Vibration stimulation device and vibration stimulation method

Abstract

The system provides sufficient vibration to the user while reducing the load on the vibration generator and other equipment. [Solution] The vibration device 3 applies vibration to a muscle while the internal pressure of that muscle is increased compared to the normal state. This makes the state equivalent to applying vibration to the muscle with an amplitude corresponding to the increase (hereinafter referred to as the added amount). Therefore, compared to the normal state of the muscle, the muscle receives vibration with an amplitude that is the sum of the amplitude of the vibration and the added amount. As a result, even if the amplitude of the actual mechanical vibration is small, the physical stimulus acting on each receptor in the muscle and tendon becomes larger. Consequently, the load on the vibration device that generates the vibration can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vibration stimulation device or 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 to motor neurons from each receptor of muscles and tendons).

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to obtain a sufficient venous return effect and nerve activity effect, it is desirable to vibrate the muscle with a relatively large amplitude. However, when the muscle is vibrated with a large amplitude, the load on the vibration applicator or the like that generates the vibration increases. The present disclosure discloses an example of a vibration stimulation device and a vibration stimulation method in view of this point.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The vibration stimulation device that applies vibration to the body of the user preferably includes, for example, a vibration applicator (3) that mechanically vibrates the muscle in a state where the internal pressure of a part of the muscle is increased compared to the normal state.

[0006] As a result, in this vibration stimulation device, the state of the muscle when it is being vibrated becomes similar to the state when the muscle is being vibrated with a large amplitude. Therefore, the load on the vibration generator can be reduced.

[0007] In other words, the vibration stimulation device applies vibration to a muscle while the internal pressure of that muscle is increased compared to normal levels. This results in a state where vibration is applied to the muscle with an amplitude corresponding to the increase (hereinafter referred to as the "additional amount"), and then further vibration is applied to that muscle.

[0008] Therefore, compared to the normal state of the muscle, the muscle will receive vibrations with an amplitude that includes an added component to the amplitude caused by the vibration. As a result, even if the actual amplitude of the mechanical vibration is small, the physical stimulus acting on each receptor in the muscle and tendon will be greater. Consequently, the load on the vibration generator may be reduced.

[0009] The vibration stimulation device may have, for example, the following configuration. In other words, it is desirable that the vibration device (3) comprises an auxiliary device (31) having a projection (31A) that protrudes toward the user, and an actuator (32) that vibrates the auxiliary device (31).

[0010] It is desirable that the vibration imparter (3) is configured such that the contact pressure between the projection (31A) and the user is smaller when the actuator (32) is not operating compared to the contact pressure when the actuator (32) is operating. This makes it possible to suppress the user from experiencing significant discomfort or unease when the actuator (32) is not operating in the vibration stimulation device.

[0011] Preferably, at least the projection (31A) is made of a viscoelastic polymer material. This allows the vibration stimulation device to suppress the user from experiencing significant discomfort or unease when the actuator (32) is not in operation, with a simple configuration, and when the actuator (32) is in operation, it becomes possible to reliably apply vibration while pressing on the user's muscles.

[0012] The projection (31A) is housed in a recess (31C) so as to be able to extend and retract. Furthermore, it is desirable that the projection (31A) is housed in the recess (31C) when the actuator (32) is not in operation, and that the projection (31A) protrudes from the recess (31C) when the actuator (32) is in operation.

[0013] This makes it possible to suppress the user from experiencing significant discomfort or unease when the actuator (32) is not in operation, and when the actuator (32) is in operation, it becomes possible to reliably apply vibration while pressing on the user's muscles.

[0014] The vibration device (3) preferably comprises at least two electrodes (31E, 31F) positioned spaced apart from each other, two electrodes (31E, 31F) for energizing a portion of the muscle, and an actuator (32) for vibrating a portion of the user's body sandwiched between the two electrodes (31E, 31F).

[0015] This makes it possible to increase the internal pressure of a portion of the muscle compared to normal conditions without using an assistive device (31). Furthermore, it is desirable that the current value applied between the two electrodes (31E, 31F) is such that the resulting muscle contraction is smaller than that of the maximum voluntary contraction.

