Chair and chair management system

Abstract

To provide a chair capable of converting mechanical energy when seated on a chair into electric energy.SOLUTION: A chair (2) includes: a seat part (21) a sitter sits on; piston rods (42a)(42a) supporting the seat part (21); a support part (43) movably supporting the piston rod (42a) in an axial direction of the piston rod (42a) as a sitter sits down or leaves the seat; a power generation part (46) for generating power by converting mechanical energy into electric energy; a transmission part (45) transmitting mechanical energy by the movement of the piston rod (42a) to the power generation part (46); and a signal transmission part (48) transmitting a signal as the power generation part (46) generates power. The transmission part (45) is provided without being connected to the piston rod (42a).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chair and a chair management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a seat system capable of determining sitting and leaving has been known (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The seat system of Patent Document 1 requires a plurality of sensors and a power source for supplying power to the plurality of sensors in order to discriminate between a person sitting and leaving.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a chair capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy when a person sits on the chair, and a chair management system for managing usage information of the chair.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a chair according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a seat portion on which a seated person sits, a piston rod that supports the seat portion, a support portion that supports the piston rod so as to be movable in the axial direction of the piston rod in accordance with sitting and leaving of the seated person, a power generation portion that generates power by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, a transmission portion that transmits mechanical energy due to the movement of the piston rod to the power generation portion, and a signal transmission portion that transmits a signal when the power generation portion generates power, and the transmission portion is provided without being connected to the piston rod.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a chair capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy when sitting on the chair and a chair management system for managing usage information of the chair can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1 and the like. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a chair management system 10 according to the present disclosure. The chair management system 10 may include a plurality of chairs 2, but only one chair 2 is shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] (Chair Management System) FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a chair management system 10 according to the present disclosure. Briefly explained, the chair management system 10 includes a chair 2 provided with a mechatronic conversion device 4 and a management device 6 that manages the chair 2. Although details will be described later, the chair 2 (or the mechatronic conversion device 4) includes a power generation unit 46 that generates electricity as a user sits down and stands up, and a signal transmission unit 48 that transmits a signal triggered by the power generation unit 46 generating electricity. The management device 6 includes a communication unit 61 that receives the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48. The signal includes seating information regarding at least one of the seating and standing up of the seated person. The management device 6 includes a display control unit 632 that causes the seating information to be displayed on the display unit 64.

[0011] Hereinafter, details of the chair 2 and the management device 6 according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] (Chair) The chair 2 that constitutes the chair management system 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the chair 2. Reference numeral 201 in FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the chair 2. Reference numeral 202 in FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the chair 2.

[0013] The chair 2 is, for example, a swivel chair used in an office or a meeting room. The chair 2 includes, as main members, a seat 21, a backrest 22, a back frame 23 to which the backrest 22 is attached, and legs 24. Further, the chair 2 may include, for example, as optional items, armrests 25 and a headrest 26.

[0014] The chair 2 has a rocking function in which the backrest 22 can recline. Thereby, the seated person can relax the body and sit on the chair 2, and can continue to use it for a long time.

[0015] In the example of FIG. 2, the legs 24 are, for example, of a five-leg type branched into five, and casters 27 are attached to the lower end of each of the five legs. The caster 27 is, for example, a swivel type caster that can rotate horizontally. Thereby, the chair 2 can be easily moved.

[0016] As described above, the chair 2 includes a mechatronic conversion device 4. The mechatronic conversion device 4 is provided at the lower end of the column 28 of the chair 2 that extends to the center of the plurality of legs 24.

[0017] (Mechatronic conversion device 4) Next, the mechatronic conversion device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and the like. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the mechatronic conversion device 4. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3 is a front view of the mechatronic conversion device 4. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the mechatronic conversion device 4.

[0018] Referring to the diagram indicated by reference numeral 301 in FIG. 3, the mechatronic conversion device 4 is provided at the lower end of the column 28 of the chair 2 that extends to the center of the plurality of legs 24. The mechatronic conversion device 4 includes a housing 41 that forms the outer edge of the mechatronic conversion device 4.

