Chair, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

A chair, a control method, and a storage medium are provided. The chair includes a base, a seat surface positioned above the base and on which a user sits, an elastic body support column that links the base and the seat surface, maintains the seat surface in a reference state, and allows the seat surface to tilt from the reference state in accordance with a force applied to the seat surface by the user sitting, a rotating table positioned above the base and rotated around an axis in the vertical direction based on power, a plurality of support columns having different lengths in the vertical direction and positioned above the rotating table and supporting the seat surface at upper ends when the seat surface tilts, and a motor that generates the power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a chair, a control method, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-235917 discloses a chair that, when the seat is fixed in a predetermined tilting position, induces movement of the user's torso by changing the seat in all directions. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-235917 discloses a chair in which the base and seat are connected by a universal joint, thereby generating seat tilt while maintaining the user's tilted position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the chair described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-235917, since the seat inclination is fixed, it is foreseeable that only the muscles used to maintain the user's specific posture will be tense. Furthermore, since the seat inclination is determined according to the user's posture, it is foreseeable that the flexibility of the muscles relative to the inclination will be limited. Therefore, in the chair described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-235917, there is a problem that the user cannot effectively exercise the multiple antigravity muscles required to maintain posture unconsciously.

[0004] In view of such issues, the present disclosure aims to provide a chair, control method, and storage medium that allows a user to unconsciously and effectively exercise multiple antigravity muscles required to maintain posture.

[0005] The chair disclosed herein comprises: a base; a seat surface located on top of the base for a user to sit on; an elastic support connecting the base and the seat surface, holding the seat surface in a reference state, and allowing the seat surface to tilt from the reference state based on the force applied to the seat surface due to the user sitting on it; a rotating platform disposed on top of the base and rotating about an axis in the vertical direction based on power; a plurality of support pillars having different lengths in the vertical direction and disposed on top of the rotating platform, supporting the seat surface at its upper ends when the seat surface is tilted; and a motor generating the power.

[0006] The control method disclosed herein is a computer-controlled method for rotating a chair motor. The chair comprises: a base; a seat surface located above the base for a user to sit on; an elastic support connecting the base and the seat surface, maintaining the seat surface in a reference state, and allowing the seat surface to tilt from the reference state based on the force applied to it by the user sitting on it; a rotating platform disposed above the base and rotating about a vertical axis based on power; a plurality of support pillars having different lengths in the vertical direction, disposed above the rotating platform, and supporting the seat surface at its upper ends when the seat surface is tilted; and a motor generating the power.

[0007] The storage medium of this disclosure stores a program that causes a computer to perform processing to control the rotation of a chair's motor, wherein the chair comprises: a base; a seat surface located above the base and for a user to sit on; an elastomeric support connecting the base and the seat surface, holding the seat surface in a reference state, and allowing the seat surface to tilt from the reference state based on the force applied to the seat surface due to the user sitting on it; a rotating platform disposed above the base and rotating about an axis in the vertical direction based on power; a plurality of support pillars having different lengths in the vertical direction and disposed above the rotating platform, supporting the seat surface at its upper ends when the seat surface is tilted; and a motor that generates the power.

[0008] This disclosure provides a chair, control method, and storage medium that allows a user to unconsciously and effectively exercise multiple antigravity muscles needed to maintain posture. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same symbols denote the same elements, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the support mechanism for the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the support column of the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the power transmission mechanism of the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is an example illustrating the configuration of sensors placed on the seat of a chair during verification, as described in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 A tilt angle diagram illustrating an example of the tilt angles about the pitch axis and the tilt angles about the roll axis measured by the accelerometer according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a tilt direction diagram to show the position of a reference point and the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface 2 at a certain moment in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8A This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle for each number of support pillars in contact with the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8B This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle for each number of support pillars in contact with the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8C This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle for each number of support pillars in contact with the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9A This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle of each support column in the chair according to the first embodiment, at the length of each support column that does not contact the seat surface.

[0021] Figure 9B This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle of each support column in the chair according to the first embodiment, at the length of each support column that does not contact the seat surface.

[0022] Figure 10A This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface under the conditions of the length of each support pillar that does not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment and the condition of the tested object.

[0023] Figure 10B This is a tilt direction diagram showing the length of each support pillar that does not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment, and the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface under the condition of the tested object.

[0024] Figure 10CThis is a tilt direction diagram showing the length of each support pillar that does not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment, and the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface under the condition of the tested object.

