Waist exercise machine

Abstract

In a lumbar exercise machine, the vertical height adjustment of the lower limb resting area is made easier, and the height of the lower limb resting area is reliably adjusted according to the user's body type. [Solution] The lumbar exercise machine 10 comprises a lower limb resting section 15 on which the lower limbs of a user U in a supine position are placed, a displacement mechanism 30 that displaces the lower limb resting section 15 in the vertical direction, and a swinging mechanism 40 that swings the lower limb resting section 15 in one or more directions from the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The displacement mechanism 30 has a screw mechanism 34 which is an actuator that reciprocates in one axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of a lumbar exercise machine capable of performing traction exercise and twisting exercise on the lumbar region of a user.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a lumbar exercise machine having a lower limb placement portion on which the lower limbs of a user taking a supine position (lying face up) are placed, and a drive mechanism for reciprocally swinging the lower limb placement portion in the vertical direction, the left - right direction, and the front - rear direction (see Patent Document 1). In the lumbar exercise machine described in Patent Document 1, the lower limb placement portion is configured to be height - adjustable according to the body type (height, etc.) of the user. In the lumbar exercise machine of Patent Document 1, the lower limb placement portion is supported via a telescopic mechanism configured to be telescopically extendable in the vertical direction. The telescopic mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism. Therefore, in the lumbar exercise machine, the lower limb placement portion can be adjusted in height in steps such as five steps in the vertical direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the lumbar exercise machine described in Patent Document 1, when adjusting the height of the lower limb rest, the user must repeatedly adjust the extension amount of the extension mechanism and then actually place their lower limbs on the lower limb rest to check the height. This process involves trial and error to determine the vertical height of the lower limb rest. Therefore, with conventional lumbar exercise machines, adjusting the height of the lower limb rest to match the user's body type was time-consuming. Furthermore, because the height adjustment of the lower limb rest is multi-step, it was sometimes impossible to adjust the height of the lower limb rest to suit the user's body type (it was not possible to adjust it to a just-right height).

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of these issues, and aims to facilitate vertical height adjustment of the lower limb resting area in a lumbar exercise machine, and to ensure that the height of the lower limb resting area is reliably adapted regardless of the user's body type. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The lumbar exercise machine of the present disclosure comprises a lower limb resting section on which the lower limbs of a user in a supine position are placed, a displacement mechanism for displacing the lower limb resting section in the vertical direction, and a swinging mechanism for swinging the lower limb resting section in one or more directions from the front-back direction and the left-right direction, wherein the displacement mechanism has an actuator that reciprocates in one axial direction.

[0007] The lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure allows for vertical height adjustment of the lower limb rest by operating an actuator that reciprocates in one axial direction. This makes it possible to adjust the vertical height of the lower limb rest steplessly. Therefore, the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure facilitates vertical height adjustment of the lower limb rest and ensures that the height of the lower limb rest can be reliably adapted regardless of the user's body type. Furthermore, the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure does not require a separate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the lower limb rest to suit the user's body shape, in addition to the displacement mechanism. Therefore, the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure can have a simpler device configuration compared to conventional machines, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the lumbar exercise machine.

[0008] (2) In a lumbar exercise machine according to the embodiment of (1) of the present disclosure, the actuator preferably includes a screw mechanism having a nut whose axis is oriented vertically and a screw that screws onto the nut, and the lower limb rest is preferably supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction by the screw mechanism. The lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure facilitates vertical height adjustment of the lower limb resting section and ensures that the height of the lower limb resting section is reliably adapted to the user's body type.

[0009] (3) The lumbar exercise machine according to the embodiment of (2) of the present disclosure further comprises a frame that supports the displacement mechanism and a first universal joint provided between the nut and the frame, wherein the first universal joint supports the nut such that the axis of the nut is oriented in the vertical direction and the axis of the nut is pivotable in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure allows a screw threaded onto a nut to oscillate in accordance with the oscillation of the lower limb support portion by the oscillation mechanism. This makes it possible to achieve oscillation of the lower limb support portion in one or more directions, either forward / backward or left / right, by the oscillation mechanism in a lumbar exercise machine equipped with a screw mechanism.

[0010] (4) In a lumbar exercise machine according to the embodiment of (3) of the present disclosure, the rocking mechanism comprises an arm that supports the lower limb resting portion and a rocking shaft that supports the arm so as to be able to rock in the front-rear direction, left-right direction and up-down direction, and the displacement mechanism comprises a case that rotatably supports the screw, and the case is preferably connected to the arm via a second universal joint. With this configuration, the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure can make the displacement mechanism swing in accordance with the swinging of the swinging mechanism. As a result, the lower limb support portion of the lumbar exercise machine equipped with a screw mechanism can be freely swung in one or more directions from the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction.