[0019] In the diagram indicated by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3, XYZ coordinates are described. The Z-axis indicates the direction of gravity. The X-axis and the Y-axis are directions perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0020] Although details will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, referring to the diagram indicated by reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3, the mechatronic conversion device 4 includes a rotating shaft 44 and a transmission unit 45. The rotating shaft 44 is connected to the housing 41 and extends in the X-axis direction. The transmission unit 45 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft 44 and extends in the Y-axis direction. The rotating shaft 44 and the transmission unit 45 may protrude from the housing 41 or may be provided inside the housing 41 and not visible from the outside.

[0021] Next, the main component configuration of the mechatronic conversion device 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the main component configuration of the mechatronic conversion device 4. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4 is a first main component configuration diagram related to the mechatronic conversion device 4. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 402 in FIG. 4 is a second main component configuration diagram related to the mechatronic conversion device 4. XYZ coordinates are described in FIG. 4. The Z-axis indicates the direction of gravity. The X-axis and the Y-axis are directions perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 4, the electromechanical conversion device 4 includes a gas cylinder mechanism 42, a support portion 43, a rotating shaft 44, a transmission portion 45, a power generation portion 46, and a signal transmission portion 48.

[0023] First, to explain the overview, the chair 2 includes a seat portion 21 on which the seated person sits, a piston rod 42a of the gas cylinder mechanism 42 that supports the seat portion 21, a support portion 43 that supports the piston rod 42a so as to be movable in the axial direction of the piston rod 42a according to the seating and leaving of the seated person, a power generation portion 46 that generates electricity by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, a transmission portion 45 that transmits the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a to the power generation portion 46, and a signal transmission portion 48 that transmits a signal when the power generation portion 46 generates electricity. And the transmission portion 45 is provided without being connected to the piston rod 42a. Hereinafter, each component will be described.

[0024] Referring to the diagrams shown by reference numerals 401 and 402 in FIG. 4, first, the gas cylinder mechanism 42 will be described. The electromechanical conversion device 4 includes a gas cylinder mechanism 42 that adjusts the height of the seat 21. The gas cylinder mechanism 42 constitutes a support column 28 of the chair 2 and is attached to the main body of the chair 2 and the housing 41. The gas cylinder mechanism 42 includes a piston rod 42a and a cylinder filled with gas that supports the piston rod 42a so as to be relatively movable. The piston rod 42a is movable in the Z-axis direction, and the electromechanical conversion device 4 generates electricity by converting the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a into electrical energy.

[0025] The support portion 43 supports the piston rod 42a so as to be movable in the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the piston rod 42a. The support portion 43 has a through hole 43a on the bottom surface, enabling the piston rod 42a to move in the Z-axis direction.

[0026] The rotating shaft 44 is connected to the housing 41 (not shown) and extends in the X-axis direction. The rotating shaft 44 rotatably supports the transmission portion 45 described below.

[0027] The transmission part 45 has a main body 45a extending in a direction away from the rotation axis 44 (Y-axis direction), and the main body 45a can rotate with the rotation axis 44 as a fulcrum when it is pressed by the piston rod 42a. That is, when the seated person sits on the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves downward in the Z-axis direction to press the main body 45a, the main body 45a rotates downward in the Z-axis direction with the rotation axis 44 as a fulcrum. Also, when the seated person leaves the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves upward in the Z-axis direction, which is the direction away from the main body 45a, the main body 45a rotates upward in the Z-axis direction with the rotation axis 44 as a fulcrum.

[0028] The main body 45a is provided without being connected to the piston rod 42a. As an example, before the seated person sits on the seat part 21, the main body 45a and the piston rod 42a are separated, and when the seated person sits on the seat part 21, the main body 45a abuts against the piston rod 42a and presses the piston rod 42a. Alternatively, a configuration can be considered in which the main body 45a maintains a state of abutting against the piston rod 42a, but the main body 45a and the piston rod 42a are not connected.

