chair

Abstract

The chair includes: a movable part, the movable part including a seat for a user to sit on; a support part supporting the movable part so as to be able to move left and right; and a restoring unit as a force-applying mechanism, the restoring unit applying force to the movable part toward a neutral position to the left and right. The support part supports the movable part so that the movable part descends as it moves away from the neutral position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a chair that enables the interlocking of movements between the lower limbs and the torso. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-126281) discloses a chair that uses an actuator to swing the seat. The purpose of this chair is to allow a user sitting in the swinging chair to perform movements that mimic horseback riding, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the structure of Patent Document 1, the use of actuators for driving the seat and the like results in high costs and limitations on the location and convenience for charging.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a chair that is low-cost, highly convenient, and capable of achieving high mobility.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a chair is provided, comprising: a movable part including a seat for a user to sit on; a support part supporting the movable part so as to be movable left and right; and a force-applying mechanism applying force to the movable part toward a neutral position to the left or right, wherein the support part supports the movable part such that the movable part lowers as it moves away from the neutral position. Based on the above structure, a chair that is low-cost, highly convenient, and capable of achieving high mobility can be realized.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a chair is provided, comprising: a movable part including a seat for a user to sit on; a support part supporting the movable part to enable left and right movement; and a force-applying mechanism applying force to the movable part toward a neutral left-right position, wherein the support part supports the movable part such that the movable part swings left and right around a roll axis extending rearward, the roll axis being positioned below the movable part when it is in the neutral position. Based on the above structure, a chair that is low-cost, highly convenient, and capable of achieving high mobility can be realized.

[0007] Preferably, the support includes a guide rail that defines the path for the left and right movement of the movable part, the guide rail being inclined in a manner that descends from the center toward the end in the length direction of the guide rail, and the movable part moving along the guide rail of the support.

[0008] Preferably, the guide rail includes a right guide rail portion extending from the center to the right and a left guide rail portion extending from the center to the left, and the movable portion includes a right connecting portion that slides freely with the right guide rail portion and a left connecting portion that slides freely with the left guide rail portion.

[0009] Preferably, the seat is configured to rotate about a yaw axis.

[0010] Preferably, the movable part further includes a movable part body located between the support part and the seat part, the seat part being mounted on the movable part body and configured to be rotatable about a yaw axis relative to the movable part body.

[0011] Preferably, the movable part further includes a movable part body located between the support part and the seat part, the seat part being mounted on the movable part body and configured to be rotatable about a yaw axis relative to the support part.

[0012] Preferably, the seat is configured to tilt back and forth relative to the movable main body.

[0013] Preferably, the seat is configured to tilt relative to the movable main body in all directions.

[0014] Preferably, the movable part further includes: a universal joint that connects the seat to the movable part body; and a helical spring disposed between the seat and the movable part body and suppressing tilting movement of the seat relative to the movable part body.

[0015] Preferably, the force-applying mechanism is an elastic body.

[0016] Preferably, the elastomer is a helical spring or rubber.

[0017] Preferably, the chair also includes a backrest fixed to the support. This structure helps to suppress head and arm swaying.

[0018] Preferably, the chair also includes a fixing mechanism for securing the user's torso to the backrest.

[0019] Preferably, the fixing mechanism secures a portion of the user's torso above the chest to the backrest.

[0020] Preferably, the fixation mechanism secures the user's neck or shoulder blades to the backrest.

[0021] Preferably, the chair also includes a headrest fixed to the support portion.

[0022] According to the present invention, a chair that is low-cost, highly convenient, and capable of achieving high mobility can be realized.

[0023] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below, which are given by way of example only and should not be considered as limiting the disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a side view of the lower limb musculoskeletal system.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front view of the lower limb musculoskeletal system.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a front view of the lower limb musculoskeletal system.

[0027] Figure 4 This is the front view of the chair.

[0028] Figure 5 It's a 3D model of the chair.

[0029] Figure 6 It's a 3D model of the chair.

[0030] Figure 7 It's a 3D model of the chair.

[0031] Figure 8 It's a 3D model of the chair.