[0011] (5) In a lumbar exercise machine according to the embodiment of (4) of the present disclosure, the displacement mechanism preferably includes a first motor that drives the screw in forward and reverse rotation, wherein the first motor is supported by the case. In a lumbar exercise machine with this configuration, the first motor is displaced vertically together with the case and screw. In this case, there is no need to secure space for the first motor in the frame, and thus the frame supporting the displacement mechanism and the oscillating mechanism can be made compact.

[0012] (6) In the lumbar exercise machine according to the embodiment of (5) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the screw is rotated around its axis and displaced in the axial direction by the operation of the first motor. The lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure allows the height of the lower limb rest to be adjusted by operating the first motor. This makes it easier for the user to adjust the height of the lower limb rest in the lumbar exercise machine compared to conventional configurations using a ratchet mechanism.

[0013] (7) The lumbar exercise machine according to the embodiment of (5) or (6) of the present disclosure preferably further comprises a control unit for controlling the operation of the first motor. In a lumbar exercise machine with this configuration, the amount of axial stroke of the screw can be easily changed by controlling the operation of the first motor via the control unit. This allows the user to easily adjust the exercise intensity of the lumbar exercise machine. Furthermore, in the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure, the initial position of the screw can be easily changed via the control unit by controlling the operation of the first motor. This allows the user to easily adjust the initial position of the lower limb support to suit their body type.

[0014] (8) In the lumbar exercise machine according to the embodiment of (7) of the present disclosure, the control unit preferably reverses the rotation direction of the first motor when the screw reaches a predetermined highest position and lowest position. A lumbar exercise machine with this configuration can smoothly and without delay switch between the upward and downward movements of the lower limb support section.

[0015] (9) In the lumbar exercise machine according to the aspect (7) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the swing mechanism has a second motor for driving the swing shaft, and the control unit controls the operation of the second motor. The lumbar exercise machine with such a configuration can be coordinately controlled by the control unit to perform the operation of swinging the lower limb placement part by the swing mechanism and the operation of displacing the lower limb placement part in the vertical direction by the displacement mechanism. The lumbar exercise machine with such a configuration can swing the lower limb placement part so as to undulate in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction by combining the swinging motion and the vertical motion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lumbar exercise machine of the present disclosure as viewed from the upper left front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the usage state of the lumbar exercise machine by a user. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lumbar exercise machine with the main body cover removed as viewed from the upper left front side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lumbar exercise machine with the main body cover and a part of the main body frame removed as viewed from the upper right front side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first drive mechanism as viewed from the upper right front side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first drive mechanism with a part of the case removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second drive mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the lumbar exercise machine of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the displacement state of the lower limb placement part in the vertical direction.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The embodiments of the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are examples of the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure. The lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure is not limited to the configurations described herein.

[0018] (Overview of lumbar spine exercise machines) Figure 1 is a perspective view of the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure, viewed from the front left upper side. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the user's use of the lumbar exercise machine. Figures 1 and 2 show a lumbar exercise machine 10, which is one embodiment of the lumbar exercise machine of this disclosure. The lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure is a device that allows an ordinary user U to easily perform exercises such as lumbar traction and twisting at home or elsewhere.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the lumbar exercise machine 10 is used with the user U in a supine position on a substantially horizontal floor surface F. In the following description, with the position of the lumbar exercise machine 10 as the reference point, the direction in which the user U's lumbar region is located will be referred to as the front of the lumbar exercise machine 10, and the opposite direction will be referred to as the rear, with the front-to-back direction of the lumbar exercise machine 10 indicated by arrow X. In this description, the left-to-right direction for the user U will be referred to as the left-to-right direction of the lumbar exercise machine 10 and indicated by arrow Y. Furthermore, in this description, the up-to-down direction for the user U will be referred to as the up-to-down direction of the lumbar exercise machine 10 and indicated by arrow Z.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the lumbar exercise machine 10 includes a main body cover 11. The main body cover 11 constitutes the outer shell of the lumbar exercise machine 10. The main body cover 11 covers the main body frame (frame) 13, which will be described later, and the drive unit 20 supported by the main body frame 13. A part of the drive unit 20 (the swing arm 46, which will be described later) extends to the outside (upwards) of the main body cover 11 through an opening 12 formed in the upper part of the main body cover 11.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lumbar exercise machine 10 includes a lower limb resting section 15. The lower limb resting section 15 is the area where the user U's lower limbs are rested, and it comprises a left resting section 15a and a right resting section 15b. The left resting section 15a is the area where the user U's left lower limb is rested, and the right resting section 15b is the area where the user U's right lower limb is rested. The left resting section 15a and the right resting section 15b are connected to the drive unit 20 (oscillating arm 46) via a roughly T-shaped support rod 15c. The lower limb resting section 15 is positioned above the main body cover 11.

