measure the capacitance in the conductor layer 9 satisfactorily. The sensor system 25'is an arbitrary appropriate analysis means (for example, a resistor) for analyzing the electric signal obtained by measuring the capacitance by the capacitance detection unit 23, storing and / or calculating the data. It may be provided with means, means for outputting analysis results, and the like.

When a user is present in the vicinity of the first sensor element 20, the electrical environment of the conductor layer 9 differs depending on the presence of the user as compared with the case where the user does not exist, and the capacitance in the conductor layer 9 is different. There is a difference (difference) in the level (magnitude) of the capacitance, and the capacitance measured by the capacitance detection unit 23, which is preferably grounded (GND), is analyzed, that is, the difference is generated. (For example, the case where the user does not exist is set as the reference state, and the data of the capacitance level in the reference state is stored, and the data and the data of the capacitance level in the measurement state are stored. By performing comparative calculation), it is possible to detect (determine) whether or not a user exists. Since the capacitance in the conductor layer 9 depends on the electrical environment around the conductor layer 9 and does not attenuate like the potential difference between the conductor 3 and the conductor layer 9, the presence of the user is immediate. Can be detected.

Further, if necessary, the capacitance detection unit 23 can be configured to be capable of detecting the proximity of the user based on the capacitance in the conductor layer 9. When a user approaches the first sensor element 20, the electrical environment of the conductor layer 9 changes due to the proximity of the user, which causes a change in the capacitance of the conductor layer 9 and detects the capacitance. By analyzing the change measured by the unit 23, it is possible to detect that the user is approaching. On the contrary, when the user who was present in the vicinity of the first sensor element 20 moves away, the electrical environment of the conductor layer 9 changes due to the separation of the users, and the capacitance of the conductor layer 9 increases. It is possible to detect that the user has moved away by causing a change and analyzing the change measured by the capacitance detection unit 23.

In such a sensor system 25', it is not necessary to use a conductor separately from the first sensor element 20, and with a simple system configuration, a capacitance type sensor function is provided based on the capacitance in the conductor layer 9. It is realized, and it is possible to easily and immediately detect the presence or absence of a user, and to detect that a user has approached and / or has moved away. According to the sensor system 25', both the piezoelectric sensor function and the capacitive sensor function can be realized, and the sensor system 25'is a dual (or composite) sensor system having these two different functions. Is understood as.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51 of the mattress 60 with a sensor. Whether or not the user is present (presence or absence) in the vicinity of the sensor-equipped mattress 60 (more specifically, the first sensor element 20) by lying down or sitting on the sensor-equipped mattress 60. Even when the user is constantly present, the first sensor element 20 can immediately detect the user based on the capacitance in the conductor layer 9. Further, if necessary, the first sensor element 20 indicates that the user has approached and / or moved away from the sensor-equipped mattress 60 (more specifically, the first sensor element 20). It can also be detected based on the capacitance in layer 9.

With reference to FIG. 6 (c), the sensor system 25'' having both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitance type sensor function includes a conductor 3 (electrode lead-out portion A) and a conductor layer 9 (electrode). The lead-out portion B) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric detection unit 21, and the conductor 3 (electrode lead-out portion A) is electrically connected to the capacitance detection unit 23.

In this case as well, the same description as in the sensor system 25 described above can be applied to the piezoelectric sensor function.

In this case, the capacitance type sensor function is realized based on the capacitance in the conductor 3 (presence or absence of the user, and if necessary, the user has approached and / or The same description as in the sensor system 25'described above may apply, except that it detects that it has moved away). However, it is considered that the measurement sensitivity of the capacitance is higher in the sensor system 25 ″ than in the sensor system 25 ″.

However, the mattress with a sensor 60 of the present embodiment and the bed 100 including the same are not limited to the above-mentioned usage mode using the first sensor element 20 shown in FIG. 2, and any suitable first sensor element 20 and / Alternatively, the configuration of the sensor system or the like may be applied.

In the present embodiment, the first sensor device 40 includes a flexible first sensor element 20, and the first sensor device 40 is configured as if it were a flexible (preferably flexible and supple) textile product. Therefore, even if the user lies on the mattress 60 with a sensor and rides on the first sensor device 40 including the first sensor element 20 (directly or indirectly in contact with the device), he / she feels a foreign body sensation or a feeling of strangeness. It does not substantially affect the comfort of lying on the bed. Further, since the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51 that supports the user, the user's body movement (particularly vital signs) can be measured by the first sensor without using the mattress core material. Since it can be detected by the element 20, it can be effectively captured regardless of the mattress used (particularly the composition, material and thickness of the mattress core material, etc.), and highly accurate detection can be realized. it can.