[0029] The main body 45a has an extension part 45b located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 42 on the side opposite to the side where the rotation axis 44 is located. The main body 45a and the extension part 45b may be integrally formed, or may be formed as separate bodies and connected to each other. The extension part 45b is physically connected to the power generation part 46 described below. When the main body 45a and the extension part 45b are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the transmission part 45.

[0030] The power generation part 46 is disposed inside the housing 41. The power generation part 46 is physically connected to the extension part 45b, and the mechanical energy of the piston rod 42a is transmitted by the movement of the extension part 45b. Note that the power generation part 46 may have a configuration such as a slide switch that synchronizes with the movement of the extension part 45b.

[0031] More specifically, when the seated person sits on the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves downward in the Z-axis direction to press the main body 45a, the main body 45a rotates downward in the Z-axis direction with the rotation axis 44 as the fulcrum. Along with the movement of the main body 45a, the extending portion 45b physically connected to the power generation unit 46 pushes the power generation unit 46 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a is transmitted to the power generation unit 46, and the power generation unit 46 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0032] Also, when the seated person leaves the chair 2 and the piston rod 42a moves upward in the Z-axis direction, the main body 45a rotates upward in the Z-axis direction with the rotation axis 44 as the fulcrum. Along with the movement of the main body 45a, the extending portion 45b weakens the force applied to the power generation unit 46. As a result, the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a is transmitted to the power generation unit 46, and the power generation unit 46 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0033] The power generation unit 46 may be an energy harvester (self-powered vibration power generation device). For example, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology is used for aluminum nitride piezoelectric thin films to convert vibrations generated by mechanical energy into electrical energy. As long as the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 42a can be converted into electrical energy, other types of power generation mechanisms may be adopted for the power generation unit 46.

[0034] The mechanical-electrical conversion device 4 includes a wiring board (not shown) and a signal transmission unit 48 inside the housing 41. The signal transmission unit 48 may be provided at any position within the housing 41. In FIG. 4, the signal transmission unit 48 is illustrated by a dashed line as being provided on the back side of the power generation unit 46 in the X-axis direction. The wiring board includes wiring for supplying the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit 46 to the signal transmission unit 48. The signal transmission unit 48 transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit 46 has generated power to the management device 6 (communication unit 61).

[0035] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a chair 2 that can convert mechanical energy when sitting on the chair into electrical energy, and a chair management system 10 that manages usage information of the chair 2.

[0036] The transmission part 45 rotates with the position pressed by the piston rod 42a as the effort point, the rotation shaft 44 as the fulcrum, and the position acting on the power generation part 46 as the load point. According to the principle of a lever, the mechanical energy due to the movement of the piston rod 42a is converted into electrical energy in the power generation part 46. By utilizing the principle of a lever in this way, a chair 2 (and the mechanical-electrical conversion device 4) with high power generation efficiency can be realized.

[0037] Also, the extension part 45b and the power generation part 46 are located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 42 opposite to the side where the rotation shaft 44 is located, i.e., on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 42. Thereby, a chair 2 (and the mechanical-electrical conversion device 4) with a compact layout can be realized.

[0038] Furthermore, in the mechanical-electrical conversion device 4, since the piston rod 42a and the transmission part 45 are not connected, a chair 2 (and the mechanical-electrical conversion device 4) with high assemblability can be realized.

[0039] Above, an embodiment of the chair 2 and the mechanical-electrical conversion device 4 according to the present disclosure has been described. Next, another mechanical-electrical conversion device 5 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0040] (Mechanical-Electrical Conversion Device 5) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a mechanical-electrical conversion device 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5, XYZ coordinates are shown. The Z-axis indicates the direction of gravity. The X-axis and the Y-axis are directions perpendicular to the Z-axis.

[0041] Similar to the mechanical-electrical conversion device 4, the mechanical-electrical conversion device 5 is provided at the lower end of a support column 28 (not shown) of the chair 2 that extends to the center of a plurality of legs 24 (not shown) of the chair 2.