[0032] Figure 9 It's a 3D model of the chair.

[0033] Figure 10 It's a 3D model of the chair.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a front view of the lower limb musculoskeletal system.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a front view of the lower limb musculoskeletal system.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a side view of the chair.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a side view of the chair.

[0038] Figure 15 This is the front view of the chair. Detailed Implementation

[0039] While moderate exercise is essential for maintaining health, regular exercise requires consistent time commitment, and busier individuals are more prone to insufficient physical activity. However, even if consistent time commitment is not possible, performing lower limb exercises while seated can be considered a form of exercise.

[0040] As exercise devices that enable lower limb movement while maintaining a seated posture, known examples include foot pedal (rowing) devices and foot pedal (stepping) devices. Furthermore, moving both feet up and down while seated, placing them on a cushion, also constitutes lower limb movement to some extent.

[0041] In order to improve the exercise effect obtained by lower limb movements while maintaining a seated posture, the inventors of this application conducted intensive research and discovered that by focusing on and inducing the movement chain between the lower limbs and the trunk, it is possible to simultaneously achieve the movement of trunk muscles, such as the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and erector spinae muscles, while maintaining a seated posture. Furthermore, the inventors found that when performing lower limb movements while maintaining a seated posture, if the user's seat is fixed, pelvic movements become sluggish, thus hindering the movement chain between the lower limbs and the trunk. By intentionally making the seat unstable, the movement chain between the lower limbs and the trunk can be achieved.

[0042] As mentioned above, if trunk muscle exercises can be achieved, firstly, a reduction in waist size can be expected. Secondly, the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and erector spinae muscles can be strengthened, making it easier to maintain an anterior pelvic tilt posture and helping to eliminate hunchback and straight neck.

[0043] In addition, if the movement chain between the lower limbs and trunk can be achieved as described above, the pelvis will move busily. Therefore, mainly due to the improved flexibility of the iliopsoas muscle, improvement in chronic low back pain can also be expected.

[0044] (First Embodiment)

[0045] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 14 The first embodiment will be described.

[0046] Figure 1 The lower limb motor system 1 is shown. Lower limb motor system 1 is a specific example of a foot pedal motor system. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the lower limb movement system 1 includes a foot pedal movement device 2 and a chair 3.

[0047] The foot pedal exercise device 2 is a specific example of a device for lower limb movement in a seated position. The foot pedal exercise device 2 is a device for foot pedal movement in a seated position. The lower limb movement system 1 may include a foot pedal exercise device instead of the foot pedal exercise device 2. The foot pedal exercise device 2 may also be omitted.

[0048] Chair 3 is a chair for the user U to sit on during lower limb movement (foot pedaling). In this embodiment, chair 3 and foot pedaling device 2 are separate. Therefore, the distance between foot pedaling device 2 and chair 3 can be adjusted. However, it is also possible for chair 3 and foot pedaling device 2 to be integrally formed.

[0049] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This shows a user U using the lower limb motor system 1 to perform an exercise.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the foot pedal exercise device 2 includes: a main body 5 supporting the output shaft for rotation, a pair of cranks 6 mounted on the output shaft, and a pair of pedals 7 respectively mounted on the pair of cranks 6. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the user U performs a pedaling motion by placing both feet on a pair of pedals 7 and alternately stepping out. The main body 5 of the device is configured to adjust the rotational load on the output shaft. By adjusting the rotational load on the output shaft, the user U can perform a pedaling motion with a preferred motion load.

[0051] Figure 4 Showing the front view of chair 3. (As shown) Figure 4 As shown, the chair 3 includes a movable part 10, a support part 11, a recovery unit 12, and a stabilizing part 13.

[0052] The movable part 10 includes a seat 14 for the user U to sit on.

[0053] The support portion 11 supports the movable portion 10 so that it can move left and right. Here, "left and right" is defined as left and right as viewed from the user U. Similarly, "front and back" is defined as front and back as viewed from the user U.