Further, in the mattress 60 with a sensor of the present embodiment, since the first sensor device 40 can be attached and detached (for example, it can be "retrofitted"), the first sensor device 40 can be used in various situations and requests depending on the user. The installation position of the sensor device 40 can be changed.

The mattress with a sensor of the present embodiment and the bed provided with the same can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, nursing care (for example, "Mimamori"), medical treatment (for example, hospital), and the like. The user may be a person who uses a mattress with a sensor and a bed, and may be a person to be detected (detected person), and may be a care recipient, a patient, an elderly person, an infant, a child, etc. depending on the application. Can be.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, a mattress with a sensor and a bed provided with the sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and unless otherwise specified, the same description as in the first embodiment may be applied to the present embodiment.

The sensor-equipped mattress 60 and bed 100 of the present embodiment include, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, a first sensor device 40 including a flexible wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element (the above-mentioned “first sensor element”) 20. In that it further includes another sensor device 43 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "second sensor device") including a flexible wire-shaped electrostatic sensor element (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "second sensor element") 27. , Different from the first embodiment.

-Second sensor element The second sensor element 27 may be a wire-shaped electrostatic sensor element. That is, the second sensor element 27 has an elongated linear shape as a whole, which can be called a wire shape (or a cable shape), and is configured to have flexibility (or flexibility) as a whole sensor element. In addition, it may have a capacitance type sensor function.

Although the present embodiment is not limited, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the second sensor element 27 that can be used in the present embodiment includes a conductor layer 15 and a conductor layer 15. It may include an insulator layer 19 for covering the above. In the second sensor element 27, the conductor layer 15 functions as an electrode, and the insulator layer 19 acts as a dielectric sandwiched between two electrodes (a conductor layer 15 and an external electrode that can be a user). It works (see FIG. 8 (b)). In the second sensor element 27, the conductor layer 15 and the insulator layer 19 may be arranged substantially coaxially.

For example, the conductor layer 15 may form a core wire 17 together with the resin wire 11. The materials and dimensions of the resin wire 11, the conductor layer 15, the core wire 17, and the insulator layer 19 are the resin wire 1, the conductor 3, the core wire 5, and the insulator layer described above with respect to the first sensor element 20 in the first embodiment. It may be the same as 11.

The second sensor element 27 is excellent in flexibility and bending resistance. In the second sensor element 27 of the present embodiment, the electrode is pulled out from the conductor layer 15 by exposing the conductor layer 15 by an arbitrary appropriate method (indicated as an electrode pull-out portion C in FIG. 8).

Since the second sensor element 27 has an elongated linear shape as a whole and can have flexibility as a whole sensor element, it can be used like a so-called “thread”. Further, since the "thread" of the first sensor element 27 can take the electrode pull-out portion C from, for example, one end portion, the other end portion can be freed, and the degree of freedom in the usage mode is extremely high.

Second sensor device, mattress with sensor and bed In this embodiment, the second sensor device 43 including the second sensor element 27 is arranged on the mattress 60 with a sensor in any suitable manner to form a bed 100. Can be done.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a second sensor device 43 including the second sensor element 27 may exist in addition to the first sensor device 40 including the first sensor element 20. In this case, the first sensor device 40 is detachably attached to the mattress 50 so that the first sensor element 20 extends on the first surface 51, and the second sensor element 27 is attached to the first surface. The second sensor device 43 is detachably attached to the mattress 50 (eg, in the same manner as the first sensor device 40) so as to extend over 51. The first sensor device 40 may be similar to the first embodiment. The second sensor device 43 may include at least one second sensor element 27, and may be composed of only the second sensor element 27 or may further include other flexible members and the like. Good. For example, the second sensor device 43 may be a combination of at least one second sensor element 27 with a fiber or a textile product 30. The mode of the combination of the second sensor element 27 and the fiber or textile product 30 may be the same as the mode of the combination of the first sensor element 20 and the fiber or textile product 30 described above in the first embodiment (hereinafter, FIG. The same may apply to the cases described later with reference to 10 to 11).

-Usage mode The mattress 60 with a sensor and the bed 100 provided with the sensor of the present embodiment can be used, for example, as follows.

Illustratively, as described above with reference to FIG. 7, the first sensor device 40 and the second sensor device 43 are such that the first sensor element 20 and the second sensor element 27 extend on the first surface 51. Is detachably attached to the mattress 50.

