JP4632343B2 - pillow - Google Patents
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- JP4632343B2 JP4632343B2 JP2003386543A JP2003386543A JP4632343B2 JP 4632343 B2 JP4632343 B2 JP 4632343B2 JP 2003386543 A JP2003386543 A JP 2003386543A JP 2003386543 A JP2003386543 A JP 2003386543A JP 4632343 B2 JP4632343 B2 JP 4632343B2
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Description
本発明は、就寝時の体の向きに伴って自動的に高さを調節できる枕に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a pillow that can automatically adjust its height in accordance with the direction of the body at bedtime.
枕の高さが睡眠時の姿勢に適合していないと、重たい頭部を支えるために頭部や頸部などの特定の部分に負担がかかるようになり、快適な睡眠が得られないばかりか健康を損なうことにもなり、例えば不眠、肩凝り、自律神経失調等の症状が発生することが知られている。特に高齢者の場合は眠りが浅くなり、少しの枕の不適合であっても健康に大きく影響すると言われている。このため、従来より、就寝時の姿勢に合わせて高さを調整できる様々な枕が提案されている。 If the height of the pillow does not match the sleeping posture, it will not be able to get a comfortable sleep because it will put a burden on specific parts such as the head and neck to support the heavy head It is also known that symptoms such as insomnia, stiff shoulders, and autonomic insufficiency may occur, which may impair health. In particular, it is said that elderly people become sleepless, and even a small amount of pillow incompatibility has a significant effect on health. For this reason, various pillows whose height can be adjusted according to the posture at bedtime have been proposed.
このような技術として、空気袋に取り付けられたポンプで空気袋の内部の空気量を変えることによって、枕の高さを調節できるようにしたもの（例えば、特許文献１参照。）やバネの弾性力とラック・ピニオン機構を組み合わせて配置し、枕マットを上下作動させるようにしたもの（例えば、特許文献２参照。）が知られている。 As such a technique, the height of the pillow can be adjusted by changing the amount of air inside the air bag with a pump attached to the air bag (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and spring elasticity. A combination of a force and a rack and pinion mechanism is arranged to move the pillow mat up and down (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
しかしながら、これらの技術では枕の高さを変更するのに所定の操作が必要であったため、ほとんど無意識のうちに寝返り動作を行い、仰臥から横臥にあるいはその逆へと姿勢が変わる睡眠中に、枕の高さを変更することができなかった。このため、例えば無意識のうちに睡眠時の姿勢が仰臥から横臥へと変化した場合、枕の高さが仰臥の状態に合わせた低いままであると、下側の肩に荷重が集中するとともに頸部が不自然に曲がった状態が続き、安眠できないだけでなく肩に凝りが発生するようになるという問題があった。
それゆえ、本発明の主たる課題は、睡眠時の姿勢の変化に追従してその高さが安眠できる高さに自動的に調節される枕を提供することである。 Therefore, a main problem of the present invention is to provide a pillow that automatically adjusts to a height at which the height can be rested following the change in posture during sleep.
請求項１に記載した発明は、「内部の流体量を調整することにより高さの調節が可能な高さ調節部(12)、ゴム弾性を有する中空部材からなり、その内部空間が高さ調節部(12)の内部空間に連通し、高さ調節部(12)に荷重がかかると高さ調節部(12)内の流体を取り込んで膨張し、荷重が減少すると流体を高さ調節部(12)内へ戻して収縮する流体量調整部(14)、および高さ調節部(12)の上面に固着され、使用者の頭部および頸部が載置される頭載置部(16)を備えると共に、高さ調節部(12)の内部空間と流体量調整部(14)の内部空間とが、互いに異なる方向へ流体を通す一組の逆止弁(34)(36)を介して連通している」ことを特徴とする枕(10)である。 The invention described in claim 1 is composed of a height adjusting portion (12) capable of adjusting the height by adjusting the amount of fluid inside, and a hollow member having rubber elasticity, and the internal space is adjusted in height. When the load is applied to the height adjuster (12), the fluid in the height adjuster (12) is taken in and expands, and when the load decreases, the fluid adjusts to the height adjuster (12). 12) A fluid amount adjusting section (14) that shrinks back into the head and a head mounting section (16) that is fixed to the upper surface of the height adjusting section (12) and on which the user's head and neck are mounted And the internal space of the height adjustment section (12) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjustment section (14) through a pair of check valves (34) (36) that allow fluid to flow in different directions. It is a pillow (10) characterized by "communicating" .
この発明では、頭載置部(16)の下側に設置された高さ調節部(12)の内部空間と流体量調整部(14)の内部空間とが連通しているので、頭載置部(16)に頭を載せると、頭の重さによって発生した圧力が高さ調節部(12)内の流体を流体量調整部(14)内に向けて圧送する。すると、流体量調整部(14)内に送り込まれた流体の圧力によって流体量調整部(14)の壁面が押圧されて、ゴム弾性を有する流体量調整部(14)が膨張するとともに、高さ調節部(12)の高さが頭載置部(16)を介して加えられる荷重に応じた所定の高さ、つまり安眠できる高さにまで低下する。 In this invention, since the internal space of the height adjustment unit (12) installed on the lower side of the head placement unit (16) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) communicate with each other, the head placement When the head is placed on the section (16), the pressure generated by the weight of the head pumps the fluid in the height adjusting section (12) toward the fluid amount adjusting section (14). Then, the wall surface of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is pressed by the pressure of the fluid sent into the fluid amount adjusting unit (14), and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) having rubber elasticity expands and has a height. The height of the adjustment unit (12) is lowered to a predetermined height corresponding to the load applied via the head placement unit (16), that is, a height at which sleep can be achieved.
一方、高さ調節部(12)に加えられる荷重が減少すると、流体量調整部(14)にかかる押圧力も減少するため、ゴム弾性を有する流体量調整部(14)はその弾性回復力によって収縮し、収縮した流体量調整部(14)の内部容量分の流体が連通する高さ調節部(12)内部へ戻され、高さ調節部(12)の高さが上昇する。 On the other hand, when the load applied to the height adjusting unit (12) decreases, the pressing force applied to the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) also decreases, so that the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) having rubber elasticity has its elastic recovery force. The contracted fluid is returned to the inside of the height adjusting unit (12) in which the fluid corresponding to the internal volume of the contracted fluid amount adjusting unit (14) communicates, and the height of the height adjusting unit (12) increases.
また、高さ調節部(12)の上面には使用者の頭部および頸部が載置される頭載置部(16)が設けられており、高さ調節部(12)が荷重によって変形しても、この頭載置部(16)は一定の形状を保っているので、頭部および頸部の納まりを一定に保つことができる。
そして、「高さ調節部(12)の内部空間と流体量調整部(14)の内部空間とが、互いに異なる方向へ流体を通す一組の逆止弁(34)(36)を介して連通している」ので、高さ調節部(12)と流体量調整部(14)との間を通流する流体の通流速度を減少させることができる。このため、就寝中に頭部を少し動かして枕(10)に与える荷重が微少に変化しても、高さ調節部(12)と流体量調整部(14)との間の流体の通流速度が遅いため、荷重の微少な変化に応じて直ちに高さ調節部(12)の高さが変動することにはならず、空気枕などの流体が充填される枕特有のフワフワした不安定さを無くすことができる。
In addition, a head placement part (16) on which the user's head and neck are placed is provided on the upper surface of the height adjustment part (12), and the height adjustment part (12) is deformed by a load. Even so, since the head mounting portion (16) maintains a constant shape, the accommodation of the head and neck can be kept constant.
“The internal space of the height adjustment unit (12) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) communicate with each other via a set of check valves (34) and (36) that allow fluid to flow in different directions. Therefore, the flow rate of the fluid flowing between the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) can be reduced. For this reason, even when the head is slightly moved during sleep and the load applied to the pillow (10) changes slightly, fluid flow between the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) Because the speed is slow, the height of the height adjustment unit (12) does not fluctuate immediately in response to a slight change in load, and fluffy instability peculiar to pillows filled with fluid such as air pillows. Can be eliminated.