[0054] The restoration unit 12 applies force to the movable part 10 in a neutral position, facing left or right. Figure 4 In this case, the movable part 10 is located in the neutral position. The neutral position is a specific example of the reference position.

[0055] Furthermore, the support portion 11 supports the movable portion 10 such that the movable portion 10 descends as it moves away from the neutral position.

[0056] User U uses the foot pedal exercise device 2 to perform foot pedal exercise while seated on the seat 14 of chair 3.

[0057] Based on the above structure, a chair 3 can be achieved that is low-cost, highly convenient, and has a high degree of motion efficiency.

[0058] The following is a detailed description of chair 3.

[0059] (Support part 11)

[0060] The support 11 is fixedly mounted on the ground. The support 11 includes legs 20, a frame 21, and two guide rails 22.

[0061] The leg 20 is the part that contacts the ground where the chair 3 is set.

[0062] The frame 21 is supported by legs 20, which in turn support two guide rails 22. Figure 5 As shown, frame 21 includes a front frame portion 21a disposed at the front, a rear frame portion 21b disposed at the rear, a left frame portion 21c disposed on the left side, and a right frame portion 21d disposed on the right side. The front frame portion 21a, rear frame portion 21b, left frame portion 21c, and right frame portion 21d are connected to each other in a rectangular manner when viewed from above. That is, the front frame portion 21a and the rear frame portion 21b are connected to each other via the left frame portion 21c and the right frame portion 21d. The left frame portion 21c connects one end of the front frame portion 21a to one end of the rear frame portion 21b. The right frame portion 21d connects the other end of the front frame portion 21a to the other end of the rear frame portion 21b.

[0063] Two guide rails 22 define the tracks for the left-right movement of the movable part 10. The two guide rails 22 are positioned between the left frame part 21c and the right frame part 21d. The two guide rails 22 extend from the left frame part 21c to the right frame part 21d. The two guide rails 22 connect the left frame part 21c and the right frame part 21d to each other. The two guide rails 22 are arranged separately in the front-rear direction. That is, the two guide rails 22 include a front guide rail part 22a disposed at the front and a rear guide rail part 22b disposed at the rear. Figure 4 Each guide rail 22 is curved in an upward convex manner. That is, each guide rail 22 is inclined in a manner that descends from the center CE in the length direction of each guide rail 22 toward the end EN. Each guide rail 22 is inclined in a manner that approaches the ground from the center CE in the length direction of each guide rail 22 toward the end EN. In this embodiment, each guide rail 22 is formed into a V-shape that convexes upward and opens downward. Therefore, the movable part 10 is guided in a manner that descends as it moves away from the neutral position by moving left and right along the two guide rails 22. In other words, as Figure 4As shown, the support portion 11 supports the movable portion 10 by swinging left and right around the rolling axis 10R extending forward and backward around the movable portion 10, that is, by the movable portion 10 rolling and rotating around the rolling axis 10R. The rolling axis 10R is set at a position lower than the movable portion 10 when it is in the neutral position. The center of gravity of the movable portion 10 is guided by the movable portion 10 moving left and right along the two guide rails 22, thereby descending as it moves away from the neutral position. Each guide rail 22 includes a left guide rail portion 22c extending to the left from the center of the length direction of each guide rail 22 and a right guide rail portion 22d extending to the right from the center of the length direction of each guide rail 22.

[0064] In this embodiment, each guide rail 22 is formed in a V-shape that protrudes upward and opens downward, but the shape of each guide rail 22 is not limited to this. Each guide rail 22 may also be U-shaped that protrudes upward and opens downward, or it may be curved in a manner that protrudes upward and opens downward. Each guide rail 22 may also extend in a typical arc or elliptical arc in a manner that protrudes upward and opens downward.

[0065] In this embodiment, the left guide rail portion 22c and the right guide rail portion 22d constituting each guide rail 22 are integrally formed. However, it is also possible that the left guide rail portion 22c and the right guide rail portion 22d are separately arranged and isolated from each other.

[0066] (10 movable parts)

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 4 The movable part 10 will be explained.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the movable part 10 includes a movable part body 30, a seat 14, a universal joint 31, a coil spring 32, and a pair of connecting units 33.

