Biological support device

Abstract

Miniaturize the mobile unit. [Solution] The unit drive device 10 comprises a guide rail 11 having guide grooves 15a, 15b, a movable unit 20 that can be displaced along the guide rail 11, and first and second drive units 16a, 16b arranged inside the guide grooves 15a, 15b. The movable unit 20 comprises first and second connecting parts 30, 40 connected to the first and second drive units 16a, 16b, respectively, a displacement part 50, and a mechanism part 60 connected to the first and second connecting parts 30, 40. The mechanism part 60 displaces the displacement part 50 so as the second connecting part 40 is displaced relative to the first connecting part 30, so as as the second connecting part 40 is displaced relative to the first connecting part 30, the mechanism part 60 moves the displacement part 50 closer to and further away from the guide rail 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a living body support device configured to support a living body.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a moving unit continuously moves along a guide rail and performs a massage by pressing a desired body part of a user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the above technology, it is preferable that the moving unit is miniaturized. This is because the pad member cannot be arranged within the movable range of the moving unit, and thus the user is likely to feel discomfort in a part where the pad member does not exist.

[0005] On the other hand, when it is desired to make a part of the moving unit move up and down with respect to the guide rail, it is necessary to incorporate a power source such as a motor into the moving unit. As a result, the moving unit may be enlarged.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to miniaturize the moving unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The living body support device (1) preferably includes at least one of the following constituent elements, for example. One aspect of the present disclosure is a biological support device (1) configured to support a living organism. The biological support device (1) comprises at least one pad (2R, 2L) and at least one unit drive device (10).

[0008] The pads (2R, 2L) support the living organism. At least one unit drive device (10) comprises a guide rail (11), a moving unit (20), a first drive unit (16a), and a second drive unit (16b). The guide rail (11) extends longitudinally and has at least one guide groove (15a, 15b) extending along the longitudinal direction. The moving unit (20) is configured to be displaceable along the guide rail (11). The first drive unit (16a) and the second drive unit (16b) are arranged to extend longitudinally within the guide groove (15a, 15b) and are configured to be displaceable independently along the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The mobile unit (20) comprises a first connecting part (30), a second connecting part (40), a mechanism part (60), and a displacement part (50). The first connecting part (30) is connected to the first drive part (16a). The second connecting part (40) is connected to the second drive part (16b) and is configured to be displaceable relative to the first connecting part (30) in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The mechanism (60) is connected to the first connecting part (30) and the second connecting part (40). The displacement part (50) is configured to be displaceable so as to move closer to and further away from the guide rail (11). The mechanism (60) is configured to displace the displacement part (50) so as to move closer to and further away from the guide rail (11) as the second connecting part (40) is displaced longitudinally relative to the first connecting part (30).

[0011] At least a portion of each of the guide rail (11), first drive unit (16a), and second drive unit (16b) of at least one unit drive device (10), and the moving unit (20) are positioned on the biological side of the pads (2R, 2L).

[0012] With this configuration, the driving force that drives the mobile unit (20) is transmitted from the power source to the mobile unit (20) via the first and second drive units (16b). Therefore, the mobile unit (20) can be displaced along the guide rail (11) and the displacement unit (50) can be moved closer to and further away from the guide rail (11) without incorporating a power source such as a motor into the mobile unit (20). As a result, the mobile unit (20) can be made smaller.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first drive unit (16a) and the second drive unit (16b) may be arranged to surround at least one pad (2R, 2L). With this configuration, some components can be positioned behind the pads (2R, 2L). Therefore, components positioned closer to the living body than the pads (2R, 2L) can be made thinner.

[0014] One aspect of the present disclosure may include at least one pad (2R, 2L), which is a right pad (2R) and a left pad (2L) positioned to the left of the right pad (2R). The biological support device (1) may further include a pad support section (76) that supports the right pad (2R) and the left pad (2L) so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction so as to move closer to and further apart from each other.

[0015] With this configuration, the right pad (2R) and the left pad (2L) can be displaced horizontally. Therefore, the right pad (2R) and the left pad (2L) can be positioned appropriately according to the body shape of the organism.

[0016] One aspect of the present disclosure may include two unit drive devices (10), each corresponding to a right pad (2R) and a left pad (2L), as at least one unit drive device (10). The biological support device (1) may further include a unit support section (71) that supports the two unit drive devices (10) so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction so as to move closer to and further apart from each other. According to such a configuration, the two unit drive devices (10) can be arranged at appropriate positions according to the body shape of the living body.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vertical support mechanism (80) that supports the at least one unit support portion (71) so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction while fixedly supporting the pad support portion (76) may be further provided.

