JP7731130B2 - Positioning device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a position changing device that can be used to change the position of a user lying on a bed, such as a nursing bed or a medical bed.

An example of a related prior invention is Patent Document 1. The bed device described in Patent Document 1 includes an air mattress positioned below the body of a user (reclining person) lying on the bed device, and air cells positioned below the left and right parts of the user's body, which inflate and deflate to tilt the user's body to the right or left, thereby changing the user's posture. Even for users who are unable to turn over on their own, this is expected to have the effect of reducing or preventing illnesses such as bedsores and the associated pain caused by remaining in the same position for long periods of time.

Patent No. 5727357

If the bed device raises or lowers the user's body while they are sleeping, changing their position, this may cause discomfort to the user and disrupt their sound sleep.

In addition, nursing care beds and medical beds may have a back-raising function in which the back bottom bends relative to the waist bottom to stand up. It is desirable for a position change device used in a bed with this back-raising function to be able to easily bend in response to the bending of the bottom.

A postural change device according to one embodiment comprises multiple deformable cells that are respectively positioned below multiple parts of the body of a recumbent person and are capable of expanding and contracting in the vertical direction, and a drive control device that causes each deformable cell to expand, maintain its maximum expansion state, and then contract repeatedly multiple times. The drive control device controls the expansion time for each deformable cell to its maximum expansion state and the contraction time for it to contract from its maximum expansion state to at least five minutes.

The drive control device controls the time that each deformable cell maintains its maximum expansion state from the end of expansion to the start of contraction to less than half the time required for one operation from the start of expansion to the end of contraction.

The drive control device controls the contraction time of each deformation cell so that it is longer than the expansion time during one operation.

The drive control device controls the internal pressure of each of the multiple deformable cells according to the difference in weight between the upper and lower halves of the lying person.

The bed further includes a sheet that can be laid on the bottom of the bed, and multiple deformable cells are placed on the sheet. The multiple deformable cells include an upper right cell located in the upper right region in a plan view that can push up the area from the right shoulder to the right buttocks of a recumbent person (hereinafter, the area from the waist to the buttocks is referred to as the buttocks), an upper left cell located in the upper left region that can push up the area from the left shoulder to the left buttocks, a lower left cell located in the lower left region that can push up the area from the left buttocks to the left thigh, and a lower right cell located in the lower right region that can push up the area from the right buttocks to the right thigh. A first gap extending linearly in the horizontal direction is formed between the bottom edge of the upper right cell and the top edge of the lower right cell, and a second gap extending linearly in the horizontal direction is formed between the bottom piece of the upper left cell and the top edge of the lower left cell, and the first and second gaps can be positioned at a bending position between the lower bottom and back bottom of the bed. In a plan view, in the vertical direction, the lower part of the upper right cell and the lower part of the upper left cell can be placed on the upper part of the sacrum of a reclining person's body, and the upper part of the lower right region and the upper part of the lower left region can be placed on the lower part of the sacrum of a reclining person's body.

A third gap extending vertically is provided between the left edge of the upper right cell and the right edge of the upper left cell, and a fourth gap extending vertically is provided between the left edge of the lower right cell and the right edge of the lower left cell, with the third and fourth gaps each being alignable with the center line passing from the user's spine to their groin, and the horizontal width of the third and fourth gaps being between 10 cm and 30 cm.

The distance between the right edge of the top right cell and the left edge of the top left cell is between 55 centimeters and 75 centimeters.

This invention makes it possible to reduce the discomfort that a position change device causes to the user.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, the positioning device can be easily bent in response to the raising of the bed back, and is more effective in reducing diseases such as bedsores.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a postural change device according to an embodiment of the present invention; A diagram illustrating each part of the position change device. A diagram showing one of the multiple deformed cells in an expanded state. Functional configuration diagram of the drive control device Diagram for explaining the arrangement of modified cells Plan view of the deformed cell A simplified cross-sectional view of the deformed cell 2 cut horizontally An example of an operation panel An example of the operation of a position change device An example of control of a deformed cell using a drive control device Diagram showing the expansion and contraction process of a deformed cell Graph showing the results of a verification test according to this embodiment

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Below, the positioning device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a plan view of the position change device 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram explaining each part of the position change device 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing one of the multiple deformable cells 2 in an expanded state.

The postural change device 1 according to this embodiment is placed indirectly or directly under the body of the user (a person lying down). For example, it is desirable to place the postural change device 1 under bedding such as a bed mattress or a futon.

When placed on a bed, the repositioning device 1 is placed, for example, between the bed bottom (bedboard) and the bed mattress. The bed may be an electric reclining bed used in medical and nursing care settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and homes.

In this specification, the longitudinal direction of the postural change device 1 (or the bed or bedding on which it is placed) is referred to as the length direction, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction of the postural change device 1 is referred to as the width direction. The length direction may also be referred to as front-to-back or vertical, and the width direction as left-to-right or horizontal. When referring to the direction of a specific part or component, it may also be referred to as "the XX direction of the XX part."

<1. Configuration of the position change device>
The postural change device 1 includes a plurality of deformable cells 2, a seat 3, arrangement means for arranging the plurality of deformable cells on the seat 3, a drive control device 5 for controlling the expansion and contraction of the plurality of deformable cells 2, and an operation panel 6. In this specification, as an example, the deformable cells 2 are fluid bags that expand and contract when a fluid such as air is introduced into or released from the deformable cells 2, and an example will be described in which air is used as the fluid flowed into the deformable cells 2 from the drive control device 5. However, the fluid is not limited to air, and water or other liquids, or gases other than air, etc., can also be used. The deformable cells 2 may expand and contract using means other than a fluid.

