Vibratory stimulation device

Abstract

To provide a vibratory stimulation device capable of preventing "users from feeling great discomfort".SOLUTION: A vibratory stimulation device includes a vibration applicator 3 for applying vibration to a user's body, and a control unit 5 for controlling operation of the vibration applicator, the control unit 5 capable of executing an excitation mode control of periodically changing an amplitude, with the amplitude set to a value greater than zero. Accordingly, the vibratory stimulation device can prevent users from feeling great discomfort, as the amplitude changes periodically.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration stimulation device and the like for promoting the venous return of a user (also referred to as "milking action") and nerve activity (projection from sensory neurons and interneurons from various receptors of muscles and tendons to motor neurons).

Background Art

[0002] For example, in the massager of Patent Document 1, the vibration generator is operated with the maximum amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibration generator (hereinafter simply referred to as "amplitude") being a constant value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventors have discovered through tests and research that "when the vibration generator is continuously operated with the amplitude of the vibration applied to the body being a constant value, the user feels a great deal of discomfort." The present disclosure discloses an example of a vibration stimulation device in view of the above points.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The vibration stimulation device desirably includes at least the following components, for example. That is, the components are a vibration applicator (3) for applying vibration to the user's body, and a control unit (5) for controlling the operation of the vibration applicator, the control unit (5) being capable of executing vibration excitation mode control for periodically changing the amplitude with the amplitude being a value greater than 0.

[0006] As a result, in the vibration stimulation device, since the amplitude changes periodically, it is possible to suppress the user from feeling a large amount of discomfort. Note that the vibration stimulation device may have, for example, the following configuration.

[0007] That is, the frequency of the vibration applied to the body is desirably 20 Hz or more and 120 Hz or less. It is desirable that the minimum value of the amplitude of the control unit (5) is 0.1 mm or more. Further, the difference between the minimum value of the amplitude and the maximum value of the amplitude is desirably 0.1 mm or more.

[0008] In addition, in a vibration stimulation device configured to include a first vibrator (3A) for applying vibration to the right half body side of the user and a second vibrator (3B) for applying vibration to the left half body side of the user, it is desirable that the phase of the first cycle is shifted with respect to the phase of the second cycle.

[0009] Note that the first cycle refers to the amplitude change cycle of the first vibrator (3A). The second cycle refers to the amplitude change cycle of the second vibrator (3B). The amplitude change cycle refers to the cycle when the amplitude is periodically changed during vibration application mode control.

[0010] Incidentally, the reference numerals in each of the above parentheses are an example showing the correspondence relationship with the specific configuration and the like described in the embodiments described later, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration and the like indicated by the reference numerals in the above parentheses.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The following "Embodiments of the Invention" show an example of embodiments belonging to the technical scope of the present disclosure. That is, the invention-specific matters described in the claims are not limited to the specific configurations, structures, etc. shown in the following embodiments.

[0013] Note that at least one member or part described with a reference sign is provided at least one, unless otherwise stated such as "one". The vibration stimulation device shown in the present disclosure includes at least one of the components such as the members or parts described with a reference sign, and at least one of the illustrated structural parts.

[0014] (First Embodiment) This embodiment is an example in which the vibration stimulation device and the vibration stimulation method according to the present disclosure are applied to a seat such as a vehicle seat or a recliner.

[0015] <1. Outline of the Seat> As shown in FIG. 1, the seat 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include at least a seat body 2, at least one (a plurality in this embodiment) of vibration generators 3, and a control unit 5 (see FIG. 2).

[0016] The seat body 2 has at least one of a seat cushion 2A, a seat back 2B, and an ottoman 2C. The seat cushion 2A supports the lower body of the occupant such as the legs. The seat back 2B supports the upper body of the occupant such as the waist and back. The ottoman 2C supports the lower body of the occupant below the knees such as the calves.

[0017] Each vibration generator 3 applies vibration to the body of the user of the vibration stimulation device, that is, the user of the seat 1. And in this embodiment, at least one vibration generator 3 is arranged on each of the seat cushion 2A, the seat back 2B, and the ottoman 2C.