[0018] According to such a configuration, only the unit drive device (10) can be moved in the vertical direction separately from the right pad (2R) and the left pad (2L). Note that the reference signs in each of the above parentheses are an example showing the correspondence with the specific configurations and the like described in the embodiments to be described later, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations and the like indicated by the reference signs in the above parentheses.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing the entire living body support device. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing the living body support device excluding the epidermis. [Figure 3] It is a rear view showing the horizontal support mechanism and the vertical support mechanism. [Figure 4] It is a front view showing the horizontal support mechanism and the vertical support mechanism. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the unit drive device. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing the moving unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the moving unit with the displacement portion lowered as viewed from the left. FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the moving unit with the displacement portion raised as viewed from the left. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a part of the moving unit with the displacement portion lowered. FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing a part of the moving unit with the displacement portion raised. [Figure 9] It is a view of a part of the moving unit with the displacement portion lowered as viewed transparently from above.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1. Embodiments] [1-1. Overall Structure] The biological support device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is configured to support a living body. The biological support device 1 is configured as a relaxation chair and, in particular, has the function of pressing and stroking the body. The biological support device 1 only needs to have the function of supporting a living body and can be applied to chairs such as vehicle seats, sofas, and massage chairs, as well as beds, mats, futons, and other bedding, in addition to relaxation chairs. Furthermore, although the living body in this embodiment is intended to be a human (hereinafter also referred to as the user), the living body may be an animal other than a human. Animals may include pets such as dogs and cats, and livestock such as cows and pigs.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the biological support device 1 comprises back pads 2R and 2L positioned on the left and right sides respectively, and two unit drive devices 10. The biological support device 1 may also comprise a headrest section 2H, a lower pad 2U, a horizontal support mechanism 70 (see Figure 2, etc.), and an up-and-down support mechanism 80 (see Figure 3, etc.).

[0022] Back pads 2R and 2L are components that support the user's back. Back pad 2R is positioned to support the user's right side of the back, and back pad 2L is positioned to support the user's left side of the back. Back pad 2L is shown by a dashed line in Figure 1 and is omitted in Figures 2 and below.

[0023] The headrest section 2H is the part that supports the user's neck. The lower pad 2U is the part that supports the user's lower back. The back pads 2R, 2L, headrest section 2H, and lower pad 2U are each made of a material with a predetermined thickness and flexibility, and are made of, for example, foamed urethane.

[0024] [1-2. Arrangement of the Unit Drive Device 10] As shown in Figure 2, the two unit drive units 10 each comprise a front rail 12F, a rear rail 12R, a plurality of connecting members 13a, a motor mounting section 14a, motors M1 and M2, a first belt 16a, a second belt 16b, and a moving unit 20. The two unit drive units 10 are arranged corresponding to the back pads 2R and 2L, respectively. Note that some of the components of the unit drive unit 10 corresponding to the left back pad 2L are not shown in the illustration.

[0025] The front rail 12F is a long, elongated member that extends in the left-right direction and is positioned in front of the back pads 2R and 2L. The length of the front rail 12F is slightly longer than the left-right length of the corresponding back pads 2R and 2L.

[0026] The rear rail 12R, like the front rail 12F, is a long, elongated member extending in the left-right direction and is positioned behind the back pads 2R and 2L. The length of the rear rail 12R is approximately the same as the left-right length of the corresponding back pads 2R and 2L. However, the sum of the length of the rear rail 12R and the left-right length of the motor mounting section 14a (described later) is longer than the left-right length of the back pads 2R and 2L.

[0027] The motor mounting section 14a is the part to which motors M1 and M2 are attached, and is connected to the outside of the rear rail 12R (i.e., to the right of the right back pad 2R and to the left of the left back pad 2L).

[0028] The multiple connecting members 13a are members that connect the front rail 12F and the rear rail 12R on the left and right sides of the back pads 2R and 2L, respectively. The connecting members 13a located on the outside of the back pads 2R and 2L connect the front rail 12F and the rear rail 12R via the motor mounting portion 14a.

[0029] In other words, the front rail 12F, rear rail 12R, multiple connecting members 13a, and motor mounting portion 14a are configured in an annular shape so as to surround the back pads 2R and 2L in the horizontal direction. The front rail 12F and rear rail 12R are provided with grooves along their longitudinal direction, and the first belt 16a and the second belt 16b are arranged in an annular shape inside these grooves. That is, the first belt 16a and the second belt 16b surround the back pads 2R and 2L in the horizontal direction. The first belt 16a and the second belt 16b are driven by motors M1 and M2.

[0030] Furthermore, the front rail 12F, a portion of the first belt 16a and the second belt 16b, and the moving unit 20 of the unit drive device 10 are positioned closer to the living body (i.e., forward) than the back pads 2R and 2L. The other components of the unit drive device 10 will be described later.