[0025] Figure 11A This is a graph showing the length of each support pillar in the chair according to the first embodiment that does not contact the seat surface, and the amount of center of gravity shift of the tested object on the seat surface under the condition of the tested object.

[0026] Figure 11B This is a graph showing the length of each support pillar in the chair according to the first embodiment that does not contact the seat surface, and the amount of center of gravity shift of the tested object on the seat surface under the condition of the tested object.

[0027] Figure 11C This is a graph showing the length of each support pillar in the chair according to the first embodiment that does not contact the seat surface, and the amount of center of gravity shift of the tested object on the seat surface under the condition of the tested object.

[0028] Figure 12A This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface for each number of support pillars that do not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12B This is a tilt direction diagram showing the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface for each number of support pillars that do not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13A This is a graph showing the amount of center of gravity shift of the tested object on the seat surface for each number of support pillars that do not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13B This is a graph showing the amount of center of gravity shift of the tested object on the seat surface for each number of support pillars that do not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14A A diagram illustrating the movement of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine for each number of support pillars that do not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 14B A diagram illustrating the movement of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine for each number of support pillars that do not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 14CA diagram illustrating the movement of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine for each number of support pillars that do not contact the seat surface in the chair according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 15 A diagram showing the relative positions of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the spine of a user in the chair according to the first embodiment, relative to P12.

[0036] Figure 16A This diagram illustrates the movement of the user's spine at each support point formed by the body support portion in the chair according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 16B This diagram illustrates the movement of the user's spine at each support point formed by the body support portion in the chair according to the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 16C This diagram illustrates the movement of the user's spine at each support point formed by the body support portion in the chair according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 16D This diagram illustrates the movement of the user's spine at each support point formed by the body support portion in the chair according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 16E This diagram illustrates the movement of the user's spine at each support point formed by the body support portion in the chair according to the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of the control system for the chair according to the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following, specific embodiments to which this disclosure applies will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same symbols are used to denote the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0043] First Implementation Method

[0044] First, use Figures 1 to 4 The structure of the chair 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of chair 100. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the chair 100 includes a base 1, a seat 2, a support mechanism 3, a power transmission mechanism 4, a motor 5, and a controller 6.

[0046] The base 1 is the base on which the structural elements of the chair 100 are mounted.

[0047] Seat 2 is the seat surface for users to sit on.

[0048] The support mechanism 3 is located between the base 1 and the seat surface 2 and supports the seat surface 2. When the user is not seated on the seat surface 2, the support mechanism 3 maintains the seat surface 2 in a reference state. The reference state refers to, for example, a state parallel to a horizontal plane (xy plane). When the user is seated on the seat surface 2, the support mechanism 3 allows the seat surface 2 to tilt from the reference state, thereby allowing the direction of tilt to change over time around the vertical axis (z-axis). Specifically, the support mechanism 3 has... Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the support mechanism 3 of the chair 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the support mechanism 3 includes an elastic body support column 31, a rotary table 32, and multiple support columns 33. For example, the support mechanism 3 has three supports, namely elastic body support column 31a, elastic body support column 31b, and elastic body support column 31c, which serve as the elastic body support column 31. In addition, the support mechanism 3 has three supports, namely support column 33a, support column 33b, and support column 33c, which serve as the multiple support columns 33.

[0050] The elastic support 31 is an elastic columnar component that connects the base 1 and the seat surface 2. The elastic support 31 holds the seat surface 2 in a reference state (e.g., a state parallel to the xy plane, i.e., a horizontal state), and when the user sits on the seat surface 2, it allows the seat surface 2 to tilt from the reference state according to the force applied to the seat surface 2.

[0051] The rotary table 32 includes a rotating part 321, a gear part 322, and a rotating base part 323. The rotating part 321 is, for example, a disc-shaped component, and is mounted on the rotating base part 323 such that it rotates about the vertical direction (z-axis direction) as the gear part 322 rotates. The gear part 322 is, for example, a pulley that is linked to the rotating part 321, and has teeth on its outer peripheral surface. A belt or the like for receiving power from the power transmission mechanism 4 is mounted on the teeth. In addition, the rotary table 32 has a through portion (not shown) through which the elastic body support 31 passes.

[0052] The support column 33 is a columnar member disposed on the upper surface (positive z-axis direction side) of the rotating part 321 of the rotary table 32. When the user sits on the seat surface 2, causing the seat surface 2 to tilt, the support column 33 supports the seat surface 2 at its upper end 331. Although multiple support columns 33 are disposed at equal intervals around the circumference on the upper surface of the rotating part 321, the disposed locations can be individually configured. Specifically, the support column 33 has… Figure 3 The structure shown.

