A fluid cell type mattress and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a fluid cell type mattress and a control method thereof. The fluid cell type mattress can realize a supporting surface which can accurately and better handle the distribution of a user's body pressure in a novel and simple structure. The fluid cell type mattress (10) is provided with a unit set (48) which is constituted by a plurality of units (30). The fluid chambers of the plurality of units (30) that constitute the unit set (48) are mutually communicated through an intra-set through channel (46), and the intra-set through channel (46) is provided thereon with first valves (50) which manage the on and off of the fluid chambers (32) of the plurality of units (30) which constitute the unit set (48). On the other hand, a plurality of unit sets (48) are provided, and an inter-set through channel (84) which connect the plurality of unit sets (48) is connected to respective first valve (50) of the plurality of unit sets, such that the through resistance of the intra-set through channel (46) is smaller than the through resistance of a drain side flow path (94) which is constituted by including the inter-set through channel.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fluid unit type mattress (Japanese: Fluid Cell Type Mattress) capable of improving lying comfort and the like by distributing body pressure, and a control method thereof. Background technique [0002] Conventionally, for the purpose of improving lying comfort by distributing body pressure, etc., there is known a fluid unit type mattress in which at least a part of the support surface is constituted by a plurality of units. In this fluid unit type mattress, the unit can be expanded and contracted by supplying and discharging the fluid to the fluid chamber formed in the unit. Therefore, for example, by controlling the supply and discharge of the fluid, it is possible to achieve dispersion of the utilization of body pressure. , massage effect, etc. to improve lying comfort, etc. [0003] In addition, expansion and contraction of a plurality of units can be controlled by switching between connection and disconnection of ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] However, in the mattress disclosed in Patent Document 1, a large number of solenoid valves are required, and therefore, the complexity of the structure and control, the increase of the manufacturing cost, etc. tend to be problems.

In addition, when a plurality of third solenoid valves are opened, when a load is input to the unit connected to the opened solenoid valve, the fluid squeezed out from the fluid chamber of the unit input with the load will flow into the other opened solenoid valves. In the fluid chamber of the unit to which the third solenoid valve is connected, the unexpected elongation and deformation of the unit will make it difficult for the supporting surface to correspond to the user's body surface, and may also have adverse effects on lying comfort, etc.

[0005] In addition, since the units disposed at positions close to each other can support the same convex portion or the same concave portion on the user's body surface, it is desirable to make the units disposed at positions close to each other interlock with each other by the movement of the fluid. However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, even if a plurality of units connected to the opened solenoid valves are arranged at positions away from each other, fluid is allowed to move between these units, so there are also the following disadvantages: The amount of fluid movement between units arranged in close proximity is reduced, preventing rapid deformation of the support surface along the unevenness of the body surface

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