[0031] [1-3.Horizontal support mechanism 70] The horizontal support mechanism 70 is positioned on the back side of the back pads 2R and 2L and is a mechanical mechanism that supports the back pads 2R and 2L so that they can move closer to and further apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The horizontal support mechanism 70 also has the function of supporting the two unit drive devices 10 so that they can move closer to and further apart from each other in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the horizontal support mechanism 70 has the function of adjusting its width according to the user's shoulder width.

[0032] The horizontal support mechanism 70 mainly comprises, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, two left and right unit support sections 71, two upper and lower horizontal slide rails 72, a first rack section 73a and a second rack section 73b, a pinion section 74, two left and right support columns 75, two left and right pad support sections 76, two left and right pad connecting sections 77, and a plurality of connecting sections 78a, 78b, and 78c.

[0033] Note that some of the components on the left side of these structures are omitted from the illustration. For example, the left pad support portion 76 and the left pad connecting portion 77 are omitted. The multiple connecting sections 78a, 78b, and 78c are each configured as sliders that can move along their corresponding rails.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the two unit support sections 71 are elongated members that extend substantially in the left-right direction along the rear rail 12R, and the two unit drive units 10 are connected to them, and the two unit drive units 10 are fixedly supported. For example, the motor mounting section 14a of each unit drive unit 10 is fixed to each unit support section 71. In addition, each unit support section 71 is fixed to the lateral slide rail 72 via a plurality of connecting sections 78c so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the lateral slide rails 72 are positioned on the upper and lower sides of the back of the back pads 2R and 2L, respectively, and extend horizontally beyond the boundary between the back pads 2R and 2L. The lateral slide rails 72 have grooves that extend horizontally, and the connecting portion 78c is configured to slide along these grooves. Each of the lateral slide rails 72 is fixed to the rack support portion 84.

[0036] The support columns 75 are columnar members that are positioned on the left and right sides of the back of the back pads 2R and 2L, and extend in the vertical direction. The back pads 2R and 2L are connected to the upper ends of each support column 75 via pad support parts 76, pad receiving parts 76a, and pad connecting parts 77.

[0037] The pad connecting portion 77 is a member that connects the pad support portion 76 to the support column 75, extending over the upper part of the unit support portion 71. The two pad support sections 76 are members that support the back pads 2R and 2L via pad receiving sections 76a. The pad receiving section 76a is a plate-shaped member that supports the back surfaces of the back pads 2R and 2L. The two pad support sections 76 are configured to be displaceable horizontally so as to move closer to and further apart from each other by a rack and pinion mechanism, which will be described later.

[0038] The first rack section 73a, the second rack section 73b, and the pinion section 74 constitute a well-known rack and pinion mechanism. That is, the first rack section 73a and the second rack section 73b function as racks in a rack and pinion mechanism, and the pinion section 74 functions as a pinion gear.

[0039] The first rack section 73a has numerous downward-facing teeth and is positioned above the pinion section 74, and is arranged to mesh with the pinion gear in the pinion section 74. The second rack section 73b has numerous upward-facing teeth and is positioned below the pinion section 74, and is arranged to mesh with the pinion gear in the pinion section 74. The first rack section 73a is fixed to the left support column 75, and the second rack section 73b is fixed to the right support column 75.

[0040] Furthermore, the support column 75 and the vertical slide rail 81, which will be described later, are connected and fixed to each other via a connecting member (not shown). Also, the upper horizontal slide rail 72 and the vertical slide rail 81, which will be described later, are connected via a connecting part 82, which will be described later.

[0041] In this configuration, when the pinion section 74 rotates, the first rack section 73a and the second rack section 73b move closer to or further apart from each other. The pinion section 74 may be rotated manually using a handle positioned on the pinion section 74, or it may be rotated using some kind of actuator. Alternatively, one or both back pads 2R, 2L may be rotated via the first rack section 73a and the second rack section 73b by manually applying force to move closer to or further apart from each other.

[0042] As the pinion section 74 rotates, the two pad support sections 76 and the two unit support sections 71 also move in conjunction with the first rack section 73a and the second rack section 73b. As a result, the horizontal support mechanism 70 can displace the back pads 2R, 2L and the unit drive unit 10 horizontally so that they move closer to and further apart from each other.

[0043] [1-4. Vertical support mechanism 80] The vertical support mechanism 80 is a mechanism that supports the two unit support sections 71 so that they can be displaced in the vertical direction. However, the vertical support mechanism 80 does not have a mechanism for displacing the two pad support sections 76. In other words, the vertical support mechanism 80 has the function of moving the two unit drive units 10 in the vertical direction without changing the positions of the back pads 2R and 2L.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the vertical support mechanism 80 includes two left and right vertical slide rails 81, a connecting part 82, a rack part 83, a rack support part 84, a gear mechanism 85, and a motor M3.