In the present embodiment, the first sensor element 20 has both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitance type sensor function, and the second sensor element 27 has a capacitance type sensor function. The sensor system is configured as described above. The first sensor element 20 and the second sensor element 27 may be electrically connected to any suitable external device (not shown) for displaying the detection result.

FIG. 9 shows two types of configuration examples of the sensor system including the first sensor element 20 shown in FIG. 2 and the second sensor element 27 shown in FIG. In each of the sensor systems 29 and 29'shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first sensor element 20, the piezoelectric detection unit 21, and the capacitance detection unit (hereinafter, "first capacitance detection") are used. It may be configured to include (referred to as "unit") 23 and another capacitance detecting unit (hereinafter, referred to as "second capacitance detecting unit") 23'. The electrode pull-out portions A and B of the first sensor element 20 shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b) and the electrode pull-out portion C of the second sensor element 27 shown in FIG. 8 are shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (a). Note that it is connected to A, B and C shown in each of (b).

With reference to FIG. 9A, in the sensor system 29, the conductor 3 (electrode extraction portion A) and the conductor layer 9 (electrode extraction portion B) of the first sensor element 20 are electrically connected to the piezoelectric detection unit 21. The conductor layer 9 (electrode extraction portion B) of the first sensor element 20 is electrically connected to the first capacitance detection unit 23, and the conductor layer 15 (electrode) of the second sensor element 27. The lead-out portion C) is electrically connected to the second capacitance detection unit 23'. Such a sensor system 29 is understood as a system in which a second sensor element 27 is added to the sensor system 25'shown in FIG. 6B, and the portion of the sensor system 25'and its usage mode are the same as those in the first embodiment. is there.

With reference to FIG. 9B, in the sensor system 29', the conductor 3 (electrode extraction portion A) and the conductor layer 9 (electrode extraction portion B) of the first sensor element 20 are electrically connected to the piezoelectric detection unit 21. The conductor 3 (electrode extraction portion A) of the first sensor element 20 is electrically connected to the first capacitance detection unit 23, and the conductor layer 15 (electrode) of the second sensor element 27 is electrically connected. The lead-out portion C) is electrically connected to the second capacitance detection unit 23'. Such a sensor system 29'is understood as a system in which a second sensor element 27 is added to the sensor system 25 ″ shown in FIG. 6 (c), and the portion of the sensor system 25 ″ and its usage mode are described in the first embodiment. Is similar to.

The second capacitance detection unit 23'detects the presence (and proximity of the user) of the user based on the capacitance in the conductor layer 15. The second capacitance detection unit 23'is preferably grounded (GND) in order to be able to satisfactorily measure the capacitance in the conductor layer 15. The sensor systems 29 and 29'are any suitable analysis means (eg, a resistor, etc.) for analyzing the electrical signal obtained by measuring the capacitance with the capacitance detection unit 23, storing data and /. Alternatively, a calculation means, an analysis result output means, and the like may be provided.

According to the present embodiment, the first sensor element 20 and the second sensor element 27 are used as a plurality of sensor elements having a capacitance type sensor function, and the first surface 51 is formed by the plurality of sensor elements. Information on the user's movement on the above and the position after the movement can be acquired over time.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first sensor element 20 and the second sensor element 27 are centered along the length direction of the first surface 51 and along the longitudinal direction of the first surface 51 (not shown). When extended to the right and left sides (preferably substantially parallel to each other), the user moved and moved over as wide a range as possible on the first surface 51 with a minimum number of sensor elements of two. Information about the later position can be obtained over time. Specifically, it is possible to acquire information on the movement such as the presence / absence of turning over, the direction and the number of times, and the stationary position such as whether the person is sleeping on the first surface 51 to the left or right after turning over. Furthermore, based on such information, it is possible to grasp that the user has not moved from the same position for a long time and that he / she is sleeping in the same position and posture every night, which can be useful for preventing pressure sores (bedsores). For example, the risk of pressure sores (bedsores) is reduced by starting timekeeping when a user's movement (turning over) is detected and issuing an alert when a predetermined time has elapsed before detecting the next movement. can do.