[0053] Figure 3 This figure shows an example of the structure of the support column 33a of the chair 100. The support column 33a includes an upper end 331a and a length adjustment part 332a. The upper end 331a is, for example, a spherical component, and supports the seat surface 2 when it is tilted. By using a spherical component in the upper end 331a, the turntable 32 can be rotated with less resistance even if the user load applied to the seat surface 2 is concentrated in the tilting direction. The length adjustment part 332a is, for example, a bolt-type component, and adjusts the length of the support column 33a.

[0054] Here, the support column 33b has the same structure as the support column 33a, that is, it has an upper end 331b and a length adjustment part 332b. In addition, the support column 33c also has the same structure as the support column 33a, that is, it has an upper end 331c and a length adjustment part 332c.

[0055] Hereinafter, without special distinction, the upper end portion 331a, upper end portion 331b and upper end portion 331c will be collectively referred to as the upper end portion 331, and the length adjustment portion 332a, length adjustment portion 332b and length adjustment portion 332c will be collectively referred to as the length adjustment portion 332.

[0056] Return to Figure 2The lengths of each of the multiple support pillars 33 in the vertical direction are determined such that the seat surface 2 tilts from its reference state by a predetermined angle when the user sits down. Here, to produce this tilt, at least one of the multiple support pillars 33 is adjusted to be shorter in the vertical direction compared to the other support pillars 33. For example, support pillar 33b is adjusted to be shorter in the vertical direction compared to support pillar 33a. In other words, the length of support pillar 33b is adjusted such that the distance Lb between the upper end 331b of support pillar 33b and the lower side of seat surface 2 is greater than the distance La between the upper end 331a of support pillar 33a and the lower side of seat surface 2. Furthermore, support pillar 33b is adjusted to be shorter in the vertical direction compared to support pillar 33c. Here, the permissible direction and angle of tilt of seat surface 2 are determined based on the lengths of support pillars 33a, 33b, and 33c. Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper end 331a of the support column 33a and the upper end 331c of the support column 33c are in contact with the lower side of the seat surface 2.

[0057] Return to Figure 1 The power transmission mechanism 4 is composed of, for example, a belt and pulleys, or a chain and sprockets, and transmits the power generated by the motor 5 to the rotary table 32 of the support mechanism 3. Specifically, the power transmission mechanism 4 has... Figure 4 The structure shown.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the power transmission mechanism 4 of the chair 100. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, the power transmission mechanism 4 has the following structure: a motor 5 that rotates with a reduction ratio of 25:1, an 11-tooth pulley linked to the rotation of the motor 5, a 40-tooth pulley, a 28-tooth pulley, and a gear section 322 of a 47-tooth rotary table 32 are connected together by a belt. In the power transmission mechanism 4, since a high reduction ratio is required for very slow rotation, a very large reduction ratio of 1260:1 is adopted.

[0059] Return to Figure 1 The motor 5 is, for example, an electric motor, which generates power through rotation.

[0060] The controller 6 controls the rotation of the motor 5. For example, the controller 6 can increase or decrease the speed of the motor 5. In addition, the controller 6 can switch between increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor 5 at predetermined intervals.

[0061] Next, an example of the operation of the chair 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0062] The user sits on the seat 2 of the chair 100. At this time, the seat 2 is supported by a plurality of support pillars 33 of the support mechanism 3. If the length of at least one of the support pillars 33 is shorter than that of the other support pillars 33, the seat 2 is allowed to tilt. Here, the direction and angle of the allowed tilt of the seat 2 are determined according to the respective lengths of the plurality of support pillars 33.

[0063] Then, the user operates the controller 6. The controller 6 controls the rotation of the motor 5 based on the user's operation. The motor 5 generates power based on the control of the controller 6 and transmits this power to the rotary table 32 of the support mechanism 3 via the power transmission mechanism 4. The rotating part 321 of the rotary table 32 rotates about the vertical axis based on the transmitted power, causing the multiple support columns 33 to rotate in the same direction. In this way, the permissible direction of tilt of the seat surface 2 changes over time.