[0042] The electromechanical conversion device 5 includes a housing 51, a gas cylinder mechanism 52, a spring 53, a bearing 54, a transmission unit 55, a power generation unit 56, and a signal transmission unit 58 (not shown).

[0043] The housing 51 forms the outer edge of the electromechanical conversion device 5. The housing 51 is provided inside with the gas cylinder mechanism 52, the spring 53, the bearing 54, the transmission unit 55, the power generation unit 56, and the signal transmission unit 58.

[0044] The gas cylinder mechanism 52 has a piston rod 52a and a cylinder 52b. Since the piston rod 52a and the cylinder 52b may have the same configuration as the piston rod 42a and the cylinder described with reference to FIG. 4, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0045] The spring 53 is configured to mitigate the impact when a person sits on the chair 2. When the seated person leaves the chair 2, the spring 53 is configured to weaken the force applied in the downward Z-axis direction to the piston rod 52a and extend, and transmit the extending force of the spring 53 to the piston rod 52a to move the piston rod 52a in the upward Z-axis direction.

[0046] The bearing 54 is provided between the piston rod 52a and a first transmission unit 55a (described later) and smoothly rotates the piston rod 52a that moves in the vertical Z-axis direction.

[0047] The transmission unit 55 has a first transmission unit 55a that receives the piston rod 52a from below the piston rod 52a and a second transmission unit 55b located on the side of the first transmission unit 55a. The first transmission unit 55a is provided without being connected to the piston rod 52a. The first transmission unit 55a and the second transmission unit 55b may be integrally formed or may be formed as separate bodies and connected to each other. The second transmission unit 55b is physically connected to the power generation unit 56. Alternatively, the power generation unit 56 may have a configuration such as a slide switch that synchronizes the movement of the second transmission unit 55b.

[0048] The power generation unit 56 is inside the housing 51 and is located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 52. The power generation unit 56 is physically connected to the second transmission unit 55b, and the mechanical energy of the piston rod 52a is transmitted by the movement of the second transmission unit 55b. Similar to the power generation unit 46 described with reference to FIG. 4, the power generation unit 56 may be an energy harvester (self - contained vibration power generation device) or another type of power generation mechanism.

[0049] According to the above configuration, when the seated person sits on the chair 2, the piston rod 52a moves downward in the Z - axis direction and presses the first transmission unit 55a. As a result, the second transmission unit 55b connected to the first transmission unit 55a also moves downward in the Z - axis direction and pushes the power generation unit 56 in the Z - axis direction. Thereby, the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 52a is transmitted to the power generation unit 56, and the power generation unit 56 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0050] Also, when the seated person leaves the chair 2, the piston rod 52a moves upward in the Z - axis direction due to the action of the spring 53. As a result, the first transmission unit 55a and the second transmission unit 55b also move upward, and the second transmission unit 55b weakens the force applied to the power generation unit 56. Thereby, the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod 52a is transmitted to the power generation unit 56, and the power generation unit 56 can convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0051] The mechanical - electrical conversion device 5 includes a wiring board and a signal transmission unit 58 inside the housing 51 (not shown). The wiring board includes wiring for supplying the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit 56 to the signal transmission unit 58. The signal transmission unit 58 transmits a signal indicating that the power generation unit 56 has generated power to the management device 6 (communication unit 61).

[0052] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a chair 2 that can convert mechanical energy when sitting on the chair 2 into electrical energy, and a chair management system 10 that manages the usage information of the chair 2.

[0053] Further, the second transmission unit 55b and the power generation unit 56 are located on the side of the gas cylinder mechanism 52. As a result, a chair 2 (and the mechatronic conversion device 5) with a compact layout can be realized.

[0054] Furthermore, since the piston rod 52a and the transmission unit 55 are not connected, a chair 2 (and the mechatronic conversion device 5) with high assemblability can be realized.

[0055] As described above, the mechatronic conversion device 4 and the mechatronic conversion device 5 according to the present disclosure have been described. The mechatronic conversion device 4 and the mechatronic conversion device 5 are examples, and the present disclosure can also adopt a mechatronic conversion device with other configurations as long as it has the same functions as those described above.