[0045] The vertical slide rails 81 are positioned on the right and left sides of the back of the back pads 2R and 2L, respectively, and are rails that extend in the vertical direction. The vertical slide rails 81 have grooves that extend in the vertical direction, and the connecting parts 82 are configured to slide along these grooves. As described above, the vertical slide rails 81 are connected to and fixed to each other by the support columns 75 on both sides and a back frame (not shown). The connecting parts 82 are configured as sliders that can move along their respective rails, similar to the multiple connecting parts 78a, 78b, and 78c described above.

[0046] The rack section 83 and the gear mechanism 85 constitute a well-known rack and pinion mechanism. Specifically, the rack section 83 functions as the rack in the rack and pinion mechanism, and some of the gears in the gear mechanism 85 function as pinion gears. The rack section 83 extends vertically and is fixed to the rack support section 84. The rack support section 84 is positioned to cover the entire rear side of the rack section 83.

[0047] The gear mechanism 85 is equipped with multiple gears and transmits the rotational force of the motor M3 to the rack section 83, and also functions as a reducer to reduce the rotational speed of the motor M3. In the vertical support mechanism 80, when the motor M3 is driven, the entire rack support section 84 moves vertically via the vertical support mechanism 80. An upper horizontal slide rail 72 is fixed to the rack support section 84, and two unit support sections 71 are connected to the upper horizontal slide rail 72. Therefore, in the vertical support mechanism 80, when the motor M3 is driven, the two unit drive devices 10 connected to the two unit support sections 71 move vertically.

[0048] On the other hand, when the rack support section 84 moves vertically, the support column 75 does not move vertically. Therefore, the vertical support mechanism 80 does not move the back pads 2R and 2L fixed to the support column 75 vertically.

[0049] Alternatively, a resistor may be manually installed instead of the motor M3. The resistor is a device that provides resistance sufficient to prevent the unit drive device 10 from moving under its own weight. The resistor may be a motor that is not supplied with power, or it may be a damper, friction wheel, etc.

[0050] [1-5. Unit drive device 10] The unit drive device 10 is configured to drive the movable unit 20 installed on the guide rail 11. The guide rail 11 includes a front rail 12F, a rear rail 12R, a plurality of connecting members 13a, and a motor mounting portion 14a, as shown in Figure 2.

[0051] The detailed configuration of the unit drive device 10 will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 to 9. In the unit drive device 10 shown below, multiple plates 12 are provided instead of the front rail 12F and rear rail 12R. The front rail 12F and rear rail 12R are resistant to displacement (e.g., deformation), while the multiple plates 12 are resistant to displacement. However, the multiple plates 12 have functions that are generally similar to those of the front rail 12F and rear rail 12R.

[0052] In the unit drive device 10 shown below, multiple connecting members 13 are provided instead of multiple connecting members 13a, and a motor mounting part 14 is provided instead of a motor mounting part 14a. Although these members differ in shape, they generally have similar functions.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5, the unit drive device 10 comprises a guide rail 11, first and second belts 16a and 16b, motors M1 and M2, and a moving unit 20. The guide rail 11 is an elongated, flattened member that forms an annular shape having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface. The guide rail 11 comprises a plurality of plates 12, a plurality of connecting members 13, and a motor mounting portion 14 (see Figure 5). The plurality of plates 12, the plurality of connecting members 13, and the motor mounting portion 14 are arranged in the circumferential direction and connected in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other, thereby forming an annular shape. The guide rail 11 also has two guide grooves 15a and 15b on its outer circumferential surface that extend along the circumferential direction.

[0054] The multiple plates 12 are flat members that extend in the circumferential direction. Each face of each plate 12 facing each other in the thickness direction is included in the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the guide rail 11, and the surface included in the outer circumferential surface has two grooves 121a and 121b that extend from the first end to the second end along the circumferential direction.

[0055] Furthermore, each plate 12 has connecting portions 122a and 122b at its first and second ends in the circumferential direction. The connecting portion 122a of each plate 12 is rotatably connected to the connecting portion 122b of another plate 12. When each plate 12 is connected to another plate 12, their respective grooves 121a and 121b connect.

[0056] The multiple connecting members 13 are members that are connected to the plate 12. The surface of each connecting member 13 that is included in the outer circumferential surface of the guide rail 11 is bent so as to protrude toward the outer circumferential side of the guide rail 11. Two grooves 131a and 131b are formed on this surface, extending from the first end to the second end in the circumferential direction. Each connecting member 13 has connecting portions 132a and 132b at both ends in the circumferential direction on this surface.