[0016] Incidentally, the symbols in each of the parentheses above are just examples showing the correspondence with the specific configurations etc. described in the embodiments described later, and this disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations etc. indicated by the symbols in the parentheses above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a figure showing the sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an electrical block diagram of the sheet according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a figure showing the output waveform of the vibrator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a figure showing the auxiliary tool according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a figure showing the auxiliary tool according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a figure showing the vibrator according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a figure showing the vibrator according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a figure showing the auxiliary tool according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a figure showing the vibrator according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a figure showing the sheet according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a figure showing the vibration stimulation device according to the eighth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] 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.

[0019] In addition, unless otherwise stated such as "one", at least one member or part described with a reference sign is provided. The vibration stimulation device shown in the present disclosure includes at least one of the components such as members or parts described with reference signs and the structural parts shown in the drawings.

[0020] (First Embodiment) This embodiment is an example in which the vibration stimulation device and vibration stimulation method according to this disclosure are applied to seats such as vehicle seats and armchairs. This embodiment is particularly effective in preventing frailty (age-related physical and mental decline).

[0021] <1. Sheet Overview> As shown in Figure 1, the sheet 1 according to this embodiment comprises at least a sheet body 2, at least one (multiple in this embodiment) vibration imparters 3, and a control unit 5 (see Figure 2), etc.

[0022] 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 sitter, such as the legs. The seat back 2B supports the upper body of the sitter, such as the waist and back. The ottoman 2C supports the lower body of the sitter, such as the calves, below the knees.

[0023] Each vibration emitting device 3 applies vibration to the body of the user of the vibration stimulation device, i.e., the user of the seat 1. In this embodiment, at least one vibration emitting device 3 is provided on each of the seat cushion 2A, seat back 2B, and ottoman 2C.

[0024] Specifically, vibration emitting devices 3A and 3B are located on the seat cushion 2A. Vibration emitting devices 3C and 3D are located on the seat back 2B. Vibration emitting device 3E is located on the ottoman 2C. Hereafter, all or any of the vibration emitting devices 3A to 3E will be referred to as vibration emitting device 3. Details of vibration emitting device 3 will be described later.

[0025] The control unit 5 is a controller that controls the operation of the vibration imparter 3. The control unit 5 is capable of at least vibration mode control. Vibration mode control is a control method that periodically changes the maximum amplitude of vibration imparted by the vibration imparter 3 while keeping the maximum amplitude greater than zero, as shown in Figure 3.

[0026] In Figure 2, the drive circuit 6 drives the vibration imparter 3 (specifically, the actuator 32, which will be described later) in response to a command from the control unit 5. The power supply 7 supplies power to the control unit 5, the drive circuit 6, etc.

[0027] <2. Details of the vibration device> The vibration imparter 3, as shown in Figure 4, comprises at least an auxiliary device 31 and an actuator 32, etc. The auxiliary device 31 has at least one (multiple in this embodiment) protrusions 31A and a base plate portion 31B, etc.

[0028] Each projection 31A is a convex portion that protrudes toward the user side (towards the top of the paper in Figure 4). Each projection 31A is integrated with a plate-shaped base portion 31B. Each projection 31A is configured in a spindle shape, with the cross-sectional area decreasing as it approaches the tip.

[0029] Each projection 31A is made of a polymer material having viscoelastic properties. In other words, each projection 31A is made of a polymer material capable of obtaining the following actions and effects regarding the hardening and softening of the projection 31A.

[0030] In this embodiment, each projection 31A and the substrate portion 31B are made of polyurethane or silicone rubber. The projections 31A are integrally molded with the substrate portion 31B using the same polymer material.

[0031] The actuator 32 is a vibration generator that vibrates the auxiliary device 31. The actuator 32 is composed of an oscillator of an electric actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid, an electrostatic actuator, or a piezoelectric element.

[0032] The substrate portion 31B is joined to the vibrating portion of the actuator 32. Therefore, when the actuator 32 operates, the multiple protrusions 31A vibrate and displace via the substrate portion 31B in the vertical direction of the paper shown in Figure 4.

[0033] <3. Features of the vibration stimulation device according to this embodiment> Since each projection 31A is a convex portion that protrudes toward the user, when the user sits on the seat 1, a part of the user's body, that is, the part of the body corresponding to the tip of each projection 31A, is locally pressed.