[0022] (Drive unit) Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lumbar exercise machine with the main body cover removed, viewed from the front left upper right. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lumbar exercise machine with the main body cover and part of the main body frame removed, viewed from the front right upper right. For convenience of explanation, Figures 3 and 4 show the lumbar exercise machine 10 with the main body cover 11 (see Figure 1) removed. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lumbar exercise machine 10 includes a drive unit 20. The drive unit 20 is a mechanism that applies driving force to the lower limb resting section 15 in order to provide traction and twisting motions to the user U's lumbar region. In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the drive unit 20 is composed of a first drive mechanism 21 and a second drive mechanism 22. The first drive mechanism 21 of the drive unit 20 is a mechanism that displaces the lower limb resting section 15 in the vertical direction (displacement mechanism 30, which will be described later), and the second drive mechanism 22 of the drive unit 20 is a mechanism that swings the lower limb resting section 15 in one or more directions from the front-rear direction and the left-right direction (swinging mechanism 40, which will be described later). By operating the first drive mechanism 21 and the second drive mechanism 22 simultaneously, the drive unit 20 can achieve complex movements of the lower limb resting section 15 that combine swinging in one or more directions from the front-rear direction and the left-right direction with displacement in the vertical direction.

[0023] (First drive mechanism) Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first drive mechanism from the front upper right. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first drive mechanism with a part of the case removed. In this description, the first drive mechanism 21 is a mechanism that displaces the lower limb resting part 15 in the vertical direction, and is also referred to as the displacement mechanism 30.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the displacement mechanism 30 includes a screw mechanism 34. The screw mechanism 34 is an actuator that displaces in one axial direction. In this embodiment of the lumbar exercise machine 10, the screw mechanism 34 is exemplified as an actuator that displaces in one axial direction, but the actuator constituting the displacement mechanism 30 of the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure is not limited to a screw mechanism, and may be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, an electric cylinder, or a link mechanism, or other types of actuators that displace in one axial direction may be used.

[0025] The screw mechanism 34 comprises a screw 35 and a nut 36. In the screw mechanism 34, the screw 35 is coaxially screwed into the nut 36. The screw mechanism 34 can convert the rotational force applied to the screw 35 around its axis into axial displacement of the screw 35. The screw mechanism 34 can reciprocate the screw 35 in the axial direction by applying rotational forces to the screw 35 in both the forward and reverse directions around its axis. Furthermore, the screw 35 constituting the screw mechanism 34, which is an actuator in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, can be a variety of screws, not limited to the commonly used triangular screw, but also trapezoidal screws, ball screws, and other types of screws. In addition, although the screw 35 in this embodiment is a four-start screw, i.e., a multi-start screw, a single-start screw would also be perfectly acceptable. By using a multi-start screw, the distance the nut 36 travels during one rotation of the screw 35 can be increased, and the high load (weight of the user U's lower limbs) applied via the lower limb resting part 15 can be reliably supported.

[0026] The displacement mechanism 30 (first drive mechanism 21) further comprises a first motor 31, a reduction gear 32, and a case 33. The first motor 31 is a power source that drives the screw mechanism 34. The first motor 31 is configured to rotate by switching the rotation direction of the motor shaft (not shown) between the forward and reverse directions. The motor shaft of the first motor 31 is connected to an input gear (not shown) of a reduction gear 32 built into the case 33. The screw 35 is connected to an output gear (not shown) of the reduction gear 32. With this configuration, the power (rotation) output from the first motor 31 is transmitted to the screw 35 via the reduction gear 32.

[0027] The displacement mechanism 30 (first drive mechanism 21) further includes a first universal joint 37. The first universal joint 37 is a joint that supports a nut 36 so that it can swing in the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the main frame 13. The nut 36 has a shaft 36a that extends in the front-rear direction. The nut 36 is supported by the first universal joint 37 so that it can swing around the axis of the shaft 36a.

[0028] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first universal joint 37 is composed of a first member 37X and a second member 37Y. The first member 37X includes a main body case 37a that is configured to be separable into two parts. The main body case 37a includes a gap 37b for housing a nut 36, a shaft hole 37c for rotatably housing the shaft 36a of the nut 36, and shafts 37d extending from the main body case 37a in the left and right directions, respectively. The gap 37b is a space with a clearance between it and the nut 36. A clearance is ensured between the inner surface of the gap 37b and the nut 36 housed in the gap 37b, allowing the nut 36 to swing in the left and right directions. The shaft 37d is rotatably supported by the second member 37Y. The first member 37X, configured in this way, is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the shaft 37d and can swing in the front and back directions.