[0057] The connecting portions 132a and 132b of each connecting member 13 are rotatably connected to the connecting portions 122b and 122a of the plate 12, respectively. When each connecting member 13 is connected to the plate 12, the grooves 131a and 131b connect to the grooves 121a and 121b of the plate 12, respectively. At this time, the grooves 121a of the multiple plates 12 and the grooves 131a of the multiple connecting members 13 form a guide groove 15a. In addition, the grooves 121b of the multiple plates 12 and the grooves 131b of the multiple connecting members 13 form a guide groove 15b.

[0058] The motor mounting section 14 is the part to which motors M1 and M2 for driving the first and second belts 16a and 16b are attached. The motor mounting section 14 comprises motor mounts 141a and 231b, and connecting sections 142a and 142b located at both ends in the circumferential direction. Motor M1 for driving the first belt 16a is attached to motor mount 141a. Motor M2 for driving the second belt 16b is attached to motor mount 141b. At the connecting sections 142a and 142b, the motor mounting section 14 is rotatably connected to the connecting sections 122b and 122a of the plate 12, respectively.

[0059] [1-5-1. First and Second Belts] The first and second belts 16a and 16b are, for example, annular toothed belts. However, they are not limited to this; the first and second belts 16a and 16b may also be belts without teeth, or they may be chains or wires.

[0060] The first belt 16a is positioned in the guide groove 15a and is driven by motor M1 to rotate around the guide rail 11. The second belt 16b is positioned in the guide groove 15b and is driven by motor M2 to rotate around the guide rail 11. In other words, the first and second belts 16a and 16b are displaceable independently along the guide rail 11.

[0061] [1-5-2. Motors] Motors M1 and M2 output driving force to drive the moving unit 20. Motor M1 is located on motor mount 141a and outputs driving force to displace the first belt 16a along the guide rail 11. Motor M2 is located on motor mount 141b and outputs driving force to displace the second belt 16b along the guide rail 11.

[0062] [1-5-3. Mobile Unit 20] The movable unit 20 is positioned on the outer surface of the guide rail 11 and is displaceable along the guide rail 11 (see Figure 5). When the movable unit 20 is positioned on the guide rail 11, the front-to-back direction of the movable unit 20 is parallel to the extension direction of the guide rail 11. Also, when the movable unit 20 is positioned on the guide rail 11, the left-to-right direction of the movable unit 20 is parallel to the width direction of the guide rail 11, and the up-to-down direction of the movable unit 20 is perpendicular to the outer surface of the guide rail 11. Furthermore, from now on, the direction toward the outer surface of the guide rail 11 along the up-to-down direction, in other words, the direction away from the guide rail 11, will be defined as upward, and the opposite direction will be defined as downward.

[0063] The movable unit 20, for example, has a symmetrical shape and comprises first and second connecting parts 30, 40, a displacement part 50, and at least one (for example, two) mechanism parts 60 (see Figure 6). Hereafter, with respect to the central part in the left-right direction of the movable unit 20, the side where the left-right ends are located will be considered the outside, and the side opposite the outside will be considered the inside.

[0064] <First connection part 30> The first connecting section 30 is a member connected to the first belt 16a. The first connecting section 30 comprises a bridge section 31 and two rail sections 32 (see Figures 6, 7, and 9).

[0065] The bridge section 31 is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the left-right direction, with the vertical direction being the plate thickness direction. The two rail sections 32 are positioned at both ends in the left-right direction on the underside of the bridge section 31, and extend forward and backward relative to the bridge section 31. Each rail section 32 is located above the guide grooves 15a and 15b, and for example, the right rail section 32 is connected to the first belt 16a located in the guide groove 15a. Each rail section 32 has a slider groove 33 extending in the front-rear direction on its outer surface. In addition, a pin P1 is provided at the front end of the inner surface of each rail section 32.

[0066] <Second connection part 40> The second connecting section 40 is a member connected to the second belt 16b. The second connecting section 40 comprises a beam section 41, two inner slider sections 42, and two outer slider sections 44 (see Figures 6 to 9).

[0067] The beam section 41 is a columnar part that extends in the left-right direction and has a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction. The beam section 41 is positioned behind the bridge section 31 and above the rail section 32.

[0068] The two internal slider sections 42 are plate-shaped portions located at both ends of the beam section 41 in the left-right direction, with the left-right direction being the thickness direction of the plate. Each internal slider section 42 is approximately triangular in shape. Each internal slider section 42 is positioned outward relative to the rail section 32.