[0034] Therefore, when the actuator 32 is activated while a part of the body is being locally pressed, the internal pressure of that part of the muscle is increased compared to the normal state, and the muscle is mechanically vibrated. "Normal state" refers to, for example, a state in which the muscle is relaxed, that is, a state in which the user is relaxed and the muscle is not excessively tense (contracted).

[0035] As a result, in this vibration stimulation device, the state of the muscle when it is being vibrated becomes similar to the state when the muscle is being vibrated with a large amplitude. Therefore, the load on the vibration generator 3, i.e., the actuator 32, which generates the vibration, can be reduced.

[0036] In other words, the vibration stimulation device applies vibration to a muscle while the internal pressure of that muscle is increased compared to normal levels. This results in a state where vibration is applied to the muscle with an amplitude corresponding to the increase (hereinafter referred to as the "additional amount"), and then further vibration is applied to that muscle.

[0037] Therefore, compared to the normal state of the muscle, the muscle will receive vibrations with an amplitude that is the sum of the amplitude caused by the vibration and the added portion. As a result, even if the amplitude of the actual mechanical vibration is small, the physical stimulus acting on each receptor in the muscle and tendon will be larger. Consequently, the load on the actuator 32 that generates the vibration may be reduced.

[0038] Each projection 31A is made of a viscoelastic polymer material. As a result, the auxiliary device 31 functions such that the surface pressure (hereinafter simply referred to as surface pressure) generated at the contact points between each projection 31A and the user when the actuator 32 is not in operation is smaller than the surface pressure generated when the actuator 32 is in operation.

[0039] In other words, each protrusion 31A that vibrates under load hardens as the molecular bonds are strengthened and internal friction increases. When not vibrating, each protrusion 31A softens as the molecular bonds are relaxed and internal friction decreases.

[0040] In other words, the projection 31A when not vibrating becomes softer than the projection 31A when vibrating, and deforms in a way that increases the contact area with the user. As a result, the surface pressure when the actuator 32 is stopped is smaller than the surface pressure when the actuator 32 is in operation.

[0041] In other words, when the actuator 32 is not operating and a user is seated, each projection 31A easily deforms to distribute the stress generated on the user. When the actuator 32 is operating, each projection 31A becomes more rigid due to the viscoelastic properties of the projection 31A.

[0042] Consequently, when the actuator 32 is not operating, that is, when the vibration stimulation device is stopped, it is possible to suppress the seated user from experiencing significant discomfort. Furthermore, when the actuator 32 is operating, that is, when the vibration stimulation device is operating, it becomes possible to reliably press on the muscles and effectively apply vibration to those muscles.

[0043] (Second Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, each projection 31A was an integral part of the substrate portion 31B. In contrast, in this embodiment, each projection 31A is housed in a recess 31C provided in the substrate portion 31B, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0044] Furthermore, the auxiliary device 31 (in this embodiment, the recess 31C) is provided with a displacement mechanism 31D that displaces the projection 31A. When the actuator 32 is not in operation, the displacement mechanism 31D retracts the projection 31A into the recess 31C (see Figure 5A).

[0045] Furthermore, when the actuator 32 is in operation, the displacement mechanism 31D causes each projection 31A to protrude from the recess 31C (see Figure 5B). The displacement mechanism 31D according to this embodiment is composed of a coil made of a shape memory alloy that changes shape with temperature.

[0046] Specifically, the control unit 5 energizes the displacement mechanism 31D when the actuator 32 is operating, and cuts off the power supply to the displacement mechanism 31D when the actuator 32 is not operating. As a result, when the actuator 32 is not operating, the projection 31A is housed in the recess 31C, and when the actuator 32 is operating, the projection 31A protrudes from the recess 31C.

[0047] The displacement mechanism 31D shown in Figure 5 was composed of a coil that expands when heated, i.e., when energized, and contracts when not energized. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the displacement mechanism 31D may be configured such that it contracts when energized, expands when not energized, and the projection 31A is housed in the recess 31C when expanded.

[0048] In other words, the displacement mechanism 31D according to this embodiment is sufficient if it is configured such that the projection 31A is housed in the recess 31C when the actuator 32 is not in operation, and the projection 31A protrudes from the recess 31C when the actuator 32 is in operation.

[0049] Note that components identical to those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment. Incidentally, the projection 31A in this embodiment may be made of either a viscoelastic material or a material that can be considered a rigid body, such as POM.