[0029] The second member 37Y is a member that supports the first member 37X so that it can swing in the front-rear direction. The second member 37Y has an axis 37e. The axis 37e is rotatably supported by the main frame 13. Therefore, the second member 37Y is configured to be rotatable around the axis of the axis 37e and can swing in the up-down direction. In the first drive mechanism 21 with this configuration, for example, if a part of the human body or an object (hereinafter referred to as "object, etc.") is caught in the area between the lower limb resting part 15 and the main case 11 (see Figure 1), the second member 37Y is allowed to be displaced (swing) upward. By displacing the second member 37Y upward, the stress (pinching pressure) acting on the object, etc. is suppressed, and it becomes easier to pull the object, etc. out of the area. Furthermore, the first drive mechanism 21 of this embodiment includes a limit switch (first limit switch 39a, see Figure 8) positioned between the main frame 13 and the second member 37Y. The first limit switch 39a detects upward displacement of the second member 37Y. The first limit switch 39a is connected to a control unit 50 (see Figure 8), which will be explained later. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the first motor 31 in accordance with the operation of the first limit switch 39a. When the first limit switch 39a detects upward displacement of the second member 37Y, the control unit 50 stops the rotation of the first motor 31 or reverses the rotation of the first motor 31. This ensures that damage to objects that become trapped in the area between the lower limb rest 15 and the main body case 11 (see Figure 1) can be reliably prevented.

[0030] The nut 36 is supported by the first universal joint 37 configured in this way, allowing its axis to swing in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. As a result, the screw 35 threaded into the nut 36 can swing its axis in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0031] The displacement mechanism 30 (first drive mechanism 21) further includes a second universal joint 38. The second universal joint 38 is a joint that connects the displacement mechanism 30 (first drive mechanism 21) and the rocking mechanism 40 (second drive mechanism 22), which will be described later, so that they can be displaced relative to each other. The second universal joint 38 connects the displacement mechanism 30 and the rocking mechanism 40 while allowing the lower limb support portion 15 to be rocked by the rocking mechanism 40.

[0032] As described above, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the displacement mechanism 30 (first drive mechanism 21) includes a first motor 31 that outputs rotational driving force, a reduction gear 32 that reduces the rotational driving force to a predetermined speed, and a screw mechanism 34 that converts the reduced rotational driving force into reciprocating displacement in the vertical direction and transmits it to the lower limb support section 15.

[0033] (Second drive mechanism) Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second drive mechanism. In this description, the second drive mechanism 22 is a mechanism that swings the lower limb resting section 15 in one or more directions from the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and is also referred to as the swing mechanism 40. The swing mechanism 40 is composed of a swing shaft 45, a swing arm 46, and a conversion section 47.

[0034] The rocking mechanism 40 (second drive mechanism 22) further comprises a second motor 41, a reduction gear 42, and a case 43. The second motor 41 is the power source that drives the rocking mechanism 40. The motor shaft (not shown) of the second motor 41 is connected to the input gear (not shown) of the reduction gear 42, which is built into the case 43. The rocking shaft 45 is connected to the output gear (not shown) of the reduction gear 42. With this configuration, the power (rotation) output from the second motor 41 is transmitted to the rocking shaft 45 via the reduction gear 42.

[0035] The conversion unit 47 has a boss portion 48 fixed on the oscillating shaft 45. The boss portion 48 has a substantially cylindrical cam surface 48a inclined with respect to the axial direction of the oscillating shaft 45. Furthermore, the conversion unit 47 is equipped with a bearing 49. The bearing 49 consists of an inner ring 49a, an outer ring 49b, and a plurality of balls 49c. The inner ring 49a is fitted onto the cam surface 48a. Therefore, the inner ring 49a rotates integrally with the boss portion 48. The outer ring 49b is fitted into an axial hole 46a formed in the oscillating arm 46. The axial hole 46a has a substantially cylindrical cam surface inclined with respect to the axial direction of the oscillating shaft 45.

[0036] As the inner ring 49a rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the pivot shaft 45 and the boss portion 48, the inclination direction of the inner ring 49a with respect to the axial direction of the pivot shaft 45 changes continuously. At this time, the outer ring 49b is rotated along with the axis of the pivot shaft 45 by the rotational force of the inner ring 49a applied to it via the ball 49c, and the inclination direction of the outer ring 49b with respect to the axial direction of the pivot shaft 45 changes continuously. Then, the oscillating arm 46 swings in the front-rear and left-right directions as the outer ring 49b rotates around the axis while being inclined with respect to the axial direction of the pivot shaft 45.

[0037] As described above, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the rocking mechanism 40 (second drive mechanism 22) includes a second motor 41 that outputs rotational driving force, a reduction gear 42 that reduces the rotational driving force to a predetermined speed, and a conversion unit 47 that converts the reduced rotational driving force into rocking motion in one or more directions from the front-rear direction and the left-right direction and transmits it to the lower limb resting unit 15.