[0064] As described above, the chair 100 according to the first embodiment allows for a temporal change in the direction of seat tilt. This is ensured by the characteristics of the elastic support 31 and the support support 33. That is, the elastic support 31 supporting the seat 2 maintains the balance of the seat 2 when the load deviation on the seat 2 is small. The support support 33 does not function by pushing the seat 2 upwards, but rather supports the seat 2 when it tilts, and its direction is constantly changing over time. As a result, the chair 100 allows the user to tilt in various ways depending on the shift of the center of gravity, and by continuously inducing the reflexive postural control movements that accompany this, the user can unintentionally and effectively exercise multiple antigravity muscles (muscles corresponding to tilting in the full circumferential direction) required to maintain posture. In addition, the chair 100 does not force an inappropriate tilt for the user, thereby preventing the fixation of poor posture.

[0065] Next, use Figures 5 to 15 The results verifying that the chair 100 according to the first embodiment can effectively induce the movement of the user's antigravity muscles will be explained.

[0066] First, use Figures 5 to 7 This section explains the configuration of each sensor used in the verification process and the insights gained from the data obtained through those sensors.

[0067] Figure 5Here is an example of the sensor configuration set on the seat surface 2 of the chair 100 during verification. Accelerometer A, used to measure the tilt direction and angle of the seat surface 2 from the horizontal plane when seated, is located on the lower side (negative z-axis side) of the seat surface 2. Furthermore, surface pressure sensor B, used to measure the shift in the center of gravity of the subject sitting on the seat surface 2 when seated, is located on the upper side (positive z-axis side) of the seat surface 2.

[0068] After the user sits on the seat 2 of the chair 100 and the chair 100 begins to move, measurement is performed using the accelerometer A. For example, the measurement yields... Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The data shown.

[0069] Figure 6 This is an example tilt angle graph showing the tilt angles about the pitch axis and the roll axis as measured by accelerometer A. The horizontal axis represents time. The vertical axis represents the tilt angle (deg). Here, the time on the horizontal axis is represented by the azimuth angle (deg) on ​​the polar coordinate system of a reference point. This reference point is set at a point on the support column 33 on the upper surface of the rotating part 321 of the rotary table 32. The horizontal axis represents the reference point rotating counterclockwise one revolution (-90deg to 270deg) from behind the user.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a tilt pattern representing the position of a reference point at a given moment and the tilt direction and angle of the seat surface 2. The top, left, bottom, and right directions of the tilt pattern correspond to the user's forward, left, backward, and right directions, respectively. The track of the reference point is called a circular track T( Figure 7 (The circular portion). Straight lines L extending from various points on the circular track T from the reference point represent the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface 2 at that moment. The tilt direction and tilt angle are related to... Figure 6 The data shown corresponds to the following. The orientation of line L indicates the tilt direction, and the length of line L indicates the tilt angle. In the following verification, the tilt direction diagram is used to express the tilt direction and tilt angle of the resulting seat surface 2.

[0071] Next, use Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figures 8C to 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C The results verifying the relationship between the number of support pillars 33 of the chair 100 that are in contact with the seat surface 2 and the tilt direction of the seat surface 2 will be explained.

[0072] After the user sits on the seat 2 of the chair 100 and the chair 100 begins to move, the measurement is performed using the accelerometer A. The number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat 2 varies depending on the chair 100 used in the measurement. Figures 8A to 8C The measured data is shown in the figure.

[0073] Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C An inclination direction diagram showing the inclination direction and inclination angle for each number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2.

[0074] Figure 8A The results were measured in a chair 100 where there were zero support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2. For example, in this chair 100, the lengths of support pillars 33a, 33b, and 33c were adjusted so that the upper ends 331 (upper ends 331a, 331b, and 331c) did not contact the lower side of the seat surface 2. In other words, in this chair 100, the seat surface 2 was supported only by the elastic pillars 31.

[0075] Figure 8B The results were measured in a chair 100 where there are two support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 (that is, one support pillar 33 that does not contact the seat surface 2). For example, in this chair 100, the lengths of support pillars 33a, 33b, and 33c are adjusted such that the upper ends 331a and 331c of support pillars 33a and 33c contact the lower side of the seat surface 2, while only the upper end 331b of support pillar 33b does not contact the lower side of the seat surface 2. In this chair 100, when seated, the seat surface 2 is allowed to tilt depending on the distance between the upper end 331b of support pillar 33b and the lower side of the seat surface 2.

[0076] Figure 8C The results were measured in a chair 100 with three support pillars 33 that contact the seat surface 2. For example, in this chair 100, the lengths of support pillars 33a, 33b, and 33c are adjusted so that the upper ends 331 (upper ends 331a, 331b, and 331c) of each pillar contact the lower side of the seat surface 2. In this chair 100, tilting of the seat surface 2 is not permitted when sitting down.