Multiple deformable cells 2 are positioned below multiple parts of the recumbent's body. Each deformable cell 2 can expand and contract in its thickness direction, i.e., in the vertical direction relative to the recumbent. Specifically, each of the multiple deformable cells 2 is connected to the drive control device 5 via a tube 7, and each expands and contracts independently by the inflow and outflow of air from the drive control device 5. The deformable cells 2 can be made of synthetic resin materials or rubber materials, such as polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, silicone, and various thermoplastic elastomers, but any material that can expand and contract with air or other fluids can be used. Details of the deformable cells 2 are provided below.

Figure 8 shows an example of the operation panel 6. The operation panel 6 is an example of a user interface that inputs and outputs information through operations by a user, caregiver, etc. (user, etc.).

Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the drive control device 5. The drive control device 5 periodically causes each transformable cell to expand and contract multiple times. The drive control device 5 mainly comprises a pump 51, a control unit 52, a solenoid valve 53, a solenoid valve 22, and a sensor 24, all of which are housed in a casing 55. The drive control device 5 is connected to multiple transformable cells 2, an operation panel 6 for user operation, and a power source 8.

The pump 51 supplies air to multiple deformable cells 2. For example, the pump 51 is connected to multiple deformable cells 2 via tubes 7. A solenoid valve 53, solenoid valve 22, and sensor 24 are connected between the pump 51 and each deformable cell 2. Opening and closing the solenoid valve 53 allows the pump 51 to start and stop supplying air to each deformable cell 2. This makes it possible to selectively supply air to each of the multiple deformable cells 2.

The solenoid valve 22 exhausts air from the deformed cells 2 connected to it. Opening and closing the solenoid valve 22 allows the exhaust of air from the deformed cells 2 to be started and stopped. This allows air to be selectively exhausted from each of the multiple deformed cells 2. The sensor 24 senses the pressure (internal pressure) inside each deformed cell 2.

The control unit 52 controls the supply and discharge of air to multiple deformed cells 2. For example, the control unit 52 sends and receives information to and from various components, such as the operation panel 6, each deformed cell 2, solenoid valve 22, sensor 24, pump 51, and solenoid valve 53, and controls the on/off of the pump 51, the selection of the deformed cell 2 to which air is supplied or discharged using solenoid valves 53 and 22, and the air supply/discharge time, on/off control, and supply/discharge amount for each deformed cell 2.

The power supply 8 is connected to the drive control device 5 and supplies power to each component of the drive control device 5 and the operation panel 6. If necessary, power may also be supplied to each transformable cell 2. The power supply 8 may be powered by any well-known method, such as an electrical outlet, an electric bed, or a battery device.

In the example of FIG. 4, a solenoid valve 53, a solenoid valve 22, and a sensor 24 are connected between each deformable cell 2 and the pump 51. For example, the control unit 52 may be configured to control the on/off state of the pump 51, the multiple solenoid valves 53 (four in the illustrated example: 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d), and the multiple solenoid valves 22 (four in the illustrated example: 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d) by energizing them. For example, the solenoid valve 53 may be configured to be normally (off) closed and open when energized (on), and the solenoid valve 22 may be configured to be normally (off) open and close when energized (on). For example, the pump 51 may be configured to be normally (off) stopped and to pump air when energized (on).

Specifically, for example, when supplying air from pump 51 only to the target deformable cell 2a, control unit 52 opens (ON) solenoid valve 53a connected to the target air cell 2a and closes (ON) solenoid valve 22a connected to the target air cell 2a, causing air to be pumped from pump 51 (ON). At this time, solenoid valves 53b, 53c, and 53d are closed (OFF), and solenoid valves 22b, 22c, and 22d are open (OFF). Furthermore, when control unit 52 subsequently closes solenoid valve 53a (OFF), the expanded state of the target deformable cell 2a can be maintained. Furthermore, when air is to be discharged from the target deformable cell 2a from this state, control unit 52 simply opens solenoid valve 22a (OFF). Furthermore, to control the amount of air supplied and discharged, each solenoid valve 53, 22 may be intermittently opened and closed (ON/OFF).

In this example, the drive control device 5 combines multiple solenoid valves to reduce the operating time of each solenoid valve and prevent burnout. Furthermore, when the power is off, all air in the deformable cell 2 is discharged. This prevents the deformable cell 2 from remaining in an expanded state in the event of a power outage, ensuring user safety.

Note that the configuration of this drive control device 5 is an example. The number and configuration of each component are not limited to this example. Any configuration is possible as long as it allows selective air supply and exhaust to each deformed cell 2. For example, each solenoid valve 53, 22 may be capable of controlling the air flow rate, and the solenoid valve 53 may also be configured to exhaust air. Furthermore, a sensor may be provided between the solenoid valve 53 and solenoid valve 22 connected to each deformed cell 2, and the internal pressure of the deformed cell 2 may be estimated by measuring the pressure inside the tube 7. Furthermore, the device is not limited to a solenoid valve, and for example, a mechanical valve or the like may also be used.

The sheet 3 is placed under the multiple deformation cells 2. The sheet 3 is, for example, about 2 cm thick and made of a semi-rigid, porous polyurethane material. However, the sheet 3 may be made of any material, such as polyurethane, cotton, or air mattress, and the hardness of the sheet 3 may also be any. Furthermore, for example, the sheet 3 may have a cutout 33 for accommodating the drive control device 5. The cutout 33 may or may not be present, but it is desirable for the sheet 3 to have the cutout 33 in a configuration in which the drive control device 5 is accommodated in the cover 31 described below.