[0038] The drive unit 20 (rocking mechanism 40) can rock the lower limb resting section 15 around the Z-axis such that when the left resting section 15a is tilted forward, the right resting section 15b tilts backward, and when the left resting section 15a is tilted backward, the right resting section 15b tilts forward. In this description, this rocking of the lower limb resting section 15 around the Z-axis is referred to as "rocking in the front-rear direction".

[0039] Furthermore, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the drive unit 20 (rocking mechanism 40) can rock the lower limb mounting section 15 around an axis in the X direction such that when the left mounting section 15a is tilted upward, the right mounting section 15b tilts downward, and when the left mounting section 15a is tilted downward, the right mounting section 15b tilts upward. In this description, this rocking of the lower limb mounting section 15 around an axis in the X direction will be referred to as "rocking in the left-right direction".

[0040] In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the lower limb resting section 15 is reciprocated in the forward-backward direction and the left-right direction by the second drive mechanism 22 (rocking mechanism 40). In addition, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the lower limb resting section 15 only needs to be reciprocated in at least one of the forward-backward direction and the left-right direction by the second drive mechanism 22 (rocking mechanism 40), and may be reciprocated only in the forward-backward direction, or only in the left-right direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the drive unit 20 (rocking mechanism 40) can simultaneously perform rocking motions in the front-to-back direction and left-to-right direction of the lower limb resting section 15.

[0042] Furthermore, the drive unit 20 (displacement mechanism 30) can reciprocate the lower limb support unit 15, which is swung in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, in the vertical direction.

[0043] The drive unit 20 can then combine these oscillating movements and vertical reciprocating displacements to cause the lower limb resting section 15 to oscillate in a wave-like motion in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0044] (Regarding the control unit) Figure 8 is a control block diagram of the lumbar exercise machine of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the present disclosure further comprises a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is a device that controls the operation of the drive unit 20 (in other words, the displacement mechanism 30 and the oscillating mechanism 40), and is composed of, for example, a microcomputer equipped with a processor such as a CPU, and memory such as RAM and ROM. The control unit 50 performs predetermined functions by the processor executing a program installed in the memory. Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the vertical displacement movement of the lower limb resting section 15 by the displacement mechanism 30, and the oscillating movement of the lower limb resting section 15 in one or more directions from the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction by the oscillating mechanism 40. In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the present disclosure, the control unit 50 may control only the operation of the displacement mechanism 30.

[0045] The control unit 50 is connected to the first motor 31 of the first drive mechanism 21 (displacement mechanism 30), the second motor 41 of the second drive mechanism 22 (rocking mechanism 40), and the operating unit 55. The control unit 50 receives operation signals from the user U to the operating unit 55. Based on the operation signals, the control unit 50 outputs operation commands to the first motor 31 and the second motor 41. The control unit 50 also stores various settings desired by the user U based on the operation signals.

[0046] The lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure is equipped with a sensor 60 (rotary encoder, see Figure 6) that detects the height of the screw 35, in other words, the height of the lower limb resting area 15. The lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure is further equipped with limit switches (second limit switch 39b, see Figure 8) that detect when the screw 35 has reached an upper limit position and a lower limit position. The lumbar exercise machine 10 adjusts the height of the lower limb resting area 15 by adjusting the height (vertical position) of the screw 35. The sensor 60 is connected to the control unit 50. The sensor 60 provided in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure is, for example, a rotary encoder capable of detecting how many rotations the screw 35 has been made in the forward or reverse direction from a reference phase. The control unit 50 calculates the height of the screw 35 by calculation based on the electrical signal output from the sensor 60 and obtains the height of the lower limb resting area 15 from this calculation result. Furthermore, the sensor 60 provided in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure is not limited to a rotary encoder; other types of sensors may also be used.

[0047] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the vertical displacement state of the lower limb rest. The control unit 50 is configured to be able to set at least the following items (a) to (d) based on the user U's input operation to the operation unit 55. (a) Setting the "initial position M" of the lower limb support section 15 (screw 35) in the vertical direction. (b) Setting the vertical stroke amount S of the lower limb support section 15 (screw 35). (c) Setting the "highest position H" and "lowest position L" of the lower limb support section 15 (screw 35). (d) Setting the "Operation Mode".

[0048] (Regarding setting item (a)) As shown in Figure 9, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure allows the control unit 50 to set the "initial position M" of the lower limb resting section 15 (screw 35). The initial position M is the position where the lower limb resting section 15 is positioned at the beginning of use of the lumbar exercise machine 10 (for example, when the power is turned on). This initial position M is preferably set to a position (height) where the user U can rest their lower limbs with their knees bent at approximately 90 degrees, and can be set according to the user U's body type (for example, height), or it can be set to the lower limit position of the screw 35. The control unit 50 can store multiple initial positions M. When the lumbar exercise machine 10 is shared by multiple users U, each user U can select an initial position M that suits their own body type.