[0069] Each internal slider section 42 is provided with an elongated hole 43 extending along the front-to-back direction. The elongated hole 43 is positioned to overlap with the slider groove 33. The two outer slider sections 44 are plate-shaped portions with the left-right direction as the thickness direction, positioned at both ends of the beam section 41 in the left-right direction and spaced apart outward from the inner slider section 42. Each outer slider section 44 is substantially triangular in shape, substantially the same as the inner slider section 42. The inner slider section 42 is connected to the outer slider section 44 at a connection section 46 below the elongated hole 43. Each outer slider section 44 is provided with an elongated hole 45 that extends inclined upward as it goes from front to rear.

[0070] The inner slider section 42 and outer slider section 44 on the right side, and the inner slider section 42 and outer slider section 44 on the left side, are located above the guide grooves 15a and 15b, respectively. As an example, the connecting section 46 of the inner slider section 42 and outer slider section 44 located on the left side is connected to the second belt 16b.

[0071] A pin P2 is provided at the front end of the inner surface of each inner slider portion 42. The pin P2 is positioned in the slider groove 33 and is displaceable along the slider groove 33. <Displacement section 50> The displacement section 50 is a plate-shaped part and comprises a top plate section 51 and two edge sections 52 (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0072] The top plate portion 51 is a plate-shaped part with the vertical direction being the thickness direction. The two edges 52 are plate-like portions that protrude downward from both the left-right ends of the top plate portion 51. Each edge 52 is located on the outermost side of the movable unit 20. An elongated hole 53 extending along the front-rear direction is provided at the rear end of each edge 52.

[0073] <Mechanism section 60> The two mechanism units 60 are mechanisms for displacing the displacement unit 50 in the vertical direction (see Figures 6 to 9). In this embodiment, each mechanism unit 60 is a link mechanism that utilizes a pantograph-type X-link mechanism as an example. Each mechanism unit 60 is arranged on both sides in the left-right direction of the moving unit 20 and is connected to the first and second connecting units 30 and 40.

[0074] Each mechanism 60 includes first and second links 61 and 62. The first link 61 is an elongated, plate-shaped member that extends while bending at multiple points. The first end 61a of the first link 61 is positioned inward from the front end of the rail section 32. The pin P1 of the rail section 32 is rotatably connected to the first end 61a of the first link 61.

[0075] The second end 61b of the first link 61 is positioned inside the edge portion 52 and outside the outer slider portion 44. A pin P3 is provided on the outer surface of the second end 61b of the first link 61. The pin P3 is positioned in the elongated hole 53 and is displaceable along the elongated hole 53.

[0076] The second link 62 is an elongated, plate-shaped member that extends while bending at multiple points. The first end 62a of the second link 62 is positioned inside the edge portion 52, and the second end 62b of the second link 62 is positioned in the gap between the inner slider portion 42 and the outer slider portion 44 (see Figures 7 to 9).

[0077] A pin P4 is provided on the outer surface of the first end 62a of the second link 62, and a pin P5 is provided on the inner surface of the second end 62b. In addition, a pin P6 is provided on the outer surface near the second end 62b of the second link 62.

[0078] Pin P4 is rotatably connected to the front end of the edge 52 of the displacement portion 50 and the second link 62. Pin P5 is positioned in the slider groove 33 and is displaceable along the slider groove 33, and is also positioned in the elongated hole 43 and is displaceable along the elongated hole 43. In other words, pin P5 is displaceable in the front-rear direction relative to the first connecting portion 30, and is also displaceable in the front-rear direction relative to the second connecting portion 40. Pin P5 is positioned behind pin P2 in the slider groove 33.

[0079] The pin P6 is positioned in the elongated hole 45 and is displaceable along the elongated hole 45. The shape of the elongated hole 45 (in other words, the shape of the path through which the pin P6 is displaced) and the position of the pin P6 in the second link 62 can be determined as appropriate. Specifically, these can be determined as appropriate so that the ratio of the displacement of the displacement part 50 in the vertical direction to the displacement of the second connecting part 40 in the front-rear direction relative to the first connecting part 30 is an appropriate ratio. In this embodiment, the elongated hole 45 extends in a gently curved shape, but it is not limited to this, and the elongated hole 45 may extend in a straight line, for example.

[0080] Furthermore, the first and second links 61 and 62 intersect near the center. When the point where the first and second links 61 and 62 intersect is called the intersection, a pin P7 is provided on the inner surface of the first link 61 at the intersection. The pin P7 connects the first and second links 61 and 62 so that they can rotate relative to each other.

[0081] [1-6. Operation of the Mobile Unit] The operation of the mobile unit 20 in this embodiment will be described (see Figures 6 to 9). When pin P4 is furthest from pin P3, the first and second links 61 and 62 are approximately parallel to the front-rear direction (see Figures 7A and 8A). At this time, the displacement section 50 is located at its lowest position.