The placement means places the deformable cells 2 at predetermined positions on the sheet 3. In this example, a cover 31 is used as the placement means. The cover 31 covers part or all of the sheet 3 and can place the deformable cells 2 at predetermined positions on the sheet 3. Figure 2 shows an example of a bag-shaped cover 31 that covers the entire sheet 3 and can accommodate multiple deformable cells 2. For example, the cover 31 has bag-shaped pockets 31a with openings (not shown) at the top of its inner surface, and each pocket 31a can accommodate and hold one deformable cell 2. In addition, the deformable cells 2 and the pockets 31a may be provided with fastening parts that fasten them together. In the illustrated example, the fastening parts are provided by providing multiple holes 23 in the deformable cells 2, and fasteners (not shown), such as strings or hooks, are provided in the pockets 31a and inserted through the holes 23. By fastening the fasteners to the holes 23, the deformable cells 2 are prevented from shifting position within the pockets 31a. However, the configuration of the cover 31 is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the arrangement means is not limited to the example of the cover 31, and can be any means that can arrange multiple deformable cells 2 in predetermined positions on the seat 3. The cover 31 may be formed with a housing portion 31b that houses the drive control device 5. The drive control device 5 may be configured to be housed within the cover 31 (described below), as in this example, or may be configured to be provided outside the cover 31.

<2. Arrangement of deformed cells>
5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of the deformable cells 2. FIG. 5A is a diagram schematically illustrating a plurality of deformable cells 2 arranged on a seat 3, FIG. 5B is a diagram schematically illustrating a bottom B of a reclining bed for medical/nursing care, and FIG. 5C is a diagram schematically illustrating the body of a reclining person. Here, the arrangement of the bottom B is illustrated as a back bottom B1 on which the reclining person's upper body is placed, a waist bottom B2 on which the waist and buttocks are placed, a knee bottom B3 on which the thighs are placed, and a leg bottom B4 on which the lower legs are placed. In this example, the reclining bed has a back bottom B1 that is bendable relative to the waist bottom B2, and a bending portion (not shown) is provided between the waist bottom B2 and the back bottom B1 (B5).

The deformable cells 2 are arranged on the seat 3 so that their vertical direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the position change device 1 (or seat 3). For example, the vertical length of each deformable cell 2 is desirably set so that it fits within the back bottom B1 for those that push up the upper body, and so that it fits from the waist bottom B2 to the knee bottom B3 for those that push up the lower body. In other words, the vertical length of the deformable cells 2 can be set to a length that corresponds to the shoulders to buttocks of a reclining person for those that push up the upper body, and to a length that corresponds to the buttocks to thighs of the lower body for those that push up the lower body. More specifically, for example, the vertical length of the deformable cells 2 is desirably set to a length that corresponds to the shoulders to waist (upper part of the sacrum) of a reclining person for those that push up the upper body, and to a length that corresponds to the buttocks (lower part of the sacrum) to thighs of the lower body for those that push up the lower body. The horizontal length of the deformable cell 2 may be set to less than half the width of the bottom B. In other words, the horizontal length of the deformable cell 2 can be set to a width that will lift up only the left or right half of the body of a person lying down.

The multiple deformation cells 2 include one or more deformation cells 2 that push up the upper body of the lying person and one or more deformation cells 2 that push up the lower body of the lying person.

In the illustrated example, for example, the deformable cells 2 placed on the upper body side of the recumbent person are a top right cell 2A placed in the top right region so as to be able to push up the area from the right shoulder to the right buttocks of the recumbent person in a plan view, and a top left cell 2B placed in the top left region so as to be able to push up the area from the left shoulder to the left buttocks. More specifically, for example, the top right cell 2A is preferably able to push up the area from the right shoulder to the right hip (upper right part of the sacrum) of the recumbent person in a plan view, and the top left cell 2B is preferably able to push up the area from the left shoulder to the left hip (upper left part of the sacrum).

The deformable cells 2 placed on the lower body side of the recumbent person are the lower right cell 2C, placed in the lower right region, which can push up from the right buttock to the right thigh in a plan view, and the lower left cell 2D, placed in the lower left region, which can push up from the left buttock to the left thigh. More specifically, for example, the lower right cell 2C is preferably capable of pushing up the area from the right buttock (the lower right part of the sacrum) to the right thigh in a plan view, and the upper left cell 2B is preferably capable of pushing up the area from the left buttock (the lower left part of the sacrum) to the left thigh.

A first gap 11 extends linearly in the width direction between the bottom edge of the upper right cell 2A and the top edge of the lower right cell 2C. A second gap 12 extends linearly in the width direction between the bottom piece of the upper left cell 2B and the top edge of the lower left cell 2D. The first gap 11 and second gap 12 are aligned in a straight line in the width direction, and can be aligned with the position B5 (bent position) between the lumbar bottom B2 and back bottom B1 of the bed.

Furthermore, in a plan view, the lower part of the upper right cell 2A and the lower part of the upper left cell 2B can both be aligned near the top of the sacrum of the recumbent person's body. At the same time, the upper part of the lower right cell 2C and the upper part of the lower left cell 2D can both be aligned near the bottom of the sacrum of the recumbent person's body. In other words, the vertical center position of the recumbent person's sacrum will be approximately aligned within the first and second gaps 11, 12.