[0049] In conventional lumbar exercise machines, the initial position M is set by an extension / retraction mechanism including a ratchet mechanism, which is provided separately from the displacement mechanism. On the other hand, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the initial position M can be set and adjusted by the user U by operating the control unit 55. In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the control unit 50 controls the operation of the screw mechanism 34 based on the input operation to the control unit 55, thereby adjusting the initial position M.

[0050] (Regarding setting item (b)) As shown in Figure 9, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure allows the control unit 50 to set the "stroke amount S" of the lower limb support section 15 (screw 35). The stroke amount S is the amount of vertical displacement of the lower limb support section 15 (screw 35). This stroke amount S is related to the intensity of the traction and twisting movements applied to the lumbar region. By making the stroke amount S adjustable, the lumbar exercise machine 10 allows the user U to adjust the intensity of the exercise according to their preference.

[0051] The control unit 50 can automatically set the maximum position H and minimum position L based on the set initial position M and stroke amount S. For example, the control unit 50 sets the maximum position H to the height of the initial position M plus the value S / 2, and sets the minimum position L to the height of the initial position M minus the value S / 2. In other words, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the vertical stroke amount S of the screw 35 is the distance between the maximum position H and the minimum position L. The control unit 50 stores the range of settable initial position M and the range of settable stroke amount S. In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the user U can set the initial position M and stroke amount S within these settable ranges. As will be explained later, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure can prioritize setting the maximum position H and minimum position L, in which case the control unit 50 calculates the stroke amount S based on the set maximum position H and minimum position L. The control unit 50 may also calculate the initial position M based on the set maximum position H and minimum position L.

[0052] In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the lower limb resting portion 15 (screw 35) is reciprocated vertically by a displacement mechanism 30 between a set maximum position H and a minimum position L. The initial position M and stroke amount S may be values ​​set by the control unit 50 as described above, or they may be based on a signal from the second limit switch 39b.

[0053] In conventional lumbar exercise machines, the vertical stroke amount of the lower limb resting section was uniformly determined by the position of the crankpin from the rotation axis of the crankshaft and could not be changed. On the other hand, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the vertical stroke amount S of the lower limb resting section 15 (screw 35) can be changed by the user U operating the control unit 55 (see Figure 8). The lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure allows the stroke amount S of the lower limb resting section 15 to be adjusted according to the user U's preferences and body type.

[0054] (Regarding setting item (c)) The lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure allows the control unit 50 to set the "highest position H" and "lowest position L" of the lower limb resting section 15 (screw 35). In the lumbar exercise machine 10, the screw mechanism 34 has an upper limit position from which the screw 35 can be displaced upward, and a lower limit position from which the screw 35 can be displaced downward. In the vertical direction of the lumbar exercise machine 10, the "highest position H" is a position below the upper limit position, and the "lowest position L" is a position above the lower limit position.

[0055] The lumbar exercise machine 10 allows adjustment of how high the user U's lower limbs are lifted and lowered by the operation of the displacement mechanism 30, by setting the highest position H and the lowest position L. By changing the highest position H and the lowest position L, the lumbar exercise machine 10 allows adjustment of the exercise intensity applied to the lumbar region according to the user U's preference.

[0056] In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, if the user U does not like the maximum position H and minimum position L that are automatically set based on the initial position M and stroke amount S, the user U can directly set the maximum position H and minimum position L by operating the operation unit 55 (see Figure 8). The setting of the maximum position H and minimum position L is related to the setting of the stroke amount S. The control unit 50 modifies the stroke amount S based on the maximum position H and minimum position L set by the user U.

[0057] In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the highest position H and the lowest position L are related to the setting of the initial position M. When the highest position H and the lowest position L are set, the initial position M can be set as an intermediate position between the highest position H and the lowest position L. However, the initial position M in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure does not necessarily have to be an intermediate position between the highest position H and the lowest position L, and may be maintained as the initial position M set by the user U. In this case, the amount of stroke upward from the initial position M of the lower limb resting section 15 and the amount of stroke downward from the initial position M may be different.

[0058] The lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure is configured so that the initial position M, stroke amount S, maximum position H, and minimum position L can each be individually set by the control unit 50. With this configuration, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure can more accurately adjust the exercise intensity applied to the lumbar region to the user U's preference.