[0069] A pair of connecting units 33, a movable part body 30, and a seat 14 are arranged in the order described above in the direction away from the ground. A universal joint 31 and a coil spring 32 are arranged between the movable part body 30 and the seat 14.

[0070] The movable part body 30 is a plate body located between the support part 11 and the seat part 14. A pair of connecting units 33 are provided on the lower surface of the movable part body 30. Figure 7 As shown, a pair of coupling units 33 includes a front coupling unit 33a and a rear coupling unit 33b. The front coupling unit 33a corresponds to the front guide rail portion 22a. The rear coupling unit 33b corresponds to the rear guide rail portion 22b. Figure 4Each coupling unit 33 includes a pair of coupling portions 34. Each pair of coupling portions 34 includes a left coupling portion 34a and a right coupling portion 34b. The left coupling portion 34a is slidably coupled to the left guide rail portion 22c. The right coupling portion 34b is slidably coupled to the right guide rail portion 22d. For example, the left coupling portion 34a may include a wheel (shown as a dashed line) that rolls on the corresponding left guide rail portion 22c and a bracket that holds the wheel in a rotatable position. The same applies to the right coupling portion 34b.

[0071] The base 14 is connected to the movable body 30 via a universal joint 31. Therefore, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the base 14 is supported on the movable part body 30 in a manner that allows it to rotate about a lateral axis. That is, the base 14 is configured to be able to laterally rotate. Lateral rotation refers to rotation about a lateral axis. Here, the "lateral axis" refers to an axis extending along the direction of gravity, i.e., the vertical direction. However, it is also possible to replace it with an axis extending along the thickness direction of the movable part body 30. Similarly, as Figure 9 As shown, the seat 14 is supported on the movable part body 30 in a manner that allows it to tilt back and forth relative to the movable part body 30. That is, the seat 14 is configured to be able to pitch and rotate. Pitch rotation refers to rotation about the pitch axis. Here, the "pitch axis" refers to an axis extending left and right. The pitch axis is connected via the connector portion 31a of the universal joint 31. Therefore, the pitch axis is positioned below the seat 14. Similarly, as... Figure 10 As shown, the seat 14 is supported on the movable part body 30 in a manner that allows it to tilt and move left and right relative to the movable part body 30. That is, the seat 14 is configured to be able to roll and rotate not only using the movable part body 30 and the support 11, but also using the universal joint 31. The rolling rotation of the seat 14 based on the universal joint 31 refers to rotation about a rolling axis passing through the joint portion 31a of the universal joint 31. Here, "rolling axis" refers to a shaft extending forward and backward.

[0072] return Figure 4A helical spring 32 is disposed between the seat 14 and the movable body 30 to suppress the tilting movement of the seat 14 relative to the movable body 30. The upper end of the helical spring 32 contacts the seat 14, and the lower end of the helical spring 32 contacts the movable body 30. In this embodiment, the helical spring 32 and the universal joint 31 are disposed coaxially. In other words, the helical spring 32 is disposed such that the universal joint 31 is housed in the helical structure of the spring. For example, when the seat 14 tilts forward relative to the movable body 30, the upper end of the helical spring 32 also elastically shifts forward, and the seat 14 returns to its state before the tilting movement by the elastic restoring force of the helical spring 32. Furthermore, the upper end of the helical spring 32 is not fixed to the seat 14, and does not hinder the rotation of the seat 14 about the yaw axis relative to the movable body 30.

[0073] User U sits on seat 14. Seat 14 has a seat surface 14a opposite to the user U's buttocks. The seat surface 14a is tilted forward so that the user U's pelvis tilts forward when sitting on seat 14. That is, the front part of the seat surface 14a is lower than the rear part.