[0077] exist Figures 8A to 8C In this configuration, the reference point of the rotary table 32 is set on a specific support column 33 (reference column). Specifically, in... Figure 8BIn the chair 100 shown, where the support pillars 33 that contact the seat surface 2 are two pillars, the reference point of the turntable 32 is set on the support pillars 33 that do not contact the seat surface 2.

[0078] according to Figures 8A to 8C From this, we can know the following: In Figure 8A From this, we can see that the tilt of seat surface 2 occurs at the reference point, leaning towards the user's left rear, and the tilt of the user's body is reflected in the tilt of seat surface 2. Figure 8C From this, we can see that the tilt of seat surface 2 occurs generally to the left of the user at the reference point, and the tilt of seat surface 2 is suppressed to a small extent. On the other hand, in Figure 8B From this, it can be seen that the tilt of the seat surface 2 occurs uniformly along the entire circumference of the seat surface 2, depending on the position of the reference point. Since the tilt of the seat surface 2 occurs uniformly along the entire circumference rather than in one direction, it is known that the preferred number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 is two. Furthermore, in Figure 8B In the process, it can be confirmed that the support column 33, which is not in contact with the seat surface 2, is tilted in a certain direction, that is, the shorter support column 33.

[0079] Next, use Figure 9A , Figure 9B This section explains the relationship between the vertical length of the support pillar 33 that does not contact the seat surface 2 and the tilt angle of the seat surface 2 in a chair 100 where the support pillar 33 that contacts the seat surface 2 consists of two pillars 33.

[0080] After the user sits on the seat 2 of the chair 100 and the chair 100 begins to move, the measurement is performed by the accelerometer A. In the chair 100 used for measurement, the length of the support column 33 in the vertical direction, which is not in contact with the seat 2, differs. Figure 9A , Figure 9B The measured data is shown in the figure.

[0081] Figure 9A , Figure 9B An inclination direction diagram showing the inclination direction and inclination angle of each support column 33 that does not contact the seat surface 2 at different lengths.

[0082] Figure 9A The length of the support column 33, which does not contact the seat surface 2, is adjusted so that the distance between the upper end 331 and the lower side of the seat surface 2 is 5.3 mm, resulting in a chair 100. Figure 9B The length of the support column 33, which does not contact the seat surface 2, is adjusted so that the distance between the upper end 331 and the lower side of the seat surface 2 is 18mm, resulting in a chair 100.

[0083] like Figure 9A as well as Figure 9B As shown, it can be seen that when the length of the support column is adjusted so that the distance between the upper end 331 and the lower side of the seat surface 2 changes from 5.3mm to 18mm, that is, when the length of the support column 33 is reduced, the tilt angle of the seat surface 2 further increases.

[0084] Next, use Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C , Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C The results of verifying the relationship between the tilt of the seat 2 of the chair 100 and the amount of shift of the user's center of gravity on the seat 2 will be explained.

[0085] After the user sits on the seat 2 of the chair 100 and the chair 100 begins to move, measurements are taken using an accelerometer A and a surface pressure sensor B. In all measurements, chairs 100 with two support pillars 33 in contact with the seat 2 are used. The lengths of the support pillars 33 that are not in contact with the seat 2 and the conditions of the object being measured vary in the chairs 100 used for the measurements. Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C as well as Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C The measurement results are shown in the figure.

[0086] Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10C An inclination direction diagram showing the inclination direction and inclination angle of the seat surface 2 under the conditions of the length of each support column 33 that does not contact the seat surface 2 and the condition of the tested object.

[0087] Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C A diagram showing the length of each support column 33 that does not contact the seat surface 2 and the amount of center of gravity movement of the object being tested on the seat surface 2 under the condition of the object being tested.

[0088] Figure 10A as well as Figure 11A The length of the support column 33, which does not contact the seat surface 2, is adjusted so that the distance between its upper end 331 and the lower side of the seat surface 2 is 5.3 mm, resulting in a chair 100 where the length is adjusted to allow the seat surface 2 to tilt at an angle of 2 degrees. Furthermore, Figure 10A as well as Figure 11AThe result is based on the case where a 40kg sandbag is placed on the seat 2 of chair 100.