[0059] (Regarding the control of switching between the raising and lowering movements of the lower limb support unit) The control unit 50 can detect when the screw 35 has reached its initial position M, maximum position H, and minimum position L based on the output signals from the sensor 60 and the second limit switch 39b. In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, when the control unit 50 detects that the screw 35 has reached its maximum position H and minimum position L, it reverses the rotation direction of the first motor 31. As a result, the lumbar exercise machine 10 can smoothly and without delay switch between the raising and lowering movements of the lower limb resting section 15. In this case, the user U does not feel any hesitation when switching between the raising and lowering movements, and can maintain a relaxed state without discomfort throughout use.

[0060] (Regarding setting item (d)) The lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure can have its operating mode set by the control unit 50. The selection of the operating mode includes selecting whether or not to displace the lower limb resting section 15 in the vertical direction by the displacement mechanism 30, selecting whether or not to swing by the swinging mechanism 40, selecting the direction of swing by the swinging mechanism 40 from the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and selecting a combination of these.

[0061] (Regarding the method for adjusting the initial position of the lower limb support) In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, the user U can adjust the initial position M of the lower limb rest 15 by operating the control unit 55. In this case, the user U can set the initial position M by actually placing their lower limb on the lower limb rest 15 and moving the lower limb rest 15 up and down, while checking the feel. Therefore, with the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, there is no need to repeat the trial and error that is common in the past when setting the initial position M. Therefore, with the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, it is possible to set the initial position M of the lower limb rest 15 more easily than in the past. Furthermore, in the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this disclosure, it is more preferable that the control unit 55 be in the form of a remote control and positioned away from the main body cover 11 (see Figure 1) so that the user U can operate it while placing their lower limb on the lower limb rest 15.

[0062] (Regarding the operation and effects of this embodiment) (1) The lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment includes a lower limb resting section 15 on which the lower limbs of a user U in a supine position are placed, a displacement mechanism 30 that displaces the lower limb resting section 15 in the vertical direction, and a swinging mechanism 40 that swings the lower limb resting section 15 in one or more directions from the front-back direction and the left-right direction. In the lumbar exercise machine 10, the displacement mechanism 30 has a screw mechanism 34 which is an actuator that reciprocates in one axial direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, the lumbar exercise machine 10 allows for vertical height adjustment of the lower limb rest 15 by operating an actuator (screw mechanism 34) that reciprocates in one axial direction. This makes it possible to adjust the vertical height of the lower limb rest 15 steplessly. Therefore, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this embodiment makes it easy to adjust the vertical height of the lower limb rest 15 and ensures that the height of the lower limb rest 15 is reliably adapted to the user U's body type. Furthermore, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this embodiment does not require a separate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the lower limb rest 15 to match the user U's body type, in addition to the displacement mechanism 30 (screw mechanism 34). Therefore, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this embodiment can be made simpler in structure compared to conventional models, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the lumbar exercise machine 10. Thus, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this embodiment employs a displacement mechanism 30 including a screw mechanism 34, which allows the displacement mechanism 30 to have both the function of reciprocating displacement of the lower limb resting section 15 in the vertical direction and the function of adjusting the height of the initial position M of the lower limb resting section 15. This simplifies the device configuration of the lumbar exercise machine 10 (reduces the number of parts) while facilitating height adjustment of the initial position M.

[0064] (2) In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment, the actuator includes a screw mechanism 34 having a nut 36 whose axis is oriented vertically and a screw 35 that screws into the nut 36, and the lower limb rest 15 is supported by the screw mechanism 34 so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction. According to the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this embodiment, the height of the lower limb rest 15 can be easily adjusted in the vertical direction, and the height of the lower limb rest 15 can be reliably adjusted according to the body type of the user U.

[0065] (3) The lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment further comprises a main frame 13 that supports the displacement mechanism 30, and a first universal joint 37 provided between the nut 36 and the main frame 13, wherein the first universal joint 37 supports the nut 36 with its axis oriented in the vertical direction and the axis swinging in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. In the lumbar exercise machine 10 with this configuration, the screw 35 screwed into the nut 36 can be swung in accordance with the swinging of the lower limb resting part 15 by the swinging mechanism 40. As a result, the lumbar exercise machine 10 equipped with the screw mechanism 34 can achieve swinging of the lower limb resting part 15 in one or more directions of the front-rear direction and the left-right direction by the swinging mechanism 40.

[0066] (4) In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment, the rocking mechanism 40 has a rocking arm 46 that supports the lower limb resting part 15 and a rocking shaft 45 that supports the rocking arm 46 so that it can rock in the front-rear direction, left-right direction and up-down direction, and the displacement mechanism 30 has a case 33 that rotatably supports a screw 35, and the case 33 is connected to the rocking arm 46 via a second universal joint 38. With this configuration, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this embodiment can rock the displacement mechanism 30 (screw mechanism 34) in accordance with the rocking of the rocking mechanism 40. As a result, the lumbar exercise machine 10 equipped with the screw mechanism 34 can freely rock the lower limb resting part 15 in one or more directions of the front-rear direction and left-right direction.