[0074] (Restoration Unit 12)

[0075] The recovery unit 12 is a specific example of a force-applying mechanism. The recovery unit 12 applies force to the movable part 10 in a neutral position, pointing left or right. In this embodiment, the recovery unit 12 is an elastic body. That is, the recovery unit 12 includes a pair of recovery coil springs 40. The pair of recovery coil springs 40 includes a left recovery coil spring 40a mounted between the center CE of each guide rail 22 and the left connecting portion 34a, and a right recovery coil spring 40b mounted between the center CE of each guide rail 22 and the right connecting portion 34b. The left recovery coil spring 40a and the right recovery coil spring 40b are separate components.

[0076] In the above structure, when the movable part 10 moves to the left, the left restoring coil spring 40a extends, and the elastic restoring force of the left restoring coil spring 40a applies a force to the movable part 10 towards the neutral position. Similarly, when the movable part 10 moves to the right, the right restoring coil spring 40b extends, and the elastic restoring force of the right restoring coil spring 40b applies a force to the movable part 10 towards the neutral position.

[0077] In this embodiment, the elastic body constituting the recovery unit 12 is a helical spring, but it can also be replaced by other elastic bodies such as rubber.

[0078] In this embodiment, the recovery unit 12 is composed of a pair of recovery coil springs 40, but it can also be composed of a single coil spring instead. In this case, typically, a single coil spring is mounted between the left joint 34a and the right joint 34b, and the center of the coil spring along its length is fixed to the center CE. The recovery unit 12 can also be mounted between the frame 21 and the movable part 10 instead of between the guide rails 22 and the movable part 10.

[0079] In the above structure, such as Figure 2 As shown, when user U pushes off with his right foot, the pelvis moves slightly to the right, causing the movable part 30 to move slightly to the right as well. At this time, because each guide rail 22 is tilted downwards from the center CE towards the end EN, the movement of the movable part 30 to the right is amplified, and the amount of pelvic movement increases. Due to the large amount of pelvic movement, in conjunction with the stepping motion of user U's lower leg, the trunk muscles of user U are activated, thereby achieving trunk muscle movement. The same occurs when user U pushes off with his left foot.

[0080] Furthermore, when the user U pushes out with his right foot, the pelvis rotates counterclockwise around the lateral axis when viewed from above. The seat 14 is configured to rotate relative to the movable main body 30 around the lateral axis, thus allowing the pelvis to rotate smoothly. The same applies when the user U pushes out with his left foot. By moving the pelvis left and right and rotating it around the lateral axis in this way, forward tilting of the pelvis is promoted, thereby making a good upright posture a habit.

[0081] Here, the significance of the recovery unit 12 will be explained. If the recovery unit 12 is omitted, once the movable part 10 deviates to the left or right from the neutral position, it becomes difficult to return it to the neutral position. Specifically, even if the user U can instantly release the load on the movable part 10, it cannot return it to the neutral position at that moment. In contrast, if the recovery unit 12 is provided, the user U only needs to instantly release the load on the movable part 10 to apply force towards the neutral position, thus utilizing the inertia gained when the force is applied to the movable part 10 to easily return it to the neutral position. However, the elastic recovery force of the recovery unit 12 is preferably adjustable according to the user U's physique and muscle strength. That is, if the user U is not accustomed to using the chair 3 in a way that utilizes their torso muscles, the spring constant of the recovery unit 12 can be set to be larger, causing the movable part 10 to actively return to the neutral position. On the other hand, when a user U, who is accustomed to using the chair 3, uses the chair 3, the spring constant of the recovery unit 12 can be set to a smaller value. When the spring constant of the recovery unit 12 is smaller, the movable part 10 is less inclined to return to the neutral position, and each time the movable part 10 is returned to the neutral position, activation of the trunk muscles is required. By changing the spring constant of the recovery unit 12 in this way, the load on the trunk muscles can be adjusted.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the movable part 10 moves to the right, the seat surface 14a of the seat part 14 tilts to the right. Similarly, when the movable part 10 moves to the left, the seat surface 14a of the seat part 14 tilts to the left. The tilt angle of the seat surface 14a is not limited to the tilt angle of the pelvis. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the seat part 14 can tilt freely left and right relative to the movable part body 30 via the universal joint 31, the tilt angle of the seat surface 14a of the seat part 14 follows the tilt angle of the user U's pelvis, thereby not compromising the seating feel (sitting comfort) of the seat part 14 during movement.