By doing this, the gap between the upper and lower regions of the positioning device 1 can be aligned with the bending position of the bottom, so when the bed raises the back, that is, when the back bottom B1 rises relative to the lumbar bottom B2, the positioning device 1 can be easily bent along with it. In addition, the four regions where the deformation cells 2 are located (upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left) are all positioned vertically to correspond to the user's sacrum, so when any of the deformation cells in any region expands, the upper right, upper left, lower left, and lower right parts of the pelvis, centered on the user's sacrum, rise, resulting in a high disease-reducing effect on the area centered on the sacrum, where diseases such as bedsores are most likely to occur.

In addition, a third gap 13 extending vertically is provided between the left end edge of the upper right cell 2A and the right end edge of the upper left cell 2B, and a fourth gap 14 extending vertically is provided between the left end edge of the lower right cell and the right end edge of the lower left cell 2D.The third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 can each be aligned with the center line C passing through the spine and crotch of a recumbent person, and the horizontal dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 are set narrower than the width of the torso of a recumbent person and wider than the width of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae. The lateral dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 are preferably set so that the lateral center portion of a recumbent person, such as the entire width of the lumbar and thoracic vertebrae and a portion or entire width of the erector spinae muscles on either side, can be accommodated within the lateral width of the gaps 13, 14, but the outer portions on either side, such as the portions corresponding to the entire width of the scapulae, cannot be completely accommodated. The lateral dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 can be set, for example, between 10 cm and 30 cm, and preferably between 20 cm and 30 cm.

If the lateral dimensions (widths) of the third gap 13 and the fourth gap 14 are too wide, it will be difficult for small people, such as petite women, to lean. If they are too narrow, the lateral center of the body or its vicinity will also be pushed up, reducing the leaning effect. If these gaps 13, 14 are between 10 cm and 30 cm wide, the leaning effect can be achieved for people of various builds, from petite women to large men. Furthermore, if the width is between 20 cm and 30 cm, the center of the body can be expected to shift from above the deformed cell even when the person turns over in bed. On the other hand, if these gaps 13, 14 are too wide, for people with narrow shoulders, only the outer shoulders of the person will be lifted, and the person's shoulders may not be able to be lifted.

Furthermore, the distance 15 between the right edge of the upper right cell 2A and the left edge of the upper left cell 2B is set to be equal to or greater than the width of the recumbent person's body and equal to or less than the width of the seat 3. Specifically, for example, the distance 15 between the right edge of the upper right cell 2A and the left edge of the upper left cell 2B can be set to be equal to or greater than 55 centimeters and equal to or less than 75 centimeters, and preferably equal to or greater than 60 centimeters and equal to or less than 70 centimeters.

To tilt a recumbent person, it is necessary to lift their shoulders. If the deformed cells are approximately 5 to 10 centimeters outward on each side, and the combined width of the left and right cells is approximately 10 to 20 centimeters wider than the shoulder width, the shoulders will be reliably lifted and the tilting effect achieved. The average shoulder width for Japanese men is 45 centimeters, and for women, 40 centimeters. Larger men may have shoulders that are 5 centimeters wider, or even nearly 10 centimeters wider. Therefore, if the overall width is between 50 and 75 centimeters, the tilting effect can be expected for people of all builds. On the other hand, as mentioned above, it is necessary to make the device suitable for people with narrow shoulders as well. Therefore, if the width is between 60 and 70 centimeters, the tilting effect can be achieved for almost all builds. The smallest models of actual nursing and medical beds are approximately 78 centimeters wide. The above widths can accommodate this bed width as well.

3. Configuration of Deformed Cells
The configuration of the deformable cell 2 will be described below. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the deformable cell 2. FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the deformable cell 2 cut horizontally. When deflated, the deformable cell 2 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. Multiple deformable cells 2 may have the same shape. In this example, the deformable cell 2 is formed into a bag shape by welding the peripheral edges of the top and bottom surfaces of a generally rectangular synthetic resin material. An air intake and exhaust hole is formed on one vertical side of the deformable cell 2, and a connecting member 21 for connecting a tube 7 is fixed to the air intake and exhaust hole. In this example, the side with the air intake and exhaust hole is positioned on the outer side in the width direction of the postural change device 1, and multiple fastening holes 23 described above are formed on the opposite side.

The deformed cell 2 is provided with one or more ribs 26 that divide the internal area. The ribs 26 are formed so as to partially open each internal area of the deformed cell 2. In other words, the interior of the deformed cell 2 is formed by the ribs 26 into multiple areas (not shown), and communication passages 27 are formed to allow air to circulate between these multiple areas. The ribs 26 can be made of the same material as the deformed cell 2 described above, but they do not have to be made of the same material.

The ribs 26 are fixed to the top and bottom surfaces of the deformable cell 2. In the illustrated example, one rib 26 is arranged along the horizontal direction of the deformable cell 2, and multiple ribs 26 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction of the deformable cell 2. When air is supplied to the deformable cell 2, the rib 26 stands up. When the rib 26 is in the stood up state (i.e., when the deformable cell 2 is in an expanded state), the rib is set so that one end 26b of the rib in the horizontal direction of the deformable cell 2 is lower than one end 26a. In this example, the rib 26 is set so that one end 26a near the air supply hole is higher than the other end 26b on the opposite side.

When placed in the position change device 1, the inflated deformable cell 2 is set so that the central width of the position change device 1 is lower and the outer width is higher. Therefore, when inflated, the deformable cell 2 forms an inclined surface 25 that extends from the outer width edge toward the central width edge. In other words, the deformable cell 2 inflates and contracts to encase the body of the recumbent person, thereby minimizing any discomfort the recumbent may feel.