請求項２に記載した発明は、請求項１に記載の枕(10)において「流体量調整部(14)を使用者の肩口に配設するとともに、流体量調整部(14)に荷重がかかると流体量調整部(14)内の流体を高さ調節部(12)に向けて押出し、荷重が減少すると流体を高さ調節部(12)から流体量調整部(14)内へ戻すようにした」ことを特徴とするものである。 According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the pillow (10) according to the first aspect, "the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is disposed on the shoulder of the user and a load is applied to the fluid amount adjusting unit (14)". And the fluid in the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) are pushed out toward the height adjustment unit (12), and when the load decreases, the fluid is returned from the height adjustment unit (12) into the fluid amount adjustment unit (14). It is characterized by that.
この発明では、流体量調整部(14)が使用者の肩口に配設されているので、使用者が横臥の状態になると使用者の体重が肩に集中し、流体量調整部(14)に加えられる荷重が増加するとともに、高さ調節部(12)に加えられる荷重が減少する。すると、流体量調整部(14)内の流体が高さ調節部(12)に向けて圧送され、高さ調節部(12)の高さが上昇するとともに、流体量調整部(14)の高さが低下するようになる。この結果、使用者の頭部や頸部を枕(10)で持ち上げて支持することができ、肩への荷重が軽減されるとともに、頸部が不自然に曲げられることもなく、安眠することができる。 In the present invention, since the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is disposed in the shoulder of the user, when the user is lying down, the weight of the user is concentrated on the shoulder, and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) As the applied load increases, the load applied to the height adjuster (12) decreases. Then, the fluid in the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is pumped toward the height adjusting unit (12), the height of the height adjusting unit (12) is increased, and the height of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is increased. Will be reduced. As a result, the user's head and neck can be lifted and supported by the pillow (10), the load on the shoulder is reduced, and the neck is not bent unnaturally, so that it can sleep well. Can do.
一方、使用者が仰臥の状態になると使用者の体重が体全体に分散され、流体量調整部(14)に加えられる荷重が減少するとともに、高さ調節部(12)に加えられる荷重が増加する。すると、高さ調節部(12)内の流体が流体量調整部(14)に向けて圧送され、高さ調節部(12)の高さが低下するとともに、流体量調整部(14)の高さが上昇するようになる。この結果、使用者の頭部と頸部とに負担がかからない高さまで枕(10)の高さが低下して安眠することができる。 On the other hand, when the user is in the supine state, the weight of the user is dispersed throughout the body, the load applied to the fluid volume adjustment unit (14) decreases, and the load applied to the height adjustment unit (12) increases. To do. Then, the fluid in the height adjusting unit (12) is pumped toward the fluid amount adjusting unit (14), the height of the height adjusting unit (12) is lowered, and the height of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is reduced. Will rise. As a result, the height of the pillow (10) can be lowered to a height that does not place a burden on the user's head and neck, and can be rested.
このように、流体量調整部(14)を使用者の肩口に配設することによって、高さ調節部(12)にかかる荷重および流体量調整部(14)のゴム弾性に加え、流体量調整部(14)にかかる荷重も枕(10)の高さ調節に利用でき、枕(10)の高さをより確実に且つ自動的に安眠できる高さに調節することができる。 In this way, by arranging the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) at the shoulder of the user, in addition to the load applied to the height adjusting unit (12) and the rubber elasticity of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14), the fluid amount adjustment The load applied to the portion (14) can also be used to adjust the height of the pillow (10), and the height of the pillow (10) can be adjusted to a height that allows more reliable and automatic sleep.
請求項３に記載した発明は、請求項１又は２に記載の発明において「高さ調節部(12)の内部空間は、複数の区画室(12a)に区画されていると共に、区画室(12a)同士が相互に連通している」ことを特徴とするもので、これにより、高さ調節部(12)の内部を移動する流体は区画室(12a)間を移動する際に抵抗を受け、その移動速度が減少する。したがって、就寝中に頭部を少し動かして枕(10)に与える荷重が多少変化しても、高さ調節部(12)内の流体の移動速度が遅いため、空気枕などの流体が充填される枕特有のフワフワした不安定さを無くすことができる。 The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein “the internal space of the height adjusting portion (12) is divided into a plurality of compartments (12a) and a compartment (12a ) Are in communication with each other '', whereby the fluid moving inside the height adjuster (12) receives resistance when moving between the compartments (12a), Its movement speed decreases. Therefore, even if the head is moved a little while sleeping and the load applied to the pillow (10) changes slightly, the movement speed of the fluid in the height adjustment section (12) is slow, so fluid such as an air pillow is filled. The fluffy instability peculiar to this pillow can be eliminated.
請求項４に記載した発明は、請求項１乃至３のいずれかに記載の発明において「頭載置部(16)が、使用者の頸部を支持する頸部支持部(50)と、使用者の頭部を支持する頭部支持部(52)とで構成されている」ことを特徴とするものである。 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the head mounting portion (16) and the neck support portion (50) for supporting the neck of the user are used. And a head support portion (52) for supporting a person's head ”.
この発明では、頭載置部(16)が、就寝時に頸部を支持する頸部支持部(50)と頭部を支持する頭部支持部(52)との別個独立したものとして構成されているので、頸部支持部(50)と頭部支持部(52)の高さは、それらが就寝時に受ける荷重に応じた別個のものとなる。このため、使用者の頭部から頸部をその形状に沿って全体的に支持することができ、使用者の頭部から頸部にかけて枕(10)との間の支点が分散される結果、使用者は安眠することができる。 In this invention, the head placement portion (16) is configured as a separate and independent portion of the neck support portion (50) that supports the neck at bedtime and the head support portion (52) that supports the head. Therefore, the heights of the neck support part (50) and the head support part (52) are different according to the load that they receive at bedtime. For this reason, it is possible to support the neck from the user's head as a whole along its shape, and the fulcrum between the pillow (10) from the user's head to the neck is dispersed, The user can sleep well.
請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の発明において「高さ調節部(12)もしくは流体量調整部(14)の少なくともいずれか一方に流体給入口(24)が設けられている」ことを特徴とするもので、これにより、流体給入口(24)から高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)に供給する流体の量を調節することができ、使用者は枕(10)の高さを各人の体型や好みに合わせた最も安眠できる最適な高さに調節することができる。 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the “fluid inlet (24) is provided in at least one of the height adjusting portion (12) and the fluid amount adjusting portion (14)”. By this, it is possible to adjust the amount of fluid supplied from the fluid inlet (24) to the height adjuster (12) and the fluid amount adjuster (14). The user can adjust the height of the pillow (10) to the optimum height that can be rested according to the body shape and preference of each person.
請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項５に記載の発明において「流体給入口(24)には、可撓性を有する配管(53)を介して、軸方向一方端部に流体を取り込む取込口(54a)が形成され、軸方向他方端部に流体を吐出する吐出口(54b)が形成された円筒状の本体(54)と、取込口(54a)側の本体(54)内部から外部にかけて本体(54)軸方向に摺動自在に取り付けられ、本体(54)内部および外部に位置する軸方向両端側面に軸方向と略直交する通流口(56a)(56b)が穿設された円筒状の摺接部材(56)と、本体(54)内部の摺接部材(56)の軸方向他方端面に当接するよう取り付けられ、取込口(54a)から供給される流体の圧力よりも弱い押圧力を有する常閉バネ(68)によって本体内壁(54c)の周方向全周に亘って密着するように押し付けられたポペット弁(58)とを備える流体給入装置(18)が接続されている」ことを特徴とするものである。 According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the fluid intake port (24) is configured to take fluid into one end in the axial direction via a flexible pipe (53). A cylindrical main body (54) formed with an inlet (54a) and having an outlet (54b) for discharging fluid at the other end in the axial direction, and the inside of the main body (54) on the inlet (54a) side The body (54) is slidably mounted in the axial direction from the outside to the outside, and the flow ports (56a) (56b) that are substantially orthogonal to the axial direction are drilled on both side surfaces in the axial direction located inside and outside the body (54) The cylindrical sliding contact member (56) and the pressure of the fluid supplied from the intake port (54a) are attached so as to contact the other end surface in the axial direction of the sliding contact member (56) inside the main body (54). A fluid feeding device (18) comprising a poppet valve (58) pressed so as to closely contact the entire circumference of the inner wall (54c) of the main body by a normally closed spring (68) having a weaker pressing force. Connected Are "It is characterized in.