[0018] Specifically, vibration imparters 31 and 32 are arranged on the seat cushion 2A. Vibration imparters 33 and 34 are arranged on the seat back 2B. Vibration imparter 35 is arranged on the ottoman 2C. Hereinafter, all or any of the vibration imparters 31 to 35 will be referred to as vibration imparter 3.

[0019] Each vibration imparting device 3 is configured to have a first vibrator 3A and a second vibrator 3B. The first vibrator 3A imparts vibration to the right half of the user's body, and the second vibrator 3B imparts vibration to the left half of the user's body.

[0020] Each of the first vibrators 3A and each of the second vibrators 3B is configured with an electric actuator type vibrator. Hereinafter, all or any of the plurality of first vibrators 3A will be referred to as first vibrators 3A, and all or any of the plurality of second vibrators 3B will be referred to as second vibrators 3B.

[0021] The control unit 5 is a controller that controls the operation of the vibration imparting device 3, that is, the first vibrator 3A and the second vibrator 3B. The control unit 5 is capable of executing vibration mode control and simulated running mode control.

[0022] The vibration mode control is a control in which the maximum amplitude of the vibration applied by the vibration applicator 3 is periodically changed while the maximum amplitude is set to a value greater than 0. The simulated running mode control is a control in which the phase of the first period is shifted relative to the phase of the second period.

[0023] The first period refers to the period for changing the amplitude of the first vibrator 3A. The second period refers to the period for changing the amplitude of the second vibrator 3B. The amplitude change period refers to the period for periodically changing the amplitude during vibration mode control.

[0024] 2, the first drive circuit 6A drives the first vibrator 3A in response to a command from the control unit 5. The second drive circuit 6B drives the second vibrator 3B in response to a command from the control unit 5. The power supply 7 supplies power to the control unit 5, the first drive circuit 6A, the second drive circuit 6B, etc.

[0025] <Details of vibration excitation mode control and simulated running mode control> FIG. 3 is a chart showing changes in the maximum amplitude (hereinafter simply referred to as "amplitude") of each of the first oscillator 3A and the second oscillator 3B. The control unit 5 periodically changes the amplitude in a state where the amplitude of each of the first oscillator 3A and the second oscillator 3B is set to a value greater than 0.

[0026] At this time, the control unit 5 controls the vibration generator 3 so that the frequency of the vibration applied to the body is 20 Hz or more and 120 Hz or less, the minimum value of the amplitude is 0.1 mm or more, and the difference between the minimum value of the amplitude and the maximum value of the amplitude is 0.1 mm or more.

[0027] In this embodiment, the frequency of the vibration applied to the body is 80 Hz, the minimum value of the amplitude is 0.1 mm, and the difference between the minimum value of the amplitude and the maximum value of the amplitude is 0.2 mm. Then, the control unit 5 shifts the phase of the first cycle with respect to the phase of the second cycle. In this embodiment, the amplitude changes so that the amplitude change period draws a rectangular wave, and the first cycle and the second cycle are the same. The phase shift between the first cycle and the second cycle is 1 / 2 of the amplitude change period.

[0028] <3. Features of the seat (vibration stimulation device and vibration stimulation method) according to this embodiment> The seat (vibration stimulation device and vibration stimulation method) according to this embodiment is capable of executing vibration excitation mode control in which the amplitude is periodically changed in a state where the amplitude is set to a value greater than 0.

[0029] Thereby, in the vibration stimulation device, since the amplitude changes periodically, it is possible to suppress the user from feeling a great deal of discomfort. Subsequently, it is possible to continuously apply vibrations that increase muscle strength and motor nerve activity in a short period of time, enhance the training effect per unit time, make it difficult to feel the base vibration by applying a larger vibration, and reduce discomfort.

[0030] (Second Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the vibration stimulation device and the vibration stimulation method according to the present disclosure are applied to a sheet was shown. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a vibration stimulation device includes a first fixture 6C for closely fixing the first vibrator 3A to the user's body and a second fixture 6D for closely fixing the second vibrator 3B to the user's body.

[0031] The first fixture 6C and the second fixture 6D according to the present embodiment are fixtures that can be easily attached and detached, such as a hook-and-loop fastener. Note that the mounting positions of the first vibrator 3A and the second vibrator 3B shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B are examples.