According to the present embodiment, the mattress 60 with a sensor and the bed 100, which can acquire information on the movement of the user on the first surface 51 and the position after the movement over time, have a very simple and inexpensive configuration. It can be realized and is extremely useful in practical use. For example, in the conventional method using a pressure sensor (load sensor) (see Patent Documents 1 and 2), since the pressure (load) is simply detected, it is a user or an object (for example, a futon, a pillow, a luggage, etc.). However, according to the present embodiment, the sensor element having the capacitance type sensor function can determine whether it is a user or an object (humans show a large change in capacitance as compared with an object). , There is no concern about malfunction. In addition, when monitoring with a camera, there is a problem of privacy and a problem that the installation becomes large (a large workload) because the camera is mounted outside the bed. However, according to this embodiment, there is a problem. , There are no of these problems.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of sensor elements (first sensor) having a capacitance type sensor function in order to acquire information on the movement of the user on the first surface 51 and the position after the movement over time. For each of the element 20 and the second sensor element 27), the capacitance is measured over time by the capacitance detection unit and output as an electric signal, and the threshold value set for each sensor element is compared with the output. The comparison result may be obtained over time. By summing up the comparison results obtained for the plurality of sensor elements over time, the movement of the user and the position after the movement can be determined.

More specifically, the output and threshold value of the first sensor element 20 and the second sensor element 27, and if necessary, the threshold value of the state duration are as follows.
x: Output obtained from the first capacitance detection unit 23 for the first sensor element 20 x1: Threshold value set for the first sensor element 20 y: Second capacitance detection unit 23 for the second sensor element 27 Output obtained from'y1: Threshold set for the first sensor element 20 t1: Threshold for state duration

By setting the threshold values x1 and y1, for example, the following (i) to (vi) may be generally understood. By setting the threshold values x1 and y1, it is possible to determine whether or not the user exists or is in close proximity.
(I) When transitioning from the state of x <x1 and y <y1 to the state of y ≧ y1, turning over from the center on the first surface 51 to the second sensor element 27 side (right side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7). Is understood to have occurred.
(Ii) When transitioning from the state of x <x1 and y <y1 to the state of x ≧ x1, turning over from the center on the first surface 51 to the first sensor element 20 side (left side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7). Is understood to have occurred.
(Iii) When the state of x ≧ x1 and y <y1 transitions to the state of x <x1 and then the state of y ≧ y1, the first sensor element 20 side on the first surface 51 (FIG. It is understood that a relatively large turnover occurred from the second sensor element 27 side (right side in the aspect shown in FIG. 7) from the left side in the aspect shown in FIG.
(Iv) When the state of y ≧ y1 and x <x1 transitions to the state of y <y1 and then the state of x ≧ x1, the second sensor element 27 side on the first surface 51 (FIG. It is understood that a relatively large turnover occurred from the first sensor element 20 side (left side in the aspect shown in FIG. 7) from the right side in the aspect shown in FIG.
(V) When the state of y ≧ y1 is continuously maintained, it is said that the sensor element 27 side (right side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7) on the first surface 51 is biased to rest (sleep). Understood. In this case, it is also possible to understand how much the second sensor element 27 side (right side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7) is biased depending on the size of x.
(Vi) When the state of x ≧ x1 is continuously maintained, it is said that the sensor element 20 side (left side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7) on the first surface 51 is biased to rest (sleep). Understood. In this case, it is also possible to understand how much the first sensor element 20 side (left side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7) is biased depending on the size of y.

By setting the threshold values x1, y1 and t1, for example, in the cases (a) and (b) below, it can be determined that the rollover is "yes", and in other cases, the rollover is "absent". By setting the threshold value t1, more accurate determination becomes possible.
(A) When the transition from the state of x <x1 to x ≧ x1 and the state of x ≧ x1 continues for t1 or more, the first sensor element 20 side (left side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7). Turn over and judge "Yes".
(B) When the transition from the state of y <y1 to y ≧ y1 and the state of y ≧ y1 continues for t1 or more, the second sensor element 27 side (right side in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7). Turn over and judge "Yes".

According to the present embodiment, the sleep of a user is obtained by acquiring information on the movement of the user on the first surface 51 and the position after the movement over time for a long period of time. It can be applied to improve the sleep state, such as reducing the risk of pressure sores (bedsores), if necessary.