[0067] (5) In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment, the displacement mechanism 30 has a first motor 31 that drives the screw 35 in forward and reverse rotation, and the first motor 31 is supported by a case 33. In a lumbar exercise machine 10 with this configuration, the first motor 31 is displaced vertically together with the case 33 and the screw 35. In this case, there is no need to secure space for the installation of the first motor 31 in the main frame 13, and as a result, the main frame 13 that supports the displacement mechanism 30 and the oscillating mechanism 40 can be made compact.

[0068] (6) In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment, the screw 35 is rotated around its axis and displaced in the axial direction by the operation of the first motor 31. In this configuration, the lumbar exercise machine 10 allows the height of the lower limb rest 15 to be adjusted by operating the first motor 31. This makes it easier for the user U to adjust the height of the lower limb rest 15 in the lumbar exercise machine 10 compared to a conventional configuration using a ratchet mechanism.

[0069] (7) The lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment is equipped with a control unit 50 that controls the operation of the first motor 31. With this configuration, the lumbar exercise machine can easily change the stroke amount S in the axial direction of the screw 35 by controlling the operation of the first motor 31 with the control unit 50. This allows the user U to easily adjust the exercise intensity applied to the lumbar region by the lumbar exercise machine 10. Furthermore, the lumbar exercise machine 10 of this embodiment can easily change the initial position M in the axial direction of the screw 35 by controlling the operation of the first motor 31 with the control unit 50. This allows the user U to easily adjust the initial position M of the lower limb resting section 15 to suit their body type.

[0070] (8) In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment, the control unit 50 reverses the rotation direction of the first motor 31 when the screw 35 reaches a predetermined maximum position H and minimum position L. With this configuration, the lumbar exercise machine 10 can smoothly switch between the raising and lowering movements of the lower limb resting section 15 without delay.

[0071] (9) In the lumbar exercise machine 10 of the above embodiment, the rocking mechanism 40 has a second motor 41 that drives the rocking shaft 45, and the control unit 50 controls the operation of the second motor 41. In the lumbar exercise machine 10 with this configuration, the control unit 50 can coordinately control the rocking motion of the lower limb resting section 15 by the rocking mechanism 40 and the vertical displacement motion of the lower limb resting section 15 by the displacement mechanism 30 (screw mechanism 34). By combining the rocking motion and the vertical motion, the lumbar exercise machine 10 can rock the lower limb resting section 15 in a wave-like motion in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0072] Although embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10 Lumbar exercise machine 13. Main frame (frame) 15 Lower limb rest area 20 Drive unit 30 Displacement Mechanism 31 First Motor 33 cases 34 Screw mechanism 35 screws 36 nuts 37. First universal joint (first universal joint) 38. Second universal joint (second universal joint) 40. Oscillating mechanism 41. Second motor 45. Oscillating axis 46. ​​Swiveling arm (arm) 50 Control Unit U user

Claims

1. A lower limb resting section on which the user's lower limbs are placed when the user is in a supine position, A displacement mechanism for displacing the lower limb support portion in the vertical direction, A rocking mechanism that rocks the lower limb resting portion in one or more directions, including the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, A lumbar exercise machine equipped with, The displacement mechanism is a lumbar exercise machine having an actuator that reciprocates in one axial direction.

2. The actuator includes a screw mechanism having a nut positioned with its axis oriented vertically, and a screw that engages with the nut. The lumbar exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the lower limb support portion is supported so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction by the screw mechanism.

3. A frame supporting the displacement mechanism, The system further comprises a first universal joint provided between the nut and the frame, The lumbar exercise machine according to claim 2, wherein the first universal joint supports the nut so that its axis is oriented vertically and the axis can swing in the front-rear and left-right directions.

4. The rocking mechanism comprises an arm that supports the lower limb resting portion and a rocking shaft that supports the arm so that it can swing in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The displacement mechanism has a case that rotatably supports the screw, The lumbar exercise machine according to claim 3, wherein the case is connected to the arm via a second universal joint.

5. The displacement mechanism has a first motor that drives the screw in forward and reverse rotation, The lumbar exercise machine according to claim 4, wherein the first motor is supported by the case.

6. The lumbar exercise machine according to claim 5, wherein the screw is rotated around its axis and displaced in the axial direction by the operation of the first motor.

7. The lumbar exercise machine according to claims 5 and 6, further comprising a control unit for controlling the operation of the first motor.

8. The lumbar exercise machine according to claim 7, wherein the control unit reverses the rotation direction of the first motor when the screw reaches a predetermined highest and lowest position.

9. The rocking mechanism has a second motor that drives the rocking shaft, The control unit controls the operation of the second motor, as described in claim 7.

Images