この発明では、枕(10)の流体給入口(24)と流体給入装置(18)とが可撓性を有する配管(53)を介して接続されているので、使用者は頭部ならびに頸部を枕(10)に支持させたままの状態、つまり、寝たままの状態で高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)内に流体を供給もしくは排出させて、枕(10)の高さを安眠できる最適の高さに調節することができる。 In this invention, since the fluid inlet (24) of the pillow (10) and the fluid inlet device (18) are connected via the flexible pipe (53), the user can use the head and neck. The fluid is supplied to or discharged from the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) while the head is supported by the pillow (10), i.e., while lying down. ) Can be adjusted to the optimum height for sleep.
また、流体給入装置(18)は、本体(54)内部に取り付けられたポペット弁(58)が、取込口(54a)から供給される流体の圧力よりも弱い押圧力を有する常閉バネ(68)によって本体内壁(54c)の周方向全周に亘って密着するように押し当てられている。したがって、取込口(54a)側から流体を供給すると、摺接部材(56)の通流口(56a)(56b)を介してポペット弁(58)に流体の圧力が与えられ、この流体の圧力に常閉バネ(68)の押圧力が抗しきれなくなりポペット弁(58)が開放されて、高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)に流体が与えられる。 Further, the fluid feeding device (18) includes a normally closed spring in which a poppet valve (58) attached to the inside of the main body (54) has a pressing force weaker than the pressure of the fluid supplied from the intake port (54a). It is pressed by (68) so as to be in close contact with the entire circumference of the inner wall (54c) of the main body. Therefore, when fluid is supplied from the intake port (54a) side, fluid pressure is applied to the poppet valve (58) via the flow ports (56a) (56b) of the sliding contact member (56), and the fluid The pressing force of the normally closed spring (68) cannot resist the pressure, and the poppet valve (58) is opened, and fluid is supplied to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14).
そして、流体の供給を停止すると、常閉バネ(68)がポペット弁(58)を本体内壁(54c)に密着するように押し付け、取込口(54a)と吐出口(54b)との通流を遮断するので、枕(10)の高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)に与えられた流体が逆流して漏れ出る心配はない。 When the fluid supply is stopped, the normally closed spring (68) presses the poppet valve (58) in close contact with the inner wall (54c) of the main body, and the flow between the intake port (54a) and the discharge port (54b) Therefore, there is no fear that the fluid supplied to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) of the pillow (10) flows backward and leaks out.
さらに、本体(54)の取込口(54a)側に摺動自在に取り付けられた摺接部材(56)を本体(54)の吐出口(54b)側へ向けて押圧したり、押圧を解除したりするとポペット弁(58)が開閉されるので、枕(10)内の流体を排出させて枕(10)の高さを微調整することができる。 Further, the sliding contact member (56) slidably attached to the intake port (54a) side of the main body (54) is pressed toward the discharge port (54b) side of the main body (54), or the press is released. Otherwise, the poppet valve (58) is opened and closed, so that the fluid in the pillow (10) can be discharged and the height of the pillow (10) can be finely adjusted.
本発明によれば、高さ調節部に荷重がかかると、流体量調整部が膨張して高さ調節部の高さが低下し、逆に、高さ調節部にかかる荷重が減少すると、流体量調整部が収縮して枕の高さが上昇するので、寝返り動作などにより枕に加わる荷重が変化するだけで、枕の高さを自動的に調節することができる。 According to the present invention, when a load is applied to the height adjusting unit, the fluid amount adjusting unit expands and the height of the height adjusting unit decreases, and conversely, when the load applied to the height adjusting unit decreases, Since the amount adjustment unit contracts and the height of the pillow rises, the height of the pillow can be automatically adjusted only by changing the load applied to the pillow due to a rollover operation or the like.
また、高さ調節部と流体量調整部との間および高さ調節部内の流体の通流速度が遅いため、荷重の微少な変化に応じて直ちに高さ調節部の高さが変動することにはならず、空気枕などの流体が充填される枕特有のフワフワした不安定さを無くすことができる。 In addition, since the flow rate of the fluid between the height adjusting unit and the fluid amount adjusting unit and in the height adjusting unit is slow, the height of the height adjusting unit immediately fluctuates according to a slight change in load. In addition, fluffy instability peculiar to pillows filled with fluid such as air pillows can be eliminated.
さらに、流体給入口から高さ調節部および流体量調整部に供給する流体の量を調節することができ、使用者は枕の高さを各人の体型や好みに合わせた最も安眠できる最適な高さに調節することができる。 In addition, the amount of fluid supplied from the fluid inlet to the height adjusting unit and the fluid amount adjusting unit can be adjusted, and the user can adjust the height of the pillow to the most suitable for each person's body shape and preference. Can be adjusted to height.
そして、流体給入口には可撓性を有する配管を介して流体給入装置が接続されているので、使用者は頭部ならびに頸部を枕に支持させたままの状態、つまり、寝たままの状態で高さ調節部および流体量調整部内に流体を供給もしくは排出させて、枕の高さを安眠できる最適の高さに調節することができる。 Since the fluid supply device is connected to the fluid supply port via a flexible pipe, the user can keep the head and neck supported by the pillow, that is, stay asleep. In this state, the height of the pillow can be adjusted to an optimal height by which fluid can be supplied to or discharged from the height adjusting unit and the fluid amount adjusting unit.
したがって、本発明により、睡眠時の姿勢の変化に追従してその高さが安眠できる高さに自動的に調節される枕を提供することができる。 Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pillow that automatically adjusts to a height at which its height can be rested following the change in posture during sleep.
以下、本発明を図示実施例に従って詳述する。 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to illustrated embodiments.
図１〜図３に示す第１実施例の枕(10)は、睡眠時の姿勢の変化に追従してその高さが自動的に調節されるものであり、高さ調節部(12)、流体量調整部(14)、頭載置部(16)および流体給入装置(18)などで構成されている。 The pillow (10) of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 automatically adjusts its height following a change in posture during sleep, and includes a height adjustment unit (12), The fluid amount adjusting unit (14), the head mounting unit (16), the fluid feeding device (18), and the like are included.
高さ調節部(12)は、流体が供給されることによりその高さが上昇し、かつ、流体が抜かれることによりその高さが低下するものであり、塩化ビニル樹脂，ポリオレフィン樹脂およびナイロンなど柔軟な可撓性材料により中空の密閉箱状に形成されている。 The height adjuster (12) is such that its height increases when fluid is supplied, and its height decreases when fluid is removed, such as vinyl chloride resin, polyolefin resin, and nylon. It is formed in a hollow sealed box shape by a soft flexible material.
この高さ調節部(12)の内部空間は、高さ調節部(12)と同様の柔軟な可撓性材料からなり、垂直方向に延ばされて両端が高さ調節部(12)の内壁面に密着・固定された区画帯(20)によって複数の区画室(12a)に区画されており、各区画室(12a)は区画帯に設けられた区画室連通口(20a)によって相互に連通している。 The internal space of the height adjustment section (12) is made of a flexible material similar to that of the height adjustment section (12), and is extended in the vertical direction so that both ends are within the height adjustment section (12). The compartment (12a) is divided into a plurality of compartments (12a) by means of compartments (20) that are in close contact with and fixed to the wall surface, and each compartment (12a) communicates with each other through compartment communication ports (20a) provided in the compartments. ing.
そして、この高さ調節部(12)の対向する一対の両側面には、流体量調整部(14)が取り付けられるとともに、高さ調節部(12)の上面には、頭載置部(16)が固着されている。 A fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is attached to a pair of opposite side surfaces of the height adjusting unit (12), and a head mounting unit (16 ) Is fixed.
流体量調整部(14)は、内部に加圧された流体が供給されることにより膨張し、かつ、内部の流体の圧力が減少すると自身の弾性回復力によって収縮するものであり、ゴム、ポリウレタン、ポリエステルエラストマーなどのゴム弾性を有する弾性材料により中空の密閉箱状に形成されている。 The fluid amount adjusting unit (14) expands when a pressurized fluid is supplied to the inside, and contracts by its own elastic recovery force when the pressure of the inside fluid is reduced. It is formed into a hollow sealed box shape by an elastic material having rubber elasticity such as polyester elastomer.
この流体量調整部(14)と高さ調節部(12)とは通流速度調整弁(22)を介して接続されており、また、一方の流体量調整部(14)の高さ調節部(12)接続面に対向する側面には流体給入口(24)が設けられている。 The fluid amount adjusting unit (14) and the height adjusting unit (12) are connected via a flow rate adjusting valve (22), and the height adjusting unit of one fluid amount adjusting unit (14) (12) A fluid supply port (24) is provided on the side surface facing the connection surface.