[0056] (Management device) Next, the management device 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the management device 6 according to the present disclosure.

[0057] The management device 6 may be, for example, a personal computer. The management device 6 includes a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, a control unit 63, and a display unit 64.

[0058] The communication unit 61 acquires the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48 via a network. In the case of wireless communication, those using radio waves, those using infrared rays, etc. can be applied. As those using radio waves, Bluetooth (registered trademark) or WiFi (registered trademark) etc. may be applied. The communication unit 61 may store the signal acquired from the signal transmission unit 48 in the storage unit 62. The communication unit 61 may output the signal acquired from the signal transmission unit 48 to the control unit 63. Note that the signal transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48 includes seating information regarding at least one of the seating and leaving of the seated person.

[0059] The storage unit 62 stores the signals acquired from the signal transmission unit 48 via the communication unit 61. The storage unit 62 is a storage device that stores various computer programs read by the control unit 63 and data used in various processes executed by the control unit 63. The storage unit 62 is composed of, for example, a recording device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) provided in the management device 6, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and / or a portable storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 62 may be substituted with a server or the like outside the management device 6.

[0060] The control unit 63 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 63 controls the communication unit 61, the storage unit 62, and the display unit 64, and performs all controls related to the overall operation of the management device 6.

[0061] The control unit 63 includes a generation unit 631 and a display control unit 632.

[0062] The generation unit 631 generates usage information related to the usage history of the chair 2 using the signals transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48.

[0063] More specifically, the communication unit 61 acquires the signals transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48 via the network and stores the signals in the storage unit 62. The signals transmitted by the signal transmission unit 48 are a seating signal indicating that a person has seated on the chair 2 and a leaving signal indicating that a person has left the chair 2. The reception history of the seating signal and the leaving signal is accumulated in the storage unit 62 and read from the storage unit 62 by the generation unit 631.

[0064] As an example, the generation unit 631 reads the reception history of the sitting signal and the leaving signal, and generates usage information including information regarding at least one of the number of times of sitting on the chair 2 and the sitting time during a predetermined period. As another example, the generation unit 631 generates usage information including information regarding at least one of the number of times of sitting on the chair 2 and the sitting time, by day, week, month, year, and time.

[0065] The chair management system 10 may store in the storage unit 62 information regarding at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair 2, and / or identification information for uniquely identifying the chair 2. Thereby, the generation unit 631 can also generate usage information including information regarding at least one of the manufacturing date, delivery date, and start date of use of the chair 2, and / or identification information for uniquely identifying the chair 2.

[0066] The generation unit 631 may store the generated usage information in the storage unit 62. The generation unit 631 may output the generated usage information to the display control unit 632.

[0067] The display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display the usage information acquired from the storage unit 62 or the generation unit 631.

[0068] The display unit 64 may be a display unit provided in the management device 6, or may be a display unit outside the management device 6.

[0069] Hereinafter, usage information according to the present disclosure will be exemplified.

[0070] (Usage Information 1) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the usage information of the present disclosure displayed on the display unit 64. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 701 in FIG. 7 shows an example of usage information regarding the number of times of sitting on the chair 2 during a predetermined period. The diagram indicated by reference numeral 702 in FIG. 7 shows an example of usage information regarding the sitting time on the chair 2 during a predetermined period.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 7, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display usage information regarding the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair 2 during a predetermined period. The display control unit 632 may cause the display unit 64 to display only one of the number of seatings and the seating time. The predetermined period may be the period from the start of use of the chair to the present, or may be a specific period designated by the user.

[0072] In the example of FIG. 7, usage information such as "number of seatings: 50,000 times" and "seating time: 16,000 hours" is displayed. By checking the usage history (seating time and / or number of seatings) of the chair 2 displayed on the display unit 64, the user can manage the replacement time or maintenance time of the chair 2. For example, when the number of seatings exceeds A times, the person in charge of the seller of the chair 2 can propose to the purchaser of the chair 2 to replace the chair 2, and when the number of seatings exceeds B times, it can be an opportunity to convey to the purchaser of the chair 2 that it has become a replacement standard. When the number of seatings of the purchaser of the chair 2 exceeds C times, it can be an opportunity to consider purchasing a new chair 2. The same can be considered for the seating time.