In the present embodiment, the first sensor element 20 and the second sensor element 27 are used as a plurality of sensor elements having a capacitance type sensor function, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that a plurality of sensor elements having a capacitance type sensor function are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a plurality of sensor elements may be used. It may be arranged in a grid pattern.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the first sensor device 40 including the first sensor element 20 is the same as the first sensor device 40 described above in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 5 (first sensor element 20). A second sensor device 43, which is detachably attached to the mattress 50 (so that it extends over the elevating area 52) and includes a second sensor element 27, is described above in Embodiment 2 with reference to FIG. A second sensor device 43'that is detachably attached to the mattress 50 and includes another second sensor element 27', similar to the second sensor device 43, is in embodiment 2 with reference to FIG. The first sensor device 40 including the first sensor element 20 described above may be detachably attached instead of the first sensor device 40. The first sensor element 20 may constitute a sensor system having both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitance type sensor function, or may constitute a sensor system having only a piezoelectric sensor function. .. Also in the case of the example shown in FIG. 10, the same effect as the above-mentioned effect can be obtained in the first and second embodiments. Although the first sensor device 40 is arranged and shown on the second sensor devices 43 and 43'in FIG. 10, the arrangement of these sensor devices is not limited to this.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 10, the first sensor device 40'''' including the first sensor element 20'''' is attached to the mattress 50 (the first). One sensor element 20'''may be detachably attached (so as to extend on the first surface 51 between the second sensor elements 27 and 27'). The first sensor elements 20 and 20 ′'' constitute a sensor system having both a piezoelectric sensor function and a capacitance type sensor function, but have only a piezoelectric sensor function. You may be doing it. Also in the case of the example shown in FIG. 11, the same effect as the above-mentioned effect can be obtained in the first and second embodiments, and further, the first sensor device 40'''' including the first sensor element 20 ″ ″. By using in combination, more advanced detection becomes possible. Although FIG. 11 shows the first sensor device 40 arranged on the second sensor devices 43 and 43'and the first sensor device 40''', the arrangement of these sensor devices is not limited to this. ..

The mattress with a sensor and the bed provided with the sensor in the two embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present embodiment can be modified in various ways.

This embodiment relates to the above-mentioned mattress with a sensor and a bed provided with the same, with reference to FIG. 7 in the second embodiment.

The first sensor element 20 (see FIG. 2) was configured as follows.
Resin wire 1: Aramid resin wire (diameter 0.05 mm)
Conductor 3: Tin-plated tin-copper alloy foil Core wire 5: Constructed by winding the conductor 3 around a resin wire 1 (outer diameter 0.17 mm)
Piezoelectric layer 7: Copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene (thickness 0.04 mm, outer diameter 0.25 mm so far)
Conductor layer 9: Silver-plated annealed copper wire (a wire having a diameter of 0.04 mm is wound around the piezoelectric layer 7 and has an outer diameter of 0.33 mm so far).
Insulator layer 11: Polyester (final outer diameter 0.37 mm)

The first sensor element 20 thus obtained was appropriately fixed to a commercially available textile product 30 with a tape to prepare a first sensor device 40.

The second sensor element 27 (see FIG. 8) was configured as follows.
Resin wire 13: Aramid resin wire (diameter 0.05 mm)
Conductor 15: Tin-plated tin-copper alloy foil Core wire 17: Constructed by winding the conductor 15 around a resin wire 13 (outer diameter 0.17 mm)
Insulator layer 19: Polyester (final outer diameter 0.50 mm)

The second sensor element 27 thus obtained was appropriately fixed to the textile product 30 similar to the above with a tape to produce a second sensor device 43.

The first sensor device 40 and the second sensor device 43 produced above were placed on the first surface 51 of the mattress 50 of the bed 100. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the first sensor element 20 is arranged on one side and the second sensor element 27 is arranged on the other side so as to extend in the longitudinal direction on the first surface 51.

In this embodiment, the sensor system 29 shown in FIG. 9A is configured. That is, with reference to FIG. 9A, the conductor 3 (electrode extraction portion A) of the first sensor element 20 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric detection portion 21, and the conductor layer 9 of the first sensor element 20 ( The electrode extraction unit B) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric detection unit 21 and the first capacitance detection unit 23, and the conductor layer 15 (electrode extraction unit C) of the second sensor element 27 is connected to the second capacitance. It was electrically connected to the detection unit 23'. The piezoelectric detection unit 21 is composed of an operational amplifier, a FET, a resistor and a capacitor, and has a drive applied voltage of 5V. The capacitance detection units 23 and 23'composed of a microcomputer (so-called "microcomputer") and a resistor, and the drive applied voltage was 5 V.