[0032] Also, the muscle to be vibrated may be any part such as a muscle belly and a tendon part. That is, any part can effectively promote venous return and nerve activity.

[0033] The above description is an explanation of the differences from the above-described embodiment. The same constituent elements as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0034] (Third Embodiment) Each vibration applicator 3 according to the above-described embodiment was configured to include a first vibrator 3A for the right half of the body and a second vibrator 3B for the left half of the body. On the other hand, each vibration applicator 3 according to the present embodiment is configured such that each vibration applicator 3 is composed of one vibrator 3C, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0035] Then, the control unit 5 can execute a vibration mode in which the amplitude is periodically changed in a state where the amplitude is set to a value greater than 0 for each vibration applicator 3, that is, for each vibrator 3C, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0036] The above description is about the differences from the sheet 1 according to the first embodiment. The same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, in this embodiment, duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0037] (Other Embodiments) In the above-described embodiment, the amplitude changes so that the amplitude change period draws a rectangular wave, and the first period and the second period are the same, and the phase shift between the first period and the second period is 1 / 2 of the amplitude change period. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0038] That is, the present disclosure may be, for example, a configuration in which the amplitude changes so that the amplitude change period draws a sine wave, a configuration in which the phase shift between the first period and the second period is 1 / 4 of the amplitude change period, a configuration in which the first period and the second period are different periods, or a configuration in which the amplitude change period changes periodically.

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, the amplitude periodically changes between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be, for example, a configuration in which the amplitude periodically changes between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm centered on 0.2 mm. That is, as long as the amplitude is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 mm), the change in the amplitude is not a concern.

[0040] In the above-described embodiment, the frequency of the vibration applied to the body is 20 Hz or more and 120 Hz or less, the minimum value of the amplitude is 0.1 mm or more, and the difference between the minimum value of the amplitude and the maximum value of the amplitude is 0.1 mm or more. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0041] In the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of first oscillators 3A vibrates in the same phase. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be, for example, a configuration in which each first oscillator 3A vibrates in a different phase.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of second vibrators 3B are configured to vibrate at the same phase. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be configured such that, for example, each of the second vibrators 3B vibrates at a different phase.

[0043] In the above-described embodiment, the seat cushion 2A, the seat back 2B, the ottoman 2C, and the like are At least one vibration imparting device 3 is provided in each of the seat cushion 2A, the seat back 2B, and the ottoman 2C. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, the present disclosure may be configured such that the vibration imparting device 3 is provided only in the seat cushion 2A, the seat back 2B, or the ottoman 2C.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle. However, the application of the invention disclosed in this specification is not limited thereto. That is, the present disclosure can also be applied to seats used in vehicles such as railway cars, ships, and aircraft, as well as stationary seats used in theaters, homes, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments as long as it conforms to the spirit of the disclosure described in the above-described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure may be a configuration in which at least two of the above-described embodiments are combined, or a configuration in which any of the components illustrated or described with reference numerals in the above-described embodiments is eliminated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1... sheet 2... Seat body 2A... Seat cushion 2B... Seat back 2C... Ottoman 3... Vibration applicator 3A… 1st vibrator 3B…Second vibrator 5... Control section

Claims

1. A vibration applicator for applying vibration to a user's body, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the vibration applicator, the control unit being capable of executing vibration excitation mode control for periodically changing the amplitude with the amplitude being a value greater than 0 A vibration stimulation device comprising:

2. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the vibration applicator so that the frequency of the vibration applied to the body is 20 Hz or more and 120 Hz or less.

3. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the vibration applicator so that the minimum value of the amplitude is 0.1 mm or more.

4. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the vibration applicator so that the difference between the minimum value of the amplitude and the maximum value of the amplitude is 0.1 mm or more.

5. The vibration applicator is configured to include a first vibrator for applying vibration to the right half of the user's body and a second vibrator for applying vibration to the left half of the user's body, When the vibration excitation mode control is performed, when the period for periodically changing the amplitude is defined as the amplitude change period, the amplitude change period of the first vibrator is defined as the first period, and the amplitude change period of the second vibrator is defined as the second period, The vibration stimulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is capable of executing control for shifting the phase of the first period with respect to the phase of the second period.

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