[0083] (Stability Department 13)

[0084] When a chain of movements occurs between the lower limbs and the trunk, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the head and arms, which are connected to the torso, also typically sway from side to side. When, for example, the head sways from side to side, it becomes difficult to read text displayed on a monitor on a table. Even the monitor of a tablet computer, held in both hands, presents the same problem. Furthermore, when, for example, the arms sway from side to side, it becomes difficult to type on a keyboard on a table. Thus, the chain of movement between the lower limbs and the torso makes it difficult to work or watch movies while in motion. Therefore, while not strictly necessary, it is preferable to suppress the swaying of the head and arms while achieving the chain of movement between the lower limbs and the torso.

[0085] Therefore, as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the chair 3 of this embodiment has a stabilizing part 13 that suppresses the swaying of the user U's head and arms and stabilizes the posture.

[0086] The stabilizing unit 13 includes a backrest 50, a position adjustment unit 51, a connecting unit 52, and a fixing strap unit 53.

[0087] The backrest 50 is the portion opposite to the back of the user U. The backrest 50 is supported by a position adjustment unit 51. The backrest 50 includes a pair of lumbar support members 50a. The pair of lumbar support members 50a are arranged opposite to the right and left sides of the user U's back, respectively. The pair of lumbar support members 50a are supported by the position adjustment unit 51 via elastic members. Therefore, each lumbar support member 50a can swing freely up, down, left, and right, and can follow the movements of the user U's torso. That is, even if the user U's torso rotates about its lateral axis, at least one of the pair of lumbar support members 50a can remain in contact with the user U's back.

[0088] The position adjustment part 51 is fixed to the frame 21 via the connecting part 52. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the position adjustment unit 51 includes a corrugated gate 51a that can extend and retract freely in the front-to-back direction, and a handle 51b for adjusting the extension and retraction of the corrugated gate 51a. The corrugated gate 51a is configured such that a plurality of pairs of corrugated frames 51c arranged in an X-shape are arranged in the front-to-back direction. A threaded member 51d for adjusting the tilt angle of the pair of corrugated frames 51c is connected to the handle 51b. In the above structure, when the handle 51b is operated, the tilt angle of the pair of corrugated frames 51c is increased or decreased, thereby extending and retracting the corrugated gate 51a and moving the backrest 50 back and forth. Therefore, by operating the position adjustment unit 51 according to the user U's skeletal structure to move the backrest 50 back and forth, the backrest 50 can be positioned in a position suitable for the user U's back.

[0089] The connecting part 52 is configured to extend and retract freely up and down. As a result, the backrest 50 can be moved up and down according to the skeleton of the user U, and the backrest 50 can be positioned in a position suitable for the back of the user U.

[0090] The securing strap unit 53 is used to secure the user U's torso to the backrest 50. Specifically, as follows: Figure 2As shown, the fixing strap unit 53 is used to fix the part of the user U's torso above the chest (the joint between the 12th thoracic vertebra and the 1st lumbar vertebra) to the backrest 50. This is because when the part of the user U's torso above the chest is fixed to the backrest 50, the shaking of the user U's head and arms can be suppressed, and since the pelvic swing is allowed, the movement chain between the lower limbs and the torso is not hindered.

[0091] Preferably, the fixing strap unit 53 secures the user U's neck (the joint between the 7th cervical vertebra and the 1st thoracic vertebra) or shoulder blades to the backrest 50. When the user U's neck is secured to the backrest 50, head swaying is effectively suppressed. Additionally, when the user U's shoulder blades are secured to the backrest 50, arm swaying is effectively suppressed.

[0092] Next refer to Figure 2 Typically, the securing strap unit 53 is configured such that the two ends of the strap 53a, which is held against the backrest 50, are connected by a buckle 53b, thereby securing the user U's torso to the backrest 50. In this case, the length of the strap 53a can be adjusted simply by using the buckle 53b. However, hook and loop fasteners can also be used to connect the two ends of the strap 53a held against the backrest 50, or the strap 53a itself can be made elastic.