[0089] Figure 10B as well as Figure 11B The result is a chair 100 in which the length of the support column 33, which does not contact the seat surface 2, is adjusted such that the distance between the upper end 331 and the lower side of the seat surface 2 is 5.3 mm. In other words, the result is a chair 100 in which the allowable tilt angle for the seat surface 2 is adjusted to be 2 degrees. Figure 10B as well as Figure 11B The result is when a person, i.e., a user, sits on the seat 2 of chair 100.

[0090] Figure 10C as well as Figure 11C The result is a chair 100 in which the length of the support column 33, which does not contact the seat surface 2, is adjusted such that the distance between the upper end 331 and the lower side of the seat surface 2 is 18 mm. In other words, it is a chair 100 in which the allowable tilt angle of the seat surface 2 is adjusted to 8 degrees. Figure 10C as well as Figure 11C The result is when a person sits on the seat 2 of chair 100.

[0091] Figure 11A , Figure 11B as well as Figure 11C The amount of center of gravity shift represents the change in the position of the center of gravity on seat surface 2. The shift in the center of gravity position is taken from the position of the center of gravity immediately after the sandbag is placed or immediately after the person sits down, and the change from the origin is shown. Scale 1 is 5mm.

[0092] according to Figure 11A , Figure 11B as well as Figure 11C The following information is available: For example... Figure 11A as well as Figure 11B As shown, it can be seen that even if the permissible tilt of seat 2 is the same 2 degrees, the swaying from the origin of the center of gravity is greater for the person sitting on seat 2 compared to the person sitting on seat 2. Therefore, it can be concluded that center of gravity control is effective for the person already seated. Figure 11A as well as Figure 11C As shown, it can be seen that when the permissible tilt of seat 2 is adjusted from 2 degrees to 8 degrees, a person will experience the same degree of center of gravity shift as the sandbag. This also shows that for a person already seated, center of gravity control remains effective.

[0093] Next, use Figure 12A , Figures 12B to 15 The results will be used to explain the relationship between the center of gravity control achieved by the tilt of seat 2 and the user's torso movement, i.e., the movement of the spine.

[0094] After a user sits on the seat 2 of chair 100 and chair 100 begins to move, the seat inclination and pressure distribution on the seat surface are measured using accelerometer A and surface pressure sensor B, respectively. In addition, motion capture is used to measure the movement of representative points on the user's spine as they sit on seat 2. The number of support pillars 33 in contact with seat 2 varies in the chair 100 used for the measurements. Figure 12A , Figures 12B to 15 The measurement results are shown in the figure.

[0095] Figure 12A , Figure 12B An inclination direction diagram showing the inclination direction and inclination angle of the seat surface 2 for each type of support column 33 that does not contact the seat surface 2. Figure 13A , Figure 13B This is a graph showing the amount of center of gravity shift of the tested object on the seat surface 2 for each number of support pillars 33 that do not contact the seat surface 2. Figure 14A , Figure 14B , Figure 14C A diagram showing the movement of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine for each number of support pillars 33 that do not contact the seat surface 2.

[0096] Figure 12A , Figure 13A as well as Figure 14A This results in a chair 100 where the number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 is zero. On the other hand, Figure 12B , Figure 13B as well as Figure 14B The result of the chair 100 having two support pillars 33 that are in contact with the seat surface 2.

[0097] Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B The graphs represent the movement of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine. The horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle (deg) of the reference point of the rotary table 32 in the polar coordinate system. The horizontal axis shows the rotation of the reference point counterclockwise one revolution (-90deg to 270deg) from behind the user. The vertical axis represents the distance (mm) that each representative point P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the subject's spine moves from the origin of the coordinate system fixed in space towards the user's left. Figure 14C A diagram showing the positions of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine.

[0098] according to Figure 12A as well as Figure 12BIt can be seen that by increasing the number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 from zero to two, the tilt of the seat surface 2 will be uniformly generated along the entire circumference of the seat surface 2 according to the position of the reference point. Furthermore, according to... Figure 13A as well as Figure 13B It can be seen that by increasing the number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 from zero to two, the user's center of gravity will shift. Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B It can be known that by increasing the number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 from zero to two, the positions of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine will further shift. In other words, it can be known that the user's spinal movement is induced. Therefore, it can be known that by increasing the number of support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 from zero to two, the tilt of the seat surface 2 will be uniformly generated along its entire circumference, resulting in the induction of spinal movement in the user caused by the shift of the user's center of gravity.

[0099] In addition, the movement of representative points on the user's spine in the case of a chair 100 with two support pillars 33 in contact with the seat surface 2 was verified in detail.