[0073] In the example of FIG. 7, the number of seatings and the seating time are displayed together with a circular gauge graph (100% at 360°). Taking the number of seatings as an example, the display control unit 632 may cause the display unit 64 to display the usage information in a visually changing display format such that in the circular gauge graph, from 0 times to A times is displayed in blue, and from A times to B times is displayed in red. By changing the color of the gauge graph, the usage history can be made easier to check. Since this gauge graph can change color according to the seating time or the number of seatings, it may be treated as alarm information.

[0074] (Usage Information 2) Next, the alarm information as usage information displayed on the display unit 64 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining alarm information according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display usage information regarding the usage status. The usage information shown in FIG. 8 has the rectangular regions R1, R2, and region 3 displayed horizontally in series. In the example of FIG. 8, the regions R1, R2, and region 3 have different horizontal lengths. The region R1 is labeled with "Standard", the region R2 is labeled with "Proposed Time", and the region R3 is labeled with "Proposal Guideline" as the item names respectively. The display control unit 632 may assign different colors to the regions R1, R2, and region 3 so that it is easier for the user who views the display unit 64 to see.

[0076] The region R1 (Standard) indicates the standard number of seatings and / or seating time of the chair 2 for which it is assumed that replacement or maintenance of the chair 2 is not required. As an example, the region R1 (Standard) includes the range from 0 to 37,500 seatings and from 0 to 12,000 hours of seating time starting from the date of delivery of the chair 2.

[0077] The region R2 (Proposed Time) indicates the number of seatings and / or seating time of the chair 2 for which consideration should be given to proposing replacement or maintenance of the chair 2. As an example, the region R2 (Proposed Time) includes the range from 37,501 to 43,750 seatings and from 12,000 to 14,000 hours of seating time starting from the date of delivery of the chair 2.

[0078] The region R3 (Proposal Guideline) indicates the number of seatings and / or seating time of the chair 2 for which the chair 2 should be replaced. As an example, the region R3 (Proposal Guideline) includes the range from 43,751 to 50,000 seatings and from 14,001 to 16,000 hours of seating time starting from the date of delivery of the chair 2.

[0079] As described above, in the example of FIG. 8, the regions R1, R2, and region 3 have different horizontal lengths. This is because the horizontal lengths of the regions R1, R2, and region 3 are set according to the corresponding number of seatings and seating time respectively. The horizontal lengths of the regions R1, R2, and region 3 can be changed in response to user input regarding the number of seatings and seating time.

[0080] Furthermore, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display lines L1, L2, and L3 that extend in the vertical direction. In the example of FIG. 5, lines L1, L3, and L2 are displayed in this order from the left. Lines L1 to L3 may have different colors or formats (solid line, dashed line, etc.) so as to be easily distinguishable from each other.

[0081] Line L1 indicates the number of seatings starting from the date of incorporation of chair 2. The display control unit 632 moves line L1 to the right and displays it as the number of seatings in chair 2 increases. The position where the display control unit 632 causes line L1 to be displayed on the display unit 64 corresponds to the number of seatings assigned to regions R1, R2, and R3, respectively.

[0082] Line L2 indicates the seating time starting from the date of incorporation of chair 2. The display control unit 632 moves line L2 to the right and displays it as the seating time in chair 2 increases. The position where the display control unit 632 causes line L2 to be displayed on the display unit 64 corresponds to the seating time assigned to regions R1, R2, and R3, respectively.

[0083] Line L3 indicates the assumed standard number of seatings and / or time starting from the date of incorporation of chair 2. The display control unit 632 moves line L3 to the right and displays it as the usage period of chair 2 extends. The position where line L3 is displayed on the display unit 64 corresponds to the number of seatings and the seating time assigned to regions R1, R2, and R3, respectively.