[0093] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, and the first embodiment has the following features.

[0094] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the chair 3 includes: a movable part 10, which includes a seat 14 for the user U to sit on; a support part 11 that supports the movable part 10 so that it can move left and right; and a restoring unit 12 as a force-applying mechanism that applies force to the movable part 10 towards a neutral position to the left and right. The support part 11 supports the movable part 10 so that it descends as it moves away from the neutral position. Based on the above structure, a chair that is low-cost, highly convenient, and capable of achieving high mobility can be realized.

[0095] In addition, such as Figures 1 to 4As shown, the chair 3 includes: a movable part 10, which includes a seat 14 for the user U to sit on; a support part 11 that supports the movable part 10 so that it can move left and right; and a restoring unit 12 as a force-applying mechanism that applies force to the movable part 10 towards a neutral left-right position. The support part 11 supports the movable part 10 so that it swings left and right around a rear-extending roll axis 10R. The roll axis 10R is set at a position lower than the movable part 10 when it is in the neutral position. Based on the above structure, a chair with low cost, high convenience, and high mobility can be achieved.

[0096] Additionally, the support portion 11 includes two guide rails 22 that define the path for the left-right movement of the movable portion 10. The two guide rails 22 are inclined such that they descend from the center CE towards the end EN in the longitudinal direction of the two guide rails 22. The movable portion 10 moves along the two guide rails 22 of the support portion 11. Alternatively, the support portion 11 may be configured to include only one guide rail 22 instead of two.

[0097] Each guide rail 22 includes a right guide rail portion 22d extending to the right from the center CE and a left guide rail portion 22c extending to the left from the center CE. The movable part 10 includes a right connecting portion 34b that is slidably engaged with the right guide rail portion 22d and a left connecting portion 34a that is slidably engaged with the left guide rail portion 22c.

[0098] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the seat 14 is configured to rotate about a lateral axis. Based on this structure, the movement linkage between the lower limbs and the torso can be achieved more effectively.

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the movable part 10 also includes a movable part body 30 located between the support part 11 and the seat part 14. The seat part 14 is mounted on the movable part body 30 and is configured to rotate about a lateral axis relative to the movable part body 30. According to the above structure, the movement interlock between the lower limbs and the torso can be realized more effectively.

[0100] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the seat 14 is configured to tilt and move relative to the movable part 30 in all directions. Based on the above structure, a high degree of fit between the seat surface 14a of the seat 14 and the buttocks of the user U can be achieved when the movable part 10 moves left and right.

[0101] like Figure 4As shown, the movable part 10 further includes: a universal joint 31, which connects the seat 14 to the movable part body 30; and a coil spring 32, which is disposed between the seat 14 and the movable part body 30 and suppresses tilting movement of the seat 14 relative to the movable part body 30. According to the above structure, excessive tilting movement of the seat 14 relative to the movable part body 30 can be prevented.

[0102] The recovery unit 12 is made of an elastomer. The recovery unit 12 includes a recovery coil spring 40 as the elastomer. The recovery unit 12 may include rubber instead of the recovery coil spring 40 as the elastomer.

[0103] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the chair 3 also has a backrest 50 fixed to the support part 11. According to the above structure, the swaying of the head and arms can be suppressed.

[0104] The chair 3 also has a fixing strap unit 53, which serves as a fixing mechanism for securing the user U's torso to the backrest 50.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, the fixing strap unit 53 secures a portion of the user's torso above the chest to the backrest 50. Preferably, the fixing strap unit 53 secures the user's neck or shoulder blades to the backrest 50. Based on this structure, head and arm swaying can be effectively suppressed.

[0106] (Second Implementation)

[0107] The following is for reference Figure 15 The second embodiment will be described.

[0108] like Figure 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the chair 3 includes a headrest 60 fixed to the frame 21. In this embodiment, the headrest 60 is fixed to the frame 21 via a connecting portion 52. Based on the above structure, the shaking of the user U's head can be effectively suppressed.