[0082] Here, when the second connecting portion 40 is displaced forward (in other words, towards pin P4), pin P6 of the second link 62 is displaced along the elongated hole 45 and as a result, it is displaced upward (see Figures 7B and 8B). As a result, the second link 62 rotates clockwise when viewed from the left side. Also, as pin P6 is displaced upward, pin P4 is displaced upward and pin P5 is displaced forward.

[0083] Furthermore, as the second link 62 rotates clockwise when viewed from the left, pin P7 is displaced upward. As a result, the first link 61 rotates counterclockwise, and pin P3 is displaced upward and forward along the elongated hole 53. Due to the upward displacement of pins P4 and P3, the displacement part 50 is displaced upward.

[0084] When the moving unit 20 of this embodiment is positioned on the guide rail 11, the first and second connecting parts 30 and 40 are connected to the first and second belts 16a and 16b, respectively. Therefore, when the first and second belts 16a and 16b are displaced at a constant velocity, the relative positions of the first and second connecting parts 30 and 40 do not change. In this case, the vertical position of the displacement part 50 does not change, and the moving unit 20 is displaced along the guide rail 11.

[0085] On the other hand, if the displacement speeds of the first and second belts 16a and 16b are different, or if one is stationary while the other is displaced, the relative positions of the first and second connecting parts 30 and 40 will change. In this case, as the second connecting part 40 is displaced forward relative to the first connecting part 30, the displacement part 50 will be displaced upward relative to the guide rail 11. Also, as the second connecting part 40 is displaced backward relative to the first connecting part 30, the displacement part 50 will be displaced downward relative to the guide rail 11.

[0086] According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. [1-7. Effects] (1a) The above-described biological support device 1 comprises at least one back pad 2R, 2L and at least one unit drive device 10. The back pads 2R, 2L support the living body. The at least one unit drive device 10 comprises a guide rail 11, a moving unit 20, a first belt 16a and a second belt 16b. The guide rail 11 extends in the longitudinal direction and has at least one guide groove 15a, 15b extending along the longitudinal direction. The moving unit 20 is configured to be displaceable along the guide rail 11. The first belt 16a and the second belt 16b are arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction inside the guide groove 15a, 15b and are configured to be displaceable along the longitudinal direction independently of each other.

[0087] The moving unit 20 comprises a first connecting portion 30, a second connecting portion 40, a mechanism portion 60, and a displacement portion 50. The first connecting portion 30 is connected to the first belt 16a. The second connecting portion 40 is connected to the second belt 16b and is configured to be displaceable relative to the first connecting portion 30 in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] The mechanism 60 is connected to the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 40. The displacement portion 50 is configured to be displaceable so as to move closer to and further away from the guide rail 11. The mechanism 60 is configured to displace the displacement portion 50 so as to move closer to and further away from the guide rail 11 as the second connecting portion 40 is displaced longitudinally relative to the first connecting portion 30.

[0089] At least a portion of the guide rail 11, the first belt 16a, and the second belt 16b of at least one unit drive device 10, and the moving unit 20 are positioned on the biological side of the back pads 2R and 2L.

[0090] With this configuration, the driving force that drives the mobile unit 20 is transmitted from the power source to the mobile unit 20 via the first and second belts 16b. Therefore, the mobile unit 20 can be displaced along the guide rail 11, and the displacement part 50 can be moved closer to and further away from the guide rail 11, without incorporating a power source such as a motor into the mobile unit 20. As a result, the mobile unit 20 can be made smaller.

[0091] (1b) In the above-described biological support device 1, the first belt 16a and the second belt 16b are arranged to surround at least one back pad 2R, 2L. With this configuration, some components can be positioned behind back pads 2R and 2L. Therefore, components positioned closer to the living body than back pads 2R and 2L can be made thinner.

[0092] (1c) The biological support device 1 described above includes at least one back pad 2R, 2L, which is a right back pad 2R and a left back pad 2L positioned to the left of the right back pad 2R. The biological support device 1 further includes a pad support section 76 that supports the right back pad 2R and the left back pad 2L so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction so as to move closer to and further apart from each other.

[0093] With this configuration, the right back pad 2R and the left back pad 2L can be displaced horizontally. Therefore, the right back pad 2R and the left back pad 2L can be positioned appropriately according to the body shape of the individual.

[0094] (1d) The biological support device 1 described above includes at least one unit drive device 10, which comprises two unit drive devices 10, each corresponding to the right back pad 2R and the left back pad 2L. The biological support device 1 further includes a unit support section 71 that supports the two unit drive devices 10 so that they can be displaced horizontally to move closer to and further apart from each other. With this configuration, the two unit drive devices 10 can be positioned appropriately according to the body shape of the organism.

[0095] (1e) The above-described biological support device 1 further includes an up-and-down support mechanism 80 that fixes and supports the pad support portion 76 while supporting the at least one unit support portion 71 so that it can be displaced in the up-and-down direction.