通流速度調整弁(22)は、図４および図５に示すように、流体量調整部(14)内と高さ調節部(12)内との間を通流する流体の通流速度を調整するものであり、ケーシング(22a)を備える。このケーシング(22a)の側面には、配管(26a)を介して高さ調節部(12)の内部空間に接続される高さ調節部接続口(28)と配管(26b)を介して流体量調節部(14)の内部空間に接続される流体量調整部接続口(30)とが設けられている。また、ケーシング(22a)の内部には、高さ調節部接続口(28)と流体量調整部接続口(30)とを連通する通流路(32)が形成されており、これにより高さ調節部(12)の内部空間と流体量調整部(14)の内部空間とが連通するようになっている。そして、通流路(32)の途中には、降下用逆止弁(34)と上昇用逆止弁(36)とが互いに異なる方向へ流体を通すよう並列に設けられている。 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flow rate adjusting valve (22) controls the flow rate of the fluid flowing between the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) and the height adjusting unit (12). It adjusts and is provided with a casing (22a). On the side surface of the casing (22a), the amount of fluid is connected to the height adjusting unit connection port (28) connected to the internal space of the height adjusting unit (12) via the pipe (26a) and the pipe (26b). A fluid amount adjusting unit connection port (30) connected to the internal space of the adjusting unit (14) is provided. In addition, in the casing (22a), there is formed a flow path (32) that connects the height adjusting portion connection port (28) and the fluid amount adjusting portion connection port (30). The internal space of the adjusting unit (12) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) are communicated with each other. In the middle of the flow path (32), the lowering check valve (34) and the rising check valve (36) are provided in parallel so as to allow fluid to flow in different directions.
降下用逆止弁(34)は、常閉バネ(34a)、弁体(34b)、弁座(34c)およびバネ圧調整用ネジ部材(34d)で構成されており、常閉バネ(34a)がその軸方向一方端部に取り付けられた弁体(34b)を弁座(34c)へ押し付けることにより、高さ調節部(12)内から流体量調整部(14)内へ流体が通流する際にその通流速度を減速させるとともに、流体量調整部(14)内から高さ調節部(12)内へは流体が通流できないようにするものである。 The check valve for lowering (34) includes a normally closed spring (34a), a valve body (34b), a valve seat (34c), and a spring pressure adjusting screw member (34d), and the normally closed spring (34a) Presses the valve body (34b) attached to one end in the axial direction against the valve seat (34c), so that the fluid flows from the height adjustment section (12) into the fluid quantity adjustment section (14). In this case, the flow rate is reduced, and the fluid is prevented from flowing from the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) into the height adjusting unit (12).
バネ圧調整用ネジ部材(34d)は、開口の一端がケーシング(22a)表面に露出する雌ネジ(38)と、この雌ネジ(38)に螺合して一端が常閉バネ(34a)の軸方向他方端部を支持する調節用雄ネジ(40)と、雌ネジ(38)に螺合した調節用雄ネジ(40)が動かないようにロックするロック用雄ネジ(42)とで構成されており、雌ネジ(38)に螺合した調節用雄ネジ(40)の位置により、常閉バネ(34a)のバネ圧を調整するものである。 The screw member (34d) for adjusting the spring pressure has a female screw (38) whose one end of the opening is exposed on the surface of the casing (22a), and is screwed into the female screw (38) and has one end of the normally closed spring (34a). Consists of an adjustment male screw (40) that supports the other end in the axial direction and a lock male screw (42) that locks the adjustment male screw (40) screwed into the female screw (38) so that it does not move. The spring pressure of the normally closed spring (34a) is adjusted by the position of the adjusting male screw (40) screwed into the female screw (38).
上昇用逆止弁(36)は、常閉バネ(36a)、弁体(36b)、弁座(36c)およびバネ圧調整用ネジ部材(36d)で構成されており、常閉バネ(36a)がその軸方向一方端部に取り付けられた弁体(36b)を弁座(36c)へ押し付けることにより、流体量調整部(14)内から高さ調節部(12)内へ流体が通流する際にその通流速度を減速させるとともに、高さ調節部(12)内から流体量調整部(14)内へは流体が通流できないようにするものである。 The rising check valve (36) includes a normally closed spring (36a), a valve body (36b), a valve seat (36c), and a spring pressure adjusting screw member (36d), and the normally closed spring (36a) Presses the valve element (36b) attached to one end in the axial direction against the valve seat (36c), so that the fluid flows from the fluid amount adjusting part (14) to the height adjusting part (12). In this case, the flow rate is reduced, and the fluid is prevented from flowing from the height adjustment unit (12) into the fluid amount adjustment unit (14).
バネ圧調整用ネジ部材(36d)は、開口の一端がケーシング(22a)表面に露出する雌ネジ(44)と、この雌ネジ(44)に螺合して一端が常閉バネ(36a)の軸方向他方端部を支持する調節用雄ネジ(46)と、雌ネジ(44)に螺合した調節用雄ネジ(46)が動かないようにロックするロック用雄ネジ(48)とで構成されており、雌ネジ(44)に螺合した調節用雄ネジ(46)の位置により、常閉バネ(36a)のバネ圧を調整するものである。 The screw member (36d) for adjusting the spring pressure has a female screw (44) whose one end of the opening is exposed on the surface of the casing (22a), and is screwed into this female screw (44) and has one end of the normally closed spring (36a). Consists of an adjusting male screw (46) that supports the other end in the axial direction and an adjusting male screw (48) that locks the adjusting male screw (46) screwed into the female screw (44) so that it does not move. The spring pressure of the normally closed spring (36a) is adjusted by the position of the adjusting male screw (46) screwed into the female screw (44).
なお、上昇用逆止弁(36)のバネ圧は、降下用逆止弁(34)のバネ圧よりも弱く設定されている。 The spring pressure of the ascent check valve (36) is set to be weaker than the spring pressure of the descending check valve (34).
頭載置部(16)は、頸部支持部(50)と頭部支持部(52)とで構成されている（図１参照）。 The head placement part (16) is composed of a neck support part (50) and a head support part (52) (see FIG. 1).
頸部支持部(50)は就寝時に使用者の頸部を支持するものであり、通気性および吸水性を有する布帛などからなる箱状の袋(50a)の中に、ソバガラ、綿類、発泡ビーズ、プラスチックパイプおよび木材チップなどの詰め物(50b)を充填し、頸部を支持した際に頸部の荷重で袋(50a)の形状が大きく変わらず、頸部の納まりがよくなるような一定の形態を保つようにしたものである。なお、この頸部支持部(50)の下面は、例えば接着材や面ファスナーなどの固定手段によって高さ調節部(12)の上面に固定されている。 The neck support part (50) supports the user's neck part at bedtime, and in a box-shaped bag (50a) made of a fabric having air permeability and water absorption, buckwheat, cotton, foam Filled with fillings (50b) such as beads, plastic pipes and wood chips, and when the neck is supported, the shape of the bag (50a) does not change significantly due to the load on the neck, and the neck fits well. It keeps the form. The lower surface of the neck support portion (50) is fixed to the upper surface of the height adjusting portion (12) by a fixing means such as an adhesive or a hook-and-loop fastener.
頭部支持部(52)は就寝時に使用者の頭部を支持するものであり、頸部支持部(50)と同様に、通気性および吸水性を有する布帛などからなる箱状の袋(52a)の中に、ソバガラ、綿類、発泡ビーズ、プラスチックパイプおよび木材チップなどの詰め物(52b)を充填し、頭部を支持した際に頸部の荷重で袋(52a)の形状が大きく変わらず、頭部の納まりがよくなるような一定の形態を保つようにしたものである。なお、この頭部支持部(52)の下面も、頸部支持部(50)の下面と同様に、接着材や面ファスナーなどの固定手段によって高さ調節部(12)の上面に固定されている。 The head support part (52) supports the user's head at bedtime and, like the neck support part (50), is a box-shaped bag (52a) made of a fabric having air permeability and water absorption. ) Is filled with padding (52b) such as buckwheat, cotton, foam beads, plastic pipes and wood chips, and when the head is supported, the shape of the bag (52a) does not change significantly due to the load on the neck The head is kept in a certain shape so that the head fits better. The lower surface of the head support portion (52) is also fixed to the upper surface of the height adjustment portion (12) by fixing means such as an adhesive or a hook-and-loop fastener, similarly to the lower surface of the neck support portion (50). Yes.