[0100] Figure 15 This is a graph representing the relative positions of representative points P3, P4, P9, P10, and P12 on the user's spine, relative to P12. The horizontal axis of each graph represents the user's distance in the left-right direction or the user's distance in the front-back direction relative to P12. The vertical axis of each graph represents the relative height relative to P12. The graphs are arranged in order of azimuth (deg) in the polar coordinate system of the corresponding reference point of the rotary table 32.

[0101] according to Figure 15 It can be observed that, through the center of gravity control implemented along with the tilt of seat 2, the user's spine moves forward, backward, left, and right. Although the user was not consciously moving their torso during the experiment, this result was achieved. Among the muscles that change the shape of the spine, the activity of deep muscles is believed to be unconsciously induced due to the action of antigravity muscles, which are deep muscles.

[0102] Second Implementation Method

[0103] Next, use Figures 16A to 16EThe structure of the chair 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition to the chair 100 according to the first embodiment, the chair 200 according to the second embodiment also includes a body support 7 that supports the user's body. The body support 7 supports, for example, the user's back, upper arms, head, or torso. The points where the body support 7 supports the user's body (support points) can become points that hinder the user's movement. Therefore, the movement of the user's torso changes due to the body support 7. The user's torso movement (i.e., spinal movement) generated by the support provided by the body support 7 varies depending on the position of the support points, for example, like... Figures 16A to 16E That's how things changed.

[0104] Figures 16A to 16E A diagram showing the movement of the user's spine at each support point formed by the body support 7. Figure 16A This indicates the movement of the user's spine in the absence of a support point formed by the body support 7. Figure 16B This indicates the movement of the user's spine when the support point formed by the body support 7 is the back. Figure 16C This indicates the movement of the user's spine when the support point formed by the body support 7 is the upper arm. Figure 16D This indicates the movement of the user's spine when the support point formed by the body support 7 is the head. Figure 16E This indicates the movement of the user's spine when the support point formed by the body support 7 is the torso.

[0105] like Figures 16A to 16E As shown, the user's spinal movement can be considered to change around the support point. As a result, by inducing changes in active muscles, it is possible to expect to induce a wider variety of movements.

[0106] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0107] Change example

[0108] Furthermore, the elastic coefficient of the elastic support 31 can be set separately and varies for each elastic support 31. The number of elastic supports 31 can be arbitrary, as long as it can maintain the balance of the seat surface 2 without the support of the support support 33. The thickness of the elastic support 31 can also be set separately and varies for each elastic support 31.

[0109] The number of support pillars 33 can be any number, as long as there are three or more. Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of support pillars 33 that are pre-contacted with the lower side of the seat surface 2. The length adjustment unit 332 of the support pillars 33 is not limited to a bolt type, as long as it can adequately support the load generated from the seat surface 2 by sitting down. Furthermore, the length adjustment unit 332 can also employ an actuator in adjusting the length of the support pillars 33 and be controlled by a controller. In this case, by controlling the lengths of multiple support pillars 33 synchronously, the tilt of the seat surface can be allowed without using the turntable 32. The length adjustment unit 332 can also determine the permissible tilt corresponding to the user's state by acquiring information from the acceleration sensor A that measures the inclination of the seat surface 2 and the surface pressure sensor B that measures the surface pressure of the seat surface 2.

[0110] The power transmission mechanism 4 is not limited to belts and pulleys, or chains and sprockets. It can also be a transmission achieved by a gear train.

[0111] The motor 5 is not limited to an electric motor, as long as it can provide sufficient output for driving the support mechanism 3 to meet the load generated by the seating.

[0112] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, it can also be configured as a control system 500 having a control device 8 for controlling the chair 100.

[0113] The control device 8 is a computing device or server, etc., and communicates with the chair 100 via wireless or wired communication to control the rotation of the motor 5 of the chair 100. Specifically, the control device 8 receives data related to the working status from the chair 100. Furthermore, the control device 8 sends control signals to the chair 100 to control the rotation of the motor 5. For example, the control device 8 can increase or decrease the speed of the motor 5. Additionally, the control device 8 can switch between increasing and decreasing the speed of the motor 5 at predetermined intervals. Here, the control device 8 can also be used instead of the controller 6 of the chair 100.

[0114] The control device 8 can also control multiple chairs 100. For example, the control device 8 can control chairs 100 located in a home, chairs 100 located in a workplace, chairs 100 located in a sports facility, and chairs 100 located in a nursing facility.