[0050] (Third embodiment) As shown in Figure 6, the vibration imparter 3 according to this embodiment has a vibrating plate 33 positioned between the auxiliary device 31 and the actuator 32. The vibrating plate 33 reliably diffuses the vibrations of the actuator 32 to the multiple protrusions 31A.

[0051] The diaphragm 33 is a plate made of metal or resin such as POM, and is used to vibrate an auxiliary device 31 that is larger than the vibrating part of the actuator 32. The shape of the diaphragm 33 should be selected as appropriate, such as a flat plate or a shape with curvature that follows the vibrating part.

[0052] Figure 6 shows an auxiliary device 31 according to the first embodiment. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it may be an auxiliary device 31 according to the second embodiment. Components and the like that are the same as in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. For this reason, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment.

[0053] (Fourth Embodiment) As shown in Figure 7, the vibration imparter 3 according to this embodiment has a buffer 34 positioned between the auxiliary device 31 and the actuator 32. The buffer 34 is made of a viscoelastic material (for example, polyurethane or silicone rubber) that absorbs and disperses vibrations and shaking other than those caused by the actuator 32, such as vehicle vibrations.

[0054] Figure 7 shows an auxiliary device 31 according to the third embodiment. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it may be an auxiliary device 31 according to the first or second embodiment. Components and the like that are the same as in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. For this reason, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment.

[0055] (Fifth embodiment) In the auxiliary tool 31 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8A, a recessed portion 31G is provided in the base portion 31B on the side opposite to the projection 31A and corresponding to the projection 31A, and is recessed toward the projection 31A.

[0056] The projection 31A, as in the first embodiment, is integrally molded with the substrate 31B using a viscoelastic polymer material (for example, polyurethane or silicone rubber).

[0057] Therefore, as described above, when vibration occurs, the projection 31A and the substrate 31B harden, causing the projection 31A to protrude toward the user (towards the top of the page in Figure 8A), as shown in Figure 8A.

[0058] On the other hand, when there is no vibration, the projection 31A and the base plate 31B soften. Combined with the fact that the recess 31G is provided and the rigidity of the base side of the projection 31A is reduced, the projection 31A, which is pressed by the user's weight, appears to be housed within the base plate 31B, as shown in Figure 8B.

[0059] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, when the vibration stimulation device is stopped, it is possible to suppress the seated user from experiencing significant discomfort. Furthermore, when the vibration stimulation device is operating, it is possible to reliably press on the muscles and effectively apply vibration to those muscles.

[0060] Note that components identical to those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment. (Sixth Embodiment) As shown in Figure 9, the vibration imparter 3 according to this embodiment is configured to have two electrodes 31E and 31F and an actuator 32, and does not have the auxiliary device 31 according to the above embodiment.

[0061] The two electrodes 31E and 31F are electrodes for supplying current to a part of the muscle and are positioned spaced apart from each other. The actuator 32 according to this embodiment vibrates a part of the muscle directly without the need for an auxiliary device 31.

[0062] In other words, the actuator 32 according to this embodiment vibrates a part of the user's body that is sandwiched between the two electrodes 31E and 31F (hereinafter referred to as the target area). The control unit 5 then operates the actuator 32 while current is flowing between the two electrodes 31E and 31F.

[0063] When actuator 32 is stopped, the current supply between electrodes 31E and 31F is also stopped. The current value supplied between electrodes 31E and 31F is such that the resulting muscle contraction is smaller than the maximum voluntary contraction.

[0064] As a result, vibration is applied to the target area while the muscles in that area are contracted. Therefore, the vibration device 3 according to this embodiment also mechanically vibrates the muscle while the internal pressure of a part of the muscle is increased compared to normal.

[0065] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, even if the amplitude of the actual mechanical vibration is small, the amplitude of the vibration received by the muscles becomes large, which can reduce the load on the actuator 32 that generates the vibration.

[0066] In Figure 9, electrodes 31E and 31F are positioned offset from the actuator 32. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, electrodes 31E and 31F may be positioned on the vibrating part of the actuator 32.