[0109] The first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above embodiments can be modified as follows.

[0110] To suppress swaying of the upper part of the user U's torso, the chair 3 may also have a pair of arms that clamp into the upper part of the user U's torso from the left and right. The pair of arms are fixed to the support part 11.

[0111] In addition, to suppress the swaying of the user U's arms, the chair 3 may also be equipped with a pair of armrests. The pair of armrests are fixed to the support part 11.

[0112] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the seat 14 is rotatable about the yaw axis relative to the movable body 30. However, alternatively, the seat 14 may be configured to be rotatable about the yaw axis relative to the movable body 30 but rotatable about the yaw axis relative to the support 11. In this case, typically, a thrust bearing may be provided between the frame 21 and the leg 20, allowing the frame 21 to rotate about the yaw axis relative to the leg 20. Alternatively, the movable body 30 may be rotatable about the yaw axis relative to a pair of connecting parts 34, or the movable body 30 may be formed as a two-layer structure consisting of an upper and lower section overlapping each other, with the thrust bearing positioned between the upper and lower sections. In other words, as long as the seat 14 can rotate about the yaw axis relative to space when the user U is seated on it, the means of implementing this structure are not limited.

[0113] As will be apparent from the present disclosure described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure can be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are intended to include all such modifications that will be obvious to those skilled in the art within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A chair comprising: a movable section including a seat on which a user sits; a support section that supports the movable section so as to be movable left and right, the support section including a guide rail that defines a track of movement of the movable section left and right, the guide rail being inclined in a manner that descends from a center in a length direction of the guide rail toward an end portion, the movable section moving along the guide rail of the support section; and a force applying mechanism that applies a force to the movable section toward a neutral position left and right, the support section supporting the movable section so that the movable section descends as the movable section departs from the neutral position.

2. A chair comprising: a movable section including a seat on which a user sits; a support section that supports the movable section so as to be movable left and right, the support section including a guide rail that defines a track of movement of the movable section left and right, the guide rail being inclined in a manner that descends from a center in a length direction of the guide rail toward an end portion, the movable section moving along the guide rail of the support section; and a force applying mechanism that applies a force to the movable section toward a neutral position left and right, the support section supporting the movable section so that the movable section swings left and right about a roll axis that extends front and back, the roll axis being set at a position lower than the movable section when the movable section is in the neutral position.

3. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, the guide rail including a right guide rail portion that extends rightward from the center and a left guide rail portion that extends leftward from the center, the movable section including a right coupling portion that is in slidable engagement with the right guide rail portion and a left coupling portion that is in slidable engagement with the left guide rail portion.

4. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, the seat being configured to be rotatable about a pitch axis.

5. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, the movable section further including a movable section body interposed between the support section and the seat, the seat being mounted on the movable section body and configured to be rotatable about a pitch axis with respect to the movable section body.

6. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, the movable section further including a movable section body interposed between the support section and the seat, the seat being mounted on the movable section body and configured to be rotatable about a pitch axis with respect to the support section.

7. The chair according to claim 5, the seat being configured to be tiltable front and back with respect to the movable section body.

8. The chair according to claim 5, the seat being configured to be tiltable front, back, left and right with respect to the movable section body.

9. The chair according to claim 8, the movable section further including: a universal joint that links the seat and the movable section body; and a coil spring that is disposed between the seat and the movable section body and inhibits tilting movement of the seat with respect to the movable section body.

10. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, the force applying mechanism being an elastic body.

11. The chair according to claim 10, the elastic body being a coil spring or rubber. ​ ​ ​ 12. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, the chair further comprising a backrest portion fixed to the support portion.

13. The chair according to claim 12, the chair further comprising a fixing mechanism for fixing the user's torso to the backrest portion.

14. The chair according to claim 13, the fixing mechanism fixing a portion of the user's torso above the chest to the backrest portion.

15. The chair according to claim 14, the fixing mechanism fixing the neck or scapula of the user's torso to the backrest portion.

16. The chair according to claim 1 or 2, the chair further comprising a headrest fixed to the support portion.

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