For example, the height of the deformed cell 2 in the maximum expanded state may be approximately 5 cm to 15 cm at the highest point (in this example, the outer widthwise side) and approximately 0 cm to 5 cm at the lowest point (in this example, the center widthwise side).

In addition, the ribs 26 create multiple regions inside the deformable cell 2, preventing the inflation range from becoming uneven due to the weight of the lying person.

The rib 26 may be configured so that one end near the air intake is lower than the other end, or there may be no difference in height.

<5. Operation＞
Below, we will explain an outline of the operation of the postural change device 1. Figure 9 shows an example of the operation of the postural change device 1. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the progress of the expansion and contraction of the deformable cells. Here, we will explain an example in which the first to fourth deformable cells are expanded in order, assuming that the time from the start of expansion to the end of contraction of one deformable cell (hereinafter referred to as the operation time) is 60 minutes.

For the sake of convenience, the cells will be referred to as cells 1 through 4, but the order of operation of these deformable cells 2 may be preset in the design or selected by the user. Furthermore, the timing of the operation time, expansion time, maintenance time, and contraction time is not limited to this example and can be changed by settings.

The user or other user uses the operation panel 6 to input power and perform various settings (S1). For example, the setting information includes the selection of the order in which the transformable cells 2 are inflated (selection of the position change position), the time it takes for each transformable cell 2 to inflate, maintain its maximum expansion state, and then contract (the time required for one position change), and the degree of expansion of the transformable cells 2 (e.g., the height of the transformable cells 2 in their maximum expansion state, i.e., the degree of inclination of the user's body when reclining). In this example, the degree of expansion of the transformable cells 2 is controlled using the internal pressure of the transformable cells 2. Even with the same internal pressure, the height of the transformable cells 2 in their maximum expansion state, i.e., the degree of inclination of the user's body, varies depending on the user's weight, physique, and the hardness of the bedding on the position change device 1. Therefore, the internal pressure of the transformable cells 2 can be adjusted based on the user's weight and physique. For example, the internal pressure needs to be set higher when pushing up a heavier person's body 10 cm than when pushing up a lighter person's body 10 cm.

The position change device 1 can also control the internal pressure of multiple deformable cells to different set values depending on the difference in weight between the user's upper and lower body. For example, the lower body is generally heavier than the upper body. For this reason, the internal pressure of deformable cells located in lower areas can be set higher than that of deformable cells located in upper areas. Even for the same person, the weight of the upper and lower body differs. For this reason, by being able to set the internal pressure according to the weight of each part, the lift height of each part of the body can be controlled to a constant level.

The internal pressure setting for the deformation cell 2 may be set by the user to a selection of several preset settings (modes) according to the user's physique. In this case, assuming that the weight of each body part, such as the upper body and lower body, differs, a different internal pressure value may be set for each deformation cell (or each deformation cell for the upper body and lower body) in each mode. The user may also set the desired internal pressure value for each deformation cell 2 (region).

Note that the degree of expansion is not limited to being controlled by the internal pressure value of the deformed cell 2, but can also be controlled, for example, by the height of the deformed cell 2 or the amount of air supplied to the deformed cell 2. Hereinafter, the internal pressure value of the deformed cell corresponding to the degree of expansion of the deformed cell 2 selected by the user via the operation panel 6 will be referred to as the "predetermined internal pressure."

Air is supplied to each deformable cell 2 until it reaches a preset internal pressure, and after maintaining this internal pressure for a while, it is exhausted. The state in which the deformable cell 2 reaches the preset internal pressure is referred to below as the maximum expansion state. The time from the start of air supply until each deformable cell 2 reaches its maximum expansion state is referred to below as the expansion time, the time during which the maximum expansion state is maintained after reaching the maximum expansion state until exhaust begins is referred to as the maintenance time, and the time from the start of exhaust until it ends (when the internal pressure of the deformable cell 2 becomes essentially zero) is referred to as the contraction time. The combined time of the expansion time, maintenance time, and contraction time is referred to below as the operating time of the deformable cell 2.

The postural change device 1 receives setting information from the operation panel 6 and begins operation (S2).

The postural change device 1 begins supplying air to the first deformable cell (S3). The postural change device 1 then begins counting time.

Based on information from the sensor 24, the postural change device 1 confirms that the predetermined internal pressure of the first deformable cell has been reached (S4).

The postural change device 1 stops air supply to the first deformable cell (S5).

The postural change device 1 confirms that the maintenance time has ended (S6). In this example, the maintenance time ends half the operating time after air supply to the first deformable cell begins (S3).

The positioning device 1 begins evacuating the first deformable cell (S7). Evacuation of the first deformable cell is completed (S8).

The postural change device 1 confirms that the exhaust time has ended (S9). In this example, the exhaust time ends after the operating time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first deformable cell (S3).

The postural change device 1 returns to S3 and proceeds to processing the second transformation cell (S10).

The postural change device 1 then performs the above steps S3 to S10 for the second to fourth deformable cells in that order. When the operation time for the fourth deformable cell is completed, the above steps S3 to S10 for the first deformable cell begin again, and similar operations are repeated thereafter. Note that the above operations for the first to fourth deformable cells may be automatically repeated until the power to the postural change device 1 is turned off by the user or a timer, etc.

In this example, each deformable cell 2 ends its maintenance time halfway through its operation from the start of air supply and begins exhausting air, but this is not limited to this. A detailed example of time control of expansion, maintenance, and contraction within the operation time of a deformable cell 2 will be described later.