[0096] With this configuration, the unit drive unit 10 can be moved vertically independently of the right back pad 2R and the left back pad 2L.

[0097] (1f) In the above-described biological support device 1, the multiple plates 12, multiple connecting members 13, and motor mounting portion 14 that constitute the guide rail 11 are rotatably connected to one another. With this configuration, when the unit drive device 10 is mounted on a chair with a massage function, the guide rail 11 can deform to conform to the body shape of the person sitting in it in response to the external force received from the person sitting in it. Furthermore, the movable unit 20 can be displaced along the body shape of the person sitting in it, and a predetermined body part can be pressed by the displacement part 50. In addition, by displacing the movable unit 20 along the body shape while maintaining the state of pressing a body part by the displacement part 50, a predetermined body part can be stimulated.

[0098] [2. Other Embodiments] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0099] (2a) In the above embodiment, the guide rail 11 (i.e., the front rail 12F, the rear rail 12R, the plurality of connecting members 13a, the motor mounting portion 14a, or the plurality of plates 12) is arranged to surround the back pads 2R, 2L, but is not limited to this. For example, the guide rail 11 may omit the configuration on the rear side of the back pads 2R, 2L. That is, there may be a configuration without the rear rail 12R, or a configuration in which the plurality of plates 12 are not provided on the rear side of the back pads 2R, 2L. In these cases, only the first belt 16a and the second belt 16b may be arranged to surround the back pads 2R, 2L.

[0100] (2b) In the above embodiment, the guide rail 11 was a member having a plurality of plates 12, a plurality of connecting members 13, and a motor mounting portion 14 that were rotatably connected to each other. However, it is not limited to this, and the guide rail 11 may be a member formed as a single unit.

[0101] (2c) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Furthermore, at least some of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments.

[0102] (2d) Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is limited to those described above, as long as it is consistent with the intent of the disclosure described in the embodiments described above. Accordingly, there may be configurations in which at least two of the embodiments described above are combined, or configurations in which any of the illustrated components or components described with reference numerals in the embodiments described above are omitted.

[0103] [3. Correspondence between wordings] The first and second belts 16a and 16b in the embodiment correspond to examples of the first and second drive units, respectively. The back pads 2L and 2R in the embodiment correspond to examples of pads. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 1...Bio-support device, 2L, 2R...Back pad, 10...Unit drive device, 11...Guide rail, 15a, 15b...Guide groove, 16a...First belt, 16b...Second belt, 20...Movement unit, 30...First connecting part, 40...Second connecting part, 50...Displacement part, 60...Mechanism part, 70...Horizontal support mechanism, 71...Unit support part, 76...Pad support part, 80...Up and down support mechanism.

Claims

1. A biological support device configured to support a living organism, A pad to support the living organism, At least one unit drive unit, Equipped with, The at least one unit drive device is A guide rail that extends in the longitudinal direction and has at least one guide groove extending along the longitudinal direction, A movable unit configured to be displaceable along the aforementioned guide rail, A first drive unit and a second drive unit are arranged within the guide groove so as to extend along the longitudinal direction and are configured to be displaceable independently along the longitudinal direction. Equipped with, The aforementioned mobile unit is A first connecting portion connected to the first drive unit, A second connecting portion is connected to the second drive portion and configured to be displaceable relative to the first connecting portion in the longitudinal direction, A mechanism connected to the first and second connecting parts, It comprises a displacement part configured to be displaceable so as to move closer to and further away from the guide rail, The mechanism is configured such that, as the second connecting portion is displaced relative to the first connecting portion in the longitudinal direction, the displaced portion moves toward and away from the guide rail. A biological support device in which at least a portion of the guide rail, the first drive unit, and the second drive unit of the at least one unit drive device, and the moving unit are positioned on the biological side of the pad.

2. A biological support device according to claim 1, The first drive unit and the second drive unit are arranged to surround the at least one pad. A biological support device.

3. A biological support device according to claim 1 or claim 2, The at least one pad comprises a right pad and a left pad positioned to the left of the right pad, The bio-support device is A pad support section that supports the right pad and the left pad so that they can be displaced horizontally so that they move closer to and further apart from each other, A bio-support device that also includes additional features.

4. A biological support device according to claim 3, The at least one unit drive device comprises two unit drive devices, each corresponding to the right pad and the left pad, respectively. The bio-support device is At least one unit support portion that supports the two unit drive devices so as to be displaceable in the horizontal direction so as to move closer to and further apart from each other, A bio-support device that also includes additional features.

5. A biological support device according to claim 4, A vertical support mechanism that fixes and supports the pad support portion while supporting the at least one unit support portion so that it can be displaced in the vertical direction, A bio-support device that also includes additional features.

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