[0084] Furthermore, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display lines L4 and L5 that extend in the horizontal direction. Line L4 intersects line L1. Near the left end of line L4, the characters "Number of seatings" are displayed. Thereby, it can be visually understood that line L4 corresponds to line L1 (number of seatings). Line L5 intersects line L2. Near the left end of line L5, the characters "Seating time" are displayed. Thereby, it can be visually understood that line L5 corresponds to line L2 (seating time).

[0085] According to the above configuration, the display control unit 632 moves the line L1 to the right and displays it as the number of seatings on the chair 2 increases, moves the line L2 to the right and displays it as the seating time on the chair 2 increases, and moves the line L3 to the right and displays it as the usage period of the chair 2 extends. When the number of seatings and the seating time on the chair 2 increase in a shorter period and exceed the standard number of seatings and the standard seating time according to the usage period, the line L1 and / or the line L2 are displayed to the right of the line L3.

[0086] As an example, when the person in charge (sales) of the seller of the chair 2 confirms that the line L1 and / or the line L2 have moved to the right of the line L3, they can recognize in advance that the time to propose the replacement or maintenance of the chair 2 to the purchaser of the chair 2 is advanced. In addition, when the person in charge (sales) of the seller of the chair 2 confirms that the line L1, the line L2, or the line L3 is displayed in the region R3, they can propose the replacement or maintenance of the chair 2.

[0087] Similarly, when the purchaser of the chair 2 confirms that the line L1 and / or the line L2 have moved to the right of the line L3, they can recognize in advance that the time to consider replacing the chair 2 with a new one is advanced. In addition, when the purchaser of the chair 2 confirms that the line L1, the line L2, or the line L3 is displayed in the region R3, it can be an opportunity to consider replacing the chair 2 with a new one.

[0088] In this way, the display control unit 632 causes the display unit 64 to display usage information including alarm information for prompting the replacement or maintenance of the chair 2, and it can be an opportunity to start considering the replacement or maintenance of the chair 2.

[0089] As described above, in FIG. 8, as an example of the alarm information, the configuration in which the regions R1, R2, R3, and the lines L1 to L5 are displayed on the display unit 64 by the display control unit 632 has been described. The alarm information is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 8 and may be realized by other configurations. For example, as described above, the circular gauge graph whose color changes according to the seating time or the number of seatings shown in FIG. 7 may also be treated as alarm information.

[0090] As described above, the display control unit 632 can display the seating information (usage information) on the display unit 64, and can realize a more advanced usage mode such as checking the replacement time or maintenance time of the chair based on the usage frequency of the chair 2.

[0091] (Summary) The chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure includes a seat portion on which a seated person sits, a piston rod that supports the seat portion, a support portion that supports the piston rod so as to be movable in the axial direction of the piston rod in response to the seating and leaving of the seated person, a power generation portion that generates power by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, a transmission portion that transmits the mechanical energy due to the movement of the piston rod to the power generation portion, and a signal transmission portion that transmits a signal when the power generation portion generates power, and the transmission portion is provided without being connected to the piston rod.

[0092] According to the above configuration, the chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure can provide a chair that can convert mechanical energy when sitting on the chair into electrical energy.

[0093] Furthermore, since the transmission portion and the piston rod of the chair according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure are not connected, high assemblability can also be realized.

[0094] The chair according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure has, in Embodiment 1, a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the transmission portion, the transmission portion has a main body that extends in a direction away from the rotating shaft, the main body is pushed down by the piston rod and is rotatable about the rotating shaft as a fulcrum, and the mechanical energy is transmitted to the power generation portion by the rotation of the main body.

[0095] According to the above configuration, the power generation efficiency of the chair according to the present disclosure can be increased by utilizing the principle of a lever.

[0096] The chair according to Aspect 3 of the present disclosure, in the above Aspect 2, has a cylinder that movably receives the piston rod, and the main body has an extending portion located on the side of the cylinder on the side opposite to the side where the rotation axis is located, and the power generation unit is physically connected to the extending portion, and the mechanical energy is transmitted to the power generation unit by the movement of the extending portion.