The following describes in more detail the operation of the postural change device 1, including the control of the transformable cell 2 by the drive control device 5. Figure 10 shows an example of the control of the transformable cell 2 by the drive control device 5.

Below, we will explain an example in which the operation time of each deformable cell 2 is 60 minutes, and the operations are performed in the order of the first to fourth deformable cells. In this example, the expansion time and maintenance time of each deformable cell 2 combined make up half of the operation time, and the remaining half is the contraction time.

For the sake of explanation, these are referred to as cells 1 through 4 for convenience, but the positions to which these deformed cells 2 correspond may be determined by design or may be selected arbitrarily by the user. In other words, there may be variations in the order in which multiple deformed cells 2 operate. However, it is preferable that the cycle from when each deformed cell 2 operates once until it operates again (i.e., the operation frequency of each deformed cell 2) be the same for all deformed cells. Furthermore, the operation time, expansion time, maintenance time, and contraction time for one operation are not limited to this example and may be changeable by settings.

The user or other person uses the operation panel 6 to turn on the power and make various settings (S11). The setting information is as described above.

The drive control device 5 instructs each component to start operation (S12).

The drive control device 5 starts supplying air to the first modified cell (S13). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 drives the pump 51, opens the solenoid valve 53, and closes the solenoid valve 22, issuing instructions to start supplying air (S13). At this point, the drive control device 5 starts counting the time related to the control of the first modified cell.

The drive control device 5 determines whether the first deformed cell has reached a predetermined internal pressure based on information from the sensor 24 of the first deformed cell (S14). If the first deformed cell has reached the predetermined internal pressure (Yes), proceed to S21; if the first deformed cell has not reached the predetermined internal pressure (No), proceed to S15.

The drive control device 5 stops the supply of air to the first deformed cell (S21). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 closes the solenoid valves 22 and 53 of the first deformed cell to stop the supply of air to the first deformed cell (S21).

The drive control device 5 confirms that a first time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first deformable cell (S13) (S15), and reduces the air supply rate (S16). Note that the first time may be, for example, approximately 1/3 or less of the expansion time, and preferably 1/5 or more and 1/4 or less. This process can avoid sudden expansion of the first deformable cell.

The drive control device 5 determines whether the first deformed cell has reached a predetermined internal pressure based on information from the sensor 24 of the first deformed cell (S17). If the first deformed cell has reached the predetermined internal pressure (Yes), the process proceeds to S21; if the first deformed cell has not reached the predetermined internal pressure (No), the process proceeds to S18.

The drive control device 5 confirms that a second time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first deformable cell (S13) (S18), and increases the air supply rate (S19). Note that the second time here refers to the time approaching the end of the expansion time. For example, it may be approximately 2/3 or more of the expansion time, preferably less than 1, but 4/5 or more. This process can help the first deformable cell reach its maximum expansion state by the end of the expansion time.

The drive control device 5 determines whether the first deformed cell has reached a predetermined internal pressure based on information from the sensor 24 of the first deformed cell (S20). If the first deformed cell has reached the predetermined internal pressure (Yes), the process proceeds to S21; if the first deformed cell has not reached the predetermined internal pressure (No), the process proceeds to S22.

The drive control device 5 confirms that the maintenance time has ended (S22) and begins evacuating the first modified cell (S19). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 may evacuate the first modified cell relatively slowly by intermittently opening and closing the solenoid valve 22 of the first modified cell, for example, by opening it for one second and then closing it for one second. Note that in this example, the maintenance time ends one-half of the operating time after the start of air supply to the first modified cell (S13).

The drive control device 5 confirms that the exhaust time is nearing the end (S24) and increases the exhaust speed (S25). Specifically, for example, the drive control device 5 may control the intermittent opening and closing of the solenoid valve 22 of the first modified cell so as to increase the open time. Here, for example, the drive control device 5 confirms that the operating time has not yet ended and that approximately 3/4 of the operating time has elapsed since the start of air supply.

The drive control device 5 confirms the end of the exhaust time (S26), opens the solenoid valve 22 of the first modified cell, and stops controlling the exhaust speed (S27). Note that in this example, the end of the exhaust time occurs when the operating time has elapsed since the start of air supply to the first modified cell (S13).

The drive control device 5 then performs the above steps S13 to S27 for the second to fourth deformed cells in that order. The above operations for the first to fourth deformed cells by the drive control device 5 may be repeated until the power to the positioning device 1 is turned off by the user, a timer, or the like.

As mentioned above, the order of operation of the first through fourth transformed cells can be set in any way by the user. Also, the operation time is not limited to this example.

<4. Operation time of the transformed cell>
The drive control device 5 can independently expand and contract the multiple deformable cells 2 arranged in the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left regions. For example, the deformable cells 2 can be expanded one region at a time, and the order can be selected by the user. For example, the deformable cells 2 may be expanded one region at a time in a clockwise or counterclockwise order in a plan view. In this example, after the operation time (expansion to contraction) of the deformable cells 2 in one region has ended, the operation of the deformable cells in the next region begins.

The drive control device 5 also controls the time for expanding (expansion time) and contracting (contraction time) each of the deformable cells 2 to 5 minutes or more. Preferably, the drive control device 5 controls the expansion time and contraction time each of the deformable cells 2 to 10 minutes or more, and more preferably to 15 minutes or more.

The positioning device 1 inflates and then deflates the deformable cell 2 over a relatively long period of time. This reduces the discomfort felt by the user when the deformable cell 2 is inflated and deflated. This reduces the risk of the user developing bedsores and other illnesses while preventing disruption to sound sleep.