[0067] Components and other elements identical to those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment. (Seventh Embodiment) As shown in Figure 10, this embodiment is configured with a vibration device 3 for the right half of the body and a vibration device 3 for the left half of the body. Incidentally, the control unit 5 in this embodiment controls the operation of each vibration device 3 by shifting the period for changing the amplitude between the vibration device 3 for the right half of the body and the vibration device 3 for the left half of the body by half a cycle.

[0068] Furthermore, the control of the vibration imparter 3 by the control unit 5 is not limited to the control method described above. Components identical to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. For this reason, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment.

[0069] (Eighth embodiment) In the embodiments described above, the vibration stimulation device and vibration stimulation method according to the present disclosure were applied to a sheet. In contrast, this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, is a vibration stimulation device equipped with fixing devices 8 for closely securing each vibration emitting device 3 to the user's body.

[0070] The fastener 8 according to this embodiment is an easily attachable and detachable fastener such as a hook-and-loop fastener. Note that the mounting position of the vibration imparter 3 shown in Figures 11A and 11B is illustrative. The muscle to be vibrated may be any part, such as the muscle belly or tendon.

[0071] Note that components identical to those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, redundant explanations are omitted in this embodiment. (Other embodiments) In the embodiments described above, at least one vibration imparter 3 was placed on each of the seat cushion 2A, seat back 2B, and ottoman 2C. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also include, for example, a configuration in which the vibration imparter 3 is placed only on the seat cushion 2A, seat back 2B, or ottoman 2C.

[0072] The auxiliary device 31 according to the above embodiment was configured such that the surface pressure generated at the contact point between the projection 31A and the user when the actuator 32 is not operating is smaller than the surface pressure generated when the actuator 32 is operating. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0073] The projection 31A according to the first embodiment was made of a viscoelastic polymer material (specifically, polyurethane or silicone rubber). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may be made of a resin with high hardness, such as POM.

[0074] In the embodiments described above, the actuator 32 was controlled so that its amplitude changed periodically. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the disclosure may also describe a configuration in which the actuator 32 is controlled so that its amplitude remains constant.

[0075] The shape of each projection 31A is not limited to the shape shown. In other words, each projection 31A is characterized by forming an uneven surface such as a mountain shape or a wave shape, and is not limited by its shape.

[0076] In the embodiments described above, the vehicle seat according to this disclosure was applied to a vehicle. However, the application of the invention disclosed herein is not limited to this. That is, the disclosure can be applied, for example, to seats used in vehicles such as railway cars, ships and aircraft, as well as to stationary seats used in theaters, homes, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but is sufficient to be consistent with the intent of the disclosures described in the embodiments described above. Therefore, it may be a configuration in which at least two of the embodiments described above are combined, or a configuration in which any of the illustrated components or components described with reference numerals in the embodiments described above are omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1… Sheet 2… Seat body 2A… Seat cushion 2B… Seat back 2C... Ottoman 3… Vibration device 5… Control Unit 7…Power supply 31… Assistive devices 31A… Protrusion 31B… Board part

Claims

1. In a vibration stimulation device that applies vibration to the user's body, A vibration stimulation device equipped with a vibration imparter that mechanically vibrates a muscle while increasing the internal pressure of that muscle compared to normal levels.

2. The vibration imparter is, An assistive device having a protruding part facing the user, and Actuator that vibrates the auxiliary device The vibration stimulation device according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary device is configured such that the surface pressure generated at the contact point between the projection and the user when the actuator is not in operation is smaller than the surface pressure generated when the actuator is in operation.

4. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least the projection is made of a viscoelastic polymer material.

5. The aforementioned projection is housed in a recess so as to be able to extend and retract. Furthermore, the vibration stimulation device according to claim 3, wherein when the actuator is not in operation, the projection is housed in the recess, and when the actuator is in operation, the projection protrudes from the recess.

6. The vibration imparter is, At least two electrodes positioned spaced apart from each other, two electrodes for conducting electricity through a portion of the muscle, and An actuator that vibrates the part of the user's body that is sandwiched between the two electrodes. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 1, comprising:

7. The vibration stimulation device according to claim 6, wherein the current value supplied between the two electrodes is such that the muscle contraction caused by the supply of current is less than the maximum voluntary contraction.

8. In a vibration stimulation method that applies vibration to the user's body, A vibration stimulation method that involves mechanically vibrating a muscle while increasing its internal pressure compared to normal levels.

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