流体給入装置(18)は、可撓性を有する配管(53)を介して流体量調整部(14)に設けられた流体給入口(24)に取り付けられ、流体を供給することにより流体量調整部(14)および高さ調節部(12)内に流体を供給するとともに、流体量調整部(14)および高さ調節部(12)内の流体を排出するためのものであり、本体(54)、摺接部材(56)およびポペット弁(58)などにより構成されている（図６、図７参照）。 The fluid supply device (18) is attached to the fluid supply inlet (24) provided in the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) via the flexible pipe (53), and supplies the fluid amount to the fluid amount. The fluid is supplied to the adjusting unit (14) and the height adjusting unit (12), and the fluid in the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) and the height adjusting unit (12) is discharged. 54), a sliding contact member (56), a poppet valve (58), and the like (see FIGS. 6 and 7).
本体(54)は、プラスチックや金属などによって形成された円筒状の部材である。この本体(54)の軸方向一方端部には流体を取り込む取込口(54a)が形成されており、軸方向他方端部に流体を吐出する吐出口(54b)が形成されている。また、取込口(54a)側の本体内壁(54c)には、本体(54)軸方向一方端部の末端から吐出口(54b)側に向けて軸方向に延ばされた対向する一対の軸方向溝(60)と、この軸方向溝(60)の取込口(54a)側端部から周方向に延ばされた対向する一対の周方向溝(62)とが形成されており、この軸方向溝(60)よりも吐出口(54b)側には摺接部材抜止め部(54d)が形成されている。また、摺接部材抜止め部(54d)よりも吐出口(54b)側には、本体内壁(54c)がフレア状に拡径してポペット弁(58)が当接される弁座(54e)が設けられており、吐出口(54b)側の端部には雌ネジ(64)が螺設されている。なお、この雌ネジ(64)には、配管(53)を接続する継ぎ手(66)の雄ネジ(66a)が螺着されている。 The main body (54) is a cylindrical member formed of plastic or metal. An intake port (54a) for taking in fluid is formed at one axial end of the main body (54), and a discharge port (54b) for discharging fluid is formed at the other axial end. In addition, the main body inner wall (54c) on the intake port (54a) side has a pair of opposing ends that extend in the axial direction from the end of one end of the main body (54) in the axial direction toward the discharge port (54b). An axial groove (60) and a pair of opposed circumferential grooves (62) extending in the circumferential direction from an end of the axial groove (60) on the intake port (54a) side are formed, A sliding contact member retaining portion (54d) is formed on the discharge port (54b) side of the axial groove (60). Further, on the discharge port (54b) side of the sliding contact member retaining portion (54d), the inner wall (54c) of the main body expands in a flared shape and the valve seat (54e) contacts the poppet valve (58). A female screw (64) is screwed at the end on the discharge port (54b) side. Note that a male screw (66a) of a joint (66) for connecting the pipe (53) is screwed to the female screw (64).
摺接部材(56)は、本体(54)の取込口(54a)側の内径とほぼ等しい外径を有する円筒状の部材であり、軸方向両端面が密閉されるとともに、軸方向両端側面に軸方向と略直交する通流口(56a)(56b)が形成されている。摺接部材(56)は、本体(54)の取込口(54a)側内部から外部にかけて本体(54)軸方向に摺動自在に取り付けられ、その軸方向一方端部側には、摺接部材(56)を本体(54)の周方向溝(62)に係止するための一対の係止部(56c)が突設されている。また、この係止部(56c)よりも軸方向他方端部側には、摺接部材(56)を摺接部材抜止め部(54d)に係止させるため、その外径が本体内壁(54c)と摺接するように拡径された拡径部(56d)が設けられている。 The sliding contact member (56) is a cylindrical member having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the main body (54) on the intake port (54a) side. The through holes (56a) and (56b) are formed substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. The sliding contact member (56) is slidably attached in the axial direction of the main body (54) from the inside of the intake port (54a) side of the main body (54) to the outside, and is slidably contacted on one end side in the axial direction. A pair of locking portions (56c) for locking the member (56) in the circumferential groove (62) of the main body (54) is provided to project. Further, on the other end side in the axial direction from the locking portion (56c), the sliding contact member (56) is locked to the sliding contact member retaining portion (54d), so that the outer diameter thereof is the main body inner wall (54c). ) And a diameter-expanded portion (56d) that is diameter-enlarged so as to be in slidable contact.
ポペット弁(58)は、本体(54)内部の摺接部材(56)の軸方向他方端面に当接するよう取り付けられる弁体であり、常閉バネ(68)によって、取込口(54a)側から供給される流体の圧力よりも弱い押圧力にて本体内壁(54c)に設けられた弁座(54e)に常時密着するよう押し当てられ、取込口(54a)と吐出口(54b)との通流を遮断している。 The poppet valve (58) is a valve body that is attached so as to come into contact with the other end surface in the axial direction of the sliding contact member (56) inside the main body (54). Pressed against the valve seat (54e) provided on the inner wall (54c) of the main body with a pressing force weaker than the pressure of the fluid supplied from the intake port (54a) and the discharge port (54b). Is blocked.
本発明の枕(10)を使用する際には、まず、高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)に所定量の流体を供給する必要がある。なお、本実施例においては、流体として空気を用いるものとする。この際、流体量調整部(14)の流体給入口(24)には配管(53)を介して流体給入装置(18)が接続されているので、使用者は頭部ならびに頸部を枕(10)に支持させたままの状態、つまり、寝たままの状態で高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)内に空気を供給することができる。 When using the pillow (10) of the present invention, first, it is necessary to supply a predetermined amount of fluid to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14). In this embodiment, air is used as the fluid. At this time, since the fluid supply device (18) is connected to the fluid supply port (24) of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) via the pipe (53), the user can attach the head and neck to the pillow. Air can be supplied into the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) while being supported by (10), that is, in the state of being laid down.
流体給入装置(18)を用いて高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)内に空気を供給するには、図８に示すように、摺接部材(56)の係止部(56c)を本体(54)の軸方向溝(60)の位置に位置決めし、摺接部材(56)を本体(54)軸方向に摺動自在とする。この状態にて、取込口(54a)側から呼気を吹き込むと、摺接部材(56)の通流口(56a)および(56b)を介してポペット弁(58)に呼気の圧力が与えられ、この呼気の圧力に常閉バネ(68)の押圧力が抗しきれなくなりポペット弁(58)が開放されて、枕(10)の高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)に呼気が与えられる。 In order to supply air into the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) using the fluid feeding device (18), as shown in FIG. 8, the sliding contact member (56) is locked. The part (56c) is positioned at the position of the axial groove (60) of the main body (54), and the sliding contact member (56) is slidable in the axial direction of the main body (54). In this state, when exhalation is blown from the intake port (54a) side, exhalation pressure is applied to the poppet valve (58) via the flow ports (56a) and (56b) of the sliding contact member (56). The pressure of the normally closed spring (68) cannot resist the pressure of this exhalation, and the poppet valve (58) is opened, and the height adjustment part (12) and the fluid amount adjustment part (14) of the pillow (10) Is given exhalation.
そして、呼気の吹き込みを停止すると、常閉バネ(68)がポペット弁(58)を本体内壁(54c)に密着するように押し付け、取込口(54a)と吐出口(54b)との通流を遮断するので、枕(10)の高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)に与えられた呼気が逆流して漏れ出る心配はない。 When the exhalation is stopped, the normally closed spring (68) presses the poppet valve (58) in close contact with the inner wall (54c) of the main body, and the flow between the intake port (54a) and the discharge port (54b) Therefore, there is no fear that the exhaled air supplied to the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) of the pillow (10) flows backward and leaks out.
さらに、本体(54)の取込口(54a)側に摺動自在に取り付けられた摺接部材(56)を本体(54)の吐出口(54b)側へ向けて押圧したり、押圧を解除したりするとポペット弁(58)が開閉されるので、枕(10)内の空気を排出させて枕(10)の高さを微調整することができる。 Further, the sliding contact member (56) slidably attached to the intake port (54a) side of the main body (54) is pressed toward the discharge port (54b) side of the main body (54), or the press is released. Otherwise, the poppet valve (58) is opened and closed, so that the air in the pillow (10) can be discharged to finely adjust the height of the pillow (10).