The drive control device 5 can make the total time during which each deformable cell 2 is expanded (expansion time) and contracted (contraction time) during the operating time (i.e., the time during which the deformable cell 2 is deformed during the operating time) longer than the maintenance time. In other words, the drive control device 5 can make the deformation time of the deformable cell 2 at least half of the operating time. It is preferable for the drive control device 5 to make the deformation time of the deformable cell 2 at least two-thirds of the operating time, and more preferably at least three-quarters of the operating time.

In other words, the drive control device 5 can control the maintenance time of each deformable cell 2 to less than half the operating time from the start of expansion to the end of contraction.

Preferably, the drive control device 5 sets the maintenance time of the deformable cell 2 to be shorter than the expansion time or contraction time. The drive control device 5 controls the maintenance time of the maximum expansion state from the end of expansion to the start of contraction of each deformable cell 2 to be no more than 1/2 of the operating time, preferably no more than 1/3, and more preferably no more than 1/4 of the operating time.

For example, if the operating time is 2 hours, the maintenance time can be, for example, 60 minutes or less, preferably 40 minutes or less, and more preferably 30 minutes or less. Furthermore, if the operating time is 1 hour, the maintenance time can be, for example, 30 minutes or less, preferably 20 minutes or less, and more preferably 15 minutes or less. If the operating time is 30 minutes, the maintenance time can be, for example, 15 minutes or less, preferably 10 minutes or less, and more preferably 7.5 minutes or less.

In this way, by shortening the time that a recumbent's body remains in the same position, the risk of bedsores and other conditions can be reduced. In other words, if the maintenance time is this short during the operating time, the expansion and contraction time of the deformable cell 2 can be set long enough to reduce the discomfort described above, and since the user spends less time in the same position, the risk of developing conditions such as bedsores can be reduced.

The drive control device 5 also controls the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 so that it is longer than its expansion time. For example, the drive control device 5 controls the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 so that it is at least 1/3 of the operating time. It is desirable for the drive control device 5 to control the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 so that it is more than 1/3 and not more than 2/3 of the operating time, and more preferably to control the contraction time of each transformable cell 2 to 1/2 of the operating time. When the transformable cell 2 expands, the body of the lying person rises against gravity. In contrast, when the transformable cell 2 contracts, the body of the lying person descends in accordance with gravity. By making the descent time longer than the body's ascent time, the lying person is less likely to feel uncomfortable when changing position.

The drive control device 5 controls the internal pressure of each deformable cell 2 to be between 1 kPa and 10 kPa. Changing the internal pressure allows the deformable cell to rise appropriately, regardless of the user's physique or weight. For example, the drive control device 5 controls the inflation of each deformable cell 2 according to the user's weight so that the maximum lift distance of the user's body due to inflation of each deformable cell 2 is between 12 centimeters and 6 centimeters. For example, if the deformable cells are flexible air cells that expand with almost no resistance when gas such as air is supplied thereto, the maximum air pressure supplied to each deformable cell may be manually or automatically adjustable to three levels: 2 kPa, 5 kPa, and 8 kPa. This allows the maximum lift distance to be adjusted to be between 12 centimeters and 6 centimeters by changing the maximum air pressure depending on whether the user's weight is light, such as a petite woman, a standard adult weight, or heavier, such as a large man. As a result, if the maximum lift distance of the user's body is within this range, the discomfort felt by the user can be minimized to a level that does not interfere with their sleep.

<Example>
The results of verification tests of examples according to this embodiment are shown below.

Figure 12 is a graph showing the results of a verification test for this example. This graph shows the results of verifying where the subject (lying person) felt discomfort when the deformable cell 2 was inflated. In this experiment, the position change device 1 was placed on the bottom of a bed, and a urethane bed mattress (the same for all measurements) was placed between the subject and the position change device 1. One area of the deformable cell 2 was inflated, and the height of the deformable cell before inflation was set to 0 cm, and the height to which the part of the subject's body above the deformable cell 2 rose was measured.

The subjects were divided into four groups: those weighing 35kg to 45kg (indicated as 40kg weight in the figure), those weighing 45kg to 55kg (indicated as 50kg weight in the figure), those weighing 60kg to 70kg (indicated as 65kg in the figure), and those weighing 70kg to 80kg (indicated as 75kg weight in the figure). There were 10 people in each group.

The test involved two measurements for each subject: a first measurement measuring the internal pressure of the deformable cell 2 and the height to which parts of the body rose (inflated height) when the deformable cell 2 was inflated; and a second measurement measuring at what point the subject felt discomfort due to the change in body position when the deformable cell 2 was inflated for different inflation times. The inflation times were set to five times, based on the time it took for the deformable cell 2 to reach its maximum inflation state: 0.5 minutes, 2.0 minutes, 5.0 minutes, 10.0 minutes, and 15.0 minutes. If the subject felt no discomfort at all, this was counted as having felt discomfort at maximum inflation.

Measurements were taken at four locations of the deformable cell 2: the upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left regions shown in Figure 5. The internal pressure was set so that the height of the deformable cell 2 at maximum expansion was between 6 and 12 cm when each subject was placed on it. A representative example of the results of this test is shown below. In this example, the deformable cell was located in the right shoulder region, and the internal pressure at maximum expansion was set to 5 kPa.