When the user lies down on the substantially center line on the first surface 51 of the mattress with a sensor and the bed provided with the sensor and turns over on the first sensor element 20 and on the second sensor element. The output signals of the first sensor element 20 and the second sensor element 27 were examined for each of the above. The results are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The output signals are the output signals obtained from the piezoelectric detection unit 21 for the first sensor element 20 (FIGS. 12 (a) and 13 (a), hereinafter referred to as “voltage output signals”) and the first sensor element 20. The output signal (FIGS. 12 (b) and 13 (b), hereinafter referred to as “first electrostatic output signal”) obtained from the first electrostatic capacity detection unit 23, and the second static with respect to the second sensor element 27. These are the output signals (FIGS. 12 (c) and 13 (c), hereinafter referred to as "second electrostatic output signals") obtained from the electric capacity detection unit 23', and both are voltage strengths as output signals. It is a graph which shows the time-dependent change of (−). The voltage strength means the relative magnitude of the measured voltage. In this embodiment, the first electrostatic output signal is x, the second electrostatic output signal is y, the threshold x1 is 400, the threshold y1 is 400, and the threshold t1 is 2 seconds.

When the sensor element 20 is turned over, the piezoelectric output signal (FIG. 12A) drops from the level of about 375, then rises, and then returns to the original level, referring to FIG. Changes were noted. Further, the first electrostatic output signal (FIG. 12B) x transitioned from the state of x <x1 to x ≧ x1 and continued the state of x ≧ x1 for t1 or more. Therefore, it was possible to determine that the first sensor element 20 was turned over to the side. On the other hand, the second electrostatic output signal (FIG. 12 (c)) y remained substantially zero and no change was observed.

When lying down on the second sensor element 27, referring to FIG. 13, the piezoelectric output signal (FIG. 13 (a)) remained at about 375, and no change was observed. Further, the first electrostatic output signal (FIG. 13 (b)) x remained substantially zero, and no change was observed. On the other hand, the second electrostatic output signal (FIG. 13 (c)) y transitioned from the state of y <y1 to y ≧ y1 and continued the state of y ≧ y1 for t1 or more. Therefore, it was possible to determine that the second sensor element 27 was turned over to the side.

The mattress with a sensor of the present invention and the bed provided with the same can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, nursing care and medical care.

1 Resin wire 3 Conductor (inner conductor layer)
5 Core wire 7 Piezoelectric layer 9 Conductor layer (outer conductor layer)
11 Insulator layer 13 Resin wire 15 Conductor layer 17 Core wire 19 Insulator layer 20 Wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element (first sensor element)
21 Piezoelectric detector 23, 23'Capacitance detector 25, 25', 25'' Sensor system 27 Wire-shaped electrostatic sensor element (second sensor element)
29, 29'Sensor system 30 Textile products 31 Ribbon-shaped textile products 33 Sheet-shaped textile products 40, 40', 40'', 40'''Sensor device (first sensor device)
40a, 40b End 41 Coupling member 43, 43'Sensor device (second sensor device)
50 Mattress 51 1st surface 52 Lifting area 53 2nd surface 55 Side 60 Sensor mattress 70 Bed frame 71 Floor 73 Legs 75 Headboard 77a, 77b Fence 100 Bed A, B, C Electrode drawer GND Grounding

Claims (11)

Sensor devices that include flexible wire-like piezoelectric sensor elements,
The sensor device is detachably attached to the mattress, including a mattress having a first surface that supports the user, such that the wire-like piezoelectric sensor element extends over the first surface. Mattress with sensor. The mattress with a sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device is a long cloth including the wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element. The mattress with a sensor according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises a plurality of the sensor devices. The mattress has a second surface facing the first surface, and the sensor device is detachably attached to the mattress so as to straddle the first surface and the second surface of the mattress. , The mattress with a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The mattress with a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor device is orbitally attached to the mattress. The sensor-equipped mattress according to claim 5, wherein both ends of the sensor device are detachably coupled to each other. The mattress has a side surface located laterally to the first surface.
The sensor-equipped mattress according to claim 6, wherein both ends of the sensor device, which are detachably coupled to each other, are located on the side surface of the mattress. A claim that the sensor device is detachably attached to the mattress such that the first surface of the mattress includes an elevating area and the wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element extends over the elevating area. The mattress with a sensor according to any one of 1 to 7. The wire-shaped piezoelectric sensor element includes a core wire having a surface of a conductor, a piezoelectric layer covering the core wire, and a conductor layer covering the piezoelectric layer.
The mattress with a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the piezoelectric layer contains an organic piezoelectric material as a main component. The sensor-equipped mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising another sensor device including a flexible wire-like electrostatic sensor element. The mattress with a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
A bed, including a bed frame that supports the sensor-equipped mattress.

Images