[0097] In a conventional chair provided with a mechanical-electrical conversion device, the power generation unit was disposed below the piston rod (see Patent Document 1). In contrast, the chair of the present disclosure can compactly layout the piston rod and the power generation unit by having the above configuration.

[0098] The chair according to Aspect 4 of the present disclosure, in the above Aspect 1, has a cylinder that movably receives the piston rod, and the transmission unit has a first transmission unit that receives the piston rod from below the piston rod and a second transmission unit located on the side of the cylinder, and the power generation unit is physically connected to the second transmission unit, and power is generated by the movement of the second transmission unit accompanying the pressing down of the first transmission unit by the piston rod.

[0099] According to the above configuration, since the transmission unit and the piston rod are not connected, the assemblability of the chair provided with the mechanical-electrical conversion device can be improved.

[0100] The chair management system according to Aspect 5 of the present disclosure includes the chair according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4 and a communication unit that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmission unit.

[0101] According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to transmit a signal from the signal transmission unit provided in the chair to the communication unit of the chair management system, and it becomes easy to manage the chair or the usage status of the chair based on the signal.

[0102] The chair management system according to Aspect 6 of the present disclosure, in the above Aspect 5, the signal includes seating information regarding at least one of seating and leaving of the seated person, and includes a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the seating information.

[0103] According to the above configuration, the seating information can be confirmed on the display unit. Thereby, based on the seating information, it is possible to realize a developmental usage mode such as confirming the situation regarding at least one of the seating and leaving of the seated person, or confirming the replacement timing or maintenance timing of the chair from the usage frequency of the chair or the like.

[0104] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the disclosed technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, by combining the disclosed technical means respectively, new technical features can be formed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 2 Chair 4, 5 Electromechanical conversion device 6 Management device 10 Chair management system 16 Seating time 21 Seat part 23 Back frame 26 Headrest 27 Caster 28 Support column 41, 51 Housing 42, 52 Gas cylinder mechanism 42a, 52a Piston rod 52b Cylinder 43 Support part 43a Through hole 44 Rotation axis 45, 55 Transmission part 45a Main body 45b Extension part 46, 56 Power generation part 48, 58 Signal transmission part 53 Spring 54 Bearing 55a First Transmission Unit 55b Second Transmission Unit 61 Communication Unit 62 Memory Unit 63 Control Unit 64 Display Unit 631 Generation Unit 632 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. a seat portion on which a seated person sits; a piston rod that supports the seat portion; a support portion that movably supports the piston rod in the axial direction of the piston rod in accordance with the seating and leaving of the seated person; a power generation unit that generates power by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy; a transmission unit that transmits the mechanical energy generated by the movement of the piston rod to the power generation unit; a signal transmission unit that transmits a signal when the power generation unit generates power, and a chair, wherein the transmission unit is provided without being connected to the piston rod.

2. having a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the transmission unit, the transmission unit has a main body extending in a direction away from the rotating shaft, and the main body is rotatable about the rotating shaft by being pressed by the piston rod, The chair according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical energy is transmitted to the power generation unit by the rotation of the main body.

3. having a cylinder that movably receives the piston rod, the main body has an extending portion located on the side of the cylinder on the side opposite to the side where the rotating shaft is located, the power generation unit is physically connected to the extending portion, The chair according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical energy is transmitted to the power generation unit by the movement of the extending portion.

4. having a cylinder that movably receives the piston rod, the transmission unit has a first transmission unit that receives the piston rod from below the piston rod and a second transmission unit located on the side of the cylinder, The chair according to claim 1, wherein the power generation unit is physically connected to the second transmission unit and generates power by the movement of the second transmission unit when the first transmission unit is pressed by the piston rod.

5. A chair management system comprising the chair according to claim 1 or 2 and a communication unit that receives the signal transmitted from the signal transmission unit.

6. the signal includes seating information regarding at least one of the seating and leaving of the seated person, The chair management system according to claim 5, further comprising a display control unit that causes the seating information to be displayed on a display unit.

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