次に、枕(10)が所定の高さに達すると、摺接部材(56)を回動させ、図９に示すように摺接部材(56)の係止部(56c)を周方向溝(62)に係止させる。すると、摺接部材(56)がロックされて動かなくなるため、不用意に摺接部材(56)が本体(54)内に押し込まれることにより枕(10)内の空気が抜けてしまうといった問題がない。 Next, when the pillow (10) reaches a predetermined height, the sliding contact member (56) is rotated, and the engaging portion (56c) of the sliding contact member (56) is moved to the circumferential groove as shown in FIG. Lock to (62). Then, since the sliding contact member (56) is locked and cannot move, the sliding contact member (56) is inadvertently pushed into the main body (54), so that the air in the pillow (10) is released. Absent.
なお、枕(10)の高さを所望の高さに設定できた後には、流体給入口(24)に接続した配管(53)および流体給入装置(18)を取り外し、流体給入口を封止部材(70)などにより封止するようにしてもよい（図１０、図１２参照）。 After the height of the pillow (10) can be set to a desired height, the pipe (53) connected to the fluid inlet (24) and the fluid inlet device (18) are removed, and the fluid inlet is sealed. You may make it seal with a stop member (70) etc. (refer FIG. 10, FIG. 12).
上述のようにして所定の高さに設定した枕(10)を用い、仰臥の状態で就寝すると（図１０および図１１参照）、頸部支持部(50)および頭部支持部(52)で支持された頸部および頭部の荷重の全てが高さ調節部(12)に作用し、高さ調節部(12)に強い押圧力がかかる。 Using the pillow (10) set at a predetermined height as described above and sleeping in the supine state (see FIGS. 10 and 11), the neck support part (50) and the head support part (52) All of the supported neck and head loads act on the height adjuster (12), and a strong pressing force is applied to the height adjuster (12).
すると、高さ調節部(12)内の空気が、通流速度調整弁(22)の降下用逆止弁(34)を通ってゆっくりと流体量調整部(14)内に圧送され、この空気の圧力によって流体量調整部(14)の壁面が押圧されてゴム弾性を有する流体量調整部(14)が膨張するとともに、高さ調節部(12)の高さが低下し、枕(10)の高さが頭部と頸部とに負担がかからない高さまで低下して安眠することができる。 Then, the air in the height adjusting unit (12) is slowly pumped into the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) through the check valve (34) for lowering the flow rate adjusting valve (22). The wall of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is pressed by the pressure of the pressure, and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) having rubber elasticity expands, and the height of the height adjusting unit (12) decreases, and the pillow (10) Can fall asleep to a height that does not place a burden on the head and neck.
また、本実施例の枕(10)では、頭載置部(16)が就寝時に頸部を支持する頸部支持部(50)と頭部を支持する頭部支持部(52)との別個独立したものとして構成されているので、頸部支持部(50)と頭部支持部(52)の高さは、それらが就寝時に受ける荷重に応じて別個のものとなる。つまり、重たい頭部を支持する頭部支持部(52)の高さは、頸部支持部(50)の高さよりも低いものとなる。このため、使用者の頭部から頸部にかけてをその形状に沿って全体的に支持することができ、使用者の頭部から頸部にかけて枕(10)との間の支点が分散される結果、使用者は安眠することができる。 Further, in the pillow (10) of the present embodiment, the head placement portion (16) is provided separately from the neck support portion (50) that supports the neck portion at bedtime and the head support portion (52) that supports the head portion. Since it is configured as independent, the heights of the neck support part (50) and the head support part (52) are different according to the load that they receive at bedtime. That is, the height of the head support portion (52) that supports the heavy head is lower than the height of the neck support portion (50). For this reason, it is possible to support the entire head from the user's head to the neck along the shape, and the fulcrum between the user's head and neck and the pillow (10) is dispersed. The user can sleep well.
続いて、無意識のうちに寝返り動作を行い横臥の状態になると（図１２および図１３参照）、頭部の位置が肩の高さ(h)分だけ上昇するので、高さ調節部(12)に作用する荷重が減少し、流体量調整部(14)の壁面を押圧する圧力が低下する。すると、ゴム弾性を有する流体量調整部(14)が自身の弾性回復力によって収縮し、収縮した流体量調整部(14)の容量分の空気が、通流速度調整弁(22)の上昇用逆止弁(36)を通ってゆっくりと高さ調節部(12)内部へ送られ、高さ調節部(12)の高さが上昇する。このとき、流体量調整部(14)自身の弾性回復力は、仰臥の状態で就寝した際に頭部及び頸部が高さ調節部(12)に与える圧力に比べて弱いものであるが、上昇用逆止弁(36)のバネ圧は、降下用逆止弁(34)のバネ圧よりも弱く設定されているので、流体量調整部(14)自身の弾性回復力のみで高さ調節部(12)の高さを自動的に上昇させることができる。 Subsequently, when the user unconsciously turns over and becomes lying down (see FIGS. 12 and 13), the position of the head rises by the height of the shoulder (h), so the height adjustment unit (12) And the pressure that presses the wall surface of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) decreases. Then, the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) having rubber elasticity contracts by its own elastic recovery force, and the air corresponding to the volume of the contracted fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is used for raising the flow rate adjusting valve (22). Through the check valve (36), it is slowly sent into the height adjuster (12), and the height of the height adjuster (12) rises. At this time, the elastic recovery force of the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) itself is weaker than the pressure applied to the height adjustment unit (12) by the head and neck when sleeping in the supine state, Since the spring pressure of the check valve for ascending (36) is set to be weaker than the spring pressure of the check valve for descending (34), the height is adjusted only by the elastic recovery force of the fluid amount adjusting part (14) itself. The height of the part (12) can be automatically raised.
このように睡眠時の姿勢が仰臥から横臥へと変化しただけで自動的に枕(12)の高さが上昇するので、無意識のうちに横臥の状態になったとしても頭部や頸部を枕(10)で持ち上げて支持することができ、肩への荷重が軽減されるとともに、頸部が不自然に曲げられることもなく、安眠することができる。 In this way, the height of the pillow (12) automatically increases just by changing the sleeping posture from supine to recumbent, so even if you are unconsciously lying down, It can be lifted and supported by the pillow (10), the load on the shoulder is reduced, and the neck can be rested without being bent unnaturally.
なお、横臥から仰臥へ姿勢が変化する際には、上述した説明と逆の動作により、枕(10)の高さが自動的に低下する。 Note that when the posture changes from lying down to lying on the back, the height of the pillow (10) is automatically lowered by an operation opposite to that described above.
また、本発明の枕(10)においては、高さ調節部(12)の内部空間と流体量調整部(14)の内部空間とが通流速度調整弁(22)を介して接続されており、また、高さ調節部(12)の内部空間に、可撓性の区画帯(20)で区画された複数の区画室(12a)が設けられると共に、区画帯(20)に形成された区画室連通口(22a)によって区画室(12a)同士が相互に連通するようになっている。このため、高さ調節部(12)と流体量調整部(14)との間および高さ調節部(12)内の空気の通流速度が遅く、就寝中に頭部を少し動かして枕(10)に与える荷重が微少に変化しても直ちに高さ調節部(12)の高さが変動するといったことにはならず、空気枕特有のフワフワした不安定さを無くすことができる。 Further, in the pillow (10) of the present invention, the internal space of the height adjusting unit (12) and the internal space of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) are connected via the flow rate adjusting valve (22). In addition, a plurality of compartments (12a) partitioned by a flexible partition band (20) are provided in the internal space of the height adjustment unit (12), and the partition formed in the partition band (20) The compartments (12a) communicate with each other through the room communication port (22a). For this reason, the air flow rate between the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) and in the height adjusting unit (12) is slow, and the head is moved a little while sleeping. Even if the load applied to 10) changes slightly, the height of the height adjusting section (12) does not immediately change, and the fluffy instability peculiar to the air pillow can be eliminated.
なお、上述の例では、流体として空気を用いる例を示したが、枕の高さ調節に使用する流体は水道水などの液体であっても良い。 In the above example, air is used as the fluid. However, the fluid used for adjusting the height of the pillow may be a liquid such as tap water.