[0115] The control device 8 is composed of hardware or software, or both, and can be composed of one or more hardware or software components. The control processing of the control device 8 can also be implemented by a computer having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory as a storage device. For example, a program for executing the control processing in the embodiment can be stored in the memory, and the various functions can be implemented by using the processor to execute the program stored in the memory.

[0116] When these programs are read into a computer, they include a set of commands (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The programs may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. As non-limiting examples, computer-readable media or physical storage media include RAM (random-access memory), ROM (read-only memory), flash memory, SSD (solid-state drive) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD (digital versatile disc), Bluetooth (Blu-ray, registered trademark) optical disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The programs may also be transmitted on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. As non-limiting examples, transitory computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

Claims

1. A chair that has: Base; A seat surface, located on the upper side of the base, for the user to sit on; An elastomeric support connects the base and the seat surface, maintains the seat surface in a reference state, and allows the seat surface to tilt from the reference state based on the force applied to the seat surface due to the user sitting down. A rotary table is disposed on the upper side of the base and rotates about an axis in the vertical direction based on power; Multiple support pillars, which have different lengths in the vertical direction, are disposed on the upper side of the rotary table and support the seat surface at the upper end when the seat surface is tilted from the reference state. An electric motor that generates the aforementioned power; An accelerometer is disposed on the underside of the seat surface and is used to measure the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface from the horizontal plane when the person sits down. A surface pressure sensor is disposed on the upper side of the seat surface and is used to measure the shift in the center of gravity of the subject sitting on the seat surface when seated. The longest support pillar in the vertical direction among the plurality of support pillars is set to a length such that when the seat surface is in the reference state, its upper end contacts the lower side of the seat surface.

2. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The lengths of each of the plurality of support pillars in the vertical direction are determined in such a way that the seat surface tilts at a predetermined angle from the reference state.

3. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a controller that controls the rotation of the motor.

4. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of support pillars is provided with a mechanism that can adjust the length in the vertical direction.

5. The chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also includes a body support section that supports a portion of the user's body. The body support secures at least one of the user's back, upper arms, head, and torso.

6. A control method, wherein, Control is performed via a computer, and the control is associated with the chair. The chair has the following structure: Base; A seat surface, located on the upper side of the base, for the user to sit on; An elastomeric support connects the base and the seat surface, maintains the seat surface in a reference state, and allows the seat surface to tilt from the reference state based on the force applied to the seat surface due to the user sitting down. A rotary table is disposed on the upper side of the base and rotates about an axis in the vertical direction based on power; Multiple support pillars, which have different lengths in the vertical direction, are disposed on the upper side of the rotary table and support the seat surface at the upper end when the seat surface is tilted from the reference state. An electric motor that generates the aforementioned power; An accelerometer is disposed on the underside of the seat surface and is used to measure the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface from the horizontal plane when the person sits down. A surface pressure sensor is disposed on the upper side of the seat surface and is used to measure the shift in the center of gravity of the subject sitting on the seat surface when seated. The longest support column among the plurality of support columns in the vertical direction is set to a length such that, when the seat surface is in the reference state, its upper end contacts the lower side of the seat surface. The control method includes the following processing: The rotation of the motor of the chair is controlled.

7. A storage medium for storing a program, wherein, The program is related to the control of the chair, and the chair has the following structure: Base; A seat surface, located on the upper side of the base, for the user to sit on; An elastomeric support connects the base and the seat surface, maintains the seat surface in a reference state, and allows the seat surface to tilt from the reference state according to the force applied to the seat surface due to the user sitting down. A rotary table is disposed on the upper side of the base and rotates about an axis in the vertical direction based on power; Multiple support pillars, which have different lengths in the vertical direction, are disposed on the upper side of the rotary table and support the seat surface at the upper end when the seat surface is tilted from the reference state. An electric motor that generates the aforementioned power; An accelerometer is disposed on the underside of the seat surface and is used to measure the tilt direction and tilt angle of the seat surface from the horizontal plane when the person sits down. A surface pressure sensor is disposed on the upper side of the seat surface and is used to measure the shift in the center of gravity of the subject sitting on the seat surface when seated. The longest support column among the plurality of support columns in the vertical direction is set to a length such that, when the seat surface is in the reference state, its upper end contacts the lower side of the seat surface. The program causes the computer to perform the following processes: The rotation of the motor in the chair is controlled.

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