The vertical axis of the figure shows the height (cm) of the deformed cell 2 when inflated, and the horizontal axis shows the internal pressure (kPa) of the deformed cell. The height of the deformed cell 2 when inflated represents the height to which the body part above the deformed cell rose. The results of measurements (first measurement) of the internal pressure of the deformed cell when inflated and the height to which the body part rose (inflated height) for each group are shown in a line graph. In addition, the areas where the subject felt discomfort at each inflation time (results of second measurement) are marked on the line graph for that group. The results of the first and second measurements were taken as the average for each group.

The test results showed that in all groups, the longer the inflation time, the less discomfort subjects felt due to changes in body position when the Deformable Cell 2 was inflated.

Specifically, the test results revealed the following: When the inflation time was 0.5 minutes, the inflation height at which subjects felt discomfort in all groups was less than 80% of the maximum inflation height. Furthermore, the internal pressure of the deformed cell in this case was 2.0 kPa or less.

When the inflation time was 2.0 minutes, the inflation height at which subjects felt discomfort in all groups was less than 85% of the maximum inflation height. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 3.0 kPa or less.

When the inflation time was 5.0 minutes, in all groups, the inflated height at which subjects felt discomfort was 90% or more of the maximum inflated height. More specifically, this occurred when the inflated height was 90% or more but less than 98% of the maximum inflated height. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 3.5 kPa or more.

When the inflation time was 10.0 minutes, in all groups, the inflated height at which subjects felt discomfort was 95% or more of the maximum inflation height. More specifically, this occurred when the inflated height was 95% or more but less than 99% of the maximum inflation height. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 4.0 kPa or more.

When the inflation time was 15.0 minutes, the inflation height at which subjects felt discomfort in all groups was 99% or more of the maximum inflation state. In this case, the internal pressure of the deformed cell was 4.9 kPa or more.

In other words, if the inflation time is 5 minutes or longer, it can be assumed that no discomfort will be felt by subjects of any physique until the deformed cell is expanded to more than 90% of its maximum expansion state. Furthermore, if the inflation time is 10 minutes or longer, it can be assumed that no discomfort will be felt by subjects of any physique until the deformed cell is expanded to more than 95% of its maximum expansion state. Furthermore, if the inflation time is 15 minutes or longer, it can be assumed that no discomfort will be felt by subjects of any physique until the deformed cell is expanded to more than 99% of its maximum expansion state, i.e., until it reaches almost its maximum expansion state.

The embodiments described above are merely examples for the purpose of explanation, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to these embodiments alone. The present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above-described embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Posture change device 2...Deformable cell 2A...Upper right cell 2B...Upper left cell 2C...Lower right cell 2D...Lower left cell 3...Seat 5...Drive control device 6...Operation panel 7...Tube 8...Power source 11...First gap 12...Second gap 13...Third gap 14...Fourth gap 15...Distance 21...Connecting member 22...Solenoid valve 23...Hole 24...Sensor 25...Inclined surface 26...Rib 26a...One end 26b...Other end 27...Communicating passage 31...Cover 31a...Pocket portion 31b...Storage portion 51...Pump 52...Control unit 53...Solenoid valve 55...Casing B...Bottom B1...Back bottom B2...Waist bottom B3...Knee bottom B4...Leg bottom B5...Between waist bottom and back bottom C...Center line

Claims (7)

a plurality of deformable cells that are respectively arranged below a plurality of body parts of the lying person and that are capable of deforming by expanding and contracting in the vertical direction;
a drive control device that causes each deformation cell to expand, maintain a maximum expansion state, and then contract, repeatedly multiple times;
the drive control device controls the expansion time for expanding each of the deformable cells to the maximum expansion state and the contraction time for contracting each of the deformable cells from the maximum expansion state to 5 minutes or more,
Positioning device.
the drive control device controls the time for which the maximum expansion state is maintained from the end of expansion to the start of contraction of each of the deformable cells to be equal to or less than half of the time for one operation from the start of expansion to the end of contraction.
The postural change device according to claim 1 .
the drive control device controls the contraction time of each of the deformable cells to be longer than the expansion time of each of the deformable cells.
The postural change device according to claim 1 or 2.
the drive control device controls the internal pressure of each of the plurality of deformable cells in accordance with the difference in weight between the upper body and the lower body of the lying person;
The postural change device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
It also includes a sheet that can be placed on the bottom of the bed,
the plurality of deformation cells are disposed on the sheet;
the plurality of deformation cells include an upper right cell located in an upper right region capable of pushing up the area from the right shoulder to the right buttock of a lying person in a plan view, an upper left cell located in an upper left region capable of pushing up the area from the left shoulder to the left buttock, a lower left cell located in a lower left region capable of pushing up the area from the left buttock to the left thigh, and a lower right cell located in a lower right region capable of pushing up the area from the right buttock to the right thigh ,
In a plan view, in the vertical direction, a lower part of the upper right cell and a lower part of the upper left cell can be placed on an upper part of the sacrum of the body of a recumbent person, and an upper part of the lower right region and an upper part of the lower left region can be placed on a lower part of the sacrum of the body of a recumbent person.
The postural change device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
a third gap extending vertically between the left end edge of the upper right cell and the right end edge of the upper left cell, and a fourth gap extending vertically between the left end edge of the lower right cell and the right end edge of the lower left cell;
the third and fourth gaps are each alignable with a center line passing from the user's spine to the groin;
The width of the third and fourth gaps in the lateral direction is 10 cm or more and 30 cm or less.
The postural change device according to claim 5.
the distance between the right edge of the upper right cell and the left edge of the upper left cell is 55 centimeters or more and 75 centimeters or less;
The postural change device according to claim 5 or 6.