また、高さ調節部(12)を柔軟な可撓性材料からなるものの例を示したが、この高さ調節部(12)は内部の流体量を調整することによって高さの調節が可能なものであればよく、例えば、硬質のプラスチックなどからなり、高さの調節が可能な蛇腹状部材（図示せず）を用いるようにしてもよい。 Moreover, although the example of what consists of a flexible material was shown for the height adjustment part (12), this height adjustment part (12) can adjust height by adjusting the amount of fluid inside. For example, a bellows-like member (not shown) made of hard plastic and capable of adjusting the height may be used.
また、高さ調節部(12)の対向する両側面に２つの流体量調整部(14)を設けた例を示したが、就寝時に枕(10)が受ける荷重に伴ってその高さを自動的に調節できるのであれば、流体量調整部は１つであってもよい。 In addition, although an example was shown in which two fluid amount adjustment parts (14) were provided on opposite side surfaces of the height adjustment part (12), the height is automatically adjusted according to the load that the pillow (10) receives at bedtime. If it can be adjusted, the number of fluid amount adjusting units may be one.
また、流体給入口(24)を流体量調整部(14)に設けた例を示したが、高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)の両方の内部に流体を供給・排出できるものであれば、流体給入口(24)を高さ調節部(12)に設けてもよいし、高さ調節部(12)および流体量調整部(14)の両方に設けてもよい。 In addition, although an example in which the fluid supply inlet (24) is provided in the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) has been shown, the fluid is supplied to and discharged from both the height adjusting unit (12) and the fluid amount adjusting unit (14). If possible, the fluid supply port (24) may be provided in the height adjustment unit (12), or may be provided in both the height adjustment unit (12) and the fluid amount adjustment unit (14).
また、頭載置部(16)は、頭部を載置した際に頭の納まりを一定に保つことができるものであればよいため、密閉袋に圧力がかかっても当該袋の形状が変わらないように空気や液体などの流体を充填したものであってもよいし、図１４に示すように、頭載置部(16)を形状が全く変化しない硬質な部材に替えて、頭部が直接当接する枕(10)の表面全体を綿類やソバガラなどの詰め物が充填されたカバー部材(72)で覆うようにしても良い。なお、このように枕の表面全体をカバー部材(72)で覆ったものを用いて横臥の状態で就寝する際には、頭載置部(16)の高さと流体量調整部(14)の高さとがほぼ等しくなるため、頭載置部(16)のみならず、流体量調整部(14)でも頭部を支持することができる。 In addition, since the head placement portion (16) may be anything that can keep the head fit when the head is placed, the shape of the bag changes even when pressure is applied to the sealed bag. It may be filled with a fluid such as air or liquid so that the head mounting portion (16) is replaced with a hard member whose shape does not change at all as shown in FIG. The entire surface of the pillow (10) that directly contacts may be covered with a cover member (72) filled with padding such as cotton or buckwheat. In addition, when sleeping in a lying state using a cover member (72) that covers the entire surface of the pillow in this way, the height of the head mounting part (16) and the fluid amount adjustment part (14) Since the height is substantially equal, not only the head mounting portion (16) but also the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) can support the head.
また、子供から大人まで様々な身体サイズに適合させるために、図１５に示すように、流体を充填することによって枕(10)に荷重が加わる前の初期高さを調整する初期高さ調整部(74)を枕(10)の底面に取り付けるようにしてもよい。なお、初期高さ調整部(74)も流体給入装置(18)を用いて膨らませることができるため、切替弁(76)を介して流体量調整部(14)と初期高さ調整部(74)とを接続すれば、流体給入装置(18)を付け替える必要がなく楽である。 In order to adapt to various body sizes from children to adults, as shown in FIG. 15, an initial height adjusting unit that adjusts the initial height before a load is applied to the pillow (10) by filling a fluid. (74) may be attached to the bottom surface of the pillow (10). Since the initial height adjustment unit (74) can also be inflated using the fluid feeding device (18), the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) and the initial height adjustment unit ( 74), there is no need to replace the fluid feeding device (18), and it is easy.
そして、流体給入装置(18)として本体(54)、摺接部材(56)およびポペット弁(58)などで構成されたものを示したが、図１６および１７に示すように、本体(54)の吐出口(54b)側に第２の弁座(78)を取り付けるとともに、ポペット弁(58)の吐出口(54b)側末端に連接する第２のポペット弁(80)を設け、弁座(54e)と弁座(78)との間の本体(54)内部空間に空気などの流体を送り込むポンプ(82)を取り付けるようにしてもよい。このような流体給入装置(84)を用いることで、枕(10)の使用者自身がその高さを調節できない場合、使用者以外の者（例えば介護人など）が使用者本人に代わって枕(10)の高さを調整することができる。なお、流体として水道水などの液体を使用する場合には、図１８に示すように、摺接部材(86)を、ハンドル(86a)とこのハンドル(86a)を回動させることによって本体(54)軸方向に進退してポペット弁(58)を開閉させるネジ部材(86b)とで構成されたものに変えるとともに、ポペット弁(58)と摺接部材(86)との間に給入路(88)を設けた流体給入装置(90)を用いるようにしてもよい。 The fluid feeding device (18) is configured by a main body (54), a sliding contact member (56), a poppet valve (58), and the like, but as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the main body (54 ) On the discharge port (54b) side, and a second poppet valve (80) connected to the discharge port (54b) side end of the poppet valve (58). A pump (82) for feeding fluid such as air may be attached to the internal space of the main body (54) between the valve seat (78e) and the valve seat (78). When the user of the pillow (10) cannot adjust the height by using such a fluid feeding device (84), a person other than the user (such as a caregiver) takes the place of the user. The height of the pillow (10) can be adjusted. When using a liquid such as tap water as the fluid, as shown in FIG. 18, the sliding contact member (86) is rotated by rotating the handle (86a) and the handle (86a). ) Along with a screw member (86b) that opens and closes in the axial direction to open and close the poppet valve (58), and at the same time, a feeding path (between the poppet valve (58) and the sliding contact member (86) ( A fluid feeding device (90) provided with 88) may be used.
次に、図１９および図２０に示す第２実施例について説明する。上述した第１実施例と異なる部分は、流体量調整部(14)が使用者の肩口に設けられている点である。なお、これ以外の部分は前記第１実施例と同じであるので、前記第１実施例の説明を援用して本実施例の説明に代える。 Next, a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 will be described. The difference from the first embodiment described above is that the fluid amount adjusting part (14) is provided at the shoulder of the user. Since the other parts are the same as those of the first embodiment, the description of the first embodiment is used instead of the description of the first embodiment.
この実施例では、枕(10)の流体量調整部(14)を、膨張時の流体量調整部(14)と略同等の高さを有する固めのマットレス(92)および(94)の間に取着している。具体的には、使用者がマットレス(92)に寝た際、使用者の肩が当接する位置(即ち使用者の肩口)に流体量調整部(14)を配設するとともに、使用者の頭部が配置されるマットレス(94)の上面に高さ調節部(12)と頭載置部(16)とを取り付けている。そして、流体量調整部(14)の内部空間と高さ調節部(12)の内部空間は、通流速度調整弁(22)が取り付けられた配管(26a)(26b)を介して連通するようになっている(図１９参照)。 In this embodiment, the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) of the pillow (10) is disposed between the hard mattresses (92) and (94) having a height substantially equal to that of the fluid amount adjusting portion (14) at the time of expansion. Are attached. Specifically, when the user sleeps on the mattress (92), the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is disposed at a position where the user's shoulder abuts (i.e., the user's shoulder), and the user's head. A height adjusting part (12) and a head placing part (16) are attached to the upper surface of the mattress (94) on which the part is arranged. The internal space of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) and the internal space of the height adjusting unit (12) communicate with each other via pipes (26a) and (26b) to which the flow rate adjusting valve (22) is attached. (See FIG. 19).
このように、流体量調整部(14)を使用者の肩口に配設することにより、使用者が横臥の状態になると使用者の体重が肩に集中し、流体量調整部(14)に加えられる荷重が増加するとともに、高さ調節部(12)に加えられる荷重が減少する。すると、流体量調整部(14)内の流体が高さ調節部(12)に向けて圧送され、高さ調節部(12)の高さが上昇するとともに、流体量調整部(14)の高さが低下するようになる(図２０参照)。この結果、使用者の頭部や頸部を枕(10)で持ち上げて支持することができ、肩への荷重が軽減されるとともに、頸部が不自然に曲げられることもなく、安眠することができる。 As described above, by arranging the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) in the shoulder of the user, when the user is lying down, the weight of the user is concentrated on the shoulder and added to the fluid amount adjusting unit (14). As the applied load increases, the load applied to the height adjuster (12) decreases. Then, the fluid in the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is pumped toward the height adjusting unit (12), the height of the height adjusting unit (12) is increased, and the height of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is increased. (See FIG. 20). As a result, the user's head and neck can be lifted and supported by the pillow (10), the load on the shoulder is reduced, and the neck is not bent unnaturally, so that it can sleep well. Can do.
一方、使用者が仰臥の状態になると使用者の体重が体全体に分散され、流体量調整部(14)に加えられる荷重が減少するとともに、高さ調節部(12)に加えられる荷重が相対的に増加する。すると、高さ調節部(12)内の流体が流体量調整部(14)に向けて圧送され、高さ調節部(12)の高さが低下するとともに、流体量調整部(14)の高さが上昇するようになる(図１９参照)。この結果、使用者の頭部と頸部とに負担がかからない高さまで枕(10)の高さが低下して安眠することができる。 On the other hand, when the user is in a supine state, the weight of the user is dispersed throughout the body, the load applied to the fluid amount adjustment unit (14) is reduced, and the load applied to the height adjustment unit (12) is relative. Increase. Then, the fluid in the height adjusting unit (12) is pumped toward the fluid amount adjusting unit (14), the height of the height adjusting unit (12) is lowered, and the height of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) is reduced. Will rise (see FIG. 19). As a result, the height of the pillow (10) can be lowered to a height that does not place a burden on the user's head and neck, and can be rested.
以上述べたところから明らかなように、流体量調整部(14)を使用者の肩口に配設することによって、高さ調節部(12)にかかる荷重および流体量調整部(14)のゴム弾性に加え、流体量調整部(14)にかかる荷重も枕(10)の高さ調節に利用でき、枕(10)の高さをより確実に且つ自動的に安眠できる高さに調節することができる。 As is apparent from the above description, the load applied to the height adjusting unit (12) and the rubber elasticity of the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) are provided by arranging the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) in the shoulder of the user. In addition, the load applied to the fluid amount adjusting unit (14) can also be used to adjust the height of the pillow (10), and the height of the pillow (10) can be adjusted more reliably and automatically to a height at which it can sleep. it can.
(10)…枕
(12)…高さ調節部
(14)…流体量調整部
(16)…頭載置部
(18)…流体給入装置
(20)…区画帯
(22)…通流速度調整弁
(34)…降下用逆止弁
(36)…上昇用逆止弁
(50)…頸部支持部
(52)…頭部支持部
(53)…配管
(54)…本体
(56)…摺接部材
(58)…ポペット弁
(68)…常閉バネ
(70)…封止部材
(92)，(94)…マットレス
(10)… Pillow
(12)… Height adjuster
(14)… Fluid amount adjustment unit
(16)… Head placement
(18)… Fluid feeding device
(20)… Zone
(22)… Velocity adjustment valve
(34) ... Check valve for lowering
(36)… Rise check valve
(50)… Neck support
(52)… Head support
(53)… Piping
(54)… Main body
(56) ... Sliding contact member
(58)… Poppet valve
(68)… Normally closed spring
(70) ... Sealing member
(92), (94) ... Mattress
Claims (6)
ゴム弾性を有する中空部材からなり、その内部空間が前記高さ調節部の内部空間に連通し、前記高さ調節部に荷重がかかると前記高さ調節部内の流体を取り込んで膨張し、前記荷重が減少すると前記流体を前記高さ調節部内へ戻して収縮する流体量調整部、および
前記高さ調節部の上面に固着され、使用者の頭部および頸部が載置される頭載置部を備えると共に、
前記高さ調節部の内部空間と前記流体量調整部の内部空間とが、互いに異なる方向へ流体を通す一組の逆止弁を介して連通していることを特徴とする枕。 Height adjustment part that can adjust the height by adjusting the amount of fluid inside,
It consists of a hollow member having rubber elasticity, and its internal space communicates with the internal space of the height adjusting portion, and when a load is applied to the height adjusting portion, it takes in the fluid in the height adjusting portion and expands, and the load A fluid amount adjusting part that contracts by returning the fluid into the height adjusting part when the pressure decreases, and a head mounting part that is fixed to the upper surface of the height adjusting part and on which the user's head and neck are placed provided with a,
The pillow according to claim 1, wherein the internal space of the height adjusting unit and the internal space of the fluid amount adjusting unit communicate with each other via a set of check valves that allow fluid to flow in different directions .
軸方向一方端部に流体を取り込む取込口が形成され、軸方向他方端部に流体を吐出する吐出口が形成された円筒状の本体と、A cylindrical main body formed with an intake port for taking in fluid at one end in the axial direction and an outlet for discharging fluid at the other end in the axial direction;
前記取込口側の本体内部から外部にかけて前記本体軸方向に摺動自在に取り付けられ、前記本体内部および外部に位置する軸方向両端側面に軸方向と略直交する通流口が穿設された円筒状の摺接部材と、It is slidably attached in the axial direction of the main body from the inside of the main body on the intake port side to the outside, and a flow opening substantially perpendicular to the axial direction is formed on both side surfaces in the axial direction located inside and outside the main body. A cylindrical sliding contact member;
前記本体内部の前記摺接部材の軸方向他方端面に当接するよう取り付けられ、前記取込口から供給される呼気の圧力よりも弱い押圧力を有する常閉バネによって本体内壁の周方向全周に亘って密着するように押し付けられたポペット弁とを備える流体給入装置が接続されていることを特徴とする請求項５に記載の枕。It is attached so as to contact the other axial end surface of the sliding contact member inside the main body, and it is applied to the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the inner wall of the main body by a normally closed spring having a pressing force weaker than the exhalation pressure supplied from the intake port. The pillow according to claim 5, wherein a fluid feeding device including a poppet valve pressed so as to be in close contact is connected.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2003386543A JP4632343B2 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2003-11-17 | pillow |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2003020938 | 2003-01-29 | ||
| JP2003386543A JP4632343B2 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2003-11-17 | pillow |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2004249088A JP2004249088A (en) | 2004-09-09 |
| JP4632343B2 true JP4632343B2 (en) | 2011-02-16 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2003386543A Expired - Fee Related JP4632343B2 (en) | 2003-01-29 | 2003-11-17 | pillow |
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Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN1748619A (en) * | 2004-09-15 | 2006-03-22 | 王学义 | Bionic baby bed mattress capable of moving up and down and its design |
| JP5036549B2 (en) * | 2005-11-08 | 2012-09-26 | 株式会社デルタツーリング | pillow |
| KR100718886B1 (en) * | 2006-05-10 | 2007-05-16 | 강직원 | A pillow where the high and low is controlled |
| TW200946061A (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-16 | hong-jian Zhou | Pillow able to adjust the height |
| KR101173430B1 (en) * | 2012-01-30 | 2012-08-10 | 김태진 | Pneumatic pillow having an automatic height control function |
| KR102332759B1 (en) * | 2020-03-05 | 2021-11-29 | 송영태 | Pillow |
| KR102399625B1 (en) * | 2020-07-24 | 2022-05-18 | 윤성균 | Pillows with adjustable height according to sleep posture |
| KR102350626B1 (en) * | 2020-07-31 | 2022-01-13 | 고려대학교 산학협력단 | Variable pillow for load balancing of head and cervical vertebrae |
| KR102451332B1 (en) * | 2020-11-19 | 2022-10-07 | 주식회사 에이아이솔루션 | Smart pillow |
| CN114129027B (en) * | 2021-12-11 | 2023-05-30 | 和也健康科技有限公司 | Intelligent gyromagnetic pillow capable of adjusting head and neck height and head included angle |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0364072U (en) * | 1989-10-20 | 1991-06-21 | ||
| JP2002078589A (en) * | 2000-09-06 | 2002-03-19 | Toyo Tire & Rubber Co Ltd | Pillow |
| JP2002306280A (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2002-10-22 | Apas:Kk | Pressure dispersion body |
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- 2003-11-17 JP JP2003386543A patent/JP4632343B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0364072U (en) * | 1989-10-20 | 1991-06-21 | ||
| JP2002078589A (en) * | 2000-09-06 | 2002-03-19 | Toyo Tire & Rubber Co Ltd | Pillow |
| JP2002306280A (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2002-10-22 | Apas:Kk | Pressure dispersion body |
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| JP2004249088A (en) | 2004-09-09 |
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